At First Glance by Melissa Tereze is an erotic, age-gap romance that shows acceptance is sexy.
Anyone who read Faye Holmes’s bestsellers would think she lived a racy, sexy life. In actuality, her life is quiet, routine, a little boring, and has plagued her with a serious case of writer’s block. Maybe if she could be like her characters and find that same burning passion, she could breathe new life into her book. But Faye isn’t into one-night stands, and good-looking women who see her as a beautiful, sexy forty-something don’t just walk up to her. Or do they?
Talia loves to dance, and puts on a show at Vision every Friday and Saturday while holding down a job at the local coffee shop during the week. She doesn’t complain when she’s paid to give a lap dance to the beautiful author who sits and orders coffee and a muffin every day. Nor is she upset when Faye doesn’t recognize her. In fact, Talia is relieved, knowing Faye will reject her just like everyone else when they discover the truth. If Faye doesn’t know, then Talia can hopefully make a real friend for the first time in forever. Too bad her heart wants more, and it looks like Faye does as well, but can Talia trust her to be there when so many others have broken the same promise time and again?
Faye and Talia are from two different worlds, and while falling in love can be delicious, it can also be dangerous in a society that can be unrelenting and unforgiving.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
My favorite thing about this story was how Tereze really emphasized the power and sexiness of acceptance. Faye is constantly worried that someone as beautiful and alluring as Talia won’t be interested in her boring self. Talia is constantly worried that if Faye learns the truth, she’ll shun Talia like her family and ex-fiancée. Both women have valid doubts, so constant reassurance is required. But it’s not only through their word that they do this. It is through their actions, and I love that. It leads to constant communication about the good, the bad, their fears and worries, and putting their money where their mouth is without batting an eye. What this inherently means is there’s no misunderstanding or qualms, despite outside forces attempting to cause a rift between them. Faye and Talia believe each other, and more importantly I believe in them.
Cons And Heads Up
I honestly didn’t find anything wrong with this story, other than I wanted to throttle Faye’s friend by the end. But that’s a normal reaction to a bigoted person who has their own ulterior motives.
The Conclusion
I feel like Tereze really honed in and effectively highlighted how important it is for people to stand behind their words and their actions. Faye and Talia are the true embodiment of what a loving, supportive relationship looks like, and I think we could all learn a little something from them. I know I did.
Excerpt from At First Glance by Melissa Tereze
“Are you joining me or are you thinking about running away?”
Talia shook her thoughts away, clearing her throat as Faye’s soft voice reached her ears. “Sorry. I didn’t know if you were on a bit of a roll.”
“I’m ready for a break,” Faye said, smiling as she pulled out the chair beside her. “Sit. You’ve been rushed off your feet all morning.”
Talia sat down, pleasantly surprised by how easily conversation flowed with Faye. But she was also aware that she was skirting the line of flirting and decided to pull back. The problem was that it was hard not to flirt with Faye. She was…stunning…
“When did you move into the city? That accent is not from around here.”
“Almost a month ago.”
“And did something or someone bring you here? I don’t imagine you packed your bags and moved to Liverpool so you could work in a local bistro. London has plenty of them.”
“I…felt like a change.” Talia hated lying, she didn’t do it often, but she couldn’t bring herself to tell Faye that Vision had personally asked her to move from London and work at the new club. They wanted her to bring in the clients, to make Vision just as successful as the London club, so here she was…sexy lingerie and all.
“You know, I feel like I’ve met you before.” Faye cocked her head. “I just can’t place where.”
“You saw me Friday.”
Faye’s eyes widened suddenly, and Talia’s heart fell into her stomach.
“In here, remember? I brought you coffee and a muffin.”
“No, I’m certain I’ve bumped into you elsewhere. Perhaps I’ve just seen you around.”
“Yeah. Or maybe I just have one of those faces.”
“What faces?”
Talia shrugged. “Familiar.”
“Mm.” Faye sipped her coffee and smiled. “Beautiful, yes. Familiar, no.”
A thrill jolted Talia at those words. Faye Holmes…just complimented her. Though Talia may have been used to people glaring, drooling, and whatever else they did when they thought about her, this was different. Because Faye didn’t look at her as though she was undressing her with her eyes. In here, at the bistro, Talia was just like any other woman trying to live her life.
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 9781915242118
Publisher: Indie Author
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