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Abstract Realism
Tonio, an artist, is in seclusion after being viciously attacked by the lover of a casual acquaintance in an act of jealousy which scarred Tonio inside and out.
Tonio's only contact with the world is his sister Jessie, who implores him to shed his self-imposed exile. When his paintings go on display at a gallery, Jessie convinces Tonio to attend the opening night and a party to be held in his honor.
Jonam, the handsome owner of a close protection service, offers to come to Tonio's aid when Tonio's attacker begins to make new threats. The question then becomes, will Jonam be able to keep Tonio safe, and in the process teach him to accept he is not defined by the scars he carries but by who he is inside? Only if he can, will Tonio be able to live, and love, again.
Tonio's only contact with the world is his sister Jessie, who implores him to shed his self-imposed exile. When his paintings go on display at a gallery, Jessie convinces Tonio to attend the opening night and a party to be held in his honor.
Jonam, the handsome owner of a close protection service, offers to come to Tonio's aid when Tonio's attacker begins to make new threats. The question then becomes, will Jonam be able to keep Tonio safe, and in the process teach him to accept he is not defined by the scars he carries but by who he is inside? Only if he can, will Tonio be able to live, and love, again.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2012
2 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Edward Kendrick
213 books207 followersBorn and bred Cleveland, I earned a degree in technical theater, later switched to costuming, and headed to NYC. Finally seeing the futility of trying to become rich and famous in the Big Apple, I joined VISTA—Volunteers in Service to America—ending up in Chicago for three years. Then it was on to Denver, where I put down roots and worked as a costume designer until I retired in 2007.
I began writing a few years ago after joining an online fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished, no matter the genre or content. Since then I've been writing for publication. My first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely 'romantic'. More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal as well.
I began writing a few years ago after joining an online fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished, no matter the genre or content. Since then I've been writing for publication. My first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely 'romantic'. More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal as well.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 6, 2012
Title: Abstract Realism
Author: Edward Kendrick
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Reviewed by: Tana
Genre: m/m romance/suspense
ISBN 13: 9781920502515
Rating: 4. Hearts
Abstract Realism by Edward Kendrick
Edward Kendrick has written a short novella called Abstract Realism, it is well written, the plot and character description’s are good the story flows so well you don’t stop reading till you reach the end.
Abstract Realism is a story of a man named Tonio who was brutally attacked one night and is living in fear. Tonio not only hides the scars from that horrible night but is in hiding himself. To scared to do much he has isolated himself from the rest of the world. When he starts to get calls he passes them off as telemarkers, but eventually he knows he is in danger again. Then we meet Jonam who Tonio met briefly before in the park but now finds out Tonio owns a security company and is going to do whatever it takes to keep Tonio safe.
This story is faced paced, with suspense, and romance the perfect combination. It is a must read and I have rated it a four stars. Edward Kendrick is a fantastic author and I will read anything he writes. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves to read about a man learning to deal with his past, fear and new love interest.
Reviewed For http://heartsonfirereviews.com
Author: Edward Kendrick
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Reviewed by: Tana
Genre: m/m romance/suspense
ISBN 13: 9781920502515
Rating: 4. Hearts
Abstract Realism by Edward Kendrick
Edward Kendrick has written a short novella called Abstract Realism, it is well written, the plot and character description’s are good the story flows so well you don’t stop reading till you reach the end.
Abstract Realism is a story of a man named Tonio who was brutally attacked one night and is living in fear. Tonio not only hides the scars from that horrible night but is in hiding himself. To scared to do much he has isolated himself from the rest of the world. When he starts to get calls he passes them off as telemarkers, but eventually he knows he is in danger again. Then we meet Jonam who Tonio met briefly before in the park but now finds out Tonio owns a security company and is going to do whatever it takes to keep Tonio safe.
This story is faced paced, with suspense, and romance the perfect combination. It is a must read and I have rated it a four stars. Edward Kendrick is a fantastic author and I will read anything he writes. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves to read about a man learning to deal with his past, fear and new love interest.
Reviewed For http://heartsonfirereviews.com
April 5, 2012
This review can be found at Brief Encounters Reviews.
This is a readable if rather predictable little story, but I had issues with what I consider common sense factors. Tonio was attacked and cut, as it says, by the lover of a guy he’d just met. However despite knowing it was acquaintance’s lover, he doesn’t tell the police, simply because he doesn’t know the guy’s name. He leads them to believe it was a random attack. So rather than give what information he has, he chooses to give nothing. And then you wonder why the police haven’t found the guy?
He runs into a sexy blond in the park, however spurns him, only to have the guy show up at his gallery show. It later comes to light that he runs a security business and when the attacker shows up again, sure that his lover has run off with Tonio, it’s up to Jonam to come up with a plan to capture the guy because he is able to figure out who he is within hours. However does Tonio follow the instructions of two men trained as professional body guards? No. He insists on getting in the middle of it all and ends up nearly getting killed … again. Why don’t people listen to the professionals?
This also smacks of insta-love. Despite only ever having seen Tonio at the park where he jogs and meeting him once, he is sworn to protect him forever. I get insta-lust, and I liked that while he was physically beautiful, he also had scars due to a fire which made him able to relate to Tonio, but it just seemed a bit much given the length of time they’d known each other. There were just too many behaviours which were illogical, and if I were the police I would have been annoyed at Tonio for withholding information.
So if you can overlook the issues I had, it’s not a bad story. Tonio and his paranoia/fear were well done and I think made sense given his experience, but I just was so frustrated with his behaviour that only served to feed his fear. I’ll have to try a different story by this author because I liked the style, just in this particular case not certain plot elements didn’t work for me.
This is a readable if rather predictable little story, but I had issues with what I consider common sense factors. Tonio was attacked and cut, as it says, by the lover of a guy he’d just met. However despite knowing it was acquaintance’s lover, he doesn’t tell the police, simply because he doesn’t know the guy’s name. He leads them to believe it was a random attack. So rather than give what information he has, he chooses to give nothing. And then you wonder why the police haven’t found the guy?
He runs into a sexy blond in the park, however spurns him, only to have the guy show up at his gallery show. It later comes to light that he runs a security business and when the attacker shows up again, sure that his lover has run off with Tonio, it’s up to Jonam to come up with a plan to capture the guy because he is able to figure out who he is within hours. However does Tonio follow the instructions of two men trained as professional body guards? No. He insists on getting in the middle of it all and ends up nearly getting killed … again. Why don’t people listen to the professionals?
This also smacks of insta-love. Despite only ever having seen Tonio at the park where he jogs and meeting him once, he is sworn to protect him forever. I get insta-lust, and I liked that while he was physically beautiful, he also had scars due to a fire which made him able to relate to Tonio, but it just seemed a bit much given the length of time they’d known each other. There were just too many behaviours which were illogical, and if I were the police I would have been annoyed at Tonio for withholding information.
So if you can overlook the issues I had, it’s not a bad story. Tonio and his paranoia/fear were well done and I think made sense given his experience, but I just was so frustrated with his behaviour that only served to feed his fear. I’ll have to try a different story by this author because I liked the style, just in this particular case not certain plot elements didn’t work for me.
April 1, 2012
Short and intense, this is a story about conquering fear and finding love where, and when, you least expect it. The mystery around who is threatening Tonio is interwoven with Tonio’s attempts to return to a normal life after he was attacked – not that he wants to return to it. Luckily, his sister and the owner of a local gallery don’t let him withdraw.
Tonio is an artist and his reaction is to isolate himself so he can feel safe again. Since he doesn’t know who attacked him, he doesn’t even tell the police the full story. His irritation at his sister’s attempts to make him join the land of the living again was very real, and I felt for him.
Jonam is a man of mystery, several rumors circulate about who he really is. He manages to get Tonio to confront his fears, the only way he can ever get over what was done to him. I loved the fact that Jonam ends up being good for Tonio – in more than one way.
This is a mini-mystery with an interesting twist, a short story that will make you smile – but only at the end. The reality of being attacked is played down a lot, putting the focus on the recovery and healing process. I, for one, liked that a lot.
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on QMO Books.
Tonio is an artist and his reaction is to isolate himself so he can feel safe again. Since he doesn’t know who attacked him, he doesn’t even tell the police the full story. His irritation at his sister’s attempts to make him join the land of the living again was very real, and I felt for him.
Jonam is a man of mystery, several rumors circulate about who he really is. He manages to get Tonio to confront his fears, the only way he can ever get over what was done to him. I loved the fact that Jonam ends up being good for Tonio – in more than one way.
This is a mini-mystery with an interesting twist, a short story that will make you smile – but only at the end. The reality of being attacked is played down a lot, putting the focus on the recovery and healing process. I, for one, liked that a lot.
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on QMO Books.
May 6, 2012
Improbable and ignorant story, returned for refund.
April 17, 2012
3.5 Stars
I liked it and the MC's were good together but I would have enjoyed this much more if the relationship had time to develop instead of the instant love type feel to it. Tonio was believable as the emotionally scarred artist trying to recover from a brutal attack it worked for me. One problem I did have was how Tonio kept vital information to himself about his attackers instead of informing the police I would have been mightily pissed. He didn't do himself any favours with his silence as it turned him into a virtual recluse and frightened of every shadow. Recommended as the the writing is good with a cute couple.
I liked it and the MC's were good together but I would have enjoyed this much more if the relationship had time to develop instead of the instant love type feel to it. Tonio was believable as the emotionally scarred artist trying to recover from a brutal attack it worked for me. One problem I did have was how Tonio kept vital information to himself about his attackers instead of informing the police I would have been mightily pissed. He didn't do himself any favours with his silence as it turned him into a virtual recluse and frightened of every shadow. Recommended as the the writing is good with a cute couple.
May 28, 2012
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed for Joyfully Jay on 5/28/12
Tonio, a renowned painter of abstract realism, made the mistake of accepting an invitation for a movie date from a man he had just met at a gallery opening. The man's jealous lover savagely attacked him with a knife. Now scarred and traumatized, Tonio rarely leaves his studio. His only contact with the outside world consists of his sister, Jessie, who is also his agent. With a gallery holding a new show of his paintings, Jessie finally talks him into attending the opening and go to the gallery party afterwards.
Jonam is also attending the gallery show. He owns a protection agency and had met Tonio by accident in a nearby park. Tonio had been sketching and rejected Jonam's efforts to talk to him. When Jonam attends the gallery show, Tonio does his best to avoid him. But Tonio's attacker calls and threatens him just before the party. When her brother doesn't show up for the party, Jessie and Jonam go to Tonio's apartment and the find the man cowering in fear. Jonam offers to protect Tonio and find out who's behind the threats. Can Jonam find the attacker and free Tonio from the threats and fears?
The author packs a lot into a short story. There is contemporary romance, mystery, the art world, a scarred artist, and lethal stalker. Kendricks did a great job with Tonio. He is a believable character, traumatized by a brutal attack on him by unseen thugs. The scars left behind are both physical and emotional. I can believe that this character retreats into a shell and that his art changes direction with the brutality inflicted upon him. That the attack was unexpected and undeserved only deepened the trauma left behind. I did find it unrealistic that the police were not brought into this case, especially given he was a well-known artist, but PTSD can make victims act illogically. Jonam was a tad less defined as a character. He was tall, good looking and efficient at his job. It wasn't until the end of the story that I found out he was Swedish and that accounted for his name. More of a backstory on Jonam early on would have helped. It was hard to get a feel for a connection between the two men when I could only get a handle on one of them. The story seemed rushed at the end and the denouement resolved far too quickly for the buildup that preceded it.
Still Abstract Realism is a neat little short story that I enjoyed reading. I look forward to more from Edward Kendricks.
Cover: Cover is gorgeous. Both models work for the characters inside the story. Fonts are great. Good job.
Reviewed for Joyfully Jay on 5/28/12
Tonio, a renowned painter of abstract realism, made the mistake of accepting an invitation for a movie date from a man he had just met at a gallery opening. The man's jealous lover savagely attacked him with a knife. Now scarred and traumatized, Tonio rarely leaves his studio. His only contact with the outside world consists of his sister, Jessie, who is also his agent. With a gallery holding a new show of his paintings, Jessie finally talks him into attending the opening and go to the gallery party afterwards.
Jonam is also attending the gallery show. He owns a protection agency and had met Tonio by accident in a nearby park. Tonio had been sketching and rejected Jonam's efforts to talk to him. When Jonam attends the gallery show, Tonio does his best to avoid him. But Tonio's attacker calls and threatens him just before the party. When her brother doesn't show up for the party, Jessie and Jonam go to Tonio's apartment and the find the man cowering in fear. Jonam offers to protect Tonio and find out who's behind the threats. Can Jonam find the attacker and free Tonio from the threats and fears?
The author packs a lot into a short story. There is contemporary romance, mystery, the art world, a scarred artist, and lethal stalker. Kendricks did a great job with Tonio. He is a believable character, traumatized by a brutal attack on him by unseen thugs. The scars left behind are both physical and emotional. I can believe that this character retreats into a shell and that his art changes direction with the brutality inflicted upon him. That the attack was unexpected and undeserved only deepened the trauma left behind. I did find it unrealistic that the police were not brought into this case, especially given he was a well-known artist, but PTSD can make victims act illogically. Jonam was a tad less defined as a character. He was tall, good looking and efficient at his job. It wasn't until the end of the story that I found out he was Swedish and that accounted for his name. More of a backstory on Jonam early on would have helped. It was hard to get a feel for a connection between the two men when I could only get a handle on one of them. The story seemed rushed at the end and the denouement resolved far too quickly for the buildup that preceded it.
Still Abstract Realism is a neat little short story that I enjoyed reading. I look forward to more from Edward Kendricks.
Cover: Cover is gorgeous. Both models work for the characters inside the story. Fonts are great. Good job.
April 12, 2012
3 1/2 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Tonio is terrified that the man who attacked him before will come back to finish the job. But, as time passes and he starts to feel relaxed enough to begin to live his life the phone calls start. Jonam has his own security firm and offers his help to Tonio to put a stop to the man’s torment.
A well written novella that I found to be quite enjoyable. Tonio is still recovering from the psychological effects after he was brutally attacked by a jealous boyfriend of a casual acquaintance and just when he has started to live his life in the simplest ways he starts to receive phone calls from a blocked number. Tonio is scared in more than one way not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well, Jonam starts to show him that some scares are only skin deep.
I liked this story for the slight suspense feel to it, Tonio getting caught up in a drama of another man’s relationship and that man’s boyfriend making Tonio a target instead of looking to himself as to why his boyfriend wants out. Jonam shows Tonio that he has begun healing from all his wounds. There is one sex scene between them is quite emotional and touching. I must admit that I didn’t feel a connection between the two men; I really couldn’t tell if there was an attraction between them when they first met or during the subsequent meetings until they were in Tonio’s apartment the last time.
There really wasn’t that much interaction between Jonam and Tonio, so we don’t get a good feel for Jonam. The epilogue was very sweet and I was glad to read a bit about their future and that Tonio seemed to have recovered fully from his attack.
I will recommend this to those who want some slight suspense, some hot sex, an emotionally scarred man, some angst and a happy ever after.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Tonio is terrified that the man who attacked him before will come back to finish the job. But, as time passes and he starts to feel relaxed enough to begin to live his life the phone calls start. Jonam has his own security firm and offers his help to Tonio to put a stop to the man’s torment.
A well written novella that I found to be quite enjoyable. Tonio is still recovering from the psychological effects after he was brutally attacked by a jealous boyfriend of a casual acquaintance and just when he has started to live his life in the simplest ways he starts to receive phone calls from a blocked number. Tonio is scared in more than one way not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well, Jonam starts to show him that some scares are only skin deep.
I liked this story for the slight suspense feel to it, Tonio getting caught up in a drama of another man’s relationship and that man’s boyfriend making Tonio a target instead of looking to himself as to why his boyfriend wants out. Jonam shows Tonio that he has begun healing from all his wounds. There is one sex scene between them is quite emotional and touching. I must admit that I didn’t feel a connection between the two men; I really couldn’t tell if there was an attraction between them when they first met or during the subsequent meetings until they were in Tonio’s apartment the last time.
There really wasn’t that much interaction between Jonam and Tonio, so we don’t get a good feel for Jonam. The epilogue was very sweet and I was glad to read a bit about their future and that Tonio seemed to have recovered fully from his attack.
I will recommend this to those who want some slight suspense, some hot sex, an emotionally scarred man, some angst and a happy ever after.
March 31, 2012
This was enjoyable short novella. Tonio is emotionally scared artist. His behavior was understandable, if we consider what happened to him. After being attacked and left scarred, Tonio lives now as a recluse artist who seldom going out. Tonio meets Jonam in the park, not knowing their path will cross again at the gallery opening. Their first meeting was like a fate. Short but present.
The storyline was enjoyable enough, but I didn't feel the connection between Tonio and Jonam, even if both of them felt attracted to each other from the start. In general this was good short story with a sweet HEA.
The storyline was enjoyable enough, but I didn't feel the connection between Tonio and Jonam, even if both of them felt attracted to each other from the start. In general this was good short story with a sweet HEA.
April 15, 2012
It was a good story. Likeable characters. Interesting plot. Well written. But i read many similar books like this and it hasn't the extra spark i was looking for.
April 6, 2012
3.5 stars. I really liked this story, it had just the right elements in it to make it a short and sweet read. I'd have to say this book is the second best of Kendrick's books.
June 24, 2012
Tonio is overcoming the affects of a terrible attack that was not random. Jonam is attracted to him and when he realizes Tonio might be in danger he gets very protective.
April 15, 2012
2.5 stars
June 25, 2012
3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.
June 26, 2012
The story didn't seem to flow easily but I can't put my finger on why. It just seemed to struggle along. And there was very little chemistry - physical or emotional connection - between the MCs.
February 19, 2013
Read last spring. Don't remember much other than it was about a man and his bodyguard and I enjoyed it. Will need to re-read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews