Reviewed by Ami
Title: Hitting the Mark
Author: Aidan Wayne
Series: N/A
Heroes: Marcus Economidis/Taemin Choi
Genre: MM Contemporary
Length: 193 Pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: May 28, 2019
Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: Marcus Economidis is a famous action-movie star renowned for doing his own stunts. But put him back in his Michigan hometown for his latest project and he’s a nervous wreck. Why? Taemin Choi—the taekwondo master who trained Marcus and helped him move beyond debilitating shyness to become the man he is today. Taemin was Marcus’s first crush, and now that he’s grown, their reunion might lead to more than a mentorship.
Marcus’s kindness and confidence impresses Taemin, and the attraction is instant—for both of them. Making time for each other won’t be easy, what with Taemin training to qualify for the Olympics and Marcus working on his latest film. But it all seems worthwhile when they’re together, reacquainting themselves with each other—in the dojang and beyond—and nurturing a romance more satisfying than anything either ever thought possible.
But can their romance withstand the pressures of Marcus’s fame and Taemin’s grueling schedule?
Review: Marcus Economidis is a famous action movie star – his latest movie projects bring him back to Michigan, his hometown, the place where he first gained his confidence and “cured” his shyness by studying Taekwondo at Choi’s Taekwondo Academy.
The school is also the place where Marcus’ first crush, Taemin Choi, the son of the Grandmaster Choi who runs the school now works, taking over the school from his father. Could this reunion bring Marcus closer to his dream – asking Taemin for a date and maybe for something more?
This is Aidan Wayne’s seventh title that I read to-date, and I think this is my favorite so far. Marcus is SO CUTE when he’s trying to approach Taemin – worrying that Taemin doesn’t remember the shy kid that used to study at the academy. While Taemin is so down-to-earth and grounded – I think he’s a good match for Marcus, even if he doesn’t know anything about the modern pop culture (or watch ANY of Marcus’ movies *laugh*), and his tendency to work himself to death.
There’s an age-gap between them, with also the fact that Marcus used to be a Choi’s student, but I’m happy that it doesn’t bring too much of a big dilemma between the two of them.
The story itself is low in angst level, both men are sweet, and the relationship progresses nicely without seemingly rushed. Bottom line, this is a romance that makes me feel good and happy.
On that note, I feel like there’s a spark between Marcus’ personal assistant, Billy, and a stunt coordinator named Leo. I wonder if there’s a future story about the two of them. Because it’ll give me hope that I’ll get update on Marcus and Taemin.
Overall Impression: I really liked it
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*