Blurb:
Spencer Cohen is the guy who gets answers to relationship questions. Playing the role of the new lover, his job is to make his client’s ex realise one of two things: he doesn’t want to break up or he really does. Either way, his client gets answers.
The ex would either apologize and beg, or turn and walk. But in the end, Spencer’s client won. If he wanted his ex back and got him, it was great. If the guy walked away, then as hard it was for the client, he knew it was over. Regardless of the outcome, Spencer’s work was done.
Andrew Landon’s ex left him without so much as an explanation. But his sister can’t stand to see him miserable, so, much to Andrew’s dismay, they hire Spencer to be Andrew’s new boyfriend to get the ex back.
For Spencer, it is never personal. Merely a business transaction. No emotions, no strings, no complications.
Yeah right.
Even a blind man could see how this would end.
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Edition read:
BlueHeart
Contemporary, M/M, GLBT+
137 e-book pages
1st person
The Spencer Cohen Series, book 1
February 18-19, 2016
Kindle Edition
Rating: ??????.5
Ratings are 1 to 5 stars and based mostly on GoodReads standards.
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Review:
A sweet start to a new series.
I will say, based on the overall plot, it’s quite predictable. I guess because it’s a romance, we know we’re apt to get somewhat of an HEA or HFN. Here, though, add in a main character who’s made it his job to be a relationship rekindler, or help the client realize it’s truly over. He’s a guy who steps in and creates situations that are meant to cause an ex-lover jealousy so that they go running back to his client. And since the book is named for the Relationship Rekindler, Spencer Cohen, …p.r.e.d.i.c.t.a.b.l.e
For me, Spencer’s job is just weird. Does anyone really do this? For pay? I’ve seen it as a trope in movies…still weird. I’m guessing there’s no 401K or benefits package.
Despite my notions of weirdness and predictability, this first step of the journey was a lot of fun. I liked the story and the characters. On the surface, they seem like total opposites, but we dig into their nuanced layers and find that they have some commonalities.
Andrew, the reluctant client, is straight-laced, well-mannered, a bit nerdy, and lacks self-confidence.
Spencer, the professional fixer, I found to be fun and easy-going, sort of a cool hipster, artfully tattooed, Aussie guy living the dream in Los Angeles. He’s got a fantastic set of friends who keep him humble and on his toes.
Told entirely in Spencer’s point of view, we see that Andrew’s ex is an absolute douchebag and wonder what he ever saw in the guy, and why does Andrew miss him?
Spencer is instantly smitten and fights the attraction even though he has valid reasons to hold Andrew’s hand and nuzzle his ear in public. But he must maintain some sense of professionalism in order to get the job done–whatever the resolution may be.
This is a slow-burn–alas, Spencer’s got a job to do–and not much happens except a kiss. So, the heat level is super low on this–but there’s hope for more as the series continues with this couple.
Also: this book might contain a major spoiler for the movie How to Train Your Dragon 2. I’ve seen the first (loved it), but haven’t seen this one yet…and, well…possibly somewhat spoiled unless Walker took fictional liberties.
This review also posted on GoodReads.