The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog are pleased to be part of the Blog Tour for Ruth Clampett's "Encore."
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2uLBQ4H
Synopsis:
When shy programmer, Charlie, is dragged to a male revue show in Hollywood by his co-workers, the last thing he expects is to be pulled onstage. But when he’s approached by Ramon, a dancer whose only focus is to bring him pleasure, something awakens in Charlie that can’t be denied.
Heated attraction only goes so far however when one man dreams of true love and a life finally fulfilled, and the other is still grieving the one he lost, and the mistake that cost him everything.
Can a realist and a dreamer from completely different worlds move forward and build a future together, or will their painful pasts keep them from fulfilling their destiny?
Review: Jo
"Encore" was a M/M love story that brought together two completely different characters. Charlie was the sensible, slightly nerdy computer guy who needed someone to hold his hand on his journey of sexual awakening and Ramon, who I had already met in "Unforgiven", was the confident and sexy erotic dancer that seemed like the perfect man to help Charlie find his true identity.
"In the presence of this man, I have nothing to fight against,
and everything to surrender to."
I loved the premise of this story and became immediately supportive of Charlie, rooting for him from the very first page. Because the book was written from Charlie's POV, I found it extremely easy to get to know and like him. Charlie was so sweet, but he also appeared to be a little naive, so when he quickly fell head over heels in love with Ramon, I was a little concerned that he was going to get his heart broken. Ramon was the complete opposite of Charlie, confident in everything, including his sexuality and he seemed willing to help Charlie on his journey of self-discovery. Although there were occasions during the story where I didn't fully trust Ramon's actions, I truly wanted his relationship with Charlie to work and after a while I realised that it wasn't just Charlie that needed support, Ramon too needed help and his life wasn't as simple as I'd first thought. I loved getting to know this new side of Ramon and I found myself warming to him more and more as the story progressed. It soon became obvious that these two boys were just about perfect for one another.
"He will own me with every word spoken, every touch that pulls us closer together."
This book was a much slower paced novel compared to Ruth Clampett's previous M/M romance, concentrating more on the development of Charlie and Ramon's relationship with the sex element taking a bit of a step back. Charlie and Ramon's story was a true tale of sweet love and with a few steamy scenes thrown in to heat things up, "Encore" was a story that I enjoyed reading, although I wouldn't have complained if there was just a little more heat. Lol! For me, my favourite part was the epilogue, which was a surprising treat. As well as being written from Ramon's POV, it also saw the coming together of all of the characters, including Jason and Dean from "Unforgiven". It was the best way to end the story.
"Charlie is my present and my future,
and I know without a doubt he was meant to be my destiny."
If you love a swoony M/M romance this one is for you.
"Encore" gets 3.5 hearts from me.
Excerpt:
There’s another round of cat-calls from the pent up audience when the dancers step to the front of the stage and dance provocatively to amp up the viewers. Suddenly they split apart again and move toward us.
My mind is momentarily jumbled, and when the images sort themselves I realize that instead of the woman, the male dancer is approaching me. I can’t help but stare at his incredible body as my gaze slowly works it’s way up from his muscular thighs, to his abs, built chest and shoulders and when I get to his face I realize I’m blinking repeatedly.
The confusion that must be evident in my expression apparently is amusing, because he nods at me before leaning in closer and I feel a flush from his hot breath against my ear. “Hey, Prince Charlie … ready to have some fun?”
I can feel my eyes bug out and a lump form in my throat. It is him. “Ramon?” I ask in a strangled voice.
“The one and only,” he answers with a wink. “I thought you could use a little loosening up.” He widens his legs and steps closer, straddling me and running his fingers through my hair while he slowly rotates his hips.
“You’re gay?” I ask, my mouth gaping open.
His bold laugh makes my cheeks feel hot. “Oh, baby,” he whispers. “You’re so damn cute. Ask me again when I’m done with you.” He gives me a sexy smile and then slowly rocks his hips forward making me want to rip his briefs off.
“Oh God, oh God, oh God.” I whisper, feeling like my face is on fire.
He backs away again to dance around me, brushing his hand over my shoulders and down my thighs while he moves. Every sweep of his touch excites me until I’m sizzling like a lit fuse.
I’ve never seen anyone other than on music videos who could dance with such a natural rhythm and sexual vibe. He turns toward the audience partway through the dance and then bends forward so his ass is presented to me and I’m in agony not to touch it. He has the most perfect gorgeous ass I’ve ever seen. I get harder thinking about what it would be like in this moment if we were alone, and he wasn’t wearing the tiny briefs. Oh God. I think with a sigh.
I’m trying to hide as best I can how turned-on I am. Has there ever been more proof that it’s not a woman that I want in my bed, but a man like Ramon?
I’m having trouble catching my breath when he straightens and swivels, then straddles my legs as he thrusts his hips bringing his bulge tauntingly close to my face.
Shifting back until he’s almost sitting on my knees, he slowly drags his way up my thighs until his ass is against my crotch and he sinks down firmly enough to know I’m painfully hard for him.
The edges of his mouth turn up with delight. “Damn, Charlie,” he says. “You feel so fucking good.”
About the Author:
Ruth Clampett, daughter of legendary animation director Bob Clampett, grew up surrounded by artists and animators. A graduate of Art Center College of Design, she has been VP of Design for Warner Brothers Studio Stores and taught photography at UCLA. Today she runs her own studio and as the Fine Art publisher for Warner Brothers Studios has come to know and work with some of the world’s greatest artists in the fields of animation and comics.
Ruth lives and works in Los Angeles, strictly supervised by her teenage daughter, who helps plan their summer around their yearly pilgrimage to the San Diego Comic Con.
Connect with Ruth:
Twitter: @RuthyWrites
Stay up to date with Ruth by signing up for her mailing list:
Website: http://ruthclampettwrites.com
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