New Tricks

by Andrew Grey

In matters of the heart, there’s no such thing as business as usual.

Thomas Stepford spent years building a very successful business, and now at thirty-nine, he wants a quieter life. With his parents needing help, he decides to return home. He can’t get away from business completely and needs an assistant—but the man who’s hired isn’t quite what he had in mind.

Brandon Wilson, the ink on his degree barely dry, needs a job, and his mother helps him get one as Mr. Stepford’s assistant. Thomas doesn’t seem to remember, but Brandon worked mowing the stunningly attractive older man’s lawn years ago. Thomas was Brandon’s teenage fantasy, and now he’s Brandon’s boss.

Thomas and Brandon are both determined to keep their relationship strictly business, but the old attraction is still there. They learn to work together even as the tension between them reaches the boiling point. But just as they start to surrender, Thomas’s old life in New York calls him. Even if he resists that pull, can their newfound relationship survive when Brandon receives the call of his dreams... from Hollywood?

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Contemporary, Gay, LGBT, Fiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published December 11, 2018

Reviews

[BWT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Stepford has made his mark on New York City building an extremely successful business, but with his parents getting older, and Thomas becoming more lonely and work-tired, he makes the decision to move back home to Colorado Springs. Since his assistant is unwilling to move with him they decide to hire someone local to help keep Thomas's life running smoothly, while his assistant Marjorie remains overseeing the New York office and most of Thomas's calendar, travel, etc.

Brandon Wilson's grandmother, who's best friends with Thomas's mother, suggests Brandon apply for the position and though Brandon is hesitant at first, because his dream is to work in the entertainment industry, with no job offers coming his way he applies for and gets the job.

Brandon quickly slots perfectly into Thomas' life, with their connection being undeniable. From the beginning the spark between Thomas and Brandon is palpable and they eventually begin a relationship, vowing to remain professional during work hours. There's plenty to be worked out between them, not the least of which is Thomas's worry about their age difference (39/25), and the fact they work together, but their love is strong and true and a happy ending is definitely found by the end.

I had a minor issue with the side story about Thomas's ex, Angus. Mainly the way Angus is presented at first, which downplays the horror of what happened between them. However, it wasn't enough to impact my enjoyment of the story.

I love a good dual POV, age gap romance and this was a fun read overall.

3.75 Stars

Advanced Review Galley copy of New Tricks provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.

[Sushi (寿司) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Andrew Grey's writing. His writing is like a poem.
The characters are so perfect I fell in love immediately.
I devoured this book. It enchanted me since the first chapter and I could not stop reading.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Searching! This one word sums up New Tricks by Andrew Grey. One man is searching for a change, the other is searching for a start, and both are searching for love. Neither man expecting to end their pursuit with each other.

An entrepreneur at heart, and with twenty plus years’ experience behind him, thirty-nine-year-old Thomas Stepford is an extremely successful property developer. However, the hustle and bustle of New York City has him returning to Colorado Springs and his childhood hometown. Time to slow down, time to spend time with his aging parents, and time to search for the life he craves.

Recent college graduate Brandon Wilson needs a job. Not finding one that utilizes his degree or fulfills his desire to work in the entertainment industry, Brandon heeds the advice of his loving mother and applies for the position of Thomas’ assistant. He can continue his search for his fantasy job without being completely broke all the time.

‘New Tricks’ is a wonderful May/December romance with attraction that is thick and intense. It is a heartwarming love story proving that age is just a number.

Yeah, I know what you are thinking. Assistant falling for the boss, how cliché? Maybe so, but Brandon has been searching for love, and his new boss is the stuff from his childhood fantasies. Namely the shirtless hunk whose lawn he once mowed.

Brandon is a professional.

Thomas is not that creepy old man.

Finally, letting go of thier fears and hangs ups unleashes not only great potential, but lust and ultimately love. However, NYC and Hollywood are calling. Is the search over? Will each man be broken once again?

New Tricks is a wonderful May/December romance with attraction that is thick and intense. It is a heartwarming love story proving that age is just a number. Thomas and Brandon are absolutely made to be together, complementing each other in the best of ways. Combining their sweet and relatively angst free romance with interfering friends and family, produces a completely entertaining escapade.

…AND… Oh. My. God. The ending is beautiful!

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You can't teach an old dog new tricks.” — idiom

…but what if the "old dog" wants to learn something new? Thomas, the main character of this book, is by no means old, but almost forty is close to ancient in New York. He wants to have a quieter personal life and moving back home to Colorado Springs so he can spend time with his parents seems to be exactly what he needs. On the other side of this story’s equation is Brandon. Having recently graduated, he is ready to apply everything he has learned and earn some money doing it, but he never expected to be working for the man he used to mow the lawn for when he was a teenager. With both men ready for “new tricks” they still get blindsided by their attraction to each other as well as some tempting new opportunities once they think they have it all figured out. All these twists and turns make this a very entertaining novel!


Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Elithanathile]

Meh not impressed by this author!! Also, with all due respect, I don't get how he consistently has the shortest M/M books and the highest prices! Don't get me wrong, it's NOT about the PRICE at all - and I mean AT ALL - I am a voracious and insatiable reader/book shopper and normally spend A LOT of money on books - and I mean A LOT - and am more than willing to spend even more (and DO)! Seriously, I spend A LOT of money on books as a whole and regularly have NO qualms about spending a lot of money on the individual book as well!! BUT, for books that are cookie cutter versions of one another, for an author whose stories are EXACTLY the same in their mundanity, and for a package all together that's pretty lacklustre, I don't get the coupling of high pricing alongside really MEH quality!! And if it's about the work that goes behind the scenes [and trust me, I know and can only imagine] then shouldn't other authors have much higher prices too?!!? Not that I'm trying to convince anyone to hike up any prices LOL, I'm glad everything is priced as they are in FAIR and GENEROUS consideration for everyone all around; the author and the reader both benefitting :-D!! But you get what I mean!
So I'm thinking this is about opinion [perhaps the one he only has of himself]! Why? Because he's been at it longer?!? If anything, there are SO many other talented authors with AMAZING books who should have much higher prices than they do, and this guy, well, could stand to be a little more realistic! Again, I am NOT talking about pricing AT ALL, I'm talking about relative proportion; I just don't believe his books are worth the price he's asking, and in comparison, I think A LOT of other M/M authors - with spectacular stories to tell - are worth SO SOOOOOO much more!! It's not about this or that by the way, I just started thinking about some authors who OVER-rate themselves and some who UNDER-rate themselves (and there's quite a bit of them who I believe should be supported SO much more)!! So yeah, it's NOT about the price, it's just ... for what a reader would be getting, with THIS SPECIFIC AUTHOR, I just don't believe his books are worth it! I just think this author - and his opinion of himself as an author - is WAY overrated!!
Also, something I've always found odd - but of course do NOT criticize; to each their own - is how it seems this author is dead set against writing a book that's even remotely over (about) 200 pages o__O ... don't some of your characters have more to tell?!!?
Now, this author can of course do ANYTHING he wants and this is NOT in ANY way a criticism to him, AT ALL!! This is merely a sincere opinion!! One I prefer not to discuss because again, it's JUST an opinion!! I guess it's just because I've read some of his books and, well, they're not that great!
In a long nutshell, I'm going to pass on this author! No negativity here whatsoever :-)!!

[Altivo Overo · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a love story, this gets 5 stars. For the millionaire setup and cliché settings in NY and LA, not so much. The supporting cast are wonderful, though, and help to make it interesting and satisfying. Grey is a no holds barred gay writer, but I think in the end I prefer his Western settings over the big city glitz.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione in ANTEPRIMA

“Credo di averli incontrati un paio di volte, quando ero più giovane. Ricordo che tua madre era una donna bellissima.”
“Sì. E mio padre era brutto come la fame,” borbottò Brandon. Thomas si appoggiò allo schienale e gli rivolse un’occhiata che diceva: di che stai parlando? “Interiormente.” “Capisco,” replicò Thomas. Brandon scosse la testa. “No, non puoi capire.” Sospirò. “A scuola ci hanno insegnato che in ogni trattativa ci sono tre punti fondamentali: cosa vuoi, quando lo vuoi e come deve essere fatto. Mio padre voleva sempre che tutto fosse fatto esattamente come e quando lo voleva lui, ma lui non voleva mai fare niente. Quindi era sempre tutto sbagliato e mi faceva innervosire. Per questo cercavo di fare le cose più in fretta, per poter avere il tempo di cambiare ciò che non gli piaceva. Era un vero schifo. Non ero il figlio che voleva che fossi, non sono diventato un dottore come desiderava lui. Poi ho avuto il coraggio di andare a dirgli che sono gay, così lui mi ha voltato le spalle. Mia nonna non glielo ha mai perdonato e dubito che ci riuscirà mai.” Ringraziò il cielo per sua nonna. Quando era scoppiato l’inferno, lei lo aveva aiutato a restare sano di mente.”
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Il libro di cui vi parlo oggi Fenici è Nuove abitudini di Andrew Grey, un autore che scrive libri pieni di dolcezza ed estremamente rilassanti; raramente infatti abbiamo grandi colpi di scena ed angoscia.

