The Fifth Favor by Shelby Reed was a very engrossing read. It’s the story about a reporter and a gigolo. About two people finding each other, needing each other and meeting each other at the right time in their life. It’s a love story. Aren’t they all?
Billie Cort is a reporter out for the story of her career: to do a story on the male escort service at Azure. The target of her story is none other than Adrian Atoli who is the most popular male escort at Azure. Adrian is a conflicted man. He is tortured and has a lot of baggage. Meanwhile, Billie is frustrated with life and love and finds herself utterly fascinated by Adrian. Billie is granted an interview for the magazine Illicit with the elusive star of Azure but then suddenly, tragedy strikes and the interview of a lifetime is yanked.
There are a lot of struggles in this book. The story is somewhat darker. It read a like cycle of highs and lows. There were some great moments in the book between the protagonists. The author continues to create wonderful chemistry and great atmosphere. I enjoyed this book very much. There were many conflicts in the story. Adrian feels that he cannot have a healthy, normal relationship outside of Azure but after meeting Billie Cort, he plays with fire and falls hard. Billie seems to represent everything that is good and wholesome about life while Adrian has only seen the seedier side of life.
Adrian’s family has no idea about his career choice and Billie’s editor has no idea that she is carrying on an affair with the subject of her interview. The contrivances that keep them apart and eventually bring them back together were realistic and evolved out the natural progression of the story. I did feel that the story at time could have been shorter. The introspection and internal struggles went on a bit too long, I thought. Also, the author doesn’t consummate the relationship until we get near the end of the story. There were many moments before that - that I thought they would and didn’t. However, there’s plenty of foreplay to keep you entertained.
The secondary characters like Adrian’s family and such were interesting and rounded out the story well enough. Characterization was pretty solid especially for Adrian’s character as well as the dialogue and story. This story reminded of yet another book, Fallen From Grace by Laura Leone. So if you’ve enjoyed Ms. Leone’s book, then you would certainly enjoy this one. Would The Fifth Favor be a book I would read more than once? Jury is still out on that one. It’s not a keeper for me but it was still, a very good book and a strong recommend.
Technorati Tags: Shelby Reed, The Fifth Favor, Ellora’s Cave, Romantica Review
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Arrggghhh. Now I want this one too. First One Summer and now Fallen From Grace. *sigh* I ran into a wee bit of a snag trying to order the first one so I have a question. I downloaded Microsoft Reader but have no idea what to do now. I’ll get there on my ebook quest - sometime!!
Hi KristieJ, I emailed you. Just give a holler if you get stuck.
I’m very glad you reviewed this. I want this, big time. Reed has a way with characterization. It’s funny you mentioned Fallen from Grace because when I read A Fine Work of Art I thought Reed’s writing style reminded me of that one. Thanks
Hi ReneeW, Ms. Reed is an auto-buy for me and she tells a good story. The length of the story and the excess introspection were the few quibbles I had and also, despite that the author waited to consumate the relationship towards the end of the book, it still felt somewhat - incomplete to me. Hard to explain. But bottom line: this book was very good and no doubt you’d enjoy it. Can’t wait to know what you think.
I just finished this book. It was riveting though I have a few issues, too. Not quite convinced of the HEA, actually. That said, I thought her portrayal of Adrian was fantastic.
This was my first Shelby Reed and I’ll be buying more of her books.
I didn’t really say much about the HEA in my review because I’m starting to see a trend with her endings. Also I agree, her portrayal of Adrian was fantastic. I loved his character. Did you do a review, Jorie? I’d love to read it.
Great book! My first of hers and the reason I got her backlist. And I plan to read them one day as well ;).
Wonderful review! I should find my ebuzz and link this to it. Tis better than my quickie!
I’m writing something up, Keishon. Thanks for your interest. I’m finding it a bit of a hard write up because I felt so strongly (both good and bad) about the book. But it’s good to feel strongly about a book
Where’s your quickie, Sybil?
Keishon,
A friend of mine sent me this link and I was delighted to find your review of The Fifth Favor. Thanks so much for your thoughtful and candid comments. Reader feedback is always welcome and always important!
Thank you, too, to those of you buying my backlist. The support is both uplifting and appreciated!
Love, Shelby
You are so very welcome and thank YOU for giving me many hours of entertainment. I have several more of your books in my backlist that I am looking forward to reading.
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