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heabooknerd's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this, especially Elliott's love of books which I can totally understand, though my hoarding is mostly digital, to my husband's everlasting happiness. Told completely from Elliott's POV, I loved watching as he found himself and his confidence again. His ex-boyfriend's betrayal royally ruined Elliott's life and he's just starting to get back on his feet. Elliott is so incredibly sweet that I wanted everything to work out for him immediately because I couldn't stand his unhappiness. Considering his circumstances, this book overall was very light and uplifting and it was the perfect weekend read.
Simon acts as a great partner for Elliott and he too goes through his own journey as he comes to terms with his family finding out about his sexual orientation. He's embraced his preferences for himself and wants to find love but he also doesn't want to disappoint his large, religious family. As Simon and Elliott grow closer, you can really see the struggle he goes through to find a way to make their relationship work out in the long run. I'm so happy that Amy Fielding included Simon's coming out in the story because it's such a turning point. When Simon brought Elliott to visit his family for the holidays, it was like a fist squeezing my heart; it was so beautiful and I got choked up. Elliott's support was everything and even though Simon struggles with the results afterward you know the love these two share can overcome anything.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Simon acts as a great partner for Elliott and he too goes through his own journey as he comes to terms with his family finding out about his sexual orientation. He's embraced his preferences for himself and wants to find love but he also doesn't want to disappoint his large, religious family. As Simon and Elliott grow closer, you can really see the struggle he goes through to find a way to make their relationship work out in the long run. I'm so happy that Amy Fielding included Simon's coming out in the story because it's such a turning point. When Simon brought Elliott to visit his family for the holidays, it was like a fist squeezing my heart; it was so beautiful and I got choked up. Elliott's support was everything and even though Simon struggles with the results afterward you know the love these two share can overcome anything.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
rainjrop's review
3.0
This was a sweet, low-key romance with real-life drama that kept things interesting without veering into the melodramatic. I always enjoy Kim Fielding's books, so I'm glad I picked it up.
gillianw's review
4.0
Reviewed for Just Love
3.5 stars (rounded up for GR)
If you’re looking for a gentle, low-heat romance with sympathetic characters who (bonus!) love to read, then stop what you’re doing right now and go pick up a copy of The Little Library.
While I personally found the story a little bit slow and slightly predictable, there was a certain appeal to it, especially the MC’s who were – thankfully – not physically perfect and who were struggling in ways that were completely relatable.
Elliott is hiding out in his home after a scandal involving his ex-lover destroys his relationship and possibly his career. His only companions are the books he compulsively purchases online, plus his brother and sister-in-law who are understanding of his circumstances but concerned he’s shutting himself off from everyone else.
Simon is a police offer still recovering from a shooting incident that has not only left him physically impaired, but questioning if a career in law enforcement is even possible anymore. His large, boisterous, close-knit family is everything to him but he fears risking the respect and love of the people he cares about most if he ever wants to tell them the truth about his sexuality.
Elliott and Simon bond over the little library that Elliott decides to build when his book hoarding threatens to spin out of control. When an almost disastrous first-date turns into a careful courtship, both men have to make important decisions about their future as a couple, and if what they have together is working risking their respective careers and family.
This is a very low-angst story which will satisfy anyone looking for something a bit more subdued. Although I generally need a little more passion (not necessarily sex, just passion) and intensity in my books, I can’t dismiss the fact that I did enjoy parts of this and was fond of both Elliott and Simon. Not fond enough for a higher rating, mind you, but enough that I feel comfortable recommending this book.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
3.5 stars (rounded up for GR)
If you’re looking for a gentle, low-heat romance with sympathetic characters who (bonus!) love to read, then stop what you’re doing right now and go pick up a copy of The Little Library.
While I personally found the story a little bit slow and slightly predictable, there was a certain appeal to it, especially the MC’s who were – thankfully – not physically perfect and who were struggling in ways that were completely relatable.
Elliott is hiding out in his home after a scandal involving his ex-lover destroys his relationship and possibly his career. His only companions are the books he compulsively purchases online, plus his brother and sister-in-law who are understanding of his circumstances but concerned he’s shutting himself off from everyone else.
Simon is a police offer still recovering from a shooting incident that has not only left him physically impaired, but questioning if a career in law enforcement is even possible anymore. His large, boisterous, close-knit family is everything to him but he fears risking the respect and love of the people he cares about most if he ever wants to tell them the truth about his sexuality.
Elliott and Simon bond over the little library that Elliott decides to build when his book hoarding threatens to spin out of control. When an almost disastrous first-date turns into a careful courtship, both men have to make important decisions about their future as a couple, and if what they have together is working risking their respective careers and family.
This is a very low-angst story which will satisfy anyone looking for something a bit more subdued. Although I generally need a little more passion (not necessarily sex, just passion) and intensity in my books, I can’t dismiss the fact that I did enjoy parts of this and was fond of both Elliott and Simon. Not fond enough for a higher rating, mind you, but enough that I feel comfortable recommending this book.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
baldmarlin's review
5.0
I finished this book over the course of one day, reading at work, at lunch, at home, etc. About halfway through, I wish I had gone slower so that I could savor how well written and adorable the story ended up being. There are probably spoilers in here, but I'll try to be cautious.
The Pros:
It's rare to find a romance story where anxiety disorders are written in a way where the love interest isn't trying to save them from their affliction. Simon supports Elliott and offers help, but he doesn't act like Elliott needs saving.
And the communication between the two, they actually talk through their worries and problems. They are open with each other and their doubts.
I also really enjoyed the fact that their first date was realistic, in that it was equal parts embarrassing and charming. It's nice to read about two people falling in love even when they don't have perfect dates and perfect lives.
Simon's disability was so well-written and I loved Elliott even more for being patient and encouraging but not pushy.
Finally, I'm so glad that Simon's story was realistic as well. Without spoiling anything, there's no hand-waving of acceptance and love right away. It's an old-world family with old-world beliefs and they're going to take some time. It's a happy ending, but not right away.
Cons (of which there are very few): I wish we got more Miri and less Mike, but that's so minor. I would have loved a little bit more about Simon's background as a cop, but I know the story is from Elliott's point of view, so we only get what Simon talks about.
All in all, I would give this 4.5/5. I tend to over-rate because I'm a sucker for realistic romances.
The Pros:
It's rare to find a romance story where anxiety disorders are written in a way where the love interest isn't trying to save them from their affliction. Simon supports Elliott and offers help, but he doesn't act like Elliott needs saving.
And the communication between the two, they actually talk through their worries and problems. They are open with each other and their doubts.
I also really enjoyed the fact that their first date was realistic, in that it was equal parts embarrassing and charming. It's nice to read about two people falling in love even when they don't have perfect dates and perfect lives.
Simon's disability was so well-written and I loved Elliott even more for being patient and encouraging but not pushy.
Finally, I'm so glad that Simon's story was realistic as well. Without spoiling anything, there's no hand-waving of acceptance and love right away. It's an old-world family with old-world beliefs and they're going to take some time. It's a happy ending, but not right away.
Cons (of which there are very few): I wish we got more Miri and less Mike, but that's so minor. I would have loved a little bit more about Simon's background as a cop, but I know the story is from Elliott's point of view, so we only get what Simon talks about.
All in all, I would give this 4.5/5. I tend to over-rate because I'm a sucker for realistic romances.
leelee68's review
5.0
I thought this was a sweet book. I enjoyed how they met and the little library in his yard loved it!
annieb123's review
4.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Little Library, due out 26th March, 2018 by Kim Fielding is a very well written, sweetly cozy M/M romance. The main story balances love and career choices for two outwardly different guys, former cop Simon, injured in the line of duty, and historian and professor Elliott, a bookhoarder nerd.
They meet in their neighborhood and catch one another's eye, but it isn't until Elliott builds a Little Library that they find a common ground. The library becomes a center point for the entire neighborhood and introverted Elliott begins to come out of his shell and interact with the people around him as his neighbors enjoy borrowing and sharing books.
There is an awful lot to love here. The theme of books is ever close to my heart. I find it very difficult to weed through my own library, even those books which I've bought in e-format. I love it that Elliott built a little library and shows incredible strength and growth as a character which is believable. I found myself rooting for Simon and his issues with his family and his burgeoning relationship with Elliott.
I love that the author is clearly a huge book fan herself. This book is chock full of real book references to chase down for further reading and reference. I really like books that turn me on to other books!
There was some drama, but relatively low-angst and sweetly reassuring. I just really really enjoyed this book. Their first date was hysterically funny. Real laugh-out-loud funny is very difficult to write, but Ms. Fielding does a great job.
The author manages to sneak some really good messages into the narrative without being preachy or smug. Themes such as tolerance, community, strength in adversity, love over money, personal growth, family, and the importance of education and preserving our cultural history, the author handles all of them deftly and with sensitivity.
Four and a half stars. Well written, well edited, and entertaining. Bonus points for rescue dog Ishtar.
300 pages, due out 26th March, 2018 from Riptide Publishing available in print & ebook formats.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
The Little Library, due out 26th March, 2018 by Kim Fielding is a very well written, sweetly cozy M/M romance. The main story balances love and career choices for two outwardly different guys, former cop Simon, injured in the line of duty, and historian and professor Elliott, a book
They meet in their neighborhood and catch one another's eye, but it isn't until Elliott builds a Little Library that they find a common ground. The library becomes a center point for the entire neighborhood and introverted Elliott begins to come out of his shell and interact with the people around him as his neighbors enjoy borrowing and sharing books.
There is an awful lot to love here. The theme of books is ever close to my heart. I find it very difficult to weed through my own library, even those books which I've bought in e-format. I love it that Elliott built a little library and shows incredible strength and growth as a character which is believable. I found myself rooting for Simon and his issues with his family and his burgeoning relationship with Elliott.
I love that the author is clearly a huge book fan herself. This book is chock full of real book references to chase down for further reading and reference. I really like books that turn me on to other books!
There was some drama, but relatively low-angst and sweetly reassuring. I just really really enjoyed this book. Their first date was hysterically funny. Real laugh-out-loud funny is very difficult to write, but Ms. Fielding does a great job.
The author manages to sneak some really good messages into the narrative without being preachy or smug. Themes such as tolerance, community, strength in adversity, love over money, personal growth, family, and the importance of education and preserving our cultural history, the author handles all of them deftly and with sensitivity.
Four and a half stars. Well written, well edited, and entertaining. Bonus points for rescue dog Ishtar.
300 pages, due out 26th March, 2018 from Riptide Publishing available in print & ebook formats.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
lolasreviews's review
3.0
I received a free copy of this book through netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
The Little Library caught my attention when I was scrolling through netgalley and I am glad I decided to request it. It's an enjoyable romance book with a bit of a bookish theme. I had a fun time reading this book, although I had a few small issues with the book and the way it was written sadly failed to fully pull me into the story. But overall it was a good read and I am glad I gave it a try. It's more of a 3.5 star rating, but not yet fully a 4 star for me.
The Little Library follows the story of Elliott, who has a lot of books. Then one day he decides to do something about it and clear out some of those books with the help of a little library. Through the library he meets new people and eventually discovers someone is lending his gay books and he wants to find out who. And that's how the romance eventually starts. The bookish/ little library plot line was a fun addition. It's something almost every book lover can relate to and I liked how it was a part of the plot, but it wasn't overdone or too prominent.
This was a gentle paced romance with lots of sweet scenes and a bit of heat. I liked how Elliott and Simon took the time to get to know each other a bit and go on dates before they landed in bed together. I liked these two together and I enjoyed reading about their dates, from their first awkward dinner together to the trips they took. It was fun to see them grow closer and get to know each other. I really liked these two and how they really cared about each other. And I liked how accepting they were of the other and their eccentricities.
There were two obvious points of conflict from the start of the book and while they got mentioned a few times, it's like both characters wait with addressing it until the end. There's a bit of drama toward the end I didn't really care for, but I did like how they resolved it eventually and how they stayed honest with each other. Although I would've liked a bit more talking through things. There also was a bit of a plot line about Elliott's ex that I didn't really care for, they mentioned him a lot and how this relationship was compared to the previous one. And while that partly felt natural, I also tough it was a bit much at times.
My main issue with the book was how it felt like it stayed a bit distant at times. It's hard to explain, but I felt like I didn't get as deep into Elliott's thoughts and feelings as I would've liked. he's the main character, but at times it almost feels like someone else telling his story than himself. Sometimes I wasn't sure what he really wanted, or maybe he didn't know himself. But it was difficult at times to get pulled as much in the story as I would've liked. There is one scene later in the book which shows some emotion and feeling, which was great and I felt I understood Elliott was going through and why he was so conflicted. I just would've liked a bit more of that. There were also a lot of topics regarding their jobs, lives and dreams that got touched upon that I felt could've been explored in a bit more detail.
There are also some scenes at the start of the book mostly where Elliott and Simon are together and due to the way it was written I had the hardest time remembering who was who. It got a bit better as the book progressed, but it was still difficult in some scenes. It got me out of the story a bit when that happened. Not sure if it's just me or something about the writing, but I just had to pay some extra attention in those scenes.
I also had two small annoyances over some specific events that happened. One is a gift that Simon gifts Elliott. One the one hand I think it was the perfect gift for him, but at the same time I think it's the type of gift you should never gift someone without asking first. I did like how that gift continued to play a role so overall I am still happy how that played out. The second thing is how it was suggested that being a loner / not having much interaction with real life people was inherently bad. And while I do think Elliott was a bit lonely and could use the extra human contact, that message still bothered me a bit as I do think it's possible to be a loner or not go out often and be happy.
To summarize: I had fun reading this book. It's a MM contemporary romance with a bit of a slow build and a bit of heat. I liked the bookish theme with Elliott being a booklover and setting up the little library and how that was part of the story. I did have some trouble getting fully pulled into the story at times and would've liked to have a clearer idea of what Elliott thought and felt at times. There were some scenes with Simon and Elliott together were I got confused about who was who, which was a tad confusing. I did like the romance between these two and liked them together, they made for a great couple and I liked how caring they were. All in all I had fun with this book and would recommend it if you're looking for a fun MM Contemporary Romance with a slight bookish theme.
The Little Library caught my attention when I was scrolling through netgalley and I am glad I decided to request it. It's an enjoyable romance book with a bit of a bookish theme. I had a fun time reading this book, although I had a few small issues with the book and the way it was written sadly failed to fully pull me into the story. But overall it was a good read and I am glad I gave it a try. It's more of a 3.5 star rating, but not yet fully a 4 star for me.
The Little Library follows the story of Elliott, who has a lot of books. Then one day he decides to do something about it and clear out some of those books with the help of a little library. Through the library he meets new people and eventually discovers someone is lending his gay books and he wants to find out who. And that's how the romance eventually starts. The bookish/ little library plot line was a fun addition. It's something almost every book lover can relate to and I liked how it was a part of the plot, but it wasn't overdone or too prominent.
This was a gentle paced romance with lots of sweet scenes and a bit of heat. I liked how Elliott and Simon took the time to get to know each other a bit and go on dates before they landed in bed together. I liked these two together and I enjoyed reading about their dates, from their first awkward dinner together to the trips they took. It was fun to see them grow closer and get to know each other. I really liked these two and how they really cared about each other. And I liked how accepting they were of the other and their eccentricities.
There were two obvious points of conflict from the start of the book and while they got mentioned a few times, it's like both characters wait with addressing it until the end. There's a bit of drama toward the end I didn't really care for, but I did like how they resolved it eventually and how they stayed honest with each other. Although I would've liked a bit more talking through things. There also was a bit of a plot line about Elliott's ex that I didn't really care for, they mentioned him a lot and how this relationship was compared to the previous one. And while that partly felt natural, I also tough it was a bit much at times.
My main issue with the book was how it felt like it stayed a bit distant at times. It's hard to explain, but I felt like I didn't get as deep into Elliott's thoughts and feelings as I would've liked. he's the main character, but at times it almost feels like someone else telling his story than himself. Sometimes I wasn't sure what he really wanted, or maybe he didn't know himself. But it was difficult at times to get pulled as much in the story as I would've liked. There is one scene later in the book which shows some emotion and feeling, which was great and I felt I understood Elliott was going through and why he was so conflicted. I just would've liked a bit more of that. There were also a lot of topics regarding their jobs, lives and dreams that got touched upon that I felt could've been explored in a bit more detail.
There are also some scenes at the start of the book mostly where Elliott and Simon are together and due to the way it was written I had the hardest time remembering who was who. It got a bit better as the book progressed, but it was still difficult in some scenes. It got me out of the story a bit when that happened. Not sure if it's just me or something about the writing, but I just had to pay some extra attention in those scenes.
I also had two small annoyances over some specific events that happened. One is a gift that Simon gifts Elliott. One the one hand I think it was the perfect gift for him, but at the same time I think it's the type of gift you should never gift someone without asking first. I did like how that gift continued to play a role so overall I am still happy how that played out. The second thing is how it was suggested that being a loner / not having much interaction with real life people was inherently bad. And while I do think Elliott was a bit lonely and could use the extra human contact, that message still bothered me a bit as I do think it's possible to be a loner or not go out often and be happy.
