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A review by kaje_harper
Spun! by JL Merrow
5.0
Well, that was just sweet and warm and funny, with a hint of angst for flavor. It hit the spot when I wanted something cuddly to read. This author is very good at writing simple, honest, trustworthy men who may not always get things right, but whose good hearts, and belief in the basic goodness of other people, carry them through life. Rory is one of those characters, a village postie who makes his rounds with an eye out for his neighbors, a man who loves his kids and regrets but doesn't hate the women who left him. A guy without much intellect or ambition, but with an open mind and loving heart.
David is his foil - gay, flamboyant, sharp-witted, and a bit bruised by life, but pretending not to care. At first, he winds up in Rory's house as a lodger, helping pay the rent. But he's surprisingly taken by meeting a man who is solid and trustworthy. When Rory's kids come by, David finds he also connects with them, and enjoys the challenge of a houseful of two little people who have also been dealt a difficult hand - in their case, losing time with their doting father, and weeks spent with a work-focused and unaffectionate step-father. In helping Rory out, David finds himself appreciated, useful, busy, and amused. It's a heady combination. If only Rory wasn't so obviously straight.
The theme of out-for-you is believable here, as Rory slowly discovers his bi side. The angst is mainly misreadings and misunderstandings, but given where these men start from, it worked for me. I enjoy Merrow's stories and her men, and this will be a comfort-reread, to grab and indulge in on a rough day.
David is his foil - gay, flamboyant, sharp-witted, and a bit bruised by life, but pretending not to care. At first, he winds up in Rory's house as a lodger, helping pay the rent. But he's surprisingly taken by meeting a man who is solid and trustworthy. When Rory's kids come by, David finds he also connects with them, and enjoys the challenge of a houseful of two little people who have also been dealt a difficult hand - in their case, losing time with their doting father, and weeks spent with a work-focused and unaffectionate step-father. In helping Rory out, David finds himself appreciated, useful, busy, and amused. It's a heady combination. If only Rory wasn't so obviously straight.
The theme of out-for-you is believable here, as Rory slowly discovers his bi side. The angst is mainly misreadings and misunderstandings, but given where these men start from, it worked for me. I enjoy Merrow's stories and her men, and this will be a comfort-reread, to grab and indulge in on a rough day.