Book Review: Capture the Sun by R.J. Scott and Meredith Russell

Guest Reviewed by Kristy

Title: Capture the Sun
Author: R.J. Scott and Meredith Russell
Series: Stories from Sapphire Cay #5
Heroes: Isaac Bailey/Mitch Stone
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 105 Pages
Publisher: Love Lane Books
Release Date: August 30, 2014
Available at: Love Lane Books, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Model, Isaac Bailey wants to break into the world of fashion design. Under his father’s company name, he is set to debut his new collection—summer wear. He has the models, the clothes, what he needs is a location.

Mitch Stone is a trouble shooter. His latest client needs an exotic location and he happens to know someone with the very thing—Sapphire Cay. Having underestimated Isaac as nothing more than an airhead model, Mitch soon discovers there is much more to the young man than he first thought.

As the fashion shoot gets underway, Mitch has to contend with his feelings for his old love, Dylan, and the very new and growing affections he has for Isaac. What starts as just another job, turns out to be more fruitful and exhilarating than winning any multi-million dollar contract.

Review:

When I was asked to review this book, I was excited. I have read the first three in the series and loved them. Yes, some of our favorite past characters do make appearances.

When the story started, I sensed something wasn’t right about Mitch’s “date” for the night. When I found out the truth, I was honestly mortified for him and his behavior. I wanted to cuff the back of his head and ask “Didn’t your mother teach you better!” I have to admit, when Mitch realized his screw-up, I laughed and thought, “That should teach you not to be a loosey-goosey.”

Hearing from Issac’s mouth and his thoughts, my heart went out for him. I would never have wanted to experience the barrage of emotional images and feelings the encounter caused. So I was extremely happy when Mitch put his “big boy” pants on and went to set the record straight. It was amazingly hilarious, to hear Mitch try to explain himself as wanting to be Isaac’s “Richard Gere“. Oh yes!! They are quoting “Pretty Woman“. (Honestly, it is kinda sweet and swoon worthy when you think about it.) Issac’s feelings on the experience, really show how sad his relationship history really was. His comment to Mitch about the night, “That he made him feel like a man“, and when Mitch didn’t understand he replied, “No one ever does” it made me want to wrap my arms around him and pour out all the support and love I could.

I also want to commend Mitch on his maturity level when it came down to dealing with talking to Dylan about their past. It takes a big man to accept responsibility for their faults and actions.

After his talk with Dylan, Mitch gets some one-on-one time with Issac. Guess what? He of course, made a total “foot-stuck-in-mouth” comment, but what surprised me the most, was that Issac didn’t even bat an eye. I think Mitch might have finally met his match in the whole “Business comes before pleasure” mantra, Mitch has used his whole life , and it was great to see Mitch, finally as they say “Let his hair down” and kinda takes to heed his conversation with Dylan, only to have Issac throw his philosophy right back in his face; right smack dab in the middle of a hot an heavy make-out session. Oh, how the tables have turned. Mitch finally gets a taste of what he may have done to Dylan all those years ago. It’s also pretty sad to think Dylan, is really the only experience Mitch has on the relationship front. But you can’t feel too sorry because it was Mitch who made it clear “Business will come first“. To bad he thinks he might not want that life anymore.

As their time in the Cay drew to a close, it was absolutely amazing to watch Mitch realize, for the first time in his life, his priorities might be a bit skewed. Watching Mitch fall in love with Issac, and realizing there might just be more to life then closing a deal, really brought warmth to my heart. With a promise to Dylan to return to the Cay for his wedding, Mitch struggled with what life would be like off the island and back to reality. Biting the bullet, he asks Issac to come back and be his plus one. His answer wasn’t exactly what he needed or wanted to hear.

The Cay seemed to work some of it’s magic on Mitch. He knew when they left Issac would take his heart. I could honestly feel myself holding my breath as I continued reading to see if the Cay and it’s magic changed Issac as well, or would he continue with his life as business first. I felt myself feeling like a proud mom at the growth Mitch had shown in such a short time. It was only a little over a week, but that time changed Mitch. He was able to admit things to himself he never had before. My chest continues to fill with pride as I watched hope and love grow within Mitch.

Sadly though, at this point I don’t think Issac is there yet. I wanted to scream and shout that love is everything. Proving to his father, business associates, and the public in general still seems to be Issac’s main thought process. I wanted to shake him for being a coward and not letting himself let go enough to maybe have the chance to have it all. They say pictures say a thousand words and they were right. The photos taken by the photographer of the shoot, caught it all. Did Issac let his fear cost him a chance of that one great love? (I am literally frowning and shaking my head at Issac but also at Mitch. (I AM SO DISAPPOINTED IN YOU TWO. GET IT TOGETHER!!!!!!!) I seriously wanted to give both boys a swift kick in their tushes for not saying what their brains were demanding. I felt like I should get some sock puppets, sit them down and explain how to speak what you really want to say! Being a jaded coward does not suit those two men, but that’s exactly what they are.

Stubbornness can be an even nastier quality than cowardice, and in the weeks until the big show both men showed an abundance of those attributes. But finally, (remember that movie, “The Clumps” and at the dinner table the mom clapped, while bouncing and yelling “Hercules, Hercules, Hercules “?) Well, I literally preformed that same action when these boys finally got their acts together. Love is something to be cherished and nurtured. When you find that one true love, no matter the obstacles, you take the leap and go for it.

I guess the Sapphire Cay was able to pull out one more miracle to add to its list.

I will most definitely be recommending it to all my readers.

Overall Impression: I loved it!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*