To summarize: I had fun reading this book. It's a MM contemporary romance with a bit of a slow build and a bit of heat. I liked the bookish theme with Elliott being a booklover and setting up the little library and how that was part of the story. I did have some trouble getting fully pulled into the story at times and would've liked to have a clearer idea of what Elliott thought and felt at times. There were some scenes with Simon and Elliott together were I got confused about who was who, which was a tad confusing. I did like the romance between these two and liked them together, they made for a great couple and I liked how caring they were. All in all I had fun with this book and would recommend it if you're looking for a fun MM Contemporary Romance with a slight bookish theme.
witandsin's review
5.0
4.5 stars - Reviewed for Wit and Sin
The Little Library is a slow burn romance charms me every time I read it. Simon and Elliott are interesting, refreshingly imperfect characters and I loved watching them go from strangers to friends to lovers to something much more.
Elliott is a college professor whose fast track to tenure was derailed when he was embroiled in his boyfriend’s scandal. Wounded professionally and personally, he has moved back to his California hometown where he teaches online classes and is mostly a hermit. When his brother points out that his love of books has turned into a borderline hoarding problem, Elliott builds a small neighborhood library in his front yard. I absolutely loved watching Elliott come out of his shell and start to interact with people again. The library is a wonderful way to do it and I adored seeing how it brought people together. It’s the kind of thing that would make any bibliophile’s heart happy (although Elliott’s book buying addiction was totally relatable).
The most important person Elliott meets in his neighborhood is Simon Odisho. The former cop is recovering from a shattered knee and is in the process of reevaluating what he wants to do with his life. Both men are at a crossroads when they meet and they start to come out of their shells together. Attraction simmers between them, but Simon is in the closet and Elliott has no desire to be anyone’s secret ever again. Still, there’s no denying how perfectly they fit and I absolutely loved watching their relationship develop. Simon has hidden vulnerabilities and Elliott has been hurt badly, so it’s not easy for them to take the risk of opening their hearts. Their story isn’t perfect, but flaws and all I was rooting for the two men every step of the way.
The Little Library moves at a somewhat leisurely pace but it never feels slow. I live in California and I’m familiar with a lot of the places Simon and Elliott go in this book, so it was an extra bit of fun for me to see where they went as they slowly fell in love. Author Kim Fielding balances romance, personal growth, and community perfectly in this story and it couldn’t have made me happier. I’ve read this book twice and I honestly can’t wait to re-read it again.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the previous publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Little Library is a slow burn romance charms me every time I read it. Simon and Elliott are interesting, refreshingly imperfect characters and I loved watching them go from strangers to friends to lovers to something much more.
Elliott is a college professor whose fast track to tenure was derailed when he was embroiled in his boyfriend’s scandal. Wounded professionally and personally, he has moved back to his California hometown where he teaches online classes and is mostly a hermit. When his brother points out that his love of books has turned into a borderline hoarding problem, Elliott builds a small neighborhood library in his front yard. I absolutely loved watching Elliott come out of his shell and start to interact with people again. The library is a wonderful way to do it and I adored seeing how it brought people together. It’s the kind of thing that would make any bibliophile’s heart happy (although Elliott’s book buying addiction was totally relatable).
The most important person Elliott meets in his neighborhood is Simon Odisho. The former cop is recovering from a shattered knee and is in the process of reevaluating what he wants to do with his life. Both men are at a crossroads when they meet and they start to come out of their shells together. Attraction simmers between them, but Simon is in the closet and Elliott has no desire to be anyone’s secret ever again. Still, there’s no denying how perfectly they fit and I absolutely loved watching their relationship develop. Simon has hidden vulnerabilities and Elliott has been hurt badly, so it’s not easy for them to take the risk of opening their hearts. Their story isn’t perfect, but flaws and all I was rooting for the two men every step of the way.
The Little Library moves at a somewhat leisurely pace but it never feels slow. I live in California and I’m familiar with a lot of the places Simon and Elliott go in this book, so it was an extra bit of fun for me to see where they went as they slowly fell in love. Author Kim Fielding balances romance, personal growth, and community perfectly in this story and it couldn’t have made me happier. I’ve read this book twice and I honestly can’t wait to re-read it again.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the previous publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.