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Brook Street #0.5
My True Love Gave to Me
(28,000 words)
Alexander Norton loathes the festive season. The revelry of the ton is a reminder of Christmas four years ago, when his first love, Thomas Bennett, broke his heart and fled to New York without a word. So when he encounters Thomas at a holiday ball, Alexander is determined not to let on how much he still hurts.
Thomas has returned for one reason Alexander. Having finally come to terms with his forbidden desires, he will do whatever he must to convince Alexander to give their love another chance. But instead of the happy, carefree man Thomas once knew, Alexander is now hard and cynical. Saddened to know he's to blame for the man's bitterness, Thomas resolves to reignite the passion he knows lies hidden behind the wall of disdain...
Part of the [ Under the Mistletoe|13029503] Anthology, but published separately as well.
Alexander Norton loathes the festive season. The revelry of the ton is a reminder of Christmas four years ago, when his first love, Thomas Bennett, broke his heart and fled to New York without a word. So when he encounters Thomas at a holiday ball, Alexander is determined not to let on how much he still hurts.
Thomas has returned for one reason Alexander. Having finally come to terms with his forbidden desires, he will do whatever he must to convince Alexander to give their love another chance. But instead of the happy, carefree man Thomas once knew, Alexander is now hard and cynical. Saddened to know he's to blame for the man's bitterness, Thomas resolves to reignite the passion he knows lies hidden behind the wall of disdain...
Part of the [ Under the Mistletoe|13029503] Anthology, but published separately as well.
95 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2011
About the author
Ava March
27 books759 followersAva March is a bestselling author of sexy, emotionally intense M/M historical erotic romances. She loves writing in the Regency time period, where proper decorum is of the utmost importance, but where anything can happen behind closed doors. With over fifteen works to her credit, her books have been finalists in the Rainbow Awards and More Than Magic contest, and deemed ‘must-haves’ for Historical M/M romance by RT Book Reviews readers. Visit her website at www.AvaMarch.com to find out more about her books or to sign-up for her newsletter.
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Blog: www.avamarch.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/avamarchbooks/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ava_march
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/avamarch/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
August 18, 2024
I wanted to hate Thomas, I did. He left Alexander (Sasha) in a painful, cruel way; one that kept Sasha in emotional pain for such a long time. Yet, you have to take into consideration the times and the fear. I still wanted to shake him, but it was a little more understandable as you read on.
I loved that Sasha was a changed person due to Thomas' defection and cruelty, and that he didn't just up and jump back into his arms. Sasha was hurt, very deeply. His heart was broken and it changed him. This story perfectly showed that. When Thomas shows up in the ballroom and is hurt to get “the cut direct”, I couldn’t help but thinking, “what did you expect!”
Hearts on Fire Reviews
I loved that Sasha was a changed person due to Thomas' defection and cruelty, and that he didn't just up and jump back into his arms. Sasha was hurt, very deeply. His heart was broken and it changed him. This story perfectly showed that. When Thomas shows up in the ballroom and is hurt to get “the cut direct”, I couldn’t help but thinking, “what did you expect!”
Hearts on Fire Reviews
September 6, 2015
I have no idea why I have been putting off reading this book for as long as I have. I thought I'd dislike M/M historical romances, but Ava March has made me into a total convert.
This Christmas novella pretty much shattered my heart in the opening third of the book, but to give credit where credit is due... When March puts you back together, she puts you back together goooooood! The happily ever after in this story was so romantical I was sighing out loud in my apartment. Seriously! Why can't men in real life be that swoon-worthy?!
This Christmas novella pretty much shattered my heart in the opening third of the book, but to give credit where credit is due... When March puts you back together, she puts you back together goooooood! The happily ever after in this story was so romantical I was sighing out loud in my apartment. Seriously! Why can't men in real life be that swoon-worthy?!
August 12, 2017
So I somehow missed this while I was binge-reading the rest of this series. I kept wondering why these two were mentioned all the time, and I was so happy to see they had their own story. But honestly, it was MUCH too short. The fourth star is really just for the fact that I *may* have cried along with those two the whole time.
This is a very moving, intense second-chance story. Alexander and Thomas meet at university and have all of two months together before Alexander wants to take things to the next level and Thomas freaks and runs off, shattering Alexander's heart. My heart was breaking with Alexander as he was sitting alone in the dark, realization setting in that the man he loved didn't return his feelings. I kind of wanted to hate Thomas for it, but his reasons are actually very solid and understandable. He is still an idiot, trying to ignore his feelings for four years and finally returning to London only to discover that Alexander has build a very solid. cynical wall around his heart and wants nothing to do with the man who took off without a word (which had me going "really? and you expected what exactly???" But hey). Their initial reunion is pretty... well. They're both being assholes to each other, but I thought in Alexander's case it was understandable. A bit. Anyway, in the end, they talk things over and all's well.
I really wish this could've been longer. There were so many emotions! I wanted to know more! The story works fine as it is, but I still wish I could've seen more of these two.
This is a very moving, intense second-chance story. Alexander and Thomas meet at university and have all of two months together before Alexander wants to take things to the next level and Thomas freaks and runs off, shattering Alexander's heart. My heart was breaking with Alexander as he was sitting alone in the dark, realization setting in that the man he loved didn't return his feelings. I kind of wanted to hate Thomas for it, but his reasons are actually very solid and understandable. He is still an idiot, trying to ignore his feelings for four years and finally returning to London only to discover that Alexander has build a very solid. cynical wall around his heart and wants nothing to do with the man who took off without a word (which had me going "really? and you expected what exactly???" But hey). Their initial reunion is pretty... well. They're both being assholes to each other, but I thought in Alexander's case it was understandable. A bit. Anyway, in the end, they talk things over and all's well.
I really wish this could've been longer. There were so many emotions! I wanted to know more! The story works fine as it is, but I still wish I could've seen more of these two.
March 20, 2023
My True Love Gave To Me:
First, I disliked the booming sound of this publication. Also, after every editorial cut, the volume changed. The narrator goes on my 'avoid' list, with his random pauses after every few words and lack of voices.
It might be too late for readers of this review, but you should avoid reading the blurb. It covers 50% of the novella and the 50% groveling got tedious fast.
First, I disliked the booming sound of this publication. Also, after every editorial cut, the volume changed. The narrator goes on my 'avoid' list, with his random pauses after every few words and lack of voices.
It might be too late for readers of this review, but you should avoid reading the blurb. It covers 50% of the novella and the 50% groveling got tedious fast.
December 9, 2011
3.5 stars
I love my historical romances and this one didn't disappoint. Alex and Thomas the two young lovers have a troubled and angst filled relationship. When they finally reunite and after some highly charged encounters persistence and love pays off. An enjoyable Christmas story even with all the melodrama.
I love my historical romances and this one didn't disappoint. Alex and Thomas the two young lovers have a troubled and angst filled relationship. When they finally reunite and after some highly charged encounters persistence and love pays off. An enjoyable Christmas story even with all the melodrama.
November 27, 2011
A simple, but emotionally charged historical romance. Alex and Thomas fell in love as students at Oxford, but Thomas was too frightened to continue their affair and ran away to New York. Four years later, Thomas has realized that he’ll never be able to stop wanting men or loving Alex -- but the Alex he left behind is now very bitter and reluctant to be vulnerable again. Despite the historical setting, the focus is almost entirely on the emotional/sexual aspects of their situation, with lots of good gut-twists.
January 19, 2014
I don't think I've ever read m/m historical erotic romances before and I enjoyed my first experience.
I understood that Thomas was scared but I was so angry with him. Furious with him actually, just because he hurt Alexander so much when Alexander was so in love with him. It hurt to read how anguished Alexander was by Thomas quick departure and how much it changed him as a person.
But I was happy when they finally made up. They both deserve to have some happiness and spend a lifetime with each other, which they no doubt will. *happy sigh*
I understood that Thomas was scared but I was so angry with him. Furious with him actually, just because he hurt Alexander so much when Alexander was so in love with him. It hurt to read how anguished Alexander was by Thomas quick departure and how much it changed him as a person.
But I was happy when they finally made up. They both deserve to have some happiness and spend a lifetime with each other, which they no doubt will. *happy sigh*
October 20, 2015
They were idiots and acted like assholes to one another...and I completely understood where they were both coming from. I felt that their apprehension and misgivings were genuine and believable.
My greatest complaint is that I wish it'd been longer and we get more of them living their lives, both together and apart. I wanted to see their initial meetings and tentative explorations. I wanted to see what made Thomas so afraid. I wanted to watch them apart and see Alexander/Sasha grow cold in England, while Thomas slowly comes to personal acceptance in America.
My greatest complaint is that I wish it'd been longer and we get more of them living their lives, both together and apart. I wanted to see their initial meetings and tentative explorations. I wanted to see what made Thomas so afraid. I wanted to watch them apart and see Alexander/Sasha grow cold in England, while Thomas slowly comes to personal acceptance in America.
November 30, 2022
Very nice friends to lovers historical romance.
December 10, 2011
This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay as part of my review of the Men Under the Mistletoe anthology
Alexander Norton and Thomas Bennett are two young men in love. Although Alexander previously shared some stolen moments with other boys at school, Thomas is totally new to a relationship with a man. After sneaking time together, the men decide to take their romance further and travel to Alexander's father's hunting lodge to have a night alone. But when they arrive, Thomas panics at the idea of finally fully giving in to his desires and accepting that he is likes men and all the things that means. Terrified, he flees the house, leaving a crushed Alexander in his wake.
Alexander is devastated by Thomas' abandonment. This first part of the story is told from his POV and we can feel his pain as he realizes Thomas is gone and not returning. Four years later Alexander has moved on, but never gotten over the pain. He is shocked one evening to see Thomas, who has returned from America after leaving without a word soon after the incident at the hunting lodge.
While part of Alexander still loves Thomas, the pain of his desertion is just too much for him and he doesn't want to see or speak to Thomas. Thomas is persistent however in his desire to see Alexander, apologize, and hopefully rekindle what they once had. Time has made Thomas realize he needs to live for what he wants and not other's expectations and he is determined to win Alexander back.
I really enjoyed this story and appreciated that there was no magical quick fix. Alexander is understandably hurt and not willing or able to forgive Thomas easily. Thomas has to earn back Alexander's trust and confidence. March helps the reader to really see Alexander's pain, and I could totally understand and appreciate that it takes him a long time to move past the hurt. I also could really feel for Thomas. At 19 years old, he was just terrified of accepting who he was and couldn't handle it. He has grown over the years and matured and truly regrets his actions.
Strangely, the same thing I really liked about the story is also what bothered me a bit. While I really was glad that we see the men take time to work through their problems, waiting for Alexander to forgive Thomas is the focus for a lot of the book. I wish there was a bit more to move the story forward after the initial set up of the conflict.
Overall I really enjoyed this story, however. I love March's work and she does a great job in this story of really letting you understand the emotions the men are feeling. I appreciated that both men made mistakes and both were willing to accept responsibility for them and take steps to solve their problems and make their relationship ultimately work. Definitely an enjoyable book and a recommended read.
Alexander Norton and Thomas Bennett are two young men in love. Although Alexander previously shared some stolen moments with other boys at school, Thomas is totally new to a relationship with a man. After sneaking time together, the men decide to take their romance further and travel to Alexander's father's hunting lodge to have a night alone. But when they arrive, Thomas panics at the idea of finally fully giving in to his desires and accepting that he is likes men and all the things that means. Terrified, he flees the house, leaving a crushed Alexander in his wake.
Alexander is devastated by Thomas' abandonment. This first part of the story is told from his POV and we can feel his pain as he realizes Thomas is gone and not returning. Four years later Alexander has moved on, but never gotten over the pain. He is shocked one evening to see Thomas, who has returned from America after leaving without a word soon after the incident at the hunting lodge.
While part of Alexander still loves Thomas, the pain of his desertion is just too much for him and he doesn't want to see or speak to Thomas. Thomas is persistent however in his desire to see Alexander, apologize, and hopefully rekindle what they once had. Time has made Thomas realize he needs to live for what he wants and not other's expectations and he is determined to win Alexander back.
I really enjoyed this story and appreciated that there was no magical quick fix. Alexander is understandably hurt and not willing or able to forgive Thomas easily. Thomas has to earn back Alexander's trust and confidence. March helps the reader to really see Alexander's pain, and I could totally understand and appreciate that it takes him a long time to move past the hurt. I also could really feel for Thomas. At 19 years old, he was just terrified of accepting who he was and couldn't handle it. He has grown over the years and matured and truly regrets his actions.
Strangely, the same thing I really liked about the story is also what bothered me a bit. While I really was glad that we see the men take time to work through their problems, waiting for Alexander to forgive Thomas is the focus for a lot of the book. I wish there was a bit more to move the story forward after the initial set up of the conflict.
Overall I really enjoyed this story, however. I love March's work and she does a great job in this story of really letting you understand the emotions the men are feeling. I appreciated that both men made mistakes and both were willing to accept responsibility for them and take steps to solve their problems and make their relationship ultimately work. Definitely an enjoyable book and a recommended read.
August 26, 2012
I love this series, yet somehow I managed to miss this one and so I'm reading it last. Doesn't really matter. These guys were mentioned in Fortune Hunter so I went back to read about them, no biggie. I enjoyed it, it's similar to the others but different enough that it doesn't feel like the same book. I actually cried for poor Alexander because it was so heartbreaking. And I liked how much of a dick he was later (you can't just get over that kind of hurt so quickly!) I also thought it made it so the reader didn't feel like Thomas got off easy and was forgiven without enough effort. It did annoy me a little that as hard as Thomas was trying to win him back and saying "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry", it wasn't until the end that he finally explained that he had been scared, etc. I also like (in M/M historical romance) for the author to explain to me how my two men are going to live a happy normal life together but without scrutiny. So I little comment like "you could work for me as a business adviser (or something) and live here without it being suspicious." Just so I know their gonna be OK!
So is this series done? I think all the guys are paired off :(
So is this series done? I think all the guys are paired off :(
January 22, 2012
One of my chief guilty pleasures is reading Josh Lanyon's gay romances. This book came in an anthology with one of his, so I decided to try it. It's a regency-period historical m/m romance, with lots of pretty explicit sex and a surprisingly sweet love story. I did get to care about Sasha and Thomas, despite all the sex, angst and drama that threatened to drown the story.
Probably best read over Christmas, but ssh. I wasn't allowed to buy it till my essays were done.
Probably best read over Christmas, but ssh. I wasn't allowed to buy it till my essays were done.
December 6, 2011
This was a holiday story done right. We get to really know Sasha and Thomas and love their Christmas tale. This is a typical setting for Ava March, but it is so good and she does it so right every.single.time.
This book does contain young love heartbreak and then beautiful holiday forgiveness. Enjoy!
This book does contain young love heartbreak and then beautiful holiday forgiveness. Enjoy!
December 12, 2011
This was a lovely story about two young men, one who is certain that the world is his for the asking- including forbidden love, and another who is sure that his love is damned.
It could have been a novel, but it's a short story for the holidays, and as such it is perfect. Heartwarming, hot, and in keeping with the spirit of the season.
It could have been a novel, but it's a short story for the holidays, and as such it is perfect. Heartwarming, hot, and in keeping with the spirit of the season.
July 15, 2013
I actually read this one after completing the Brook Street Trilogy. And while it isn't my favorite of the series, I did enjoy it. I already know that Bennett and Norton are pretty much going to last forever, but I would be questioning that at the end of this story if I hadn't already read the rest of the series.
Want to read
November 26, 2016Thank you so much for the gift, mystery friend!!
April 4, 2021
I really like Ava March's writing style. I've read her Bound series and I totally loved it!
I've also enjoyed the first book in this series, Thief, of which I'm doing a re-read now.
This prequel was supposed to be a short Xmas story. And I must tell you, though I still shelved it as a Christmas read, I didn't feel any of the holiday spirit :(
It's very short, but again, all Ava March's stories tend to be not very long, so that's not the problem.
The problem is that the change of heart that Sasha finally allowed himself happened too quickly... Don't get me wrong, it took some grovelling on Thomas's side to earn Sasha's forgiveness but simply the ending felt rushed and sudden.
Still, I loved the writing style and the MCs as a couple. The sex was hot and believable. And, Thomas and Sasha deserve their HEA ;)
So, 4 stars it is!
I'll continue with the Brook Street series now! :)
I've also enjoyed the first book in this series, Thief, of which I'm doing a re-read now.
This prequel was supposed to be a short Xmas story. And I must tell you, though I still shelved it as a Christmas read, I didn't feel any of the holiday spirit :(
It's very short, but again, all Ava March's stories tend to be not very long, so that's not the problem.
The problem is that the change of heart that Sasha finally allowed himself happened too quickly... Don't get me wrong, it took some grovelling on Thomas's side to earn Sasha's forgiveness but simply the ending felt rushed and sudden.
Still, I loved the writing style and the MCs as a couple. The sex was hot and believable. And, Thomas and Sasha deserve their HEA ;)
So, 4 stars it is!
I'll continue with the Brook Street series now! :)
September 2, 2020
I started reading queer romance because I had read an article on writing consent into romance and it was refreshing to see how the romance genre could be written without all the toxic tropes it usually has.
This story is more along the lines of a traditional romance novel full of icky toxic relationships.
Thomas gets cold feet on his way to hook up with Alexander and just leaves him stranded while he runs off to New York. Four years later he realizes he has donked up big time and comes back to thoroughly disrespect Alexander’s boundaries and he won’t take no for an answer.
Meanwhile Alexander pulls a power play by intentionally putting Thomas outside his comfort level to prove a point.
Super disappointed by this. I highly recommend K. J. Charles if you’re wanting more from this genre.
This story is more along the lines of a traditional romance novel full of icky toxic relationships.
Thomas gets cold feet on his way to hook up with Alexander and just leaves him stranded while he runs off to New York. Four years later he realizes he has donked up big time and comes back to thoroughly disrespect Alexander’s boundaries and he won’t take no for an answer.
Meanwhile Alexander pulls a power play by intentionally putting Thomas outside his comfort level to prove a point.
Super disappointed by this. I highly recommend K. J. Charles if you’re wanting more from this genre.
May 22, 2020
3.5 Stars. I originally read this as part of a Christmas anthology. It was pretty good if not a bit cliche. Ava March gives us a solid historical romance where 2 young men enter a taboo relationship of gay love. But on Christmas day one lover jilts the other. But he comes back 4 years later ready to fight for forgiveness and love. I would've preferred if the story was longer so there would be more time for groveling. Lots more grovelling.
December 22, 2019
Story: 6
Chapters: 1-8
Cheerfulness: 2
Hotness: 6
Audio: 5
Theme: second chance
Chapters: 1-8
Cheerfulness: 2
Hotness: 6
Audio: 5
Theme: second chance
December 22, 2015
4.25 stars
When they were just nineteen, Thomas Bennett broke Alexander Norton’s heart when he flew from him in what was supposed to be the happiest night of Sasha’s life. Now, four years later, Thomas is back to mend his mistake and get the love of his life back. But maybe it is too late for them…
This was so beautiful! It broke my heart, it made me suffer, just to mend it completely at the end… Thomas and Sasha met at Oxford and started a relationship, to the utter happiness of sweet Sasha, who knows he’s found the love of his life. Thomas, on his side, is struggling with his sexuality, unable to accept his attraction towards men, but Sasha cannot see it. He’s happy and in love, that’s why when Thomas leaves him at his father’s hunting cottage on Christmas Eve, he breaks his heart. Thomas flies from Sasha and from the country, running from his feelings only to get to the conclusion that he made a terrible mistake, leaving the only man he can ever love behind. But when he comes back to London to beg for forgiveness, he finds a changed man. Sasha is no longer the sweet and innocent boy he remembers, he’s hard and scornful. Thomas tries as hard as he can, but nothing seems to change Sasha’s demeanour. Unable to force Sasha to accept his apologies and return his love, Thomas decides to make a last attempt before leaving Sasha behind for good… And that’s when the miracle occurs, and Sasha comes to senses and my heart mends. Because even short, this was a shattering odyssey..
I really like the Brook Street series by Ava March, and My True Love Gave To Me is a deserving part of this wonderful series of M/M historical romance… One I plan to visit again really soon. Great story!
When they were just nineteen, Thomas Bennett broke Alexander Norton’s heart when he flew from him in what was supposed to be the happiest night of Sasha’s life. Now, four years later, Thomas is back to mend his mistake and get the love of his life back. But maybe it is too late for them…
This was so beautiful! It broke my heart, it made me suffer, just to mend it completely at the end… Thomas and Sasha met at Oxford and started a relationship, to the utter happiness of sweet Sasha, who knows he’s found the love of his life. Thomas, on his side, is struggling with his sexuality, unable to accept his attraction towards men, but Sasha cannot see it. He’s happy and in love, that’s why when Thomas leaves him at his father’s hunting cottage on Christmas Eve, he breaks his heart. Thomas flies from Sasha and from the country, running from his feelings only to get to the conclusion that he made a terrible mistake, leaving the only man he can ever love behind. But when he comes back to London to beg for forgiveness, he finds a changed man. Sasha is no longer the sweet and innocent boy he remembers, he’s hard and scornful. Thomas tries as hard as he can, but nothing seems to change Sasha’s demeanour. Unable to force Sasha to accept his apologies and return his love, Thomas decides to make a last attempt before leaving Sasha behind for good… And that’s when the miracle occurs, and Sasha comes to senses and my heart mends. Because even short, this was a shattering odyssey..
I really like the Brook Street series by Ava March, and My True Love Gave To Me is a deserving part of this wonderful series of M/M historical romance… One I plan to visit again really soon. Great story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2015
The title actually could not be more accurate. Keep that in mind. ;)
We have Alexander (or Sasha as his love calls him) and Thomas (his love) and these two young men are dealing with all of the societal difficulties and legal restrictions that were entrenched during this time period. How March continually manages to handle all of this while giving us what is essentially a true love story, I’m still amazed, and want more.
Her ease with words and dialogue, particularly for the times, is definitely here. Like all of her stories, she manages quite well to make this one unique despite having similar inclusions as those others.
Oh, and hotness right out of the gate. Did I mention the hotness? And it’s all set up beautifully. It works. They go through their struggles, both inwards and out and it all just works. Also, the POV switch was done very well. Change is good. This does involve a time jump but it serves to help explain the changes both men have gone through and speak to the men they’ve become. A bit thin, but it’s such a short piece of the story that it didn’t impact my enjoyment of Sasha and Thomas.
Reading this story, it actually feeds my own determination to do what I can to eradicate the intolerance that is throughout. Yes, amidst the romance, pain and ‘proper’ society talk, March manages to speak volumes about the real world we live in today.
Love, that’s what this story is. Love.
We have Alexander (or Sasha as his love calls him) and Thomas (his love) and these two young men are dealing with all of the societal difficulties and legal restrictions that were entrenched during this time period. How March continually manages to handle all of this while giving us what is essentially a true love story, I’m still amazed, and want more.
Her ease with words and dialogue, particularly for the times, is definitely here. Like all of her stories, she manages quite well to make this one unique despite having similar inclusions as those others.
Oh, and hotness right out of the gate. Did I mention the hotness? And it’s all set up beautifully. It works. They go through their struggles, both inwards and out and it all just works. Also, the POV switch was done very well. Change is good. This does involve a time jump but it serves to help explain the changes both men have gone through and speak to the men they’ve become. A bit thin, but it’s such a short piece of the story that it didn’t impact my enjoyment of Sasha and Thomas.
Reading this story, it actually feeds my own determination to do what I can to eradicate the intolerance that is throughout. Yes, amidst the romance, pain and ‘proper’ society talk, March manages to speak volumes about the real world we live in today.
Love, that’s what this story is. Love.
February 16, 2021
As far as second chance romances go, this is on the angsty side. Young Thomas and Sasha have been sneaking off together for awhile. Sasha is head-over-heels in love. Then Thomas breaks Sasha's heart into a million pieces by literally abandoning him and riding off before they can consummate their relationship. My heart broke for poor Sasha, waiting for hours in the dark (he doesn't like the dark!) and still Thomas never returns. He sends a stranger to return the horse, with no message, then leaves the continent!
Thomas shows up years later ready beg for forgiveness, now accepting that Sasha is the only man for him. Sasha has become bitter and cynical and only indulges Thomas in hate-sex, at first. Eventually, .
The fun of the book is indulging the fantasy of a man grovelling at the feet of the person he wronged. We've all wanted that :)
What I would have wanted for 5 stars would be for Thomas to actually WOO Sasha and make him believe him love again. You know, Pride and Prejudice style. Instead, we get speech after speech after speech of "I'm Sorry" and Sasha finally caves. Sasha gets his HEA, but I'm not sure Thomas deserves it.
Thomas shows up years later ready beg for forgiveness, now accepting that Sasha is the only man for him. Sasha has become bitter and cynical and only indulges Thomas in hate-sex, at first. Eventually, .
The fun of the book is indulging the fantasy of a man grovelling at the feet of the person he wronged. We've all wanted that :)
What I would have wanted for 5 stars would be for Thomas to actually WOO Sasha and make him believe him love again. You know, Pride and Prejudice style. Instead, we get speech after speech after speech of "I'm Sorry" and Sasha finally caves. Sasha gets his HEA, but I'm not sure Thomas deserves it.
January 10, 2016
Sasha (Alexander to everyone else) is in love with Thomas. He thinks the feeling is mutual. All they have had are stolen moments at school, but Sasha wants more. After a steamy tryst in a carriage, they decide to take a trip to Sasha's father's Hunting Cabin for some privacy. However once they get there, Thomas can't proceed and walks out of Sasha's life. Breaking Sasha's heart and spirit in the process. Of course this all happened on Christmas Eve or Christmas Eve Eve, never really figured that one out for sure. Thomas flees not only Sasha's life, but his schooling, and country in an effort to convince himself he doesn't really prefer men, and more specifically Sasha.
Fast forward 4 years. Sasha is a changed man. He hates the holiday season. He is alone and only interested in the occasional casual hookup. He has a great deal of anger for Thomas, the man he once loved. Sasha has spent the last 4 years trying to forget the man he loves... err loved.
The last thing he expects is Thomas to walk into the Ballroom while he is attending a Holiday Ball. Thomas tries his best to get Sasha to forgive him, but Sasha has to work through the hurt from that night 4 years ago...
Fast forward 4 years. Sasha is a changed man. He hates the holiday season. He is alone and only interested in the occasional casual hookup. He has a great deal of anger for Thomas, the man he once loved. Sasha has spent the last 4 years trying to forget the man he loves... err loved.
The last thing he expects is Thomas to walk into the Ballroom while he is attending a Holiday Ball. Thomas tries his best to get Sasha to forgive him, but Sasha has to work through the hurt from that night 4 years ago...
May 30, 2012
Ava March alread did better books... I mean, at first, I thought this would be different and cooler, because the story beggins in Thomas and Sacha's youth... And I'm not even gonna mention how much space for desenvolving that exists on the plot. Sacha's lover could be more attached to him, for example. Thomas could've done more for Sacha as he apologized. God, he deserved to suffer more!!
Now the good things. I was touched by the way Ava described Sacha's fellings towards Thomas' abandon. I almost could cry myself feeling the same. It was a really toucheble feelling and she was (once more) my respect for that. Other scene that I really liked was how caring Sacha was on their first night together. Of course he was acting like an ass, but who wouldn't, considerating what Thomas did? And, even though, he was really careful with Thomas. It was lovely.
Well, wanting or not, I'm still in love with Ava's syle and theme, so, generally, it was a good story and I'm dying to read it's sequel <3 Go Ava March, I love you! <3
Now the good things. I was touched by the way Ava described Sacha's fellings towards Thomas' abandon. I almost could cry myself feeling the same. It was a really toucheble feelling and she was (once more) my respect for that. Other scene that I really liked was how caring Sacha was on their first night together. Of course he was acting like an ass, but who wouldn't, considerating what Thomas did? And, even though, he was really careful with Thomas. It was lovely.
Well, wanting or not, I'm still in love with Ava's syle and theme, so, generally, it was a good story and I'm dying to read it's sequel <3 Go Ava March, I love you! <3
December 18, 2013
This 'prequel' (sort of) of Brook Street series features Alexander Norton and Thomas Bennett. In book #3, Rogues, we got 'clues' that Thomas went to New York before settling down with Alexander. This told readers what happened.
Similar to "Rogues", since it started with the reason why Thomas went and fast forward to four years after, I kinda missed that tension of Alexander and Thomas when they started it all. Even if Thomas was scared and confused about it. Then when Thomas returned, it was also rather quick, and I missed the two of them really, I dunno, 'learning' about their separation.
Still, it was an okay read --- nothing tops book #1 though, which was my favorite from the whole series.
Similar to "Rogues", since it started with the reason why Thomas went and fast forward to four years after, I kinda missed that tension of Alexander and Thomas when they started it all. Even if Thomas was scared and confused about it. Then when Thomas returned, it was also rather quick, and I missed the two of them really, I dunno, 'learning' about their separation.
Still, it was an okay read --- nothing tops book #1 though, which was my favorite from the whole series.
July 5, 2017
I know, I know...it’s NOT Christmas! But what the hell? I do as I please and this pleases me.
Overall book rating: 3.5
Audio Book: L.B. Townsend
Book Cover: 2.5
I’m not that big on historical, but I did enjoy this one. It caught me in the right mood so to speak. Lots of little sweet things, like the way Thomas calls Alexander “Sasha” I don’t know why but I really liked that.
Short, sweet and LB Townsend did a good job on the audio.
I did the Anthology audio for "Men under the Mistletoe" on this one
Overall book rating: 3.5
Audio Book: L.B. Townsend
Book Cover: 2.5
I’m not that big on historical, but I did enjoy this one. It caught me in the right mood so to speak. Lots of little sweet things, like the way Thomas calls Alexander “Sasha” I don’t know why but I really liked that.
Short, sweet and LB Townsend did a good job on the audio.
I did the Anthology audio for "Men under the Mistletoe" on this one
May 8, 2012
Very good historical holiday m/m romance about young love, fear, and trying for a second chance, even if you're not sure you deserve one.
December 6, 2011
This was an okay read, nice and sweet Christmas story though both protags acted a bit over-dramatic.
February 23, 2015
Very sweet, even though I really felt so sad about Sasha's broken heart :(
Review to follow.
Review to follow.
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