Reviewed by Susan
TITLE: A Cook’s Tale
SERIES: Ship Logs Of The Santa Claus #2
AUTHOR: Mann Ramblings
PUBLISHER: Wayward Ink Publishing
LENGTH: 229 pages
RELEASE DATE: November 27, 2015
BLURB:
The trials and tribulations of the crew and passengers of interplanetary transport vessel, The Santa Claus continues in A Cook’s Tale.
After a horrific breakup, Erron Murfin is bitter, homeless, and friendless. When the cook’s position on the Santa Claus presents itself, Erron decides to escape his current circumstances and join the crew. On board he reconnects with family friend Gamin Wells, whose own secrets and issues begin to surface upon Erron’s arrival. The least of which is the reason the pair haven’t laid eyes on one another in over twelve years.
As Erron settles into his new duties, the men on board take an interest in their newest crew member. Among those intrigued by Erron are polyamorous couple, Barrus and James. Despite Erron’s cautious nature, he’s drawn into a triad relationship with the pair.
But there’s something about Gamin…
Is Erron too damaged to confront his own feelings?
Will his past prevent him from finding what he needs?
REVIEW:
I was very excited when given the opportunity to review A Cook’s Tale. I read The Luxorian Fugitive earlier this year and really enjoyed it, so I welcomed the opportunity to go back to the Santa Claus. I am pleased to say that this story did not disappoint! The author has a way of drawing you into his storylines very quickly and before you know it, you are completely engrossed.
Erron was betrayed in the worst way possible by the man he loved. He feels unable to trust and unlovable…he has no hope. When he sees the job ad and finds out that Gamin works on the Santa Claus, his overwhelming need to connect to someone and maybe belong somewhere pushes him to take the chance. His acceptance by Gamin and the rest of the crew finally makes him believe that he is in the right place, and a relationship with Barrus and James finally gives him back the self confidence that was stolen away from him.
Then there is Gamin. A tragic past has left Gamin just going through the motions of life. He enjoys his life aboard the ship, but has not found personal happiness. Erron’s arrival shakes everything up for him. Bringing back old memories and stirring new feelings. But Erron’s new relationship stalls his progress and awakens his demons.
If Erron and Gamin are meant to be together, then both of them are going to have to re-examine everything they know and feel.
I liked the flow of this book – mostly. It has a flashback section that frustrated me. Flashbacks are not a favourite of mine. It is not too long and does not disrupt the story flow to much at all, but it was enough to make me drop half a star. This probably will not even faze most readers, it is just a quirk of my reading preferences.
Overall I highly recommend this story. It is not dependant on reading The Luxorian Fugitive to enjoy this, but I would definitely suggest it. This series is proving most fun.
RATING: 
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