Title: Cinnamon Eyes
Author: Nell Iris
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (142pgs)
ISBN: 9781634864404
Publisher: JMS Books (12th August 2017)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Cory’s had a rough year struggling with severe depression. He’s desperate to rebuild his shattered life and break away from his demanding family. When his therapist encourages him to do something for himself, he knows exactly what he needs. I want to see Asher again. The best friend Corey ever had who, at fifteen, held Cory’s heart in his hands without knowing it.
Asher’s had a troubled relationship with his father since he came out. Now that Pops is sick, he’s fighting for his right to help or even find out about his father’s health. Then there’s the complication of an ex-boyfriend unwilling to let go.
When Cory and Asher meet again after sixteen years, Cory’s feelings are as strong as ever. But does Asher feel the same?
Purchase Link: JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords
Review: After living the life his family wants him to Cory has reached rock bottom, struggling with severe depression Cory decides to follow his therapist’s advice and looks for the best friend he’d left behind sixteen years before. Asher is worried about his father’s health but the old man refuses to have much to do with him since he came out to him. Asher’s surprised when Cory walks back into his life and the easy friendship the pair had years ago falls back into place, but with something more between them.
This is a wonderful sweet story that is an easy and enjoyable read. Cory is a wonderful character who has been worn down by the demands of his family and a job he hates, pulling himself out of the deep depression has been hard for him but the one thing that sticks with him is the happiness he once felt when he had him best friend by his side. Returning to that boy has Cory once again glimpsing happiness and he finds a backbone to finally get his family off his back.
Asher is an incredible man who has fought hard to stay in his father’s life, with his dad sick he does what he can but he feels the distain and hate with every gruff word uttered by the man. Asher finds happiness with Cory and he also finds so much more when Cory refuses to let Asher’s dad chase him off.
I really enjoyed this story, Cory and Asher make a wonderful couple, their romance is sweet and their support for each other is fantastic. They are both there for the other as they deal with their families, and while one is a lost cause the other gives Cory and Asher hope.
There are some moments of tension in the story with Asher’s ex-boyfriend providing one moment, Asher’s dad one or two more and Cory’s family… well let’s just say they should be dumped in the ocean because I doubt that a bigger bunch of control freaks and snobs who couldn’t give a damn about what their son and grandson wants exists.
I recommend this story to those who love fantastic characters reconnecting and discovering love, who adore stories of overcoming limitations and moving forward, who love sweet romances with a dash of sexy, and who love men who refuse to turn their backs on a challenge and face it head on.