Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Posts Tagged ‘Silver Publishing’

French Lessons by Pelaam

Posted in Authors: P-R, C+, Contemporary, Erotica, Romance, tagged , on May 16, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

frenchlessonsTitle: French Lessons
Author: Pelaam
Length: 14,100 words
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: m/m contemporary romance
Grade: C+

Blurb:
When Jesse is caught daydreaming in class, he faces being thrown out or proving his worth during a one-on-one lesson. Is his French up to the standard this master desires?

Jesse goes to French classes with a friend, but soon spends more time having erotic daydreams about the teacher than he does on learning the language.

He is caught not paying attention once too often. Corwin, the class tutor, gives Jesse an ultimatum–a one-on-one lesson to prove he’s worthy to continue or be thrown out of the class.
Jesse accepts the challenge, but is his French up to the mark?

Moreover, is that the only lesson Corwin wants to give him?

Review:
This erotic short was heavy on lustful longing. It tells of Jesse who signed up for an evening French class to support his friend and finds himself lusting after the French teacher. He’d like to make a move but knows it’s not ethical to start something with his teacher and so is holding out for the end of the course. One evening Jesse is caught day dreaming in class and Corwin is not happy. He instructs Jesse to meet him in his office for one to one tuition but Jesse ends up getting more than he bargained for.

The start of this story worked well for me. I found it amusing that Jesse is so lust-crazed over his teacher that he finds it hard to concentrate and the sexual tension is palpable. It also sets the scene for what comes later because it becomes clear that this will be a highly erotic encounter when it happens, and it is. In many ways both characters are living in the present as we don’t find out much about them other than they are attracted to each other, but that worked well within the context of the story, so I didn’t mind that the characterisation was a little flat.

The sex scenes were hot and heavy, but different. The first sex scene is mere erotica, two men getting it on with a BDSM touch. The second scene occurs after the men have had chance to get to know each other a little better and is more romantic, leaving us with the impression that the relationship will grow and develop.

Any niggles I had with the story centred on the ethical side of things. Whilst it was thrilling to see two men so caught up in desire that they throw caution to the wind, and also that Jesse is an adult, I was still a little concerned about them carrying on with each other whilst still in a teacher/student dynamic. This is even played on a little with the BDSM element. However, this wasn’t enough to spoil my enjoyment of the story too much and this was still and enjoyable erotic interlude with a touch of romance.

Read Full Post »

Help Wanted by Parker James

Posted in Authors: J-L, C+, Contemporary, tagged , on May 9, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

helpTitle: Help Wanted
Author: Parker James
Length: 7,887 words (43 pdf pages)
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: m/m contemporary
Rating: C+

Blurb:

During his downtime managing a travel agency, Cheyenne substitutes fantasy for reality. Adventurous encounters in exotic locales keep him occupied while he waits for a customer, or better yet, an applicant for the ‘Agent Wanted’ position he has available.

Rand wants a fresh start. His reunion with a childhood friend provides the reason his previous relationships never satisfied him. A new job and a new town will give him fresh perspective on his newly focused life–and lifestyle.

An ‘Agent Wanted’ sign sparks Rand’s interest and his prospective employer whets his appetite. His interview leads to some on the job training and a wild adventure where passports aren’t required.

CONTENT ADVISORY: This title has a HFN ending.

Review:

This is a short little slice that notes a HFN ending, although it’s more than erotica, so there is hope the two men would start a relationship. Cheyenne is bored at the office, the travel industry having its ups and downs and spends some time day-dreaming about the trip he would take, even though working in the travel industry he doesn’t get to travel as much as he’d hoped. Meanwhile, Rand, is looking to start his life over, having come to the realization that he’s gay. When he sees the help wanted sign in the travel agency window, he stops in to plead his case.

This is one of those fantasy contemporaries, where this kind of thing probably wouldn’t happen in real life, but it’s kind of fun concept to imagine. Both men are immediately attracted to each other and dance around each other trying to determine if the other is gay, and once that becomes clear, the innuendo starts, leading to an “interview” in the back room.

If you are able to look beyond the “that would never happen” aspect of the story, and are in the mood for a quick read, it’s enjoyable. You do get to know a bit about each man and how they got to be where they are in life, but it only takes place in a less than 2 hour (perhaps one hour) period, so there isn’t much room for character development, but they are likable characters.

The hint is that they will continue a relationship or at least dating after the story ends, so while it’s a HFN, to me its leaning to the romance side and most people who like a HEA ending will find it satisfying enough to enjoy.

 

Read Full Post »

Glacialis by Pelaam

Posted in Authors: P-R, C, Futuristic, Science Fiction, Steampunk, YA, tagged , on May 1, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

a168b96162c7c8ef04f11a4fa0b5747c.image.200x300Title: Glacialis
Author: Pelaam
Length: 81 pdf pages, 16,524 words.
Publisher: Silver Stream Press
Genre: m/m YA science fiction/steampunk
Rating: C

Blurb:

Accepting their company’s assignment as medic and nurse on Glacialis, Shae and Bless find their welcome as frigid as the planet itself. Neither Adair, the mine’s foreman nor Merag, his head of security make the men feel welcome or wanted.

When one of the miners seeks medical attention for an injury he doesn’t want Adair to know about, Shae and Bless quickly find themselves investigating illegal activity at the mine, and embroiled in danger.

Shae finds himself falling in love with an undercover Ranger sent to investigate the mine, and he and Bless choose to help him.

Peril takes three forms, each different, but as deadly as the other.

Review:

I was intrigued by the combination of a science fiction blurb and steampunk cover, so I picked up this novelette by a new-to-me author. There’s an interesting premise to this story, but ultimately the writing wasn’t strong enough to carry it off.

Glacialis is told entirely from doctor Shae’s point of view, and it opens with him and his good friend Bless heading down to a frozen planet for a month-long assignment. Both men are reluctant to spend that long in an isolated mine on a planet uninhabited by sentient beings, but with the help of Bless’s holo goggles and the promise of a holiday somewhere pleasant afterwards, they’ll get through it.

Although they’d been expecting hostility from the miners, they weren’t expecting it from management too. But not everyone is as surly as they seem, and when Shae tends to a handsome wounded miner—the undercover Ranger mentioned in the blurb—he finds himself dragged into helping him investigate a conspiracy.

The plot of this story is fast-moving and well thought-out, and I loved the steampunk details to the character’s clothing and the decor of their spaceship. I also enjoyed the fact it was written in British English, with fitting little details like bowler hats and the company being called Britannia. Shae and Bless are appealing characters and there’s a nice friendship between them that I wanted to see develop into something more.

I suspect this last desire of mine might be partly behind why I wasn’t convinced by the introduction of love interest, Tuor, but the main reason for me not finding the romance side of this story a success was the dreaded insta-love. They’ve only met a couple of times when Shae first thinks he’s in love, after a two paragraph telling of how they sit down and discover they have lots in common. We don’t even get the benefit of seeing some of the dialogue, and simply have to take Shae’s word for it about them having great chemistry. However, this is nothing compared to the unexpected introduction of a love interest for Bless too, who seemed nothing more than a convenient character invented to get the heroes out of a tight spot.

The other main aspect of the story that wasn’t successful for me was the worldbuilding. While I enjoyed the steampunk elements, I didn’t get much of a visual sense of the mine or the world they were on. The letalis, who play a big part in events, aren’t even described so I had no idea what they looked like other than them having long claws. One of the reasons I read science fiction is because I like being immersed in another world which is described vividly. I didn’t get that sense here, and there were some strange elements that didn’t seem well thought out, like there being smog on a planet with no towns or cities.

In the end, I found myself skimming the action looking for more description and meaningful character interaction, but there was very little. If you enjoy science fiction more for the adventure part of the plot then you may well have a more positive experience of Glacialis than I did. However, I don’t think it particularly satisfies as a romance, or on the worldbuilding side of the equation.

Read Full Post »

Life After My Unfortunate Demise by Edward Kendrick

Posted in Authors: J-L, C, Contemporary, Paranormal, Romance, tagged , on February 25, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

DemiseTitle: Life After My Unfortunate Demise
Author: Edward Kendrick
Length: 6,480 words (37 pdf pages)
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: m/m paranormal
Rating: C

Blurb:

Ghost Lesson 101: you can’t move on if there’s unfinished business. So Mark tells newly dead Dixon. They have to find out who murdered them. But apparently there is more to it than that, including their growing feelings for each other.

Review:

While I enjoy this author’s work, I didn’t really connect with this story, perhaps because with ghosts you have to have a fair bit of “convenience” to facilitate the romance, although this has a light breezy tone. Mark, a former PI, has been wandering around the building where he was murdered for the last 30 years with only a ghost cat for company. However the hottie lawyer he’s been watching just got murdered and he soon joins Mark in his wanderings. Out if the blue, the cat starts talking and tells them that they are stuck on earth until they know who killed them. That is quickly revealed, but then it seems the murderers have to be caught to move on. Meanwhile, despite being unable to touch anything or anything touch them, Mark and Dixon can touch each other and they make good use of the skill.

As I said, conveniences like only Mark and Dixon can touch each other, and that suddenly the cat speaks and explains what is going on, seemed rather contrived in order to facilitate a romance between the two men. I was also a bit confused as to the whole basis for the murders which had a connection even 30 years later, but the emphasis is on the efforts to prove the crimes which really reinforces the connection between the two men.

I didn’t feel that I really got to know either man that well, ghost perhaps. :-) However people who enjoy stories with ghost protagonists will likely enjoy it and it’s not meant to be taken too seriously. There is a talking cat after all, so I suppose it’s more of the light-hearted sitcom feel with a touch of drama as the killers are revealed.

Read Full Post »

Eye of the Beholder by Edward Kendrick

Posted in Authors: J-L, C+, Contemporary, Mystery, Romance, tagged , on January 21, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

eye beholderTitle: Eye of the Beholder
Author: Edward Kendrick
Length: 19,321 words (104 pages)
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: m/m mystery contemporary
Rating: C+

Blurb:

When Preston is attacked by an unknown assailant, he’s unable to face the future looking as he does. With the help of his new roommate, will he let down his barriers and meet his best friend Cary face to face again?

When porn star Preston is attacked by an unknown assailant who may have been working for his former boss, he goes into seclusion, unable to face the future looking as he now does.

Meanwhile his friend, Cary, and Cary’s boyfriend, give up trying to find Pres and move on with their lives. Then, through his online business, Pres reconnects with his friend, although Cary doesn’t know it is Pres. Will Pres, with the help of the woman with whom he is living, be able to let down his barriers and meet face to face with Cary or will his fears keep them just online friends?

Review:

This format is a bit short for a real mystery, but I do enjoy the author’s style, so enjoyed the story, even though I’d figured out who the bad guy was quite early on. Preston and Cary have been friends for years, and while Preston has been in love with him for some time, Cary shot him down early on fearing ruining their friendship. Preston’s finally finished his contract with sketchy porn studio, and despite threats is happy to be out of it. While Cary is out of town, Preston is attacked in his apartment and badly slashed. His career options go from model to hideous creature (in Preston’s opinion). However before Cary can get back to town, Preston has checked himself out of the hospital and disappeared.

You find out he was taken in by a former friend, now a nurse, and he starts his own web design business allowing him to work without meeting anyone. Of course, by chance, Cary ends up being assigned to work with him on a new company website, and they form a friendship on-line. Finally, Preston admits who he is and they reunite, but within days Preston is shot. Meanwhile it seems Cary’s boyfriend is getting rather paranoid and possessive. Hmmmm.

I really liked Preston’s friend Tabby. She pushed him to get out and be in the world, and she really helped him see that not everyone would view him as horrible. But she wasn’t the interfering friend. Yes, she encouraged both him and Cary to confront their feelings for each other, but I got the impression that if either one had told her to back off, she would have. It wasn’t that eye-rolling interfering female that seems to crop up so often.

As I said, the “mystery” of who attacked Preston was fairly clear, but still, on the whole, I liked Preston and wanted him to find his HEA despite the terrible scarring he had to learn to live with. Those who really want a solid mystery may not enjoy it, but if you like the hurt-comfort theme, combined with friends to lovers, and reunification (wow, lots of tropes covered there), I think you’ll find it a good read to pass the time, if not necessarily one you go back to later.

Read Full Post »

As Spring Rain by Valentina Heart

Posted in Authors: G-I, C, Contemporary, Romance, tagged , on January 15, 2013 | 2 Comments »

Title: As Spring Rain
Author: Valentina Heart
Length: 17,013 words (84 pdf pages)
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: m/m contemporary twincest (triggers – cutting, suicidal ideation)
Rating: C

Blurb:

Michael wants his twin brother Gabriel to be safe from the bad boyfriends Gabriel keeps picking. Gabriel is trying to numb his pain because he’s not supposed to love Michael the way he does… Will they ever make it work?

Michael only wants for his twin brother to be safe as he picks one bad boyfriend after another, never even lingering on the thought of loving Michael the way Michael loves him.

All Gabriel wants is Michael, each morning when he faces the day, and each night when he pulls a stranger’s face in for a kiss instead of the one he wants the most.

Fixing Gabriel’s boyfriend problems is a way of life for Michael, but what he doesn’t know happens behind closed doors, where Gabriel welcomes each kick or hit, and where he numbs his pain with the sharp edge of a razorblade.

Can they find a solution to their situation and make both of them happy?

Review:

I am a fan of twincest, but the treatment of the cutting left me a bit off. The story is told from the first person POV of both characters, switching back and forth from Michael to Gabriel. Michael, while technically the younger twin, has always been looking out for his brother, even more so in recent years when Gabriel has had some unsuccessful relationship. Not merely unsuccessful, but often hurtful and abusive. You find through both men’s thoughts, that they have been lusting after the other, but feeling unable to act, and Gabriel deals with this by choosing inappropriate men and when that sours, by cutting. He has had yet another unsuccessful relationship, although with a “nice guy”, when Michael inadvertently finds him in the act of cutting and everything comes out in the open.

I think that Gabriel’s depression and suicidal thoughts, and why he cut were well explained and came across fairly realistically. Michael’s way of dealing with the conflict was to beat up the exes who hurt Gabriel, and Gabriel’s was to self-harm. However once they get together, Michael says “promise you won’t” and Gabriel basically goes “okay” and that’s it. I’m not a cutter, but it seems to me that simply getting your wish, in this case his brother as a lover, wouldn’t just make the urge stop. Anytime there was stress, and they both acknowledge that they have to mostly keep their relationship a secret due to the nature of it, would cause him to revert to cutting. Maybe. As I said, it just seemed like and easy out to not have to deal with the aftermath of the discovery.

Michael is more dominant in all ways. He’s the top, he keeps Gabriel in line, which could have been hot, but sex while covered in blood from cutting doesn’t really do it for me. I kept getting distracted by it and thinking “Shouldn’t you be bandaging him, not fucking him?” The style is quite lyrical at times, both men, but especially Gabriel, spend a lot of time thinking about the other and discussing the attraction. It’s not really a style that works all that well for me, but I know that’s a personal preference thing, and not to be generalized.

For those interested in a romance that tackles some serious issues like suicidal thoughts and cutting you may find it an interesting read, however it “solves” the problem just a little too simply in my opinion, or at least it comes across that way. For those who have triggers with cutting, you may want to avoid this, as it doesn’t shy away from it at all, or gloss over the blood and scarring. It’s certainly not a read for everyone, given the subject matter of twins combined with the mental health issues, but will definitely work for some readers out there who want to try something a bit different.

Read Full Post »

Sullivan’s Yard by Chris Quinton

Posted in Authors: P-R, B, Contemporary, Paranormal, tagged , on January 7, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

sullivanTitle: Sullivan’s Yard
Author: Chris Quinton
Length: 14,202 words (73 pdf pages)
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: m/m contemporary paranormal
Rating: B

Blurb:

Cal Beaufontaine, the new apprentice chef at the Alhambra in Modesto, is not only hearing seductive whispers in the walls of his new apartment, but he also has to deal with the unwanted attentions of a persistent–and sexy–coworker.

Cal Beaufontaine, son of a Creole restaurateur and a recent graduate from culinary school, is starting his career as an apprentice chef in Modesto, California. His newly renovated apartment borders a derelict peach farm, Sullivan’s Yard, and the lingering scent of peaches inspires dreams of making love to a sexy but faceless man in his backyard beneath a peach tree in full bloom.

On his first day at the Alhambra, a top restaurant in the city, Cal meets Luis, the owner’s Andalusian nephew and one-night stand expert. Luis is fascinated by Cal and begins a determined seduction campaign, but while Cal is immediately attracted, he has no intention of becoming a notch on Luis’s bedpost. Yet his driving ambition to learn all he can and run his own restaurant could be knocked off-track by his growing desire for the Spaniard.

Review:

I will call this story paranormal “light”, it’s got a slight paranormal bent, but that’s not the main driver. Cal has moved to Modesto, California following his graduation from a culinary school to work at a family-run restaurant. He’s found a place to stay, it’s not great but clean and neat, and used to be part of an old peach plantation. Before long he’s hearing faint voices sometimes, but it really doesn’t bother him.

Everyone at work is terrific, however Luis is insistent in pursuing Cal who has a no-sleeping-with-coworkers policy. However he soon gets Luis to back-off and they become friends, exploring local vineyards. Cal has also tries to convince his father, a restaurant magnate in his own right, that purchasing the languishing old house and orchard would be a great investment to start a hotel and restaurant.

I really liked Cal. He’s smart and willing to work his way up and he’s a nice guy. He’s not afraid of hard work (apparently you won’t last long in the restaurant biz if you are) and despite being attracted to Luis, he’s able to control his hormones and keep the relationship to just friend. Seeing Luis go from man-whore to kind of settling in with his family (he’s an American but was raised in Spain) was also nice. The paranormal aspect comes as the voices sound remarkably like him and Luis and the erotic dreams he has about a mystery man seem an awful lot like Luis. Is it ghosts of the past or an imprint of the future. Hmmm.

It was a nice read although I would have loved to see down the road when the hotel/restaurant was finished. I’m afraid that idea of taking a total wreck of a place and refurbishing it to old glory kind of appeals to me. But seeing them become friends first rather than just jump into bed was nice, even though the attraction simmered. I would recommend it when you’re in the mood for something without a lot of angst.

 

Read Full Post »

The Broken Road by Anna Lee

Posted in Authors: J-L, C-, Contemporary, Romance, tagged , on December 31, 2012 | 2 Comments »

ThebrokenroadTitle: The Broken Road
Author: Anna Lee
Length: 19,132 words
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: m/m contemporary romance
Rating: C-

Blurb:
Nearly a year and half ago, Kason Tyler’s life was turned upside down when a drunk driver hit his car. To make matters worse, Kason’s boyfriend Blake walked out on him while he was recovering. Now, confined to a wheelchair and insecure, Kason is afraid he’ll never find someone to see past it. Then he meets Ryen Moore in his coffee shop. Falling head over heels for Ryen is easy. When Blake reappears and tries to steal their happiness away, Kason puts his trust in Ryen and realizes that his broken road has led him to love.

Review:
I picked up this book because one of the heroes, Kason, is in a wheel chair and I’m always interested to see how the theme of disability is handled in romance. Unfortunately, I was only a couple of pages into the story before I realised it wasn’t going to be to my taste. Kason and Ryen meet when Kason spends some time in a coffee shop working on his play. Ryen runs the coffee shop and it isn’t long before both men are flirting and setting up a date. After that it all got a bit too sickly sweet for me. The story is an insta-love tale, with first date sharing of a traumatic past and within a week the pair are meeting the fanmily and claiming they will be together forever. It takes a little longer to get to the actual ‘I love yous’ but the thought is there from the very start.

Just when I was wondering what the point of the story is, except for me to watch two guys being increasingly more sappy towards each other, along comes the ex-boyfriend who not only turns out to be a selfish idiot, he’s also a total psychopath. It’s OK, though because Ryen saves the day and we can then move into a epilogue worthy of any romance movie made by Disney.

Now, I fully admit that this book didn’t work for me, but having said that, if you are the sort of reader who is looking for a very sweet story with nice guy characters then this would be just right for you. Kason’s disability is explored in a sympathetic way, showing some of the disadvantages both physically and mentally to being in a wheelchair. The theme of family is strong too, although I found it a little puzzling that Kason’s mom wasn’t given a name and just referred to as ‘Kason’s mom’ all the time. Disability access is a big issue in the UK, so I was also a little puzzled that Kason didn’t have more problems with access – or may it’s just different in the USA and access for the disabled isn’t as much of a problem.

Overall, this story wasn’t to my taste but I can see how it might appeal to those who need something very romantic and sweet.

Read Full Post »

Wrapped Around Your Handle Bars by Azura Ice

Posted in Authors: G-I, C-, Contemporary, Romance, tagged , on December 28, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

wrappedTitle: Wrapped Around Your Handlebars
Author: Azura Ice
Length: 13,915 words (79 pdf pages)
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: m/m contemporary
Rating: C-

Blurb:

With Christmas weeks away, Oak finally ends a bad relationship that’s been dying for years. Traveling alone on his motorcycle seems the best way to clear his head. But once he meets Chandler, a waiter at a roadside restaurant, plans change.

After three years of trying to revive his relationship, Oak finally kicks his partner out. Christmas is only two weeks away, and he finds himself traveling by motorcycle up the eastern coast line. Everything changes suddenly when he meets Chandler, a waiter at a Florida City restaurant. Oak insists he’s not interested in the guy, but he’s drawn to his unique perspective on life, even if his enthusiasm for Christmas is overwhelming.

However, Oak hasn’t seen his family since his father kicked him out eleven years ago. Chandler thinks it’s time to visit Oak’s mother and sisters, so when Oak asks him to travel together, they embark on a path to redemption and a new, healthy love for one another.

Review:

While on the surface this is well written and sentimental, I was confused by some of the characters actions. Oak has kicked out his drug dealing boyfriend and decided to hit the road. He’s given the man three months to leave, but he’s not ready to give up yet and keeps calling Oak begging for second chances, however Oak doesn’t give in. He stops at a diner where he sees sexy Chandler, they flirt a bit, but nothing comes of it. As he’s getting ready to leave, he sees Chandler’s motorcycle and stops. Chandler invites him into the small room he stays in where he finds out more about him.

Following the death of Chandler’s brother, he’s been riding the country exploring, stopping and working for a bit then moving on. On impulse, Oak asks him to come with him, and Chandler encourage Oak to go back home and see his mother (his father died a bit ago) despite the bad terms he left on when his father kicked him out.

I had a few issues. Where was Oak going to go for three months? That’s never really indicated. Did he not have a job and have to pay the mortgage on his house? And I have to say, a couple of stories this year have featured parents who did not defend their kids when a step-parent kicked them out, and yet now, years later, everything is all happy happy when they get back together. Oak’s mother “knew he’d come home”. What? Why did you not defend him? You knew he moved to Key West, you knew your husband was responsible, and you never tried to get in touch? You claim you love him and never stopped, but you never stood up for him. I may be a Mama Bear mother, but I just can’t say “oh, that’s okay then, everything’s fine now.”

So I think in this case it may be entirely personal. I just find the “I’ll forgive anything so we can have a sweet family Christmas” stories more annoying than sweet. But as I said, that’s me and perhaps I am more unforgiving than most. I just can’t give a parent a free pass when they don’t stick up for their kid, not without a very good reason or some sufficient groveling, which did not happen here. Other’s may not mind this device so take that into account when deciding on this story.

Read Full Post »

Joys R Us by Kim Fielding

Posted in Authors: D-F, C, Contemporary, Romance, tagged , on December 27, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

JoysTitle: Joys R Us
Author: Kim Fielding
Length: 9,082 words (49 pdf pages)
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: m/m contemporary
Rating: C

Blurb: 

Reece considers holiday events wasteful. But when he’s coerced into standing in line for this year’s must-have toy, he gets trampled by the crowd. Store manager Angel rescues him–but can Angel also show Reece the joy of Christmas?

Reece is a practical, orderly man, a financial analyst who considers most holiday events wasteful. But his sister coerces him into standing in line overnight for this year’s must-have toy. Supplies of Daredevil Danny prove smaller than expected, and Reece gets trampled in the resulting stampede. Toy store manager Angel tends to Reece’s wounds. When Angel discovers Reece’s cynical attitude, he invites Reece to spend Christmas Eve with him. Over the course of the day, Angel shows Reece what Christmas means to him. With Angel’s guidance, maybe Reece can finally understand the joy of the holiday–and maybe even find love as well.

Review:

Flashes of humour in this story made it entertaining, but I felt a bit like I was being preached at, or rather Reece was. When his sister “blackmails” him into going to the toy store to get the latest gift for her son, Reece is not impressed. He thinks the kid would be better off with money in his college fund than a hunk of plastic, but he agrees to go. It’s worse than he imagined and even though he got a number indicating he was guaranteed the toy, he is trampled by the stampeding mob and while being tended by hot Assistant Manager Angel, he loses his chance to get the toy. However Angel asks him out, so all is not lost.

Their date turns out to be Angel’s opportunity to imbue Reece with the Christmas spirit, taking him on a variety of charitable outings, including serving at a soup kitchen and wrapping gifts at the shelter for homeless LGBT people, showing Reece that there is more to gift giving than just greed and crass commercialism. This is where it kind of lost me. I find the “let me show you all the poor people and how you can improve their lives” message rather preachy and over-done. Is Reece, an intelligent educated man unaware of homeless people or banished youth? And does one experience with them really change you? I suppose it’s the Christmas Carol method of awakening, but I find it rather as if I, along with the main character, am being lectured to. But that is just me.

I didn’t really connect with either man that much. While I like curmudgeonly characters, Reece was just annoying and Angel seemed to go the extreme opposite. I’m not sure two such disparate mind could really meet, but this is just my opinion. It’s a bit more of a sentimental story than some others and if you like that “touched by the Christmas spirit” trope, you’ll probably enjoy this one a bit more than I did.

Read Full Post »

Older Posts »

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 347 other followers