Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Successful CEO Kennedy Grey thought he had his life planned out nicely—until he hired supposedly straight Kieran West as this year’s holiday companion.

For the past five years, CEO Kennedy Grey has advertised for a gay male holiday companion to join him on his single annual break. Although Kennedy claims to be neutral in his choice, he has certain non-negotiable requirements. Applicants must be between twenty-one and twenty-five, non-smoking, social drinkers, either versatile or passive, and be able to pull off the role of dutiful boyfriend in front of his clutch of gay friends. What does the candidate get out of the deal? An all-expenses-paid holiday and five grand in cash at the end, more if the candidate exceeds his expectations—a safe enough addendum, because for the past three years no one ever has.

 

Kieran West sits in a quiet corner of the coffee shop, trying to finish an assignment. At twenty-nine, he is single once again. By now he should have settled down. But when his girlfriend of three years gives him an ultimatum—ring or road—he chooses the road. Worst of all, he has no qualms about doing so. As for his finances? Saddled with a string of outstanding student loans, he is struggling to finish his master’s while also supporting his brother through university. Losing his work at the estate agents’ could not have come at a worse time. Then he overhears the man at a nearby table recruiting for a job that pays a cool five grand. What does he have to lose?

 

Book Review

“Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” ― Allen Saunders

 

‘Companion Required’ is not just an excellent title for this exciting story about two men who have no idea what they really need until they meet, it is also a perfect illustration of the above saying about life and plans. When Kennedy and Kieran first meet, nothing could be further from their minds than love. But soon they proceed to develop respect, friendship, and eventually deeper feelings in a very entertaining and somewhat surprising story that is as perfectly-paced as it is heartwarming.

 

Kennedy may be a successful CEO and he may think that he knows what he wants in a holiday companion (which is as far as he will go in terms of “commitment”), but he is not honest enough with himself and way too stubborn to be open to a real relationship. Having to fight for his place in business as well as his own family is not a good starting point for showing vulnerability or acknowledging what he really wants. I have to admit that he was not exactly my favorite person in the beginning, but as he thawed more and more, I have to say he had his reasons for acting like he did and he definitely grew on me as the story progressed.

 

Kieran is recently single, trying to finish his master’s in business, and in desperate need of money. He has never really thought about his sexuality, but he is no bigot, so “playing” Kennedy’s boyfriend for an extended holiday, all expenses paid, is not something he even hesitates going after. And he really has to push – not being Kennedy’s type does not make obtaining the “job” exactly easy! And once he has it? The slow discovery that he may not be as straight as he has always assumed is an eye-opener, and his easy way with the people around Kennedy is a real asset in the deliciously spun-out mating dance between him and Kennedy.

 

If you like your romances with a touch of humor, if strangers-to-friends-to-lovers is your thing, and if you’re looking for a slow-burn love story with lots of travel details and some family drama, then you will probably like this novel.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 280 pages/66557 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	17-November-2020
Price	$4.99 ebook, $12.50 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/companion-required