Beneath the famous Brooklyn landmark, love is hidden but not denied:All his life, Alexi Kharpov has dreamed of traveling to unknown exciting places instead of working at his family’s frozen custard stand on the famous Coney Island boardwalk. Every year is the same until a gorgeous man picks a spot in front of his stand to sing, captivating him with his beautiful voice. After two summers of … summers of listening, it might finally be time for him to cross that boardwalk and take a chance.
Opera singer Cameron Maxwell has traveled the world, but the sight of the beautiful man serving custard to tourists touches his heart like nothing ever has before. A summer fling might be exactly what he needs to put his problems out of his mind, but the last thing Cam expects is to want the summer to last forever.
It’s a season of discovery for both men who learn to dig deep within their heads and hearts to decide whether secrets old and new should remain buried, or if love is too important to keep hidden under the boardwalk.
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Story by Felice Stevens 5 Stars
The story of a closeted young man that is afraid to veer from the conservative values of his Russian family was sweet, poignant and at times melancholy. Alexi just wants to live life to the fullest. Being encumbered in his family’s business has been drying out his soul. During his summers in the New York City shoreside he helps out at his family’s beachfront frozen custard stand. Though he loves his family he wants to experience more than familial duty.
Alexi finally meets the gorgeous man that plays his guitar and has such an incredible voice. He has been eyeing him for awhile now and one day he realizes the handsome singer Cam is very interested in him. They connect and the chemistry is perfect. Even though they have been together a short time a strong bond is forged.
Cam is fighting some serious medical issues but he is such a strong beam of light. He remains positive despite the fact he has encountered some major obstacles. Cam has such a marvelous and supportive family and it kills him that Alexi coming out to his family will be so difficult.
Fear of acceptance, moving foward and unexpected changes in goals surround both of these fine men. Together they make the perfect melody and I strongly urge you to read this tender tale. Happy Reading!
Audio by Nick Russo 5 Stars
Nick nailed the voices of Alexi and Cam. I love the thick, realistic Russian accents that made the narration so interesting. Mr. Russo absolutely did justice to this sweet romance. I could picture the warm hazy summer days on the beach where the two men met. Each character was depicted with their own unique voice and this audible presentation was a delight to listen to. I strongly urge you to visit the seaside with Alexi and Cam and fall in love with this sweet story. Happy Listening!
Under the Boardwalk is book one in the Landmarks series by Felice Stevens. This is a M/M romance that is sexy and sweet and so swoony. It’s a short read so it’s perfect for a rainy afternoon.
Alexi Kharpov is twenty six years old. He has a very traditional Russian family. Alexi is the first in his family to go to college. He also works for his father and uncle during the school year and in the summer he works in his father’s frozen custard stand on the famous Coney Island boardwalk. Alexi loves the ocean, it’s always been a part of his life. But he has also never left New York. He dreams of traveling the world and seeing the sights. Alexi is and has always been gay. But, he’s never told anyone. His hook-ups are few and secret. He’s afraid his family would never accept him if they knew. So he keeps his true dreams and his true self from everyone closest to him.
“Alexi’s heart beat faster. The day which started out so ordinary he could’ve cried had turned into a chance for new adventure.”
Cameron Maxwell, I believe was getting close to his mid thirties, He is an opera singer but has spent the last two summers in New York singing on the boardwalk. He loves the joy he brings to those that stop and listen. Especially the cute man in the frozen custard stand. Cam likes to pretend he’s singing just to him, even though he has no idea who he is. Finally, the perfect opportunity arises and Cam speaks to Alexi. Their connection is undeniable. He realizes right away that Alexi isn’t out. But that’s okay. He just wants them to get to know each other. Maybe this can just be a summer fling? Or maybe it will lead to more?
“Life is about taking the chances we’re given and living them. I want to take my chance with you.”
As Alexi and Cam spend time together, their feelings grow stronger and the prospect of something more than just a summer fling burns brighter. Alexi has never been in love, never had a relationship. But something wonderful happened as he spent time with Cam. He began to stand up just a little straighter, he felt stronger, more confident. He hasn’t even known Cam that long but he has quickly become the center of his world.
“Falling in love is easy. It doesn’t take any time. Staying in love is the hard part.”
I really enjoyed these two. I loved watching how they both grew stronger from the love they shared. Was their road easy, no. They both had a lot to learn. But they were quickly learning that they were happier, better, stronger together than they ever were on their own.
This is a stand alone, there is no cliff hanger. But, Felice has written a short novella that continues Cam and Alexi’s story. You just get a little bit more of how their lives turned out. It’s called Down By The Sea.
“I’ve been waiting for you forever.”
I love the interaction between Alexi and Cameron. They are sweet and tentative and then it just takes off. I love how Cameron’s support helps Alexi be brave enough to be himself and chase a dream. And I really love Alexi’s grandma. She is such a sweet and fiesty lady. Biggest problem with this book is I keep singing Under the Boardwalk in my head.
I listened to the audio version. It was well done and easy to listen too.
Alexi and Cam’s romance is sweet as sugar and absolutely heart-melting. Add in some rather colorful characters and the beautiful setting surrounding this pair and it all makes for an engaging read that kept me hooked from the beginning. The story is emotional, but the angst level is relatively low, making this one a perfect summer read, or even better, great for chasing away those winter blues. The book is well-written and Nick Russo’s wonderful narration gives voice to each character so that I felt like I knew them. I loved that even though we do have a bit of drama with Alexi’s struggle to come out to his family, it doesn’t overshadow the growing relationship. This pair has such great chemistry and they’re both just so likable that you can’t help but root for their happy ever after.
4.5 stars
If the title alone doesn’t have that iconic song by The Drifters running through your head, I guarantee it will be at some time during this story. Felice Stevens brings the Coney Island boardwalk to life in this romantic story. Even if you’ve never been there, you’ll have no trouble picturing it as Alexi and Cam fall in love under the boardwalk, down by the sea (okay, so it’s the Atlantic Ocean but that doesn’t fit with the song).
I was hooked from the Prologue. Alexi and Cam have been secretly eyeing each other for two summers across the boardwalk; Cam as he sings for tips and Alexi from behind the counter of his family’s custard stand. Alexi has never left Brooklyn, living with and hiding from his family, including his father who is stuck in the old Russian ways and his judgmental cousin Dimitri. He dreams of one day traveling the world but for now is stuck working and going to school. Cam is out and proud, has traveled the world and has a live for today attitude. A summer fling with the adorable guy at the custard stand who he’s been eyeing since last summer would be just the thing. When he finally catches Alexi’s eye as he’s checking Cam out, Cam makes the first move and asks Alexi out.
Things heat up very quickly between them, despite Alexi’s fear of being seen. After a week of stolen moments under the boardwalk and on the beach, nights at Cam’s apartment and a couple of dates both men know they are falling hard. They don’t want to admit it out loud, but neither wants to see things end come September. But a future together might not be possible when both men get news that could change their lives and will require some difficult decisions. Complicated family dynamics and uncertain futures could ensure their relationship doesn’t make it through the summer.
Felice Stevens packs a lot into this novella, especially where Alexi is concerned. Alexi first comes off as innocent and a bit naïve, but there is a fire and strength inside him that being with Cam has stoked. Alexi now has more than one reason to take a leap and reach out to grab everything he has always wanted and he is almost ready to do it. Cam has seemingly lived out all of Alexi’s dreams already, but for different reasons. When Cam can no longer avoid his past decisions coming back to affect his future and how much he wants more time with Alexi, his method of dealing with things is avoidance. One thing he is certain of is that regardless of how much he likes Alexi, he won’t do anything to keep him from pursuing his dreams and experiencing all life has to offer.
This is a hot, sweet, romantic beach read, although you may want to get in front of the AC since Alexi and Cam have amazing chemistry and share plenty of sexy times, but there is also plenty of character growth and emotional ups and downs. At one point I was alternately cheering and holding my breath as Alexi finds the strength to confront one of his biggest fears; not everything is neat and tidy in the end, but there is hope that in time it will be. As far as Alexi’s and Cam’s big decisions went, I thought they played out realistically and perfectly.
Part of The Landmarks Series of stories (the first being Ferry-Tale by Kade Boehme) it’s a standalone and ends happily for Alexi and Cam as they start a new adventure. Consider this the official start of my campaign to get Felice Stevens to write a follow-up story to see just how things progress for these two.
This is an amazing read. It sneaks up on you. You start reading and you’re thinking it’s a sweet summer romance. As Cam and Alexi are having fun and getting to know each other outside pressures start to intrude. Their characters start to flesh out as they have to deal with serious issues. The ending is where it got me the most. Felice Stevens nailed it. Things played out as they needed to for Alexi and Cam. Felice never fails to deliver. If you are new to her work this is a great place to start. It’ll give you an idea of her amazing skills. Every book I’ve read has been a beautiful journey. It doesn’t matter how heavy or light the start, her books will always get you in the feels.