H. Lewis-Foster

Old flames are quite often just that – old and no longer relevant when they reappear. But, as Jeff experiences in this story, the draw can still be there years later, even if the flame in question, one band member called Danny, was more of an extremely short-lived crush and one kiss about three years earlier.

Jeff recovers from Danny’s rejection and goes to university, where he begins his life as a gay man. What follows is a touching story of his coming out to himself and the world at large, as well as his discovery of what is really important in life. With a great set of secondary characters, in a well described setting in the 1960s and a perfect ending in current times, this is more than an entertaining story. It is also a great description of what coming of age as a gay man meant in a time when same-sex relationships were far less accepted than they are beginning to be in the 2010s.

Jeff is all about exploring his sexuality, mainly with his most frequent lover Archie. They are not exclusive (mostly on Archie’s side), and Jeff doesn’t think of that as a problem unless confronted with Archie’s other liaisons. The news of Danny’s band coming to play near them has a curious effect on both Jeff and Archie. Jeff is still sort of curious, but he is far more self-confident than he used to be. Archie begins to realize what he may be missing by playing around instead of focusing on Jeff. And as Jeff explores non-exclusivity with Danny, Archie learns a thing or two as well. Emotional involvement sneaks up on both of them, and it was fascinating to watch how they each deal with the idea.

If you like stories set in recent history that help you understand what life was like for gay men before marriage equality became real, if two young men trying to define their life principles sound interesting, and if you’re looking for a read that is as much a historical document as it is a character study, then you might like this novella.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.… (más)

Some bets are made with the intent (or rather hope) to win, some are made on a whim, and some, apparently, for old time's sake. Paul places such a bet just after graduating from college, thinking of it almost as a memorial to his friendship with his buddy, who wins more often than not. Snow falling in London on Christmas Day is about as likely as the story that follows, but I much preferred its outcome to snow in London! So does Paul, I suspect.

Right after graduation Paul discovers that a degree in English isn’t very useful when looking for a paying job. He's pretty desperate to try anything so he can move out of his parents' house, and ends up as an au pair. I thought the scene with his interview, going for a job he has absolutely no qualifications for, was really funny. His subsequent adventures with two-year-old George made me laugh, and the growing bond with George's adoptive dad had me smiling.

Ben is left with a two-year-old son after his partner, the boy's natural father via a surrogate, dies in an accident. While he loves the little boy, kids aren’t really his thing, so he is relieved when he finds Paul to help out. Over the weeks that follow he finds himself attracted to Paul and initiates the next stage in their relationship.

This is a sweet, easy read, one of those Christmassy fairy tales that will make you smile. If you're looking for massive conflict, an intricate plot, or a sweeping storyline, this isn’t the book you should read. If you want something easy and fun, with a cute kid and a cuter dad, a modern-day fairy tale that will put you in the mood for Christmas and make you smile, then give this one a try.




NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
… (más)

This slim mundane vignette brings two men together, but doesn't explore any new ground as far as romance is concerned.

Thirty-three year old British lawyer Adam Sibden moves from a modern apartment in Nottingham to the charming, thatched Sage Cottage in the village of Sharpley after Roger, his partner of five years, proves to be a philanderer. When he has car problems, Adam visits a garage owned by Jim, who'd taken over the business from his father.

They get to know one another through visits to the local pub where they often share pints with Jim's pals. One snowy night, however, when Adam has a flat tire and calls Jim, they completely connect and commiserate on their bad luck in finding love up until they found each other.

Because the story is so short (23 pages), neither Adam nor Jim are very developed as characters, and their backstories of having partners and losing them are so typical as to be bland, this novella never becomes even a little bit memorable.

Read the rest of my review at The Romance Reviews: http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=14398… (más)