“Are you kicking me out, Mum?”
“Darling. No! You know what I mean. You need to get out there. Go on Grindr and whatever. Get laid. It’s not good for you not to see people. You need to get back on that bike.”
“Mum, I am that bike. And I’m not ready for anyone to ride me.”
― Breathe
Ryan, known as Joey Hole, is living in his childhood bedroom and doesn’t want to leave. After losing his boyfriend and being sent home by his agent, Ryan needs to figure out what to do with his life. He was one of the most sought-after adult video stars and it went to his head. Despite having a ton of money from a very lucrative career, he has no friends and no career opportunities.
Luke knows something about scandals. His dad is in a halfway house and his mom is in prison for defrauding their customers. Luke went from boarding school straight to an overcrowded row house with his five siblings. Now, four years later, Luke has started uni and is beyond excited to do something meaningful for himself. Despite his best efforts, his classmate Ryan refuses to engage with him.
After telling Luke to leave him alone, Ryan returns to New York to try to restart his porn career. However, no one wants to work with him. He finally accepts that he needs to put some effort into building a life for himself, otherwise he will be nothing but a washed up ex-celebrity. With some coaxing, Luke agrees to give Ryan a second chance and the two begin building a tentative friendship.
This book is the first in the London Love series, and I’m very glad I did not start with it. There is just too much going on. Ryan is not very likable. Luke is fine but I wasn’t super invested in his and Ryan’s relationship. There is way too much going on with all of Luke’s siblings and with Luke and Ryan’s college classmates.
I have adored all of Sophia Soames’ other books so this one was disappointing. I recommend starting with the 2nd book, “Taste”, and then her Rourke stories.