Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Who said nerdy can’t be sexy?

Self-confessed gold digger Dylan Price is cooling his heels as a waiter at a trendy West Hollywood restaurant, waiting for the sugar daddy of his dreams to walk through the doors. Someone rich, sophisticated. Preferably old.

Bookish Simon Wainwright couldn’t be further from Dylan’s ideal. Aside from his terrible fashion sense, Simon suffers from a glaring lack of a Beverly Hills mansion. And he’s barely over thirty!

Dylan, however, isn’t made of stone. Coincidence, an obscene candle, even Simon’s dorky cardigan compel him to give the shy academic a very special birthday gift, which Dylan files away as a one-night stand. But when Dylan’s quest lands him in hot water, he runs to Simon to hide.

The two take off for Las Vegas, where Dylan takes upon himself to give Simon a complete makeover. For reasons he can’t comprehend, Dylan begins to reevaluate his life—and what he holds most dear. But with danger not far behind, he might be too late.

Warning: Contains a nightclub where the staff is as hot as the food, a waiter with a smart mouth (in more ways than one), a nerdy college professor, Vegas “boylesque” shows, and lots of smexy times.

 

Book Review

“Money can buy a house, but not a home. It can buy a bed, but not sleep. It can buy a clock, but not time. It can buy a book, but not knowledge. It can buy blood, but not health, so you see; money is not everything in life.” ~ unknown

Dylan Price, of 'Secrets and Bow Ties' by Lou Harper, believes that if he can find a man to support him financially, then all his problems will be solved. There's nothing wrong with wanting security, but at what cost? When Simon Wainwright shows up for a birthday celebration at the restaurant where Dylan works, Dylan decides he will give Simon a special treat. It doesn’t end up the way he intended. Even though Simon is not a rich old man, they enjoy being together. It's a relief just being able to be himself. Dylan's one-night stand becomes a baffling preoccupation.

Dylan had a miserable childhood. After his father abandoned them, his mom went from man to man, heartbroken each time one of them left her. Dylan decided there was no such thing as love and that  he would never be put in the position of being hurt the way his mom was. Dylan decided that his relationships would be based upon how old the man was and what was in his bank account. Dylan's friends try to tell him he will never be happy, but for Dylan, money equals security and that's what he's looking for rather than love. After enjoying being with Simon during their one night together, he really wants to see Simon again, but stays away. He can't afford to be distracted from his goal of snagging a rich old man, by a poor young college professor. Dylan soon finds a man who fits his gold digger bill, but this man is involved in a number of illegal ventures and by association with him, Dylan inadvertently places himself in a very dangerous, potentially deadly situation. The first person Dylan runs to is Simon. Dylan's reception at Simon's place is anything but welcoming, but Dylan convinces Simon to let him stay for a while.

In the most endearing way possible, Simon is a nerd. He's a college professor, socially awkward, and definitely in need of a fashion makeover. When his friends take him out for his birthday, they want to be sure he has a good time. Dylan is their waiter and he's asked to flirt with Simon, and promised a big tip. Even though Simon suspects they have put Dylan up to it, he enjoys the attention. He and Dylan leave the restaurant at the same time; strike up a conversation, and Dylan ends up going home with him. What ensues is the almost perfect night of enjoyment and sex either of them have ever had. They exchange numbers, but Dylan never calls. Disappointed and humiliated, Simon assumes the feelings he had that night were one-sided and tries to forget him. When Simon shows up at his doorstep, he's not at all happy to see him, yet, because he's such a nice guy, can't turn him away. Since it is summer, Simon is off from teaching. Dylan convinces him to take a vacation in Las Vegas. Simon forgives Dylan and things heat up between them. When Dylan finally tells him what’s happened, Simon severely chastises Dylan for his irresponsible actions and for not trusting him enough to tell the truth. Simon is also upset that Dylan's behavior has dragged him into danger and now, like it or not, Simon has to help Dylan find a way to keep them safe.

This is a complex story, well-written with lovable characters, especially Simon. Dylan had to do a lot of character growth before he endeared himself to me, but when he did, I wanted him and Simon to be together and not in danger. As serious as the story becomes, Lou is still able to blend in some funny, quirky situations, which she does so very well. There are a lot of loose ends in this tale, but Lou manages to get them all in order and tied up with a bow tie. Although part of a series, this story can be read as a stand-alone as well. If you like sexy, offbeat characters, lots of suspense, intrigue, angst, repentance, love, and a happy ending, then you may enjoy 'Secrets and Bow Ties.” Thanks, Lou, for the great read.  

 

 

 

 

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 and print
Length	Novel, 135 pages/50440 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	19-May-2015
Price	$4.50 ebook, $14.00 paperpack
Buy Link	https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5435/secrets-and-bow-ties