Love Bytes is celebrating Dreamspinners Christmas in July!
We are reviewing all 5 books today and tomorrow
Leave a comment on these reviews and have a chance to win one of 2 complete sets (all 5 titles)
Good Luck!!
Duo Review by Danielle & Cindy
TITLE: Diary Dates
SERIES: Christmas in July
AUTHOR: T.J. Masters
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 57 Pages
RELEASE DATE: July 23, 2016
Blurb:
Postgraduate student Andrew Chin arrives in London not only to study, but to explore life away from his traditional family in Singapore. His adventure begins at the airport, where he finds the diary of a wealthy British businessman and endeavors to return it.
James Howard is twice Andrew’s age, and he’s not used to selfless youngsters. Despite a rocky first meeting, the two develop an unlikely friendship as James introduces Andrew to the city. James is looking forward to the festivities leading up to Christmas in London and maybe a celebration with Andrew. But will a nasty bout of the flu ruin their romantic holiday?
Not if Andrew has anything to say about it.
Reviewed by Danielle
A sweet, cute story that is my first thought. My immediate second thought is that it was too short. And then I don’t mean that in the perspective of wanting it to keep going but plain simple as in it was too short. The beginning was wonderful, a slow work up, a meeting of people, friends generally becoming more but that becoming more is rushed and just thrown out there. That was such a shame in my opinion. I love the writing of the author, the characters and the story. But the end feels so rushed it left me feeling so unsatisfied. I mean without spoiling the story, what will happen to them both? What will happen when Andrew needs to go back? Also the development of their relationship which was brought in gently and very real in the beginning I would really like to see expanded from how they become lovers and more.
I am really struggling with the rating I have to admit. I liked the story, the writing , the characters as I mentioned before and there was so much potential. Again I would love to see a full novella on this just too be able to read the complete story. So I decided to go with 3.5 because it was more than just ok but….
Rating: 
Reviewed by Cindy
Andrew is a sweet, kind and considerate young man, mature for his age and finally finding a little freedom to explore who he is.
James is immediately smitten with Andrew, although neither of them recognize the attraction for what it is until the spend a lot of time getting to know each other.
I liked this story. It’s sweet and slow moving, a happy little tale with a lot of fluff and two men who are generally just good people. Watching them come together and get to know each other made me smile because sometimes it’s good to have a story with no angst, just lots of smiles and love.
Both men are surrounded with good people. Andrew’s best friend is protective about him until she see’s that James is a good person and James’ driver and confidant takes an instant shine to Andrew, and some people will find it nice to have a story where someone isn’t being an asshole somehow.
The pacing is good in this story, it didn’t jump ahead too fast, but didn’t drag either. The writing is smart and I enjoy this author’s writing style. Also, I like that the story is short but felt complete when it was done and if it’s not a happily-ever-after story, it is a happy-for-now with potential.
There’s nothing mind blowing about the story however. It’s a “sit on the couch on a rainy afternoon and veg” kind of story and while there’s nothing wrong with it, I like a little more kick to the stories I read. It’s just not my usual taste.
Rating:
Buy Links:
OMG I want this book, for some reason the blurb got to me.
Thanks for the duo reviews and the fun contest! I love holiday stories…sounds like this one needs a follow-up.
Thank you for the review. I hope the author hears the requests and expands on the story, it sounds like it’s off to a great start.
Christmas stories while there’s a heatwave here in the Uk and in the US – steamy!
Sounds so good. I need a good holiday story to cool me off in this hot hot heat.
It sounds really good. And the reviews were great. Thank you!
sounds cute!
please count me in
Thank you for the review. I am quite intrigued because Chin is a Singaporean, and that country is practically our neighbor here in Indonesia.
Oh, a May/December trope is it? Love it! Plus the reviews sounds favorable, too. Adding the title to my TBR.
Thanks for reviewing this book, I like books with mc’s who have an age gap and this sounds like a nice read.
So ready for holiday stories!
Thank you for the two reviews. The book sounds perfect for a raining afternoon.
I appreciate the double review!
I love May/December stories. I hope it’s as good as it sounds!
sounds good please count me in
enjoyed the review and congrats
Thanks for the review. I look forward to reading this book.