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Rags and Riches #5
Camera Shy
Trust is earned, but sometimes we form walls around ourselves to protect us from the pain, keeping others from getting close, and shielding us from the darkness that lurks around us.
Charles has faced the worst of that darkness. Living on the streets from eleven years old, he learned to survive by trusting no one. Now, off the streets and in his twenties, he still lives a secluded life, letting only a select few into his circle.
William is one of the best photographers in the country, making a career out of traveling the country, working for some of the best companies in the world. He loves his job, but longs for more. Tired of people taking advantage of him for his status, he hides behind his camera, wishing to find that one person meant for him, but he worries no one will ever see past the lens of his camera to the person behind it.
When William meets Charles, he is sure he's found the perfect model for his newest project, but Charles has been in front of cameras before. It's not something he wishes to repeat. Still, he can't ignore the feeling he gets when around William, and as the two continue to talk, a friendship forms that draws them closer together.
They both have their scars and their secrets, but as they get to know each other better, they find that they have more in common than they thought. As the walls around them start to fall, they find that sometimes you have to learn to trust in order to love.
Charles has faced the worst of that darkness. Living on the streets from eleven years old, he learned to survive by trusting no one. Now, off the streets and in his twenties, he still lives a secluded life, letting only a select few into his circle.
William is one of the best photographers in the country, making a career out of traveling the country, working for some of the best companies in the world. He loves his job, but longs for more. Tired of people taking advantage of him for his status, he hides behind his camera, wishing to find that one person meant for him, but he worries no one will ever see past the lens of his camera to the person behind it.
When William meets Charles, he is sure he's found the perfect model for his newest project, but Charles has been in front of cameras before. It's not something he wishes to repeat. Still, he can't ignore the feeling he gets when around William, and as the two continue to talk, a friendship forms that draws them closer together.
They both have their scars and their secrets, but as they get to know each other better, they find that they have more in common than they thought. As the walls around them start to fall, they find that sometimes you have to learn to trust in order to love.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2016
About the author
E.M. Leya
100 books317 followersE.M. Leya lives surrounded by the beautiful mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah with her amazing daughter and loving pets. She is passionate about the world we live in and current events, deeming herself a "news junkie". She believes that we are all here to create something beautiful, whether it's through our talents or our actions. She enjoys writing stories that take us deep into real world problems while showing that love can happen for anyone, regardless of how dark their past might be.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 17, 2018
*** This is a terrific slow burn romance by E. M. Leya, *** even though they are drawn to each other from the start.
Circumstances require hesitation. * A lovely M/M story.*
It's a study in how to overcome traumatic events and live life. Charlie...
Well written, absorbing, and deeply moving. Charlie is a long haired beauty, scarred and timid, lonely and hopeful.
He meets William, a professional photographer,
who's handsome, accepting and caring. William offers Charlie an amazing opportunity. I cried big fat tears when Charlie told William about his abusive past, and cried again later when Charlie's friends surprise him. We are totally wrapped up in these characters.
I loved the story from the beginning to the end. It flowed steadily with each and every character having a place in the men's lives. This is a series, but each can stand alone.
The sex between the two men was also a slow burn of anticipation and want.
The past abuse of Charlie required understanding and patience, which William provided. William had scars of his own. Long talks, TLC - tender loving care, and intense longing are here as we wind through the journey with these amazing people. Well done - heart wrenching - heartwarming - a truly beautiful story.
I highly recommend this astoundingly loving book. ENJOY !
=================
Circumstances require hesitation. * A lovely M/M story.*
It's a study in how to overcome traumatic events and live life. Charlie...
Well written, absorbing, and deeply moving. Charlie is a long haired beauty, scarred and timid, lonely and hopeful.
He meets William, a professional photographer,
who's handsome, accepting and caring. William offers Charlie an amazing opportunity. I cried big fat tears when Charlie told William about his abusive past, and cried again later when Charlie's friends surprise him. We are totally wrapped up in these characters.
I loved the story from the beginning to the end. It flowed steadily with each and every character having a place in the men's lives. This is a series, but each can stand alone.
The sex between the two men was also a slow burn of anticipation and want.
The past abuse of Charlie required understanding and patience, which William provided. William had scars of his own. Long talks, TLC - tender loving care, and intense longing are here as we wind through the journey with these amazing people. Well done - heart wrenching - heartwarming - a truly beautiful story.
I highly recommend this astoundingly loving book. ENJOY !
=================
August 23, 2016
Very Good.
Another great instalment in the Rags to Riches series. Triggers in this book are sexual abuse of a minor but it's an uplifting story of how love can heal many wounds.
Another great instalment in the Rags to Riches series. Triggers in this book are sexual abuse of a minor but it's an uplifting story of how love can heal many wounds.
May 9, 2018
Don't let your past ruin your future.
Another winner in the series. Charles' struggles to escape and forget his past, William may be the key to his future.
Another winner in the series. Charles' struggles to escape and forget his past, William may be the key to his future.
August 7, 2016
FINALLY !! Charles' story !!!
Charles has had me the most intrigued, after meeting him in Princes' book i really wanted to know what had happened to him in his past to make him so shy, timid and withdrawn. I NEVER expected his story to be as emotional as it was though !! Finding out that he'd been on the streets since the age of 11 was not easy to digest, especially when the reason as to why is found out too. IT certainly explains why he has major trust issues with new people and also why, when they first meet, when William asks him to model, he basically shuts him down straight away. The way E.M. Leya wrote this was, yet again perfect, when she was describing William and the jobs he's done/does, as a photographer, i was able to picture a photographer from Facebook who has done work pretty similar to William with VET's.
It was great to see Charles' trust grow with William, as well as seeing him come to the realisation that not everyone is after him for the same thing, they're not all like the people from his past. The fact that yet again we get appearances from the previous books characters didn't take away from this being Charles and Williams story, it just enhanced it.
I absolutely loved every single thing about this story and shed a few tears too.
Charles has had me the most intrigued, after meeting him in Princes' book i really wanted to know what had happened to him in his past to make him so shy, timid and withdrawn. I NEVER expected his story to be as emotional as it was though !! Finding out that he'd been on the streets since the age of 11 was not easy to digest, especially when the reason as to why is found out too. IT certainly explains why he has major trust issues with new people and also why, when they first meet, when William asks him to model, he basically shuts him down straight away. The way E.M. Leya wrote this was, yet again perfect, when she was describing William and the jobs he's done/does, as a photographer, i was able to picture a photographer from Facebook who has done work pretty similar to William with VET's.
It was great to see Charles' trust grow with William, as well as seeing him come to the realisation that not everyone is after him for the same thing, they're not all like the people from his past. The fact that yet again we get appearances from the previous books characters didn't take away from this being Charles and Williams story, it just enhanced it.
I absolutely loved every single thing about this story and shed a few tears too.
March 19, 2017
Really more of a 2.5 star for me. I'm in the minority here but I found the writing style clunky. The use of "he is" or "they will" instead of he's or they'll kept pulling me out of the story. It just doesn't flow in my mind when it's written like that. Also, I should have been really emotional about Charles. He's had a terrible life but all I felt was annoyed that everyone had to reassure him constantly about absolutely everything. The whole book felt like the same lines over and over again. I like the idea of the book and the story line but the execution just didn't work for me.
November 7, 2017
Can be read as a standalone.
Love this one!
It's slow burn, they take the time.
Just a bit unrealistic as to how Charles managed to overcome his issues. Way too easy this way. But the book doesn't let you ponder it long. It's sweet, heartbreaking, with lots of respect.
Love this one!
It's slow burn, they take the time.
Just a bit unrealistic as to how Charles managed to overcome his issues. Way too easy this way. But the book doesn't let you ponder it long. It's sweet, heartbreaking, with lots of respect.
September 10, 2016
loved it like all the others
November 16, 2016
Ready for the next one.
Ok so now I need a story about Joe & Angle. Can't wait. A follow up on all of them in one book would be great.
Ok so now I need a story about Joe & Angle. Can't wait. A follow up on all of them in one book would be great.
April 5, 2023
loving this series
December 28, 2018
I was very intrigued by Charles in Prince's book so I was excited to start his story. Both he and William are great characters. Charles is very damaged but he is a survivor. It just takes Williams love and patience to help him come out of his shell.
I really enjoy this series and plan to continue with it, but I get very frustrated at times because for such short books they characters spend WAY too much time repeating things. It felt like the exact same conversations over and over. The conflict between Prince and Trevor was petty and really had no point in the story as well.
I really enjoy this series and plan to continue with it, but I get very frustrated at times because for such short books they characters spend WAY too much time repeating things. It felt like the exact same conversations over and over. The conflict between Prince and Trevor was petty and really had no point in the story as well.
May 12, 2019
What an intense read.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This one pulled hard on my emotions but at times I get a little disconnected. While we do get Charles' backstory, I felt there was to much jumping ahead especially towards and at the end. I felt there were a few things missing.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This one pulled hard on my emotions but at times I get a little disconnected. While we do get Charles' backstory, I felt there was to much jumping ahead especially towards and at the end. I felt there were a few things missing.
September 3, 2019
brilliant
I have to say Charles is one of my favourite characters in the series so far. this story made me cry especially when the truth about his past came out. I love how William helped him conquer his fears and finally get his happy ending as he deserved.
I have to say Charles is one of my favourite characters in the series so far. this story made me cry especially when the truth about his past came out. I love how William helped him conquer his fears and finally get his happy ending as he deserved.
March 30, 2022
Of the entire saga, so far this is my favorite. 🤩
Read
June 1, 2022DNF
February 15, 2017
A first read for this author with this book. The title first attracted me so I grabbed it first. If it wasn't for an authors event I wouldn't have discovered this fantastic writer..I loved reading this book I needed to crawl into its pages and give Charles a big hug.. His story tugged my heart.. Charles doesn't trust since his horrifying younger years since age 4 and living on the streets scared of being discovered at age 11 years. He's returning books to his friends place which he feeling uncomfortable to have a stranger there. William is visiting Trevor and notices Charles enter and makes comment that he's gorgeous, he's a photographer and wants Charles to model for him but Charles just wants out of there fast. As soon as the shake hands there's a spark there between them that they both feel. Charles works at Trevor's restaurant to be able to save money for his dream of having his license and having a car.
William has been busy of working and traveling that he's never had any friends or time for himself. He's jealous of Charles friends, Prince, Trevor, Rodney and Dereck of their friendship.
I loved reading this book with only one little minor thing with both of them having their backs scared was off putting..but it added to the storytelling for both of them., I'd highly recommend this..and happily give 10 stars if I could.. I grabbed this on KU once I'd read this I purchased it again for my collection to keep.
William has been busy of working and traveling that he's never had any friends or time for himself. He's jealous of Charles friends, Prince, Trevor, Rodney and Dereck of their friendship.
I loved reading this book with only one little minor thing with both of them having their backs scared was off putting..but it added to the storytelling for both of them., I'd highly recommend this..and happily give 10 stars if I could.. I grabbed this on KU once I'd read this I purchased it again for my collection to keep.
February 16, 2017
I jumped into this series nearer to the end than the beginning so I didn't have the background of the other players. Thankfully it didn't really matter. I found this book to be exceptionally well written. There was so much to Charles character and it was great to see him evolve from this frightened young man into someone who was able to find not only a man to call his own, but be reunited with his family, while getting a bit of justice for himself and the other boys. William was a sweetheart, and i wish he had been able to meet Charles earlier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2016
Charles… what shall I say? If you have read the whole series so far, you’re probably on the same page as I was – pinning for his story. I have tried numerous times to think about what could be his story, only knowing the barest minimum, so kudo to the author for being able to keep his story a secret until it was his time to shine.
And boy, this story doesn’t disappoint. There might be parts where you keep thinking “just jump over your shadow already”, but once the bomb drops – and let me tell you, it is a huge one – you’ll love Charles even more, if that is even possible.
I also enjoyed the consistency of the series, the older characters and their stories developing subtly as side stories without taking away from the main characters.
All in all, an amazing read and great addition to the series!
And boy, this story doesn’t disappoint. There might be parts where you keep thinking “just jump over your shadow already”, but once the bomb drops – and let me tell you, it is a huge one – you’ll love Charles even more, if that is even possible.
I also enjoyed the consistency of the series, the older characters and their stories developing subtly as side stories without taking away from the main characters.
All in all, an amazing read and great addition to the series!
August 21, 2016
I was waiting for this book. I mean, it's Charles! I HATED William. I don't know why, well yes I do, but my reaction to him is a little over the top. I know that. I don't know why I hate him so much.
My least favorite of the series and it should have been my favorite.
My least favorite of the series and it should have been my favorite.
December 28, 2016
Another good story in the Rags to Riches series
I've enjoyed all the Rags to Riches series and this is no exception.
I like the idea of damaged men who've been on the streets finding their second chances and getting a HEA with their soul mates.
This book is no exception but it is the harshest in terms of what happened to one of the MCs which forced him onto the streets.
Still Leya deals with it with sensitivity and never as titillation or for drama only and the resolution is believable
The only thing that is a little off with this whole series are the covers, which I don't think do the stories inside any favours at all. This however, is one of the better ones.
I'm looking forward to finding out who will be next, Angel or Jax perhaps.
I've enjoyed all the Rags to Riches series and this is no exception.
I like the idea of damaged men who've been on the streets finding their second chances and getting a HEA with their soul mates.
This book is no exception but it is the harshest in terms of what happened to one of the MCs which forced him onto the streets.
Still Leya deals with it with sensitivity and never as titillation or for drama only and the resolution is believable
The only thing that is a little off with this whole series are the covers, which I don't think do the stories inside any favours at all. This however, is one of the better ones.
I'm looking forward to finding out who will be next, Angel or Jax perhaps.
August 2, 2016
It was too boring for me.
I know everyone else gave this book an awesome review, but it was just not for me. It was just too cliche for me and a bit too trite. All the couples were so happy and sappy. I had to skim through the book, and mostly did searches for the parts about Trevor and Prince. Their relationship at least had a little drama between them. Enjoyed that more than the rest of the book.
I know everyone else gave this book an awesome review, but it was just not for me. It was just too cliche for me and a bit too trite. All the couples were so happy and sappy. I had to skim through the book, and mostly did searches for the parts about Trevor and Prince. Their relationship at least had a little drama between them. Enjoyed that more than the rest of the book.
July 27, 2016
Besides the first book Winter Freeze this was probably my favorite of the series however they were all really good.
July 24, 2016
Each book of the series represents different characters lucky enough to find love when they were least expecting it.
The Rags to Riches stories are great.
The Rags to Riches stories are great.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews