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Parker
This pro hockey thing is amazing! I’m playing in the big leagues. I have money for a change. And suddenly all the men who wouldn’t give me the time of day are falling all over themselves to hook up with me.
The only problem is that I’ve never been with anyone. That’s just what I need—some random hookup leaking it to the press that I’m a virgin who’s lousy in bed.
Maybe what I need is a little help from a professional.
Cole
Clients who want to lose their virginity are a dime a dozen. There’s something about Parker, though. Something that makes my heart go a little wild every time he books me, and it isn’t the money.
He’s better in bed than he thinks. He needs confidence, not guidance, and I’m happy to give him both.
But is it wrong to wish he’ll never stop coming back?
Gentlemen of the Emerald City
Cole is Book 2 of Gentlemen of the Emerald City, a sexy series centered around the high class, high-dollar Gentlemen of Seattle’s most exclusive escort service. Each book is full of snark, sass, and sweetness, and like any Emerald City client, you’re guaranteed a happy ending.
Content warning: Moderate on-page struggles with disordered eating.
This pro hockey thing is amazing! I’m playing in the big leagues. I have money for a change. And suddenly all the men who wouldn’t give me the time of day are falling all over themselves to hook up with me.
The only problem is that I’ve never been with anyone. That’s just what I need—some random hookup leaking it to the press that I’m a virgin who’s lousy in bed.
Maybe what I need is a little help from a professional.
Cole
Clients who want to lose their virginity are a dime a dozen. There’s something about Parker, though. Something that makes my heart go a little wild every time he books me, and it isn’t the money.
He’s better in bed than he thinks. He needs confidence, not guidance, and I’m happy to give him both.
But is it wrong to wish he’ll never stop coming back?
Gentlemen of the Emerald City
Cole is Book 2 of Gentlemen of the Emerald City, a sexy series centered around the high class, high-dollar Gentlemen of Seattle’s most exclusive escort service. Each book is full of snark, sass, and sweetness, and like any Emerald City client, you’re guaranteed a happy ending.
Content warning: Moderate on-page struggles with disordered eating.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2021
73 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
226 books2,730 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 5, 2022
I read this mid-October but forgot to review it. Better late than never, I guess! This series should never be forgotten, and I apologize to the Men of Emerald City for my negligence:) The entire 6 books in the series is based on a hockey player from the Washington Beakers, and an escort from "Emerald City". This would seem that there would be only so much you could do with this subject... except L A Witt has bent each of these characters in an entirely different direction in each one. One thing is the same in that Cole and Parker share the same "want to/will be in love” tendency that I have loved throughout this entire series. Even the emotional angst comes from an entirely different source each time. Actually, most of the conflict in this story comes straight out of Cole’s hard head. Like most things in life, it’s not a straightforward problem, nor does it have a direct direction, nor is there an easy solution hiding in the wings. L A Witt is one of my favorite M/M Romance authors. One of the reasons I love her books so much is that she does an excellent job of balancing the developing romance with conflict and producing a happy ever after ending. I wish there had been more of an issue on Parker’s side. In fact, Parker’s entire LACK of certain issues would have made an interesting story all by itself. Parker was so sweet, but Cole was in actuality, the one with the doubts. Together they were perfect.
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April 25, 2021Available July 7th.
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December 12, 2022🎁Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (12/14/2021)! 🎁
July 8, 2021
Too much sex and too little plot. And also kind of repetitive, I mean it was practically a copy of the first book except the first one had a little more drama and a little less sex and the MCs had a lot more chemistry and romance. Cole was dull and Parker was ...kind of the same.
June 18, 2024
This was a sweet read. Cole was wonderful. He was kind and thoughtful. Parker was so sweet and kind. I enjoyed seeing them fall in love. Parker hired Cole so he could lose his virginity and feel more confident in the bedroom. Cole not only patiently and kindly showed him the ropes, but he helped Parker realize what he liked and enjoyed, too. All without judgement from either side. I enjoyed learning more about Cole's struggles with disordered eating. It made him feel more real. I also enjoyed Parker rooming with Ethan without knowing how he and Luca met. That was fun to me. It was clear these two were falling in love and it didn't feel rushed at all. I would have loved some jealousy as Cole was still taking other clients, but it says a lot about how sweet Parker is that there was no jealousy involved. The ending was sweet, too. I am loving this series so far.
Notes: 3/5 spice levels, escort/hockey player, virgin MC, disordered eating, super sweet
Notes: 3/5 spice levels, escort/hockey player, virgin MC, disordered eating, super sweet
August 7, 2022
This story is so impossibly engaging and sweet, I could hardly stop listening to the brilliant narration by Michael Ferraiuolo. Wonderful characters with a fascinating plot, this book is a surprising gem - even if you're not into the rent boy trope.
September 3, 2021
3.5 stars
This had the same easy vibe book #1 had but good grief there were way, way too many sex scenes.
This had the same easy vibe book #1 had but good grief there were way, way too many sex scenes.
October 5, 2021
What if plot?
June 26, 2022
Another great story by L.A. Witt complete with great storytelling and lots of steam.
Like book 1, this has a hockey player at its center though not much of the book is about the sport. (Rookie Mistake has a lot more about hockey itself and is a fabulous read!)
Like book 1, this has a hockey player at its center though not much of the book is about the sport. (Rookie Mistake has a lot more about hockey itself and is a fabulous read!)
August 23, 2021
Exceptional !!!
I loved this story. Sweet yet steamy. First time with a twist. My imagination ran wild. Can’t wait to read more in this series.
I loved this story. Sweet yet steamy. First time with a twist. My imagination ran wild. Can’t wait to read more in this series.
July 9, 2021
Another hockey player and another escort. This seems like a recipe for a fairly repetitive book, except Witt bends these character tropes in an entirely different direction for this novel. However, one thing is the same in that Cole and Parker share the same “idiots in love” tendency that I adored from the first book, even if the emotional angst comes from an entirely different source.
Most of the conflict in this story comes straight out of Cole’s head. Like most things in real life, it’s not a straightforward sort of problem, nor does it have a direct trajectory. Witt does an excellent job of balancing the developing romance with that conflict, even if I wish there had been more of an issue on Parker’s side as well. (In fact, Parker’s entire LACK of certain issues would have been interesting to explore further, itself.)
I loved meeting characters who will be the heroes of future adventures, based on the upcoming titles in this series. Marco, especially, was a fantastic secondary character here, and I can’t wait to read him as a point-of-view protagonist. Like at the end of this book, we hope that we continue to also get a glimpse into previous couples’ happily ever afters.
Most of the conflict in this story comes straight out of Cole’s head. Like most things in real life, it’s not a straightforward sort of problem, nor does it have a direct trajectory. Witt does an excellent job of balancing the developing romance with that conflict, even if I wish there had been more of an issue on Parker’s side as well. (In fact, Parker’s entire LACK of certain issues would have been interesting to explore further, itself.)
I loved meeting characters who will be the heroes of future adventures, based on the upcoming titles in this series. Marco, especially, was a fantastic secondary character here, and I can’t wait to read him as a point-of-view protagonist. Like at the end of this book, we hope that we continue to also get a glimpse into previous couples’ happily ever afters.
July 15, 2021
No plot. Only sex scenes all the way.
December 16, 2022
Almost exactly the same as the first one, but with less tension - the crisis builds and passes very quickly.
August 8, 2021
5*****Stars
Book: Cole
Series: Gentlemen of Emerald City #2
Author: L.A, Witt
Publisher: L.A. Witt
Release date: July 7, 2021
Pages:app 320
Genre: Gay Romance
Rated: Mature
This is the second book in the series and I’m all ready for it….. since I enjoyed meeting Ethan and Luca in book one! In book two we meet Parker, a young player brought in for the new season….Like most young men he is a little star struck and a lotta green……especially in the sex dept.
Parker has a swagger, having a few bucks in his pocket and now in the big leagues….But what he lacks is how to perform in bed!! Gay and a virgin….Groan…Adorable Parker has his own worries that now if he meets a guy and takes him home he could be the laughing stock in the morning in the tabloids…Maybe what I need is a little help from a professional.
Enter Cole, who also is working for The Gentlemen’s Club of Emeralds City and who certainly has helped other young men lose their virginity. L.A. Witt gets an A plus for setting up this truly sweet love story. I also loved that Ethan and Luca could be their friends.
I admit freely I am a lover of Ms Witt’s writing and humor and cannot wait to continue onto the next story……
Ms Witt writes
Cole is Book 2 of Gentlemen of the Emerald City, a sexy series centered around the high class, high-dollar Gentlemen of Seattle’s most exclusive escort service. Each book is full of snark, sass, and sweetness, and like any Emerald City client, you’re guaranteed a happy ending.
Content warning: Moderate on-page struggles with disordered eating.
Book: Cole
Series: Gentlemen of Emerald City #2
Author: L.A, Witt
Publisher: L.A. Witt
Release date: July 7, 2021
Pages:app 320
Genre: Gay Romance
Rated: Mature
This is the second book in the series and I’m all ready for it….. since I enjoyed meeting Ethan and Luca in book one! In book two we meet Parker, a young player brought in for the new season….Like most young men he is a little star struck and a lotta green……especially in the sex dept.
Parker has a swagger, having a few bucks in his pocket and now in the big leagues….But what he lacks is how to perform in bed!! Gay and a virgin….Groan…Adorable Parker has his own worries that now if he meets a guy and takes him home he could be the laughing stock in the morning in the tabloids…Maybe what I need is a little help from a professional.
Enter Cole, who also is working for The Gentlemen’s Club of Emeralds City and who certainly has helped other young men lose their virginity. L.A. Witt gets an A plus for setting up this truly sweet love story. I also loved that Ethan and Luca could be their friends.
I admit freely I am a lover of Ms Witt’s writing and humor and cannot wait to continue onto the next story……
Ms Witt writes
Cole is Book 2 of Gentlemen of the Emerald City, a sexy series centered around the high class, high-dollar Gentlemen of Seattle’s most exclusive escort service. Each book is full of snark, sass, and sweetness, and like any Emerald City client, you’re guaranteed a happy ending.
Content warning: Moderate on-page struggles with disordered eating.
November 2, 2024
I dunno. I want to like this more than I actually like it. I didn't dislike it, but my mind is certainly focusing on the parts which could have been done better.
Firstly, this is almost all smut. That could be a good or and thing depending on what you're interested in, but personally I was hoping for more substance. The smut made the book twice as long as it needed to be. It wasn't bad smut, but it wasn't particularly good either.
I would have also liked more character depth. The attempt here is kind of amateur-ish. Facts about a character weren't expanded on in later chapters, and sometimes completely ignored, which made the characters seem superficial instead of deep.
And once again, the take on sex work is weird. It was almost positive but once again, like the last book, the tone shifted and we went from "it's ok to do sex work and be in a relationship" to "I don't need to get the d from someone else while you're gone, so I'm not going to do sex work". Like... What?
I didn't dislike the book. I enjoyed the story and am interested in the next one. But I'm also hoping that the next one fixes these issues.
Firstly, this is almost all smut. That could be a good or and thing depending on what you're interested in, but personally I was hoping for more substance. The smut made the book twice as long as it needed to be. It wasn't bad smut, but it wasn't particularly good either.
I would have also liked more character depth. The attempt here is kind of amateur-ish. Facts about a character weren't expanded on in later chapters, and sometimes completely ignored, which made the characters seem superficial instead of deep.
And once again, the take on sex work is weird. It was almost positive but once again, like the last book, the tone shifted and we went from "it's ok to do sex work and be in a relationship" to "I don't need to get the d from someone else while you're gone, so I'm not going to do sex work". Like... What?
I didn't dislike the book. I enjoyed the story and am interested in the next one. But I'm also hoping that the next one fixes these issues.
January 27, 2024
A lot of sex that would have been way hotter if Cole wasn’t holding Parker’s hand the whole time. The author took the nervous virgin thing and turned it into practically a phobia. The guidance and reassurance would have been sweet if it had just been the first time, but they fuck like rabbits and Cole is still coddling him until nearly the end. What really kept me from enjoying the book much, though, was that it was nothing but talking talking talking. It’s an entire book of chitchat. Even when they were screwing, they were chatting. Lastly, it got pretty annoying to be reminded a million times that sex work is perfectly fine and Parker the Good would never be jealous or have any reservations about Cole continuing as an “escort” while they are in a relationship because sex work is a perfectly normal and good job (did the author mention it was fine?). It was not only repetitive, it became unrealistically sunny. More like the pair were cheerleaders for sex work rather than just having a healthy respect for the job.
August 5, 2021
Parker meets Cole meet he hires him as an escort. He wants to gain experience in the bedroom in order to have more confidence in himself. This start off with as a regular client relationship, then slowly begins to turn into something more...
-“I want you to fuck me until your neighbors need a cigarette.”
-... I’d never been with anyone else, but it was definitely more intense than the beginning. He’d been gentle and sweet from day one, patiently guiding me into getting physical, but this was...
This wasn’t just physical, was it?
-I sold sex without blinking, but I couldn’t put a price on this, and that should have alarm bells clanging in my head.
Is what they have real? Or is it just infatuation?
More than 5 stars...
-“I want you to fuck me until your neighbors need a cigarette.”
-... I’d never been with anyone else, but it was definitely more intense than the beginning. He’d been gentle and sweet from day one, patiently guiding me into getting physical, but this was...
This wasn’t just physical, was it?
-I sold sex without blinking, but I couldn’t put a price on this, and that should have alarm bells clanging in my head.
Is what they have real? Or is it just infatuation?
More than 5 stars...
December 17, 2022
A diverse read to just about round the year out. Something very different and I just read a few reviews saying too much sex and not enough plot.
Well given one of the characters is an escort and the other is his client I’m thinking an expectation otherwise has me scratching my head.
Sports romance
MM relationship
Male world focus
It’s not a safe romance as Cole is seeing other clients during the time he is involved with Parker. I get that this could be challenging and not everyone’s cup of tea.
The characters don’t actually date …. So the concept of being in love was a bit challenging for me as there were the feels but not the reality of how things might work in the big bad world, except for having a little faith it will work out.
Well given one of the characters is an escort and the other is his client I’m thinking an expectation otherwise has me scratching my head.
Sports romance
MM relationship
Male world focus
It’s not a safe romance as Cole is seeing other clients during the time he is involved with Parker. I get that this could be challenging and not everyone’s cup of tea.
The characters don’t actually date …. So the concept of being in love was a bit challenging for me as there were the feels but not the reality of how things might work in the big bad world, except for having a little faith it will work out.
May 7, 2024
Cole and Parker
Gah! This story was so sweet even my dentures got cavities. A badass hockey player who is a virgin and an escort to show him the ropes. What could possibly go wrong?
I could not believe how easy these two were together. Cole was beyond reassuring when Parker was uncertain and he even went so far as to provide articles and the like if Parker wanted more information.
Parker was this aggressive player on ice then a total cinnamon roll when he was with Cole. Well, he was probably a cinnamon roll any time he was off ice, but we don’t see many examples of that.
Overall it’s just a cute story that has plenty of steam. If books with escorts in them is up your alley, then this is a good book to read.
Gah! This story was so sweet even my dentures got cavities. A badass hockey player who is a virgin and an escort to show him the ropes. What could possibly go wrong?
I could not believe how easy these two were together. Cole was beyond reassuring when Parker was uncertain and he even went so far as to provide articles and the like if Parker wanted more information.
Parker was this aggressive player on ice then a total cinnamon roll when he was with Cole. Well, he was probably a cinnamon roll any time he was off ice, but we don’t see many examples of that.
Overall it’s just a cute story that has plenty of steam. If books with escorts in them is up your alley, then this is a good book to read.
July 11, 2021
Good book. Looking forward to the next one.
Written in dual first person POV. Good amount of M/M sexy times and a little humor. No major drama or angst (there is mention of a previous eating disorder). I liked how Cole and Parker’s relationship took time to evolve. I also appreciated that Parker didn’t choose his job because of past abuse. My only real issue is that while Parker had a little bit of a backstory, he didn’t have any goals or plans. I just can’t believe that anyone would start that kind of job without some kind of endgame. HFN ending but did set up Bryce’s book.
Written in dual first person POV. Good amount of M/M sexy times and a little humor. No major drama or angst (there is mention of a previous eating disorder). I liked how Cole and Parker’s relationship took time to evolve. I also appreciated that Parker didn’t choose his job because of past abuse. My only real issue is that while Parker had a little bit of a backstory, he didn’t have any goals or plans. I just can’t believe that anyone would start that kind of job without some kind of endgame. HFN ending but did set up Bryce’s book.
July 25, 2021
This series gets better and better!
I wondered how book two would go with another hockey player and an escort but I was pleasantly surprised and loved this almost more than book 1! Parker and Cole were so good together. I fell in love with Cole he was just what Parker needed and more. The heat levels were through the roof and omg these guys were just explosive together. It was nice to see cameos of Luca, Ethan and Smithy. I was wondering if Deacon would get a story but it’s Brice up next so I will have to read on to see which characters are next.
I wondered how book two would go with another hockey player and an escort but I was pleasantly surprised and loved this almost more than book 1! Parker and Cole were so good together. I fell in love with Cole he was just what Parker needed and more. The heat levels were through the roof and omg these guys were just explosive together. It was nice to see cameos of Luca, Ethan and Smithy. I was wondering if Deacon would get a story but it’s Brice up next so I will have to read on to see which characters are next.
October 16, 2021
From Top to Bottom with Love!
This is a bit hard-to-believe but an amusing romance between rookie, Pro-hockey Player Parker with a secret need, and hottie, Escort Cole. Although author L.A. Witt writes somewhat shallow stories, she has the knack to make them interesting enough to keep you reading. Case in point: this sexy tale that centers mostly around multiple hookups between the MCs. There is more lust than love here but I was still intrigued enough to keep reading. Rating: 3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a bit hard-to-believe but an amusing romance between rookie, Pro-hockey Player Parker with a secret need, and hottie, Escort Cole. Although author L.A. Witt writes somewhat shallow stories, she has the knack to make them interesting enough to keep you reading. Case in point: this sexy tale that centers mostly around multiple hookups between the MCs. There is more lust than love here but I was still intrigued enough to keep reading. Rating: 3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 15, 2021
Being His First
Parker was a twenty five year old virgin, and he was afraid to hook up with just anyone, because of his profession. One day a friend encouraged him to try Emerald and it was th best decision. Cole had worked for the company for sometime and when he met Parker, he was happy to show him the ropes. Things start taking a little detour and feelings get involved. I loved their journey.
Parker was a twenty five year old virgin, and he was afraid to hook up with just anyone, because of his profession. One day a friend encouraged him to try Emerald and it was th best decision. Cole had worked for the company for sometime and when he met Parker, he was happy to show him the ropes. Things start taking a little detour and feelings get involved. I loved their journey.
November 21, 2023
This was a retread of the first book, but without any of the family obstacles and pretty woman fantasy. This was a sloooooow moving F(client)WB to love. Ok. So what else you got? Cuz it took way too long to have one conversation, "I think you should try dating out in the wild." And, "I actually have self esteem issues that would make all this more interesting to the reader if they had a hint of that in the main text." Instead it's just, "will they, won't they" for 200 pages in the middle. 🥱🥱🥱
May 9, 2024
OMG I love this book/series
I'm not a big hockey fan mostly football but I think I could become a hockey fan!!!! You get some angst in this story but not much but I love seeing the guys talk thing over with their guy friends & since I'm in the story I'm also there telling them - yea you made boner mistake!!!! I'm glad I've got the whole series so I don't have.to wait to begin the next one!!!!
Thank you so much - Lori
I'm not a big hockey fan mostly football but I think I could become a hockey fan!!!! You get some angst in this story but not much but I love seeing the guys talk thing over with their guy friends & since I'm in the story I'm also there telling them - yea you made boner mistake!!!! I'm glad I've got the whole series so I don't have.to wait to begin the next one!!!!
Thank you so much - Lori
November 25, 2024
Book one got me hooked but book 2 is surely keeping me reading. I thought Cole & Parker's story was touching, funny, sad and great sex and romance.
I loved shy uncertain Parker who found his stride and Cole who is patient kind but with a few hang ups. The story was quick paced with great characters and I loved that we got to see how Ethan and Lucas are doing. I can't wait to read the next book.
I loved shy uncertain Parker who found his stride and Cole who is patient kind but with a few hang ups. The story was quick paced with great characters and I loved that we got to see how Ethan and Lucas are doing. I can't wait to read the next book.
October 22, 2025
3.8 stars. This was better than #1 in terms of the repetitiveness, but while #1 I felt wrapped up cleanly, this one seemed to leave me with a lot of questions as to how things were really going to be taken care of ... you know, real life things? Michael Ferraiuolo did a great job narrating. The premise of the plot was similar at a high level to #1, but considering half the plot if a character from GotEC, that is to be expected.
March 4, 2023
What stands out to me about this book is Cole's safe sex practices. Not many books actually go into detail where thats concerned. It made him a more realistic character. Parker is believable, as a Virginia, in a world where it could be frowned on, to be male and a Virgin. Overall, the book had a storyline that flowed nicely. Other characters were mentioned, the cameos were nice.
December 8, 2024
OBSESSED!! 👌🏼
Oh I am absolutely obsessed with this series! 😍
Cannot recommend it enough! I love how they’re kind of stand-alone but interconnected (my absolute favourite) and even though it’s following the Emerald City guys, I’m also convinced it follows the hockey team at this rate as well 🤣
Oh I am absolutely obsessed with this series! 😍
Cannot recommend it enough! I love how they’re kind of stand-alone but interconnected (my absolute favourite) and even though it’s following the Emerald City guys, I’m also convinced it follows the hockey team at this rate as well 🤣
July 13, 2021
Rating given because hero had sex with OM after meeting hero. Do I care that it is because he's an escort? Nope. Had to DNF after several mentions of clients. Anyways, the first book in the series was way better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews