A Touch of Romance (The Slippery Slope #1) by Merry Farmer


Imagine an 1890s version of Cheers. Wouldn’t you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came? That's what you get in A Touch of Romance.

From the blurb:

He crossed the ocean to escape from love…

Journalist Marcus Albright did not run away from his London home when he accepted an assignment in New York City. His interest in writing a series of articles about the popular club scene of The Bowery has nothing to do with the disastrous end of a long-term relationship, or his desire to stay as far away from love and commitment that he possibly can. His only concern is enjoying the vibrancy and color that The Slippery Slope is famous for.…but love has other plans…

Jasper Werther loves his wild, flamboyant life, but the moment Marcus steps into The Slippery Slope, he knows he wants more. Particularly after spending a romantic night out on the town with Marcus as his drag persona, Blaise Rose. After waiting a lifetime for acceptance of everything he is, Jasper believes it’s finally within his grasp.

…until heartbreak strikes.

When a policeman with ambitions threatens to shut down The Slippery Slope, Jasper has a bigger problem than trying to woo a man who has sworn never to fall in love again. Everything within Marcus tells him not to get involved, but he is drawn back to Jasper, no matter how hard he fights it. Will Jasper and Marcus get a second chance at love, or will the pain of the past keep them apart?

Fall in love with romance, a high society ball, a wild, downtown party, a trip to Coney Island, a colorful cast of characters, and a last-minute confession that will keep you turning pages!

PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam level – very spicy! And yes, this is an m/m romance involving friends to lovers, second chances, and fabulous drag queens, so if that’s not your thing, feel free to pass on this one.


Ms Aimers Review:

A Touch of Romance is the first book in The Slippery Slope which is Merry Farmer’s new m/m series. 

Jasper and Marcus made their debuts in The Brotherhood series. I’ve been waiting for Jasper’s story since he first made his appearance in Just a Little Mischief. Jasper and Marcus’s story was worth the wait! The Slippery Slope introduces us to a supportive and vibrant community. Jasper’s feminine persona is Miss Blaise Rose. She is who Jasper turns to when he wants to feel his most confident and powerful. Miss Blaise Rose sees Marcus in The Slippery Slope and falls head over heels for him. Marcus has a fear of commitment due to a prior relationship which, in combination with the external threat to the very existence of The Slippery Slope, provides the drama for the plot. 

I absolutely adore the character development and world building in A Touch of Romance! I feel like I could walk into The Slippery Slope and navigate my way around it perfectly. I’d love to meet The Fantabulous Five and The Frilly Knickerbockers along with Alonzo, Ricky, Graham, and Beckett. 

The Slippery Slope almost seems like an 1890s version of Cheers. 🎶 Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came 🎶 This book took me on an emotional roller coaster. I felt the highs as Jasper felt seen and accepted as both Jasper and Miss Blaise Rose. I also felt the lows as he felt rejected when Marcus wasn’t able reciprocate his feelings. Marcus’s prior relationship trauma is explained in the book, but it is still difficult to like Marcus at some points as a result. 

Never fear though, the book does have a happily ever after for both Jasper and Marcus and The Slippery Slope. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 5 Stars


A Touch of Romance is currently available in e-book and paperback and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription

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