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Toby
Toby is a high quality male prostitute living in Barcelona who is having trouble giving up drugs and the party lifestyle.
When he meets Jakob, a handsome gay Danish guy, he's confronted by his feelings for him and attracted to his innocence. He can see himself giving up the drugs with Jakob around.
Then Ariana comes into his life, a successful and beautiful woman from New York. She represents everything he wants to be and is drawn in by her beauty and her energy.
He's torn between the man of his dreams and the woman of his dreams. The problem is, neither of them know he's a prostitute and a heavy drug user.
Can Toby make the changes his life needs and fall in love with the right person?
When he meets Jakob, a handsome gay Danish guy, he's confronted by his feelings for him and attracted to his innocence. He can see himself giving up the drugs with Jakob around.
Then Ariana comes into his life, a successful and beautiful woman from New York. She represents everything he wants to be and is drawn in by her beauty and her energy.
He's torn between the man of his dreams and the woman of his dreams. The problem is, neither of them know he's a prostitute and a heavy drug user.
Can Toby make the changes his life needs and fall in love with the right person?
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2016
8 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Fox Emerson
16 books31 followersWhile rain trickled down my windows during my childhood, I curled up on a cushioned sofa with a hot drink, a new adventure and I waited impatiently to grow up.
Several years later, I'm still waiting to grow up. In the meantime, grab a drink and jump on board and come on a journey with me. I promise you it will be different.
The ride might be the sordid or gritty story of a North London prostitute, or it might be the dystopian/apocalyptic terrorism fighting hero.
I've also started writing as Adam Norty, so don't be confused by the alias. Fans of A Boy Called Q will enjoy the Adam Norty smut side of things.
Fox Emerson
Several years later, I'm still waiting to grow up. In the meantime, grab a drink and jump on board and come on a journey with me. I promise you it will be different.
The ride might be the sordid or gritty story of a North London prostitute, or it might be the dystopian/apocalyptic terrorism fighting hero.
I've also started writing as Adam Norty, so don't be confused by the alias. Fans of A Boy Called Q will enjoy the Adam Norty smut side of things.
Fox Emerson
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 13, 2017
3.5 stars
This is a wonderfully bizarre story of a drug addicted escort giving up his vices in search of something better. It's not erotica, or really, romance, it's more the H coming to terms with his life choices and inner demons.
This book reminds me of something written by a creative writing major because of its very polished adult fiction vibe. The problem is it swiftly changes from almost overly descriptive prose to rough or mundane word usage. The prologue, for example, is a completely different voice than the rest of the novel. Some may not care, but it was jolting for me as a reader.
While I really enjoyed this novel it had issues that kept it from 5 stars for me.
—Overall story. The plot just skimmed the surface. There were so many things left unanswered or underdeveloped or just randomly added in that I felt like the book needed another 20-40k words to solve those issues.
—Murray plot-line. I mean, wtf is that all about? We never see Ariana deal with this. It's just over and I'm left thinking the author missed a serious home run with Murray's character. Instead, as written, I think the entire plot-line should have been left out.
—Toby. I liked him, but because his issues were not handled with much depth, I never felt connection to him. And I wanted to. Desperately. I wanted to love him and feel the depth of his agony and the growth of his journey...but I felt no more than morbid curiosity.
So why did I not DNF?
It's engaging and based on a real person. The multi-POVs helped tremendously. Until 65% the plot was really good, I didn't realize things were going to be left hanging at this point and it kept me flipping pages without breaking. Though, I almost DNF'd several times during the course of the book, I felt drawn to know where this plot was headed. While I'm glad I read this, I wish it had been...more.
Would I recommend it?
Yes...but with the caveat that the book has issues so let them go and enjoy the bones. You'll have to provide the meat with your own imagination. Again, I wish this had at least another 30k words. I will definitely look for more by this author.
---fave quote---
“So, if you don’t mind me asking you, are you bisexual?”
“I don’t know. I like people.”
-----------------
SG Ladies: this isn't standard romance so keep that in mind. The first chapter is a snap shot of Toby on a daily round of his clients. Toby is in a quasi relationship with Jakob when he meets Ariana. Jakob doesn't know Toby is an escort and Ariana doesn't know he's a drug addict. Sex is secondary to plot and not overly descriptive. Not FTB, but close. This isn't a triangle. It's obvious what each character feels for the other and the odd one out is the least harmed emotionally by Toby in this book. If you need serious deets, let me know.
This is a wonderfully bizarre story of a drug addicted escort giving up his vices in search of something better. It's not erotica, or really, romance, it's more the H coming to terms with his life choices and inner demons.
This book reminds me of something written by a creative writing major because of its very polished adult fiction vibe. The problem is it swiftly changes from almost overly descriptive prose to rough or mundane word usage. The prologue, for example, is a completely different voice than the rest of the novel. Some may not care, but it was jolting for me as a reader.
While I really enjoyed this novel it had issues that kept it from 5 stars for me.
—Overall story. The plot just skimmed the surface. There were so many things left unanswered or underdeveloped or just randomly added in that I felt like the book needed another 20-40k words to solve those issues.
—Murray plot-line. I mean, wtf is that all about? We never see Ariana deal with this. It's just over and I'm left thinking the author missed a serious home run with Murray's character. Instead, as written, I think the entire plot-line should have been left out.
—Toby. I liked him, but because his issues were not handled with much depth, I never felt connection to him. And I wanted to. Desperately. I wanted to love him and feel the depth of his agony and the growth of his journey...but I felt no more than morbid curiosity.
So why did I not DNF?
It's engaging and based on a real person. The multi-POVs helped tremendously. Until 65% the plot was really good, I didn't realize things were going to be left hanging at this point and it kept me flipping pages without breaking. Though, I almost DNF'd several times during the course of the book, I felt drawn to know where this plot was headed. While I'm glad I read this, I wish it had been...more.
Would I recommend it?
Yes...but with the caveat that the book has issues so let them go and enjoy the bones. You'll have to provide the meat with your own imagination. Again, I wish this had at least another 30k words. I will definitely look for more by this author.
---fave quote---
“So, if you don’t mind me asking you, are you bisexual?”
“I don’t know. I like people.”
-----------------
SG Ladies: this isn't standard romance so keep that in mind. The first chapter is a snap shot of Toby on a daily round of his clients. Toby is in a quasi relationship with Jakob when he meets Ariana. Jakob doesn't know Toby is an escort and Ariana doesn't know he's a drug addict. Sex is secondary to plot and not overly descriptive. Not FTB, but close. This isn't a triangle. It's obvious what each character feels for the other and the odd one out is the least harmed emotionally by Toby in this book. If you need serious deets, let me know.
January 28, 2017
Did not have as much of an impact as the Q books, nor Monique, but having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I felt that Toby might be based on a real person (though I cant be sure) and his struggles with drugs and needing to be loved were evident and made me understand who he is.
Recommended read, though the sex was a little explicit for my personal tastes (though that makes the story better for many).
I felt that Toby might be based on a real person (though I cant be sure) and his struggles with drugs and needing to be loved were evident and made me understand who he is.
Recommended read, though the sex was a little explicit for my personal tastes (though that makes the story better for many).
July 10, 2016
It is the journey that is important,
not the beginning or the destination. Toby journeyed to many places, and many people, but not in the normal accepted way. This does not mean it was wrong, but it may have created more struggles and route changes tan necessary. We all choose paths for reasons often known only to us, often from fear, pain avoidance, misunderstandings, misinterpreted desires, power, greed, jealousy, ego, and other similar poor excuses as justification. Rarely is pure love the motive or the means to an end - destination - that we truly want for our lives. Fortunately, most destinations are temporary pauses on the path of life, bringing closure to some things, and opening new routes for others. The paths often recross to provide second chances. Free will to choose the path is not free, and comes with scars, regrets, and burned bridges. But a life of love for people, regardless of gender, does not have to mean sex, although love flows through all aspects of relationships, including sex. If only everyone was open minded and respectful instead of condescending and hateful, the world would be a better place for all, including Toby, friends, and family. This book identifies some of the issues, problems, and methods of avoidance of bands things by using drugs that make everything far worse. But it also shows how situations can be overcome to fill the hollow inside us with unrestricted love. There is a life lesson here, but most of those who need it most will never consider reading a gay book, especially if there might learn something, or have to change their attitude. So life's struggles will continue, and the evils will remain. Be safe out there.
not the beginning or the destination. Toby journeyed to many places, and many people, but not in the normal accepted way. This does not mean it was wrong, but it may have created more struggles and route changes tan necessary. We all choose paths for reasons often known only to us, often from fear, pain avoidance, misunderstandings, misinterpreted desires, power, greed, jealousy, ego, and other similar poor excuses as justification. Rarely is pure love the motive or the means to an end - destination - that we truly want for our lives. Fortunately, most destinations are temporary pauses on the path of life, bringing closure to some things, and opening new routes for others. The paths often recross to provide second chances. Free will to choose the path is not free, and comes with scars, regrets, and burned bridges. But a life of love for people, regardless of gender, does not have to mean sex, although love flows through all aspects of relationships, including sex. If only everyone was open minded and respectful instead of condescending and hateful, the world would be a better place for all, including Toby, friends, and family. This book identifies some of the issues, problems, and methods of avoidance of bands things by using drugs that make everything far worse. But it also shows how situations can be overcome to fill the hollow inside us with unrestricted love. There is a life lesson here, but most of those who need it most will never consider reading a gay book, especially if there might learn something, or have to change their attitude. So life's struggles will continue, and the evils will remain. Be safe out there.
July 1, 2016
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Toby is a male escort, and a heavy drug user. He meets first Jakob, then Arianna. He cares deeply for them both. Things happen that cause Toby to question his very existence, and his life falls apart around his ears.
Sometimes when I'm reading a book, I can see where its going, how it might play out. Sometimes not. The sign of a good book is keeping my interest up, keeping me engaged enough to want to know whether I'm right or wrong. Doesn't matter which way it pans out, either.
In THIS book, for a long time, indeed right til the end, I could not see which way it was going to go. At points I really didn't care. I did, a couple of times, think about marking it DNF and moving on.
BUT I DIDN'T.
I think the main reason is Toby himself. I didn't like him, couldn't get into his mindset. Couldn't connect with him.
We do get to hear from Toby the most, but Jakob has his say, as does Arianna, and another character (who's storyline did not do anything for this book!) However, I do love getting to hear from everyone, even the bad guys.
It is well written and I did not spot a single spelling mistake.
Solid over 18 read, with drug abuse by more than one character and talk of a rape( not described, just talked about)
This is the first I've read of this author, that I can see. I will read other work, I just might not jump at the chance.
Because of the multi point of view, and I DID finish it
3 stars
**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk**
Toby is a male escort, and a heavy drug user. He meets first Jakob, then Arianna. He cares deeply for them both. Things happen that cause Toby to question his very existence, and his life falls apart around his ears.
Sometimes when I'm reading a book, I can see where its going, how it might play out. Sometimes not. The sign of a good book is keeping my interest up, keeping me engaged enough to want to know whether I'm right or wrong. Doesn't matter which way it pans out, either.
In THIS book, for a long time, indeed right til the end, I could not see which way it was going to go. At points I really didn't care. I did, a couple of times, think about marking it DNF and moving on.
BUT I DIDN'T.
I think the main reason is Toby himself. I didn't like him, couldn't get into his mindset. Couldn't connect with him.
We do get to hear from Toby the most, but Jakob has his say, as does Arianna, and another character (who's storyline did not do anything for this book!) However, I do love getting to hear from everyone, even the bad guys.
It is well written and I did not spot a single spelling mistake.
Solid over 18 read, with drug abuse by more than one character and talk of a rape( not described, just talked about)
This is the first I've read of this author, that I can see. I will read other work, I just might not jump at the chance.
Because of the multi point of view, and I DID finish it
3 stars
**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk**
June 22, 2016
Excellent and well written book!
Toby left his mother and after a few stints after leaving Texas, moves to Barcelona, where he becomes a successful escort. The story starts with Toby revisiting his mother after her death and returning to a place which clearly holds memories for him that he's tried to forget.
Back to the present, Toby is halfway through a very interesting romance with a Danish guy called Jakob, who Toby is trying desperately not to fall for when he meets Ariana.
Ariana is by far my favorite character, she's successful, beautiful and charismatic. What happens between them is what I feel is one of the strongest parts of the story. Especially when Ariana's ex-psychotic partner stalks them and things get a little interesting.
A great and very gripping book. The only downside was a predictable ending, but then I guess it is what turns this book into a romance. Highly recommended!
Toby left his mother and after a few stints after leaving Texas, moves to Barcelona, where he becomes a successful escort. The story starts with Toby revisiting his mother after her death and returning to a place which clearly holds memories for him that he's tried to forget.
Back to the present, Toby is halfway through a very interesting romance with a Danish guy called Jakob, who Toby is trying desperately not to fall for when he meets Ariana.
Ariana is by far my favorite character, she's successful, beautiful and charismatic. What happens between them is what I feel is one of the strongest parts of the story. Especially when Ariana's ex-psychotic partner stalks them and things get a little interesting.
A great and very gripping book. The only downside was a predictable ending, but then I guess it is what turns this book into a romance. Highly recommended!
June 18, 2016
I love a book that keeps me gripped and entertained and this book has all the major ingredients of a good romance.
While some of the sex (mm) isn't my thing, it was well written and described and fit into the storyline perfectly.
Toby's life is lacking friendships and love as the story centers around his clients and his goals. You do see a very lonely man who years for more.
When he meets Jakob, the relationship seems to go into full bloom, even though Toby seems hesitant to go down that road.
It is his relationship with Ariana I enjoyed the most and without providing a spoiler, there was a sense of, 'what if' between them.
I loved the ending, however predictable it was (well, to me anyway).
Toby is a beautifully written book that perfectly showcases the troubled life of a male escort who realizes his life needs more.
Another excellent book by Fox Emerson!
While some of the sex (mm) isn't my thing, it was well written and described and fit into the storyline perfectly.
Toby's life is lacking friendships and love as the story centers around his clients and his goals. You do see a very lonely man who years for more.
When he meets Jakob, the relationship seems to go into full bloom, even though Toby seems hesitant to go down that road.
It is his relationship with Ariana I enjoyed the most and without providing a spoiler, there was a sense of, 'what if' between them.
I loved the ending, however predictable it was (well, to me anyway).
Toby is a beautifully written book that perfectly showcases the troubled life of a male escort who realizes his life needs more.
Another excellent book by Fox Emerson!
June 22, 2016
This love story has a good amount of emotion and sex. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone interested in this type of literature.
April 3, 2017
New to me author. This book has both mf and mm elements, and is based on a male escort, who changes his life around. I'll read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews