Beyond the Surface by Felice Stevens

Rate: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication day: August 17, 2015
Length:  248 pages
Publisher: Self-Published

On 9/11, firefighter Nick Fletcher’s world changed forever. He’s unable to rid himself of survivor’s guilt, made worse by the secret he hides from his family and co-workers. Nick’s life is centered around helping burn victims, until he is reunited with the man he’d once loved but pushed away. Now he has a second chance at a love he thought lost forever.

For fashion designer Julian Cornell, appearances mean everything. His love affairs are strictly casual, and the only thing he cares about is making his clothing line a success. A chance encounter with the man he loved long ago has Julian thinking for the first time in years there may be more to life than being seen at the best parties and what designer labels to wear.

When Julian’s world takes an unexpected turn, it’s Nick who helps him regain perspective on what matters most in life. Julian, in turn, helps Nick accept who he is and understand he isn’t responsible for tragedies he couldn’t prevent. Lost love found can be even sweeter the second time around and after all the years apart, both men learn to look beyond the surface to find the men they are inside.

My View: I had a hard time getting into this story. I didn’t DNF it because it was recommended to me by two GR friends. The first twenty-five percent was painfully filled with characters’ introductions and setting the action for the rest of the story.

The main characters were compelling and stood as interesting individuals, but as a couple, they took away from each other instead of complementing their relationship. As friends with benefits, they had a connection, but their romance lacked depth.

I enjoyed the hurt-comfort aspect and the secondary friendships. I really liked Jamal and how he helped move the story forward. Plus, I did love the cover and how well it played with the story.

What I liked the most: The idea behind the breakfast club.

I wanted more of: Personally, I needed less of an introduction to all the characters at the beginning of the story.

Who should read it: Fans of second chances.

The Millionaire Upstairs by M.J. O’Shea

Rate: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication day: January 1, 2016
Length:  198 pages
Publisher: Dreamspun Desires (Dreamspinners Press)

He might be hard to work for, but he’s impossible to resist.

Sasha Sobieski has the perfect job working at legendary American fashion house Harrison Kingsley—or at least he used to. He just never thought he’d have to work for Harrison Kingsley himself. Harrison is exacting, difficult, cold, and hands-down the sexiest man Sasha has ever seen.

After years at the top, Harrison Kingsley knows what he wants, when he wants it, and exactly how he’d like it to be delivered to him. What he wants most right now? His new assistant. Sasha is mouthy, opinionated, and he drives Harrison mad. Problem is, Harrison can never tell if it’s with anger… or desire.

My View: This is the first volume in the new Dreamspun Desires house line by Dreamspinner Press. According to their website, “These are contemporary category romance novels, complete with your favorite heartwarming heroes, cracktastic clichés, and terrific tropes. It’s all about the feel-good loving that will leave you grinning.”

As a writer, I thought about submitting a story for this new line, but the writing guidelines felt too restrictive for my style. And, in my opinion, these guidelines are the reason I didn’t enjoy this story more. Yes, the author delivered exactly what they needed, but in the end, it read as forced.

I loved Harrison after reading less than a paragraph from his POV. He was my favorite character archetype — surly, millionaire, reclusive, with a heart of gold. He had great qualities, but he didn’t have enough time for a real redemption. In a handful of pages, he tried to justify his actions with a childhood story that seemed too little too late and unnecessary. His personality should have been enough of a reason behind his words.

Sasha was adorable and sassy. A perfect combination for Harrison but their time together was not as interesting as their courting and time apart. He was a great friend and Mateo, Padma, and Jo complemented his story well.

The settings, the job descriptions, and some of the secondary characters were great. Overall, it was a good story with a nineties’ feel.

What I liked the most: More of Harrison’s snarkiness.

I wanted more of: Penn’s and Sasha’s relationship.

Who should read it: Perfect for those who grew up reading Harlequin category romances.