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Rent Boys #1
Release
When life holds them captive, can love be their release?
Selling his body since he was a fifteen-year-old runaway, rent boy Sean Farrell has learned the hard lesson that the only way to survive the streets is to act tough and cocky. But an act is all it is, as underneath he’s never felt more adrift as he struggles with crippling self-doubt. Sean’s distilled life into three simple rules: earn enough cash to get by, stick close to the friends who have become his family — and don’t let anyone steal his heart.
Art is Laurie Cassell’s profession and passion. His calm and ordered life is just how he thinks he wants it, but it’s becoming harder to ignore the creeping feeling that calm and ordered has become dull and predictable. Laurie craves more but doesn’t know what, or not until a man with dark hazel eyes and a bad attitude swaggers into his life — and leaves with his heart.
Two men who should never have met, let alone fallen in love. Can Sean and Laurie release the other from lives that are holding them captive?
*** Release is a slow burn, opposites attract MM romance. Found family, good friends who give advice our men don’t want to hear, and the redemptive power of love can all be found between the pages. No cliff hanger, and a guaranteed HEA. ***
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2020
46 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Ryecart
22 books112 followersA born and bred Londoner, she may have moved to someplace more leafy but the city is still very much part of her DNA, which is why her books are set in and around present-day London, providing a thrilling, metropolitan backdrop to the main action.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 5, 2019
After really enjoying this author's "A Kiss Before Christmas", I had high hopes for this story, too, but unfortunately, this one fell a bit short for me.
I did really like both Sean and Laurie, but there was just so much internal monologue that several times I found myself feeling slightly bored and dying for more on-page dialogue between the MC's.
Also, for a story involving a sex worker, the book was strikingly "unsexy", which I found odd, seeing that even the beginnings of the story, before Sean reconnected with Laurie, only contained acts of physical violence and mental abuse.
For better or for worse, IMO at least, stories about rent boys typically elicit an expectation of titillation; otherwise, authors would simply write about tax accountants, you know?
I did adore Laurie's boss and several of the other side characters, some of which were actually from a previous story, "Company for Christmas", and the author's "Barista Boys" series, which I do plan to read soon.
The book kept the angst to moderate levels, and didn't drag out the MC separation, for which I was grateful, but with only one steamy scene and tons of internal monologue, the book too me longer to finish than I'd expected.
The editing was good and I did find myself continuing to root for Sean and Laurie, so I'd rate the book at around 3 stars and will most likely give the next book in this new series a shot.
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
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August 6, 2019
3.75 Stars
While I enjoyed the end of this story, the first half didn't really do much for me. I was waiting for a bit more of a romanticized take on the rent boy trope.
Sean has been a rent boy since the age of 15. After losing his dad and forced into foster care, he was abused and told he was worthless. So, as an adult, that's what he became...worthless. Until he met Laurie one rainy night. Laurie gave him something to live for. A reason to be a better man.
I didn't care for Sean, honestly. He was harsh and brash and seemed like a jerk to Laurie from the start, even admitting his behavior was less then Laurie deserved.
Sean had it rough. He had only known the life of a rent boy and couldn't find a way out. It wasn't until he and Laurie decided to make a go of it that the story started to get interesting. Lives intersected and things from the past came to light. I found myself getting into the story more and more as Sean came around to wanting more and knowing that Laurie deserved more.
Overall, it was worth the read and I'm likely to give the next book in the series a try.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
While I enjoyed the end of this story, the first half didn't really do much for me. I was waiting for a bit more of a romanticized take on the rent boy trope.
Sean has been a rent boy since the age of 15. After losing his dad and forced into foster care, he was abused and told he was worthless. So, as an adult, that's what he became...worthless. Until he met Laurie one rainy night. Laurie gave him something to live for. A reason to be a better man.
I didn't care for Sean, honestly. He was harsh and brash and seemed like a jerk to Laurie from the start, even admitting his behavior was less then Laurie deserved.
Sean had it rough. He had only known the life of a rent boy and couldn't find a way out. It wasn't until he and Laurie decided to make a go of it that the story started to get interesting. Lives intersected and things from the past came to light. I found myself getting into the story more and more as Sean came around to wanting more and knowing that Laurie deserved more.
Overall, it was worth the read and I'm likely to give the next book in the series a try.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
July 10, 2020
I quite enjoyed this. My only complaints who be that Laurie was pretty quick to judge and draw his own conclusions, though luckily his boss and best friend both set his straight. And I didn't care for the epilogue, but that's standard for me. I did also find that the sex scene came about rather quickly considering the circumstances leading up to it. I really liked Sean as a character.
August 5, 2019
Release (Rent Boys, #1) (ARC) was graciously provided to me by Gay Book Promotions for an honest review. I have voluntarily read this book and have provided my honest opinion.
"A Heart-Breaking, Emotional, and, Heart-Warming Read"
An absolutely breathtaking, heartbreaking, and, incredibly mysterious new read has just blown-me-away and speaking for this reader, it's overall magnanimous storyline is to be considered as other-wordly with it's stunning plot and super characters. And that twist? *Pfft* Hold on to your kindles 'cuz they're gonna be flying as a result of that thunderbolt of a scream that will undoubtedly make it's presence known. This story was an absolutely incredible read..
Release, by A.E. Ryecart, is an upcoming release that should not be missed. By any reader. It's one of those stories that has everything and more and is to be considered as a Top Read 2019. It's plot, with all of the thought-provoking moments are unique and rare to come across for this reader. It's storyline is a magnificent and a stunningly captivating one in which the writing has this extraordinary ability to be multi-layered, with it's inclusion of actual symbolism as well as a beautiful style of writing as a whole. With the presence of plentiful British vernaculars, the uniquely cohesive structure goes far beyond a simple plot. Through dark, deeply emotional, triggered, tragic moments of abuse, betrayal, and, gut-wrenching desperation, the writing quickly seems to smooth things accordingly with the presence of it's gorgeously descriptive writing. There were numerous times when the tears had flowed for the main characters of this story. Sean and Laurie are amazingly wonderful souls who despite having contained different backgrounds, are very much the same..and this broke my heart..
Sean and Laurie..oh how I adore them and need to squeeze them so tightly, as their tragic past, even though is very similar, both men found extremely different ways to actually survive. As both seek that newly formed desire for more out of life, each struggles differently, and yet equally crawls their way through dark and desperate events, towards their new brightly lit lives filled with an over-flowing amount of happiness that each has greatly earned. Omg. I adore Sean and Laurie to bits..
While it was, at times, very difficult to read, part of which helped were the incredibly attentive, dedicated, and loving secondary characters, many of whom made squeal-worthy cameos from previous books. Their own stories are calling out to me already.
Release, with it's mind-blowingly amazing title, is a raw and brutal story with shocking events both on and off the page. With the addition of such wonderful secondary characters, a slow but consistent heat and ever present chemistry, and, a few giggle-snort moments, I found myself in varied bouts of emotions as the characters found their way towards their light and never-ending happiness. It was one of those reads that had this storyline that languidly wrapped itself right around this reader with it's beautifully written and emotional moments and it's amazing characters. While there were a few areas to the plot that I had wished for further development, and there had existed a smattering of typos, Release, by A.E. Ryecart, will be one of those rare Five-Star Reviews for this reader and is highly recommended for all to read..I absolutely loved it..:)
*star rating: 5.00 'I loved this story' stars*
August 9, 2019
I LOVED this so much!
5 stars – wish it could be 10
OMG – this one is worth 10 stars. ♥
Release is the first book in a new series, Rent Boys, by A E Ryecart. It is a deliciously angsty, slow-burn story that had me bawling my eyes out more than once. This story seriously broke my heart and put it back together again.
The blurb is great so I won't try to restate it. Release made me feel so much that sometimes it hurt – but in a good way, if that makes sense. Sean and Laurie come from two different worlds but fate brings them together, more than one time. Sean is prickly, and ashamed of what he does. Laurie doesn't know Sean's secret and he's attracted to him in spite of their obvious class differences.
I just know I'm not going to do justice to this story. A E Ryecart drew me in from the very beginning and held me captive right from the start. When one of my favorite characters from another series showed up, I couldn't stop the tears. I was a little overwhelmed and had to stop for a bit; again, this was a good thing, not a bad one.
You don't need to have read any of the Barista Boys books to enjoy Release but I can almost guarantee if you're a fan you will love visiting that café in this story. If you haven't read that series, I think Release might just make you want to. 😊 You will also find the MCs from Company for Christmas that came out in November 2018. I'd kind of call it a prequel to this series but again, you don't have to have read it to enjoy Release.
There is so much I'd like to say about this story but I'm afraid it would give too much away. After a couple of things try to derail Sean and Laurie's relationship, the author throws another zinger at us. She's a devious woman, yes, she is, but it makes her stories all that much better! 😊
I really can't guess who the next story will be about but there are a few secondary characters I hope will get books. There's even a thoroughly evil, nasty character that I wonder if she will try to redeem. ??
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
5 stars – wish it could be 10
OMG – this one is worth 10 stars. ♥
Release is the first book in a new series, Rent Boys, by A E Ryecart. It is a deliciously angsty, slow-burn story that had me bawling my eyes out more than once. This story seriously broke my heart and put it back together again.
The blurb is great so I won't try to restate it. Release made me feel so much that sometimes it hurt – but in a good way, if that makes sense. Sean and Laurie come from two different worlds but fate brings them together, more than one time. Sean is prickly, and ashamed of what he does. Laurie doesn't know Sean's secret and he's attracted to him in spite of their obvious class differences.
I just know I'm not going to do justice to this story. A E Ryecart drew me in from the very beginning and held me captive right from the start. When one of my favorite characters from another series showed up, I couldn't stop the tears. I was a little overwhelmed and had to stop for a bit; again, this was a good thing, not a bad one.
You don't need to have read any of the Barista Boys books to enjoy Release but I can almost guarantee if you're a fan you will love visiting that café in this story. If you haven't read that series, I think Release might just make you want to. 😊 You will also find the MCs from Company for Christmas that came out in November 2018. I'd kind of call it a prequel to this series but again, you don't have to have read it to enjoy Release.
There is so much I'd like to say about this story but I'm afraid it would give too much away. After a couple of things try to derail Sean and Laurie's relationship, the author throws another zinger at us. She's a devious woman, yes, she is, but it makes her stories all that much better! 😊
I really can't guess who the next story will be about but there are a few secondary characters I hope will get books. There's even a thoroughly evil, nasty character that I wonder if she will try to redeem. ??
