When I say this book was ADORABLE I mean it. It was the sweetest thing ever. Truth being told, I'm having a hard time lately committing to a whole length novel yet once I started this one I couldn't put it down and I was reminded how happy I get when I immerse myself in a beautiful heartfelt book. Jake and Seth's story was vulnerable and tender. they were both exploring parts of themselves they haven't before and that's without mentioning the sexual part that was rather new to both of them. We've met Seth in the previous installment. He is Jesse's best friend. They used to live together in Seth's apartment before Jesse found his own HEA with Dane (If you haven't read "Pretty Perfect" it's simply a MUST). Jake has lived a rather sheltered life. He comes from a wealthy family but a cold one. It used to be different when his father was alive, but after his death his mother became WAY too controlling, trying to build a perfect life for her only son, not seeing for a second it's never what he wanted for himself. He didn't know how to stand up to her, how to pursue his real interests which is a big part of the reason he has left home to study (what she wants - and he dislikes), in the university his father went to, and more importantly far from home.
Living with Jesse he realized a lot about himself, what he enjoys doing - playing the piano, putting makeup o himself but also on others and dreaming of becoming a professional makeup artist. As he isn't lacking financially he is able to do both in the assisted living facility he volunteers at. The residents love him and he enjoys spending time with them. He has also found a friend in one of the workers there - Bonnie who become in a way more than just a friend, a sort of a mother figure he wishes his own could be - loving and compassionate.
Jake on the other hand, had a difficult childhood and upbringing. He LOVES his mother and would do right around anything and everything for her, but he couldn't stop his father from mistreating her. There were too many times he wished he could save her and couldn't. When he was old enough, he made the step of taking her away from her abusive partner and together they built a different present and future for themselves. Everything he and his mother shared had brought them closer together but it also made Jake feel responsible for his mother's well being and safety. He truly wants her to have a life of her own and a sense of freedom and independence but it's still hard to "let go" especially now as she is planning on "moving out" of his house.
When Seth appears at his doorstep after his mother invited him for dinner he is surprised. Especially because he has actually met the guy before at his friends' house (Dane's brother in law). It's easy to see what his mother found in Seth. He is simply ADORABLE. Though it's not something he remembers ever feeling towards a guy before... He can admit to himself at times he HAD found some men attractive, yet he has never acted on his attraction. It was too easy to enjoy Seth's company as a good friends not only to his mom but to him as well.
Seth is VERY attracted to Jake, but it still takes them a while to admit their feelings to one another. While Seth is out his first encounter with a guy left him traumatized. He WANTS to act on his desires, but after what he went through he finds it hard to trust. It doesn't take him long to realize if there is a person he CAN trust (except his best friend Jesse) it's Jake and since it's all new to Jake as well, they have the time to experiment and explore each other with no pressure. That's exactly what both men needed in the physical sense, but also emotionally. Getting closer, talking about their lives and their past. Building a true foundation of trust. One that allows both of them to try things they have never done before.
Both men have their issues to deal with. But together they give each other the strength to believe in themselves. It was beautiful seeing the positive effect both men had on each other. Seth becoming more independent and Jake learning to trust and letting go - of his need to protect the people he loves but also be able to show his own vulnerabilities. It was baby steps for both of them. Yet every move, every moment between them was SUCH a joy to read. Even the more difficult conversations they shared, there was something about THEM together, that melted my heart.
I truly can't recommend this book enough. It was sweet and tender. It was emotional yet not overly angsty. It was sad but more than that it was hopeful. I truly couldn't have asked for more. Christina and Riley DEFINITELY did it again! Can't wait for Skylar's book! (Yep, "Pretty Wild" was AWESOME!)
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book is out TODAY - 17th June 2020 - Grab it now through Amazon / KU (links bellow).
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Riley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s a hopeless romantic, a lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together.
She loves reading, flawed characters, and hanging out with her husband and children, who she adores. She and her family live in Southern California, soaking up the sunshine while also missing seasons. Not a day goes by that she isn’t thankful she gets to wake up and do what she loves.
Life is good. Riley also writes young adult and new adult under the name Nyrae Dawn.
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Once upon a time, I lived in New York City and was a wardrobe stylist. I spent my days shopping for photo shoots, getting into cabs, eating amazing food, and drinking coffee at my favorite hangouts.
Now I live in the Midwest with my husband and son—my two favorite guys. I've been a clinical social worker and a special education teacher. But it wasn't until I wrote a weekly column for the local newspaper that I realized I could turn the fairytales inside my head into the reality of writing fiction.
I write Adult, New Adult, and M/M Contemporary Romance. I'm addicted to lip gloss and salted caramel everything. I believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.
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 | Rating: ★★★★★ | E-Book Edition | 295 pages | Read on: 14-17 June 2020 |  |  |
ABOUT THIS SERIES
Boys in Makeup is a Contemporary Romance series by Christina Lee and Riley Hart. It focuses on guys who aren't afraid showing true color which I simply ADORE. In each one at least one guy works at a gay club (in different roles) but it isn't about the club at all, it's just the connection (and friendships) between the characters and couples.
The stories are sweet and tender the kind that warms your heart. I loved all three of them!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Books:
1. Pretty Perfect [Jesse & Dane] (Published 16 January 2020) ★★★★★
2. Pretty Sweet [Jake & Seth] (Published 2 October 2020) ★★★★★
3. Pretty Wild [Skyler & Clark] (Published 19 March 2021) ★★★★★
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