Never Hollowed By The Stare

Heaven and Hell Club: Unbreakable – Colette Davison

Mac’s life isn’t perfect, but he likes it the way it is: safe and predictable.

Mac works in a struggling pole dancing club at night, and a gym during the day. He’s tired and cash strapped, but content, until a confident twink walks into the club and turns his life upside down. It’s hard to resist when Russel asks him to be his fake boyfriend for one night, in return for double his normal take-home pay.

One date turns into more, as Mac helps Russel get an exclusive that will secure him the job he’s always wanted. But the rich playboy who holds Russel’s career in his hands isn’t going to give him the scoop so easily.

As Mac and Russel spend more time together, the lines between fake and real begin to get blurred, but can their relationship become strong enough to be unbreakable in the face of adversity?

Unbreakable is a fake boyfriend MM romance, with a buff pole dancer who swears like a trooper, a twink who likes to take charge, some spanking, light bondage, and a happy ever after. It’s a prequel story to Broken, but can be read as a standalone romance.

I love myself some fake boyfriend story and Mac and Russel did it for me.

Unbreakable is the prequel to the Heaven and Hell series by Colette Davison. She’s a new to me author and this is my first book from her. She certainly didn’t disappoint.

Before the club was Heaven and Hell, it was called Horns, a pole dancing club barely making a profit. Mac, Michael and his boyfriend, Edward were dancers at the club. Michael and Edward were already making plans to buy the club and they were trying to convince their best friend Mac to invest. Mac lacked the funds and the courage, choosing instead to play it safe. However his days as a dancer might be numbered. He’s not getting any younger.

Russel works at a fashion magazine as a layout artist itching for a chance to be a proper journalist. One day he was given that chance. He is going to cover a party hosted by a famous gay celebrity. The catch is that, it’s for couples only.

This is where Russel propositioned Mac to be his boyfriend for the night after seeing him dance.

The story featured an opposites attract trope with a bit of My Fair Lady thrown in for good measure. It also broke stereotypes regarding the dynamics between couples with size differences. Mac is buff, gruff and butch while Russel is lithe, femme and sassy. Mac likes to let others handle things in the bedroom while Russel likes to take charge.

Russel is the type who knew what he wanted and he was quick to grab it. Mac doesn’t hesitate to give Russel anything he wants. He also remained loyal and stood up for him when the sleazoid celebrity was trying to break them apart. And that was even before they were real boyfriends. Definitely a keeper.

I loved watching their relationship evolve. At first they seemed like the worst possible match but as they slowly learn things about each other, they discover they fit perfectly. I loved the interaction between the two men. I loved the trust and respect that developed and how they embraced each other’s vulnerabilities. The chemistry was palpable even from the beginning. The banters were amusing. They were a lot of fun together.

One thing that stood out for me is that the author gave Russel scars. Not the cutesy it-makes-me-looks-like-a-badass scar but honest to goodness small pox scars. As a person with bad skin, I appreciate that.

Unbreakable is a great prequel. It also stands perfectly well as a standalone. It’s a great blend of fluff, angst and humor with likable characters, great execution and engaging writing. You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful ending. I also enjoyed meeting Michael and Edward and I am looking forward to reading Michael’s book.

Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits

Soundtrack: Quiet
Artist: Lights
Album: The Listening