This book broke me when Anthony and Paul had to part. And then when they attempted to continue their relationship only as friends I was shouting at the Kindle, this isn't what you want, either of you. But did they listen to me? Nope, not for ages.

Paul has a lot of bad habits that have become coping mechanisms. (Although is it bad that I hated the smoking more than I hated the sleeping around. And the thing that annoyed me the most was that there was never any indication that he washed his hands after he came back from a smoking break before going to serve in the restaurant!) Thankfully these aren't just swept away and immediately cured once he falls in love with Anthony. In fact Paul had me on edge for a long time where I was worried he would fall back into the pattern of self-deprecation. I got the impression that Paul's reputation was far worse than he realised, I think he was being touted as a sure thing by hotel staff to visiting business men, this was never confirmed but there was one scene that gave me that impression.

Overall a story that had me on edge for a far portion of it and that had to work for happiness all round but that made it all the more satisfying when it came.

That the author is invested both in Paris and publishing shined through in this novel.
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What could be more romantic than a fling in Paris? As Anthony finds out, it is the consequences of that fling in the form of a friendship, followed by a reunion in the city of love to explore if the feelings already there can turn into more. ‘At Your Service’ explores the lives of two men, both of whom have been burned in the past and have sworn off love. And while Anthony would not mind something more permanent, he refuses to get his hopes up. Paul isn’t even remotely interested in more than hookups, but Anthony manages to get to him on a deeper level. With an amazing setting like Paris, brought to life by an author who has clearly spent time there, I allowed myself to hope that Anthony and Paul would see the light and end up as happy as they deserved to be. I am very grateful that I was not disappointed.

Anthony works for a publisher in North Carolina, but the annual book fair in Paris allows him to use his knowledge of the French language not just to build his employer’s business, but also to return to a country and culture he loves and admires. When the waiter at a small family-owned restaurant turns out to be interested in more, Anthony is ready to forget his disloyal ex and move on. Their first night is such a success that they decide to spend the rest of Anthony’s time together as well, but rather than merely satisfy an urge, the liaison creates a need that Anthony cannot ignore once he returns home.

Paul works in his father’s restaurant as a waiter, and he loves his job. He is not one to turn down sex when offered, but he is not interested in a relationship. The one time he tried ended in a disaster, so as much as he ends up liking Anthony, Paul refuses to admit that by the end of Anthony’s stay, he is much more interested in him than is normal for him with a temporary lover. What surprises him (and Anthony) is that they end up staying in touch even months after Anthony returns to the US. But while the friendship is genuine, Paul’s sex life is in tatters and nothing he does seems to work.

When Anthony has an opportunity to return to Paris to expand his employer’s presence and operations there, it is also a chance for both men to reconsider their relationship. I thought it was hilarious how hard each of them tried telling themselves that friendship was all they had between them. I quietly shook my head and watched them deal with the realization that yes, they were excellent friends - but the physical attraction that had become irrelevant over the months they were apart is still very much present and flares back alive almost immediately. Unfortunately, so do some of Paul’s old issues – and overcoming those is a tougher battle for Paul and Antony than either of them realized.

If you’re interested in a lovers-to-friends followed by a friends-back-to-lover story, if Paris as a setting for an unusual romance strikes your fancy, and if you’re looking for a touching read with heart, then you will probably like this novel .


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. ( )