Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Everyone knows Curtis Wilson around the Soho business scene: a hard-working, budding young entrepreneur, who can get you supplies of whatever you need, and always with a joke and a laugh. Only Curtis knows that’s a purely public persona. Secretly, he’s still licking his wounds after being beaten up by his ex-lover, and he’s not about to let his guard down again.

Handsome Riley Richmond was born to be a cowboy, on his father’s side at least. But after his parents’ deaths, he finds himself stranded this side of the Atlantic, an anachronism in the bustling capital, and without financial capital. His consolation is his music, albeit he’s not a very successful busker and he loses his only decent piano gig after standing up for Curtis against a homophobic bully.

After that, they keep meeting, partly by accident, partly by Riley’s design. He’s smitten, and doesn’t mind letting Curtis know. Their music brings them together – Riley’s guitar playing and Curtis’ sharp, sexy poetry are a powerful combination. But Curtis still has some unfinished business with his ex-lover that he’s struggling to handle on his own. Riley intends to be the man Curtis calls on for help, whether he likes it or not. He’ll do whatever it takes to show Curtis that people can still be trusted to be honest and caring – even if it means walking them both into danger.

 

Book Review

"Trust is the easiest thing in the world to lose, and the hardest thing in the world to get back.” ~ Kamari aka Lyrikal

Of all the men Curtis Wilson, of 'Pluck and Play' by Clare London, may have ever imagined becoming involved with, an American singing cowboy named Riley Richmond would have been last on his list. Curtis senses the attraction, but after surviving the abusive relationship from which he has just escaped, he's in no hurry to hook up with another stranger. That's before he learns how persuasive Riley can be.

Curtis is well-liked by the men who frequent the With a Kick ice cream shop, and also by his customers. The ice cream shop is one of Curtis's guilty pleasures; it is a release from the daily drudgery of his enterprise as a supplier to the small businesses in the area. Curtis is a good, steady guy who gladly helps others when he can, but he's lost his trust in people. He's lonely, despondent, and his self-esteem is shattered. Curtis likes Riley, in fact, he's bemused by this tall, handsome man with the cowboy hat and boots and awful song choices. Despite his distrust, he throws caution to the wind and goes home with Riley. Curtis is even more confused about Riley when he sees his luxurious suite. Curtis assumes that he's totally out of Riley's league considering his affluence. But looks can be deceiving. When Riley and Curtis start to share information, they see that each of them have their own struggles; Curtis with his abuse and Riley with family issues. These disclosures lead to a better understanding and a feeling of kinship between them.

Riley is smart, funny, and caring. He's also delightfully devious, and very determined to win Curtis over. Acting as his knight in shining armor when Curtis is assaulted by a hotel chef is certainly a dramatic introduction. Even though Riley knows he'll probably lose his job, he defends Curtis anyway. When he starts busking across the street from the ice cream shop, Riley deliberately plays and sings badly to garner Curtis's attention. Riley correctly guesses that Curtis won't be able to stand the cacophony and will come over to help. Riley invites Curtis to his place so they can work on finding him a better repertoire for his performances. Riley doesn't know why, but he sees that Curtis is hesitant to come with him. Riley proceeds very slowly, not wanting to spook Curtis who invokes feelings in him that he's never felt before and it pays off. Curtis opens up to him and talks about the abusive relationship he just got away from, which he's never told anyone else about. When Riley hears that Curtis's ex is back in town and threatening him, he motivates Curtis's friends to devise a brilliant plan which will, hopefully, get rid of his ex forever.

This is a great addition to the 'With a Kick' series. I love the way Curtis and Riley's romance plays out and how all the guys from With a Kick contribute in their own unique way to help Curtis. It was good to visit with them again and see how they are doing. Now if we can just get Lee and Patrick together, (hint, hint) all will be well. Fans of the series will love this latest addition. Those new to the series really are missing a great group of charming, sexy, delicious stories. They can be read alone, but are much more satisfying if read in sequential order. Thanks, Clare, for the delightful story. I look forward to the next one.

 

 

 

 

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

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 34500 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	05-February-2015
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-pluckandplaywithakick5-1739369-149.html