A review by booksbyec
Angel by Linden Bell

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

I don't know where to start. When I got this book in the mail as an ARC, I knew I wasn't in the right headspace to read it so I waited. A week passed until I felt it was the right time and man am I happy I waited. This book is something precious and i didnt want it to end. I would have happily read 500+ pages if this meant that we would get more of Rhys and Angel together. 

This book starts out with Rhys and Angel meeting at Rhys dads 60th birthday party. They know of each other because Angel is a friend of Rhys' big brother but they have never been hanging out in the same circles. Rhys is out and proud and he decided at 18 to move away from Staten Island because he felt like he didn’t belong. 

In the years since he moved to Brooklyn he has started a camboy/p*rn career and he also pole dances at The Bronzed Rail. Angel has stayed in Staten Island and works in construction but meeting Rhys again wakes Angel up to things that he thought he didn't want or need. Just a little mishap when watching a video together starts this whole story of how Angel goes from Gay for Pay to helplessly in love with Rhys. 

The way Angel is the most shy and precious person you can meet, he also exudes this charisma and sexyness that make Rhys drool. And he is not afraid of new things even if it means having s*x with Rhys in front of a camera. 
Rhys is just enamored with his teddy bear Angel and it’s a wonder seeing this larger than life person slow down and take care of Angel. And guiding him without pushing him to realize “I may not be as straight as I think I am”.  

I love that we get the cameos from the others in The Camboy Network and that we are steadily expanding the storyline so that everyone finds their place. It is not only spice but also heart and a storyline that drives the book/books forward. 

But the spice... 
WOW, there are some unexpected things and scenes playing out in this book and Angel you sneaky little Teddy Bear you surprised even me.

After finishing the book and sitting on it for a few days I feel like I want to go back in time and read it for the first time again. I think this is so far my favorite book in the Mars Fitness/The Camboy network universe.