Rainbow Reviews

BOOK BLURB:
All Seth really wanted was a simple massage ~ was that too much to ask? When his usual therapist is replaced by a sexy young masseur, Seth finds himself obsessed with the unpredictable ~ and wholly inappropriate ~ David Cooke. Pushed to the breaking point by forces both mysterious and not so mysterious, Seth must lose his rigid control to find the happy ending both he and David deserve.

BOOK REVIEW:
"Happy Ending" is L.B. Gregg's follow up novel to "Gobsmacked" and is set in the same fictional New England town of Smithfield. It's an engaging, character-driven story that is lighthearted with dark undertones.

Seth Weston is a single dad mourning the loss of his recently deceased twin sister. He's also still pissed at his ex over their painful breakup. Work as a mid-level manager keeps him wound tighter than a screw, so his weekly massages are a must-have. It seems they are the only thing keeping him from exploding. Once David massages him to a pulp, Seth's precariously balanced life falls out of alignment. I enjoyed watching cynical Seth become discomfited by the unassuming power of David's presence in his life.

David Cooke is a renaissance man. He writes childrens books, waits tables and works as a massage therapist. He has so many facets that it's hard to understand who he really is. Initially he comes across as somewhat weak, but that easy-going demeanor hides a no-nonsense attitude. I didn't like the way he allowed Seth to treat him in the beginning, but even someone as even-keeled as David has a saturation point for abuse. I was glad when he began to assert himself.

The story takes place over the course of a week and is told from Seth's caustic, first-person perspective. He isn't the most likable hero, but he's at least consistent. He's a snarky bastard most of the time, and he has little patience for fools and users. Whatever his faults, he's a man who knows his strengths and weaknesses and he doesn't abuse his power. David is genuinely a nice guy, which forces Seth to change the way he relates to him. Happily, Seth sees the error of his ways and begins to appreciate David, especially when he helps Seth recover from a brush with danger.

Not a lot happens in the sleepy town of Smithfield, but then Seth becomes beleaguered by his daughter's natural father and a persistent ex-lover. Some of these exchanges are funny, but the rest are somewhat sinister. Seth deals with these irritants the same way he does everything else ~ directly and with finality.

Seth also has a wicked sense of humor. A mundane shopping trip to Target is filled with wry observations about our consumer culture. I also liked the book's pacing, how every little detail was not immediately revealed which made for some very welcome surprises later in the story. David is probably the most surprising character of all, and Seth discovers that they have a lot more in common that he originally thought. Their lovemaking certainly is hot and erotic. Every time they came together it was primal and visceral.

The title is a reference to the opening scene between Seth and David in the massage room. Once David places his capable hands on Seth's body, well, all manner of magic happens for Seth! I highly recommend "Happy Ending" for its engaging characters, edgy humor and the quaint New England setting. It's a well-written and smartly-paced story that I guarantee will leave you with a snarky grin on your face.

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