Title: Burning Ashes
Series: NA
Author: H. Lewis Foster
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel (193 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 10th, 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Reviewer: Eli/Mandingo
Blurb: Intelligent and confident, Australian cricketer Nat Seddon is one of the world’s best bowlers. He’s openly gay, but keeps his private life to himself, everything under control. But on the last day of his team’s “Ashes” tour of England, he meets Scott Alverley, England’s promising new batsman. Nat tries not to be attracted to Scott, but he can’t help finding the privileged young man handsome and endearing. Nat is tempted by a little end of tour fun, but finds himself playing agony uncle to a virgin. Instead of going home to bask on a beach, he spends a wet week in the north of England with Scott. Try as he might to resist, he can’t help falling hopelessly in love.
The hectic sporting calendar is a persistent obstacle to their growing romance; Nat and Scott are rarely even on the same continent. They make the most of the time when they can be together, but the months apart take a toll on Scott, professionally and personally. The possible solutions are nearly unthinkable, but if they are willing to make sacrifices that will change their lives forever, they might hold on to the love they found in the Ashes.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=burning+ashes&osCsid=ve5c64o80d3gl7msc1psvmdbd2&x=38&y=6
Review: I’m from the British West Indies so I get and understand the whole deal with cricket. If you aren’t British, then the fact that the whole story centers around cricket may not be exciting to you. But I appreciate a story that is breaking the macho world of sports.
The story begins by focusing very carefully on the two men and the people who are their immediate spheres of reference. As their relationship matures, the reader is introduced to more and more characters. This technique allows the reader to learn more about Nat and Scott as they interact with others. It also broadens their lives and the reader is able to see the characters as more three-dimensional and not just fixated on each other – they have lives, friends, families and careers which must be accounted for amidst their love for each other.
The story is told by both Nat and Scott and fluctuates between both their voices so there is a very balanced view of the characters. BUT, if you are looking for a story with extraordinary heat and sizzle, then Burning Ashes is not for you. However, if you are looking for a story that tells the tale of two men who meet, learn to love each other and face some obstacles to be together, then you will enjoy this story. Nat and Scott’s tale in Burning Ashes covers a few years and so is different from the normal fare in that while there is insta-love, the story is about what it takes for these two men to sustain their relationship past the first blush of attraction.