Title: Change of Fortune
Series: 2013 Advent Calendar Full Set – Heartwarming
Author: A. Morell
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 978-1-62798-609-0
Length: Novelette (75 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 1st, 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb:Tomoki Yonemura, vocalist with popular British rock band Traction Yen, is celebrating New Year’s Eve in Japan during their tenth anniversary tour when he pulls a fortune at a temple. He thinks nothing of its promises for love in the new year—until back home in London, he meets Alex MacKinzey, a gruff auto mechanic who helps him out of a tight spot.
Neither expects the strength of love that develops throughout the year, but it will be put to the test as Tomoki’s fame clashes with Alex’s insecurities. Fortune brought them together, but will it also tear them apart?
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar package “Heartwarming”.
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4511
Advent: Heartwarming: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4512
Review: This story is a sweet and warm journey following Tomoki, a thirty-four years lead singer for a famous band, and his New Year’s wish. It resembles a diary tracking the days of the year and his new relationship with Alex.
See as famous as he is, the lonelier he gets with each passing year. Tomoki’s lovers can’t cope with his life and his celebrity status, and while it is easy getting into a relationship, it’s hard to keep one going. So that’s what he wishes for this year, a man who’ll come and stay.
Alex is a garage owner and when Tomoki comes to his doorstep with a broken car he gets tongue-tied, that expresses itself into rudeness instead of flirt. After an initial misunderstanding though, the two men hit it off and start not only dating each other but also being in an easy and passionate relationship, one both of them have wanted for so long.
This read is the classic celebrity theme, where the couple tries to make it despite the stress of fame. I loved how the plot went, it wasn’t overly dramatic and most of it was the sweet moments of this couple, how they fit together despite being different. I felt almost cozy along with them. When the inevitable misunderstanding hit them, I thought it to be a bit silly actually. Everything went fine but for a small comment, someone said that put the seed of out-of-place thoughts and everything started falling apart. Seriously, I didn’t think the reason of their argument to be a cause for a break up, and found Tomoki perhaps overreacting there at the end.
Overall, though it was a nice story, cozy, like coming home into a scene of lit fireplace and candles all around. Romantic gestures made you melt and the characters were so charming I could have stayed reading them for a bit more, even as there was a lack of intensity and passion.
Recommended for all those who love a romantic story that resembles hot chocolate.