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The Slippery Slope #3

A Touch of Devotion

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United by Love…

As bartender and part-owner of The Slippery Slope, Alonzo Russo has made a name for himself as one of the most influential men in The Bowery. He has worked his way up from poverty to prosperity and his future looks bright. All he needs is someone to share his life with, and that someone is Ricky.

… divided by Bleeker Street

Ricky DeMarco wants nothing to do with the life he used to live or the world he was raised in. So much so that almost no one knows what that life was or who he used to be. He is content to work as a bartender at The Slide, and he’s grateful that his boss there, Jonathan, saved him from utter disaster all those years ago. Jonathan has just one condition to keeping all of Ricky’s secrets—don’t go anywhere near Alonzo Russo.

But when Alonzo and Ricky are thrown into close quarters when the future of both clubs is in jeopardy, they can’t fight the attraction that brings them together…and could tear them and everyone else apart. It’s a Romeo and Juliet situation with all the potential to end just as tragically, unless love wins the day.


PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam level – very spicy! And yes, this is an m/m romance involving friends to lovers, a slight age gap, second chances, and fabulous drag queens, so if that’s not your thing, feel free to pass on this one.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2022

26 people are currently reading
48 people want to read

About the author

Merry Farmer

292 books1,138 followers
USA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,253 reviews100 followers
August 1, 2022
Alonzo Russo is a bartender but also part owner of The Slippery Slope, having overcome his past to become one of the Bowery’s most influential men. He’s even looking to expand his business interests to keep building a bright future. He just needs someone to share that future with, and he’s decided that man is Ricky.

Ricky DeMarco, a bartender at a competing club, wanted nothing to do with the life he left behind in Chicago. He’s content to keep tending bar for his boss, Jonathan, grateful that the man stepped in to save him from destitution five years ago. Unfortunately, for Jonathan to keep Ricky’s secrets, his stipulation is that Ricky stay away from Alonzo.

But when the future of both clubs is put in danger, Alonzo and Ricky are thrown together anyway. They can’t and won’t fight the pull that exists between them, even if it could destroy everything. They have every chance of ending in tragedy, but a small window of hope that their love will enable them to fight for a secure future for everyone.

I was actually really surprised by how much emotion was conveyed in this book and how believable the romance was between Alonzo and Ricky. These two have known each other for years, been interested in one another for months, but have only just given in to that pull. I loved that this story felt pretty low angst despite dealing with a pretty heavy theme with the antagonists. Though they appear on the page fairly briefly, it’s enough to make them truly loathsome and it had me cheering when they were brought to justice by Ricky’s clever trickery. I loved the fact that despite things looking bleak and it seeming like there was no way they could be together, Ricky and Alonzo were both determined to make it happen and remained loyal to each other. When one wavered or lost confidence, the other stepped in to shore him up and they faced their naysayers head-on until they earned acceptance for their relationship. I loved that lack of wavering; these two weren’t afraid to admit their feelings for one another and I found that lack of game playing so refreshing.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lisa C.
1,102 reviews22 followers
July 15, 2022
Another wonderful addition to the Slippery Slope series. Alonzo Russo, bartender and part-owner of The Slippery Slope can't help his attraction to Ricky DeMarco, bartender at The Slide (a rival club). Friends on both sides have been warning them against having a relationship, but love cannot be denied. Loved these characters and couldn't help rooting for them from the start. Difficult to see how this one could end happily, but Ms Farmer managed it beautifully. Can be read as a standalone (but recommend entire series)
Profile Image for Janet.
5,195 reviews64 followers
July 14, 2022
As bartender and part-owner of The Slippery Slope, Alonzo Russo has made a name for himself as one of the most influential men in The Bowery. He has worked his way up from poverty to prosperity and his future looks bright. He & Graham, his partner at the slope are even considering buying a print shop. Ricky DeMarco wants nothing to do with the life he used to live or the world he was raised in. So he’s content to work as a bartender at The Slide, and he’s grateful that his boss there, Jonathan, saved him from utter disaster all those years ago. But when Alonzo and Ricky are thrown into close quarters when the future of both clubs is in jeopardy, they can’t fight the attraction that brings them together and could tear them and everyone else apart.
The third book in the series & whilst it’s easily read on its own events do take place in The Slope so characters do overlap, which I love. What can I say about this book! It has romance, anarchists, hiding from the police, hidden secrets & kidnapping. It kept me on the edge of my seat whilst all the time routing for Alonzo & Ricky, I loved both of them, their attraction had been growing throughout the series & at last they were thrown together & could explore the attraction & let it grow. The road to their HEA was strewn with obstacles from not only the present but also the past. It made for a book I found nearly impossible to put down. My favourite of the series so far
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,500 reviews47 followers
July 17, 2022
Awesome MM Book

This is an awesome book! Ricky and Alonzo were meant to be together. This book is a MM love story.
As bartender and part-owner of The Slippery Slope, Alonzo Russo has made a name for himself as one of the most influential men in The Bowery. He has worked his way up from poverty to prosperity and his future looks bright. All he needs is someone to share his life with, and that someone is Ricky.
Ricky DeMarco wants nothing to do with the life he used to live or the world he was raised in. So much so that almost no one knows what that life was or who he used to be. He is content to work as a bartender at The Slide, and he’s grateful that his boss there, Jonathan, saved him from utter disaster all those years ago. Jonathan has just one condition to keeping all of Ricky’s secrets—don’t go anywhere near Alonzo Russo.
But when Alonzo and Ricky are thrown into close quarters when the future of both clubs is in jeopardy, they can’t fight the attraction that brings them together…and could tear them and everyone else apart. It’s a Romeo and Juliet situation with all the potential to end just as tragically, unless love wins the day.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Profile Image for Emma Goldman.
303 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2022
Ricky is working as a bartender at the Slide, a gay bar in competition with the Slippery Slope. He'd much rather be drawing as he's an artist at heart, very skilled, and robbed of his chance at Art School by the man he loved, whose betrayal led him to flee to New York, where he found refuge with the Slide's owner.
Alonzo is the co-owner of the Slippery Slope. Concerned about the bar's future, he has been earning extra money from modelling for art students at college.
Both Ricky and Alonzo have had their eyes on each other, but Ricky gets a shock when he finds Alonzo being their nude model at the art class he's snuck off to.
The shock spurs them both into the start of a real relationship, much to the disapproval of Graham, the Slope's other co-owner.
But the real drawback and barrier is Ricky's debt to Jonathan at the Slide, a debt to be repaid in dangerous and violent law- breaking.
As the law-breakers start their final big campaign, Ricky despairs of his future, as he knows how to create explosives for them.
The net pulls tighter and closer, and Alonzo recognises Ricky's importance to him outweighs the danger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for JenReviews4U.
475 reviews
July 20, 2022
Such a tender and very romantic story proving that once again, love is love.

Alonzo Russo and Ricky DeMarco have more in common than it seems with their less than stellar pasts and both tending bar at two rival clubs in the Bowery. Both have been mentioned in previous books and now get their own story here. Alonzo has made a name for himself and risen up through his past to become a successful business owner. Ricky just wants to start over, but he's trapped in a life he didn't want. He needs a savior but is quick to point out, that he's no wilting wallflower, he isn't weak. And although he fancies Alonzo, with his chequered past, perhaps a happily ever after with him is not in the cards.
At first, I really didn't think these two guys were a match, they seemed so different personality-wise but Merry Farmer is such a master at weaving a beautiful story together, you get lost in the storyline and happily sigh when these two get their HEA. It was a very action-packed and historically accurate story. I really was caught up in the moment of the book as the author takes you to a part of New York many don't really know about. The storyline is very well done and moves along well. The character development is great, you really get to see Ricky grow and change. I have enjoyed the entire series thus far and thought the last one was my favorite but perhaps this one may even top it! I cannot wait for the next as it will be so interesting to see how Marcus will deal with Noah being in town!
I highly recommend this entire series for the storyline and historically accurate facts alone... plus the steam!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
July 24, 2022
Alonzo and Ricky . . .

Alonzo Russo and Graham Ravenswood co-own a bar named the Slippery Slope. Another bar across the street, The Slide, is their competition and that is where Ricky DeMarco bartends. Graham and Jonathon, Ricky's boss, both notice that Alonzo and Ricky seem to be attracted to each other, so they work to keep them away from each other. However, Ricky is a very talented artist and attends an art class on his own time. He had no idea that Alonzo was the nude model for Ricky’s art class that one evening. Alonzo offered to walk him home after the class since they were both going the same direction. Was this the beginning of a relationship each had at least thought about even if they never intended to pursue it?

But when Alonzo and Ricky are thrown together over some illegal activities going on at The Slide, being in close proximity and learning more about each other, they are drawn together and no longer want to fight the attraction that has become irresistible. Does this put them both into danger? Where will they go from here?

The story line was intriguing and the characters were described very well to make them more real to the reader. I don’t enjoy the political theme in this one, but the personal story of Alonzo and Ricky kept my attention.
Profile Image for Suzanne Irving.
2,730 reviews24 followers
July 26, 2022
I love everything about this series from the titles, the name of the club “The Slippery Slope”, the story, the historical components and of course the lovely characters. Merry Farmer has done a marvelous job in these books of bringing to light the previously not much talked about history of gay clubs and relationships in New York and in this book works into the story elements about the movement for workers rights. This story is a bit more serious because Ricky was caught up in some things he is now trying to get away from. Of course his boyfriend Alonzo and the other men from the Slippery Slope are going to band together again and help him. It’s amazing actually as I think about this book in order to review it how much historical information Ms. Farmer is able to pack into a story and never once make you feel like you are reading a dry history paper. I like the redemptive quality of this story and the idea that all of us have something we wish we hadn’t done and that we all deserve love and a second chance. Can’t wait to read more books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
504 reviews10 followers
July 22, 2022
What a fascinating story for me! It’s real nice to have the chance to read a M/M historical fiction story! This one really kept my attention because I was intrigued about the MCs’ backgrounds and how they came to be working for their respective establishments. This is indeed a very sweet love story!

The story focuses on this exceptional artist, Ricky who was stuck working at an ill-reputed establishment which is known for associating with anarchists. He had a dark past which led him to New York. There he has eyes for this guy, Alonzo who is a co-owner of the rival establishment. They have always looked at each other’s from the opposite sides. Unbeknownst to Ricky, Alonzo happened to be the nude model for Ricky’s art class one evening. This started the journey for Ricky and Alonzo. There were several events happening during their journey. That’s where I’m going to stop and let you pick up the book to read and find out!
Profile Image for Amy.
238 reviews5 followers
July 17, 2022
This installment of The Slippery Slope series is so drama and action-packed that I had to do something I don’t normally do, and that is go to the end of the book to make sure Alonzo and Ricky were alive and well. Not that I didn’t have faith that Merry Farmer would make sure they got their happily ever after, but I was honestly concerned for their well-being for a little while.

I felt protective of Ricky. I can definitely see why Alonzo felt the same way. I also appreciated that Merry let us see the shades of gray in Jonathan. I hope he found his HEA somehow, somewhere. This book really illustrated the sense of community and family amongst the men of Bleeker Street. I hope to see more of that in Beckett and Noah’s story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily.
357 reviews11 followers
July 19, 2022
This is an action packed story as well as a steamy romance - I finished it in on day! Ricky and Alonzo work at rival bars/clubs and both have been warned away from the other. But their pull towards each other is too much - they cannot stay away. I loved how the moments between them softened Alonzo - he was adorable and sweet with Ricky, never shying away from him strong emotions.

While the two are finding a way to be together in a time when it's not only taboo, but illegal, they are also fighting to break Ricky away from his dangerous ties to his boss, Jonathan. It's an action packed story that twists and turns - easy to get lost in the story and keep turning the pages to find out what happens next.

I love the way these two fought for each other!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jayne Butcher.
1,349 reviews15 followers
July 22, 2022
This is such a good series! This story has danger, excitement, passion, emotional turmoil and lots of affection. Ricky and Alonzo have been scoping each other out for so long that it is heartwarming to finally have them be together. Unfortunately, Ricky has been roped into involvement with a dangerous group of men who have violence on their minds, and there is a good chance Ricky won’t live to enjoy his new found relationship with Alonzo. This story speeds along from danger to danger, keeping the reader’s heart racing and stomach in knots. I really loved how the men from The Slope rallied around Alonzo, supporting him both emotionally and physically. This story is a wild ride, and it is very well done!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,600 reviews8 followers
July 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was a little more gritty and dramatic than I expected, but in a good way. It was more realistic and believable that way. I enjoyed the history lesson, too, about a darker time in U.S. history and the fight for workers' rights. The romance between Ricky and Alonzo began a bit like a fairytale before shifting into a real-world struggle for happiness, love, and even life. I loved the side characters, even the grumpy Graham who really seems to have a heart of gold underneath. Jonathan, too. I would love to see more about these characters, and I plan to go back and look for the first two books in the series, too. Although third in the series, this totally worked as a standalone read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,219 reviews33 followers
July 23, 2022
It's the end of the century and two men must overcome obstacles to live their lives together. In The Bowery of New York there is unrest of radicals forming riots over working conditions of laborers. Bombings and murder are common ways of their protests. Unfortunately innocent people are caught up in the turmoil. Ricky works in the bar called The Slide on Bleeker Street. The man he adores works at the bar across the street called The Slippery Slope. Though people try to keep them apart, they find ways to be together. Ricky has secrets that could end his relationship with Alonzo and even get him killed. When Ricky is kidnapped, only Alonzo can save him. A passionate MM romance with an interesting historical plot.
Heat level 5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout.
Profile Image for Dominique Englebert.
574 reviews5 followers
July 25, 2022
Struggle for life
The life of gay men at the end of the 19th century was very precarious. Always expecting a raid on the bar they work at or visit, always on their guard for provocation…
Added to this, Ricky’s youthful mistakes keep haunting him and he is under the thumb of an anarchists’ group that expects him to make bombs in exchange for protection. They fight for better work conditions and more wages, which is laudable, but they do that with violence and Ricky is tired with this life.
Alonzo, co-owner of The Slippery Slope is the love of his life and wants to do everything in his power to help him escape this dangerous influence.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
80 reviews
July 12, 2022
Love asks no question, forgives everything and changes you for the Better.

It's amazing how much love can change who we are, how we see the world and how we act.

For some years I've believed in a small way in Numerology, for one simple reason.  The day I accepted my husband as mine, and mentally already used his surname, I had changed in subtle ways.  I thought it was because my Surname was different, but It was not that.  It was the fact that I had realised that I had changed from being someone who thought I'de never find the Soul Mate I prayed for, to knowing that I had found THE person who would love me without any demands.

That is the difference!
2,201 reviews5 followers
July 24, 2022
I've truly come to love and look forward to, the next wonderful book from Merry Farmer. She's one of the few authors whose MM books are a must read on my list. This one is no exception.

Filled with danger, excitement, romance, steam galore, and intrigue to keep you fully engaged.
Ricky and Alonzo finally get their HEA, but not before this long dance towards this journey. Ricky succumbs to an involvement with the wrong element and places his new happiness in danger. It's the love for his partner that keeps him focused and striving to get back to Alonzo.


**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
2,320 reviews11 followers
July 17, 2022
Alonzo and Ricky's Story!
A truly wonderful story showing how unconditional love and devotion could lead to a happy ever after (and who doesn't want that?).
This was Alonzo and Ricky's story - two interesting characters, both of them having had difficulties in their earlier lives which they were trying to get away from so that they could change their current lives for the better.
I loved the devotion and trust between them, giving us hope for a happier future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
July 29, 2022
A Touch of Devotion is the third book in The Slippery Slope series. Alonzo is the bartender of the slippery slope. He's made a name for himself as one of the most influential men in The Bowery. He was once poor but now he's prosperous. Ricky is content to work as a bartender at The Slide. His boss once saved him from disaster years ago but he doesn't want Ricky going anywhere near Alonzo. They have an attraction and amazing chemistry. Super spicy!! Loved it. Overall, a fantastic addition to the Slippery Slope series! Well written with great pacing.
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
9,725 reviews35 followers
July 20, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Alonzo and Ricky are in love with each other and keep seeing each other despite others trying to separate them. Ricky is being dragged into illegal activities but it is his love for Alonzo that gives him the courage to thwart the anarchists' plans and return to Alonzo. It was nice that Alonzo and Ricky can be together and their lives are looking up professionally as well.
2,427 reviews22 followers
July 26, 2022
One of Merry’s darkest books and I loved it. This is a M/M book and so much more. The devotion between the two main characters is amazing and brilliant. Merry knows how to tell a story using events of the day in which you learn about history (whether factual or fiction based on facts). I am a bit of a history nerd and I love it. Alonzo and Ricky are great characters that are one of my top couples of Merry’s.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Profile Image for Liz Norris.
5 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2022
The main characters were a bit slow to gain my liking. One was too passive and naive, the other too domineering. For a long time my favorite character kept telling them to stay apart, he was the only one who seemed to have any realism.

Thankfully they get into the relationship and took control of external circumstances that should have torn them apart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,249 reviews15 followers
Read
August 28, 2022
This is a great story. Ricky is a great character and so is Alonzo. Even though Ricky went through some difficult things he is a strong character. This is a story of love conquers all. I enjoyed this story. Love is love is love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maureen.
3,741 reviews38 followers
October 11, 2022
I'm obviously in the minority here but, as much as I love Merry's tales I just couldn't get into the one. I struggled to get through it, it didn't hold me, I couldn't relate to any of the characters, the story seemed off to me, maybe it's just my frame of mind today, maybe I'll give it another shot in the future. I'm so sorry Merry, it's not you, it's me.
Profile Image for Bev Bridges.
342 reviews
July 24, 2022
Amazing book, thank you merry Farmer for your book.
I listened to this book via epub for sight impaired people.
I throughly enjoyed listening to this book, absolutely fantastic work I have reviewed this book in booksprout and amazon.
I would recommend this book. 👌
Profile Image for Phylis Collins.
2,854 reviews8 followers
July 28, 2022
A very spicy. And yes, this is an m/m romance involving friends to lovers, a slight age gap, second chances, and fabulous drag queens, so if that’s not your thing just pass by it to another of Merry Farmers stories.very steamy. Its different but the plot is very good.
Profile Image for Cynthia Brooks.
2,350 reviews11 followers
July 31, 2022
Alonzo Russo, bartender and part owner of The Slippery Slope, knows what he wants and it's Ricky DeMarco. He will do anything to get Ricky to care for him but Ricky has secrets that he afraid if Alonzo finds out what they are he'll want nothing to do with him. I really enjoyed this book.

Profile Image for Mary.
761 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2022
An exciting adventure, hiding from the police, changing his life, finding love, being kidnapped, and so much more in this intense story.
Profile Image for Patricia Perez.
656 reviews7 followers
August 9, 2022
Sweet

This book was a sweet and sexy read. No matter the odds true love prevails. Loved the characters and the story. A definite must read series.📚😍📚😍📚
1,787 reviews26 followers
July 29, 2022
Genuine in All Respects

This explosive chapter in a hugely entertaining series gains its highest rating because author Merry Farmer has continued to give us a trifecta of credibility:

1) She is extremely accurate in her presentation of New York City in the later 1900s;

2) She gives us two exceptionally detailed and credible co-stars in Alonzo and Ricky, each with back stories that are heartbreaking but both ready for heartwarming;

3) It is beautifully written.

I am not quite sure who's on the cover but don't mind--read the blurb and get this book now. You will fall in love with Alonzo and Ricky and their entourages and delight in all the twists and turns of the plot lines and their personal relationship.

Hopefully, Ms. Farmer will give us more of this trifecta in another chapter soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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