His Uptown Guy

By: Felice Stevens

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

When Jesse Grace-Martin loses his father on 9/11, his charmed life is gone forever. People look menacing, and the streets no longer seem safe. After experiencing a brutal mugging, Jesse retreats to his apartment in the landmark Dakota building. Five years later, his first attempt to walk outside those famous gates again is a disaster - except for meeting the gorgeous maintenance worker who helps him through his crushing panic attack. Jesse can’t stop thinking about the guy but hesitates to reach out, knowing he has little to offer.

Dashamir Sadiko has big dreams. Money in the bank tops his list, and his glimpse into the life of the uber-wealthy at his job at the Dakota is all the incentive he needs. Struggling to work full-time and go to college, Dash desperately wants to break the cycle of poverty his parents had hoped to leave behind in Albania. When the two men become friends, Dash isn’t sure what to expect but can’t help his growing attraction to sweet and sexy Jesse. It’s nice to see how the other side lives, but his affections can’t be bought; Dash wants to be his own man.

Defying the Dakota’s co-op rules, the two share lunches, their hopes and dreams, and ultimately their hearts. Jesse slowly regains his courage, but he’s worried he’ll never be the person he once was and that he’s not good enough for Dash. And Dash isn’t convinced the son of poor immigrants has a place at the table with a blue-blood, trust-fund man. Jesse needs to realize that money can’t buy happiness and love, while Dash must learn to trust that what they have is real, that he’s more than Jesse’s walk on the wild side with an uptown guy.

©2019 Felice Stevens (P)2019 Felice Stevens

Great Story

I really found the story to be so heartwarming! It had me a little emotional at times but in a good way. Nick did a great job with narration.

Wonderful Story

This was fantastic! This is one of my favorite authors and narrators, so this was a must-listen! I first read this in eBook, and the audio of the book was wonderful. Dash and Jesse's story checked so many boxes for me. I loved how Dash and Jesse came from different ethnic and monetary backgrounds. In learning more about Dash’s background, I enjoyed getting some exposure to Albanian food and with Jesse’s background came learning about the famed Dakota Building! These differences weighed on Dash’s mind as relationship obstacles, but they were the furthest issues from Jesse’s mind as relationship issues. I loved the patience that Dash had with Jesse on his life challenges and how he always supported Jesse's progress and insisted it was Jesse’s determination that got him to overcome his fears. In turn, seeing Jesse grow and understand Dash’s feelings was wonderful. If you enjoy a low angst, wrong side of the tracks love story, this is a must listen (or read) for you!

a book worth reading I completely recommend it

I love this book because of the sweet story and it was about someone struggling with a disability and in spite of that disability found a Forever Love

Life Changing

Life changing events can be for the good or for the bad and Jesse has had both. We see him emerging into his future. I love that Dash is part of that change but isn't the one that actually set it off. It makes is more real and makes their relationship seem more sustainable as well.

I really enjoyed the audio version I listened to.

poor little rich boy for the win

A sweet heart tugger that captured my interest from the start. and then my heart later as I listened. Jesse's ptsd was crippling and I empathized. He makes the ultimate sacrifice of leaving his sanctuary and going to Dash's home- new beginnings for all. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator brought it to life. Great job.