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The Travel Boys #2
Playing Along
“It looks like we’ve been mistaken for the happy couple…what an unfortunate mix-up.”
Dom: I was beyond excited when my job as a video blogger landed me at a huge conference in Paris. I had barely stepped foot in the hotel when I noticed another blogger being harassed by a fan—and I was more than happy to step in and pretend to be his boyfriend so that he could get out of a sticky situation. What I wasn’t expecting? Smith Morgenstern to take me on a whirlwind romantic adventure through Paris. Between scoring the honeymoon suite after being mistaken as a French couple and sharing croissants at a charming little café, it was pretty much the most amazing night of my life…and that was before we even got around to the scorching hot sex.
Imagine my surprise the next morning when my dreamboat one-night stand turns out to be the guy I’m supposed to collaborate with on my next big video. Smith is everything I didn’t know I wanted—impulsive, snarky, and bold. But his entire career is built on making videos about the joys of sleeping around. Could someone who thrives on being unattached ever want to settle down with me?
“I’m not a romantic guy…so why does your smile make me go weak at the knees?”
Smith: I didn’t go to Paris expecting to fall hard for Dom Baker, but something about him shook me to the core. Smart, level-headed, and impossibly kind, Dom awoke emotions in me that I had never known I could feel. When we both headed home to our respective cities, I knew that I couldn’t let him go. Long late-night phone calls led to planning a visit, and before I knew it I was head-over-heels for him.
It felt like it took an eon to realize that I wanted more than just a fling with Dom—I wanted a lifetime with him. But just when I was making up my mind that I wanted to give a real relationship a chance, Dom stopped answering my calls. I was so sure that my feelings were reciprocated…but maybe I waited too long. Did I miss out on my chance at a life with Dom? Or is something else terribly wrong?
Playing Along is the second book in the Travel Boys series but can absolutely be read as a standalone. It’s a steamy contemporary m/m romance featuring fake relationship, fling-to-lovers, hurt/comfort, and long-distance themes, plus a very happy ending!
Dom: I was beyond excited when my job as a video blogger landed me at a huge conference in Paris. I had barely stepped foot in the hotel when I noticed another blogger being harassed by a fan—and I was more than happy to step in and pretend to be his boyfriend so that he could get out of a sticky situation. What I wasn’t expecting? Smith Morgenstern to take me on a whirlwind romantic adventure through Paris. Between scoring the honeymoon suite after being mistaken as a French couple and sharing croissants at a charming little café, it was pretty much the most amazing night of my life…and that was before we even got around to the scorching hot sex.
Imagine my surprise the next morning when my dreamboat one-night stand turns out to be the guy I’m supposed to collaborate with on my next big video. Smith is everything I didn’t know I wanted—impulsive, snarky, and bold. But his entire career is built on making videos about the joys of sleeping around. Could someone who thrives on being unattached ever want to settle down with me?
“I’m not a romantic guy…so why does your smile make me go weak at the knees?”
Smith: I didn’t go to Paris expecting to fall hard for Dom Baker, but something about him shook me to the core. Smart, level-headed, and impossibly kind, Dom awoke emotions in me that I had never known I could feel. When we both headed home to our respective cities, I knew that I couldn’t let him go. Long late-night phone calls led to planning a visit, and before I knew it I was head-over-heels for him.
It felt like it took an eon to realize that I wanted more than just a fling with Dom—I wanted a lifetime with him. But just when I was making up my mind that I wanted to give a real relationship a chance, Dom stopped answering my calls. I was so sure that my feelings were reciprocated…but maybe I waited too long. Did I miss out on my chance at a life with Dom? Or is something else terribly wrong?
Playing Along is the second book in the Travel Boys series but can absolutely be read as a standalone. It’s a steamy contemporary m/m romance featuring fake relationship, fling-to-lovers, hurt/comfort, and long-distance themes, plus a very happy ending!
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2018
25 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 24, 2018
This was an enjoyable quick read
There were a few editing mistakes in this one but not enough to spoil what was overall a nice, easy and enjoyable read.
This book would be perfect for the sun lounger on holiday or for a leisurely bath as it's relatively angst-free and, although it's a bit too insta love for me, it does expand on the connection between the two men well.
I liked the contrast in characters and personalities between Dom and Smith and I liked that there wasn't any daft miscommunication.
A good addition to the series.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
There were a few editing mistakes in this one but not enough to spoil what was overall a nice, easy and enjoyable read.
This book would be perfect for the sun lounger on holiday or for a leisurely bath as it's relatively angst-free and, although it's a bit too insta love for me, it does expand on the connection between the two men well.
I liked the contrast in characters and personalities between Dom and Smith and I liked that there wasn't any daft miscommunication.
A good addition to the series.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
September 29, 2018
Shipping the collaborators
Another one of the boys meets the man he loves while travelling and the story does not disappoint!
Dom is the Yourtuber of the group (YouTube rights infringement? It's clear what the idea is) and he is travelling to Paris for a conference. His videos have always been about education, first sex ed and now general LGBT relationship education. One of his collaborations if to be with Smith, who has videos about embracing and being positive and safe about sleeping around. The two actually have a meet before hand and fall into bed together after an amazing afternoon. From there a whirlwind Paris romance leaves the two wondering what they want.
Dom is a great guy who has been damaged by a past relationship. He spent three years in a relationship that only he couldn't see was going nowhere. His partner did a number on his self esteem and those doubts tend to rear their head in new relationships. Add in the fact that Smith doesn't want serious and those doubts are very much out. The great thing is that Dom is more than willing to talk. He talks to his friends and works through those doubts, as well as giving himself self pep talks. This is w journey for him as he deals with both accepting a casual relationship, and being willing to see himself as worth it.
Smith has the biggest issues and the most hot and cold moments. His before university was all against sleeping with many people, even if you are safe, so being free to do so was a liberation for him. He has turned that freedom into a job with lots of hard work. The idea of being with Dom seems to put the entire job he has made for himself at risk. It also puts his own philosophy to the test, and a shift to personal philosophy is no easy thing. He spends the story trying to figure out how to push Dom away when he only wants him close. His journey is very personal and done well, especially when he gets out of his head.
I love that these books have plenty of passion and heat, but also true relationship work. There is talk in this book about how actually pursuing a relationship will mean lots of talking, compromise, and legwork. Terrible are things required with love even if they aren't often talked about. This story gets a great balance between the communication that is necessary and the passion that fuels it all. A great read and I look forward to the next one of the guys to head out on their travels!
Another one of the boys meets the man he loves while travelling and the story does not disappoint!
Dom is the Yourtuber of the group (YouTube rights infringement? It's clear what the idea is) and he is travelling to Paris for a conference. His videos have always been about education, first sex ed and now general LGBT relationship education. One of his collaborations if to be with Smith, who has videos about embracing and being positive and safe about sleeping around. The two actually have a meet before hand and fall into bed together after an amazing afternoon. From there a whirlwind Paris romance leaves the two wondering what they want.
Dom is a great guy who has been damaged by a past relationship. He spent three years in a relationship that only he couldn't see was going nowhere. His partner did a number on his self esteem and those doubts tend to rear their head in new relationships. Add in the fact that Smith doesn't want serious and those doubts are very much out. The great thing is that Dom is more than willing to talk. He talks to his friends and works through those doubts, as well as giving himself self pep talks. This is w journey for him as he deals with both accepting a casual relationship, and being willing to see himself as worth it.
Smith has the biggest issues and the most hot and cold moments. His before university was all against sleeping with many people, even if you are safe, so being free to do so was a liberation for him. He has turned that freedom into a job with lots of hard work. The idea of being with Dom seems to put the entire job he has made for himself at risk. It also puts his own philosophy to the test, and a shift to personal philosophy is no easy thing. He spends the story trying to figure out how to push Dom away when he only wants him close. His journey is very personal and done well, especially when he gets out of his head.
I love that these books have plenty of passion and heat, but also true relationship work. There is talk in this book about how actually pursuing a relationship will mean lots of talking, compromise, and legwork. Terrible are things required with love even if they aren't often talked about. This story gets a great balance between the communication that is necessary and the passion that fuels it all. A great read and I look forward to the next one of the guys to head out on their travels!
August 6, 2018
I am loving this series!
In book 2, Dom and Smith are in Paris for a Yourtube event. Those who blog and make a living from their video channels can network and mix with others who they otherwise only know online.
Dom lives up to his habit of standing up for and rescuing others by saving Smith from being harassed by a fan. Unbeknownst to them, an instant attraction leads to a week's whirlwind romance.
Both characters are adorable, having their own strengths and weaknesses. I absolutely love what it is they show on their video channels. Dom helps demonstrate and promote safe sex for the gay community and Smith allows people to be free with the life they want to live and feel good about it when they pretty much only have one night stands. It's different but also a something that I think should be spoken about more in general anyway so it's great having in a book.
Smith is happy with his lire as it is and struggles to allow himself the strength of attraction he feels towards Dom, not something he's used to.
Whereas Dom is a relationship kind of guy and would happily go all in, except for the voice of his ex belittling him constantly causing self doubt in most situations. His friends back home, including Porter and Levi from book 1 have been helping him recover both emotionally and mentally. He's ready for his holiday and they both get a lot more than they bargained for.
The story is very well written. We get doses of happy, carefree times, small parts of heavy emotion, as well as several helpings of hot scenes between the two!
Paris is beautifully described, easy to envision myself there along with the characters.
I like that we get a couple of scenes with known characters but it doesn't take over Dom and Smith's story. If you haven't read book 1 it won't impact your enjoyment of this one.
I'd definitely recommend it and am looking forward to book 3!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
In book 2, Dom and Smith are in Paris for a Yourtube event. Those who blog and make a living from their video channels can network and mix with others who they otherwise only know online.
Dom lives up to his habit of standing up for and rescuing others by saving Smith from being harassed by a fan. Unbeknownst to them, an instant attraction leads to a week's whirlwind romance.
Both characters are adorable, having their own strengths and weaknesses. I absolutely love what it is they show on their video channels. Dom helps demonstrate and promote safe sex for the gay community and Smith allows people to be free with the life they want to live and feel good about it when they pretty much only have one night stands. It's different but also a something that I think should be spoken about more in general anyway so it's great having in a book.
Smith is happy with his lire as it is and struggles to allow himself the strength of attraction he feels towards Dom, not something he's used to.
Whereas Dom is a relationship kind of guy and would happily go all in, except for the voice of his ex belittling him constantly causing self doubt in most situations. His friends back home, including Porter and Levi from book 1 have been helping him recover both emotionally and mentally. He's ready for his holiday and they both get a lot more than they bargained for.
The story is very well written. We get doses of happy, carefree times, small parts of heavy emotion, as well as several helpings of hot scenes between the two!
Paris is beautifully described, easy to envision myself there along with the characters.
I like that we get a couple of scenes with known characters but it doesn't take over Dom and Smith's story. If you haven't read book 1 it won't impact your enjoyment of this one.
I'd definitely recommend it and am looking forward to book 3!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
August 7, 2018
i read this book as part of an arc program. I loved this romance between Dom and Smith. Dom and Smith met in Paris at a conference for people who earn a living making youtube videos. When Smith is being harassed by a fan, Dom comes to his rescue and pretends to be his boyfriend. Dom kisses Smith and they have an instant connection that they continue to explore. When the hotel mistakes them for a honeymooning couple, they go along with it and stay in the suite. They have a great night and then part ways for meetings. When Smith meets his contact, he is surprised to see Dom is who he was meeting. They decide to work together and spend more time together. When the hotel realizes the mistake, they are kicked out and they try to find a place to stay. They also want to skip the rest of the conference and spend their time in Paris together for a fling they can remember. Smith doesn't do relationships and makes his career around staying single, but sleeping around. Smith is unsure what to do about his feelings for Dom and they part ways. Dom has feelings for Smith but knows he lives across country and doesn't date. They continue to talk, even though they thought they would only be together for a fling. I really liked this story and thought they chemistry between Smith and Dom was explosive. They were great together and had an instant love for each other. I loved this story and look forward to reading more from Louisa.
August 31, 2018
Fun & Frolic in Paris
This one starts off so weirdly by giving away a secret that could have been introduced later, but then when the first few chapters pass by you realize that the author did the right thing. That's because Dom and Smith are about the most complicated, and totally opposite, characters you're likely to come across in a gay romance.
Both YouTube producers, Dom is from Seattle and a reticent gay man whose YouTube channel is more educational than explicit and Smith is a one-night-stand specialist from Chicago whose channel is wildly popular because of how he deals with that subject. They don't know each other but agree to meet at a YouTube conference in Paris, and when all sorts of mistaken identity issues and instant-attraction issues are put forth the book takes off into as wild a romance and head trip as you are likely to get.
That their quick tryst turns into a week-long relationship is believable because the author does not let them hide behind closed doors--there's a lot of sex in this one, and that brings forth both credibility and questions of how-to-proceed when the trip ends.
A whole new story takes place when they return to their respective cities, and it's wonderfully handled despite a serious issue which develops shortly after they return (no spoilers). The rest of it flies by and you will be happy to see how the trip turned out after all.
This one starts off so weirdly by giving away a secret that could have been introduced later, but then when the first few chapters pass by you realize that the author did the right thing. That's because Dom and Smith are about the most complicated, and totally opposite, characters you're likely to come across in a gay romance.
Both YouTube producers, Dom is from Seattle and a reticent gay man whose YouTube channel is more educational than explicit and Smith is a one-night-stand specialist from Chicago whose channel is wildly popular because of how he deals with that subject. They don't know each other but agree to meet at a YouTube conference in Paris, and when all sorts of mistaken identity issues and instant-attraction issues are put forth the book takes off into as wild a romance and head trip as you are likely to get.
That their quick tryst turns into a week-long relationship is believable because the author does not let them hide behind closed doors--there's a lot of sex in this one, and that brings forth both credibility and questions of how-to-proceed when the trip ends.
A whole new story takes place when they return to their respective cities, and it's wonderfully handled despite a serious issue which develops shortly after they return (no spoilers). The rest of it flies by and you will be happy to see how the trip turned out after all.
July 31, 2018
Two 📹videographers with a meet cute that leads to amorous days and nights in the🗼 City of Lights!
July 30, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4 and a bit stars🔥💕
A smoothly paced romance with lots of heat and a gorgeous🗼 Paris setting, I really enjoyed this one. Though I don't consider it the best of Keller's m/m romances, maybe because I love the angst of Fragile Ground and the longer burn of The Limelight, Playing Along's heroes Dom and Smith definitely had chemistry in their whirlwind hook-up on a conference in good old gay Paree.
Of the two characters, I liked Dom better. He was also the one who connected this story to The Limelight's characters, and seemed the more grounded of the two. Smith made a stupid move at their hotel that made me believe he was just an opportunistic user, but the consequences seemed to turn out for the better. Luckily for him, author Louisa Keller made him a fellow who could admit when he was wrong and make changes accordingly. The harder edge to him slowly eroded and revealed his softer side. A little adversity and denial never hurts a plot in my opinion when the end result is sweet.:-)
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 30, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4 and a bit stars🔥💕
A smoothly paced romance with lots of heat and a gorgeous🗼 Paris setting, I really enjoyed this one. Though I don't consider it the best of Keller's m/m romances, maybe because I love the angst of Fragile Ground and the longer burn of The Limelight, Playing Along's heroes Dom and Smith definitely had chemistry in their whirlwind hook-up on a conference in good old gay Paree.
Of the two characters, I liked Dom better. He was also the one who connected this story to The Limelight's characters, and seemed the more grounded of the two. Smith made a stupid move at their hotel that made me believe he was just an opportunistic user, but the consequences seemed to turn out for the better. Luckily for him, author Louisa Keller made him a fellow who could admit when he was wrong and make changes accordingly. The harder edge to him slowly eroded and revealed his softer side. A little adversity and denial never hurts a plot in my opinion when the end result is sweet.:-)
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 30, 2018
This is the 2nd book of Louisa’s I’ve read and I’m becoming a fan of hers. Smith is a video blogger who has gone to a conference in Paris and he’s also there to meet a man to collaborate on his next big video. He notices another person being harassed by another man so he steps in and says to the loud obnoxious man that he is his boyfriend so the man shouts and carries on so they just walk away. As a thank you for saving him Dom takes Smith and shows him around Paris, there is an attraction between them both and Dom stays the night with Smith and they have incredible sex. The next morning Smith wakes up and Dom is gone and he is going to be late for this meeting with this blogger called Smorgenstern, so when Smith shows up and Dom is sitting there he is shocked but very happy. This is a fantastic m/m story full of feels and I loved the HEA at the end, it is a really good story and I enjoyed reading it, it kinda makes me believe in love at first sight. Fantastic story a 5 plus ⭐️ read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
October 2, 2018
Playing Along is the second book in Louisa Keller's The Travel Boys series. And, wow, I loved it and need to read more!
Dom and Smith meet in Paris at a convention. They take advantage of some mistaken identity and spend some time together in the honeymoon suite. They are complicated together, as they are such opposites. They also live in different places, but after a week long relationship, they don't want to part.
This story is wonderfully atmospheric and enchanting. You will love all of the amazing descriptions of Paris. The journey they take to fall in love is sweet and fabulous and the men are both irresistible. Their crazy, hot attraction jumps off the pages.
I am thrilled to have discovered Playing Along, and I look forward to reading the rest of Louisa Keller's Travel Boy series!
Dom and Smith meet in Paris at a convention. They take advantage of some mistaken identity and spend some time together in the honeymoon suite. They are complicated together, as they are such opposites. They also live in different places, but after a week long relationship, they don't want to part.
This story is wonderfully atmospheric and enchanting. You will love all of the amazing descriptions of Paris. The journey they take to fall in love is sweet and fabulous and the men are both irresistible. Their crazy, hot attraction jumps off the pages.
I am thrilled to have discovered Playing Along, and I look forward to reading the rest of Louisa Keller's Travel Boy series!
July 30, 2018
This is another great book in The Travel Boys series! It is well-written with interesting characters and an entertaining storyline. I love how Smith and Dom meet and their incredibly hot first night together. They are perfect for each other but Smith has made a career out of never sleeping with the same guy twice. He doesn't want to have a relationship but he can't resist spending every moment he can with Dom. Nether of them want to say goodbye at the end of their week in Paris and once they return home Smith has to figure out if he can be happy without Dom. The secondary characters are wonderful and Lola is awesome! I love the ending and I look forward to reading the next book in this fun series.
August 5, 2018
Dom and Smith were video bloggers who go to Paris for a conference. Smith is very much a "one time only" kind of guy, and he is thrown for a huge loop when he meets Dom and all of a sudden has feelings that conflict with what he always thought. There is definite chemistry between the two, and I liked how they danced around their feelings while also communicating. There was very little angst, but enough to make me feel for the guys and root for their HEA. I liked how Smith jumped to be what both he and Dom needed when it was time. I enjoyed all of the friends (both US and Paris), and I enjoyed reading this.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
August 7, 2018
Dom is sweet to Smith's snarky, together they're the perfect blend. It was great watching Dom step out of his comfort zone because right from the first moment Smith made him feel safe. Smith has painted himself into a corner in his life and he's not sure how to undo it. In the end, when Dom really he needs him, he shines. He makes the best choice for himself, he chooses Dom. I loved seeing a peek of these guys two years down the road.
Adult read
Adult read
July 30, 2018
Another great book in this series.
Dom and Smith, the main characters, are both delightful and funny, and their story is not free of some bumps on the ride, mostly because they have so different opinions on how a relationship must work :P
I love the YouTube conference, and Paris as a background setting. Romantic and steamy, this is a fabulous romance. Recommended.
Dom and Smith, the main characters, are both delightful and funny, and their story is not free of some bumps on the ride, mostly because they have so different opinions on how a relationship must work :P
I love the YouTube conference, and Paris as a background setting. Romantic and steamy, this is a fabulous romance. Recommended.
August 1, 2018
This is the second book in the Travel Boys series.I loved Dom and Smith from the first and how they meet. The sparks fly between them. This is a very enjoyable read with great characters.
I recieved a copy for an honest review.
I recieved a copy for an honest review.
August 8, 2018
Time together doesn’t define love
What’s in your heart does. And when you’re heart finds what it wants, it sinks it’s claws in and doesn’t let go.
Such a wonderful tale of unsuspecting love. I truly enjoy the camaraderie the tight clan of friends have.
What’s in your heart does. And when you’re heart finds what it wants, it sinks it’s claws in and doesn’t let go.
Such a wonderful tale of unsuspecting love. I truly enjoy the camaraderie the tight clan of friends have.
December 27, 2018
Loved!
This series just keeps getting better and better! I love Dom! I’m glad he got his HEA. Smith and Dom had OFF the chart chemistry. This book was insanely hot but also very romantic. I loved it!!
This series just keeps getting better and better! I love Dom! I’m glad he got his HEA. Smith and Dom had OFF the chart chemistry. This book was insanely hot but also very romantic. I loved it!!
August 2, 2018
This was fabulous! Dom and Smith were completely adorable together, and scorchingly hot.
August 4, 2018
Playing Along was a fun read. Neither of the characters really seem to understand what they are getting themselves into, but it unfolds beautifully.
August 3, 2018
Absolutely FABULOUS!
It is a second book in Louisa Keller's "The Travel Boys" series and it is AMAZING!
It can be read as a standalone, You really wouldn't miss anything without reading book #1.
Here, we have a great love story between gay You Tubers that happened completely out of order - we have scorching hot sex, getting to know each other, parting after a week of sightseeing and making out (in front of famous sculptures, that one was one of my favorite :D ) and something like a little heart-break. To sum up, Louisa Keller prepared an explosive mixture that does not let you get bored even for a moment. What is more it is pretty funny (all these misunderstandings and their consequences) and very, very emotional , especially in the end.
I LOVED THIS STORY WITH MY WHOLE HEART and i am quite sure I'll re-read it sooner rather than later. I loved Dom with is insecurities and his need to love and be loved and as unexpected as it is (even for me) I loved Smith as well, all in all he had a lot to loose (but much, much more to gain).
I CAN'T WAIT for more books from this author. Her writing style is really good and her stories are entertaining and feel real.
*I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review *
It is a second book in Louisa Keller's "The Travel Boys" series and it is AMAZING!
It can be read as a standalone, You really wouldn't miss anything without reading book #1.
Here, we have a great love story between gay You Tubers that happened completely out of order - we have scorching hot sex, getting to know each other, parting after a week of sightseeing and making out (in front of famous sculptures, that one was one of my favorite :D ) and something like a little heart-break. To sum up, Louisa Keller prepared an explosive mixture that does not let you get bored even for a moment. What is more it is pretty funny (all these misunderstandings and their consequences) and very, very emotional , especially in the end.
I LOVED THIS STORY WITH MY WHOLE HEART and i am quite sure I'll re-read it sooner rather than later. I loved Dom with is insecurities and his need to love and be loved and as unexpected as it is (even for me) I loved Smith as well, all in all he had a lot to loose (but much, much more to gain).
I CAN'T WAIT for more books from this author. Her writing style is really good and her stories are entertaining and feel real.
*I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review *
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