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Red
Leslie "Red" Parks was pretty surprised to find he was considered attractive enough to be a male escort. And once he started and the money came rolling in, he found he didn’t want to stop. For the first time in his life, people truly want him, and he likes that. A lot.
Kirk Toliver has never thought of himself as desirable either—which is why he is single. That, and he has spent years of his life caring for his ill mother. Before she passed away, she made him promise he would splurge on something crazy with the money she left him. So what’s crazier than hiring a male escort?
But neither expected that one night together could lead to what was missing in both their lives.
Kirk Toliver has never thought of himself as desirable either—which is why he is single. That, and he has spent years of his life caring for his ill mother. Before she passed away, she made him promise he would splurge on something crazy with the money she left him. So what’s crazier than hiring a male escort?
But neither expected that one night together could lead to what was missing in both their lives.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2015
2 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
B.G. Thomas
77 books239 followersB.G. Thomas lives in Kansas City with his husband for nearly fifteen years and was legally married in 2014. Ehey have a fabulous little dog, Sarah Jane. He sees his wonderful daughter just often enough to miss her when she isn't there! He has a romantic soul and is extraordinarily lucky to have many friends.
He loves science fiction & fantasy, horror, romance and more, has gone to SF&F conventions his entire adult life, and been lucky enough to meet many of his favorite writers. He is a “Star Trek” and Joss Whedon fan from way back!
He has written all his life, it is where he finds his joy. In the 90’s, he wrote for gay magazines, but stopped because they wanted him to cut out story and romance, and write only sex.
Then through a few friends, he discovered the growing market of M/M Romance and was thrilled beyond words. FINALLY, a way to write the stories he always wanted to write. Adventure, romantic comedy, science fiction, and more, but with gay characters. And he wouldn't have to fade to black! People wanted to read the erotic as well. Plot and sex! HURRAY!
B.G. Thomas very much believes in The Law of Attraction and that "thoughts become things." A lot of things all started happening at once. He heard the words, "Leap, and the net will appear," and something re-kindled inside. He sent out a story and was thrilled when it was almost immediately accepted.
He believes that we are divine expressions of the Universe, each and everyone. "It is never too late!,” he states. “Pursue your dreams! They will come true!"
He loves science fiction & fantasy, horror, romance and more, has gone to SF&F conventions his entire adult life, and been lucky enough to meet many of his favorite writers. He is a “Star Trek” and Joss Whedon fan from way back!
He has written all his life, it is where he finds his joy. In the 90’s, he wrote for gay magazines, but stopped because they wanted him to cut out story and romance, and write only sex.
Then through a few friends, he discovered the growing market of M/M Romance and was thrilled beyond words. FINALLY, a way to write the stories he always wanted to write. Adventure, romantic comedy, science fiction, and more, but with gay characters. And he wouldn't have to fade to black! People wanted to read the erotic as well. Plot and sex! HURRAY!
B.G. Thomas very much believes in The Law of Attraction and that "thoughts become things." A lot of things all started happening at once. He heard the words, "Leap, and the net will appear," and something re-kindled inside. He sent out a story and was thrilled when it was almost immediately accepted.
He believes that we are divine expressions of the Universe, each and everyone. "It is never too late!,” he states. “Pursue your dreams! They will come true!"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 21, 2015
First if all this is a pretty sweet, prostitute/client story and it's very nicely written. No problems there at all. BG Thomas has a very easy writing style which I like. Basically, it's the story of Red; real name Leslie, a beautiful, very desirable high class escort who is hired by Kirk, a slightly overweight, normal everyday nice guy, who has been in lust with Red ever since he first saw him on the arm of Jeremy a rich friend, at the ballet one time. Since then he's been obsessed with the gorgeous redhead and having been left a decent amount of money from his newly deceased, much loved mum, who told him before she passed away, to just blow it on something that would just make him happy; he decides to use it to hire Red so he can at least be with him once.
What he doesn't realise is that Red/Leslie hadn't always been the beautiful guy. Once upon a time he was the misunderstood gay 'fat kid' who after a disappointment in love and family, took the plunge, lost weight, got discovered by another escort, Matthew, who taught him all he knew...and Bob's your uncle, Fanny's your Aunt...he's suddenly a most sought after highly paid, expensive to hire escort and he's making lots of money.
In a slightly back to front, 'Pretty Womanesque' way they begin a relationship that steps outside the bonds of client and male prostitute but of course there's the problem of Red still carrying on in the profession, Kirk's worries that he's not special enough for Red, and Reds past, that he keeps to himself because even though he's drawn to the nice guy, he's not sure exactly what he and Kirk are really doing together: unsure that he should be pursuing a relationship while he's still servicing clients.
Unfortunately as sweetly romantic and well written as this was, I did struggle to find that special connection and chemistry between the two of them. It just never really sparked for me. There were a few times when the constant adoration from an awe struck besotted Kirk for the beautiful prostitute felt a little too much like fan worship at the beginning, and the constant introduction of how gorgeous Red was and how ordinary and slightly chubby Kirk appeared, began to pall a bit. I got that it's all part of the plot, but I just couldn't get into that mind set at all. They’re likable characters but I never really felt that I had a proper handle on either Red or Kirk, especially Kirk because I had a bit of trouble pigeonholing him, and by that I mean I came away feeling like I didn't fully get to know him that well, even after he got his HEA....
Link to rest of review: http://bit.ly/1yFA0el
️SINFULLY...Addicted To All Male Romance
Formerly
What he doesn't realise is that Red/Leslie hadn't always been the beautiful guy. Once upon a time he was the misunderstood gay 'fat kid' who after a disappointment in love and family, took the plunge, lost weight, got discovered by another escort, Matthew, who taught him all he knew...and Bob's your uncle, Fanny's your Aunt...he's suddenly a most sought after highly paid, expensive to hire escort and he's making lots of money.
In a slightly back to front, 'Pretty Womanesque' way they begin a relationship that steps outside the bonds of client and male prostitute but of course there's the problem of Red still carrying on in the profession, Kirk's worries that he's not special enough for Red, and Reds past, that he keeps to himself because even though he's drawn to the nice guy, he's not sure exactly what he and Kirk are really doing together: unsure that he should be pursuing a relationship while he's still servicing clients.
Unfortunately as sweetly romantic and well written as this was, I did struggle to find that special connection and chemistry between the two of them. It just never really sparked for me. There were a few times when the constant adoration from an awe struck besotted Kirk for the beautiful prostitute felt a little too much like fan worship at the beginning, and the constant introduction of how gorgeous Red was and how ordinary and slightly chubby Kirk appeared, began to pall a bit. I got that it's all part of the plot, but I just couldn't get into that mind set at all. They’re likable characters but I never really felt that I had a proper handle on either Red or Kirk, especially Kirk because I had a bit of trouble pigeonholing him, and by that I mean I came away feeling like I didn't fully get to know him that well, even after he got his HEA....
Link to rest of review: http://bit.ly/1yFA0el
️SINFULLY...Addicted To All Male Romance
Formerly
January 28, 2015
Wow. Let me repeat that: Wow! I simply adored this book. On one level, it is an amazing character study of two men, who each think they are utterly unattractive, only to learn that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. But it is also a moving love story, one with a message of hope for everyone who thinks nobody will ever like them for who they really are. And the way it is written utterly charmed me. B.G. Thomas takes the truth of what it is like to be a male escort and focuses on the emotional implications instead of the physical side of the job. Yes, on the surface this book is very sweet and romantic, but the underlying transformation Red goes through and the realization of what has stopped him from being Leslie, i.e., himself, completely pulled me in.
Red is a very attractive, extremely successful male escort. He likes the finer things in life, and is focused on making the most of his youth while he still has it. Red is a consummate professional, and has learned from the best. It’s all money, and he needs to build a nest egg, provide for is future, and make sure he never goes back to being poor and misunderstood. That is—until he meets Kirk. Kirk isn’t attractive the way most people would define it. He looks slightly nerdy, he is just a little overweight, and his job as an accountant and financial adviser isn’t exactly rip-roaring exciting. But he is solid, and he is real, and he speaks to something inside Red that he has hidden for years.
One “appointment” with Red leads to more, and very gradually, over the course of six months, Red changes. The shell he has built around himself crumbles and, step by step, Leslie emerges. It was fascinating to watch little glimpses of the man underneath the veneer at first, only to see more and more revealed as the story progresses. It’s a gradual process, and very well done. Slow enough to fool Red into not even knowing what is happening until his transformation is complete. And even then the learning and surprises don’t stop as Leslie learns to deal with his past.
If you like character driven stories with men who feel so real you expect them to jump off the pages at any moment, if you want to read about characters who grow and learn right before your eyes, and if you’re looking for a read that is sweet and romantic, yet a deeply meaningful and an emotional journey at the same time, then you will probably like this novella as much as I do. I adore it, and know I will read it again and again because there are lots of layers to it, and I am not sure just one reading has revealed them all. I think it is one of those books that will allow me to discover something new every time I read it. Truly amazing!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Red is a very attractive, extremely successful male escort. He likes the finer things in life, and is focused on making the most of his youth while he still has it. Red is a consummate professional, and has learned from the best. It’s all money, and he needs to build a nest egg, provide for is future, and make sure he never goes back to being poor and misunderstood. That is—until he meets Kirk. Kirk isn’t attractive the way most people would define it. He looks slightly nerdy, he is just a little overweight, and his job as an accountant and financial adviser isn’t exactly rip-roaring exciting. But he is solid, and he is real, and he speaks to something inside Red that he has hidden for years.
One “appointment” with Red leads to more, and very gradually, over the course of six months, Red changes. The shell he has built around himself crumbles and, step by step, Leslie emerges. It was fascinating to watch little glimpses of the man underneath the veneer at first, only to see more and more revealed as the story progresses. It’s a gradual process, and very well done. Slow enough to fool Red into not even knowing what is happening until his transformation is complete. And even then the learning and surprises don’t stop as Leslie learns to deal with his past.
If you like character driven stories with men who feel so real you expect them to jump off the pages at any moment, if you want to read about characters who grow and learn right before your eyes, and if you’re looking for a read that is sweet and romantic, yet a deeply meaningful and an emotional journey at the same time, then you will probably like this novella as much as I do. I adore it, and know I will read it again and again because there are lots of layers to it, and I am not sure just one reading has revealed them all. I think it is one of those books that will allow me to discover something new every time I read it. Truly amazing!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 21, 2015
A review by The Blogger Girls.
Leslie “Red” is a gorgeous redheaded rentboy. He has become accustomed to the lifestyle being a higher priced rentboy has afforded him, but, something is missing.
Kirk is an average looking guy, not super fit or stylish, etc. He takes his mother’s advice/dying wish for him to do something crazy with the money she left him, so he decides to buy the time of Red, whom he met recently. Kirk is really sweet, innocent and inexperienced, and can’t believe Red is with him, even if he is paying for it. But when Red actually wants to spend time with him outside the job, he is a bit stunned.
Red is realizing that he actually likes spending time with Kirk. He is a bit confused about his own feelings regarding his profession, finding it harder and harder to keep his two lives separated. Has he become Red to be the rentboy, or is Leslie who he is while working? Red/Les and Kirk have more in common than first appears, and though it takes some time, Red/Les realizes Kirk is one of the few people he has been or wants to be Les with. As the two spend more and more time together, their friendship grows, and though they never really discuss it, Kirk seems to be ok with Red’s job. He seems to realize that things are different when Red is with him than when Red is working.
So, this story was a bit about discovery and what was important beyond the superficial. I found it a quick and easy read. I am a sucker for rentboy stories, and I really enjoyed reading this short story. There are some flashbacks showing how Les became Red and got his start in the business. I’m not generally a flashback fan, but, since this is one the aspects I find interesting, it was something I ended up liking. I’d definitely recommend this if you’re a rentboy fan and are looking for a feel good afternoon read. This is my first book by Mr. Thomas, but it definitely won’t be my last.
February 7, 2015
To me, a big part of this short 90 page read is about self-sacrifice and keeping a promise to a very dear, recently-departed mother.
Kirk is a 35 year old accountant and investor who's sacrificed his own life for years to take care of his ailing mother, who has cancer. But I see her biggest gift to her son as being not her money, but her desire to see him actually live his life to the fullest.
So with the money burning a hole in his bank account and the promise to his mother as a much-needed push forward, Kirk decides to go for what he wants, which is Red.
Kirk was fascinated by the younger Red from the moment they met at the ballet, when Red was spending the evening with one of Kirk's colleagues. A "paid" evening.
So months later, when Kirk discovers that Red's very expensive time can be rented, he makes a "date" with Red, only to freak out and bolt just when things were getting interesting. In other words, the paid portion of the program.
Although mortified by his behavior on their first date, Kirk finally makes another date with Red, which turns out much better. This time, they actually hit it off and Kirk begins to open up to Red about his life and his promise to his mother.
And when leaving, Red not only tears up Kirk's check, but he also begins to invite Kirk to spend time 'off the clock' (and outside of the bedroom) with him.
The more time that they spend with one another, the more they enjoy their days and evenings together, both men becoming more attached. As much from the easy companionship as from the sex. They just click.
Plus, Red knew that he couldn't escort forever, so he's been good about saving his money up and was starting to think about retiring even before meeting Kirk, so there were less issues about "giving up sex for money to be with you", which we normally see in this genre.
But both men are very insecure. Kirk knows that he's getting older and has a few more inches on his waistline and lines on his face than he would like, so he finds it difficult to believe that the extremely attractive, built and adorable escort might actually want to be with him.
And Red, aka Les, grew up being the fat red-headed kid and he's terrified of ever reverting back to that person again. So he has his own issues to work out.
My only slight criticism about the book was that, while the romance portions of the book were nice, the heat portion of the book could have used a few more logs on the fire.
3.25 Stars for this one.
"She told me that she wanted me to spend her money -- and there was quite a bit of it. She said, ‘I’ve never done anything. I’ve never gone anywhere. And I want you to spend it.’ She said she didn’t want me to make the same mistake she had. She made me promise that I would fulfill some of my dreams and fantasies. She knew I was comfortable, with my business and my investments, and she wanted me to take her money and do something crazy."But it was also about finally gathering up your courage to do what truly makes your life worth living.
Kirk is a 35 year old accountant and investor who's sacrificed his own life for years to take care of his ailing mother, who has cancer. But I see her biggest gift to her son as being not her money, but her desire to see him actually live his life to the fullest.
So with the money burning a hole in his bank account and the promise to his mother as a much-needed push forward, Kirk decides to go for what he wants, which is Red.
Kirk was fascinated by the younger Red from the moment they met at the ballet, when Red was spending the evening with one of Kirk's colleagues. A "paid" evening.
So months later, when Kirk discovers that Red's very expensive time can be rented, he makes a "date" with Red, only to freak out and bolt just when things were getting interesting. In other words, the paid portion of the program.
Although mortified by his behavior on their first date, Kirk finally makes another date with Red, which turns out much better. This time, they actually hit it off and Kirk begins to open up to Red about his life and his promise to his mother.
And when leaving, Red not only tears up Kirk's check, but he also begins to invite Kirk to spend time 'off the clock' (and outside of the bedroom) with him.
The more time that they spend with one another, the more they enjoy their days and evenings together, both men becoming more attached. As much from the easy companionship as from the sex. They just click.
Plus, Red knew that he couldn't escort forever, so he's been good about saving his money up and was starting to think about retiring even before meeting Kirk, so there were less issues about "giving up sex for money to be with you", which we normally see in this genre.
But both men are very insecure. Kirk knows that he's getting older and has a few more inches on his waistline and lines on his face than he would like, so he finds it difficult to believe that the extremely attractive, built and adorable escort might actually want to be with him.
And Red, aka Les, grew up being the fat red-headed kid and he's terrified of ever reverting back to that person again. So he has his own issues to work out.
“I hated myself, Kirk. I wouldn’t undress with the lights on because I didn’t want to see myself naked in the mirror. I hated having to take a shower in high school. I would see those bodies, the bodies of boys that everyone said were perfect, and I knew that wasn’t me. Then in college I lost weight. I worked out, and I got a body that was like what everyone said was perfect….”But both men put in the hard work that it takes to begin dealing with their insecurities and I really enjoyed watching their relationship sprout and grow from their efforts. Then once the internal freak outs were done and they decided that they wanted a life together, we get our happily ever after.
My only slight criticism about the book was that, while the romance portions of the book were nice, the heat portion of the book could have used a few more logs on the fire.
3.25 Stars for this one.
March 23, 2015
Yes I know, I know... 5 stars, really ?! Oh damn yes !
This book is awesome.
Red is basically a whore. No, sorry, an escort. High prices. Almost not affordable for most men. But when Kirk lays his eyes on him, he falls desperately for him. And Red for him. Unless Red is not only Red, he's also Leslie. Red's only Leslie's persona. And when Red meets Kirk, he turns off his persona and becomes Leslie again. Even when Kirk has doubts, when Kirk thinks he's too fat for his lover, not beautiful enough for his lover, Leslie is strong for them and love wins. Love always win...
I loved how the book was build, beginning with chapter ten and ending at one. I loved Matthew, even if I think he's a bit of an ass... and Old Jeremy too. A bit weird but kinda nice in his weirdness. Maybe money does that to people. And Red ? Oh, man, I think I'm in love. His kindness, his talent for interior design, the love he shows in his eyes when he watches Kirk... And Kirk, oh my goodness. How sweet he is... and insecure and... well, you'll see it by yourself.
What are you still doing here ?! Go now, go buy it and share the love of Red :D
Enjoy !
This book is awesome.
Red is basically a whore. No, sorry, an escort. High prices. Almost not affordable for most men. But when Kirk lays his eyes on him, he falls desperately for him. And Red for him. Unless Red is not only Red, he's also Leslie. Red's only Leslie's persona. And when Red meets Kirk, he turns off his persona and becomes Leslie again. Even when Kirk has doubts, when Kirk thinks he's too fat for his lover, not beautiful enough for his lover, Leslie is strong for them and love wins. Love always win...
I loved how the book was build, beginning with chapter ten and ending at one. I loved Matthew, even if I think he's a bit of an ass... and Old Jeremy too. A bit weird but kinda nice in his weirdness. Maybe money does that to people. And Red ? Oh, man, I think I'm in love. His kindness, his talent for interior design, the love he shows in his eyes when he watches Kirk... And Kirk, oh my goodness. How sweet he is... and insecure and... well, you'll see it by yourself.
What are you still doing here ?! Go now, go buy it and share the love of Red :D
Enjoy !
March 30, 2016
I loved how at first Kirk and Leslie seem like opposites, but as I continued to read, I realized that they are very similar. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved the chapter titles...very clever!
April 2, 2015
Sweet short about two lonely souls.
January 28, 2015
Beautiful story of a gorgeous gay escort, Red, who had what he wanted, money, apartment, and steady clients who paid him well, but there was one thing he didn't have, real love. One evening he had an appointment with a client, and the minute he saw him at the bar, he thought the man, Kirk, was handsome and different. Kirk was shy and self-conscious and he had a hard time thinking that Red would even think twice about him. Kirk was a little pudgy, but still handsome in a rugged, geeky kind of way. Red thought he was just that handsome. After getting through the initial formalities, Red wanted to get him out of there and back to Kirk's place. Kirk hadn't been with a man for over 5 years so he was essentially scared, but Red made him feel comfortable...Wanted him to feel good in every way. .And that was exactly what Red felt about Kirk. Kirk was an accountant who had investment experience and Red (Leslie) loved doing interior design. The moment Red got together on New Year's Eve (his second encounter with Kirk) he knew he was having feelings for Kirk. He even tore up the check because he didn't want to think of him as a client. Their lives changed from that point on. Red admitted he loved Kirk. Great Sex and a beautiful relationship. The story line was great and I loved the characters. If you love MM Romance and Love and how much it can change a life for the better, you need to read this one. Loved it. A must Read.
January 29, 2015
“Red” is the story of a young, attractive escort named Leslie but goes by his professional name, Red. He is hired by Kirk, a single, middle-aged man who has been taking care of his dying mother. When she passes away, she leaves him some money and advises him to spend it and have fun in his life. Kirk considers himself unattractive and is surprised when Red disagrees.
While Red tries to keep the arrangement strictly professional, he can’t help but fall for this innocent and inexperienced man whom he finds very sexy, sweet and enjoys spending time with him. Their relationship turns serious and Red finds himself abandoning his life as an escort and revealing his true, hidden self as Leslie.
This was a quick read, but highly enjoyable nonetheless. B.G. Thomas has a unique way of fleshing out characters and making them realistic and people you really care for. I loved how the two men, Leslie/Red and Kirk, developed and their relationship went from simple client-escort to friendship and, finally, to love.
While Red tries to keep the arrangement strictly professional, he can’t help but fall for this innocent and inexperienced man whom he finds very sexy, sweet and enjoys spending time with him. Their relationship turns serious and Red finds himself abandoning his life as an escort and revealing his true, hidden self as Leslie.
This was a quick read, but highly enjoyable nonetheless. B.G. Thomas has a unique way of fleshing out characters and making them realistic and people you really care for. I loved how the two men, Leslie/Red and Kirk, developed and their relationship went from simple client-escort to friendship and, finally, to love.
February 2, 2015
I loved Kirk :-)
March 15, 2019
Red is the story of Leslie “Red” Parks, a male escort, and Kirk Toliver, who inherited a large sum of money. The story is told from both Red and Kirk’s pov.
3.5 Stars
3.5 Stars
May 4, 2017
Cute short read - enjoyed. Like me some rent boy trope stories, and this was fun. Believable in the turn around ending, having the gentlemen fall for each other, how their relationship strolls off into a HEA sunset.
January 16, 2015
Sooo hard to rate this book, not because it was badly written, but because as much as I tried, I couldn’t connect with any of the characters. I think the POV plays an important role in getting to know a character; I’m sad to say I didn’t really get to know very well neither Red nor Kirk. This book was in third person omniscient, and the constant jumping from one person’s mind to the other’s made it very impersonal and I felt distanced from the characters.
Red is a male escort; he’s a ginger (yay, I love gingers) hottie, beautiful, with a body to die for. But Red is only a façade; the real person hiding under Red is Les, an insecure boy, who still has some self-esteem problems. Les wasn’t always beautiful, in fact he used to be overweight. I had a hard time figuring Red (Les) out; he was terrified of becoming overweight again, but considered chubby Kirk hot, yet when they first have sex Red thinks another man. *shrugs*
Kirk is a middle aged investor, overweight, inexperienced, shy; to me, he was more like a blushing virgin than a mature man. The first time he set eyes on Red, he fell in love lust with him; his promise to his deathly ill mother leads him to hire Red for a night of fun. Kirk is somewhat endearing with his constant stuttering and blushing, but I can’t say I really liked him as a person.
My biggest problem with this book was the constant flashbacks Red had of conversations with Matthew while he interacted with other characters; at one point I had to go back and re-read to make sure Matthew wasn’t actually a part of that scene. And who exactly was Matthew? I’m still not sure, could be a friend, a pimp, a co-worker, a jealous lover, a raging drama queen…I got glimpses of all of them but I couldn’t say for sure.
I liked the book but I didn’t love it. Too many flashbacks and I know for a fact the omniscient element doesn’t work for me, it’s simply too impersonal. There is a love story somewhere in this book, but it’s hard to detect any emotions that the characters feel at any given time. However, what I liked was the easy to see character growth. Both Les and Kirk change; Kirk becomes more confident and learns to accept that a beautiful man like Les can and does love him for who he is. Les realizes that with the love and support Kirk gives him, he can turn his life around and be his true self.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Red is a male escort; he’s a ginger (yay, I love gingers) hottie, beautiful, with a body to die for. But Red is only a façade; the real person hiding under Red is Les, an insecure boy, who still has some self-esteem problems. Les wasn’t always beautiful, in fact he used to be overweight. I had a hard time figuring Red (Les) out; he was terrified of becoming overweight again, but considered chubby Kirk hot, yet when they first have sex Red thinks another man. *shrugs*
Kirk is a middle aged investor, overweight, inexperienced, shy; to me, he was more like a blushing virgin than a mature man. The first time he set eyes on Red, he fell in love lust with him; his promise to his deathly ill mother leads him to hire Red for a night of fun. Kirk is somewhat endearing with his constant stuttering and blushing, but I can’t say I really liked him as a person.
My biggest problem with this book was the constant flashbacks Red had of conversations with Matthew while he interacted with other characters; at one point I had to go back and re-read to make sure Matthew wasn’t actually a part of that scene. And who exactly was Matthew? I’m still not sure, could be a friend, a pimp, a co-worker, a jealous lover, a raging drama queen…I got glimpses of all of them but I couldn’t say for sure.
I liked the book but I didn’t love it. Too many flashbacks and I know for a fact the omniscient element doesn’t work for me, it’s simply too impersonal. There is a love story somewhere in this book, but it’s hard to detect any emotions that the characters feel at any given time. However, what I liked was the easy to see character growth. Both Les and Kirk change; Kirk becomes more confident and learns to accept that a beautiful man like Les can and does love him for who he is. Les realizes that with the love and support Kirk gives him, he can turn his life around and be his true self.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
February 1, 2015
3.5 star review by Danielle
Let me first start with saying that I really enjoy B.G Thomas’s writing. His stories are inspiring, enjoyable, easy reads and I look forward to seeing a new title appear.
When I read the blurb for this story I was immediately sold…I mean rentboys!
We meet Red “Leslie” who is a high-class rentboy. Not having the easiest childhood, having had problems as he was growing up and left feeling anything but desirable, we now meet him really liking the fact that people (customers) find him desirable and are willing to pay big money to be with him.
Then we have Kirk who’s the total opposite of Red but more like a man who “Leslie”could really like. Kirk is a shy bear type of man. He spends his inheritance on a night with his dream guy “Red”.
Neither man could have imagined that one night could change both of their lives and what could come of one night being together with ……. “The right one??”
As I mentioned I really like the authors writing. It is real, honest and catchy and it flows wonderfully. The writing wasn’t a problem for me because it is still that way but unfortunately it was the story that just didn’t get to me.
I didn’t feel a connection to either of the main characters, though they were nice and there was indeed a story behind both of them. I just didn’t feel it.
I found myself struggling to concentrate and to keep up to date on how the story evolved. It is not that the story isn’t real or holds no real elements because god knows it does.
I am happy that Leslie and Kirk get their happy ending, I feel pleased that Leslie finds a way to cope with his past and that Kirk learns to be more confident, as I am also very satisfied that they are together.
But that is it nothing more, nothing less.
I do want to applaud Mr Thomas for addressing certain difficult or tender subjects in this story so kudo’s for that.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Let me first start with saying that I really enjoy B.G Thomas’s writing. His stories are inspiring, enjoyable, easy reads and I look forward to seeing a new title appear.
When I read the blurb for this story I was immediately sold…I mean rentboys!
We meet Red “Leslie” who is a high-class rentboy. Not having the easiest childhood, having had problems as he was growing up and left feeling anything but desirable, we now meet him really liking the fact that people (customers) find him desirable and are willing to pay big money to be with him.
Then we have Kirk who’s the total opposite of Red but more like a man who “Leslie”could really like. Kirk is a shy bear type of man. He spends his inheritance on a night with his dream guy “Red”.
Neither man could have imagined that one night could change both of their lives and what could come of one night being together with ……. “The right one??”
As I mentioned I really like the authors writing. It is real, honest and catchy and it flows wonderfully. The writing wasn’t a problem for me because it is still that way but unfortunately it was the story that just didn’t get to me.
I didn’t feel a connection to either of the main characters, though they were nice and there was indeed a story behind both of them. I just didn’t feel it.
I found myself struggling to concentrate and to keep up to date on how the story evolved. It is not that the story isn’t real or holds no real elements because god knows it does.
I am happy that Leslie and Kirk get their happy ending, I feel pleased that Leslie finds a way to cope with his past and that Kirk learns to be more confident, as I am also very satisfied that they are together.
But that is it nothing more, nothing less.
I do want to applaud Mr Thomas for addressing certain difficult or tender subjects in this story so kudo’s for that.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
February 27, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Red, by author B.G. Thomas, is a whimsical love story and a gentle rediscovery of self. In this sweet novella, the author explores the idea that when we cut ourselves off from our past, from who we really are, we lose that piece of us that allows us to be truly free. Red discovers that he has lost himself along the way—that the acting he has supposedly been doing to keep himself apart from the escort/whore he has become was not really acting after all. Instead, the self-loathing he felt beginning all those years ago did not disappear with a nickname and weight loss—it simply went underground where it stole his ability to truly feel. Sweet, geeky, chubby Kyle is the catalyst that breaks open that locked door where Red has stored all his pain.
I simply loved these two men—both were carrying their own pain over what they perceived as their flaws. When they found a safe place in each other, it was as if they began to really understand their own self-worth for the first time. Red was a tender love story that spoke of the very real fact that beauty is only skin deep and it is our soul that draws another to us where love can begin to grow.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
April 16, 2017
So Sweet, Somewhat Believable, But The Cover?
Red is supposed to be a high-priced, extraordinarily beautiful, ginger male escort. Kirk is supposed to be a mid-30s, slightly out of shape, terribly shy client. That the escort-client relationship should blossom into a slowly developing romance and love story is not surprising--and it is sweet and slightly believable.
The question is--who is that man on the cover? It certainly isn't Red, and it might be Kirk, but why title the book after the main character and put the other on the cover--or why didn't someone just call the book something else and let us really think it's Kirk. Get past it and it's a nice after-dinner read.
Red is supposed to be a high-priced, extraordinarily beautiful, ginger male escort. Kirk is supposed to be a mid-30s, slightly out of shape, terribly shy client. That the escort-client relationship should blossom into a slowly developing romance and love story is not surprising--and it is sweet and slightly believable.
The question is--who is that man on the cover? It certainly isn't Red, and it might be Kirk, but why title the book after the main character and put the other on the cover--or why didn't someone just call the book something else and let us really think it's Kirk. Get past it and it's a nice after-dinner read.
January 25, 2015
A sweet story about characters I really liked. I enjoyed seeing Red carefully learning that someone could love him for himself, and that he could care for and love someone too.
The story is set around New Year's and I enjoyed reading about Kansas City and some of its traditions at that time of the year.
Minor spoiler:
The story is set around New Year's and I enjoyed reading about Kansas City and some of its traditions at that time of the year.
Minor spoiler:
February 11, 2015
On the heels of having read "Derek" by the same author, I browsed other book descriptions and decided on "Red". B.G. Thomas has a way of making a reader really care about his characters. I wanted another chance to cheer his protagonist on towards a happy ending, and was not disappointed! With "Red", I got a bonus. I thought I'd be following one man's path to happiness, but soon realized it takes two to tango - and two to find that happy ending. Well danced, indeed.
March 30, 2015
I don't know what I can add to the 5* reviews already written about this book.
I loved it. The book itself was well-written and the two main characters were adorable.
I'll certainly look for more books from this author.
I loved it. The book itself was well-written and the two main characters were adorable.
I'll certainly look for more books from this author.
April 20, 2015
a sweet short story
February 21, 2016
Fun story! Loved both Red and Kirk.
June 18, 2015
3.5 stars
February 13, 2015
What a wonderful and sweet story. I fell in love by Kirk from the first moment they met and by Red too. It was a really great read. Loved it! a well deserved 5*
February 26, 2015
I loved both main characters, one investment geek and the other a male escort. I thought it delivered a lot of emotion for a short story.
April 16, 2015
It's ok I guess ... nothing new under the sun for me with this one.
August 18, 2015
Never get disappointed with Mrs.Thomas.... when I need something sweet and beautiful to begin my day.
December 6, 2015
Great
A very touching story. Red an escort has a relationship with an unlikely client. It is an honest relationship that is beautifully told.
A very touching story. Red an escort has a relationship with an unlikely client. It is an honest relationship that is beautifully told.
February 13, 2015
4.25 stars
April 17, 2017
Loved everything about this one. Red's endless pursuit of 'the finer things' is really a pursuit of acceptance. Kirk is one of the sweetest, most genuine characters I've read. He accepts Red, as he is; his job, his fake name, and allows the real Leslie to emerge. Red's transformation back to Leslie left me stunned. There is realness to this book, depth of emotion and connection.
Well done B.G.!
Adult read
Well done B.G.!
Adult read
April 21, 2017
Cute characters, cute story.
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