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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:

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