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The Slippery Slope #2
A Touch of Class
The butler did it…
Uptown industrial heir Kelsey Jamison III has been born into wealth and privilege, and it has made him completely miserable. Driven by guilt, neglect, and self-loathing, Kelsey lives the most self-destructive life he can as a way to seek revenge on his villainous father. He is caught in a vicious downward spiral, until help comes along in the most unlikely of men.
…but he had an accomplice…
There is nothing at all wrong with Robert Merriweather’s life…except for the fact that it is hollow and loveless. At least until he takes up the offer for a night of passion with the young man he’s had his eye on at The Slippery Slope for months. “Grace” is everything Robert has ever wanted in a lover—passionate, submissive, and beautiful. Robert is happy to carry on with his new friend without either of them knowing a thing about who the other really is.
…and now they’re both in trouble.
Kelsey’s and Robert’s worlds come crashing together when they come face to face in their ordinary lives. Even worse, when Kelsey’s father demands that he marry his rival’s daughter, Robert is the one who has to plan the wedding. Can the two lovers wrestle themselves free from the bonds of class and duty, or will lives be ruined in the name of a business deal?
You will be on the edge of your seat with this heartfelt tale of class divide, the perfect match gone wrong, breaking into a factory, protesting nuns, and a wedding that will have you gasping and holding your breath to see how it all turns out!
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam level – very spicy! And yes, this is an m/m romance involving friends to lovers, a slight age gap, second chances, and fabulous drag queens, so if that’s not your thing, feel free to pass on this one.
Uptown industrial heir Kelsey Jamison III has been born into wealth and privilege, and it has made him completely miserable. Driven by guilt, neglect, and self-loathing, Kelsey lives the most self-destructive life he can as a way to seek revenge on his villainous father. He is caught in a vicious downward spiral, until help comes along in the most unlikely of men.
…but he had an accomplice…
There is nothing at all wrong with Robert Merriweather’s life…except for the fact that it is hollow and loveless. At least until he takes up the offer for a night of passion with the young man he’s had his eye on at The Slippery Slope for months. “Grace” is everything Robert has ever wanted in a lover—passionate, submissive, and beautiful. Robert is happy to carry on with his new friend without either of them knowing a thing about who the other really is.
…and now they’re both in trouble.
Kelsey’s and Robert’s worlds come crashing together when they come face to face in their ordinary lives. Even worse, when Kelsey’s father demands that he marry his rival’s daughter, Robert is the one who has to plan the wedding. Can the two lovers wrestle themselves free from the bonds of class and duty, or will lives be ruined in the name of a business deal?
You will be on the edge of your seat with this heartfelt tale of class divide, the perfect match gone wrong, breaking into a factory, protesting nuns, and a wedding that will have you gasping and holding your breath to see how it all turns out!
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam level – very spicy! And yes, this is an m/m romance involving friends to lovers, a slight age gap, second chances, and fabulous drag queens, so if that’s not your thing, feel free to pass on this one.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2022
39 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Merry Farmer
267 books1,128 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 17, 2022
Kelsey Jamison, III’s life of wealth and privilege has never brought him a speck of happiness. Instead, he engages in self-destructive behavior as a way to get a bit of revenge on his awful father. He’s spiraling toward self-harm when he meets a man who has the power to turn that all around.
Robert Merriweather is satisfied enough with his lot in life, though he is lonely. When he indulges in a one-night stand with a man he’s been eyeing for weeks, that changes. Kelsey is all Robert could want and the two enter into a relationship, but without revealing their true identities.
When they do meet in their real lives, everything begins to crumble for them. Kelsey’s father is demanding he marry the daughter of Robert’s employer, with Robert tasked with planning the wedding. The two must work to find a way out of this mess or have everything ruined for the sake of business.
I was doing a bit of traveling right in the middle of reading this one, so it took me much longer than usual to finish, but the story flowed quite well. Robert and Kelsey’s situation definitely seemed pretty hopeless, but thankfully this story managed to not become bogged down in angst thanks to the fact that one of them was always somehow positive about the whole thing. These two built each other up when they needed it and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story. I really liked that they were there for each other and so were their friends, and determined to be together no matter what, though I do wish we could’ve had more positive female characters. I will be continuing this series and I hope future books see some comeuppance for Kelsey’s horrid family.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Robert Merriweather is satisfied enough with his lot in life, though he is lonely. When he indulges in a one-night stand with a man he’s been eyeing for weeks, that changes. Kelsey is all Robert could want and the two enter into a relationship, but without revealing their true identities.
When they do meet in their real lives, everything begins to crumble for them. Kelsey’s father is demanding he marry the daughter of Robert’s employer, with Robert tasked with planning the wedding. The two must work to find a way out of this mess or have everything ruined for the sake of business.
I was doing a bit of traveling right in the middle of reading this one, so it took me much longer than usual to finish, but the story flowed quite well. Robert and Kelsey’s situation definitely seemed pretty hopeless, but thankfully this story managed to not become bogged down in angst thanks to the fact that one of them was always somehow positive about the whole thing. These two built each other up when they needed it and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story. I really liked that they were there for each other and so were their friends, and determined to be together no matter what, though I do wish we could’ve had more positive female characters. I will be continuing this series and I hope future books see some comeuppance for Kelsey’s horrid family.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 23, 2022
Good book
This is an interesting book and I think it's too bad things are not meant to be. This story is about a gay couple. The butler did it… Uptown industrial heir Kelsey Jamison III has been born into wealth and privilege, and it has made him completely miserable. Driven by guilt, neglect, and self-loathing, Kelsey lives the most self-destructive life he can as a way to seek revenge on his villainous father. He is caught in a vicious downward spiral, until help comes along in the most unlikely of men. …but he had an accomplice… There is nothing at all wrong with Robert Merriweather’s life…except for the fact that it is hollow and loveless. At least until he takes up the offer for a night of passion with the young man he’s had his eye on at The Slippery Slope for months. “Grace” is everything Robert has ever wanted in a lover—passionate, submissive, and beautiful. Robert is happy to carry on with his new friend without either of them knowing a thing about who the other really is. …and now they’re both in trouble. Kelsey’s and Robert’s worlds come crashing together when they come face to face in their ordinary lives. Even worse, when Kelsey’s father demands that he marry his rival’s daughter, Robert is the one who has to plan the wedding. Can the two lovers wrestle themselves free from the bonds of class and duty, or will lives be ruined in the name of a business deal? Merry Farmer writes a good romance. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
This is an interesting book and I think it's too bad things are not meant to be. This story is about a gay couple. The butler did it… Uptown industrial heir Kelsey Jamison III has been born into wealth and privilege, and it has made him completely miserable. Driven by guilt, neglect, and self-loathing, Kelsey lives the most self-destructive life he can as a way to seek revenge on his villainous father. He is caught in a vicious downward spiral, until help comes along in the most unlikely of men. …but he had an accomplice… There is nothing at all wrong with Robert Merriweather’s life…except for the fact that it is hollow and loveless. At least until he takes up the offer for a night of passion with the young man he’s had his eye on at The Slippery Slope for months. “Grace” is everything Robert has ever wanted in a lover—passionate, submissive, and beautiful. Robert is happy to carry on with his new friend without either of them knowing a thing about who the other really is. …and now they’re both in trouble. Kelsey’s and Robert’s worlds come crashing together when they come face to face in their ordinary lives. Even worse, when Kelsey’s father demands that he marry his rival’s daughter, Robert is the one who has to plan the wedding. Can the two lovers wrestle themselves free from the bonds of class and duty, or will lives be ruined in the name of a business deal? Merry Farmer writes a good romance. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
May 16, 2022
I liked the first book of this series but this one by far surpasses that one. What I absolutely loved about this book was the storyline and how it was executed. It has some steam yes, but that does not take the stage here, what does is the compassion and pure love in this story.
Kelsey Jamison the 3rd doesn't live up to the ideals of his harsh father, far from it, but having lived so long under his father's thumb, Kelsey doesn't really know how to live. When he meets Robert, not only do sparks fly but the two quickly see that they need each other in more ways than just in the bed. But Kelsey's father has just ordered him engaged to the daughter of his competitor hoping to merge their businesses. Only Robert may be able to save Kelsey but will he risk everything to do so?
I really loved seeing Kelsey's transformation, although at times he was a little too effeminate and weak to me. You couldn't help but feel for Kelsey yet at the same yelling for him to grow a pair already. The ying and yang of Robert's character was interesting to see how he dominated the relationship yet in his job he was subservient. And the supporting characters were all very well done.
I was so happy to see Robert and Kelsey's HEA but more importantly their journey to that. This is such a sweet story in so many ways I applaud the author for every little detail she wove into this one. Highly recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kelsey Jamison the 3rd doesn't live up to the ideals of his harsh father, far from it, but having lived so long under his father's thumb, Kelsey doesn't really know how to live. When he meets Robert, not only do sparks fly but the two quickly see that they need each other in more ways than just in the bed. But Kelsey's father has just ordered him engaged to the daughter of his competitor hoping to merge their businesses. Only Robert may be able to save Kelsey but will he risk everything to do so?
I really loved seeing Kelsey's transformation, although at times he was a little too effeminate and weak to me. You couldn't help but feel for Kelsey yet at the same yelling for him to grow a pair already. The ying and yang of Robert's character was interesting to see how he dominated the relationship yet in his job he was subservient. And the supporting characters were all very well done.
I was so happy to see Robert and Kelsey's HEA but more importantly their journey to that. This is such a sweet story in so many ways I applaud the author for every little detail she wove into this one. Highly recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2023
Uptown and Downtown
Merry Farmer’s “A Touch of Class”, Book 2 in the Slippery Slope series, is a great character driven story of the connection between rich upper class heir Kelsey and butler Robert, known to Kelsey as Sir. After a lifetime of verbal and physical abuse from his father and verbal abuse from his sister and as an adult from his sister’s fiancé, Kelsey has found a home and friends among the clientele at the bar in the Bowery known as the Slippery Slope, a haven for gay men where the can be themselves without recrimination. That is where he found the relationship he needed in Robert, a dominant man who took him in hand to repair Kelsey’s fractured soul. An emotional story, Kelsey blossoms under Robert’s care and love. Their true identities come to light when Robert is charged with organizing Kelsey’s forced marriage to his father’s business rival’s daughter. Kelsey begins to suffocate and regress as his father forces his will. This story had me hooked from the beginning. There was a great cast of supporting characters. This is a very steamy m/m romance which includes dominance and submission and spanking. There is a happy ever after after a tense and winding road between uptown and downtown New York City where two very different worlds exist. Recommended for those who enjoy this genre.
Merry Farmer’s “A Touch of Class”, Book 2 in the Slippery Slope series, is a great character driven story of the connection between rich upper class heir Kelsey and butler Robert, known to Kelsey as Sir. After a lifetime of verbal and physical abuse from his father and verbal abuse from his sister and as an adult from his sister’s fiancé, Kelsey has found a home and friends among the clientele at the bar in the Bowery known as the Slippery Slope, a haven for gay men where the can be themselves without recrimination. That is where he found the relationship he needed in Robert, a dominant man who took him in hand to repair Kelsey’s fractured soul. An emotional story, Kelsey blossoms under Robert’s care and love. Their true identities come to light when Robert is charged with organizing Kelsey’s forced marriage to his father’s business rival’s daughter. Kelsey begins to suffocate and regress as his father forces his will. This story had me hooked from the beginning. There was a great cast of supporting characters. This is a very steamy m/m romance which includes dominance and submission and spanking. There is a happy ever after after a tense and winding road between uptown and downtown New York City where two very different worlds exist. Recommended for those who enjoy this genre.
May 5, 2022
Uptown industrial heir Kelsey Jamison III 's life couldn't get any worse he's being forced to marry his father’s business rival's daughter Evangeline purely as a business transaction Evangeline doesn't want to marry either. The only time Kelsey can be himself is at The Slippery Slope with Robert. There they can be happy without either of them knowing a thing about who the other really is. Kelsey’s and Robert’s worlds come crashing together when they come face to face in their ordinary lives. Even worse, Robert is the one who has to plan the wedding.
Absolutely wonderful – I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat & I was totally invested in Robert & Kelsey's story. A very well written story with wonderful characters it certainly plucked at my heart strings. My heart bled for Kelsey & I loved how the author had such sensitivity & care for him. I loved the chemistry between Robert & Kelsey & adored how Robert began to help Kelsey build his self esteem & confidence. I wanted Junior to suffer & suffer really badly & for Bruce & Grace to be taken down with him as they were despicable too, I hope their downfall is complete in future books
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Absolutely wonderful – I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my seat & I was totally invested in Robert & Kelsey's story. A very well written story with wonderful characters it certainly plucked at my heart strings. My heart bled for Kelsey & I loved how the author had such sensitivity & care for him. I loved the chemistry between Robert & Kelsey & adored how Robert began to help Kelsey build his self esteem & confidence. I wanted Junior to suffer & suffer really badly & for Bruce & Grace to be taken down with him as they were despicable too, I hope their downfall is complete in future books
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 3, 2022
“Be strong. Just remember that strength comes from accepting yourself just as you are and knowing how to use those beautiful, vibrant emotions within you as the source of power they could be.” Robert Merriweather’s timeless advice.
Kelsey and Robert’s story touched my soul. Merry Farmer has written a story addressing some difficult issues including thoughts of self-harm and suicide, along with instances familial emotional and physical abuse. I love Merry’s writing because of how she seamlessly weaves history into her storytelling, but in this book I also really appreciate how she wrote both main characters, especially Kelsey, with such insight and sensitivity.
All of that being said, there is humor, laughter, and love in this book. Kelsey and Robert are precisely what the other needs, regardless of age or class differences. I feel like the patrons of The Slippery Slope are my friends. I truly hope I get to read each and every one of their stories because that would mean they got their happily ever after, and they all deserve that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kelsey and Robert’s story touched my soul. Merry Farmer has written a story addressing some difficult issues including thoughts of self-harm and suicide, along with instances familial emotional and physical abuse. I love Merry’s writing because of how she seamlessly weaves history into her storytelling, but in this book I also really appreciate how she wrote both main characters, especially Kelsey, with such insight and sensitivity.
All of that being said, there is humor, laughter, and love in this book. Kelsey and Robert are precisely what the other needs, regardless of age or class differences. I feel like the patrons of The Slippery Slope are my friends. I truly hope I get to read each and every one of their stories because that would mean they got their happily ever after, and they all deserve that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2022
A world apart, but NOT!
What to do if you find the love of your life, but because you're family has other intentions it seems doomed?
You reach out to the people who truly cares, who will fight by your side no matter the cost they might have too face themselves!
I recently realised that those who truly love, care and appreciate me, are not necessarily family by blood, but rather family by choice.
Can this unorthodox family from all walks of life, manage too save the day, by saving one they love from a fate worse than hell in his eyes.
It's terrible too think that so much had changed in our modern world, unfortunately soooo much also stayed the same.
Will our "doomed lovers" find their happy-ever-after, even if it is not how they might have wished it to be.
Well, you'll just have too read the book to find out what tribulations and chaos our heroes have too fight through.
What to do if you find the love of your life, but because you're family has other intentions it seems doomed?
You reach out to the people who truly cares, who will fight by your side no matter the cost they might have too face themselves!
I recently realised that those who truly love, care and appreciate me, are not necessarily family by blood, but rather family by choice.
Can this unorthodox family from all walks of life, manage too save the day, by saving one they love from a fate worse than hell in his eyes.
It's terrible too think that so much had changed in our modern world, unfortunately soooo much also stayed the same.
Will our "doomed lovers" find their happy-ever-after, even if it is not how they might have wished it to be.
Well, you'll just have too read the book to find out what tribulations and chaos our heroes have too fight through.
May 15, 2022
Wow what a story! This book, which is about Kelsey and Robert’s relationship, is a wild ride full suprises, horrors, and bed sport. Kelsey’s father has arranged a marriage between Evangeline, a competitor’s daughter, and Kelsey. This is a business transaction and neither father particularly cares that his child opposes the match. Their disregard and manipulation is appalling, as are the lengths they will go to force this wedding. The author has packed an awful lot into this book that had my stomach in knots and my heart racing. It is a well written and masterfully crafted story that far exceeded my expectations.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2022
Unnerving when parents see their children as nothing more than a business transaction. Forcing them into marriages that neither wish to engage in. For these characters, true love and happiness came at a risk. Is it one they were willing to take?
Despite Kelsey and Robert being from two different worlds, their paths couldn't have made a more perfect union. Imagine meeting the perfect partner. Then discover they were to be forcibly married to a woman and you're to plan the wedding.
What a twist of events. Fabulous new book to this series!
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
Despite Kelsey and Robert being from two different worlds, their paths couldn't have made a more perfect union. Imagine meeting the perfect partner. Then discover they were to be forcibly married to a woman and you're to plan the wedding.
What a twist of events. Fabulous new book to this series!
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
May 20, 2022
This is a great story. It is of two men, one entitled and on a downward spiral. The other is happy with his life. When the two come together it is instant attraction, but no names just fun. Then they meet in their daily lives. Kelsey's father wants him to marry Robert's boss's daughter, with Robert to plan the wedding. Love is love and when you can see it slipping away it is horrible. This is an very good book and I loved the characters. It kept me reading into the night.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2022
Wonderful Story!
In this emotional story, we have two opposites trying to find love.
Kelsey/Gracey is a young man wanting to find his independence from his overbearing and wealthy family and Robert is an older man in the employ of another wealthy family.
When they meet it's 'fireworks going off'! They fight for what they believe is their right and oh! What a wonderful story this makes!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this emotional story, we have two opposites trying to find love.
Kelsey/Gracey is a young man wanting to find his independence from his overbearing and wealthy family and Robert is an older man in the employ of another wealthy family.
When they meet it's 'fireworks going off'! They fight for what they believe is their right and oh! What a wonderful story this makes!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2022
A heartwarming story of finding love ,finding oneself and finding the courage to stand for self.
Kelsey is a privileged young man being forced to marry another heiress for more wealth. Neither wants to marry.
Enters our other protagonist Robert ,who has everything but not love.
Robert and kelsey are perfectly for each other but are to tied to circumstances. How they finally overcome these obstacles and find love is very interesting to read.
A very well written story
Kelsey is a privileged young man being forced to marry another heiress for more wealth. Neither wants to marry.
Enters our other protagonist Robert ,who has everything but not love.
Robert and kelsey are perfectly for each other but are to tied to circumstances. How they finally overcome these obstacles and find love is very interesting to read.
A very well written story
May 13, 2022
I was given this book for an honest review.
I am happy to say that I really enjoyed listening to this book via epub for sight impaired people.
These pair are made for each other, Grace and Robert found love just when they thought no one else would love them, such a moving story.
I absolutely enjoy this series, looking forward to hearing more from Merry Farmer.
Thank you 😊.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am happy to say that I really enjoyed listening to this book via epub for sight impaired people.
These pair are made for each other, Grace and Robert found love just when they thought no one else would love them, such a moving story.
I absolutely enjoy this series, looking forward to hearing more from Merry Farmer.
Thank you 😊.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2022
Oh how I loved this book! It was wonderful to follow, Kelsey and Robert, in their journey to find true love, to also have some history of the factory workers trails in early America, how the rich, treated those the considered inferior,just such a beautiful well written story about how everyone deserves a happily ever after ❤️❤️❤️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2022
Kelsey Jamison III is a man in so much pain he seems to radiate it. Thank goodness Robert Merriweather sees it and is willing to do something about it. From different classes, different styles of lovemaking and different personality types, these two should not match, but they are perfect. Loved these characters, the story, the friends from the Slippery Slope bar - couldn't put it down.
May 21, 2022
Kelsey has never been happy with all the wealth and privilege he's had. He's quite self destructive. Robert is satisfied but lonely. They have a one off but then meet in real life. That when things begin to fall apart. This was such a fantastic and emotional read. It was really well written and flowed beautifully.
May 25, 2022
I loved A Touch of Class by Merry Farmer. It's the second book in The Slippery Slope series. I loved Kelsey and Robert's story. I loved their chemistry, and my favorite part was the wedding scene between Kelsey and Evangeline. I loved what Kelsey wore.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2022
Kelsey Jamison's story is a sad one indeed, bullied by his vicious father, sneered at by his thoroughly spoilt sister and her fiance, his only happiness is his alter ego at the Slippery Slope club. I love the sub title on the cover, 'The butler did it'. He sure did!
A tale that starts off mildly angsty, then lulls us with sweet romance, then slowing but steadily builds and then explodes in deep angst and breaks our hearts. But that's what Merry does best, a wonderful story that draws us in and blow our minds . By the way, I just loved Kelsey's solution to the big problem at the end of chapter 19, just wonderful!!
A tale that starts off mildly angsty, then lulls us with sweet romance, then slowing but steadily builds and then explodes in deep angst and breaks our hearts. But that's what Merry does best, a wonderful story that draws us in and blow our minds . By the way, I just loved Kelsey's solution to the big problem at the end of chapter 19, just wonderful!!
July 31, 2022
As with all things Merry Farmer, I appreciated the view this book gave me into a subsection of history we so rarely see represented in fiction. I enjoyed the characters and their unique backstories and appreciated that Ms. Farmer didn’t overlook the conflicts of homophobia. However, their power dynamics together just didn’t do it for me. I’d have loved to see something more like John and Arthur in Just A Little Rivalry but this variation on that theme mostly left me feeling like Kelsey needed therapy more than sex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2022
A story about a gay man finding love, and then trying to be forced into a marriage with a woman who wants to become a nun, so their fathers can merge their companies
May 25, 2022
Kelsey comes from money, Robert does not. All they know is they belong together. I really enjoyed this story.
April 25, 2023
Despite the many hurdles and obstacles on this journey, I enjoyed the story. I just have to understand it is the nature of the genre. On to the next tale of love.
May 23, 2024
HOLY SMOKES YES TO ALL OF THIS.
May 13, 2025
Kinda spicy. Reliable merry farmer. Fun activism. I liked the way it resolved with the thwarting the wedding by gayying it up as much as possible. Kinda clever but not sure it’s realistic
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2022
Over the Top
This second in a series which revolves around a night club for gay men on New York City's Bowery at the turn of the 20th Century continues with uncanny adherence to the era's facts and social more and as is author Merry Farmer's wont, an outrageous over-the-top plot line.
The two main characters, Kelsey Jamison and Robert Merriweather, are very well described in the book's blurb, and the basic plot outline is also there. Given situations like this, I generally prefer to comment on the characters and the intricacies of the plot.
I can honestly say that in the case of this coupling they are believable despite a modest age difference. I felt horribly for poor Kelsey at practically every step of the plot and wondered how Robert was going to become the Superman they needed to extricate themselves from the horrors of Kelsey's father and his disgusting existence.
Somehow Ms. Farmer brought it all together in a series of events and a denouement which if it doesn't make a whole lot of sense is logical in many respects and often pretty hilarious.
On to the next one in the series with a smile on my face.
This second in a series which revolves around a night club for gay men on New York City's Bowery at the turn of the 20th Century continues with uncanny adherence to the era's facts and social more and as is author Merry Farmer's wont, an outrageous over-the-top plot line.
The two main characters, Kelsey Jamison and Robert Merriweather, are very well described in the book's blurb, and the basic plot outline is also there. Given situations like this, I generally prefer to comment on the characters and the intricacies of the plot.
I can honestly say that in the case of this coupling they are believable despite a modest age difference. I felt horribly for poor Kelsey at practically every step of the plot and wondered how Robert was going to become the Superman they needed to extricate themselves from the horrors of Kelsey's father and his disgusting existence.
Somehow Ms. Farmer brought it all together in a series of events and a denouement which if it doesn't make a whole lot of sense is logical in many respects and often pretty hilarious.
On to the next one in the series with a smile on my face.
June 24, 2022
“I learned early that class is universally admired. Almost any fault, sin or crime is considered more leniently if there’s a touch of class involved.” ~ Frank W. Abagnale (Catch Me If You Can: The True Story of a Real Fake)
Kelsey Jamison III was born into wealth. Although the money was plentiful, his life was all planned out for him, and it was one he didn't want. The Slippery Slope nightclub and his persona as Grace offer friendship, but what he desperately needs is love. When he meets Robert Merriweather, it seems he may have found it.
Robert frequents the Slippery Slope, a place to relax and be with like-minded men. He has been watching a charming young cross-dresser but has yet to approach him. From the furtive looks Robert has been receiving from the man, Robert surmises that the feeling may be mutual. One night, he decides to approach him. The young man tells him that, at the club, his name is Grace. Grace takes him upstairs to the apartment he keeps above the club and gives Robert pause. After flirting for a while, Robert surmises what type of "fun" they can get up to. During their encounter, Robert learns that Grace enjoys rough sex. Which he is happy to supply.
Robert tries to learn more about Grace, but Grace won't tell him anything. He wants to keep who he is a secret. To enhance their fantasy, Grace wants to keep their identities a secret. Although Robert thoroughly enjoys the dynamics of their relationship, Robert begins to suspect Grace's desire for rough sex and degradation is Grace's way of punishing himself, which is not good.
Kelsey can hardly believe that not only has he ended up in bed with the man who he's been lusting after for weeks, but that Robert wants to see him again. With so little going right in his life, Kelsey wants to believe this will, but his "real" life continues to bring him down. When he returns home, his father announces that he wants Kelsey to marry a woman to secure the merger of his and her father's businesses. Kelsey reminds his father of his proclivities, but he doesn't care. Kelsey's happiness is not on his father's plan. Miserably, Kelsey agrees to meet the woman. When they go to her father's house, Kelsey gets the surprise of his life when the house's butler opens the door. It's Robert. Now, they know exactly who each other is.
'A Touch of Class' is the third book in the 'Slippery Slope' series. I've always felt sorry for Kelsey. He always seemed so sad. It was painful but essential to understand why if I was to understand him. I'm grateful that Robert's understanding and support helped Kelsey find his strength. Thanks, Merry, for bringing them together. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Kelsey Jamison III was born into wealth. Although the money was plentiful, his life was all planned out for him, and it was one he didn't want. The Slippery Slope nightclub and his persona as Grace offer friendship, but what he desperately needs is love. When he meets Robert Merriweather, it seems he may have found it.
Robert frequents the Slippery Slope, a place to relax and be with like-minded men. He has been watching a charming young cross-dresser but has yet to approach him. From the furtive looks Robert has been receiving from the man, Robert surmises that the feeling may be mutual. One night, he decides to approach him. The young man tells him that, at the club, his name is Grace. Grace takes him upstairs to the apartment he keeps above the club and gives Robert pause. After flirting for a while, Robert surmises what type of "fun" they can get up to. During their encounter, Robert learns that Grace enjoys rough sex. Which he is happy to supply.
Robert tries to learn more about Grace, but Grace won't tell him anything. He wants to keep who he is a secret. To enhance their fantasy, Grace wants to keep their identities a secret. Although Robert thoroughly enjoys the dynamics of their relationship, Robert begins to suspect Grace's desire for rough sex and degradation is Grace's way of punishing himself, which is not good.
Kelsey can hardly believe that not only has he ended up in bed with the man who he's been lusting after for weeks, but that Robert wants to see him again. With so little going right in his life, Kelsey wants to believe this will, but his "real" life continues to bring him down. When he returns home, his father announces that he wants Kelsey to marry a woman to secure the merger of his and her father's businesses. Kelsey reminds his father of his proclivities, but he doesn't care. Kelsey's happiness is not on his father's plan. Miserably, Kelsey agrees to meet the woman. When they go to her father's house, Kelsey gets the surprise of his life when the house's butler opens the door. It's Robert. Now, they know exactly who each other is.
'A Touch of Class' is the third book in the 'Slippery Slope' series. I've always felt sorry for Kelsey. He always seemed so sad. It was painful but essential to understand why if I was to understand him. I'm grateful that Robert's understanding and support helped Kelsey find his strength. Thanks, Merry, for bringing them together. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
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