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
August 13, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Release is the first in the Rent Boys series and exists in the same universe as several other works by A.E. Ryecart, but I felt like this was easily read as a standalone. There are a few incidents mentioned from other books, but they were all well explained and I didn’t feel as though I was missing anything. Release was an excellent slow burn romance between two men from opposite sides of the tracks. I think Sean was better developed as a character when compared to Laurie and his plight read as a genuine. There were times it seemed like he was prone to wallowing in his own self-pity, but that felt believable given the situation. Laurie was a sweet guy, but he didn’t feel much deeper than that. The author gave him a backstory but it just didn’t seem as we’ll structured or involved as Sean’s. There were times that Laurie came away looking a bit obnoxious and disproportionately hurt, though he did have reasons for this.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Release is the first in the Rent Boys series and exists in the same universe as several other works by A.E. Ryecart, but I felt like this was easily read as a standalone. There are a few incidents mentioned from other books, but they were all well explained and I didn’t feel as though I was missing anything. Release was an excellent slow burn romance between two men from opposite sides of the tracks. I think Sean was better developed as a character when compared to Laurie and his plight read as a genuine. There were times it seemed like he was prone to wallowing in his own self-pity, but that felt believable given the situation. Laurie was a sweet guy, but he didn’t feel much deeper than that. The author gave him a backstory but it just didn’t seem as we’ll structured or involved as Sean’s. There were times that Laurie came away looking a bit obnoxious and disproportionately hurt, though he did have reasons for this.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
August 9, 2019
This was such a fantastic, grab-you-by-the-feels, powerful, beautiful, sweet, charming, slow burning, heartbreaking yet hopeful, totally awesome, and delightfully different twist on the standard rentboy/client romance storyline. A.E. Ryecart is a talented author who takes any trope she wants and skillfully crafts it into a marvelous masterpiece. I can't wait to see what happens next.
August 9, 2019
this was very interesting.. sexy and heartbreaking.. the emotions were real and raw and kept me on my toes. also i really enjoy slow burns when written right and trust me.. this one was written right! very good and i loved it and cannot wait for the next one
August 9, 2019
Do you believe in fate? If you don't, maybe you will after reading this book.
Because it seems that it was fate that made Sean go to a bar that he didn't usually frequent and,through all the noise,hear Laurie try to free himself from the unwanted attention of a drunk man. And then,surprisingly, the urge to help Laurie,because before,Sean has always abided by his rule to always mind his own business.
And it certainly was fate that guided Sean to be in front of the Lady Cecily Archer Gallery right when a deluge happens. And when he goes inside, who do you think works there and will be his tour guide? Why,yes,none other than Laurie.
The attraction is undeniable. Tentative dates,special hours together, and Laurie is ever more fascinated with the prickly,defensive yet so smart Sean. Poor Sean,needing so much,hungry for affection,slowly and surely falling for the sweet,beautiful art curator.
But Sean is a prostitute and,despite how much he tries to better his life, doesn't think himself worthy of Laurie. He knows they've grown to care deeply for one another but still,Sean is terrified of telling the truth about his occupation,scared of loosing Laurie.
When he eventually does reveal the truth,waiting to see if Laurie can get past what Sean has been doing to gain a living was heartbreaking. Because really, never has a man needed a chance at happiness as much as Sean does,and I was anxiously waiting for the moment when Laurie opened his eyes and realized that loving and being loved by Sean is more important than anything else.
Reading Release by AE Ryecart certainly wasn't easy because Sean's painful past and some of his present experiences are difficult to live through. But now he has an amazing found family,special chosen brothers he loves with all his heart,new supportive friends,a brighter future and most of all,Laurie and love.
I loved everything about this book,the painful and the joyful moments,the ones full of hate or full of love,the pain,the sorrow, the hope and despair. I loved the characters and the romance...just everything... It's beautiful and absolutely a must read.
Because it seems that it was fate that made Sean go to a bar that he didn't usually frequent and,through all the noise,hear Laurie try to free himself from the unwanted attention of a drunk man. And then,surprisingly, the urge to help Laurie,because before,Sean has always abided by his rule to always mind his own business.
And it certainly was fate that guided Sean to be in front of the Lady Cecily Archer Gallery right when a deluge happens. And when he goes inside, who do you think works there and will be his tour guide? Why,yes,none other than Laurie.
The attraction is undeniable. Tentative dates,special hours together, and Laurie is ever more fascinated with the prickly,defensive yet so smart Sean. Poor Sean,needing so much,hungry for affection,slowly and surely falling for the sweet,beautiful art curator.
But Sean is a prostitute and,despite how much he tries to better his life, doesn't think himself worthy of Laurie. He knows they've grown to care deeply for one another but still,Sean is terrified of telling the truth about his occupation,scared of loosing Laurie.
When he eventually does reveal the truth,waiting to see if Laurie can get past what Sean has been doing to gain a living was heartbreaking. Because really, never has a man needed a chance at happiness as much as Sean does,and I was anxiously waiting for the moment when Laurie opened his eyes and realized that loving and being loved by Sean is more important than anything else.
Reading Release by AE Ryecart certainly wasn't easy because Sean's painful past and some of his present experiences are difficult to live through. But now he has an amazing found family,special chosen brothers he loves with all his heart,new supportive friends,a brighter future and most of all,Laurie and love.
I loved everything about this book,the painful and the joyful moments,the ones full of hate or full of love,the pain,the sorrow, the hope and despair. I loved the characters and the romance...just everything... It's beautiful and absolutely a must read.
