Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE:  Secrets on a Train

AUTHOR:  Nell Iris

PUBLISHER:  Self-Published

LENGTH:  38 pages

RELEASE DATE:  February 25, 2022

BLURB:

It’s the fountain pens that capture Valentin’s attention on the morning commute, not the perfectly imperfect man who spends his train rides using them. Not his pinstriped suits, his chin-length hair, or his perpetually raised eyebrow. But one morning when the man strikes up a written conversation, Valentin gives up all pretense. It’s not just the pens. It’s the man. Runar.

The conversations continue, and the men get to know each other better, sharing secrets they’ve never told another soul. The connection is powerful, growing stronger with every encounter, every scribbled conversation, every scorching look. But can secrets shared on a train be enough to build a forever?

REVIEW:

Secrets on a Train is utterly precious. I love this little gem. This no-heat short story is one of the most romantic stories I’ve read, and what makes it truly special is the happily ever after ending. It’s not often I award a five heart/star rating to a short story; the reason I do now is largely because this is a complete story even at 38 pages. I have no longing for this to be extended into a full-length book (although I’d certainly read it) because it’s entirely satisfying at its current length. 

Romance is key here. Valentin and Runar meet on a commuter train where they sit in a “silent” no talking car. As their interest in each other grows, they find creative ways to communicate. There’s flirting through body language, for one. Valentin finds himself mesmerized by Runar’s long fingers, his expressive eyebrows, and his lips curled in a half smile. Runar is equally enchanted. What’s so interesting is how they focus on discovering each other, uncovering layers of personality without the usual, “What do you do for work?” type questions. There’s no stereotyping based on appearance and no judgement about the secrets they share with one another. Within just a few days, they’ve formed a deep connection.  

The majority of short stories, because of their abbreviated length, are only able to end with an HFN. Nell Iris gifts us with a true happily ever after, even though it’s rather abrupt.  

This story is so worth the brief amount of time it takes to read it. You’ll fall in love with Valentin and Runar and root for their happiness as it develops on that train each morning. 

RATING: 

BUY LINK: 

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