Thomas ha creato una società immobiliare di successo ma ora, ad appena trentanove anni, il suo fisico gli sta presentando il conto delle tante giornate passate in situazioni di stress. Oltre a questo, i suoi genitori stanno invecchiando e l’uomo sente che è venuto il momento di rallentare un po’ e godersi la vita in modo più tranquillo. Per questo motivo ha deciso di continuare a dirigere la società vivendo lontano dal ritmo frenetico di New York, lasciando che il suo amico e collega Blaze e la sua bravissima assistente prendano il suo posto, facendolo intervenire solamente tramite video conferenze e nei momenti di difficoltà. Marjorie però lo conosce troppo bene, e sa che lasciato da solo, Thomas si dimentica a volte anche di fare le cose più banali. Non per niente è sempre stata lei ad occuparsi dell’andamento domestico della sua abitazione, assumendo personale che il suo capo neanche si rende conto di avere sul libro paga. Per questo è decisa a trovargli un assistente che lo segua nella sua nuova casa e faccia per lui le commissioni fungendo anche da segretario. La scelta di Marjorie cade su Brandon, un ragazzo che ha appena conseguito un master e che pur aspirando ad un lavoro diverso, si vede costretto a trovare un impiego che gli permetta di aiutare con le spese la nonna, che guarda caso è un’amica della madre di Thomas ed abita nella stessa piccola cittadina. Per l’uomo d’affari abituato al mondo frenetico della metropoli non è semplice adeguarsi al nuovo e tranquillo ritmo, ma quello che lo disturba ancora di più è l’attrazione che non riesce a contenere per il suo giovane e talentuoso assistente, che ha scoperto essere lo stesso ragazzino che anni prima falciava il suo prato, e che ora pur rimanendo assolutamente professionale non riesce a nascondere l’interesse che prova verso di lui. Ma Thomas ha già avuto una relazione con qualcuno che lavorava alle sue dipendenze e non intende ripetere di nuovo lo stesso errore.

Thomas è un uomo dal grande talento per gli affari: fin da ragazzino la vita nella sua piccola città gli stava stretta e ha sempre desiderato qualcosa di più. Ora ha realizzato tutti i suoi sogni, ha più soldi di quanti ne possa spendere ma è solo, e fare affari non è più la sfida che lo spronava a dare il massimo. Fin dal primo momento appare strano che sia un uomo così solitario. Da subito veniamo a sapere che nella sua vita ha avuto una sola relazione importante e che questa lo ha reso così prudente da non aver più nemmeno pensato di rischiare ancora il suo cuore. Se inizialmente sembra assurdo che una sola delusione abbia contato così tanto per un uomo di quarant’anni, quando sapremo come sono andate le cose, capiremo il perché della sua assurda paura di credere ancora all’amore. La sua stanchezza fisica e mentale, preoccupa il suo amico Blaze che, come lui, condivide la scelta di non innamorarsi: anche lui ha avuto le sue delusioni ed ora vive passando di avventura in avventura. Pur provando un affetto sincero per l’amico, non capisce il suo bisogno di tornare in una cittadina che non vedeva l’ora di lasciare, anche se gli invidia il bel rapporto che ha con i genitori che al contrario dei suoi hanno accettato la sua omosessualità con grande naturalezza. Non solo, la madre è pronta a presentargli tutti gli uomini affascinanti del posto per vederlo finalmente felice, ed è molto divertente assistere ai suoi tentativi di accasare entrambi i figli alla ricerca della possibilità di diventare nonna.

Per Brandon le cose sono andate diversamente: ha subito il dolore di essere stato respinto dai suoi genitori, che lo hanno sempre mal tollerato non ritenendolo mai all’altezza, e che sono convinti che avrebbe bisogno di “aiuto”. La sua salvezza è stata la nonna, una donna deliziosa che non sembra possibile possa essere la madre di un uomo crudele e gelido come suo padre. Per lei Brandon accetta un lavoro che non lo entusiasma, per poter contribuire alle spese di casa. È un ragazzo dolcissimo e pieno di buone qualità, che ha un amore immenso per la donna che ha riversato su di lui amore e accettazione totale. Al contrario di Thomas, lui ricorda bene di averlo conosciuto: senza saperlo l’uomo è stato il sogno proibito di un ragazzino di quindici anni che lo trovava splendido. Ed ora le cose non sono cambiate. La maturità di Thomas lo rende solo più affascinante, ma Brandon è intenzionato ad essere il più professionale possibile ed ignorare i suoi desideri, almeno fino a quando si rende conto di essere ricambiato.

Anche se la differenza di età è rilevante, 25 anni Brandon e 39/40 Thomas, la loro è una storia fra due uomini adulti e consapevoli che, pur con le loro differenze, sono in grande sintonia. Il loro avvicinarsi è lento e costante e il loro rapporto rimane sempre professionale sul lavoro ed intenso e dolcissimo nel tempo libero. Per Thomas è la prima occasione di fidarsi nuovamente di qualcuno, ma è consapevole che la loro relazione ha un tempo ben definito. Brandon è troppo in gamba e presto avrà la possibilità di realizzare i suoi sogni e lui non vuole fare niente che lo possa fermare. Si amano davvero moltissimo ma sono restii a confidarsi i loro sentimenti e questo li porterà a soffrire.

Pur non essendoci grandi colpi di scena il libro si legge in modo scorrevolissimo, i due protagonisti riescono ad attirarsi le simpatie del lettore e i personaggi di contorno rendono tutto ancora più piacevole. Le scene erotiche sono poche e ben inserite nella trama, intense ma non troppo descrittive. Una bella storia in cui l’amore si dimostra più forte della differenza di età, in cui amare significa anche volere che l’altro realizzi se stesso anche se questo lo porta lontano da noi e ci fa soffrire.
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Lucia63 - per RFS

[Daniela Tirrito (Tivvys_books_world) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*

[SC]

I'm not even going to give it stars. That's how bad this was for me. DNF at like 13%

This was NOT a cheap book, in fact, it was almost $6 for 200 pages of poorly written material. The dialogue was awful. The one guy kept switching between calling the other guy Thomas or Mr. Whatever his name was, all in the same paragraph. I swear it drove me nuts and made me want to scream JUST PICK ONE ALREADY . Let me just put things into perspective as to how bad the writing was .....

Guy who is severely allergic to pretty much all animals, walks into house where they have dogs. Starts to sneeze like crazy. 2 minutes later he walks outside and YAY, allergies are gone !

The end.

[Mateo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A classical hallmarks story.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review available at: https://optimumm.blog/2018/12/15/revi...

New Tricks by Andrew Grey is a standalone book. I’ve been a fan of this author’s work for a while now. He’s one of my go-to authors for when I want to just curl up on the couch with a good book. The plot is always interesting with lovable characters and just enough drama, angst, and sexy times. I also liked Marjorie and Blaze and Thomas’s matchmaking mom and Brandon’s mom. I think the only thing I would have liked to have seen more of would have been Thomas interacting with his parents and helping them out. It was after all the reason that he went home, but while he had time to spare and was trying to figure out what to do with it, he didn’t think about going and visiting them.

I liked Thomas Stepford. He’s spent years being career driven and building a very successful business, and now that he’s achieved that, at thirty-nine, he’s feeling restless and is ready for a change. He thinks that he might be interested in a quieter life and maybe a relationship. With his parents needing help, he decides to return home to Colorado Springs. However, he knows that he will still need an assistant with managing his life since he is used to having everything done for him—housekeeping, dry cleaning, cooking, organizing his appointments, and laundry. Now that he has more time on his hands and is giving more responsibilities to the team leaders of his company, he might just learn how to do some of the domestic stuff himself. However, problems with a potential acquisition arise and Thomas and his new assistant, Brandon, fly back to save the deal.

I liked Brandon. He’s just gotten done with his degree and needs a job, and his mother helps him get one as Mr. Stepford’s assistant since his mom is friends with Mr. Stepford’s mom. Thomas doesn’t seem to remember, but Brandon worked mowing the stunningly attractive older man’s lawn years ago. Thomas was Brandon’s teenage fantasy, and now he’s Brandon’s boss. I liked how quickly he learned how to do his job and how efficient he is at it even if it isn’t the type of job that he wants to do for the rest of his life. He wants to work in promotions and marketing at a place like Columbia Pictures. He’s sent out a bunch of resumes to the various movie places and figures that he can work as an assistant until he hears back from one of them.

I love a good age gap or May/December romance. And I loved the chemistry between Thomas and Brandon, especially as both are determined to keep their relationship strictly business. But the attraction is still there and they learn to work together even as the tension between them reaches the boiling point. Just as they start to surrender, Thomas’s old life in New York calls him, and Brandon receives the call of his dreams from Hollywood. Can their newfound relationship survive or will it dissolve from Brandon’s new focus on his career and his move to Hollywood? Will Thomas follow him or not? You’re just going to have to read the book to find out.

***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***

[Letture Sale e Pepe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hi lettrici e lettori sale&pepe

Oggi vi parlo di un libro di un autore particolarmente prolifico, con all’attivo molte serie e storie autoconclusive (anche qui in Italia). Ho già letto molti suoi libri e l’ho anche incontrato di persona al Rare18 ed è una persona dolcissima e carinissima, però ammetto che questo libro è un po’ sottotono, vediamo quindi cosa non mi ha convinta.

La trama mi è subito piaciuta perché ho una passione per i gap age, però devo dire che lo sviluppo risulta scontato, cosa che, ad essere sincera, mi aspettavo, ma che pensavo sarebbe stata mitigata alla parte romance sempre molto forte nei romanzi di Grey.

Purtroppo in questo caso, non è accaduto, manca un po’ di pathos ed anche la tensione, non solo tra i due ma in generale, risulta troppo flebile, tutto scorre velocemente e banalmente.

Non si tratta di un problema di trama, perché, anche se può risultare ovvia, potrebbe essere assolutamente veritiera. Trascorrendo molte ore al lavoro, incontrare qualcuno in questo ambiente è facile e del tutto possibile, ecco perché non disdegno il genere “Office romance”, ma anche la semplicità e la banalità, se scritte ed arricchite nel modo giusto possono arrivare al lettore. Questo libro non ha fatto breccia nel mio cuore.

Con questo non voglio dire sia una storia brutta o scritta male, perché fidatevi in giro c’è molto di peggio, anzi è piena di messaggi positivi, sulle seconde possibilità, sulla rinascita e sull’importanza di inseguire i propri sogni, nell’insieme però manca quel qualcosa in più che trasforma una storia in un’ottima lettura.

I personaggi, seppur ben caratterizzati, non sono al 100%, Thomas è una persona che all’apparenza ha tutto, ma che in realtà si sente profondamente sola anche quando è circondata da amici, con la perenne sensazione di non essere “capito”. La svolta che intende dare alla sua vita, quella che pensava sarebbe arrivata col trasferimento in una nuova città, ha invece le sembianze di Brandon.

“Non si era reso conto di quanto rinsecchita fosse la sua anima finché Brandon non aveva lentamente iniziato a nutrirla di nuovo.”

Anche il giovane però ha i suoi problemi. È un ragazzo che sogna in grande, ma che nella vita ha sofferto per le vessazioni del padre e per l’assenza di una madre che gli volesse bene, inoltre, vista la loro differenza di carriera, pensa di non essere abbastanza per una persona come Thomas. Ovviamente anche quest’ultimo pensa la stessa identica cosa per via della sua giovane età, oltre al problema fondamentale di essere il suo datore di lavoro.

La relazione però si sviluppa troppo velocemente, in soli tre giorni tutti i “problemi” e le preoccupazioni dei due spariscono. Come dicevo, manca quel minimo di tensione che mi attira e mi spinge a voler rileggere un libro.

Detto questo vi consiglio comunque di dare una possibilità a questo autore e, se cercate qualcosa di molto leggero, anche a questa storia, di certo non vi annoierà, ma vi terrà compagnia per qualche ora in piena serenità, con la dolcezza tipica di Andrew.

“Ho visto le cicatrici che ti ha lasciato fuori. Adesso raccontami di quelle che ti ha lasciato dentro.”

- Payne

[Incantalibri Francesca Sala · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5✨
Adoro lo stile di Andrew Grey, una narrativa caratterizzata da una dolcezza unica e quasi fiabesca. In “Nuove abitudini” ci ritroviamo ad assistere ad un amore romantico che colora di rosa tutta la vicenda. Thomas e Brandon sono due uomini dolcissimi, con ferite e sogni propri. Li separa un gap generazionale non indifferente, e dove Thomas ha oramai raggiunto il suo apice professionale, a discapito di una vita sentimentale praticamente inesistente, Brandon è pronto a provare con tutte le sue forze a conquistare il suo sogno. Nonostante la scintilla dell’attrazione scoppi istantaneamente, l’autore non si affretta nell’evoluzione del loro rapporto. Assistiamo a un lento evolversi di sentimenti e sensualità, attrazione e fiducia.
Brandon è attratto, da che aveva memoria, da Thomas, una fantasia adolescenziale che ha portato nascosta in fondo al suo cuore per dieci anni. È un giovane dall’animo gentile e solare, nonostante una famiglia che lo ha rifiutato e abbandonato. Vivere con la nonna ha mitigato la solitudine e gli ha permesso di crescere con amore incondizionato e rispetto, arricchendo il suo carattere di gentilezza e umiltà.
Thomas, alle soglie dei quarant’anni è un uomo affermato, un uomo che ha inseguito il suo sogno e ha realizzato un qualcosa che è da sempre tutta la sua vita, rendendolo ricco e di successo. Vive un’esistenza incentrata esclusivamente sul lavoro, lavoro che da sempre occupa ogni suo istante ed energia. La vita sentimentale non è mai stata una sua priorità, ma sarà vero? Un passato di dolore, un evento traumatico e pericoloso, lo hanno convinto a chiudere il suo cuore ad ogni sentimento. Conoscere Brandon e tornare lentamente alla vita è, per lui, come veder spuntare il sole dopo la tempesta. Tentare di resistere impossibile, innamorarsene e desiderare il meglio per lui è una strada che potrebbe portarlo a perderlo per sempre.
Purtroppo non posso raccontarvi molto di più, ma sicuramente posso dirvi che è una storia che vi farà sorridere e sospirare, una vicenda pacata e fluida raccontataci con serenità e delicatezza. Se siete inguaribili romantici questa è una storia perfetta per voi.

[Natosha Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is a book that is best described as two men that are looking for something in their careers and even more so in their lives. What they did not expect is to find what they was looking for all along in each other. I really enjoyed this book. It is a heart felt read that leaves you smiling in the end. There is some sad parts to his read but they are few an far between. This is definitely a book that I would recommend to others.


