REVIEW: His Heart’s Revenge by Jenny Holiday

In His Heart’s Revenge (49th Floor #4) by Jenny Holiday, Alexander Evangelista hasn’t forgotten Cary Bell, even though he wishes he could. Since twenty years ago, Cary hurt him deeply with his words to dismiss a friend’s accusations, of that the time they were spending together at camp was because they liked each other beyond friendship. Finding himself pitted against Cary to win over a major client for their companies, Alex is determined to win at any cost. But will a wrong decision in his need for victory cost him a second chance at love?

Just hearing Cary speak made Alexander’s jaw clench. “You’re in over your head, kid.”
“Kid?” Cary echoed, incredulous. “I’m a year younger than you.”
It took more effort than Alexander would have liked to unlock his jaw. “I’m not a kid,” he said, mocking Cary in a sneery, sing-song voice. “Isn’t that exactly what a kid would say? The kid doth protest too much, methinks.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was in the presence of such a mature, wise elder.”

Male-Male romance isn’t something I read a lot of, but when I do I find I enjoy it, and this fourth book of Ms. Holiday’s 49th Floor series definitely did not disappoint. It was entertaining, fast-paced, and a really good second chance romance encompassing a hero that wants revenge for how Cary treated him when they were younger. Since it was a defining moment that led him on the path to prove he could make something of himself without making emotional attachments with those that he got involved with.

The dialogue was intense due to the main characters back stories, and I liked how the story switched back and forth between the past and present, as it gave me – as a reader – knowledge of their history, of how Cary hurt Alexander and why Alexander wants revenge. Indeed, I could understand Alexander’s desire to win what they were both competing for after the hurt Cary caused him when they were younger. Yet, it wasn’t as easy for him because Cary was the one that got away. The one that he had such a connection with that it was hard to deal with the betrayal. Moreover, there were also some light-hearted moments that made me smile. Especially since the competitiveness of both men during the contests the client makes them undertake ups the sexual tension between them. Until eventually, their chemistry spills over onto the pages in scorching, fan-your-face sex scenes that do justice to that intense chemistry.

”You want war, Evangelista? Okay, then, you got it.”
Alexander unlocked his car. He’d wondered if it was a little too over the top when he’d bought it, but David had talked him into it. Now he was glad. Nothing like making an exit in a 458 Speciale. He got in, rolled down the window and said, “You’re going to regret the day you decided to go toe to toe with me, Bell. Before this is done, I’ll have you on your knees.”

I absolutely enjoyed Alexander and Cary, as well as the secondary characters. Although – at times – Alexander could be really arrogant in his need for revenge. However, it wasn’t a trait that frustrated me. Indeed, he had a right to his revenge, even if he did take it too far by what he does to Cary. He’s also done his best to turn his life around, from a boy that didn’t have a lot growing up to being a man that has it all.

While Cary, he’s brave in the way he does his best to apologize to Alexander for the way he treated him years ago, and the way he’s finally gotten away from his family to branch out on his own. Was his dad a bit prejudice by what he did to Cary when he admitted he was gay? Possibly, but it made him the strong, independent man he is. Luckily though, he had someone that didn’t judge him for his lifestyle choice and I really enjoyed the bond he shared with this person and the man’s fiancé; a fiancé that certainly likes to play matchmaker for Cary because she wants him to find his own happiness and she sees that there’s something special between Alexander and Cary.

Overall, this was a really good Male-Male Romance, which I couldn’t put down for even a second. The way this story ended was perfect, as Alexander proves his love for Cary by reminding him of a good time in their pasts. I would recommend His Heart’s Revenge by Jenny Holiday, if you enjoy second chance romances or the opposites attract trope.

Book Info:

Publication: June 20th, 2016 | Entangled Indulgence | 49th Floor #4

Twenty years ago, I was too smart and too poor to be cool. Now I’m laughing my way to the bank–the bank I’m CEO of. Nothing can touch me.

Except maybe him.

We met at summer camp. We made out under the stars. Then he stabbed me in the back.

They say revenge is a dish best served cold. But I’m gonna go with hot.

Alexander Evangelista isa millionaire with all the trappings: houses all over the world and hot guys lined up whenever he’s in need of some no-strings-attached company. He’s on his way to world domination.

A CEO in his own right,Cary Bell is competing for a major client with his boyhood crush. He’s never forgiven himself for betraying Alex. But with his professional reputation on the line, he’s going to have to find his inner cutthroat if he wants his new company to succeed.

Alex isn’t about to let his nemesis steal a client out from under him. It’s time to break Cary’s company–and his heart.