A NIGHT OWL REVIEWS BOOK REVIEW | Reviewed by: Daisiemae
Appearing Nightly is the second book I’ve read by Cat Grant and it definitely won’t be my last. She’s still a fairly new author for me, and I find that I’m really enjoying her easy style of writing and her unique and heartfelt storytelling abilities. Not only do the characters in Appearing Nightly pull at the heartstrings, they are humanly-flawed and written in a way that makes it easy to become enthralled by the story that they tell.
Mike co-owns a bar with his good friend Cameron. Unfortunately, because of the struggling economy, they too are fighting to keep the bar from going under. But, they’ve found that their busiest nights are when Mike dresses up in drag as Diva Michelle, and entertains their customers with Michelle’s wicked wit and sultry singing voice. Even though Mike performs in drag on the weekends, he’s still very much a man. He’s strong, smart, wears his heart on his sleeve and he can also be flamboyant and fun. He’s quick to stand by his friends, and won’t hesitate to put himself in danger to protect others if he’s needed. Mike and Cameron’s one employee, Ryan, brings out all of Mike’s protective instincts. Ryan is quiet, smaller in stature, younger and has a mysterious past. Even though Ryan is seemingly straight, Mike feels the pull of a strong attraction between them and is intrigued by Ryan and his mysterious past. As the men get to know one another, Mike can’t help but fall for the quiet Ryan even though he’s pretty sure that he’s headed for a heartbreak.
Appearing Nightly is written in both a first person and in a third person perspective. When Mike is telling the story it is in first person and when Ryan is telling his point of view, it’s in third. At first, it took me a little while to get used to this, but once I did, I thought it was quite refreshing to read a book with this point of view. First person in romance is not my favorite way of telling a story. But, by this perspective, I was still able to know what was going on in both of the hero’s minds without feeling like I missed out on both of their thoughts or emotions.
The chemistry between Mike and Ryan practically sizzle off the pages of this book. Not only was the physical attraction between them intense, I really enjoyed the emotional connection that develops between them. It was very clear that even though these two men are seemingly opposites in many ways, they truly do belong together. I thoroughly enjoyed watching their relationship develop throughout the book and I hated to see it come to an end.
Appearing Nightly is actually the second book in this series. The first book is called The First Real Thing, which is about Mike’s friend and co-owner of the bar, Cameron. I do think Appearing Nightly could easily be read as a stand-alone book, but to truly understand the dynamics between the characters, I do recommend that you read it first. You won’t be sorry because all of the characters are well developed and the story each person tells is a heartfelt and interesting one. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from Ms. Grant. Appearing Nightly has earned a spot on my keeper shelf and I’m looking forward to revisiting it and these wonderful characters again in the future.
Jan 24, 2011 | 9781419932465
5 - Rare Top Pick | 4.5 - Top Pick | 4 - I Liked It | 3.5 - Enjoyable | 3 - OK | 2.5 - It just didn't click
Book Blurb for Appearing Nightly
You can call me Mike—or Diva Michelle on the weekends, when I perform at the Icon, a bar I own with my good friend Cameron. But just because I strut onstage in an evening gown and high heels doesn’t make me a sissy. I’ve still got a man’s body, feelings and desires. I’m also a man who knows what he wants—and that would be Ryan.
One look at our new employee, with his hot physique and boy-next-door face, and I was lost—falling hard and fast. It broke my heart each time he rejected me…until the night he finally fell into my arms, desperate for the comfort only I could provide.
Each night our passion burns up the sheets, but Ryan’s holding something back. He’s been hurt in the past, leaving him scarred both inside and out. He won’t let me reach that secret part of him. I’d be willing to give him anything, but if he can’t trust me with the pain of his past, is there hope for a future?
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