Title: Nine Small Sips

Series: Tales of Bryant 02

Author: V.L. Locey

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novella (108 pages)

ASIN: B07SYPFXZB

Publisher: V.L. Locey (12th June 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Life for Isamu Taylor is now a Cinderella story that includes a Manhattan loft, a new position in the hottest LGBT film production company in New York City, and an upcoming wedding in Bryant Park to his very own handsome prince.

He’s come a long way from that struggling film student with ratty sneakers and shaggy hair. Isamu is now living an urbanite’s fairy tale with that happily ever after just around a bustling city street corner.

But as all wedding planners know, even the best laid plans seem to go awry, and Isamu and Brian’s wedding is no exception. But love—both old and new—is in the air, so nothing can go too badly, right?

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Nine Small Sips is the super heart-warming sequel to Tales of Bryant by VL Locey. This would probably work as a standalone book, however, why deprive yourself of the story that sets the scene for the characters as they move onto the next stage in their lives? I absolutely love VL Locey’s writing, she is one of my favourite MM authors and every book is a must read.

The story picks up the life of Isamu Taylor and his fiancé, rich businessman Brian Gillies. Things have changed a lot for Isamu since the first book and not just because he is now engaged to the love of his life. He’s now finished with college and has a new job for a production company that specialises in LBGTQI+ projects. After meeting in New York’s Bryant Park and moving in together, Isamu and Brian are getting ready to get married in the very park where they first met. There’s drama in the form of Isamu’s Japanese grandmother wanting the traditional sake ceremony included into the nuptials, as well as a very flighty wedding planner.

This is a short read and the plot, much like the first book is simple. The most important thing is the journey here and it’s great to get to know more about Isamu and Brian. I knew at the end of the first book that these guys weren’t fully developed and I feel this one completes them more. In addition, knowing more about Isamu’s family was absolutely perfect.

This is the first of two wedding novellas that I’ve been looking forward to this year by VL Locey. Though the one that I am looking forward to the most is the Harrisburg Railers wedding novella, Nine Small Sips was the perfect chance to catch up with some characters I recently got introduced to and gets me into the mood for more from the fantastic VL Locey. This is a sweet story with a sprinkle of funny moments and so much love.

Title: Tales of Bryant

Series: Tales of Bryant 01

Author: V.L. Locey

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Collection (133pgs)

ISBN: B07QH34KMM

Publisher: V.L. Locey (8th April 2019)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: Four Seasons. Two Men. One Love.

For struggling film student Isamu Taylor, life’s refrain is about to change from boring documentary about a passionless delivery boy to a blazing and wildly erotic love story.

After spending weeks admiring handsome but older Manhattan executive Brian Gilles while delivering brioche to him in Bryant Park, the man of his lusty dreams has just expressed a desire to get to know Isamu better. A night on the town is just the beginning of a whirlwind romance that will span not only four seasons but countless years.

Amid the beauty and charm of Bryant Park, New York City, two men are about to discover that love knows no age or economic boundaries. This is a collection of four short stories starring these two amazing men, their one sublime love, and the park where it all started.

Purchase Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK 

Review: Tales of Bryant is a very sweet collection of short stories by VL Locey. I really enjoy Locey’s stories, particularly her hockey romances, but honestly, I’m up for just about anything.

The story is quite simplistic. Due to the format there isn’t time for deep character or plot development, so it feels very much like an instalove type thing to me. Not that this is a bad thing, because it helps make this book a relaxing read.

It is about two men, Isamu Taylor and Brian Gillies, meeting in Bryant Park in NYC, where they fall in love. The four stories are just small captures in time of their lives, the reader looking in to find out more about the guys and find out what they are up to. They are very different men, Isamu is a film student struggling to make ends meet, while Brian is well-off executive. But a night on the town quickly becomes a lot more. One thing that I thought was funny that it was explained how to pronounce Gillies, which I was already familiar with, but Isamu wasn’t and I had to look up the pronunciation.

This is a no nonsense, very sweet and uncomplicated romance and if that is your type of read then you’ll enjoy this one. Although, if you’re not into instalove, I would steer clear.

There is another book coming out and I am looking forward to it.