A Helping of Love Taste of Love Stories Book 3
M/M Romance
Dreamspinner Press
March 15, 2012
200
Reviewed by: Linda Tonis
Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team
This is the third novel in this series. Once again we get to follow the lives and loves of the people from Cafe Belgie. Although the books do not have to be read in order, there are recurring characters in each story. You would be doing yourself a disservice by not learning about everyone. All the characters in each book face obstacles that affect people all over the world on a daily basis. These stories are about men who overcome adversity with the help of loving friends.
The main focus of this story is Peter Christopoulos and Russell Baker. Peter has been in a wheelchair since fate put him in the direct path of a drunk driver. He works for the Gold Restaurant Supply Company as a salesman and his job leads him to Russ. Darryl is now in the process of opening another restaurant, Aeropolis. He and his partner, Billy, have decided that the town could use a good Greek restaurant with top of the line food. Russ is to be the chef and General Manager of the Aeropolis, and in that role he has called Peter’s company for a quote on supplies.
Peter has not had a relationship since his accident and he is immediately drawn to Russ, only Russ already has a boyfriend. Being in a wheelchair has made Peter nearly invisible, since most people only see his chair. He has been told by men he has approached that they don’t want a cripple. It gives you a new understanding of what handicapped people go through on a daily basis, and it is not there handicap but how people see them.
Russ has been with his boyfriend, Barry, for almost four years, only it is an abusive relationship. Whether it is a man or a woman, the abused eventually see themselves as only an extension of the person they believe loves them. With the help of Peter, Darryl and Billy, Russ begins to see his relationship for what it is and breaks away. But, abusers don’t usually give up easily, and Barry is not going to either. Nothing will stand in his way of getting Russ back. Will Russ stay strong and not go back? Will he find what he is looking for with Peter?
This is once again a story of overcoming the odds and not letting obstacles stand in your way. Each and every character in these novels is amazing, each one helping their friends in any way possible. Russ and Peter are wonderful, each with handicaps, Russ with Barry and Peter with his wheelchair. The author lets you know that handicaps can only stop you if you let them. I look forward to the next chapter in this series.