User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
I loved this. It's probably my favorite Tara Lain ever now. I've always been drawn to stories where one MC is on the slow side (ala "Tim" my Colleen McCollough and "Simple Jess" by Pamela Morsi). This story has that type of character, and it's not easy to deal with it as a writer, but Tara does a wonderful job. It's just such a feel good hurt/comfort story. Loved every minute of it!
Rating: really liked it
I wanted to give this book a higher rating because I really liked Tom, he was such a sweet character.
but there was a separation that I found too long and for dumb reasons. Some of drama was very OTT and I rolled my eyes a bit.
Rating: really liked it
Opposites attract, Laguna, CA. Partying with friends Ru, Gray, Billy, and Shaz, Merle wandered off to take in the quiet beach, where he's suddenly surrounded by four gay-bashers who began beating him. He thought he might be taking his last breath, when a giant of a man, showed up and saved him.
Next day on the work site, Merle is touring his new home being built, and there is his savior, hanging lights.
Tom, 6'6", is a "simple" man, with extraordinary talent
in construction and a sweet soul. Brown hair, muscles on muscles, and a dimpled smile with blue eyes, is a tender soul. Tom sends his money to his folks, so they take care of his younger sister, plus he works at the dog shelter, too. He keeps his two small dogs at the house where he rents a room from a nice older lady.
Merle is a TV star on a vampire show, with blonde wavy
longish hair and handsome. He's intrigued about Tom.
At a dinner with friends, he meets a movie director, who wants Merle for a film.
Meanwhile, our MCs share lunch, go to the shelter, Tom goes to the studio filming, dancing, and lots more. Tom and Merle begin a hot and heavy sexual relationship, surprising, sizzling, and meaningful. Their emotions are involved.
Our characters are complicated and yet it is simple enough. Their feeling are real, but how can they work when Merle will be away filming a movie? There is a twist with Tom's sister, Lily.
Mist....
We see Rene, the film director, the dog emergency, folks misconceptions of Tom, and Merle's realizations. Merle shows his devotion in a big way.
The wrap up is heartwarming, exciting, sexy, and full of promise.
Wonderful.
ENJOY ! ======
Rating: really liked it
I'm thinking this may be my favorite of the series so far. Love, love Merle and Tom...and the dogs! ;)
***
Tara Lain's
Love in Laguna series is a favorite of mine. Lain always delivers a meaty story along with a touching romance. And all the characters thus far are friends (or become friends) so I always get to check-in with them.
Fool of Main Beach delivers on all counts and then some. Here are some highlights from all the goody-goodness:
~Merle
He's an actor and a really good guy. He's handsome and charming but also down-to-earth, which means he isn't so fond of all the Hollywood hoopla. His family, while completely accepting of his sexuality, isn't so accepting of his career choice seeing as they're more of the intellectual type. This affects Merle's self-esteem as he wants to be taken seriously and he wants their respect. When he's given the chance at those things, he has to decide whether he wants others' respect or to be able to respect himself.
~Tom
Oh my gosh did I adore this man! He's described once as guileless and that's a fair description. He's really smart but has some learning disabilities. He also is open and honest, not understanding social cues or following social etiquette when offering his opinions. Tom's hardworking and loyal to a fault, taking care of his family despite them kicking him out at 15 because of his sexuality.
~Character Development
Both Merle and Tom grow over the course of the story. Tom learns to stand up to his parents and speak up for himself. But Merle does the most growing, learning that he deserves happiness in life whether others approve or respect his choices or not.
~Social Commentary
This is an element I love in Lain's stories - religion and sexuality, bigotry, homophobia...I admire that she weaves it into her stories (without brow-beating) because it's a reality.
~Tom (yes, again)
I was a bit worried over how Tom would be handled. As I said, he's guileless, but considered "simple" by some of the characters and he's anything but simple. His character had to be handled "just right" in my opinion to make the story work and Lain handled him with aplomb.
~Dogs
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the dogs. Tom volunteers at an animal shelter and is particularly fond of dogs. As a dog lover myself, I felt a strong affinity for Tom because of his love and care for these animals and Lain did a nice job giving the dogs their own personalities.
In the end, this might have moved into the top spot as my favorite in this series so far!
**I received a complimentary copy of the book as part of the blog tour. This did not affect my rating and my review of voluntarily provided.**
Rating: really liked it
I reaaaaallyyyy liked Tom! He's an epitome of sweet, honest, pure and angel in a human form.
Merle couldn't be luckier having him rescued that night.
And Tom love sex, yeah you hear me. He loved sex and never shy for asking Merle for it.
I felt like Tara did a really good job wrote about Tom.
It's like I'd seen Billy all over again. Big honest, not too smart but lovable and all I want is taking him home and protected him from the cruel world.
Some stupid thing along the journey to find love of course happened. And I was kinda wanted to slap some people in their face. But all ended well in the end.
Tom and his boys were definitely entertaining and well, Merle had to do some incredible move to deserve him. Fair trade.
If you're following this series from the start, this one need your attention.
This can be read as a stand alone, but I think you better read the series in order, just to get to know their stories, especially my favorite, Billy and Shaz <3
Recommended!
Rating: really liked it
I only picked this one because it was on the right list for BINGO, so imagine my surprise when I actually liked it a lot! LOVED Tom & Merle together, and Tom was so sweet, so caring and he completely stole my heart.
Part way through I realized I skipped Book 4 but I don't think it mattered.
Rating: really liked it
This was a sweet romance and while it slows somewhat in the middle with a frustrating separation, it (thankfully) picks up again quickly. Overall I loved K.C. Kelly's narration and really thought he did well and had a good handle on the many different character voices and was able to convey the emotions of many scenes without going over the top. Told in Merle and Tom's dual POV, this is sweet without being excessive.
Just a nice, low angst, sexy, romance with a lovely HEA.My
only complaint about the narration was the (to me) mispronunciation of the car brand Audi. I've always been taught it's pronounced "ow-dee" and Kelly kept pronouncing it "awe-dee". Perhaps that's a regional pronunciation? Regardless, fans of the series should enjoy getting to spend time with the casts from some of the other books in the series who make appearances and even play more supportive roles to help Merle and Tom along in their romance.
Though this is the fifth book in the series, it can absolutely be read/listened to as a standalone.
Audio copy of Fool Of Main Beach (Love in Laguna #5) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Rating: really liked it
Note: This
audiobook was provided to me through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
I liked the concept of this story in which Merle, a friend of actor Gray Anson, whom we met in Prince of the Playhouse, is attending a party at Gray’s house. When he wanders off down the beach, he’s confronted by gay-bashers and ultimately rescued by a big, cute guy wearing a puffy pink jacket. The guy, Tom, is a sweetheart but appears to be slow, aka dim-witted, in the way he speaks his mind without worry of how it sounds to others. Merle is attracted to him but is also wary of how being with this guy, might affect his career. He’s just met a film director who may want him for a role and that would be a step above the TV show he’s currently acting in. If the way the director looked at him is any indication, he’d better not starting anything with Tom.
But he doesn’t click with the director, except as friends, and over time, he and Tom become lovers. But it’s just sex—or at least it is for Merle. He refuses to admit his heart is involved. Through Tom, he learns more about being true to oneself, family responsibility, and the love of a good pet. Yes, Tom volunteers for a pet shelter—true to his loving and giving personality. After even more time goes by, they end up in a subplot with Tom’s sister and her dastardly parents and then an additional secondary plot involving Merle’s acceptance by his own parents comes into play. Thankfully, they ultimately find their way to romance, love, and a HEA.
Although the story was sweet, as is typical with Tara Lain books, it felt way too long. I was listening to the audiobook and constantly surprised by how much more time was left than I expected. These two MCs questioned their judgment about each other for a total of 9 hours and 17 minutes. To me, it felt somewhat like the secondary issues were expanded just to make the word count higher. And KC Kelly is not a narrator I can tolerate for that length of time. I find his vocalizations of gay men to be too campy and demeaning, and his delivery of sentences too frequently done without a pause at a comma or period. I want to like him. I really do, since so many of my audiobook-reading friends recommend him, but I just haven’t found the right story yet, I guess. This one was not it.
If you like sweet romance stories with a gentle giant MC, this is a good one to try. But I recommend the e-book format.
Rating: really liked it
Merle is so freaking detestable. For God sake he was litterally telling Tom that he wished he could have any choice but to be with him but that he just couldn’t help « Loving » him even if that meant chosing happiness instead of success. Meaning Tom is going to hinder your chances at success, Merle? Wow, that’s so romantic 🙄.
Also is everyone just going to be okay with René’s behavior towards Merle? I’ve rarely encountered such a sleazy character in a book, yet everyone seems to think he is a swell guy. I felt like he was a pathetic horny bastard with predatory tendencies.
So yeah, this book was pretty disappointing.
Rating: really liked it
'Love in Laguna' has definitely been a hit and miss series for me. The first four books have garnered anything between 2 and even 5 stars as a rating from me.
'Fool of Main Beach' just had too many things that appealed to me, so when the chance came along to check out the audio book and the narrator was an 'almost' new to me narrator...K. C. Kelly, whom I've only heard narrate one other audio book. I decided I needed to go for it...so we're heading for Laguna Beach and the men who live there.
So let's start with what I love...
First off this is one of those series where we get a different couple for each book but we also get to re-visit the men from the previous books so the new and the familiar...one of my favorite things.
Dogs...lots and lots of dogs...come on we all know dogs make everything better and this one has dogs in spades.
Totally unlikely MCs...I love it when an author takes 2 characters who on paper are just never going to happen...they have nothing in common, their connection defies the obvious.
Diverse and interesting secondary characters...this one has those in spades from the collection of acting industry people to Merle's family to Tom's family and let's not forget the men from the previous stories.
Most of all I quickly discovered that what I loved the most about this book was Merle and Tom...but especially Tom. I'm not even sure how to explain Tom and all the feelz I have for him. Truly we would all be better people for having a Tom in our lives. Tom is sweet and honest....so guileless and absolutely so much more than he appeared to be. Tom would be the kind of friend that anyone with a brain would treasure and that any parent worthy of the name would cherish and be humbled for having played a part in gifting the world with.
Ok, let's move on to Merle because honestly I could probably wax poetic about Tom and why I love him all day but I think I've made my point Tom is awesome but in his own way so was Merle.
Merle is the star of a television show and he aspires to star in movies but more importantly Merle is at his heart an sweet and gentle soul looking for the right person to love him. It just takes him a bit of time to realize that finding the right person to love him means looking not at the package but at what lies inside...although it might not hurt that Tom is also very nicely packaged...he's big...as in tall with all kinds of lovely ripped muscles and the face of an angel and he thinks that Merle is so beautiful and talented.
I loved that no matter where things were at between these two men if one of them needed help the other one dropped everything to get to them as soon as possible. I loved how Merle saw and never lost site of Tom...not the superficial that people saw at first glance but the man who saw the world just a little differently from others and whose honesty is both guileless and refreshing.
Merle and Tom are in many ways as unlikely a pairing as a person could imagine and their story from when they are brought together when Tom first rescues Merle from an act of bigotry and hatred. As they become friends then friends with benefits continuing to rescue each other, Tom and Merle find their lives becoming increasingly entangled and yet in spite of the fact that both claim a relationship between them would never work, neither of them is willing to truly give up the other.
I really enjoyed listening to this story on audio. K.C. Kelly's narration was well done and really added to my enjoyment of the characters and the story in general and easily ticked off those boxes in my 'things I look for from an audio book' list.
'Fool of Main Beach' is a sweet, feel good, hurt/comfort romance that at times had me laughing and there may have been a tear or two as well and without a doubt this is one of my favorites from this series.
*************************
An audio book of 'Thief of Main Street' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: really liked it
Tara writes her stories to make you smile. I always enjoy the way she writes her characters. They are serious when they have to be but can also make you laugh and smile.
I loved the premise of this story. The characters are both loveable from the start especially Tom. He is so naïve that you just want to put him in a bubble and protect him from the real world changing him.
This is sweet, heart-warming romance story about two opposites who find love and acceptance with each other.
Merle is a actor on a popular teeny bopper show but he wants more. He thinks all he will ever be is an OK actor.
You are not sure what to make of Tom at first. He comes across as slow but you will find he isn't, just not very good at reading. He is a hard worker and loves his animals. His friends know that he always tells the truth and that is what they love about him, he wasn't jaded by his life.
When Tom saves Merle from being attacked they become friends. Merle finds himself attracted to Tom. Merle is attracted to his looks but also his personality. He finds Tom a breathe of fresh air in his world of Hollywood.
Tara builds their story slowly but it really works. You get to know both men and how they get along before they jump into bed together. But when they do , it is a great scene to read.
The only thing I want to say is that I found it hard to follow who was talking at what time. It switched from Tom and Merle without really a pause. I think I would have liked it if Tara did it by chapters.
Both Merle and Tom want more from each other but are afraid to go for it at first. Tom wears his heart on his sleeve but it takes Merle longer to figure out that Tom is it for him.
I really enjoyed this story and Tom's sister was a hoot to read.
This to me is truly a love story you must read.....
*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jodi from Alpha Book Club
Rating: really liked it
When I saw Tara had written another Laguna story, I was very excited and couldn't wait. I was even happier when she offered ARCs to her reader group on Facebook, and I was able to get one.
Though I really enjoyed this, it wasn't my favorite. In this book, Merle, a TV actor, befriends and falls in love with Tom, one of Billy's employees. After working with Gray in the production of Hamlet, Merle falls in love with Laguna and buys a house and hires Billy to renovate it. On the night of the Emmy's the Laguna crew throws a party for Merle, who's been nominated. He escapes to the beach where Tom saves him from some homophobic a-holes intent on doing him harm, or worse.
They meet up the next day at his house, and have an instant connection. They become friends with benefits, but are both afraid to ask for more. Tom has low self esteem after being kicked out at 15 for being gay, and while intelligent, he is a little slow. He wants Merle, but pushes him away. Merle likes Tom, but has another admirer in the business who he feels he should like more.
Eventually, with the help of Ru, Merle gets his head out of his ass and goes after what he wants before it's too late.
I enjoyed this, but the I felt the miscommunication went on too long, and Merle not being able to make up his mind over who he wanted also brought my enjoyment down a little.
I will say that if you love dogs, you will love this, as Tom is a dog lover and there is a side plot that involves some dogs.
While this is the fifth book in the series, it could stand alone, but I would recommend reading Prince of the Playhouse first, where you are introduced to Merle and Ru and Gray. Since Billy and Shaz make appearances, you might also want to read their book, Knight of Ocean Avenue also.
Copy provided by author for honest review
Rating: really liked it
This book definitely follows in the fun stories I've come to expect from Ms. Lain. Merle Justice is a young actor trying to get recognition in Hollywood, which is hard since he plays a teenage vampire on a hit show. Actors in those roles aren't seen seriously and he's struggling to reconcile those two sides of his career.
The complications between Tom and Merle were more than just being from different sides of the social spectrum. Tom is a very simple kinda guy. He may not be the brightest guy around, but there's an innocence about him that is ultimately what is most appealing about him. Draws you in because you can't help but want to be around him. Merle can't stay away but knows that Hollywood can be ruthless and he may be bringing Tom into situations that are more than he is prepared to deal with.
It was refreshing to see a character like Tom because he's not the typical romance hero. He is the kind of hero you want to keep wrapped up in protective bubble wrap so the world can't hurt him, but at the same time he's big enough to protect you from it. He's sensitive but when he gives his heart, he does so completely. And boy, does he love sex. ;) He was my favorite thing about this story for sure.
I think Merle and Tom where really adorable together. They had great chemistry and I found them so charming. FOOL OF MAIN BEACH is definitely a feel-good, heart warming romance. I think the conflict could've been a little better but the story still made sense the way the author presented it and it was enjoyable to read.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
Rating: really liked it
This was truly an amazing story, at first look you might think it is about two people who are so different that they could not possible stay together. But if you look deeper, you will see it is about being true to yourself, not worrying about what other people will think and allowing yourself the opportunity to have an amazing person in your life. Merle Justice is an actor, in the Hollywood eye but not taken very seriously as he is a teenage heartthrob. Tom Henry is a gentle giant, he might come off as simple but he has a unique perspective on how he sees life. Attraction is instantaneous but both know they are from two different worlds. However, the heart wants what the heart wants. I loved seeing all the others in this series come together and play a part in this unique romance. True to real life, there were times when I wanted to smack Merle to make him see what was in front of him. I thought his struggle was well thought out and portrayed very realistically. My heart hurt for Tom, he was such a wonderful person and was truly a gift. His introduction into the Hollywood scene made me smile and reminded me that there is so much more to a person then just what you see. I love this whole series but this story had moved to the top.
I volunteered to read this story for my honest opinion.
Rating: really liked it
Have you ever met a character that you just fall in love with from the beginning and want to protect. In this book I did. Tom from the very beginning captures the heart. He is so guileless and wonderful. His heart is open and giving even after all he has gone through. He is kind and caring. Open and flawed but also so sweet and honest. There are no pretenses with him. He is a little insecure due to his past and how people perceive him to be. To me he is smart, caring, honest and just so guileless and open that you are drawn to him from the beginning and when you see how protective those around him are you smile.
Merle is trying to find his way. He is a great character but he is a little lost.He is kind and caring but wants to gain his parents respect, go further in his career but also have a life and love. When Tom comes into his world you see that there is attraction once they are seen outside of the situation that brought them together the first time. He sees how insightful and guileless Tom is. He likes the honesty and lack of pretense that Tom has. Tom doesn’t try to hide and accepts himself the way he is. Tom is caring and understanding towards everyone even those who do not deserve it. For example his parents-they were horrible to him and yet he takes care of them and his sister at the expense of himself. His love for dogs is so adorable and precious that you just smile. Merle sees all this and falls for him. You see it even if Merle is confused by it and tries to fight it in the beginning. they both do really. They become friends and Tom changes Merle’s view on things. Things progress to more but both are afraid. Tom because he doesn’t feel good enough for Merle and Merle because of the weight of expectations he feels. He wants to get his parents to take his world seriously and garner their approval. In the end Merle learns though that it isn’t their approval he needs but love. He needs someone to share his life with and it doesn’t matter what others think. He has help coming to this conclusion-his friends help him see this as do some of his co-workers on the film he is doing. he shows this in his actions with Tom for he is always there for him. Tom fears as well and this adds to the indecision at times. What cements their love is when Merle fears for Tom and goes to help.
These two are wonderful together but also so amazing apart. They are going on so many journeys. Tom learns to trust himself and gains confidence. he gains strength from the acceptance he gets from Merle and his friends. Merle finds acceptance and support from Tom. He gets love and honesty from Tom. There is no expectations from Tom only support and unconditional kindness, acceptance, and love. They grow and learn from one another and fall in love. they battle many demons and grow into their own. They tell each other we love one another and tough if you don’t like it. they face their fears and come out on top.
the story is sweet, engaging and wonderful. You truly want to see them together for they just belong with each other. the angst level is low for they are just on a journey to each other and discovering where they belong and who they are. Tom captures you from the first moment he comes into the story and you just continue to fall more and more in love with him. Merle has you understand his struggles and want him to find his strength to let love be his guide. A wonderfully written entertaining story that just has you embrace the characters and their journey to finding love with each other with vigor and joy.
