Author: Ethan Stone
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages/Word Count: 68 Pages
At a Glance: I loved the premise of this book; it was fun and playful, a light easy read without much angst.
Reviewed By: Carrie
Blurb: Sometimes you do get a second chance at first love
Diamond magnate Sly Carson is headed to the Hotel Incognito, the premier resort for gay men in Las Vegas. He plans to take advantage of the time away from his homophobic father and have as much fun as possible. But the fun ends when he bumps into his old flame, Rory Klein.
Rory’s job working at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center has left him emotionally drained. A few days away was supposed to relax him, but there’s nothing relaxing about facing the man who broke his heart in college.
Twenty years have passed, but time doesn’t necessarily heal all wounds. This weekend could be their last chance to make things right, but a confession from Sly could ruin everything.
Review: The Hotel Incognito is a premier resort catering to the gay male, and is not for the faint at heart. Sly Carson is headed there for a week away from the stress of running one of the world’s largest diamond companies, and the mantle of responsibility associated with being from such a powerful family dynasty. He’s fed up with his job, his life, and his homophobic father. He had love once, but he gave it away, and life since then has been one useless attempt after another at trying to live up to what his father expects of him. He wants a week to himself, to be himself – his out, his proud self, even if it’s just for a week. He plans to get laid at least once a day, and knows the Hotel Incognito is the place to make it happen.
Rory Klein has been out for years. He loves his job at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, but the work leaves him emotionally drained. As much as he needs to, he just cannot keep from caring what happens to the young kids that come through his program. He lives in Las Vegas but needs a week away, so he checks into the Hotel Incognito, leaving his cell phone at home. A big bear of a man, Rory wants a week of relaxation in an environment of acceptance, and the opportunity for getting laid. Because he has never been comfortable with his physical appearance, Rory, in general, declines the hotel’s policy of “clothes optional” in all areas of the resort, and keeps his shorts on.
Peace for both men is shattered by a moment of recognition at the pool. First loves are hard to forget, and feelings don’t go away just because you bury them deep.
I loved the premise of this book; it was fun and playful, a light easy read without much angst. Yeah, the MCs had some stuff to work through, but love conquers all! For a short novel it delivers on a good story, steamy hot loving and sweet romance. I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a feel good read about a hot, sexy bear, and his once in a lifetime love. I am looking forward to book three in the series, One More Time, which is coming out soon.
You can buy Lies & Diamonds & Bears here:
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