What do you think?
Rate this book
Model Love #5
Pulling Focus
From this side of the lens, everything’s fake. Especially the love.
MALYK
Listen, sweetie. I don’t need anyone to protect me. But money is a problem right now and I desperately need this big break. So when my awful ex-boyfriend tries to take it all away from me, I’ll do anything. Even pretend to be dating Mr. Hot Shot Photographer if it’ll still get me through the door. I mean, he’s offered to whisk me away to New York, and he’s seriously gorgeous, so where’s the problem? I can be professional. No one’s going to catch feels.
OSCAR
I don’t date models, especially not ones almost half my age. But beneath all of Malyk’s bravado, I can see a sweet man who’s hurting. It won’t harm to pretend to be his boyfriend and spoil him during this ridiculous retreat to keep him safe, right? But there’s something irresistible about him that’s drawing me in, and suddenly a week doesn’t seem long enough before he has to fly back to London. We’re from different countries, different generations, different worlds entirely. It could never work. But when Malyk’s ex threatens to cost him everything, I can’t just stand back and let that happen, either.
Pulling Focus is a 60K word contemporary MM novel featuring an adventure across the Atlantic, a room with only one bed, bucket loads of explosive UST, a fabulous masquerade ball, and a long-suffering pooch who knows what his master needs better than he does. It’s part of the Model Love multi-author series. Each book can be read as a standalone, in any order, but there are so many models falling in love, why not read them all?
MALYK
Listen, sweetie. I don’t need anyone to protect me. But money is a problem right now and I desperately need this big break. So when my awful ex-boyfriend tries to take it all away from me, I’ll do anything. Even pretend to be dating Mr. Hot Shot Photographer if it’ll still get me through the door. I mean, he’s offered to whisk me away to New York, and he’s seriously gorgeous, so where’s the problem? I can be professional. No one’s going to catch feels.
OSCAR
I don’t date models, especially not ones almost half my age. But beneath all of Malyk’s bravado, I can see a sweet man who’s hurting. It won’t harm to pretend to be his boyfriend and spoil him during this ridiculous retreat to keep him safe, right? But there’s something irresistible about him that’s drawing me in, and suddenly a week doesn’t seem long enough before he has to fly back to London. We’re from different countries, different generations, different worlds entirely. It could never work. But when Malyk’s ex threatens to cost him everything, I can’t just stand back and let that happen, either.
Pulling Focus is a 60K word contemporary MM novel featuring an adventure across the Atlantic, a room with only one bed, bucket loads of explosive UST, a fabulous masquerade ball, and a long-suffering pooch who knows what his master needs better than he does. It’s part of the Model Love multi-author series. Each book can be read as a standalone, in any order, but there are so many models falling in love, why not read them all?
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2022
15 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
H.J. Welch
41 books290 followersHJ Welch is a British author of contemporary American MM small town series and books in multi authored shared universes, including the international number one bestselling Homecoming Hearts. She lives just outside of London with her husband and three balls of fluff that occasionally pretend to be cats.
She began writing at an early age, later honing her craft online in the world of fanfiction on sites like Wattpad. Fifteen years and over half a million words later, she sought out original MM novels to read. By the end of 2016 she had written her first book of her own, and in 2017 she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she’s not writing she’s usually dancing, singing, filming music videos, taking long walks, working on jigsaw puzzles, drinking prosecco, or talking about Eurovision.
She also writes contemporary British MM fairy tale adaptation as Helen Juliet, including bestsellers Thorn in His Side, A Right Royal Affair, and Three.
She began writing at an early age, later honing her craft online in the world of fanfiction on sites like Wattpad. Fifteen years and over half a million words later, she sought out original MM novels to read. By the end of 2016 she had written her first book of her own, and in 2017 she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she’s not writing she’s usually dancing, singing, filming music videos, taking long walks, working on jigsaw puzzles, drinking prosecco, or talking about Eurovision.
She also writes contemporary British MM fairy tale adaptation as Helen Juliet, including bestsellers Thorn in His Side, A Right Royal Affair, and Three.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
![Profile Image for Imme [trying to crawl out of hiatus] van Gorp.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1700013408i%2F101358081._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 4, 2023
|| 1.5 stars ||
Ugh. This was so BORING. This literally had the most simple plot imaginable. It’s uneventful, silly and induced more than one unimpressed sigh from me.
It’s an insta-love romance with one-dimensional characters and a superficial kind of love. *yawn*
I genuinely couldn’t have possibly cared any less about these people or their relationship. None of them had even an ounce of depth and their love story was based on absolutely nothing. There was also no chemistry whatsoever.
The writing was so dry and emotionless. It truly wasn’t good and it truly wasn’t impressive.
This somehow felt anticlimactic even though it didn’t even feel like we were building towards a climax. Does that make sense? I don’t know. Probably not, but oh well.
I honestly don’t think I enjoyed this at all; not even a little. I wasn’t entertained, I wasn’t intrigued, I wasn’t even remotely interested. I was just bored.
Ugh. This was so BORING. This literally had the most simple plot imaginable. It’s uneventful, silly and induced more than one unimpressed sigh from me.
It’s an insta-love romance with one-dimensional characters and a superficial kind of love. *yawn*
I genuinely couldn’t have possibly cared any less about these people or their relationship. None of them had even an ounce of depth and their love story was based on absolutely nothing. There was also no chemistry whatsoever.
The writing was so dry and emotionless. It truly wasn’t good and it truly wasn’t impressive.
This somehow felt anticlimactic even though it didn’t even feel like we were building towards a climax. Does that make sense? I don’t know. Probably not, but oh well.
I honestly don’t think I enjoyed this at all; not even a little. I wasn’t entertained, I wasn’t intrigued, I wasn’t even remotely interested. I was just bored.
March 8, 2023
3.5
This was really cute! I loved all the descriptions of the fashion in this one, it was actually easy to picture and sounded so pretty.
This is a very instalove story where the younger MC is kind of annoying because he refuses to stand up for himself with his dickhead agent, but maybe I only think that because I'm older and would never let someone treat me that way, especially in my job! 🤷🏻♀️
The dog is really what I loved most about this story though 😂
This was really cute! I loved all the descriptions of the fashion in this one, it was actually easy to picture and sounded so pretty.
This is a very instalove story where the younger MC is kind of annoying because he refuses to stand up for himself with his dickhead agent, but maybe I only think that because I'm older and would never let someone treat me that way, especially in my job! 🤷🏻♀️
The dog is really what I loved most about this story though 😂
March 5, 2023
Sweet, simple writing that started off promising but I lost interest and started skimming from about 40%. There was some decent bones to it but everything was a little too Insta-love, too easy and overly mushy for me.
October 8, 2022
4.5 bewitched stars
Oh My, I loved this book so much💕 Fashion has a special place in my heart, even if I can't necessarily express it anymore, having a more outdoorsy job now. Still, it always makes me enthralled.
Malyk was lively and endearing. He was the reason I fell in love with this story. He had such a pure soul and really wanted to succeed by himself. I got so mad at Christ for doing him wrong representing all that is wrong in the industry. What a prick!
On the other hand, Oskar was more grounded and just wanted to protect Malyk, make him happy and safe. He was so sweet.
They built a great relationship in a short amount of time, having an amazing chemistry - proven by some very sexy scenes - and respect for each other. There was no manipulation and, thankfully, good communication between them. It seemed quite healthy and supportive. Emmalina was also such a nice side character being the epitome of a patron of fashion. It brought this book's world to perfection in a very movie type way😉
Oh My, I loved this book so much💕 Fashion has a special place in my heart, even if I can't necessarily express it anymore, having a more outdoorsy job now. Still, it always makes me enthralled.
Malyk was lively and endearing. He was the reason I fell in love with this story. He had such a pure soul and really wanted to succeed by himself. I got so mad at Christ for doing him wrong representing all that is wrong in the industry. What a prick!
On the other hand, Oskar was more grounded and just wanted to protect Malyk, make him happy and safe. He was so sweet.
They built a great relationship in a short amount of time, having an amazing chemistry - proven by some very sexy scenes - and respect for each other. There was no manipulation and, thankfully, good communication between them. It seemed quite healthy and supportive. Emmalina was also such a nice side character being the epitome of a patron of fashion. It brought this book's world to perfection in a very movie type way😉
October 12, 2022
love
I freaking adored this book. First thank you for the BIPOC MC. Can’t tell you how much representation means to me. I loved the age gap different country story. Two lonely men trying to figure out what’s next for their lives finding the next step with each other. The writing was amazing. I could hear both accents in each characters by how they spoke. The smexy was great and Linny was amazing. Everyone needs a friend like her. I know this is a multi author series but I hope one day we get stories of Fran, And James.
I freaking adored this book. First thank you for the BIPOC MC. Can’t tell you how much representation means to me. I loved the age gap different country story. Two lonely men trying to figure out what’s next for their lives finding the next step with each other. The writing was amazing. I could hear both accents in each characters by how they spoke. The smexy was great and Linny was amazing. Everyone needs a friend like her. I know this is a multi author series but I hope one day we get stories of Fran, And James.
October 16, 2022
4.5 Stars
Malyk – lithe, beautiful, young, model
Oscar – bulky, handsome, older, photographer
Malyk, having been caught up in the belief that his agent had both his best interests at heart and his heart in his best interests, is now on the losing end of the majority of gigs when that belief was grossly misplaced… when he caught his (now ex-) boyfriend with something else misplaced. He has no proof, but he knows that his agent is intentionally keeping him from bookings, so he’s on his best behaviour at the shoot today.
Oscar, muse-less and looking for something to bring his passion back to fashion photography before switching to nature, doesn’t date models. He’s at this shoot in London, in from NYC, as a favour to Marcus McKay. This agent hanging off him, name-dropping and acting more important than he is, is irksome. The tall, lithe model who looks like a literal woodland fairy for the shoot is awakening something in him, but this guy won’t stop showboating long enough to let him focus.
When Chris Oakley, Malyk’s agent and aforementioned ex, embarrasses Malyk at the shoot, Oscar can’t help but open his mouth and start the ball rolling on a fake relationship that will bring both him and Malyk love, lust, passion and success. It isn’t a fairy tale, regardless of how Malyk looked like he’d walked off the pages of one when they met, but when the showboating agent takes things too far and is actually held accountable? Malyk begins to believe that his fairy godmother might really exist.
Pulling Focus by HJ Welch was such a fun read. It was quick, but deep, funny, but serious and had a well-deserved happy ending that can make even the biggest cynic believe in Happily Ever Afters.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Pulling Focus
HJ Welch
Malyk – lithe, beautiful, young, model
Oscar – bulky, handsome, older, photographer
Malyk, having been caught up in the belief that his agent had both his best interests at heart and his heart in his best interests, is now on the losing end of the majority of gigs when that belief was grossly misplaced… when he caught his (now ex-) boyfriend with something else misplaced. He has no proof, but he knows that his agent is intentionally keeping him from bookings, so he’s on his best behaviour at the shoot today.
Oscar, muse-less and looking for something to bring his passion back to fashion photography before switching to nature, doesn’t date models. He’s at this shoot in London, in from NYC, as a favour to Marcus McKay. This agent hanging off him, name-dropping and acting more important than he is, is irksome. The tall, lithe model who looks like a literal woodland fairy for the shoot is awakening something in him, but this guy won’t stop showboating long enough to let him focus.
When Chris Oakley, Malyk’s agent and aforementioned ex, embarrasses Malyk at the shoot, Oscar can’t help but open his mouth and start the ball rolling on a fake relationship that will bring both him and Malyk love, lust, passion and success. It isn’t a fairy tale, regardless of how Malyk looked like he’d walked off the pages of one when they met, but when the showboating agent takes things too far and is actually held accountable? Malyk begins to believe that his fairy godmother might really exist.
Pulling Focus by HJ Welch was such a fun read. It was quick, but deep, funny, but serious and had a well-deserved happy ending that can make even the biggest cynic believe in Happily Ever Afters.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Pulling Focus
HJ Welch
October 11, 2022
Pulling focus is another fantastic addition to the shared world called Model Love. Malyk knows what he wants, but when he needs help, Oscar is the perfect man for the job. HJ Welch knocked it out the ballpark with this one. Just the right amount of sweetness and steam with Malyk and Oscar. Overall, fantastic!! Well written with pacing that sucked me into the story!
October 12, 2022
Fun shared world
I had never read this author before so I was pleasantly surprised to find I really enjoyed this. Unlike the prior books I read in the series, there is a little more of the bad stuff about the modeling world but nothing too intense. Oscar and Malyk’s story is sweet and low-angst.
I had never read this author before so I was pleasantly surprised to find I really enjoyed this. Unlike the prior books I read in the series, there is a little more of the bad stuff about the modeling world but nothing too intense. Oscar and Malyk’s story is sweet and low-angst.
October 19, 2022
This was a sweet romance between Malyk, who needs his foot in the door after a big breakup and getting screwed over by his agent, Oscar steps in and saves the day. The romance here is sweet and although it might not have started off as a forever kind of relationship, it turned out that way. A good read!
October 7, 2022
4,5 stars
Pulling Focus by HJ Welch is part of the Model Love series by multiple authors. This book is about Malyk and Oscar. Malyk is a model waiting for his big break. Oscar is fashion photographer. When Oscar sees Malyk getting humiliated by his agent and ex he steps in.
I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
Pulling Focus by HJ Welch is part of the Model Love series by multiple authors. This book is about Malyk and Oscar. Malyk is a model waiting for his big break. Oscar is fashion photographer. When Oscar sees Malyk getting humiliated by his agent and ex he steps in.
I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
October 21, 2022
HJ Welch delivered a wonderful addition to the Model Love universe with Pulling Focus. This book showed a wonderful age gap relationship with some fake dating and a lot of attempts at denying themselves what they truly wanted - and it worked. None of it felt like it was too much.
So let's get into this one.
First, the characters. Malyk was everything to me. I loved this femme boy who wanted nothing more than to be an amazing model but kept getting the rug pulled out from beneath him due to a bad decision and an even worse agent. I loved how real this character felt and how we got to see some of the bad choices he made to have an influencer lifestyle. I loved seeing how hard he worked, just to make his dreams come true and the stress that he felt over the potential to lose it all in one wrong move? It drove so much of the story and I felt so incredibly connected to him.
And Oscar? Oh god I loved this man so much. He was an older photographer who was so jaded witht he fashion industry until he met Malyk and decided to stick it to Malyk's agent by creating a fake relationship with Malyk - without even really consulting Malyk and hoping the other boy would go for it. And then he was all in on the fake relationship while trying to draw his own lines in the sand, trying to keep from making his own mistakes, and then making the choices he swore he wouldn't. But luckily, they didn't work out in the way he feared. Plus his determination to make all of Malyk's dreams come true, based on the fact that he knew how much talent Malyk had? Beautiful.
The chemistry between these two men was amazing, but I wish it would've been set over a longer period of time. The insta-love between them didn't feel like it was actually love. It felt like lust intermingling with infatuation, and I would've loved to see more of them adjusting to what it felt like in reality, removed from the heightened version of reality they'd spent during the week long retreat - instead of that being the whole time they fell in love and that being the end of it. That's the only thing that kept it from being a five star review, honestly.
But if you like instalove? Then by golly this will be perfect for you. Its a great alternating POV with high steam and a low level of angst, all revolving around one character . Even with my dislike of instalove, this book was beyond enjoyable and I devoured it.
** DISCLAIMER: I recieved an advance copy from GRR and this is my fair and honest review. **
So let's get into this one.
First, the characters. Malyk was everything to me. I loved this femme boy who wanted nothing more than to be an amazing model but kept getting the rug pulled out from beneath him due to a bad decision and an even worse agent. I loved how real this character felt and how we got to see some of the bad choices he made to have an influencer lifestyle. I loved seeing how hard he worked, just to make his dreams come true and the stress that he felt over the potential to lose it all in one wrong move? It drove so much of the story and I felt so incredibly connected to him.
And Oscar? Oh god I loved this man so much. He was an older photographer who was so jaded witht he fashion industry until he met Malyk and decided to stick it to Malyk's agent by creating a fake relationship with Malyk - without even really consulting Malyk and hoping the other boy would go for it. And then he was all in on the fake relationship while trying to draw his own lines in the sand, trying to keep from making his own mistakes, and then making the choices he swore he wouldn't. But luckily, they didn't work out in the way he feared. Plus his determination to make all of Malyk's dreams come true, based on the fact that he knew how much talent Malyk had? Beautiful.
The chemistry between these two men was amazing, but I wish it would've been set over a longer period of time. The insta-love between them didn't feel like it was actually love. It felt like lust intermingling with infatuation, and I would've loved to see more of them adjusting to what it felt like in reality, removed from the heightened version of reality they'd spent during the week long retreat - instead of that being the whole time they fell in love and that being the end of it. That's the only thing that kept it from being a five star review, honestly.
But if you like instalove? Then by golly this will be perfect for you. Its a great alternating POV with high steam and a low level of angst, all revolving around one character . Even with my dislike of instalove, this book was beyond enjoyable and I devoured it.
** DISCLAIMER: I recieved an advance copy from GRR and this is my fair and honest review. **
October 19, 2022
This story was one of the several stories in the Model Love series. I absolutely loved that there was a POC as one of the MCs because honestly there aren’t enough POC MCs in the M/M trope. This story was a fabulous story to read and it was a page-turner for me. I have several stories of the author’s in my downloaded TBR and after reading this one, I certainly plan to read some more! I loved the story and the direction it was headed. I absolutely love that the MC beat the adversity of being bullied! But how? Won’t reveal that one iota.
The story focuses on Malyk, a model with the McKay Modeling agency (the agency in the Model Love stories) who does modeling work in London. He was one of the model where Oscar, the other MC was the photographer for a shooting. The jerk of Malyk’s agent announced to Oscar that he was going to this fabulous retreat in the USA hosted by an eccentric but yet famous Fashionista and he was taking someone else. He had promised Malyk that he would take him so Malyk was upset. He somewhat was throwing a tantrum. However, Oscar found him endearing and announced that he had a plus one ticket and he was going to take Malyk with him. Thus, the fake boyfriend trope is in play for this story. But what happens between them and how did Malyk conquer his adversity of being bullied while at the retreat by the jerk? That’s for you to pick up the book and read to find out!!!! A 5 stars read for me! That series would make for a great TV movie series/movie series!!!!!
The story focuses on Malyk, a model with the McKay Modeling agency (the agency in the Model Love stories) who does modeling work in London. He was one of the model where Oscar, the other MC was the photographer for a shooting. The jerk of Malyk’s agent announced to Oscar that he was going to this fabulous retreat in the USA hosted by an eccentric but yet famous Fashionista and he was taking someone else. He had promised Malyk that he would take him so Malyk was upset. He somewhat was throwing a tantrum. However, Oscar found him endearing and announced that he had a plus one ticket and he was going to take Malyk with him. Thus, the fake boyfriend trope is in play for this story. But what happens between them and how did Malyk conquer his adversity of being bullied while at the retreat by the jerk? That’s for you to pick up the book and read to find out!!!! A 5 stars read for me! That series would make for a great TV movie series/movie series!!!!!
November 21, 2022
I’m already a fan of this author, and I enjoyed Malyk and Oscar’s fake boyfriend romance. I also liked the age difference, and the backdrop of the modelling world. Plus Samson steals every scene he’s in.
I liked Malyk and Oscar, and their determination not to fall for reach, and how that fails very early on. I love how they complement each other with their personalities and background. I like how Oscar sizes up the situation with Chris, and immediately steps up to have Malyk’s back. Malyk’s relationship with his mother, and his determination to sort out his own mistakes says a lot for him as a person. Although there’s an age gap and Oscar is very well off, their relationship always feels equal. I loved how Malyk and Oscar get to know each other, and how Samson and Malyk fall for each other immediately.
And, of course, there’s only one bed. I like how that trope was used to bring them closer together, and not in the usual way.
Emmalina rocks. She’s generous, a good friend, and totally enables their relationship. And nothing goes on under her roof without her knowing. I was very happy how the Chris situation resolves, and how Malyk and Oscar get their HEA.
I enjoyed Honeyrock as a setting, and the different events. The clothes shopping they do for the ball is fun, and also reflects their personalities. I love Briceson. Oscar cleans up well.
Their HEA, peek into the future is sweet and satisfying. I’m looking forward to reading more in this shared world.
I liked Malyk and Oscar, and their determination not to fall for reach, and how that fails very early on. I love how they complement each other with their personalities and background. I like how Oscar sizes up the situation with Chris, and immediately steps up to have Malyk’s back. Malyk’s relationship with his mother, and his determination to sort out his own mistakes says a lot for him as a person. Although there’s an age gap and Oscar is very well off, their relationship always feels equal. I loved how Malyk and Oscar get to know each other, and how Samson and Malyk fall for each other immediately.
And, of course, there’s only one bed. I like how that trope was used to bring them closer together, and not in the usual way.
Emmalina rocks. She’s generous, a good friend, and totally enables their relationship. And nothing goes on under her roof without her knowing. I was very happy how the Chris situation resolves, and how Malyk and Oscar get their HEA.
I enjoyed Honeyrock as a setting, and the different events. The clothes shopping they do for the ball is fun, and also reflects their personalities. I love Briceson. Oscar cleans up well.
Their HEA, peek into the future is sweet and satisfying. I’m looking forward to reading more in this shared world.
October 31, 2022
✨️ARC Review✨️
Pulling Focus by HJ Welch. When your cheating ex is also your agent, things can get very bleak in your career, especially if you are trying to break out as a model. While on a photo shoot, Malyk finds out just how petty, and horrible his ex can be. In walks in Oscar, a well known photography, who on first seeing Malyk is pulled in by his charm and magnatism. Oscar comes to his rescue by prtending to be his new boyfriend, and agrees to take him to the biggest networking event in his career. Of course Malyk thinks that Oscar was just being nice, but it turns out that the much older photographer wants to help him out. while at the event, they come closer and realize that they both are feeling the pull towards each other. But nothing lasts forever, enter said petty ex and soon to be ex agent to try and ruin things for Malyk. With Malyk seemingly out of a contract, the networking event over he has to return to London. But love truly does conqure all. the hostess of the event, a well known clothing designer, wants Malyk for the face of her brand.
Oscar has been worried that Malyk couldn't possiblely want someone like him, being older, and in his eyes, not much fun. But they both were able to help each other. With Oscar's love and support Malyk was able to break out into the bigger world of modeling, and Malyk help Oscar redescover just why he liked being a photographer in the first place.
Pulling Focus by HJ Welch. When your cheating ex is also your agent, things can get very bleak in your career, especially if you are trying to break out as a model. While on a photo shoot, Malyk finds out just how petty, and horrible his ex can be. In walks in Oscar, a well known photography, who on first seeing Malyk is pulled in by his charm and magnatism. Oscar comes to his rescue by prtending to be his new boyfriend, and agrees to take him to the biggest networking event in his career. Of course Malyk thinks that Oscar was just being nice, but it turns out that the much older photographer wants to help him out. while at the event, they come closer and realize that they both are feeling the pull towards each other. But nothing lasts forever, enter said petty ex and soon to be ex agent to try and ruin things for Malyk. With Malyk seemingly out of a contract, the networking event over he has to return to London. But love truly does conqure all. the hostess of the event, a well known clothing designer, wants Malyk for the face of her brand.
Oscar has been worried that Malyk couldn't possiblely want someone like him, being older, and in his eyes, not much fun. But they both were able to help each other. With Oscar's love and support Malyk was able to break out into the bigger world of modeling, and Malyk help Oscar redescover just why he liked being a photographer in the first place.
October 16, 2022
Malyk and Oscar made such a cute couple, and I loved watching their romance unfold. What started as an extremely kind gesture after Chris humiliated Malyk turned into quite a fun, New York adventure. I could feel the sparks of chemistry between Oscar and Malyk from the start, and though I was dying for them to get together I can respect that Oscar didn't want to pressure Malyk into anything. I had a blast watching the two of them get to know each other and spend time together at Honeyrock, and the longer their trip, the more convinced I became that the feelings they were developing were real. I was over the moon when their not-so-subtle flirting turned into breathless kisses and more, and above all I reveled in how genuine Oscar and Malyk's connection felt. I'm not much of a fasionista myself, but it was so much fun to experience clothing and fashion through Malyk and Oscar's eyes. When the time came for the two of them to part ways, I was desperately hoping they'd find a way to be in the same city, and though it took a little time to pull off, they made it happen!
**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.
October 18, 2022
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
A really heartwarming and slightly dreamlike story of two men getting to live their fairytale happily ever after.
In the world of modelling, where beautiful people can be downright ugly, it’s hard not to become disillusioned, especially when your agent is as toxic as they come. He’s a user, and cruel.
When Oscar witnesses the cruelty firsthand, he can’t stand by and watch the light in Malyk dim. So on a whim, he steps in and pretends to be his boyfriend. While also offering to take him to one of the hottest ticket events in the industry.
Malyk’s career has hit a rough patch and getting this shot could make him. But along the way, getting this opportunity may not be the most important thing.
With one very outgoing model and a much older world-famous photographer, you get a magical story of love and dreams coming true. And a pretty special Labradoodle.
My first HJ Welch novel, but it definitely won’t be my last.
A really heartwarming and slightly dreamlike story of two men getting to live their fairytale happily ever after.
In the world of modelling, where beautiful people can be downright ugly, it’s hard not to become disillusioned, especially when your agent is as toxic as they come. He’s a user, and cruel.
When Oscar witnesses the cruelty firsthand, he can’t stand by and watch the light in Malyk dim. So on a whim, he steps in and pretends to be his boyfriend. While also offering to take him to one of the hottest ticket events in the industry.
Malyk’s career has hit a rough patch and getting this shot could make him. But along the way, getting this opportunity may not be the most important thing.
With one very outgoing model and a much older world-famous photographer, you get a magical story of love and dreams coming true. And a pretty special Labradoodle.
My first HJ Welch novel, but it definitely won’t be my last.
October 24, 2022
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But for aspiring fashion model Malyk (pronounced Ma leek), he is a true beauty, inside and out. When things did not work out with his ex, who is also his agent, missing out on big networking opportunity just breaks his heart, but fashion photographer Oscar is there to put his heart back together. Offering to become fake boyfriends, Oscar treats Malyk to travel, couture.....kisses, oh wait, that's what Malyk is hoping for. For Oscar, Malyk is a breath of fresh air in a world of entitled divas, Malyk truly appreciates everything that Oscar gives him. And in a world where there are users and abusers, Oscar is truly a gentleman and Malyk feels safe and treasured.
I loved this book. I like the way the author writes. The story was riveting and a page turner. The MC's chemistry was off the charts hot. The week long party was such a fun part of the story, yet the story centered around the MC's blossoming attraction and blossoming relationship. I really liked Emmalina and i was soooo glad that the ex got his comeuppance eventually and that Malyk and Oscar got their sweet HEA.
I loved this book. I like the way the author writes. The story was riveting and a page turner. The MC's chemistry was off the charts hot. The week long party was such a fun part of the story, yet the story centered around the MC's blossoming attraction and blossoming relationship. I really liked Emmalina and i was soooo glad that the ex got his comeuppance eventually and that Malyk and Oscar got their sweet HEA.
October 17, 2022
I’ve been enjoying the books in this series, I especially appreciate that while the couples are quite different they all feel like they exist in the same world. Malyk and Oscar’s story is steamy, sweet, and has a happy ending that is pretty perfect. I loved how they balanced each other. Photographer Oscar is older, established, and is a generally calm person. Malyk, is still hustling to make it as a model, he is wonderfully snarky, confident and vibrant. This is a fake boyfriends story and it was quite funny and charming they both thought they could pull it of without developing real feelings. Their connection was obvious right away, their banter natural and easy, and their chemistry sparkling. There is some drama from Malyk’s ex who turns out to quite a slimy villain, and this part of the plot was well executed and added weight to the story. I loved this couple, Oscar and Malyk are sweet, hot, and so fun together. Excellent❤️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 19, 2022
3.5 Stars
A fizzy and honey-laced novella that centers around a seasoned older photographer and a young model. Malyk is 24 but at times, he does seem a tad younger. His ex-boyfriend makes a fool of him during a photo shoot which rankles veteran photographer Oscar. Seeing how badly Malyk is embarrassed, Oscar comes to his rescue. He even offers to have the devasted model accompany him to a premier event where the nasty ex-boyfriend will be.
So their adventure into pretending to be fake boyfriends begins. Oscar is kind and caring and Malyk is very appreciative. They are both attracted to each other but I thought at times I just couldn’t connect them as a couple.
While the book was touching, they both were in love after one week. I must confess insta-love stories are not always my favorites. While I would not revisit this book, I feel others that don’t mind the instant pull, will find it very recommendable.
* * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement * *
A fizzy and honey-laced novella that centers around a seasoned older photographer and a young model. Malyk is 24 but at times, he does seem a tad younger. His ex-boyfriend makes a fool of him during a photo shoot which rankles veteran photographer Oscar. Seeing how badly Malyk is embarrassed, Oscar comes to his rescue. He even offers to have the devasted model accompany him to a premier event where the nasty ex-boyfriend will be.
So their adventure into pretending to be fake boyfriends begins. Oscar is kind and caring and Malyk is very appreciative. They are both attracted to each other but I thought at times I just couldn’t connect them as a couple.
While the book was touching, they both were in love after one week. I must confess insta-love stories are not always my favorites. While I would not revisit this book, I feel others that don’t mind the instant pull, will find it very recommendable.
* * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement * *
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2022
so, this series is interesting and as I like HJ Welch (one of his Pine cove books is one of my absolute favorites) I was really looking forward to this book.
normally I am not a bit fan of love-at-first-sight but here I still had the feeling that there is a lot of relationship development. HJ Welch is really able to pull that off and I loved it.
Malyk is a real sweetheart and I loved him. He was honest and modest and had no troubles showing his feelings!
Oskar fit him perfectly. as he was a bit older, he mallowed out some of Malyks exuberance, which made them the perfect pair.
their story is a joy and I would love to get to see the stories of some of their secondery characters (like Jamie, Frans, ...)
and I can't wait to get this one as audiobook - that is something I really want to listen to.
all in all, a real great story which I totally enjoyed.
an ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest review
normally I am not a bit fan of love-at-first-sight but here I still had the feeling that there is a lot of relationship development. HJ Welch is really able to pull that off and I loved it.
Malyk is a real sweetheart and I loved him. He was honest and modest and had no troubles showing his feelings!
Oskar fit him perfectly. as he was a bit older, he mallowed out some of Malyks exuberance, which made them the perfect pair.
their story is a joy and I would love to get to see the stories of some of their secondery characters (like Jamie, Frans, ...)
and I can't wait to get this one as audiobook - that is something I really want to listen to.
all in all, a real great story which I totally enjoyed.
an ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest review
March 12, 2023
Model Malyk needs a big break and when his ex-boyfriend tries to take it away from him and a hot-shot photographer gives him a lifeline he is more than willing for them both to pretend to be together in order to open the door for him. Photographer Oscar doesn't date models and so when he sees Malyk who is almost half his age and hurting he is determined to help him and spoil him. Then a week doesn't seem to be enough before he has to fly to London when yet again Malyk's ex threatens to cost him everything - something Oscar can't allow.
I loved this story with a determined Oscar who was not going to fall for Malyk, the hesitant Malyk so met Oscar's dog and fell in love with him. I loved Linny who just seemed to be all-seeing, fingers in all pies and so generous when you were judged to be her friend. The way everything ended was perfect and I was just so happy for them. Easy to read, feel and understand. Contains MM mature content.
I loved this story with a determined Oscar who was not going to fall for Malyk, the hesitant Malyk so met Oscar's dog and fell in love with him. I loved Linny who just seemed to be all-seeing, fingers in all pies and so generous when you were judged to be her friend. The way everything ended was perfect and I was just so happy for them. Easy to read, feel and understand. Contains MM mature content.
October 18, 2022
Malyk is trying to get ahead in his career and in life. He is a model who wants to work, wants to grow his career. His agent is a snake who took advantage, cheated on him and tried to embarrass him and get in the way of his career. He is fortunate that he winds up on a shoot with Oscar, a noted photographer who takes over a job in a pinch for a friend and finds a muse in Malyk. They are two strong men in need of different breaks - Oscar needs some inspiration, Malyk needs a little help to get his career in gear. Oscar sees the potential and reaches to him to help and benefits in that he finds love he was not expecting and a revival of his interest in doing fashion shoots. This was a win-win relationship that grows out of a good deed that gets rewarded.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2022
What an adorable couple
This is the fifth book in the Model Love series that I've read and it is my absolute favourite. Oscar and Malyk were amazing together. Their fake relationship was a beautiful gesture from Oscar to rescue a stranger from the public distress and humiliation his nasty ex was causing him. Malyk never took anything for granted where Oscar's generosity was concerned and they truly deserved the happiness they found in each other.
I loved everything about this story. The characters, the locations, the clothes, the dialogue, and especially Linny and Samson, were all beautifully written and described. Oscar was a lovely man, laid back and kind, great at his job and even better at loving the gracious, elegant, sweet Malyk. From the first page to the last, I was entranced, and the epilogue made me laugh and tear up. Just perfect.
This is the fifth book in the Model Love series that I've read and it is my absolute favourite. Oscar and Malyk were amazing together. Their fake relationship was a beautiful gesture from Oscar to rescue a stranger from the public distress and humiliation his nasty ex was causing him. Malyk never took anything for granted where Oscar's generosity was concerned and they truly deserved the happiness they found in each other.
I loved everything about this story. The characters, the locations, the clothes, the dialogue, and especially Linny and Samson, were all beautifully written and described. Oscar was a lovely man, laid back and kind, great at his job and even better at loving the gracious, elegant, sweet Malyk. From the first page to the last, I was entranced, and the epilogue made me laugh and tear up. Just perfect.
October 26, 2022
HJ Welch/Helen Juliet writes with so much heart, that's why I've become one of her biggest fans. Oscar is a fashion photographer and at a shoot one day he sees Malyk. They are instantly drawn to one another but they each have their doubts, mainly there age gap (Malyk is 24 while Oscar is 42). The more time they spend together the harder it gets to deny the chemistry between them. Until a magical trip to a friend's house where they finally give into it. This book is low angst and filled with love. It has a great ending that fits both characters perfectly. BTW I'm going to need Samson 🐶🐕! 😉
"Apparently since I met him, I’ve become bougie." 😂
"Because some memories are so precious, they don’t need to be recorded on film. Those moments will live freshly in our minds for the rest of our lives." ❤
I am leaving my honest review for a complimentary copy of this book via the author.
"Apparently since I met him, I’ve become bougie." 😂
"Because some memories are so precious, they don’t need to be recorded on film. Those moments will live freshly in our minds for the rest of our lives." ❤
I am leaving my honest review for a complimentary copy of this book via the author.
October 7, 2022
Malyk is such a sweetheart. He tries to be friends with everyone he meets. He is not a pretentious person. I just adore him.
He’s sort of new at being a model. He has a very unscrupulous agent who’s also his ex. He also tries to destroy Malyk’s career due to jealousy. I’ll just say Karma is coming after him.
When he causes an embarrassing situation at Malyk’s photo shoot, Oscar, the photographer, comes to his rescue. Spending a week at a New York party brings them “together”. Oscar is determined to spoil him, I love him too.
Pulling Focus is a very enjoyable book. I absolutely loved it.
I’ve been a fan HJ Welch’s books for a long time and I recommend this one for all the good feels and eventual HEA. The epilogue is so sweet.
He’s sort of new at being a model. He has a very unscrupulous agent who’s also his ex. He also tries to destroy Malyk’s career due to jealousy. I’ll just say Karma is coming after him.
When he causes an embarrassing situation at Malyk’s photo shoot, Oscar, the photographer, comes to his rescue. Spending a week at a New York party brings them “together”. Oscar is determined to spoil him, I love him too.
Pulling Focus is a very enjoyable book. I absolutely loved it.
I’ve been a fan HJ Welch’s books for a long time and I recommend this one for all the good feels and eventual HEA. The epilogue is so sweet.
October 11, 2022
I love reading about McKay’s Model and this story was no disappointment. Malyk and Oscar’s relationship may have started as a pretense but it quickly moved into a more real situation for both of them. Their journey was fun and exciting as the situation turned into a full on love story. The nastiness that Chris showed Malyk just added fuel to an already burning flame of dislike you felt for that particular character. His comeuppance was well deserved and very satisfying. Extremely likable main characters made this story so easy to read and the storyline was immensely entertaining. The romantic element was sweet thus making their HeA a very happy event. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
October 17, 2022
Malyk and Oscar’s story has sweetness, heat, and tropes galore: an age gap, a fake relationship that enables the development of real feelings, plus potential obstacles like living in different countries and an evil ex on a mission to destroy one MC (Malyk’s ex Chris, who is, as my grandmother would say, a “piece of work.”) The model/photographer pairing was a good fit for the world building here, and both characters were likable, as individuals and as a pairing. Oscar is deeply nice and caring, and I appreciated him, but Malyk was hands down my favorite part of the story: it’s hard not to want good things for someone so determined and idealistic.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 17, 2022
This has to be one of the best books I have read all year, and I read a lot. Let’s start with the cover. Absolutely perfect. This is just how I imagined Malyk to be. As soon as you start reading it becomes apparent that this is a very well written book, the story flows so well right from the get go. We learn very early on how to pronounce Malyk which is a real bonus. I do so hate unusual names where the reader is left hanging, not knowing how to pronounce it which makes the story very clunky. I loved how vulnerable Malyk was and how Oscar cared for him from their very first meeting. I really didn’t want this story to end I was enjoying it so much. It’s safe to say that I thoroughly recommend this one.
October 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this one! I love how Malyk is himself- no more and no less. He’s scared of failure and worried his mistakes will bring him down. And I adore Oscar! A premier fashion photographer who shows up in old jeans and a ratty baseball cap to take gorgeous pictures. He doesn’t suffer fools well, either, and I love him for it.
The whirlwind romance was perfect. Chris getting what he had coming to him was perfect, too!! And then there’s Emmalina, who is a force of nature. Totally out there, but wow!
I didn’t expect to like this story so much, just because I’m absolutely not interested in the fashion industry, but it caught me up! Stayed up way too late to finish it. Well done!
The whirlwind romance was perfect. Chris getting what he had coming to him was perfect, too!! And then there’s Emmalina, who is a force of nature. Totally out there, but wow!
I didn’t expect to like this story so much, just because I’m absolutely not interested in the fashion industry, but it caught me up! Stayed up way too late to finish it. Well done!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2022
4.5 Stars!
I wasn't too sure I was going to like Malyk at first, but he definitely won me over. Oscar was amazing and I loved how he treated Malyk from the first moment. Their chemistry was out of this world and they were great together. I also adored seeing them interact with Samson, Oscar's dog, who was all kinds of awesome.
I hated Malyk's ex with a passion and was very glad that he got his comeuppance. Emmaline was a force to be reckoned with for sure, LOL.
This was a fantastic read, steamy, sweet, a bit insta-lovey, but Oscar and Malyk worked so well as a couple, that I didn't even mind that they fell for each other so fast. Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I wasn't too sure I was going to like Malyk at first, but he definitely won me over. Oscar was amazing and I loved how he treated Malyk from the first moment. Their chemistry was out of this world and they were great together. I also adored seeing them interact with Samson, Oscar's dog, who was all kinds of awesome.
I hated Malyk's ex with a passion and was very glad that he got his comeuppance. Emmaline was a force to be reckoned with for sure, LOL.
This was a fantastic read, steamy, sweet, a bit insta-lovey, but Oscar and Malyk worked so well as a couple, that I didn't even mind that they fell for each other so fast. Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews