REVIEW: “What The Heart Thinks” by Vivien Dean
ABOUT:
On a scale of one to ten, DJ Joe Salinas considers himself a four, five on a good day. Actor/part-time stripper Fess Kedley is definitely a nine, however, though Joe’s pretty sure that slides into a ten as soon as the clothes come off. So when the outgoing Fess recognizes a shy Joe at a bachelorette party from his midnight radio show and proceeds to ask him out, Joe turns him down, convinced he’s either crazy or stupid.
The only problem is, Fess takes rejection as reason to keep on trying.
The two become unexpected friends, so when the thought of trying a date comes up again, Joe decides to take a chance. Though he doesn’t understand what someone like Fess would see in someone like him, it’s hard to say “no” when everything else feels so right.
REVIEW:
My reaction after I finished this novella? “Awwwwww…” Yep, this was warm and fuzzy little story, that focused on characters and romance rather than smut, which made it totally perfect for me to read during one rainy afternoon.
Joe Salinas, despite being a popular DJ and a doctorate candidate (which means that he’s a smart cookie) is a quite socially introverted man. He always thinks himself as a four/five kind of guy. So when gorgeous outgoing Fess Kedley comes onto him, Joe is baffled and plans to run towards the hills. There is no heavy conflict that happens except for Joe’s insecurity.
However, since Fess is a determined and yet perceptive kind of guy – Fess might be exasperated with Joe’s inability to see himself as special – it never blows out of proportion. Fess is patient enough to give Joe the time and space he needs, but without completely backing down from challenging Joe to accept Fess’s offer of friendship.
The relationship starts with friendship – as Joe and Fess exchange phone numbers, talk on the phone, and then go out on a date. That makes me all happy because this is the kind of romance I love. Not just physical attraction or lust, but building rather slowly and steadily. Thus when we get to that sexual moment, it feels sexy, intimate, and oh-so-right. And the ending? Well, that is just the cherry on top.
All in all, it’s the kind of read that I’d recommend to those looking for a sweet romance in between novels or dark reads.
RATING: 4 STARS
BOOK INFO:
Title: What The Heart Thinks
Author: Vivien Dean
Publisher: Amber Allure
Pages: 84
Release Date: April 20, 2014
Purchase Links: Amber Allure, ARe, Amazon
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