Reviewed by Becca
TITLE: Burning Down the House
SERIES: Escape from the Holidays
AUTHOR: Gregory L. Norris
PUBLISHER: Mischief Corner Books LLC
RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2018
BLURB:
Leo’s quiet vacation in Vermont is cut short by news that his beloved grandmother’s in the hospital because she tried to burn down her own house. Feeling low and depressed that she might be falling victim to dementia, Leo takes comfort in a man he meets in the hospital’s Quiet Room. The encounter’s supposed to be a one-night stand, one and done, no strings attached, but Leo’s surprised when he wants more.
The problem is that Aaron comes with strings and complications—ones Leo isn’t sure he wants to deal with on top of his own problems. Leo’s going to have to reach deep if he wants more than superficial, but he’s determined to try if the universe will just cooperate.
Part of the 2018 “Escape from the Holidays” Series
REVIEW:
Not a bad short. It’s supposed to be about love and family and dealing with things such as grief or anger at illnesses. Which is tough. Especially when kids are involved.
Leo considers himself a free spirit. He was taking advantage of a vacation in Vermont when he got a phone call telling him his grandmother was in an accident at home. Rushing home to be with her, he leaves his getaway behind. Once he realizes she’s ok, he’s stressed now because maybe it’s time for her to be in a home. But looking at her home brings up many memories and the start of new ones. He meets Aaron in the chapel. What was supposed to be a one time thing is turning into more. Aaron’s family wants to meet Leo. But Leo has to decide if he can do it and still be a free spirit. If being in love and having a family already ready is for him.
I think the thing that was hard for me that in times of grief or severe stress, people do stupid things. So for Aaron and Leo, for me, their relationship was a bit quick. But then again, it is a book. Lol. There are good points and bad points when deal with illnesses. Kids have it harder because it’s harder for them to figure out how they’re supposed to feel. It’s usually anger masked over being upset. So everyone had things to deal with.
Leo made some good decisions as far as his grandmother. It is about family and what’s best for them. So that was a good point in his favor for me. And he really tried with Aaron’s kids. And that was no picnic. But in the end, it’s a balance. Love and leaning to be happy with the time we are granted on Earth.
RATING: 
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