Book Title: Kicks (Pleasure Seekers, Book 2)
Author and Publisher: Kristian Parker
Cover Artist: Kelly Martin
Release Date: May 15, 2024
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Eddie Channing has never bothered with a career. Yet somehow he’s become the best salesman at Pleasure Seekers.
When his boss makes a shock announcement, Eddie isn’t just fighting for his job—his whole life as he knows it is at stake.
Enter Billy Webster. A Brighton shop owner still grieving the loss of his mother as well as raising his teenage sister, he could hold the answers to all of Eddie’s problems…if Eddie can screw a good chunk of commission out of him. But Eddie, who’s as chilled about his love life as he is about his professional one, is shaken to the core when he first sets eyes on Billy. Can he lie to him straight away, and keep the deception going if they become involved?
And what will happen if the truth comes out, to Eddie, Billy and any relationship they’ve built?
Trigger warning – elements of grief for the loss of a mother (off page).
It is book two in the Pleasure Seekers series and does not end on a cliffhanger.
ADD to your TBR: Goodreads
Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited – Amazon US | Amazon UK
Keep reading for an exclusive excerpt!
The front doorbell sounded, snapping Billy to attention.
“He must be here,” he said.
“Or it’s a customer,” Harry replied.
“I admire your optimism. I’ll go.”
Billy strode out into the shop. A man had his back to him. He appeared to be inspecting a shell-covered jewellery box. Not one of Billy’s wisest choices.
“Can I help you?”
When the man turned around, Billy gasped. He hadn’t seen someone that handsome in a long time. With light brown skin and short dreadlocks that appeared to have been tinted by the sun, he glowed.
He was a contrast to Billy’s much darker tone and cropped hair. Fashion statements had never been high on Billy’s agenda. He took pride in his appearance whilst making minimal effort. Although when Crystal’s friends all became obsessed with giving each other facials at sleepovers, he did succumb to letting Crystal practice her technique on him.
The life of a girl dad proved to be a never-ending voyage of discovery.
“Mr Webster?” the exquisite specimen said.
“Um…yes.”
“Eddie Channing. From Pleasure Seekers. We have an appointment?”
“That’s right.”
“Sorry, Mr Channing,” Harry said as he pushed past Billy. “My brother appears to have let the heat get to him. I’m Harry and this is Billy.”
Eddie shook his hand. “That’s better. I’d get confused dealing with two Mr Websters.”
Billy got a hold of himself and forced his brain to focus. “My apologies, Mr…Eddie. I don’t know what came over me.”
This man intrigued Eddie. “Don’t worry about it. As long as I have the bragging rights. It’s not every day I make a handsome man lose his words. My flatmates will be amazed.”
Did he just call me handsome?
Billy refused to let his emotions take control. This was important. He wouldn’t fall for a salesman’s tactics.
He held his hand out. When Eddie took it, Billy tried his best to ignore the spark of electricity that fizzed through him.
“Would you like to come through?” Billy said.
“I’ll put the closed sign on,” Harry chipped in.
“No n—” Billy started.
Harry widened his eyes at him. “Probably for the best.”
Suddenly, Billy saw how wildly out of his depth he was. Harry seemed to be treating this like one of his fights. He was ducking and weaving all over the place. Billy had never been any good at games.
That was probably why they were about to go bust.
He led Eddie through. The close proximity making his heart beat a little faster. However, those few steps gave him the chance to get it together.
“Take a seat,” he said. “Can I get you a drink? It’s hot today.”
“No, I’m good,” Eddie said.
Billy took his usual seat at the little desk. He gestured for Eddie to take the armchair that Crystal usually sat in to do her homework.
Harry soon followed them and perched delicately on the remaining stool. He was far too big for it. Billy prayed to everything holy that it wouldn’t collapse under him.
Why didn’t I give him this seat? Fuck’s sake, calm down. It doesn’t matter.
Kicks by Kristian Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“Pleasure Seekers was the country’s leading online adult store,” and Eddie was their best salesman. He met the man of his dreams, Billie, while pursuing a contract for Pleasure Seekers. He also lied to the man of his dreams and almost lost him.
Relationships took center stage in this installment of the series. I particularly liked Billie and his sister Crystal. Repairing his relationship with his brother Harry also played an important part in the story. I really liked Harry’s wife’s reaction to the introduction of sex toys to the family business. Eddie’s roommates were funny and very sassy.
While there was an abundance of angst in the book, there was also a lot of joy. The story was light, easy to read, with relatable characters.
I felt that maybe the issue that separated the main characters was a bit manufactured for the drama effect, but it added to the story in that I learned more about Eddie and Billie’s frame of mind.
I think this was a better book than the first in the series. I don’t think the first book needs to be read to enjoy this one but it would add another layer to the characters.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
View all my reviews
SERIES BLURB
Pleasure Seekers is the online store for the nation’s naughty needs. It caters to all tastes from edible underwear to lube to things that are a little more niche.
Based in Brighton on the South Coast, Pleasure Seekers’ mission is to revolutionise Britain’s sex life.
But what kind of person works in a company like this?
Meet Tyler, Eddie and Scott. Three men who are about to have the summer of their lives.
Who says taking your work home with you is a bad thing?
Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win your choice of ebook from Kristian’s backlist (5 winners)
About the Author: I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.
I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.
Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.
Author Links: Blog/Website | Facebook | Instagram | Newsletter Sign-up
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