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Weathering #1
Downpour
Weathering one of the fiercest storms of your life can seem almost impossible, but once you’re through it, things can be a whole lot brighter. Markus Simmons, a pre-med student who moonlights as a barista, narrates as he and his long-time crush, Clinton Stewart, learn more about themselves and what they’re willing to go through to heal and be together.
It took weeks before Markus knew his crush’s name. It took months of serving him coffee every morning before Markus learned that Clinton was an American History major. It took nearly six months into their senior year at UC Davis before Markus accidentally found out that Clinton had no family, few friends, and rather than the dorms, he actually lived in the library.
It took weeks before Markus knew his crush’s name. It took months of serving him coffee every morning before Markus learned that Clinton was an American History major. It took nearly six months into their senior year at UC Davis before Markus accidentally found out that Clinton had no family, few friends, and rather than the dorms, he actually lived in the library.
140 pages, ebook
First published November 27, 2012
112 people want to read
About the author
Bella Leone
4 books24 followersBella Leone is an erotic romance author who discriminates against no combination of lovers. M/M, M/F, F/F, and all multiples thereof are fair game. She writes about people in like, in lust, and, ultimately, in love. Bella lives in Arizona with her husband and furry minions. When she’s not writing, she’s usually lending a helping hand to other authors or indulging in her penchant for historical & paranormal fiction, petite brunettes, and athletic gingers.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 1, 2012
The writing is really juvenile and terrible.
Everything is told, and in highly repetitive "I did this, I saw that" sentences.
Everything is trite, in a ménage of common m/m romance themes that are just collected here transparently and without being organic, used originally or blended seamlessly.
Everything is didactic.
It's unrealistic.
Additionally, which black man blithely laughs and flirts past the South's position in The Civil War? Ridiculous.
God, and the cavity-perfect parents? Ugh. Down to black man daddy being a preacher who regularly dispenses grand advice in the place of regular conversation. Cliche Uncle Remus much? Ugh, squared.
Moreover, when creating a foil (perfect parents vs horrendous homophobic ones who cause their son to be homeless) try, for the sake of good writing, not to render them so obviously polarised, please.
Furthermore, every Tom, Dick and Harry is attempting to churn out tired tropes as romance and stale sex whereupon they're calling themselves erotic writers...writing heterosexual sex and randomly putting in a surplus penis does not an m/m writer make.
The premise for this book intrigued me. The execution is underwhelming.
Everything is told, and in highly repetitive "I did this, I saw that" sentences.
Everything is trite, in a ménage of common m/m romance themes that are just collected here transparently and without being organic, used originally or blended seamlessly.
Everything is didactic.
It's unrealistic.
Additionally, which black man blithely laughs and flirts past the South's position in The Civil War? Ridiculous.
God, and the cavity-perfect parents? Ugh. Down to black man daddy being a preacher who regularly dispenses grand advice in the place of regular conversation. Cliche Uncle Remus much? Ugh, squared.
Moreover, when creating a foil (perfect parents vs horrendous homophobic ones who cause their son to be homeless) try, for the sake of good writing, not to render them so obviously polarised, please.
Furthermore, every Tom, Dick and Harry is attempting to churn out tired tropes as romance and stale sex whereupon they're calling themselves erotic writers...writing heterosexual sex and randomly putting in a surplus penis does not an m/m writer make.
The premise for this book intrigued me. The execution is underwhelming.
December 8, 2012
While I didn't love this story, it was a nice story and I did enjoy it. This story is told from Markus' part of view and I would have really liked if the author could have given us what Clint was feeling some of the time. There are some sweet moments with a little light angst thrown in which gives the story a little extra that was needed. I liked how family is not always defined by birth, but can consist of the ones that mean so much more to you and are there for you no matter what. I liked the secondary characters and will see who the author features in the next one.
Read
December 21, 20123.5*
Each chapter opens with a fitting quote or proverb for the chapter that follows, which I liked and it gave me an idea of what was to come.
Markus is the narrator of this story, he is a pre-med major and a senior at UC Davis.
He works as a barista in a coffee shop and has been crushing on the cute blond geek that comes in very early every morning for his coffee.
Clinton is a shy and quiet history major at UC Davis, he is having a hard time of it at the moment, but obviously enjoys his coffee and the barista.
After much prodding from his friends and roommates Markus finally works up the nerve to ask him out.
The blurb sums up the first part of the book well, but then there is a very huge turn of events that change Clinton's life and circumstances drastically and Markus is there for him every step of the way.
I have to admit in the beginning I totally loved Markus, he is a genuine and caring guy. Ryan White is his reason for going into his specialty, Ryan's story is one that touched me deeply and the Ryan White Care Act is still helping people today, almost 25 years after his death. If you don't know his story you should google it.
Markus is so smitten and enamored with Clinton, but I didn't quite love Clint as much. Part of the reason is of course since I never get his POV and sometimes the reason for his behavior isn't always clear to me, at least at the time.
It's difficult to get into the rest of what happens without going into spoiler territory but needless to say they go through some rough patches, Clint is very proud, he is reluctant to accept help or ask for it. He feels very alone in the world and that causes some angst and conflict but not too much that it weighs the story down, but there is some off page violence and suffering.
It is really a very sweet story, Markus comes from a very ideal home, a wonderful mother, who is a pediatrician and his dad is a pastor. His mother is Japanese and his dad is black so he is a gorgeous good looking guy with a heart of gold.
He has great friends and roommates Jesse and Peter, they are a couple, and his bosses at the coffee shop,his coworkers and Tyson round out the gang.Tyson is an intern at Markus's mothers hospital and I was worried a little what role he would play, but I shouldn't have been, and I really hope he gets his book next!
By this time Clint has grown on me and I like him much better and am happy for how things turn out for him especially after all he has been through.
I love sweet and this story is certainly that,it didn't bother me that the families were literally polar opposites of each other, with one being open,loving and ideal and the other bigoted homophobes who would rather see their child on the streets than accept him. There were also some other fairly often used tropes in this story, but it is at the heart of it a simple, straightforward story of falling in love and finding a family, but not necessarily the one you are born into and Markus and his family and friends welcome Clint with open arms.
Each chapter opens with a fitting quote or proverb for the chapter that follows, which I liked and it gave me an idea of what was to come.
Markus is the narrator of this story, he is a pre-med major and a senior at UC Davis.
He works as a barista in a coffee shop and has been crushing on the cute blond geek that comes in very early every morning for his coffee.
Clinton is a shy and quiet history major at UC Davis, he is having a hard time of it at the moment, but obviously enjoys his coffee and the barista.
After much prodding from his friends and roommates Markus finally works up the nerve to ask him out.
The blurb sums up the first part of the book well, but then there is a very huge turn of events that change Clinton's life and circumstances drastically and Markus is there for him every step of the way.
I have to admit in the beginning I totally loved Markus, he is a genuine and caring guy. Ryan White is his reason for going into his specialty, Ryan's story is one that touched me deeply and the Ryan White Care Act is still helping people today, almost 25 years after his death. If you don't know his story you should google it.
Markus is so smitten and enamored with Clinton, but I didn't quite love Clint as much. Part of the reason is of course since I never get his POV and sometimes the reason for his behavior isn't always clear to me, at least at the time.
It's difficult to get into the rest of what happens without going into spoiler territory but needless to say they go through some rough patches, Clint is very proud, he is reluctant to accept help or ask for it. He feels very alone in the world and that causes some angst and conflict but not too much that it weighs the story down, but there is some off page violence and suffering.
It is really a very sweet story, Markus comes from a very ideal home, a wonderful mother, who is a pediatrician and his dad is a pastor. His mother is Japanese and his dad is black so he is a gorgeous good looking guy with a heart of gold.
He has great friends and roommates Jesse and Peter, they are a couple, and his bosses at the coffee shop,his coworkers and Tyson round out the gang.Tyson is an intern at Markus's mothers hospital and I was worried a little what role he would play, but I shouldn't have been, and I really hope he gets his book next!
By this time Clint has grown on me and I like him much better and am happy for how things turn out for him especially after all he has been through.
I love sweet and this story is certainly that,it didn't bother me that the families were literally polar opposites of each other, with one being open,loving and ideal and the other bigoted homophobes who would rather see their child on the streets than accept him. There were also some other fairly often used tropes in this story, but it is at the heart of it a simple, straightforward story of falling in love and finding a family, but not necessarily the one you are born into and Markus and his family and friends welcome Clint with open arms.
December 2, 2012
I really don't know what the other reviewers read...I try REALLY hard not to be a book snob because harping about grammar, tense and like while missing the substance of a book really chaps my labia. I like this new author and Downpour gave me just what I needed. The storyline might not be new but reading about Markus & Clint will propel you on an emotional roller coaster. SWEET read.
December 5, 2012
What a nice surprise. Nice combination of sweet and angst, without an over abundance of either one.
December 17, 2012
Sweet, and moving. No healing penis just patience, understanding, and love. I enjoyed the connection between the characters, and the strength they both display. A really touching story.
April 14, 2018
This is a sweet and sexy New Adult romance. Markus is an all round wonderful guy, with great parents, great friends, and a bright future. He has a crush on Clint who comes into the coffeehouse where he works while a premed major in college.
Clint is also a super smart sweet guy but he is in a mess as he got abandoned when he came out to his parents in Texas and is trying to find his way to supporting himself while he finishes his senior year at UC Davis before going on to his a master's in history there.
Some things in this book don't add up (like why does a child of Senator (state, federal? we don't know) need a scholarship and other details but the romance between these two is really lovely.
There is the hate crime plot which I think works well because the book works through the investigation and trial in compelling ways.
This isn't a complicated book but if you are in the mood for a hopeful loving romance, I think it is a good pick.
I am super sad this writer hasn't written since about 2012 and that her web presence has been pretty quiet for sometime. I was looking forward to Ty's book.
Clint is also a super smart sweet guy but he is in a mess as he got abandoned when he came out to his parents in Texas and is trying to find his way to supporting himself while he finishes his senior year at UC Davis before going on to his a master's in history there.
Some things in this book don't add up (like why does a child of Senator (state, federal? we don't know) need a scholarship and other details but the romance between these two is really lovely.
There is the hate crime plot which I think works well because the book works through the investigation and trial in compelling ways.
This isn't a complicated book but if you are in the mood for a hopeful loving romance, I think it is a good pick.
I am super sad this writer hasn't written since about 2012 and that her web presence has been pretty quiet for sometime. I was looking forward to Ty's book.
December 22, 2012
This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay
Maybe I can’t stop the downpour, but I will always, always join you for a walk in the rain. —Albert Camus
Every day for the past year, Markus Simmons has watched the gorgeous Clinton Stewart come into the coffee shop where Markus works. The men have smiled and flirted and chatted a bit, and Markus is totally smitten, but it takes a long time for him to work up the nerve to ask Clint out. Especially when it is clear that the shy history geek is hiding something. But Markus has a huge crush on Clint and finally the men go out on their date, soon falling hard for one another. But Clint’s secret is not the only thing complicating things for the men. When hate crimes on campus hit close to home, Clint and Markus must gather strength from each other to make it through the difficult times.
Oh, this is such a sweet romantic story, I really loved it. Markus and Clint are so wonderfully mushy in love. These guys have been pining away for each other for a year, and when they finally get up the nerve to get together, they are head over heels pretty fast. They are both such sweet, good guys that you can’t help but love them and root for them. Clint is more shy and reserved, dealing with a lot of baggage in the form of his homophobic family. He has been through hell dealing with the fallout from his parents’ rejection, yet he remains so strong and determined, never giving up his goals and making things work no matter how bad it gets. And Markus is just a total sweetheart, a guy who just wants to take care of other people. His nurturing instincts kick in when Clint is around and all he wants to do is make sure his boyfriend is loved and supported. The story is a bit over the top mushy at times, but I really liked the sweetness between these two guys and I had no trouble believing their feelings or behavior. These two face some rough times, but they are always deeply committed to one another.
Despite the sweetness, this is also a super sexy book. Clint and Markus are crazy hot together and the book balances the sweet romantic side with some hot and sexy stuff, which I really liked. I also appreciated that these guys are an interracial couple, which is rare in romance, and that it is so seamlessly integrated into the story.
Leone does a great job showing the relationships these guys have and how they impact their lives. I loved Markus’ best friend and roommate Jesse, along with his boyfriend Peter. They are a great opposites attract pair, with Jesse the enormous jock and Peter his more conservative Brit boyfriend. Again, these guys may be a bit too good to be true, but I loved how much they cared for Markus and immediately take Clint into their home and their hearts when he needs them. Leone has indicated their story is to come (yeah!), along with their friend Tyson’s (double yeah!). I also loved the way we see how Markus is so shaped by his family. His mother is a doctor and his father is a pastor, and it is clear he has learned a lot about building a relationship and caring for others from them. I like how they provide not just a contrast to Clint’s parents, but also a clear example of how Markus became the man he is.
I really only had a few small quibbles with this one. The story slowed down a bit for me at about the 3/4 mark, but then picked back up at the end. I also had a few nitpicky things that bugged me where I had to suspend my disbelief a bit. For example, I never quite figured out how Clint was feeding himself after being kicked out by his parents. It is clear this guy is destitute, but he also obviously has some money because he is buying coffee every day. I wish it was just mentioned where this money came from, especially since we are told he doesn’t have a job. Which also felt a bit off, as we are told he applied for work but his parents badmouthed him when called for references. Do potential employers really track down your parent’s phone number and call them for a reference? Especially a college senior applying for part-time work around school? Don’t want to spoil things so the next part is tagged…
(see my blog post for spoiler text)
So nothing major here and not much that really impacts the story, but little things like this catch my attention.
Overall though I really loved this one and I am SO excited to follow along with the rest of this series. Downpour was sweet and romantic and sexy and a perfect book to curl up with on a cold day when you want something to warm your heart.
Maybe I can’t stop the downpour, but I will always, always join you for a walk in the rain. —Albert Camus
Every day for the past year, Markus Simmons has watched the gorgeous Clinton Stewart come into the coffee shop where Markus works. The men have smiled and flirted and chatted a bit, and Markus is totally smitten, but it takes a long time for him to work up the nerve to ask Clint out. Especially when it is clear that the shy history geek is hiding something. But Markus has a huge crush on Clint and finally the men go out on their date, soon falling hard for one another. But Clint’s secret is not the only thing complicating things for the men. When hate crimes on campus hit close to home, Clint and Markus must gather strength from each other to make it through the difficult times.
Oh, this is such a sweet romantic story, I really loved it. Markus and Clint are so wonderfully mushy in love. These guys have been pining away for each other for a year, and when they finally get up the nerve to get together, they are head over heels pretty fast. They are both such sweet, good guys that you can’t help but love them and root for them. Clint is more shy and reserved, dealing with a lot of baggage in the form of his homophobic family. He has been through hell dealing with the fallout from his parents’ rejection, yet he remains so strong and determined, never giving up his goals and making things work no matter how bad it gets. And Markus is just a total sweetheart, a guy who just wants to take care of other people. His nurturing instincts kick in when Clint is around and all he wants to do is make sure his boyfriend is loved and supported. The story is a bit over the top mushy at times, but I really liked the sweetness between these two guys and I had no trouble believing their feelings or behavior. These two face some rough times, but they are always deeply committed to one another.
Despite the sweetness, this is also a super sexy book. Clint and Markus are crazy hot together and the book balances the sweet romantic side with some hot and sexy stuff, which I really liked. I also appreciated that these guys are an interracial couple, which is rare in romance, and that it is so seamlessly integrated into the story.
Leone does a great job showing the relationships these guys have and how they impact their lives. I loved Markus’ best friend and roommate Jesse, along with his boyfriend Peter. They are a great opposites attract pair, with Jesse the enormous jock and Peter his more conservative Brit boyfriend. Again, these guys may be a bit too good to be true, but I loved how much they cared for Markus and immediately take Clint into their home and their hearts when he needs them. Leone has indicated their story is to come (yeah!), along with their friend Tyson’s (double yeah!). I also loved the way we see how Markus is so shaped by his family. His mother is a doctor and his father is a pastor, and it is clear he has learned a lot about building a relationship and caring for others from them. I like how they provide not just a contrast to Clint’s parents, but also a clear example of how Markus became the man he is.
I really only had a few small quibbles with this one. The story slowed down a bit for me at about the 3/4 mark, but then picked back up at the end. I also had a few nitpicky things that bugged me where I had to suspend my disbelief a bit. For example, I never quite figured out how Clint was feeding himself after being kicked out by his parents. It is clear this guy is destitute, but he also obviously has some money because he is buying coffee every day. I wish it was just mentioned where this money came from, especially since we are told he doesn’t have a job. Which also felt a bit off, as we are told he applied for work but his parents badmouthed him when called for references. Do potential employers really track down your parent’s phone number and call them for a reference? Especially a college senior applying for part-time work around school? Don’t want to spoil things so the next part is tagged…
(see my blog post for spoiler text)
So nothing major here and not much that really impacts the story, but little things like this catch my attention.
Overall though I really loved this one and I am SO excited to follow along with the rest of this series. Downpour was sweet and romantic and sexy and a perfect book to curl up with on a cold day when you want something to warm your heart.
March 25, 2013
I had the privilege of being one of Bella's lucky pre-readers. DOWNPOUR is a book that'll tug on your heartstrings, and make you feel ALL THE FEELINGS. It's beautifully crafted with characters who will stick in your mind long after reading.
December 15, 2012
I really liked this story. It was really sweet without too much angst, although it did touch on heavy subjects.
3.5 stars because it kinda ran out of steam in the end. The present tense writing style threw me off in the beginning, but I eventually got used to it.
3.5 stars because it kinda ran out of steam in the end. The present tense writing style threw me off in the beginning, but I eventually got used to it.
December 9, 2012
3.8 stars. In my opinion, this is a well written and quite emotional piece with engaging characters that drive the uncomplicated plot forward. It fit my mood nicely and represented overall a pleasant read.
December 5, 2012
I wanted to like it more than I did, but it wasn't terrible.
A few issues:
Present tense- It got to the point where it became distracting. Quickly. And stayed there.
Race: I didn't "get" the race of the MC. I know he was half black/half Asian, and while I applaud the diversity, I wanted to really feel his race as a part of his identity, but aside from a few remarks about his tan skin and Asian mother, I didn't get it. Also, blue eyes? Genetics bothered me on this one.
Overall though, it was a really enjoyable read. I liked the MCs and the secondaries. I liked the strength of both MC's and their openness.
I still will look forward to the next.
A few issues:
Present tense- It got to the point where it became distracting. Quickly. And stayed there.
Race: I didn't "get" the race of the MC. I know he was half black/half Asian, and while I applaud the diversity, I wanted to really feel his race as a part of his identity, but aside from a few remarks about his tan skin and Asian mother, I didn't get it. Also, blue eyes? Genetics bothered me on this one.
Overall though, it was a really enjoyable read. I liked the MCs and the secondaries. I liked the strength of both MC's and their openness.
I still will look forward to the next.
January 25, 2014
3.5 stars
This read very young; it's definitely a NA romance. Markus and Clinton are both 21 and in college. It's a sweet story with a low steam factor about finding love in unexpected places, accepting second chances, and learning that it's okay to lean on others. There was a large portion toward the end where the book really dragged; there's a court case, and big chunks of time are summarized. Markus's family was maybe a bit too perfect, and Clinton's a bit too evil, but I liked that this was an interracial romance without much fanfare about it being interracial. The HEA was nice as well.
This read very young; it's definitely a NA romance. Markus and Clinton are both 21 and in college. It's a sweet story with a low steam factor about finding love in unexpected places, accepting second chances, and learning that it's okay to lean on others. There was a large portion toward the end where the book really dragged; there's a court case, and big chunks of time are summarized. Markus's family was maybe a bit too perfect, and Clinton's a bit too evil, but I liked that this was an interracial romance without much fanfare about it being interracial. The HEA was nice as well.
December 3, 2012
Words fail me right now, I will write a review later.
December 26, 2012
Sweet story, kind of a New Adult with college students. I enjoyed the friendships a lot, but Clinton's family was a little heavily drawn. I'm glad he was at least able to reconnect with his sister.
January 12, 2013
I've had a few days to sit & think about this book.
I'm not going to lie, there were parts that gave me a very physical reaction.
This was well written without being so flowery I wanted to put it down. In fact, I didn't put it down often. I read while my kids watched their morning cartoons, I read well into the night one night, and when I realized how close I was to finishing it, I put the kids to bed early so that would be possible.
I loved it. I can't wait to read more of Markus & Clint's story.
I'm not going to lie, there were parts that gave me a very physical reaction.
This was well written without being so flowery I wanted to put it down. In fact, I didn't put it down often. I read while my kids watched their morning cartoons, I read well into the night one night, and when I realized how close I was to finishing it, I put the kids to bed early so that would be possible.
I loved it. I can't wait to read more of Markus & Clint's story.
December 1, 2012
Aside from the totally unrealistic representation of Davis and UC Davis (from a perspective of a former UCD student) the story was itself was OK. The university is really good at helping students in financial crisis and the professors will do all they can to help students. That part was not really believable. Not to mention that there is public transportation in the city run by the Student Union and only the buses and university vehicles are allowed on campus. I know minor details, but it annoying when someone does half research...
The book could use a better editor to make it a bit less choppy.
The book could use a better editor to make it a bit less choppy.
February 13, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. Markus and Clint make a great couple when they finally find the courage to speak more than a few words to each other. I loved the secondary characters, especially Markus' good friend and roommate Jesse. This story had a little bit of everything to offer. I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 25, 2013
This is a very sweet and satisfying read which is almost to sweet at times. While I really loved this book there was just some part of me that just didnt buy the relationship. I think everything was to perfect :)
Perfect for when your in the mood for a lovely easy sweet read.
Perfect for when your in the mood for a lovely easy sweet read.
January 11, 2016
I was enjoying it right up until poor woobie Clint turned out to have been gay bashed. too much drama all at once. I was actually rooting for Tristan, and I'm disappointed that instead of giving Clint depth, the author decided to write him as the most pitiful little victim ever. Dnf.
December 3, 2012
3.5 stars
November 30, 2012
3.5 stars
November 13, 2013
Sweet and Healing!!!
Really really enjoyed this story ;)
Really really enjoyed this story ;)
July 7, 2017
I had the big honor of pre reading this.
It's still fresh in my mind, the incredible feelings you go through reading it. How attached you get to her characters. Given I've been reading stories from Bella for a long time so I was far from surprised.
It's a story well worth your time.
It's still fresh in my mind, the incredible feelings you go through reading it. How attached you get to her characters. Given I've been reading stories from Bella for a long time so I was far from surprised.
It's a story well worth your time.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews