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Learning to Love
Felice Stevens
Released May 2nd, 2016
After ten years away from home, bad boy caterer Gideon Marks has a lot to prove. Getting the holiday catering job at his childhood synagogue is the first step in demonstrating to everyone he didn’t turn out to be the failure they predicted. What he doesn’t count on is Rabbi Jonah Fine, his high school nemesis and secret crush, stirring up old feelings Gideon thought long gone and secrets he’s buried deep for years.
An unexpectedly passionate encounter shocks Gideon, but he pushes Jonah away, convinced he isn’t good enough to be in a relationship and would never be accepted by Jonah’s father. But Jonah hangs tough—he won’t allow Gideon to hide or run away from life again. And when it comes to love, Gideon learns the most important lessons aren’t always taught in school.
An unexpectedly passionate encounter shocks Gideon, but he pushes Jonah away, convinced he isn’t good enough to be in a relationship and would never be accepted by Jonah’s father. But Jonah hangs tough—he won’t allow Gideon to hide or run away from life again. And when it comes to love, Gideon learns the most important lessons aren’t always taught in school.
“How did you know where to find me?”
“I didn’t. But when I went to your apartment and
discovered you weren’t home, I thought to myself, ‘Where would a chef be early
on Saturday morning?’”
Pleased he’d thought so carefully about me, I bit
my lip to keep from smiling, then muttered with my head down, “Lucky guess on
your part.”
“I’d like to think so,” said Jonah, his voice as
soft as the breeze. My eyes met his, the hurt from our last conversation
shimmering bright in their depths, causing a throb within me of a longing I’d
never known existed. “Or maybe it was fate.”
He smiled then plucked the paper bag of rugelach
out of my clutches, rummaged through it until he found an apricot one, and bit
off half.
“Well, if you’re that hungry, I guess you can come
home with me, and I’ll make you an omelet,” I grumbled but couldn’t stop the
small grin tugging at my lips. “But I planned on browsing a bit more through
the market first.”
“I’d like that.” Jonah walked beside me, and we
meandered past the stands piled high with colorful peppers and squash. We
strolled in silence, but every few steps I’d sneak a glance at him, expecting
Jonah to speak. Instead he remained irritatingly, cheerfully silent.
I sampled some hot mulled cider and licked my lips.
Spending so much time with Jonah gave me new insight. I’d always thought him
superior and judgmental; perhaps I had been wrong in my assessment. He
captivated me with the humor in his speech, warmth in his smile, and that
unmistakable flare of desire in his eyes. Goddamn it, I wanted him.
I extended the paper cup. “Do you want a sip?” Its
heady cinnamon scent remained one of my most favorite things about the fall
season. To my shock, instead of answering me, he bent down and kissed me on my
lips, lapping at their sticky sweetness. He stepped back, but I put a
restraining hand on his wrist.
“What’s going on? Why are you really here?”
The honesty in Jonah’s face took my breath away.
“Do you really have to ask, after the last time?”
My body refused to listen to the war inside my
head, kindling a deep need I couldn’t understand. I took a step forward, but
unlike me, Jonah didn’t retreat. He stood firm, and I stood close enough to
almost touch. Close enough to smell him.
“I’m not who you want; can’t you see that?”
“You don’t have any idea what I see when I look at
you, Gideon.”
I wanted to yell back at him, No, you have no idea who I am, but I couldn’t bring myself to ruin
the moment. I had no clue who Jonah thought I was, but I wanted to be that man
if only to be able to have him always look at me like this. Like I was special.
Like I was his. The sun beat hot upon my shoulders, and I held his gaze while
contentment poured over me like a warm summer rain.
Jonah is such a sweet guy, you can't help but love him! Gideon has had a rough life, but he if finally in a pretty good place, excerpt for the fact that he has a learning disability. Although they knew each other growing up and Gideon had a crush on Jonah, the two were never friends. Gideon has a really hard time believing that someone like Jonah could actually be interested in him. Sweet story with two very likeable men. Great characters and real life problems made this a fun read. I'd be really interested in Gideon's friend Rico's story, I have a feeling it's a good one.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own.
I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner. My character have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes love.
I live in New York City with my husband and two children. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be a little angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.
I live in New York City with my husband and two children. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be a little angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.
Lovely review. Thank you for hosting LEARNING TO LOVE today!
ReplyDeleteCrystal, Tasty Book Tours