Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 32

  

• Awakenings and French Songs, Nell Iris
• Omega's Healing Hands: Book 1, Mackenzie Wilde
• Kiss Me Like You Mean It: Valentines Inc. Book 1, Jacki James

A birthday bash matching the Iggy of the past just doesn't work for him anymore.  Not to mention a few insults from a rejected bathroom encounter sealing his decision to leave his own party.  But he has no idea why the life he's led is so unfulfilling now.  A deep sense of dissatisfaction sends him home early and an invitation from the handsome, tender single dad across the hall is just what his soul needs, always needs.  An evening of tea, conversation, and achingly beautiful French music opens his eyes to new possibilities, ones that just might bring him love.

This was sweet, slow, and warm.  With the simple yet effective setting of a table, tea, and a friend we're instantly drawn into the warmth of the scene and aside from getting them from friends to more, I'm an instant believer in their forever.  By adding the daughter as well as some drama regarding the ex, you'd think that it would be marred by misunderstandings, reservations, or doubts, but every piece fit, was given enough attention to matter but not overwhelm, and only what could be resolved was.  It was believable.  From start to finish, I liked both men quite a lot.  Ronan was someone I more had to accept at face value, but the very end where the confession came, it was all heart and very sweet.  For such a short story there was quite a bit of depth and I couldn't help but enjoy it all.  4.5 stars.

A damaged body and a healer's hands.  Neither man is expecting love to come from the situation but few do.  We spend a significant amount of time getting to know the expansive anger Danny carries.  He lashes out and gets so angry all the time that it's almost grating since it only lightens when Brad is there.  There's not much in terms of relationship development at all since this is only the first part of their story, and while I can see where it's going, I'm not seeing a very promising start.

For a part 1, this was an adequate beginning and lays the groundwork for all that Danny has to overcome to find peace with himself, his career, and his family before he can hope for love with Brad.  What we're given doesn't feel compelling or even truly romantic either; I'm only mildly interested in finding out more.  I hate to be blunt, but with very little redeeming qualities in Danny, knowing virtually nothing about Brad, and no relationship to speak of, there's practically nothing to recommend for me to continue.  2 stars.

When a lie becomes the truth and brings two men their perfect partner.  Clayton needs a boyfriend, but it has to be fake since he's straight.  Trevor is bored during the winter season so he helps out and takes the gig.  What should have been a fun trip of skiing and pretending for a hot, fun, nice guy turns into something far more than Trevor signed up for.  Clayton isn't prepared for everything Trevor makes him feel, especially when the kisses aren't even in view of his audience.  The problem?  He means it.  Does Trevor?

Holy sweet tenderness and steam!  I'm in love.  Seriously.  5 sweet and fluffy stars with a tablespoon of steam to amp it up.  Everything is completely effortless with zero angst and nothing to truly tear them apart.  One might argue that this was too simple, I argue that it's perfect for a quick and steamy read for the sappiest of all holidays.  Through Trevor's care and attention to detail Clay felt appreciated, cared for, and happy.  None of his efforts were appreciated by his ex, but the circumstances allowed him to let it all out.  Turns out that was the best thing he could have done because Clay soaked it up.  Clay was comfortable, honest, eager, and observant as well.  They made the best match and I loved that it was Clay that reassured Trevor when mentions of the future were stumbled upon.  And that Trevor decided to be the kind of boyfriend he always wanted to be rather than holding himself in reserve the way we see many fake relationship trope stories begin.  Written well with awesome flow, no conflict, and a supportive cast that rounded it all out, I'm completely won over.  5 stars.