Book Title: Love In The Mediterranean (New Adventures in Love Book 4)
Author and Publisher: R.J. Peterson
Cover Artist: Ron Perry Graphic Design
Release Date: December 20, 2022
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Tropes: Older Guys
Themes: Second chance at love
Heat Rating: 4 flames
Length: approx. 43 000 words
It is book 4 in the New Adventures in Love series. It does not end on a cliffhanger
Pre-Order Links
It will be available in Kindle Unlimited
Universal Link | Amazon US | Amazon UK
Blurb
Neil Watkins isn’t too surprised to receive an invitation to Rob Asher and Ben Rockingham’s wedding. After all, he’s been best friends with Ben’s son Kyle for several years. But he is excited to be invited to join them on the honeymoon – a party for a select group of family and friends on an all-expense paid Mediterranean cruise. He’s hesitant at first, but Kyle convinces him to go. Well, his own love life sucks at the moment. Maybe he’ll have better luck in the Med.
When he receives an invitation to their wedding and honeymoon party, Matthew Palmer balks at the idea of joining Rob and Ben on their honeymoon cruise. The master jeweler, a friend to both men, thinks the offer is way too generous, but Rob’s best friend Samantha persuades him to rethink his decision. His last relationship really knocked him for a loop, and maybe Sam was right and he should think about himself for a change
When Neil and Matthew meet, unexpected and undeniable sparks fly. Has their luck finally changed? Can this really be their second chance at love in the Mediterranean?
Matthew and Neil walked around the harbor until they reached a small church. They took photos, including a couple of selfies. It was a warm day, and Neil had dressed in off-white shorts and a salmon-hued T-shirt; Matthew couldn’t take his eyes off him. God, he looks especially handsome today.
Following the road they were on, they turned occasionally so as to keep the water in sight on their right. Soon they turned a corner and saw a set of windmills on a slight hill. Reaching them, they found sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and their ship.
“This is magnificent,” Matthew uttered, almost in awe. “I never could have imagined how beautiful it is here.”
“I agree,” Neil said. “I’d love to come back here someday and just spend a week enjoying it all.”
Matthew pulled a small sketchbook out of his backpack. “I just want to sketch a couple of things, and then we can move on. I know I can take pictures, but sometimes it just feels right to make a quick sketch of something.”
“Don’t rush,” Neil answered. “It’s still early. We’ve got plenty of time.”
After a few moments, Matthew flipped the book around to show Neil what he’d drawn. “What do you think?”
“Oh my god, that’s fantastic!” Neil exclaimed.
Matthew had done a simple sketch of one of the windmills, paying special attention to the door and the pottery urn to its left, filled with plants and flowers.
“It’s so simple, but you captured its essence beautifully.”
Neil pulled out his phone and asked Matthew to stand near the door with his sketchbook. He took a photo and showed it to him. “I want to preserve this moment forever. Thanks for letting me be a part of it with you.”
Matthew felt a bit overwhelmed. He was falling for this wonderful, thoughtful man and hoped that they could make it work. He was afraid his heart might not survive if they couldn’t.
“Thank you,” Matthew whispered, hugging Neil. “I’m so very happy that I’m here with you.”
Stowing his book and pencil, Matthew said, “Okay, let’s see what else we can find.”
They turned a corner and were heading back toward the main part of the town when Neil grabbed his hand and started up a street to their right. It was narrow and had the typical whitewashed walls and brightly colored doors and shutters that were everywhere here. Mostly blue, but an occasional magenta or plum door stood out.
The road had a slight incline, and occasionally they would come upon a few steps to ease the ascent. After a few minutes of walking, they reached the top of the road, and as they turned to the left were presented with a fantastic view overlooking the city and harbor.
“Oh my god!” Matthew exclaimed. “This is spectacular.”
They both pulled out their phones and snapped an array of photos. A nearby building, with the requisite azure door, had a beautiful spray of bougainvillea growing along one wall, and Matthew snagged a few close-up shots from different angles. Then just to be safe, he took a few more photos from a distance.
Turning his phone, he showed them to Neil.
“Those are fantastic, Matthew,” he effused. “You should print those and frame them.”
“I might just do that. Let’s see if I can get some other shots along the way, and then we can choose the best ones.”
“We can choose, huh?” Neil was grinning from ear to ear. “I like the sound of that.”
“Remember, we cruise virgins are in this together.”
They laughed and headed down the next street over, in search of more photo opportunities.
R.J. Peterson is a retired graphic designer. He is an avid reader, preferably while sipping a vodka martini or bourbon on the rocks. He’s had a long and varied career, including library page, car wash attendant, travel agent, and graphic designer in the marijuana industry. He also worked in banking for twenty-five years. He loves to travel and has been on 50+ cruises. When not on a cruise, he and his husband live in New England.
He didn’t grow up thinking he’d be a writer. That was never on his radar. Then a fateful day in January, 2021 changed it all. He woke with a story stuck in his head and started typing. The more he types, the more ideas he gets.
His debut novel, Love On The Horizon, was published in May 2021.
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