Tempting Tristan by Melissa Foster (Harborside Nights #3)
Released: October 19, 2016
M/M Contemporary Romance
Self Published

Reviewed by Mandi

This is the first I’ve read of this series and it works well as a stand alone. I believe the first two books are m/f, and this one is m/m.

Both Tristan and Alex are dealing with their own issues. Tristan works in a popular bar in his hometown of Harborside and has recently gotten out of a troubled relationship. His ex would never fully commit and always had a wandering eye. This has caused Tristan pain and to have low self-esteem. He has decided he isn’t going to dive into anymore relationships – he will take everything slow.

When working at the bar one day he sees a very sexy man walk in and order a beer. Alex is grieving the loss of his grandmother and recently inherited her house in Harborside. He was overseas in the military when he badly injured his leg – leaving a lot of rehab and physical scarring. When he was in the hospital, his grandmother died., and Alex is still having a hard time accepting she is gone. Alex makes furniture from driftwood or glass or whatever washes up on the beach. He is also very embarrassed by the scars on his leg and is terrified for people to see them. Having been gay in the military for nine years, he is ready to not have to hide anymore and he is looking to date someone out in the open. When he makes eyes with Tristan, there is an immediate connection.

These two fall fast and hard for each other. It’s really hot and they have a lot of chemistry.

Tristan holds his ground, lifts his chin. His jaw tightens, and his eyes go impossibly darker. He’s so fucking hot I want to take him against the wall.

“I can’t.” His voice is strained with unmistakable hunger, heightening my ache for him.

“Can’t or won’t?”

His jaw clenches repeatedly. “Both, I guess.”

I shift my hips forward, brushing against his cock, hoping to tempt him into tasting what I’m certain will be unfuckingbelievable. “Because…?”

There’s a war going on behind his eyes. He doesn’t know me and I don’t know him, but we’re both caught up in the inferno.

“Damn it,” he growls, and grabs my head.

Our mouths crash together, and my first taste of him unravels me.

Although they both have very strong feelings for each other, it’s a push and pull to start as Tristan doesn’t want to rush into something and Alex is afraid to show Tristan his scars.

While I enjoyed the entire book, I do think the first half is much stronger. Alex and Tristan getting to know one another, their lust for each other is presented well – they are two very likable guys. They are sweet and romantic with each other, but also intense and lusty. But by the second half, the book loses a little steam. Still sweet and sexy, but I guess with the explosive way they throw themselves at each other in the beginning, by the end I was a little bored. Overall though, a sweet story.

Grade: B-

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