Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Capital Adoration
SERIES: LJ Gay Romance
AUTHOR: Leigh Jarrett
PUBLISHER: Steambath Press
LENGTH: 143 Pages
RELEASE DATE: May 9, 2023
BLURB:
At odds with his bisexual identity, Derek is reluctant to enter into a friendship with a breathtaking man who appears to want more from him. He’s never dated a man before and he doesn’t intend to start. His world has been one of women only. But what starts off as a few harmless trips in their kayaks as friends takes a turn toward the intimate.
Always protecting his heart, Liam has a habit of running when things get serious. Because of a harsh upbringing, he’s never known or wanted love. That doesn’t stop him from dating men and women he finds interesting. He takes a chance and approaches a gorgeous, broody man who appears lost. Despite his reservations, Liam decides to follow his instinct.
Their hearts become entwined when they find they can’t resist each other.
REVIEW:
From one look and the reaction to a wink, Liam could tell that Derek was at odds with his sexuality. Being with someone in the closet wasn’t on Liam’s to-do list. But, through their love of Kayaking, it couldn’t hurt to be friends. Derek had never found the right man to explore his bisexuality. But given Liam’s reputation for running at first sight of the ‘C’ word (commitment) and the fact that the man was gorgeous, it could be a no-strings way to…explore. Neither expected their carefully constructed walls to crumble.
Capital Adoration is part of a four-book series whose tales can be read as standalone novels. I can attest to that statement as I have not read any of the others. I encountered a sweet story of suppressed bisexuality in the Canadian countryside.
The tale is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Liam and Derek. Worldbuilding mainly consists of Kayaking through the stunning Canadian countryside. The descriptions caused me to want to go and see the views for myself. Also, the backdrop made this story a bit different from other novels of a similar ilk.
Both characters have tragic childhoods, and this, alongside their shared sporting loves, brings them together. Liam works in a cancer care facility and has a lovely caring nature, but his experiences have given him an ingrained need to bail from any relationship at the sight of seriousness. Derek works at a bar because it pays better than the career he chose at college. All his friends have no clue that Derek is also attracted to both sexes. It’s purely a case that he hasn’t met the right person. Nevertheless, he is so scared of their reaction, that Derek needs to be sure before risking coming out.
The two share some interesting experiences, and when events get hot, you may need to duck out and take a cold shower. As I’ve already said, their journey and struggles are sweet, and angst doesn’t last long, which a host of readers will appreciate. However, to make Derek and Liam’s story extra memorable for me, I needed the angst to last longer, and more could have been added to other areas. However, regardless of my reaction, I do not doubt that this story will tick many boxes for some readers.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS: