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Twice: A Guilty Pleasures Edition, #6
A dark gay/mm romantic thriller, set in the late 1970s, with shades of The Postman Always Rings Twice.
After a beef with the mob, Sal Minovich has to get out of New York City pronto. He gets as far as Beacon, New York, otherwise known as Nowheresville, and talks his way into a situation working as a handyman at a fading motor lodge. It’s not a bad place to hide out for a while and sock away some cash until he figures out his next step.
Then Sal meets the young manager, Will, and things get a whole lot more interesting. Pushed out by his homophobic father, Will hooked up with a small-time real estate investor, and now, six years later, he’s trapped in an unhappy relationship that might also be abusive. Sal thinks he and Will should run away together and leave their pasts behind. But Will won’t leave without a payout for all the time he’s put in. Do they have to get George out of the way to have their happily-ever-after?
After a beef with the mob, Sal Minovich has to get out of New York City pronto. He gets as far as Beacon, New York, otherwise known as Nowheresville, and talks his way into a situation working as a handyman at a fading motor lodge. It’s not a bad place to hide out for a while and sock away some cash until he figures out his next step.
Then Sal meets the young manager, Will, and things get a whole lot more interesting. Pushed out by his homophobic father, Will hooked up with a small-time real estate investor, and now, six years later, he’s trapped in an unhappy relationship that might also be abusive. Sal thinks he and Will should run away together and leave their pasts behind. But Will won’t leave without a payout for all the time he’s put in. Do they have to get George out of the way to have their happily-ever-after?
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2024
4 people want to read
About the author
Romeo Preminger
20 books40 followersRomeo Preminger has been called the master of the romantic thriller. He's the author of over a dozen books including the Southern Gothic ARIZONA series, the branded romantic thriller series GUILTY PLEASURES EDITIONS (each book is a standalone), some naughty shorts called STORYBOOK EDITIONS, and two erotic romance standalones.
Romeo lives on the East Coast with his husband. Beyond writing, some of his favorite jobs on his resume are a brief stint as a zookeeper, an even briefer stint as a hot dog vendor, and a more substantial career as a counselor and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth. For more about Romeo, visit: https://romeopreminger.com or connect with him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PremingerRomeo
Romeo lives on the East Coast with his husband. Beyond writing, some of his favorite jobs on his resume are a brief stint as a zookeeper, an even briefer stint as a hot dog vendor, and a more substantial career as a counselor and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth. For more about Romeo, visit: https://romeopreminger.com or connect with him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PremingerRomeo
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 25, 2024
1.5⭐️
Honestly, Twice is pretty boring. From the MCs first few interactions, I knew where the story was going so read on with the hope that it would subvert my expectations or make the obvious path compelling. But nope. It ended like I figured it would and getting there was mentally painful; the book felt much longer than its ~300pgs.
The story seems to want to create an old-school noir tone with similar sparse and somewhat unnatural dialogue, Will as the homme fatale who Sal sometimes suspects is manipulating him, and a continuing “spooky” occurrence that makes Sal (and possibly the reader) question what’s going on. Unfortunately, there is no tension in this story that wants to rely on it. There is too much repetition of themes, character portrayals, and actions, especially with a character like Sal who has a limited personality range.
He’s a self-described mook with a giant chip on his shoulder and acts like an insecure, aggressive toddler. He’s been hustling since he left home at 17, and while street smart, isn’t as educated as he would like. Will makes him feel stupid, especially when Will is mean to him, but all that does is make Sal want to put Will in his place so he pursues him harder.
Thus, Sal constantly sings such hits as “why you gotta be mean to me”; “why can’t you be nice to me”; and “I’ll show you” along with the classic dance moves of dub-con sexual aggression. There is enough sprinkled in to show Sal's self-doubt and how it manifests in anger and physically lashing out; also, his eventual need for Will to love him. However, this outline of a character wasn’t enough to keep me invested.
In 1930s noir pulp and 1940s/50s film, you can have thinly sketched characters whose personalities are basically what function they serve so long as you have an interesting story to tell; tell a familiar story engagingly; and/or have great acting performances. Twice doesn’t hit any of those markers and left me deeply apathetic.
Honestly, Twice is pretty boring. From the MCs first few interactions, I knew where the story was going so read on with the hope that it would subvert my expectations or make the obvious path compelling. But nope. It ended like I figured it would and getting there was mentally painful; the book felt much longer than its ~300pgs.
The story seems to want to create an old-school noir tone with similar sparse and somewhat unnatural dialogue, Will as the homme fatale who Sal sometimes suspects is manipulating him, and a continuing “spooky” occurrence that makes Sal (and possibly the reader) question what’s going on. Unfortunately, there is no tension in this story that wants to rely on it. There is too much repetition of themes, character portrayals, and actions, especially with a character like Sal who has a limited personality range.
He’s a self-described mook with a giant chip on his shoulder and acts like an insecure, aggressive toddler. He’s been hustling since he left home at 17, and while street smart, isn’t as educated as he would like. Will makes him feel stupid, especially when Will is mean to him, but all that does is make Sal want to put Will in his place so he pursues him harder.
Thus, Sal constantly sings such hits as “why you gotta be mean to me”; “why can’t you be nice to me”; and “I’ll show you” along with the classic dance moves of dub-con sexual aggression. There is enough sprinkled in to show Sal's self-doubt and how it manifests in anger and physically lashing out; also, his eventual need for Will to love him. However, this outline of a character wasn’t enough to keep me invested.
In 1930s noir pulp and 1940s/50s film, you can have thinly sketched characters whose personalities are basically what function they serve so long as you have an interesting story to tell; tell a familiar story engagingly; and/or have great acting performances. Twice doesn’t hit any of those markers and left me deeply apathetic.
September 29, 2024
Occasionally, I’ll read a book that is so good that I don’t write a review immediately. I need to digest it the same way you would a good meal. I leave two or three days to see if, on returning to write my review, the story and how it’s written has the same impact that it had when I turned the last page.
Twice by Romeo Preminger is a beautiful piece of storytelling that will remain with me for a long time. The pivotal characters of Sal Minovich and Will come alive as the plot unfolds. In the small town of Beacon, Sal’s arrival and subsequent employment by George, the owner of the motel where Will is the manager, appears to be an unwanted intrusion so far as Will is concerned. It quickly becomes apparent what Sal wants, but Will’s playing a very different game.
I’m thrilled to recommend this book. Though a gay novel, It deserves a broader audience than just the lgbtqi demographic. It’s a thriller with plenty of twists and turns, and I can guarantee the ending won’t be what you expect.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Twice by Romeo Preminger is a beautiful piece of storytelling that will remain with me for a long time. The pivotal characters of Sal Minovich and Will come alive as the plot unfolds. In the small town of Beacon, Sal’s arrival and subsequent employment by George, the owner of the motel where Will is the manager, appears to be an unwanted intrusion so far as Will is concerned. It quickly becomes apparent what Sal wants, but Will’s playing a very different game.
I’m thrilled to recommend this book. Though a gay novel, It deserves a broader audience than just the lgbtqi demographic. It’s a thriller with plenty of twists and turns, and I can guarantee the ending won’t be what you expect.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 5, 2024
If you like those old black-and-white movies late at night, where the femme fatale is beautiful but has questionable morals and the male lead has real ethical quandaries about his actions, this is a book for you. It is a book version of a film noir. Some of the time, you want to reach into the novel and tell our narrator that he is being led down the garden path. Other times, you are equally gulled into believing that this relationship is real and things will turn out happily.
The book is well written and and the characters are convincing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book is well written and and the characters are convincing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 23, 2024
4.25 stars. Picture 1978: Sal fled from the mob in New York City to hide out in a small village. Luckily he found a job as a handyman at a diner. He can gain some cash and make further plans.
Will, the young manager, is feisty and looks down his nose at Sal. The guy lives with the way older owner George. Which intrigues Sal, he has so many questions.
Sal has is bad for Will, he wants to earn enough money so he can take him with him.
Will is not amused by Sal, he constantly brushes Sal off, and Sal feels inferior which makes him angry.
Will will not give in until Sal shows him a decent plan, otherwise he has too much to lose.
The question is: How to get away with money, without being caught? It’s more complicated than you might think.
To make it even more complicated what if it works? What should they do, go together at the same time? One first and the other later? Believe me, it’s quite an adventure!
Did I like Sal? Not so, the way he forced himself on Will made me irritable. Did I like Will? Again not so, but more than Sal.
You have to love a read when this happens because it makes it quite a challenge.
It was all intriguing enough to continue reading.
The further the story came the more I loved it.
The characters were convincing af, I was impressed! Don’t expect some fluffy romance, do expect a dark consistently written narrative.
The story was super intriguing and entertaining. I loved the outcome of this story, applause!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Will, the young manager, is feisty and looks down his nose at Sal. The guy lives with the way older owner George. Which intrigues Sal, he has so many questions.
Sal has is bad for Will, he wants to earn enough money so he can take him with him.
Will is not amused by Sal, he constantly brushes Sal off, and Sal feels inferior which makes him angry.
Will will not give in until Sal shows him a decent plan, otherwise he has too much to lose.
The question is: How to get away with money, without being caught? It’s more complicated than you might think.
To make it even more complicated what if it works? What should they do, go together at the same time? One first and the other later? Believe me, it’s quite an adventure!
Did I like Sal? Not so, the way he forced himself on Will made me irritable. Did I like Will? Again not so, but more than Sal.
You have to love a read when this happens because it makes it quite a challenge.
It was all intriguing enough to continue reading.
The further the story came the more I loved it.
The characters were convincing af, I was impressed! Don’t expect some fluffy romance, do expect a dark consistently written narrative.
The story was super intriguing and entertaining. I loved the outcome of this story, applause!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
August 1, 2024
MM Pair of MC’s. TWICE- Romeo Preminger - 3.75 🌟🌟🌟.*
Sal (28) is an ex-con, a hustler and a male pro who fled NYC after some shady scheme with his latest crush went wrong. Ending up in a small town motel with little cash and only the clothes on his back. He starts small talk with the handsome young man behind the Reception Desk, and notes the police cruiser and the cop coming into the bar. All three swap comments and Sal notes the names, he gets the impression that the cop Lieutenant Hogan knows Will well especially from the comments he makes and the questions he asks regarding the whereabouts of George, the owner.
Will is not just the Receptionist, he manages the place for George. Sal needs work and somehow he ends up with a job as handyman around the motel and eventually he’s trying to get together with Will, who doesn’t make it easy, but plays along.
Using his wiles as an ex con, Sal gets to hear all of Will’s story that he’s willing to share. He gets to meet the older man George and learns of his business dealings, buying and flipping rundown lodges and motels.
When Will sees that Sal is so into him he starts sharing his history, how George adopted him when he was 16 after his parents and brother were killed in an car crash. Little by little Will draws him into a plan to make some money and take off together.
Initially I struggled to get into this story, I didn’t like the four characters, Sal, Will,Hogan or George. All were so suss, I didn’t trust what they were showing me. I’m glad I stuck with it though because when things started to go down I just didn’t know who was conning who, and I wanted to know how it would all pan out.
I’ve not read anything like ‘ Twice’ nor anything by Romeo Preminger the author, before ‘ Twice’. It was something very different in the MM genre too. All the characters are very suss and not people I’d want to know. But then Sal started to show a kinder, caring side to him and I wanted him to have good things happen for him.
Romeo Preminger spins a very good tale of mystery and murder, described blow by blow on page, so beware those who might be squeamish or have triggers. I did enjoying the mystery element of this book, if that is the correct word for it, because we do know who did it, and I guess I wanted a HEA. I would read Romeo Preminger again when I’m in the mood for mystery whodunnits like ‘ Twice’.
I received a free ARC copy of this book from BookSirens and this is my voluntary review.
Sal (28) is an ex-con, a hustler and a male pro who fled NYC after some shady scheme with his latest crush went wrong. Ending up in a small town motel with little cash and only the clothes on his back. He starts small talk with the handsome young man behind the Reception Desk, and notes the police cruiser and the cop coming into the bar. All three swap comments and Sal notes the names, he gets the impression that the cop Lieutenant Hogan knows Will well especially from the comments he makes and the questions he asks regarding the whereabouts of George, the owner.
Will is not just the Receptionist, he manages the place for George. Sal needs work and somehow he ends up with a job as handyman around the motel and eventually he’s trying to get together with Will, who doesn’t make it easy, but plays along.
Using his wiles as an ex con, Sal gets to hear all of Will’s story that he’s willing to share. He gets to meet the older man George and learns of his business dealings, buying and flipping rundown lodges and motels.
When Will sees that Sal is so into him he starts sharing his history, how George adopted him when he was 16 after his parents and brother were killed in an car crash. Little by little Will draws him into a plan to make some money and take off together.
Initially I struggled to get into this story, I didn’t like the four characters, Sal, Will,Hogan or George. All were so suss, I didn’t trust what they were showing me. I’m glad I stuck with it though because when things started to go down I just didn’t know who was conning who, and I wanted to know how it would all pan out.
I’ve not read anything like ‘ Twice’ nor anything by Romeo Preminger the author, before ‘ Twice’. It was something very different in the MM genre too. All the characters are very suss and not people I’d want to know. But then Sal started to show a kinder, caring side to him and I wanted him to have good things happen for him.
Romeo Preminger spins a very good tale of mystery and murder, described blow by blow on page, so beware those who might be squeamish or have triggers. I did enjoying the mystery element of this book, if that is the correct word for it, because we do know who did it, and I guess I wanted a HEA. I would read Romeo Preminger again when I’m in the mood for mystery whodunnits like ‘ Twice’.
I received a free ARC copy of this book from BookSirens and this is my voluntary review.
August 12, 2024
Thrilling gay romance with manipulation, revelation and passion
I loved this book! Admittedly it had a somewhat slow start but after only a few chapters I. Could. Not. Put. This. Book. Down! The secrets that come out and their revelations left me in awe. I had a feeling of foreboding as I got into the meatier parts of the book. Sadly, I was right. Sal would not want to be pitied but it is impossible not to feel that way.
Sal was living the high life in NYC until his mafia boyfriend got himself in trouble. Now 28yo Sal is on the run on a train until he is forced to get off in the pouring rain in the very small town of Beacon, the year is 1978. He is tired, wet and hungry. When he sees a diner, he goes in to get warm and something to eat. He meets the most beautiful boy: 24yo Will. The rest is a must read if you like thrills, steam, passion, intricate plotting with fascinating characters, some to like and some to hate. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
I loved this book! Admittedly it had a somewhat slow start but after only a few chapters I. Could. Not. Put. This. Book. Down! The secrets that come out and their revelations left me in awe. I had a feeling of foreboding as I got into the meatier parts of the book. Sadly, I was right. Sal would not want to be pitied but it is impossible not to feel that way.
Sal was living the high life in NYC until his mafia boyfriend got himself in trouble. Now 28yo Sal is on the run on a train until he is forced to get off in the pouring rain in the very small town of Beacon, the year is 1978. He is tired, wet and hungry. When he sees a diner, he goes in to get warm and something to eat. He meets the most beautiful boy: 24yo Will. The rest is a must read if you like thrills, steam, passion, intricate plotting with fascinating characters, some to like and some to hate. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
August 11, 2024
Sal is on the run after crossing the wrong mafia man, desperate to escape town before things escalate further. But he doesn't make it far. Out of options and low on cash, he takes a job at a local garage, hoping to earn enough money to disappear for good.
At the garage, he meets Will who is trapped in a miserable, possibly abusive relationship. The connection between them is immediate, sparking a plan to pool their resources and escape their troubled lives together. But with the clock ticking and danger looming, the path to freedom is anything but clear.
Will they manage to get the money they need to make their getaway? Can they outmaneuver the mafia and the abusive partner? And what will become of the dangerous relationship they've left behind? Their journey is fraught with tension, hope, and the question of whether they can truly leave their pasts behind. Dive into this gripping tale to see how it all unfolds.
At the garage, he meets Will who is trapped in a miserable, possibly abusive relationship. The connection between them is immediate, sparking a plan to pool their resources and escape their troubled lives together. But with the clock ticking and danger looming, the path to freedom is anything but clear.
Will they manage to get the money they need to make their getaway? Can they outmaneuver the mafia and the abusive partner? And what will become of the dangerous relationship they've left behind? Their journey is fraught with tension, hope, and the question of whether they can truly leave their pasts behind. Dive into this gripping tale to see how it all unfolds.
August 12, 2024
This is a book but it had that 'in real life' feel of foreboding. Sal has to get out of town because he has tangled with someone in the mob and his life is in danger. He finds himself hiding out/living in a small town working as a handy man and he meets Will. Will seems to be in need of a rescue. He seems to be in a relationship that has run its course and may be abusive. There is something not so clear about what is going on with Will and how much is Sal's situation affecting his need to save Will? I appreciated that film noir feel of this book and the fact that people may not be what they seem. It kept me interested to see how things would wind up for Will and Sal? I won't include spoilers. This was like a good old movie on a Saturday afternoon.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2024
This is a book of suspense set in the late 70s. It is about a guy named Sal that is down on his luck and another guy, Will, that is the manager of a hotel and restaurant that hires him. Without giving away the plot, I will say that this book really bothered me. I didn't like how any of the people treated each other, and not a single one of them was nice. Even when they really cared for our loved each other, they weren't tender. Overall, the sweetest character was a traveling salesperson, and he even got a raw deal.
August 18, 2024
4 Stars ⭐️
This made my head spin in the best way! I didn't not see this book coming and expected something way different from what it actually was. This book start to finish was mysterious AF and captivating, it took a while to get into but once I did this story had me up until the very end. It was every bit as dark and suspicious as one of those old noir films. I'd recommend especially for mystery lovers.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
This made my head spin in the best way! I didn't not see this book coming and expected something way different from what it actually was. This book start to finish was mysterious AF and captivating, it took a while to get into but once I did this story had me up until the very end. It was every bit as dark and suspicious as one of those old noir films. I'd recommend especially for mystery lovers.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
August 9, 2024
He needs to get out of town after he upset a mafia man but he does not get far. He gets a job at a garage as he needs to make some money before moving on. They may be in an unhappy relationship which may also be abusive when they meet him. He wants to get his money before they run away together. Will they get the money they need? How will it all go? What will happen to the abusive boyfriend? See how they get on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
August 12, 2024
I was intrigued by the blurb at the beginning. I have to say I wanted to read the story, as the author was new to me. However, there were quite a few aspects of this story that I didn't like, so it was hard for me to get immersed in it. The who done it aspect was good, but Sal, as the main character, was not believable. He was a bit too whiny and clingy, and he his inability to understand the word no.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
August 17, 2024
This has a great feel of the 70s but also fits right in with the classic noir fiction of the past. Sal and Will have incredible chemistry but they also have a need to go on the run and hide out from the mob and others. The problem is, Will is set on some revenge. Dark, gritty and wonderful.
August 11, 2024
This was a great read and different to anything else I have read lately. I enjoyed the fact it was set in the 70's. A well written murder mystery storyline with plenty of suspense and brilliant characters that kept me completely hooked up to the end.
I received a free arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review.
I received a free arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review.
August 14, 2025
Definitely a romantic thriller, not to be confused with a romance. Poor Sal, hope he makes it out okay. I figured Will was playing him all along.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2024
This one surprised me. It has all the feels of The Talented Mr Ripley. Definitely kept me guessing til the end.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews