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Show and Tell
One of the few joys in Dan's life is the TV show Junk Shop, a reality show about antiques hosted by the handsome and charismatic Malcolm Tell. Then an old music box turns up, and Dan's sister encourages him to try to get on the show and meet the object of his affection. He does, and his life changes completely.
When Dan and Malcolm first meet, they have a sudden vision of a couple from the past. Is it a glimpse at a past life or something else entirely? They agree to work together to figure out what is going on, and they stumble upon a forgotten Celtic myth that may explain everything. If the myth is true, then Dan and Malcolm could be a pair of lovers who have been reincarnated over and over again over two thousand years. That seems impossible, but it's hard to deny that something very strange is happening.
As Dan and Malcolm work to find the truth, they fall for each other hard. But searching for who they really are puts them both in grave danger, and they find themselves racing against time to keep their happily ever after.
When Dan and Malcolm first meet, they have a sudden vision of a couple from the past. Is it a glimpse at a past life or something else entirely? They agree to work together to figure out what is going on, and they stumble upon a forgotten Celtic myth that may explain everything. If the myth is true, then Dan and Malcolm could be a pair of lovers who have been reincarnated over and over again over two thousand years. That seems impossible, but it's hard to deny that something very strange is happening.
As Dan and Malcolm work to find the truth, they fall for each other hard. But searching for who they really are puts them both in grave danger, and they find themselves racing against time to keep their happily ever after.
ebook
First published January 7, 2013
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About the author
Kate McMurray
63 books348 followersKate McMurray writes smart romantic fiction. She likes creating stories that are brainy, funny, and of course sexy, with regular guy characters and urban sensibilities. She advocates for romance stories by and for everyone. When she’s not writing, she edits textbooks, watches baseball, plays violin, crafts things out of yarn, and wears a lot of cute dresses. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with a bossy cat and too many books.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 4, 2013
Review posted at The Armchair Reader as part of Kate McMurray Week!
Okay…. I've just got to say this: What the hell is wrong with everyone? I had tempered my excitement for this book after it came out because so many people have written very luke warm reviews. I didn't expect it to be bad, but what I found was a really fun, un-put-downable read. I mean, it's not perfect and I'll talk about that in a bit, but for the most part this book was highly enjoyable for me. So yeah, ya'lls on crack is all I can say.
Just like me ;), one of Dan's favorite shows on tv is a reality show about an antiques shop where a guy buys/sells/pawns things and goes through the provenance of the items in detail for the viewers. Of course, a lot of Dan's enjoyment is his attraction to sexy star of the show, Malcolm Tell (great tv name!). So when he comes across an old music box, his sister encourages him to use it to try to get on the show. When he gets to the store, he finds that they're taping, which means Dan has to go through a whole song and dance just to get to the good part. Dan's nervous, and meeting the man he's found himself fantasizing about is much more important than the music box. When Malcolm comes out and it's his cue to start talking about the music box, he is finally able to look in the man's eyes and finds that they seem strangely peculiar. The strange thing is that Malcolm obviously feels the same way. It isn't until Dan hands it to him and both touch the box at the same time that the visit gets really interesting. Both share a peculiar vision that includes a tremendous amount of pain and anguish, which abruptly ends when they remove their hands.
The visit goes to hell after that. The box isn't really that interesting at all, except for an inscription. But Malcolm is reluctant to let Dan leave. And when he does, Dan finds that he's got a date for the next evening for dinner and to examine the box again in private. Will whatever happened happen again? And what does it mean if it only happens when they both touch it?
The music box sets off a strange series of occurrences where different objects tend to show up giving them different visions. When they start to put the pieces together and find out what is really happening, they're thunderstruck by what it all means and what it means for their now-growing relationship. But the inherent problem with repeating history is that they repeat their mistakes, as well as a tragedy that follows them. They have to follow each object and vision until they can find a way to change history and secure a real future for themselves.
I think what I loved so much about this story is the different visions they have. I won't get into what they are of, but it's pure gold for a story because it's a mine of different settings and scenarios to explore. That's exciting for a reader because it makes the book exciting. It also gives the book a really great pace, with so much forward movement in the story, so I never got tired of reading it and I was always interested to discover what would happen next. Of course, I did have one big problem with the story -- I just found the ending anticlimactic. You can see it coming from a mile away. But, the way the story is set up makes for good, natural tension. Except, maybe too much tension. By the time the end rolled around the stakes were so high that I ended up just finding the ending a bit… lame and comical. However, though that might sour a bit of the story, I still found that I loved the rest of the story and it didn't bother me too much. So, it wasn't enough to mark the story down very far for me.
I've heard from friends who read this that they found Dan a bit too weepy and whiny. I'm not sure if it's just a case of some people not really liking for their guy characters to cry too much (I know some people don't -- that's fine), or that I just felt like the circumstances were justifiable (if I was facing possible death and loss of my newfound and totally awesome love of my life and counting down the days for find a remedy I think I'd be a ball of angst and tears!), but it just didn't bother me at all.
So, while I might caution some readers who these things will automatically send up red flags, I would encourage you to give this one a try. Because while it may not be perfect, it's still a really fun and exciting read with quite a few twists and turns that I wasn't really expecting. Expect for the book to take a turn towards real fantasy and be a bit surreal toward the end, but I found that part of the fun ;)
Okay…. I've just got to say this: What the hell is wrong with everyone? I had tempered my excitement for this book after it came out because so many people have written very luke warm reviews. I didn't expect it to be bad, but what I found was a really fun, un-put-downable read. I mean, it's not perfect and I'll talk about that in a bit, but for the most part this book was highly enjoyable for me. So yeah, ya'lls on crack is all I can say.
Just like me ;), one of Dan's favorite shows on tv is a reality show about an antiques shop where a guy buys/sells/pawns things and goes through the provenance of the items in detail for the viewers. Of course, a lot of Dan's enjoyment is his attraction to sexy star of the show, Malcolm Tell (great tv name!). So when he comes across an old music box, his sister encourages him to use it to try to get on the show. When he gets to the store, he finds that they're taping, which means Dan has to go through a whole song and dance just to get to the good part. Dan's nervous, and meeting the man he's found himself fantasizing about is much more important than the music box. When Malcolm comes out and it's his cue to start talking about the music box, he is finally able to look in the man's eyes and finds that they seem strangely peculiar. The strange thing is that Malcolm obviously feels the same way. It isn't until Dan hands it to him and both touch the box at the same time that the visit gets really interesting. Both share a peculiar vision that includes a tremendous amount of pain and anguish, which abruptly ends when they remove their hands.
The visit goes to hell after that. The box isn't really that interesting at all, except for an inscription. But Malcolm is reluctant to let Dan leave. And when he does, Dan finds that he's got a date for the next evening for dinner and to examine the box again in private. Will whatever happened happen again? And what does it mean if it only happens when they both touch it?
The music box sets off a strange series of occurrences where different objects tend to show up giving them different visions. When they start to put the pieces together and find out what is really happening, they're thunderstruck by what it all means and what it means for their now-growing relationship. But the inherent problem with repeating history is that they repeat their mistakes, as well as a tragedy that follows them. They have to follow each object and vision until they can find a way to change history and secure a real future for themselves.
I think what I loved so much about this story is the different visions they have. I won't get into what they are of, but it's pure gold for a story because it's a mine of different settings and scenarios to explore. That's exciting for a reader because it makes the book exciting. It also gives the book a really great pace, with so much forward movement in the story, so I never got tired of reading it and I was always interested to discover what would happen next. Of course, I did have one big problem with the story -- I just found the ending anticlimactic. You can see it coming from a mile away. But, the way the story is set up makes for good, natural tension. Except, maybe too much tension. By the time the end rolled around the stakes were so high that I ended up just finding the ending a bit… lame and comical. However, though that might sour a bit of the story, I still found that I loved the rest of the story and it didn't bother me too much. So, it wasn't enough to mark the story down very far for me.
I've heard from friends who read this that they found Dan a bit too weepy and whiny. I'm not sure if it's just a case of some people not really liking for their guy characters to cry too much (I know some people don't -- that's fine), or that I just felt like the circumstances were justifiable (if I was facing possible death and loss of my newfound and totally awesome love of my life and counting down the days for find a remedy I think I'd be a ball of angst and tears!), but it just didn't bother me at all.
So, while I might caution some readers who these things will automatically send up red flags, I would encourage you to give this one a try. Because while it may not be perfect, it's still a really fun and exciting read with quite a few twists and turns that I wasn't really expecting. Expect for the book to take a turn towards real fantasy and be a bit surreal toward the end, but I found that part of the fun ;)
January 13, 2013
Do not get me wrong, it was a good book and if it is your first book by this writer, it can make you very happy. If however you are like me and have read almost everything she published, you may feel like me and wonder why did I already meet Dan and Malcolm in her other books? I am not saying that she wrote carboon copies of the characters she wrote before, of course not, at the same time they feel too similar to some of her other characters, more than I would have liked and more than I could have shrugged off to the fact that every writer is bound to have some similarities in her writing style from book to book.
There is also a matter of plot, which on one hand was amusing and fun (some of the reincarnations our heroes went through were absolutely awesome), on the other hand, while again it was not a carboon copy of any of her other books, I could not help but wonder why the main hook of the plot resembles the main hook of her "Across the East River bridge" that much. Again, not the same, of course not the same, but way too similar for me to think of this book as something fresh. Sorry.
There is also a matter of plot, which on one hand was amusing and fun (some of the reincarnations our heroes went through were absolutely awesome), on the other hand, while again it was not a carboon copy of any of her other books, I could not help but wonder why the main hook of the plot resembles the main hook of her "Across the East River bridge" that much. Again, not the same, of course not the same, but way too similar for me to think of this book as something fresh. Sorry.
January 9, 2013
I don't read a lot of paranormal romance, but this had enough contemporary (setting & flavour) to keep me happy.
I found the idea of past lives intriguing and well plotted. I liked that Dan was slow to believe while Malcolm was convinced quite early. This pretty much reflects their personalities - Dan steady and logical; Mal passionate and intense.
I liked delving into all the historical lives, they were all so different yet obviously followed familiar patterns. But when it came to Dan and Mal romance stuff, I wanted more generosity on Dan's part. I understood his issues, but there were times when I wanted to see him give to Mal, not just object and take and stand aloof. Ah, the foibles of being flawed.
Anyway, Dan pretty much redeems himself in the climax.
Absorbing and well written.
I found the idea of past lives intriguing and well plotted. I liked that Dan was slow to believe while Malcolm was convinced quite early. This pretty much reflects their personalities - Dan steady and logical; Mal passionate and intense.
I liked delving into all the historical lives, they were all so different yet obviously followed familiar patterns. But when it came to Dan and Mal romance stuff, I wanted more generosity on Dan's part. I understood his issues, but there were times when I wanted to see him give to Mal, not just object and take and stand aloof. Ah, the foibles of being flawed.
Anyway, Dan pretty much redeems himself in the climax.
Absorbing and well written.
February 3, 2018
Really enjoyed this, can't believe I've had it sitting on my kindle for such a long time! :)
January 18, 2013
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
Dan is a shy, quiet man living with his sister while working in his doctorate degree. His one real enjoyment is watching the reality show Junk Shop and while he tells his sister that he is mainly interested in the historical objects, he is hot for the show's star Malcolm Tell. Dan finally gets up the nerve to go on the show with an old music box. When both he and Malcolm touch the music box they are shocked by a vision of the past lovers the music box belonged to. Malcolm and Dan pursue this further and through a study of Celtic folklore find that they are the present incarnation of Aengus and his lover Caoimhim. They have lived for centuries but have always been fated to die young because of the jealous Caer who wanted Aengus for herself.
I enjoy a paranormal book with a past life tie in ever since I read Time After Time. The time jumps that Malcolm and Dan did into some of their many past lives were well thought out and enjoyable giving short looks into different time period. The fact that Aengus and Caoimhim could reincarnate as either male or female added an extra interesting twist to the story. I liked the characters Malcolm and Dan even though Dan got a little annoying about commitment. The one problem that I found was that with all of the life jumping I really did not get to know the two men as much as I'd have liked to. I particularly liked Enid who was funny while being a great help to Dan and Malcolm. The writing was very well done and the shifts from the present to the past were perfectly fitted together. I think that the battle to rid Malcolm and Dan of the evil Caer was much ado about nothing and could have been more exciting. The book got a little bit drawn out but Malcolm and Dan got their HEA while Aengus and Caoimhin got a HFN.
Dan is a shy, quiet man living with his sister while working in his doctorate degree. His one real enjoyment is watching the reality show Junk Shop and while he tells his sister that he is mainly interested in the historical objects, he is hot for the show's star Malcolm Tell. Dan finally gets up the nerve to go on the show with an old music box. When both he and Malcolm touch the music box they are shocked by a vision of the past lovers the music box belonged to. Malcolm and Dan pursue this further and through a study of Celtic folklore find that they are the present incarnation of Aengus and his lover Caoimhim. They have lived for centuries but have always been fated to die young because of the jealous Caer who wanted Aengus for herself.
I enjoy a paranormal book with a past life tie in ever since I read Time After Time. The time jumps that Malcolm and Dan did into some of their many past lives were well thought out and enjoyable giving short looks into different time period. The fact that Aengus and Caoimhim could reincarnate as either male or female added an extra interesting twist to the story. I liked the characters Malcolm and Dan even though Dan got a little annoying about commitment. The one problem that I found was that with all of the life jumping I really did not get to know the two men as much as I'd have liked to. I particularly liked Enid who was funny while being a great help to Dan and Malcolm. The writing was very well done and the shifts from the present to the past were perfectly fitted together. I think that the battle to rid Malcolm and Dan of the evil Caer was much ado about nothing and could have been more exciting. The book got a little bit drawn out but Malcolm and Dan got their HEA while Aengus and Caoimhin got a HFN.
October 6, 2013
This story started a little slow and over the top at once; I almost stopped reading after the first meeting scene since to me, this scene read like the opening to a trite, overused trope I’d come across a thousand times already.
I’m glad I continued reading, though, since aside from the beginning, this story was a delight to read.
I loved following follow Mal and Dan through the centuries, through their various genders and names and fates. The historical settings and events were vividly painted in loving detail; the characters were recognizable in their every incarnation yet each incarnation was a personality in their own right—not a small feat. And that’s to say nothing of the side characters, especially Enid whose creation was a quirky, fantastic plot twist and a who as a character was a real asset to the book.
The theme in and of itself wasn’t anything new but here, it was masterfully executed, with a keen eye for detail and real affection for the characters, and beautifully written.
Recommended.
January 14, 2013
It was saccharin, sweet, and slightly emotionally overwrought but good story.
Dan had a lot of reservation in pursuing anything with Malcolm. He had a bad past. His self-esteem seemed already low enough when the bad part struck and it took him two years to raise himself up again to this point.
Dan reminded me a bit of Jake from Four Corners. Perhaps the characterization bleed in bit with the humble, quiet, self-depreciated type.
The fight scene, for me, was confusing and difficult to follow. The villain seemed to have suffered from the common villain problem of not willing to pull out the big gun from the start to finish the job. Instead the villain was rather erratic and indecisive of her tactics and objective.
I don't mind weepy men, although I must admit, reading about one made me cringe a little.
I felt that the book was missing some element to make it more compelling. Should it has more divine intervention? More something? I am not sure...
Dan had a lot of reservation in pursuing anything with Malcolm. He had a bad past. His self-esteem seemed already low enough when the bad part struck and it took him two years to raise himself up again to this point.
Dan reminded me a bit of Jake from Four Corners. Perhaps the characterization bleed in bit with the humble, quiet, self-depreciated type.
The fight scene, for me, was confusing and difficult to follow. The villain seemed to have suffered from the common villain problem of not willing to pull out the big gun from the start to finish the job. Instead the villain was rather erratic and indecisive of her tactics and objective.
I don't mind weepy men, although I must admit, reading about one made me cringe a little.
I felt that the book was missing some element to make it more compelling. Should it has more divine intervention? More something? I am not sure...
April 20, 2016
Well that was a slippery slide down the rabbit hole and yes parts of this story was a little like a trip to Wonderland. Throughout this story the author popped us back and forth along the timeline, it really couldn't have been done any other way, but it was done with clarity and I never found myself having to flip back a couple of pages and figure out what was going or wondering what I'd missed, it worked and it worked well for me.
I loved Malcolm and Dan they were adorable together and the relationship was real there were disagreements and differences of opinions, compromises and stand offs, it was believable.
This was an excellent stand alone story for anyone who, like me, is not familiar with this author. It was nice to read a book that drew me in at the beginning and at the end left me feeling like I'd been given the whole story and wasn't being left wanting more because I felt like the story was unfinished. It was actually kind of a modern day fairy tale...and they all lived...oopsie! Don't want to spoil the ending for anyone.
Well done, Ms McMurray, I look forward to reading more of your works in the near future.
I loved Malcolm and Dan they were adorable together and the relationship was real there were disagreements and differences of opinions, compromises and stand offs, it was believable.
This was an excellent stand alone story for anyone who, like me, is not familiar with this author. It was nice to read a book that drew me in at the beginning and at the end left me feeling like I'd been given the whole story and wasn't being left wanting more because I felt like the story was unfinished. It was actually kind of a modern day fairy tale...and they all lived...oopsie! Don't want to spoil the ending for anyone.
Well done, Ms McMurray, I look forward to reading more of your works in the near future.
January 30, 2017
I enjoyed the story premise in this book, meeting the soulmate that has been yours for millennia through various incarnamtions.
I liked that Dan and Malcolm had to piece together their 'past' lives, and that Dan was sceptical at the start. I also liked that Dan kept their relationship moving slowly.
The only niggle I had was Dan's propensity to tears - even allowing for a stressful situation and their mythical roles.
Overall, a good concept, good writing that I'll probably reread.
I liked that Dan and Malcolm had to piece together their 'past' lives, and that Dan was sceptical at the start. I also liked that Dan kept their relationship moving slowly.
The only niggle I had was Dan's propensity to tears - even allowing for a stressful situation and their mythical roles.
Overall, a good concept, good writing that I'll probably reread.
October 20, 2016
Past lives have always intrigued me, the idea of eternal soulmates is heartwarming. Kate McMurray does the subject justice with Malcom and Dan's tale, adding in the present day fascination with reality television and love of antiques/history and what you have with Show and Tell is a great blend of romance, paranormal, and history. Loved it from beginning to end. Another great one for my Halloween/paranormal shelf.
February 17, 2013
I have just finished reading this book, and I have to tell you, that it has become one of my top favorite books. I'm just upset that it took this long to find this author and her works. I truly enjoyed the characters and the overall plot. Sexy love scenes and great chemistry. I couldn't put the book down. I give it 5/5 stars! ;D
August 13, 2016
I wasn't sure what I was going to get with this book's storyline because it sounded like it wouldn't work.
Well I'm holding my hands up to say I enjoyed this one very much and I thought the past lives narrative combined beautifully with the Irish/Welsh mythology.
Well I'm holding my hands up to say I enjoyed this one very much and I thought the past lives narrative combined beautifully with the Irish/Welsh mythology.
January 19, 2013
This book caught me at the right time. I haven't over-indulged in past life story lines, so I found it a pleasant change.
It was a little drawn out in places, but overall I enjoyed it.
It was a little drawn out in places, but overall I enjoyed it.
January 19, 2013
3.5 I love this author, and I liked the chemistry, but I wasn't a fan of the paranormal elements.
July 12, 2016
I really liked this book. It's actually more of 4 1/2 stars. Interesting premise and likeable characters. Would have like more fleshed out supporting characters... except Enid.. she was fantastic.
March 11, 2014
4.5 stars.
November 29, 2015
2013 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
January 31, 2016
so many loose ends but still good.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews