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Hotel Pens
Travel writer Joe Jordan hasn’t been home to New York since his boyfriend broke up with him. Instead he’s hopped from hotel to hotel, collecting pens like a child in a fairytale might leave a trail of breadcrumbs hoping to find his way back.
But now he has an assignment, an article titled “5 Ways to Rediscover New York.” Being back on his home turf is daunting—until he meets Claude Desjardins, a gay romance translator staying in his hotel who, after a night of near passion, leads Joe on a treasure hunt through Manhattan, writing clues on Joe’s skin using hotel pens.
But it isn’t just New York Joe needs to rediscover.
But now he has an assignment, an article titled “5 Ways to Rediscover New York.” Being back on his home turf is daunting—until he meets Claude Desjardins, a gay romance translator staying in his hotel who, after a night of near passion, leads Joe on a treasure hunt through Manhattan, writing clues on Joe’s skin using hotel pens.
But it isn’t just New York Joe needs to rediscover.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2012
18 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Geoffrey Knight
75 books350 followersGeoffrey Knight is the author of more than 30 gay fiction novels, novellas and short stories, ranging in genre from gay adventure, gay romance, gay suspense and gay comedies.
The heroes of Geoffrey's books love to spend their time jumping off the page, seeking lost treasures, unraveling mysteries or falling in love.
Geoffrey is the recipient of two Rainbow Awards including Best Mystery Winner and Best Overall Gay Fiction Runner-up. His work has been featured in several anthologies including Best Gay Erotica 2013, and he appeared as Guest of Honor at the inaugural Rainbow Con in Florida, 2014.
Geoffrey has worked in advertising, politics, journalism and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories. He lives with his partner, their young daughter and their small furry family in a rambling old house in North Queensland, Australia, where the paint is fraying and life is good.
You can find everything you need to know about Geoffrey and his books at— https://linktr.ee/authorgeoffreyknight
The heroes of Geoffrey's books love to spend their time jumping off the page, seeking lost treasures, unraveling mysteries or falling in love.
Geoffrey is the recipient of two Rainbow Awards including Best Mystery Winner and Best Overall Gay Fiction Runner-up. His work has been featured in several anthologies including Best Gay Erotica 2013, and he appeared as Guest of Honor at the inaugural Rainbow Con in Florida, 2014.
Geoffrey has worked in advertising, politics, journalism and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories. He lives with his partner, their young daughter and their small furry family in a rambling old house in North Queensland, Australia, where the paint is fraying and life is good.
You can find everything you need to know about Geoffrey and his books at— https://linktr.ee/authorgeoffreyknight
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 29, 2014
I feel like such a cold-hearted bastard for not loving this book.
Hotel Pens is a whirlwind romance that involves a wild goose chase around NYC. The story goes: Joe meets Claude, Joe likes Claude, Joe follows Claude all around the city from a series of clues that Claude writes on Joe's body. As Joe, our MC, rediscovers the city, he also reconnects with himself.
Now, while the concept is strong and the writing is good, I couldn't help but think, "This is too freaking weird for me." What would have been really romantic with a long-time lover came across as creepy with someone Joe just met. If some stranger wrote on my body, I would probably call the cops, no matter how attractive I found him to be. Also, I didn't buy the deep connection between these two guys. It was too fast for me, much too fast. I didn't see how this adventure made Joe reexamine his life, and I didn't feel as though Joe made any significant changes in himself.
All in all, this story felt too contrived for my tastes. However, most of my friends loved this one so it might just be me.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Hotel Pens is a whirlwind romance that involves a wild goose chase around NYC. The story goes: Joe meets Claude, Joe likes Claude, Joe follows Claude all around the city from a series of clues that Claude writes on Joe's body. As Joe, our MC, rediscovers the city, he also reconnects with himself.
Now, while the concept is strong and the writing is good, I couldn't help but think, "This is too freaking weird for me." What would have been really romantic with a long-time lover came across as creepy with someone Joe just met. If some stranger wrote on my body, I would probably call the cops, no matter how attractive I found him to be. Also, I didn't buy the deep connection between these two guys. It was too fast for me, much too fast. I didn't see how this adventure made Joe reexamine his life, and I didn't feel as though Joe made any significant changes in himself.
All in all, this story felt too contrived for my tastes. However, most of my friends loved this one so it might just be me.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
November 15, 2019
I was hoping for something short, easy, upbeat and angst-free. I found it -- and was reminded in the process to be careful what I wish for.
If you like pure romance (with a bit of porn at the end as a reward), don't be put off by my cranky reaction to this one. I am not a romantic person, and regardless of what I might think I would enjoy (dessert! as sugary as possible!), apparently I need something with more roughage to it.
If you like pure romance (with a bit of porn at the end as a reward), don't be put off by my cranky reaction to this one. I am not a romantic person, and regardless of what I might think I would enjoy (dessert! as sugary as possible!), apparently I need something with more roughage to it.
October 6, 2014
Touring the Big Apple--differently.
Fun, flirtatious, and flipping adorable. Uber romantic in a fingertip nibbling, chocolate gorging and hanky waving way. The premise is clever, and made Joe and Claude's adventure seem less hackneyed and more like a reimagining.
It was easy to slide into this story. It felt comfortable and made me sigh more than a couple times. It's a wake up call so you don't ignore all the wonderful around you that you never noticed because you think you've seen it all before.
Joe is the intrepid, always on the go, never stop guy. When all of sudden he meets Claude who convinces him to do things a different way. And everything is new.
The tone of the story made me think of "An Affair to Remember", "Breakfast at Tiffany's", and "You've Got Mail". Part of it is the location, but the other part is the self discovery aspect achieved by renaissance through a chance meeting. Yeah, it's that kind of romance. So while this might drive some crazy, it hit me at just the right time. I especially liked the playful nature of Claude and Joe's interactions.
There were a couple bits that were obvious what would happen, but somehow I wasn't disturbed by it. There was a weird balance between light-hearted and quietly emotional that just tugged me along.
Overall, a romance that makes you want to believe.
3.5 Stars
Favorite quote:
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
Fun, flirtatious, and flipping adorable. Uber romantic in a fingertip nibbling, chocolate gorging and hanky waving way. The premise is clever, and made Joe and Claude's adventure seem less hackneyed and more like a reimagining.
It was easy to slide into this story. It felt comfortable and made me sigh more than a couple times. It's a wake up call so you don't ignore all the wonderful around you that you never noticed because you think you've seen it all before.
Joe is the intrepid, always on the go, never stop guy. When all of sudden he meets Claude who convinces him to do things a different way. And everything is new.
The tone of the story made me think of "An Affair to Remember", "Breakfast at Tiffany's", and "You've Got Mail". Part of it is the location, but the other part is the self discovery aspect achieved by renaissance through a chance meeting. Yeah, it's that kind of romance. So while this might drive some crazy, it hit me at just the right time. I especially liked the playful nature of Claude and Joe's interactions.
There were a couple bits that were obvious what would happen, but somehow I wasn't disturbed by it. There was a weird balance between light-hearted and quietly emotional that just tugged me along.
Overall, a romance that makes you want to believe.
3.5 Stars
Favorite quote:
I held that expensive pen in such high regard that in the end I completely neglected it.
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
October 22, 2012
What a beautifully written story. I wasn't quite sure what to think of this one going in but it turned out to be a really unexpected treat.
Joe is a travel writer from New York who has been avoiding coming back to the city since he broke up with his boyfriend. Claude translates gay romance into French. They meet at the hotel they're both staying at when they both steal a hotel pen.
Claude writes on Joe and Joe follows the clues. So begins a cute journey through NYC.
This is a fun story but it also has a very emotional underpinning to it. It ends more with a HFN than a HEA but I have hopes for them.
Joe is a travel writer from New York who has been avoiding coming back to the city since he broke up with his boyfriend. Claude translates gay romance into French. They meet at the hotel they're both staying at when they both steal a hotel pen.
Claude writes on Joe and Joe follows the clues. So begins a cute journey through NYC.
This is a fun story but it also has a very emotional underpinning to it. It ends more with a HFN than a HEA but I have hopes for them.
August 16, 2020
WOW!!! This novella just blew me out of the water! The author's writing is incredibly lyrical and flows so smoothly into my brain that no effort is required. The story is wonderfully unique with two MCs that are masterfully crafted. The author has managed to pack a massive amount of WOW! into a very small package. Many times shorter pieces leave you wishing for more as they can feel one-dimesional. I have always believed that writing a short piece must be harder than say a whole novel. With limited words one much choose carefully in their choice and well as their placement. This story goes beyond 5 stars!
October 20, 2012
In a word: charming.
This story is sweet and whimsical and completely romantic--everything I want in a m/m novella.
This story is sweet and whimsical and completely romantic--everything I want in a m/m novella.
maybe-read
October 19, 2012“. . . he winked, leaned in close across the bar, and whispered to me that he knew the original recipe of the Zombie, a cocktail first invented in Hollywood in the 1930s.
The secret never left his lips, but later that night my cock entered them.”
Not sure if brilliant or terrible.
The secret never left his lips, but later that night my cock entered them.”
Not sure if brilliant or terrible.
February 8, 2013
This was chosen for me in a Pick-it-for-me challenge in a group I participate in on here. It was chosen by Kazza K, my friend and blog partner. She obviously knows me well because this book was absolutely perfect. :)
Joe is a travel writer who has returned to New York to write an article titled 5 Ways to Rediscover New York. He's a native so how hard can it be? Pretty difficult apparently. Joe has an addiction... an obsession... with hotel pens. He collects them from all over the world.
He meets Claude, a Frenchman whose profession is translating gay romance novels, at the front desk of the hotel where he is staying. Claude has just taken the hotel pen and Joe immediately takes one as well. They end up in the same elevator and this begins the story. It starts with one message written by Claude on Joe's stomach and it goes from there. The messages are clues that lead to more written clues. This takes Joe on a journey discovering not just his city but Claude as well.
This is a very unique story. It is also very romantic. I'm a sucker for a good romance and the way this was written is absolutely perfect. Both Joe and Claude are dealing with the loss of former relationships... though they are not the same in any way. Saying anymore would give the story away.
Overall, an excellent story. I would love to see more of Joe and Claude.
Joe is a travel writer who has returned to New York to write an article titled 5 Ways to Rediscover New York. He's a native so how hard can it be? Pretty difficult apparently. Joe has an addiction... an obsession... with hotel pens. He collects them from all over the world.
He meets Claude, a Frenchman whose profession is translating gay romance novels, at the front desk of the hotel where he is staying. Claude has just taken the hotel pen and Joe immediately takes one as well. They end up in the same elevator and this begins the story. It starts with one message written by Claude on Joe's stomach and it goes from there. The messages are clues that lead to more written clues. This takes Joe on a journey discovering not just his city but Claude as well.
This is a very unique story. It is also very romantic. I'm a sucker for a good romance and the way this was written is absolutely perfect. Both Joe and Claude are dealing with the loss of former relationships... though they are not the same in any way. Saying anymore would give the story away.
Overall, an excellent story. I would love to see more of Joe and Claude.
October 18, 2012
One of the most beautifully written story I have ever read.
Everything was precise and to the point without excess. Written in first person POV narrated by Joe who still have lingering regret for being dump because he was practically never home. He regret his action, sure, but he never rectify it even when things came to blow. Then he met a handsome Frenchman at the hotel he stayed in who lead him to a merry chase through New York to rediscover life once again.
Everything was precise and to the point without excess. Written in first person POV narrated by Joe who still have lingering regret for being dump because he was practically never home. He regret his action, sure, but he never rectify it even when things came to blow. Then he met a handsome Frenchman at the hotel he stayed in who lead him to a merry chase through New York to rediscover life once again.
October 30, 2012
pretty sweet, very hot and a little bit sad.
some things bugged me though:
- i kinda hate the mc for having sex with claude even though he suspected he already had a boyfriend;
- they know nothing - nothing! - about each other. so the "deep connection" was just stupid, imo;
- the sex was too drawn out for such a short novella;
- guys, seriously. joe goes to sleep in his room bc claude and henri have too much to catch up on? this is a we're talking about here. i love them, but come on!
so it was worth an hour of my time, but i liked gk's other shorts better.
ps: i loved the "pen fetish"! ;)
some things bugged me though:
- i kinda hate the mc for having sex with claude even though he suspected he already had a boyfriend;
- they know nothing - nothing! - about each other. so the "deep connection" was just stupid, imo;
- the sex was too drawn out for such a short novella;
- guys, seriously. joe goes to sleep in his room bc claude and henri have too much to catch up on? this is a we're talking about here. i love them, but come on!
so it was worth an hour of my time, but i liked gk's other shorts better.
ps: i loved the "pen fetish"! ;)
October 20, 2012
What a beautiful, sweet, meaningful, yet subtle little ebook this is. I bought if strictly off the title, nothing else. Wonderful writing, wonderful reading.
For an indepth review see On Top Down Under Book Reviews -
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October 17, 2012
Loved this story. It's romantic and felt somewhat old fashioned! If this book had a message, to me it would have been to stop and look around you to see and feel what you really have. This story is a must read.It was my first Geoffrey Knight book. I'll have to go find some more now.
June 2, 2020
A quick and steamy read. I loved the characters and the story. A hit. I can not wait for more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Want to read
August 13, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/13/2020)! 🎁
October 29, 2012
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
3.75 stars
This refreshing short romance is from an author that I've liked for years now, but deviates from a certain style I've grown to associate with his work. In the past, the books I've read by Geoff Knight have always had a tendency for campy flair, and while I enjoy that style, this appealed to me as well. It is somewhat more serious in tone overall, yet vacillates between light and poignant, all conveyed by how the characters choose to view the world.
Joe Jordan travels extensively, drifting from hotel to hotel all around the world for his job. He once had a home, and a man there, but all of that drifted away as well. The setting was in New York City, a home city if he could ever call it that. He hasn't wanted to return until now, when he's given the assignment to write an article on 5 Ways to Rediscover New York City. His one claim to existence is to compulsively gather pens from every place he visits, which are usually hotels. He has a massive collection of them, like a timestamp on every move in his life to tie him to some sort of permanence. He doesn't see it as anything special, really, until he sees a beautiful french man named Claude in the lobby of The Beacon also stealing a pen…
The story of Hotel Pens is cinematic and certainly not entirely original, but poignant by it's characters ties to the real world and especially New York City. I enjoyed it all the same. I think that the style of writing here might not appeal to some, as it still holds a great deal of flare for melodrama, but that is all in the readers' taste and didn't bother me in any way. In fact, I found it muted compared to some things I've read by this author and enjoyed in the past.
In particular, I found quite a bit to like about the characters, which came through for me quite well in such a short time. The style of the story is a travelogue (like the articles Joe writes) as Claude spirits Joe through a city he knows well to do exactly what he needs to write about -- rediscover the city and through that himself and his connection to his romantic life. It is inherently romantic, from the setting (everything good about the city), to Claude himself (sexy french man? check), to the teasingly erotic writing on bare flesh with stolen pens.
Joe has a host of insecurities that manifest in his life quite symbolically; the vignette style of writing reflects this well, skipping between memories and present in dis-jointed time. It is still orderly, that isn't quite the point. The point really is to emulate the way that Joe tells a story, which like his life refuses to settle down. This was portrayed very well, yet was also one of the reasons I couldn't quite settle into the story myself. Oh, it was very enjoyable, I guarantee you. And while there were one or two points in the story where I felt things start to come together, it never quite did in the end. I needed Joe to expose himself a bit more and then to really look at himself, otherwise there doesn't seem much of a future for him and Claude, only another relationship doomed to fail by his past behaviors. Of course, much of this is in the author's intent and that may not have been it, but that is what would have taken this story to the next level for me to become really wonderful.
This is one I definitely recommend, and I'm always excited when Geoff releases a new story. It is especially a nice little story to read to cheer up your mood. It is cute and totally devoted to romance, and I loved that about it.
3.75 stars
This refreshing short romance is from an author that I've liked for years now, but deviates from a certain style I've grown to associate with his work. In the past, the books I've read by Geoff Knight have always had a tendency for campy flair, and while I enjoy that style, this appealed to me as well. It is somewhat more serious in tone overall, yet vacillates between light and poignant, all conveyed by how the characters choose to view the world.
Joe Jordan travels extensively, drifting from hotel to hotel all around the world for his job. He once had a home, and a man there, but all of that drifted away as well. The setting was in New York City, a home city if he could ever call it that. He hasn't wanted to return until now, when he's given the assignment to write an article on 5 Ways to Rediscover New York City. His one claim to existence is to compulsively gather pens from every place he visits, which are usually hotels. He has a massive collection of them, like a timestamp on every move in his life to tie him to some sort of permanence. He doesn't see it as anything special, really, until he sees a beautiful french man named Claude in the lobby of The Beacon also stealing a pen…
The story of Hotel Pens is cinematic and certainly not entirely original, but poignant by it's characters ties to the real world and especially New York City. I enjoyed it all the same. I think that the style of writing here might not appeal to some, as it still holds a great deal of flare for melodrama, but that is all in the readers' taste and didn't bother me in any way. In fact, I found it muted compared to some things I've read by this author and enjoyed in the past.
In particular, I found quite a bit to like about the characters, which came through for me quite well in such a short time. The style of the story is a travelogue (like the articles Joe writes) as Claude spirits Joe through a city he knows well to do exactly what he needs to write about -- rediscover the city and through that himself and his connection to his romantic life. It is inherently romantic, from the setting (everything good about the city), to Claude himself (sexy french man? check), to the teasingly erotic writing on bare flesh with stolen pens.
Joe has a host of insecurities that manifest in his life quite symbolically; the vignette style of writing reflects this well, skipping between memories and present in dis-jointed time. It is still orderly, that isn't quite the point. The point really is to emulate the way that Joe tells a story, which like his life refuses to settle down. This was portrayed very well, yet was also one of the reasons I couldn't quite settle into the story myself. Oh, it was very enjoyable, I guarantee you. And while there were one or two points in the story where I felt things start to come together, it never quite did in the end. I needed Joe to expose himself a bit more and then to really look at himself, otherwise there doesn't seem much of a future for him and Claude, only another relationship doomed to fail by his past behaviors. Of course, much of this is in the author's intent and that may not have been it, but that is what would have taken this story to the next level for me to become really wonderful.
This is one I definitely recommend, and I'm always excited when Geoff releases a new story. It is especially a nice little story to read to cheer up your mood. It is cute and totally devoted to romance, and I loved that about it.
November 11, 2012
This story was gorgeous and sweet and funny. I was hooked from the first page and really didn't want it to end. I loved the thought that taking the time to really look and appreciate the places and things that are all around can make a difference to our happiness. I really enjoyed taking this journey with Joe and Claude.
April 11, 2014
Sweet story, perfect length for a beach read or a cold winter day in front of a fireplace.
Joe is a travel writer who has returned to New York to write a story about 5 ways to rediscover NY. He left six months ago after breaking up with the man who he thought he'd spend his life with. When he returns, since he's sold his apartment, he checks into a hotel-- another in a long line of hotels in his life and he meets a gorgeous and sexy Frenchman, Claude, in the lobby. When he notices Claude pocketing the hotel pen he's used to sign a receipt, he pockets the pen that he has used as well, but makes sure that Claude sees him do it. Seems he's not the only one with a hotel pen collection.
This begins a two day adventure in which Claude not only helps him rediscover New York, but also himself. Nice story premise, sweet and sexy execution.
Joe is a travel writer who has returned to New York to write a story about 5 ways to rediscover NY. He left six months ago after breaking up with the man who he thought he'd spend his life with. When he returns, since he's sold his apartment, he checks into a hotel-- another in a long line of hotels in his life and he meets a gorgeous and sexy Frenchman, Claude, in the lobby. When he notices Claude pocketing the hotel pen he's used to sign a receipt, he pockets the pen that he has used as well, but makes sure that Claude sees him do it. Seems he's not the only one with a hotel pen collection.
This begins a two day adventure in which Claude not only helps him rediscover New York, but also himself. Nice story premise, sweet and sexy execution.
October 19, 2012
Geoffrey Knight is a wonderful writer and this story is great.
August 16, 2020
This was a fun, sweet quick read. Just what I needed after reading an angst filled story!
TAGS
-- quick easy read -- sweet -- insta lust/love -- made me smile -- likeable the MCs... Joe & Claude -- wish this was longer -- read in one sitting -- less than 75 pages
March 16, 2021
Great feel good story. I’ve read this author before. This is a mm contemporary story with main characters Joe a travel writer and Frenchman Claude. From strangers to lover in a day. Great title and wonderful tie in.
March 3, 2013
Very good m/m short about travel writer, Joe Jordan, who broke up with his lover some time ago and has been lonely ever since. Because of his job, he's always in hotels and he's a keen collector of their pens. While in New York for work, he meets Claude, a French ex-pat who is living at the Beacon Hotel and translating m/m romance books into French. Claude courts Joe and teaches him a thing or two about love, himself and New York by writing various messages in pen on Joe's body in a kind of scavenger hunt. I found the writing overall to be engaging and sensitive and I liked how as Joe rediscovered New York, he rediscovered himself also. I was also happy that Joe had things to offer Claude and it wasn't all one-sided. The story was very short (56 pages) and ends in a HFN ending. I wondered what would happen to the couple after - Joe is still a travel writer after all, but maybe there will be further stories for these two? The author is Australian but I think he's definitely been to New York, there is a great sense of place in the book.
Grade: B
http://kaetrinsmusings.blogspot.com.a...
Grade: B
http://kaetrinsmusings.blogspot.com.a...
October 18, 2012
Rating 3.5 to 4
October 31, 2012
A delightful tease of a short story, but a tease nonetheless... I truly wanted a bit more in terms of romance development.
May 8, 2014
If this one wasn't so insta-love I would have given it 4 stars. Super sweet, touching story about a guy who's lost his way and the Frenchman who helps him find it again. Loved the New York tour.
Want to read
October 19, 2012This looks great, I gotta get it.
October 26, 2012
What a wonderful book! Story set-up, writing style, all together a pleasure to read.
June 5, 2020
Joe has not been in a relationship since he returned home from a work trip to find a note instead of his love. Always traveling for business, he hasn't taken the time to enjoy life once again, not to mention avoiding New York since the break-up.
Returning to NY for a new story, he meets Claude. Fascinated by the accent, they get to know one another. Claude sends him on various adventures around the city to help him enjoy it from a different perspective, release the burdens and insecurities of the past, and perhaps rediscover his heart.
The common instrument between the two men - a fascination with hotel pens!
Quick paced, fun and quick read. Not what you'd expect but not leaving disappointed. I hope the author expands on this a little more. Would be interesting to see whether there may be a future for these two.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
Returning to NY for a new story, he meets Claude. Fascinated by the accent, they get to know one another. Claude sends him on various adventures around the city to help him enjoy it from a different perspective, release the burdens and insecurities of the past, and perhaps rediscover his heart.
The common instrument between the two men - a fascination with hotel pens!
Quick paced, fun and quick read. Not what you'd expect but not leaving disappointed. I hope the author expands on this a little more. Would be interesting to see whether there may be a future for these two.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
June 4, 2020
Joe Jordan is a travel writer for a men’s lifestyle magazine and has avoided going home to New York ever since his boyfriend broke up with him. Now wherever he travels, he collects a pen at each hotel. But when he gets an assignment in New York, he has to face what has been keeping him away. He meets Claude Desjardins, who translates books into French, and Joe is led around the city through clues Claude writes on his skin. It’s a different way to see the city he already thought he knew so well, and he finds that just changing his perspective in this small way is enough to start his healing and the reevaluation of his life.
This was an unusual but apparently effective method for Joe to achieve what he didn’t even know he needed to comprehend: “Learning that nothing stays broken forever, not even hearts.”
This was an unusual but apparently effective method for Joe to achieve what he didn’t even know he needed to comprehend: “Learning that nothing stays broken forever, not even hearts.”
March 2, 2025
Jaded travel writer Joe Jordan is still hurting from when his boyfriend left him. He meets Claude Desjardins, a cute French guy, they bond over stealing hotel pens, and Joe is invited back to Claude’s room. While Joe expects a hot hookup, Claude delays gratification, writing clues over Joe’s body, and Joe spends the day chasing Claude across NYC.
This short instalove romance (83 pp, under 2 hrs on audio) is cute but unconvincingly contrived; there was nothing real or natural about it. It felt weird to have a complete stranger write on Joe’s different body parts and for Joe to happily be directed to various parts of the city. It felt weirder that Claude and Joe fell in love in one day—they know nothing about each other and spent most of the day apart as one chased the other. 🎧 Tobias Rain does a great job on the audio, his performance was the best thing about this.
This short instalove romance (83 pp, under 2 hrs on audio) is cute but unconvincingly contrived; there was nothing real or natural about it. It felt weird to have a complete stranger write on Joe’s different body parts and for Joe to happily be directed to various parts of the city. It felt weirder that Claude and Joe fell in love in one day—they know nothing about each other and spent most of the day apart as one chased the other. 🎧 Tobias Rain does a great job on the audio, his performance was the best thing about this.
June 5, 2020
Sweet and Interesting
This was a sweet and interesting story...sometimes kind of quirky but I was entertained. The premise was good. A guy who collect hotel pens in his travels finds romance and adventure on his current assignment. Joe the writer found his soul mate when he saw Claude the French translator take a pen. Going through previous heartache, Joe wasn't really ready for relationships but something about the Frenchman made him want to take a chance. Claude was the interesting one. He got Joe out and made their romance an adventure. A very nice ending when we finally get who Henri is to Claude. Too cute.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a sweet and interesting story...sometimes kind of quirky but I was entertained. The premise was good. A guy who collect hotel pens in his travels finds romance and adventure on his current assignment. Joe the writer found his soul mate when he saw Claude the French translator take a pen. Going through previous heartache, Joe wasn't really ready for relationships but something about the Frenchman made him want to take a chance. Claude was the interesting one. He got Joe out and made their romance an adventure. A very nice ending when we finally get who Henri is to Claude. Too cute.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews