Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Facing The Heat
SERIES: Love and Other Disasters
AUTHOR: Nic Starr
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 155 Pages
RELEASE DATE: August 28, 2024
BLURB:
The fire might have the last say and be the thing that tears them apart…
Callum Roger’s friendship with his boss, Trent Masterton, has shifted into something more—something unexpected and charged with simmering sexual tension. Acknowledging his true feelings is life-changing, but Callum finally gathers the courage to make his move.
Trent is no stranger to loss, but it now looks as if his dreams might come true. The man he thought was out of reach is now within his grasp, and the future suddenly seems brighter than ever. But fate has other plans. A raging bushfire sweeps through the mountains, threatening to destroy everything Trent holds dear—his home, his business, and the budding romance with Callum.
In the aftermath of the fire, amidst the devastation, Trent and Callum draw strength from each other. Determined to rebuild their lives, they also begin to explore their feelings. But as they strive to create a new beginning, the lingering effects of the fire loom over them, threatening to tear them apart just as they’ve found each other.
Facing the Heat is a story of love’s resilience in the face of natural disaster. It has themes of hurt/comfort, second chances, demisexuality, spicy first times, and the close-knit dynamics of a small town.
Inspired by a short story contribution to a charity anthology, When The Smoke Clears, this is a significantly expanded 36k word book, and contains predominantly unique content.
REVIEW:
Trent bought a B&B in the mountains to release himself from the stresses of Sydney city life. Callum is the handyman, and as far as Trent knows, the man is straight.
Facing The Heat is a beautifully written story with many classic scenarios. As much as I was hoping for firemen, they only feature in a secondary capacity, as the ‘The Heat’ part is from an Australian bushfire. Nevertheless, the tale is a superb example of setting a scene, building a connection with the protagonists, and adding something extra that makes you go nawwww.
The story is told in the third person present tense from the viewpoints of Callum and Trent. Worldbuilding gave me a fly-on-the-wall sense of being there. The scenic vistas, ambiance, and characters’ personal views were clear and detailed. While the story kept its focus on Trent and Callum, enough of the wider community was included to get a sense of the small town, pace of life, and camaraderie of those who live in the mountains. Some readers may be tempted to skim-read these sections to move the story on, but why rush something that isn’t meant to be that way? All it accomplishes is an unrealistic view of a way of life.
Trent and Callum are gentle individuals with different skills, making them a splendid team for the business. I connected with them via the everyday conversation that accompanied the B&B improvements and day-to-day life. Callum has an inner need to help and give back to the community, highlighted when the bushfires come knocking. Shout out here to Mushroom the cat – awesome.
As already mentioned, there are some classic scenarios which many readers will be familiar with. However, what elevates this book is the ease of reading and style of writing. The combination presents a story of two men finding love against adversity that is easy to enjoy and a pleasure to read.
RATING: 
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