Book Reviews

Book Blurb

In art and in love, it’s the rough edges that make things interesting.

Having grown up with artistic implements always in hand, there’s almost nothing Austin can’t make real. Except for one thing—an official relationship with his best friend, rowing teammate and occasional hookup, Vinnie. 

The combination of emotional and sexual frustration fuels a spark between Austin and the nude model in his drawing class. Austin isn’t used to having trouble focusing; models are merely challenging subjects to be rendered on paper. But the geology TA’s direct blue gaze is powerful enough to drag Austin’s focus away from his…physique.

After a quick and verydirty post-class encounter, all the reasons that Austin has been waiting for his best friend go fuzzy in his mind. Sean is nothing like Vinnie. Sean is persistent, pays attention, and makes it clear he wants to be together.

But if Austin can’t get his head and his heart on the same page, he could lose his friend, or his lover. Or both.

Warning: Contains rock geeks, tent sex, a dictatorial cox whose idea of a good time is drawing naked dudes, plus one naked dude who wants to be more than a good time.

Book Review

“Relationships are like glass. Sometimes it’s better to leave them broken than hurt yourself trying to put them back together.” ~Unknown

Austin, of 'Love Me Like a Rock' by  Amy Jo Cousins, has put his life on hold for several years, waiting for his best friend, Vinnie, to love him back. It seems to be a lost cause though, because Vinnie is obviously satisfied being just friends. Austin has grown tired of waiting for Vinnie to realize he's not getting enough from their relationship. Austin has come to the conclusion that he wants more than Vinnie is either willing or able to give him. When the opportunity comes along to be with someone else, a man named Sean, Austin doesn't hesitate to take advantage of it.

Sean is studying geology and moonlights as a nude model. He and Austin meet in the art studio where Austin is painting and Sean modeling. They have an immediate attraction, one that is quite inconveniently obvious for Sean. He's had his eye on Austin for a while now, but, because of his relationship with Vinnie, assumes Austin is taken. After being sexually deprived by Vinnie for years, Austin can't resist being pulled in by the idea of sex whenever he needs it. Sean is considerate, nurturing, and doesn't take Austin for granted. Even though they seem to be well suited for each other, Austin makes it clear he only wants a friends-with-benefits deal. Although it's not what Sean was hoping for, he's willing to try in order to be with Austin.

As Sean and Austin become closer, Austin realizes that he doesn't miss Vinnie that much or even feel guilty when he's with Sean. Sean involves him in his life significantly more than Vinnie ever did. This attention makes Austin feel wanted, rather than being an afterthought, stuck between Vinnie's research papers. Sean even takes Austin camping on a rock hunt expedition where he meets Sean's friends. They have a delightful time and Austin is painfully aware of what he's missing since he and Vinnie have no friends. Throughout all this, Vinnie seems oblivious - until Austin starts to become unavailable for their monthly sex sessions, and other occasions when he deems that he has time to give Austin his attention. The real breaking point comes at Austin's art exhibition. This show is a big deal for Austin, one Austin asked Vinnie to attend with him. Vinnie, obviously not realizing its importance, declines. Sean is there instead, proud of Austin and wanting to share his big moment. At the last moment, Vinnie decides to come and surprise Austin. When he realizes Austin and Sean are together the sparks begin to fly.

Although I understand why Austin was so frustrated with Vinnie, I don't think he did enough to promote change. Austin put up with Vinnie's ways and held his frustration in instead of trying to talk to Vinnie. It may not have made a difference, but, just maybe it would have saved both of them from a lot of pain. This story reminds me of the old adage “If you do what you always did, you get what you always got.” If you enjoy reading about art, crew, redheads, and rocks, you may like this story. Thanks, Amy Jo, for getting Austin and Sean together.

 

 

 

 

 

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

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 71788 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	22-March-2016
Price	$4.50 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5748/love-me-like-a-rock