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Tornare a vivere
Il mazziere di blackjack Adrian West ha vissuto a Las Vegas abbastanza a lungo da essere abituato a vedere i mendicanti sulla Strip. La loro povertà è una parte triste e brutta della realtà in una città dove la gente vince o perde tutto ai tavoli da gioco ogni giorno.
Quindi, non sa spiegare perché quel senzatetto in completo elegante abbia attirato la sua attenzione. Perché non riesca a tirare dritto come fa sempre.
L’ex pubblicitario Max Reynolds è un cliché di Las Vegas. Dopo che una serie di colpi di sfortuna gli è costata il ragazzo, il lavoro e la casa, ha deciso di andarsene con il botto... una settimana a giocarsi cifre astronomiche coronata da una pacifica overdose nella camera di un albergo di lusso.
Quando un’improvvisa rivelazione gli impedisce di portare a termine i suoi piani, è pronto a tornare a vivere... ma non ha più un centesimo. Non ha niente.
Almeno, finché uno sconosciuto non lo toglie dalla strada. Max avrà anche toccato il fondo, ma adesso ha una scintilla di speranza e un’inaspettata amicizia.
Un’amicizia che potrebbe diventare qualcosa di cui nessuno dei due sapeva di avere bisogno.
Quindi, non sa spiegare perché quel senzatetto in completo elegante abbia attirato la sua attenzione. Perché non riesca a tirare dritto come fa sempre.
L’ex pubblicitario Max Reynolds è un cliché di Las Vegas. Dopo che una serie di colpi di sfortuna gli è costata il ragazzo, il lavoro e la casa, ha deciso di andarsene con il botto... una settimana a giocarsi cifre astronomiche coronata da una pacifica overdose nella camera di un albergo di lusso.
Quando un’improvvisa rivelazione gli impedisce di portare a termine i suoi piani, è pronto a tornare a vivere... ma non ha più un centesimo. Non ha niente.
Almeno, finché uno sconosciuto non lo toglie dalla strada. Max avrà anche toccato il fondo, ma adesso ha una scintilla di speranza e un’inaspettata amicizia.
Un’amicizia che potrebbe diventare qualcosa di cui nessuno dei due sapeva di avere bisogno.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2017
99 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
218 books2,723 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
March 18, 2017
~4.25~
Even though Witt has mad skills, I don't always mesh with her work. But this book? Yeah, this book is a Must Read, you guys!
It has all the elements I love:
- scorching HEAT (hot, hotter, HOTTEST; all the passionate kisses did me in.)
- complex, vulnerable MCs (I fell in love with Max and Adrian almost immediately.)
- strong focus on the relationship
- no drama (and no insta love, either)
- well-developed sense of place (I've spent a lot of time in Vegas and lived in Los Angeles; I could tell L.A. Witt has too. She knows these cities: not just the touristy stuff you can Google, but the heartbeat of the streets.)
- minimum angst, despite the heavy themes of loss, suicidal thoughts, and homelessness
- truly well-earned, romantic HEA
Adrian is a blackjack dealer and stripper (and occasional rent boy). One night, when he's walking to his car he sees a man in a suit sitting by the Bellagio fountain. The man has a sign, a backpack, and a couple crumpled bills in a cup.
Adrian walks right past him. But he turns around. Something about the man calls to him.
Max used to be a successful ad executive. Until he lost everything: his job, his home, his boyfriend. Out of thousands of strangers, Adrian is the only one who stops and sees him.
I liked the way Witt handled Adrian's sex work (and trust me when I say that I'm not a fan of rent boy stories).
At the Corner of Rock Bottom & Nowhere isn't a long book, but it doesn't feel rushed. The men are open and honest with each other, and the tenderness between them is a beautiful thing.
I'm so glad I gave this one a chance!
Even though Witt has mad skills, I don't always mesh with her work. But this book? Yeah, this book is a Must Read, you guys!
It has all the elements I love:
- scorching HEAT (hot, hotter, HOTTEST; all the passionate kisses did me in.)
- complex, vulnerable MCs (I fell in love with Max and Adrian almost immediately.)
- strong focus on the relationship
- no drama (and no insta love, either)
- well-developed sense of place (I've spent a lot of time in Vegas and lived in Los Angeles; I could tell L.A. Witt has too. She knows these cities: not just the touristy stuff you can Google, but the heartbeat of the streets.)
- minimum angst, despite the heavy themes of loss, suicidal thoughts, and homelessness
- truly well-earned, romantic HEA
Adrian is a blackjack dealer and stripper (and occasional rent boy). One night, when he's walking to his car he sees a man in a suit sitting by the Bellagio fountain. The man has a sign, a backpack, and a couple crumpled bills in a cup.
Adrian walks right past him. But he turns around. Something about the man calls to him.
Max used to be a successful ad executive. Until he lost everything: his job, his home, his boyfriend. Out of thousands of strangers, Adrian is the only one who stops and sees him.
I liked the way Witt handled Adrian's sex work (and trust me when I say that I'm not a fan of rent boy stories).
At the Corner of Rock Bottom & Nowhere isn't a long book, but it doesn't feel rushed. The men are open and honest with each other, and the tenderness between them is a beautiful thing.
I'm so glad I gave this one a chance!
June 25, 2024
Such a nice little story. Somehow "nice" was the word that kept running through my head as I read.
Definitely not an outstandingly overwhelming book, but the story is told in such beautiful, quiet, unagitated words that it comes across as melancholy despite the heaviness of the subject, but still remains light.
Does what I'm saying make any sense at all? I hope ...
There were a few repetitive moments, inner monologues, not too much to get annoying, but they still stood out. Alas. If there had been a bit more "variety" I would rate the book higher.
Adrian and Max have a nice dynamic. They are immediately attracted to each other, but try not to let themselves be overwhelmed. The sex scenes are perfect.
It's a good mixture of insta-lust, developing feelings far too quickly and suppressing them with a good dose of reality.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been with someone who knows what I am and treats me like a human. So…thank you for that.” My breath hitches. It’s so bizarre to imagine that the man who picked me up off the sidewalk—after literally thousands of people walked past me—is so surprised when someone treats him like a human being. 🥺😍
Definitely not an outstandingly overwhelming book, but the story is told in such beautiful, quiet, unagitated words that it comes across as melancholy despite the heaviness of the subject, but still remains light.
Does what I'm saying make any sense at all? I hope ...
There were a few repetitive moments, inner monologues, not too much to get annoying, but they still stood out. Alas. If there had been a bit more "variety" I would rate the book higher.
Adrian and Max have a nice dynamic. They are immediately attracted to each other, but try not to let themselves be overwhelmed. The sex scenes are perfect.
It's a good mixture of insta-lust, developing feelings far too quickly and suppressing them with a good dose of reality.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been with someone who knows what I am and treats me like a human. So…thank you for that.” My breath hitches. It’s so bizarre to imagine that the man who picked me up off the sidewalk—after literally thousands of people walked past me—is so surprised when someone treats him like a human being. 🥺😍
July 22, 2018
Audio 5 stars
Story 4.5
Sweet, heart-warming story. I wish it was longer.
Story 4.5
Sweet, heart-warming story. I wish it was longer.
March 4, 2017
Looking back, I realized I’ve been living in black and white, and suddenly you showed up in Technicolor
I've been having quite a book-funk phase for MM romance for the past 2-weeks or so before I decided to give this one a try. I liked the idea that I read from the summary; a happenstance of sort that brings these two men together. Adrian, a card dealer who also works as stripper and Max, a homeless man that Adrian helps-- even if Adrian cannot really explain why he decides to actually stop that day.
And gosh ... this is just what I needed. It was sweet, hopeful, and oh, so romantic. The story was written from both men's perspectives and I could feel the emotional connection between them, that unexplained click where the chemistry and the progress of their relationship feel so right.
This story is simply about the two of them -- and how they come to connect while admiring the personalities of the other. Max sees Adrian as someone kind and brave. Adrian discovers a man who is not ashamed about his "side" job of stripping and sometimes being paid for sex. As much as I hate using the cliché ... I did think they are just right for one another.
We don't really have any supporting characters, aside from a mentioned friend that was willing to lend Max money or customers during Adrian's stripping sessions. Maybe I can add Las Vegas as a supporting character because I could feel the city contributed to their lives too. A home for Adrian, a place where Max wants to go out with a bang, and of course the place where they are finding each other.
