Out!

Shamwell Tales

By: JL Merrow

Narrated by: Mark Steadman

When love wars with principle, which one will win?

Mark Nugent has spent his life in the closet--at least, the small portion of it he hasn't spent in the office. Determined to make amends to his neglected teenage daughter from a failed marriage, Mark swears off work--and love--so he can give her a stable home environment. But Mark's resolve to keep his heart under wraps is tested when he meets an out and proud young man he's instantly drawn to.

Patrick Owen is a charity worker with strong principles. He doesn't trust easily, but he's blown away by his attraction for the older man who's so new to his own sexuality. Yet Mark is adamant he's not coming out to his daughter--and Patrick refuses to live a lie.

What with Mark's old-fashioned attitudes and his flirtatious ex-colleague who's determined to come between them, Patrick begins to wonder if they'll ever be on the same page. And when Mark's career as a tax advisor clashes with Patrick's social conscience, sparks really start to fly--in all the wrong ways.

©2017 JL Merrow (P)2017 Riptide Publishing

lighthearted and fun

I am going to admit I stared at this in my library for a while not so eager after listening to Played. But I was down to my last couple books, the reviews all looked good and I will admit I was hoping for Patrick's story. Now I am very glad I gave it a go. I loved all of the characters. The story is fast-paced, fun and hilarious. There is a couple of subplots that are intriguing, the romance is sweet. and who doesn't love a precocious matchmaking teenager?

I love British stories and Mark Stedman as the coolest accent. He gave the story wit, charm and personality and I absolutely adored David with his swishiness and lisp. ( I hope he is getting a story soon. I will be eager for it.)

Funny, British, Nice addition to series

I enjoyed the characters in this story quite a bit. Patrick knows Mark is attracted to him and though he’s not usually attracted to someone that much older than him, he can’t help but be charmed by the social ineptitude he sees in Mark.

The two dance around each other for a long, long, long time and then – ironically with the blessing of Mark’s daughter, finally begin a relationship.

This one is very dry, full of humor, light on steam and very British.

I had a hard time getting invested in Mark and Patrick as a couple, however. They don’t really even get involved until near the end and though it is cute and sweet, I can’t really say they’ll be there together - forever. At best it’s a HFN for these guys.

The writing is excellent, as always, and Mark’s self-discovery is probably the most important and well-done aspect of this story, but it didn’t set my heart a-flutter.

So… for me… it was … fun. Nice. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. If you’re in the mood to laugh and smile and watch a man discover himself – this is your book. If you want firey romance and heat and burning declarations of love – not so much.

3.5 of 5 stars


Audio

Mark Steadman is fantastic – again. I’m not sure how many superlatives I can use to describe how perfectly he suits this series! It’s such a BRITISH book with so many slang words and the feel is ever so British, having his accent speaking Merrow’s words really helps complete the scene.

Highly recommended as a way to enjoy this book and the series!

5 of 5 stars

Overall 4.25 of 5 stars