FOR MY NEXT TRICK… by Andrew Grey

Fiction, M/M Contemporary Romance, Cruise, novella (88 pages)

4****

Blurb: Nathaniel picked his pocket, stole his watch, put him in his own handcuffs… and that was just the foreplay. Nathaniel Weatherby works as a cruise ship magician and comedian. He’s also a thief, or at least he was. He left his family and their family business behind some years ago and uses his skills to entertain rather than cheat and steal. But when jewelry goes missing on board, his past comes back to haunt him. Maryland police officer Randy Messier is on the cruise ship hoping for a little vacation, but also to keep his eyes open. There have been rumors, and the cruise line is determined to keep its passengers safe. Randy isn’t sure what to do when he gets pulled on stage, but he doesn’t expect Nathaniel to comically rob him blind and leave him in his own handcuffs. After getting Randy’s attention on stage, the two men circle each like moths to each other’s flame, drawing them ever closer. But when jewelry is stolen, Randy’s first suspicion falls on Nathaniel. Even when Nathaniel has an alibi, Randy still isn’t convinced. It becomes clear that the only way for them to possibly move forward is to catch the real thief. Even then, their growing attraction might not be enough.

THOUGHTS: This isn’t the “Love Boat” but there is definitely romance on the high seas as Nathaniel meets Randy while both are working on a high-end cruise ship. Nathaniel is a professional magician working as entertainment for the cruise while Randy is a Baltimore detective working undercover with security to find a thief. When jewels go missing, Randy’s first thought is Nathaniel, but cameras prove it wasn’t him. Unfortunately, Nathaniel knows who the thief is and goes about trying to help Randy catch them. Meanwhile, romance blossoms for both men and they have to figure out a way to make things work.

The characters are realistic and I loved the interaction between Randy and Nathaniel when the magician pulls him up on stage and uses him as a patsy, lifting his wallet, ID, and even his handcuffs – which Nathaniel easily gets out of and clicks on Randy while they’re dancing in front of the audience. Best scene of the book for me. And the ending was perfect. Nicely done.

Recommended.