Review: The Cowboy and the City Slicker by Bonnie Dee

Can a fish out of water find a home on the range?

Alex Wheeler arrives in Arizona with a job to do—convince Matthew Parsons to sell his guest ranch to an Americana-themed resort chain. A landscape filled with nothing but cactus and cattle promises a dull week, until he meets the strong, silent cowboy who lassoes his interest. Alex begins to fall for Matthew’s quiet charm, gentlemanly ways, and hidden sweetness. As their friendship and attraction deepen from casual to intense, Alex delays revealing his agenda.

Matthew Parsons has one wish—to keep his family heritage intact despite financial hard times. He has convinced himself his life isn’t lonely, until a dynamic, animated, upbeat stranger erupts into his solitude and breaks down his barriers. Against all odds, a man he could actually grow to care for has come to the middle of nowhere like a gift just for him. Even knowing Alex must soon leave, Matthew can’t help falling a little bit in love.

When the truth comes out and harsh realities must be faced, their budding relationship is trampled. But a bruised bloom may be nurtured back to life even in the harsh desert.

I’ve always been a big fan of Bonnie Dee, her historicals are a weakness of mine. I love the language, the settings and the conflicts are always fascinating. Unfortunately I can’t say the same for The Cowboy and the City Slicker. I did enjoy it, the writing is solid and the characters are well formed. The best part of the story is meeting Alex and especially Matthew. The story itself however is one we’ve all read before.

Alex works for a corporation that buys up family farms, ranches, etc. that then turns them into vacation destinations while maintaining their homespun feel. He’s sent to Matthew’s family ranch (that is struggling) under the guise of a vacationing guest and there is an immediate attraction between Alex and Matthew. Alex is gregarious and social which Matthew is shy and stoic. Of course Matthew has a heart of gold and as the two spend more time together Alex discovers Matthew’s softer side and he starts falling for the cowboy while Matthew starts falling for Alex.

And therein the conflict lies. Alex waffles back and forth about when he should tell Matthew his real reason for visiting the ranch. Feelings start to become real things between them and the longer Alex waits, the more the tension rises and the blowup is inevitable. This is nothing new, especially in the wonderful world of cowboy tropes, and the one thing that these stories need is a unique hook and that was the one thing missing in this story.

The chemistry was great between the Alex and Matthew and thankfully they worked through the first conflict, times were good and the reading was heartwarming and steamy. But then, another conflict came along and it was completely manufactured and I couldn’t figure out the point other than to throw some angst at the reader. The logic was flawed in that their was literally no reason for Alex to do what he did and then some stubbornness was thrown into the mix and I ended up just feeling frustrated with the both of them (Alex mostly though),

There was a bit that was seriously off putting for me and it was right at the beginning. I did have to step back for a bit before I dove back in. There was an unfortunate word choice that I know was not intentional, but it’s not a word to use lightly. There was a conversation regarding bad guys in the old west and how one could be sent to the gallows. Instead of being sent to the gallows one characters asked if the loser in their contest (bad guy) would be lynched. Again, I know this was not intentional, but the word has horrific connotations in American history and reading it dropkicked me right out of the story.

Moving along . . .

I did enjoy the dynamics between Alex and Matthew when they were just spending time together and getting to know one another. Matthew had a lot of sweet habits that no one but Alex knew about and whenever they would talk about Matthew’s writing and their love of books I ate those conversations up. And while the story was missing any conflict of real value, I did have a good time meeting the two main characters and reading the growth of their relationship.

**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**

Review: Phin's Christmas by Bonnie Dee

Doubt invades a fairy-tale holiday.

Excited to celebrate his first Christmas with his true love, Phin Abernathy searches for the perfect gift for Teddy, the artist who saved him from solitude (The Artist). But his happy holiday dreams are soon threatened.

After a year of living on his own, then with his beloved partner, Phin has mostly banished his negative view of himself. He and Teddy are happily saving toward a house they can share, when a chance encounter with a stranger raises Phin’s old ghosts of doubt, anxiety, and self-disgust.

Struggling to quell such negative spirits, Phin focuses on volunteering at a children’s shelter. But when he sees his Teddy and handsome Justin Crump (The Medium) in a suspicious situation, it is difficult to control his racing thoughts. Belief in Teddy’s love for him wars with Phin’s fear his lover wants something more.

Phin must decide how far he is willing to go to keep Teddy in his life, and truly embrace his own worth before he can ever celebrate the season.

Phin’s Christmas is a bonus Christmas treat that is a follow up to the author’s tale, The Artist. I can’t recommend that book enough, especially if you are a fan of historicals, The Artist is a must read. There are plenty of good explanations as the story moves along, so the origin story doesn’t have to be fresh or even read to appreciate Phin’s Christmas, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not reading it.

The story picks up after Phin and Teddy have been living in London for a time. Phin has established himself as an English tutor and Teddy’s art is gathering a strong following among the right society people. The two are blissfully happy and are saving for a house that they can share under the pretense they are confirmed bachelor friends who have found a way to live in a home rather than renting rooms and remain respectable among society.

There are appearances from characters from The Medium and I loved reading about Justin again. Justin did unwittingly bring the angst to the story though, but it made sense and it was not overdone. In fact, I would have been waaaaaay more of a mess than Phin and I have to give his character all the credit for becoming such a strong person given the abuse in his background. Teddy may have given him the push, but Phin built his own future and I very much appreciated how the author made that such an important piece of Phin’s evolution.

Phin’s Christmas is told from Phin’s POV which is the only way Teddy’s mysterious shenanigans could stay mysterious and one of my favorite parts of The Artist was being in Phin’s head, so it worked for this extended epilogue to their life story.

Of course there were no bad shenanigans, just Teddy being his impulsive self (all in the name of making Phin happy of course) and the resolutions came about pretty quickly and wrapped in a beautiful bow. And while everything may have been a bit too perfect, it’s a Christmas story with characters who deserve a perfect future, so I was completely fine with it.

**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**

Review: The Medium by Bonnie Dee

To win a heart, he must risk his soul…

Cast out of his family for being a freak, psychic Justin Crump helps others find peace by using his ability. When he’s called upon to release a distressed soul from a haunted house, a child’s angry spirit draws him into a dark mystery. Equally intriguing is the skeptical homeowner, Albert, a man who has buried his sexuality deeper than the grave.

Albert Henderson humors his mother’s wishes by inviting the medium for a visit. While he doubts Justin’s gifts, he can’t deny one truth: the man stirs desire in him that Albert has spent a lifetime denying. Slowly, the walls of his proper life crumble. And when Justin proposes some emotion-free experimentation, neither imagines it might lead to love…and danger.

After learning the terrifying truth about the deceased child’s persecutor, the two men pursue a perpetrator of great evil. When they coax a confession from their quarry, the vengeful spirit unleashes power nearly beyond control. To free the earthbound ghost from the past that holds it shackled, Justin must risk his own soul. And Albert must find the courage to break free of the chains of doubt that will deny him and Justin the future of which they once only dreamed.

Warning: Contains mention of child sexual abuse. 

Nobody loves ghost stories and historicals more than I do. I’m a HUGE fan of Bonnie Dee and some of my all time favorite historical tales are authored by her. I don’t really care that it was 90 degrees yesterday, it’s fall (ish) and that means Halloween and that means ghost stories, don’t even try and tell me otherwise.

The Medium was anchored by two MC’s that I really enjoyed reading about and even if the paranormal element were eliminated I would have loved reading about the evolution of the relationship between Justin and Albert. Honestly, the paranormal element was a tough one. Pedophilia is . . . I can’t even with words. The topic is abhorrent and unfortunately all too real. While I loved the relationship between Albert and Justin, it was difficult to reconcile Russell’s painful story with the romance that was happening. I almost with they were two different books I was reading because it’s hard to switch gears from the horror to the love in a quick turn around.

I’m actually going to treat them as two different stories for reviewing purposes. It’s not like they didn’t meld, they did. But, I liked them separately in different ways and I don’t want to knock what I loved with what made me a cringey.

Russell’s story was heartbreaking and tough to process. As I alluded to before, the words don’t even work here. I had so much sympathy for him and with each revelation my heart got darker and that’s not an easy read when you aren’t prepared. I’ve read plenty of dark and I can’t pretend my perspective is completely Susie Sunshine. I think that, in the end, the conclusion I came to was that the subject was too much for the length of the story. Russell did get his completion in theory, but I wanted more for him, and in order to get that, he’d honestly need so many more pages. His resolution felt rushed in the end for me and I just wanted more for him. I give zero fucks for his “family” and I think the visceral response is a tough one to separate from the rest of the book.

Now, as far as the romance aspect went, I loved it! Justin and Albert are characters I can get behind and their story alone was strong enough to carry a book without anything additional. I found myself parsing the painful past of Russell from the positive hope of Justin and Albert. I really loved the two of them and the author did an amazing job of showing their chemistry. Even though the overall arc was a little Pollyanna as far as the reality of what was acceptable and a reality for men during that time period, the author made me believe in their happiness and I just wanted to buy into it so I did, no questions asked.

I can never recommend Bonnie Dee stories enough and The Medium is right up there. Just know, you are going to get some heartbreak that supports the idea of the story, but is going to be tough to digest in its minimalist form. The romance will carry you through though and I would be more than happy to read more about Justin and Albert. Their relationship was sublime and I will reread the story for that alone.

**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**

Review: Snow Angels with Bear (Love Off Leash #4) by Bonnie Dee

Love dogs and smoking hot men? The Love Off Leash series is for you. Unrelated stories. Shared theme of new love and pets.

Can this romance stand a snowball’s chance in hell?

Hitting a dog in a snowstorm is a heck of a way to meet a guy. When August Long rushes an injured stray to the vet, he’s blown away by the gruff yet sexy doctor. August never intended to hook up with a small-town local, but Eric Grover woos him with snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and a passion hot enough to melt the winter snow.

No one seems to know why an ex-military surveyor has moved into Hopewell Springs, and Eric is intrigued by the Southern stranger’s charm. Tall, handsome August lights his fire while filling a need for companionship he hadn’t realized he lacked. Spending time with August and Bear, his recovering German shepherd, makes Eric begin to believe love is possible.

But there’s a shadow threatening their budding romance. August fears telling Eric everything his job entails and keeps the secret until the truth detonates, nearly destroying them. For the two men to reconcile their differences, it may take a Christmas miracle—and the intervention of an adorable dog or two.

Snow Angels with Bear may be set at Christmas but I wouldn't really consider it a story just for Christmas - more a winter story, good for anytime you feel like a cosy read. And that is what this is; a cosy read. The type of book I enjoy, even crave, at times. The storyline and outcome is somewhat expected but that doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the story because that predictability is almost why I read this kind of story. It's a comforting thing and it fits a certain kind of reading mood perfectly.

That said, a story that is an easy read still has to be written well and have some great characters, and Bonnie Dee has managed both these things. Eric and August are likeable and neither fall into the trap of being write-by-numbers characters - and of course we can't forget Bear; what story isn't made better by a gorgeous dog? Animals are an especially great way to show the softer side of characters!

There's not too much more I can say about this book, and it doesn't need much more said to be honest. Just know this is a great read for those days when you want something comforting rather than an epic tome.

A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

Review: The Fortune Hunter by Bonnie Dee

A man with nothing finds everything.

Abandoned at birth, WWI veteran Hal Stanton faces bleak employment prospects in post-war London. Desperation spurs him to reinvent himself to hook a wealthy wife, one he will be devoted to even if he feels no real passion. But when he meets his fiance’s cousin, Julian Needham, it’s all he can do to keep his heart in check and his eye on the prize.

From the moment he’s introduced to the charming stranger Margaret plans to marry, Julian suspects the man’s motives yet fights a relentless attraction. He’s determined to reveal Hal as a fraud but must handle the matter delicately to protect his sweet cousin’s feelings. A weekend at the family estate should allow time and opportunity for him to expose Halstead Wiley.

Even as the men match wits in a battle of attempted unmasking, powerful sexual attraction threatens to overcome them both and win the day. Can a true love connection possibly grow between these adversaries without destroying lives and loved ones?

Ever have one of those magical lazy days? Where it goes by so peacefully slow and the only requirement is pajamas? Yeah, me neither. But I can imagine they would be a lot like most of this book with its slow pacing, lazy country days, simmering attractions, and budding friendships.

I recommend reading the synopsis because it does a great job of setting the stage. As the book starts, Hal is meeting Margaret’s (his fiancé) family at their country estate. Clearly, Margaret didn’t fully prepare her family and all were surprised-especially Julian, her cousin. He is taken right away with Julian’s looks but must keep his eyes on the prize. Hal was an orphan and has always craved security in a life that lacked control, funds, food, love, and shelter. He truly cares for Margaret in the way you would a dear friend. Unfortunately, Hal didn’t account for Julian.

Julian is a self righteous arse that falls in line with the high society gentleman in London. He swoops in on his high horse and stays there for the first part of the book. He sees past Hal’s gentleman appearance and distrusts him immediately. Rightfully so, but it seems he’s most angry about his attraction to someone he can’t have. Margaret decides they need to extend their stay due to family obligations and Julian is all too eager to stay as well and find the truth about Hal.

But… on those lazy country days and against Julian’s better judgement, the men form a connection. Each know they are hiding something and find it impossible to resist the strolls, talks, and discussions on books and history. Their chaste interactions become thick with desire. The desperation they felt in a simple holding of hands made my heart ache. They were so different yet the same in their wish to be understood and loved in a world where their “proclivity” wasn’t tolerated. Although Julian and Hal unknowingly gave their hearts, the dark cloud of deception wasn’t ever far from sight. Julian has to reconcile the Hal he grew to know with the actual Hal. Or are they one in the same?

Hal is painted in negative light from the beginning and yet I understood and maybe even accepted his reasons. While his intent was deception, it wasn’t malicious. He wants a family to visit at Holiday, a place to hang his hat, children, and a companion.

The beginning of this book dragged a bit for me. Not much happened beyond talks, strolls, and riding. I did enjoy the progression of Julian and Hal’s relationship and the challenges they faced to get their HEA. The pacing picked up around 45% and it wasn’t long before I became fully invested in the characters, Margaret included. The way Hal and Margaret’s engagement/relationship was handled the second half was refreshing.

The second half of this historical drew me in and I was able to overlook *most* of my feelings about the sleepy start. I fell for the characters and even embraced the deception with heart eyes for Hal. Recommended for fans of historical romance.

Anniversary Shenanigans: Author Visit + Giveaway - Bonnie Dee

Happy Thanksgiving to the American unicorns out there! If you celebrate or not, we hope you know we're thankful for you and sharing the same passion we have for reading. And today's first author to party with us is definitely in a thankful mood. She's giving away an Audio CD title (or an eBook to international winners) to TWELVE people! It's the giving season, folks!

We're happy to welcome Bonnie Dee to the stable! Take it away, Bonnie!

Happy Anniversary, Boy Meets Boy Reviews!

I’m honored to take part in your anniversary month celebration of four years of providing quality gay romance reviews. I’ll be giving away CDs of audio books in my back list. Enter in Rafflecopter for a chance to win your choice from so many titles I’m not even sure what all I have! If you’ve only read contemporary m/m romance before, this is your chance to sample audio books of some of the historicals I’ve written with Summer Devon. The narrators have sexy British accents that only enhance our tales. Pretty much anything you see on THIS PAGE is available in audio format.

What I’d like to promote today is my most recent release, Snow Angels with Bear, a Love Off Leash tale. If you missed hearing about this series up till now, here’s the rundown: Love dogs and smoking hot men? The Love Off Leash series is for you. Different authors. Unrelated stories. Shared theme of new love and pets. Previous titles include Caring for Riggs, Hot Under the Collar, and Chilling with Max. For detailed blurbs on each title, check them out at my website.

Snow Angels with Bear is a winter story just in time for the holiday season.

An accident on an icy road brings a stray into August Long’s life, forcing a meeting with a man who invades his heart.

When a newcomer to the area brings an injured dog to his clinic, veterinarian Eric Grover is intrigued by tall, handsome and somewhat mysterious August Long. No one has the full story on why the ex-army vet is in Hopewell Springs. Natural shyness makes it difficult for Eric to get to know the stranger better. Luckily, the abandoned German Shepherd August names Bear brings the two men together.

Settling into civilian life after military service, August’s new job has brought him to northern Michigan on the cusp of winter. He never intended to hook up with a local, but gruff, taciturn Dr. Grover woos him with snowmobiling and cross country skiing. The southern boy from Atlanta comes to appreciate cold weather and the big man who lights his fire.

As the pair grows closer, sharing deeply personal confidences turns dating into a relationship. Even their dogs get along together. But August fears telling Eric what his job entails and keeps a secret until the truth explodes their romantic bubble. For two pride-filled men to patch things up may take a Christmas miracle—or the intervention of two adorable mutts.

I hope you’ll check it out. In the meantime, share your thoughts. Do you prefer cats or dogs? (or birds, ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, hermit crabs, etc.)

Bonnie Dee is giving away a DOZEN of her titles in Audio CD (US only)/ eBook (international) format! TWELVE PEOPLE and that back list? Imagine the choices!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway is open until 12:00AM (EST) on 11/30/17. Shortly thereafter, we will contact a winner!

Please respond to the winning notification within 48 hours or we will choose another winner. Good luck!

Don't miss entering in our month long unicorn giveaway HERE! It ends 12/1/17!

Review: Caring for Riggs (Love off Leash #1) by Bonnie Dee

Love dogs and smoking hot men? The Love Off Leash series is for you. Different authors. Unrelated stories. Shared theme of new love and pets.

Love, loss and finding a forever home.

After years abroad, Kyle Skelton returns to New York to plan his grandfather’s funeral. Weighed down by guilt about neglecting the prickly old man who once looked after him, Kyle is determined to find a good home for Gramps’s senior dog. The last thing he needs as he confronts his complicated past is the distraction of the handsome next door neighbor who’s been taking care of Riggs.

Darrell Baines is prepared to despise his neighbor’s grandson on sight. He believes this stranger is only interested in valuable things Vince may have left behind. But after witnessing the renewed bond between Kyle and Riggs and learning more about the unhappy teenager who fled New York years earlier, Darrell’s hard stance softens. It’s easier to forgive when Kyle is heaping blame on himself.

Darrell is almost too comfortable in his quiet routine, while Kyle has never found a place that felt like home. As these opposites walk their dogs together, unexpected friendship grows. A late night adventure adds passionate fuel to the fire, but Kyle is only passing through so a chance for anything more than a fling seems impossible.

When Kyle’s never-met father arrives for the funeral and Rigg’s health takes a turn for the worse, Kyle’s emotional turmoil reaches critical mass. Will his fragile new bond with Darrell be the powerful lifeline he has always needed?

I do love a love story where the catalyst for the MC’s is the love of pets, it adds a purity to the tale before I even read a word. I was expecting a sweet, somewhat lighthearted, opposites-attract kind of thing. It was that, but it also was so much more. There were some very touching moments and bittersweetness that made the story read so real and took it from escapist fluff to a story that gave me sincere feels and an honest interest in the future of the MC’s and their furry loved ones.

Kyle has always been a rolling stone and when he comes “home” after his Grandpa’s passing to deal with the mechanics of death of a loved one he dealt with all the inevitable feelings of guilt, loss, etc. He had regrets for not coming home sooner, not being more available which were completely legit and normal feelings. Kyle has never really had roots because his parents weren’t the kind that provided that, but his grandfather took him in and loved him and provided for him the best he could.

When Kyle gets the chance to take off and see the world, there’s no reason he shouldn’t and his grandfather never seemed to begrudge him the opportunity he took advantage of. Grandpa is gone before we begin but the author did a great job of making him a presence throughout the story. Riggs is Kyle’s gramps elderly pup and Kyle loves him dearly as he’s known Riggs most of his life. Gramps neighbor Darrell has been watching over Riggs and in the beginning he doesn’t have the best of opinions of Kyle. Darrell has been feeling pretty protective of Grandpa (Vince) and Riggs and only sees Kyle as the flighty, wayward grandson.

While Kyle is a man without roots, Darrell is a man with very deep ones. They were opposites in many ways but in a complementary way that becomes more apparent as they get to know one another. I love reading books where the relationship evolves that way. Caring for Riggs is a quiet book in that it focuses on the growth of the characters feelings within themselves and for each other rather than any overt actions that move the story along.

The sweetness between these guys grows slowly making it easy to believe especially with everything that Kyle is going through. Darrell is a natural caretaker and Kyle really needs that is his life right now. They may not have come together during the happiest of times, but it was very opportune anyway. Given the solemnity of the reason the two met, the book is pretty angst free in the romance department and man is it refreshing to read about two grown ass men acting like grown ass men. They communicated and took care of business. All of the answers didn’t come easy but there was no manufactured drama to take away from the organic relationship that was building.

There were a lot of great “moments” in Caring for Riggs and I can’t recommend it enough for a sincere feel good read. You’ll get the lovely fluff you need with an added dose of authenticity that makes it all the better.

**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**

Review: The Masterpiece by Bonnie Dee

Built from the bottom up: one perfect gentleman.

Man about town Arthur Lawton spends his days pursuing entertainment while shoeshine Joe Sprat labors to better his family’s lives. When an argument about nature versus nurture sparks a wager, Arthur swears to a friend he can turn this working man into a gentleman who will pass at a society function.

Joe is happy to participate in the experiment for a fee but receives more than he bargained for after moving into Lawton’s house. Arthur is determined Joe won’t merely wear a veneer of sophistication but educates him in every way. As he creates his new and improved man, Arthur grows more deeply infatuated with him, while Joe falls equally hard for his charismatic mentor.

Underneath a growing friendship, desire simmers and one day explodes. After their relationship escalates, the pair exists in a dream bubble until the threat of exposure sharply reminds them they belong in different worlds. When the ball is over, each must resume his own life, changed by their encounter but destined for different courses.

Find out if love is strong enough to bridge the gap between peer and pauper in this twist on the tale of My Fair Lady. 

Can we just have a moment of silence to admire the suit porn gracing the cover of this thing?

The blurb pretty much tells you all you need to know about the story, though this is certainly a sweeter version of the classic movie. Arthur is nowhere near as stern a taskmaster as Professor Higgins and Joe seems to get the hang of things much faster than Eliza ever did but other than that the story is the same. Minus all the singing. *sad face* But with some nice dancing scenes. 

My Fair Lady being one of my favorite movies made this hard to resist and I'm glad I didn't because this was a lighthearted and entertaining introduction to Bonnie Dee. The narrative flowed easily and I liked both of these characters. They're both charming in their own ways, but if you're looking for a whole lot of substance or depth this probably isn't the read for you.

Dee built some tension between them before the sexy times began but not a huge amount. I wouldn't categorize The Masterpiece as being sex heavy if that's a turn off for you, but they do have chemistry. Since it was told from both of their perspectives the desire they have for each other is clear to see. I liked that even though Arthur's trying to teach Joe how to pass as a peer he still enjoys Joe's cockney accent and his levelheadedness; he likes Joe for Joe. For Joe's part, he believes Arthur is selling himself short in regards to his capabilities and isn't afraid to tell him so on a regular basis, so they compliment each other well despite the class disparity.

There isn't a whole lot of conflict or angst. It's just a sweet little treat of a story about a fancy toff and a lowly shoeshiner falling in love. 

A review copy was provided.

Review: The Mighty Have Fallen by Bonnie Dee

Theatre headliner Trevor Rowland is at the peak of his career when disaster strikes. In one fell swoop, he loses his eyesight, his fame, and his boyfriend, who absconds with most of his money. Trevor must take on a flatmate, hardworking East Ender Jack Burrows, to afford the rent. Anger and bitterness have taken up residence in his heart—but Jack shines light into the shadowy corners with his relentlessly sunny disposition.

Jack introduces Trevor to a local drag club and convinces him he can enjoy the stage again. Trevor’s defences slowly come down as Jack becomes much more than a barely tolerated roommate. 

But will Trevor’s fragile trust be destroyed when it appears he’s been manipulated yet again by a man he’s come to care for? Will he reclaim his life or crawl back into a shell of defeat? Trevor must learn to trust not only a man, but himself, once more.

I’m a huge fan of Bonnie Dee’s words and have read her work across the genres. The Mighty Have Fallen is a great example of how she can bring a lot of elements to a story without becoming melodramatic just for the sake of it and keeping the focus on the evolution of the characters. Reading the blurb makes this story sound damn weighty, and while Trevor is going through a shitstorm in his life, the overall feeling is definitely more on the hopeful side and it was a much easier read than I expected. I was all geared up for some heavy angst and I was happy Trevor’s story didn’t go that direction.

Not that Trevor’s illness and adjustment to his new life is glossed over in any way, but the role his roomie Jack plays keeps the story heading to the positive and hopeful. We meet Trevor after he’s gone through occupational therapy and after his crappy boyfriend has hit the bricks. So, The Mighty Have Fallen is more about Trevor getting his independence and confidence back than about everything that led up to him losing so very much.

The only thing that I would have loved was to have Jack’s perspective as well. There was never a question as to his feelings for Trevor or his motives (at least to me, even if Trevor was a little clueless for a bit there), but I really loved his character and his attitude so more of him would have been a treat. This is definitely more of Trevor’s story though and adding more would have meant adding a lot more I think to get the right balance. Jack’s backstory would have to be there and so would more of Trevor’s detail, and again, I don’t think that’s what The Mighty Have Fallen was about, this was Trevor’s journey.

While I loved, loved, loved the evolution of the relationship between Trevor and Jack (who doesn’t love when roomies with bennies moves into all the feeeeeels???), I also really liked reading the interactions with the secondary characters. Trevor’s illness and all that he’s gone through has affected his perspective in so many ways and the conversations he had with his parents and old neighbor were well done and have more perspective on all that Trevor was learning about himself and his world.

I did get a bit fussy with Trevor when he had the clueless bit with Jack and questioned Jack’s motives, I couldn’t blame him given his past, but I also was feeling very protective of Jack by this point and all I wanted was for Trevor to make it right. Kudos to Trevor for pulling it together at the eleventh hour, conquering his fears and getting his HEA on with Jack.

**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**

Blog Tour: The Mighty Have Fallen by Bonnie Dee

We're thrilled to welcome Bonnie Dee to the clubhouse for the first time! Ever! The words made famous in a certain renowned movie involving a pirate and a would be princess come to mind.

I’m pleased to be invited to Boy Meets Boy Reviews for the day. My name is Bonnie Dee and I’m the author of a number of historical gay romances, most written with Summer Devon but some solo as well. The Mighty Have Fallen is my first contemporary romance in quite some time. It was pleasant to take a break from exploring social chasms and sexual taboos in Victorian or Edwardian times to write something set in our modern world. I was lucky to be included in Dreamspinner’s new Perchance to Dream Line, which features UK based novels. My editor tutored me on expressions and customs of modern day Londoners to bring a more authentic vibe to my story.

The theme of The Mighty Have Fallen is fame and the loss of it. Theatre headliner Trevor Rowland is at the peak of his career when disaster strikes. In one fell swoop, he loses his eyesight, his fame, and his boyfriend, who absconds with most of his money. Trevor must take on a flatmate, hardworking East Ender Jack Burrows, to afford the rent. Anger and bitterness have taken up residence in his heart—but Jack shines light into the shadowy corners with his relentlessly sunny disposition.

Jack introduces Trevor to a local drag club and convinces him he can enjoy the stage again. Trevor’s defences slowly come down as Jack becomes much more than a barely tolerated roommate.

But will Trevor’s fragile trust be destroyed when it appears he’s been manipulated yet again by a man he’s come to care for? Will he reclaim his life or crawl back into a shell of defeat? Trevor must learn to trust not only a man, but himself, once more.

Writing a character with a disability like Trevor’s allowed me to explore all the other senses which are heightened for him. I had to constantly remember not to describe scenes visually but via sound, smell, touch or even taste. Nuances in vocal inflection are important when one can’t read a person’s expression or body language.

Here is an excerpt from The Mighty Have Fallen in which Jack takes Trevor to the club and Trevor experiences it through Jack’s descriptions.

There was a bit of patter between acts, giving the audience a chance to chat. The noise level rose considerably. Jack returned from the bar with tequila shots and lager, then asked Trevor if he wanted a description of Lady Dee.

Trevor shook his head. “I think I’d rather imagine her.”

