Reclusive writer Lucas Arany seeks out a prostitute when he can't stand one more night alone. He picks up Carter Brooks, a struggling university student who's as crass as he is beautiful. Lucas expects it to be a simple exchange. What he isn't expecting is for Carter to become a fixture in his life. And he really wasn't expecting Carter to save him from himself.
Hi, I'm Arabella! I've been a writer all my life, constantly creating stories with romance, angst, and - as I got older - mature content. For the past several years I enjoyed writing fanfiction, during which time I developed a distinctive writing style and gained confidence in my ability to tell a compelling story. Now, I'm focusing on sharing my original works with the world.
If you're looking for steamy, often LGBT+ themed, tragic and romantic stories, you've come to the right place.
The third book in my 'More than Most' collection, "After Dark," was just published. I am currently working in a new series called 'Love Is' - five stories of unconventional romance.
Carter is a hooker (excuse my language, but they used that word in the book too), and Lucas is a writer. They come together in an unusual way.
I liked that they didn’t sugarcoat things, and talked very openly and brazenly. I guess that’s because of their personality. I liked both of them a lot. I wouldn’t have minded a bit more background story though. Sometimes I couldn’t tell who’s POV I was reading at first.
Given Carter’s profession, there’s a lot of sex in this book… I kid you not, there’s a ton, but not all of it is explicit, or drawn-out, and it isn’t like porn, cheesy and fake, hell no. Personally the amount of steamy scenes didn't bother me here, not like in some other books, because it was accompanied by sweetness, tenderness and care as they spend more and more time together and relax in each other's company. There’s also humor, and all of the above made it a light read.
Warning: there are some sex scenes that might be upsetting, but don’t think about this story as a normal romance, it’s out of that range. Also I think this is somewhere between erotica and romance.
So I took a bit of a risk on this one. I found the blurb intriguing. Unfortunately the result was just okay for me.
I felt like a lot of back-story was missing. And ultimately what back-story we did get, I'm not sure was all that believable. I'm not a doctor so I can't confirm.
There was a lot of sex in this book, but it wasn't erotica if that makes any sense. It more has to do with the nature of Lucas and Carter's relationship.
IDK, a lot of the dialogue made me roll my eyes. And I didn't experience enough feelings to believe what Lucas and Carter had was more than sex.
I did read this one rather quickly, but I think it had more to do with my curiosity for why Lucas was the way he was and what would come of his relationship with Carter. I just wasn't all that thrilled with how it all ended up playing out.
Despite the low rating I think this was ok (and quite daring) for a debut novel and I'll consider reading another book by this author in the future.
The premise was good but the execution...not so good. I'm not a doctor so I can't tell if Lucas's condition is portrayed accurately, but I rolled with it. The transition from a business transaction to a romantic relationship was handled very poorly. It was too abrupt and got too sappy in no time. Lucas being overprotective of Carter and Carter acting like Lucas's guard dog was a little bit ridiculous.
Although I like to read darker books this made me somewhat uncomfortable As a result, the romance suffered in my humble opinion.
The head hopping drove me nuts. Actually, I still can't tell whose POV was whose at certain parts. It was the weirdest thing ever. The editing needed more work as well.
Regardless, I think the author has potential and the price is right, if you want to give it a go.
This is a little twist on a Cinderella adaptation just with hookers and rich men, ala "Pretty Woman" that had an engrossing story with personable and endearing Main Characters that "rescue each other right back". Although that really does sum up the story, it doesn't really do it justice to how much credence comes with non judgemental acceptance and overcoming obstacles with unconventional methods. Sex work is work. Both Lucas and Carter are characters that engender empathy and left me rooting for them to get to their HEA.
Don't let the terrible title or cover turn you away from this little gem. It's hard enough to stumble over it on KU. I don't know why this is only under "erotica" on Amazon. It should be under romance because this book is full of it as well as understanding and love. While there is sex, I wouldn't classify this as an erotica novel in the sense that most m/m readers think of the division between the two. This has plenty of plot and heart. The book is not all about the sex they have, although weirdly enough the book is all about the sex they have.
Arabella Faith looks like a first time author. There are instances where she inexplicably head hops from Carter to Lucas that a good editor should have helped fix and refine but that isn't an unexpected learning curve. I have to say I think she really exceeded my expectations and I'm looking forward to what she may write in the future.
It's well written aside from some of the head hopping but the story doesn't work for me. There is a shade of Pretty Woman about it, but..
While it starts as a business transaction and I expected the sex content I thought there'd be more connection between them by this point. It still feels like business. Carter is in love with the shower and the bed linen, he puts up with Lucas as the sex is ok and he pays well.
For me there's an off feeling about it and I guess I prefer a more romantic aspect than what's here Think we're supposed to be impressed by Lucas's high sex drive but so far that and his wallet is all there is too him.
What little has been revealed about Lucas at this point strikes me as odd and unappealing. There's little humour.
I scored this as a freebie and it truly was a great score.
Never heard of Arrabella Faith before but I was in the mood for some M/M and S.O.S. ticked that box.
The plot is sort of pretty woman but with gay men. Carter Brooks is a penniless student putting himself through college. To supplement his meagre existence he sells his body. He’s not a victim. He knows exactly what he’s doing and it’s a means to an end.
Lucas Arany is a hugely successful author with social anxiety issues and a very high sex drive. He picks Carter up and offers him a deal to stay the night.
Carter sees the best qualities in Lucas. He isn’t blinded by his riches but is in lust with his multi-jet shower and sheets made of bunny ears and kitten toes. Carter helps Lucas with his issues and brings back a smile to his grouchy face.
Carter’s techniques for dealing with Lucas are mighty impressive. I kept thinking he’s a keeper but the relationship had a shelf life and I wasn’t sure how it would work out.
I absolutely love awkward, no filter, Lucas!!!! Lucas and Carter are absolutely perfect for each other... even if their first arrangement were a bit unconventional, it worked for them! I loved to see how they turned their financial transaction into a loving relationship... loved loved loved!
Arabella is a new writer for me, but i'll definitely read her other books ❤
This is the first book I’ve finished since joining good reads and I’m so happy it was one that I enjoyed (I don’t like giving negative reviews). I was very surprised to see this was the author’s first book on Amazon considering how smooth of a read it was. The characters were vey relatable and likable. They were written in a way that made me feel as though I was watching their story play out in front of me. For me it was just the right amount of plot, romance and sex scenes to make it a very well rounded story. Also I really liked the fact that despite this being the author’s first book it wasn’t totally over the top. It’s something that I personally don’t care for and see far too often especially with new writers. Hope there will be more coming from Arabella Faith!
I very much enjoyed this book. This was my first time reading this author and I will definitely be looking for more for her. This was a well thought out and cleverly written story. The development of the relationship of the main characters was very believable and well written.
I couldn't get enough of these two! I found it to be well written and engaging, once I started reading I didn't want to put it down. It was hot, racy and sweet all in one perfect package. I would definitely recommend!
“But why not work at a department store or restaurant like all the other college kids?”
“You mean the rich college kids who have parents to supplement their part time minimum wage? Yeah, not so much. I wouldn’t be able to keep a roof over my head with that, let alone pay tuition.”
HELL, NO.
Nope. Not buying this excuse.
ETA Accidently removed this book on March, 2020. Thankfully the main page showed my review & I could copy it.