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Eivissa
Demetrio has found the good life, putting his devastating past behind him and investing his hard-earned money into a gay bar on the island of Ibiza, or as the locals insist on calling it, Eivissa. With celebrities and other stunning beautiful men roaming the hot-spot island, Demetrio thinks he’s found a slice of heaven. When a strange man’s small boat capsizes in the Mediterranean, once he’s rescued, he seems to be attracted to Demetrio.
The man, however, has amnesia. He has no memory of his name, his life and has no ID. His boat is registered to a Philip Gordon, but the handsome stranger says he doesn’t think it’s his name. After picking the name Océano, the Spanish word for the sea, he and Demetrio begin an impassioned affair that soon turns disastrous. Océano may not be amnesiac. He may not be the good guy he seems to be and…he may not even be gay.
The man, however, has amnesia. He has no memory of his name, his life and has no ID. His boat is registered to a Philip Gordon, but the handsome stranger says he doesn’t think it’s his name. After picking the name Océano, the Spanish word for the sea, he and Demetrio begin an impassioned affair that soon turns disastrous. Océano may not be amnesiac. He may not be the good guy he seems to be and…he may not even be gay.
- GenresM M RomanceGayRomance
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2011
56 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Llewellyn
288 books452 followersA.J. Llewellyn lives in California, but dreams of living in Hawaii. Frequent trips to all the islands, bags of Kona coffee in the fridge and a healthy collection of Hawaiian records keep this writer refueled.
A.J’s passion for the islands led to writing a play about the last ruling monarch of Hawaii, Queen Lili’uokalani as well as a non-erotic novel about the overthrow of her kingdom written in diary form from her maid’s point of view.
A.J. never lacks inspiritation for male/male erotic romances and on the rare occasion this happens, pursues other passions such as collecting books on Hawaiiana, surfing and spending time with friends and animal companions.
A.J. Llewellyn believes that love is a song best sung out loud.
A.J’s passion for the islands led to writing a play about the last ruling monarch of Hawaii, Queen Lili’uokalani as well as a non-erotic novel about the overthrow of her kingdom written in diary form from her maid’s point of view.
A.J. never lacks inspiritation for male/male erotic romances and on the rare occasion this happens, pursues other passions such as collecting books on Hawaiiana, surfing and spending time with friends and animal companions.
A.J. Llewellyn believes that love is a song best sung out loud.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 7, 2015
Poorly researched, misogynistic, insipid, with underdeveloped characters of the cardboard variety, and an excuse of a plot. This is the kind of story that gives m/m romance a bad name. I would give it negative stars, if I could.
June 30, 2015
Bad coffee. Bad wine. Bad books.
I find it difficult to choke down all of the above, but after this novella I would happily drink sludge and sour wine. I nearly quit numerous times and that's just not like me. It takes a LOT for me to want to give up. It wasn't just a few things that bothered me; I can honestly say it was the entire package.
I've been on an amnesia trope kick lately and this was not what I was looking for. Not even close. The blurb gave it great promise but it failed to reach any of my expectations.
Allow me to give you a quick run down….
Demetrio quit his day job and went after his dream of island life. He bought a bar on an Evissia and quickly befriended his bar neighbors. Soon after the story begins, they rescue a man capsized at sea. Said man is injured and suffering from amnesia. All of the characters were shallow and flat. Not only did I lack any connection to them, but I didn’t even like them. Their dialogue was exasperating and the plot was extremely far-fetched. I’ll be the first to admit I am drawn to over-the-top romance. I don’t mind flufftastic and mushy love affairs. The ship definitely sank if that was the goal.
I think the intention was to touch on erotic and exotic mixed with an extremely sweet romance. It certainly was erotic but it was more sleazy than smokin’ hot. It was exotic yet despite the white sand and breathtaking sunsets I had absolutely no desire to visit. The island was practically one giant orgy and that’s just not my cuppa. Not trying to be judgmental, but if I won a free ticket to this top vacation spot, I would gladly pass it off to another willing soul. And the romance? I didn’t get it, I didn’t see it, and I didn’t feel it. I didn’t even think they liked one another? Color me confused.
So you see, I could hardly stomach the guys, their paradise did nothing for me, and I cringed when they spoke. The memory loss was carelessly handled (he wasn’t sure his sexual orientation and then was in the driver seat cruising along anal alley in the next scene) and scenes were so out of place I was frequently tossed right out of the story. At one point Océano (yeahhh, that’s what they deemed their John Doe…cuz he came out of the sea!) had just be released from the hospital and was recovering from sun poisoning and they proceeded to get him drunk. Drink after drink after drink. Probably not very wise. This was simply one instance of the complete and utter lack of common sense these men demonstrated. Sometimes I can brush it aside and suspend reality, but I no matter how much I tried here, I couldn’t.
I typically do not quote, but this snippet of convo gives a primo example of my annoyance…
It that doesn’t tell you all you need to know, then I don’t know what else to say.
My mother always said to try and say something nice to offset the unpleasantness of frank honesty; Soooo, the cover is very pretty.
*2 oh-me-oh-my stars*
I find it difficult to choke down all of the above, but after this novella I would happily drink sludge and sour wine. I nearly quit numerous times and that's just not like me. It takes a LOT for me to want to give up. It wasn't just a few things that bothered me; I can honestly say it was the entire package.
I've been on an amnesia trope kick lately and this was not what I was looking for. Not even close. The blurb gave it great promise but it failed to reach any of my expectations.
Allow me to give you a quick run down….
Demetrio quit his day job and went after his dream of island life. He bought a bar on an Evissia and quickly befriended his bar neighbors. Soon after the story begins, they rescue a man capsized at sea. Said man is injured and suffering from amnesia. All of the characters were shallow and flat. Not only did I lack any connection to them, but I didn’t even like them. Their dialogue was exasperating and the plot was extremely far-fetched. I’ll be the first to admit I am drawn to over-the-top romance. I don’t mind flufftastic and mushy love affairs. The ship definitely sank if that was the goal.
I think the intention was to touch on erotic and exotic mixed with an extremely sweet romance. It certainly was erotic but it was more sleazy than smokin’ hot. It was exotic yet despite the white sand and breathtaking sunsets I had absolutely no desire to visit. The island was practically one giant orgy and that’s just not my cuppa. Not trying to be judgmental, but if I won a free ticket to this top vacation spot, I would gladly pass it off to another willing soul. And the romance? I didn’t get it, I didn’t see it, and I didn’t feel it. I didn’t even think they liked one another? Color me confused.
So you see, I could hardly stomach the guys, their paradise did nothing for me, and I cringed when they spoke. The memory loss was carelessly handled (he wasn’t sure his sexual orientation and then was in the driver seat cruising along anal alley in the next scene) and scenes were so out of place I was frequently tossed right out of the story. At one point Océano (yeahhh, that’s what they deemed their John Doe…cuz he came out of the sea!) had just be released from the hospital and was recovering from sun poisoning and they proceeded to get him drunk. Drink after drink after drink. Probably not very wise. This was simply one instance of the complete and utter lack of common sense these men demonstrated. Sometimes I can brush it aside and suspend reality, but I no matter how much I tried here, I couldn’t.
I typically do not quote, but this snippet of convo gives a primo example of my annoyance…
“‘Forget about me, D. I can only bring you pain.’
‘No. I love you.’
‘Fuck! Don’t love me.’
‘Sorry, but I do.'”
It that doesn’t tell you all you need to know, then I don’t know what else to say.
My mother always said to try and say something nice to offset the unpleasantness of frank honesty; Soooo, the cover is very pretty.
*2 oh-me-oh-my stars*
May 2, 2020
I loved this book from beginning to end. It has a great location (sun and beach, bars and parties until late in the night), some wonderful characters and deals with the heart-wrenching issue of amnesia. Who wouldn't be afraid of losing all understanding of who they are, and what their life was like? This story shows not only what such a situation does to the amnesiac, but what the consequences might be for someone who falls in love with such a man.
Please find my full review of the third edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the third edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 2, 2020
I loved this book from beginning to end. It has a great location (sun and beach, bars and parties until late in the night), some wonderful characters and deals with the heart-wrenching issue of amnesia. Who wouldn't be afraid of losing all understanding of who they are, and what their life was like? This story shows not only what such a situation does to the amnesiac, but what the consequences might be for someone who falls in love with such a man.
Please find my full review of the third edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the third edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 29, 2011
A.J. brings us a little mystery, some intrigue, hawt guys and great sex. A touch of it all, but not overly too much.
Thumbs up.
Thumbs up.
June 1, 2011
Another wonderful book from AJ! Very sweet story with a dash of mystery thrown in. I gave it 4 stars only because I wish it were longer, more elaborate, especially towards the end.
May 2, 2020
I loved this book from beginning to end. It has a great location (sun and beach, bars and parties until late in the night), some wonderful characters and deals with the heart-wrenching issue of amnesia. Who wouldn't be afraid of losing all understanding of who they are, and what their life was like? This story shows not only what such a situation does to the amnesiac, but what the consequences might be for someone who falls in love with such a man.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 25, 2016
This story was just okay. Great idea, but as a novella it falls short.
Demetrio Reyes worked himself into an unhealthy state both physically and mentally. After a serious health scare, Demetrio moved to the island of Ibiza (pronounced Eivissa by the locals), of the coast in Spain. He opened a gay bar and tried to leave less stressful lifestyle.
When a small boat capsizes and a stranger washes ashore, Demetrio inherits an amnesiac houseguest. While the man doesn’t seem to remember anything, he appears very attracted to Demetrio and they begin an affair. The amnesiac takes on the name Océano and Demetrio finally feels happy as all the parts of his life are falling into place.
A few weeks later, law enforcement came looking for the Océano for questioning related to a murder investigation. Demetrio refuses to believe the man he has given his heart to may be a criminal hiding out from a heinous crime.
I think the premise of the story was intriguing but the delivery was lacking for me. A lot of time was spent describing the beautiful scenery. It was definitely a place I would love to visit. Demetrio throwing all in with a stranger and having great sex was also okay. The unraveling of Océano’s identity and how he ended up an amnesiac happened so fast that it wasn’t very cohesive to me. The characters weren’t developed well as is normally the case in such short stories. This story relied a lot on sex and so the actual execution of the plot was insufficient for my enjoyment. I would have liked it with maybe 50-75 more pages to really let us get to know the characters.
*Special thanks to Dreamspinner for the reading copy.
Demetrio Reyes worked himself into an unhealthy state both physically and mentally. After a serious health scare, Demetrio moved to the island of Ibiza (pronounced Eivissa by the locals), of the coast in Spain. He opened a gay bar and tried to leave less stressful lifestyle.
When a small boat capsizes and a stranger washes ashore, Demetrio inherits an amnesiac houseguest. While the man doesn’t seem to remember anything, he appears very attracted to Demetrio and they begin an affair. The amnesiac takes on the name Océano and Demetrio finally feels happy as all the parts of his life are falling into place.
A few weeks later, law enforcement came looking for the Océano for questioning related to a murder investigation. Demetrio refuses to believe the man he has given his heart to may be a criminal hiding out from a heinous crime.
I think the premise of the story was intriguing but the delivery was lacking for me. A lot of time was spent describing the beautiful scenery. It was definitely a place I would love to visit. Demetrio throwing all in with a stranger and having great sex was also okay. The unraveling of Océano’s identity and how he ended up an amnesiac happened so fast that it wasn’t very cohesive to me. The characters weren’t developed well as is normally the case in such short stories. This story relied a lot on sex and so the actual execution of the plot was insufficient for my enjoyment. I would have liked it with maybe 50-75 more pages to really let us get to know the characters.
*Special thanks to Dreamspinner for the reading copy.
May 10, 2015
FourStars
Llewellyn’s Balearic island is beautiful, liberated and very seductive. The men aren’t too bad either. Actually, I loved Demetrio. Oh. And Chenche. And Stefan. Maybe especially Stefan.
The men and their island lives are wonderfully drawn. Night-clubs, beautiful natural scenery and wonderful food are a fantastic combination.
The only character I didn’t quite warm to was Oceano. I felt initial empathy for him, but I wanted to lend my voice to the others warning Demetrio. Llewellyn uncovers some of his story for us, but we’re never quite allowed to follow his mystery or truly understand his identity. I’m still not sure that all of his lies were necessary.
This is a great read for anyone who has ever considered slowing their life down and moving to a favourite beach resort.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Sarah
Llewellyn’s Balearic island is beautiful, liberated and very seductive. The men aren’t too bad either. Actually, I loved Demetrio. Oh. And Chenche. And Stefan. Maybe especially Stefan.
The men and their island lives are wonderfully drawn. Night-clubs, beautiful natural scenery and wonderful food are a fantastic combination.
The only character I didn’t quite warm to was Oceano. I felt initial empathy for him, but I wanted to lend my voice to the others warning Demetrio. Llewellyn uncovers some of his story for us, but we’re never quite allowed to follow his mystery or truly understand his identity. I’m still not sure that all of his lies were necessary.
This is a great read for anyone who has ever considered slowing their life down and moving to a favourite beach resort.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Sarah
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews