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The Valley Boys #1
Art of Love
The professor is about to be schooled.
Art professor Demetri Stavros has one rule:
Don’t sleep with your students.
Despite a few offers, he’s never been tempted… until now.
Though it could end his career, Demetri can’t stay away. Roman Reed makes him question his priorities and his life. But Demetri’s secret? He’ll keep that to himself.
After all, is a lie of omission really a lie?
A past betrayal has taught Roman the importance of running his personal life by strict standards. Honesty is a must.
Then he discovers Demetri’s truth.
Can Roman overcome his history and find forgiveness, or are the lies more powerful than their growing love?
Art professor Demetri Stavros has one rule:
Don’t sleep with your students.
Despite a few offers, he’s never been tempted… until now.
Though it could end his career, Demetri can’t stay away. Roman Reed makes him question his priorities and his life. But Demetri’s secret? He’ll keep that to himself.
After all, is a lie of omission really a lie?
A past betrayal has taught Roman the importance of running his personal life by strict standards. Honesty is a must.
Then he discovers Demetri’s truth.
Can Roman overcome his history and find forgiveness, or are the lies more powerful than their growing love?
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2020
12 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Tharp
34 books132 followersVicki Tharp makes her home on small acreage in south Texas with her husband and an embarrassing number of pets. When she isn’t writing or you can usually find her on the back of her horse—avoiding anything that remotely resembles housework—smelling of fly spray, and horse sweat.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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July 6, 2020
RATING 4.5 STARS
Art of Love is book one in the brand new series, The Valley Boys, by Vicki Tharp. This is a spin off of her series, Black Stallion Studios. I loved that series so much and have been anxiously awaiting this new one although you definitely don’t have to have read it to enjoy this. This is a M/M professor/student, age gap romance. Although the age gap isn’t a huge one, about ten years I think it was.
Demetri Stavros, cousin to Niko from the previous series, is an art professor, nearing eligibility to get tenure at the university he teaches at. A solid rule of Demetri’s is never to allow himself to be attracted to any of his students. He’s never broken that rule. Until he met Roman.
Roman Reed is one semester away from finishing his degree. He needs Demetri’s class to complete his minor in art. Roman moonlights as a bar tender to make ends meet but is also applying for a job at the youth center for LGBTQ kids, the Cory Center, for his senior work study program. School hadn’t even started yet. Roman was filling in on a bartender gig when he first saw him, when they saw each other. And let me tell you, the sparks were flying. What a surprise they both had when a few days later, Roman walked into his art class and saw who his professor was!
These two try to stay away from each other. Demetri could lose everything he worked for. But they just can’t. Both have been hurt in the past in different ways. Ways that will affect them for the rest of their lives. Demetri is so smitten with Roman that he doesn’t want to divulge everything yet. But Roman has his own rules. Complete honesty!
For me this book was filled with so many messages. First, there will always be those who try to tell you you’re not worthy, you’re not normal, you’re not acceptable. What I loved about this is that they fought the negatives with love. And won them over. This was also a story of loving yourself enough to let someone else love you. This is something both Roman and Demetri had to learn. That they WERE enough, that they WERE worthy.
This was sexy, steamy, sweet, and so swoony. I loved these two together. Once again Vicki Tharp has captivated me and made me fall in love with her characters. I also loved getting to know Joss Kincaid better in this book and look forward to his story in the next book, Flight of Fancy. Joss definitely is in need of his own HEA!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Art of Love is book one in the brand new series, The Valley Boys, by Vicki Tharp. This is a spin off of her series, Black Stallion Studios. I loved that series so much and have been anxiously awaiting this new one although you definitely don’t have to have read it to enjoy this. This is a M/M professor/student, age gap romance. Although the age gap isn’t a huge one, about ten years I think it was.
Demetri Stavros, cousin to Niko from the previous series, is an art professor, nearing eligibility to get tenure at the university he teaches at. A solid rule of Demetri’s is never to allow himself to be attracted to any of his students. He’s never broken that rule. Until he met Roman.
Roman Reed is one semester away from finishing his degree. He needs Demetri’s class to complete his minor in art. Roman moonlights as a bar tender to make ends meet but is also applying for a job at the youth center for LGBTQ kids, the Cory Center, for his senior work study program. School hadn’t even started yet. Roman was filling in on a bartender gig when he first saw him, when they saw each other. And let me tell you, the sparks were flying. What a surprise they both had when a few days later, Roman walked into his art class and saw who his professor was!
These two try to stay away from each other. Demetri could lose everything he worked for. But they just can’t. Both have been hurt in the past in different ways. Ways that will affect them for the rest of their lives. Demetri is so smitten with Roman that he doesn’t want to divulge everything yet. But Roman has his own rules. Complete honesty!
For me this book was filled with so many messages. First, there will always be those who try to tell you you’re not worthy, you’re not normal, you’re not acceptable. What I loved about this is that they fought the negatives with love. And won them over. This was also a story of loving yourself enough to let someone else love you. This is something both Roman and Demetri had to learn. That they WERE enough, that they WERE worthy.
This was sexy, steamy, sweet, and so swoony. I loved these two together. Once again Vicki Tharp has captivated me and made me fall in love with her characters. I also loved getting to know Joss Kincaid better in this book and look forward to his story in the next book, Flight of Fancy. Joss definitely is in need of his own HEA!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
July 23, 2020
Roman and Demetri
After an awkward quick but mind-blowing sexy BJ in the alley Roman suddenly has to leave without getting to know the name or phone number from this gorgeous man. Bummer because this older man was exactly what Roman wanted with a man.
Not long after that night, Roman understands this man is his art teacher. Demetri doesn’t want a repeat, it will cost him his job. But Roman wants more.
“We’re alone. Nobody has to know.”
Secretly they prolonged their hot meetings and getting closer, physically, and emotionally.
Because of his difficult past Roman has strong issues with honesty. Demetri has a secret and doesn’t know how or what to do with it if Roman finds out everything will fall apart.
A story with several side stories and secondary characters, all nicely woven with the main story.
Some, quite heavy, issues are there to find but not heavily hanging above the story. It was bearable. I loved the content and the personalities were lovable.
Overall a lovely, entertaining, and attractive narrative.
After an awkward quick but mind-blowing sexy BJ in the alley Roman suddenly has to leave without getting to know the name or phone number from this gorgeous man. Bummer because this older man was exactly what Roman wanted with a man.
Not long after that night, Roman understands this man is his art teacher. Demetri doesn’t want a repeat, it will cost him his job. But Roman wants more.
“We’re alone. Nobody has to know.”
Secretly they prolonged their hot meetings and getting closer, physically, and emotionally.
Because of his difficult past Roman has strong issues with honesty. Demetri has a secret and doesn’t know how or what to do with it if Roman finds out everything will fall apart.
A story with several side stories and secondary characters, all nicely woven with the main story.
Some, quite heavy, issues are there to find but not heavily hanging above the story. It was bearable. I loved the content and the personalities were lovable.
Overall a lovely, entertaining, and attractive narrative.
December 20, 2020
I really got upset with this book and almost bailed. Demetri lying to Roman was a real turn off. Not just for me, but for Roman. I liked the writing and the story so much I couldn’t walk away. I’m so glad I stuck with this. Vicki Tharp is a new writer for me, but I am now a fan.
July 9, 2020
I was happy to immerse myself back into my Black Stallion world -- on the outskirts at least. If you've read any of those stories you know Niko, and Demetri is his cousin who appears I believe in Best Boy. Demetri is a professor who will never sleep with a student...at least not knowingly. He has trust issues and has a secret that tends to make his dating life difficult to say the least. Learning to navigate his new waters isn't always easy, but then again, there hasn't been anyone that has drawn him in completely...until Roman. Roman has his own trust issues and these two men will have to learn..together...to navigate the waters of trust and hope, forgiveness and love. Several issues confronting them from outside forces will also need to be dealt with and Vicki herself takes us through everything with hope and love.
July 13, 2020
Professor/student books always leave me a bit queasy, but this is Vicki Tharp, so of course I wanted to give it a try. I'm so glad I did, because Demetri and Roman's story was wonderful.
I got all the feels in this story, especially that beautiful pull of emotions when you just KNOW you met that perfect person out that would complete you. Demetri and Roman both knew, but these two lovebirds had to struggle, go through some drama and anxiety before achieving their happily ever after.
Art of Love was an emotional ride, filled with angst, swoony-sweet moments and an off the charts chemistry. Loved it!
I got all the feels in this story, especially that beautiful pull of emotions when you just KNOW you met that perfect person out that would complete you. Demetri and Roman both knew, but these two lovebirds had to struggle, go through some drama and anxiety before achieving their happily ever after.
Art of Love was an emotional ride, filled with angst, swoony-sweet moments and an off the charts chemistry. Loved it!
July 9, 2020
This book is hot. This book is full of steam. This book is full of so many, many things. Like…
Such an astounding character study in the book leads to a full-blown ‘are they/aren’t they’ kind of story. Right alongside of the heat and steam, there is a true love story brewing right before our eyes.
A love story that the author writes about with grace and eloquence: the characters vividly display emotions that tug at the heart of the reader. The conclusion brings the story full circle for a beautiful ending.
The book deserves no less than 7 STARS, in my opinion.
Such an astounding character study in the book leads to a full-blown ‘are they/aren’t they’ kind of story. Right alongside of the heat and steam, there is a true love story brewing right before our eyes.
A love story that the author writes about with grace and eloquence: the characters vividly display emotions that tug at the heart of the reader. The conclusion brings the story full circle for a beautiful ending.
The book deserves no less than 7 STARS, in my opinion.
July 26, 2020
This is my debut with Vicki Tharp's work and I loved it
This is a contemporary m/m romance with a student/professor, slight age gap (not much)
It's a beautiful story of learning to love and opening yourself to love. Don't miss this one the next time you're in the mood for something sweet and steamy.
This is a contemporary m/m romance with a student/professor, slight age gap (not much)
It's a beautiful story of learning to love and opening yourself to love. Don't miss this one the next time you're in the mood for something sweet and steamy.
April 24, 2021
This didn't work for me at all. I was really uncomfortable with a lot of the attitudes even though they were supposedly positive, it just felt off to me. Plus the editing was nonexistent and that didn't help at all. I haven't read a book with so many misused words in a long time. On top of that I didn't feel the connection between the MCs. Other than wanting to have sex constantly they didn't even connect through their shared art backgrounds. It was just bad all around.
July 13, 2020
4.5 Stars
Art of Love, the first book in the Valley Boys series by Vicki Tharp, is a great read. This is a spin off of her Black Stallion Studios series, which I love, so I was excited to read this one.
First of all, I enjoy the way the author connects this new series to her previous porn studio series. It's well done and her previous men are around at times.
Dmitri's a college professor who's living in shame and fear, as he's HIV positive. His experience tell him this is a sure fire way to turn a man away. My heart hurt for him from the start.
After a safe hook up with the hot bartender Roman, Dmitri discovers that Roman's one of his new students. Yikes. Cue the forbidden romance fun.
I enjoy the way the student/teacher aspect is written. Some times this trope can be annoying, or too cliche, but the author gives this relationship a whole lot of chemistry and a strong bond, creating a real connection.
As well as already having hooked up, and being student/teacher, they also have a connection at the youth center that Roman starts working for. This just gives them even more in common, further strengthening their bond.
This is a story of two men who try to fight their attraction. They are two men who know they can't be together. But, damn, the chemistry between the two is smoking!
Best of all, the author takes these two men on a worthwhile journey with plenty of character growth. These are two men who both have trust issues and the author excels in bringing the reader fully into their emotions, leaving us riveted throughout.
Art of Love looks to be the start of another great series. Vicki Tharp delights in her combo of professor/student, age gap, and forbidden romance. It's a beautiful story of learning to love oneself, and opening up oneself to love. Don't miss this one the next time you're in the mood for something sweet and steamy.
Amy's MM Romance Reviews
https://amysmmromancereviews.blogspot...
Art of Love, the first book in the Valley Boys series by Vicki Tharp, is a great read. This is a spin off of her Black Stallion Studios series, which I love, so I was excited to read this one.
First of all, I enjoy the way the author connects this new series to her previous porn studio series. It's well done and her previous men are around at times.
Dmitri's a college professor who's living in shame and fear, as he's HIV positive. His experience tell him this is a sure fire way to turn a man away. My heart hurt for him from the start.
After a safe hook up with the hot bartender Roman, Dmitri discovers that Roman's one of his new students. Yikes. Cue the forbidden romance fun.
I enjoy the way the student/teacher aspect is written. Some times this trope can be annoying, or too cliche, but the author gives this relationship a whole lot of chemistry and a strong bond, creating a real connection.
As well as already having hooked up, and being student/teacher, they also have a connection at the youth center that Roman starts working for. This just gives them even more in common, further strengthening their bond.
This is a story of two men who try to fight their attraction. They are two men who know they can't be together. But, damn, the chemistry between the two is smoking!
Best of all, the author takes these two men on a worthwhile journey with plenty of character growth. These are two men who both have trust issues and the author excels in bringing the reader fully into their emotions, leaving us riveted throughout.
Art of Love looks to be the start of another great series. Vicki Tharp delights in her combo of professor/student, age gap, and forbidden romance. It's a beautiful story of learning to love oneself, and opening up oneself to love. Don't miss this one the next time you're in the mood for something sweet and steamy.
Amy's MM Romance Reviews
https://amysmmromancereviews.blogspot...
July 13, 2020
Art of Love by Vicki Tharp is the first book in the Vslley Boys series. This is a contemporary m/m romance with a student/professor, slight age gap theme. Demetri and Ronan are great characters who are well written and had great chemistry together. They had a perfect mix of sweetness, heat and real connection. The story has a little drama/angst and had me fully invested in these characters' journey. This is a fantastic way to introduce a new series.
July 17, 2020
Attention teacher/student lovers!!
This was the first book I read from this author, but I'm sure it won't be the last. Where I expected "just" another teacher-student book, it turned out so much more. The characters were very deep and had to deal with quite heavy stuff in the frame of their hot teacher/student setting.
While it was pretty much insta-love/attraction, it doesn't feel forced at all, but very natural. I quite loved it.
This was the first book I read from this author, but I'm sure it won't be the last. Where I expected "just" another teacher-student book, it turned out so much more. The characters were very deep and had to deal with quite heavy stuff in the frame of their hot teacher/student setting.
While it was pretty much insta-love/attraction, it doesn't feel forced at all, but very natural. I quite loved it.
July 29, 2020
This was such a good book. I loved it. Great story great characters.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews