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The Right Choice
After the Fall
A renovation brings two men together who will find that unexpected meetings can bring about the most tempting of encounters.
Leigh Masters is concerned the renovation of Masters’ Pages—his bookstore—will not be completed in time. He’s losing his cool. A call to find the contractor he hired brings unexpected results. The man doing his project has run off. In his place Malcolm—his brother and the owner of the company—comes to see Leigh. The man makes Leigh feel off-kilter. He has his doubts about Malcolm’s assurances that the job will be done on time. As the renovation progresses he finds it hard to resist the temptation of the man who is now in charge of renovating his bookstore. Malcolm knows what he’s doing but Leigh wants to shake up his quiet, calm persona to see what he has hidden underneath.
Malcolm Snipes has worked alongside his brothers to build Snipes Construction, their family owned business. He strives to maintain their reputation of providing excellent work, on-time projects and being professional. He’s tired of picking up the messes of one of his irresponsible brothers. Except this time, the call he gets from an irate client brings him into the path of a man who is fascinating. This time, Malcolm won’t mind taking over the renovation, since it means he can keep an eye on sharp-tongued and sexy Leigh Masters.
This renovation is about to become very interesting as they each wonder what happens after the fall…
Leigh Masters is concerned the renovation of Masters’ Pages—his bookstore—will not be completed in time. He’s losing his cool. A call to find the contractor he hired brings unexpected results. The man doing his project has run off. In his place Malcolm—his brother and the owner of the company—comes to see Leigh. The man makes Leigh feel off-kilter. He has his doubts about Malcolm’s assurances that the job will be done on time. As the renovation progresses he finds it hard to resist the temptation of the man who is now in charge of renovating his bookstore. Malcolm knows what he’s doing but Leigh wants to shake up his quiet, calm persona to see what he has hidden underneath.
Malcolm Snipes has worked alongside his brothers to build Snipes Construction, their family owned business. He strives to maintain their reputation of providing excellent work, on-time projects and being professional. He’s tired of picking up the messes of one of his irresponsible brothers. Except this time, the call he gets from an irate client brings him into the path of a man who is fascinating. This time, Malcolm won’t mind taking over the renovation, since it means he can keep an eye on sharp-tongued and sexy Leigh Masters.
This renovation is about to become very interesting as they each wonder what happens after the fall…
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
8 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Talia Carmichael
60 books192 followersTalia Carmichael is a romantic who believes that family, no matter if it is by blood or those you choose as family, is integral to who you are. She is an author who writes sexy stories in a variety of genres. She believes in creating stories that encompass all that falling in love or lust entails, from the highs of that first blush of attraction to the lows of not knowing if you can make your coming together as a couple work, and then finally to the acceptance of the reality of making a life together. It's all about the journey.
Among her books you'll find contemporary, futuristic, fantasy, and paranormal settings with M/M themes that will have a happily-ever-after. Her books are passionate, intense, and real...to fill the craving.
Among her books you'll find contemporary, futuristic, fantasy, and paranormal settings with M/M themes that will have a happily-ever-after. Her books are passionate, intense, and real...to fill the craving.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 13, 2014
This is definitely a nice short story; entertaining, without major (or even minor) angst, and with two men who try to outstubborn each other in the nicest way. The contrast between the tough-looking construction company owner with the big heart, and the physically smaller bookstore owner with a thing against relationships added to my enjoyment. And once these guys get together? Hold on to your hats!
Leigh owns a bookstore that is his pride and joy, he likes things done exactly the way he wants them done, and he does not take no for an answer. The major renovation he has planned for the store is not going to plan, and the man who comes in to get it back on track, Malcolm, baffles Leigh. First of all, Leigh is more attracted to him than he thinks is normal. Secondly, the man holds back while he's working on the store. Third, once they do get together, he insists on having a relationship. Leigh is NOT amused!
Malcolm is co-owner of his family's construction company, knows how to get a job done no matter how challenging it is, and doesn't take no (especially Leigh's no) for an answer either. He knows he wants Leigh, loves the man's snarkiness and the way he stands up for himself, in fact. Next thing I know, Malcolm goes on the "war"path, so to speak, He sets out to convince Leigh they need to be boyfriends/partners - and he just does not quit!
If you like stories with two stubborn men who should know better than to fight their attraction but have fun doing it, if you enjoy loving banter and watching the men find ways to "trick" each other into what they wanted in the first place, and if you're looking for a fun, short read with lots of hot activity in bed and out, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review.
Leigh owns a bookstore that is his pride and joy, he likes things done exactly the way he wants them done, and he does not take no for an answer. The major renovation he has planned for the store is not going to plan, and the man who comes in to get it back on track, Malcolm, baffles Leigh. First of all, Leigh is more attracted to him than he thinks is normal. Secondly, the man holds back while he's working on the store. Third, once they do get together, he insists on having a relationship. Leigh is NOT amused!
Malcolm is co-owner of his family's construction company, knows how to get a job done no matter how challenging it is, and doesn't take no (especially Leigh's no) for an answer either. He knows he wants Leigh, loves the man's snarkiness and the way he stands up for himself, in fact. Next thing I know, Malcolm goes on the "war"path, so to speak, He sets out to convince Leigh they need to be boyfriends/partners - and he just does not quit!
If you like stories with two stubborn men who should know better than to fight their attraction but have fun doing it, if you enjoy loving banter and watching the men find ways to "trick" each other into what they wanted in the first place, and if you're looking for a fun, short read with lots of hot activity in bed and out, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review.
December 22, 2012
Leigh has had it with his contractor, so he calls and threatens them with a fate worse than death, his lawyer!
So Malcom comes right away and there is immediate lust and after making eyes at each other for a while they fall into..well not bed..on a desk I guess.
Now for some reason not explained Leigh doesn't do relationships where as Malcom is sure Leigh is his one and only and forever guy, even telling his family that.
It could have been a shifter book with that storyline, although Leigh really didn't put up much of a fight.
It's a sweet totally angst and conflict free light and easy story.
So Malcom comes right away and there is immediate lust and after making eyes at each other for a while they fall into..well not bed..on a desk I guess.
Now for some reason not explained Leigh doesn't do relationships where as Malcom is sure Leigh is his one and only and forever guy, even telling his family that.
It could have been a shifter book with that storyline, although Leigh really didn't put up much of a fight.
It's a sweet totally angst and conflict free light and easy story.
April 20, 2012
This was an OK read for me...fun and fluffy, no real angst or major conflict. Fun reading when I was about to go to bed!
May 19, 2012
2.5 stars. Ok short m/m romance about a bookstore owner who just wants to have sex with the contractor renovating his store, not start a relationship. But the contractor has other plans...
January 15, 2020
“When an irresistible force such as you, meets and old immovable object like me. You can bet as sure as you live, Something's gotta give, something's gotta give something's gotta give.”~Ella Fitzgerald
Leigh Masters is all business, polished, confident, and stubborn. He's a force to be reckoned with, one which most people can't resist. He efficiently rolls over them like a tank and is used to always getting his way. Malcolm is an immovable object, quiet, secure, and patient. When he wants something, he goes after it using all the resources at his disposal, even if it means enlisting the help of his family. Put them together and you have a dilemma. Both can't have their way so...something's got to give. The question remains, who will give first so they will both be winners?
Leigh doesn't deny that he is attracted to Malcolm when they first meet. Since he doesn't do relationships, he does his best to make it physical and nothing else. He's underestimated Malcolm's patience and resilience. Try as he may, Leigh can't crack Malcolm's determination and he definitely plays dirty trying to undermine his will using some very steamy tactics. He didn't expect Malcolm's emotional seduction to involve his family, particularly his little baby niece who Leigh fell in love with, making it harder and harder for Leigh not to want to be a part of the family. Malcolm keeps right on chipping away doing all the right things to impress Leigh and show him how good they can be together. The longer Leigh knows Malcolm, the less his arguments against a relationship make sense until even he can't think of a good reason for them not to be together.
This is a short, sweet love story between two seemingly mismatched men, once again proving that opposites attract and actually complement each other. There's no real crisis in the plot. It's just a nice, fluffy story with steamy trysts and a happy ending. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys escaping into a dream world in which love always prevails.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Leigh Masters is all business, polished, confident, and stubborn. He's a force to be reckoned with, one which most people can't resist. He efficiently rolls over them like a tank and is used to always getting his way. Malcolm is an immovable object, quiet, secure, and patient. When he wants something, he goes after it using all the resources at his disposal, even if it means enlisting the help of his family. Put them together and you have a dilemma. Both can't have their way so...something's got to give. The question remains, who will give first so they will both be winners?
Leigh doesn't deny that he is attracted to Malcolm when they first meet. Since he doesn't do relationships, he does his best to make it physical and nothing else. He's underestimated Malcolm's patience and resilience. Try as he may, Leigh can't crack Malcolm's determination and he definitely plays dirty trying to undermine his will using some very steamy tactics. He didn't expect Malcolm's emotional seduction to involve his family, particularly his little baby niece who Leigh fell in love with, making it harder and harder for Leigh not to want to be a part of the family. Malcolm keeps right on chipping away doing all the right things to impress Leigh and show him how good they can be together. The longer Leigh knows Malcolm, the less his arguments against a relationship make sense until even he can't think of a good reason for them not to be together.
This is a short, sweet love story between two seemingly mismatched men, once again proving that opposites attract and actually complement each other. There's no real crisis in the plot. It's just a nice, fluffy story with steamy trysts and a happy ending. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys escaping into a dream world in which love always prevails.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 29, 2013
A nice short story from Ms. Carmichael, very light reading and somehow pleasant, After the Fall is the story of Leigh and Malcolm.
Leigh is the owner of a bookstore, which he is trying to renovate along with his apartment above. His contractor hasn’t showed up for weeks and all assurances of delivery are falling apart from Leigh’s point of view. Angry and frustrated he calls for the last time his contractor, threatening him that he’ll be facing Leigh’s lawyer. That day Leigh meets Malcolm…
Yes this story is about love at first sight and a happy ever after of course.
Leigh is a lonely man who is completely against any kind of relationship and emotional bounds. He lives alone and avoids love in any way possible. Malcolm on the other hand is quite his opposite. Having a large family and happily married brothers, a steady relationship and a life partner is what he seeks. While both of them feel the attraction between them, Malcolm can see that Leigh tries his best no to let it overcome him. It would take a lot to go around Leigh’s stubbornness, but Malcolm is just the man for the job. Over the week that takes to renovate the bookstore Malcolm slowly but steady makes his way into Leigh’s heart. The way they orient themselves around each other does not go unnoticed by the crew or the friends of both men. Trying as much to deny it Leigh finally sees that in a course of a short time he’s let Malcolm into to his life unwillingly or not and that is not so bad a feeling. Surprising even himself he realizes that he’s in love.
A well written story, smart and very funny in some parts, with witty dialogues and easy flowing plot this is just what you might need for a light read in the evening.
Leigh is the owner of a bookstore, which he is trying to renovate along with his apartment above. His contractor hasn’t showed up for weeks and all assurances of delivery are falling apart from Leigh’s point of view. Angry and frustrated he calls for the last time his contractor, threatening him that he’ll be facing Leigh’s lawyer. That day Leigh meets Malcolm…
Yes this story is about love at first sight and a happy ever after of course.
Leigh is a lonely man who is completely against any kind of relationship and emotional bounds. He lives alone and avoids love in any way possible. Malcolm on the other hand is quite his opposite. Having a large family and happily married brothers, a steady relationship and a life partner is what he seeks. While both of them feel the attraction between them, Malcolm can see that Leigh tries his best no to let it overcome him. It would take a lot to go around Leigh’s stubbornness, but Malcolm is just the man for the job. Over the week that takes to renovate the bookstore Malcolm slowly but steady makes his way into Leigh’s heart. The way they orient themselves around each other does not go unnoticed by the crew or the friends of both men. Trying as much to deny it Leigh finally sees that in a course of a short time he’s let Malcolm into to his life unwillingly or not and that is not so bad a feeling. Surprising even himself he realizes that he’s in love.
A well written story, smart and very funny in some parts, with witty dialogues and easy flowing plot this is just what you might need for a light read in the evening.
November 18, 2012
I would have enjoyed this more if it were longer and gave me a better understanding of Leigh's character. As it stands, I only feel like he was railroaded into a relationship with Malcolm (who came across to me as a bit of an arrogant prick who ignores his partners protestations). I just feel like there were chapters missing.
April 12, 2012
This is a pretty cute story about a big hunky guy who fell in love with a commitment phobe pretty boy bookstore owner. Malcolm's pursuit and courtship broke down Leigh's defenses and makes him realize Malcolm is a keeper and a gem among hunky gay men.
July 8, 2012
3.5 stars
I like how the characters are being straightforward, not beating around the bushes. Their schemes to 'trap' the other into (non) sex are fun.
I like how the characters are being straightforward, not beating around the bushes. Their schemes to 'trap' the other into (non) sex are fun.
December 12, 2012
I like!!
July 15, 2012
Very cute and sweet story:-)
July 20, 2012
3.5 stars
October 19, 2012
Very nice and sweat story. I just loved it.
May 2, 2015
3.5 stars
May 10, 2012
I really liked the dynamics of this couple. sweet and funny !
August 7, 2012
Fun, quick read. Enjoyed Leigh's snarkiness and Malcolm's determination.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews