Book Reviews

Book Blurb

When love wars with principle, which one will win?

Mark Nugent has spent his life in the closet—at least, the small portion of it he hasn’t spent in the office. Determined to make amends to his neglected teenage daughter from a failed marriage, Mark swears off work—and love—so he can give her a stable home environment. But Mark’s resolve to keep his heart under wraps is tested when he meets an out and proud young man he’s instantly drawn to.

 

Patrick Owen is a charity worker with strong principles. He doesn’t trust easily, but he’s blown away by his attraction for the older man who’s so new to his own sexuality. Yet Mark is adamant he’s not coming out to his daughter—and Patrick refuses to live a lie.

 

What with Mark’s old-fashioned attitudes and his flirtatious ex-colleague who’s determined to come between them, Patrick begins to wonder if they’ll ever be on the same page. And when Mark’s career as a tax advisor clashes with Patrick’s social conscience, sparks really start to fly—in all the wrong ways.

 

 

First Edition published by Samhain Publishing, 2016. This edition has been revised for publication with Riptide Publishing.

 

Book Review

Mark’s story is a sad tale when he arrives in Shamwell. Of course, he doesn't quite realize the full extent of his boring and pathetic life, up until now, but my good friends in the village will be sure to set him straight. So to speak. I loved being back in Shamwell as it's one of my most favorite series, and there are so many well loved characters there. Plus, I believe I harped on needing a book for Patrick after reading 'Played', so I'm glad the author listened. *grins*

Mark is thirty-nine, has been divorced for a year, has a fourteen year old daughter, and he's been in the closet his entire life. A very deep closet that might possibly lead to Narnia. In fact it's only been two years since he really allowed himself to accept he was gay. So far he's not done anything about it. The majority of his life has been spent working. You know the type. They practically live at the office. Well, he barely knows his own daughter, so he decides it's time to rectify that. Huh. He has no clue about teenage girls, especially since he hasn't told her he's gay, and teenagers can be notoriously vicious.

Mark joins the Shamwell Spartans Fun and Funds Foundation, which is where he meets Patrick.  The purpose of this social group is to collect money for charities, but to have fun while doing it, i.e. a three-legged pub crawl while asking for donations. Too bad it's only for men - I'd join that group! Oh, there are too many miscommunications between Patrick and Mark to even begin to talk about. It was almost painful watching it at times. I really needed them to get their issues out of the way, and get to the point where dating might happen.

A marvelous addition to the series! It had its moments of hilarity, but also bittersweet times, and I rejoiced in each of them in equal measure. Mark and Patrick were perfect, but some of the secondary characters, mainly Mark's daughter, Fen, and Patrick's mum, practically stole the show. Thank you, J.L., for more from my favorite village.

 

 

 

 

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

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 305 pages/81700 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	26-June-2017
Price	$3.99 ebook, $17.99 paperback, $21.98 bundle
Buy Link	http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/out