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ellelainey's review
5.0
Ugh, this was one adorable and sweet, lovely romantic story. It was your typical slow-burn, with no heat, no 18+ material, but not really a YA story. It actually had quite a historical vibe to it, in the way Thomas behaved, spoke etc, so it was lovely to see this slow, historical-esque romance burn between them. It felt just right for the characters.
Though it ended too soon, and I would have loved for it to be a novel instead of a short, I felt like it pretty much covered everything I wanted to know. I wouldn't say no to a sequel, or to a rewrite into a novel, however, if the author felt like it.
But, for me, this was short, sweet, and perfect just the way it is.
Though it ended too soon, and I would have loved for it to be a novel instead of a short, I felt like it pretty much covered everything I wanted to know. I wouldn't say no to a sequel, or to a rewrite into a novel, however, if the author felt like it.
But, for me, this was short, sweet, and perfect just the way it is.
the_novel_approach's review
5.0
This is one of those stories where I seriously wish it was a full novel. I loved it so much! Tam MacNeil has put a unique spin on the shifter genre with this story.
Mark is a teacher, but he’s stuck working at a bookstore until he can get a job. When he is offered a position tutoring a student in Shakespeare over the summer, he takes the job and moves in with Thomas and his daughter, Bryony. Of course, Bryony is less than thrilled with this arrangement.
Everything seems to be going well. Mark has heard the stories about the village being haunted, but he seems to adjust well to living with Thomas, and he doesn’t really see anything strange. Thomas has warned him about the badgers and not going out at night, but aside from that? Nothing too weird. Except for his freak-outs whenever something happens to the trees in the village or on his property.
I don’t know how much I should reveal because I loved the way the author lets everything play out. It was pretty surprising for me because I thought one thing, but was completely wrong.
The dialogue is great, the characters are excellent, and the setting is well done. My only wish is that the story was longer. I loved Mark and Thomas and even Bryony, and I hope the author decides to explore them even more. I would gladly read it!
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach Reviews
Mark is a teacher, but he’s stuck working at a bookstore until he can get a job. When he is offered a position tutoring a student in Shakespeare over the summer, he takes the job and moves in with Thomas and his daughter, Bryony. Of course, Bryony is less than thrilled with this arrangement.
Everything seems to be going well. Mark has heard the stories about the village being haunted, but he seems to adjust well to living with Thomas, and he doesn’t really see anything strange. Thomas has warned him about the badgers and not going out at night, but aside from that? Nothing too weird. Except for his freak-outs whenever something happens to the trees in the village or on his property.
I don’t know how much I should reveal because I loved the way the author lets everything play out. It was pretty surprising for me because I thought one thing, but was completely wrong.
The dialogue is great, the characters are excellent, and the setting is well done. My only wish is that the story was longer. I loved Mark and Thomas and even Bryony, and I hope the author decides to explore them even more. I would gladly read it!
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach Reviews
fantasyliving's review
3.0
Read as part of the Boy Meets Boy Review Shifter Sunday Funday for Dreamspinner 2016 Daily Dose: A Walk on the Wild Side Anthology
BR with Ann & Cupcake
3.5 Hearts
Mark has found himself a private, live-in, teaching position with a small town family, teaching Bryony, a fourteen year old who needs Summer English classes. Thomas, Bryony’s father is the employer, and there is something both calming and mysterious about him. As the days of summer pass, Mark finds that his initial apprehension of moving into a hideous Post Victorian era manor, have faded and he dreams of Thomas asking him to stay.
This was weird. I love weird. For a short story I was intrigued by the mystery surrounding Thomas and Bryony. They are keeping secrets, and we go on this journey of discovery with Mark, as he puts the clues together.
A copy was provided by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
BR with Ann & Cupcake
3.5 Hearts
Mark has found himself a private, live-in, teaching position with a small town family, teaching Bryony, a fourteen year old who needs Summer English classes. Thomas, Bryony’s father is the employer, and there is something both calming and mysterious about him. As the days of summer pass, Mark finds that his initial apprehension of moving into a hideous Post Victorian era manor, have faded and he dreams of Thomas asking him to stay.
This was weird. I love weird. For a short story I was intrigued by the mystery surrounding Thomas and Bryony. They are keeping secrets, and we go on this journey of discovery with Mark, as he puts the clues together.
A copy was provided by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
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