Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Treaure
SERIES: Greynox to the Sea
AUTHOR: Kim Fielding
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 132 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 3, 2016
BLURB:
Julian Massey has always been sickly. When the young man’s parents send him to the seaside town of Urchin Cove to recuperate, he finds himself stranded in a tiny cabin with only the quirky local inhabitants for company. Then a storm blows through, and he finds an unexpected discovery washed up on the beach: an unconscious man.
After stealing a treasure, Kit Archer is taken prisoner by a ruthless pirate, Captain Booth. When a storm hits the pirate ship, Kit is able to escape, but not without serious injuries. Jules nurses him back to health, and friendship grows into desire. But Captain Booth is bound to come in search of his treasure and the man who stole it.
In a world with dragons, sprites, and wizards, it’s going to take more than a little magic for Jules and Kit to find lasting happiness together.
REVIEW:
Julian Massey, the youngest son of as well-to-do family in Greynox, has been sent to the oceanside for a cure for his sickly nature. His family has arranged a cottage by the sea to improve his constitution. He’s somewhat shocked to see the small cabin that he’s apparently going to spend his summer. With no servants, he has to fend for himself. He’s not too good with cooking, but he does to into Urchin Cove to the tavern for a warm meal (and the town gossip and news) pretty close to daily and also stops into the general store for supplies. He’s a bit at loose ends – but he keeps busy with cleaning, cooking, enjoying walks and reading his beloved books.
One day while in Urchin Cove, his landlord, Mr. Crabbottom warns him that a storm is coming. He hears the rain and waves, but stays cozy in his little cottage. However, the next morning, he finds the wreckage of a boat and what he thinks is perhaps a corpse – but instead, the man is alive! Just barely. Julian can’t leave him to be drowned by the returning tide, so he uses all his strength to drag the man back to his cabin and to his bed. The man has obvious injuries from being held captive – around his wrists, ankle and neck. He also has a number of other wounds. Thanks to Julian’s over protective and over packing mother, he has lots of medical supplies so that he can take car of the man’s wounds. When his fever finally breaks, Julian learns the man’s name, Kit Archer. And his past – which is quite a surprise. And he also shares his attraction to men and to Julian. Julian has never met anyone else who shares his nature, so this is all quite new to him.
Kit, unfortunately, has made a real enemy of Captain Booth – the dreaded pirate captain of the The Dark Prince. And of course, Booth will not let this go. As Julian and Kit grow closer, Kit realizes that he’s got to leave or put all of Urchin Cove in danger. Although Julian does not want him to go, Kit insists – he wants to keep Julian safe. But just because he leaves, doesn’t necessarily mean that Julian will be safe.
Oh this is such a cool story! I think I remember reading this when it originally came out, but I loved revisiting it. Julian is a man that who has spent his whole life dependent – on his family, on his doctor. He’s been dismissed and ignored because of his ill health. He’s thrilled to be away from the stifling life in Greynox – even though he’s ill prepared to be on his own 😉 But he learns fast and makes do. He does get stronger and more capable as time passes. When he finds Kit, he finds a whole new purpose. Doctoring Kit back to health gives him confidence. And he admires Kit’s life of adventure. Then when he finds himself in a difficult position, he finds an inner strength that he never thought he’d ever posses. Kit’s love for Julian changes his life too. He’s no longer running and he wants to be a better man for Julian. I love how their story unfolded and how much stronger they were together. Highly recommended – particularly for fantasy fans.
RATING:
BUY LINK:
Thanks so much for this review! The story seemed familiar and after reading this I went back through my list and found it. Rereading it now and already grabbed the next one!