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Heatstroke
Official Description: At twenty-one years old, Richard Lewis Bancroft was on the fast track to fame and fortune. An award-winning start on the Broadway stage led him to the silver screens of Hollywood, where his star began to rise, and his heart fell hard for professional baseball sensation, Manuel Guzman. But there was no script for living out loud with the man of his dreams in the world of 1964.
Then Richard disappeared without a trace.
Forty years later, Michael Spencer discovered a journal in his grandmother's attic that would change his life forever, and quite possibly, solve the mysterious disappearance of Richard Lewis Bancroft.
Original Prompt:
Dear Author,
They met while vacationing on a tropical beach, can their summertime romance last?
Photo Description: Two very muscular, tanned men are naked on the beach. One is lying down, his left knee bent, his head (to the right) in the lap of his lover. The dark-haired, kneeling lover is leaning over him, hands to either side of his shoulders, about to kiss him upside-down.
Download the story, read it here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 2 or Don't Read in the Closet: GayRomLit Retreat 2011 Special Edition.
__________
Genre: contemporary
Tags: gay m/m, family secrets, lies, angst, HEA, intolerance, sacrifice, romance, emotional
Word Count: 31,889
Then Richard disappeared without a trace.
Forty years later, Michael Spencer discovered a journal in his grandmother's attic that would change his life forever, and quite possibly, solve the mysterious disappearance of Richard Lewis Bancroft.
Original Prompt:
Dear Author,
They met while vacationing on a tropical beach, can their summertime romance last?
Photo Description: Two very muscular, tanned men are naked on the beach. One is lying down, his left knee bent, his head (to the right) in the lap of his lover. The dark-haired, kneeling lover is leaning over him, hands to either side of his shoulders, about to kiss him upside-down.
Download the story, read it here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 2 or Don't Read in the Closet: GayRomLit Retreat 2011 Special Edition.
__________
Genre: contemporary
Tags: gay m/m, family secrets, lies, angst, HEA, intolerance, sacrifice, romance, emotional
Word Count: 31,889
71 pages, ebook
First published July 15, 2011
9 people are currently reading
630 people want to read
About the author
Taylor V. Donovan
18 books797 followersTaylor V. Donovan is a bicultural travel aficionado, compulsive researcher, and lover of history and all things 80s. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she now resides in New York City, remains passionate about her homeland, and is optimistically cynical about the world.
When not writing queer romance, she can be found indulging in true crime documentaries, advocating for civil rights, and fighting for equality for all.
For more information please visit www.taylorvdonovan.com
When not writing queer romance, she can be found indulging in true crime documentaries, advocating for civil rights, and fighting for equality for all.
For more information please visit www.taylorvdonovan.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
January 21, 2016
If you scroll through the reviews for 'Heatstroke', it's a sea of 4 and 5 stars. The average rating for the book is 4.24 stars. Among my friends, the average rating is 4.31 stars.
And then there's me.
I couldn't get into the story, mainly for two reasons.
First, the format didn't work for me. Richard and Manny's story is told through letters and journal entries from the 1960s. I just couldn't connect with the two when their romance was being told by a third character decades in the future.
Secondly, the narrator, seventeen-year-old Michael, was annoying. His commentary, his thoughts...they were all just so teeny. Does it mean that I'm now turning into a grumpy old man, if teens annoy me? Possibly.
But the conclusion and big reunion were sweet.
Moving on.
And then there's me.
I couldn't get into the story, mainly for two reasons.
First, the format didn't work for me. Richard and Manny's story is told through letters and journal entries from the 1960s. I just couldn't connect with the two when their romance was being told by a third character decades in the future.
Secondly, the narrator, seventeen-year-old Michael, was annoying. His commentary, his thoughts...they were all just so teeny. Does it mean that I'm now turning into a grumpy old man, if teens annoy me? Possibly.
But the conclusion and big reunion were sweet.
Moving on.
Read
October 19, 2025✰ 2.25 stars ✰
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A short quick read that portrays how time and tide prevents those from being together, despite how they know that they belong together. It is the choices we make in the face of adversity that shapes our existence and affects all those who matter most to us. 🥺 The consequences are so drastic and life-altering, it takes a bit of radical thinking and quick action to finally let those decisions come to light so that the truth can be revealed about the not so happy story of a man whose disappearance was one of Hollywood’s biggest mysteries of all time.
Maybe it would have resonated with me more, if it was not so clipped a version. I am curious about how much of a difference the extended version will be. But, for this edition, it failed to stir any true emotions within me. 😮💨 Regardless of years of deceit on Grandma Elizabeth’s part, Michael was a snotty disrespectful kid, whose self-entitlement of uncovering the secrets she furtively hoarded was downright obnoxious. 😒
“But like Manny always says; hindsight was always smarter than foresight, and sometimes we just have to live and learn.”
If the tragedy of their love story had not been outlined in a journal format through Michael's keen intuitive eye (insert: sarcasm 🙄), the conflicting emotions and desperate challenges that Richard faced would have hit deeper. Despite how it was meant for Michael to break free of his personal predicament, I did not care much for him, or his brazen and sometimes quite rude attempts to bring the truth forth. His subtle taunts felt childish, and even how the story came to light was not written with an emphatic touch. 😕
Richard's own awakening held my interest; somewhat. I understood why he was wary of Benjamin's kindred spirits remarks; that the 60s and his own naive inexperience, along with his own rise to stardom would have him take tentative steps until he did meet someone who connected with him with an intensity he could not ignore. 🤍 A palpable struggle between wanting to be out as a gay man and wanting to hide who he was.
I like the cover. Very sensual, very alluring, very fitting to the attraction between Richard and Manny. 👨🏻❤️💋👨🏻 However, I failed to see the significance of the title, other than maybe it describes the feeling that strikes when their paths first crossed, that zing of attraction is akin to that of a Heatstroke. 🤷🏻♀️ The ending was a nice surprise; sweet, subtly so.
“There is no tolerance for people like us. And so I rather hide and patiently wait for the rare opportunities when Manny and I can be together for more than a few hours at a time.”
[image error]
A short quick read that portrays how time and tide prevents those from being together, despite how they know that they belong together. It is the choices we make in the face of adversity that shapes our existence and affects all those who matter most to us. 🥺 The consequences are so drastic and life-altering, it takes a bit of radical thinking and quick action to finally let those decisions come to light so that the truth can be revealed about the not so happy story of a man whose disappearance was one of Hollywood’s biggest mysteries of all time.
Maybe it would have resonated with me more, if it was not so clipped a version. I am curious about how much of a difference the extended version will be. But, for this edition, it failed to stir any true emotions within me. 😮💨 Regardless of years of deceit on Grandma Elizabeth’s part, Michael was a snotty disrespectful kid, whose self-entitlement of uncovering the secrets she furtively hoarded was downright obnoxious. 😒
“But like Manny always says; hindsight was always smarter than foresight, and sometimes we just have to live and learn.”
If the tragedy of their love story had not been outlined in a journal format through Michael's keen intuitive eye (insert: sarcasm 🙄), the conflicting emotions and desperate challenges that Richard faced would have hit deeper. Despite how it was meant for Michael to break free of his personal predicament, I did not care much for him, or his brazen and sometimes quite rude attempts to bring the truth forth. His subtle taunts felt childish, and even how the story came to light was not written with an emphatic touch. 😕
Richard's own awakening held my interest; somewhat. I understood why he was wary of Benjamin's kindred spirits remarks; that the 60s and his own naive inexperience, along with his own rise to stardom would have him take tentative steps until he did meet someone who connected with him with an intensity he could not ignore. 🤍 A palpable struggle between wanting to be out as a gay man and wanting to hide who he was.
I like the cover. Very sensual, very alluring, very fitting to the attraction between Richard and Manny. 👨🏻❤️💋👨🏻 However, I failed to see the significance of the title, other than maybe it describes the feeling that strikes when their paths first crossed, that zing of attraction is akin to that of a Heatstroke. 🤷🏻♀️ The ending was a nice surprise; sweet, subtly so.
August 26, 2011
Dayum. Just... dayum. This is one of the most fantastic stories I've ever read. I understand that Taylor V. Donovan is a new author whose first novel is soon to be published. Look out world! If it's anything like Heatstroke, it will be utterly amazing.
This story captured me, pulled me in, had me wanting to skip work to read, and then I raced home to finish it. It's that good. I loved revisiting the big Hollywood star's past through journal entries, and loved how he wasn't a cheater, even though that would have been the simple answer. I won't offer too many spoilers, but this little gem offered one of the most satisfying endings you'll ever find, and the author hooked me and played out the line a little at a time, keeping me wanting more and my eyes glued to the words. Truly amazing and highly recommended. And it's free. I cannot believe that it's free!
Read, laugh, cry, cringe. Get the warm fuzzies.
This story captured me, pulled me in, had me wanting to skip work to read, and then I raced home to finish it. It's that good. I loved revisiting the big Hollywood star's past through journal entries, and loved how he wasn't a cheater, even though that would have been the simple answer. I won't offer too many spoilers, but this little gem offered one of the most satisfying endings you'll ever find, and the author hooked me and played out the line a little at a time, keeping me wanting more and my eyes glued to the words. Truly amazing and highly recommended. And it's free. I cannot believe that it's free!
Read, laugh, cry, cringe. Get the warm fuzzies.
January 30, 2016
Heatstroke was a fantastic read. It's a very catchy story about first love, sacrifice and about dark family secrets.
Michael, a teenager on the verge of becoming an adult, is staying with his parents at his grandmother's place and he knows that the old woman is hiding something - something important. Since his childhood, he isn't allowed to roam around in the old house and whenever he asks about a famous actor, that happens to look just like him, his grandmother reacts weirdly. When his parents and his grandmother are out of the house for a doctors appointment, Michael is finally gaining access to the attic and togehter with his friend Charly, he is about to discover a dark family secret.
The author manages to make the past come alive via wunderful diary entries and heartbreaking letters. Reading Richard's journals was extremely intense and I felt very close to Richard and Manny.
The only aspect, I would like to critizize is the fact, that Elizabeth was constantly painted in a very bad light - she was the villian without heart and it might have been more credible if the author might have tried to make the reader understand her reactions. While we get a lot of understanding for the difficulties gay men had to face during the 1960s, we weren't invited to think about what it would have meant for a young woman with a child .
The writing was interesting and I loved the way we learned about the past. The ending was beautiful and intense. I might have a thing for historical m/m romance. 4 stars!
Michael, a teenager on the verge of becoming an adult, is staying with his parents at his grandmother's place and he knows that the old woman is hiding something - something important. Since his childhood, he isn't allowed to roam around in the old house and whenever he asks about a famous actor, that happens to look just like him, his grandmother reacts weirdly. When his parents and his grandmother are out of the house for a doctors appointment, Michael is finally gaining access to the attic and togehter with his friend Charly, he is about to discover a dark family secret.
The author manages to make the past come alive via wunderful diary entries and heartbreaking letters. Reading Richard's journals was extremely intense and I felt very close to Richard and Manny.
The only aspect, I would like to critizize is the fact, that Elizabeth was constantly painted in a very bad light - she was the villian without heart and it might have been more credible if the author might have tried to make the reader understand her reactions. While we get a lot of understanding for the difficulties gay men had to face during the 1960s, we weren't invited to think about what it would have meant for a young woman with a child .
The writing was interesting and I loved the way we learned about the past. The ending was beautiful and intense. I might have a thing for historical m/m romance. 4 stars!
July 20, 2011
Of all the stories that have been released for M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" event, this is probably one of the best. Taylor spins a tale about first love, sacrifice, and triumph, in such respect for the characters. The story is structured into two parts. First, we have Michael, a teenager who is on the way to investigate some family secrets, in order to know more about himself and to the extend, his family tree.
Through the discovery of letters on his grandma's attic, Michael learns about the life of an actor from the 1960's, by the name of Richard Bancroft -- which brings us to the second structure: Richard's voice, told in his journals. Richard was a gay actor, who discovered his first love with a baseball player named Manuel Guzman. Apparently, though, after Richard married a girl back in 1965, he seemed to disappeared from the light 3 years later.
The two structures completed one another, as we learn from Michael's eyes, what had happened to Richard. It reminds me of Bridges of Madison County, in a sense ... learning about the past of a member of a family through journals. It's a beautiful tale and wholeheartedly satisfying. Reading Richard's journal, I admit I have my heart squeezed a couple of times.
If I have one complaint, that will be the portrayal of Richard's wife, Elizabeth. I know it is the "easier" route, of having her as the villain, with her needs of glamorous life and her revenge towards Richard, after knowing that he married her without love. I guess, it will make up for such a better drama, if she is actually a kind girl, one who doesn't deserve the lie. BUT, it doesn't really such a big a deal for me to reduce the star rating. It's still a very good story, one I'm glad I have my hand on for free *grin*
Through the discovery of letters on his grandma's attic, Michael learns about the life of an actor from the 1960's, by the name of Richard Bancroft -- which brings us to the second structure: Richard's voice, told in his journals. Richard was a gay actor, who discovered his first love with a baseball player named Manuel Guzman. Apparently, though, after Richard married a girl back in 1965, he seemed to disappeared from the light 3 years later.
The two structures completed one another, as we learn from Michael's eyes, what had happened to Richard. It reminds me of Bridges of Madison County, in a sense ... learning about the past of a member of a family through journals. It's a beautiful tale and wholeheartedly satisfying. Reading Richard's journal, I admit I have my heart squeezed a couple of times.
If I have one complaint, that will be the portrayal of Richard's wife, Elizabeth. I know it is the "easier" route, of having her as the villain, with her needs of glamorous life and her revenge towards Richard, after knowing that he married her without love. I guess, it will make up for such a better drama, if she is actually a kind girl, one who doesn't deserve the lie. BUT, it doesn't really such a big a deal for me to reduce the star rating. It's still a very good story, one I'm glad I have my hand on for free *grin*
January 14, 2015
BR, January 13th with Julie.
Beautiful, Beautiful, almost perfect!! I was so suprised with this love story. Such an emotional journey!!!
This ultimate, beautiful story is been told through journals that had been kept in an attic for years.
Michael, the narrator is visiting his grandmother and gets hold of the journals. His whole life his grandmother was a very "unpleasant" person towards him.
He suspects there is more to it!!
"Who is this Richard Lewis Bancroft and what happened to him and his lover Manny?" "How is this connected to Michael's family history?"
What Michael discovers is heartbreaking and repulsive and had me crying my eyeballs out!!!
..... "had Michael thinking that that was exactly what he wanted for himself. He wanted the real deal.
He wanted the true love story and a happily ever after.
He didn't think he'd ever be able to settle for less."
Originally this story was a free story from Goodreads M/M Romance Group (Hot Summer Days)!!
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Highly recommended!!
July 27, 2011
Beautiful, captivating story about love, *sigh* hopeless romantic I am. A Wonderful and gorgeously written romance.
February 28, 2012
I put off reading this story for so long and I have no idea why because I absolutely loved it.
It's written in a very unique style. Set in present day, it is told from a teenaged Michael's POV but also from a series of letters he uncovers about a grandfather he never knew about. Michael goes on a little hunt to figure out what happened to him so we got to learn about Richard (the grandfather who was a famous actor) and Manny (the man Richard fell in love with who was a famous baseball player) and their story.
I found it quite interesting. From the start Michael drew me in because he was so cute and his determination to find out what happened was amazing. Then, learning about Richard and what all he went through was captivating. I was engrossed in the story and didn't want to put it down. These characters latched on to me and didn't want to let go.
I adored the story and I just wished it had been longer! The ending is so sweet that I cried for probably the last 25% or so. I definitely loved Richard and Manny and their story (and Michael!). It had the perfect amount of angst countered with the perfect amount of sweetness. I know I'll be able to reread their tale over and over and still love it more every time.
Definitely something I recommend!!!! And want more of!!! Hope Michael's story comes soon!!!
It's written in a very unique style. Set in present day, it is told from a teenaged Michael's POV but also from a series of letters he uncovers about a grandfather he never knew about. Michael goes on a little hunt to figure out what happened to him so we got to learn about Richard (the grandfather who was a famous actor) and Manny (the man Richard fell in love with who was a famous baseball player) and their story.
I found it quite interesting. From the start Michael drew me in because he was so cute and his determination to find out what happened was amazing. Then, learning about Richard and what all he went through was captivating. I was engrossed in the story and didn't want to put it down. These characters latched on to me and didn't want to let go.
I adored the story and I just wished it had been longer! The ending is so sweet that I cried for probably the last 25% or so. I definitely loved Richard and Manny and their story (and Michael!). It had the perfect amount of angst countered with the perfect amount of sweetness. I know I'll be able to reread their tale over and over and still love it more every time.
Definitely something I recommend!!!! And want more of!!! Hope Michael's story comes soon!!!
November 7, 2012
Oh my gosh. I finished this while on the subway and am quite positive that my giddy bounce and squeal as I read the final line made me look like a crazy person. Yes, I got quite a few funny looks but I could not stop smiling. This short was so beautiful. Such a unique way of story telling. The very first letter from Manny had me ib tears. And there are definitely lots of tears here but like any ending this sweet the tough times are worth it.
July 30, 2011
This book in spellbinding and amazing.
It is definitely my favourite free Hot Summer short story. I am feeling kind of guilty about not paying for it because I enjoyed it so very much.
This story cleverly merges two stories into one
It is the story of a nearly 18 you old boy called Michael and his search for answers. He knows his Grandmother has a deep dark secret and what he uncovers is amazing.
Through letters, Journals and internet searches he discover his Grandfather. So the author cleverly interweaves the two plot lines of Grandfather and Grandson.
I have only one complaint and I will hide it in a spoiler - please do not read it UNLESS you have finished the book - It can ruin the ending otherwise.
I hope the author adds another 5-10,000 words and then self publishes this story. I would buy it from Amazon or Smashswords in a heartbeat. I would love to see the ending finished a little more - I still have so many questions.
I absolutely adored this story.
It is definitely my favourite free Hot Summer short story. I am feeling kind of guilty about not paying for it because I enjoyed it so very much.
This story cleverly merges two stories into one
It is the story of a nearly 18 you old boy called Michael and his search for answers. He knows his Grandmother has a deep dark secret and what he uncovers is amazing.
Through letters, Journals and internet searches he discover his Grandfather. So the author cleverly interweaves the two plot lines of Grandfather and Grandson.
I have only one complaint and I will hide it in a spoiler - please do not read it UNLESS you have finished the book - It can ruin the ending otherwise.
I hope the author adds another 5-10,000 words and then self publishes this story. I would buy it from Amazon or Smashswords in a heartbeat. I would love to see the ending finished a little more - I still have so many questions.
I absolutely adored this story.
January 6, 2017
**** 4 happy stars ****
This read almost like a whodunnit sorry, minus the body, though!
The story was really good! Greatly written, great story and plot.
Recommended!
NB! There is an extended version of this story as well. This is a review of the short one, though.
------------------------------------------------------------------
A short story in the collection "Don't Read in the Closet, Volume Two" from the MM Romance Group Hot Summer Event 2011.
Click HERE for the story online or HERE to download the whole collection for your reading device.
This read almost like a whodunnit sorry, minus the body, though!
The story was really good! Greatly written, great story and plot.
Recommended!
NB! There is an extended version of this story as well. This is a review of the short one, though.
------------------------------------------------------------------
A short story in the collection "Don't Read in the Closet, Volume Two" from the MM Romance Group Hot Summer Event 2011.
Click HERE for the story online or HERE to download the whole collection for your reading device.
May 29, 2013
5 Stars - KAPOW!
This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. I am not a big fan of historical books, but the way this was written is just so very, very clever. Not that it surprised me. Given her intricate storytelling powers shown in her "By Degrees" series, I should have known that Taylor could reel me in by putting a different spin on a historical novel. Anyway, back to this wonderful book ...
Read Barb's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. I am not a big fan of historical books, but the way this was written is just so very, very clever. Not that it surprised me. Given her intricate storytelling powers shown in her "By Degrees" series, I should have known that Taylor could reel me in by putting a different spin on a historical novel. Anyway, back to this wonderful book ...
Read Barb's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
November 20, 2014
Beautiful...
December 8, 2014
3.8 stars.
I loved the historical story A LOT!
It was beautiful and so touching.
The narrator, Michael, not as much, but he was OK.
I loved the historical story A LOT!
It was beautiful and so touching.
The narrator, Michael, not as much, but he was OK.
October 24, 2016
MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤
July 19, 2011
Wow! This is incredible. What an amazing journey. I was completely and totally wrapped up in every single moment and found myself constantly holding my breath and then releasing it with a very deep, satisfied sigh of contentment.
I shed many tears but thankfully mostly happy ones.. This is a breathtakingly beautiful, heartwrenching story with an extremely satisfying and heartwarming new beginning at the end. :)
Thanks SO much.. I will be eagery awaiting the release of Six Degrees of Lust.
I shed many tears but thankfully mostly happy ones.. This is a breathtakingly beautiful, heartwrenching story with an extremely satisfying and heartwarming new beginning at the end. :)
Thanks SO much.. I will be eagery awaiting the release of Six Degrees of Lust.
August 3, 2011
I'm not sure how a story can be both so heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time, but you managed it! I've never seen this particular style done in a story before (learning about the main characters via past journal entries). I was so worried about how things were going to turn out, but then you gave us an even more beautiful ending than I could have imagined:) I'd love to read more about Michael's father and a love match for Michael of course! Very well done - another story that gave me a few tears. Thank you!!!
July 16, 2011
OMG. Wow, this was just beautiful and amazing. I had tears by the end of reading this, it was just so perfect. The journal entries were great and I love Michael investigating it all. This was just wonderful.
December 6, 2012
This was a really good free read. The story involves a young gay man discovering the secret of his mysterious grandfather through reading his journals. The journal entries outline his experience as a gay man in the 1960's. Nicely done.
July 22, 2011
Wow!!!! Such a great story!!!(Can we have a sequel???)
Awesome twist in the end, never saw it coming actually...
Awesome twist in the end, never saw it coming actually...
July 25, 2011
Better have a hanky ready for this one. You'll need it to mop away the tears so you can keep reading this brilliant novella by Taylor V. Donovan.
July 24, 2011
Bravo! A wonderful story that brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for writing it!
July 5, 2016
**3.5**
July 5, 2021
An epistolary novella about a closeted actor, Richard, in the 1960s who struggled with his identity and the general homophobia during that time.
The story is told through the POV of a teenager named Michael who chanced upon Richard's letters in his grandmother's house. Well, it wasn't as much as chanced upon but more of digging for something related to Richard.
I initially thought the story would be of Micheal and his best friend since they were introduced early on in the story. I did not read the blurb so I had no idea the story was going to be about Richard.
There is really nothing much I have to complain about for this story, I loved how well developed it was given the length of the book. I was addicted to the story after a few pages in and finished it in no time. Richard's life story kept me engaged and always wondering what happened next.
It pleasantly surprised me that a novella could develop emotional scenes so well. My only gripe of the story was that they left out
Really glad I picked this one up.
4.5 Stars!
The story is told through the POV of a teenager named Michael who chanced upon Richard's letters in his grandmother's house. Well, it wasn't as much as chanced upon but more of digging for something related to Richard.
I initially thought the story would be of Micheal and his best friend since they were introduced early on in the story. I did not read the blurb so I had no idea the story was going to be about Richard.
There is really nothing much I have to complain about for this story, I loved how well developed it was given the length of the book. I was addicted to the story after a few pages in and finished it in no time. Richard's life story kept me engaged and always wondering what happened next.
It pleasantly surprised me that a novella could develop emotional scenes so well. My only gripe of the story was that they left out
Really glad I picked this one up.
4.5 Stars!
March 7, 2021
This is such a sweet story.
At first, after reading the blurb, I didn't think it would be a story for me. I don't really like romances that happen in flashbacks, and in this case in diary entries from the past. It sounded like a story that wouldn't end well.
But I quickly found out that I was wrong and I was swiftly hooked by this story. There is something really cute about it. In this great love of Richard and Manny in spite of everything and everyone. I also liked how Michael gradually discovers the secret.
But most of all, it's a brilliantly written story. The author knows exactly what she is doing. This is a brilliantly told story.
At first, after reading the blurb, I didn't think it would be a story for me. I don't really like romances that happen in flashbacks, and in this case in diary entries from the past. It sounded like a story that wouldn't end well.
But I quickly found out that I was wrong and I was swiftly hooked by this story. There is something really cute about it. In this great love of Richard and Manny in spite of everything and everyone. I also liked how Michael gradually discovers the secret.
But most of all, it's a brilliantly written story. The author knows exactly what she is doing. This is a brilliantly told story.
August 3, 2016
I read this book about a year ago (or is it two years ago?) in the anthology. I never could remember what it was called or which anthology it was even in. It was a book I read once, and never forgot. I am so happy to have come across it again today. I highly recommend this book. It was a truly fantastic story, told in the most unusual way, one that is not very commonly used by authors. I thought it was cleverly done, nicely executed and so romantic, so "awwww!" worthy.
My only critique is
Go read this book everyone!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed it when I read it, I think you will too.
My only critique is
Go read this book everyone!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed it when I read it, I think you will too.
October 12, 2011
eh i didn't care for the style i hate flash backs and the journal entries were pretty much just flashbacks. then sometimes the annoying 17 year old MC would flashback to what happened the night before or some other pointless little thing which just annoyed me. why not just tell a continuous story why have to hope all around? The journal entries were continuous by date which i quickly lost track of dates since most journal entries where short and so many it felt tedious just reading them let alone try to keep track of the date gaps and with the 17 year old always putting his thoughts between the entries i just didn't like how it flowed.
The MC annoyed me both present and past. after reading all of that you don't even get answers in the end about how they finally got back together and there is like 6 years where you have no idea what Manny is doing.
so the writing style i didn't like and then i didn't like the story overall
The MC annoyed me both present and past. after reading all of that you don't even get answers in the end about how they finally got back together and there is like 6 years where you have no idea what Manny is doing.
so the writing style i didn't like and then i didn't like the story overall
May 15, 2012
I read this one as part of Don't Read in the Closet: Volume Two, but it deserves to be called out on its own.
Heatstroke was one of the best short stories - any genre- that I have had the pleasure to read. I cannot believe such superb storytelling was offered for free. I would have been happy to pay for this one. It made me smile, it made me cry, and it made me want to hug it when I finished.
Perfect.
Heatstroke was one of the best short stories - any genre- that I have had the pleasure to read. I cannot believe such superb storytelling was offered for free. I would have been happy to pay for this one. It made me smile, it made me cry, and it made me want to hug it when I finished.
Perfect.
August 1, 2011
I am nearly speechless. This was truly one of the most incredibly well-written stories I have ever read. The Journal entries were absolutely amazing. I am sniffling a bit, grinning a bit and generally incredibly happy I stayed up until 2am to read this. Thank You Taylor for an incredible read! And I am SO, SO, freaking happy that Manny and Richard got their HEA they deserved it, as did Michael, who has hope and a vision for what he wants his future to hold: True. Real. Love. *happy sigh*
September 2, 2011
Wow. Just, wow. That was an amazing story that had me from the get-go, and it was a wonderfully unique way of telling it. I was as anxious as Michael was while he read the journal entries, and I wanted to skip to the end, to make sure everything turned out like I expected, but I suffered right alongside our narrator as everything was revealed. A magnificent story! Thank you for writing this for us!
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