An anonymous stranger online. As the executive chef and owner of one of the city's best restaurants, I don't have time for relationships. But as I’m approaching my mid-forties, loneliness seeps in and something needs to change. After downloading a dating app called Blind Love, I develop a connection online with a stranger who goes by the name of RealDeal.
A new hire. When Rhys, a bright-eyed college grad, walks into my restaurant looking for a job, I don't know if there's a position for him because he barely has any experience. But I love his passion for cooking so I give him a chance.
A spontaneous night out with Rhys culminates with a fiery kiss. At the same time, my virtual walls start to fall and I become more vulnerable online with RealDeal. I'm attracted to Rhys physically and RealDeal emotionally. It's not a good idea to continue either relationship, but the fire growing in my heart is now too big to put out.
What are the chances that my new hire and the stranger I've been talking to online are the same person?
Is love really blind?
Blind Love is a full-length standalone romance novel with a HEA. It has no cheating, no love triangle, and no cliffhanger. Recommended for 18+.
This was a nice story, though I hated that Rhys had to feel so off and used while Slade as trying to figure himself out. Their communication skills were not the best. They both want what’s best for each other but have trouble figuring out what that is at times.
There are just some pet peeves of mine that bug me that the story is riddled with; things being talked about multiple time (within only pages of each other) when it’s not necessary and unnecessary explanations that seem to be put there to just add some length to the story.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
Blind Love is a fabulous book by CK Blake. The first book in the Online Series, it is a crossover series to the Single Dads Club series by Candice Blake.
I love this story. The characters are lovable, and the separate connections they make are thrilling. I adore Rhys' ambition and work effort. And Slade taking him in and teaching him is admirable.
The characters from the Single Dads Club series are often present, contributing greatly to the storyline. If you have read those books, you will love getting to spend time with them again.
This is a story that includes an age gap, some fantastic first times, and some surprises for the men. And, yes, the sex is hot!
As I have said in my past reviews of Candice Blake books, I love the story, but have rated it less than 5 stars because of the dialogue. There remains too many "he saids" for my liking. But the storyline is wonderful and the characters terrific.
Blind Love is one of those books that had me mesmerized throughout. It had it's fair share of predictable plotlines, but I love it all. This CK Blake book is sweet and full of romance. I am excited to see what happens next in this series.
Slade is a 44-year-old, famous chef who owns a Michelin starred restaurant with his friend Colton. They are currently in the process of opening another resturant and Slade is running around trying to get ready for the big opening. While in the process of his new development Slade meets Rhys. Rhys is a young college student eager to make something of himself in the world of cooking. Slade has been his role model for years and he would do anything to be able to work in the man's kitchen. On a whim Rhys goes to Slade to apply for a job. Slade is hesitant at first, but there's something about Rhys that calls to the older man. Underneath all this confusion; unknowingly both men signed up for the same online app and have been communicating anonymously. They each have both relied on each other in the virtual world maybe it's time this stem into the real world. As Slade has been busy most of his life - his career coming before his personal life - but Rhys seems to creep under his skin without a thought. This leaves Slade puzzled as he has never been attracted to a man before, yet Rhys keeps on calling him back. But with the deadline of a new restaurant upon them, a nasty food critic and a skeptical best friend would a relationship between these two men ever work?
I liked the mysterious element of the online app - how Slade and Rhys were communicating with each other but didn't know it. This concept is what really pulled me into the story. Frankly I was kind of looking for more as far as the relationship they had in the app went. I wanted there to be actual romantic feelings stemming from their discussions in the app but instead there really wasn't anything. It was more a friendship thing, which was fine but the whole point of the app was to get to know someone to date so it just missed it's mark a little bit there.
Overall this book was okay. I don't know if I would read it again but it wasn't bad. The storyline is seemingly interesting and has the reader curious to know what will happen with their relationship. I just thought that things moved to fast though for someone that was straight to suddenly be gay. I also felt that some of the issues in their relationship were odd - like Colton's complete distrust in his friend's abilities to dictate his own relationships. Also, the problem with the food critic seemed very weird too me. But again these are just my thoughts. If you are interested in a age gap, GFY novel then this one is for you.
I'm not sure if this series is intended to be a spin-off from Candace Blake's Single Dad's Club, but there sure were a LOT of secondary characters from that series. I did enjoy the writing in this book more than the other series, and it is a nice, quick read.
There were a few parts that were hard for me to take seriously. For example, Slade has only been with women, and never even been curious about another man. But, the first time the two are intimate, he performs an act (that even some seasoned couples don't engage in) without the slightest hesitation. And, although it is mentioned several times that it's the first time he's been attracted to a man, it doesn't phase him at all.
Rhys has looked up to Slade the Master Chef for years, and his obsession is all things food and cooking. When he shows up to ask for a job, he was not prepared for his immediate attraction to the man. Neither was Slade.
Rhys has been lonely, but the normal apps don't provide what he's looking for; not a hook-up, but somewhere to actually communicate and get to know someone. Slade is looking for an anonymous confidant because of the way he feels about Rhys. Colton, Slade's business partner and best friend said his piece, but Slade makes up his own mind.
Of course there is trouble, but even though life isn't always as cooperative, I thought Slade handled the situation in the right way. I liked Slade's attitude about several things; even more so when he finally figured out how he felt about Rhys.
Rhys tries to keep his feelings close so he won't end up as hurt when things go wrong. There is some angst from both sides, but I felt it more from Rhys. I loved his initial confidence and drive, and it only briefly diminished before returning full force.
I didn't have an issue with the conversations between the two MCs, but when Slade and Colton spoke, it was the same stilted dialogue I saw in the SDC series. I also feel that the ending was rushed, and although it wrapped up the story, I would have liked it to have been a bit more fleshed out. Overall, it was an enjoyable quick read.
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest opinion. *
To my ratings: A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King), it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series) it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in hospitals). I can recommend them definitively! It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year), it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok) It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
Although I went back and forth on Slade a lot, Rhys is an extremely likeable character. He's young, optimistic, and extremely determined to make his dream job come true. His persistence at the start of the book to get Slade to give him a chance to work for the renowned chef was incredibly charming. He just won me over and I wanted the best for him. I did struggle to see how that was Slade for a good portion of the book though. Yes, Slade doesn't show much anxiety over finding out he isn't as straight as he thought. But he does string Rhys along for quite some time. He keeps telling Rhys that nothing more can happen between them, but then the very next moment he's initiating something. And what's worse is that he seems to not realise that there is anything wrong with his behaviour. Despite the uncertainty and pining this creates for Rhys, there isn't too much drama or conflict in the story. And when Slade finally gets his head on right, the ending is sweet and satisfying.
Rhys has wanted to be a chef for the longest of times. So much so he almost dropped out of collage to go to culinary school. He has admired Slade for the longest time. Not only is he sled made but he is an amazing chef he knows to get where he wants to go he has to work for him. Little did he know how attached he would be to him in an instant.
Slade is single and has no intention of changing that. Being part owner and chef of a Michelin star restaurant is hard work. But when Rhys walks in the door all gusto and wanting noting more than to work for him despite his lack of experience Slade sees something in him and it’s not just his ability in the kitchen.
This is an easy read with insta attraction and Gay for him. But what I loved most is we got to catch up with the guys from the single dads club also. You don’t need to read that series but if you haven’t I would definitely recommend it also.
A great start to the book Rhys has definitely got some determination to get a job with Shade. The old saying you cant get a job without experience well Rhys puts that to the test. Shade is a single 44 yrs dad and straight, but Rhys dreams. The employee vs relationship gets tested much to the dislike of Shade business partner, Colton. A good story although a but predictable as scenes play out. The dating app mixes with the storyline for both characters unknowingly massaging together. Trouble with a jealous vindictive person from Shade past. Hot sexy scenes included and features both POVs . A good story to read, although I didn't connect with characters. This was a first read for the author with this book.
Shade is super stressed about opening his restaurant The Lady York on time. Not counting a media person who has it out for him which makes it harder. Rhys 22 yrs walks through his doorstep and wants a job.
This is my first read by this author and I really enjoyed the story. I love chef/restaurateur stories and I love age gap stories especially when one is closer to my age than to a teenager. RealDeal and SaltNPepper meet online. Slade has never really wanted to be with a guy but just wants to find someone to talk to right now. RealDeal gives him an ear and none of the drama. Rhys knows what he wants...he wants to learn and to work for Slade, the star chef who is opening his second restaurant. He also knows he wants "wants" Slade but Slade is straight. It could never happen. The two continue to get closer and soon, things will get out of hand and some decisions will need to be made. I enjoyed the push and pull and look forward to more from this author.
While the premise of this book is intriguing, the blurb really pulled me in, the follow through with establishing a relationship or a connection before the relationship fell through for me. While both men are great characters in their own respective rights, the problem I found is that the two men, Rhys and Slade had a better relationship online through a dating app than they did in real life. While they got along great as they talked through the app, together in real life, something felt lacking. The ending was sweet and I really enjoyed that, but I felt the two men needed more relationship development before they reached it.
I really enjoyed this fast reading well written book, I idolized him forever, when I finially met him I wasn't surprised to find he was the kind of person I hoped he was. Slade was a top Chef in a top rated resturant and I wanted to work for him, so I put my self out there and he hired me, but there was something else between us that was so undeniable that we just couldn't ignore it and that made everything so much more difficult, but hopefully we can work though it and find our way to each other.
An interesting take on an online chat where each can open up and be honest, where they tend to hide their feelings when together. I loved this storyline, Slade who was surprised to find himself taken by a younger employee in Rhys as he believed himself to be straight. Confused Rhys as he never was sure of Slade’s emotions as he blew hot and cold. Slade and Rhys had hot, sensual, intimate scenes. I look forward to reading the next story in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I definitely recommend this book.
Blind Love by CK Blake is a contemporary m/m romance. This book has drama, angst, suspense and steamy... Slade and Rhys really bring the heat and sweetness. I truly enjoyed reading their lovestory and all the characters are fantastic - The secondary characters were fun. I liked the aspect of work romance and online romance.
Slade is the owner of a Michelin starred restaurant and opening a second restaurant and has no time for romance. Rhys is young twenty something college graduate and wants to apprentice as a chef with his ideal Slade.
This story was an enjoyable read with wonderful characters and I loved watching their feelings for one another grow. I most definitely recommend this book!
Slade is master chef and he hires Rhys. They have an immediate attraction to one another which can't be denied for very long. At the same time, they each have a relationship going on online which of course creates quite a bit of angst for them. When their two worlds collide, it's quite surprising for them! But they do get a sweet HEA!! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I really like this great fast read. Rhys and Slade definitely brings the heat. I love seeing how these two relationships grows. I really do like this storyline and I can't wait to read the next one in this series.
I loved the cover. Unfortunately that's the only positive I can say about the book. It was cheesy and basic. The writing wasn't very good and the storyline just didn't make sense. The sex scenes were quicker than my ex boyfriend in bed. Blink and you miss it.
I was hooked from page one. Rhys is so sweet and Slade is very strong willed. Together they are perfection. The little twists throughout the story enhance the reading experience. I definitely will continue with this series!
So Slade isn't even gay to begin with but he felt the physical attraction with Rhys and he won't mind that much, not freaked out at all. Eventhough I feel this story a bit rush but I enjoyed it and I like how they finally admit their true feeling to each other.
Can't wait to read the next book. I wonder who it will be about? Colton, maybe.
This was a heartwarming story of 2 guys who were destined for each other. I enjoyed the storyline, full of likeable characters... including a few cameos from the Single Dads Club series. Looking forward to Book 2.