The Right Words

4.5Don't know how this had just sat in my reader for so long and I'd not read it. It was like finding an unexpected treat. [a:Lane Hayes 7125719 Lane Hayes https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1559106511p2/7125719.jpg] has the knack for writing stories that, on the surface, could be seen a super angsty, yet she presents them without the usual nail biting and stridency. [a:Michael Ferraiuolo 13467952 Michael Ferraiuolo https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1498214961p2/13467952.jpg]'s narration is just wonderful icing on the cake.After a bad break-up, which left him doubting himself, and his choices, interior designer Luke Preston has returned to his stomping grounds to regroup and hopefully work. Said work comes in the form of a total renovation for a house that's seen better days. The owner of said house, Michael Martinez, is also in need of some TLC after an injury has him sidelined with nothing but time on his hands. He's a professional soccer player. A closeted one. I liked everything about this: the setup and the execution. Luke and Michael meet, and though there is a tangible attraction, no one is falling head over heels at first sight. Rather there's a gradual ‘getting to know you' aided by a sort of forced proximity. The distance of Michael's house makes it reasonable for Luke to accept the offer of staying in the guest studio on the property, and once the renovations are underway Michael has to stay there too. Genius. I liked that though Michael isn't out it's to do with his, warranted, fears for his profession and his family's acceptance and not any kind of self loathing. The first two aren't idle concerns and LH handles them with accuracy and without glossing over the realities of the world we live in. I did feel that Luke was perhaps a bit naive, at first, in reference to Michael being out. He grew up with an accepting mother and lives in a milieu, WeHo, where gay boys are the norm. However he doesn't force the issue, and rightly thinks it's Michael's choice of when and where to do so; Luke just doesn't want to be a secret and I totally agree with him.I loved how the relationship developed over time and shared experiences, kind of like the house renovation. Imagine that. I liked that Michael wasn't portrayed as a dumb jock, though he was every inch the athlete, he could appreciate Luke's love of words, literature, and poetry. I think they make the perfect pairing of opposites attract and I believed every word.My only quibble is that I would've liked to see Michael's family ... but I guess that would be another book.