The Journey Back by Kristen Slater

JourneyBack[The]LGTitle: The Journey Back

Series: Celebrate! 2014 Advent Calendar

Author: Kristen Slater

Genre: Contemporary/ Holiday

Length: Short (35 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-63216-756-9

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 1st, 2014)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: Having quit his job, Idris is trying to make it home to his partner of twelve years, Dan, in time for Christmas. Stuck on a train during a snowstorm, Idris has nothing to do but think back on how much he has missed by putting his career first. His job has been straining their partnership for years, and now Idris worries he’s damaged it beyond repair. He desperately wants to get back to the UK and salvage their relationship—if there’s even anything waiting for him when he gets home.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Advent Calendar package “Celebrate!”

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5860

5 of hearts logo red on black smallReview: Idris has been working away from home for two years. His relationship of twelve years is falling apart and he took a big step in quitting his job to see if he could salvage his partnership. On the way home, the train keeps stopping making the trip seem longer than it is, giving Idris time to reflect on his past and how the two men met and how the relationship has deteriorated.

This was a very beautiful story. I thought the reflecting back was a perfect way to give us the backstory and how Idris and Dan met was beautiful. It also shows us o how life can consume us and glaze over what is really important. I will most definitely be looking for more books by Kristen Slater.

If you like deep, heartfelt stories, reflections, and an allover beautiful romance, I highly recommend this. It’s short but sweet!

Working It Out by Kristen Slater

WorkingItOutLGTitle: Working It Out
Series: N/A
Author: Kristen Slater
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (82 Pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 16, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: Celebrating six months with his boyfriend has Cas in a bit of a panic. Joe’s been saying, “I love you” for a while, but Cas just can’t get the words passed his lips. A week before Christmas, he finally says them when a nearly fatal accident almost takes Joe, and Cas faces the possibility of losing the best man he’s ever known. But whispered declarations are one thing.

Through a long, tough recovery both men must work out that love is more than words.

ISBN: 978-0-9941572-3-2
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5223
Reviewer: Lisa
Review: This is a beautiful story that shows how much two men could love one another and their struggles. It was beautifully written even if it was a bit hard to follow. To me it just seemed to be jumping from one person to the next way too fast for me. However, it tells what each man is feeling. It was a blast to read.

Cas didn’t know what it meant to be in love, wasn’t sure he was in love, and questioned everyone about it. He knew he wanted to be with Joe, and he knew what it felt like to not be around each other. However that all ended when Joe got seriously injured in a hit and run accident. He knew that he could not and did not want to go through this life without the one he loved. For Joe it was the happiest time in his life, learning that the man he loved, loved him back.

This was an amazing story that I feel blessed to read. I would have preferred to get more detail about their lives, the accident and to hear more about them altogether. It was told in such a way that left me with a bit more questions than answers.

I would recommend reading this story. If you love gorgeous men with tender hearts, pain and fears, angst and love that last through time then this is the one for you.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *