| Title | : | The Law of Attraction |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 245 |
| Publication | : | First published February 5, 2016 |
Alec Rowland is a high-flying lawyer in a London firm whose career is his life. He doesn’t have time for relationships and his sexuality is a closely guarded secret. After picking up a cute guy on a Friday night, Alec’s world is rocked to its foundations when his one night stand shows up in the office on Monday morning—as the new temp on his team.
Ed Piper is desperate to prove himself in his new job. The last thing he needs is to be distracted by a crush on his boss. It’s hard to ignore the attraction he feels, even though Alec’s a difficult bastard to work for.
Both men strive to maintain a professional relationship, but tempers fray, passions ignite, and soon they’re both falling hard and fast. If they’re ever going to find a way to be together, Alec needs to be honest about who he really is because Ed won’t go back in the closet for anyone.
The Law of Attraction Reviews
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Two men, both lawyers, both confident, sexy, and smart.
But that's where the similarities end.
Ed is just starting his law career, while Alec is a senior associate hoping to make partner. Ed is out and proud of who he is; Alec has been hiding in the closet his entire life. Ed is funny and charming, Alec more intense and serious. Ed's family is supportive, Alec's formal and distant.
One night of passion.
Alec's one-night stand from Friday night turns up on Monday morning. Ed is the new temp hired to assist Alec on a corporate hotel merger.
Alec wants Ed, but Ed won't be anyone's dirty secret. The men already know their sexual chemistry is scorching, but Ed insists nothing more can happen between them.
Alec, angry, lonely, and frustrated, takes it out on Ed. He pushes Ed relentlessly, giving him more work than one person can handle, even someone as driven and competent as Ed.
Edinburgh is for lovers.
Ed and Alec have an unexpected weekend away from London and work madness, and Alec gets a taste of what it means to be free.
Lovers-to-friends-and-back-again.
Ed and Alec know how good they are together, and how much better they could be. Alec sees how accepting his colleagues are of Ed's sexuality and for the first time he understands how much he's really missing.
The book could have sunk into family melodrama, but that didn't happen. Ed is the catalyst for Alec's decision to stop hiding and to stand up to his father. He refuses to be lonely and ashamed anymore.
As the book progresses, Alec and Ed grow closer; they are lovers first, friends second, partners last and forever.
The Law of Attraction is the perfect office romance: strong MCs, hot sex in inappropriate places, workplace camaraderie, and a smoldering undercurrent of (un)fulfilled sexual tension (it's hard to concentrate when you've known your boss in the biblical sense).
Included and not optional: scary spiders, proper pubs, supportive brothers, and little sisters who ask awkward questions.
The book starts with a BANG and ends with a celebration.
Champagne all around!
~BR with my pink ladies, Ele & Renée~
We're going for a ride; refreshments will be served.
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4.5 stars
This was so unexpectedly heartwarming and sweet. The premise might not sound unique, but the way the story was written is what makes it different and special.
Ed and Alec are wonderful characters, though I might love Ed just a little bit more. He is such a sweet and positive person. What I loved the most about him was how he stood up for himself and never let anything get him down.
Both Ed and Alec have strong personalities and I loved how they were always presented as equals, despite their personal and professional differences. I loved how honest they were with each other. They have great dynamics and I could really feel the connection and the chemistry between them. The relationship development was done really well here. I loved everything about it.
I really appreciated the way Alec's issues were dealt with. Even though his struggle was real and justified, there was no unnecessary angst or drama.
*********
Re-read 8/2021 -
*** 4.5 STARS ***
Lovely M/M story.
Alec is a lawyer,in his thirties and is gay but definitely not out.He's so far in the closet that he's never had a relationship before,preferring hook ups only on his terms.
Ed is in his twenties,an up and coming lawyer,and is out and proud with a loving supportive family.
So,one night,Alec is looking for a hook up when he sees Ed.
Ed is not normally one for one night stands but there's something about Alec he can't resist.They have a steamy night together with Alec dismissing him in the morning.
Imagine their surprise when on Monday they find they are working together with Ed joining the firm Alec works in.
Alec is terrified his secret will come out so tries to distance himself from Ed.....without much success.Alec wants to keep their relationship secret but Ed has been there and doesn't want that again.
This makes Alec re-evaluate his life.
I loved this story....Alec and Ed are such likeable characters in their own way.
Highly recommended....low on angst with plenty of sexiness..... -
4 Stars!!
Once again Jay Northcote delivered an enjoyable read that will warm your heart and make you smile and swoon. This time she did it with a sexy and sweet office romance, low in angst and drama written in dual POV.
Alec is in his thirties, he’s a successful lawyer, a senior associate who’s hoping to make partner. He is gay, but he’s in the closet. He doesn’t like the situation he’s in, he’s lonely, but a certain event in his teens made him believe that is better for everyone if he keeps his sexuality a secret. He’d never been in a serious relationship, but he often wonders how it would be to have someone special. From time to time he hooks-up with different men he picks up at gay bars, men who doesn’t mean anything for him, until he meets a sexy, blonde gorgeous man, named Ed. Things get interesting to say the least when Alec finds out his last one-night-stand is his new employee.
Ed never expected his new boss to be the man who blew his mind in bed days ago. Especially when he wants to prove everyone, including Alec that he’s a professional, hard-working lawyer.
Alec and Ed decide to keep a professional relationship, but as days pass by they realize the chemistry between them is stronger than before and keeping their hands off each other is impossible. They want each other, but they can’t forget they work together and also that Alec is in the closet. As much as Ed wants to be with the other man, he’s not willing to lie about who he really is and hide in the closet.
I really enjoyed this one! It was the perfect blend of sweetness and sexiness, with two strong, endearing characters, great storyline and a lovely romance. Both men were well portrayed, had depth and like I mentioned above were likeable from the beginning. Seeing Alec struggling with everything – his sexual orientation and later his feelings for Ed was almost heartbreaking. I really sympathize with him and finding out about happened with him years ago was pretty sad. Ed was sweet and accepting from the beginning which I really liked about him. He didn’t push Alec to come out for him. He was supportive and considerate, but he didn’t accept to live a lie even if he wanted so badly to be with Alec and I honestly understood why.
Alec and Ed’s relationship progressed in a very realistic way. Their interactions considering the situation they are in felt believable. The connection between them is palpable from the start and I enjoyed how they went from friends to lovers. The sexy scenes between them were sweet or hot and I enjoyed every single one of them. Love the sexual tension between them which was fantastically done. I truly loved these two in and out of bed.
Overall a sexy, romantic office romance that will keep you entertained from start to finish! -
4.5 stars
This really was a lovely story. It ended sweet and romantic and the sex was extra spicy. But I did have to knock it a half star for Alec's douche-baggy actions in the first have of the book. He was such a shit to sweet Ed from the get-go. But he did manage to win my over. How he won Ed over is the work of fiction.
The book ended a little too perfect for my tastes. I would have enjoyed more tears and comfort, but this is a solid hot, warm fuzzy read that I can recommend to my GR friends. -
My lawyer story. AKA a blatant excuse to write about men in suits ^_^
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Office romances are my weakness. I 've been waiting for a good MM office romance for ages. I wanted it and I wanted it bad. No, I craved it with my whole being. I even wrote a
prompt, for this year's DRitC event.
Jay Northcote, you didn't know it at the time, but you wrote this story for me. ME!
This was everything I expected and wanted to see in an office romance:
One night stand that turns out to be the boss. Check!
Said boss acts like a douchebag , but has a wounded heart. Check!
Sexual tension during office hours. Check!
Angry -push you onto the desk- office sex . Check!
Fun and easy banter between colleagues in the workplace. Check!
Stolen glances during Happy Hour at the local pub. Check!
Ed & Alec.
Alec is successful, rich, and hot. He lives for his job and he is aiming to make partner at the law firm he works for. He's, also, so far in the closet, he can't see the way out. And so lonely....
Ed is at the beginning of his career in law. He's a funny, upbeat and hard working person. Also, he's out and proud!
A one-night stand that shows up in the office.
Who would have thought that the gorgeous man Alec hooked up with on Friday night, would show up next week as the new temp for the case he's working on?
Can we take a minute here to appreciate the awesomeness of that first sex scene? The passion of that first time, the frenzy of exploring each other's bodies, the feeling that this could be the start of something amazing, if only things were different... it's all palpable and so very beautiful.
Now, the two of them must work together without giving in to temptation.
There are so many things that could have gone wrong in this story, but everything about Alec and Ed's relationship was handled in a way that worked so well for me .
I loved and I was very moved by Alec's journey to accept himself, come out, and face the monsters in and out of his closet. Ed is there for him every step of the way, not always as a lover, but definately as a friend.
I loved how Ed stood his ground and remained true to himself, refusing to be Alec's dirty secret. Alec pushes him, but Ed pushes back.
And I absolutely adored that Alec and Ed's love was put on hold, until Alec felt ready to make room for it in his life.
Scorching and meaningful sex scenes, characters that act mature and actually talk, a romantic yet bittersweet weekend in Edimburg and what better HEA, than Alec and Ed celebrating their love among friends?
This book goes straight to my "2016-favorites" shelf, and I have no doubt it will be in my Top Ten favorite books for 2016.
Highly recommended!
* Review cross-posted on
Gay Book Reviews* -
Solid 4 Stars!
Jay is pretty much a 4 star author for me. I always like her books, but they never have that "thing" to make it a 5 star read.
But I can always count on them to be good, relatively low angst and full of some good steam.
This one was no exception. And we have the added element of the office romance, which was a definite plus.
I liked both MCs overall, Alec was a bit of a dick in the beginning. Ed was perfect throughout the whole book.
It was a bit of insta-love IMO.
The potential for drama was there, but I am pleased to say that it never really came to fruition. I liked how everything between Alec and Ed played out.
These two definitely steamed up the sheets...and right from the get-go.
Definitely a recommended read! -
Jay Northcote’s books and I have a topsy turvy relationship. I’ve either loved them, or they’ve just fallen under the it was “just ok” category. To be fair though her books have gotten better and I can tell that her writing has grown. It was clearly evident in this book just how much it has. I adored this book. She delivered an excellent office romance.
My highlights:
*The main characters. I don’t even know where to start. Alec, who at first comes off as cold, was the opposite. Watching (or I should say reading) Ed chip away at his wall was delightful. And Ed- he was amazing. Gentle yet strong.
*The plot. I love when an author takes a familiar trope- in this case, office romance and makes it her own by making me forget I’ve read others.
*The story was told from a dual POV.
*The pace was nice and easy.
*The conflict of the story wasn’t overdone and melodramatic.
*The sexual tension was off the charts! The chemistry was amazing between these two.
*It had humor.
*The end. Totally left me with the warm fuzzies.
I think the author gave us the whole package: sweet, sexy, with a sprinkle of angst, and a lovely happily ever after. Highly recommend. Well done, Ms. Northcote! 5 Stars!
*ARC kindly provided by the author to
Gay Book Reviews for an honest review.
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1st re-read (August 2022)
Still loving it. These two guys are just so precious to me...
*******
Original rating (February 2022):
I'm afraid I can't rate this book objectively. My only rule for rating a book with five stars is that reading it reminds me of exactly why I love to read... And that's precisely what happened here. I loved it. The characters, the story, the humor, the pacing, the sexual tension, the conclusion. A truly wonderful read that I enjoyed immensely. -
I really enjoyed this sexy little book.
Alex is in his thirties, he is a senior lawyer, firmly hiding in the closet. Ed is in his twenties, he a temp at a lawfirm, he's outgoing and he's out and proud. Alex's family is rich and douchy, while Ed's family is loving and accepting.
These two men meet in a bar and have a very steamy one night stand. There is an instant connection, that Alex tries to ignore, because he doesn't want a relationship, and he doesn't want to be out...does he? So he pushes Ed out of his door and out of his life.
When monday arrives, these two are in for a surprise. Because Alex turns out to be Ed's boss at his new temp job. Ofcourse Alex acts like a douche, because he's afraid his secret will come out. Ed actually feels sorry for Alex and his lonely life....I really liked Ed ;)
Their attraction is very strong, and Alex just can't resist Ed. This made for some very nice steamy scenes :))
But Ed, doesn't want to go back in the closet for anybody. He wants to stay out and proud and he wants a lover, who's also proud of him.
The question is...were will this leave the two of them ???
This was a very nice and steamy read. It was low on angst and eventhough Alex could be a douche on occasion, he more than made up for that. I liked both characters. What I missed was a bit of an epilogue...I also would have liked it more, if it were a bit longer.
Other than that...it was an awesome read...4 stars ;) -
4 Stars
After a very stressful week I decided I wanted to read something short and sweet. You know, a down low book. I found just that in this book. It was a really sweet, sexy, and yes down low m/m book. It fitted just my search description. While it was sweet and sexy it still had angst but not too much to the point of insanity.
So this book is about hard working Alec. He's one of those workaholic yet sexy in a suit guys. Alec is gay but he's definitely not opened.
So when he goes to a gay bar to pick up a fling for a night, he meets Ed.
They have a very steamy night
It was a pretty hot one night stand and they went their separate ways. So what happens when the person you had the best fling of your life turns out to be your boss? How will they handle the sexual tension when one is out and one that is clearly not?
Overall, really enjoyable. -
I was in the mood to read some M/M and this was the winner, this was my first time reading Jay Northcote and it was an absolute pleasure I loved The Law of Attraction, there is nothing I love more than a good workplace romance and this did not disappoint, I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
Alec Rowland is so far in the closet he's nearly in Narnia, he is a lawyer and a workaholic and when he feels like company he picks up a stranger for a one night stand. One Friday night he picks up Ed at a gay bar and takes him home they have one night of hot sex and then Saturday morning Alec more or less kicks Ed out.
Ed Piper starts a new job at a law firm on Monday he is shocked to discover the hot guy he spent Friday night with is now his new boss. Alec is a tyrant with Ed piling him with work, they both work twelve hour days leaving no time for nothing but sleep and Ed knows there is no chance of anything ever happening again as Alec makes it clear.
Alec cannot stop thinking about Ed and when he goes home he feels lonely and he longs to be with someone and as weeks go by that someone is Ed.
Will Alec be brave enough to come out to his family and friends?
I loved both Alec and Ed and Ed's family, this has everything you need for a great story great characters, little angst, funny moments and some hot guys action making this one a winner for me.
While reading this with Alec's name and description and sharp suits there was only one guy I was seeing in my mind
another of my teenage crushes :-)
The Law of Attraction is my 400th review on goodreads YAY ME. -
The Story
The blurb says it all. A one night stand unexpectedly turns out to be a happily ever after.This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.
The Romance
As most of the time, Northcote starts the story with a sex scene (Love that!). Attraction first, feelings later. I love this structure.
Characters
Deeply closeted, carrier-is-life lawyer meets out-and-proud hottie. Though they are boss and employee, there is a nice balance. They’re equal to each other. Both are strong personalities, they are honest and can talk about their feelings.
Writing Style
Fluid and gripping. The family drama wasn’t overdone.
Erotica
Delicious.
Secondary characters
Well-drawn and fun.
Ending
HEA.
All in all
Highly recommended.
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Lawyers...two hot lawyers! Sign me up right now!
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Before Reading: What the fuck is this?
I'm going to fucking read the FUCK out of this MOTHERFUCKER!
That is a lot of fucks, huh? Seems I have some to give. ;P
Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!
After Reading: 4.25 Hearts
Office romance and an 'ice man' melts, it's what sold me into purchasing this.
Oh and the added bonus of Matthew Lloyd Davies purring in my ear. He's by far one of my favorite narrators and he didn't disappoint me in The Law of Attraction.
Northcote wrote a solid love story featuring Alec, an icy, closeted upper class lawyer who hides so much it makes him bitter and standoffish. A hookup from a club turned out to be his new younger subordinate, Ed. Ed and Alec have great sexual chemistry and it helped keep the pace going as underneath it all, it's a simple romance with real life situations: boss/employee interactions and coming out of the closet and coming to terms with your sexuality.
The story swam in the 3.75 - 4 Hearts range. Solid enough romance, not the most memorable but left me with a pleasant feeling once I got to the end. There wasn't over the top behavior or extreme dramatics.
The narration though... that was 4.5 Hearts!
Matthew Lloyd Davies.
Listen, he does it for me as a narrator.
I just-
He does accents, ad libs and gives a richness to the characters, all of the characters. I love how he took the time to give memorable voices, even the minor intonations made a difference in making it an auditory experience to enjoy.
Recommended for listeners who like their romance without much fuss, steamy interactions and a closed off person getting their chance to fall in love.
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Review written April 2, 2016
3.4 Stars - Lovely and sweet, this made me ahwww-smile
Nice and enjoying for the moment.
Jay Northcote delivers perfect light & fluffy M/M when you just need to be entertained and want some hot steam added with grand romantic HEA love.
*********************************************
Quickly done men in ties & suits...
The London lawyer Alec Rowland is shocked when his (secret) Friday one night stand shows up in the office on Monday morning. So is Ed Piper when first arriving to his new dream job. — Oh no!! ...And Alec is a very closeted and as it seems a cold hearted man as well.
‘For a poker-faced lawyer, Alec sucked at hiding his feelings in the bedroom.’
Pretty predictable but a British gay romance set in a nowadays London UK is always a plus from me.
I LIKE - easy read easy forgotten also -
This was sweet and adorable. Alec and Ed were hot and perfect together. ❤️
That being said, it was Instalove and felt very rushed and a bit forced.
They sleep together. Alec freaks.
They find out they work together.
They sleep together a couple more times.
Alec: I want to be with you, but nobody can know.
Ed: no, sorry, I don’t do closet relationships.
A few days later.
Alec: I came out. I love you.
Ed: I love you too.
Me: WTF?
I still enjoyed it a lot. 🤷♀️ -
The Law of Attraction was a hot and enjoyable office romance. I'm not sure what took me so long to read this one, but I'm glad I finally did.
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LOVE IT !!
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4.5 stars
Jay Northcote! Just lay one right on you!
I've been reading this author for a while. Hee writes a lot of shorts, and they've ranged from good to meh. But I noticed that the longer ones......well, the longer ones definitely had more stars from me. So when a FULL LENGTH novel story was coming out? I'm all over that. And this was the best that Northcote has written to date, people!
This story starts deliciously when Alec and Ed meet in a bar. Alec is only there for a hook up. He's brash. He's a straight-up dick. He doesn't give a shit. Ed's beautiful, but if he doesn't want to come home with him, he'll grab the next beautiful one and fuck his brains out instead. I immediately drew parallels to Brian Kinney in my head as I was reading Alec's thoughts in the bar.
One night was all it was supposed to be.....
But something happened that night. Ed felt it. Alec felt it too. There was banter. There was some kind of connection. Alec's protective walls came down for a while, and he enjoyed the company of another man, and not just for the duration to get off. Ed even stays over! And Round 2! But the morning after does not bring Ed what he's hoping for. Alec doesn't ask for his number or to see him again, no matter the connection he knows is happening between them.
"And you liked him too."
Ed - my favorite MC of the book - does NOT let this get him down. He's a newer attorney on the cusp of his career. He's beginning a new job on Monday, and something great is going to happen soon for him on that front.
So, of course, his new boss on Monday is Alec. Now let me stop and say that this is a trope that has been done a billion times. BUT Northcote put a spin on this that made it fresh, and I read this story in a devouringly short amount of time. There is nothing about this that says "this has been done."
Alec is not out, you see, while Ed is out and proud. Alec's fears cause initial strife in their relationship from the moment they see each other in the office. But then they grow to learn about each other and their personalities as they view their interactions around their coworkers.....and each other.
They form a friendship that kept me smiling for hours. Alec is questioning why he remains in the closet in the face of a man who's out and has his life exactly as he wants it. Ed continues to feel the connection he felt from that first night, but will never be anyone's secret, even when Alec is looking at him like THAT.
Did I mention an office trip to Edinburgh? ;)
My favorite thing about this book? Northcote didn't make Ed into a doormat. Alec wanted Ed. Ed never compromised who he was or what he stood for, even though he wanted Alec with the same amount of intensity.
It's not easy writing a smooth transition from BAM! SEX! - and then starting over with enemies to friends to lovers while building up the UST all over again. But Northcote did that flawlessly here. Ed and Alec's journey is a must read!
This was a favorite of 2016 already. Please, please, Jay, continue to write the longer stories!
~BR with my girls, Dani and Ele. And a full-length Jay Northcote!~ -
***3.5 Stars***
I really need those damn half stars Goodreads!!
This was a really enjoyable read, with some great steam and two endearing leading men. Alec and Ed hooked me right from the beginning. Let me just say that their introduction was kindle-melting hot!
Though I sympathized for Alec, he flipped his switch a little too quickly for my liking. Maybe he just wanted to pull off the band-aid...but, unfortunately, there was too much sugar under there for my tastes. Especially with how snarky he was in the beginning. He turned into a saccharine induced pile of mush...I missed his rougher edges.
Ed, on the other hand, was really great. He was charming and really, really likable. He was in such a hard place professionally and emotionally and he handled himself with poise and heart.
I'm a sucker for office romances, and add in a closeted boss, and this one delivered all of the feeling of secrets, hiding and sexual tension that I devour with gusto. Alec and Ed's trip to Edinburgh had me grinning and squirming in equal parts.
Jay Northcote is a go-to author for me when I'm looking for a quick read with endearing characters, an engaging story and a healthy dose of steam. She delivered just what I was looking for here...the warm and fuzzies. -
It's been so rewarding watching Jay Northcote evolve as an author. The first few books I read from him weren't always all that satisfying, but I saw a promise in him that I hoped would become something amazing. That seems to be occurring, as his books are becoming more polished, more emotionally involved, and more satisfying.
Alec and Ed are both lawyers, albeit at different points in their careers. Alec is 32, successful, on the cusp of becoming a partner in his firm, and closeted. Ed is 23, just beginning his career in law, and unapologetically out. The chemistry between them isn't something either of them can ignore, despite their valiant efforts, and eventually, Alec must make a choice.
I really admired Ed for sticking to his principles. I'm so happy he didn't allow Alec's fear and shame to rule over his life, and he put everything out there for Alec to make the choice on his own. He didn't push Alec to come out, but he also didn't sacrifice his own emotional well-being to placate Alec and keep the relationship going at any cost. The dynamic was great; Alec as the successful older man who draws on Ed's strength to finally be true to himself and stop lying about who he is.
It's a great story. Bravo, Jay Northcote. -
I am a proud card-carrying member of the Northcote fan club. Yep, I light up and squeee whenever her name pops up on my screen. Why? Well, I can count on getting the ‘the works’ package from her stories. I know it’ll be hot, sweet, and tender with a bit of tame angst. And these sexy suits fit the bill….supreme satisfaction.
Alec has a carnal craving and sets out to prowl. He doesn’t have time to waste and quickly finds his quarry at his favorite club. His pursuit of the young stranger is swift and sure. There’s something about him and he has to have him. Have him he does, three times to be exact and when his burst of sunshine crashes in his bed he can’t help but cave on one of his standard rules. He relishes in sharing his sheets for another essential purpose, sleeping. Even though he immensely enjoyed waking to a warm (HOT) body in his bed, the morning brings a sharp dose of reality. He has no time for…this. Tampering down his reluctance, he boots the man from his bed and his life, or so he thinks. Monday morning hits him hard and he’s not quite sure what to do with this new predicament…named Ed. I adore those shocking surprises that have so much potential. Alec quickly recognizes the potential and he's afraid of it. Fear is a nasty bugger.
What's to like: If hot and heavy is your thing, you’ll be pleased…thoroughly pleased. Within the first few pages knees are dropping and these boys are flying. Then the 'boss and babe' roles come into play. Unbeknownst to them, Alec is Ed’s new boss. Alec is firmly in the closet and only slips out to scratch an itch or two when needed. He plans to keep it this way. He has no intention of ever coming out, even for the latest temp who happens to be his weakness. He is always in control, always…until Ed. Ed finds the chink in his designer suit. Suddenly he finds himself at the mercy of another and his only defense is to push him to the limits. Perhaps if he pushes him too far he’ll disappear? Alec has sculpted a pristine life for himself, a perfect little niche that has never felt lonely….until now. Maybe he doesn’t want Ed to disappear after all? I love it when the underdog takes control, don’t you?
What's to love: A brilliant coming-out-for-you story. I know there has been some discrepancy on GFY and OFY and for me, this is a clear example of OFY. You see, Alec has known he is gay most of his life. He has chosen to forego a partner and use a beard when necessary. He fears he has too much to lose exposing his true self to the world, so he puts on a front. He has no qualms with remaining single to maintain his current path. He is successful, wealthy and supposedly living the high life. Then he tangles with a sexy stranger who turns his immaculate life upside down. He has never met someone worth...the risk. Ed is risky and all the more desirable because of it. They are an explosive pair in the bedroom but it's more than that. They just fit together seamlessly. Ed's Family is absolutely superb. I loved each and every one; from his bestie to his sisters and especially his mother.
Hard decisions always lead to the best things. Sometimes you have to let go of what you want the most and see if it will come back. If it does, hang on tight.
Beware of: Flashbacks of parental abuse. The wounds may have healed but the scars will remain forever. My heart split for Alec and I scolded myself for any initial irritation with his cavalier attitude towards living his life in hiding. We all have reasons for our actions and this was a sharp reminder that ‘until you’ve walked a mile in my shoes’ is so true. It was a tad on the short side, but that could simply be my desire for more.
This book is for: Any of my fellow Northcote groupie’s as well as any newcomer looking for a favorite auto-buy author, this is not to be missed. It was the full monty and it's exactly why I keep coming back for more. I highly suggest you get in line for you card, I believe you'll cherish yours too.
Book UNfunk -
The blurb may not be something that catch my interest, but I'm always on the lookout for new-to-me m/m authors, and I decided to try Jay Northcote for the first time. Color me surprise that this turn out to be such a great read despite the overdone plot.
Alec is the high flying corporate lawyer on his way to make partner. He had been in the closet since forever and satisfy himself with occasional hook up from the bar. His relationship with his social-elite parents is nothing to shout about.
Ed is the out and proud new temp who will be in Alec's team. But on the weekend before he start the new job, they have an unforgettable one night stand together. He was shocked to find out he fucked his new boss, but decided to keep things discreet considering Alec's position.
The Law of Attraction is the classic office affair with a m/m twist. The reason why Alec remain in the closet until his 30s is not even anything out of the box, but damn if it didn't feel nonetheless heartbreaking and sad to hear about his dilemma and loneliness.
I don't know what to gush about because plot wise is quite predictable. But Jay Northcote managed to develop quite a complex personality for her characters that make you feel emotional connected to them. I'm immersed into the story from the beginning and feels every heartache and happiness along with Alec and Ed. I'm so proud of the changes in Alec, from the career driven closet man into someone who is brave enough to seek his own happiness. Totally recommend this if you are on the look out for some no fuss, feel good, character driven m/m.
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This book is as much about Alec coming to accept himself as it is about the romance. It would be easy to dislike Alec, given how he treats Ed and the extent he goes in order to keep his secret. But I felt for him. Alec's behaviour was the result of his father's actions, not because he particularly wanted to live in his unhappy closet.
It's the growing love between Alec and Ed which makes Alec yearn for something more out in the open. Ed is the complete opposite of Alec - out and proud, with a loving family and close friends. Ed knows that he and Alec could have it all, but he won't go back in the closet. Each time he broke down another one of Alec's walls, my cold frozen heart melted a bit.
And the sex. This book indulged my suit fetish. Now imagine the hot office sex. And the hot hotel sex. There's even a bit of a domination undercurrent. It was really hot, is what I'm trying to say.
The HEA was very sweet. I don't know how I felt about , but other than that it was the kind of fairy-tale-like ending I've come to expect from this author.
Jay Northcote's work is often a mixed bag for me, but not in this case. 'Law of Attraction' was an excellent read. Highly recommended! -
4 Stars
I loved it. Of course I loved it.
This is exactly the kind of story I've come to expect from Northcote. I love how I can always depend on him to deliver a great story, featuring light-angst and two sweet men who share scorching hot chemistry. I have yet to be disappointed in any major way by Northcote's stories and I'm drawing a blank on whether I can say that about any other MM author I read on the regular - how impressive is that?!
Spectacular office romance for the win! -
The Law of Attraction is a light and happy-all-around office romance story.
It deals with issues like self-realisation and the need to be honest with the world. The are important issues dicussed here but not in a heavy way or in any depth. As I said, this is mainly a light read that makes you feel very very good.
Alec and Ed, the MCs, are both likeable and we get to know them pretty well. The narrative changes between the two so we get both of their thoughts.
I liked the work setting and it was nice that there was no evil co-worker. The atmoshere in the office was light and everyone got along with everyone else. There was no work related drama except for the fact that Alec and Ed were working in the same team but that didn't actually affect the plot very much.
The biggest thing they had to overcome was Alec's reluctance to be open about who he was. Up until he met Ed he pretty much kept to himself and only had superficial relationships with the people around him. Meeting Ed made him want something more from his life, so he decided to make a few changes. This isn't a coming-out-for-you story, I can't stand those. This is Alec realising he is missing something and wanting to move on with his life in a more honest and open way. Ed was the catapelt in that decision but ultimately he did it for himself and not for Ed.
Very good story and perfect for a low-angst read. 3 stars -
*** 4.5 Stars ***
A fantastic office romance! It had the perfect mixture of sweetness, smex, heart, low-grade angst, and absolutely everything you could possibly want in a happily ever after. One of my favourites by Northcote, hands down. -
THIS! MAKE MY DAY!
Teaser by
Jay Northcote, cover by one and only
Garrett Leigh !
I have a weakness for office romances, and I have weakness with green eyes and guys with tie, and office affairs between two men.
And look at 'that gorgeous cover !, I'm sold !
Well, Jay fulfilled my craving for a sweet low angst office romance real good.
The book started with sex between strangers. I usually not very fond of this kind of encounters, but, Jay executed it really well. And the morning after, the walk of shame, the coldness in the morning. Well, strangers. What would you expected from that anyway?
Except, Ed Piper is not an ordinary stranger. He appeared in the office, as a new member of Alec's team. Ha !
But Alec is not out. He's deep in the closet for some reasons.
So, awkward. And quite painful for an out and proud Ed.
"When I let you pick me up in that bar, I didn’t know you were going to be my new boss. And believe me, if I’d known what a controlling arsehole you are, I’d have run a mile before I’d have let your cock anywhere near me!”"
The journey of Alec's inside battle with himself is very interesting. I liked it a lot, because he's not jump into decision right away to come out, takes time for him to make him accepted himself as a gay man. was it because of Ed? Partly, yes. But mostly, because he's tired of hiding for too many years.
I liked Ed's family so much. And the twins ! The innocent comments made me smile.
And the 'conflict' with Alec's family, not overly dramatic, just what I liked it to be.
I loved the ending, somehow, it's reasonable, James make it easier for Alec to tell his friends he has a relationship with Ed (Oh, James called shagging ! Hilarious guy!).
This is a very fun, sweet read which I liked from Jay. Couldn't ask for better ending for Alex and Ed!
One of my favorite from this author.
Recommended!
Review made for
Reading Addict Mom's Blog
