REVIEW : Passing Stranger by Louisa Keller

Title : Passing Stranger by Louisa Keller
Genre(s) : Contemporary gay romance, May/December, enemies to lovers
Publication Date : June 3rd 2018
My Rating(s) : 3/5 Stars

“These bags aren’t going to unpack themselves.” 

Bryce: Working at an upscale hotel isn’t my first choice, but putting up with my skeezy boss, crazy hours, and demanding guests means I can pay my bills. When Riker Cavanaugh—cruel, demanding, and filthy rich—checks in, it’s easy to write him off as just another obnoxious guest. And even though he never seems happy with my performance, he keeps specifically requesting me. What’s with that?

But as I spend more time with this breathtakingly beautiful man, I’m finding Riker is much more than his gruff exterior and his expensive taste. Over late-night lobster and impromptu frozen yogurt, I begin to see a man who is deeply wounded and fiercely loyal. I’ve spent my whole life dreaming of a Prince Charming to come sweep me off my feet, but what life could a billionaire and a concierge really build together?

“I want to get to know you. If you’ll let me.” 

Riker: As the CEO of an international investment business, I have no interest in playing nice with the lowest level staff at the hotel I’m staying at as I close the most important business deal of my career. I didn’t get this rich by playing nice. Between my long hours and my failed marriage, romance is about as appealing to me as flying economy. And sure, Bryce Harrison is gorgeous, funny, and unbelievably compassionate, but that doesn’t mean I care about him.

Something about Bryce gets under my skin, and for the first time in my life, someone sees right past all those walls I’ve carefully built. Bright-eyed, virginal, and nearly two decades younger than me, he is the worst possible match for a grumpy, work-addicted billionaire…but I can’t deny that, when I’m around him, I feel more alive than I have in years. My past still haunts me, but Bryce makes me believe that someone as jaded as me can find happiness. We come from two different worlds, though—will one of us have to give everything up?

Passing Stranger is a contemporary billionaire romance with enemies-to-lovers, first time, May/December, and hurt/comfort themes, plus a very happy ending!

But Bryce was quickly bringing about feelings that were unfamiliar and terrifying. I wanted to protect him. I wanted to make him feel cherished. I wanted him to know that I would move mountains to keep him safe and happy and healthy.

Their first met definitely didn’t went well. Riker arrogance leave a very bad impression to Bryce. Especially when Riker seems to make Bryce jobs become more and more difficult each day. But Riker is a VIP guest and it’s Bryce job to provide and help the guest needs even if they asked for unbelievable things at very strange hours.

But as their interaction become very intense, along with that they start to know each other quite well, the relationship that was start as enemies become more and more friendly.

The comfort feels Ryker gave him when they spent their time together brought the protective side in Riker and he want to keep Bryce safe and happy even there’s  consequences he must face to be always at Bryce’s side.

Will Riker sacrifices everything just to be with this ordinary guy who had slowly stolen his heart each day?

I must admit that the story a bit ‘not-logic' at some part, and there's some problems that feels 'huge' at the beginning seems to be left unsolved just like that, like Riker problem with his father who ended with no specific explanation. BUT since I’m in my best ‘cheesy mood' I found that this story is cute and lovely enough to enjoy.

Like any other typical Cinderfella story, Passing Stranger offer the very same formula about a very wealthy man who falllin for an ordinary and poor man from a lower class and after through some unfriendly scenes and misunderstanding, they finally found their happily ever after. Sounds cliché, right? But it fun enough to read.