LEARNING TO LOVE
FELICE STEVENS
M/M ROMANCE
AUDIO RELEASE: 07.14.17
COVER DESIGN: Reese Dante
NARRATOR: Derrick McClain
BLURB
After 10 years away from home, bad boy caterer Gideon Marks has a lot to prove. Getting the holiday catering job at his childhood synagogue is the first step in demonstrating to everyone he didn't turn out to be the failure they predicted. What he doesn't count on is Rabbi Jonah Fine, his high school nemesis and secret crush, stirring up old feelings Gideon thought long gone and secrets he's buried deep for years.
An unexpectedly passionate encounter shocks Gideon, but he pushes Jonah away, convinced he isn't good enough to be in a relationship and would never be accepted by Jonah's father. But Jonah hangs tough - he won't allow Gideon to hide or run away from life again. And when it comes to love, Gideon learns the most important lessons aren't always taught in school.
AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2weRJAQ
AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/2wevxad
REVIEW
4.5 Stars
Narrator: 4 Stars
Story: 4.5 Stars
Length: 5 hours, 51 min.
So since Felice Stevens popped my audio book cherry I though it fitting to dive right into another one. Though this was a different narrator I still enjoyed it just as much. Derrick McClain has a deep yet smooth voice and that in and of itself had me enjoying just listening to it but he also did a great job at delivering and differentiating the characters. You were able to hear the way he captured the emotion and vulnerability in the characters.
The story itself was heartwarming and sexy. Felice Stevens is without a doubt becoming one of my favorite MM authors because her stories as are always so emotional, beautiful, sexy and touching in some way. I absolutely love her characters and Gideon and Jonah are now added to that list. Gideon no matter his struggles was determined to make something of himself but still has those deep rooted insecurities. Then there's Jonah, who has his own things going on, but is so focused and dedicated to proving to Gideon that he is worthy. Gideon and Jonah were absolutely wonderful and so damn sexy together. That Jonah....whew! he's a little persistent bossy thing that will get you a little hot and bothered, if you know what I mean!! :)
Overall, totally enjoyed it and recommend it. I most likely will pick up the ebook version and read it to grasp more on the emotional side of the story. I so want to give this 5 stars but maybe because I'm still an audio book "virgin" it's hard for me to tap into all the emotions from the story as there were certainly moments in this story where I should have felt more but couldn't really tap into it. But, Felice Stevens as always gives you an amazing story and I certainly won't shy away from this narrator in the future.
**Gifted copy provided in exchange for an honest review**
EXCERPT
“How did you know where to find me?”
“I didn’t. But when I went to your apartment and discovered you weren’t home, I thought to myself, ‘Where would a chef be early on Saturday morning?’”
Pleased he’d thought so carefully about me, I bit my lip to keep from smiling, then muttered with my head down, “Lucky guess on your part.”
“I’d like to think so,” said Jonah, his voice as soft as the breeze. My eyes met his, the hurt from our last conversation shimmering bright in their depths, causing a throb within me of a longing I’d never known existed. “Or maybe it was fate.”
He smiled then plucked the paper bag of rugelach out of my clutches, rummaged through it until he found an apricot one, and bit off half.
“Well, if you’re that hungry, I guess you can come home with me, and I’ll make you an omelet,” I grumbled but couldn’t stop the small grin tugging at my lips. “But I planned on browsing a bit more through the market first.”
“I’d like that.” Jonah walked beside me, and we meandered past the stands piled high with colorful peppers and squash. We strolled in silence, but every few steps I’d sneak a glance at him, expecting Jonah to speak. Instead he remained irritatingly, cheerfully silent.
I sampled some hot mulled cider and licked my lips. Spending so much time with Jonah gave me new insight. I’d always thought him superior and judgmental; perhaps I had been wrong in my assessment. He captivated me with the humor in his speech, warmth in his smile, and that unmistakable flare of desire in his eyes. Goddamn it, I wanted him.
I extended the paper cup. “Do you want a sip?” Its heady cinnamon scent remained one of my most favorite things about the fall season. To my shock, instead of answering me, he bent down and kissed me on my lips, lapping at their sticky sweetness. He stepped back, but I put a restraining hand on his wrist.
“What’s going on? Why are you really here?”
The honesty in Jonah’s face took my breath away.
“Do you really have to ask, after the last time?”
My body refused to listen to the war inside my head, kindling a deep need I couldn’t understand. I took a step forward, but unlike me, Jonah didn’t retreat. He stood firm, and I stood close enough to almost touch. Close enough to smell him.
“I’m not who you want; can’t you see that?”
“You don’t have any idea what I see when I look at you, Gideon.”
I wanted to yell back at him, No, you have no idea who I am, but I couldn’t bring myself to ruin the moment. I had no clue who Jonah thought I was, but I wanted to be that man if only to be able to have him always look at me like this. Like I was special. Like I was his. The sun beat hot upon my shoulders, and I held his gaze while contentment poured over me like a warm summer rain.
About the Author
Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. While
life is tough, she believes there is a happy ending for everyone. She started
reading traditional historical romances as a teenager, then life and law school
got in the way. It wasn't until she picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and
became swept away to Queen Elizabeth's court that her interest in romance
novels was renewed.
But somewhere along the way, her reading shifted to stories of men falling in
love. Once she picked up her first gay romance, she became so enamored of the
character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion there was no turning
back.
Felice lives in New York City with her husband and two children. Her day begins
with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. Although she
practices law, she daydreams of a time when she can sit by a beach and write
beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be some
angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.
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