Erryn reviews ‘Straight from the Heart (Wilde Love Book 1)’ by Sam Burns. The ebook is 244 pages and was published May 27, 2017. The audiobook was released on July 23, 2019 is 6hrs and 27 mins and narrated by Gabriel Amari. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Why I read this book: I was up for something new.
On the same night that Alex finds himself disowned and sleeping on his best friend’s couch, he meets Liam, who saves him from being mugged. It’s a strange time to start a relationship, but everything about Liam feels right. When it becomes apparent that Liam isn’t the prince charming he seems to be, Alex has to deal with some hard truths about not just his new boyfriend, but his own history as well.
Liam is just trying to do his job, but everything keeps getting in the way. First he gets assigned to watch some stranger, then somehow, he finds himself dating the guy. Even if it doesn’t offend the boss, Liam knows the wrong thing to do when he does it. He finds himself wondering, though: is his job really the most important thing in his life, or can he walk away from it all for a brand new relationship?
Straight from the Heart contains sexual scenes, and is intended for an audience age 18 and up.
Book Links: Audible | Amazon | Add to Goodreads
Erryn’s Review:
This is a great beginning to a new series. We meet Alex on what could have been the worst day of his life. He’s been booted out of his apartment, cut off from the family wealth, and has dropped out of school. But Alex is someone with a great attitude and instead of dwelling on all he’s lost, he decides to make the most of his life decisions and to dedicate himself to the rock band he belongs to. As he’s celebrating, though, he’s almost mugged and only the quick thinking of a bystander saves him from certain disaster. And brings him into the sphere of the most attractive and sexiest man he’s ever met.
Now, Alex is twenty-three and apparently has never thought about sex before. Has never had a relationship and although he always assumed he was straight, meeting Liam flips a switch within him? Is this realistic? I know not all young men are horny, but usually by that age there’s been something. Unless they are asexual – which Alex most definitely is not. This naiveté works for the story, though, because it creates and endearing character to root for.
Liam is conflicted. He’s been assigned to watch over Alex (although I’m never quite clear why). He doesn’t mean to fall for Alex but the younger man is, well, endearing. Although he wants to fight his feelings, Liam’s protectiveness of Alex turns into something more.
There is a lot going on in this book. Mobsters, family ties, rock bands – all come together in a way that somehow works. In the end, though, it is a love story and I couldn’t help but root for Alex and Liam.
Gabriel Amari is a new narrator to me and I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another book narrated by him. He differentiates the characters and provides a stellar performance. Well done. This is a good book that I can recommend and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Erryn’s Rating:
9/10 Pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
Rainbow Gold Reviews 
I’ve never read anything by this author before, but now I’m curious. Thanks for the review.
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