Starfish and Coffee by Kele Moon
Released: October 16, 2012
Erotic M/M Contemporary
LooseID

Reviewed by Mandi

This book starts with a reunion between previous lovers Alex and Matt on the small town of Mirabella Island. But we quickly go back six year previous to when they first meet and stay there most of the story.

Alex and his best friend Holly both work at a diner in Mirabella. Alex’s parents died years ago and he lives with Holly and his brother Will. Alex knows he is gay, but has never come out to the public or his brother, fearing the towns people would be too vicious to him. Everyone assumes him and Holly are dating as they live and sleep in the same bed together. They both let that rumor develop over the years, as Holly happily will do anything for her best friend.

But then a new guy starts to work at the diner. Matt comes from a very wealthy family in Atlanta, taking a ‘year off from life’ before he takes control of his family business enterprise. He makes a bet with some of his friends back home that he couldn’t hold a job for more than two weeks, hence his appearance at the diner. While he is at first horrible at his job, he learns quick and decides he not only likes working but he likes seeing Alex every day. Matt has only dated women, although when faced with his attraction to Alex, doesn’t freak out too much. These two clash at first, as Alex sees Matt as a pampered rich boy and Matt sees Alex as a cocky guy with an attitude. But soon, the flirtatious eye gazing becomes something more and they embark on an intense physical relationship that turns to love.

I’ve really enjoyed Kele Moon’s voice in the past, both her m/m and m/f books. She writes really good, dirty, and intense sex scenes, and this book delivers in the bedroom. Oh the emotions and angst in the bedroom made me keep reading and reading. Matt’s ‘gay for you’ status didn’t bother me so much either. He falls for Alex quite easily, but it all seemed to flow pretty well.

Alex is very cocky in this book, but it didn’t annoy me. I think his attitude pushes Matt into a relationship, something he needed as he was scared of his sexual feelings. Alex though also falls in love, and is not too cocky to admit it. I liked that about him.

I didn’t mind the book starting out in present day and moving back six years, but when we finally make it back to present day a couple of things bother me. First, six years is a really long time to be apart and have no contact. When they reunite, it felt like they hadn’t been apart for that long. And, they get back together quite quick. Like a day or two. It all seemed a little rushed. I felt the reason they separated was a little weak to have not tried to contact the other for six years. I also thought everything wraps up too nice and neat, Holly’s side story included.

Otherwise, I read this in one sitting and enjoyed myself. Lots of romance and smexy times with two fun characters.

Rating: B

Recent Reviews:
Fiction Vixen – B+
Goodreads

Author’s Website

Kindle l LooseID