3.5 Stars but too well written to round down. Shame it's so short. ( )

What a great story – on many levels – and it’s free! The characters of Julio (who is the narrator) and Linley are fascinating, the plot is extremely romantic (though it doesn’t seem to be at first), and the key message is one of hope that, even though admittedly somewhat unrealistic, is very encouraging, uplifting and just the right thing if you’re looking for a Valentine’s story with a difference.

Julio is into helping people, whether they are drug addicts, prostitutes or homeless. The story looks at 20 years ago and today, helping us understand how much has changed – and, frighteningly, how much has stayed the same. I loved how Julio is finally rewarded for all the times he has done the right thing: enabling people to help themselves rather than doing things for them. For all the times this didn’t work, there is this one time that makes it all worth it.

While this story is gritty and has its edges, it is also realistic and I enjoyed the different feel it has from many of the more ‘traditional’ Valentine’s stories. If you like romance with a twist, happy-ever-afters that don’t come easily and if you adore men who can wait for the right guy to come along, then you will like this short book as much as I did.
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Great, perfectly authentic voice. And imagery to die for. Makes me hungry for more from these authors.

I fell in love with these two authors a long while ago and they continue to amaze me with their intelligent writing, their world building, and the way they create characters with such depth. This is a short story that packs one hell of an emotional punch. It's gritty and a little grim, but with that spark of hope that makes it all worthwhile. Wonderful! ( )

I fell in love with these two authors a long while ago and they continue to amaze me with their intelligent writing, their world building, and the way they create characters with such depth. This is a short story that packs one hell of an emotional punch. It's gritty and a little grim, but with that spark of hope that makes it all worthwhile. Wonderful! ( )