Fool of Main Beach

REVIEW BY: Tracy at Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter http://bit.ly/2wgLwUw

Author Tara Lain has done it again with the heartwarming read, 'Fool of Main Beach'. Book five in her Love in Laguna series, 'Fool of Main Beach' can be read as a standalone but I would highly advise you read this series in order as many beloved characters from each book are featured in this installment.

For example...

Readers first meet Merle Justice in book three, 'Prince of the Playhouse'. He is an actor who plays a vampire on TV. He wants to be taken more seriously in his craft and when he’s offered a role in the play Hamlet he jumps at the chance. In 'Prince of the Playhouse' Merle becomes close to his co-star, the wildly famous Gray Anson, and the two strike up a friendship while competing for the fabulous Ru Maitland’s affections. Merle loses out to Gray and decides to buy a house in Laguna after falling in love with the beach town.

Merle hires Billy Ballew to renovate the house. Reader’s initially meet Billy in 'Knight of Ocean Avenue', the first book in the Love in Laguna series. See...in my opinion it’s best to read this series from the beginning. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

In 'Fool of Main Beach' Tom Henry is an electrician who works for Billy. He’s currently working on Merle’s house and that’s how our two boys first meet.

Merle’s friends throw him a party one night and after escaping away down to the beach Tom comes to his rescue when he’s accosted by some homophobic jerks. He’s not sure what to make of Tom but he’s definitely attracted to him.

I love Tom. By 19% I was a goner. I wanted to grab Tom and hug him tight and never let go.

He makes me think of fluffy kittens and puppies. I adore the way Tara Lain writes and describes Tom. He’s like a gentle giant who, although a little slow, is really smart. He has a way of being funny without even realizing it and has a big heart. He was kicked out of his home at a young age for being gay and has learned to live and make it on his own. He’s fiercely loyal (he sends money to his teen-aged sister) and has a love for dogs. There’s something about his innocence and earnestness that tugs at my heart and had me falling in love with him from beginning to end. At times Tom reminded me of his boss, Billy Ballew, and I had stars in my eyes as Billy is one of my favorite characters ever.

Merle and Tom act on their attraction and enter into a friends with benefits relationship. Throughout the story the author keeps the readers on their toes.
Tom and Merle both waffle between wanting more with each other and also knowing they come from two different worlds, but they can’t deny their attraction. Merle doesn’t want to take advantage of Tom and Tom feels like he can never fit into the “Hollywood” crowd.

The writing is humorous and heartfelt and this is where Ms. Lain excels, because I could really feel the emotions and how much the two men grow to care for each other but how each man has their doubts about how they fit into the other’s lives and how their differences could tear them apart.

Throughout the story there are quite a few reference to characters from within the series (which I absolutely loved) and in this installment the secondary characters are just as amazing. Tom’s little sister comes off really bratty at first but by the end she redeems herself in my eyes. She’s fiercely loyal to her brother and has a smart mouth. She is Tom’s number one defender and for that I really love her.

Merle’s parents are equally frustrating at first but by the end their relationship seems to be on equal ground and their pride in Merle is revealed. Mrs. Allison is a winner as well, Tom shares a house with her. And of course the dogs…if you love animals, especially dogs, they figure prominently in this story as Tom volunteers at a local shelter. I wanted to adopt them all!!

'Fool of Main Beach' by Tara Lain is a fun and engaging read. The characters are well written and the story itself is amazing. I think it has a nice message about being true to yourself and not changing who you are to please others. And it doesn’t hurt that the chemistry between Merle and Tom is off the charts with scenes together that are fun and sexy. I highly recommend it!!

Once in a great while you read a book that will always stay with you. Fool of Main Beach by Tara Lain is that book.

My all time favorite book by Tara Lain is Knight of Ocean Avenue and this book ties that for first place favorite!

Tara has such a gift for creating special characters. Tom is so open, honest and loving. If you only look at the surface you will think he is simple. This book shows you to always look deeper and really see who someone is. Merle had to learn that lesson before he could embrace the love he feels for Tom. I loved watching their journey and seeing the acceptance and love they bring to each other.

This will be a book I revisit often. Well done Ms. Lain!!!!

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.....Reviewed by Jodi for Alpha Book Club.