Settling the Score by Eden Winters
Torquere Press
Contemporary M/M
ISBN: 978-1-61040-178-4
Reviewed by Lisa




In small town, Hicksville Georgia everybody knows everyone else’s business or they think they do.  Twenty-three year old Joey Nichols lives over his dad, Big Joe’s Garage where he works as a mechanic.   Somehow, someway Joey’s managed to hide his sexuality from everyone, even his own close knit family.

Joey meets R.J. Evans at an Atlanta dance club and falls hard for the self absorbed aspiring actor.  Promises are made, dreams are fashioned, and it’s all coming true for the renamed Riker Sanderson who’s starring as the lead in a big action adventure movie.  The plan is for Joey to join Riker in Hollywood at which time they would announce their commitment to each other.  But as Joey watches his lover on an entertainment show Riker talks of his love for another man, his director Ian Hagan and he outs Joey on air.

Elements of the train wreck known as Joey’s life are similar to past events of famous author Troy Steele’s life.  He also has a history with Ian Hagan and he still bears the emotional scars.  His assistant, Erica Davis hatches a plan to have Joey help Troy research his latest novel which mirrors Joey’s life, plus help overhaul Joey to make

Riker realize what he’s lost.  Troy never fully got over having his heart shattered so maybe by working together she hopes to help both men move forward.  There’s no question that Joey and Troy click even though they’d never admit it.  So, it’s research and then revenge when they confront their nemeses with a new and improved Joey.  At least that’s the plan.  Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan though.

Settling the Score is sure to capture your heart.  Poignant and tender one moment, ruthless and cut throat the next, readers will embrace Settling the Score.  The major players in this story jump off the pages, as well as their lives and loves.  Rich in detail and lengthy in drama, not to mention a healthy dose of humor, Settling the Score is a winner.  Joey is a character who comes to life for everyone while Troy, with his scarred soul, is also certain to find a place in reader’s hearts.  From start to finish Settling the Score is neatly played out with all the angst and love author Eden Winters beautifully pens.  I Joyfully recommend Settling the Score.