Review: A sweet, loving, laugh out loud funny, gay for you romance – Yummm!!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 8, 2014
4.5 of 5 stars~ Review by LeisaFor original review see Prism Book AllianceWhenever an author can make me laugh out loud many times, and make me hang onto every word hoping that the characters will find a way to work through the obstacles keeping them apart, then I know I’ve found a wonderful story. Stay With Me is written from the perspective of Mackenzie, a smart mouthed private investigator who’s never had a successful relationship. His latest lover left him with nothing – he even kept the dog that Mackenzie loves. He then meets beautiful, sweet, and charismatic Jordan, a straight man who wants Mackenzie to watch his girlfriend who he suspects may be cheating on him.The chemistry between Mackenzie and Jordan is instant and just sizzles. As a “gay for you” story, Jordan’s inner confusion mixed with his obvious physical desire for Mackenzie is so well written. I just love the gay for you trope – it’s among my favorites – but I don’t like when one of these stories includes a supposedly straight man being physically attracted to a man for the first time, and he has no conflicted feelings or doubts. To me, this doesn’t seem authentic. However, S.E. Harmon’s portrayal of Jordan’s feelings and reactions seem honest and real. He’s a little freaked out by his desires, but at the same time he just can’t stay away from Mackenzie. He’s like a moth drawn to the flame.I also love that Mackenzie and Jordan’s road to “happily ever after” wasn’t one without bumps and potholes. When an author makes a couple’s ride off into the sunset of happiness too easy, it is boring. Nothing could be further from the truth for Mackenzie and Jordan. They have an enormously unexpected curve ball thrown into their very new and fragile relationship, and they must together find a way to deal with the potentially life changing issue and still remain together. Such a great angsty and yummy story line! A couple of things I did not particularly like was that early in the book (before he and Jordan become an item), Mackenzie has LOTS of delectable sex (S.E. Harmon can pen a sex scene!) with another man. I know he isn’t with Jordan at this time, but I still don’t usually like my books to include one of the main characters having hot sex with anyone other than their love interest – a personal preference, I know. Also, I am bugged that Jordan stays with his girlfriend for much of the book while he’s also feeling his way (literally and metaphorically) along about his feelings for Mackenzie. Cheating is always a major turnoff for me.Overall, Stay With Me’s fabulously funny dialog actually made me think a bit of Tj Klune’s Tell Me It’s Real (a HUGE compliment!). It’s also quite a sweet and loving story that is not at all formulaic. I highly recommend that you read this fresh, delightful story by new M/M author S.E. Harmon. I can’t wait for her next book – and after you read Stay With Me, I think you’ll feel the same!