Knave of Broken Hearts

Jim Carney is one of the many construction workers on Billy Ballew’s team before Billy starts his own company after his engagement to Shaz in Knight of Ocean Avenue. As the story opens, Jim hasn’t been invited to work for Billy, and he assumes it’s because he was such a homophobe, a drinker, and a slacker, always showing up late for work. Jim’s been on his own since his dad, a wealthy cardiology surgeon, forced him out of home at age sixteen. Technically, it was Jim’s choice to leave, but in reality, it was because he couldn’t tolerate his father after an incident involving Jim and Hiro, his best friend and co-conspirator in sexual exploration that led to Hiro being sent home to Japan.
But Jim is shocked when Billy approaches him at the last minute and asks Jim to step in as his construction supervisor while Billy is on his honeymoon. First stunned, then proud, Jim takes to the job wholeheartedly, giving up booze and the night life to be sure to be on time for work and to show Billy that he picked the right man. And just when that responsibility hits him, his younger brother shows up and asks if he can move in with Billy. He’s been kicked out for being gay. His dad cut off all means of support, including Ian’s tuition to college where he planned to major in architecture. Though there’s quite an age gap between them, Jim accepts Ian with open arms and plans to help him in any way he can.
One of Jim’s first tasks as the new supervisor is to get a physical for the company insurance policy, and unfortunately, he ends up needing to see a cardiologist for a heart murmur. And what a cardiologist it is! Ken Tanaka is everything Jim has dreamed of in a man—a slender, sexy Asian, with almond-shaped eyes and a pouty mouth that would out-pout Angelina Jolie. Jim’s worship of Yaoi comics through the years since Hiro left has not diminished, and if anything, it’s fanned his attraction for men who meet that image, and Ken certainly is that. Jim is shaken by how rapidly his heart beats and his erection rises when he meets the sexy doctor.
As expected, meeting Dr. Tanaka has sent Jim into a tailspin, and he slowly begins to face the fact that he’s at least bisexual, if not 100% gay. The two undergo a series of misadventures and misunderstandings as the building owner, a sexy blonde, takes an immediate shine to Jim, and Ken is faced with the need to please his traditional Japanese parents who are desperately trying to match him with a life partner from a respected and traditional Japanese family. Add in blackmail by Jim’s father, which is intended to coerce Jim into marrying and rewarding him by supporting Ian’s education, and Jim’s life is a powder keg just waiting to explode.
When Jim’s heart takes charge of not only his libido, but his destiny, and his life is at stake, the two have an opportunity to finally untangle all the deceit and complications which have been heaped on them over the few weeks they’ve known each other and they come out the other side headed for their HEA.
I really enjoyed this story. If you are in the medical field, there is some suspension of belief required as the doctor repeatedly violates HIPPA regulations. However, the story is so enjoyable, I was able to move past that quickly and just soak up the fun that is the writing of Tara Lain. I recommend this to all lovers of contemporary M/M romance and to those who enjoy GFY, though technically, it’s more of a late bloomer’s self-discovery than GFY. But the sex is hot and the characters engaging and endearing and I’m left with a big smile on my face, so for me, this one is the perfect kind of romantic tale. I’m looking forward to the next in the series when Ru, Shaz’s friend in Knight of Ocean Avenue, gets his chance for love.
Review by Barb
heartsonfire.com

If someone had told me I would like the next blue-collar story by Tara Lain more than Knight of Ocean Avenue I would not have believed them. Then I read Knave of Broken Hearts and it is my new favorite story by Tara. A big part of Knave’s appeal for me is that I had a crush on an Asian American boy in high school. He, of course, did not know I existed, so I was thrilled Jim got to live out his dream with Ken Tanaka, the perfect yaoi dream come to life. Both of the MCs had huge hurdles to overcome before they could be together. Jim buried his teenaged infatuation with a Japanese boy and convinced himself and everyone else he is heterosexual. Ken’s traditional mother wants him to get married and since accepting Ken is gay she has found the perfect male mate for him, the son of another traditional Japanese couple. Ken knows his mother would never accept a blue-collar white guy. How these two end up together makes for a very fun read. My only complaint is I devour Tara’s books and then have to wait for the next one to come out!

Tara Lain does it again with this book. She hit it out of the park. There was so much depth to the story and the people in it. Opposites attract for sure in this one.
This is book 2 of the series but can be read as a stand alone. But don't do that...read both!!!! I'm serious!! If you haven't read book 1 go and one click it right now and one click this one as well...go ahead,
I'll wait............................................................
There was heartache and heart break, laughter and tears (Yes I bawled like a baby), I had so many freakin heart twinges from all the emotions that ran through me that I just could not help but fall in love with this book. Oh and I can not forget to tell you that these men are HAWT!!!!! Like panty melting Hawt!! Thinking of these two men together makes me blush. Wow! Okay, enough of that... All in all, this is a fantastic read and you will not be disappointed when you read it...Well, maybe one lil disappointment....it ended, it didn't go on and on and on. It was a fast read, but that is because it was so well written, I didn't want to put it down.
So...Would I recommend this book? Absofreakinlutley!!!!
Would I read more from this author? Of course!!! I love Tara Lain and she is one of my most favorite m/m authors that I have ever worked with and read for. Actually, let me correct that...Tara Lain is one of my favorite authors period...does't matter the genre. She is in my top ten for sure.
Sassy Beta Reading & Review

I loved book one in the Love In Laguna Series, and I was wondering if this one would live up to the high expectations I set for this series, and I was so excited to see that it did and then some!!!!
Poor Jim, he has been not only living in the closet, but denying who he was to even himself mostly except for a secret under his bed that includes the hero of his dreams, boy is he surprised when he meets a real life replica of his yaoi dreams!
Dr. Ken Tanaka is very happy going from man to man, and not settling down, especially since he knows that his very traditional family would not be pleased if he brought anyone other than the perfect partner home, and his mother keeps trying to set him up with the perfect woman! But something happens when he meets Jim, and Ken suddenly wants to get to know one man, and know him very well!
These two have to work through a ton of problems, including Jim working through his coming out issues and health issues, Ken's family issues, and the nightmare that comes with his mother finally accepting his sexuality and picking the \"perfect\" man for him, (yeah not!!!).
Can these two men get it together before stress puts Jim's health at risk? You will love this one friends, I can't wait to see what is next with this series, and it was great to see old friends from the first book! Thanks Tara, for a book 2 that is the perfect followup for the first!!!

My word this book had me crying like a baby! Discovering ones true self is a tumultuous journey. It’s not cupcakes and unicorns. It’s more like chaos and mistakes. Ken and Jim are both in their late 20’s and a mess. Ken’s battle to convince his very traditional Japanese parents that he can honor them by loving who he loves. Jim coming to terms with the facts he’s gay and by accepting that won’t make the world implode! Jim broke my heart, hell Ken broke my heart too. I hate Mickey and his goons of terror and I hope things for them… js. Like book one of this series (Knight of Ocean Avenue) I have one hell of a hangover. Tara Lain has created a world like no other. Heroes, villains, and happy endings. Knave of Broken Hearts, that title means so much more after reading this book. Hearts break but they can be repaired. Love is strength, and the right person can make you braver than you ever imagined!
Be prepared to crumble and cry. Be equally prepared to soar. My heart is bruised, but by the end the ache is welcome. Knave of Broken Hearts will make you believe love truly does conquer all.