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A New Dream
Novella from the Bottom Drawer Publications 2013 Valentine's Day collection.
15,000 words
A split-second of time and Walt’s dreams of Olympic gold were crushed along with his right leg when he was involved in a serious accident on the ski-fields during the preliminary trials. Now he’s teaching beginners on the ski slopes of Crystal Falls Lodge, run by his family in West Virginia, and wondering if he’ll ever crawl out of the pit that his life has become. Eventually, the look of devastation on his sister’s face at how much he’s let himself go, prompts him to try harder to experience life again. First on the a trip to town and a haircut.
Curt Woodridge is used to traveling light. Ever since he was kicked out of home at eighteen, when his family found out he was gay, he’s been moving from one town to the next, performing in small bars and ski lodges to make his living. He is one of the lucky ones; he was saved from having to live on the streets by his agent and is genuinely happy with the way his life is going. After performing a great set at his latest gig, Curt decides to head into town and look around. He has seven days to kill before he’ll be moving on to the next gig.
Neither man is ready for love, and definitely not on the streets of Flat Rock. But when neither of them is looking, quite literally, they fall hard. But how does a man who thought he’d lost everything dare to dream of a life with someone who is leaving town for good in less than a week?
15,000 words
A split-second of time and Walt’s dreams of Olympic gold were crushed along with his right leg when he was involved in a serious accident on the ski-fields during the preliminary trials. Now he’s teaching beginners on the ski slopes of Crystal Falls Lodge, run by his family in West Virginia, and wondering if he’ll ever crawl out of the pit that his life has become. Eventually, the look of devastation on his sister’s face at how much he’s let himself go, prompts him to try harder to experience life again. First on the a trip to town and a haircut.
Curt Woodridge is used to traveling light. Ever since he was kicked out of home at eighteen, when his family found out he was gay, he’s been moving from one town to the next, performing in small bars and ski lodges to make his living. He is one of the lucky ones; he was saved from having to live on the streets by his agent and is genuinely happy with the way his life is going. After performing a great set at his latest gig, Curt decides to head into town and look around. He has seven days to kill before he’ll be moving on to the next gig.
Neither man is ready for love, and definitely not on the streets of Flat Rock. But when neither of them is looking, quite literally, they fall hard. But how does a man who thought he’d lost everything dare to dream of a life with someone who is leaving town for good in less than a week?
61 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2013
7 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 13, 2013
While the whirlwind steps from attraction to love may not be everyone’s cup of tea or experience, this is love at first sight: and the reactions of both Walt and Curt override simple attraction to show something more. Curt wanting to step back and let the relationship develop before jumping into bed was a logical and thoughtful step, one not taken often in romance novels, especially not in short form. While Walt lives far too much in the past, what was and what will never be; Curt manages to allay those fears with words and actions, at least until his manager fears for his money flow and interferes in their communication.
From the first sentence, this story developed a certain empathy with a dash of “move on dude” for Walt. Obviously adored and cared for by several people, he is adored by the children he teaches to ski, and he is more concerned with what won’t happen than what might. Without the spark of interest provided by Curt, and the subsequent change in his attitude, Walt would have gone from needing an attitude adjustment to pitiful, and not at all fun to read about. While there is an undeniable attraction between the two, the hesitancy to trust and believe in the heart, rather than the head becomes the overarching concept in the story. The sensual and sexual scenes are written with tenderness and obvious emotion, making them far more than a simple erotic scene between two men. C.J. Baty has created a believable and surprisingly complex short that shows growth in Walt as a result of a lovely start to a relationship.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for honest review as part of the Love sucks until it doesn’t blog tour. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
From the first sentence, this story developed a certain empathy with a dash of “move on dude” for Walt. Obviously adored and cared for by several people, he is adored by the children he teaches to ski, and he is more concerned with what won’t happen than what might. Without the spark of interest provided by Curt, and the subsequent change in his attitude, Walt would have gone from needing an attitude adjustment to pitiful, and not at all fun to read about. While there is an undeniable attraction between the two, the hesitancy to trust and believe in the heart, rather than the head becomes the overarching concept in the story. The sensual and sexual scenes are written with tenderness and obvious emotion, making them far more than a simple erotic scene between two men. C.J. Baty has created a believable and surprisingly complex short that shows growth in Walt as a result of a lovely start to a relationship.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for honest review as part of the Love sucks until it doesn’t blog tour. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
February 17, 2013
Nice cover, interesting blurb, ARe's rebate = bought. It started nice enough, although I couldn't understand how he could teach skiing with his bum knee, nevertheless I was drawn into the story right from beginning. It sadly went downhill from there. Insta-love was not the problem for me, but this was: the constant back and forth of Walt. I love him, but he can't love me because of my knee. Oh, he will stay with me, no, he will leave in a few days. He will be back, no he won't. And then his jealousy of the manager. Curt told Walt over and over that the guy is only the manager and still, moping, unbelieving, jealous Walt. There was a nice happy ending, but that couldn't save the story. Add to that the end came at 65% on my kindle :(
February 12, 2013
Written in the first person POV of Walt, this story is a the beginning of his healing from an accident that not only mangled his leg, ended his Olympic hopes and left him with a limp, but also smashed his spirit and has left him basically hiding from life. He works as a ski instructor at his family’s lodge, run by his sister and brother-in-law. He avoids everyone he can, stealing moments alone on the slopes. His life consists of a painful leg, sad memories (including his ex-boyfriend who was definitely not worth him) and some pity.
It’s been two years since the accident and his sister is worried about him. In a moment of understanding that he has to at least not worry her more, he agrees to go get a haircut and take some care of himself. It is during this trip to town that he is knocked flat (literally) by the very attractive Curt. Walt doesn’t realize Curt is the new act at the lodge, while Curt has no idea Walt is part owner. They meet and hit it off, talking and getting to know each other.
Walt has a lot of self doubt about his leg, being a “cripple” and feeling no one would want a man who is not whole. Except that he is, but doesn’t see it. There are some cute moments between them – such as when Curt is rambling and Walt realizes that the “word vomit” that rolls out of him when embarrassed is happening to Curt. They are awkward and embarrassed, sweet and cute.
There is a moment when I questioned Curt’s sincerity, because they are going at it, hot heavy kisses, all is well and then suddenly, when Curt finds out Walt has been with no one since before the accident, he puts the brakes on. He claims it is because he wants more, except in the context of how it is timed, why does he suddenly just realize that AFTER Walt tells him it’s been a long time. I could have accepted that if he had said it before Walt told him, but he didn’t.
Curt and Walt don’t have a lot of angst to go through, and I appreciated that while there is insta-love, even Walt himself admits that’s what it is, but it doesn’t matter. “We hardly knew each other but, right now, right here, I didn’t care. I was falling hard and fast for this man.” That was lovely.
The misunderstanding, or miscommunication, that happens seemed like something that could really happen and I didn’t feel Walt overreacted – I’d probably do the same! Well, not broken my laptop but still.
I liked these guys and I liked the story, soft and fluffy as it is.
It’s been two years since the accident and his sister is worried about him. In a moment of understanding that he has to at least not worry her more, he agrees to go get a haircut and take some care of himself. It is during this trip to town that he is knocked flat (literally) by the very attractive Curt. Walt doesn’t realize Curt is the new act at the lodge, while Curt has no idea Walt is part owner. They meet and hit it off, talking and getting to know each other.
Walt has a lot of self doubt about his leg, being a “cripple” and feeling no one would want a man who is not whole. Except that he is, but doesn’t see it. There are some cute moments between them – such as when Curt is rambling and Walt realizes that the “word vomit” that rolls out of him when embarrassed is happening to Curt. They are awkward and embarrassed, sweet and cute.
There is a moment when I questioned Curt’s sincerity, because they are going at it, hot heavy kisses, all is well and then suddenly, when Curt finds out Walt has been with no one since before the accident, he puts the brakes on. He claims it is because he wants more, except in the context of how it is timed, why does he suddenly just realize that AFTER Walt tells him it’s been a long time. I could have accepted that if he had said it before Walt told him, but he didn’t.
Curt and Walt don’t have a lot of angst to go through, and I appreciated that while there is insta-love, even Walt himself admits that’s what it is, but it doesn’t matter. “We hardly knew each other but, right now, right here, I didn’t care. I was falling hard and fast for this man.” That was lovely.
The misunderstanding, or miscommunication, that happens seemed like something that could really happen and I didn’t feel Walt overreacted – I’d probably do the same! Well, not broken my laptop but still.
I liked these guys and I liked the story, soft and fluffy as it is.
February 21, 2013
This is a pretty sweet short story about Walt and Curt. Walt was a world class skier who had a terrible accident that wrecked his knee and his career and also cost him his boyfriend who couldn't handle it. Fast forward two years and Walt realizes he'll never be 100% with the knee and he's teaching the beginners at his family's ski resort. His sister is worried that he has cut himself off from the world and she guilts him into going into town and getting out a least a little bit. There he runs into - quite literally - the guy who is playing at the resort bar for a week and they end up having lunch together that bleeds into dinner time. They decide to take their time and get to know each other a little bit - that maybe this could be more than just a one-night stand.
A lot of the story is spent on Walt's insecurities and how he feels like he's broken and nobody would ever want him even in the face of Curt's obvious attraction and feelings for him. To be honest, I started to get a little tired of that, but I suppose two years of depression and isolation aren't going to be overcome in 7 days. It doesn't help that there is a guy being a jerk trying to keep the apart.
Luckily both Curt and Walt have some perseverance and are able to move past their doubts. Interested to read more from this author in perhaps a longer format.
A lot of the story is spent on Walt's insecurities and how he feels like he's broken and nobody would ever want him even in the face of Curt's obvious attraction and feelings for him. To be honest, I started to get a little tired of that, but I suppose two years of depression and isolation aren't going to be overcome in 7 days. It doesn't help that there is a guy being a jerk trying to keep the apart.
Luckily both Curt and Walt have some perseverance and are able to move past their doubts. Interested to read more from this author in perhaps a longer format.
August 2, 2015
nice little story, could've easily read more Walt & Curt...
shame the last 20 pages were teasers & crap for other books. I would've really liked an epilogue to the story. Walt & Curt just reunite & BAM "The End". sure we kinda know they're gonna have a happy end, but we like to be sure on these things, & Walt sure deserved it.
shame the last 20 pages were teasers & crap for other books. I would've really liked an epilogue to the story. Walt & Curt just reunite & BAM "The End". sure we kinda know they're gonna have a happy end, but we like to be sure on these things, & Walt sure deserved it.
February 12, 2013
2.5 stars
February 17, 2013
Very sweet. My only complaint is it wasn't long enough! I hope we'll get to revisit them.. :)
February 19, 2013
A solid little romance and an enjoyable read, but maybe a tad too predictable.
January 14, 2014
A nice way to spend the afternoon, an enjoyable read with great characters. Curt was especially likeable. Inching closer to 3.5 to almost 4 stars.
August 24, 2019
It was okish
I really liked the summary of the booked and hoped to enjoy it more than I had. The story had a lot of potential but I think due to its short size everything ended up being rushed. Just too many things happened in too little pages
I really liked the summary of the booked and hoped to enjoy it more than I had. The story had a lot of potential but I think due to its short size everything ended up being rushed. Just too many things happened in too little pages
September 1, 2019
Love On the slopes?
This was not my usual genre to read. I was pleasantly surprised by the soft and gentle writing of this author. A truly unique romance with all the expected ups and downs.
This was not my usual genre to read. I was pleasantly surprised by the soft and gentle writing of this author. A truly unique romance with all the expected ups and downs.
February 4, 2020
Sure... people can fall in love that fast...
But, more likely, it’s a case of infatuation or maybe even just lust. People don’t actually meet, fall in love, and change their lives in one week.
But, more likely, it’s a case of infatuation or maybe even just lust. People don’t actually meet, fall in love, and change their lives in one week.
October 3, 2019
Love story
Thank you for writing a love story between two men and not just another book filled with endless sex scenes. It was a beautiful story.
Thank you for writing a love story between two men and not just another book filled with endless sex scenes. It was a beautiful story.
September 6, 2019
As a rule, I generally don't read short stories because they have to move very fast in a short amount of time, but I took a chance on A New Dream. I have always been a big fan of this author's work, and her ability to produce page turners. I was confident she would deliver and she did.
Walt is a man who has been hurt in more than one way. He's given up on love because it hasn't been kind to him. My heart wanted more for Walt and I couldn't help but root for him. The author also kept me in suspense with Curt. He was patient, sweet, and just what the doctor ordered to aid Walt in his recovery. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop with Curt.
CJ Baty deals with real emotions, personalities, and life events. I guess this is the reason I can't pass up anything that she writes.
Walt is a man who has been hurt in more than one way. He's given up on love because it hasn't been kind to him. My heart wanted more for Walt and I couldn't help but root for him. The author also kept me in suspense with Curt. He was patient, sweet, and just what the doctor ordered to aid Walt in his recovery. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop with Curt.
CJ Baty deals with real emotions, personalities, and life events. I guess this is the reason I can't pass up anything that she writes.
January 4, 2018
A short story that did deliver but I wanted it to deliver more!
I loved the premise - Olympic hopeful reduced by career ending injury to going home to teach beginners to ski, meets man who can bring him out of his self imposed funk.
Story is Walt's first person POV, which normally doesn't bother me but in this one, the I's got to me a bit and Walt's poor me changes of mind got a bit wearing too.
However, I did enjoy, a nice quick read. 3.5*
26.10.16 reread : The first person pov didn't bother me too much this time but whiny Walt got a bit on my nerves - preferred when he was certain in his head. Still, a nice snowy read.
I loved the premise - Olympic hopeful reduced by career ending injury to going home to teach beginners to ski, meets man who can bring him out of his self imposed funk.
Story is Walt's first person POV, which normally doesn't bother me but in this one, the I's got to me a bit and Walt's poor me changes of mind got a bit wearing too.
However, I did enjoy, a nice quick read. 3.5*
26.10.16 reread : The first person pov didn't bother me too much this time but whiny Walt got a bit on my nerves - preferred when he was certain in his head. Still, a nice snowy read.
January 6, 2016
2.5 stars.
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July 10, 2013$0.99 at Smashwords right now with coupon code SSW50, 7/9/13!
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February 21, 2016
Great story!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews