Title: The Auld Lang Syne of Barnaby Sloan
Author: Jenna Jones
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Holiday
Length: Short Story / Novelette (45 pages)
ISBN: 9781610406321
Publisher: Torquere Press (January 8th 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: Barnaby Sloan and his boyfriend, Liam, are trying to be more open and communicative, and tell each other everything. With New Year’s Eve approaching, Liam invites Barnaby to join him at the museum’s New Year’s Eve party. At first, Barnaby is hesitant because he knows his ex-boyfriend, Xander, will probably be there, but his desire to please Liam overrules his worry about the temptation Xander may present.
At the party, all seems to be going well until Barnaby meets Jared, Liam’s cute, new secretary, and Jared’s date: Xander. Xander makes no secret that he still wants Barnaby. Shaken by the encounter with Xander, Barnaby lashes out at Liam and seeks comfort elsewhere in the museum. New Year’s Eve is a time for new beginnings. Can Barnaby resist the temptation to return to old habits?
Purchase Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_85&products_id=4104
Review: Barnaby Sloan comes back with a much better story this time, one I have to admit I actually liked better.
Last time we checked Barnaby overcame his knee-jerk reaction at committing a bit more to his boyfriend and their relationship, turning a really bad situation into a near-miracle, with his Christmas change of heart. Now it’s New Year and the days in between have been quite intimate for Bay and Liam, so much so that Bay is actually taking a 180-degree turn in behavior with every line. However there are still bumps down the road, the biggest being his on again off again relationship with his ex, Xander.
The author finally enlightens us and answers the big question “why does Bay behave this way” when she reveals Bay’s past and the effect Xander has upon him. While 80% of the read is sweet and tender, soothing us in a lovemaking trance, it picks up in intensity during the end of the story and it captivates with the growing anticipation.
Liam becomes a stronger character, layers of him are revealed, and he moves from a flat, docile personality to a charming possessive and demanding (in the good sense) lover, not giving an inch of his expectations, forcing Bay to stand up and make one hell of a big decision, a decision that with perhaps mark his future. Bay is no longer the “floating with the wind” character that at times even repulsed me, he rather becomes quite respectable, admirable even in the way he faces his past.
To sum it up, this short story is lovely, sweet and passionate, everything a New Year’s Eve themed story should be. Recommended!