Twelve countries. Twelve men. Twelve million dollars!When Deacon Brady scored his dream job as the lead actor in an award-winning daytime soap opera, he had the entire world at his feet. Racking up an impressive list of awards and voted People Magazine’s sexiest man alive, the world was his oyster, and he was living it to the fullest at the top of the A-list.But then everything changed …The … changed …
The latest Global Financial Crisis, and the crash of Wall Street, not only leaves Deacon bankrupt, but single, depressed and millions in debt.
But when a TV producer approaches him on the street, he arranges a private meeting and makes Deacon a proposition too good to refuse.
With Deacon struggling to make ends meet, the producer offers him an opportunity that will not only pay off his debts, but provide a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that his daredevil heart can’t ignore.
The deal – Appear in the new reality TV show, Tainted Love. Travel to twelve countries, meet twelve sexy, single guys, and be paid twelve million dollars.
But the deal of a lifetime doesn’t come without a price.
He can’t allow himself to fall in love, or he risks losing not only the twelve million dollars, but his heart, in the process.
First stop – Sydney, Australia.
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This was an enjoyable, well written novella and my first read by this author. I think it left me curious enough to go and read another book in this series, though this book did give me a feeling of insta-love, even though the main character isn’t supposed to fall in love with the man he meets. But the way Deacon hates to have to say goodbye to Steve, just gave me insta-love vibes. I hope this will not be the case in each book that follows.
It was a nice, short story to read between other, longer books. Low angst and an interesting take on real life tv.
Much like the premise of the show, Tainted Love, this story is putting a unique twist on book series. I like it. I’m going to go out on a limb, and say, that if this series follows the pattern it has started, it will be a 12 book series. Each one a quick and enjoyable read. That’s my prediction. I have another prediction, but I will keep it to myself until after the final book.
This was a great start to the series. We met our main man, and his producer Dante. Dante approaches Deacon, at just the right time, with an offer he has 12 million reasons to accept. Sounds simple enough. 12 men, 12 countries, 12 months, and….oh, there’s just one teeny tiny stipulation to the prize. It’s a doozy. It doesn’t sound like a doozy to Deacon, but as a reader, I have a feeling it’s going to be harder for Deacon than he realizes. Time will tell.
We also meet contestant number one, in Australia. His name is Steve. He’s adorable, snd they hit it off over the month they spend together. Soon enough, their month is over, and we leave our fellas getting on separate planes. Steve is going home, and Deacon is off to….
This is fun to read. Even though Dante was technically a background character, he felt like main character number two. We will see him in every book, just like any good mc. I liked the characters, and the way the story flowed. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
***I voluntarily accepted an advanced readers copy from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
This had a unique story line. Deacon was once an actor, but he lost everything. He gets an opportunity of a lifetime to win big! He is going to 12 countries and meeting 12 different men in a reality show vibe. First stop is Australia, he spends a month there getting to know Steve. The first part of the story deals with Deacon and how he got to where he is. The story has little to no angst and is fluffy. Now on to Country/Bachelor two. I was gifted an advanced copy. This was solely based on my honest thoughts and views.
This is my first book by J.O Mantel and it was so sweet! And the plot twist was so good!
The writing of the MC’s personalities and how they progress in their interactions with each other was so different from any other book I’ve read.
Honestly, I do not read mystery books because I can’t stand not knowing the ending; however, the ending of this book is left open ended and for once I’m not upset! It is only making me want to devour all the others in this series!
This was a feel good easy read for me and I’m looking forward to more Deacon!
Deacon Brady’s only opportunity to recuperate his money is being the leading man in a new reality tv show called Tainted Love. He will spend one month with each bachelor in their respective country, and there is only one rule he has to follow, not fall in love with any of them, or lose the 12 million dollars prize.
The book concept is different from what I have been reading, so I was intrigued whether I would like it or not because I love reading books that I know beforehand who the MC1 is choosing so I can consciously root for them (I know I’m weird). Still, surprisingly I did enjoy reading the whole book knowing that he might not end up with Steve in the end.
An enjoyable read with an interesting storyline. I can’t wait to read more in this series. Bring on the next location.
After years as an actor Deacon looses everything his job, his house, his savings and his boyfriend. He feels all is lost till a chance meeting offers him a chance to redeem his life. All he has to do is spend a seperate month with 12 different bachelors and not fall in love.
I don’t know if I want him to win. Bachelor number 1,The Australian, was was so sweet I wanted them to fall in love. I don’t know how I am going to last through 12.
This is my 1st book from this author i really enjoyed it .Deacan and Steven was the perfect pair and had great chemistry. I m hoping that Deacan ends up with but anything goes in this reality tv show romance.
This was my first book by this author. And what a start!
The premise of a reality show for boyfriend choice was surprising especially because mc’s twist can’t fall in love with any of the contestants
The MC, Deacon, an award-winning actor on a popular television show, suddenly finds himself without a job and without a boyfriend. Thus accepts a role in a reality show of choice of boyfriend at the soon to 12 months, 12 countries and 12 men
The first stop is in Australia and the first episode is hot, especially since the Australian competitor is wonderful, Steve.
Can’t wait for the next episode, next country and next contestant
Deacon was on top of the world and then things take a huge drive off a cliff for sure. When he offer a twist of reality show from Dante, that will take across the world. Did Steve make a impression with Deacon? Can’t wait to see what happens next in France in the series Recommend this series do have to read in order to get the full game show vibe
WOW, talk about an original and completely entertaining concept in a novel. If this is only book number one, I cant wait to read the rest.
This book was so enjoyable. A nice interesting and different storyline. The writing was really good and flowed really well. The first part of the book you learned that Deacon has a great character. And the relationship with his family his really heart warming. You definitely see a nice sexy side of him when he gets to Australia! I can’t wait to start book two.
A unique take on the bachelor but spun on it’s head. A down on his luck actor gets this opportunity to be on the look for love and receive a big cash prize but the caveat is he isn’t allowed to fall in love with any of the contestants. This story spans 12 countries so this isn’t a quick story but something that will evolve over time but so worth the journey as what I’ve seen so far shows compassion, shyness and a love of family.
J. O Mantel is a new author to me and I was anticipating reading The Australian, (Men of the World Book I) based on its intriguing premise.
Deacon Brady is internationally beloved, past recipient of “Sexist Man Alive” title had everything he wanted available to him. After a series of unfortunate events, Deacon is offered opportunity to participate in a Reality TV series about him looking for love. Deacon seizes the opportunity without questioning the finer detail, which will come back to haunt him.
I really enjoyed the entry into the series. In the first few chapters I connected with Deacon and wanted to him to have this adventure I want him to find love. Our bachelor is sweet as he is a smoke show. I like hot sex scenes, scenery, and character growth, this book checks all my boxes. As person who enjoys reality TV hopefully I don’t have to wait a week can’t wait for: The Frenchman.
The Australian by Jo Mantel.
This is the life of Deacon Brady , who has been sacked for his daytime soapy ..
Deacon is hot and extremely sexy , that sounds cool but his has no job at all..
Bankrupt and lonely also thinking that surely his life cannot possibly fall further into disrepair..
But, sometimes luck does appear as Deacon is offered a unbelievable job by a TV producer…
To appear on a new reality show where Deacon can travel , meet men , and hopefully gain money .
Twelve countries. Twelve men. Twelve million dollars!
His first stop was Sydney Australia where he met Steve they were attracted to each other , wanted more but there is a price to pay in this job , he must not fall in love , if he does he gains no money….
There is a connection between Steve and Deacon .
This is a really good read , I am extremely interested to read the next book ..
I will be honest, this is my first read from this author and I am so glad I gave them a chance.
This is different to anything I have read in the past and so far I am really enjoying it.
Deacon thought he had it all, until his entire world came crashing down around him.
Moving back home to his parents house was not where he expected to be. But he is determined to get his life back on track.
A unique opportunity comes his way one day, a opportunity that he just cant say no to.
12 guys, 12 countries, 12 months for 12 million dollars, but there is one strict rule. DON’T fall in love. Easy right.
The Australian was a perfect example of Australians, Steve was kind, caring, supportive and knew how to joke around.
I look forward to the rest of the series
An interesting concept had me wanting to read this series and I’m quite enjoying the start. One famous man (albeit a bit down on his luck), traveling the world for a reality show. 12 countries, 12 men, 12 million dollars, but don’t fall in love. Easy right? What can go wrong? Deacon will soon find out with his first stop in Australia. Steve may be the one to turn this entire project and experiment on it’s head. I found it fun and steamy indeed and look forward to seeing where the story will go next.
Bachelor number one
Deacon has fallen victim to economic times and his current boyfriend may have something to say about that!
A touch down trodden and not sure where life is taking him
Deacon accepts an opportunity presented by Dante (I have some thoughts with regards to Dante, but only time will tell)
Looks like Deacons second chance is doing reality tv with a twist
Steve is the first bachelor and chemistry between them is burning up the diodes
This is the first episode in a collection of m/m romances
Each of the twelve releases will feature a new country and a new bachelor to try and win Deacons heart
The story itself is sweet with a touch of heat
We spend a bit more time setting the series foundation than with Steve and Deacon. But that’s okay because I was able to get a feel for the cast members that would be with us on the long journey
This is the first book I have read by the author and I would like to see where this series goes as it took a bit to get into and seems to end with something coming in the next installment. The price of fame can be costly and Deacon knows it well as he goes from being a famous actor to having nothing and dealing with that reality. Some might wonder how he wound up with his attorney and agent and why he would sign such a contract in the first place. Is he really that naïve? However, he is given the chance to reboot his career with a reality show that will have him globetrotting for the next twelve months to meet and date a new man. The only requirement is that Deacon cannot fall in love with any of the men. Can Deacon stay true to not falling for the men or will he succumb and lose the money? This is one light-hearted and affable storyline. I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.
Deacon, an A-List Actor loses his job and everything else that he has ever worked for leaving him to move back home with his parents while he continues his job search. When he is handed an opportunity for a reality tv show. He jumps at the chance. The only rule… don’t fall in love!
He thinks it will be easy peasy. First stop is Australia where he will spend his first month filming with contestant number 1, Steve. Once the month is over Deacon realizes that not breaking the only rule may be harder than he originally thought.
A fun and entertaining short read and the beginning of what seems will be a great series.