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I feel like it's been ages since I posted any recommendations, but I've got some excellent reads to share today. All the stories in the lineup this round come from Dreamspinner Press's 2015 Daily Dose, Never Too Late.
Full disclosure: I have a story in the anthology as well. But there was never any question about whether or not I would read the whole package. Romances starring older men are right in my wheel house, and I've been so stoked to read the stories in this collection. These are three of my favorites so far. I've still got plenty more queued up on my e-reader, so you should probably brace for a Part Two to come.
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Saints Save a Sinner by Dawn Douglas
William Arthur Ainsworth, second son of the Earl of Cannahan, has just purchased a Lieutenant’s Commission in the Coldstream Regiment, British Foot Guards. A new officer, Will shows promise and is taken in hand by experienced Scottish Sargent Duncan Blair. Friendship grows into affection and desire as the men fight the French from Egypt to Sweden and back to the Spanish Peninsula through the six coalitions of the Napoleonic Wars. A bloody defeat in Spain and tragedy at home pull William away from service in the British Army and turn him from an officer to an earl, but status, time, and distance combined can’t change Will’s feelings for Duncan. When a hard-won peace is finally achieved, Will realizes the most important mission he may ever undertake will be convincing Duncan that the end of the fighting can mean the beginning of their lives together.
Why you should read it: Dawn Douglas writes beautifully, and I adored these characters. Two men so strong and stubborn that you can't help but root for them, and a historical setting that rings vividly true. I'm always impressed when an author manages to weave in actual historical events without fucking up the pacing of the story, and it's a feat well managed here. Gorgeous all around.
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A Life Without by Katya Harris
After decades of wondering and worrying over his submissive tendencies, fortysomething Todd decides to explore his fantasies. His first step is to join a BDSM club, and it's there that he meets Malik, a young and beautiful Dominant who is very interested in introducing Todd to this world. In fact, Malik is interested in everything about Todd, which is startling to the older man given the differences in their ages. Malik helps Todd explore his submissiveness, but after an unpleasant meeting with Todd’s ex-boyfriend, he also encourages him to confront his demons so he will no longer live his life in shame.
Why you should read it: I enjoyed this story a lot. The writing and tone were lovely, and the dialogue felt incredibly natural. Sometimes instant chemistry is a tough sell for me—for all the romance I read, love-at-first-sight isn't my thing—but I really bought the connection between Todd and Malik. I loved EVEN MORE the way they communicate clearly right from the start, about their needs and wants and intentions. Very satisfying.
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Don't Wanna Lose your Love by Kris T. Bethke
As it often does, the bad news comes in the middle of the night.
When attorney Ben Winters’s close friend takes a bad spill and ends up in the hospital, he flies across the country to be there for her. His instant attraction to her brother takes him by surprise. Wanting Zack Anderson is easy; actually having him is a bad idea. While the two connect over concern for Zack’s sister, there are many reasons to fight the attraction brewing between them. Things heat up as Ben’s friend begins to show improvement, but the reasons not to get involved with the younger man remain the same—long distance relationships never work, and Ben doesn’t do one-night stands. But there’s one powerful reason to give in: Ben has never wanted anyone more.
Why you should read it: I found this story charming and sweet. I could very much feel the difference in age between the characters, beyond just being told it was there, which was a joy to see. Lovely.
Full disclosure: I have a story in the anthology as well. But there was never any question about whether or not I would read the whole package. Romances starring older men are right in my wheel house, and I've been so stoked to read the stories in this collection. These are three of my favorites so far. I've still got plenty more queued up on my e-reader, so you should probably brace for a Part Two to come.
- — - — - — - — -
Saints Save a Sinner by Dawn Douglas
William Arthur Ainsworth, second son of the Earl of Cannahan, has just purchased a Lieutenant’s Commission in the Coldstream Regiment, British Foot Guards. A new officer, Will shows promise and is taken in hand by experienced Scottish Sargent Duncan Blair. Friendship grows into affection and desire as the men fight the French from Egypt to Sweden and back to the Spanish Peninsula through the six coalitions of the Napoleonic Wars. A bloody defeat in Spain and tragedy at home pull William away from service in the British Army and turn him from an officer to an earl, but status, time, and distance combined can’t change Will’s feelings for Duncan. When a hard-won peace is finally achieved, Will realizes the most important mission he may ever undertake will be convincing Duncan that the end of the fighting can mean the beginning of their lives together.
Why you should read it: Dawn Douglas writes beautifully, and I adored these characters. Two men so strong and stubborn that you can't help but root for them, and a historical setting that rings vividly true. I'm always impressed when an author manages to weave in actual historical events without fucking up the pacing of the story, and it's a feat well managed here. Gorgeous all around.
- — - — - — - — -
A Life Without by Katya Harris
After decades of wondering and worrying over his submissive tendencies, fortysomething Todd decides to explore his fantasies. His first step is to join a BDSM club, and it's there that he meets Malik, a young and beautiful Dominant who is very interested in introducing Todd to this world. In fact, Malik is interested in everything about Todd, which is startling to the older man given the differences in their ages. Malik helps Todd explore his submissiveness, but after an unpleasant meeting with Todd’s ex-boyfriend, he also encourages him to confront his demons so he will no longer live his life in shame.
Why you should read it: I enjoyed this story a lot. The writing and tone were lovely, and the dialogue felt incredibly natural. Sometimes instant chemistry is a tough sell for me—for all the romance I read, love-at-first-sight isn't my thing—but I really bought the connection between Todd and Malik. I loved EVEN MORE the way they communicate clearly right from the start, about their needs and wants and intentions. Very satisfying.
- — - — - — - — -
Don't Wanna Lose your Love by Kris T. Bethke
As it often does, the bad news comes in the middle of the night.
When attorney Ben Winters’s close friend takes a bad spill and ends up in the hospital, he flies across the country to be there for her. His instant attraction to her brother takes him by surprise. Wanting Zack Anderson is easy; actually having him is a bad idea. While the two connect over concern for Zack’s sister, there are many reasons to fight the attraction brewing between them. Things heat up as Ben’s friend begins to show improvement, but the reasons not to get involved with the younger man remain the same—long distance relationships never work, and Ben doesn’t do one-night stands. But there’s one powerful reason to give in: Ben has never wanted anyone more.
Why you should read it: I found this story charming and sweet. I could very much feel the difference in age between the characters, beyond just being told it was there, which was a joy to see. Lovely.
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