Book 749: Feinted Love (Crimes of the Heart #1) – Elle Keaton

I’ve been incredibly hesitant to accept another galley from Gay Romance Reviews after reading It’s A Steal and being appalled at the editing and the numerous 4-5 star reviews on Goodreads.* I’m glad to say this one was definitely a lot better than that one, so at least I wasn’t burned twice, right?

But what can I say (mostly because I’ve said it before), I’m a sucker for a cover model in glasses . . . swoon. I’m not sure I’d peg this cover model as Arnie, this guy just looks too smooth.

They’re sporty. I can tell already by their running shoes and track pants. I am not sporty. I’m a gold medalist in solo events like reading and walking. And I’ve been known to read and walk at the same time, which did not turn out well for me. (Chapter 29)

I don’t know what kind of romance this is, a second chances maybe, but whatever it is I do like them. The protagonists Arnie and Tobias met at a party in the distant past and had an awesome off-page hook up that left them both wanting more. Tobias thought about it occasionally as he moved on with his life moving up the ranks at his family company. And Arnie stewed over it and blamed it on the mediocrity that has become his life.

They meet again at the coffee shop where Arnie works and rather than be bold and say hey I know you and want to get to know you better, Tobias just creepily hangs out building up the courage to talk to him. Meanwhile Arnie is pining away while plotting a ridiculous get even plan for Tobias ruining his life.

When Tobias says my name, it doesn’t sound like a goofy name, it sounds like my favorite dark chocolate. Tobias’s voice latches on to something unnamable in my stomach and pulls me, damp T-shirt and all, across the room to where he’s sitting. I think about what Duff said the other night, that people don’t randomly ask people if they want to get a drink. I think about the fact that I haven’t seen Tobias since then, and that it’s nice to see him this afternoon. More than nice. Like, really nice. (Chapter 13)

Honestly, I’d rather the book have focused on their rekindling their romance rather than Arnie’s half-assed plan to get even with Tobias for something he didn’t actively do. It distracted from the story and although it did give some plot to the story, it just wasn’t that great. Tobias and Arnie could’ve been interesting, especially their interactions with each other’s families, but being in Arnie’s headspace and following his plan (or not) seemed to be the piece the novel hinged on.

Recommendation: I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would, but it definitely could use some work. I wasn’t in love with either of the characters, but they had their moments. I was even less enamored with the minor characters who I’m assuming will carry the series forward. We’ll see though.

*I received a copy of Feinted Love via Gay Romance Reviews in return for my honest opinion. No goods or money were exchanged.

Opening Line: “Duff abruptly stops walking.”

Closing Line: “‘Believe it,’ I say as I lower my lips to his to demonstrate exactly how much I in fact love Arnie Ferguson.” (Whited out to avoid spoilers, highlight to read.)

Additional Quotes from Feinted Love
“Immediately I want to know more about what screenwriting actually is, how it’s different from writing a novel or short story. How do you learn to do it? This is how my mind works: I love learning about obscure things other people might not know—and screenwriting fits right in. And, of course, the whole demon thing.” (Chapter 8)

“‘What am I going to do with you?’ I hear exasperation in his voice, but it’s tempered with affection.
‘I don’t know. I guess we’re going to be old bachelors together, and we’ll sit at sidewalk cafes watching the rest of the world go by while we drink weak black coffee because we’re lactose intolerant and talk about our farts.’
‘That was uncomfortably detailed.’
‘Am I wrong?’
‘No,’ Charley grouses, ‘you probably aren’t wrong. But I hope to god you are.’ (Chapter 9)

“Change is something I’ve always approached with great caution—which is funny, because I’ve just changed almost everything in my life and, remarkably, I’m still here. In fact, I might possibly have improved myself.” (Chapter 25)