August 11, 2019
Release is an exquisite opposites attract romance by AE Ryecart. The first book in the Rent Boys series, I am excited to see what comes next.
Sean and Laurie come from polar opposite worlds, as far removed from one another as can be. Sean's been hardened after a life working the streets. Laurie, meanwhile, is an artist who's surrounded by money and success.
This is a story of emotional and physical abuse, as Sean's attacked. Their story is heavy on the emotions, as Sean desperately wants off the streets, but as we all know, it's a tough thing to do. The author expertly illustrates the perpetual struggles of getting one's self off the streets.
Being with Laurie also makes Sean feel even more inferior that he already does. He knows he's a boy with no class and no education, and being with Laurie just reinforces this fact.
They have extremely different experiences, physically, emotionally, and economically. The author does a fantastic job of exploring that despite their different experiences, both have struggled and suffered.
Theirs is a relationship built upon lies. In the end, Laurie's confessions had me in tears.
Overall, this is an exceptional tale of a young man getting a second chance in life, as well as love. It's a wonderful tale of gaining self respect and purpose.
Release is an emotionally riveting romance. It's a beautiful, compelling story. With the fantastic side characters, I can't wait read the rest of this series. So far, it's outstanding and I need more! I highly recommend this book to anyone in the mood for a great comfort/hurt story.
Sean and Laurie come from polar opposite worlds, as far removed from one another as can be. Sean's been hardened after a life working the streets. Laurie, meanwhile, is an artist who's surrounded by money and success.
This is a story of emotional and physical abuse, as Sean's attacked. Their story is heavy on the emotions, as Sean desperately wants off the streets, but as we all know, it's a tough thing to do. The author expertly illustrates the perpetual struggles of getting one's self off the streets.
Being with Laurie also makes Sean feel even more inferior that he already does. He knows he's a boy with no class and no education, and being with Laurie just reinforces this fact.
They have extremely different experiences, physically, emotionally, and economically. The author does a fantastic job of exploring that despite their different experiences, both have struggled and suffered.
Theirs is a relationship built upon lies. In the end, Laurie's confessions had me in tears.
Overall, this is an exceptional tale of a young man getting a second chance in life, as well as love. It's a wonderful tale of gaining self respect and purpose.
Release is an emotionally riveting romance. It's a beautiful, compelling story. With the fantastic side characters, I can't wait read the rest of this series. So far, it's outstanding and I need more! I highly recommend this book to anyone in the mood for a great comfort/hurt story.
August 5, 2019
This was a good book which could have been made even better if more attention was paid to some aspects.
Sean has had a rough upbringing through no fault of his own. He now works as a rent boy because no one is willing to give him a chance. He shares a house with a few other rent boys.
Laurie has come from a much more affluent background although his upbringing too could have been considered rough. He is an intelligent young man who works in an art gallery. The fact that he is regularly head hunted tells us that he is good at what he does.
They meet when Sean saves Laurie from an unpleasant experience.
We see a some of Sean's encounters with his clients but this is not the focus of the book. That is on the developing relationship between Sean and Laurie.
At one stage I thought that this book could be considered a psychological thriller because of John but this did not develop like I thought that it could.
If you want to know more you need to read the book which will be published soon. Release is well written and I liked it. I have no problem in recommending it.
Sean has had a rough upbringing through no fault of his own. He now works as a rent boy because no one is willing to give him a chance. He shares a house with a few other rent boys.
Laurie has come from a much more affluent background although his upbringing too could have been considered rough. He is an intelligent young man who works in an art gallery. The fact that he is regularly head hunted tells us that he is good at what he does.
They meet when Sean saves Laurie from an unpleasant experience.
We see a some of Sean's encounters with his clients but this is not the focus of the book. That is on the developing relationship between Sean and Laurie.
At one stage I thought that this book could be considered a psychological thriller because of John but this did not develop like I thought that it could.
If you want to know more you need to read the book which will be published soon. Release is well written and I liked it. I have no problem in recommending it.
August 11, 2019
I love Ali's style of writing, and I was intrigued to read a new series. She does the gritter subjects well, but still handle them with sensitivity and respect.
Release is not a Pretty Woman style view into the world of rent boys, it tells the story of how the live, the friendships they form and of course the struggles and obstacles they face.
I love a slow burn book, and Release delivered. It would've been easy to go down the route of non stop sex, but I am so pleased Ali didn't with this. It made me love Sean and Laurie all the more.
They are from different worlds, are polar opposites and their paths should in theory, never cross, but fate has very different ideas and pushes them together and makes them face their own fears and misconceptions about the life the other leads.
Of course I was thrilled when Bernie made a guest appearnce, Team Bernie, and it was a great link into another world and and opens the door for them to step through.
The writing style kept me captivated and I am definitely looking forward to more not only from this series, but from Ali too.
Release is not a Pretty Woman style view into the world of rent boys, it tells the story of how the live, the friendships they form and of course the struggles and obstacles they face.
I love a slow burn book, and Release delivered. It would've been easy to go down the route of non stop sex, but I am so pleased Ali didn't with this. It made me love Sean and Laurie all the more.
They are from different worlds, are polar opposites and their paths should in theory, never cross, but fate has very different ideas and pushes them together and makes them face their own fears and misconceptions about the life the other leads.
Of course I was thrilled when Bernie made a guest appearnce, Team Bernie, and it was a great link into another world and and opens the door for them to step through.
The writing style kept me captivated and I am definitely looking forward to more not only from this series, but from Ali too.
January 3, 2020
I changed my rating down to 3 stars from 4 after thinking on it a few days. Everything was present for a really good story, a rent boy meeting a polished young art curator in a non-sexual way at first. As the romance progresses, the rent boy does not tell the curator what his real profession is, but thinks about it numerous times (back and forth, back and forth, etc.). That got tedious.
Also, I don't think I was ever emotionally invested in the relationship. I just didn't feel the passion between them to make me root for their success. So, I liked it but certainly didn't love it.
Also, I don't think I was ever emotionally invested in the relationship. I just didn't feel the passion between them to make me root for their success. So, I liked it but certainly didn't love it.
August 10, 2019
3.75 stars...
While I did enjoy the story I found and as others have said in places it dragged on a bit for no reason. It’s definitely a slowww burn and while that’s good in some cases for me not so much in this story. I want to see much more of Sean and Laurie as a couple but over half of the book it was just them individually.
Needless to say I will continue on with the series as I’d like to see where it’s takes us to next and I enjoyed the ending a lot.
While I did enjoy the story I found and as others have said in places it dragged on a bit for no reason. It’s definitely a slowww burn and while that’s good in some cases for me not so much in this story. I want to see much more of Sean and Laurie as a couple but over half of the book it was just them individually.
Needless to say I will continue on with the series as I’d like to see where it’s takes us to next and I enjoyed the ending a lot.
February 18, 2024
Sean Farrell has been selling his body since he was fifteen and has learned the hard lesson that the only want to survive on the streets is to act tough and cocky. However, underneath he has never felt more adrift as he copes with crippling self-doubt. His life follows three simple rules: earn enough cash to get by, stick close to the friends who have become his family - and don’t let anyone steal his heart. Laurie Cassell's life is all about art in his calm and ordered existence which is becoming dull and predictable. Laurie craves more but doesn’t know what, or not until a man with dark hazel eyes and a bad attitude swaggers into his life - and leaves with his heart. Two men who should never have met, let alone fallen in love. Can Sean and Laurie release the others from the lives that are holding them captive?
I enjoyed this story with the two men from very different lives who met, went on dates and fell in love. There were obvious problems but they managed to get over and through them. I loved that Sean was not clueless about art and that he was able to give his opinions about pretty much anything. Lots of emotions and feelings in this story. This was easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
I enjoyed this story with the two men from very different lives who met, went on dates and fell in love. There were obvious problems but they managed to get over and through them. I loved that Sean was not clueless about art and that he was able to give his opinions about pretty much anything. Lots of emotions and feelings in this story. This was easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
August 16, 2020
Opposites Attract
After running into each other 3 times, Sean and Laurie begin a slow burn romance against a London backdrop. Sean, being a rent boy, doesn't feel like he deserves a good life as he's been used and abused since he was fifteen. Laurie, who is more refined, and has money and a comfortable but lonely life, has his own secret past and when they finally decide to move forward both their pasts come crashing down to almost destroy their new found romance. Luckily they both have friends who realize their relationship is meant to be and push them to put the past behind them. I'm so glad they listened. Lots of hurt/comfort and a hard earned HEA with an epilogue. I love all the English terms used in the book as it makes it more authentic to me. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
After running into each other 3 times, Sean and Laurie begin a slow burn romance against a London backdrop. Sean, being a rent boy, doesn't feel like he deserves a good life as he's been used and abused since he was fifteen. Laurie, who is more refined, and has money and a comfortable but lonely life, has his own secret past and when they finally decide to move forward both their pasts come crashing down to almost destroy their new found romance. Luckily they both have friends who realize their relationship is meant to be and push them to put the past behind them. I'm so glad they listened. Lots of hurt/comfort and a hard earned HEA with an epilogue. I love all the English terms used in the book as it makes it more authentic to me. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
March 8, 2020
Slow burn with great characters
This book has a definite intensity to it. It is a book that doesn’t gloss over the reality for many rent boys. You see it all in up close and painful fashion. But it is brilliantly done. I loved seeing Sean find his confidence and Laurie find love. The book is a slow burn for romance and intimacy between the MCs but the story needs it to flow that way and it works.
This book has a definite intensity to it. It is a book that doesn’t gloss over the reality for many rent boys. You see it all in up close and painful fashion. But it is brilliantly done. I loved seeing Sean find his confidence and Laurie find love. The book is a slow burn for romance and intimacy between the MCs but the story needs it to flow that way and it works.
February 12, 2024
It’s intense
This is no light hearted rent boy meets rich guy and life becomes perfect. Parts of it were hard to read, not because of abuse or anything, but because it’s like a slow motion train wreck you can’t warm anyone about. I’m not sure if I ‘enjoyed’ it but it’s well written…and it has a good ending.
This is no light hearted rent boy meets rich guy and life becomes perfect. Parts of it were hard to read, not because of abuse or anything, but because it’s like a slow motion train wreck you can’t warm anyone about. I’m not sure if I ‘enjoyed’ it but it’s well written…and it has a good ending.
January 24, 2025
3 1/2 stars rounded up
I enjoyed this story but didn't love it ...tbh I found it a bit long winded at rhe start, I found it hard to get into and I skipped some chunks ...the back end was much better.
Sean and Laurie..almost had too many dramas but thank goodness for friends who stuck their noses in and made the two MCs communicate
but they did eventually get their HEA
I enjoyed this story but didn't love it ...tbh I found it a bit long winded at rhe start, I found it hard to get into and I skipped some chunks ...the back end was much better.
Sean and Laurie..almost had too many dramas but thank goodness for friends who stuck their noses in and made the two MCs communicate
but they did eventually get their HEA
May 27, 2020
I'm Trusting That Our Love Will Save Us
A rent boy/man.
An art historian.
How can two men with such different lives succeed as a couple?
Luckily honesty, love and forgiveness is all it takes.
But their talks will make you weep.you
A rent boy/man.
An art historian.
How can two men with such different lives succeed as a couple?
Luckily honesty, love and forgiveness is all it takes.
But their talks will make you weep.you
Read
February 13, 2020DNF at 36%
it simply didn't work for me...
it simply didn't work for me...
dnf
July 22, 2020DNF @ 30% - finding this a bit boring and as my tbr is a mile long, I’m moving on
July 28, 2021
“Love has a habit of releasing us from being who we are, freeing us to be who we were meant to be.”
“There’s a difference between solitude and loneliness... Don’t mistake one for the other.”
“There’s a difference between solitude and loneliness... Don’t mistake one for the other.”
August 10, 2019
3.75 Stars
A warning before anything else, if you're expecting the romanticized version of escorts often found in books, that's not what you'll find here. This was a more raw and less sexy view than I'm used to.
Sean has been working on The Rack—a street where you can find all types of men on display selling themselves—since he was thrown out of his house at 16. He's now 24 and wants more from life, but with no 'real' work experience it's proving a bit difficult. A chance encounter where he rescues posh art historian Laurie, and then an even more strange second meeting when Sean was trying to find a way to get away from the rain and finds himself at Laurie's workplace, and something starts to build (slowly, oh so very slowly) between the two of them, but will Laurie be able to get over the fact that Sean is a male prostitute?
Okay, so Sean is understandably prickly. He's had to go through some tough times and even if he has his group of friends with who he lives, selling himself went old very fast. I felt bad for him, although he wasn't the most charming of characters. Actually, I'm not sure why Laurie was attracted to him, because he wasn't all that nice to him at first, even if he did save him from a grabby guy. And Laurie was a bit blah for me. I know this is opposites attract and yes, Sean and Laurie were definitely opposites, but I expected more of Laurie. *shrugs* Although the way they got together was a bit bland for me, I loved that they ended up together and seemed to work well as a couple, which is what matters, I guess.
Toby, Laurie's friend, was a conundrum and I hope we get to see his story. And of course, I'd love to see more of Sean's friends/roommates.
Overall, even that this book wasn't what I expected, it was still a good read. A bit more realistic than I'm used to, and frankly, the plot twist with the sort of bad guy wasn't much of one, but still entertaining and by the end, I was fully engaged and wishing for a HEA for Sean and Laurie. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
A warning before anything else, if you're expecting the romanticized version of escorts often found in books, that's not what you'll find here. This was a more raw and less sexy view than I'm used to.
Sean has been working on The Rack—a street where you can find all types of men on display selling themselves—since he was thrown out of his house at 16. He's now 24 and wants more from life, but with no 'real' work experience it's proving a bit difficult. A chance encounter where he rescues posh art historian Laurie, and then an even more strange second meeting when Sean was trying to find a way to get away from the rain and finds himself at Laurie's workplace, and something starts to build (slowly, oh so very slowly) between the two of them, but will Laurie be able to get over the fact that Sean is a male prostitute?
Okay, so Sean is understandably prickly. He's had to go through some tough times and even if he has his group of friends with who he lives, selling himself went old very fast. I felt bad for him, although he wasn't the most charming of characters. Actually, I'm not sure why Laurie was attracted to him, because he wasn't all that nice to him at first, even if he did save him from a grabby guy. And Laurie was a bit blah for me. I know this is opposites attract and yes, Sean and Laurie were definitely opposites, but I expected more of Laurie. *shrugs* Although the way they got together was a bit bland for me, I loved that they ended up together and seemed to work well as a couple, which is what matters, I guess.
Toby, Laurie's friend, was a conundrum and I hope we get to see his story. And of course, I'd love to see more of Sean's friends/roommates.
Overall, even that this book wasn't what I expected, it was still a good read. A bit more realistic than I'm used to, and frankly, the plot twist with the sort of bad guy wasn't much of one, but still entertaining and by the end, I was fully engaged and wishing for a HEA for Sean and Laurie. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
September 7, 2019
Wow. Not an easy read. Gritty in the best ways, Sean is as compelling as he is damaged. Laurie is intrigued by Sean, a cynical, hard man who judges art and life around him in ways a university-trained scholar could never see. As a pair they made zero sense on paper, but once stripped of all the labels and trappings, there was so much to pull them together and keep them there.
When Sean finds his apathy for his job is mostly because of the frustrating and alluring Laurie, he's thrown for a huge loop. But his life is never as simple as just giving up one profession for another. I really, really loved him and his whole evolution. As a character he gave so much life and reality to not only what he does for a living, but to the whole story. I loved him right from the start and hoped so hard for him to find a way to his own freedom and stability.
Laurie...Laurie. At first I was interested in getting to know him, but it was very quickly apparent that he was not as solid as Sean. There were many moments that I was hoping he would see what Sean could see and then not judge him or his views, that he would really look at what the man was saying and value it beyond mentioning how different it was from his studies. He was just so judgmental and obliviously arrogant in his views of so many things, but Sean especially. I just never warmed up to him. And then near the end when he did what he did and said what he said to Sean and then for Sean to do all the changing, apologizing, and work to make things happen between them...I was pretty much done. He wasn't a bad guy, just not the best guy and I wished for so much more from him to be the kind of partner Sean really needed.
So it's 3 stars for Laurie, 5 for Sean, and 4 for the story as a whole. I really enjoyed reading this story and especially liked the casual reappearance of the Barista Boys. If this book was set in their world and their safe haven wasn't included it would have been a mistake. It was a perfect connection and it added a fantastic feeling of hope and happiness to an otherwise gritty and downer of a tale as Sean finds redemption, forgiveness, and acceptance within and for himself.
When Sean finds his apathy for his job is mostly because of the frustrating and alluring Laurie, he's thrown for a huge loop. But his life is never as simple as just giving up one profession for another. I really, really loved him and his whole evolution. As a character he gave so much life and reality to not only what he does for a living, but to the whole story. I loved him right from the start and hoped so hard for him to find a way to his own freedom and stability.
Laurie...Laurie. At first I was interested in getting to know him, but it was very quickly apparent that he was not as solid as Sean. There were many moments that I was hoping he would see what Sean could see and then not judge him or his views, that he would really look at what the man was saying and value it beyond mentioning how different it was from his studies. He was just so judgmental and obliviously arrogant in his views of so many things, but Sean especially. I just never warmed up to him. And then near the end when he did what he did and said what he said to Sean and then for Sean to do all the changing, apologizing, and work to make things happen between them...I was pretty much done. He wasn't a bad guy, just not the best guy and I wished for so much more from him to be the kind of partner Sean really needed.
So it's 3 stars for Laurie, 5 for Sean, and 4 for the story as a whole. I really enjoyed reading this story and especially liked the casual reappearance of the Barista Boys. If this book was set in their world and their safe haven wasn't included it would have been a mistake. It was a perfect connection and it added a fantastic feeling of hope and happiness to an otherwise gritty and downer of a tale as Sean finds redemption, forgiveness, and acceptance within and for himself.
August 21, 2019
First of all, I want to remind readers to heed the author’s warning that this story is a slow burn romance. And it is defiantly a romance and not erotica. There is not masses of sex scenes in this story, and you know why? Because the story is so much more than hot steamy scenes.
The story is about two men accidently crossing two very different worlds and igniting the need for change and to improve their lives.
We have Sean who is a street prostitute, that has been dealt a bad hand and suffered abuse throughout his teens as well as being told over and over that the only thing he is worth is having two holes to fill. He has a hard-prickly mannerism that has helped him survive and help protect his family of fellow rent boys who he shares a house with.
Laurie on the other hand is shy and comes from money, and lives for his work in an art gallery. On the outside these two guys could not be further apart from each other. But as we get to know about Laurie, we soon realise that they have suffered similar pasts.
The story is about a chance meeting where Sean saves a stranger in a bar, (Laurie) from a drunk who just won’t take no for an answer.
They meet by chance again as Sean enters the gallery where Laurie works to hide from the rain. And from there we slowly learn about these two bruised men as they try and fight their feelings for each other, yet they also yearn each other.
There are many obstacles for them to overcome and Sean finds it impossible to tell Laurie what he does for a living. And when their relationship becomes more than dating, Sean must confess his work and Laurie takes it badly.
The story is slow moving as the author shows us the history of these guys and the damage they have overcome to get to where they are.
Both guys needed to change their lives and they have ignited the spark needed inside each other.
The story is about two men accidently crossing two very different worlds and igniting the need for change and to improve their lives.
We have Sean who is a street prostitute, that has been dealt a bad hand and suffered abuse throughout his teens as well as being told over and over that the only thing he is worth is having two holes to fill. He has a hard-prickly mannerism that has helped him survive and help protect his family of fellow rent boys who he shares a house with.
Laurie on the other hand is shy and comes from money, and lives for his work in an art gallery. On the outside these two guys could not be further apart from each other. But as we get to know about Laurie, we soon realise that they have suffered similar pasts.
The story is about a chance meeting where Sean saves a stranger in a bar, (Laurie) from a drunk who just won’t take no for an answer.
They meet by chance again as Sean enters the gallery where Laurie works to hide from the rain. And from there we slowly learn about these two bruised men as they try and fight their feelings for each other, yet they also yearn each other.
There are many obstacles for them to overcome and Sean finds it impossible to tell Laurie what he does for a living. And when their relationship becomes more than dating, Sean must confess his work and Laurie takes it badly.
The story is slow moving as the author shows us the history of these guys and the damage they have overcome to get to where they are.
Both guys needed to change their lives and they have ignited the spark needed inside each other.
August 12, 2019
3.75 Stars rounded to 4
The blurb of this book intrigued me and I was excited to read it, but unfortunately, this one fell a bit flat for me.
The Pros:
– Likable MCs and side characters. While Sean (the sex worker) was a bit brash, harsh and an overall jerk to Laurie (the art historian), his motivations were thoughtfully shared and understandable. Laurie was a bit harder to connect to in my opinion. I most enjoyed the side characters like Laurie’s boss and Sean’s flatmates and found family.
– The conflict was not overly drawn out, although both characters seemed to get in their own way. Overall, the pace and flow of the book were generally good, but sometimes did seem to drag on a bit.
The Cons:
– While I did really like the MCs and side characters, I thought there was too much internal dialogue, which often left me bored and wanting for more.
– It’s a slooowwww burn, which, and this may sound ignorant, was surprising since this was a story involving a sex worker. The more erotic scenes were mostly disturbing as they involved a mentally abusive john.
– I figured out a significant plot point halfway in so there was no big tada or shock (no spoilers). Nonetheless, the expected tensions between Sean and Laurie (i.e., the reveal that Sean was in fact a sex worker) held minor angst and they moved on rather quickly. That was a bit hard to accept as a reader given Laurie’s posh lifestyle and upbringing.
Overall, I felt invested in how this story unfolded and wanted to see these two end up together. I would likely read the next book in the series.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. ***
The blurb of this book intrigued me and I was excited to read it, but unfortunately, this one fell a bit flat for me.
The Pros:
– Likable MCs and side characters. While Sean (the sex worker) was a bit brash, harsh and an overall jerk to Laurie (the art historian), his motivations were thoughtfully shared and understandable. Laurie was a bit harder to connect to in my opinion. I most enjoyed the side characters like Laurie’s boss and Sean’s flatmates and found family.
– The conflict was not overly drawn out, although both characters seemed to get in their own way. Overall, the pace and flow of the book were generally good, but sometimes did seem to drag on a bit.
The Cons:
– While I did really like the MCs and side characters, I thought there was too much internal dialogue, which often left me bored and wanting for more.
– It’s a slooowwww burn, which, and this may sound ignorant, was surprising since this was a story involving a sex worker. The more erotic scenes were mostly disturbing as they involved a mentally abusive john.
– I figured out a significant plot point halfway in so there was no big tada or shock (no spoilers). Nonetheless, the expected tensions between Sean and Laurie (i.e., the reveal that Sean was in fact a sex worker) held minor angst and they moved on rather quickly. That was a bit hard to accept as a reader given Laurie’s posh lifestyle and upbringing.
Overall, I felt invested in how this story unfolded and wanted to see these two end up together. I would likely read the next book in the series.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. ***
August 11, 2019
This is a great first book in the Rent Boys series. It also has links to A.E. Ryecarts series Barista Boys which I love.
Sean is the tough guy you'd expect after working the streets for years but glimpses of his softer side are seen whenever he meets Laurie, an art historian. Two very different men in lifestyle and history but there's a definite spark between them that has to be explored.
A.E. Rycart is great at writing hard story lines that take the reader to the seedier side of life but bringing light into it with possible love and friendship. Two strong characters come together and have the chance to build something that they both want and need and it makes for really entertaining reading. Sean lives in a house with other men that are working the same street and it's a real family feel that they have together. One that they have built themselves and are truly there for each other through everything. A lot happens throughout the story but one of my favourite scenes is towards the end (who doesn't love Christmas?!)
A definite recommendation from me. I loved the whole story and the men involved. Getting interaction with the cafe and Barista Boys was nostalgic and made me want to reread that series whilst also excited for book two in the Rent Boys series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Sean is the tough guy you'd expect after working the streets for years but glimpses of his softer side are seen whenever he meets Laurie, an art historian. Two very different men in lifestyle and history but there's a definite spark between them that has to be explored.
A.E. Rycart is great at writing hard story lines that take the reader to the seedier side of life but bringing light into it with possible love and friendship. Two strong characters come together and have the chance to build something that they both want and need and it makes for really entertaining reading. Sean lives in a house with other men that are working the same street and it's a real family feel that they have together. One that they have built themselves and are truly there for each other through everything. A lot happens throughout the story but one of my favourite scenes is towards the end (who doesn't love Christmas?!)
A definite recommendation from me. I loved the whole story and the men involved. Getting interaction with the cafe and Barista Boys was nostalgic and made me want to reread that series whilst also excited for book two in the Rent Boys series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
August 16, 2019
4.5 Stars 💖 A fantastic start to the book. Ooh straight away I didn't like some characters but one of them redeems himself. Sean and Laurie where a miss matched couple especially Laurie's fumbling accidents but in a cute way. The author has placed a little mystery in this, as to who John is and his games with Sean. This includes street scenes the good and bad, secrets, angst for them both and a great twist toward the ending. A gorgeous story with some bumps and bruises along the way but they get their HEA in the end.
Sean was 24 with no work experience except the streets. He's in a bar when he helps out a stranger being heckled by a drunk. Laurie 32 yrs waits for his late friend and meets Sean.
Sean was 24 with no work experience except the streets. He's in a bar when he helps out a stranger being heckled by a drunk. Laurie 32 yrs waits for his late friend and meets Sean.
August 6, 2019
Release is A Rent Boys Novel by A E Ryecart. This is a fantastic book that really held my attention. The romance is slow burn, I love how the characters' relationship evolves in this story. Sean and Laurie are fascinating characters who are broken but who you root for. The supporting cast of characters are amazing... like the family you build not by blood but by choice.... they are protective, loyal and caring. This story had a touch of drama and alot of love. Definitely worth reading.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
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