Jack chuckled. “That might be best. Lady’s seen better centuries, but she’s a dear.”

“You know her?”

“I work ’ere odd nights when I can. Don’t pay much. I do it cos I enjoy it.”

“You perform?” Trevor couldn’t have been more shocked if he’d learned his own father painted his toenails pink. He hadn’t pictured Jack Burrows as a cross-dresser, let alone a stage diva.

“On sound desk. I’d love to strut an’ dance, but I’d look crap in sequins and make-up. I ain’t that graceful. ’Sides, I couldn’t shave my face that close. I’d take off a layer of skin. Mum used to say I was born wiv a five-o’clock shadow.”

With the vivid image of a stubbled infant in a shawl still inside his head, Trevor felt Jack grasp his hand and guided it to a shot glass and the pint of beer beside it.

“Cheers,” Jack said, and they both drank.

The next performer began her number, so Trevor couldn’t ask more about Jack’s engineering gig. Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” as performed by Daisy Chain received a cheery round of applause. Trevor tried to imagine what Daisy looked like, but he was saved from wondering for long.

Jack moved closer to describe her. “She’s a newcomer. Long black ’air—no wig or weaves, I think—an’ mocha skin. Lovely brown eyes. Could use a bit more stage presence. Probably nervous ’er first time out. She’s wearin’ a shimmery blue gown an’ sparkly shoes. A right princess, this one. Should wear a tiara.”

With that visual in mind, Trevor enjoyed the rest of the song even more. Listening to the music, he crafted a dance routine and gestures that would play to the audience. He’d spent so many years on stage he felt more at home there than anywhere else—certainly more so than in his new flat, which seemed like a prison.

The reminder he’d never have an opportunity to perform again knocked the wind out of him and erased his pleasant buzz from the alcohol.

As the song ended and applause began, Jack’s hand fell on Trevor’s shoulder and squeezed. “You could do this, you know. Never saw you act, but I watched a few clips from yer shows online before we moved in togever. Seems I missed some amazin’ work.”

“Thanks,” Trevor said shortly.

Thanks for really driving it home, mate.

Jack seemed to read his mind. “It doesn’t ’ave to be over, you know. You might really enjoy entertainin’ again, even if it’s only amateur.”

Trevor recalled why this man drove him mad. He was too bossy, too full of advice, too bloody stupid about the reality of Trevor’s life.

“In case you’ve forgotten, I’m fucking blind!” he snapped at the same moment a void of silence followed the audience’s applause.

Trevor’s voice, trained to project, resounded through the club. He imagined dozens of pairs of eyes on him and wanted to melt into the floor. Audiences used to spur him to his best efforts. Now the very thought of facing people made him shrivel. His former confidence had evaporated, and he felt like a five-year-old prone to either sobs or temper tantrums. He hardly recognized himself in the weak, fearful man he’d become.

For a moment he thought he might jump up and bolt—no, flounder—out of the place. Then a hand reached out of the darkness to cover his own where it rested on his thigh. The solid weight of Jack’s palm grounded him, tethered him, and made him feel secure

Blurb:


Theatre headliner Trevor Rowland is at the peak of his career when disaster strikes. In one fell swoop, he loses his eyesight, his fame, and his boyfriend, who absconds with most of his money. Trevor must take on a flatmate, hardworking East Ender Jack Burrows, to afford the rent. Anger and bitterness have taken up residence in his heart—but Jack shines light into the shadowy corners with his relentlessly sunny disposition.

Jack introduces Trevor to a local drag club and convinces him he can enjoy the stage again. Trevor’s defences slowly come down as Jack becomes much more than a barely tolerated roommate.

But will Trevor’s fragile trust be destroyed when it appears he’s been manipulated yet again by a man he’s come to care for? Will he reclaim his life or crawl back into a shell of defeat? Trevor must learn to trust not only a man, but himself, once more.

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You can learn more about me, Bonnie Dee, and my back list of many romance books at http://bonniedee.com. Find me on FB at Bonnie Dee Author or Bonnie Dee. My Twitter handle is @Bonnie_Dee. I’m not the most active social media person but I turn up occasionally. Most importantly, please take a moment to sign up for my newsletter to learn of upcoming releases. Newsletter signup form