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For the Love of Pup #2
Tonight's Encore
an alternate cover edition can be found here
A second chance steamy gay romance between a hot rock star and a hotter doctor.
"Reed was an experiment. A good time I needed to leave behind to focus on my music."
Zac was once Bobby, a small-town boy raised by his grandparents in a mountain cabin. But he had to leave Bobby-- and Bobby's best friend Reed-- far behind if he wanted to claw his way to the top of the charts. Ten years later, bounced from the band he founded, he has nowhere else to go except back home.
"Zac says we're friends with benefits, but I wonder if I'm just a substitute for his old flame."
Reed hasn't seen Bobby for ten years after making the hard choice to leave music to study medicine. When cult musician Zac moves into the old Mason cabin, Reed didn't expect him to turn out to be his Bobby from way back when. And the freshly minted doctor certainly didn't plan on so much attention from tabloid gossip sites who keep insisting Zac and his ex are going to be reunited at any moment.
Can former friends find the love they lost, or will the paparazzi tear them apart for good?
This full-length standalone male/male contemporary romance novel includes the frank language and steamy situations you'd expect between two athletic men in their late twenties. It comes complete with a helpful Bernese Mountain Dog, an elopement, and a Happily Ever After. There are absolutely NO cheating incidents or cliffhangers involved in the making of this sometimes steamy, sometimes sweet small-town romance between a rock star and a doctor. Themes include rock stars, second chances, and best friends to lovers.
All novels in the "For the Love of Pup" series are standalones centered around a different couple. Feel free to jump in anywhere.
A second chance steamy gay romance between a hot rock star and a hotter doctor.
"Reed was an experiment. A good time I needed to leave behind to focus on my music."
Zac was once Bobby, a small-town boy raised by his grandparents in a mountain cabin. But he had to leave Bobby-- and Bobby's best friend Reed-- far behind if he wanted to claw his way to the top of the charts. Ten years later, bounced from the band he founded, he has nowhere else to go except back home.
"Zac says we're friends with benefits, but I wonder if I'm just a substitute for his old flame."
Reed hasn't seen Bobby for ten years after making the hard choice to leave music to study medicine. When cult musician Zac moves into the old Mason cabin, Reed didn't expect him to turn out to be his Bobby from way back when. And the freshly minted doctor certainly didn't plan on so much attention from tabloid gossip sites who keep insisting Zac and his ex are going to be reunited at any moment.
Can former friends find the love they lost, or will the paparazzi tear them apart for good?
This full-length standalone male/male contemporary romance novel includes the frank language and steamy situations you'd expect between two athletic men in their late twenties. It comes complete with a helpful Bernese Mountain Dog, an elopement, and a Happily Ever After. There are absolutely NO cheating incidents or cliffhangers involved in the making of this sometimes steamy, sometimes sweet small-town romance between a rock star and a doctor. Themes include rock stars, second chances, and best friends to lovers.
All novels in the "For the Love of Pup" series are standalones centered around a different couple. Feel free to jump in anywhere.
- GenresM M RomanceRomanceMusic
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 3, 2017
When a reviewer begins their summary of a book and its strengths and flaws with, “oh, if only,” you know to be prepared for a bumpy ride into how they felt about a novel. Parker Avrile’s latest novel, Tonight’s Encore made me say, “oh, if only” many, many times. To say I enjoyed a part of this book would be true—unfortunately, it was the last third or so and to be honest, if I had not been reviewing this one I would have bailed on it long before then. However, I am glad I persevered because it showed me that this writer has some definite strengths when it comes to writing a suspenseful storyline and that, when focused, the book could contain more than endless sex scenes strung together by lightweight moments of plot and character development.
After ten years of cleaning up after his lover and bandmate, Zac Dillon leaves behind the drug addicted, narcissistic lead singer, Troy, and quits the band after being paid handsomely for his departure and being told he is bound to silence regarding his time in the band. He disappears into the mountain home his grandparents left him, and tries to forget how much time he wasted on Troy and the fact that he still struggles with his feelings for him.
Reed has returned to his roots to be the doctor to a town that needs one, desperately. He has signed up for a five year stint as a way to help pay his med school fees, and we also discover he had done some stripping along the way to finance his college. Reed and his dog, Magnum, often hike the woods in order to check for poachers, loggers who are a constant threat to the forests’ well-being. This day he sees that the old cabin of his former high school flame is occupied, and investigates only to discover that this Zac was once his “Bobby”—guitarist to his drummer in high school, and the boy he was in love with at that time. But, many years have passed and even though there is still a spark there, the two agree to be sex buddies with no ties. Little do they know that the heart has its own ideas where all of that is concerned.
Zac and Reed grew on me during this novel. After we waded through the countless sex scenes (which had a good bit of kink in them), and we actually got to the point in the story where these two guys became genuine with each other (as their pasts resurfaced to give them both a bit of hell), I found myself liking their dynamic together. However, prior to the last few chapters of this story there was little to go on other than continuous sex and a very fragile storyline that seemed to be going nowhere fast. Scene after scene rolled out with seemingly no connection to anything—no furthering the plot, no developing character, no cementing emotions or deepening them either. It was frustrating due to the fact that there was such potential in this story—you wanted to like these guys, you wanted to be on their side and see them rekindle what they once had.
Thankfully, when a disaster struck which threatened to destroy both Zac and Reed and what was developing between them, this story took a dramatic upswing. All of a sudden we were thrown into the turmoil of this great comeback scheme by Zac’s former lover, which he seemed powerless to stop. Coupling that with Reed’s college stripping job coming to the surface and threatening to expose him to the small town that trusted him as their doctor, and you had a sudden burst of energy and an uptick in pacing and plot development that really was quite good. All of a sudden I found myself invested in this story and in the fate of these two men. Here was the novel I had been hoping for all along, and while it was still a bit contrived, it was also entertaining and satisfying. Unfortunately, it came way too late in the book to really save this one from being just a mediocre attempt at storytelling.
Tonight’s Encore was just too much of a slow starter and way too underdeveloped plot-wise to really shine. However, if this writer can give us more of what I saw in the last third of this novel, then I have no doubt that future reviews will be very different. There is great potential here, and I am hopeful that subsequent stories will prove to be longer on plot and substantially shorter on meaningless sex.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach Reviews
After ten years of cleaning up after his lover and bandmate, Zac Dillon leaves behind the drug addicted, narcissistic lead singer, Troy, and quits the band after being paid handsomely for his departure and being told he is bound to silence regarding his time in the band. He disappears into the mountain home his grandparents left him, and tries to forget how much time he wasted on Troy and the fact that he still struggles with his feelings for him.
Reed has returned to his roots to be the doctor to a town that needs one, desperately. He has signed up for a five year stint as a way to help pay his med school fees, and we also discover he had done some stripping along the way to finance his college. Reed and his dog, Magnum, often hike the woods in order to check for poachers, loggers who are a constant threat to the forests’ well-being. This day he sees that the old cabin of his former high school flame is occupied, and investigates only to discover that this Zac was once his “Bobby”—guitarist to his drummer in high school, and the boy he was in love with at that time. But, many years have passed and even though there is still a spark there, the two agree to be sex buddies with no ties. Little do they know that the heart has its own ideas where all of that is concerned.
Zac and Reed grew on me during this novel. After we waded through the countless sex scenes (which had a good bit of kink in them), and we actually got to the point in the story where these two guys became genuine with each other (as their pasts resurfaced to give them both a bit of hell), I found myself liking their dynamic together. However, prior to the last few chapters of this story there was little to go on other than continuous sex and a very fragile storyline that seemed to be going nowhere fast. Scene after scene rolled out with seemingly no connection to anything—no furthering the plot, no developing character, no cementing emotions or deepening them either. It was frustrating due to the fact that there was such potential in this story—you wanted to like these guys, you wanted to be on their side and see them rekindle what they once had.
Thankfully, when a disaster struck which threatened to destroy both Zac and Reed and what was developing between them, this story took a dramatic upswing. All of a sudden we were thrown into the turmoil of this great comeback scheme by Zac’s former lover, which he seemed powerless to stop. Coupling that with Reed’s college stripping job coming to the surface and threatening to expose him to the small town that trusted him as their doctor, and you had a sudden burst of energy and an uptick in pacing and plot development that really was quite good. All of a sudden I found myself invested in this story and in the fate of these two men. Here was the novel I had been hoping for all along, and while it was still a bit contrived, it was also entertaining and satisfying. Unfortunately, it came way too late in the book to really save this one from being just a mediocre attempt at storytelling.
Tonight’s Encore was just too much of a slow starter and way too underdeveloped plot-wise to really shine. However, if this writer can give us more of what I saw in the last third of this novel, then I have no doubt that future reviews will be very different. There is great potential here, and I am hopeful that subsequent stories will prove to be longer on plot and substantially shorter on meaningless sex.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach Reviews
November 21, 2021
I was a beta-reader for this book and received a copy of the release from the author. A review was not requested.
I really enjoyed this during my beta-reading and it was just as enjoyable this time. I loved the setting with the cabin and bear-watching. Reed and Zac/Bobby rebuilt their relationship after a ten year separation, while Zac went away to be a rock star and Reed became a doctor. Reeds calm, reasonable tone contrasted well with Zac's somewhat more dynamic personality. Magnum, the Berenese dog, was probably my favorite thing in the story. The conflicts actually sounded reasonable and realistic, considering the background. I had only some minor issues about some details of the story.
I think Parker writes some really different, nearly unique sorts of stories. I always wonder if she ever worked in the entertainment industry.
I really enjoyed this during my beta-reading and it was just as enjoyable this time. I loved the setting with the cabin and bear-watching. Reed and Zac/Bobby rebuilt their relationship after a ten year separation, while Zac went away to be a rock star and Reed became a doctor. Reeds calm, reasonable tone contrasted well with Zac's somewhat more dynamic personality. Magnum, the Berenese dog, was probably my favorite thing in the story. The conflicts actually sounded reasonable and realistic, considering the background. I had only some minor issues about some details of the story.
I think Parker writes some really different, nearly unique sorts of stories. I always wonder if she ever worked in the entertainment industry.
00-mm-horrible-disaster-fail-dnf
March 26, 2017Tried KUing this ... but within a few pages, I knew this wasn't for me. Zac/Bobby just came across as rude and unlikeable; he definitely rubbed me the wrong way. Nope.
April 9, 2017
Enjoyable but nothing earth shattering. Like how the two MC reconnected.
September 5, 2017
Review Coming
February 19, 2017
I love second chance romance stories! Tonight's Encore by Parker Avrile is just that. I will say this was unique in it's building and I like that the author made the trope their own.
Zac aka Bobby, ran from his Arkansas town to pursue his music career. Of course he becomes insanely famous and never dares look back. He also leaves behind his best friend and first ever boyfriend, Reed in the process. Zac's career as a bassist for the band is pretty fantastic. Dating the lead singer, amazingly popular for a decade it's terrific right? Yeah until circumstances have Zac back in the small town he ran from many years before.
When Reed comes face to face with "his Bobby" again it was interesting how seamless it was.They have a sexual relationship but vow not to let it get any further. They need someone to scratch their itch so to speak. We all know where that is going.
Magnum, Reed's Bernese Mountain dog, absolutely stole the show He's so awesome that I found myself excited when he was on page and in some instances hoping we'd get to see more of him.
The story is very engaging and the pacing is good, if not too fast is some places. The characters are fleshed out well and as the story moves along and we learn more I found the revelations to be perfectly placed. Zac and Reed have to deal with a lot in this book. So much drama with ex's and paparazzi and so much. It was great to see them overcome and fight through so much.
It's a very entertaining and enjoyable read.
Zac aka Bobby, ran from his Arkansas town to pursue his music career. Of course he becomes insanely famous and never dares look back. He also leaves behind his best friend and first ever boyfriend, Reed in the process. Zac's career as a bassist for the band is pretty fantastic. Dating the lead singer, amazingly popular for a decade it's terrific right? Yeah until circumstances have Zac back in the small town he ran from many years before.
When Reed comes face to face with "his Bobby" again it was interesting how seamless it was.They have a sexual relationship but vow not to let it get any further. They need someone to scratch their itch so to speak. We all know where that is going.
Magnum, Reed's Bernese Mountain dog, absolutely stole the show He's so awesome that I found myself excited when he was on page and in some instances hoping we'd get to see more of him.
The story is very engaging and the pacing is good, if not too fast is some places. The characters are fleshed out well and as the story moves along and we learn more I found the revelations to be perfectly placed. Zac and Reed have to deal with a lot in this book. So much drama with ex's and paparazzi and so much. It was great to see them overcome and fight through so much.
It's a very entertaining and enjoyable read.
September 16, 2017
Interesting premise (teen friend/love returns as incognito celebrity) with so-so (decent enough for a light read) execution
The "became a celebrity unbeknownst to my previous boyfriend" theme was very interesting in theory, but worked only so-so for me in execution. Still, a relatively comfortable "falling again for my high school ex/friend/love" story.
The "became a celebrity unbeknownst to my previous boyfriend" theme was very interesting in theory, but worked only so-so for me in execution. Still, a relatively comfortable "falling again for my high school ex/friend/love" story.
February 24, 2017
Zac Dillion (or Bobby Mason before he reached fame and fortune) is the bass player and co-creator of Phoenix Fire, or I should say was the bass player until he was kicked out for confronting the lead vocalist, co-creator, and his lover of ten years about his drug problem. After receiving his severance payment, Zac returns to the small town he grew up in.His actually arrival to his home is an unexpected one when he think he's attacked by what looks to be a bear.
Reed Hartwell is the town doctor and knew Bobby or well Zac before he became famous. The two were quite close and were pretty much friends with benefits. The two were each others firsts. He's taken it upon himself to look after the Mason's place for Bobby until his return, should he ever. When he sees a stranger on the land he has his very loyal and huge dog, Magnum tackle the stranger. What he discovers on closer inspections is a nice surprise.
An enjoyable read, although it could was a little more frustrating and vexing towards the end and I was glad to see how the issues were resolved when they cropped up. Reed and Bobby's reunion was nice and I liked that it wasn't really rushed and the two got to reconnect before coming to a decision about how to proceed with their reunion. It was intriguing to learn about the different routes their lives took and how they molded them to be the men they were.
Bobby's manager was a total whacky witch (replace the "w" with a "b"). I don't know why Bobby would even keep her on when she was still working with his ex. It was a total breach of conflict of interest and for him not to even consider that such things would happen was pretty idiotic on his part. I really couldn't stand Patty and it frustrated me so badly that I had to take a break from reading a few times. I also didn't like that Bobby and Reed's wishes were being disregarded and dismissed because a huge amount of money came into play.
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Reed Hartwell is the town doctor and knew Bobby or well Zac before he became famous. The two were quite close and were pretty much friends with benefits. The two were each others firsts. He's taken it upon himself to look after the Mason's place for Bobby until his return, should he ever. When he sees a stranger on the land he has his very loyal and huge dog, Magnum tackle the stranger. What he discovers on closer inspections is a nice surprise.
An enjoyable read, although it could was a little more frustrating and vexing towards the end and I was glad to see how the issues were resolved when they cropped up. Reed and Bobby's reunion was nice and I liked that it wasn't really rushed and the two got to reconnect before coming to a decision about how to proceed with their reunion. It was intriguing to learn about the different routes their lives took and how they molded them to be the men they were.
Bobby's manager was a total whacky witch (replace the "w" with a "b"). I don't know why Bobby would even keep her on when she was still working with his ex. It was a total breach of conflict of interest and for him not to even consider that such things would happen was pretty idiotic on his part. I really couldn't stand Patty and it frustrated me so badly that I had to take a break from reading a few times. I also didn't like that Bobby and Reed's wishes were being disregarded and dismissed because a huge amount of money came into play.
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2020
Boy, the rock star life is wacky in this one, and Bobby a.k.a. Zac's rock star ex-boyfriend Troy is especially wacky. Fortunately, Bobby's high school flame Reed is fairly level-headed. Bobby has been fired from "Phoenix Fire," the band that he and Troy started, because after ten years he was tired of enabling Troy and Troy's drug habit. He retreats to the small town he grew up in, living in his late grandparents' cabin in the woods. There he encounters Magnum, a Bernese Mountain Dog, and re-encounters Magnum's owner Reed.
While Zac thinks he's famous, Reed has been busy going to medical school and doing a residency, and has never heard of Phoenix Fire. Hit to the ego for Zac! However, other people in the little town have heard of the band, and recognize Zac. Reed learns secondhand about the "after he was famous" Zac, but remembers his time with pre-Zac Bobby very well.
Bobby was raised by his grandparents, who understood that he and Reed were buddies in more ways than one, but constantly told Bobby that that was just a phase boys, especially boys in rural areas, go through. Reed is semi-relieved to learn that Zac had been in a long relationship with a man, since that means that Bobby was off the "it's a phase" fence his grandparents had put him on. Reed had been clear with himself about being gay all along. Reed didn't have time for a relationship while he was becoming a doctor, but had made use of apps for locating one-night partners.
It takes a while for Bobby and Reed to communicate well, although they start having sex again pretty quickly. Some rock star wackiness descends, and Reed tries to deal with it. Bobby-as-Zac had managed to mature as he neared thirty, and was very tired of the drug-addict drama that he went through with Troy. So that helped him with his decisions on what actions to take, and on considering what his priorities should be.
Magnum was one of the stars of the book for me, as he was intended to be.
While Zac thinks he's famous, Reed has been busy going to medical school and doing a residency, and has never heard of Phoenix Fire. Hit to the ego for Zac! However, other people in the little town have heard of the band, and recognize Zac. Reed learns secondhand about the "after he was famous" Zac, but remembers his time with pre-Zac Bobby very well.
Bobby was raised by his grandparents, who understood that he and Reed were buddies in more ways than one, but constantly told Bobby that that was just a phase boys, especially boys in rural areas, go through. Reed is semi-relieved to learn that Zac had been in a long relationship with a man, since that means that Bobby was off the "it's a phase" fence his grandparents had put him on. Reed had been clear with himself about being gay all along. Reed didn't have time for a relationship while he was becoming a doctor, but had made use of apps for locating one-night partners.
It takes a while for Bobby and Reed to communicate well, although they start having sex again pretty quickly. Some rock star wackiness descends, and Reed tries to deal with it. Bobby-as-Zac had managed to mature as he neared thirty, and was very tired of the drug-addict drama that he went through with Troy. So that helped him with his decisions on what actions to take, and on considering what his priorities should be.
Magnum was one of the stars of the book for me, as he was intended to be.
February 14, 2017
This is an interesting take on a second chance m/m romance story and one I thoroughly enjoyed!
Zac, known as Bobby originally, ran away from his 'hick' mountain upbringing to become a rock star while Reed, his childhood best friend and first boyfriend returned home after becoming a doctor to serve the rural community he loves. The death of an important family member for Zac and some own personal demons revealed with his front man and boyfriend of ten years, Zac returns to the small town he grew up in and from here the story begins.
Both Reed and Zac are drawn together but agree to be 'friends with benefits' but it's soon pretty clear to both of them they want and need more from each other and so begins the journey of self realisation and some bumps in the road they have to conquer for love to reign supreme! To be honest, Zac and Reed are great characters but it is Magnum, the Bernese Mountain dog that positively steals the limelight in this book - hehehe!
My only criticism is that at times Parker seems to rush the story development a bit and this is where sometimes I wish for a longer book from the author. However, as usual Parker does a good job at developing the story and I love how it works out! This book kept me reading and wanting to read more in the series....who knows maybe Zac and Reed (and of course Magnum) might appear somewhere in future stories!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reading Copy of this book.
Zac, known as Bobby originally, ran away from his 'hick' mountain upbringing to become a rock star while Reed, his childhood best friend and first boyfriend returned home after becoming a doctor to serve the rural community he loves. The death of an important family member for Zac and some own personal demons revealed with his front man and boyfriend of ten years, Zac returns to the small town he grew up in and from here the story begins.
Both Reed and Zac are drawn together but agree to be 'friends with benefits' but it's soon pretty clear to both of them they want and need more from each other and so begins the journey of self realisation and some bumps in the road they have to conquer for love to reign supreme! To be honest, Zac and Reed are great characters but it is Magnum, the Bernese Mountain dog that positively steals the limelight in this book - hehehe!
My only criticism is that at times Parker seems to rush the story development a bit and this is where sometimes I wish for a longer book from the author. However, as usual Parker does a good job at developing the story and I love how it works out! This book kept me reading and wanting to read more in the series....who knows maybe Zac and Reed (and of course Magnum) might appear somewhere in future stories!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reading Copy of this book.
April 14, 2019
I found myself more interested in the Senator (a Secondary character) than the two MC’s.
The whole fuck buddy dynamic with someone who looks like “the twin” of your ex, sits so wrong with me. Especially, since it kept being said over and over again. The whole reality tv show thing was also overplayed to an extent. I ended up just skimming this book. It didn’t really hold my attention, although I am curious to know of the Senator will have his own potential HEA.
The whole fuck buddy dynamic with someone who looks like “the twin” of your ex, sits so wrong with me. Especially, since it kept being said over and over again. The whole reality tv show thing was also overplayed to an extent. I ended up just skimming this book. It didn’t really hold my attention, although I am curious to know of the Senator will have his own potential HEA.
June 12, 2017
4.75
Zac (bobby, he changed his name) and Reed grew up together. Zac wanted to be a famous musical and all Reed wanted to be is a Doctor, so they went their separate ways.
Ten years later and it seems that the chemistry has not died. However elements from Zac's old life is trying to ruin what they are trying have.
Zac (bobby, he changed his name) and Reed grew up together. Zac wanted to be a famous musical and all Reed wanted to be is a Doctor, so they went their separate ways.
Ten years later and it seems that the chemistry has not died. However elements from Zac's old life is trying to ruin what they are trying have.
March 23, 2020
It was nice, a little bit too much drama but i keep going with the series
February 13, 2017
Zac is a musician who has made it big in the 10 years since he left his small Arkansas town. He isn't the front of his band, but rather, the plays the bass to his boyfriend as lead singer. I found it to be a bit amazing that even though he had legally changed his name, no one in the town seemed to be aware of the fact that one of their natives had become famous. It's not like he had cut off contact with his grandparents after leaving town, so wouldn't they have perhaps mentioned being proud of him to others in the area who knew him? Even just an offhand comment? And especially when his grandfather died and he came back for the funeral - he was on tour then and it sounded like the band had made some notoriety. However it happened, Zac begins the book having returned to his home town after he was kicked out of the band and jilted by his (now) ex-boyfriend. He doesn't really have a plan, but it's somewhere that he can hide and figure out what he's going to do.
Reed is the local town doctor who happened to be Zac's best friend, and boyfriend in high school. He has never quite gotten over the way that Zac (or, at the time, Bobby) dumped him for the need to get out of their ""hick town"". Ever since then, he's focused everything on school and becoming a doctor, so he's never had a relationship; just a series of hookups to avoid emotional entanglement.
When they meet up again, and actually recognize one another, the chemistry that they once had is back, and as strong as it ever was. But there are complications - Zac was faithful to his boyfriend of 10 years and is still reeling from the breakup; even without that, Zac realizes that he has a type since Reed could double for Troy (the ex); and Reed doesn't do emotion. So they agree to a friends with benefits arrangement with both characters refusing to recognize the depth of the connection that they share. During the course of the story, each character (separately) does experience his epiphany and tries to emotionally distance himself as a way to protect his heart.
When they do both get on the same page, and profess their love for one another, it was very sweet, and it had the added bonus of really knocking the wind out of some very over-blown sails. That alone was delicious to read, and very well deserved.
As you can probably tell, I really enjoyed the characters in this book. My one issue was that I felt that there were a couple of times that felt rushed. Where I would have liked to have seen more about the re-building of their friendship, Parker chose to gloss over those weeks in a few paragraphs. I also wanted to see more of both Zac & Reed's dealing with things when Reed decided that they needed a bit of a separation without actually telling Zac. And Zac's confidence in Reed when he found out about the blackmail was nice, but I didn't necessarily think that it quite fit - I was expecting some doubt until Reed could physically reassure him.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Reed is the local town doctor who happened to be Zac's best friend, and boyfriend in high school. He has never quite gotten over the way that Zac (or, at the time, Bobby) dumped him for the need to get out of their ""hick town"". Ever since then, he's focused everything on school and becoming a doctor, so he's never had a relationship; just a series of hookups to avoid emotional entanglement.
When they meet up again, and actually recognize one another, the chemistry that they once had is back, and as strong as it ever was. But there are complications - Zac was faithful to his boyfriend of 10 years and is still reeling from the breakup; even without that, Zac realizes that he has a type since Reed could double for Troy (the ex); and Reed doesn't do emotion. So they agree to a friends with benefits arrangement with both characters refusing to recognize the depth of the connection that they share. During the course of the story, each character (separately) does experience his epiphany and tries to emotionally distance himself as a way to protect his heart.
When they do both get on the same page, and profess their love for one another, it was very sweet, and it had the added bonus of really knocking the wind out of some very over-blown sails. That alone was delicious to read, and very well deserved.
As you can probably tell, I really enjoyed the characters in this book. My one issue was that I felt that there were a couple of times that felt rushed. Where I would have liked to have seen more about the re-building of their friendship, Parker chose to gloss over those weeks in a few paragraphs. I also wanted to see more of both Zac & Reed's dealing with things when Reed decided that they needed a bit of a separation without actually telling Zac. And Zac's confidence in Reed when he found out about the blackmail was nice, but I didn't necessarily think that it quite fit - I was expecting some doubt until Reed could physically reassure him.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 28, 2017
3.75 stars
February 13, 2017
At 18 Bobby left his home town and his boyfriend to make it in the music industry.
Reed stayed behind to follow his own dream of studying medicine.
After ten years Bobby, now Zac, returns after being kicked out of the band. He meets up again with Reed who is now the town’s doctor.
Zac and Reed hook up very quickly after meeting again, which can be aspected from former boyfriends. Their newfound love is threatened by several outsiders with hidden agenda’s.
I loved how Zac and Read went through these turmoils. They stayed true to themselves and supported each other. They showed great characters with integrity and respect for others.
Magnum, Reed’s Bernese Mountain dog, is my hero. He plays an important and integral part in the story.
I had some trouble getting into the story and get a feel for the characters and situations. When reading on, however, I found it a very enjoyable read. At the end it had me turning the pages.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Reed stayed behind to follow his own dream of studying medicine.
After ten years Bobby, now Zac, returns after being kicked out of the band. He meets up again with Reed who is now the town’s doctor.
Zac and Reed hook up very quickly after meeting again, which can be aspected from former boyfriends. Their newfound love is threatened by several outsiders with hidden agenda’s.
I loved how Zac and Read went through these turmoils. They stayed true to themselves and supported each other. They showed great characters with integrity and respect for others.
Magnum, Reed’s Bernese Mountain dog, is my hero. He plays an important and integral part in the story.
I had some trouble getting into the story and get a feel for the characters and situations. When reading on, however, I found it a very enjoyable read. At the end it had me turning the pages.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book for an honest review.
February 14, 2017
The story captures you and keeps you entangled until the very end. As the plot unfolds between Rock Star Zac, with Doctor Reed and his sidekick Magnum, your drawn Into their worlds, making It hard to put this book down as you want to devour more. Seeing how the characters deal with the drama amongst Zac's Ex-Boyfriend Troy, along with the paparazzi, the hot headed publicist, and many others engulfs you, wanting to see how they will tackle the dilemmas and get on with their lives. Granted, the hot, Intense, love making scenes adds some nice bonus flair, but It doesn't draw away from the story. It adds the fuel to keep the story burning, making you want even more. I was really pleased with the outcome of this book and looking forward to the next Installment. This Is my first read from this author and without a doubt, won't be my last. Highly recommend giving this a read!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from HRG.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from HRG.
February 17, 2017
Good second chance romance for Zac and Reed. Zac (Bobby) left the small town to make it big in music, while Reed pursued his medical career. Ten years later, fate intervenes and brings Zac back into Reed's life. They were so sweet and hot together. Reed isn't into commitment, while ironically, Zac has been in a committed relationship, one that he is still recovering from. I loved how they tested the waters, and how even after ten years had passed their chemistry sizzled. Great story of finding the one you were meant to be with. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
February 7, 2017
*I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinion stated are solely my own and no one else's*
I really enjoyed Tonight's Encore: it was sweet yet sexy.
I loved the location of the log cabin, where Zac and Reed meet again after a decade of being apart. The setting was beautiful yet breathtaking especially, when they sight the mama bear and her cubs.
I adored Magnum; I actually had to look up Bernese mountain dog as I had no idea what the dog actually looked like. He was definitely Reeds best friend - both were in tune with each other.
Zac and Reed got off to quite an interesting start; where Zac literally got swept off his feel lol. These two had amazing chemistry - it was sizzling hot. There was a little bondage and strip teasing which definitely made things more sexy.
When Zac's past catches up with his present - it causes a lot of tension but I liked how these two didn't let what was happening draw them apart. These guys may have started off being friends with benefits but I loved how you got to witness they relationship slowly blossoming into something more deeper yet beautiful.
A beautiful story about second chances and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed Tonight's Encore: it was sweet yet sexy.
I loved the location of the log cabin, where Zac and Reed meet again after a decade of being apart. The setting was beautiful yet breathtaking especially, when they sight the mama bear and her cubs.
I adored Magnum; I actually had to look up Bernese mountain dog as I had no idea what the dog actually looked like. He was definitely Reeds best friend - both were in tune with each other.
Zac and Reed got off to quite an interesting start; where Zac literally got swept off his feel lol. These two had amazing chemistry - it was sizzling hot. There was a little bondage and strip teasing which definitely made things more sexy.
When Zac's past catches up with his present - it causes a lot of tension but I liked how these two didn't let what was happening draw them apart. These guys may have started off being friends with benefits but I loved how you got to witness they relationship slowly blossoming into something more deeper yet beautiful.
A beautiful story about second chances and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2017
Got from Hidden Gems Romance ARC Club, for a honest review.
I loved it. I thought it was well written. Loved the characters. Had a nice steady pace to it. It also had steamy hot spots in it. Might need a fan to cool you off during those hot moments. Loving the authors writing. Knows how to pull you in till the end. Not a dull moment. From Reed and Zac getting back together after so many years gone by. From Troy and his people trying to black mail Zac and Reed. Very good book. Can't wait to read more of their books.
Thank you for letting me read your story.
I loved it. I thought it was well written. Loved the characters. Had a nice steady pace to it. It also had steamy hot spots in it. Might need a fan to cool you off during those hot moments. Loving the authors writing. Knows how to pull you in till the end. Not a dull moment. From Reed and Zac getting back together after so many years gone by. From Troy and his people trying to black mail Zac and Reed. Very good book. Can't wait to read more of their books.
Thank you for letting me read your story.
February 13, 2017
Beautifully written, well-developed and engaging characters, and a storyline that kept me turning pages. And I can't forget Magnum - everybody should have a Magnum in their life. He's the best judge of character in the book! Zac and Reed's story is a sweet second chance romance that shows the meaning of standing up for what's important. I can't wait to see what's next in this series.
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