What do you think?
Rate this book
Beyond the Reef
Tony takes a shower one day and finds a naked man fondling his loofah. Frank’s a sex machine who knows Tony’s deepest desires…and won’t go away.
Wannabe actor Tony Kaven’s career hasn’t just stalled—it’s in reverse—so he jumps at the chance of being a personal assistant to mercurial movie star Rufus Roscoe on location in Maui, Hawaii. Tony wants to do well, except that, from the moment he arrives, everything goes wrong. Roscoe hates everything about him, even his blue suede shoes. Somebody on Facebook told Tony that Rufus is a big Elvis fan so Tony couldn't resist splurging on the shoes.
Wrong information.
Rufus hates Elvis, blue suede shoes and overweight, overwrought personal assistants.
It looks like he’s about to get canned when a mysterious man named Frank shows up naked in Tony’s shower and tells him he is the man of his dreams. His true love. Who is this guy? And how is it that when Frank is around, everything has a way of going right? Tony finds that true love means taking a leap of faith, but he finds more than that it also means rolling with the punches, but leading with your heart.
A.J. never lacks inspiration for male/male erotic romances and on the rare occasions this happens, pursues other passions such as collecting books on Hawaiiana, surfing and spending time with friends and animal companions.
A.J. Llewellyn believes that love is a song best sung out loud.
Wannabe actor Tony Kaven’s career hasn’t just stalled—it’s in reverse—so he jumps at the chance of being a personal assistant to mercurial movie star Rufus Roscoe on location in Maui, Hawaii. Tony wants to do well, except that, from the moment he arrives, everything goes wrong. Roscoe hates everything about him, even his blue suede shoes. Somebody on Facebook told Tony that Rufus is a big Elvis fan so Tony couldn't resist splurging on the shoes.
Wrong information.
Rufus hates Elvis, blue suede shoes and overweight, overwrought personal assistants.
It looks like he’s about to get canned when a mysterious man named Frank shows up naked in Tony’s shower and tells him he is the man of his dreams. His true love. Who is this guy? And how is it that when Frank is around, everything has a way of going right? Tony finds that true love means taking a leap of faith, but he finds more than that it also means rolling with the punches, but leading with your heart.
A.J. never lacks inspiration for male/male erotic romances and on the rare occasions this happens, pursues other passions such as collecting books on Hawaiiana, surfing and spending time with friends and animal companions.
A.J. Llewellyn believes that love is a song best sung out loud.
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2008
68 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Llewellyn
288 books452 followersA.J. Llewellyn lives in California, but dreams of living in Hawaii. Frequent trips to all the islands, bags of Kona coffee in the fridge and a healthy collection of Hawaiian records keep this writer refueled.
A.J’s passion for the islands led to writing a play about the last ruling monarch of Hawaii, Queen Lili’uokalani as well as a non-erotic novel about the overthrow of her kingdom written in diary form from her maid’s point of view.
A.J. never lacks inspiritation for male/male erotic romances and on the rare occasion this happens, pursues other passions such as collecting books on Hawaiiana, surfing and spending time with friends and animal companions.
A.J. Llewellyn believes that love is a song best sung out loud.
A.J’s passion for the islands led to writing a play about the last ruling monarch of Hawaii, Queen Lili’uokalani as well as a non-erotic novel about the overthrow of her kingdom written in diary form from her maid’s point of view.
A.J. never lacks inspiritation for male/male erotic romances and on the rare occasion this happens, pursues other passions such as collecting books on Hawaiiana, surfing and spending time with friends and animal companions.
A.J. Llewellyn believes that love is a song best sung out loud.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 28, 2017
Let me start by saying that I have never had a desire to go to Hawaii. I know, I am sure it is as beautiful as this story depicted... but, just not somewhere I would choose to visit, much less live. But, if a story could sell real estate, it would be this one! The history, legends and descriptions of Hawaii that we read about in this book were amazing... and based on that alone I would have given it 4-stars...
But, there was the "rest" of the story. It is sad to say that my favorite scene in the book is when Tony stands up to his b*tch of a mom and tells her how it is... that was a very well-written, emotionally empowering scene.
As for the rest of the story? It was just confusing, totally off the wall ridiculous and the bed hopping was kinda "yucky"... IMHO! This was a book that only had one interesting character, Tony, and I wasn't totally taken with him. I felt for his past hurts and could understand why he was the way he was... but, the story line just didn't flow and frankly? I still don't know who the heck Frank is or where he actually came from! *headdesk*
But, there was the "rest" of the story. It is sad to say that my favorite scene in the book is when Tony stands up to his b*tch of a mom and tells her how it is... that was a very well-written, emotionally empowering scene.
As for the rest of the story? It was just confusing, totally off the wall ridiculous and the bed hopping was kinda "yucky"... IMHO! This was a book that only had one interesting character, Tony, and I wasn't totally taken with him. I felt for his past hurts and could understand why he was the way he was... but, the story line just didn't flow and frankly? I still don't know who the heck Frank is or where he actually came from! *headdesk*
October 26, 2010
The book is full of sadness and humor at the same time, a delicious combination.
There is so much love in this book! And I am not talking sex only (which is HOT)! ;)
~*~
The history of Hawaii in AJ's books, the mythology, people, even simple local businesses are described with such love and care, it makes me want to learn more, go back and rediscover that corner of the world.
Awesome read :)
There is so much love in this book! And I am not talking sex only (which is HOT)! ;)
~*~
The history of Hawaii in AJ's books, the mythology, people, even simple local businesses are described with such love and care, it makes me want to learn more, go back and rediscover that corner of the world.
Awesome read :)
December 14, 2008
Beyond the Reef by A.J. Llewellyn (2008)
July 21, 2014
Reviewed by Marissa
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Beyond the Reef is a charming fantasy about a man yearning for his true love and the wish he makes on a raindrop. When his wish seems to come true, he tries to enjoy the moment but fears the time will come when it will all unravel back into reality.
Tony is a likeable character but he has a past he hasn’t really dealt with. He’s never quite forgiven his mother for leaving when he was a child. He comes to Hawaii not only for a job but with the added intention of reuniting with his mother – even if he’s not quite ready to deal with seeing her again. A little insecure yet charming, Tony can schmooze his boss (a self-absorbed movie star) into believing almost anything.
I found it delightful that Frank, the fantasy man, appeared and disappeared at random and magically produced the perfect cup of coffee and a full-course meal. I always love reading about local places and legends, especially if I’ve been to that area. For Maui, those are Moku’ula and the Mokuhinia restoration project, and Makawao, and the Hawaiian Goddesses Pele and La’ieikawai.
The birthday party for Keoni’s uncle is exactly the type of family party that happens in Hawaii – family and friends gathering, someone picks up a ukulele and starts to sing, kids running around playing, tables straining under the weight of food, and everyone laughing and having a good time. One thing I’ve found since moving here is that people celebrate anything – birthdays, holidays, a new home, a new baby, a new car, a raise, anything to bring everyone together.
A.J. Llewellyn is a wonderful writer and makes an outrageous idea – a man appearing out of nowhere – seem possible. Probable, even. If you like a little fantasy with your romance, this is a sweet story that might bring a few tears to your eyes.
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Beyond the Reef is a charming fantasy about a man yearning for his true love and the wish he makes on a raindrop. When his wish seems to come true, he tries to enjoy the moment but fears the time will come when it will all unravel back into reality.
Tony is a likeable character but he has a past he hasn’t really dealt with. He’s never quite forgiven his mother for leaving when he was a child. He comes to Hawaii not only for a job but with the added intention of reuniting with his mother – even if he’s not quite ready to deal with seeing her again. A little insecure yet charming, Tony can schmooze his boss (a self-absorbed movie star) into believing almost anything.
I found it delightful that Frank, the fantasy man, appeared and disappeared at random and magically produced the perfect cup of coffee and a full-course meal. I always love reading about local places and legends, especially if I’ve been to that area. For Maui, those are Moku’ula and the Mokuhinia restoration project, and Makawao, and the Hawaiian Goddesses Pele and La’ieikawai.
The birthday party for Keoni’s uncle is exactly the type of family party that happens in Hawaii – family and friends gathering, someone picks up a ukulele and starts to sing, kids running around playing, tables straining under the weight of food, and everyone laughing and having a good time. One thing I’ve found since moving here is that people celebrate anything – birthdays, holidays, a new home, a new baby, a new car, a raise, anything to bring everyone together.
A.J. Llewellyn is a wonderful writer and makes an outrageous idea – a man appearing out of nowhere – seem possible. Probable, even. If you like a little fantasy with your romance, this is a sweet story that might bring a few tears to your eyes.
July 24, 2015
This is one of those romances that makes me terribly sad. Tony has low self esteem and is desperate for love. His mother left him when he was young and although he still speaks to her, she isn't a good person. His first lover left him. He doesn't believe he is worthy. In walks perfect Frank, who looks perfect, does all the right things, and says he loves him. It is the wallflower's dream! Frank fixes everything for him. Why is this sad? Because it is another romance with the words for love but not the actions. Frank is unattainable, can't tell him anything, leaves on short notice, and offers nothing of himself other than words. His looks and bedroom skills take center stage. When Frank disappears, Tony is supposed to have faith. Yet, Frank never, ever gave him reason to. So this turns out to be a story about trusting words over actions. Tony is afraid to ask for anything from Frank. It wasn't romantic at all to me, I quit reading just before the HEA or whatever. Some relationships can't be fixed in a single chapter.
September 22, 2010
A fun read. I love how this author writes about Hawaii. It's like reading a small vacation.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews