Peter Christopoulos had it all. He was attractive and athletic, with the possibility of being an Olympian one day. But since his accident three years ago, he's had to adjust to a completely different life. And while being in a wheelchair isn't so bad on its own, it's hard for Peter when no one seems to look past the chair to see him. Even so, he's managed to become a successful salesman in the restaurant supply industry. And it's on a job that he meets Russ Baker, an attractive chef who gets Peter going.

Russ is in a relationship, which leaves Peter disappointed at first. After seeing Russ and his boyfriend interact one day, however, the disappointment turns to concern. And Peter is there for Russ when he finally gets up the courage to leave his abusive relationship. Peter's support touches Russ, and he decides to give Peter a chance and see where things go. Around the same time, Peter learns he has a half-sister that he's never met and that his mother was never able to track down. As they both navigate their new emotional realities, Peter and Russ need to decide together what it all means for the two of them.

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One of the nice things about this series is that you get to see the characters from past installments. It helps to underscore that this all taking place in the same world, even though the books focus on one couple at a time. The connections provide a solid backdrop for the story without having to explain who the side characters are in any in-depth way.

My only issue with this book is how quickly Russ rushes into the relationship with Peter. Granted, it's not an impossible sort of thing. It just struck me that he doesn't really take any time to get over his trauma. And then things just seem to settle in an odd sort of way.

But the way Russ's friends gather to help and support him is inspiring... ( )

Like with any good series, A Taste of Love is beginning to feel like home. As I return to each new volume, I enjoy seeing how the previous characters are doing almost as much as reading the story of the next fascinating couple Andrew Grey has come up with. Café Belgie, in this third book, is the setting for a dramatic and very touching love story. This time, both men are out, and the issues they battle with are no less dramatic than those of previous main characters.

Peter may have 'only' spent three years in a wheelchair, following an accident that took his ability to walk, but he has collected a lifetime's worth of pain, rejection, and stupid reactions from people who cannot deal with disability. On the other hand, he has also learned to master his life and become truly independent. Some things may take him longer to deal with, but he has a job, is good at it, and gets stuff done. The one thing he has found very difficult to deal with is most people's reactions to him, or rather, to his chair. This is the story of Peter learning to trust that Russ does, indeed, see him, not the fact that he wheels himself around rather than using his legs.

Russ is quietly dealing with his own issues. He only recently noticed how bad his relationship with Barry is, and it takes him a long time not only to recognize that he's been abused, but to deal with the resulting anger and lack of self-confidence. Barry is a classic abuser, and Russ's experience in learning to deal with his own reactions and how to get rid of the behavioral patterns of the last for hellish years were as realistic as they were heartbreaking.

I thought it was fascinating (for Russ and me) to see how Peter stood up to Barry without being physically able to do so. It helped Russ see that a large part of his problem, definitely the initial step, was mental. He then had to go on and deal with the physical side of it (the stalking, continued unwelcome attentions, etc.), but without the mental willingness and ability to resist he would have never gotten there. In turn, he helps Peter regain confidence in some of the fun stuff he used to do, 'converting' running into wheelchair racing. This give-and-take between the two men was absolutely wonderful to watch, and a joy to follow. If you like books about characters with real issues, if following their trials and triumphs is what interests you, and if you want all that wrapped in a gentle and tender love story, you will probably like this book as much as I did.
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Review to come ( )

This was a sweet love story between two men who needed to heal, Peter, a paralyzed man who has been confined to a wheelchair for the last three years and Russ, a man who has been in an abusive relationship for four years. I liked that Peter met Russ while Russ was in the tail end of his relationship. The reader can get a sense of what Russ had to overcome.

My concern was that I felt Russ should have gotten professional help as well. Peter's love and Russ listening to what everyone else commented on Barry the Bastard is not enough to have Russ get over" Barry.

Also I didn't feel there was any finality of Barry. He had a restraining order but his type never really follows. (SPOILER ALERT:)Plus since Peter and Barry will have to interact in a family way...wouldn't those three have to see each other some time?

I liked this story, but didn't love it. Kudos though on using a paralyzed lead." ( )

This is my favorite book in this series. Andrew Grey is one of my must read authors. I have never been disappointed by anything he has written. ( )