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Bar 28 #3
Leo
Two men, one night, and the chance of a lifetime.
After a destructive relationship ended five years ago, Leo Ritchie hasn’t trusted himself or anyone else enough to try again. He has great friends and loves his job at BAR 28, and for now, it’s enough. That and the late-night online chats with @Brunobear.
Bruno Alderton, one of the most successful male models in the world, has had enough of the constant travelling, jet lag, long hours, and no one to come home to. He spends the lonely hours talking and swapping trivia with his online friend, @Leolion.
Being summoned home to attend his sister’s twenty-first birthday party may not as bad as he thought. Bruno finds the most gorgeous man he’d ever seen. The man he wants to have in his bed every night.
Leo knows he’ll only cause the beautiful man heartache. But the temptation for one night is too strong to resist.
What happens when they both realise they can have what they want with this stranger? Who will be the one to fight for them, and who will want to run away?
This is a sweet and sexy gay romance, filled with tender moments and emotions that will make your heart happy. Leo is the third book in the BAR 28 series and can be read as a standalone. This book is based in the UK and is written in British English. Please look inside the book for TW.
After a destructive relationship ended five years ago, Leo Ritchie hasn’t trusted himself or anyone else enough to try again. He has great friends and loves his job at BAR 28, and for now, it’s enough. That and the late-night online chats with @Brunobear.
Bruno Alderton, one of the most successful male models in the world, has had enough of the constant travelling, jet lag, long hours, and no one to come home to. He spends the lonely hours talking and swapping trivia with his online friend, @Leolion.
Being summoned home to attend his sister’s twenty-first birthday party may not as bad as he thought. Bruno finds the most gorgeous man he’d ever seen. The man he wants to have in his bed every night.
Leo knows he’ll only cause the beautiful man heartache. But the temptation for one night is too strong to resist.
What happens when they both realise they can have what they want with this stranger? Who will be the one to fight for them, and who will want to run away?
This is a sweet and sexy gay romance, filled with tender moments and emotions that will make your heart happy. Leo is the third book in the BAR 28 series and can be read as a standalone. This book is based in the UK and is written in British English. Please look inside the book for TW.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2021
53 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Harper
51 books580 followersHiding behind a quiet unassuming facade J J reads and writes hot sexy stories. Stories of men loving men as well as women loving men.
What would the neighbors think!!
As long as the men are hot alpha's and the women are strong in their own right then they have a place in J J's books.
JJ also has a kinkier side and writes under the name of AG Silver. So, make sure you look out for those books too.
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What would the neighbors think!!
As long as the men are hot alpha's and the women are strong in their own right then they have a place in J J's books.
JJ also has a kinkier side and writes under the name of AG Silver. So, make sure you look out for those books too.
Catch her on:
https://www.facebook.com/findingme.se...
https://twitter.com/jessjhoney
Sign up for a newsletter and receive teasers and upcoming releases :
http://eepurl.com/bSKDrL
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
June 3, 2021
2.5 “Stay and make something good happen” stars
I think i’m the problem here. I used to really like these really formula books that don’t bring anything new to the table. But I think I read one too many of them and now they just do not work for me anymore. I think i’m just getting bored of reading the same story over and over again.
This was a very typical, guy meets famous guy (who has an evil manager) online, they meet in real life, don’t realize they’re the same person as the ones online. They fall in love in a week. One guy has trauma because of an ex and the other guy is almost the exact same guy as their ex (just perfect, instead of shitty). But hey, it’s a proven formula, that mostly works. This was nothing new but it was sweet and I didn’t want to murder any of the main characters, so I would say it could have been worst.
Brief summary
Leo is a bartender. Bruno is a very famous model. They meet online and share random facts with each other. They never seen each other. Bruno goes to a bar for a party for his sister, he spots Leo and find his as fuck. They have sex and start developing feelings. After an healthy amough of drama, they live happy ever after.
First, the sex scenes were pretty hot even if sometimes there wasn’t a very high amount of prep used.
Second, I really liked that the characters weren’t obvious and realized that the online person might be the same as the real life one. I get so annoyed when they never get a thought that it could be the same person.
Third, I feel really uneasy about the trope where a main character falls in love with someone that is very similar to their ex that physically/mentally abused them. I can understand how it appeals to people because it’s like getting over your fears but I just feel like there would be so much trauma involved with dating someone thats really close to the person that hurt you before, way more trauma that it is worth to be honest.
Fourth, these guys had been having sex for like 3 days and Bruno says he wants more and then gets offended when Leo isn’t sure. Hmm… that is perfectly normal behaviour? It’s been 3 days?
Fifth, these people talked but instead of hearing the other out, they got mad and assumed things. Hey, at least they talked right? We’re halfway there. It’s better than most books!
Sixth, turning your entire life around because of someone you met a week ago is totally normal right? Ah do I love books and they’re very fast timelines
Seventh, all the drama you can think of including in a book was in this book. Asshole ex? You got it. Shitty parents? You got it. Weird breakup because someone is insecure and pushes the other away instead of talking to them? You got it. A movie studio that wants to force the gay guy to fake date a woman? You got it. An evil manager? You got it.
Side note, I would a very happy person if we could retire the evil manager for a superstar trope. The evil guy is never fleshed out, his actions never make any sense and it’s never very entertaining. Can’t we find a better way to cause conflict than this trope?
Total side note but there was a reference to Red Dwarf which is one of those nerdy references I never expected to find an one of these books, I was happy about it.
If you still have space in your reading life for one of these stories, I say try this one, it wasn’t a bad take on these types of stories, at all. I think i’m just over all the drama, my tolerance for drama is really thin now a days.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
I think i’m the problem here. I used to really like these really formula books that don’t bring anything new to the table. But I think I read one too many of them and now they just do not work for me anymore. I think i’m just getting bored of reading the same story over and over again.
This was a very typical, guy meets famous guy (who has an evil manager) online, they meet in real life, don’t realize they’re the same person as the ones online. They fall in love in a week. One guy has trauma because of an ex and the other guy is almost the exact same guy as their ex (just perfect, instead of shitty). But hey, it’s a proven formula, that mostly works. This was nothing new but it was sweet and I didn’t want to murder any of the main characters, so I would say it could have been worst.
Brief summary
Leo is a bartender. Bruno is a very famous model. They meet online and share random facts with each other. They never seen each other. Bruno goes to a bar for a party for his sister, he spots Leo and find his as fuck. They have sex and start developing feelings. After an healthy amough of drama, they live happy ever after.
First, the sex scenes were pretty hot even if sometimes there wasn’t a very high amount of prep used.
Second, I really liked that the characters weren’t obvious and realized that the online person might be the same as the real life one. I get so annoyed when they never get a thought that it could be the same person.
Third, I feel really uneasy about the trope where a main character falls in love with someone that is very similar to their ex that physically/mentally abused them. I can understand how it appeals to people because it’s like getting over your fears but I just feel like there would be so much trauma involved with dating someone thats really close to the person that hurt you before, way more trauma that it is worth to be honest.
Fourth, these guys had been having sex for like 3 days and Bruno says he wants more and then gets offended when Leo isn’t sure. Hmm… that is perfectly normal behaviour? It’s been 3 days?
Fifth, these people talked but instead of hearing the other out, they got mad and assumed things. Hey, at least they talked right? We’re halfway there. It’s better than most books!
Sixth, turning your entire life around because of someone you met a week ago is totally normal right? Ah do I love books and they’re very fast timelines
Seventh, all the drama you can think of including in a book was in this book. Asshole ex? You got it. Shitty parents? You got it. Weird breakup because someone is insecure and pushes the other away instead of talking to them? You got it. A movie studio that wants to force the gay guy to fake date a woman? You got it. An evil manager? You got it.
Side note, I would a very happy person if we could retire the evil manager for a superstar trope. The evil guy is never fleshed out, his actions never make any sense and it’s never very entertaining. Can’t we find a better way to cause conflict than this trope?
Total side note but there was a reference to Red Dwarf which is one of those nerdy references I never expected to find an one of these books, I was happy about it.
If you still have space in your reading life for one of these stories, I say try this one, it wasn’t a bad take on these types of stories, at all. I think i’m just over all the drama, my tolerance for drama is really thin now a days.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
Read
May 3, 2022DNF @ 37% - great concept not great execution.
June 2, 2021
I think I was reading with my mouth open. What a story. I didn’t expect all this.
Leo has chatted with a guy online for maybe over a year. They have fun and even miss each other when the guy is busy traveling for work. Online chats is something Leo can handle.
Leo works at BAR 28 and has a wonderful circle of friends.
One night they have a party at the bar and that’s where he meets a stunning beautiful guy, who has only eyes for him.
Leo can’t handle models, well maybe one in particular, but Bruno is tentative and kind and deliciously sexy.
They have a very hot one night, so Leo thinks. The surprise is big when Bruno doesn’t want to leave.
Bruno is on a break with work, looking at gorgeous Leo is something he wants to do forever.
He’ll have to make a decision about work and it’s a big one.
Leo has a difficult past, he has to work so hard to keep his head up. He can easily undermine his relationship. Thank goodness Bruno is determined and over his head for Leo.
Wow, what a journey, it was, on one hand, sweet, funny, sexy, and on the other, it has heavier moments. Leo and Bruno are everything you can wish for a solid romance.
The focus is on just the right moments, moves, eyes, mouths, hands, words, omg I swooned. I think there was a good balance between the light and harder parts.
The story was highly romantic and quite sexy at times, with two extremely lovable emotional passionate characters with a bunch of supportive friends and family.
The plot was good, well thought out, and plausible. All entertainingly written!
All the love for this story!
Leo has chatted with a guy online for maybe over a year. They have fun and even miss each other when the guy is busy traveling for work. Online chats is something Leo can handle.
Leo works at BAR 28 and has a wonderful circle of friends.
One night they have a party at the bar and that’s where he meets a stunning beautiful guy, who has only eyes for him.
Leo can’t handle models, well maybe one in particular, but Bruno is tentative and kind and deliciously sexy.
They have a very hot one night, so Leo thinks. The surprise is big when Bruno doesn’t want to leave.
Bruno is on a break with work, looking at gorgeous Leo is something he wants to do forever.
He’ll have to make a decision about work and it’s a big one.
Leo has a difficult past, he has to work so hard to keep his head up. He can easily undermine his relationship. Thank goodness Bruno is determined and over his head for Leo.
Wow, what a journey, it was, on one hand, sweet, funny, sexy, and on the other, it has heavier moments. Leo and Bruno are everything you can wish for a solid romance.
The focus is on just the right moments, moves, eyes, mouths, hands, words, omg I swooned. I think there was a good balance between the light and harder parts.
The story was highly romantic and quite sexy at times, with two extremely lovable emotional passionate characters with a bunch of supportive friends and family.
The plot was good, well thought out, and plausible. All entertainingly written!
All the love for this story!
May 28, 2021
This was a very sweet, romantic, loving story about falling in love with the whole package and making sure you get your happily ever after.
These two men were made for each other, even after unending opportunities given to back out of the entire thing. Everyone was on board and it was a delight to read!
These two men were made for each other, even after unending opportunities given to back out of the entire thing. Everyone was on board and it was a delight to read!
May 31, 2021
Loved Leo!
May 28, 2021
I felt so much for Leo while reading this book. He has such a painful past and he fights it on a daily basis. He has great friends but doesn't trust himself to have any kind of relationship with men beyond one-night stands. Bruno is finally looking to settle down and when he sees Leo, his sights are set. These two have a great rapport and are fire in the bedroom but will that be enough to overcome the demons in Leo's past?? This book has some funny animal facts, some extremely supportive friends, and a love worth fighting for.
May 28, 2021
Leo is the third book in the Bar 28 series by J.J. Harper. Leo is about Leo and Bruno and what a lovely story it is. Leo works at bar 28 and Bruno is a model. I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, hot and very well written.
May 26, 2021
This story was absolutely beautiful and amazing. I have not read the other books in this series but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it immensely. Leo works at Bar 28 and is surrounded by friends and has a good support system as well as an online friend he talks with at night when he can’t sleep. He has fought back from an extremely abusive relationship that has left him with scars and an eating disorder that he will probably always battle. He certainly doesn’t feel good enough for someone to want to date. He never expected for the gorgeous model that walks into his bar to even look at him twice, let alone be willing to hang on for the long haul. Or for the model to be his online friend in the flesh. Bruno has found himself questioning whether or not he wants to continue with his high profile modeling career lifestyle. He has never been the hard partying type but the travel, etc. is starting to wear thin. He falls hard and fast for the smoking hot bartender at Bar 28. Bruno stands by Leo through boughs of self doubt and self sabotage, reading that he thinks he has found “the One.” These two were so sweet together. I loved their very real and honest interactions. They laugh while they are in bed and hold each other when there are tears. You can’t have an honest relationship without laughter and love. I also loved how Leo had to face his past and accept it, fully talking about it to finally heal and move on. Bruno has his back no matter what. It was wonderful to read and these characters are fabulously written. I now need to go read the first two books in this series but I think this one will remain my favorite. I know people who have recovered from eating disorders and it is a real ongoing struggle that this author portrayed very authentically. Amazing book!
May 24, 2021
A bit angsty, a lot sweet, this book is another great installment in the Bar 28 world.
Leo, one of the bartenders at Bar 28, is a troubled young man. 5 years ago, his former boyfriend left him beaten and broken at A&E, after verbally and emotionally abusing him for years. He's worked a lot on his recovery, is happy at his job, but is struggling with wanting to start a new relationship. He still has a lot of work to do on himself and his ghosts continue to haunt him, sabotaging his efforts.
Bruno is a highly successful model who's home in the UK for a break, and to attend his sister's 21st b-day. He's struggling a bit with maintaining his high exposure life, has an agent that seems to be getting more and more self-interested, and he's seeking stability with someone he can build a life with.
The two men meet at Bar 28, not realizing they've met before, and have an amazing night together and already start building a connection. But between Leo's ghosts, and Bruno's career complications, the match is challenged from day 1 and both men have a few hurdles to overcome before they'll be able to find their HEA.
Great book with strong writing (love the British English!) and, of course, cameos from prior characters in the series and all the guys at Bar 28.
Leo, one of the bartenders at Bar 28, is a troubled young man. 5 years ago, his former boyfriend left him beaten and broken at A&E, after verbally and emotionally abusing him for years. He's worked a lot on his recovery, is happy at his job, but is struggling with wanting to start a new relationship. He still has a lot of work to do on himself and his ghosts continue to haunt him, sabotaging his efforts.
Bruno is a highly successful model who's home in the UK for a break, and to attend his sister's 21st b-day. He's struggling a bit with maintaining his high exposure life, has an agent that seems to be getting more and more self-interested, and he's seeking stability with someone he can build a life with.
The two men meet at Bar 28, not realizing they've met before, and have an amazing night together and already start building a connection. But between Leo's ghosts, and Bruno's career complications, the match is challenged from day 1 and both men have a few hurdles to overcome before they'll be able to find their HEA.
Great book with strong writing (love the British English!) and, of course, cameos from prior characters in the series and all the guys at Bar 28.
June 4, 2021
3.5 stars
Complete review later.
This is good, I liked more than I thought I would even though I struggled between 12% and 30% but it’s me not the book, I won’t say why because the problem is me and not that part of the book 😁
I was going to skip it but some reviews got me curious, I started to read a few chapters in the 2nd half and I knew it will work for me and It did more than I thought. I enjoyed it a lot. That’s why I didn’t dnfed when I struggled 😬
Leo and Bruno make a great couple. Bruno is a boyfriend material.
Will be back tomorrow to finish the review
I highly recommend
I won’t read the 1st two books. Not my favorite tropes at all.
Complete review later.
This is good, I liked more than I thought I would even though I struggled between 12% and 30% but it’s me not the book, I won’t say why because the problem is me and not that part of the book 😁
I was going to skip it but some reviews got me curious, I started to read a few chapters in the 2nd half and I knew it will work for me and It did more than I thought. I enjoyed it a lot. That’s why I didn’t dnfed when I struggled 😬
Leo and Bruno make a great couple. Bruno is a boyfriend material.
Will be back tomorrow to finish the review
I highly recommend
I won’t read the 1st two books. Not my favorite tropes at all.
May 26, 2021
I love Leo and Bruno story! This was a low angst, sweet and sexy book. I love the random facts in each chapter!!! These two form a connection even before they meet, their late night chats were their highlands for both of them, when they meet sparks fly, their chemistry is hot AF! Bruno is a super model but he was so sweet with Leo, I like that he was there for him even when Leo was trying to push him away. Leo was in a bad relationship in the past that left him with so many insecurities but with the help of all his friends and Bruno he started getting better and let Bruno in. I love these two together and I was happy for them when they finally worked everything out. They were meant to be together! I’m looking forward for the next book!
I received an ARC for this book and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC for this book and this is my honest review.
May 26, 2021
Brilliant!! This was a wonderful romance! I literally couldn’t put it down, sooo good! I loved the “useless facts” so funny. Bruno is a world-famous model who meets Leo on a chat. They become friends of sorts but have never met in real life. Leo works at Bar 28 and meets Bruno there at a birthday party unknowingly that they already know each other. Leo is skittish because of past abuse. Bruno just wants a normal life. I loved the instant attraction they felt for each other. I seriously loved they ending they got, perfect!! The story was really well written, highly recommend! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
May 23, 2021
Such a wonderful love story! The blurb promised this book was going to make my heart happy and that’s exactly what happened!
I fell in love with Leo and Bruno and I was so rooting for them from the start. These men had fallen for each other online even before meeting up in real life and I loved the way their relationship evolved after that. It felt natural and their chemistry was off the charts. It was sweet and sexy and fun. They had to fight hard for their happiness though, dealing with Leo’s traumatic past and Bruno’s professional crisis and, at times, it became heavy. But they could literally overcome anything together and the ending was really satisfying. And my heart was fulfilled :))
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
I fell in love with Leo and Bruno and I was so rooting for them from the start. These men had fallen for each other online even before meeting up in real life and I loved the way their relationship evolved after that. It felt natural and their chemistry was off the charts. It was sweet and sexy and fun. They had to fight hard for their happiness though, dealing with Leo’s traumatic past and Bruno’s professional crisis and, at times, it became heavy. But they could literally overcome anything together and the ending was really satisfying. And my heart was fulfilled :))
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
August 28, 2021
4.25 stars
I loved this series, hate to see it end but where is Beck's HEA!!!
I loved this series, hate to see it end but where is Beck's HEA!!!
May 22, 2021
Leo is working at bar 28 and loving his job and being surrounded by his ‘family’ of friends. It’s taken a few years but he feels he is finally getting back on track to being him self again. At night when he is unable to sleep he exchanges fun facts with BrunoBear.
Bruno is an international model who travels so frequently he struggles to remember which time zone he is in, but swopping fun facts with LeoLion helps to ground him.
When they unknowingly meet bar 28 at Bruno’s sisters 21st birthday, they feel an instant connection. After a night of fun Leo wakes to find Bruno gone. He is disappointed but resigned. When Bruno returns to the bar that night the attraction is still there for both of them.
A good book with a few twists and some sadness.
I received this book from GRR. This is my honest review.
Bruno is an international model who travels so frequently he struggles to remember which time zone he is in, but swopping fun facts with LeoLion helps to ground him.
When they unknowingly meet bar 28 at Bruno’s sisters 21st birthday, they feel an instant connection. After a night of fun Leo wakes to find Bruno gone. He is disappointed but resigned. When Bruno returns to the bar that night the attraction is still there for both of them.
A good book with a few twists and some sadness.
I received this book from GRR. This is my honest review.
May 26, 2021
This story has an emotional aspect to it that is just heartbreaking. Leo, he’s such a good character. Bruno compliments Leo beautifully. Their romance begins via social media, a very modern story. Their journey is sweet, warm, tumultuous at times and everything good. Leo’s struggles with his past make the story so emotionally engaging. His present and future with Bruno is emotionally satisfying. The last paragraph of the book is emotional perfection. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
May 25, 2021
I thought the story was very well written between Leo and Bruno and is definitely worth a read. It had some angst which was great. I thought the only unbelievable part of the story was how 100% dedicated Bruno was so quickly that he was willing to overlook all of the issues Leo presented without more pushback.
May 23, 2021
Swoon.
This story is so sweet and sexy and full of emotions.
I loved the characters. And how they met. I love instant attraction. The chemistry between Leo and Bruno was fire.
They came into each other’s life’s at the right time. Bringing something to each other they desperately needed.
I enjoyed there story. And seeing them get the happy ending they deserved.
And the side characters are great. I loved seeing them again.
Congrats JJ Harper on another great story.
This story is so sweet and sexy and full of emotions.
I loved the characters. And how they met. I love instant attraction. The chemistry between Leo and Bruno was fire.
They came into each other’s life’s at the right time. Bringing something to each other they desperately needed.
I enjoyed there story. And seeing them get the happy ending they deserved.
And the side characters are great. I loved seeing them again.
Congrats JJ Harper on another great story.
May 25, 2021
This was a great quick read for me. I loved Leo and his strength and Bruno with his sweetness. I loved all the random, useless facts they shared back and forth and the story was fast paced but I believe it was well developed. I love seeing found family and HEA.
May 26, 2021
This was an okay read for me. I like the guys and the story, i just didn't love it.
June 3, 2021
Wow, JJ Harper has done it again, such a beautiful book just like Gus and Sawyer. The story line is absolutely amazing and it will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. I love how Bruno and Leo are chatting online and how you learn about Leo's past. I would definitely recommend to anyone who has read the first 2 books in the set or to anyone and everyone in general.
Definitely a 5 star from me ❤️
Definitely a 5 star from me ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2021
Wow... This was a wonderful sweet love story with some angst. I was hooked from the first page. I laughed, swooned and did some crying. I loved Leo and Bruno right away. Bruno was a sweetheart along with Leo. Oh poor Leo, when he told his story to Bruno and had a slip up, my heart broke for him and I wanted to hug him so much. I’m so happy Bruno fought for Leo, he knew he was worth it. They were meant to be. Swoon. Loved the ending, it left me awing and smiling and wanting more. A Must Read!
May 22, 2021
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end, the useless facts was actually so interesting for me (haha). I fell in Love with the two MC's and their story. This book made me see that with the right support system all demons can be overcome. I Highly Recommend his book if you are into HEA, Sexy Bartender's and their meddling friends and down to earth Models.
May 22, 2021
I received this book as an ARC release. I felt like I waited SO long for this book and it was absolutely worth the wait. I loved this book from start to finish, (if I didn't have to go to work I would have read it in one go). I was hooked right from the start and the Random Facts made me giggle. You absolutely must read this series.
May 24, 2021
I'm so happy that Leo finally found and deserved love with Bruno, after a difficult life and abuse. This was great book to read.
May 21, 2021
Wow what a fantastic book. Had me hooked from start to finish. Couldn’t put it down. It has it all laughter tears and most of all love. Really can’t wait for the next book
July 8, 2021
Useless Facts, Important Love!
Supermodel Bruno “Bear” and Bartender Leo “Lion” are anonymous online friends and they are about to meet at his sister’s birthday party. The MCs are likable, although there is a bit of insta-love going on. The storytelling is good but a bit melodramatic. I thought the trivia facts added a cute factor to the tale and made the connection between the MCs pop. I did think the overuse of the descriptor Beautiful and Gorgeous was ironic given Leo's issues. Overall, a good read. Rating: 3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
Supermodel Bruno “Bear” and Bartender Leo “Lion” are anonymous online friends and they are about to meet at his sister’s birthday party. The MCs are likable, although there is a bit of insta-love going on. The storytelling is good but a bit melodramatic. I thought the trivia facts added a cute factor to the tale and made the connection between the MCs pop. I did think the overuse of the descriptor Beautiful and Gorgeous was ironic given Leo's issues. Overall, a good read. Rating: 3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 27, 2021
Leo Bar 28 by J J Harper is the 3rd book in the Bar 28 series and the characters from the previous books take part in this one too. It focuses on Leo, one of the bar tenders, and Bruno, a famous world traveling model. Unbeknownst to either of them they have been texting for about a year through an app. One of the fun things is that they text useless facts to each other and this starts a conversation and they learn about each other. Then Bruno’s sister has her 21st birthday party at the bar and that is how they meet although it takes a while for them to figure out they have been texting each other. Leo had an abusive model boyfriend that seriously messed with his mind and he is attending therapy. Bruno has been modeling for over 10 years and has loved it but it’s now kind of getting old and he starts to think he wants to settle down somewhere and possibly do something different. He also has a manager who causes problems for him. Both Leo and Bruno know they have something special that they want to make into something more but Leo has a hard time trusting, especially since Bruno is a model, and Bruno needs to gain some understanding to help him and to help their relationship. The story continues as they figure things out, sometimes happily and sometimes not. I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Harper helped me to understand what Leo was going through as the details of his abusive relationship are slowly revealed. She also showed ways that people help these survivors through the actions of Bruno and Leo’s friends. And, of course, the love scenes were hot! If you enjoyed the other books, or even if this is your first foray into the Bar 28 series, I know you will like this book and I highly recommend it.
Merged review:
Leo Bar 28 by J J Harper is the 3rd book in the Bar 28 series and the characters from the previous books take part in this one too. It focuses on Leo, one of the bar tenders, and Bruno, a famous world traveling model. Unbeknownst to either of them they have been texting for about a year through an app. One of the fun things is that they text useless facts to each other and this starts a conversation and they learn about each other. Then Bruno’s sister has her 21st birthday party at the bar and that is how they meet although it takes a while for them to figure out they have been texting each other. Leo had an abusive model boyfriend that seriously messed with his mind and he is attending therapy. Bruno has been modeling for over 10 years and has loved it but it’s now kind of getting old and he starts to think he wants to settle down somewhere and possibly do something different. He also has a manager who causes problems for him. Both Leo and Bruno know they have something special that they want to make into something more but Leo has a hard time trusting, especially since Bruno is a model, and Bruno needs to gain some understanding to help him and to help their relationship. The story continues as they figure things out, sometimes happily and sometimes not. I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Harper helped me to understand what Leo was going through as the details of his abusive relationship are slowly revealed. She also showed ways that people help these survivors through the actions of Bruno and Leo’s friends. And, of course, the love scenes were hot! If you enjoyed the other books, or even if this is your first foray into the Bar 28 series, I know you will like this book and I highly recommend it.
Merged review:
Leo Bar 28 by J J Harper is the 3rd book in the Bar 28 series and the characters from the previous books take part in this one too. It focuses on Leo, one of the bar tenders, and Bruno, a famous world traveling model. Unbeknownst to either of them they have been texting for about a year through an app. One of the fun things is that they text useless facts to each other and this starts a conversation and they learn about each other. Then Bruno’s sister has her 21st birthday party at the bar and that is how they meet although it takes a while for them to figure out they have been texting each other. Leo had an abusive model boyfriend that seriously messed with his mind and he is attending therapy. Bruno has been modeling for over 10 years and has loved it but it’s now kind of getting old and he starts to think he wants to settle down somewhere and possibly do something different. He also has a manager who causes problems for him. Both Leo and Bruno know they have something special that they want to make into something more but Leo has a hard time trusting, especially since Bruno is a model, and Bruno needs to gain some understanding to help him and to help their relationship. The story continues as they figure things out, sometimes happily and sometimes not. I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Harper helped me to understand what Leo was going through as the details of his abusive relationship are slowly revealed. She also showed ways that people help these survivors through the actions of Bruno and Leo’s friends. And, of course, the love scenes were hot! If you enjoyed the other books, or even if this is your first foray into the Bar 28 series, I know you will like this book and I highly recommend it.
May 28, 2021
Leo Bar 28
This is a series very close to my heart and I’ve been so looking forward to reading Leo’s story and wow it did NOT disappoint in any way.
Leo, a bartender at Bar 28 and Bruno come across each other on a chat and quickly struck up a flirty relationship of sorts... their banter witty and their exchange of ‘facts’ very funny and I learnt a heap of new information although not sure those facts will help me out day to day 🤣
Once a face to face meeting happened neither knew that they’d already been chatting to each other but you could tell from the off the undeniable chemistry that was between them both. The relationship was very organic and natural and just felt easy between them ..Leo kind and sensitive and Bruno strong and protective but both very funny and they were an ideal match.
Whilst this tale was very low on certain angst it was not without a serious side...please take note of trigger warning....Leo, my poor Leo has had a heartbreaking time at the hands of someone who should have cared for and protected him, and this has left him a little gun shy and wary. It has also left some deep scars which manifest themselves into him reverting back to his previous coping mechanisms ...unsurprisingly so... and it takes time for him to open up to Bruno. Luckily the boys of Bar 28 are always there to offer advice and support to them both to help them through and on their way to the ending we all want for them. Whilst there was this heartbreaking side to the story we mustn’t forget there is also much love, laughter, friendship here to enjoy as well.
JJ Harper is a fantastic storyteller and has a talent for balancing the angst just right so whilst we are able to empathise with the character we don’t lose the joy and positivity threaded through the pages.
A lot of research has clearly been undertaken for a major part of this storyline and it shows, there is a clear understanding of the issues and it’s handled with extreme care and sensitivity.
The writing just keeps on evolving and I feel it and see it with every new story, the flow of words, of paragraphs, of chapters is seamless and I was hooked from the first page to the last.
So thank you and well done on another stonkingly great book, a book so divine that I will definitely putting it firmly on my re-read pile and I just want YOU ALL to read this to experience the joy and love nestled between the pages.
This is the 3rd book of the Bar 28 series- whilst they are stand-alone books for your greater enjoyment and to meet the other characters I suggest you read them all.
5 massive🍹🍹🍹🍹🍹stars for this lovely story
This is a series very close to my heart and I’ve been so looking forward to reading Leo’s story and wow it did NOT disappoint in any way.
Leo, a bartender at Bar 28 and Bruno come across each other on a chat and quickly struck up a flirty relationship of sorts... their banter witty and their exchange of ‘facts’ very funny and I learnt a heap of new information although not sure those facts will help me out day to day 🤣
Once a face to face meeting happened neither knew that they’d already been chatting to each other but you could tell from the off the undeniable chemistry that was between them both. The relationship was very organic and natural and just felt easy between them ..Leo kind and sensitive and Bruno strong and protective but both very funny and they were an ideal match.
Whilst this tale was very low on certain angst it was not without a serious side...please take note of trigger warning....Leo, my poor Leo has had a heartbreaking time at the hands of someone who should have cared for and protected him, and this has left him a little gun shy and wary. It has also left some deep scars which manifest themselves into him reverting back to his previous coping mechanisms ...unsurprisingly so... and it takes time for him to open up to Bruno. Luckily the boys of Bar 28 are always there to offer advice and support to them both to help them through and on their way to the ending we all want for them. Whilst there was this heartbreaking side to the story we mustn’t forget there is also much love, laughter, friendship here to enjoy as well.
JJ Harper is a fantastic storyteller and has a talent for balancing the angst just right so whilst we are able to empathise with the character we don’t lose the joy and positivity threaded through the pages.
A lot of research has clearly been undertaken for a major part of this storyline and it shows, there is a clear understanding of the issues and it’s handled with extreme care and sensitivity.
The writing just keeps on evolving and I feel it and see it with every new story, the flow of words, of paragraphs, of chapters is seamless and I was hooked from the first page to the last.
So thank you and well done on another stonkingly great book, a book so divine that I will definitely putting it firmly on my re-read pile and I just want YOU ALL to read this to experience the joy and love nestled between the pages.
This is the 3rd book of the Bar 28 series- whilst they are stand-alone books for your greater enjoyment and to meet the other characters I suggest you read them all.
5 massive🍹🍹🍹🍹🍹stars for this lovely story
June 2, 2021
4.5 Stars
Leo is the third book in the Bar 28 series by JJ Harper. And damn, this ended up being so much deeper than I was expecting.
There are some serious issues addressed, making for an emotional read. I'm highly impressed with the author's ability to balance the serious with the light-hearted. There are plenty of sweet and sexy moments to keep everything balanced.
Before they ever met in person, Bruno and Leo start an online friendship, which involves some wonderful interactions.
Later, when they end up meeting in real life, they don't know they already know one another. It's cute seeing them deal with their suspicions and trying to navigate a few obstacles.
Bruno's a model whose dealing with some career decisions and a pushy agent. Leo's a bartender who immediately hits it off with the handsome model.
I love the men together. Obviously they are meant to be together. They mesh well and certainly are head over heels for each other. Their story isn't all easy, but I love seeing them end up together.
Their story includes a slew of interesting facts, which is adorable and entertaining.
Both characters are multi-layered and have a difficult past, making both sympathetic characters. The author illustrates some of the modeling industry's problems, as well as exploring the effects of being in an abusive relationship. Add in some other issues, and damn, you just want to save both these men from their pasts. I am still in awe of Leo and all he's survived.
Written in alternating first person pov, the characters are wonderfully developed and the storyline is great.
Leo is definitely a great choice the next time you're in the mood for a hurt/comfort read. This JJ Harper will definitely leave you impressed.
Leo is the third book in the Bar 28 series by JJ Harper. And damn, this ended up being so much deeper than I was expecting.
There are some serious issues addressed, making for an emotional read. I'm highly impressed with the author's ability to balance the serious with the light-hearted. There are plenty of sweet and sexy moments to keep everything balanced.
Before they ever met in person, Bruno and Leo start an online friendship, which involves some wonderful interactions.
Later, when they end up meeting in real life, they don't know they already know one another. It's cute seeing them deal with their suspicions and trying to navigate a few obstacles.
Bruno's a model whose dealing with some career decisions and a pushy agent. Leo's a bartender who immediately hits it off with the handsome model.
I love the men together. Obviously they are meant to be together. They mesh well and certainly are head over heels for each other. Their story isn't all easy, but I love seeing them end up together.
Their story includes a slew of interesting facts, which is adorable and entertaining.
Both characters are multi-layered and have a difficult past, making both sympathetic characters. The author illustrates some of the modeling industry's problems, as well as exploring the effects of being in an abusive relationship. Add in some other issues, and damn, you just want to save both these men from their pasts. I am still in awe of Leo and all he's survived.
Written in alternating first person pov, the characters are wonderfully developed and the storyline is great.
Leo is definitely a great choice the next time you're in the mood for a hurt/comfort read. This JJ Harper will definitely leave you impressed.
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