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Love Starts Here #2
All You Touch
When he prayed for an angel, this blond Norse god wasn’t what he was expecting…
West Balkany lived his life by one rule: make your own luck. And that means fighting his slum lord when his building starts falling apart, forcing himself to finish school no matter how much he wants to quit, and most importantly, never do something as stupid as falling in love.
Unfortunately, that last part isn’t so easy when his gorgeous one-night-stand who dragged him into a bar supply closet and made him see god, keeps turning up everywhere he goes.
But he doesn’t have time for Jake—no matter how much he wants to. His father’s health is failing, his deli is barely getting by, and now he’s facing a massive legal suit against Larsen Property Management for trying to kick everyone out into the streets. He also knows that Jake is hiding something, and he’s pretty sure whatever it is, it’s enough to turn his life upside down.
But Jake also makes him want to try, and that’s what scares him the most.
Jakob Larsen spent his life running from the man his father always wanted him to be, but that all comes to a stop when the man announced he was leaving LPM. He finally has a chance to prove to both his brother and to St. James that he can turn Larsen Property Management around and do something good for the people his father has been tormenting all these years.
The problem is, he’s just not quite sure how, when no one trusts him to do the right thing.
And it doesn’t help that Jakob has found himself distracted, falling for a gorgeous, stoic deli owner who has no idea who he really is. All Jakob has ever wanted was to be truly loved, but now that he’s found the one person he could see himself growing old with, he has to face the truth: everything they have is based on a lie.
Will he ever be a man worthy of forgiveness, or will he have to face the fact that everything he touches turns to dust?
All You Touch is the second book in the low-angst, humorous, steamy series, Love Starts Here. It contains no cheating, and a happily ever after.
West Balkany lived his life by one rule: make your own luck. And that means fighting his slum lord when his building starts falling apart, forcing himself to finish school no matter how much he wants to quit, and most importantly, never do something as stupid as falling in love.
Unfortunately, that last part isn’t so easy when his gorgeous one-night-stand who dragged him into a bar supply closet and made him see god, keeps turning up everywhere he goes.
But he doesn’t have time for Jake—no matter how much he wants to. His father’s health is failing, his deli is barely getting by, and now he’s facing a massive legal suit against Larsen Property Management for trying to kick everyone out into the streets. He also knows that Jake is hiding something, and he’s pretty sure whatever it is, it’s enough to turn his life upside down.
But Jake also makes him want to try, and that’s what scares him the most.
Jakob Larsen spent his life running from the man his father always wanted him to be, but that all comes to a stop when the man announced he was leaving LPM. He finally has a chance to prove to both his brother and to St. James that he can turn Larsen Property Management around and do something good for the people his father has been tormenting all these years.
The problem is, he’s just not quite sure how, when no one trusts him to do the right thing.
And it doesn’t help that Jakob has found himself distracted, falling for a gorgeous, stoic deli owner who has no idea who he really is. All Jakob has ever wanted was to be truly loved, but now that he’s found the one person he could see himself growing old with, he has to face the truth: everything they have is based on a lie.
Will he ever be a man worthy of forgiveness, or will he have to face the fact that everything he touches turns to dust?
All You Touch is the second book in the low-angst, humorous, steamy series, Love Starts Here. It contains no cheating, and a happily ever after.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2021
106 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
142 books1,398 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
September 7, 2021
5 “I’m a dumbass who went and fell in love with the one man I had no business falling in love with” stars
“I want you to know that I think this is worth it. No matter what happens at the end, this is…you’ve made me feel,” he stuttered a little as West gave a hard suck on his thumb, then began to stroke him in earnest. “Shit, I feel alive when I’m with you. I didn’t want to find someone when I came back here, but you were so…uh. So much.”
I’m typing this review with tears streaming down my face and I read this book in one sitting when I have been in a reading slump for months, I think thats all you need to know about how much I love it.
First things first, just to get it out of the way, yes I know i'm an hypocrite. I really didn't enjoy the first book in this series when I read it (I gave it 1.5 stars) but I read the blurb for this book and I just had to read it. Deceit is one of my favourite trope in books, I just love it when the relationship is based on a lie and then the characters have to unpack it and learn how to move on and be together without the lie standing between them. I'm happy to report that I absolutely loved this book and that i’m so happy I decided to read it.
Brief summary
West doesn't have much money and he owns a deli that is barely surviving. West lives in a run down building and the owner is not very nice and refuses to fix anything. The owner of the company who owns the buildings is Jakob's dad and he steps down of the company so Jakob takes over the company, he isn’t as ruthless as his father but he isn’t a saint either. Jakob just broke off his engagement with the woman he had been dating for the last 10 years because they weren't suited for each other (Jakob is bisexual). They meet in a club and they have a one night stand in the bar's storage closet without knowing who the other is. They meet again around town and West thinks that Jakob is broke like him and Jakob doesn’t have it in him to tell him the truth. They start building a friendship based on that lie. Then they fall in love and have to admit to each other who they really are.
First, it’s sinister of me but I really like the ambiance in books when things aren't going well and everything seems like a big pile of doom, so I really enjoyed reading about West and how his apartment was falling apartment and he could barely afford his rent and to keep his deli open. I really like these topics where nothing is going well in books, so that part of the book really worked for me.
Second, I really liked West. He just needed a break and a hug and I liked how he tried to get the best out of every situation. He had a really positive outline on life and never gave up, even if his life wasn't the best thing ever.
Third, Jakob had never really been in love and he thought he wasn't a good enough human to be worthy of love and he wasn't sure he knew how to be in love and he had a bad family life (his father is evil) so he wasn't sure he would know how to be in an healthy relationship, I really enjoyed seeing his worry and how he wasn't sure he was made for love, it was really love to read about. I loved seeing how Jakob madly fell in love with West and he wanted to change his life around so he could be with West, it was lovely to see.
Fourth, I really enjoyed how they both had fears about relationships because of their previous relationships and how they didn't want to fall for the other but they just couldn't stop it, it was a very realistic portrayal of falling in love. I really enjoyed how West didn't want to fall in love because his life wasn't going very well and he felt like falling in love would ruin the little sense of balance he had in his life and how Jakod thought love wasn't meant for him, that felt like such realistic reasons to me and I really enjoyed it.
Fifth, the sex scenes were scorching hot and I absolutely adored them. They fit perfectly in the book and with the characters and their dynamic.
Sixth, this is probably because i've read about 19372783 books in the last year where main characters had evil exes but I was so happy that Jakob had an ex fiance and she wasn't evil at all. I was happy that they broke up because they didn't work together and not because his ex was evil and wanted to destroy Jakob's life. And I liked how his ex didn’t try to get him back the entire book. It was such a refreshing take on the subject and I loved to read it. And I loved how West also had an nice who was nice and wasn’t evil or trying to get him back the entire book. This felt revolutionary to me and I really loved it.
Seventh, I enjoyed how the evil force in the book wasn't one person but an entire company who was very hard to take down. Sometimes when it's just an evil person, it doesn't feel like a strong enough treat to be the focus of an entire book. The company in this book was every evil and actually was a treat to most of the characters' life and was a treat to the entire city and not just the main characters. The big company wanted to exile everyone who’s not rich and make place for only the rich people in town and I really enjoyed that, it was a breath of fresh air compared to typical evil plots in books.
Eight, I really enjoyed how the deceit was done here. I liked that the reason why they didn’t know who each other really is for a long time isn’t because one of them was evil and hiding their identity, it was just a big misunderstanding that they didn’t know how to get out of and that really worked for me.
Ninth, I liked how the book was really plot driven. The book made sure to really introduce the characters and the setting and plot to us before introducing the relationship and that really worked for me because I felt like I had all the information needed to understand their relationship and the struggles linked to it.
Tenth, I really liked these two together. I know that Jakob lied for most of the book, but I understood why and it worked for me. I liked how Jakob was always supportive of West, even when it went again Jakob’s own company, he made up for his lies by how good he was to West. They were very well suited and complimented each other so well. And I liked how Jakob was determined to change and to be a better man and to be worthy of West, it was really realistic to how I expect a relationship to be and it worked so well in this setting.
Eleventh, I think what I liked the most about this book was Jakob. He knew he was doing something wrong by lying and he never saw it as anything else than wrong. He knew he was wrong and he did everything in his power to fix it. And he did so much groveling to get West back. He knew his mistakes and he worked on them and fixed them and it was so lovely to read about.
Also the resolution to this book was absolutely perfect and I loved it so much, it was everything I wanted.
I just loved this book so much and i’m the first one to be surprised about it but i’m so glad it happened.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
“I want you to know that I think this is worth it. No matter what happens at the end, this is…you’ve made me feel,” he stuttered a little as West gave a hard suck on his thumb, then began to stroke him in earnest. “Shit, I feel alive when I’m with you. I didn’t want to find someone when I came back here, but you were so…uh. So much.”
I’m typing this review with tears streaming down my face and I read this book in one sitting when I have been in a reading slump for months, I think thats all you need to know about how much I love it.
First things first, just to get it out of the way, yes I know i'm an hypocrite. I really didn't enjoy the first book in this series when I read it (I gave it 1.5 stars) but I read the blurb for this book and I just had to read it. Deceit is one of my favourite trope in books, I just love it when the relationship is based on a lie and then the characters have to unpack it and learn how to move on and be together without the lie standing between them. I'm happy to report that I absolutely loved this book and that i’m so happy I decided to read it.
Brief summary
West doesn't have much money and he owns a deli that is barely surviving. West lives in a run down building and the owner is not very nice and refuses to fix anything. The owner of the company who owns the buildings is Jakob's dad and he steps down of the company so Jakob takes over the company, he isn’t as ruthless as his father but he isn’t a saint either. Jakob just broke off his engagement with the woman he had been dating for the last 10 years because they weren't suited for each other (Jakob is bisexual). They meet in a club and they have a one night stand in the bar's storage closet without knowing who the other is. They meet again around town and West thinks that Jakob is broke like him and Jakob doesn’t have it in him to tell him the truth. They start building a friendship based on that lie. Then they fall in love and have to admit to each other who they really are.
First, it’s sinister of me but I really like the ambiance in books when things aren't going well and everything seems like a big pile of doom, so I really enjoyed reading about West and how his apartment was falling apartment and he could barely afford his rent and to keep his deli open. I really like these topics where nothing is going well in books, so that part of the book really worked for me.
Second, I really liked West. He just needed a break and a hug and I liked how he tried to get the best out of every situation. He had a really positive outline on life and never gave up, even if his life wasn't the best thing ever.
Third, Jakob had never really been in love and he thought he wasn't a good enough human to be worthy of love and he wasn't sure he knew how to be in love and he had a bad family life (his father is evil) so he wasn't sure he would know how to be in an healthy relationship, I really enjoyed seeing his worry and how he wasn't sure he was made for love, it was really love to read about. I loved seeing how Jakob madly fell in love with West and he wanted to change his life around so he could be with West, it was lovely to see.
Fourth, I really enjoyed how they both had fears about relationships because of their previous relationships and how they didn't want to fall for the other but they just couldn't stop it, it was a very realistic portrayal of falling in love. I really enjoyed how West didn't want to fall in love because his life wasn't going very well and he felt like falling in love would ruin the little sense of balance he had in his life and how Jakod thought love wasn't meant for him, that felt like such realistic reasons to me and I really enjoyed it.
Fifth, the sex scenes were scorching hot and I absolutely adored them. They fit perfectly in the book and with the characters and their dynamic.
Sixth, this is probably because i've read about 19372783 books in the last year where main characters had evil exes but I was so happy that Jakob had an ex fiance and she wasn't evil at all. I was happy that they broke up because they didn't work together and not because his ex was evil and wanted to destroy Jakob's life. And I liked how his ex didn’t try to get him back the entire book. It was such a refreshing take on the subject and I loved to read it. And I loved how West also had an nice who was nice and wasn’t evil or trying to get him back the entire book. This felt revolutionary to me and I really loved it.
Seventh, I enjoyed how the evil force in the book wasn't one person but an entire company who was very hard to take down. Sometimes when it's just an evil person, it doesn't feel like a strong enough treat to be the focus of an entire book. The company in this book was every evil and actually was a treat to most of the characters' life and was a treat to the entire city and not just the main characters. The big company wanted to exile everyone who’s not rich and make place for only the rich people in town and I really enjoyed that, it was a breath of fresh air compared to typical evil plots in books.
Eight, I really enjoyed how the deceit was done here. I liked that the reason why they didn’t know who each other really is for a long time isn’t because one of them was evil and hiding their identity, it was just a big misunderstanding that they didn’t know how to get out of and that really worked for me.
Ninth, I liked how the book was really plot driven. The book made sure to really introduce the characters and the setting and plot to us before introducing the relationship and that really worked for me because I felt like I had all the information needed to understand their relationship and the struggles linked to it.
Tenth, I really liked these two together. I know that Jakob lied for most of the book, but I understood why and it worked for me. I liked how Jakob was always supportive of West, even when it went again Jakob’s own company, he made up for his lies by how good he was to West. They were very well suited and complimented each other so well. And I liked how Jakob was determined to change and to be a better man and to be worthy of West, it was really realistic to how I expect a relationship to be and it worked so well in this setting.
Eleventh, I think what I liked the most about this book was Jakob. He knew he was doing something wrong by lying and he never saw it as anything else than wrong. He knew he was wrong and he did everything in his power to fix it. And he did so much groveling to get West back. He knew his mistakes and he worked on them and fixed them and it was so lovely to read about.
Also the resolution to this book was absolutely perfect and I loved it so much, it was everything I wanted.
I just loved this book so much and i’m the first one to be surprised about it but i’m so glad it happened.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
November 2, 2021
Not a total train wreck but not enjoyable either. - 2*
While there is a glimmer of an interesting story it unfortunately stays hidden beneath the laborious writing. The characters were wooden and the conflict just fizzled at the end. Plus the age of the characters was all wrong. I almost fell over when I read that Jake was supposed to be 40-ish. It was over fairly quickly so that was a plus.
While there is a glimmer of an interesting story it unfortunately stays hidden beneath the laborious writing. The characters were wooden and the conflict just fizzled at the end. Plus the age of the characters was all wrong. I almost fell over when I read that Jake was supposed to be 40-ish. It was over fairly quickly so that was a plus.
August 24, 2021
It's not secret that I am a huge fan of Lindsey's writing, and as always I was sucked in from the very first page. Both MCs are a little lost, trying to find their way after some pretty big changes, when they meet and have explosive chemistry from the get-go. While Lindsey is known for some pretty heavy angst, I felt this one was an easier read than a lot of others and while the angst was still there, it was mellower and I honestly adored it for these MCs who really couldn't handle too much. If you're not a fan of the feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop, this will not be the book for you, but if you're okay with that I'd definitely recommend it for the definite steam, lovely characters, and all around great story.
Side note: I have not read the first book in the series (something I will rectify), but this one can definitely be read as a standalone.
Side note: I have not read the first book in the series (something I will rectify), but this one can definitely be read as a standalone.
September 12, 2021
What an absolutely wonderful story! These characters drew me in from the very first page, and I became completely vested in their happily ever after. Very likeable guys, the chemistry between them is off the charts, and E.M. Lindsey writes some steaming hot love scenes between them.
The second book in the Love Starts Here series, you can read All You Touch as a standalone.
an audiobook copy of All You Touch was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
The second book in the Love Starts Here series, you can read All You Touch as a standalone.
an audiobook copy of All You Touch was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
August 26, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
All You Touch is the second book in E.M. Lindsey’s Love Starts Here series. We met both characters in supporting roles in Without a Doubt, as West runs the deli Rhys frequents, and Jakob is Henrik’s brother. Rhys, Carter, and Henrik all appear here as well and the larger issue of the fight with Larsen Property Management carries over from the first book, so I think familiarity with the first story is helpful, but not essential.
The crux of the conflict here is on the mistaken identity, so I think a lot of your feelings about this book may rest on how much you enjoy that trope. To be honest, it isn’t my most favorite, but I would follow Lindsey pretty much anywhere and I think they do such a wonderful job with these characters that it rounds out this story well. Both men really have a personal journey throughout the book.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
All You Touch is the second book in E.M. Lindsey’s Love Starts Here series. We met both characters in supporting roles in Without a Doubt, as West runs the deli Rhys frequents, and Jakob is Henrik’s brother. Rhys, Carter, and Henrik all appear here as well and the larger issue of the fight with Larsen Property Management carries over from the first book, so I think familiarity with the first story is helpful, but not essential.
The crux of the conflict here is on the mistaken identity, so I think a lot of your feelings about this book may rest on how much you enjoy that trope. To be honest, it isn’t my most favorite, but I would follow Lindsey pretty much anywhere and I think they do such a wonderful job with these characters that it rounds out this story well. Both men really have a personal journey throughout the book.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
September 9, 2021
It should not come as a surprise that I adored this book. Lindsey writes touching stories, and this was no different. You have two flawed characters in their own way, but also the same in that they are not sure how to make the best life for themselves. So you would think once they found each other it would be a train wreck, but they really jut brought the best out in each other and they were able to build their lives together they way they wanted. Jake was always trying to figure out how to live the life he was brought up in, but not enjoying it in the least, and when he comes back home, and wants out even more. He then meets West, a deli owner who is living his uncle's life and barely getting by. Both characters have a ton of depth and what starts out as a fun romp between the two turns into a beautiful HEA. My only wish in this book is that there was a not a big blowup without them talking, and while reading it, I truly thought they were going to talk to each other before this happened, but alas that was not the case. Did not take away my enjoyment very much though, and I definitely recommend this read. I also adore Nick Hudson's narrations and this was no different.
Audiobook ARC provided and this is my honest review.
Audiobook ARC provided and this is my honest review.
August 18, 2021
What an inspiring love story! West and Jakob are just two of nicest guys even when they do not really realize this about themselves! The way they met and instantly ended up in the storage room!!! YES!! Their Steamy chemistry was rolling off the pages! This story managed to make me love two things that I do not usually prefer in my stories... hooking up before knowing each other and a lie by omission! Both were done really well here!! We get both of their POV's so you can relate and understand what each of them is going through. I do not want to give too much away here so I will let you read yourself to find out when and how West learns of Jakob's secret! I could not stop reading! I received an ARC of this book and I recommend for those like a romantic story with family business drama, a wealthy guy and a not so wealthy guy - each with totally different life experiences finding themselves and love in each other!
September 2, 2021
West and Jakob were a great couple in that they had so many differences that it just worked so well. West grew up without and inherited his deli, which is barely hanging on. Jakob is the son of the cold, rich, power hungry landowner in town who cares for no one unless they are making him money. By lies of omission, these two end up together, forming a deep connection based on lies.
I really did enjoy this story, but I hadn't read or listened to Book 1, so I felt a little left out. There were definitely references to projects going on, as well as three or more important characters making an impact in this story, so I'd suggest starting with #1 first.
I really did enjoy this story, but I hadn't read or listened to Book 1, so I felt a little left out. There were definitely references to projects going on, as well as three or more important characters making an impact in this story, so I'd suggest starting with #1 first.
August 29, 2021
Another visit in St. James and another look at interesting characters struggling with their place in the world and mechanisms ruling it. I loved West's character creation a lot! We get an in depth glimpse into personalities and inner turmoils of both MCs, but he definitely stole my heart here.
The whole story is very contemporary and touches on themes that a lot of people struggle with. It's a great emotional read.
The whole story is very contemporary and touches on themes that a lot of people struggle with. It's a great emotional read.
September 6, 2021
4.5 stars
I really liked this volume for a series that seems to be about characters who need redemption and forgiveness. The climactic moment wasn’t overdramatized. But even though Jakob was being rather stupid, the reasons were relatable rather than making me want to smack him. Jordan better get his comeuppance pretty soon though!
I really liked this volume for a series that seems to be about characters who need redemption and forgiveness. The climactic moment wasn’t overdramatized. But even though Jakob was being rather stupid, the reasons were relatable rather than making me want to smack him. Jordan better get his comeuppance pretty soon though!
August 13, 2021
West and Jake just work. Though it is a case of a somewhat mistaken identity (and, wow, did that bother me in book 1), it is totally believable and relatable. West is simply lovable and there is so much more to Jakob than we first think. A wonderful story!
August 23, 2021
While E.M. Lindsey is the best at writing a truly heart-wrenching story, full of angst and remarkable characters, they have created an amazing world of characters with this series that are a little on the lighter side without losing any of the deep realness from their stories that they are just so good at. West and Jakob are absolutely amazing in this book and about as different on the outside as two characters can be. Despite all the outward differences between the two men, inside they are both good men who want to make their community a better place while protecting their family, in whatever form that family comes in. I loved the progression of West and Jakob's (Jake) relationship and I especially loved seeing them interact with both their families. There were times I just wanted to yell and smack both West and Jakob for their inability to communicate well to the other but eventually they got there. Seeing Jakob come into his own professionally and take charge of his life was wonderful! I am excited for the next book in the series and loved the glimpse we got of both main characters in this book. Favorite characters from the first book of the series also made cameos and I was so happy to see them! Wonderful story with truly fantastic characters! I received an ARC for an honest and fair review.
September 4, 2021
Great Story & Narration🎧 Captivating & Heartfelt!
All You Touch
Love Starts Here, Book 2
By: E.M. Lindsey
Narrated by: Nick Hudson
E.M. Lindsey is a gifted author with a wonderful writing style. The characters and storylines they create are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. You can feel how much heart they put into this story, it jumps off the pages and grabs your own heart, making you feel everything the characters are feeling and going thru. I adored both lead characters, Jakob Larsen and West Balkany. West carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and his struggles are real, as are the people who are in the same situation as him. He wants to fight the fight for himself and those around him, despite it being a losing battle, he refuses to give up. It is difficult for small-town folk with limited resources to fight corporate developers like Larsen Property Management who see dollar signs and want to take over the world one small town at a time. West is also dealing with his own personal struggles and is still trying to find what he wants to do in life, he is doing the best he can with the business he inherited but keeping it out of red and making ends meet are not always easy. Jakob’s family may be wealthy and never went without, but his life has never been full. He is not happy with his father or the way he does business; he has plans to change it all, but it is uncertain if he would ever be in the position to do so. Jakob and West have a chance meeting and a hot encounter, agreed to be a one time thing, that is until they meet again. I loved these two together, they were perfect for each other and the chemistry between them was smoking hot. West does not know who he really is, that he is not only the son of owner of LPM but also an employee. Jakob does not share the same philosophy as his father and wants to make things right but he still holds who he is a secret. A secret that will ruin them. I loved how everything played out in this book, the story is beautifully plotted with plenty of drama, heartfelt emotions, some humor and a fabulous romance. E.M Lindsey, thank you for another great story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the terrific narration, Nick Hudson is a talented narrator and voice artist who brings these characters and their story to life. He has a complete understanding of the characters he portrays and plays the roles accordingly. He sets the perfect tone for the story, captures the characters’ emotions and projects them into his performance. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another great listen.
Thank you #GRR
All You Touch
Love Starts Here, Book 2
By: E.M. Lindsey
Narrated by: Nick Hudson
E.M. Lindsey is a gifted author with a wonderful writing style. The characters and storylines they create are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. You can feel how much heart they put into this story, it jumps off the pages and grabs your own heart, making you feel everything the characters are feeling and going thru. I adored both lead characters, Jakob Larsen and West Balkany. West carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and his struggles are real, as are the people who are in the same situation as him. He wants to fight the fight for himself and those around him, despite it being a losing battle, he refuses to give up. It is difficult for small-town folk with limited resources to fight corporate developers like Larsen Property Management who see dollar signs and want to take over the world one small town at a time. West is also dealing with his own personal struggles and is still trying to find what he wants to do in life, he is doing the best he can with the business he inherited but keeping it out of red and making ends meet are not always easy. Jakob’s family may be wealthy and never went without, but his life has never been full. He is not happy with his father or the way he does business; he has plans to change it all, but it is uncertain if he would ever be in the position to do so. Jakob and West have a chance meeting and a hot encounter, agreed to be a one time thing, that is until they meet again. I loved these two together, they were perfect for each other and the chemistry between them was smoking hot. West does not know who he really is, that he is not only the son of owner of LPM but also an employee. Jakob does not share the same philosophy as his father and wants to make things right but he still holds who he is a secret. A secret that will ruin them. I loved how everything played out in this book, the story is beautifully plotted with plenty of drama, heartfelt emotions, some humor and a fabulous romance. E.M Lindsey, thank you for another great story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the terrific narration, Nick Hudson is a talented narrator and voice artist who brings these characters and their story to life. He has a complete understanding of the characters he portrays and plays the roles accordingly. He sets the perfect tone for the story, captures the characters’ emotions and projects them into his performance. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another great listen.
Thank you #GRR
August 25, 2021
Reading a new E.M. Lindsey romance is always a treat for me, and West and Jakob's story was no exception. I fell in love with them in the very first chapter, and despite the less-than-ideal circumstances it was a joy to watch them find their way together. Neither man was expecting anything to come out of their hot-as-heck anonymous hookup, and that's why their romance felt so genuine despite their completely different lifestyles. Jakob wasn't looking for someone to shower with money--in fact it often seemed like he was trying to escape his upbringing and find out who we was as a person without his inheritance. The fact that Jakob's company was responsible for the majority of West's living struggles was a horrible kind of irony, and while I didn't agree with Jakob's decision to hide the truth I understand why he did it. His and West's connection had the potential to be something magnificent, but the stigma behind Jakob's last name would have shut down their relationship entirely. I'll admit that I was a little skeptical at how easily West dismissed his initial impressions of Jakob, but I can't complain too much when it led to some heartwarming bonding moments and steamy nights together. I've read other stories where the wealthier half of a couple tried to throw money around to fix all their problems, and I appreciate that Jakob never did that to West. Their relationship always felt like it was on even footing, and I honestly found myself forgetting about their different upbringings in the face of their growing affections. If I ever had any doubts about West and Jakob's feelings, their road trip back to West's childhood home erased them. I knew there was no way West could stay in the dark about Jakob's identity forever, but seeing just how good things were between them made me ache for the inevitable betrayal. Thankfully, West wasn't the type of man to hold a grudge unnecessarily, and Jakob had already proven himself to be nothing like his father. Nothing made me happier than when the two of them agreed to give their romance a second chance, and getting a peek at their quiet, happy life together was the perfect way to close out their journey.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
September 6, 2021
i disliked this so much that i felt the need to step away for a few days before reviewing it. the fundamental issue is this: the series' premise doesn't make sense. and it wouldn't matter as much if it wasn't dealing with the very serious topic of corporate property mgmt forcing tenants to move out of rent controlled apts or live under unlivable conditions. which is solved at the end by ANOTHER corporation (but a Good Corporation) owning this property. and jordan, the cartoon villain from book 1, is here too.
we have west, whose issues i genuinely could not understand (why does he hate his life so much? why is he so melodramatic?)–who takes on protesting this billion $ company that's trying to evict him and his neighbors. and jake who is literally the heir of that billion $ company/a billionaire himself. they fall in love for whatever reason (after jake recently broke up with his fiance of like 10 years? who he apparently didn't even love) and when west finds out that jake was lying about being middle class when he was literally the ceo of the company trying to gentrify his entire neighborhood, he has like. a mild tantrum and is ok with it eventually. why? bc jake paid to fix their water/AC out of pocket at some point LMAO. the entire time they're both so annoying and OTT about everything it's ridiculous.
here's my main qualm beyond all the others: while i have been known to turn my mind off and read this type of opposites-attract trope–it DOES NOT work when the author is trying to write it as some kind of deep social commentary about class division. because then I'm fucking thinking wow jake could literally solve the entire community's problems by using his unearned wealth (if he wasn't causing the problems himself). it made me hate west for his willingness to compromise his morals. and it made me lose interest in reading more of lindsey's books.
we have west, whose issues i genuinely could not understand (why does he hate his life so much? why is he so melodramatic?)–who takes on protesting this billion $ company that's trying to evict him and his neighbors. and jake who is literally the heir of that billion $ company/a billionaire himself. they fall in love for whatever reason (after jake recently broke up with his fiance of like 10 years? who he apparently didn't even love) and when west finds out that jake was lying about being middle class when he was literally the ceo of the company trying to gentrify his entire neighborhood, he has like. a mild tantrum and is ok with it eventually. why? bc jake paid to fix their water/AC out of pocket at some point LMAO. the entire time they're both so annoying and OTT about everything it's ridiculous.
here's my main qualm beyond all the others: while i have been known to turn my mind off and read this type of opposites-attract trope–it DOES NOT work when the author is trying to write it as some kind of deep social commentary about class division. because then I'm fucking thinking wow jake could literally solve the entire community's problems by using his unearned wealth (if he wasn't causing the problems himself). it made me hate west for his willingness to compromise his morals. and it made me lose interest in reading more of lindsey's books.
September 14, 2021
Unknown enemies to true lovers (an audio review)
I adore E.M. Lindsey and snap up as many books of hers as I can. I missed book 1 in this series and clearly the previous couple had quite a story, but I wasn’t lost as I settled into this one. As always, there are a huge number of characters because she’s setting up a series, but I coped.
I really loved these two men.
West has carved out a decent life for himself. He’s taken over his uncle’s deli and although money is always a worry, and he can’t afford to hire help, he’s also managing some courses at the local college at night. He’s surviving – as he has for most of his life. It’s not a wealthy existence, and life can be stressful, but he’s coping.
Jakob – or Jake as he prefers – has a good life. He’s been in Europe for years representing his family’s interests. Even had a French fiancée. But his father’s failing health has recalled him to America where he finally has to face what his family business has been up to – gentrification that is stealing homes away from impoverished people who can’t afford the new fancy places built when their buildings are torn down. When he comes up against a particularly stubborn tenant, he knows things are about to get heated.
Jake hides his identity because he wants to get to know West without the pressure of his family name. That backfires – of course – and when all is revealed, it doesn’t go well. But love can be a sneaky devil and eventually the men find their way back to each other.
Like I said, I enjoyed the book. Am really looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
And, of course, I have to mention Nick Hudson. His narration style suits Ms. Lindsey’s books and it’s always a pleasure to listen. Can’t wait for the next one.
I adore E.M. Lindsey and snap up as many books of hers as I can. I missed book 1 in this series and clearly the previous couple had quite a story, but I wasn’t lost as I settled into this one. As always, there are a huge number of characters because she’s setting up a series, but I coped.
I really loved these two men.
West has carved out a decent life for himself. He’s taken over his uncle’s deli and although money is always a worry, and he can’t afford to hire help, he’s also managing some courses at the local college at night. He’s surviving – as he has for most of his life. It’s not a wealthy existence, and life can be stressful, but he’s coping.
Jakob – or Jake as he prefers – has a good life. He’s been in Europe for years representing his family’s interests. Even had a French fiancée. But his father’s failing health has recalled him to America where he finally has to face what his family business has been up to – gentrification that is stealing homes away from impoverished people who can’t afford the new fancy places built when their buildings are torn down. When he comes up against a particularly stubborn tenant, he knows things are about to get heated.
Jake hides his identity because he wants to get to know West without the pressure of his family name. That backfires – of course – and when all is revealed, it doesn’t go well. But love can be a sneaky devil and eventually the men find their way back to each other.
Like I said, I enjoyed the book. Am really looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
And, of course, I have to mention Nick Hudson. His narration style suits Ms. Lindsey’s books and it’s always a pleasure to listen. Can’t wait for the next one.
August 22, 2021
ARC received from GRR for an honest review.
West inherited his sandwich shop from his great-uncle. He moves to take over and goes into running the shop with a naivete that soon crashes. With the help of a couple of friends he's mostly in the black and taking business courses at the local community college. On the weekends he goes out to relieve stress at a gay club. There he meets Jake and it's instant chemistry. They have what they say is a one off in the club's closet and go their separate ways. When they meet again at West's friend's coffee shop they start a slow relationship.
Jake is the son of the town's pariah. His father, along with the help of Jordan from book one, is determined to push out all the low life scum. He doesn't care that these are just hard working people that need a little help. Jake is trying to help but not alienate his father before he gets control of the Larsen company. When he meet West he starts to wonder if putting up with his father's ways is worth it.
I liked this book better than book one. It still has too much of that utter bleak feeling of the haves and have nots that is so prevalent of today's society. People with more wealth than they could ever need just wanting to take every little bit that the poor have. I felt like West and Jake both were a little too wishy washy and needed to figure out what they wanted out of life. I did like the chemistry between West and Jake and like where they are at in the end. I feel like they could really last the long haul. I'm really looking forward to Noah's book. I also hope that somewhere in this series Jordan will get the punishment he really deserves.
West inherited his sandwich shop from his great-uncle. He moves to take over and goes into running the shop with a naivete that soon crashes. With the help of a couple of friends he's mostly in the black and taking business courses at the local community college. On the weekends he goes out to relieve stress at a gay club. There he meets Jake and it's instant chemistry. They have what they say is a one off in the club's closet and go their separate ways. When they meet again at West's friend's coffee shop they start a slow relationship.
Jake is the son of the town's pariah. His father, along with the help of Jordan from book one, is determined to push out all the low life scum. He doesn't care that these are just hard working people that need a little help. Jake is trying to help but not alienate his father before he gets control of the Larsen company. When he meet West he starts to wonder if putting up with his father's ways is worth it.
I liked this book better than book one. It still has too much of that utter bleak feeling of the haves and have nots that is so prevalent of today's society. People with more wealth than they could ever need just wanting to take every little bit that the poor have. I felt like West and Jake both were a little too wishy washy and needed to figure out what they wanted out of life. I did like the chemistry between West and Jake and like where they are at in the end. I feel like they could really last the long haul. I'm really looking forward to Noah's book. I also hope that somewhere in this series Jordan will get the punishment he really deserves.
August 28, 2021
I’m normally a bit wary of the “one character is keeping a monumental secret-- for *reasons*-- from the other,” trope, but this is one time I actually really enjoyed it. It helps that Jakob doesn’t for a moment fool himself that he’s not doing something wrong, with the possibility to mess up something that matters deeply to him. He doesn’t lie to himself, but he also doesn’t know how to stop himself, and I empathized even as I was cringing, waiting for the inevitable fallout. There’s a sweetness to Jakob that makes him easy to like, even when he doesn’t like himself, and it’s hard watching him feel frozen amongst people he can’t trust an in a job he really hates. It’s also really rewarding, seeing him try to be, and do, better, and I loved the chemistry he shares with West. West also has more than his share of problems: different ones, but deep ones-- his housing situation is terrible, his business is barely getting by, and he isn’t sure what he wants from his life, but he knows what he has isn’t it. I could relate to his financial worries and his distrust of the wealth and privilege that has distorted the town he’s trying to live and work in-- I love that he doesn’t give up, but I also love that we get to see how frustrating and incredibly difficult it is to hang on: it felt achingly real, and I was that much happier when we finally, finally get to the HEA. Overall, I’d highly recommend this book-- I wouldn’t call it low angst, but I would call it beautifully written and easy to get invested in. Well worth a read.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2021
All You Touch is incredibly sexy but frustrating at times. West is trying to keep his head above water. He’s running his late uncle’s deli and is living in a terrible apartment that’s essentially a slum thanks to Larsen Property Management. He’s fiercely independent and doesn’t want to date anyone, scratching his itch for companionship through one night stands, but is also really lonely. Jakob is full of self-loathing. He works for his cruel father at LPM in the hope that he can one day change the company to be more compassionate when his father finally dies. He doesn’t believe that he deserves any happiness and avoids relationships completely, whether they’re romantic or with friends or family. After an explosive encounter at a club, West and Jakob can’t seem to stay away from one another. West doesn’t know that Jakob is a Larsen. They’re really good for each other and have amazing chemistry, but Jakob is waiting for the inevitable, the moment when West realizes who he is and ends their relationship. I have a lot of empathy for both men but found myself cringing at their miscommunication. Both men are stubborn and refuse to accept help from anyone. The villains in the story are a bit cartoonish and don’t feel real, especially Jordan. Like Jakob, I had a hard time fully investing in their relationship since I knew that his deception would eventually catch up to him. Overall, it’s a beautiful but complicated story about self-acceptance.
September 6, 2021
I liked this one better than the first for sure, but just a bit. And I think this was more a me thing then the book itself. I really liked Jakob and I always enjoy this author’s writing, but I had a hard time commenting to this story.
Jakob is the son of Karl Larson, the man who is an evil landlord forcing his residents to live in awful conditions and he wants to make a change, but is lost and unable to find any forward momentum. West is the owner of a deli and barely surviving. He’s listless and lost and living in a cycle he can’t seem to get out of. Both these men don’t seem to have any real drive to make necessary moves to make themselves happy. It was all very melancholy at times.
When they meet at a bar and hook up, what was supposed to be a one nighter shook them both. With another chance meeting they can’t seem to stay away. Jakob is sweet and sees West for the mess he is, but he also has a kind heart. I thought their interactions were sweet and their physical relationship was hot for sure, but even though I was supposed to feel this great connection, I just, didn’t.
We all knew the blow out from when West found out the truth about Jakob would be and it didn’t bother me the way the extended secret did in the first one. I just, felt very underwhelmed and not really all that invested.
Again, this could totally just be a me thing. This has great reviews and people seemed to feel what I couldn’t. This just didn’t hit the spot for me.
Jakob is the son of Karl Larson, the man who is an evil landlord forcing his residents to live in awful conditions and he wants to make a change, but is lost and unable to find any forward momentum. West is the owner of a deli and barely surviving. He’s listless and lost and living in a cycle he can’t seem to get out of. Both these men don’t seem to have any real drive to make necessary moves to make themselves happy. It was all very melancholy at times.
When they meet at a bar and hook up, what was supposed to be a one nighter shook them both. With another chance meeting they can’t seem to stay away. Jakob is sweet and sees West for the mess he is, but he also has a kind heart. I thought their interactions were sweet and their physical relationship was hot for sure, but even though I was supposed to feel this great connection, I just, didn’t.
We all knew the blow out from when West found out the truth about Jakob would be and it didn’t bother me the way the extended secret did in the first one. I just, felt very underwhelmed and not really all that invested.
Again, this could totally just be a me thing. This has great reviews and people seemed to feel what I couldn’t. This just didn’t hit the spot for me.
September 12, 2021
5 Stars!
This was such a fantastic addition to the series. It can totally be read/listened as a standalone, but I think you'll enjoy it more if you read the first book in the series first.
I loved West, he was a sweetheart. I loved how devoted he was to his cause and to his family, even when he couldn't be with them. I liked Jake a lot, and even if my suspicions from book 1 were confirmed and he was hiding who he was from West, the conflict wasn't drawn out for too long, even if it only came to play in the last third of the book. In the meantime, we saw Jake become the man he wanted to be and he was very supportive of West. They were super hot together, too, which was definitely a bonus! They had fantastic chemistry and watching their relationship progress was a treat.
I loved catching up with Carter, Henryk, and Rhys. I hate Jordan with the fire of a thousand suns and I was a bit disappointed he didn't get more of a comeuppance. Same with Jake's father, the man deserves a slow, very painful death. LOL
Nick Hudson did a solid job with his narration. He gave each character a distinctive voice and made the experience even better for me with the emotions he managed to convey through his voice.
Overall, a fantastic audiobook! I was totally invested in West and Jake's HEA and loved seeing them both sharing time with their friends and West's family. Well-written, angsty, sweet, engaging, and steamy, you definitely can't go wrong with this one!
This was such a fantastic addition to the series. It can totally be read/listened as a standalone, but I think you'll enjoy it more if you read the first book in the series first.
I loved West, he was a sweetheart. I loved how devoted he was to his cause and to his family, even when he couldn't be with them. I liked Jake a lot, and even if my suspicions from book 1 were confirmed and he was hiding who he was from West, the conflict wasn't drawn out for too long, even if it only came to play in the last third of the book. In the meantime, we saw Jake become the man he wanted to be and he was very supportive of West. They were super hot together, too, which was definitely a bonus! They had fantastic chemistry and watching their relationship progress was a treat.
I loved catching up with Carter, Henryk, and Rhys. I hate Jordan with the fire of a thousand suns and I was a bit disappointed he didn't get more of a comeuppance. Same with Jake's father, the man deserves a slow, very painful death. LOL
Nick Hudson did a solid job with his narration. He gave each character a distinctive voice and made the experience even better for me with the emotions he managed to convey through his voice.
Overall, a fantastic audiobook! I was totally invested in West and Jake's HEA and loved seeing them both sharing time with their friends and West's family. Well-written, angsty, sweet, engaging, and steamy, you definitely can't go wrong with this one!
August 25, 2021
I don't know what it is about books dealing with mistaken identity, but they are pure joy for me. And this one is possibly one of the best that I've read in terms of how its handled. I also love books that are heavy in character development, and this book? Damn this book has character development in spades. So much so that the two characters do not meet right out of the gate, breaking the traditional pattern of MM romance novels. Instead, you get to know each of the characters as individuals before they ever lay eyes on one another.
This helped me bond with both of the MCs right off of the bat and I loved it. It made me root for them even more. It made me scream at Jake to just tell West the truth, especially when it became more and more obvious that things between them were incredibly and increasingly real.
I greatly enjoyed watching the struggles that each of these characters faced outside of their relationship. I enjoyed watching as they gave more and more of themselves to one another, even while Jake was lying (by omission) about who he really was. Honestly, I loved everything about this book. It was cute and it was steamy and while it did have a fair bit of angst, it gave me so much joy and the HEA felt incredibly deserved.
Read this book. You will not regret it.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR **
This helped me bond with both of the MCs right off of the bat and I loved it. It made me root for them even more. It made me scream at Jake to just tell West the truth, especially when it became more and more obvious that things between them were incredibly and increasingly real.
I greatly enjoyed watching the struggles that each of these characters faced outside of their relationship. I enjoyed watching as they gave more and more of themselves to one another, even while Jake was lying (by omission) about who he really was. Honestly, I loved everything about this book. It was cute and it was steamy and while it did have a fair bit of angst, it gave me so much joy and the HEA felt incredibly deserved.
Read this book. You will not regret it.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR **
August 28, 2021
4.5 Stars!
This was such a fantastic addition to the series. It can totally be read as a standalone, but I think you'll enjoy it more if you read the first book in the series first.
I loved West, he was a sweetheart. I loved how devoted he was to his cause and to his family, even when he couldn't be with them. I liked Jake a lot, and even if my suspicions from book 1 were confirmed and he was hiding who he was from West, the conflict wasn't drawn out for too long, even if it only came to play in the last third of the book. In the meantime, we saw Jake become the man he wanted to be and he was very supportive of West. They were super hot together, too, which was definitely a bonus! They had fantastic chemistry and watching their relationship progress was a treat.
I loved catching up with Carter, Henryk, and Rhys. I hate Jordan with the fire of a thousand suns and I was a bit disappointed he didn't get more of a comeuppance. Same with Jake's father, the man deserves a slow, very painful death. LOL
Overall, a fantastic read! I was totally invested in West and Jake's HEA and loved seeing them both sharing time with their friends and West's family. Well-written, angsty, sweet, engaging, and steamy, you definitely can't go wrong with this one!
*** Copy provided by Gay Romance Reviews for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
This was such a fantastic addition to the series. It can totally be read as a standalone, but I think you'll enjoy it more if you read the first book in the series first.
I loved West, he was a sweetheart. I loved how devoted he was to his cause and to his family, even when he couldn't be with them. I liked Jake a lot, and even if my suspicions from book 1 were confirmed and he was hiding who he was from West, the conflict wasn't drawn out for too long, even if it only came to play in the last third of the book. In the meantime, we saw Jake become the man he wanted to be and he was very supportive of West. They were super hot together, too, which was definitely a bonus! They had fantastic chemistry and watching their relationship progress was a treat.
I loved catching up with Carter, Henryk, and Rhys. I hate Jordan with the fire of a thousand suns and I was a bit disappointed he didn't get more of a comeuppance. Same with Jake's father, the man deserves a slow, very painful death. LOL
Overall, a fantastic read! I was totally invested in West and Jake's HEA and loved seeing them both sharing time with their friends and West's family. Well-written, angsty, sweet, engaging, and steamy, you definitely can't go wrong with this one!
*** Copy provided by Gay Romance Reviews for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
August 24, 2021
(4.5 stars)
For some reason, this book took me a couple of chapters to get into it, perhaps because the two MCs hadn’t met yet, but I think that is more on me than the author because once I was a few chapters in I was hooked.
West and Jakob are both lost and looking for something which they finally find in each other. There was such great chemistry between them that after their first meeting they couldn't deny it anymore and it led to some steamy times together. I loved the angst of watching West and Jakob falling for each other while waiting for the truth of who Jakob was to come out and the ending didn’t disappoint.
My only reason for reducing my rating was as I said that the MCs did not get together in the first few chapters and I was becoming impatient for them to meet. This could be on me for being impatient but then it’s my rating and how I feel.
All in all, this was a great story with some angst and lots of heat. While it’s part of a series it can easily be read as a stand-alone and I highly recommend it.
I was given an ARC of this book to review and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
For some reason, this book took me a couple of chapters to get into it, perhaps because the two MCs hadn’t met yet, but I think that is more on me than the author because once I was a few chapters in I was hooked.
West and Jakob are both lost and looking for something which they finally find in each other. There was such great chemistry between them that after their first meeting they couldn't deny it anymore and it led to some steamy times together. I loved the angst of watching West and Jakob falling for each other while waiting for the truth of who Jakob was to come out and the ending didn’t disappoint.
My only reason for reducing my rating was as I said that the MCs did not get together in the first few chapters and I was becoming impatient for them to meet. This could be on me for being impatient but then it’s my rating and how I feel.
All in all, this was a great story with some angst and lots of heat. While it’s part of a series it can easily be read as a stand-alone and I highly recommend it.
I was given an ARC of this book to review and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
August 27, 2021
All You Touch is a the second book in the Love Starts Here series. This EM Lindsey book is a wonderful love story.
Jakob and West are fabulous together. They immediately connect and have a hook up. And damn, it's hot!
The opposites attract aspect is wonderfully done, as these two are night and day. And the age gap of more than ten years is a lot of fun.
I enjoy every interaction between these two. They're both looking for the same results, but they have some issues to face to get there. Because damn, sometimes a lack of communication, or lie of omission, is tough to get through.
Their story involves family issues, a rich versus not so rich vibe, and a strong connection.
Written in alternating pov, we get both men's thoughts and emotions. This is perfect to help the reader understand both men. Their story includes a lot of family members and their issues, keeping things interesting for sure.
All You Touch is another great book by EM Lindsey. Unlike many of EM's books, this one is much lower on the angst, but just as great in the romance department. This is a heart-warming story that fell into my lap at the right time. I love it.
November 13, 2021
I didn't realize when I started this that I'd read the first one in the series too. I would've had more reservations, LOL -- not that the first one was bad, by any means, but I quickly remembered the aspects that didn't really work for me ... namely the 'reformed' bad guy trope. It was poorly done in the last one and not well done here, either. In both books, it's like Rhys and Jakob are simply dropped into the story. Their past is mostly inaccessible (meaning it's mentioned in a sweeping manner -- and the reader is *told* they were shallow, thoughtless, cruel, etc), but we don't really see it happen on the page. Instead, we get these men who really aren't 'bad' at all but simply tired and kind of late to self-reflection. *sigh*
Anyway, the plot is okay, and I liked the connection between Jake and West, even though it was quick. The same trope used in the first book is used here, as well (), and I didn't love it either place, though at least here it's a little more reasonable (ie, the reason for it made more sense).
All in all, I don't know that I'll read anymore of these.
Anyway, the plot is okay, and I liked the connection between Jake and West, even though it was quick. The same trope used in the first book is used here, as well (), and I didn't love it either place, though at least here it's a little more reasonable (ie, the reason for it made more sense).
All in all, I don't know that I'll read anymore of these.
August 28, 2021
Opposites attract, enemies-to-lovers, hidden identities...this story has a lot of wonderful tropes. Jakob and West had a mind-blowing one-night stand. Neither man has the time for love, but their connection is undeniable. Unfortunately Jakob's father owns the property management company that owns West's building and is arguably the source of most of the grief in his life. If West knew, Jakob figures he wouldn't have a chance with him, so he keeps the info to himself, but as they learn more about each other and grow closer, will those secrets end up tearing them apart. Can love survive a lie/omission so significant? Will Jakob be able to convince West that he is not his father? I really enjoyed this story and these two characters. I almost couldn't blame Jakob for hiding the truth to get close to West, but you know a truth like that is going to come out eventually and then what? Sweet, funny, not too much angst, and it felt so organic. I could really see this happening in the 'real' world.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
August 11, 2021
Oh my goodness! I loved this book. It doesn’t surprise me any since I love this author’s stories but this one kinda punched me in the feels. Neither West nor Jake expected to fall in love so hard and so fast, but there is no denying their connection or chemistry. Both men are at a crossroads trying to figure out what they want to do with their life. Jake is almost literally sick from working for his father and has to decide how he wants to help fix the mess his father has created. West is trying to save his uncle’s deli and get justice for his fellow tenants in the rundown buildings. He also doesn’t realiz who Jake is which makes things a little sticky for the other man, especially as he starts to develop strong feelings and also sees the true depths to which his father has sunk as an honest to goodness slumlord. This really is another amazing book from EM Lindsey and I can’t wait to read the next one.
August 24, 2021
This book is fantastic! The second chapter in the Love Starts Here series, this one is Jakob and West’s story. Jakob is Henrick’s brother and West owns the deli that Rhys loves. They meet by chance in a bar and it’s a steamy encounter. They will meet again at a cafe and it will soon lead to more. The two will continue to get closer and West doesn’t realize just who he is falling for. Jakob hasn’t told West that his father’s company is the one that owns West’s apartment building and is letting it fall into disrepair. A family emergency will send them to West’s childhood home and it’s there that West will learn the truth about who Jakob is. It’s a bumpy ride through family issues and legal battles but in the end, West will realize that no matter what Jakob’s last name is, everything they had together was true and real and worth giving a second shot.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
August 29, 2021
When first you practice to deceive . . . West and Jakob live with complications. Some of their making, many external. Jakob, exists under his Father's professional thumb. He longs to prove himself and repair the damage his Father's business dysfunctions cause. Wes is facing familial and professional challenges barely keeping his head above water. Jakob doesn't reveal his true identity to West which is unfortunate since his Father is the source of most of West's problems. How can you have a relationship built on lies? What happens when truth is revealed? Will West just let deception roll off his back? Do West's problems get solved? Will Jakob get the respect he craves from his Dad? Can West and Jakob find themselves happy and on the same page? Great story! You find yourself on the edge of your chair, hoping they can find their way to happy. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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