Under Wraps

The Travel Boys #3

by Louisa Keller

“You’re a literal billionaire and you’re the loneliest man I’ve ever met.”

Carson: Eight years after a horrific incident tore my family apart, I finally have my feet under me again. It was a rough recovery and I still suffer from chronic pain, so dating is pretty much the last thing on my mind. Stability is more important to me than anything else. There’s no reason to rock the boat, right?

Then Ainsley Stapleton bulldozes his way into my life. Endlessly elegant, incredibly generous, and nearly two decades older than me, he takes my breath away. Too bad he’s my best friend’s stepbrother, and they absolutely hate each other. Our connection is instant and passionate, the union of two hearts that were built for one another…but we come from two different worlds. Did I mention that he’s a billionaire? It looks like stability is flying out the window, and whether I like it or not, I’m about to be thrown into chaos once again.

“I’m stuck at Abshire Manor all week with my estranged father and my judgmental step-brother…is this really the best time to be falling in love with a man?”

Ainsley: I only accepted my dad’s invitation to meet his new wife and stepson because I wanted to be mature. He was never there for me growing up, he just tossed money at me and not much else. But then I meet Carson Powell, and suddenly the trip goes from being stressful to fiery hot.

I’ve never fallen for a man before, but Carson is breathtakingly beautiful, kind, and compassionate. He awakens long-dormant feelings in me, and I find myself sneaking into his room late at night, desperately hoping we won’t get caught. It’s hard to wrangle family, and even harder when you’re trying to keep your first gay love a secret while everyone’s under one roof. Is it all going to implode, or can we keep things under wraps?

Under Wraps is the third book in The Travel Boys series, but can be read as a stand-alone. It features a grumpy billionaire workaholic, a bisexual awakening, a May/December hidden relationship, lots of hurt/comfort, plenty of heat, and an HEA.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, LGBT

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 23, 2018

Reviews

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite book in this series and an absolute delight to read.

In this one Carson finds his happy and it's a bolt from the blue and in the most unlikely of places

I really liked the dynamics in this one - although, once again, a sneak peek into a piece of the book isn't a Prologue and shouldn't really get labelled as such. But, that's just a minor point, the rest of the book is told with occasional flashbacks that give a bit more depth to Carson's background.

This worked really well for me, I liked how it gave an insight into the thoughts going through his head as he was blindsided by his attraction to Ainsley.

I also liked the family tensions weren't instantly smoothed over but I thought it felt natural in progression that Ainsley and Beau's father would want to try and be a better parent after marrying Dom's amazing mum Sydney.

Lots of great feels in this one as well as some emotionally charged scenes.

#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

So the “prologue” threw me off a bit, because it wasn’t really a prologue to me? And some of the writing seemed a bit overly formal and too focused on trying to use every possible big words, but overall I enjoyed this story.

I haven’t read the first two books in this series, but this worked as a stand-alone very easily. Since they are all staying at a house away from town, the story really focuses on Carson, Ainsley, and their families. Also? A case of insta-love, which may not be to everyone’s liking.

A lot of the drama was just between Alistair, Ainsley’s father, Don, Carson’s friend and all the family dynamics. Ainsley was just soooo angry towards his father and Dom through most of the book. He was sweet with Carson and their romance, despite the age gap and Ainsley’s first ever attraction to a man, was not that bumpy.

[Earlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instant love

Even though this was Instant it worked for this couple. At first meeting they noticed each other. The problem was Carson is the step brother best friend. Carbon and Alister made this connection work. It also a May to December romance, with Carson being the more experienced . Just a lovely romance.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely done

I liked this story. Instant connection between two people from different backgrounds. One has to learn to let go of things in the past in order to move forward.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series so far and it a!ways seems to get better.
What drew me in with this story is the flashbacks that's we get inbetween each chapter. It slowly helps to explain things as well as talk is through the processes that Carson has been through.
Carson and Dom's friendship is just as strong in this story and we get to find out why and how it became such an important thing for both men but especially in Carson's time of need. Upon meeting Ainsley, Dom's new step brother, the attraction that both men feel is deep and instant and Louisa has written it so well, you could sense the two growing closer even before they talk. Both men have emotional scarring from their past but together they help to move forward, though tentative at first.
along with our two MC's we also have Dom, his mum Sydney, her new husband Alistair and his other son, and Ainsley's brother, Beauregard. The tensions run high for several of them throughout giving Carson the role of peacemaker and eventually being the man who changes things for all of them.
This story mainly takes place in the countryside and is beautifully describec, definitely somewhere I can imagine and would love to visit.
I highly recommend this series and This book is another great addition! There's a great storyline of loss and new love, may/december and newly discovered bisexuality.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are important, too. Giving yourself permission to be happy - to self nuture - is sometimes easier said than done. Both Ainsley and Carson have spent considerable time agonizing over that concept, albeit for different reasons, even if only subconsciously. And, like a proverbial silver lining, these difficulties allowed them to connect emotionally and made them perfect for each other. I liked how the May/December theme, while present and acknowledged, was never an obstacle for any of the characters. It kept the focus on Ainsley and Carson's emotional connection, and off of the typical roadblocks one might see with a May/December theme. Over the course of the story, I found Ainsley's character to be surprisingly refreshing. Even at the start of the book, but especially by the end of the book, he was likeable. humble, generous, moral, loving, and unexpectedly open (in the sense of vulnerability, not open mindedness, although he was that, too). His character felt incredibly grounded, which was something Carson's character desperately needed. I have read other books in the Travel Boys series, and have thoroughly enjoyed each that I have had the privilege to read.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story and an excellent addition to The Travel Boys series. It is beautifully written, emotional, sweet, sexy, fast-paced, deals well with some very difficult issues, has an intriguing storyline, includes a very dysfunctional family trying to heal and I love the characters. I was engaged from the very first page and I could not put it down. Carson and Ainsley are perfect for each other and I love how their relationship develops so quickly. They have smoking hot chemistry and an instant connection between them. Carson still struggles to deal with his devastating past and Ainsley tries to fill his time with work instead of dealing with his loveless childhood. Their attraction surprises both of them but they want to be together in spite of the obstacles they face. I love the secondary characters and the ending is beautiful. I can't wait to read the next book in this incredible series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The arrangement of the contents interspersed with flashbacks took me off guard at first. I didn't know where this author was going but as I got into the story of Carson and Ainsley I understood and began to enjoy their story. Carson had been through so much grief, guilt, recovery pain, and taking drugs to deal with all that was of his survivor's blame that my heart just ached for him. To find his heart mate so instantaneously was something to behold. As for Ainsley, here was such an angry man who slashed out at his father for all of his adult life. Carson was Ainsley the calming balm to his soul. It was a pleasure to read their story from all aspects of the book Ms. Keller wrote. As I thoroughly enjoyed every page I am leaving a voluntary and honest review for the ARC I received.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

😯Does Carson risk betraying his BFF and family by falling for a workaholic billionaire?😕
December 25, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍👬💕🔥 Well-written and fast-moving, with heat and heart, this addition to the Travel Boys series was good, but not my favorite of the three stories in the series this far. I think my favorite was In The Limelight, which included life on the road with a rock band.

The instant attraction and developing closeness between principal characters Carson and Ainsley was touching and fun at times, often sizzlin' hot, but I found the use of short flashbacks after every chapter to slowly reveal Carson's traumatic past was distracting and a bit frustrating. Eventually all is revealed, the full details somewhat of a surprise, and the ending is full closure and satisfying.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connections of the heart really matter and this is beautifully explored in this delightful read. I really enjoyed both MC's and found them both so likable and enjoyed their interactions. The writing flowed and the story-line kept me reading.

Carson and Ainsley's connection was sweet and steamy with lots of wonderful shared experiences. I really enjoyed these guys together and they were creative and fun to watch grow into love.

i am so looking forward to reading more about Beau, Ainsley's brother and Carson's other friends, Leo and Finley.

This is the third book of the The Travel Boys Series and it can be read as a stand-alone. I would suggest reading in order, or at least the previous book, Playing Along, where you really get introduced to some of the characters. The background will enhance your reading enjoyment, but is not necessary.

[Mary Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I was gifted an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *

This is 3rd book in "The travel boys" series, but it can be read as a standalone.
It is a well written m/m romance story with love and lust at first sight. It's a really enjoyable read with great characters.
It is not only a love story but also a book about losing what's the most important, finding Your new family and changing Your life.
There is a HUGE age difference between MCs - 17 years! and even though it is normally a little bit too much for me, relationship between Carson and Ainsley is believable. They complete each other and their chemistry is just awesome.
I don't know how Louisa Keller does it, but with every next book sex scenes are better, hotter.

[Kitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story from Louisa Keller. This is a poignant story full of both physical and mental pain and feelings of anger and abandonment. It is also a story of redemption, forgiveness, love, and new beginnings. I loved the author's use of flashbacks to slowly reveal the pain and agony of Carson's past. Survivor's guilt has never felt so raw. I loved the way Carson tried to help Dom connect with his new family members, as well as trying to help Beau and Ainsley forgive and reconnect with Alistair. I also enjoyed the hidden romance and sensual, sexy scenes. Great story for Christmas or any time.

I received a complimentary ARC from the author. This is my honest, voluntary review.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Carson and Ainsley's relationship, but I particularly like the way we can see how Carson is dealing with his grief over losing his family and how Ainsley is handling the changes in his.

Carson and Aisley are great characters and their journey is an emotional one, beautifully portraited for an author who can writer emotions admirably.

As always, the friendship between all the characters is a thing of beauty =D

[ML · Rating 5 out of 5]

My face hurts from smiling so much. LOVE this book

We get Carson’s back story is this one. It made me SO teary. Most of the book I was smiling so much though. This was a roller coaster of emotions. It is definitely my favorite in the series so far. I absolutely ADORED this book. Carson and Ainsley were perfect for each other. Puzzle pieces that went together just how they should.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this m/m romance and this is the story of Ainsley and Carson. Carson lost his parents when he was younger and he was adopted by his best friend Dom and his mother. Dom’s mother remarried a wealthy man who had two sons and one of them was Ainsley. The two meet and there’s an instant attraction and this story is about their love for each other and the bonds between family and friends. I loved this m/m romance and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Simera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Travel Boys. Carson is still struggling with the loss of his family. Ainsley is a billinaire who is dealing with some changes with in his family.
They are both really sweet together and the way that Ainsley helps Carson deal with his grief is just heartwarming.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2
I absolutely loved this story. The connection was pure and tugged at my heart. It unfortunately had several editing errors so I didn’t rate it higher.
This was the first book I’ve read in the series and it definitely peaked my interest at the others.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's Give Away the Money

The plot of this book will wrap you up in tears and smiles. It will give you romance and second chances. Family will be what you make it and love will come to stay. Carson and Ainsley...perfection.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of angst, a sweet love story, family, and second chances. This is a great story. One man trying to live his life and another finding he is not exactly who he thought he was. Some very steamy moments thrown in.

[Sandra Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2JTTGV...

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

A billionare philanthropist who hates his father meets a poor survivor who misses his deceased family who helps the billionaires family realize a families worth.

[年上 控]

"I was a grown man for God's sake, a forty five year old billionaire philanthropist and here I was fighting not to come after just a couple of minutes......"

我的老天爷啊 我白眼都要翻到后脑勺了。太窒息了