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With or Without Him
Previously published
The most dangerous refuge could be his lover’s arms.
Everyone has at least one deep-seated fear. For Tyler, it’s being in debt. He’s so desperate to get out and stay out of it, he’ll do almost anything—including selling his body at Saturday night sex parties. But he refuses to open his mind to anyone, especially the men paying to use him. The only time he’s truly happy is during the week at college, when he can escape into his music.
The moment Haris sees Tyler playing piano at a concert, he falls hard, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make the guy his. Even if it means—for the first time in his life—opening his wallet as wide and desperate as his heart.
£20,000 to live with a good-looking guy for four months? How can Tyler resist the chance to ditch the sex party scene for good? But neither man realizes how much they’re risking. And when outside forces close in, ready to destroy them, the trickiest part about the next four months could be just surviving.
Warning: Contains a “for hire” bad boy with a filthy mouth, an awkward guy with a penchant for BDSM, a hypochondriac butler who won’t shut up, a dog called Alcide, and a lot of hot and dirty M/M sex.
The most dangerous refuge could be his lover’s arms.
Everyone has at least one deep-seated fear. For Tyler, it’s being in debt. He’s so desperate to get out and stay out of it, he’ll do almost anything—including selling his body at Saturday night sex parties. But he refuses to open his mind to anyone, especially the men paying to use him. The only time he’s truly happy is during the week at college, when he can escape into his music.
The moment Haris sees Tyler playing piano at a concert, he falls hard, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make the guy his. Even if it means—for the first time in his life—opening his wallet as wide and desperate as his heart.
£20,000 to live with a good-looking guy for four months? How can Tyler resist the chance to ditch the sex party scene for good? But neither man realizes how much they’re risking. And when outside forces close in, ready to destroy them, the trickiest part about the next four months could be just surviving.
Warning: Contains a “for hire” bad boy with a filthy mouth, an awkward guy with a penchant for BDSM, a hypochondriac butler who won’t shut up, a dog called Alcide, and a lot of hot and dirty M/M sex.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2013
105 people are currently reading
1982 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Elsborg
99 books1,671 followersBarbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the south of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Volcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 422 reviews
August 15, 2017
★★★★ 1/2! With Or Without Him (stand-alone). Fascinating music student Tyler accepts a 4 month sexual contract with businessman leading to mind-blowing sex, mystery, suspense, danger, personal growth and the possibility of more!
“Tyler’s lips curved in a smile and Haris understood he couldn’t keep a guy like him. Tyler was wild and beautiful, and he’d get bored and want to leave, unless Haris made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.”
My sincerest thanks to Alex, Mo and Mirjana for our buddy-read! [hugs]
With Or Without Him (stand-alone) opens up to a sex party where music student Tyler Bellamy has been hired to serve and fulfill the sexual desires and fantasies of the (mostly) men crowd attending. We learn that he is weighed down by student loans. Though he is highly sexual and enjoying some of it, he feels guilt and shame to have resorted to this to pay down his debt. Tyler’s reasons along with his traumatic and horrific past will unfold with story.
“When no one was watching, he allowed himself a moment of self-pity. Maybe this was all he deserved, to be used and discarded like the piece of trash he was. He’d never be loved. He didn’t deserve that either.”
Haris Evans is also a man with many secrets and a painful past. As a Venture Capitalist he has amassed a fortune, but he lives a life of solitude. One night when attending a charity music concert at the local University he encounters Tyler and is mesmerized. When he sees and hears Tyler perform he is blown away and decides he has to have him.
Haris follows Tyler as he hurriedly departs the concert and they end up at another sex party. But this one goes horribly wrong and Haris ends up rescuing Tyler. Haris pursues Tyler and offers him a four month exclusivity contract; live with him, have sex and go their separate ways.
Needless to say their sex is off-the-charts and both quickly feel a stronger connection. However their pasts, insecurities and circumstances makes them both hesitant of confide in each other. Add to that jealous and possessive ex-lovers who stir up.
Soon they have an even bigger problem on their hands when it becomes clear that someone or something wants them hurt, maybe dead. But who and why? A suspenseful and very dangerous time ensues as Haris and Tyler try tackle and decipher the threats while getting to know each other in and out of the bedroom.
Ultimately this is Tyler and Haris’ journey of dealing and coming to terms with one’s past, face fears and leaning to open one’s heart. It’s not an easy road and story kept me at the edge of my seat all the way to the end…
TYLER BELLAMY:
21 years/British/University music student/sex performer/black hair/black eyes/orphan/tattoo.
Tyler Bellamy is an unforgettable hero. He weaved his way into my heart from page one. Despite everything that has happened to him he finds the good in people and has an amazing sense of humor. With his charisma and uncanny beauty people are drawn to him like moths to a flame, myself included.
Eight words to describe Tyler: Captivating, resilient, smart, charismatic, sarcastic, noble, sweet, funny and vulnerable.
“But no one gets access to the parts of me I keep private. So don’t think you’re going to know me, to understand me. It won’t happen. You’re buying my body not my life.”
HARIS EVANS:
30 years/Saudi-British/venture capitalist/$$$$/black hair/green eyes/scars.
Haris Evans was also a handsome man, very exotic. He is perfect for Tyler, but I feel he was making mistakes a little too long into story….
Seven words to describe Haris: Intelligent, successful, caring, oblivious, thoughtless, impulsive and commanding.
“He knew what he wanted and he usually took it. He was as alpha male as they come. He worked in a profession that required him to be quick thinking and authoritative.”
With Or Without Him is truly a roller-coaster ride all the way to the perfect end. Though most of story transpired over the period of a few weeks, towards end I would have liked for the lines communication to have opened up more. I felt there was no need for as many misunderstandings.
Captivating, fast paced plot! Excellent story-telling! Mind-blowing sex scenes! Nail-biting suspense! Delightful side character, Wilson! Unforgettable Tyler Bellamy!
“While you let those scars affect what you do, you’re allowing your punishment to continue. It’s done. You need to move on. Shit, that was brilliant advice. I just wish I could follow it myself.”
***
Tyler’s rating: 5+ stars
Haris’ rating: 4 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5+ stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4.5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 4.5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: 4.5 stars
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
August 5, 2016
4.5 Sweet baby jebus that was HAWT stars
I'm paying for your time, your exclusivity, your undivided attention. I'm a busy guy. I know what I want and I want you.
So what can I tell you after finishing this book?
Is in my pants. Sweet mother of cock but this book was hot. Tyler, Haris, Tyler and Haris
Books like this sometimes make me wish I was a gay man. What? Too much?
But I digress...
Tyler is in debt and is desperate enough to do some extreme things to get out of them. So what if he sells his body to whoever pays to attend the very exclusive Saturday night sex parties if they will help him pay off his school loans? Everyone has a price. But his deep-rooted fear of being in debt dates back to one of his darkest childhood memories, and it keeps him going.
Tyler doesn't let anyone get close. They may get his body for the night, but never anything else. His focus, emotion, and passion all go towards his one and only love, his music.
When Haris first spots Tyler playing the piano at a concert, he knows he has to have him. So when he follows him after the event and rescues him from a BDSM scene gone bad at one of the parties Tyler attend, he knows just how to hook him. 20,000 plus 10,000 for clothes for his time, his body, and his exclusivity.
Tyler sees a way to get out of his debt and to slake his lust for the gorgeous Haris, so he agrees and then it's a whole lot of
I love Barbara Elsborg's writing. I've been a fan since my first book by her An Ordinary Girl. Her books are always the perfect mix of suspense, mystery, quirky humor, broken yet endearing characters and lots and lots of super HOT SEX.
And this book was certainly no exception. Just add in a sarcastic and hilarious butler, and it was perfect. I was riveted from the very first chapter. The mystery and suspense sucked me in, and the connection and sexual chemistry between Tyler and Haris just sealed the deal. I didn't want this book to end.
Of course what's a Barbara Elsborg book without a little...or a lot of angst and drama. And this book really delivered on that end. I loved the angst for the majority of the book. It's no secret that I have a soft spot for the assholes, and Haris had his moments. Truthfully, there were times where he would do something that left me feeling a little
You know what they say about assumptions right, Haris? Maybe you should take note. Then you wouldn't continue doing it again, and again, and again, and AGAIN!
Then there was the last 10% of the book. Holy drama overload, batman. I think I may have reached my quota for drama tolerance at 85%. We had a man out for revenge, someone threatening Tyler's life, someone coming after Haris, some drama between Haris and Tyler. I think I was at my limit when I hit the last few chapters.
And then Haris just goes and does something and I was PISSED. I mean really pissed. I'm talking
PISSED
But then alls well that ends well. He did make up for it in the end, and I was really satisfied with the way he did it. So if you're a fan of super steamy, well written MM romance filled with action, mystery and suspense, I highly recommend this book.
For more reviews visit
I'm paying for your time, your exclusivity, your undivided attention. I'm a busy guy. I know what I want and I want you.
So what can I tell you after finishing this book?
Is in my pants. Sweet mother of cock but this book was hot. Tyler, Haris, Tyler and Haris
Books like this sometimes make me wish I was a gay man. What? Too much?
But I digress...
Tyler is in debt and is desperate enough to do some extreme things to get out of them. So what if he sells his body to whoever pays to attend the very exclusive Saturday night sex parties if they will help him pay off his school loans? Everyone has a price. But his deep-rooted fear of being in debt dates back to one of his darkest childhood memories, and it keeps him going.
Tyler doesn't let anyone get close. They may get his body for the night, but never anything else. His focus, emotion, and passion all go towards his one and only love, his music.
When Haris first spots Tyler playing the piano at a concert, he knows he has to have him. So when he follows him after the event and rescues him from a BDSM scene gone bad at one of the parties Tyler attend, he knows just how to hook him. 20,000 plus 10,000 for clothes for his time, his body, and his exclusivity.
Tyler sees a way to get out of his debt and to slake his lust for the gorgeous Haris, so he agrees and then it's a whole lot of
I love Barbara Elsborg's writing. I've been a fan since my first book by her An Ordinary Girl. Her books are always the perfect mix of suspense, mystery, quirky humor, broken yet endearing characters and lots and lots of super HOT SEX.
And this book was certainly no exception. Just add in a sarcastic and hilarious butler, and it was perfect. I was riveted from the very first chapter. The mystery and suspense sucked me in, and the connection and sexual chemistry between Tyler and Haris just sealed the deal. I didn't want this book to end.
Of course what's a Barbara Elsborg book without a little...or a lot of angst and drama. And this book really delivered on that end. I loved the angst for the majority of the book. It's no secret that I have a soft spot for the assholes, and Haris had his moments. Truthfully, there were times where he would do something that left me feeling a little
You know what they say about assumptions right, Haris? Maybe you should take note. Then you wouldn't continue doing it again, and again, and again, and AGAIN!
Then there was the last 10% of the book. Holy drama overload, batman. I think I may have reached my quota for drama tolerance at 85%. We had a man out for revenge, someone threatening Tyler's life, someone coming after Haris, some drama between Haris and Tyler. I think I was at my limit when I hit the last few chapters.
And then Haris just goes and does something and I was PISSED. I mean really pissed. I'm talking
PISSED
But then alls well that ends well. He did make up for it in the end, and I was really satisfied with the way he did it. So if you're a fan of super steamy, well written MM romance filled with action, mystery and suspense, I highly recommend this book.
For more reviews visit
September 4, 2015
...written on December 6th, 2013
4 1/2 Stars - thrilling, action-packed and steaming hot..
Whew!! I enjoyed it so much but I'm completely exhausted. It's all nervousness (mine), angst and a lots of back and forth (in the story). What a journey to be on. So very entertaining with surprises and so much clutter and hassles. ...and the guys Tyler and Haris, wow, loved them... I'm quite dull and I'm trembling.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
With Or Without Him is perhaps not the world's best new innovative kind of literature but I was both very entertained and involved in the story. So very tantalizing and really anxiety-ridden and it was exciting to read every page. Not one single boring minute.
I will not reveal much about the plot, but just short; Winter in London and two guys who loves guys. ~ Well maybe a few more sentences...
Twenty-two-year-old music student Tyler is on Saturday nights what we call a rent-boy on special sex-parties. With a pretty horrible upbringing and a need to be independent is Tyler pretty thick-skinned (outwardly anyway...) and he do this in order to finance his studies with the hope of becoming an established musician. It is tough and sometimes raw but luckily everything changed soon. *)
Haris, a wealthy businessman, is invited to a classical concert and hear and see (at the piano) an amazing young man who captivates him. Haris will later that evening, secretly, follow after Tyler and the evening ends with Haris become a true hero and frees Tyler from an very unpleasant situation. Then the game begins...
Haris wants Tyler for more than one night and offers £20,000 (or 30') for four months as his companion and lover in his big fancy city-house in Holland Park in London. There are also, my favorite, the amazing and verbose butler Wilson. He was one of this book's highlights. Hugs to Dear Wilson!
For me was this novel much, much more than a ordinary M/M romance. This story isn't just an sweet and lovely romance. It is amazingly exciting with enemies, a lot of misunderstanding and occasionally I gasped for air as thrilling was it. I don't think I read a book with so many twists and turns in a very long time. It was impossible to relax. All the time there was something creeping tricky behind the corner. But oh what fun it was!
Sometimes I was so angry and frustrated. Tyler does a lot of dumb and stupid stuff, he often takes the wrong decision and he is too trusting, even though he also is so cynical sometimes. Though, what a guy so lovable and sweet usually and I just wanted to hug him and give him everything beautiful on earth.
And our dear hero Haris; he has far too easy to draw the wrong conclusions and need to work on qualities such as trust, openness, communication and to forgive. ...and dare to love and tell it to those he loves. Money and things are not everything. Though, it was easy to forgive this man because he had every reason to fear both tenderness and love. Hot and tempting as a delicious hot cup of chocolate was he anyway.
~ Two wonderful, gorgeous men - their romantic tale was both painful, heartbreaking, grand and so beautiful in the end. ~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I don't usually post pics of the characters, but I can not resist this time (... and I know that my friend Bev had thoughts on how the men looked - her pics are amazing.)
My Tyler: and my Haris:
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
And a naugthy girl maybe wonder; what about the steam? 'Oh dear, here we were treated very well and it was really delicious and yummy. There's nothing to complain about in that part.
With Or Without Him is maybe kind of similar in style and shape to a lot of the nowadays so popular hetero contemporary romances many, many girls are reading. It is a bit sparkly with a rich alpha male, a young pretty poor guy, a four-month contract (move into the rich man's house..), wicked enemies etc. I would not be surprised if many m/f readers also really enjoy this book. (I hope some of them will read it.)
Barbara Elsborg really shows that she can write fantastic, engaging and really good romance with a little sting. This is well written and so cleverly done. Not much going to guess and predict, I was atleast amazed and stunned several times. Moreover, it is never sweet and sleazy. Thanks for that BE!
Overall, exciting, fast-paced and emotional. Really sexy and steaming hot but also, in my opinion, a different kind and modern genre of M/M romance. I enjoyed and loved... so worth many stars. Dare to try!
I LIKE - Oh yes, a lot!
********
*) I know many (including me) feel that a rent-boy topic can be uncomfortable. Therefore about the rent-boy thing:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buddy read with my friends, the wonderful ladies Bev, Andrea and Telma. Our chat: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
4 1/2 Stars - thrilling, action-packed and steaming hot..
Whew!! I enjoyed it so much but I'm completely exhausted. It's all nervousness (mine), angst and a lots of back and forth (in the story). What a journey to be on. So very entertaining with surprises and so much clutter and hassles. ...and the guys Tyler and Haris, wow, loved them... I'm quite dull and I'm trembling.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
With Or Without Him is perhaps not the world's best new innovative kind of literature but I was both very entertained and involved in the story. So very tantalizing and really anxiety-ridden and it was exciting to read every page. Not one single boring minute.
I will not reveal much about the plot, but just short; Winter in London and two guys who loves guys. ~ Well maybe a few more sentences...
Twenty-two-year-old music student Tyler is on Saturday nights what we call a rent-boy on special sex-parties. With a pretty horrible upbringing and a need to be independent is Tyler pretty thick-skinned (outwardly anyway...) and he do this in order to finance his studies with the hope of becoming an established musician. It is tough and sometimes raw but luckily everything changed soon. *)
‘He looked like a vampire prince out of a Manga magazine with his angular pale face, dark stubble, untidy black hair, bruised eyes and black clothes. Haris tought he'd never seen anyone so beautiful in his life.’
Haris, a wealthy businessman, is invited to a classical concert and hear and see (at the piano) an amazing young man who captivates him. Haris will later that evening, secretly, follow after Tyler and the evening ends with Haris become a true hero and frees Tyler from an very unpleasant situation. Then the game begins...
‘I want to hear you play.” I want to f~ck you.
“I want to see you play.” I want my c~ck in your mouth. “I want to get to know you.” I want to suck your c~ck.’
~ ...Haris words and thoughts when he for the second time meets Tyler ..next to a grand piano. ~
Haris wants Tyler for more than one night and offers £20,000 (or 30') for four months as his companion and lover in his big fancy city-house in Holland Park in London. There are also, my favorite, the amazing and verbose butler Wilson. He was one of this book's highlights. Hugs to Dear Wilson!
“Could we fit a grand piano in the library?" he asked.
Wilson showed no suprise at the sudden question. “Yes, if I could find a home for everything else you have in there. But if I might be so bold as to suggest you start with something little smaller. Perhaps the triangle.”
For me was this novel much, much more than a ordinary M/M romance. This story isn't just an sweet and lovely romance. It is amazingly exciting with enemies, a lot of misunderstanding and occasionally I gasped for air as thrilling was it. I don't think I read a book with so many twists and turns in a very long time. It was impossible to relax. All the time there was something creeping tricky behind the corner. But oh what fun it was!
Sometimes I was so angry and frustrated. Tyler does a lot of dumb and stupid stuff, he often takes the wrong decision and he is too trusting, even though he also is so cynical sometimes. Though, what a guy so lovable and sweet usually and I just wanted to hug him and give him everything beautiful on earth.
And our dear hero Haris; he has far too easy to draw the wrong conclusions and need to work on qualities such as trust, openness, communication and to forgive. ...and dare to love and tell it to those he loves. Money and things are not everything. Though, it was easy to forgive this man because he had every reason to fear both tenderness and love. Hot and tempting as a delicious hot cup of chocolate was he anyway.
~ Two wonderful, gorgeous men - their romantic tale was both painful, heartbreaking, grand and so beautiful in the end. ~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I don't usually post pics of the characters, but I can not resist this time (... and I know that my friend Bev had thoughts on how the men looked - her pics are amazing.)
My Tyler: and my Haris:
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
And a naugthy girl maybe wonder; what about the steam? 'Oh dear, here we were treated very well and it was really delicious and yummy. There's nothing to complain about in that part.
‘Tyler trembled as Haris kissed down his spine. “I like you just as you are.”
He writhed on the bed. Oh that feels good. “Smooth, spunky and smart?”
“One 's' will do. Sexy.”
With Or Without Him is maybe kind of similar in style and shape to a lot of the nowadays so popular hetero contemporary romances many, many girls are reading. It is a bit sparkly with a rich alpha male, a young pretty poor guy, a four-month contract (move into the rich man's house..), wicked enemies etc. I would not be surprised if many m/f readers also really enjoy this book. (I hope some of them will read it.)
Barbara Elsborg really shows that she can write fantastic, engaging and really good romance with a little sting. This is well written and so cleverly done. Not much going to guess and predict, I was atleast amazed and stunned several times. Moreover, it is never sweet and sleazy. Thanks for that BE!
‘... No place I'd rather be, you feel like home to me.’
Overall, exciting, fast-paced and emotional. Really sexy and steaming hot but also, in my opinion, a different kind and modern genre of M/M romance. I enjoyed and loved... so worth many stars. Dare to try!
I LIKE - Oh yes, a lot!
********
*) I know many (including me) feel that a rent-boy topic can be uncomfortable. Therefore about the rent-boy thing:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buddy read with my friends, the wonderful ladies Bev, Andrea and Telma. Our chat: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
November 19, 2013
Ooh it’s like the M/M version of Pretty Woman… kind of. Barbara Elsborg lifts the rating to XXX and explores the dark drama of high class prostitution in London whilst gingerly flirting with the edges of BDSM and dub-con. The styling of this (much darker) pretty woman trope was really cool, I liked it.
Tyler (who sells himself on a Saturday night to escape debt) made me laugh and made me ache for him. He is so damn beautiful (like a vampire) and vulnerable. The poor guy wars with his morals, his reason, his shame and his wild libido when donning the wings of an angel and crawls on his knees for cash. God! I could kill for him! I was instantly possessive and defensive of Tyler so seeing him at his lowest, being handled by cruel greedy hands was not easy, I could have cried …
But he has hope – a hero! A white knight that charges in to the rescue! YAY! I LOVED this part so much I almost started clapping. Haris is beautifully exotic, damaged, and very wealthy and he wants Tyler …badly. Enough to make him an offer he can’t refuse. It’s totally a Pretty Woman moment and I was grinning like, well … Julia Roberts!
One of the best things about Haris is that he has Wilson – the BEST man servant in the history of man-servant people. The old guy is just hilarious, bemoaning the state of his arthritic body while fancying himself a secret weapon in a Bond movie. He is just pure class.
Ha! I loved him. He was the perfect tool to lighten the tension.
I thought Tyler’s insight into high class prostitution and the unscrupulous people who run it was chilling and probably spot on. Haris is of Middle Eastern origin and his past exposes the barbaric attitude of his culture toward homosexuals. I know about this but … yeah, it’s pretty damn appalling what’s happening over there. But that’s a bitter discussion for another day. Let’s move on shall we …
This story reads like a movie; fast paced, incorporating multiple sub plots which you could label Suspense /Thriller, Rom-Com (depending on your PC level) or (and I blame Haris) a Drama but the main subject (for me) is the Romance …with XXX rating :)
This relationship is the kind where the chemistry dominates and the confessions of love are hard won. The MC’s suffer the consequences of mis: miscommunication, mistakes, misjudgements, and mistrust (I blame Haris) and communicate through sex – lots of it, probably too much, and if I’m being really honest …I’ll say there was WAY too much sex. These guys are insatiable and Elsborg writes really great erotica – like REALLY great – but eventually these guys just wore me out!
Excessive sex is one of my criticisms. Haris’ petulant temper tantrums are another, a couple of inconsistencies chafed and one or two doubtful scenarios lessens the rating. But Tyler alone has the power to make me look past it. I REALLY love Tyler! I’ve claimed him for my harem of book boyfriends.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and once you get past the darker stuff it gets fun – in a Hollywood action rom-com way. I read it way into the night and was excited when I got to pick it up again. It’s a real hold-on-tight book, a loooong book, a sigh-worthy book, a laugh-out-loud book, an eeeek-OMG-I can’t-look book and most positively an EROTIC book.
I’m recommending it.
So have fun, it’s a great ride.
Oh, and one last thing: the blurb is misleading in that neither MC has a penchant for BDSM, well …not anymore. This is NOT a BDSM book.
Tyler (who sells himself on a Saturday night to escape debt) made me laugh and made me ache for him. He is so damn beautiful (like a vampire) and vulnerable. The poor guy wars with his morals, his reason, his shame and his wild libido when donning the wings of an angel and crawls on his knees for cash. God! I could kill for him! I was instantly possessive and defensive of Tyler so seeing him at his lowest, being handled by cruel greedy hands was not easy, I could have cried …
But he has hope – a hero! A white knight that charges in to the rescue! YAY! I LOVED this part so much I almost started clapping. Haris is beautifully exotic, damaged, and very wealthy and he wants Tyler …badly. Enough to make him an offer he can’t refuse. It’s totally a Pretty Woman moment and I was grinning like, well … Julia Roberts!
One of the best things about Haris is that he has Wilson – the BEST man servant in the history of man-servant people. The old guy is just hilarious, bemoaning the state of his arthritic body while fancying himself a secret weapon in a Bond movie. He is just pure class.
“I was looking forward to demonstrating my considerable prowess with the fire extinguisher I keep in the glove box should my arthritic knees impair my jujitsu skills.”
Ha! I loved him. He was the perfect tool to lighten the tension.
I thought Tyler’s insight into high class prostitution and the unscrupulous people who run it was chilling and probably spot on. Haris is of Middle Eastern origin and his past exposes the barbaric attitude of his culture toward homosexuals. I know about this but … yeah, it’s pretty damn appalling what’s happening over there. But that’s a bitter discussion for another day. Let’s move on shall we …
This story reads like a movie; fast paced, incorporating multiple sub plots which you could label Suspense /Thriller, Rom-Com (depending on your PC level) or (and I blame Haris) a Drama but the main subject (for me) is the Romance …with XXX rating :)
This relationship is the kind where the chemistry dominates and the confessions of love are hard won. The MC’s suffer the consequences of mis: miscommunication, mistakes, misjudgements, and mistrust (I blame Haris) and communicate through sex – lots of it, probably too much, and if I’m being really honest …I’ll say there was WAY too much sex. These guys are insatiable and Elsborg writes really great erotica – like REALLY great – but eventually these guys just wore me out!
Excessive sex is one of my criticisms. Haris’ petulant temper tantrums are another, a couple of inconsistencies chafed and one or two doubtful scenarios lessens the rating. But Tyler alone has the power to make me look past it. I REALLY love Tyler! I’ve claimed him for my harem of book boyfriends.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and once you get past the darker stuff it gets fun – in a Hollywood action rom-com way. I read it way into the night and was excited when I got to pick it up again. It’s a real hold-on-tight book, a loooong book, a sigh-worthy book, a laugh-out-loud book, an eeeek-OMG-I can’t-look book and most positively an EROTIC book.
I’m recommending it.
So have fun, it’s a great ride.
Oh, and one last thing: the blurb is misleading in that neither MC has a penchant for BDSM, well …not anymore. This is NOT a BDSM book.
November 19, 2013
A solid 4 Star read… totally LOVED it!!!
I loved this book and it totally pulled me in and had me engrossed right from the very first page where we meet Tyler on his way to his regular Saturday night sex party, where the only thing on the menu are the rent boys. It’s quite different to anything I have read recently, there is a mixture of delicious darkness with a raw edginess to it, yet at the same time it’s mainstream with a thriller/mystery aspect running through and a sprinkling of humour, which comes in the guise of Wilson the Butler, who quite frankly deserves a book of his own, the man and his hypochondria had my in hysterics.
Tyler and Haris are very complex characters with damaged souls, both vulnerable, detached from life and lonely… and Barbara Elsborg did an excellent job of endearing me these men, allowing me to see into their minds, to find out what makes them tick, and she definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. There is an ominous feeling throughout, where the dark and depraved needs of wealthy men leave Tyler’s safety at constant risk and Haris’ past, full of intrigue is catching up with him. The information is drip fed, with both men’s secrets and lies intertwine, leaving you constantly questioning their actions and reasoning, it is not volunteered easily, to us as readers but also to each other, their pasts haunt them both and sharing their secrets is something neither of them finds easy… but when their pasts threaten their lives, hopes and desires, they need to learn to trust, which is something both men fear.
I loved this book and it totally pulled me in and had me engrossed right from the very first page where we meet Tyler on his way to his regular Saturday night sex party, where the only thing on the menu are the rent boys. It’s quite different to anything I have read recently, there is a mixture of delicious darkness with a raw edginess to it, yet at the same time it’s mainstream with a thriller/mystery aspect running through and a sprinkling of humour, which comes in the guise of Wilson the Butler, who quite frankly deserves a book of his own, the man and his hypochondria had my in hysterics.
Tyler and Haris are very complex characters with damaged souls, both vulnerable, detached from life and lonely… and Barbara Elsborg did an excellent job of endearing me these men, allowing me to see into their minds, to find out what makes them tick, and she definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. There is an ominous feeling throughout, where the dark and depraved needs of wealthy men leave Tyler’s safety at constant risk and Haris’ past, full of intrigue is catching up with him. The information is drip fed, with both men’s secrets and lies intertwine, leaving you constantly questioning their actions and reasoning, it is not volunteered easily, to us as readers but also to each other, their pasts haunt them both and sharing their secrets is something neither of them finds easy… but when their pasts threaten their lives, hopes and desires, they need to learn to trust, which is something both men fear.
Tyler’s past is one of nightmares and initially he comes across as a disillusioned and desolate young man, angry at the world, cynical, with no feelings of self worth, desperately trying to keep himself out of the spiralling debt of education by selling his body, resigned to the fact he is just a hole, to be used and abused, and at the end of it he goes home, making no apologies that a small part of him loves it… but the disgust and shame he feels for himself outweighs the pleasure.
We should never underestimate the power of music, and it is with his music that we get to see the real Tyler… because that is his lifeline, the only thing that has kept him sane when all else has failed, he loses himself to it and he and the music become one. Music had saved him and he cherishes it for the gift that it is.
Haris is a very rich, self made millionaire, but at the expense of a social life, and his achievements seem hollow and empty without the recognition he craves from his father, and no one, save Wilson to share it with. His social skills in business are superlative, yet with dating his experiences have left him feeling insecure with trust being a major issue. So when he see’s what he wants… that being Tyler, who just about stole his breath away, can’t say I blame him because the man is gorgeous, his way of tempting Tyler into his life is by offering him money to live with him for four months. Now, because we can see into their heads, we know that he really didn’t have to do this because the attraction between them was sizzling from the off, with both men lusting after each other wanting more than just a quick fuck. But Haris is a very complicated man, and paying Tyler both alleviated his fears… rejection, the money would ensure his compliance and also Tyler’s safety after having saved him from a situation that could have been life threatening. And… the money inspired his hope… wanting more than just lust between them, and to help Tyler make a better life for himself, whilst also giving him hope for his own future, and an escape from the apathy of his life when not consumed by work… this is of course all in his mind! …he’s not good at sharing that information! The fact that he finds it hard to communicate plus the fact that Tyler is keeping secrets leads to all kinds of misunderstandings, throwing Haris into dark moods where he crawls inside himself, brought on by a jealous rage he can barely keep the lid on… thankfully they don’t last long and usually disappear when Tyler makes his cock realise there is something far more interesting than wallowing in self pity and doubt… sex seems to dissipate most of these misconceptions.
There is so much I loved about this book, because there is a lot of substance to it, with a great plot and compelling characters that you can’t help but fall for. One of the things I enjoyed the most was the transformation of Tyler, how giving and open he became after initially being so desolate and the fact that he at last had a sense of belonging, Haris, Wilson and Alcide (the dog) became so much more to him, and knowing his history, my heart was full, and the Christmas morning scene… well, that just brought the tissue’s out.
I did think this was going to be a BDSM read but it’s not, there are some elements in here but nothing on the lifestyle. Tyler finds himself in a BDSM situation but it’s not something he wants or needs and Haris has a past with the BDSM lifestyle… We eventually find out why it is no longer part of his life but not really elaborated on enough for me to feel satisfied, I would have liked a little more on that, I was waiting for the whammy on that one but it never came, so don’t let the BDSM tag mislead you with regard to content. There are some dark elements in here, nothing that I found squishy or too disturbing but just impacted more on the storyline creating the desired tension… I of course love dark reads, but I know it’s not for everyone.
These men are insatiable, as in they just cannot keep their hands of each other and believe me when I tell you it is HOT!!! Lot’s of panty melting goodness in this book and very well written by Ms. Elsborg, I totally believed the passion between them which was so much more than just the sex… and the love they had for each other was quite profound and heart-breaking to watch because they had such issues with communication! I probably could have done with a sex scene or two less… I know, another shock, horror from me, however it didn’t overwhelm the plot or diminish what was really happening between them. The other thing that didn’t feel quite right were their major issues, Haris’ trust and Tyler, his fear of debt… knowing how our student loan system works here in the UK… and without going into detail, so as not to spoil the plot, but neither reason seemed totally plausible… however this is fiction and it all added to the tension so it was a niggle rather than an issue.
January 28, 2014
4.5--Hotter Than HOT--Stars!!
LOVED this one. It was classic Barbara Elsborg....full of steam, humor and lots of angst, especially towards the end.
99.9% of the book...I was
WoWH was a dash of Pretty Woman and Fifty Shades of Grey--gay style.
Tyler--a college student aspiring to be a musician who was willing to do anything to stay out of debt. He was was trade, a rent boy, a whore, a guy who had sex for money.
Working for a sleaze ball named Prescott, Tyler participates in sex parties every Saturday night. Used, abused and f*cked in every way imaginable....until it goes too far.
Tyler's story...OMG. What he went through with his family was tragic.
Haris--a wealthy businessman who has his own share of tragedy in his past. Meets Tyler at a music concert and is instantly attracted. He follows Tyler after the concert and ends up saving his life.
Haris offers Tyler a deal. He wants him in his bed. He wants to get to know him. He offers Tyler four months and 20k pounds to be his, exclusively. Tyler quits the sex parties and feels relief for the first time in his life.
Tyler and Haris get to know each other--in and out of the bedroom. Haris has some major trust issues. Both Tyler and Haris are hesitant to open up about their pasts.
Throughout the book there is this underlying suspense/mystery/intrigue. Someone has been following Haris...but who? And why? And is Tyler being followed too? Does it have something to do with Tyler or Haris?
The last 40-50% of the book was high
And required a lot of this
This is pretty par for the course with Barbara Elsborg. Just when you think you've made it through one bout of drama, you're thrown some more. I flew through the last half of the book just waiting and hoping and wanting Tyler and Haris to get their HEA.
After everything Tyler and Haris went through together they grew closer and closer. For the first time ever, they both had someone to care for them and about them. Tyler was in love with Haris. Haris was in love with Tyler. But neither one would admit their feelings out loud.
I HATE drama caused by miscommunication. Haris, Haris, Haris...what in the actual fuck were you thinking???
Aagh....I wanted to hate you. Several times, Haris's trust issues got the better of him.
Barbara Elsborg kept me on my toes all the way to the very very end of the book.
Overall, I devoured this one. Yes, it's A LOT of sex...but there was actual story too.
I can't forget Wilson, the butler....who was
Sarcastic and funny! I just wanted to wrap him up and take him home with me.
LOVED this one. It was classic Barbara Elsborg....full of steam, humor and lots of angst, especially towards the end.
99.9% of the book...I was
WoWH was a dash of Pretty Woman and Fifty Shades of Grey--gay style.
Tyler--a college student aspiring to be a musician who was willing to do anything to stay out of debt. He was was trade, a rent boy, a whore, a guy who had sex for money.
Working for a sleaze ball named Prescott, Tyler participates in sex parties every Saturday night. Used, abused and f*cked in every way imaginable....until it goes too far.
Tyler's story...OMG. What he went through with his family was tragic.
Haris--a wealthy businessman who has his own share of tragedy in his past. Meets Tyler at a music concert and is instantly attracted. He follows Tyler after the concert and ends up saving his life.
Haris offers Tyler a deal. He wants him in his bed. He wants to get to know him. He offers Tyler four months and 20k pounds to be his, exclusively. Tyler quits the sex parties and feels relief for the first time in his life.
Tyler and Haris get to know each other--in and out of the bedroom. Haris has some major trust issues. Both Tyler and Haris are hesitant to open up about their pasts.
Throughout the book there is this underlying suspense/mystery/intrigue. Someone has been following Haris...but who? And why? And is Tyler being followed too? Does it have something to do with Tyler or Haris?
The last 40-50% of the book was high
And required a lot of this
This is pretty par for the course with Barbara Elsborg. Just when you think you've made it through one bout of drama, you're thrown some more. I flew through the last half of the book just waiting and hoping and wanting Tyler and Haris to get their HEA.
After everything Tyler and Haris went through together they grew closer and closer. For the first time ever, they both had someone to care for them and about them. Tyler was in love with Haris. Haris was in love with Tyler. But neither one would admit their feelings out loud.
I HATE drama caused by miscommunication. Haris, Haris, Haris...what in the actual fuck were you thinking???
Aagh....I wanted to hate you. Several times, Haris's trust issues got the better of him.
Barbara Elsborg kept me on my toes all the way to the very very end of the book.
Overall, I devoured this one. Yes, it's A LOT of sex...but there was actual story too.
I can't forget Wilson, the butler....who was
Sarcastic and funny! I just wanted to wrap him up and take him home with me.
November 23, 2013
This is one of those stories that I had to finish once I started, even as my brain was yelling at me to stop.
Tyler wow, what a backstory, sad, horrible and well yeah. He had a very traumatic childhood event and now he's a brilliant musician but worked in adult films and does these sex for pay parties with some baddies.
Yeah I know, with all that going on you say the other MC, the love interest will be more stable, less drama in his past. I thought so too, I was wrong. Harris is a multi millionaire, has an equally interesting and dramatic backstory. It seems everything that could happen does, has or will.
There is a lot going on, I mean jeeze, tons of different baddies with different agendas, all kinds of trauma, drama..and a butler with a cute dog. ( imagine me singing this to the theme of 12 days of Christmas).
Harris is infatuated with Tyler the second he sees him ( hearing a guy chuck up his dinner has never been so sexy), he follows him and saves him only to offer him ' the contract'. Yeah, he buys him for 4 months.
I had trouble with Harris, he's stupid, I didn't see this as 'Pretty Woman' ( man I loved that movie). For a business tycoon he is pretty stupid ( I keep coming back to that word), I mean seriously ask a f*ing question for once in your life instead of just assuming you know everything when it's proven over and over and over again that you get it wrong- a lot.
Tyler could have done better too, but hey he's 21 and didn't have a great start.
So I think of the bad guys had been restricted to one set and not two or three different ones with all kinds of agendas and some of the dramarama backgrounds and present day issues had been limited as well I would have enjoyed it more, although at least those things kept me busy and not constantly wanting to stab Harris with a butter knife.
There is a lot of sex in this book, but I guess, it's a story about a guy who has been hired for 4 months of sex..so um..yeah, there is a lot of sex, action, bad guys, abductions, attempted murder, revenge, bad decisions, stupid men( I'm looking at you Harris) and although it really was too much I couldn't put it down till I was done.
And I really, really really wanted Harris to grovel which he did, but seriously not enough for me, I am not sure he really gets what he did was wrong and why.
But despite all that and with all logic and random thoughts of disbelief I still enjoyed this book. It's a little like chips, you know you shouldn't eat them and should really stop after a few, they get your hands greasy, block arteries and are really fattening but you can't help but just grab another handful. That's how this was, I kept thinking, Mandy, seriously..stop, but then I'd say, just one more chapter and all of a sudden it's 2 am.
November 22, 2013
1,5 stars
I felt like I was dragged through this book by brewery horses, but at least the beasts were so nice to hop over the sex scenes - thank you.
How on earth is this relationship going to work?
Our guys aren`t capable of communicating with each other without jumping to wrong conclusions and making negative assumptions. Through the course of the story they repeatedly waltzed over each others feelings like this was some newly invented art form - awe-inspiring, really!*insert sarcasm*
What really put me off - the negativity.
Oh, the drama...
There wasn`t a single ray of light in sight. Totally overdone tragic pasts the poor guys had to deal with - apparently tragic pasts are needed to explain moronic TSTL behaviour, but that really is nothing new in m/m romance.
-An over-the-top villain that just made me roll my eyes.
-Paying student loans with prostitution of the worst kind.
-Offering the prostitute a large amount of money for four months of "company" but whining over unrequited feelings and expecting to be loved.
-Prostitute accepts the money but balks at buying expensive clothes (but can`t say no to an iPhone...) and constantly whines about not being worthy of love. Bla-bla-bla...
-Prostitute gets offered large amounts of money from the villain for quietly taking everything that gets dished out - prostitute gets severely abused - and goes back. For paying student loans? TSTL? That`s where MY brain balked!
-The dialogue was awful. Mostly two-three-four word telegram-style. Absolutely didn`t fit the educational level the MCs are supposed to have.
-Equaling rape with "learning a lesson the hard way"...oh, dear!!
Complaints aside the story severely lacks originality.
The same old drama tropes pulled out for the hundreth time.
Rentboy falls for client - client falls for rentboy - tragic pasts - miscommunication or total lack thereof - outward forces raping, torturing and killing - everlasting love.
Yep, once more I`m the party pooper here but for once I`m not sorry -
that wasn`t a m/m version of Pretty Woman - that was crap.
Nice cover though...
I felt like I was dragged through this book by brewery horses, but at least the beasts were so nice to hop over the sex scenes - thank you.
How on earth is this relationship going to work?
Our guys aren`t capable of communicating with each other without jumping to wrong conclusions and making negative assumptions. Through the course of the story they repeatedly waltzed over each others feelings like this was some newly invented art form - awe-inspiring, really!*insert sarcasm*
What really put me off - the negativity.
Oh, the drama...
There wasn`t a single ray of light in sight. Totally overdone tragic pasts the poor guys had to deal with - apparently tragic pasts are needed to explain moronic TSTL behaviour, but that really is nothing new in m/m romance.
-An over-the-top villain that just made me roll my eyes.
-Paying student loans with prostitution of the worst kind.
-Offering the prostitute a large amount of money for four months of "company" but whining over unrequited feelings and expecting to be loved.
-Prostitute accepts the money but balks at buying expensive clothes (but can`t say no to an iPhone...) and constantly whines about not being worthy of love. Bla-bla-bla...
-Prostitute gets offered large amounts of money from the villain for quietly taking everything that gets dished out - prostitute gets severely abused - and goes back. For paying student loans? TSTL? That`s where MY brain balked!
-The dialogue was awful. Mostly two-three-four word telegram-style. Absolutely didn`t fit the educational level the MCs are supposed to have.
-Equaling rape with "learning a lesson the hard way"...oh, dear!!
Complaints aside the story severely lacks originality.
The same old drama tropes pulled out for the hundreth time.
Rentboy falls for client - client falls for rentboy - tragic pasts - miscommunication or total lack thereof - outward forces raping, torturing and killing - everlasting love.
Yep, once more I`m the party pooper here but for once I`m not sorry -
that wasn`t a m/m version of Pretty Woman - that was crap.
Nice cover though...
August 5, 2017
*beware of spoilers, lovelies*
Wow..... Okay, I'm sold. I'm putting the author on my list of favourites, and all because of her witty characters!
I loved Tyler, I worshipped Wilson, I adored Alcide, and I guess I ended up liking Haris. This little family was just so cute, there are no words to describe the level of their cuteness.
But. Haris's ignorance of Tyler's generous and forgiving heart made my blood boil. He went on hurting Tyler, and Tyler kept on hoping and loving and putting a carefree mask on to hide his hurt. The absolute crap of a life that Tyler went through just broke my heart. But to see Haris not making any effort at all to understand and support Tyler when it mattered the most is why I have deducted one star. I wanted Tyler to just leave Haris and go on his own way so many times!!
The story from start to end was completely entertaining, with so many hooks sinking into you to keep you from going anywhere. The whole thing with Prescott made my skin crawl, and I finally got my lost breaths back when he got caught. And the fact that this part of the plot lasted for so long is the reason why I didn't DNF the book. If this situation had been resolved earlier, then Haris's trust issues would have trashed all the good interest the story had worked hard on garnering and holding.
But I really loved Tyler and Wilson, purely because of their jokes.
P.S. - Does one guy in every book by the author has the ability to suck himself off?!?!
Wow..... Okay, I'm sold. I'm putting the author on my list of favourites, and all because of her witty characters!
I loved Tyler, I worshipped Wilson, I adored Alcide, and I guess I ended up liking Haris. This little family was just so cute, there are no words to describe the level of their cuteness.
But. Haris's ignorance of Tyler's generous and forgiving heart made my blood boil. He went on hurting Tyler, and Tyler kept on hoping and loving and putting a carefree mask on to hide his hurt. The absolute crap of a life that Tyler went through just broke my heart. But to see Haris not making any effort at all to understand and support Tyler when it mattered the most is why I have deducted one star. I wanted Tyler to just leave Haris and go on his own way so many times!!
The story from start to end was completely entertaining, with so many hooks sinking into you to keep you from going anywhere. The whole thing with Prescott made my skin crawl, and I finally got my lost breaths back when he got caught. And the fact that this part of the plot lasted for so long is the reason why I didn't DNF the book. If this situation had been resolved earlier, then Haris's trust issues would have trashed all the good interest the story had worked hard on garnering and holding.
But I really loved Tyler and Wilson, purely because of their jokes.
P.S. - Does one guy in every book by the author has the ability to suck himself off?!?!
November 21, 2013
Yep, I'm officially on the fence with this one. Some of this story worked for me, and some didn't. Probably an equal bit of both. I'm going to spoiler tag my list and sum up at the end for those that want to read the book and stay completely in the dark (which is usually my preference too).
So, on the fence. I really can't recommend or not recommend this book. If you love love love Pretty Woman type stories, I'd say this is right up your alley. But if you are looking for a hot and heavy M/M romance, I don't think this is the best choice. Most reviews I've read so far are positive, so there is that too. Either way, I hope you enjoy!
March 4, 2014
3.5 stars
I really should do reviews straight away after finishing a book as I sometimes tend to forget what the book was about. This was quite good, from what I remember. You would think I read it a year ago instead of a couple of weeks ago….
Haris actually came across as being the younger of the two at times.
Sex was hot, think there was some violence in it.
Haris left Saudi Arabia because of his homosexuality. He moves to London, he is wealthy and successful but leads a quiet life. He sees Tyler at a concert and is captivated by him.
I seem to remember the Butler being quite witty.
Maybe it deserves more stars and might have got more if I had done the review straight after finishing it.
I really should do reviews straight away after finishing a book as I sometimes tend to forget what the book was about. This was quite good, from what I remember. You would think I read it a year ago instead of a couple of weeks ago….
Wishing got you nowhere
Haris actually came across as being the younger of the two at times.
”Sulky, moody. I’ve never known anyone to sulk like you.”
Sex was hot, think there was some violence in it.
Haris left Saudi Arabia because of his homosexuality. He moves to London, he is wealthy and successful but leads a quiet life. He sees Tyler at a concert and is captivated by him.
When no one was watching, he allowed himself a moment of self-pity. Maybe this was all he deserved, to be used and discarded like the piece of trash he was. He’d never be loved. He didn’t deserve that either
I seem to remember the Butler being quite witty.
Maybe it deserves more stars and might have got more if I had done the review straight after finishing it.
March 24, 2015
*** THESE TWO ARE SO HOT TOGETHER !!***
*** Re Read 22 March 2015 ***
If you like M/M erotica this will definitely do it I'm sure
Tyler is an in debt musical student who 'sells' himself as a rent boy....
Haris ,good looking,self made wealth...
attends a musical recital..sees Tyler and wants him...
Haris makes Tyler an offer he can't refuse..
It's quite dark and gritty but overall the sexual chemistry between the two men is just amazing...
The sex is definitely hot but you can really feel a connection between these two..
If you like Man on Man action I would definitely recommend this one!!!
*** Re Read 22 March 2015 ***
If you like M/M erotica this will definitely do it I'm sure
Tyler is an in debt musical student who 'sells' himself as a rent boy....
Haris ,good looking,self made wealth...
attends a musical recital..sees Tyler and wants him...
Haris makes Tyler an offer he can't refuse..
It's quite dark and gritty but overall the sexual chemistry between the two men is just amazing...
The sex is definitely hot but you can really feel a connection between these two..
If you like Man on Man action I would definitely recommend this one!!!
March 20, 2022
4.5 stars and a huge 
from me. Absolutely loved it.
Tyler wants to finish his music college degree and become a huge star with his band....preferably both
. He plays piano 
, and guitar 
, he has no family (and that's a horrific story in itself), and is surviving by hiring himself out as a rent boy in order to pay his music college fees. The guy who organises the sex parties is a slimy git but the 'men' who attend these parties are even worse, in particular a guy known as Gerald. As Tyler is being abused one night, a guy rescues him by setting off the fire alarm and Haris
enters our story (isn't he beautiful 😍!!).
Haris is a self-made multi millionaire
venture capitalist (boo, hiss!!) who lives in a very posh house in Holland Park in London and is looked after very well indeed by Wilson, his ageing valet who seems to complain an awful lot about his work in a very sarcastic, funny and pithy way...oh, not forgetting his bad back, but Haris loves him anyway (as did I, Wilson you're magic!!). You know how these things go....Tyler is at college one day when Haris makes an appearance and things move from there. Haris has been unable to forget about the guy he rescued from that dreadful scene, and has been pretty sneaky in hiring a private detective to track Tyler down. Tyler is offered £20,000 to be at Haris' beck and call for 4 months after which time they will part company, Tyler being a lot richer than he was. I'll leave the story here....
As far as I'm concerned, the sex between the two of them was scorching....I just wish they'd communicated more...yes, the old communication problems rear their ugly head quite often unfortunately, and in some ways, I think they do detract from the rest of the story...which is not as simple as you would believe. Quite often I was sitting there reading saying
not again, just talk to each other you morons
!! But overall, another great story from Barbara, on a par for me with Every Move He Makes which I also loved.
Thanks for a great buddy read Ingela, Andrea and Telma. I loved it.
from me. Absolutely loved it.
Tyler wants to finish his music college degree and become a huge star with his band....preferably both
. He plays piano , and guitar , he has no family (and that's a horrific story in itself), and is surviving by hiring himself out as a rent boy in order to pay his music college fees. The guy who organises the sex parties is a slimy git but the 'men' who attend these parties are even worse, in particular a guy known as Gerald. As Tyler is being abused one night, a guy rescues him by setting off the fire alarm and Haris 
enters our story (isn't he beautiful 😍!!).
Haris is a self-made multi millionaire
venture capitalist (boo, hiss!!) who lives in a very posh house in Holland Park in London and is looked after very well indeed by Wilson, his ageing valet who seems to complain an awful lot about his work in a very sarcastic, funny and pithy way...oh, not forgetting his bad back, but Haris loves him anyway (as did I, Wilson you're magic!!). You know how these things go....Tyler is at college one day when Haris makes an appearance and things move from there. Haris has been unable to forget about the guy he rescued from that dreadful scene, and has been pretty sneaky in hiring a private detective to track Tyler down. Tyler is offered £20,000 to be at Haris' beck and call for 4 months after which time they will part company, Tyler being a lot richer than he was. I'll leave the story here....As far as I'm concerned, the sex between the two of them was scorching....I just wish they'd communicated more...yes, the old communication problems rear their ugly head quite often unfortunately, and in some ways, I think they do detract from the rest of the story...which is not as simple as you would believe. Quite often I was sitting there reading saying
not again, just talk to each other you morons!! But overall, another great story from Barbara, on a par for me with Every Move He Makes which I also loved.Thanks for a great buddy read Ingela, Andrea and Telma. I loved it.
December 4, 2013
Wow, this went from a solid five stars down to four and then I got so irritated I dropped it to three.
What I loved:
Tyler, the rentboy who tried so hard to numb himself against the things he had to do, but still touched by and wanting to protect another boy getting caught up in that life. Still letting Haris into his heart.
In the beginning, I also loved Haris, who was overwhelmed by his attraction to Tyler, but so conflicted. Wanting, but unable to trust. I really enjoyed the banter between Haris and Tyler. That, plus the steamy times, was worth 5 stars.
And then there is Wilson, Haris' valet/chauffeur. Whenever the somber reality of Tyler's rentboy activities started to really bring me down, there would be a scene with Wilson, who reminded me of Timmy from the TV show Rules of Engagement, and I would laugh.
What didn't work for me:
The communication problems did me in. The jumping to wrong conclusions that led to stupid reactions and caused so much pain. It could easily have been avoided, but it happened over and over. It didn't just venture into TSTL territory, it set up camp there, and it turned my affection for Haris into major disappointment.
It was also a bit much for both MCs to have such painful histories and all that drama in their lives. It wasn't melodramatic, just...really? All that bad stuff?
Even with all the drama, and everything that was going on, the story dragged a little for me. I think it was just too much happening and I lost focus. Also, and I can't believe I'm saying this, it might have been better to cut some of the sex scenes and replace them with talking. It felt like issues were being glossed over for...oops, they're naked again!
When I got to the last big misunderstanding, I couldn't believe it. I was so beyond irritated at that point. This book that started out so promising took a huge nose dive and the ending didn't help it. I couldn't believe Haris could be so stupid, and his attempt to redeem himself fell flat for me.
Once again, communication problems killed a book for me. It makes me so sad because it started out so great.
What I loved:
Tyler, the rentboy who tried so hard to numb himself against the things he had to do, but still touched by and wanting to protect another boy getting caught up in that life. Still letting Haris into his heart.
In the beginning, I also loved Haris, who was overwhelmed by his attraction to Tyler, but so conflicted. Wanting, but unable to trust. I really enjoyed the banter between Haris and Tyler. That, plus the steamy times, was worth 5 stars.
And then there is Wilson, Haris' valet/chauffeur. Whenever the somber reality of Tyler's rentboy activities started to really bring me down, there would be a scene with Wilson, who reminded me of Timmy from the TV show Rules of Engagement, and I would laugh.
What didn't work for me:
The communication problems did me in. The jumping to wrong conclusions that led to stupid reactions and caused so much pain. It could easily have been avoided, but it happened over and over. It didn't just venture into TSTL territory, it set up camp there, and it turned my affection for Haris into major disappointment.
It was also a bit much for both MCs to have such painful histories and all that drama in their lives. It wasn't melodramatic, just...really? All that bad stuff?
Even with all the drama, and everything that was going on, the story dragged a little for me. I think it was just too much happening and I lost focus. Also, and I can't believe I'm saying this, it might have been better to cut some of the sex scenes and replace them with talking. It felt like issues were being glossed over for...oops, they're naked again!
When I got to the last big misunderstanding, I couldn't believe it. I was so beyond irritated at that point. This book that started out so promising took a huge nose dive and the ending didn't help it. I couldn't believe Haris could be so stupid, and his attempt to redeem himself fell flat for me.
Once again, communication problems killed a book for me. It makes me so sad because it started out so great.
May 21, 2018
*** The beginning of the story sets up the base for Tyler. ***
Tyler, 21, is tall, slim, struggling with debt as a musical student.
He gets extra cash by being a rent boy; degrading and dangerous.
Haris, 30, is a billionaire investor
who leads a lonely life. Scarred from his past in Saudi Arabia, he socializes, but his personal life is empty. Haris attends a fundraising concert for the school and finds beautiful Tyler. He's irresistible, talented, and Haris needs him.
He follows Tyler and ends up rescuing Tyler from a BDSM torture session, that is not consensual and deadly. This is not a BDSM story, but this scene is the only one. Our main characters are not into that lifestyle. Haris makes Tyler an offer he can't refuse. He'll be safe, well cared for and better off.
There is much happening in this twisty tale.
Haris has a past with secrets, as does Tyler, but all of it is eventually revealed. Neither man is willing to talk about feelings for fear of pushing the other away. That causes nearly all of their misunderstandings and issues. Wilson, the butler, is an amazing character, so witty, funny, and devoted.
We get lots of frequent hot, erotic, sex on multiple surfaces, where the men are reaching for each other and the connection they both need. People like Tyler, who do not have any "self preservation" cells in their body, and need a keeper. Example:
Is it a perfect story? NO. Is it interesting, sexy, gritty, dirty and multi-layered? YES.
Like I said, if they communicated, their time would be simpler. Tyler is learning this as he opens up to Haris.
This story proves to us all that we just need to be honest and open in a relationship. Someone who truly loves you will accept you the way you are.
I recommend this M/M tale of two needy souls. ENJOY !
======================================
Graphic violence - torture, whipping, stabbing, etc.
======================================
Tyler, 21, is tall, slim, struggling with debt as a musical student.
He gets extra cash by being a rent boy; degrading and dangerous.
Haris, 30, is a billionaire investor
who leads a lonely life. Scarred from his past in Saudi Arabia, he socializes, but his personal life is empty. Haris attends a fundraising concert for the school and finds beautiful Tyler. He's irresistible, talented, and Haris needs him.
He follows Tyler and ends up rescuing Tyler from a BDSM torture session, that is not consensual and deadly. This is not a BDSM story, but this scene is the only one. Our main characters are not into that lifestyle. Haris makes Tyler an offer he can't refuse. He'll be safe, well cared for and better off.
There is much happening in this twisty tale.
Haris has a past with secrets, as does Tyler, but all of it is eventually revealed. Neither man is willing to talk about feelings for fear of pushing the other away. That causes nearly all of their misunderstandings and issues. Wilson, the butler, is an amazing character, so witty, funny, and devoted.
We get lots of frequent hot, erotic, sex on multiple surfaces, where the men are reaching for each other and the connection they both need. People like Tyler, who do not have any "self preservation" cells in their body, and need a keeper. Example:
Is it a perfect story? NO. Is it interesting, sexy, gritty, dirty and multi-layered? YES.
Like I said, if they communicated, their time would be simpler. Tyler is learning this as he opens up to Haris.
This story proves to us all that we just need to be honest and open in a relationship. Someone who truly loves you will accept you the way you are.
I recommend this M/M tale of two needy souls. ENJOY !
======================================
Graphic violence - torture, whipping, stabbing, etc.
======================================
February 27, 2014
Ahhhhh...breathtaking...
Heart-breaking story ... about beautiful music and fallen angels...
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This was a wild ride with plenty of heartbreak, drama and misunderstandings and many times where having hot sex takes the place of discussing important issues.
Both men have had terrible traumas in their past. Tyler fears that what he has done will push Haris away; while Haris is unable to trust Tyler and acts first, before knowing what is going on.
Can they get past their fears, trust issues and miscommunications or will their demons get in the way of finding true love and happiness?
Filled with thriller-suspense, witty dialogues, humorous banter, sizzling loving and two gorgeous men who need to learn how to open up and communicate - this book made me very very happy.
Highly recommended!
Heart-breaking story ... about beautiful music and fallen angels...
"Tyler faced the piano and took a deep breath.
...Loss, longing, sadness...
Not hard to put himself in the zone. He bent over the keyboard and began to play. His anxiety faded as he immersed himself in the piece. Long, cold unmelodic runs gradually morphed to light, warmth and soulful harmony as happiness was regained.
He’d been thinking of a fallen angel when he wrote it. The idea being that he was deprived of love once he fell from Heaven, but that through good deeds, he was rewarded with a chance of happiness with another who’d fallen like him."
[image error]
This was a wild ride with plenty of heartbreak, drama and misunderstandings and many times where having hot sex takes the place of discussing important issues.
Both men have had terrible traumas in their past. Tyler fears that what he has done will push Haris away; while Haris is unable to trust Tyler and acts first, before knowing what is going on.
Can they get past their fears, trust issues and miscommunications or will their demons get in the way of finding true love and happiness?
“So,” Haris whispered. “With me or without me?”
Filled with thriller-suspense, witty dialogues, humorous banter, sizzling loving and two gorgeous men who need to learn how to open up and communicate - this book made me very very happy.
Highly recommended!
February 19, 2019
Oh my god...this book was soooo good !! I loved it. The storyline, the suspense, the sex..awesome. I really liked the "Pretty Woman" vibe, only it was way better, because...two dicks instead of one..!
I loved Tyler, he was such a sweetheart and my heart broke for him more than once. Haris was kind of an asshole at times, but I still really liked him and Wilson was so fucking funny. This book had everything and more.
Also..it was scorching HAWT !! Just the way I like it. I'm gonna look into some more books by this author and I sure hope they are all this good. This one is definitely going on my favorites list. 4,5 stars from me because it didn't have an epilogue and I just crave epilogues.
I loved Tyler, he was such a sweetheart and my heart broke for him more than once. Haris was kind of an asshole at times, but I still really liked him and Wilson was so fucking funny. This book had everything and more.
Also..it was scorching HAWT !! Just the way I like it. I'm gonna look into some more books by this author and I sure hope they are all this good. This one is definitely going on my favorites list. 4,5 stars from me because it didn't have an epilogue and I just crave epilogues.
September 27, 2018
I'm somewhere between ~it was OK~ and ~I liked it~
It was full of action and pretty hot. SO many HOT scenes!!! Overall it wasn't fluffy and sweet - things I started to hate lately. I mean, give me action and great banter and I'm all in.
I kind of felt like I was reading some "Pretty woman" scenario - Here Prince Charming is falling in love with a rent boy. A contract, money and a sweet ending.
What I loved most was Wilson's comments. Loved the man!
But the end disappointed me. It was too predictable. Nothing really surprised me. So 3 stars.
It was full of action and pretty hot. SO many HOT scenes!!! Overall it wasn't fluffy and sweet - things I started to hate lately. I mean, give me action and great banter and I'm all in.
I kind of felt like I was reading some "Pretty woman" scenario - Here Prince Charming is falling in love with a rent boy. A contract, money and a sweet ending.
What I loved most was Wilson's comments. Loved the man!
But the end disappointed me. It was too predictable. Nothing really surprised me. So 3 stars.
June 3, 2021
3.5 stars 💫
I enjoyed reading this book even though there was too much angst and conflict in the book. However, I couldn't accept some of the things in the book.
Tyler is a music student and he is getting paid for providing his body to sex parties. The reason behind that is he has a lot of debt to pay and has a fear of having debt on his own because of his past reasons.
Haris is a wealthy man and his life is very quiet. He meets Tyler at a fundraising concert at Tyler’s college. He is instantly attracted to him, and he wants him. So he follows Tyler, and Tyler is going to a BDSM session on that day. He doesn't like to be tortured. Yet Tyler only accepts to be a sub for that session because of his money issue. When the time is perfect for starting everything in that session, he panicked. Haris rescues him from it and helps him to get rid of that session. It was the only act there for referring BDSM, and this book isn't a BDSM at all.
My biggest pet peeve is ‘miscommunication conflicts’. I don't like it when MCs are having problems and they don't talk about them but concluding everything in every possible way. Man, it irritates the hell out of me. There are a lot of miscommunication conflicts going on between both MCs. Literally, they don't talk. When the relationship has reached a point where communication is the only remedy for it, both of them shut down for each other and push away. Tyler and Haris each have secrets from their pasts and Haris has the biggest trustworthy issue. There is a lot of dramaaaaaaaaaaas. I hate Jeremy. He is whiny and pushy and no brain.
I like Wilson and his babbling. There is fabulous humor as always. Hence, I like Tyler and Haris’s conversations. Most sex scenes are hot-ish, and the cover as well. This book is not perfect. But it's interesting to read. There is a mystery going. We can see a lot of problems happening because of the circumstances of their pasts.
I enjoyed reading this book even though there was too much angst and conflict in the book. However, I couldn't accept some of the things in the book.
Tyler is a music student and he is getting paid for providing his body to sex parties. The reason behind that is he has a lot of debt to pay and has a fear of having debt on his own because of his past reasons.
Haris is a wealthy man and his life is very quiet. He meets Tyler at a fundraising concert at Tyler’s college. He is instantly attracted to him, and he wants him. So he follows Tyler, and Tyler is going to a BDSM session on that day. He doesn't like to be tortured. Yet Tyler only accepts to be a sub for that session because of his money issue. When the time is perfect for starting everything in that session, he panicked. Haris rescues him from it and helps him to get rid of that session. It was the only act there for referring BDSM, and this book isn't a BDSM at all.
My biggest pet peeve is ‘miscommunication conflicts’. I don't like it when MCs are having problems and they don't talk about them but concluding everything in every possible way. Man, it irritates the hell out of me. There are a lot of miscommunication conflicts going on between both MCs. Literally, they don't talk. When the relationship has reached a point where communication is the only remedy for it, both of them shut down for each other and push away. Tyler and Haris each have secrets from their pasts and Haris has the biggest trustworthy issue. There is a lot of dramaaaaaaaaaaas. I hate Jeremy. He is whiny and pushy and no brain.
I like Wilson and his babbling. There is fabulous humor as always. Hence, I like Tyler and Haris’s conversations. Most sex scenes are hot-ish, and the cover as well. This book is not perfect. But it's interesting to read. There is a mystery going. We can see a lot of problems happening because of the circumstances of their pasts.
August 4, 2016
4.5 Holy Hotness MM Stars!
Ooh me likey this MM read. It had the perfect balance of mystery, steam and story.
Tyler is 21 years old and a struggling college student. He has issues with debt and has taken up prostituting himself on Saturday nights for quick big cash. He's one of a group of young guys that go to a warehouse and let his body be used and abused by an array of strange rich men. It makes him sick but it's the only way to pay off school.
Haris is a wealthy executive that first sets eyes on Tyler at a college music performance. He's a large donor to the college of music and is drawn to Tyler as he plays for the audience. When he finds himself following him after the event to a warehouse, his curiosity gets the best of him. What he finds in said warehouse makes him sick. He wants to rescue him. He will offer him a contract...four months for twenty thousand pounds. It's too good for him to pass up. Haris has trust issues. This is perfect. All sex, no risk.
As I said, I loved the balance of the book. Haris also has a valet named Wilson who is an absolute hoot! One man dog rescuer, his sarcastic banter with Haris was endearing.
"I was looking forward to demonstrating my considerable prowess with the fire extinguisher I keep in the glove box, should my arthritic knees impair my jujitsu skills."
A bit of warning... Have a partner handy, a BOB nearby because the chemistry between Haris and Tyler is smoking hot.. and alas, why I love the MM genre. Add some humor to the mix and it's perfect.
"I just swallowed four hundred million potential Haris's. Oh no, half might be female."
Haris laughed. I wonder what sperm think when they reach the stomach," Tyler said. "Are they programmed to look for an egg to fertilize even there?" "As far as I can remember from my sex ed classes, sperm have no sense of direction. Eggs send a chemical lure to guide them and only one in five swim the right way anyways. Hence the joke about men never taking directions from women."
And this...
"You have such a responsive ass," Tyler muttered.
"It's talking to you?"
"Oh yeah. It said, 'Thank you, Tyler for fucking me so beautifully. You are so wonderful.'" He laughed. "God, I could lie here forever on you like this. Your ass didn't say that part. That was me."
Tyler agrees to the contract but is quick to add he's not buying his personal life. His secrets are his and his alone but both men are hiding things. Can they keep this about sex and not let the feelings creep in? Can Tyler escape his "pimp" Prescott without danger lurking for him? He's willing to take the risk to be with Haris.
So if you're looking for a book that is absolutely smoking hot MM, this one delivers. I just deleted a half star due to a bit too much manufactured drama towards the end. Otherwise it was perfect to me! Looking forward to reading more from this author.
December 11, 2013
I have REALLY enjoyed this book because let's be honest the combination of multi millionaire meets rent boy is the stuff of fantasy and without doubt the chemistry and ( MY favourite ) ... palpable sexual tension ... is exactly how I like it, über hot, electric and so steamy it would fog up anyone's reading glasses! There's no doubt that in the bedroom department these guys sizzle and the romance is what you expect in this type of story, fraught with angst and conflict until they get their sigh worthy ending.
But this is where it lost that one star for me. I'm not sure that there wasn't just a bit too much going on in their background stories and ongoing perils. There where sooo many plot lines and bad guys intermingling that it almost got farcical and the amount of misunderstandings and conflicts that arose made my head spin. OMG these two were bloody poster boys for miscommunication!!! I know some people love that sort of stuff and to a degree so do I because without drama there's no excitement and it just gets boring but the amount of times I particularly wanted to slap Haris silly because he was acting just like a moody, sulky kid began to irritate a touch and Tyler had his moments too. I have to be honest though I did get pulled, hook, line and sinker into the story and it was hard not to fall under both their charms because when things were right between them it was really sigh worthy and irritation aside, I was rooting for them to stay together and get their hard earned HEA. I hold my hands up and admit I ended up falling for both of them but it didn't stop me from doing so many eye rolls that I was frightened my glass eye was going to fall out! Okay... I haven't got a glass eye really but if I had I would have been constantly putting it back in!!!!
Despite that, did I end up loving it? Yes of course I did because whatever its faults its still one of those books that grabs you and once grabbed, you can't look away, plus its got the awesome Wilson who you can't help loving because he provides that needed witty humour to break up the many angst ridden moments and adds that touch of quirk that again I love in a story. So it still gets a solid 4 stars from me and there's no doubt that at some time I'll want to read it again. In to the favourites and keepers it goes!
But this is where it lost that one star for me. I'm not sure that there wasn't just a bit too much going on in their background stories and ongoing perils. There where sooo many plot lines and bad guys intermingling that it almost got farcical and the amount of misunderstandings and conflicts that arose made my head spin. OMG these two were bloody poster boys for miscommunication!!! I know some people love that sort of stuff and to a degree so do I because without drama there's no excitement and it just gets boring but the amount of times I particularly wanted to slap Haris silly because he was acting just like a moody, sulky kid began to irritate a touch and Tyler had his moments too. I have to be honest though I did get pulled, hook, line and sinker into the story and it was hard not to fall under both their charms because when things were right between them it was really sigh worthy and irritation aside, I was rooting for them to stay together and get their hard earned HEA. I hold my hands up and admit I ended up falling for both of them but it didn't stop me from doing so many eye rolls that I was frightened my glass eye was going to fall out! Okay... I haven't got a glass eye really but if I had I would have been constantly putting it back in!!!!
Despite that, did I end up loving it? Yes of course I did because whatever its faults its still one of those books that grabs you and once grabbed, you can't look away, plus its got the awesome Wilson who you can't help loving because he provides that needed witty humour to break up the many angst ridden moments and adds that touch of quirk that again I love in a story. So it still gets a solid 4 stars from me and there's no doubt that at some time I'll want to read it again. In to the favourites and keepers it goes!
March 2, 2014
It's been a while since I read Worlds Apart and I read my fair share of m/m romance novels, but I still stand behind my claim that no one can write this kind of story like Barbara Elsborg.
There is a believable storyline, there are amazing characters and a lot of scenes that will make you want to be gay boy just so you can make out with Haris, Tyler or both of them at the same time. But the thing that completely won me over is what author decided to do with one of the characters. Haris is Arab, Muslim, who was forced to find new home in London because his homeland has strict laws about homosexuality. It is evident that she had done research. Maybe there were few slip ups, but nothing that couldn't be overlooked and the most important thing - she didn't fall into the cliche. I don't want to be wise-ass, but considering the fact that I come from Muslim upbringing (Bosnia is very liberal and open compared to Middle East to the point that we are frowned upon by orthodox communities), I think I can say that Barbara did a fine job with Haris. I loved him to pieces. And Tyler... He is like gay version of Kellan Kyle.
Just go and read this book. Pretty please! You will thank me later.;)
There is a believable storyline, there are amazing characters and a lot of scenes that will make you want to be gay boy just so you can make out with Haris, Tyler or both of them at the same time. But the thing that completely won me over is what author decided to do with one of the characters. Haris is Arab, Muslim, who was forced to find new home in London because his homeland has strict laws about homosexuality. It is evident that she had done research. Maybe there were few slip ups, but nothing that couldn't be overlooked and the most important thing - she didn't fall into the cliche. I don't want to be wise-ass, but considering the fact that I come from Muslim upbringing (Bosnia is very liberal and open compared to Middle East to the point that we are frowned upon by orthodox communities), I think I can say that Barbara did a fine job with Haris. I loved him to pieces. And Tyler... He is like gay version of Kellan Kyle.
Just go and read this book. Pretty please! You will thank me later.;)
December 22, 2020
Re-Read - Still enjoyed it.
Overall book rating: 4.25 Stars
Audio book: N/A
Book cover: 3.8 Stars
What can I say? My heart broke for these two guys!!!!
I have to say, Tyler’s childhood was...just so sad! I can’t even think what the emotional impact of something like that must be.... No words. None...
And Harris comes in at a close second with his past experiences.
It was touching, and sad and SWEET and I have to say – I-LOVE-THE-BUTLER!!!
WILSON was the cherry on the pudding. Right?
Not going to say much more other than read the damn book! I really enjoyed it. Enough to not even want to mention the little things that bothered at some places.
Overall book rating: 4.25 Stars
Audio book: N/A
Book cover: 3.8 Stars
What can I say? My heart broke for these two guys!!!!
I have to say, Tyler’s childhood was...just so sad! I can’t even think what the emotional impact of something like that must be.... No words. None...
And Harris comes in at a close second with his past experiences.
It was touching, and sad and SWEET and I have to say – I-LOVE-THE-BUTLER!!!
WILSON was the cherry on the pudding. Right?
Not going to say much more other than read the damn book! I really enjoyed it. Enough to not even want to mention the little things that bothered at some places.
January 7, 2016
Well, that was kind of a bust. My first read of 2016 just did not work out the way I thought it would.
Honestly I just didn't get it. It didn't make sense and I didn't believe it or in it honestly.
I also didn't like the characters. One was a controlling, untrusting bastard and the other, well, he was kind of gross and I didn't feel his reasoning for doing what he did made sense. I get his sad past but who he was didn't fit with what he did.
I got the attraction but I did not get the "romance". I don't think there really was a romance.
I normally love Barbara Elsborg so I won't hold this one against her. It just didn't make me feel anything.
Honestly I just didn't get it. It didn't make sense and I didn't believe it or in it honestly.
I also didn't like the characters. One was a controlling, untrusting bastard and the other, well, he was kind of gross and I didn't feel his reasoning for doing what he did made sense. I get his sad past but who he was didn't fit with what he did.
I got the attraction but I did not get the "romance". I don't think there really was a romance.
I normally love Barbara Elsborg so I won't hold this one against her. It just didn't make me feel anything.
January 30, 2014
Really enjoyed this M/M book. It had some HOT HOT HOT scenes!
Haris is a rich gay, Muslim man.
He sees Tyler at a piano recital.
He follows him and then winds up saving him.
They then get together under a contract that is supposed to last for four months.
You know someone will fall in love
Throw in some drama
a broken heart
and a little bit of cheesiness to mend the broken heart
and then
I wanted to knock some sense into Haris quite a few times.
Also loved Wilson's character! He was hilarious
February 6, 2014
4.5 Holy Hotness Stars
This is definitely one of the hottest M/M books I have ever read!! Tyler and Haris were absolutely smoking together!! For me this book was a combination of Pretty Woman and FSoG for gay men. The banter was hilarious. I kept going between swooning and having hot flashes to laughing my ass off.
Tyler is a music student struggling to get by. He doesn't want to accumulate a lot of debt and is willing to do just about anything to decrease it. So why not sell his body. He has been going to parties every Saturday night for the last few months and getting paid to let other men do pretty much whatever they want to him. He is just going through the motions until he is done with school and get his music career going.
Haris has worked hard for the wealth and lifestyle that he has. He was kicked out of his home country of Saudi Arabia where being gay is against the law. He sees Tyler play at a music performance and instantly falls in lust. He ends up following Tyler to one of his parties and is the knight in shining armor who rescues him from a rather rough Dom.
Haris offers Tyler a deal where he is completely and exclusively his for four months. Tyler hates doing the parties so he figures this is just the deal to get him out of debt and out of selling his body to random men.
What Tyler didn't expect was to fall in love with this moody, confusing man. It was supposed to be just a business deal but feelings are starting to come into play.
Haris can't get enough of Tyler and knows that four months isn't going to be long enough. Can he get past his trust issues and fear of commitment to be with Tyler or will his own demons get in the way of finding true love and happiness?
This is definitely one of the hottest M/M books I have ever read!! Tyler and Haris were absolutely smoking together!! For me this book was a combination of Pretty Woman and FSoG for gay men. The banter was hilarious. I kept going between swooning and having hot flashes to laughing my ass off.
Tyler is a music student struggling to get by. He doesn't want to accumulate a lot of debt and is willing to do just about anything to decrease it. So why not sell his body. He has been going to parties every Saturday night for the last few months and getting paid to let other men do pretty much whatever they want to him. He is just going through the motions until he is done with school and get his music career going.
Haris has worked hard for the wealth and lifestyle that he has. He was kicked out of his home country of Saudi Arabia where being gay is against the law. He sees Tyler play at a music performance and instantly falls in lust. He ends up following Tyler to one of his parties and is the knight in shining armor who rescues him from a rather rough Dom.
Haris offers Tyler a deal where he is completely and exclusively his for four months. Tyler hates doing the parties so he figures this is just the deal to get him out of debt and out of selling his body to random men.
What Tyler didn't expect was to fall in love with this moody, confusing man. It was supposed to be just a business deal but feelings are starting to come into play.
Haris can't get enough of Tyler and knows that four months isn't going to be long enough. Can he get past his trust issues and fear of commitment to be with Tyler or will his own demons get in the way of finding true love and happiness?
doubt-it
September 3, 2013Damn this cover is sexy.
March 24, 2015
Fabulous.
This is one of those books which just grabs you the minute you start reading, everything about this book worked for me, the characters, the story, the humour, everything.
Tyler is twenty-one years old and terrified of being in debt so in order to reduce his student loans he sells his body at Saturday night party's, these are not fun parties, at least not for him.
Haris is rich but lonely, he hasn't let anyone close in five years, he hasn't really wanted to until he sees Tyler for the first time and he just knows he can't walk away from this man, so he offers Tyler £20,000 to live with him for four months and this is an offer Tyler can't refuse but will four months be enough or will it in fact be way too long.
Wilson, I just love Wilson, every word that comes out of his mouth and yes there's a lot of them, are fabulous and the fact that this man loves true blood and has named his rescue dogs Eric, Bill, Jason, Sam, Sookie and Alcide just makes me love him even more.
Tyler and Haris between them have more baggage than any two people should ever have to carry and the question is can they get through this together or will the weight crush them.
I loved this book, it has a bit of everything, romance, quirky British humour, secrets, dark pasts, dark presents, revenge and cruelty and let's not forget the hot sex, yes it covers all the bases.
November 22, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Tyler, 21 year old music student working as a prostitute to pay his school loans and Haris, a self-made success in business, but an utter failure when it comes to relationships. In fact, instead of just asking Tyler out, Haris proposes that he pay him to live with him and be at his beck and call for the next four months for sex and social engagements. Tyler accepts, figuring it will get him out of the parties he has been working and get him out of debt quicker.
I found the story moved quickly with plenty of humor, heartbreak, drama and suspense. Both men have had terrible traumas in their past. Tyler fears that what he has done to get by will push Haris away, while Haris is unable to trust Tyler and acts first, before knowing what is going on. There is a lot of drama, misunderstandings and many times where having hot sex takes the place of discussing important issues.
The two MC's have great chemistry and Wilson, Haris' ever-suffering valet, offers plenty of comic relief. While I love hot sex scenes in my books, I found myself actually thinking there were just a few too many here. If you don't like stories where the MC's spend a lot of time doubting each other, and not saying what needs to be said, this probably will not work for you. Otherwise, I found it to be an entertaining read.
I found the story moved quickly with plenty of humor, heartbreak, drama and suspense. Both men have had terrible traumas in their past. Tyler fears that what he has done to get by will push Haris away, while Haris is unable to trust Tyler and acts first, before knowing what is going on. There is a lot of drama, misunderstandings and many times where having hot sex takes the place of discussing important issues.
The two MC's have great chemistry and Wilson, Haris' ever-suffering valet, offers plenty of comic relief. While I love hot sex scenes in my books, I found myself actually thinking there were just a few too many here. If you don't like stories where the MC's spend a lot of time doubting each other, and not saying what needs to be said, this probably will not work for you. Otherwise, I found it to be an entertaining read.
February 23, 2015
♥ buddy read with my book sistah Shelly ♥
I really enjoyed this story. I found it quite funny lots of times, the "butler" cracked me up ;)
yes, some sex scenes were really hot, but sometimes I had a feeling like all I read are sex scenes, which is shocking because here actually lots of stuff happens.
Lots of crazy stuff, and I can not belive I will say this, but I wanted more of that crazy psycho Asian guy Lu *blushing* .
So much "chemistry" was between H&T, that I felt fed up with that chemistry. And everytime shit happened, T was like some damsel in trouble, saved by his prince H....
What I loved the most (of all the sex scenes) was angry punishment sex near the end.... yeah....
Their relationship was sweet, but everything around them was dark. Wanted that dark to swallow all the sweet sometimes ;)
But I enjoyed this MM version of "pretty woman" and loved the writing style a lot, so I am excited to read other books by this author.
I really enjoyed this story. I found it quite funny lots of times, the "butler" cracked me up ;)
yes, some sex scenes were really hot, but sometimes I had a feeling like all I read are sex scenes, which is shocking because here actually lots of stuff happens.
Lots of crazy stuff, and I can not belive I will say this, but I wanted more of that crazy psycho Asian guy Lu *blushing* .
So much "chemistry" was between H&T, that I felt fed up with that chemistry. And everytime shit happened, T was like some damsel in trouble, saved by his prince H....
What I loved the most (of all the sex scenes) was angry punishment sex near the end.... yeah....
Their relationship was sweet, but everything around them was dark. Wanted that dark to swallow all the sweet sometimes ;)
But I enjoyed this MM version of "pretty woman" and loved the writing style a lot, so I am excited to read other books by this author.
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