Taste

Horizons #2

by Mickie B. Ashling, Paul Morey

Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins

What should have been a brief interlude turns into something deeper when Lil Lampert meets Grier Dilorio at the Taste of Chicago. Lil is in town visiting good friends Jody Williams and Clark Stevens, and he didn’t plan to hook up with a younger man and discover a mutual love for architecture, interior design, and a unique sexual kink that keeps Lil coming back for more.

By all appearances, Grier is the quintessential bad boy who loves speed, tattoos, and leather, but Lil slowly uncovers another side: selfless, responsible, and tender, especially for Luca, the son he’s had to deny. With Lil’s love and support, Grier will make a decision key to opening the door to a possible future together, one that includes fatherhood, something Lil has dreamed of but has never dared to explore.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, Family, Gay, Erotica

Audible Audio

First published April 1, 2011

About the author

MICKIE B. ASHLING is the pseudonym of a multi-published author who resides in a suburb outside Chicago. She is a product of her upbringing in various cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West.

Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.

CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/

Reviews

[The Bursting Bookshelf of a Wallflower · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up to 3!

Lil, a successful architect is visiting two of his best friends in Chicago. Lil did have his fair share of hook-ups, but he didn't have a meaningful relationship so far and while he is feeling a little lonely sometimes, he is still very happy in his life. Together with his friends, he visists the famous food festival Taste and is suddenly facing a very hot young stranger with amazing tattoos and a catchy attitude. They quickly discover that they have many common interests and start to see each other many times during the following days.

But while Grier is charming, interested in Lil's profession and generelly very intriguing to be with, he also comes with a package of secrets and problems. I love reading about gay men with children and this made this story interesting for me. However, the whole plot was moving much too fast - insta-lust is something I enjoy, but the insta-love in this story just didn't work out; not with all the difficulties this pair had to overcome.

And I don't even want to start about the credibility of the whole story. There was too much drama and I couldn't understand most of the MC's reactions. This was a little ennoying - really! It was still an entertaining read and I might consider reading the other stories of this series.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and even shed a few tears towards the end....well they welled up anyway! This is not your run of the mill romance and I loved the bit of kink thrown in for good measure!!! Would definitely recommend it.

[Laurie (barksbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Reads Win!


Architect Lil is visiting friends during the Taste of Chicago event when he spots a tattooed, muscled cutie serving up ice cream. Lil, ever the flirt, is delighted to find his interest (and ogling) being returned by the younger man. A little later they make plans to have a fun no-strings-attached hookup. They’re hot, they’re horny so why not, eh?

Though the two have some intense chemistry they don’t get to have their dreamy “hook-up” and kiss each other goodbye as expected. Instead drama happens (lots of freaking drama) and because of it, they are able to discover that, despite their difference in appearance and age (Lil is 37, Grier mid 20’s), they have a lot in common and enjoy each other’s company out of bed. This is new for both of them and as things go along they realize they just might be falling in love for the first time. Awwwws, I think my cold heart might’ve just melted a smidge.

I have to admit this story took me a while before I warmed up to the characters and fell into their romance. It starts off too info. dumpy and I felt as if I were being bombarded with too many facts about Grier’s past, his family and “friends” (most of whom were unpleasant to the point of cruelty) and his backstory as an out gay man who has no support system. Those who should love him basically walk all over and manipulate him for their own selfish means. All of this, right out of the starting gate, was a little too much to handle. I felt Lil was getting the short-shrift and really just wanted them to get to knowing each other, minus so many issues, and for their romance to start heating up.

As the story shakes out we discover Grier has a young son named Luca whose mother, a childhood friend of Grier’s, is a real bitch who has manipulated him into denying that he’s the boys’ father. She uses Grier as a convenient babysitter while degrading him because he’s gay. Grier has put his entire life on hold in order to stay in Luca’s life and given up on his own dreams. It’s so, so sad that he’s such a “pleaser” and frustrating that he doesn’t stand up for himself. He looks all tough on the outside but in reality he’s too tender-hearted for his own good. When he meets Lil, he’s just coming to terms with the loss of his loving mom, beginning to stand up to his dad who refuses to believe he’s gay and is dealing with a nasty, rude homophobe brother who sides with Luca’s mother and makes matters worse. Poor Grier, his life really bites at this point and the author really makes you feel for him. Lil is there to lend support, to listen and take Grier’s mind off his many problems with lots of hot sex.

Honestly, I wouldn’t have blamed Lil for running far and as fast from the mess of Grier’s life and have to give him props for sticking it through. He’s putting others first, probably for the first time in his life, and it surprises him. I thought his slightly confused emotions were beautifully written. There’s no denying the call of true love and mind-blowing loving and he realizes that pretty quick.

I’m glad I read this, despite that fact that my rambling paragraphs of complaint might make you think otherwise. When Grier and Lil are together the story buzzes with the strong emotions of brand new love and discovery. Grier ends up being stronger for knowing Lil and finds the courage and support he needs in order to get his life back on track. I despised mostly ALL of the secondary characters though with the exception of Grier’s old dad who did try to understand Grier. His deep love for his son was always clear even when he was being a stubborn old fool. I also liked cute little Luca, despite the fact that he had a lisp that was a bit overwritten. He was sweet and gentle much like his daddy and he loved kitties. What’s not to love?

Taste ends on a temporary fix/happy for now note and I’m good with that. I’d like to see more of these two experience life as a couple, and I’d like to get to know Lil better but only if all of the baggage is dumped!

[Lightreads · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF halfway through. Why yes, I'm cleaning out my unfinished books, how can you tell?

M/M that I started out quite liking. Contemporary romance/drama set around a huge Chicago food festival. But then we got to the kink.

Look, here's the thing. A lot of M/M subscribes to the notion that what you are is how you fuck. You know, the smaller dude always enjoys being overpowered, that sort of thing.

Which is screwed up and uninteresting in equal degrees. But the thing is, you can't separate sex from character. And you definitely can't separate something as specific and personal as kink from character. I mean, you don't have to explain it, you don't have to draw nice straight lines from someone's specific trauma to why he likes asphyxiation. Really, it's better when you don't.

But kink doesn't happen in a vacuum. It's an expression of some really intense and fundamental emotions – desire sure, but also antipathy, pain, joy, you name it. The kinky person doesn't have to know why, but there is a why, and the shape of that why – often done in the negative spaces by the writers who are really good at this – is what makes the kink vital and interesting. Also hot. This stuff gets installed in us in, like, the root directories. It's so deep in the operating system that looking at it is also looking at how we function. Or don't.

Which is what makes it interesting. And thus why this book, which wandered along doing food festival/family things for a while, and then basically out-of-the-blue was all, hey, these dudes like to wear women's panties! was so, so boring. I don't care. This is the sort of writing about sex that is all bodies and no brains. Sex acts aren't by themselves hot. Personal, contextual sex acts can be blazing.

And thus endeth Light on kink. For today.

[Jason Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about getting invested in these characters. I felt all their emotions. This would make a beautiful movie.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this series out of order. This is something I never do. I read Chyna Doll (#4 in the series - Luca and Chyna's story) first. I absolutely loved that book so I knew I had to go back to see where it all began.

In Taste I was able to see where Luca came from. Grier and Lil meet at the Taste of Chicago. Lil is visiting with Jody and Clark (from Horizons) and Grier is helping out family friends. When they meet? Instant lust. What follows is a lot of touristy stuff that ends each evening with hot sex. But it's not all sex and running around the city. Grier has a couple of secrets, one of which he feels should be made known. The other one? Could hurt him if the wrong person decides to use it against him (that person was a total bitch, by the way).

Saying more than that will give it away.

I really enjoyed this. I'm really eager to jump into Daddio to see more of these guys.


Full review can be found at -

[Caroline Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Read it one sitting!! As was Horizons but dont tell the hubby!! Onto Daddio :-)

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was enjoying this just fine until Lil had to go dramatic selfish diva by demanding Grier not "leave" him in San Fran to go back home in Chicago to stop Jillian from allowing Ali to claim Grier's son as his. Confused? Luca is Grier's son, but nobody knows that. When Jillian decides to get married to Ali, he is going to adopt Luca. Grier doesn't want that and fights for his parental rights. The problem is this is all taking place during the week Grier is in San Fran with Lil. And Lil is all "don't leave me!" as Grier tries to fix his life. How selfish is that? I couldn't believe Lil did that. That was a bullshit plot point that did NOT need to be there. And Jillian was not likeable in any way; not was Ali. But Jillian was a total B!

Luca stole the show with his adorable lips, which I assume with go away since Grier paid for speech therapy. I liked parts of this story but due to the spoiler, my enjoyment was soured and didn't recover.

This can be read as a standalone. I give this 3 stars but it barely makes it; Luca saved it. :) Would I recommend this? Not exactly...it's got it's good points, and it depends on your taste. Um, I might recommend this on Luca's cuteness alone, though.

[Lisa J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm beginning to sound like a broken record. The female in this story was atrocious. Jillian is definitely in the running for the bitchiest, most loathsome woman ever in a m/m romance. *Sigh*

Grier wasn't much better. He was a bystander in his own life. He blamed everything on Jillian and acted like he didn't have a choice in their little drama. It was his choice not to claim his son. He had seven years worth of excuses, but they all amounted to nothing. It was easier to paint Jillian as the bitch who wouldn't give him his rights instead of standing up to her. At any time, he could have revealed the truth to his family and taken away her power.

With all these custody issues and the nasty Jillian spouting nonsense, it was difficult to concentrate on the romance. I didn't feel the fire between Lil and Grier, even though I loved Grier's kink. After a few days, Lil was declaring his love and wanting a commitment. There wasn't enough build for me to get on board, and then the book ended somewhat abruptly.

Luca was adorable though, and kudos for the dad not being a total stereotype.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good m/m romance about a San Francisco architect visiting friends (Jody and Clark from Horizons ) when he meets a cute tattooed guy working at Taste of Chicago.

[Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could have easily been a solid 4 star read for me, but I am so sick of females on M/M romance being portrayed as evil psychos. Don't get me wrong. I know they exist, but it doesn't have to be that way. Jillian, and how she was portrayed, really ruined my enjoyment.

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been way too long since I've read a Mickie B. Ashling! Lil and Grier are a super appealing couple, and the storyline is engaging... Plus, (yay) Manties!

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 4 out of 5]

da www.sognipensieriparole.com

TASTE
Finalmente un romanzo M/M che mette in mezzo anche una donna egoista e bugiarda!
Spesso la lettura di questo genere di storie d’amore prettamente maschili mi aveva lasciato un po’ perplessa per la presenza delle figure femminili di contorno, quasi sempre ragazze zuccherose che sono le migliori amiche dei protagonisti, o madri generose e comprensive, o sorelle dal grande cuore. Per carità, nulla di male a immaginare donne solidali con le avventure/disavventure della coppia, ma è davvero così?
Ovvero, mi chiedevo, noi donne siamo sempre così aperte, smaliziate e capaci di assorbire il colpo derivante dal coming-out di una persona a noi vicina? Cosa succederebbe, invece, se uno dei due maschi della coppia fosse (anche) il nostro grande amore? E se lui non solo non ci contraccambiasse, ma volgesse le sue attenzioni in una direzione completamente opposta, magari proprio verso un altro “lui”?

Questo “TASTE” risponde in parte a questa mia curiosità, affrontando, oltre al solito intreccio (colpo di fulmine/passione/momento delle grandi decisioni), la tematica della gelosia e della rabbia femminile a seguito della presa d’atto che lo stupendo e bellissimo “lui” che ami da una vita non potrà mai amarti nel senso che vuoi tu.

“Ora sarò io a giudicare,” disse Lil. “Non avrei mai detto che tu fossi così romantico.
“Perché sembro un ragazzaccio tatuato?”
“Non dimentichiamo i tre piercing all’orecchio sinistro. Di cosa sono fatti?”
“Onice.”
“Se non altro, un ragazzaccio con del buon gusto,” scherzò Lil.

In ogni caso, la coppia protagonista non si dimentica: Lil, designer di successo prossimo alla quarantina, e Grier, venticinquenne molto problematico, non potrebbero essere più diversi per carattere ed estrazione sociale, eppure si trovano, loro malgrado, affiatati ed uniti nell’affrontare i problemi della vita concreta, dal mettere radici insieme all’allevare un figlio, avendo contro una donna ferita e delusa da uno dei due, e seriamente intenzionata a non rendere le cose facili.

Non conoscevo quest’autrice (che scrive nel tempo libero, oltre ad essere una manager e una madre di quattro figli maschi ormai adulti), ma ha uno stile piacevole e, soprattutto, riesce a piazzare qua e là scene di passione così infuocate e dettagliate che potrebbero essere spezzoni cinematografici già pronti.


Romanzo carino, molto carino, e la copertina di Reese Dante è come sempre strepitosa: questa cover-artist sa davvero come trasformare i sogni in disegni e colori.

[Feliz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dialogue-heavy, but a heartwarming story.

This book had some good points, like the characterization of conflicted, good-natured, caring Grier. He was even a bit too good, practically putting his life on hold for a child he had no official claim on. Lil was a great character, too. Although he had some stereotypical traits, I found him well-depicted as a formerly wildly flamboyant and still rather in-your-face gay man. Lil and Grier were good together despite the age difference; I liked the way Lil was patient and understanding with Grier’s moods but didn’t acquiesce in everything. Lil’s support helped Grier take a new look at his life and make some very necessary changes. Both their behaviour fit their respective ages and personalities well. Not lastly, they were hot together.

From the secondary cast, Luca stands out. He’s the epitome of a wonderful child, with his adorable lisp and his sweet nature. Everybody would love a child like him, and I totally bought how Lil was immediately taken by that little boy. This was another good point in the book, Lil immediately and consequently taking Luca into consideration as a vital part of his new lover’s life. The way Luca filled a gap in Lil’s heart Lil hadn’t even been aware of was very well done; I could absolutely believe in those three becoming a family.

Other members of the secondary cast weren’t that well drawn. I had problems especially with Luca’s mother, Lilian. She did several about-faces over the course of the story – from sisterly friend to calculating bitch to overworked working mom to homophobic harpy and back. From the way she was first portrayed, her erratic behavior didn’t quite fit, and neither did her neglect of Luca.

I also found the solution to all the issues with Luca in the end a bit convenient, but this had again to do with the unsuccessful characterization of Lilian. Really, this character could have profited from a serious thinking-over.

Full review at reviewsbyjessewave.com

[Dee Wy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this on audio and the narration was so "right on" that I think it added to my enjoyment of the story. Once I started this I couldn't put it down. Lil and Grier were so darn good together, I rooted for them the entire way though the book. Loved how sweet they were to each other, that Grier had a secret fetish and the role Grier's son played in the story, lisp and all (well done on the audio). So much to sink your teeth into and keep you engrossed.

Also listened to this as a standalone story. Characters from the first book made an appearance, but no need to read book one first, this is all new characters. But I'm so pleased with this author, I will go back and read book one.

[Bitchie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot to like here. Grier and Lil were both great guys, and the lingerie kink was hot, especially on a tattooed biker type. Unfortunately, this book suffered BFD- bitchy female disease. Jillian was horrible, and just when I thought she couldn't get any worse, she did. I also thought the story ended rather abruptly, just when the truth was finally out. It could have used at least an epilogue, so that the reader could see Lil, Grier and Luca as a family.

[Rissa (an M/M kinda Girl!!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Men in lacey panties.... Who woulda thought I would enjoy that?! Definitely not me but lemme just say, it's soooooooooooooooooooooo incredibly yummy! I need more books like this in my collection!

[Valérie · Rating 4 out of 5]

C’est vraiment un second tome très bien construit, agréable et pour être honnête je l’ai nettement préféré au premier qui était à mon sens très loin d’être crédible.

Ce second volume a pour héros l’extravagant Lil, meilleur ami de Jody Williams dont nous avons suivi la relation douloureuse avec Clark Stevens, le séduisant footballeur dans le précédent tome. Lill Lampert est deux ans après plus posé, oublier les frasques et les relations rapides, il se concentre sur le développement de son cabinet d’architecte qui rencontre beaucoup de succès. Son amitié avec Jody lui manque, il ne lui en veut pas d’avoir déménagé pour suivre son compagnon, non il est trop proche de lui pour cela mais la distance les séparant et les moments qu’ils passaient ensemble ont créé un manque c’est donc avec joie qu’il profite de son deuxième séjour chez eux. C’est lors d’une de leurs excursions festives à trois durant « Le goût de Chicago » qu’il tombe en admiration devant un jeune homme tatoué, musclé, à l’opposé de ses précédents amants : Grier Dilorio.

Lil toujours aussi flamboyant et extraverti se sent immédiatement attiré par le jeune homme et l’invite sous l’impulsion à rencontrer ses amis et partager un moment avec eux. Ce léger flirt durant la pause de Grier ne fait que confirmer ce qu’ils ont ressenti tous les deux, une attirance sexuelle certaine et une connexion immédiate. Ils vont se retrouver le lendemain pour visiter la ville et se découvrir de nombreux points communs malgré leurs 12 ans de différence. Sous son look de mauvais garçon, Lil va voir apparaître un jeune homme intelligent, sensible, mais aussi au fur et à mesure un homme impliqué dans une vie familiale très compliquée. Malgré la découverte de la situation complexe dans laquelle est embué Grier avec son fils, Lil comprend que celui-ci est peut-être l’homme qu’il cherche inconsciemment depuis qu’il voit le bonheur de Jody et Clark, et lorsqu’il découvre une face cachée de la sexualité de Grier complètement en opposition avec son physique et son attitude, il tombe amoureux définitivement.

Lil est adorable et protecteur, et il faut voir comment il défend Grier devant ses amis alors que ceux-ci essayent de le dissuader, il se trouve confronté aux mêmes problèmes qu’il avait soulevé à Jody deux ans auparavant. Sans le faire de front, il pousse le jeune homme a affronté la mère manipulatrice de son fils et de se lancer enfin dans la bataille, c’est grâce à Lil que Grier va prendre conscience que quoiqu’il en pense son père n’est peut-être pas si homophobe qu’il le pense. Le jeune homme semble si dur à l’extérieur et pourtant si fragile, au contraire Lil que l’on a connu plus superficiel nous montre toute la maturité qu’il a acquise et sa volonté de construire quelque chose avec Grier. Il est surprenant, lui que je pensais un peu égoïste dans ses relations avec autrui (excepté avec Jody), fait passer pour la première fois de sa vie les besoins d’un autre avant les siens.

Je trouve que Mickie B Ashling décrit à merveille ces deux personnages complexes, elle nous présente une façade qu’elle décortique au fur et à mesure pour nous faire apparaitre des hommes normaux, avec leurs qualités et leurs défauts. Elle réussit particulièrement le personnage de Lil qui apparaissait sous un jour très différent, et même s’il avait évolué durant le tome précédent, je n’aurais pas pensé lui trouver autant de profondeur et d’altruisme tout en gardant ce grain de folie qui fait tout son charme.

[Nile Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grier and Lil (Lyndon Lyle Lambert - can't believe I remembered that!) are wonderfully complex characters. From their meeting at The Taste Of Chicago to their HEA, you can feel the chemistry between them and it comes as no suprise that when they get physical, it is HOT. The writing is witty, though a bit stilted in the first few chapters. Once the dialogue starts between Lil and Grier, things are a lot smoother. Pacing is well done. Grier and Lil profess love early on, but you don't find yourself rolling your eyes because they realize that they've only known each other a short time, and the issue is addressed by their friends. Still, what they feel is pretty strong and Lil is both supportive and pushy when Grier needs it. Grier's dad is testament to the fact that when a father loves his son, he can put his own prejudices aside and Grier's son is adorable. I love the 'family' outings, especially the trip to the skyscraper where Lil has a panic attack because he's afraid of heights. The tours of Chicago and San Francisco are so fun-filled and vividly described that I felt like I was there with them.

SPOILER-ISH
>
>
>

No one else mentioned it in their review, so I'm not sure if I'm 'spoiling' here, but I'm putting it out there because I would have preferred a warning. A 'unique sexual kink' does not give readers enough warning about Grier's penchant for female undies. Grier's cross-dressing was 'different' as far as romance novels go, and it made for interesting angst when it came to the custody of his son, but it threw me when it first came up. A 6'3, tattooed motorcycle rider in lace panties...because I wasn't expecting it, I had a bit of a WTH moment. Honestly, I almost put the book down, especially when the garter and stockings came out. I will say this, though, I'm glad I stuck with it. This is a really well written book, and one I will definitely read again. If the cross dressing bothers you, you can skip around it. I just feel that people should know it's there so they can make an informed decision.

[Don Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love finds you when you least expect it to and sometimes not in the most convenient places. This is Lil's story and Ms Ashling has shown us the real Lyndon Lyle Lambert instead of the campy cut up we met in Horizons. Lil is in Chicago visiting Jody and Clark for the midsummer Taste of Chicago festival and is sampling everything in sight. He stops at an ice cream booth for a frozen treat and sees someone he'd much rather taste. Grier is helping out at a friend's ice cream booth and is drawn by Lil's flirting to spend his break with Lil, Jody and Clark. Grier looks like the typical young tattooed bad boy but Lil soon discovers that there is a tremendous amount to the pretty guy as they spend time together. I really got to meet the real Lil in this story and got to admire his even steadfastness. Grier was a very hot and sympathetic character and the perfect man for Lil. Taste, like Horizons, is an emotion driven story. Ms Ashling wove many of the important themes of the day into this love story such as homophobic family, gay rights and gay parenthood and the fact that what goes on behind the bedroom door is no one's business. Strongly influenced by the old Queer As Folk TV show, some of the scenes in the book are over the top but this IS fiction for pleasure. I was very happy to see that this book was much cleaner and flowed better than Horizons which was Ashling's first book. Having read some of this author's more recent books, it is nice to go back to her first works and see how much she has evolved as a writer. Taste is a wonderful follow up book to Horizons and whether you read it as a stand alone or as part of the series, I guarantee that you will enjoy this well written story. It's very refreshing to read a book that tackles social issues of today blended with good man on man loving.

[Kira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a fan of good writing, and this book has that aplenty... I loved the characters, their kinks and the family-theme was awesome.

BUT.

I have SERIOUS issues with this book. It was easily 4.5 stars but I could only give it 3 and considered giving it only two stars for a moment, because:

- it reads like a guide for tourists at times (for both Chicago and San Francisco)
- it has terribly off putting lingo in it, especially in some moments that were supposed to sound sexy but ended up sounding...well, for example

Their world narrowed to whispers in the dark,
silky fabric caressing tumescent organs already slippery
with precum, and always, the never-ending kisses that only
heightened the impassioned words tumbling unguarded.

I mean...tumescent organs?? Really?? It sounds like someone needs to see a doctor...

- it should have a huge notice somewhere in the beginning about PRODUCT PLACEMENT. I absolutely hate name-dropping. In this book the abundance of product names and advertising just took my concentration away from the story.
- it reads like a restaurant menu half of the time, everything they eat is so important it needs to be explained, sometimes in great detail I had no interest in

Now I know for sure some people will love this book to no end. They won't mind the things I just listed, and that's okay. It's not a bad book. It's a good book with serious flaws.

The emotions were well portrayed, the characters were lovely and the family relationships were interesting. And there was a little boy called Luca I absolutely loved. The third star is for Luca's lisp and the cats.

If you like Ashling, tattooed hot men with kink for leather/lace, family stories and angst, you can't go wrong with this.

[Rachael Orman · Rating 5 out of 5]

**AUDIOBOOK REVIEW**

This was... an interesting book. I have to say it wasn't quite what I expected as the sequel to Horizons, but it was still a good book.

I enjoyed the whole younger/older man aspect of the book. While one man had his life all situated and knew what he wanted, the other was still floundering, mainly because he was trying to keep his dad happy while pushing down what he really wanted to do.

Watching both the characters blossom as the story went on was great. The way they each taught each other things about life. The way they each learned what was most important in life.

I have to say I LOVED the whole 'secret' panty thing. Super sexy and hot. I loved that it played a part in the story beside just in the bedroom as well and how it all played out because I totally agreed with it.

The narrator did an excellent job with the story and I would happily listen to another story by him.

I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.

[Kukko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice MM romance between a kinky 25-year-old (Grier) and a 39-year-old architect (Lil).

I enjoyed this story but……. I felt the story was missing a high point and that at times the dialogue was too predictable/flat. The characters were well-defined - Grier was really irritating and immature (I did like his kink though!), and Lil was the wiser older guy, but even that was not enough to lift the story.

[~ Lei ~ Reading Is An Adventure ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
So I don't mind guys in lingerie. My second book by this author and liked it. Grier is at a crossroads when he meets older Lil who is visiting Chicago at the Taste of Chicago. Lil is ready to settle down but Grier has baggage to deal with and I thought it was dealt with realistically. Would like to continue with this series.

[Cotilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

God, I love Ashling's writing!

I would have liked to read more of their future.

[cmbookdiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Tj · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just couldn't connect with this one. I think the writing was very good and the characters were interesting and vivid. I love how the author also used the setting in the story itself, not just the distance either. Still I just couldn't believe that a character like Grier would have got himself so deep into this.

I did eventually get over some of my dislike of the huge issues with Grier's character then the ending hit. It was rushed and didn't fit well with what was giveno of the situation. I have to say that it affected my thoughts on the story. It made the issues I had with Grier's character that much more pronounced.

I wanted to really like this story but in the end I felt a bit let down.

[Marina Esposto · Rating 4 out of 5]

L' incontro casuale all'evento di degustazione tra Lil e Grier li porterà a cambiare radicalmente il loro modo di vivere e in quell'amore appena sbocciato.
Lil farà di tutto per difendere i diritti che gli spettano e per l'amore che prova per Luca, se leggerete questo romanzo capirete chi è Luca.
I sentimenti non mancano, rabbia per la stronza Jillian, empatia per Lil e amore per Grier.
Lo consiglio

[Emmaali · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-
Anche in questo c’è una donnaccia molto cattiva e ingombrante che ne fa passare di brutte a uno dei protagonisti. Lil è meno sulle righe del romanzo precedente, sarà che sono passati alcuni anni dalle vicende di Jo-Jo ma francamente qui mi è sembrato un personaggio quasi diverso, prima era una primadonna . Comunque la storia è carina e dolce

[Virginie Dauphin · Rating 5 out of 5]

j'ai beaucoup apprécié cette suite qui nous fait découvrir Lil et sa rencontre avec Grier et le petit Luca. Leur combat pour découvrir leur amour et la bataille pour la reconnaissance de la paternité de Grier.