It was exactly what my heart needed *sigh*. Thank you so much, book *beams happily*
April 19, 2024
Adrian is a blackjack dealer for one of the big casinos in Las Vegas, as well as a dancer at one of the strip clubs nearby. On his way back to his car after work, he passes yet another man begging on the street in front of the Bellagio fountain. He almost continues to walk by, but there is something different about this man that catches his attention, so he goes back.
The man is well dressed... well dressed in a suit no less, and on his feet...expensive shoes...so what is he doing on the street? His broken expression nearly does Adrian in. Adrian offers him dinner at one of the nearby buffets and eventually is accepted by the man. During dinner the two men begin to talk.
The homeless man is Max, from California who has gotten himself into a desperate, seemingly hopeless situation. He had lost everything and made the decision to take what little money he had left and blow it all in Vegas...then take a handful of pills and put an end to it all...all his misery...all his mistakes. He stops just in time, but all his money is gone, his job is gone, leaving him with nothing. He is surprised by the kindness of a complete stranger...then he recognizes Adrian as the dealer at whose table he lost all his money. What must this young man think of him?
Finally, he shoves his pride to the background and accepts the help that Adrian offers. I don't think many...if anyone, would invite a total stranger into their home like Adrian did...but it worked well for the storyline. He was lucky that Max was a really good guy. Things happened fast between the two guys but it's a short book...less than 200 pages. Adrian and Max get way more than either of them thought they were going to, and I got more than I expected out of this story...but that shouldn't have been a surprise...it is L.A. Witt.
The man is well dressed... well dressed in a suit no less, and on his feet...expensive shoes...so what is he doing on the street? His broken expression nearly does Adrian in. Adrian offers him dinner at one of the nearby buffets and eventually is accepted by the man. During dinner the two men begin to talk.
The homeless man is Max, from California who has gotten himself into a desperate, seemingly hopeless situation. He had lost everything and made the decision to take what little money he had left and blow it all in Vegas...then take a handful of pills and put an end to it all...all his misery...all his mistakes. He stops just in time, but all his money is gone, his job is gone, leaving him with nothing. He is surprised by the kindness of a complete stranger...then he recognizes Adrian as the dealer at whose table he lost all his money. What must this young man think of him?
Finally, he shoves his pride to the background and accepts the help that Adrian offers. I don't think many...if anyone, would invite a total stranger into their home like Adrian did...but it worked well for the storyline. He was lucky that Max was a really good guy. Things happened fast between the two guys but it's a short book...less than 200 pages. Adrian and Max get way more than either of them thought they were going to, and I got more than I expected out of this story...but that shouldn't have been a surprise...it is L.A. Witt.
March 25, 2017
Adrian, a dealer in Vegas who also works as a stripper, sees a homeless guy (in a suit with expensive Italian shoes) by the fountains in front of Bellagio and offers Max a hand-up not just a hand-out, by buying his dinner and letting him stay in his home for a few days to get back on his feet. Max's story is very touching and I loved how Adrian and Max's relationship evolves slowly into something that each man deeply needs - a sense of home, of belonging (plus some very hot man sex.)
I'm jarringly aware of how close I came to never knowing [Max] at all beyond a few hands of cards at my blackjack table. It's one thing to be ships passing in the night. It's another to imagine that other ship sinking to the bottom while mine sails on without ever knowing there was any distress.
March 19, 2018
Once again I'm late to the party on this one but even arriving late...
it was still worth showing up for.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The MCs were wonderful and the story was heartwarming and at times heartbreaking.
Adrian needs someone to be reminded that human kindness and compassion are characteristics the world can't afford to loose. Max needs to be reminded of the same thing only from the receiving end of things. It's through their mutual need for this reminder that both men discover the value of love.
I really enjoyed this one and as always Sean Crisden's narration added depth, emotion and life to the story and I have zero doubt that I'll be listening to this one again and probably again...maybe I'll take the time to do a longer review on one of those revisits.
it was still worth showing up for.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The MCs were wonderful and the story was heartwarming and at times heartbreaking.
Adrian needs someone to be reminded that human kindness and compassion are characteristics the world can't afford to loose. Max needs to be reminded of the same thing only from the receiving end of things. It's through their mutual need for this reminder that both men discover the value of love.
I really enjoyed this one and as always Sean Crisden's narration added depth, emotion and life to the story and I have zero doubt that I'll be listening to this one again and probably again...maybe I'll take the time to do a longer review on one of those revisits.
Read
February 25, 2017Available now!
April 6, 2020
Update March 2020
Okay, it was weird, I ended up not liking it in my second reread :( I usually have small flunctuations on my rating when rereading, but this time the difference between my first time and the second is ridiculous. Downgrading to 4 stars and not lower, because I am (like almost everyone this time) in a shitty mood which may, or may not, have impacted my enjoyment of the book.
Original review:
----
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars because I didn't skip the sex scenes and because I feel I may reread this in the future.
Okay, it was weird, I ended up not liking it in my second reread :( I usually have small flunctuations on my rating when rereading, but this time the difference between my first time and the second is ridiculous. Downgrading to 4 stars and not lower, because I am (like almost everyone this time) in a shitty mood which may, or may not, have impacted my enjoyment of the book.
Original review:
----
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars because I didn't skip the sex scenes and because I feel I may reread this in the future.
June 4, 2018
*** 4.25 Stars ***
March 8, 2018
Free from amazon:)
I had this book for quite some time now and first I was hesitant to read it, because I feared it to be rather dark, then I tried and couldn't get into it. But yesterday, suddenly it worked. It was heartwarming, not dark at all, perhaps a bit too easy, therefore 4 stars.
I had this book for quite some time now and first I was hesitant to read it, because I feared it to be rather dark, then I tried and couldn't get into it. But yesterday, suddenly it worked. It was heartwarming, not dark at all, perhaps a bit too easy, therefore 4 stars.
March 25, 2021
What happens when a blackjack dealer/stripper/occasional prostitute meets a homeless man/former ad exec on the streets of Vegas and offers him a hand up? You get role-reversed Pretty Woman!
I didn't really buy the way these two met, at first. Adrian's constantly walking right on by the homeless people living on the streets of Vegas without a backward glance - but backward glances at Max because of his designer suit and shoes. I guess if you want any hope of being rescued off the streets, you better be wearing Gucci. Weird setup aside, it was a nice read and the characters are likable, and the writing when talking about Max's fall from grace was particularly strong. Other than that, there was nothing special here. It's a standard romance with standard sex scenes (which I skipped). I also never really understood why Adrian sometimes slept with his customers for money since he didn't need the money. It felt like that was there just to give them something edgy and progressive to deal with.
I didn't really buy the way these two met, at first. Adrian's constantly walking right on by the homeless people living on the streets of Vegas without a backward glance - but backward glances at Max because of his designer suit and shoes. I guess if you want any hope of being rescued off the streets, you better be wearing Gucci. Weird setup aside, it was a nice read and the characters are likable, and the writing when talking about Max's fall from grace was particularly strong. Other than that, there was nothing special here. It's a standard romance with standard sex scenes (which I skipped). I also never really understood why Adrian sometimes slept with his customers for money since he didn't need the money. It felt like that was there just to give them something edgy and progressive to deal with.
March 17, 2022
A heartwarming story that, considering that one of the MCs is homeless at the beginning of the book, has surprisingly little drama. It shows the highs and the lows of a town like Vegas and how easy it is to spiral down from a seemingly secure career to hopelessness and homelessness but never gets depressing.
I enjoyed reading it. :)
I enjoyed reading it. :)
Want to read
June 10, 20186/10/18 Currently FREE via Amazon: http://a.co/hcKadPv
October 6, 2024
“… I realized I’ve been living in black and white, and suddenly you showed up in Technicolor.” He’s struggling to hold my gaze, and his voice wavers as he says, “I want the color back.”
i miss the days when book covers were so literal 🤣✋🤣✋
January 8, 2025
A-Z challenge, book A
3.5 stars: I got this book back in 2019 and it’s just been sitting on my kindle getting pushed farther and farther down my TBR list. Since I’ve decided to do the A-Z challenge, I figured it would be a good opportunity to get it read.
This started off really strong. It grabbed me right away and I really liked both main characters. While not necessarily realistic, it was a good story. I liked that their relationship developed gradually. There were no I love yous exchanged until the epilogue (which was two years later).
There were a couple of things that didn’t work for me though. Once they started having sex, it felt like that’s almost all they did. I could’ve done with fewer sex scenes and I even started skimming through them. Even their last “reunion” scene felt unnecessary to me. As far as Adrian’s job as a stripper was concerned, I found it weird that he and Max discussed that Adrian would continue with the occasional “pay for sex” part of that job. I get that the author probably didn’t want to make it like Max was forcing Adrian to quit that part of his job, and I understood that Adrian still wanted to be a stripper/dancer, but the sex part of it was weird. I thought Adrian would’ve voluntarily offered to stop that part of his “job” as part of their discussion.
Since I mostly enjoyed the book, except for those two things, I’ll round up to 4 stars for now. I may change my mind.
3.5 stars: I got this book back in 2019 and it’s just been sitting on my kindle getting pushed farther and farther down my TBR list. Since I’ve decided to do the A-Z challenge, I figured it would be a good opportunity to get it read.
This started off really strong. It grabbed me right away and I really liked both main characters. While not necessarily realistic, it was a good story. I liked that their relationship developed gradually. There were no I love yous exchanged until the epilogue (which was two years later).
There were a couple of things that didn’t work for me though. Once they started having sex, it felt like that’s almost all they did. I could’ve done with fewer sex scenes and I even started skimming through them. Even their last “reunion” scene felt unnecessary to me. As far as Adrian’s job as a stripper was concerned, I found it weird that he and Max discussed that Adrian would continue with the occasional “pay for sex” part of that job. I get that the author probably didn’t want to make it like Max was forcing Adrian to quit that part of his job, and I understood that Adrian still wanted to be a stripper/dancer, but the sex part of it was weird. I thought Adrian would’ve voluntarily offered to stop that part of his “job” as part of their discussion.
Since I mostly enjoyed the book, except for those two things, I’ll round up to 4 stars for now. I may change my mind.
March 23, 2017
Another winner for LA Witt with a theme that is much heavier than what I’m used from her.
Max is almost at the end for his rope : everything spiralled down for him and he thought about giving up entirely during a trip to Las Vegas. But he couldn’t. He did though ended up living in the streets until one night, Adrian offered him a hand and a meal. Both are tipsy at first, Max not believing a stranger would be ready to help him and Adrian afraid he might be judged for his job choices, ie being a stripper as well as a Blackjack dealer. However, there is a bond they can’t deny nor explain and they open to each other, both discussing their fears and vulnerabilities, but most of all seeing the other as a human.
Why only 3 stars ? The trope is one I’m not very comfortable with and, depending on the mood I am when I read it, I can get past over it or not : I sadly couldn’t here but it’s all on me.
The characters are great, felt genuine. The premise is good and well addressed but not in an angsty mode, even though a bit brushed (the book is not that long : less than 200 pages). The writing is good. And it's hot, as in "LA Witt" hot !! However, I felt detached during the read and couldn’t appreciate the emotions and hope swirling in this story because of my current mood.
Max is almost at the end for his rope : everything spiralled down for him and he thought about giving up entirely during a trip to Las Vegas. But he couldn’t. He did though ended up living in the streets until one night, Adrian offered him a hand and a meal. Both are tipsy at first, Max not believing a stranger would be ready to help him and Adrian afraid he might be judged for his job choices, ie being a stripper as well as a Blackjack dealer. However, there is a bond they can’t deny nor explain and they open to each other, both discussing their fears and vulnerabilities, but most of all seeing the other as a human.
Why only 3 stars ? The trope is one I’m not very comfortable with and, depending on the mood I am when I read it, I can get past over it or not : I sadly couldn’t here but it’s all on me.
The characters are great, felt genuine. The premise is good and well addressed but not in an angsty mode, even though a bit brushed (the book is not that long : less than 200 pages). The writing is good. And it's hot, as in "LA Witt" hot !! However, I felt detached during the read and couldn’t appreciate the emotions and hope swirling in this story because of my current mood.
February 13, 2018
Chance encounter!
I really enjoyed this story about Adrian, a young man who works in Las Vegas as a blackjack dealer and stripper, who offers a homeless man a meal one night after work.
Max used to be a well-off advertising exec in Los Angeles until he lost his job through no fault of his own. Then his boyfriend left him, his condo went into foreclosure because he could no longer afford the mortgage, and both his cars got repossessed.
He was reduced to sitting outside the Bellagio casino with a plastic cup and a cardboard sign until someone walking by offered him a meal.
Adrian's first thought is to buy Max a meal at his favorite all-you-can-eat buffet, then drop him off at the nearest shelter. Neither of them could have imagined how this unexpected act of kindness and generosity would impact them both!
I loved how Adrian and Max communicated. There were no secrets either kept from the other, and no ultimatums. Max was fine with Adrian stripping in a club for a living, and never disrespected his choice of occupation. And Adrian's kindness was exactly what Max needed as he helped Max get back on his feet. It was truly a joy to see Adran and Max, opposites in so many ways, fall in love!
I really enjoyed this story about Adrian, a young man who works in Las Vegas as a blackjack dealer and stripper, who offers a homeless man a meal one night after work.
Max used to be a well-off advertising exec in Los Angeles until he lost his job through no fault of his own. Then his boyfriend left him, his condo went into foreclosure because he could no longer afford the mortgage, and both his cars got repossessed.
He was reduced to sitting outside the Bellagio casino with a plastic cup and a cardboard sign until someone walking by offered him a meal.
Adrian's first thought is to buy Max a meal at his favorite all-you-can-eat buffet, then drop him off at the nearest shelter. Neither of them could have imagined how this unexpected act of kindness and generosity would impact them both!
I loved how Adrian and Max communicated. There were no secrets either kept from the other, and no ultimatums. Max was fine with Adrian stripping in a club for a living, and never disrespected his choice of occupation. And Adrian's kindness was exactly what Max needed as he helped Max get back on his feet. It was truly a joy to see Adran and Max, opposites in so many ways, fall in love!
March 15, 2017
Very sweet romance, closer to 3.5 stars
I've loved so many of L.A. Witt's stories and several are on my all time favorites list. This didn't quite make it there but it was still a good story, just not completely believable in spots. Max is living on the street after blowing the last of his money gambling and then deciding he wasn't ready to die after all. Adrian was the dealer that night and when he sees Max several days later, he's drawn to him and offers a hand up.
Adrian's defensive about other men's reaction to his side jobs, stripping and occasional prostitution. That was the first thing that bothered me. Max is all cool and laid back about it but his background doesn't mesh with that attitude. Also, Max's tale of his fall from prosperity doesn't match up with the relative ease with how he got himself back on track.
That said, it's still enjoyable and these two guys are smokin' hot together. There's enough emotion to make the relationship believable and the angst is mild without any unnecessary conflict.
I've loved so many of L.A. Witt's stories and several are on my all time favorites list. This didn't quite make it there but it was still a good story, just not completely believable in spots. Max is living on the street after blowing the last of his money gambling and then deciding he wasn't ready to die after all. Adrian was the dealer that night and when he sees Max several days later, he's drawn to him and offers a hand up.
Adrian's defensive about other men's reaction to his side jobs, stripping and occasional prostitution. That was the first thing that bothered me. Max is all cool and laid back about it but his background doesn't mesh with that attitude. Also, Max's tale of his fall from prosperity doesn't match up with the relative ease with how he got himself back on track.
That said, it's still enjoyable and these two guys are smokin' hot together. There's enough emotion to make the relationship believable and the angst is mild without any unnecessary conflict.
March 23, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It was the perfect length and the chemistry between Max and Adrian was off the charts. The book wasn't predictable at all because I kept asking myself "how will they make it work?" When I thought things would go one way, they didn't.
Adrian was such a smart character. More people should try to pay off their house. I always wondered why people who make good money don't do just that? I can see how Max became homeless too.
Adrian was such a smart character. More people should try to pay off their house. I always wondered why people who make good money don't do just that? I can see how Max became homeless too.
January 22, 2018
Overall book rating: 4.25
Audio Book: Sean Crisden 4.5 I LOVE YOUR MAX VOICE STARS!!!
Book Cover: 3.5
Well now. That was a lovely little slice of goodness. Thank you very much.
Sean Crisden – I LOVED YOUR MAX VOICE! I honestly think you made his character even better for me!
What wasn’t to love about this short-read? I don’t know cause I just loved all of it.
This was a real feel good story. Nothing over the top, just right.
Audio Book: Sean Crisden 4.5 I LOVE YOUR MAX VOICE STARS!!!
Book Cover: 3.5
Well now. That was a lovely little slice of goodness. Thank you very much.
Sean Crisden – I LOVED YOUR MAX VOICE! I honestly think you made his character even better for me!
What wasn’t to love about this short-read? I don’t know cause I just loved all of it.
This was a real feel good story. Nothing over the top, just right.
March 7, 2018
3.5 Stars
I had a lovely time with A and Max. The setting work in Las Vegas is especially well done and this is an engaging redemptive love story about taking risks.
I really liked how well the heroes treated each other and the careful look at how easy it is to slip over the economic edge.
A's issue around being judged for his job got a bit old at times and Max would have needed much more work to rebound emotionially I think but overall this is a kind and hopeful tale.
I had a lovely time with A and Max. The setting work in Las Vegas is especially well done and this is an engaging redemptive love story about taking risks.
I really liked how well the heroes treated each other and the careful look at how easy it is to slip over the economic edge.
A's issue around being judged for his job got a bit old at times and Max would have needed much more work to rebound emotionially I think but overall this is a kind and hopeful tale.
May 20, 2019
Great audiobook--not too short, not too long, with an outstanding narration by Sean Crisden. Is the plot believable? Only by a stretch of the imagination. Is it fun, interesting, character-driven, and smoking' hot (as only Lori Witt can do it)? Yes, yes, yes.
Adrian and Max meet when something about the homeless guy in the business suit catches Adrian's eye. He knows he's seen him somewhere. And that spark of recognition begins a step toward friendship that ultimately ends in a relationship and a HEA. The fun is in getting there.
Sean's voice in combo with Adrian and Max. Oh my!
Adrian and Max meet when something about the homeless guy in the business suit catches Adrian's eye. He knows he's seen him somewhere. And that spark of recognition begins a step toward friendship that ultimately ends in a relationship and a HEA. The fun is in getting there.
Sean's voice in combo with Adrian and Max. Oh my!
May 26, 2024
4.5 stars. Sweet and sexy. I adore down-on-your-luck stories and this one did not disappoint. The set-up was great and the characters are immensely likable. I cheered for them right from the beginning, I desperately needed to see their HEA. We see the effects of corporate America grinding a person up and spiting them out, having to start over after hitting rock bottom and finding kindness through the darkness. Mental health and job stress play a large part in the story with some TW for self harm and homelessness.
Lots of insecurities and some mild angst woven with a super sexy, sweet storyline. Well written, easy, fast read.
HEA, age gap 12 years, stripper, casino dealer, advertising executive, rock bottom, depression, Las Vegas, super sexy, vers.
Lots of insecurities and some mild angst woven with a super sexy, sweet storyline. Well written, easy, fast read.
HEA, age gap 12 years, stripper, casino dealer, advertising executive, rock bottom, depression, Las Vegas, super sexy, vers.
August 6, 2019
4.5 stelle
Tornare a vivere è la più recente fatica di L.A. Witt che giunge tradotta anche da noi e ci trasporta a Las Vegas, la città dalle mille luci, in cui non si dorme mai.
Tutti la conoscono come la capitale del divertimento sfrenato e delle follie, eppure qui non è raccontata la Vegas dei matrimoni improvvisati o delle vincite stratosferiche. L’autrice ha scelto un’impronta particolare, che scava nel lato più crudele di quel mondo dorato e scintillante.
Questa storia mi ha catturato fin dalle prime righe, pur con un esordio che parte in salita, un inizio sicuramente non facile per i temi delicati e dolorosi che tocca.
Max Reynolds è passato dalle stelle alle stalle: un uomo che ha perso tutto ed è stato a un passo dal compiere l’irreparabile, il gesto estremo, da cui è tornato indietro per un soffio. Ma ora è un senzatetto che chiede l’elemosina in un cantuccio della Strip, la strada più trafficata di Vegas, e non sa come fare a sopravvivere, fino a che non incontra, una sera come tante, il giovane Adrian West, che rimane colpito dal mendicante in completo elegante a tal punto da offrirgli una cena e un piccolo aiuto per rimettersi in pista, senza sapere quanto, in realtà, quell’aiuto possa essere reciproco, perché Max non è l’unico a dover tornare a vivere davvero.
Adrian lavora in uno dei tanti casinò della città e fa il ballerino/gigolò part-time per arrotondare. Ama il proprio lavoro, anche se questo gli impedisce di avere relazioni stabili e gli complica la vita in modi che vi lascio scoprire da soli.
Come ho detto all’inizio, la trama parla di argomenti delicati, temi tristi e dolorosi, senza falsi pietismi né buonismo, eppure questa è soprattutto una storia di speranza, di rinascita, di amore e passione che sono ben scritti e ben tradotti. Tutto questo non solo per Max, che si trova senza più niente, solo e disperato, ma anche per Adrian, che in apparenza vive felice, ma che paga quotidianamente per il suo stile di vita e le sue scelte. Attraverso l’alternarsi delle loro introspezioni si avvertono nitidi i sentimenti e le sensazioni.
La storia offre spunti per riflettere, ma resta un romance, quindi il dramma c’è, ma è l’amore a vincere dopo aver combattuto le sue battaglie.
Non mi resta che consigliarla caldamente – lasciatevi conquistare dai piccoli gesti, dall’affetto, dal piacevole erotismo, dalla dolcezza – perché è una storia che merita e spero possa piacervi quanto l’ho adorata io.
Tornare a vivere è la più recente fatica di L.A. Witt che giunge tradotta anche da noi e ci trasporta a Las Vegas, la città dalle mille luci, in cui non si dorme mai.
Tutti la conoscono come la capitale del divertimento sfrenato e delle follie, eppure qui non è raccontata la Vegas dei matrimoni improvvisati o delle vincite stratosferiche. L’autrice ha scelto un’impronta particolare, che scava nel lato più crudele di quel mondo dorato e scintillante.
Questa storia mi ha catturato fin dalle prime righe, pur con un esordio che parte in salita, un inizio sicuramente non facile per i temi delicati e dolorosi che tocca.
Max Reynolds è passato dalle stelle alle stalle: un uomo che ha perso tutto ed è stato a un passo dal compiere l’irreparabile, il gesto estremo, da cui è tornato indietro per un soffio. Ma ora è un senzatetto che chiede l’elemosina in un cantuccio della Strip, la strada più trafficata di Vegas, e non sa come fare a sopravvivere, fino a che non incontra, una sera come tante, il giovane Adrian West, che rimane colpito dal mendicante in completo elegante a tal punto da offrirgli una cena e un piccolo aiuto per rimettersi in pista, senza sapere quanto, in realtà, quell’aiuto possa essere reciproco, perché Max non è l’unico a dover tornare a vivere davvero.
Adrian lavora in uno dei tanti casinò della città e fa il ballerino/gigolò part-time per arrotondare. Ama il proprio lavoro, anche se questo gli impedisce di avere relazioni stabili e gli complica la vita in modi che vi lascio scoprire da soli.
Come ho detto all’inizio, la trama parla di argomenti delicati, temi tristi e dolorosi, senza falsi pietismi né buonismo, eppure questa è soprattutto una storia di speranza, di rinascita, di amore e passione che sono ben scritti e ben tradotti. Tutto questo non solo per Max, che si trova senza più niente, solo e disperato, ma anche per Adrian, che in apparenza vive felice, ma che paga quotidianamente per il suo stile di vita e le sue scelte. Attraverso l’alternarsi delle loro introspezioni si avvertono nitidi i sentimenti e le sensazioni.
La storia offre spunti per riflettere, ma resta un romance, quindi il dramma c’è, ma è l’amore a vincere dopo aver combattuto le sue battaglie.
Non mi resta che consigliarla caldamente – lasciatevi conquistare dai piccoli gesti, dall’affetto, dal piacevole erotismo, dalla dolcezza – perché è una storia che merita e spero possa piacervi quanto l’ho adorata io.
August 20, 2018
I really liked this book. It’s almost like a fantasy because I can’t imagine this happening in real life. That didn’t matter to me. I loved Max and Adrian and just wanted them to work things out. It was a wonderful and sexy story.
I did think it was strange that Max could solve his problems so quickly. What was he doing in the year after he lost his job? Oh well, I did say this was like a fantasy.
I did think it was strange that Max could solve his problems so quickly. What was he doing in the year after he lost his job? Oh well, I did say this was like a fantasy.
November 21, 2017
Emotional romance. You never know where love will find you...
January 31, 2018
Overall rating: 3.5 Stars
Audio book: n/a
Book Cover: 3 Stars
MC1: Adrian West
MC2: Max Reynolds
Just a sweet down on luck story. Loved it
Audio book: n/a
Book Cover: 3 Stars
MC1: Adrian West
MC2: Max Reynolds
Just a sweet down on luck story. Loved it
May 4, 2019
True rating ... 3.5 stars :-D!!! Truly lovely book :-D <3333!!
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