Book Review: A Secret Match by Kelli A. Wilkins

Title: A Secret Match
Author: Kelli A. Wilkins
Genre: Contemporary Romance, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy from author
Published: August 31, 2014 by Amber Quill Press

Everett Kinkade is a world-famous professional wrestler and a sexy heartthrob for millions of adoring female fans. But Ev has a secret he doesn’t dare share with anyone—he’s gay.

After years of being Ev’s secret lover, Josh is tired of hiding in the shadows and wants Ev to openly acknowledge their relationship. Coming out, however, is the last thing Ev wants and fears it will ruin his career.

But one night in a moment of truth, Everett outs himself on live TV. There’s no going back, and his announcement sparks a firestorm of problems, both personally and professionally. He’s forced to come to grips with who he really is while facing down a tag team out to destroy him.

Torn between living a lie and losing the man he loves, Ev has risked everything. Can he find a balance between his career and his heart?

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Very enjoyable romance of an established couple at a crossroads. The wrestling plot was interesting for this non-wrestling fan as well.

The Set Up: Josh is tired of feeling like his lover’s dirty secret and asks pro-wrestler Ev to consider coming out. Ev’s can’t imagine a gay pro-wrestler but with his friends’ support maybe he can do it.

Why I Read This Book: I love established couple romances so this was a no brainer for me to read.

What I Liked: Josh and Ev’s tension felt very real and organic. I love how the story was told, with both Josh and Ev remembering how they met, feel in love, and started building a life together. This made me really care when Josh tells Ev that he wants them to be a real couple, who go out together and are introduced to each others friends. I understood both Josh’s desire for a full life and Ev’s reluctance to come out for fear of his job and life even. This tension was very well written and kept me hooked.

What I Also Liked: I’m not a pro-wrestler fan at all but this turned out to be an interesting setting for such a uniquely told romance. Ev’s fellow wrestler, both the good and the ugly, gave great atmosphere to this novella, especially his best friend and the best friend’s wife. Ev’s big reveal was totally romance-novel worthy and had me cheering as well.

What I Didn’t Like: This isn’t a long story. It didn’t feel rushed or shortchanged but I know Amber Quill books are expensive. I really enjoyed reading this novella but not sure I would pay nearly $6 for it given its length.

IMO: I really enjoyed this unique romance set in the exotic (to me!) world of pro-wrestling and recommend it to MM readers.

J9’s Rating:

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