A Fine Mingling by D.W. Marchwell

Title: A Fine Mingling

Series: N/A

Author: D.W. Marchwell

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (211 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 30th, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Benjamin “Big Ben” Forrester came from a wealthy family, went to the right schools, and had handsome men falling at his feet. But all Ben has ever wanted is a man to love him unconditionally. Being a firefighter won’t bring Ben fame or riches, so where will he find true love and acceptance?

Alistair McInnis lives with his older sister, Abigail, and her deaf son, Jared. Alistair left his job as an editor to take care of his nephew when Abigail divorced and enrolled in law school to provide a better future for Jared. But Abigail is falling in love with the policeman next door, and Jared won’t need Alistair forever.

While working with the station house to oversee the rebuilding of a play castle burned down by vandals, Ben meets and falls for Alistair. Can Ben learn what it means to be accepted for who he is? Can Alistair accept that life comes with no guarantees? They soon find happiness is a fine mingling of hanging on and letting go.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5007

Reviewer: GiGi

Review: This is a pleasant enough story with a slow build and some steamy moments. Most are idealized moments with Bean and Alistair spending time with an always seemingly pleasant five-year-old. I often wonder if writers get to spend enough time around kids to write the experience accurately.

Ben is complicated, or at least it seems he should be a deeper character. He’s got problems with his wealthy parents, a risky job as a fireman who is also out with his house, an interested best friend/father figure, an apartment with two dogs and two cats, he just wants a happily ever after now with a loving family unlike his own.

Alistair, oh, Alistair. I want to feel sorry for him, but he comes across a bit on the whiny side. Yes, his father died too early, but Ally was 25 and fully grown after all. Many of us lose parents sooner. He uses the excuse of helping his sister raise her hearing-impaired son as a reason to hide away and not date. He’s a likeable enough character, and I was a bit surprised he was so aggressive in the sack, which was nice.

As many reservations as each man brought to the relationship they hit it off instantly, sex was good, they got along well, money was not an issue and they both love Jared to pieces.

But the ending is so abrupt I can’t help but see that this is designed to have a sequel. Almost like all the serious issues are left hanging and we get a fluffy HEA instead. You just know there’s huge roadblock ahead for these to love birds. The plot picked up momentum and then it took an abrupt turn and faded to white. A soft, fluffy, warm and lovey read.