Monday, June 27, 2016

Fierce & Fabulous by Elizabeth Varlet


The first book in a scorching new male/male series by Elizabeth Varlet. Behind the Sassy Boyz's seductive smiles and sinful dance moves are desires that will leave readers breathless.

Fitch Donovan never thought a lap dance could change his life, but from the moment the gorgeous dancer’s lips touch his, his world comes screeching to a halt. No matter how hard he tries, he can’t shake the desire that rocks him to his core. He’s longed for this passion all his life—he just never dreamed he’d find it with another man.

Sharing a soul-shaking kiss with a straight boy is the kind of drama Ansel Becke just doesn't need. Spotlights aren't made for two and Ansel prefers to keep things on a one-night-only basis. So when Fitch shows up asking for an encore, Ansel knows he should send his gorgeous ass packing.

Though Ansel tries to pretend that what's between him and Fitch is far from fabulous, there's something about the big, burly contractor that makes Ansel's world sparkle in a way no amount of glitter ever could. And Fitch will do whatever it takes to convince Ansel that when the thing you need most in the world falls right into your lap, you’d be a fool to let it go.

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Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca



Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie☆☆☆☆☆
What a superb story! This had me smiling, tearing up, and above all, cheering on Fitch and Ansel. It deals with so many really big issues by bringing them down to the impact that they have on one small group of people. If this is the caliber of the rest of the series, then Ms. Varlet is going to be giving us a veritable feast.

The underlying love story is unexpected by almost everyone, but possibly most of all by Fitch and Ansel themselves. It is not simple; too much baggage on Ansel's part and too much self-hatred. But as Fitch accepts what is in his heart, and knows that he cannot avoid the importance of Ansel to him, then we can start to believe they are both sweet and caring, yet intensely hot when they are together. Ansel is a great teacher, and Fitch a most keen student.

I loved it, and cannot wait for the next book in the series to be released. Thank you, Ms. Varlet.


Erica☆☆☆
Elizabeth Varlet is a new-to-me author, and I'm curious to see if there is growth from the first book in this series to the next.

I was hooked at the start of Fierce & Fabulous, reading the first 23% before putting it down, right at the start of the first lusty scene. I enjoyed the introduction and the tension of the opening scenes, where the reader meets Fitch and Ansel. The lap dance was one of the most tension-filled scenes I've ever read, and I was hoping the trend would continue on for the rest of the book. The writing style flowed smoothly yet quickly. But when I picked the book up the following evening, it just couldn't hold my attention.

Unintentional, I noticed I was skim-reading redundant things. The tension disappeared from the story within minutes of the lap dance, and it never returned. Insta-everything.

As Fitch, a formerly straight fella of 30 years, didn't bat a single eyelash at starting a gay relationship, I finally saw the point of view of those expressing a displeasure of the Gay-for-you genre, which is actually one of my favorite tropes because I believe sexuality is fluid, not set in stone. If Fitch had struggled (even a tiny bit) with his new-found attraction to a man, I could have felt it realistic. Maybe discovered he was bi, and had looked at men in the past but didn't realize. Or maybe he just needed an emotional connection to a man to become interested, but that would also contradict the opener. Fitch was basically preternaturally attracted to Ansel instantly, with women no longer holding an appeal. (After 30 years of being straight, women are only good because they self-lubricate, but aren't as tight as Ansel. As a woman – yes, this insulted me.)

Fitch puts out on the first date, already thinking and talking hearts-and-flowers. Of course, as soon as the mind-blowing action is over, Ansel gives him the cold shoulder and won't accept his calls.

Ansel is the book's conflict. He's gay, likes to dress in women's clothing, but sees himself as a man. He has a tortured backstory, as if every stripper/dancer has to have one. He also abuses drugs and alcohol, and has a 'nobody will ever love me' attitude, even when everyone in the book loves him.

As a family man, Fitch was mature, patient, and understanding. Whereas, Ansel was catty instead of sassy, a personality trait that doesn't sit well with me. Ansel played games of the heart, testing Fitch.

The story had good bones, and will no doubt be a pleasure for the masses. If you're looking for warm and fuzzy, a straight man who forgets women simply because he meets 'the' man, and are a sucker for a dramatic backstory, this book is for you.



Elizabeth Varlet is a thirtysomething newly married world-traveler who devours books like they were candy. A nerd at heart, she spends way too many hours bingeing on episodes of her favorite television shows and dreaming of the day she can adopt a dog—whom she’s already named.

She started writing stories in high school and hasn’t stopped. Now her characters like to get frisky under the covers. Or the stars, or in a car, or up against the wall—they’re not picky.

Elizabeth believes in love of all shapes and sizes and wants nothing more than to share the beauty in the form of stories.

Connect with Elizabeth

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads


https://www.netgalley.com


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Fierce & Fabulous (Sassy Boyz #1) by Elizabeth Varlet to read and review.

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