Model Boyfriend Is Here!!

MODEL BOYFRIEND 
Highly Anticipated Sequel to Undefeated
(See my review, below.)

By Stuart Reardon & Jane Harvey-Berrick

A powerful contemporary romance set in the fast-moving world of international modelling.

What’s it like dating one of the most beautiful men in the world? A man whose face is on every magazine and ad campaign?

Not as much fun as it sounds, as Anna Scott is about to find out.

Retired from rugby at the age of 33, injured and bored, Nick is given the chance to enter the high stakes world of fashion photography as a model.

But behind the glittering façade lies an ugly reality: drugs, alcohol, all the deadly sins, and people willing to sleep their way to the top.

It’s a tough life and tougher on relationships.

Nick needs to learn to navigate the treacherous path quickly or risk losing it all—including the woman who has become his reason for living.

In this glamorous world, there is no room for error. Being a MODEL BOYFRIEND has never been harder.

Can nice guy Nick find his way through, or will he be tempted to risk it all? Because the one thing he despises is failure.

He’s a lot more than a pretty face.

This story continues where UNDEFEATED left off, although it can also be read as a stand-alone story in its own right.

MY REVIEW:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the first book of Harvey-Berrick’s I read, her talent and skill quickly won me over, so the superior quality of the writing here goes without saying. But can we talk about Stu? Is there nothing this man can’t do? Professional athlete, model, photographer, romance author and maybe a bit of musical talent thrown in. On the surface he looks like a superhero, which makes the autobiographical nature of this book and the first, Undefeated, that much more compelling. The fact that he pulls back the curtain to reveal authentic life challenges, complex human emotions of fear, anger, uncertainty and depression, and human frailties that we all struggle with prompted a lot of pondering on my part. With all of the challenges and roadblocks he's faced, how does it still appear that he has the golden touch? What is the difference between him and any one of us who struggles day to day? Maybe it comes down to attitude and the actions that follow, and the fact that he refuses to allow anything to defeat him.

Model Boyfriend is the continuation of Nick and Anna's story and picks up as Nick is retiring from his rugby career. While this book didn’t feel as raw and angsty as Undefeated, there’s still a lot that takes place. Anna is getting settled in her new career as an advice columnist and author, and Nick is trying to figure out life after rugby.  He’s not doing such a great job of it, becoming withdrawn, sullen and listless. Although these soul mates have started on their happily ever after, the flowers have wilted and the hearts are a bit tattered and bruised in this romance.

When Nick gets an offer from esteemed photographer, Massimo Igashi,  to model for a calendar to benefit charity, hoping it might get Nick out of his funk, Anna encourages him to take the job. From there he's referred to a modeling agency and goes to New York City to pursue a career as a model.  The reader gets an inside look at the modeling industry from the perspective of an engaged man whose heart, and every part of his being, belongs to Anna. From sleazy photographers and child co-models to underage sex and substance abuse it’s less than pretty and presents some ethical issues for this model boyfriend.  I have to say, after reading about the unsavory side of the modeling world, I actually got the good kind of chills and my heart did a happy dance when I read the scene with Golden Czermak. (If you’re not familiar with that bad boy who's a real stand-up guy, check out his many talents.)

 If Undefeated were Victoria Falls, Model Boyfriend is more like the Pacific Ocean. Just as powerful, just as forceful and just as deep, but a lot more subtle. There are still plenty of challenges and issues for Nick and Anna to work through but they aren’t quite as gut wrenching and emotionally draining in this book. The ex, Molly, is still trying to cause trouble, and Anna and Nick are apart more than they're together, which takes its toll on their relationship.  Of course Anna's BFF/assistant, Brendan returns as a strong secondary character, and I had forgotten how much I adore him! Any time things got a little intense or heavy, he was right there with some over-the-top comic relief. It was actually Brendan's subplot that made me teary, and his story, alone, would make this book worth reading.

This book can stand alone, but I think reading Undefeated first will offer a better, more complete reading experience, so if you haven’t read it yet, start there. I had said in my review of Undefeated that it was my top read of the year, and together with Model Boyfriend, Anna and Nick's story is still my top read this year. Expect to have your heart squeezed, to startle yourself with out-loud laughter, and possibly find yourself yelling at some of these characters. It's a fascinating inside look at some worlds we're not familiar with, a study of the human condition complete with failures, frustrations, growth and triumph, and a phenomenal read that will stay with you long after the last page. Prepare for these characters to sneak into your heart, leave their lasting mark on your soul, and keep you in their grasp far into the future.


Buy links: MODEL BOYFRIEND $2.99  Amazon US    Amazon UK   Available in KU

Buy links: UNDEFEATED now 99¢  Amazon US   Amazon UK    Available in KU

Biographies

Stuart is a retired England International Rugby League player whose career spanned 16 years as a professional playing for several top League clubs.  He has had several major injuries that nearly ended his career just as in Undefeated, the amazing collaboration with Jane.
Currently he is a Personal trainer living in Cheshire, UK, and has an online fitness program: Fear Nothing Fitness.
www.stuartreardon.co.uk
Newsletter https://goo.gl/rBzpF1

Jane is a best-selling author of compelling, thought-provoking contemporary romances. Her first collaboration with Stuart is UNDEFEATED.
www.janeharveyberrick.com
Reader group on Facebook, Jane’s Travelers http://janeharveyberrick.co.uk/newsletter-signup/
Newsletter http://janeharveyberrick.co.uk/newsletter-signup/

Grab Model Boyfriend now (and Undefeated, if you haven't read it) for an exciting, informative, inspiring read! Until next time, dear reader

Much love between the covers,

BookAddict

*See my other reviews here.

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