Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE: Finding Mr. Fabulous

AUTHOR: Con Riley

PUBLISHER: Figment Ink

LENGTH: 334 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 26, 2023

BLURB:

Featuring a duke-to-be with a problem and a thief who could be his solution. Expect fake dates and fiery first-time love in this standalone contemporary MM romance set in London and Cornwall.

Rex Heligan might be known as Mr. Fabulous in the bedroom, but he doesn’t want a boyfriend. In truth, he doesn’t have time between his London banker lifestyle and the Cornish dukedom he’ll inherit. What he needs is someone to watch over his grandfather while he’s away on business.

Rex’s shortlist of caretakers shouldn’t include a thief he once caught stealing, but Devesh Singh-Smith is more than a cat burglar.

Much more.

He’s the only one-night stand Rex hasn’t forgotten.

Rex convinces his grandfather that Devesh is the first boyfriend he’s ever wanted to bring home to their castle where their sizzling spark rekindles. He doesn’t expect the explosiveness of their connection. He also doesn’t expect Devesh to steal his heart by sharing secrets or to leave before their fake relationship is over.

There’s only one way for Rex to steal his heart back.

He’ll have to catch his thief twice and share his own secrets with him, even if it costs Rex his dukedom.

REVIEW:

Content Note: There’s so much kissing. Sweet, scrumptious, sensual kisses. Rex and Dev turn it into an art form; they just can’t keep their lips off each other. You’re going to be drawn into kissy bliss and it’s simply…fabulous!

******

Finding Mr. Fabulous is beyond brilliant. I don’t know what I’d do without Con Riley’s romances and her delectable leading men in my life. They bring me such pleasure and enjoyment. Rex and Dev’s story is no exception, of course, because she’s never written a bad book.

Rex Heligan and Devesh Singh-Smith meet in London in a most unusual way. Rex, a former friends-with-benefits of Charles Heppel, is a banker struggling to maintain funding for the Safe Harbour project for refugees on the tiny island of Kara-Enys in Cornwall. (Kara-Enys translates to Love Island in Cornish, which I believe is Con’s cheeky nod to the tv show, lol.) The island is the home where Rex’s dear grandfather – Rex’s only remaining family – resides. When Rex needs to leave the island for business in America, he’s worried about leaving his ailing Pops alone.  He asks Dev, a historical advisor, to stay there, posing as Rex’s boyfriend. As an enticement, it gives Dev the opportunity to explore the historical treasures in the castle’s attics. But is the relationship just a fake one when Rex can’t wait to get home to see Dev?

If you’re an investor, this might be a good time to purchase some stock in Kimberly-Clark, manufacturer of Kleenex. There are multiple, major tear-jerker moments. I got choked up wading through the occasional sadness just to come upon an even more heartbreaking situation. The angst is so worth it in this utterly heartwarming love story as we watch Rex and Dev slowly and gently fall in love, one day at a time and more each day. As usual for Con, there are underlying messages about strength, support and family quietly mixed in with the laughs and warm and fuzzy feels.

The sexy times are steamy, explorative, and fun. They are so, so sensual, something I regard as extremely special in sex scenes that not every author can convey. Con is a master. There’s an ever-present tenderness and strong connection. It’s all those sublime kisses!

The supporting cast is wonderful. Everyone needs a grandpa like Pops, a strong, loving presence in Rex’s life. He’s the lifeline that keeps him afloat during difficult times. Dev loves Pops so much, too, and his feelings are fully reciprocated. He’s like a second grandson to the older man. Ian and Guy (from His Last Christmas in London) have a cameo. Happily, everyone’s favorite, Tor, and even Maisie, are here. Even The Hungry Caterpillar returns!

And of course, lovely, hilarious Charles and his shenanigans have lots of presence as Rex’s close friend. I was very amused by Rex comparing Charles to a Golden Retriever. I’ve been blessed with three over the years and I have to agree – Charles surely is part Golden. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that myself! And let’s not forget Hugo.

I absolutely adored seeing Charles as a dad to little Adam. Adam has a pivotal role in healing Rex’s broken heart in the most profound moments of the book. Con is the queen of poignant metaphors and this time it’s all about Adam.

This book couldn’t be more fabulous. It’s one of my very favorites of Con’s wonderful body of work. I promise Rex, Dev, and Pops will steal your heart, too.

RATING: