In The Middle Of Somewhere Review

Title:  In The Middle Of Somewhere
Series:  Middle of Somewhere #1
Author:  Roan Parrish
Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press

Release Date:  July 10, 2015

My Rating:  4 Slow-Burning ♥'s

Synopsis:

Daniel Mulligan is tough, snarky, and tattooed, hiding his self-consciousness behind sarcasm. Daniel has never fit in—not at home in Philadelphia with his auto mechanic father and brothers, and not at school where his Ivy League classmates looked down on him. Now, Daniel’s relieved to have a job at a small college in Holiday, Northern Michigan, but he’s a city boy through and through, and it’s clear that this small town is one more place he won’t fit in.

Rex Vale clings to routine to keep loneliness at bay: honing his muscular body, perfecting his recipes, and making custom furniture. Rex has lived in Holiday for years, but his shyness and imposing size have kept him from connecting with people.

When the two men meet, their chemistry is explosive, but Rex fears Daniel will be another in a long line of people to leave him, and Daniel has learned that letting anyone in can be a fatal weakness. Just as they begin to break down the walls keeping them apart, Daniel is called home to Philadelphia, where he discovers a secret that changes the way he understands everything. 

Review:

Daniel Mulligan first meets Rex Vale when he travels to northern Michigan to apply for an English Professor position at a small college. Their chemistry is undeniable, but all they share is a brief kiss. A year later, Daniel moves to town and starts teaching while hoping to run into the man he’s never forgotten. As the story unfolds, Daniel and Rex begin the slow process of getting to know one another. Daniel is insecure with major trust issues stemming from a life of ridicule from his family in Philadelphia. He’s never measured up to his father’s expectations and believes his family hates him for openly admitting to being gay. Rex is a lumberjack of a man living a solitary life in his cabin in the woods - never letting anyone inside the walls he’s built around his heart. Better to live alone rather than risk being left behind once again. Both men are toting a heavy load of baggage, willing to share each other’s bed but not their hearts.
In the Middle of Somewhere is a hypnotic, slow burn love story. As the story plays out, layers are peeled back revealing each man’s past including events that shaped the people they are today. Daniel and Rex’s sexual chemistry and scenes are HOT – topping the sex-o-meter time and time again. I found the author’s style to be unique, words flowing in a mesmerizing manner that held me captive even with the slow pace. And that was my only issue with this book . . . it moves at a snail’s pace – heavy in inner monologues and rambling thoughts about anything and everything. At times, it took me out of the story and tested my patience. Having said that, I cared enough about these characters to read through those passages seeking answers to questions raised and hoping for some kind of hea for Daniel and Rex. Rich in details, In the Middle of Somewhere is a touching, heartfelt, sometimes funny love story. A Must Read!

My Rating:  4 Slow-Burning ♥'s . . . And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart . . . xxx

Sandra