Hard Sell

March 29, 2021
A childhood crush gets a second chance in this heartwarming gay romance from Lin (Ipso Facto ILU). Growing up, Tobin Lok had a huge crush on his older brother’s best friend, Danny Ip. Danny’s single mom worked long hours, leading Danny to became an honorary member of the Lok family, who continued to love and support him after his mother died, and as he grew up and became successful in the finance world. Meanwhile, Tobin, tired of being treated as the baby of the family, cut himself off from his parents’ money and moved from Toronto to Vancouver to prove he could support himself. Now, years later, a business deal leads the men to cross paths once again—and neither can deny their attraction. What starts as a fling quickly grows into much more, but they fear that Wei, Tobin’s brother, won’t approve, leaving them to decide if their feelings for each other are worth risking the only family either has. This emotional conflict leads to some tear-jerking moments that Lin balances with laughter and passion. Readers are sure to be fully invested in this endearing couple.

May 1, 2021
Tobin Lok has been crushing on his older brother's best friend, Danny Ip, since childhood. Seven years ago, they spent a hot night together, but their hook up was kept secret for fear that Tobin's brother would disapprove. In their time apart, Tobin moved from Toronto to Vancouver to prove to his overly protective family that he is no longer a kid and can make his own decisions. Meanwhile, Danny has been making a name for himself in the financial industry, landing on the Top 40 under 40 list for several years running. But the toll of constant work is grinding him to dust. When he and Tobin meet again as self-made men in the boardroom of a company that one is trying to acquire and the other is trying to save, they must confront their undeniable attraction while working at cross-purposes to seal the corporate deal. Lin's start to her new Jade Harbour Capital LGBTQ romance series will have readers reaching for the tissues, thanks to her protagonists' realistic emotions made even sweeter by a supportive and loving family.

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May 28, 2021

Danny Yip is in a slump at the investment firm where he works, but he's working on a major deal that could help him get out of it. While meeting with a tech company that he's interested in acquiring, Danny runs into Tobin Lok, who happens to be his best friend Wei's younger brother and someone he spent a night with seven years ago. Tobin works for the company Danny is trying to acquire, which brings them into each other's lives once again. As they begin a real relationship this time, without Wei's knowledge, things become complicated. Danny struggles to find a balance between his professional life and his relationship with Tobin. Danny's idea of success and his assumptions about what Tobin wants from him sabotage something special. Meanwhile, Wei's bonds with Danny and Tobin both suffer when Danny and Tobin's relationship comes to light. Both Tobin and Danny will have to decide what's really important and what isn't if they're going to be truly happy. VERDICT Recommended for readers who love steamy romance with a bit of mystery, or for fans of Cole McCabe. Readers will stay up all night to finish this story.--Ashli Wells, Vanderbilt Univ. Law Lib., Nashville

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