This is the continuing story of Troy and Larson, who got together in the previous book, Black Balled. This story begins with Troy, whose day job is a snarky book critic, taking time off to promote his first indie book. As it becomes a best seller, it helps create havoc in the lives of the heroes because it introduces a flame from the past and complications due to assumptions and miscommunication.
I haven’t read the first book, but the audio sample of Troy’s column was so bitingly funny I knew I had to read this. The story is told in alternating points of view from each hero, and each man has a distinctive voice. As there are two authors for this work, it makes me wonder if one author did all of one character so that they just meshed it together for the whole.
There is a lot of sex in this story. I’ve read a decent amount of MM fic before, but the sex happens often and inventively. For the audio listeners, you may want to listen with headphones unless you’re a fan of voyeurism. (If you are, then there’s a pleasant surprise for you in the book!)
The story is paced well, and thankfully it doesn’t stay mired in the topic of Troy’s best-selling book or the misunderstandings between lovers. A book that tries to drag out that old trope will not keep my attention because I can’t get behind characters that would be that idiotic. Thankfully, Troy’s across the hall neighbor Ida talks some sense into the guys.
I was listening to the audio (with headphones!) at work, and Larson has some of the zingiest lines. They are both funny guys, but Larson’s mortification in taking his neighbor’s dog to the dog park made me truly laugh out loud. I appreciate good humor in a story, but it is rare for me to actually laugh at something.
Both male leads consider themselves alphas, and they refer to themselves as such. I found this boorish. If you have to tell me you are, you’re probably not. I’ll grant that they are opinionated and want their way, but I could have done without the “I’m so alpha” clunky writing bits.
For the narration itself, the narrator did a great job keeping each voice distinct. Troy always sounded like the audio version of a swagger, but that seemed appropriate to the character. He also made it sound like the characters were in the story enjoying it. That made it easier as a listener. Joel Leslie could easily be a go-to narrator for MM romances.
In summary: Modern MM romance with witty/snarky heroes who are totally in love with each other. You can skip the first book without being lost, but you’d probably find this book richer if you read it. The narrator has a good voice and keeps everything moving along.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.