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Gay Romance #2
Gay Romance on Garda
21-year-old Henry is hired by the wealthy Luccini family to tutor their younger son Sandro in English. On the shores of Lake Garda in northern Italy he joins a world he has previously only dreamed of. A word of yachts, grand opera and fast cars. The world of the two beautiful Luccini brothers, Michele and Sandro. As he learns to sail with them on the blue waters of the lake he falls in love with them both. Yet can he even have one?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E5P9DTU
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E5P9DTU
- GenresM M RomanceContemporary
Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2013
13 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Anthony McDonald
68 books107 followersAnthony McDonald studied history at Durham University. He worked very briefly as a musical instrument maker and as a farm labourer before moving into the theatre, where he has worked in almost every capacity except those of Director and Electrician.
His first novel, Orange Bitter, Orange Sweet, was published in 2001 and his second, Adam, in 2003.
Orange Bitter, Orange Sweet became the first book in a Seville trilogy that also comprises Along The Stars and Woodcock Flight.
Other books include the sequel to Adam, - Blue Sky Adam - and the stand-alone adventure story, Getting Orlando.
Ivor's Ghosts, a psychological thriller, was published in April 2014.
The Dog In The Chapel, and Ralph: Diary of a Gay Teen, both appeared in 2014. Anthony is the also the author of the Gay Romance series, which comprises ten short novels.
Anthony McDonald's short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies on both sides of the Atlantic
He has also written the scripts for several Words and Music events, based around the lives and works of composers including Schubert and Brahms, which have been performed in Britain and in Portugal.
His travel writing has appeared in the Independent newspaper.
After several years of living and teaching English in France McDonald is now based based in rural East Sussex.
His first novel, Orange Bitter, Orange Sweet, was published in 2001 and his second, Adam, in 2003.
Orange Bitter, Orange Sweet became the first book in a Seville trilogy that also comprises Along The Stars and Woodcock Flight.
Other books include the sequel to Adam, - Blue Sky Adam - and the stand-alone adventure story, Getting Orlando.
Ivor's Ghosts, a psychological thriller, was published in April 2014.
The Dog In The Chapel, and Ralph: Diary of a Gay Teen, both appeared in 2014. Anthony is the also the author of the Gay Romance series, which comprises ten short novels.
Anthony McDonald's short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies on both sides of the Atlantic
He has also written the scripts for several Words and Music events, based around the lives and works of composers including Schubert and Brahms, which have been performed in Britain and in Portugal.
His travel writing has appeared in the Independent newspaper.
After several years of living and teaching English in France McDonald is now based based in rural East Sussex.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 28, 2021
Teaching English in Italy. What opportunity?
Discovering us is always a challenge. We are individually struggling to find ourselves as we seek the perfect mate. It is a trial and error prospect for most people, but events can turn things upside down. Happenstance and chance of a perfect storm with unintended expectations can lead to circumstances favoring your dreams instead of your fears if you will only take the chance.
Some people search for love. Some find it easily. It can begin as a simple sexual act for relief, or as just friendship attraction with extra magnetism of the heart. But just as we all go through casual and formal events mixing us with new strangers and friends, life can slip a new thought into the back of our minds. Especially if they are cute and express interest in what we are doing until we are doing it together.
Teaching a father's business friend's son English for 8 weeks over a summer soon involves his older brother, the student gets separated from his girlfriend, but thoughts turn to teacher crush, then his brother's former lover comes for a visit to finally admit he is gay and in love with the older brother, but soon has feelings for the younger brother and the teacher.
Just like in an opera, the lake in summer makes waves to mix the group in ways beyond class, live, and dreams. Boating events, drinking and dining both on and by the lake, hiking the paths along the edges, unexpected visits into the water, island visits, water rescues, sunsets and moonlight, and time together without interruptions all lead to national news coverage of our MC pair. But back to school or work splits our quartet from the original plan as our student's girlfriend to find a new partner.
Summer falls into Autumn as lives connect opportunities to partners made of us.
Discovering us is always a challenge. We are individually struggling to find ourselves as we seek the perfect mate. It is a trial and error prospect for most people, but events can turn things upside down. Happenstance and chance of a perfect storm with unintended expectations can lead to circumstances favoring your dreams instead of your fears if you will only take the chance.
Some people search for love. Some find it easily. It can begin as a simple sexual act for relief, or as just friendship attraction with extra magnetism of the heart. But just as we all go through casual and formal events mixing us with new strangers and friends, life can slip a new thought into the back of our minds. Especially if they are cute and express interest in what we are doing until we are doing it together.
Teaching a father's business friend's son English for 8 weeks over a summer soon involves his older brother, the student gets separated from his girlfriend, but thoughts turn to teacher crush, then his brother's former lover comes for a visit to finally admit he is gay and in love with the older brother, but soon has feelings for the younger brother and the teacher.
Just like in an opera, the lake in summer makes waves to mix the group in ways beyond class, live, and dreams. Boating events, drinking and dining both on and by the lake, hiking the paths along the edges, unexpected visits into the water, island visits, water rescues, sunsets and moonlight, and time together without interruptions all lead to national news coverage of our MC pair. But back to school or work splits our quartet from the original plan as our student's girlfriend to find a new partner.
Summer falls into Autumn as lives connect opportunities to partners made of us.
February 15, 2014
OMG. Jesus lord, can I move to Italy, right now? I received this book in exchange for an honest review via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program...and I loved it.
Henry is a gay Englishman, newly graduated from college. He has come to Garda for the summer to be an English tutor to Sandro Luccini, an 18 y/o boy. The Luccini's are very wealthy, and Sandro is very beautiful--to Henry. But her doesn't compare to Michele, Sandro's older brother--who happens also to be gay.
The attraction between them is instant--two young men who share a love of music? Henry is a classically trained pianist, and Michele is a tenor, with a dream do being an opera singer. They are meant for each other, but this affection is new to Henry. He's had lovers, but never been in love.
In contrast, Michele has loved (unrequited) but never had a lover. They are in many ways dumbfounded with their luck, and very nervous of Michele's parents finding out. Michele is not " out" and fears Henry will be sent away if their budding relationship is discovered.
Sandro catches on pretty quickly, and accepts it well enough. He had suspected as much, because Michele is still virgin after having many 'girlfriends'. While enjoying some time at a waterfront cafe, Michele and Henry witness a boat capsize and dive in for the rescue of two men--one who runs an opera in Verano. Instead of a reward, Henry begs an audition for Michele. The opera owner demands an immediate audition, while Michele is dressed in nothing but a towel seated on the pier, yet he is impressed with Michele's performance. So much so, he arranges for a formal audition the next week.
Henry assists Michele with his preparations and accompanies him for the audition. While there is no space in the opera company for Michele, he is assured that he will be hired if one opens. And, they're impressed with Henry as well; he's offered a position as a rehearsal pianist. Michele encourages him to accept.
This romance continues to blossom, with Mrs Luccini catching on and seeming to approve. Interesting happenstance gets Michele to the opera stage far sooner than expected, but a new wrinkle develops. One of the men Michele had loved realizes he shares Michele's affection. But does Michele reciprocate? Or will he remain with Henry?
It's a beautifully told romance, with subtle humor and delicious Brit-English language that sang to the Anglophile in me. And the style is as lyrical as the opera it celebrates. The smexytimes are matter-of-fact with the emotion more on the angsty-side of the spectrum. A solid read for those who love M/M romance and delight in Italian culture.
Henry is a gay Englishman, newly graduated from college. He has come to Garda for the summer to be an English tutor to Sandro Luccini, an 18 y/o boy. The Luccini's are very wealthy, and Sandro is very beautiful--to Henry. But her doesn't compare to Michele, Sandro's older brother--who happens also to be gay.
The attraction between them is instant--two young men who share a love of music? Henry is a classically trained pianist, and Michele is a tenor, with a dream do being an opera singer. They are meant for each other, but this affection is new to Henry. He's had lovers, but never been in love.
In contrast, Michele has loved (unrequited) but never had a lover. They are in many ways dumbfounded with their luck, and very nervous of Michele's parents finding out. Michele is not " out" and fears Henry will be sent away if their budding relationship is discovered.
Sandro catches on pretty quickly, and accepts it well enough. He had suspected as much, because Michele is still virgin after having many 'girlfriends'. While enjoying some time at a waterfront cafe, Michele and Henry witness a boat capsize and dive in for the rescue of two men--one who runs an opera in Verano. Instead of a reward, Henry begs an audition for Michele. The opera owner demands an immediate audition, while Michele is dressed in nothing but a towel seated on the pier, yet he is impressed with Michele's performance. So much so, he arranges for a formal audition the next week.
Henry assists Michele with his preparations and accompanies him for the audition. While there is no space in the opera company for Michele, he is assured that he will be hired if one opens. And, they're impressed with Henry as well; he's offered a position as a rehearsal pianist. Michele encourages him to accept.
This romance continues to blossom, with Mrs Luccini catching on and seeming to approve. Interesting happenstance gets Michele to the opera stage far sooner than expected, but a new wrinkle develops. One of the men Michele had loved realizes he shares Michele's affection. But does Michele reciprocate? Or will he remain with Henry?
It's a beautifully told romance, with subtle humor and delicious Brit-English language that sang to the Anglophile in me. And the style is as lyrical as the opera it celebrates. The smexytimes are matter-of-fact with the emotion more on the angsty-side of the spectrum. A solid read for those who love M/M romance and delight in Italian culture.
February 19, 2014
Note: A copy of this book was provided to me by the author through the DBML event in exchange for an impartial review.
This is a sweet, fanciful story of the romance between two young men who meet when one man, Henry, is hired for the summer to teach Alessandro, aka Sandro, English. Michele is Sandro’s brother, and once he enters the picture, all of Henry’s thinking goes south, so to speak.
The three young men spend a great deal of time together and, under those conditions, Michele and Henry become close, and ultimately, lovers, though from time to time Henry wishes that cute little Sandro was gay as well. Michele is a gifted tenor who has just completed university and would love to use his talent to find employment with an opera house. Henry has also just finished university and plans to further his studies or find a job, whichever comes first, since he’s not terribly ambitious or career-oriented. Sandro is going to university in the fall and he already has a good grasp of English, but by traveling around the area and doing fun things like boating and picnicking with his brother and Henry, he is improving his language skills daily.
On one of the excursions when Michele and Henry are on their own, they witness a small boat capsize and jump in to save the two older men who were in it. It’s fortunate that the water is shallow, only four feet deep, since unknown to each other at the time, neither can swim well. One of the two older men who are saved happens to be Signor Grippi, Director of Opera Vicenza, and in payment he offers Michele an impromptu audition. Clad only in a towel, and soaking wet from the rescue, Michele sings La donna ė mobile a cappella. The man is so impressed that a formal audition is arranged which results in a promise for a job for Michele once there’s an opening. Henry has provided the piano accompaniment at the audition, and he is offered an immediate job as a rehearsal pianist.
Everything is falling into place for these two until the arrival of Valentino, the young man for whom Michele had an unrequited love up until meeting Henry. When Michele and Valentino go off for the day together, Henry and Sandro do likewise. During this day apart, both men cheat on each other. No, it’s not penetrative sex, but still it is cheating and a red flag for many readers so I feel it must be mentioned here.
They not only forgive each other, but it’s passed over lightly, and the two go on to have more adventures on the way to having their HEA. Not only do Henry and Michele get their HEA, but along the way Sandro and Valentino have become lovers, since Sandro discovered that he really isn’t as straight as he thought he was, and they also have an HEA.
I really wanted to love this story since it had what I thought would be the makings of a beautiful love story. But I found that the prose was a bit too sweet, sappy, and old-fashioned for a contemporary romance. Also, the storyline was too unbelievable with so many convenient circumstances all falling into place to give the men everything they’ve ever wanted, and then the cheating occurred, and it was a definite turn off for me. I likely would not have chosen to read the book had I known in advance that it contained cheating.
Another thing that kept pulling me out of the book is Michele’s name. The author explains that it’s to be pronounced the Italian way: Me-Kay-Lay so I attempted to pronounce it correctly in my mind each time I encountered it in the story. It’s nice that the author was trying for authenticity, but decades of pronouncing Michele a certain way took their toll, and I wasn’t able to focus on the story at all when I kept trying to pronounce the name correctly. I finally gave up and just called him Michele in the way I’ve always known it to be, so I could concentrate on the story itself.
This book would make a nice story for a young person who is looking for something light as an introduction to the genre. And it’s definitely for someone interested in learning more about Italy, its beautiful natural resources, and the culture of the area surrounding Lake Garda.
This is a sweet, fanciful story of the romance between two young men who meet when one man, Henry, is hired for the summer to teach Alessandro, aka Sandro, English. Michele is Sandro’s brother, and once he enters the picture, all of Henry’s thinking goes south, so to speak.
The three young men spend a great deal of time together and, under those conditions, Michele and Henry become close, and ultimately, lovers, though from time to time Henry wishes that cute little Sandro was gay as well. Michele is a gifted tenor who has just completed university and would love to use his talent to find employment with an opera house. Henry has also just finished university and plans to further his studies or find a job, whichever comes first, since he’s not terribly ambitious or career-oriented. Sandro is going to university in the fall and he already has a good grasp of English, but by traveling around the area and doing fun things like boating and picnicking with his brother and Henry, he is improving his language skills daily.
On one of the excursions when Michele and Henry are on their own, they witness a small boat capsize and jump in to save the two older men who were in it. It’s fortunate that the water is shallow, only four feet deep, since unknown to each other at the time, neither can swim well. One of the two older men who are saved happens to be Signor Grippi, Director of Opera Vicenza, and in payment he offers Michele an impromptu audition. Clad only in a towel, and soaking wet from the rescue, Michele sings La donna ė mobile a cappella. The man is so impressed that a formal audition is arranged which results in a promise for a job for Michele once there’s an opening. Henry has provided the piano accompaniment at the audition, and he is offered an immediate job as a rehearsal pianist.
Everything is falling into place for these two until the arrival of Valentino, the young man for whom Michele had an unrequited love up until meeting Henry. When Michele and Valentino go off for the day together, Henry and Sandro do likewise. During this day apart, both men cheat on each other. No, it’s not penetrative sex, but still it is cheating and a red flag for many readers so I feel it must be mentioned here.
They not only forgive each other, but it’s passed over lightly, and the two go on to have more adventures on the way to having their HEA. Not only do Henry and Michele get their HEA, but along the way Sandro and Valentino have become lovers, since Sandro discovered that he really isn’t as straight as he thought he was, and they also have an HEA.
I really wanted to love this story since it had what I thought would be the makings of a beautiful love story. But I found that the prose was a bit too sweet, sappy, and old-fashioned for a contemporary romance. Also, the storyline was too unbelievable with so many convenient circumstances all falling into place to give the men everything they’ve ever wanted, and then the cheating occurred, and it was a definite turn off for me. I likely would not have chosen to read the book had I known in advance that it contained cheating.
Another thing that kept pulling me out of the book is Michele’s name. The author explains that it’s to be pronounced the Italian way: Me-Kay-Lay so I attempted to pronounce it correctly in my mind each time I encountered it in the story. It’s nice that the author was trying for authenticity, but decades of pronouncing Michele a certain way took their toll, and I wasn’t able to focus on the story at all when I kept trying to pronounce the name correctly. I finally gave up and just called him Michele in the way I’ve always known it to be, so I could concentrate on the story itself.
This book would make a nice story for a young person who is looking for something light as an introduction to the genre. And it’s definitely for someone interested in learning more about Italy, its beautiful natural resources, and the culture of the area surrounding Lake Garda.
September 18, 2013
If you are looking for angst, Anthony McDonald's Gay Romance series won't provide you with much – perhaps some concerns over appropriate apparel or finding the right words to suit a situation. What you get in exchange is fluent, perceptive, and beautifully constructed prose which rolls you up in an embrace as warm as the weather over Italy's beautiful Lake Garda. This is where Henry finds himself, as English tutor to Sandro Luccini, ensconced in the bosom of a wealthy family. Henry immediately falls for the handsome teen, but it's Sandro's older brother Michele who knocks him off his feet – and it's pretty obvious Michele has similar feelings in return.
Oh, there is drama, but this is, as it says, a romance, so all the action is concentrated on driving the sexy love-narrative to its fullest expression. In addition to a story or erotic power you also get a free and entertaining lesson on English etymology, and you can't say fairer than that. Another reviewer says, "I just cannot get enough of Anthony McDonald's books…" which sums it up perfectly.
Oh, there is drama, but this is, as it says, a romance, so all the action is concentrated on driving the sexy love-narrative to its fullest expression. In addition to a story or erotic power you also get a free and entertaining lesson on English etymology, and you can't say fairer than that. Another reviewer says, "I just cannot get enough of Anthony McDonald's books…" which sums it up perfectly.
March 4, 2014
Let me start this review by saying that I read quite a bit of the period literature that this type of prose the author attempts to use in this novel. While the characters are likable enough, the author can't seem to make up his mind if we're solely inside the MC's head or if he is writing a book (which the character actually says to the reader at the end of the first page) about it or if he is having a conversation with us. The fourth wall is broken, reconstructed, and then turned in on itself with shifting POV that is bewildering, and ultimately, to what end?
Secondly, if the author would like to use highly-stylized prose, it should've been relegated to a period piece. Modern men, regardless of their choice of study while at university, simply do not think or talk like this. What hurt this further was the juxtaposition of using modern slang for male anatomy that ran completely against the flowery prose he was trying to establish - thereby completely breaking the momentum of the elevated mood he was trying to create.
I'll cite an example: ’No adjective or adverb exists to describe the complexity of thought, the multi-layered feelings, that escaped into his tone of voice. - - which is followed shortly thereafter with Henry thinking: ‘Oh wow. Oh (insert F-bomb).’ These two sentences go against the heightened grain here. The takeaway, here?: if you're going to use heightened prose, be bloody consistent. Mixing the two really doesn't work unless it is satirically intended. Which it's clear from the text, it is not.
Also, a twenty-something Italian boy probably wouldn’t refer to a boy he just met as his ‘darling boy.’ <-- over-aged woman much? It's a bit over the top. While I like heightened prose, this would have softened the moment (if you get my fuller implied meaning) as soon as it was uttered from Michele’s mouth. It didn’t have to be vulgar to make the connection to a modern audience, but a more realistic term of endearment would’ve been far more believable. Especially when you consider the placement of the story in the twitter/internet age.
Another example where an economy of words could’ve been more effective - ‘Sandro’s bedroom was even bigger than mine. Although it was a bit less tidy and neat. (This is where McDonald should've stopped - instead he writes on) - But if mine was tidy that was only because I’d been occupying it for a rather shorter time than he’d been using his.’ (Way to overstate the obvious).
In fact, there really wasn't any reason to set it in modern times at all as the only real connection to it was either their cell phones (which never were used as they could never have a strong enough signal to do so) or the internet searches that Henry neglected to do. So no loss to the modern timeline there.
The bottom line: if you are going to use stylized prose, consider the reality of the situation. Modern twenty-something boys simply do not think/talk like this. That pushed the boundaries of disbelief for me from the start. Charlie Cochrane does this to great effect in her “Lessons…” series that is rightly set at the turn of the twentieth century. So when her men employ such prose, it is believable of the period and only supports her choice of writing. Her economy with words when employing heightened prose which underscores the precision and care she takes as she puts digital pen to paper. McDonald should be just as precise, sadly Garda didn’t receive as exacting an eye.
While I liked the nature of the story, the situation and the location (individually they are all passions of mine - I'm even a classically trained professional opera singer so I know of the world that Mr. McDonald writes regarding Michele's background), there was really precious little for the characters to push against. No one really grew (other than their over the top explanations of more climatic moments) as a character.
The characters were who they ultimately were from the beginning with the sole exception of Sandro (the younger brother) who decided after years of having a girlfriend suddenly decided that Henry was too hot to resist and he decided very quickly that he preferred his own sex (stretched believability) only to have (wonder of wonders), the boy (Valentino) who his older brother (Michele) had been pining for while away at university just happens to show up but never manages to cause any degree of angst between the brothers or Henry. Valentino's presence serves only makes him ripe for the plucking - and pluck away Sandro does. Oddly enough, it appears very quickly that Valentino can't have Michele any longer - because after only a few days of being with Henry, Michele has tossed the oft-unrequited love of Valentino pretty darned quick. All that pining and then... nothing?
SIDE-NOTE TO THE MAIN CHARACTER: Henry, you might want to pay attention to that last line. I don't see a long term in someone who can toss something he professes to feel so deeply just by stumbling upon you - Hottie McHottie (or not), tho you may be. This example alone should alert the reader to the inconsistencies I am speaking of that plague this work.
I guess the thing that pressed upon me the hardest, what I couldn't get around, was ultimately the choice of prose. It was completely misplaced with this modern tale.
Take one of my favorites of that style of prose (E.M. Forster). That man was a bloody genius with words. Nothing short of it. There are passages in his books that still slay me every time I read them - not because they drivel on and on with heightened prose that would leave the orbs of your eyes rosy just by reading the page, but because he economized his words. Forster takes extreme care - choosing the exact phrasing with words that would convey with 8 or 9 words what would take several other authors paragraphs to convey the same situation.
Are you sensing a theme here?
McDonald would do well to review those authors with a more precise eye to absorb how they did what they did. As for Garda, the work I am reviewing here, I truly wanted to like it. As I stated before, I read this stuff on a regular basis. In heightened prose, the proper turn of a phrase means everything - an art we are losing in this internet and texting/tweeting age. So I give McDonald props for making the attempt. I just think a defter hand with regards to editing or time placement would have strengthened the piece even more.
It's a shame really. I like Henry, I liked the Luccini's as a whole. Even Valentino (who was relegated to a pretty flower on the wall that Sandro decided to pick up since he couldn't have either his girlfriend, Daniela or Hottie McHottie Henry). I liked the setting in Italy (who wouldn't?), I even liked the use of opera and classical music. Every element the author chose spoke to me. I was in my element with these ingredients and I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into his rich confection.
However, Garda, taken as a whole, fell short of the mark with awkward sentence structure choices (there are several but I'll leave it to yourselves to find them and decide), and overly flowery prose that I just couldn't ultimately attribute to a modern 21 year old English youth (despite being an English Lit major). And I am surrounded with artists in the classical world who are gay (like myself), who read elevated prose, but who still communicate with everyone around me (including the love of my life) in twenty-first century vernacular.
Sidebar: One other brief thing that stuck in my craw - when Henry and Michele are stranded on an island (you'll have to bear through the novel to find out why - as I don't do book report reviews) they eat a far amount of raw rhubarb (which can be highly toxic if eaten in sizable quantities - which the author alludes to… this shocked me). I looked it up. I thought it odd that the author went with this when he could have just as easily made it something else altogether. Again, the believability broke the flow of the story and took me out of the moment.
For me, the book's ingredients had everything going for it, but ultimately got in the way of itself. So I would only give it two stars on that appraisal alone. However, with that being said, I elevated it to a third star SOLELY because of the author's choice to have young men engaged in the classical arts. Something that is dear to my own heart. I just wish the author had come up with a melodic masterpiece and not the weighted overwrought lyrical slog fest that it came out to be.
DISCLAIMER: I received this as a free read as part of the Don't Buy Me Love event on GoodReads in exchange for an honest review.
Secondly, if the author would like to use highly-stylized prose, it should've been relegated to a period piece. Modern men, regardless of their choice of study while at university, simply do not think or talk like this. What hurt this further was the juxtaposition of using modern slang for male anatomy that ran completely against the flowery prose he was trying to establish - thereby completely breaking the momentum of the elevated mood he was trying to create.
I'll cite an example: ’No adjective or adverb exists to describe the complexity of thought, the multi-layered feelings, that escaped into his tone of voice. - - which is followed shortly thereafter with Henry thinking: ‘Oh wow. Oh (insert F-bomb).’ These two sentences go against the heightened grain here. The takeaway, here?: if you're going to use heightened prose, be bloody consistent. Mixing the two really doesn't work unless it is satirically intended. Which it's clear from the text, it is not.
Also, a twenty-something Italian boy probably wouldn’t refer to a boy he just met as his ‘darling boy.’ <-- over-aged woman much? It's a bit over the top. While I like heightened prose, this would have softened the moment (if you get my fuller implied meaning) as soon as it was uttered from Michele’s mouth. It didn’t have to be vulgar to make the connection to a modern audience, but a more realistic term of endearment would’ve been far more believable. Especially when you consider the placement of the story in the twitter/internet age.
Another example where an economy of words could’ve been more effective - ‘Sandro’s bedroom was even bigger than mine. Although it was a bit less tidy and neat. (This is where McDonald should've stopped - instead he writes on) - But if mine was tidy that was only because I’d been occupying it for a rather shorter time than he’d been using his.’ (Way to overstate the obvious).
In fact, there really wasn't any reason to set it in modern times at all as the only real connection to it was either their cell phones (which never were used as they could never have a strong enough signal to do so) or the internet searches that Henry neglected to do. So no loss to the modern timeline there.
The bottom line: if you are going to use stylized prose, consider the reality of the situation. Modern twenty-something boys simply do not think/talk like this. That pushed the boundaries of disbelief for me from the start. Charlie Cochrane does this to great effect in her “Lessons…” series that is rightly set at the turn of the twentieth century. So when her men employ such prose, it is believable of the period and only supports her choice of writing. Her economy with words when employing heightened prose which underscores the precision and care she takes as she puts digital pen to paper. McDonald should be just as precise, sadly Garda didn’t receive as exacting an eye.
While I liked the nature of the story, the situation and the location (individually they are all passions of mine - I'm even a classically trained professional opera singer so I know of the world that Mr. McDonald writes regarding Michele's background), there was really precious little for the characters to push against. No one really grew (other than their over the top explanations of more climatic moments) as a character.
The characters were who they ultimately were from the beginning with the sole exception of Sandro (the younger brother) who decided after years of having a girlfriend suddenly decided that Henry was too hot to resist and he decided very quickly that he preferred his own sex (stretched believability) only to have (wonder of wonders), the boy (Valentino) who his older brother (Michele) had been pining for while away at university just happens to show up but never manages to cause any degree of angst between the brothers or Henry. Valentino's presence serves only makes him ripe for the plucking - and pluck away Sandro does. Oddly enough, it appears very quickly that Valentino can't have Michele any longer - because after only a few days of being with Henry, Michele has tossed the oft-unrequited love of Valentino pretty darned quick. All that pining and then... nothing?
SIDE-NOTE TO THE MAIN CHARACTER: Henry, you might want to pay attention to that last line. I don't see a long term in someone who can toss something he professes to feel so deeply just by stumbling upon you - Hottie McHottie (or not), tho you may be. This example alone should alert the reader to the inconsistencies I am speaking of that plague this work.
I guess the thing that pressed upon me the hardest, what I couldn't get around, was ultimately the choice of prose. It was completely misplaced with this modern tale.
Take one of my favorites of that style of prose (E.M. Forster). That man was a bloody genius with words. Nothing short of it. There are passages in his books that still slay me every time I read them - not because they drivel on and on with heightened prose that would leave the orbs of your eyes rosy just by reading the page, but because he economized his words. Forster takes extreme care - choosing the exact phrasing with words that would convey with 8 or 9 words what would take several other authors paragraphs to convey the same situation.
Are you sensing a theme here?
McDonald would do well to review those authors with a more precise eye to absorb how they did what they did. As for Garda, the work I am reviewing here, I truly wanted to like it. As I stated before, I read this stuff on a regular basis. In heightened prose, the proper turn of a phrase means everything - an art we are losing in this internet and texting/tweeting age. So I give McDonald props for making the attempt. I just think a defter hand with regards to editing or time placement would have strengthened the piece even more.
It's a shame really. I like Henry, I liked the Luccini's as a whole. Even Valentino (who was relegated to a pretty flower on the wall that Sandro decided to pick up since he couldn't have either his girlfriend, Daniela or Hottie McHottie Henry). I liked the setting in Italy (who wouldn't?), I even liked the use of opera and classical music. Every element the author chose spoke to me. I was in my element with these ingredients and I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into his rich confection.
However, Garda, taken as a whole, fell short of the mark with awkward sentence structure choices (there are several but I'll leave it to yourselves to find them and decide), and overly flowery prose that I just couldn't ultimately attribute to a modern 21 year old English youth (despite being an English Lit major). And I am surrounded with artists in the classical world who are gay (like myself), who read elevated prose, but who still communicate with everyone around me (including the love of my life) in twenty-first century vernacular.
Sidebar: One other brief thing that stuck in my craw - when Henry and Michele are stranded on an island (you'll have to bear through the novel to find out why - as I don't do book report reviews) they eat a far amount of raw rhubarb (which can be highly toxic if eaten in sizable quantities - which the author alludes to… this shocked me). I looked it up. I thought it odd that the author went with this when he could have just as easily made it something else altogether. Again, the believability broke the flow of the story and took me out of the moment.
For me, the book's ingredients had everything going for it, but ultimately got in the way of itself. So I would only give it two stars on that appraisal alone. However, with that being said, I elevated it to a third star SOLELY because of the author's choice to have young men engaged in the classical arts. Something that is dear to my own heart. I just wish the author had come up with a melodic masterpiece and not the weighted overwrought lyrical slog fest that it came out to be.
DISCLAIMER: I received this as a free read as part of the Don't Buy Me Love event on GoodReads in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2016
2.5-2.75 stars. Henry is a 21 year old from England hired for the summer to work with an 18 year old Italian on his advanced English. He’s brought over to Lake Garda, Italy to live in his student’s home with his family. He meets the family including his his student’s 22 year old brother and the summer turns into something Henry could never have expected.
I believe the ability to like this story is directly connected to how much a reader enjoys living the in mind of a 21 year old male who spends most of his time with an 18 year old male, his student Alessandro (Sandro) and Sandro’s brother, Michele. These three young men, and Henry and Michele in particular, are much like any other males their age, and they are obsessed with sex. The first night Henry’s in town, he lusts after Sandro and hooks up with a one night stand in town. The second night he’s there he falls more in lust with Michele, who luckily lusts back, and has another one night stand that turns into more than a one nighter but not before Michele grills him endlessly on Henry’s hookup the night before.
When Henry’s not having sex, he’s thinking about sex, or talking about sex. And Henry, Michele, and Sandro talk about sex. A lot. And some of the sex is a little to much for me.
Michele is a gifted opera tenor who has graduated and would like to find an opera position but knows there are few. Henry’s mother was a concern pianist and he is gifted at the piano and together Michele and Henry spend time on their music and here you can feel a connection between the two.
Henry also works with Sandro who has a good grasp of English but works with Henry to pick up the idiosyncracies of the language. Michele joins in on that and they spend a fair amount of time together. The boys play games with the language and I found myself amused by it.
Henry and Michele declare themselves in love on day two. Yes, day two. Both men are highly emotional and an idyllic summer in a beautiful town with someone they can connect with musically certainly must be true love for two men so young.
All is moving nicely when Michele and Henry see a boat capsize and rush to help one of the passengers who happens to be Signor Grippi, Director of Opera Vicenza. They talk with him a bit and Michele does an impromptu rendition and Grippi invites him for an official audition. The rehersal is a success though Grippi does not have a position open at the time, but Henry played the accompaniment and gets an offer he can't refuse. So the nice only gets better.
Then you get to the controversial part. If you read any of the other reviews, you know there is cheating. Personally, I hate books with cheating but knew it was coming and tried to look at it objectively. I really didn’t have to. By the time Michele’s ex Valentino comes to town, you really get a sense of how sex obsessed these three men are. Sando’s girlfriend has left to the University and sends a letter implying she met someone else. Sandro decides he’s gay and he and Henry have an encounter while back at the house Michele is having the same thing with Valenino. Considering the three of them talked about what it mean if Sandro had sex with Henry, the fact that all parties did it with barely a thought shows the lack of maturity in each and every one of them. None of them care and I’d not have been surprised in the slightest to see all four them hop in bed together. That kind of fidelity is just not important which is why the whole thing is waved off with nary a thought.
From this point on, everything comes up roses for them. Everything from their family to their jobs to Sandro and Valentino hooking up is perfect and tied up in the prettiest of bows.
I can’t get away from mentioning the background and scenry in the book. The author draws us a beautiful playground for this story. If this doesn’t appeal to you, many of the descriptions are written such you could skim them without missing much of the plot, and if Italy appeals to you, then you are more than set.
I can’t say I really liked the book though. I grew tired of the journey in young Henry’s sex saturated mind. I don’t blame him for it, he’s what I’d expect him to be, but I’m not engaged by it. But on the other hand it was better than I thought with the cheating aspect much minor than I expected and the ending perfect and sappy, but still made me feel good at the end.
Received a copy of this story from the author at no charge in exchange of an honest review.
I believe the ability to like this story is directly connected to how much a reader enjoys living the in mind of a 21 year old male who spends most of his time with an 18 year old male, his student Alessandro (Sandro) and Sandro’s brother, Michele. These three young men, and Henry and Michele in particular, are much like any other males their age, and they are obsessed with sex. The first night Henry’s in town, he lusts after Sandro and hooks up with a one night stand in town. The second night he’s there he falls more in lust with Michele, who luckily lusts back, and has another one night stand that turns into more than a one nighter but not before Michele grills him endlessly on Henry’s hookup the night before.
When Henry’s not having sex, he’s thinking about sex, or talking about sex. And Henry, Michele, and Sandro talk about sex. A lot. And some of the sex is a little to much for me.
Michele is a gifted opera tenor who has graduated and would like to find an opera position but knows there are few. Henry’s mother was a concern pianist and he is gifted at the piano and together Michele and Henry spend time on their music and here you can feel a connection between the two.
Henry also works with Sandro who has a good grasp of English but works with Henry to pick up the idiosyncracies of the language. Michele joins in on that and they spend a fair amount of time together. The boys play games with the language and I found myself amused by it.
Henry and Michele declare themselves in love on day two. Yes, day two. Both men are highly emotional and an idyllic summer in a beautiful town with someone they can connect with musically certainly must be true love for two men so young.
All is moving nicely when Michele and Henry see a boat capsize and rush to help one of the passengers who happens to be Signor Grippi, Director of Opera Vicenza. They talk with him a bit and Michele does an impromptu rendition and Grippi invites him for an official audition. The rehersal is a success though Grippi does not have a position open at the time, but Henry played the accompaniment and gets an offer he can't refuse. So the nice only gets better.
Then you get to the controversial part. If you read any of the other reviews, you know there is cheating. Personally, I hate books with cheating but knew it was coming and tried to look at it objectively. I really didn’t have to. By the time Michele’s ex Valentino comes to town, you really get a sense of how sex obsessed these three men are. Sando’s girlfriend has left to the University and sends a letter implying she met someone else. Sandro decides he’s gay and he and Henry have an encounter while back at the house Michele is having the same thing with Valenino. Considering the three of them talked about what it mean if Sandro had sex with Henry, the fact that all parties did it with barely a thought shows the lack of maturity in each and every one of them. None of them care and I’d not have been surprised in the slightest to see all four them hop in bed together. That kind of fidelity is just not important which is why the whole thing is waved off with nary a thought.
From this point on, everything comes up roses for them. Everything from their family to their jobs to Sandro and Valentino hooking up is perfect and tied up in the prettiest of bows.
I can’t get away from mentioning the background and scenry in the book. The author draws us a beautiful playground for this story. If this doesn’t appeal to you, many of the descriptions are written such you could skim them without missing much of the plot, and if Italy appeals to you, then you are more than set.
I can’t say I really liked the book though. I grew tired of the journey in young Henry’s sex saturated mind. I don’t blame him for it, he’s what I’d expect him to be, but I’m not engaged by it. But on the other hand it was better than I thought with the cheating aspect much minor than I expected and the ending perfect and sappy, but still made me feel good at the end.
Received a copy of this story from the author at no charge in exchange of an honest review.
February 26, 2014
I got this for free in exchange for an honest review through the DBML program at the goodreads' M/M Romance group.
Now for this to get as many stars as it did the book had to overcome two major obstacles. One the print was so small that I had to strain to read it and as it was in PDF if I zoomed it bigger I had to manipulate the screen as if I was reading on of those story in a text file where you don't have margain. and that It was in the style of a Jane Austen or one of the Bronte Sisters. I believe it was called a manners novel.
Even with these problems I soon found myself drawn in the story that seem to be too filled with coincidence. Like Michele (pronounced Me-KAY-lay) and Henry being in a place to rescue an opera director, when Michele major ambition is to be an opera tenor. Henry when asked for a reward say all he want is for Michele to get an audition. at the audition Henry accompanies Michele on the piano, and the rehearsel pianist at the Opera company will be quitting in the fall when Henry's current job tutoring Michele's brother Sandro in english ends and he get hired to replace the pianist then when the current tenor playing the Duke of Murano becomes ill, Michele is asked to finish the opera for him that night and the entire weekend and he get hired on for the opera company.
The love between Henry and Michele Draw you in, even when Sandro who believe he is straight become attracted to first Henry, then to Michele's ex Valentino. It ends up that all four are interconnected in a web of attraction and desire.
The character are well written and thought out the plot and scenery are excellently written and shown more then told about.
If not for the two obstacles, I could have seen me giving it five stars. Highly recommend reading it.
Now for this to get as many stars as it did the book had to overcome two major obstacles. One the print was so small that I had to strain to read it and as it was in PDF if I zoomed it bigger I had to manipulate the screen as if I was reading on of those story in a text file where you don't have margain. and that It was in the style of a Jane Austen or one of the Bronte Sisters. I believe it was called a manners novel.
Even with these problems I soon found myself drawn in the story that seem to be too filled with coincidence. Like Michele (pronounced Me-KAY-lay) and Henry being in a place to rescue an opera director, when Michele major ambition is to be an opera tenor. Henry when asked for a reward say all he want is for Michele to get an audition. at the audition Henry accompanies Michele on the piano, and the rehearsel pianist at the Opera company will be quitting in the fall when Henry's current job tutoring Michele's brother Sandro in english ends and he get hired to replace the pianist then when the current tenor playing the Duke of Murano becomes ill, Michele is asked to finish the opera for him that night and the entire weekend and he get hired on for the opera company.
The love between Henry and Michele Draw you in, even when Sandro who believe he is straight become attracted to first Henry, then to Michele's ex Valentino. It ends up that all four are interconnected in a web of attraction and desire.
The character are well written and thought out the plot and scenery are excellently written and shown more then told about.
If not for the two obstacles, I could have seen me giving it five stars. Highly recommend reading it.
February 18, 2014
A free copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, therefore I will review as I go.
The first thing I want to say about the beginning of this book is that the author paints such a vivid picture of Italy. The way the words were written it's so easy to close my eyes and imagine exactly what it looks like and suddenly I am there as well.
Okay when Henry is playing the piano the first time he thinks that he is glad he never looked up to see who all was in the room with him. When he finishes the song he notices each person sitting and listening and he gaze lands on the guy in the chair and the way its written I can actually catch my breath gasping as Henry would when he finally looks at Michele.
I love the instant connection between Henry and Michele. They just seem to click on many levels and that makes the connection so much better. The scene when they have a few drinks and then walk home hand in hand is absolutely hot! At this point in the book I can only hope that the connection continues to grow and they work out as a couple.
I'm seriously upset with both Michele and Henry. You have got to be fucking kidding me. Valentino comes to visit and in one days time you both cheat, ridiculous! I may have to stop reading for awhile, this just really upsets me.
Okay so even though I was so upset about the cheating, I had to keep reading because the not knowing was driving me nuts. I just finished the book and I feel the ending was really rushed. I'm still upset but at least the ending was happy.
The first thing I want to say about the beginning of this book is that the author paints such a vivid picture of Italy. The way the words were written it's so easy to close my eyes and imagine exactly what it looks like and suddenly I am there as well.
Okay when Henry is playing the piano the first time he thinks that he is glad he never looked up to see who all was in the room with him. When he finishes the song he notices each person sitting and listening and he gaze lands on the guy in the chair and the way its written I can actually catch my breath gasping as Henry would when he finally looks at Michele.
I love the instant connection between Henry and Michele. They just seem to click on many levels and that makes the connection so much better. The scene when they have a few drinks and then walk home hand in hand is absolutely hot! At this point in the book I can only hope that the connection continues to grow and they work out as a couple.
I'm seriously upset with both Michele and Henry. You have got to be fucking kidding me. Valentino comes to visit and in one days time you both cheat, ridiculous! I may have to stop reading for awhile, this just really upsets me.
Okay so even though I was so upset about the cheating, I had to keep reading because the not knowing was driving me nuts. I just finished the book and I feel the ending was really rushed. I'm still upset but at least the ending was happy.
February 19, 2014
(This book was received free in return for an honest review.)
I think, perhaps, that I am just too American for this book. The main characters of Henry and Michele are lovers of classical music and opera. Unfortunately these are not loves of mine and because of somewhat flat emotions I just could not get into the story. Plus the characters declare they are in love after only two days, meanwhile Henry still harbors feelings for his young student, Michele's brother 'Sandro. It just felt wrong to be declaring your love for someone that quickly. The author also paints a pretty picture of Italy, but having never been there I can only imagine. The story has a strong HEA which I liked and I enjoyed the English lessons of gl, fl and wr, it just was not enough for me to rate the book higher.
I think, perhaps, that I am just too American for this book. The main characters of Henry and Michele are lovers of classical music and opera. Unfortunately these are not loves of mine and because of somewhat flat emotions I just could not get into the story. Plus the characters declare they are in love after only two days, meanwhile Henry still harbors feelings for his young student, Michele's brother 'Sandro. It just felt wrong to be declaring your love for someone that quickly. The author also paints a pretty picture of Italy, but having never been there I can only imagine. The story has a strong HEA which I liked and I enjoyed the English lessons of gl, fl and wr, it just was not enough for me to rate the book higher.
April 2, 2015
3.5 stars
This contemporary story has an old fashioned feel to it perhaps due to the more formal language of the narrative and characters, and its portrayal of the two young lovers (which I did find a bit distracting-- this dichotomy). Michele and Henry fall in love within one day of meeting and their story is a fairy tale. Over the course of a blissful summer with some little adventures, and a shared love of music, particularly opera, their romance is infused with the beauty of the lake country of northern Italy. Beautifully descriptive even if on the facile and fanciful side, I enjoyed this.
He came right up to me, and shone his blue eyes into the hidden places of my eyes and heart. ‘Henry,’ he said.
July 30, 2013
I just cannot get enough of Anthony McDoanalds books.
five plus stars...
"The human body is like that. That's the way we're made."
five plus stars...
"The human body is like that. That's the way we're made."
December 16, 2013
I another fantastic romance by Anthony McDonald. This one was really special. I particularly liked the setting in Garda.
March 8, 2024
HERE WE ARE ... AGAIN
When will I learn to just keep with McDonald's long form novels which I love. These short "romance" stories are nothing but soft, sometimes, hardcore porn. I'm not a prude, but every few pages somebody is doing somebody. It's redundant and gets dull. These gorgeous men appear to also have super-human libidos. The stories are interesting enough I suppose, but they're literally just "set-ups" for the next explicit description of these stories many, many shags. One thing I'll credit McDonald with is not being timid about showing his readers that gay love in the modern world need not be monogamous or shamed if it doesn't conform to the social norms. There's sex as an expression of love between two people and then there's just sex "for the sake of sex" as the saying goes.
When will I learn to just keep with McDonald's long form novels which I love. These short "romance" stories are nothing but soft, sometimes, hardcore porn. I'm not a prude, but every few pages somebody is doing somebody. It's redundant and gets dull. These gorgeous men appear to also have super-human libidos. The stories are interesting enough I suppose, but they're literally just "set-ups" for the next explicit description of these stories many, many shags. One thing I'll credit McDonald with is not being timid about showing his readers that gay love in the modern world need not be monogamous or shamed if it doesn't conform to the social norms. There's sex as an expression of love between two people and then there's just sex "for the sake of sex" as the saying goes.
August 11, 2025
'Gay Romance on Garda' (Gay Romance, #2)
by Anthony McDonald
I'll try to keep this different...writing a review, not a book report. ;-)
Having myself lived in Italy and adored it, Anthony, like a talented artist who evokes with words rather than paint, has captured the feel of those special locations...from the sun-sparkling lakes seen via boat, to water rescues leading to opera auditions, to memorable sunsets and lush country landscapes, and small cafés for a late-night beer, to evening strolls and stolen kisses...and more...all are perfect complements in this sweet story of discovering love.
Amid life-changing events, surprising turns of events and decisions, we get to witness those first covert glances, the tentative caresses, and the longings of young hearts experiencing new love.
It's a sweet, fun read, with many adventures and a few twists in how love manifests for these young men. What a wonderful treasure of a story!
McDonald is one of my fave authors, due to his mastery of enmeshing us into the sweeping, picturesque descriptions of these local environments, and also his personal understanding of the details of these young men's lives and emotions.
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
by Anthony McDonald
I'll try to keep this different...writing a review, not a book report. ;-)
Having myself lived in Italy and adored it, Anthony, like a talented artist who evokes with words rather than paint, has captured the feel of those special locations...from the sun-sparkling lakes seen via boat, to water rescues leading to opera auditions, to memorable sunsets and lush country landscapes, and small cafés for a late-night beer, to evening strolls and stolen kisses...and more...all are perfect complements in this sweet story of discovering love.
Amid life-changing events, surprising turns of events and decisions, we get to witness those first covert glances, the tentative caresses, and the longings of young hearts experiencing new love.
It's a sweet, fun read, with many adventures and a few twists in how love manifests for these young men. What a wonderful treasure of a story!
McDonald is one of my fave authors, due to his mastery of enmeshing us into the sweeping, picturesque descriptions of these local environments, and also his personal understanding of the details of these young men's lives and emotions.
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
November 29, 2019
I enjoyed it but some parts were just strange and weird
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