Book Reviews

Book Blurb

How can Merle swim with the sharks when the guy he loves is bait?

Just when Merle’s dreams of finally amazing his intellectual family with his accomplishments as a respected actor are about to manifest – he comes face-to-face with Tom Henry.

Can this guy even be real?

Tom’s as simple and unsophisticated as an angel and totally happy with who he is as long as he can protect his sister and take care of his dogs.

Everyone loves Tom – but “in love” with him? That’s another whole story. Even Tom knows that out of bed the only thing he can do for Merle is wreck his career – and lose his family’s respect.

Merle’s going to have to give up something.

Hey Merle, your money or your heart?

 

 

First edition published by Dreamspinner Press, August 2017.

 

Book Review

“Most good actors have a huge intelligence about the human condition and a real open heart to different kinds of people and behavior.” ~ Tim Robbins

For as long as he can remember, Merle Justice, of 'Fool of Main Beach' by Tara Lain, has wanted to be an actor, much to the dismay of his “intellectual” parents. Merle loves being able to express himself through different personalities, bringing the most he can to all of his characters. What he doesn't like is all the glitz, glamor, and guile associated with his profession. Until he meets Tom, he doesn't know that what he really needs is a “Fool”, someone who sees what most people can't.

Merle enjoys being an actor but is weary of the fake atmosphere in Hollywood. Visits with friends, like Ru and his husband, Gray, in Laguna Beach keep him sane. Merle enjoys his visits so much that he decides to have a custom house built nearby. During an after-awards party, Merle gets overwhelmed by having to be “on” all the time; he slips out for a walk on the beach. What he thinks will be a quiet moment ends up in a fight for his life; he is attacked by four men, determined to beat up the “fag”. Fortunately, Merle is rescued by a giant knight in a pink puffer, Tom, who wins Merle's everlasting gratitude. Even though Merle has seen his tough side, he also recognizes Tom's kindness and straightforwardness. Wistfully, they part, with Merle thinking that he may never see Tom again.

The next day, Merle goes to check out the construction on his new house and, low and behold, who is working there but his savior, Tom! Tom is delighted to discover that he's working on Merle's house and proudly shows him around. Although he's physically attracted to Tom, Merle realizes that Tom is unique and would never take advantage of his good nature. Tom surprises Merle when he comes on to him; Merle is not going turn him down. After the fantastic sex, Tom tells Merle that it was wonderful but that he doesn't expect anything to come of it. Merle doesn't know what to say. While on location for a new movie he's starring in, his feelings and appreciation for Tom continue to grow; he's reached the point of telling everyone who doesn't think they belong together to just deal with it. He can't wait to get back to Laguna to tell Tom how he feels, but what he doesn't know is that Tom has definitively decided it won't work. Tom doesn't want to hold Merle back and discontinues all communication between them.

It took me longer than usual to warm up to Tom, until I understood what Tara is so brilliantly trying to convey. She uses the word fool not in the way generally thought of, but as the wise fool or jester like in the book ‘The Emperor's New Clothes.' The jester, in that story, tells the emperor that the new clothes he thinks he's wearing are no clothes at all! Tom is constantly underestimated. He says things that most of wouldn't, without fear of recrimination. This is his special brand of wisdom. We should all be so “foolish”. Thanks again, Tara, for characters who break with traditional stereotypes, which makes them even more special.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 340 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	02-November-2020
Price	$4.99 ebook, $13.99 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Fool-Main-Beach-Opposites-attract-Romance-ebook/dp/B08L9JMYQG