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A review by ezichinny
Červenà by Louise Lyons
4.0
This one was a well written story about new beginnings. It was a heart warming story featuring two men who desperately needed love in their lives.
37yr old Joel Jones owned a gay club, Cervena, with Karel Doubrava. It was a high class nightclub where clients and dancers were treated with respect.
Sasha Filipov was a young 22 yr old Russian immigrant who needed a new lease in life and Joel graciously offered him employment. The working relationship blossomed to more but Joel's partner presented a tough obstacle. The partnership became a tenuous arrangement and Joel knew that his values and goals were no longer aligned with Karel's. Things got dangerous but love won in the end.
I liked both main characters, Joel and Sasha. Their chemistry felt authentic, sweet and endearing. It wasn't rushed and it seemed healthy for both. Normally I don't like boss and employee relationships but I like that the author didn't create a power balance despite Joel being the boss. It was so encouraged with kindness and consideration Joel showed to those who worked for him. There was a healthy respect for the work boundaries. I was happy that Joel found love and eventually found freedom out of Karel's mess. The amount of angst in the story was about right. There was genuine love, patience and acceptance. Sasha wasn't looking for a sugar daddy nor was he afraid to stand up for himself. He worked hard and won the admiration of his coworkers. I hope the author turns this into a series because some of the other guys deserve a story too.
37yr old Joel Jones owned a gay club, Cervena, with Karel Doubrava. It was a high class nightclub where clients and dancers were treated with respect.
Sasha Filipov was a young 22 yr old Russian immigrant who needed a new lease in life and Joel graciously offered him employment. The working relationship blossomed to more but Joel's partner presented a tough obstacle. The partnership became a tenuous arrangement and Joel knew that his values and goals were no longer aligned with Karel's. Things got dangerous but love won in the end.
I liked both main characters, Joel and Sasha. Their chemistry felt authentic, sweet and endearing. It wasn't rushed and it seemed healthy for both. Normally I don't like boss and employee relationships but I like that the author didn't create a power balance despite Joel being the boss. It was so encouraged with kindness and consideration Joel showed to those who worked for him. There was a healthy respect for the work boundaries. I was happy that Joel found love and eventually found freedom out of Karel's mess. The amount of angst in the story was about right. There was genuine love, patience and acceptance. Sasha wasn't looking for a sugar daddy nor was he afraid to stand up for himself. He worked hard and won the admiration of his coworkers. I hope the author turns this into a series because some of the other guys deserve a story too.