Thomas is a very successful business man in New York City. He runs his own company. He did not come from money but he made himself an empire. Now years later he knows that it is time that he slowed down some. But staying in New York will not allow that because he could not keep out of the business long enough too. So when he makes the decision to move back to Colorado Springs, the decision is not made lightly.

Once the move is complete, Thomas knows that he has to meet the new personal assistant that his personal assistant from New York hired for him in Colorado Springs. What Thomas did not expect is to feel an attraction to Brandon. Brandon is an amazing personal assistant. Thomas could not be happier with him. The problem is, the attraction.

Brandon is attracted as well to Thomas. But he cannot tell if Thomas returns the feelings. Brandon has known Thomas for years and has felt the crush for just as long. Thomas does not really remember Brandon all that much from when he was younger but the man that he is now is very talented and going somewhere.

When both men finally give in to their attraction, they are both happy. It has been a long time coming for both of them but could an unexpected problem back in New York and a job offer in LA take away the new found happiness?

This was definitely a book that I enjoyed. I always look forward to books by Andrew Grey. And as always, I look forward to future books.

Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review

[Valeria DePaula · Rating 4 out of 5]

✔ Letto! Come sempre i libri di Andrew Grey ci porta la dolcezza e l'amore quasi fiabesco. Fa avverare quei sogni e quella speranza que un giorno le cose saranno semplice, che gli ostacoli saranno facile e che ognuno di noi se lo merita una vita meravigliosa e qualcuno da amare ed essere amato con la stessa intensità.
Questa volta ho sognato insieme a Thomas Stepford e Brandon Wilson.
Andrew mi ha raccontato la loro storia e di come si sono conosciuti tanto tempo fa, quando ancora Brandon era un ragazzino gay, alla scoperta dei suoi impulsi, dal disprezzo della sua famiglia, dell'amore incrollabile della nonna Thelma, di tutto quello che sarebbe stato il suo mondo da li in poi, dei suoi sogni...
Mi ha raccontato di quanto Thomas che già allora lavorava sodo per essere qualcuno, per lasciare la sua impronta nel mondo, e di quanto sarebbe disposto a renunciare per ottenerlo. Ha lasciato la sua città, la sua famiglia meravigliosa e si è diretto a New York con la valigia piena di buoni propositi e sogni da realizzare. Non ha fatto i conti con la solitudine, con gli inganni di chi diceva di amarlo o con la sua salute....
Tutti i due a un certo momento mooolto tempo dopo si ritrovano ancora una volta per motivi di lavoro, dove tutti i due stanno prendendo nuove abitudine di vita, Brandon dovrà accettare un lavoro da assistente nell'attesa della realizzazione di altre aspettative e Thomas dovrà tornare indietro nella sua piccola città adesso che è riuscito a realizzare i suoi sogni, a stare calmo e godersi un pò del suo successo, ma come tutto nella vita, non sarà semplice così.
Quando i due uomini si incontrano non avevano messi in conto il loro sentimento, non hanno messo in conto l'attrazione che avrebbe sentito uno per l'altro e così c'è l'inizio la vera storia d'amore e quello che si è disposto ad accettare pur di restare insieme.
Quale nuove abitudine sei disposto ad acettare per amore?
Loro lo sanno e hanno accettato.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this story. I felt like the characters were genuine and I loved the homey feeling.

Thomas Stepford has spent the last 21 years building an empire for himself, but his life in New York City is killing him... literally. He's got to slow down before his body gives out on him and he's only 39. He's decided to move back home to Colorado Springs to be closer to his parents and to try to live a slower life. His assistant, Marjorie, hires him a local assistant, Brandon, who seems familiar.

Brandon Wilson has finished college with an MBA and can't find a job. He'll take anything at this point. So, when his grandmother gives him a lead on an assistant position, he sends in his resume. Come to find out, he'll be assisting his teenage crush, Thomas Stepford. But he's sure he can keep everything professional... maybe.

There was one aspect of this story that didn't sit right with me, unfortunately. From the start it seemed strange that Thomas had only had one relationship and yeah, it ended badly, but once the truth comes out and it was a harrowing experience, I am surprised he wasn't more guarded than he was. It seemed like the experience he went through was glazed over, which I found a little weird.

I absolutely loved Brandon's character. He was so confident and went after what he wanted in all aspects of his life. And I loved how Thomas was the dominant force, however, when work was through, he really just needed to be taken care of, which Brandon did brilliantly.

Honestly, the main characters were made for each other and I felt that in the writing from the start. It was a fun, exciting read with a clear path and an ending that left me feeling good.

*Galley copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

[JenCW · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars!

Thomas Stepford has built a successful business, but he's realized that he needs to slow down and enjoy his life more. Since his parents need help, he decides to relocate to his hometown. He needs a local assistant to help coordinate his life with his business back in NYC.

Brandon wants to work in the film industry, but hasn't had much luck getting his foot in the door yet. His grandmother suggests he apply to be Thomas's assistant. Brandon had a teenage crush on Thomas years ago, but is determined to be professional should he get the position.

I liked both Thomas and Brandon. They both cared about their family and friends. They worked well together in business and personally. I'm glad that they had some time to get to know each other before their mutual attraction was revealed.

I liked how Brandon made sure to put his expectations out in the open at the start, and how Thomas opened himself up eventually. I did find their solution at the end a bit odd, considering Thomas was supposed to be working at a slower pace for health reasons, but maybe having a life outside of work would be enough. Their families and friends, with a few exceptions, were great additions. All in all, I enjoyed this book.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Christy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas has been a business reach for stars guy since he was a teenager and developed his first business which was mowing yards. Now he's about turn 40 and he wants slow down. Moving back home from New York to Colorado Springs. He needs a new assistant that will be with him there to manage things with his assistant in New York.

Enter Brandon who he actually knows from back when Brandon mowed his yard when Brandon was 15 before Thomas left for New York. Brandon is hires after a rough first meet. (I loved how Marjorie put Thomas in his place after what happened. That woman is fierce. )

At first when feels are developing Thomas is scared might end like his ex did. That ex nearly killed him and I don't mean figuratively either. Thomas' body has the scars but so does his heart. They get to know each other and Brandon lays out how their work and personal life will not cross. Work hours will be just that and are.

Brandon's dream wasn't to be an assistant and the job he wants comes calling. Thomas tells him he can't refuse no matter how much they are great for each other. Thankfully with some meddling Thomas and Brandon get what they both want. Neither having give up their own dreams.

I loved Thelma, Brandon's grandma. Thomas' parents and his best friend too. I wish Blaze had a book. Great romance and love. Not closed door. Perfect. Thanks Andrew.

[Aerielle Bondi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Grey is the master of sweet, low-angst romances. New Tricks is about Thomas, a man on the verge of burn out, leaving New York City and moving to a small town in Colorado to take care of his aging parents. There he meets his new assistant Brandon, a recent college graduate and finds himself very attracted to the young man. Thomas has been hurt by a past relationship with a coworker and vows not to act upon his feelings.

Brandon has known and lusted after Thomas since he used to mow Thomas’ yard back in high school. Brandon easily brings order to Thomas’ chaotic life. The pair enjoy spending time with each other and eventually act upon their attraction.

Thomas knows that he won’t be able to keep Brandon with him forever. Brandon is destined for better things. When Brandon gets a job offer that he can’t turn down, Thomas is determined to let him go live his life.

New Tricks has a full cast of enjoyable characters. Thomas’ New York assistant Marjorie is brassy and snarky and doesn’t take any of Thomas’ crap. I absolutely loved Brandon’s grandmother Thelma who is the only family member who is accepting of Brandon’s sexuality. She is so fierce and protective of her grandson.

You can not go wrong with this book!!

[Blog Coccole tra i Libri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recensione a cura di Aylen

Avere finalmente Nuove abitudini è ciò che si prefigge Thomas Stepford, trasferendosi da New York a Colorado Springs. Per la sua stessa salute, ha bisogno di apportare delle modifiche alla sua quotidianità. Per un uomo che ha fatto del lavoro il centro della propria vita, non è facile cambiare, rallentare i ritmi, tuttavia lui ci prova e lo fa con l’aiuto di Brandon Wilson, di quasi quindici anni più giovane di lui, come assistente personale. Questo fatto della differenza di età viene nominato numerose volte, nel corso della storia, fino a diventare abbastanza ripetitivo. Tra i due nasce qualcosa, nonostante le reticenze di Thomas, scottato in maniera brutale da una relazione con un collega di lavoro, avvenuta qualche anno prima. I due decidono di provarci ma qualcosa si frappone tra di loro e saranno costretti a stare lontani.

Dalla trama facilmente si può capire, fin dall’inizio, come si concluderanno le vicende di Thomas e Brandon. Il libro è ben scritto e i due personaggi altrettanto ben caratterizzati, tuttavia la storia non ha fatto scoccare quella scintilla per me necessaria per amare un libro e farmi venir voglia di rileggerlo. Ne consiglio in ogni caso la lettura, anche perché possiate farvi una vostra opinione personale.

3,5 abbracci.

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laconically Perfect

This is not a book that I would have started to read without noting the author and come to the conclusion that it was written by Andrew Grey. Not that it's a disappointment--indeed, it's a very good book with two main characters that you can really like and a plot which insinuates HEA from the start.

The reasons I wouldn't tag it a Grey book are; 1) the location (Colorado Springs, which is really not as much of a backwater as presented here); 2) the age difference between 39-year-old Tom Stepford (on the cover) and 25-year-old Brandon Wilson--a plot line that Grey has dealt with before, but not quite this way; and 3) the laconic manner in which the plot unfolds.

Laconic is not a bad word in my vocabulary, however. What it means to me is that the plot has very few, if any, angsty moments. Indeed, it really develops into a bit of a dosi-do kind of hypothetical dance between the two who ironically had contact with each other while Tom was still living in Colorado Springs, to which he has returned from his high-flying New York City business world for a softer life and to help his parents out.

Crucial to the plot are Tom's parents and Brandon's grandmother, the former welcoming their son's gay life for many years, the latter Brandon's surrogate parent after his parents basically threw him out because he is gay.

Other than that, there's the usual bit of Grey depth of knowledge about the way things work in both Tom's world and Brandon's mind. There's some personal anxiety, but no nervous breakdowns. And the bedroom scenes are just what are needed in timing and description. Pleasant read.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Andrew Grey delivers another great read, I really enjoyed this story and totally fell for these characters! Thomas and Brandon are so different but so perfect! You’ve got Thomas who has achieved great success in business and is ready to step back a little, then there is Brandon, he just finished his degree and is looking to find his place in the business world. Thomas decides its time leave New York and return to his hometown to be closer to his parents and slow down a bit. He needs an assistant though and that’s where Brandon comes in!

I loved these two together! The attraction is there right from the start, well for Brandon it’s been there for a while. They try to keep it all professional but their connection wins and I loved it! I really liked the way the age difference was handled, it really worked for me! I do think this is one of my faves from Andrew Grey, it all just worked so well for me!

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas is a successful businessman. He and his best friend Blaze run his real estate development company in New York. Thomas is tired of the fast lane and wants to move back to Colorado Sorings near his mom and dad and slow his life down as he is approaching forty.
His mom tells him about her friend’s grandson that would make a good personal assistant. When he meets him he’s not sure if hiring him is a good idea since he pushes all his buttons.

Brandon has had a fantasy thing about Thomas since he was fifteen and mowed his yard. Now working for him he wonders how he will hide his attraction to him.

Oh man, this book is so good. I love May/December with a large age gap and interoffice is another favorite sub-genre of mine. Add in Andrew Grey’s fabulous characters and way with a story and it’s just what I was looking for.
I can take or leave sex scenes, especially explicit ones. Generally skimming them. I never skim Andrew Grey’s and in this book in chapter ten is where I was really hooked s I shivered and sighed then, I’ll be damn if I didn’t nearly cry it was so sweet. I nearly did a happy dance at the end of this book and I will add this to my favorites list for the year.
So if you like May/ December, age gaps, boss/coworker, meddling parents-grandparents and secretaries and an all over a romance that will make you happy, get this one!

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

💖 Loved this one. A beautiful story with having obstacles in life thrown at them. Brandon has his dreams of Hollywood but job prospects ain't heading his way. A great age gap story written and I loved the funny humour between them. A small amount of angst regarding their ages and Brandon's potential dreams that Thomas knows he wouldn't be staying on to find better opportunities. A great ending. 3 heated flames rated.
Thomas 39 yrs was moving back home to help his parents. Owning a successful business but he needed to unwind more, a new assistant to help him run thing smoothly.
Brandon 25 yrs was looking for a job but with the help of his Gran he had an email address for a new job.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Andrew Grey is an 'own voices' writer, and he has over 100 M/M (mostly contemporary) romances out there. He is a force to be reckoned with.

I read New Tricks in a single sit-down, which tells you how quick it was.

The story is about Thomas, a 39 year old wealthy business man, who falls for his (recent college grad and film marketing driven) assistant Brandon. Keeping private lives private, moving forward from the past, and relishing in the "now" is what this romance is all about.

Spice level: about a solid 4 (out of 10); Grey writes more for the emotions of his characters than turning up the heat, which is equally refreshing to read;

[Selina Durio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams— right place, right time

When you add your dreams to your ambition nothing will stop you. Brandon and Thomas are at different stages in their lives, but they both have dreams about how they want their lives to be. When they find each other, they find that their dreams weren’t complete if they didn’t have each other.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really a 3.5 star read but not quite enough to bring it up to 4. I will say I enjoyed this one more than others I've read lately by Andrew Grey. Really enjoyed the age difference in this one and a bonus that Brandon used to be Thomas' lawn boy. Basically a lonely rich guy and a young guy just starting have a great love story. Nuff said. Enjoyed it.

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This was so cute. So heartwarming. And although it was a bit of instalove still was so well done that you didn't notice until the iwus. Perfectly well balanced couple. Sexy times were amazing!!!

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining Romance

A classic employee/employer themed romance, supported by good character development, a varied and interesting supporting cast and a fairly clean plot. Ends promising a future HEA.

[Kim Krogh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say. Another amazing story from Andrew Grey.