When a brutal attack from a jealous competitor leaves Noah Strauss, darling of the modeling world, physically scarred and emotionally damaged, he quits the runway to become a psychologist. Using his contacts from his time in the spotlight, he creates One Call Away, a radio show dedicated to gay men looking for love, advice or someone to talk to. But with secrets of his own and a mother who … refuses to understand the career path he’s chosen, the one person Noah can’t seem to help is himself.
On a drunken dare from the senior partner’s grandson, Oren Leavitt calls Noah’s radio show, pretending to be gay. Only Oren isn’t certain if he’s pretending. He’s left his strict Orthodox Jewish upbringing behind, but the guilt remains. Guilt that his actions have prevented his sister from finding a husband and guilt that he’s failed his parents. Talking to “Dr. Noah” helps, and as he finds himself calling the man again and again, he knows he must be honest. But Oren is unsure if he’s lying to Noah or himself.
For Noah, trust is paramount; he’s been deceived in his personal and professional life and while he desperately wants to help Oren, he also finds himself falling for the sweet and tortured man. Oren is trapped: he risks losing his job and more importantly the love and security of his family but knows he can’t hide if he wants to be with Noah. When unresolved heartaches from the past rise up to control the present, Noah and Oren discover that love often comes from the most unexpected places, and sometimes a call for help not only saves a life, it can be a new and beautiful beginning.
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One Call Away by Felice Stevens
Story 5 Stars
Audio5 Stars
Story-line:
Felice wrote another novel that will pull your heart strings and required a box of tissues nearby. I love her stories that are full of life and basic human flaws. There are some triggers of extreme homophobia and a past violent attack.
Noah hosts a radio talk show “One Call Away” created to help gay men looking for advice. He used to be a very successful model but now he is doing work he loves and matters. Becoming a psychologist was actually his dream job, while most people would covet the fame of professional modeling.
A quirk of faith due to a simple dare, connects Noah with an endearing young lawyer named Oren. At first Noah is furious at the shy and confused man’s deception but that quickly evaporates into a true connection and attraction.
There was no angst regarding the romance which I found completely refreshing. Oren was troubled by a hostile workplace and the fear of being disowned by his family if they find out he is never going to marry a nice religious woman. Noah has his own family issues stemming from keeping his true feelings under wraps for so long. I was rooting for the two MC’s to overcome these obstacles as they are everything the other needs.
This poignant story was brilliantly done and I strongly urge you to savor this.
Audio:
Narrator: Seth Clayton
The audio was even paced and distinct. I enjoyed Seth’s interpretation of the two lovers. He was very expressive and I loved the softer tone of Noah. An excellent production that I absolutely recommend and know you will appreciate.
It was the first book I’ve read like this. You could really feel for both characters. It was beautiful love shared between the two men and written so nicely.
Both characters are struggling and help each other… I related to a lot of the struggle.
One Call Away offered sweet escapism. With a truly endearing storyline, coming out and personal identity were addressed with thought and compassion.
Oren and Noah’s chemistry was palpable. Their connection ensured I happily journeyed with them until we reached their point of HEA.
Lovely.
I’ve read and enjoyed the stories from this author before. This is a MM contemporary story abt Noah and Oren. Both find each other in hard times and coming out is a major issue for Oren. They find love with each other in the end. Great story with a perspective of Orthodox Judaism. I’ll read more from this series and author.
One night on a dare Oren called into a radio show stating he was gay and in the closet. Dr. Noah Strauss took Oren’s call in his radio show that helps counsel the LGBT. What was supposed to be a lie on his initial call, turned out to be Oren’s truth. From that night, Noah felt a strong connection to Oren and couldn’t forget his call. After encouraging Oren to talk as a patient, Noah can’t help the feelings he begins to develop for Oren. Oren is closeted in both his personal and professional life, and Noah has his own demons he battles from his former life as a model. Together they can face their fears and find their HEA together.
While this is book two of a series, this could be read stand-alone. Harlan’s story continues in Cort from the Man-Up
Series.
Annoying & disappointing
This is the kind of story I read romance for. It has all the feels I look for in a great read. Noah and Oren are such a sweet couple. I think of a bird first learning to fly and falling in love with it. How Oren grows to not only love Noah but himself as well. There were points that brought me to tears both the good and bad kind. The emotion flows so smoothly that I actually felt the tension and nervousness. From that first call, you will find yourself falling in love with Oren and Noah. Plus, I learned a bit more on a culture that I thought I had a good grasp of. This book is a perfect example of why I love reading Felice Steven’s work.
i normally love Felice’s books. the character Noah was introduced in one of the series I read and loved. this book however had he 2 mc’s too full of emotional hurt and scariness in them that it was a little hard to read. 1 step forward 3 steps back. it was an ok read