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Heaven Can't Wait
This college romance is a match made in heaven. Literally.
When Brian dies at nineteen, his less-than-stellar performance here on Earth puts his soul in limbo. He has one chance to redeem himself at the pearly gates. All Brian has to do is save the life of Kevin Anderson, a guy he and his friends teased for being gay.
Kevin had big dreams about life at college--friends, parties, acceptance for who he really is, maybe even a nice boyfriend. But his dorm roommate, Chuck, and his stupid friends, prove him wrong on day one with their casual homophobia. Now he can only wait for another room to open up—and try to keep his eyes off sexy, uber-straight Chuck.
Chuck is struggling to keep up the tough-guy façade everyone expects from him. But being trapped in a dorm room with the prettiest twink he’s ever seen isn’t helping.
If Brian can untangle this mess, he’ll deserve his wings.
Heaven Can't Wait is a tongue-in-cheek romance featuring college roommates secretly crushing on each other, a meddling angel wannabe, mishaps, temptation, and the meaning of life. No biggie.
When Brian dies at nineteen, his less-than-stellar performance here on Earth puts his soul in limbo. He has one chance to redeem himself at the pearly gates. All Brian has to do is save the life of Kevin Anderson, a guy he and his friends teased for being gay.
Kevin had big dreams about life at college--friends, parties, acceptance for who he really is, maybe even a nice boyfriend. But his dorm roommate, Chuck, and his stupid friends, prove him wrong on day one with their casual homophobia. Now he can only wait for another room to open up—and try to keep his eyes off sexy, uber-straight Chuck.
Chuck is struggling to keep up the tough-guy façade everyone expects from him. But being trapped in a dorm room with the prettiest twink he’s ever seen isn’t helping.
If Brian can untangle this mess, he’ll deserve his wings.
Heaven Can't Wait is a tongue-in-cheek romance featuring college roommates secretly crushing on each other, a meddling angel wannabe, mishaps, temptation, and the meaning of life. No biggie.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2014
20 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Eli Easton
83 books2,804 followersHaving been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a game designer, an organic farmer, an avid hiker, and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.
Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com
COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
June 10, 2014
A little too preachy for my tastes but Eli Easton never fails me.
After Blame It On The Mistletoe I've been seeking out Eli Easton books like it's my job. When I saw this one I had to jump on it. Ghosts and M/M?? I was picturing some naked pottery scenes, ala "Ghost", and was letting my imagination run wild.
While this book was cute, it was both less erotic and less touching than I expected. First of all, you can't give me a virgin and have no losing-the-v-card scene! *pouts* That is just cruel, I swear! I wanted some details of adorable, twinky, acne-covered Kevin getting it on! Age appropriate my aunt Fanny, I like my college-age kids getting down and dirty! I'm pervy, I know...
In terms of the ghostly lesson bit, I liked Brian's progression to realizing the error of his ways, but I found some of the Peter lectures distracting, taking away from the scenes between Chuck and Kevin. Speaking of Chuck and Kevin, I could have used another 100 pages of their sexual tension. I ate that up! I loved every scene of them together. I think that Eli Easton did a great job with each of their characters. They were unique and memorable, which is hard to do with a novella.
Overall, this was a pleasing little read with lots of great parts and some okay parts.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
After Blame It On The Mistletoe I've been seeking out Eli Easton books like it's my job. When I saw this one I had to jump on it. Ghosts and M/M?? I was picturing some naked pottery scenes, ala "Ghost", and was letting my imagination run wild.
While this book was cute, it was both less erotic and less touching than I expected. First of all, you can't give me a virgin and have no losing-the-v-card scene! *pouts* That is just cruel, I swear! I wanted some details of adorable, twinky, acne-covered Kevin getting it on! Age appropriate my aunt Fanny, I like my college-age kids getting down and dirty! I'm pervy, I know...
In terms of the ghostly lesson bit, I liked Brian's progression to realizing the error of his ways, but I found some of the Peter lectures distracting, taking away from the scenes between Chuck and Kevin. Speaking of Chuck and Kevin, I could have used another 100 pages of their sexual tension. I ate that up! I loved every scene of them together. I think that Eli Easton did a great job with each of their characters. They were unique and memorable, which is hard to do with a novella.
Overall, this was a pleasing little read with lots of great parts and some okay parts.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
March 27, 2024
Reread 3/2024:
I'm going to let my rating from ten years ago stand, but I didn't like this novella quite as much the second time around.
Even though Eli Easton updated the original, the story feels a bit dated.
I'm not sure I would classify this as a romance, more a tale of redemption for a dude who was a homophobic, self-centered asshole before dying in a car crash at age 19.
Still worth a read.
3.5 stars
This is one of the best stories I've read thus far from the Dreamspinner Mended 2014 Daily Dose Anthology. I selected it, because Easton is an author I trust, and I was not disappointed.
This is the story of Brian, who dies and has to redeem himself in the eyes of God. It's also the story of Kevin, a gay, twinky college freshman who's being bullied by his roommate's friends, and Chuck, the roommate, who is much more than his stern external appearance and macho facade.
You have to completely suspend your own beliefs (or lack thereof) about god/deities/angels and the afterlife before you read this novella. This is all hell and brimstone and Peter putting you on a scale at judgement day. It's a literal, almost mythical description of the Christian concepts of heaven and the afterlight.
But this novella can also be read symbolically: When you die, how will others judge you? Did you do more good than harm? Were you kind? Did you love? What kind of LIFE did you live?
Heaven Can't Wait is ultimately sweet and romantic. There's one lightly steamy scene on page (appropriate for these MCs). For how short this story was, it worked remarkably well at building believable characters.
Brian learns something important, and Kevin and Chuck become friends and more. Brian starts off clueless and self-centered, but his bumbling attempts at "fixing" his mistakes turn out for the best. And in the end he makes an interesting choice. Would you?
I'm going to let my rating from ten years ago stand, but I didn't like this novella quite as much the second time around.
Even though Eli Easton updated the original, the story feels a bit dated.
I'm not sure I would classify this as a romance, more a tale of redemption for a dude who was a homophobic, self-centered asshole before dying in a car crash at age 19.
Still worth a read.
3.5 stars
This is one of the best stories I've read thus far from the Dreamspinner Mended 2014 Daily Dose Anthology. I selected it, because Easton is an author I trust, and I was not disappointed.
This is the story of Brian, who dies and has to redeem himself in the eyes of God. It's also the story of Kevin, a gay, twinky college freshman who's being bullied by his roommate's friends, and Chuck, the roommate, who is much more than his stern external appearance and macho facade.
You have to completely suspend your own beliefs (or lack thereof) about god/deities/angels and the afterlife before you read this novella. This is all hell and brimstone and Peter putting you on a scale at judgement day. It's a literal, almost mythical description of the Christian concepts of heaven and the afterlight.
But this novella can also be read symbolically: When you die, how will others judge you? Did you do more good than harm? Were you kind? Did you love? What kind of LIFE did you live?
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.
~Cherokee Proverb
Heaven Can't Wait is ultimately sweet and romantic. There's one lightly steamy scene on page (appropriate for these MCs). For how short this story was, it worked remarkably well at building believable characters.
Brian learns something important, and Kevin and Chuck become friends and more. Brian starts off clueless and self-centered, but his bumbling attempts at "fixing" his mistakes turn out for the best. And in the end he makes an interesting choice. Would you?
September 21, 2016
Wow, I seriously loved this one.
It reminded me a lot of Unwrapping Hank. It's useless to deny it: I love hunky and apparently tough guys who are marshmallows inside they and lose their marbles for the twink but are so insecure they can't push themselves to reach for what they desire.
The idea is hot but also so adorbs I can't help myself. And Eli is a master at this. And I love how she writes, she captures my attention until the very end, so my only option is to finish the book, that's all.
The after-death issue is a well-used trick, but it was fun and believable, and not even the philosophical parts were discouragingly pretentious, as usually happens with these matters.
I also liked how this insensitive asshole, Brian, finally redeems himself when he sees beauty in what Brian and Kevin find together. The bullying scenes made me sick and uneasy, but the sweetness after all that ugliness, and the sense of belonging, made it up for me.
I'd have loved to see more of Kevin and Chunk together. They are not the MC of this story, just Brian's quest and ticket to go to Heaven, so I felt they weren't given the importance they deserved. I admit I would have loved a whole book focusing on them after Brian passes the test.
It reminded me a lot of Unwrapping Hank. It's useless to deny it: I love hunky and apparently tough guys who are marshmallows inside they and lose their marbles for the twink but are so insecure they can't push themselves to reach for what they desire.
The idea is hot but also so adorbs I can't help myself. And Eli is a master at this. And I love how she writes, she captures my attention until the very end, so my only option is to finish the book, that's all.
The after-death issue is a well-used trick, but it was fun and believable, and not even the philosophical parts were discouragingly pretentious, as usually happens with these matters.
I also liked how this insensitive asshole, Brian, finally redeems himself when he sees beauty in what Brian and Kevin find together. The bullying scenes made me sick and uneasy, but the sweetness after all that ugliness, and the sense of belonging, made it up for me.
I'd have loved to see more of Kevin and Chunk together. They are not the MC of this story, just Brian's quest and ticket to go to Heaven, so I felt they weren't given the importance they deserved. I admit I would have loved a whole book focusing on them after Brian passes the test.
December 16, 2014
1,5-2 Stars
Sadly this book didn't work for me. I have come to love Eli Easton but this one wasn't as good.
My problems with it...
1) Splitting a tiny book in two stories means that at least one of the two doesn't get enough time to mature and unfold. In this book both stories(Brian's last act on Earth to earn his next life and Kevin's and Chuck's romance, seemed too rushed.
2) I couldn't connect with any of the characters because we didn't see enough of them.
3) I didn't believe in the romance aspect because it developed too fast and behind the scenes.
4) I didn't like the whole "spiritual side" of the story. Not because I don't like the theme in general but because the characters seemed a bit cartoonish.
5) I didn't like the revelation that I didn't like it because firstly it made me sad for some reason, more than thinking that it would have been Kevin, made me. And secondly because I didn't see any signs of it in the story.
So, one would ask why 2 and not 1. That's easy, because I like the author's writing style and because despite all its problems I never once thought of dropping the book.
Sadly this book didn't work for me. I have come to love Eli Easton but this one wasn't as good.
My problems with it...
1) Splitting a tiny book in two stories means that at least one of the two doesn't get enough time to mature and unfold. In this book both stories(Brian's last act on Earth to earn his next life and Kevin's and Chuck's romance, seemed too rushed.
2) I couldn't connect with any of the characters because we didn't see enough of them.
3) I didn't believe in the romance aspect because it developed too fast and behind the scenes.
4) I didn't like the whole "spiritual side" of the story. Not because I don't like the theme in general but because the characters seemed a bit cartoonish.
5) I didn't like the revelation that I didn't like it because firstly it made me sad for some reason, more than thinking that it would have been Kevin, made me. And secondly because I didn't see any signs of it in the story.
So, one would ask why 2 and not 1. That's easy, because I like the author's writing style and because despite all its problems I never once thought of dropping the book.
March 23, 2024
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
Brian needs to save a life if he wants to get into heaven. Lucky for him, he might just save two.
Very sweet novella, but upsettingly short. I needed so much more. Had this been a full-length novel, it really had the potential of being a five star read.
Kevin and Chuck were so cute, with their pining and longing stares and awkwardness. I would’ve loved to see more of their relationship and its growth.
As for Brian, I’m glad he redeemed himself in the end, but he was a complete disaster. If the jump from chaotic mess to good human being had been more gradual and built on, I would’ve believed it more. It would’ve also been fun to see more of him messing around with his ghost powers.
I really enjoy Eli Easton’s humour and witty writing style, and maybe one day she’ll expand more on this promising world.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Use of homophobic slur
- Mentions of bullying and homophobia
- College setting
- No spice
- Mentions of car accident and death (off page)
- Assault (not between MCs)
Brian needs to save a life if he wants to get into heaven. Lucky for him, he might just save two.
Very sweet novella, but upsettingly short. I needed so much more. Had this been a full-length novel, it really had the potential of being a five star read.
Kevin and Chuck were so cute, with their pining and longing stares and awkwardness. I would’ve loved to see more of their relationship and its growth.
As for Brian, I’m glad he redeemed himself in the end, but he was a complete disaster. If the jump from chaotic mess to good human being had been more gradual and built on, I would’ve believed it more. It would’ve also been fun to see more of him messing around with his ghost powers.
I really enjoy Eli Easton’s humour and witty writing style, and maybe one day she’ll expand more on this promising world.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Use of homophobic slur
- Mentions of bullying and homophobia
- College setting
- No spice
- Mentions of car accident and death (off page)
- Assault (not between MCs)
November 6, 2014
It's rare that I finish a story and find myself unable to stop smiling, but this one did that for me. The plight of Brian, a homophobic bully who is forced to go back to earth and "save a life" in order to redeem himself is very sweet and often hilarious. (Of course, the life he has to save is that of a gay college student.)
Perhaps not surprisingly, Brian turns out to be something of a disaster at fixing other people's lives. His misguided attempts to fix up his best friend (Chuck) with a girl and find a boyfriend for his best friend's roommate (Kevin) end up causing confusion and multiple injuries.
In the meantime, Chuck and Kevin might be having ideas of their own....
This is a delightful blend of comedy and sweet romance, with just a hint of metaphysics thrown in. For those who might be put off by the "religious" themes in the story, I would say, please don't be. It riffs on the popular trope of St. Peter sending a less-than-saintly person's spirit back to earth for one final chance to redeem himself, as we've seen in films such as "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Heart and Souls." This non-Christian had no difficulty seeing the trope used like this, and thought St. Peter was hilarious.
Perhaps not surprisingly, Brian turns out to be something of a disaster at fixing other people's lives. His misguided attempts to fix up his best friend (Chuck) with a girl and find a boyfriend for his best friend's roommate (Kevin) end up causing confusion and multiple injuries.
In the meantime, Chuck and Kevin might be having ideas of their own....
This is a delightful blend of comedy and sweet romance, with just a hint of metaphysics thrown in. For those who might be put off by the "religious" themes in the story, I would say, please don't be. It riffs on the popular trope of St. Peter sending a less-than-saintly person's spirit back to earth for one final chance to redeem himself, as we've seen in films such as "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Heart and Souls." This non-Christian had no difficulty seeing the trope used like this, and thought St. Peter was hilarious.
Read
June 1, 2014This is my daily dose novella for 2014. It's something of a rom com with a paranormal twist. Hope you enjoy it.
Here's my desktop post for HCW, with inspirational images I used for the story:
http://elieaston.com/desktop-heaven-c...
And here's a page on my website where you can read an excerpt:
http://elieaston.com/books-by-eli-eas...
Here's my desktop post for HCW, with inspirational images I used for the story:
http://elieaston.com/desktop-heaven-c...
And here's a page on my website where you can read an excerpt:
http://elieaston.com/books-by-eli-eas...
June 7, 2014
Ok this was all kinds of wonderful! OMG I LOVED this story!!
The blurb pretty much tells you what is going on so I am not going to rehash it. I just want to say this story touch my heart, warmed my soul and made me laugh out loud!! I love Ms Easton’s stories and the way she writes and this little gem did not disappoint.
Overall, a winner!!!
The blurb pretty much tells you what is going on so I am not going to rehash it. I just want to say this story touch my heart, warmed my soul and made me laugh out loud!! I love Ms Easton’s stories and the way she writes and this little gem did not disappoint.
Overall, a winner!!!
July 14, 2014
Seriously cute read.
The best part was seeing Neanderthal, 'follow the herd' Brian actually evolve into a decent human being. Or post-human being, as it were. : )
As a side note, the one thing that confused me a bit is at the start of the book, Brian mentions his mother watching 'Downtown Abbey', so I was thinking the story is set in the UK. Then it's mentioned that Kevin is from Wisconsin. Just a bit confusing locale-wise for the setting.
And finding out that Peter is a bit sadistic at the end... Priceless.
Highly recommended as a quick read.
The best part was seeing Neanderthal, 'follow the herd' Brian actually evolve into a decent human being. Or post-human being, as it were. : )
As a side note, the one thing that confused me a bit is at the start of the book, Brian mentions his mother watching 'Downtown Abbey', so I was thinking the story is set in the UK. Then it's mentioned that Kevin is from Wisconsin. Just a bit confusing locale-wise for the setting.
And finding out that Peter is a bit sadistic at the end... Priceless.
Highly recommended as a quick read.
March 30, 2024
short and sweet :3
the angel thing was fun to read but honestly brian's first few attempts were giving second hand embarrassment...props for his change of mind and courage at the end tho.
^^ i did say 'short and sweet' at first but ngl this book would've been better if it was longer. with the more ambitious/complex premise there weren't enough pages here to fully flesh out the characters and the relationship (!! especially for kevin and chuck's!!).
plot is pretty solid (yay). 3.5 stars ;)
the angel thing was fun to read but honestly brian's first few attempts were giving second hand embarrassment...props for his change of mind and courage at the end tho.
^^ i did say 'short and sweet' at first but ngl this book would've been better if it was longer. with the more ambitious/complex premise there weren't enough pages here to fully flesh out the characters and the relationship (!! especially for kevin and chuck's!!).
plot is pretty solid (yay). 3.5 stars ;)
September 29, 2015
This was a nice one. Exactly the kind of paranormal I like. And the reason why I always give in and buy these Daily Doses - to get something I most probably wouldn't buy normally. Ok, this year again there were some stories I nevertheless didn't like, but It was great fun reading about Brian's experiences as a clumsy cupid. Wouldn't mind visiting him in his next life.
January 16, 2017
Enjoyed Chuck and Kevin's story, but not so much the story of Brian and the angels as that part of the storyline struck me as preaching to the choir. And the spirals and rectangles in the brain thing is so black and white. Gay or straight. But what about all the various grays in between?
March 29, 2024
*4.5*
I really like movies like „Heaven can wait“, „Ghost“ and „Just like heaven“…So if you throw in a college M/M romance, AND add Eli Easton, and I guess the game was over before it started. Or as they say „you had me at hello“, darling novella.
Having a homophobic bully as main POV was, if not a stroke of genius, at least a very, very good idea. It gave the story an angle that I have not yet read in M/M romance. Brian should rightly be a unsympathetic narrator, but as Chuck says: " He could be crude. And insensitive, I guess. But he wasn’t a bad guy. He was funny“ .
The slow building romance between Kevin and Chuck is very sweet.
I actually thought it would be fluffier than it was. However, there are some controversial and/or heavy themes touched upon In my opinion, the story managed to handle them all with grace and a lot of fascinating imagination. The heavenbuilding the author presents here is well thought through.
And it is not completely fluffy if it can make me cry
It was also good that the story avoided going down only the Road of Christianity, it might start out like that but there is some„Mazel Tov“ and reincarnation in there as well;-).
Brian is not the only funny guy, Peter has his moments;-)
As for the sex
By the way, what is wrong with Nietzsche and Machiavelli? I didn’t quite get that…
I really like movies like „Heaven can wait“, „Ghost“ and „Just like heaven“…So if you throw in a college M/M romance, AND add Eli Easton, and I guess the game was over before it started. Or as they say „you had me at hello“, darling novella.
Having a homophobic bully as main POV was, if not a stroke of genius, at least a very, very good idea. It gave the story an angle that I have not yet read in M/M romance. Brian should rightly be a unsympathetic narrator, but as Chuck says: " He could be crude. And insensitive, I guess. But he wasn’t a bad guy. He was funny“ .
The slow building romance between Kevin and Chuck is very sweet.
I actually thought it would be fluffier than it was. However, there are some controversial and/or heavy themes touched upon In my opinion, the story managed to handle them all with grace and a lot of fascinating imagination. The heavenbuilding the author presents here is well thought through.
And it is not completely fluffy if it can make me cry
It was also good that the story avoided going down only the Road of Christianity, it might start out like that but there is some„Mazel Tov“ and reincarnation in there as well;-).
Brian is not the only funny guy, Peter has his moments;-)
As for the sex
By the way, what is wrong with Nietzsche and Machiavelli? I didn’t quite get that…
November 9, 2015
Eli Easton has the gift of being able to write what could easily be a sappy story and spin humor into it making it a fun read about a serious topic. In this story she takes an early death, internalized homophobia and possible suicide and spins then in her own unique way into a sweet and funny story. It's a joy to read one of her books.
February 27, 2019
3.5
Cute, funny and heart-warming - couldn't have asked for more. Ok, could have done without the complete part about the explanations about balance and divinity being always in the middle but then Brian finally seeing what should always have been clear was worth it.
Probalby coming back sometime to this story.
Cute, funny and heart-warming - couldn't have asked for more. Ok, could have done without the complete part about the explanations about balance and divinity being always in the middle but then Brian finally seeing what should always have been clear was worth it.
Probalby coming back sometime to this story.
February 23, 2022
4.5 stars
March 21, 2024
"Chuck gave Kevin a smile for the first time ever. It was like the whole room got lighter, like someone had instantly changed the paint on the walls from a dull yellow to a bright white. He took the program from Kevin’s hand and headed out the door."
Heaven Can't Wait by Eli Easton is such a cute little MM novella, about a life taken too soon, second chances to put things right, new lives and a HEA.
Just gorgeous!
4 stars
Heaven Can't Wait by Eli Easton is such a cute little MM novella, about a life taken too soon, second chances to put things right, new lives and a HEA.
Just gorgeous!
4 stars
September 29, 2015
This one is a little bit different ... probably because it starts with Brian realizing that he died and he is going to be judged. Usually, then the story veers into a rather paranormal realm, maybe the ghost getting second chance with the boy he likes, or something like that. Interestingly, it doesn't happen here. Brian needs to save a life to get out of limbo and avoid hell. Kevin, the roommate of Brian's friend Chuck, is his assignment.
The part with Kevin and Chuck is lovely ... I loved every minute of it. I loved the soft-hearted Kevin; and well, I could really do with more sexual tension of Chuck longing after Kevin (whom never thinks that his jock roommate is gay).
Unfortunately, this story is leaning towards the preachy side when it comes to St. Peter teaching about homosexuality to Brian. I mean, if one consciously read MM romance, I don't think they're homophobic to begin with. Reading those lessons of homosexuality is part of your DNA, etc, is like teaching about Mars to bunch of scientists who study Mars for a living, you know? *sorry, I just read about water flowing on Mars*
That part is rather annoying and disrupts the whole reading experience for me. So, in the end, this one falls into my 'just okay' scale...
The part with Kevin and Chuck is lovely ... I loved every minute of it. I loved the soft-hearted Kevin; and well, I could really do with more sexual tension of Chuck longing after Kevin (whom never thinks that his jock roommate is gay).
Unfortunately, this story is leaning towards the preachy side when it comes to St. Peter teaching about homosexuality to Brian. I mean, if one consciously read MM romance, I don't think they're homophobic to begin with. Reading those lessons of homosexuality is part of your DNA, etc, is like teaching about Mars to bunch of scientists who study Mars for a living, you know? *sorry, I just read about water flowing on Mars*
That part is rather annoying and disrupts the whole reading experience for me. So, in the end, this one falls into my 'just okay' scale...
November 26, 2014
Well, this was sweet, poignant, a little obvious in its political statement, and I enjoyed it.
Even in a short read like this, Easton can paint characters with whom I have immediate connection and emotion: Brian made me wanna shake him and shout "don't be a jerk!", Kevin is sweet, in tune and strong, while Chuck is struggling, smart, and takes bravery by the hand in taking a chance, his honesty winning out.
The "lesson" learned was obvious from the beginning, and Brian's character was a little two-dimensional. He does exemplify how those best laid plans don't always work out because, you know, human unpredictability.
Chuck and Kevin, we've barely scratched the surface. You deserve much more story, I know there's loads we have yet to learn about you. :D
Easton's writing is smooth and comfortable, as always. She gets right to the heart of the matter and her characters.
There were a few incorrect words and an instance of the wrong name being used that should have been caught in editing.
A clever and sweet, if obvious, depiction of how life should and could be.
I want more Chuck and Kevin. :D
Even in a short read like this, Easton can paint characters with whom I have immediate connection and emotion: Brian made me wanna shake him and shout "don't be a jerk!", Kevin is sweet, in tune and strong, while Chuck is struggling, smart, and takes bravery by the hand in taking a chance, his honesty winning out.
The "lesson" learned was obvious from the beginning, and Brian's character was a little two-dimensional. He does exemplify how those best laid plans don't always work out because, you know, human unpredictability.
Chuck and Kevin, we've barely scratched the surface. You deserve much more story, I know there's loads we have yet to learn about you. :D
Easton's writing is smooth and comfortable, as always. She gets right to the heart of the matter and her characters.
There were a few incorrect words and an instance of the wrong name being used that should have been caught in editing.
A clever and sweet, if obvious, depiction of how life should and could be.
I want more Chuck and Kevin. :D
June 4, 2014
Enjoyed this little novella from Eli. 4 stars from me.
Classic tale of redemption...with a twist at the end, which was a little weird in my opinion, given what had happened before but at least we know that Brian had finally got the message and was getting with the programme. As a 'living' character, Brian was a complete waste of space, as were some of his buddies, and as he came to realise much too late in the day, he hadn't been a particularly good friend to Chuck when he was alive otherwise he would have noticed Chuck's obvious reluctance to get involved with girls, and to take part in the ritualistic homophobic insults that he and the rest of the morons seemed to find so funny, nearly all of which were directed at Chuck's roommate Kevin.
I did like Brian's failed attempts to try and get Chuck and/or Kevin paired off with various people, and then his very final try at getting Chuck and Kevin together, sending a message through from the 'other side' as 'Aramis', which he knew that Chuck would understand, that was sweet.
Classic tale of redemption...with a twist at the end, which was a little weird in my opinion, given what had happened before but at least we know that Brian had finally got the message and was getting with the programme. As a 'living' character, Brian was a complete waste of space, as were some of his buddies, and as he came to realise much too late in the day, he hadn't been a particularly good friend to Chuck when he was alive otherwise he would have noticed Chuck's obvious reluctance to get involved with girls, and to take part in the ritualistic homophobic insults that he and the rest of the morons seemed to find so funny, nearly all of which were directed at Chuck's roommate Kevin.
I did like Brian's failed attempts to try and get Chuck and/or Kevin paired off with various people, and then his very final try at getting Chuck and Kevin together, sending a message through from the 'other side' as 'Aramis', which he knew that Chuck would understand, that was sweet.
April 1, 2024
This is a MM romance, but that's more of a side quest. At it's (short) heart this is a story of redemption.
I got this as the premise seemed curious. I'd watched a South indian movie with similar tone & this was a fun take on it too. Devoured my #ARC in around 1hr.
Brian dies of car crash, his soul is in limbo & he gets a chance to redeem himself. By saving Kevin, his friend Chuck's roomie. We find that B was a jerk, full-of-himself & arrogant, homophobic too. So I hated the man & his POV was a bit hard to read, but then his realisation & eventual growth is good.
Kevin is quiet, shy, & out as gay. Chuck looks manly but is a softie at heart. I hated his asshole, bullying homophobic friends 😭😤 (been ages since I've read em). These 2 are cute together. Fitting they only had steam-lite scene. B's "ghostly" antics are embarrassing lol but they got em together so I'm good 🤣. Atleast he tried!
Of course, this book had me perpetually anxious & emotional, seeing as we get info that K may off himself soon 😭 if B fails. That reveal at end about C made me sad, but also damn, K's a fighter 😁. I really WANTED MORE of these 2 🥺!!
That bit in end was a interesting philosophical take. I'm happy to've seen B make that choice. This being a short story, it was restrained by it & had to be fast-paced (especially on romance), still riveting. I read this as a bedtime story!
*An earlier version of this story released in 2014.
Story Ratings:
POV: 3rd person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 4.5/5
2) The Characters: 4.5/5
3) Top feels: 🥺😭😤😍😬😳🙄🤣😁🤭🤔
4) Steamy scenes: 0.5/5 (barely!)
5) Levels: Cute+Fun: 3.5/5
Angst: 3/5
Dark: 2.5/5 (bullying)
6) Creativity + world: 4.6/5
7) Plot arc: (Redemption & love - interesting for short story) 4/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.25/5
I got this as the premise seemed curious. I'd watched a South indian movie with similar tone & this was a fun take on it too. Devoured my #ARC in around 1hr.
Brian dies of car crash, his soul is in limbo & he gets a chance to redeem himself. By saving Kevin, his friend Chuck's roomie. We find that B was a jerk, full-of-himself & arrogant, homophobic too. So I hated the man & his POV was a bit hard to read, but then his realisation & eventual growth is good.
Kevin is quiet, shy, & out as gay. Chuck looks manly but is a softie at heart. I hated his asshole, bullying homophobic friends 😭😤 (been ages since I've read em). These 2 are cute together. Fitting they only had steam-lite scene. B's "ghostly" antics are embarrassing lol but they got em together so I'm good 🤣. Atleast he tried!
Of course, this book had me perpetually anxious & emotional, seeing as we get info that K may off himself soon 😭 if B fails. That reveal at end about C made me sad, but also damn, K's a fighter 😁. I really WANTED MORE of these 2 🥺!!
That bit in end was a interesting philosophical take. I'm happy to've seen B make that choice. This being a short story, it was restrained by it & had to be fast-paced (especially on romance), still riveting. I read this as a bedtime story!
*An earlier version of this story released in 2014.
Story Ratings:
POV: 3rd person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 4.5/5
2) The Characters: 4.5/5
3) Top feels: 🥺😭😤😍😬😳🙄🤣😁🤭🤔
4) Steamy scenes: 0.5/5 (barely!)
5) Levels: Cute+Fun: 3.5/5
Angst: 3/5
Dark: 2.5/5 (bullying)
6) Creativity + world: 4.6/5
7) Plot arc: (Redemption & love - interesting for short story) 4/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.25/5
March 19, 2024
I didn’t realize when I picked this book up how short it was! But even with it being a small novella I really enjoyed this story. It had such an interesting concept that I haven’t read before. It’s funny cause I just finished another story where I really disliked how the romance wasn’t a bigger part of the story and how it ended off with their relationship not really defined and resolved. This story is exactly the same but because I knew it was going to happen like that from the blurb and the concept I was completely ok with it!!
This story is in dual POV but not from the two MCs that are involved together. Brian has passed on and his judgement comes and he needs to do some good deeds for Kevin in order not to go to Hell. So we see Brian trying to redeem himself. It was a really interesting take on redemption and I loved how the story ended for Brian.
The other POV was from Kevin. It was so hard to be in Kevin’s head at times as his roommate Chuck’s friends (Brian used to be one of them) bully him a lot. But I loved seeing Kevin and Chuck form a friendship and Chuck to finally live his life for himself and stand up to his friends.
I would have loved to see more from Kevin and Chuck but still really enjoyed the story. If you’re looking for a different, quick read I highly recommend this story!
This story is in dual POV but not from the two MCs that are involved together. Brian has passed on and his judgement comes and he needs to do some good deeds for Kevin in order not to go to Hell. So we see Brian trying to redeem himself. It was a really interesting take on redemption and I loved how the story ended for Brian.
The other POV was from Kevin. It was so hard to be in Kevin’s head at times as his roommate Chuck’s friends (Brian used to be one of them) bully him a lot. But I loved seeing Kevin and Chuck form a friendship and Chuck to finally live his life for himself and stand up to his friends.
I would have loved to see more from Kevin and Chuck but still really enjoyed the story. If you’re looking for a different, quick read I highly recommend this story!
August 17, 2017
3.5 Stars
July 25, 2014
I've read every book by Eli Easton and each one has been a 5 star read for me except one, and that was still a 4.5 so I suppose you can tell by now that I'm a huge fan! I knew from the time that I picked up 'SuperHero', the first book I ever read by Eli, that she was going to be one of those authors who just 'fits'...if you know what I mean? And I haven't been wrong up to now. So I get really excited when I know anything by her is coming out. No way does one of hers get lost in the sea of a books still waiting to be read on my kindle — when I get one, it gets read ASAP!
Heaven Can't Wait is another short from Dreamspinners Daily Dose anthology, 'Mended'. It's the third I've reviewed from the series up to now and it was a real treat! The basic plot is something I've seen before in films, TV programmes and other books so unless you've been living as a Buddhist monk for years I'm pretty sure you'll recognise the general plot:
1: Young guy dies in accident
2: Young guy arrives in 'Heaven'
3:Young guy's 'not always as good as he could have been's' life history gets weighed, measured and found slightly wanting.
4:Young guy is given chance of redemption by going back to do a good deed for another troubled soul
5:Young guy goes back, starts to see himself in a not so good light, tries hard to right some wrongs, breaks the rules he's been given, fucks it all up but in a twisty turny way ends up getting the job done.
6:Everyone gets a second chance and young guy gets his redemption plus his 'reward' in heaven, whatever form that might take.......
The End!
But what I loved so much was how Eli joined all the dots together in this. Obviously the main theme is hurt/comfort like all the rest of the stories so there's a lot of poignant and emotional aspects to the storyline but there was are also moments of humour. The sort of slightly self deprecating snarky, deadpan humour that always tickles my funny bone.
Brian, the young guy who ends up shuffling off his mortal coil,( RIP Brian) is sent back to his college where when he was alive he was one of those guys who might not have been the type to physicallybully the gay guy, the dork or the geek but who wouldn't think twice about doing his bit of cruel teasing...making their lives a misery by constantly making fun of them. In an ironic twist of fate, it turns out that the object of his AND his dickhead friends constant teasing; sweet, gay, twinky Kevin (who rooms with Brian's former BFF Chuck), is actually the guy he's been sent back to help...or is he?
As for Brian..well Brian was...Brian! But I still couldn't help liking the guy, and come on who doesn't love seeing the 'bad boy' redeem himself in a fun yet tender way that gives you the warm and fuzzies. One of my favourite parts though, was watching the gentle relationship develop between poor sweet, twinky Kevin who was adoreable and macho Chuck, who was a yummy surprise in more ways than one...to read rest of review follow link~ http://bit.ly/Uw24BE
June 26, 2014
One somewhat raucous college guy, Brian Scott Matheson, meets a rather untimely end to his life when driving while intoxicated. However, he then finds himself in an intermediate heavenly court and is given two weeks to save his eternal soul from fire, damnation, and brimstone. Oh my goodness...how divine! This is a very fascinating twist on a theme and I was entranced even though I didn't give this fellow much of a chance to protect his soul from hell. The entire story takes place on his college campus. I clearly definitely wanted to find out how he fared!
Kevin who is on a work study and hardship scholarship didn't have much oomph when he tried to get himself moved from his campus room assignment in Cole Hall because he was convinced his roommate was a belligerent gay-basher. Plus his roommate's friends were certifiably crass and belittled him unmercifully. Kevin was utterly ingenious, however, in how he managed to be out for considerable lengths of time accomplishing most everything that would normally be done in his dorm room. Brian is convinced that Kevin is his assignment and he has to keep him from killing himself. Kevin surely did look like a candidate for doing himself in, so I definitely agreed with Brian. Oh my goodness!
Chuck is Kevin's roommate. Chuck was also a good friend of Brian's. This appears to be a formula for some relatively nasty stuff to happen. However, nothing proceeded the way I expected and I think Brian got his eyes opened as much as I did. At one point Chuck takes an unusual and nasty fall down some stairs during one of Brian's manipulations. That did open up an interesting set of interactions between Chuck and Kevin. However, hardly anything happened the way Brian wanted and he is finally down to his last day before final judgment is proclaimed. Brian is witness, in his invisible modality, to many amazing things about Chuck. Chuck is actually quite an uncommon and even-tempered guy as Kevin becomes a constant companion and helper for Chuck in his post broken leg days. Chuck was simply a real charmer!
This was a genuinely funny, eye-opening story, and a bit of a coming of age tale although we are dealing with college men. There are some delicious story twists that certainly kept me glued right up until the really amusing, but unexpected ending. This book masterfully while amusingly handled the out-of-this-world elements along with the truly gritty college trials, tribulations, and love in its first moments. This was distinctly entertaining and should not be missed!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Kevin who is on a work study and hardship scholarship didn't have much oomph when he tried to get himself moved from his campus room assignment in Cole Hall because he was convinced his roommate was a belligerent gay-basher. Plus his roommate's friends were certifiably crass and belittled him unmercifully. Kevin was utterly ingenious, however, in how he managed to be out for considerable lengths of time accomplishing most everything that would normally be done in his dorm room. Brian is convinced that Kevin is his assignment and he has to keep him from killing himself. Kevin surely did look like a candidate for doing himself in, so I definitely agreed with Brian. Oh my goodness!
Chuck is Kevin's roommate. Chuck was also a good friend of Brian's. This appears to be a formula for some relatively nasty stuff to happen. However, nothing proceeded the way I expected and I think Brian got his eyes opened as much as I did. At one point Chuck takes an unusual and nasty fall down some stairs during one of Brian's manipulations. That did open up an interesting set of interactions between Chuck and Kevin. However, hardly anything happened the way Brian wanted and he is finally down to his last day before final judgment is proclaimed. Brian is witness, in his invisible modality, to many amazing things about Chuck. Chuck is actually quite an uncommon and even-tempered guy as Kevin becomes a constant companion and helper for Chuck in his post broken leg days. Chuck was simply a real charmer!
This was a genuinely funny, eye-opening story, and a bit of a coming of age tale although we are dealing with college men. There are some delicious story twists that certainly kept me glued right up until the really amusing, but unexpected ending. This book masterfully while amusingly handled the out-of-this-world elements along with the truly gritty college trials, tribulations, and love in its first moments. This was distinctly entertaining and should not be missed!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 18, 2014
I was looking forward to this one, but it wasn't quite what I expected.
From the blurb I was expecting some pretty heavy angst, instead this was a rather funny read with dashes of angst and a lovely little HEA.
Perfect for when you just want to lose yourself in a sweet story
From the blurb I was expecting some pretty heavy angst, instead this was a rather funny read with dashes of angst and a lovely little HEA.
Perfect for when you just want to lose yourself in a sweet story
May 17, 2015
That was fun. I thought there would be some angsts in this, instead I found something a tad humorous.
I guess being confronted with some of your unintended bad behaviour would worry your dead self, unless you got a chance to redeem yourself. :)
I guess being confronted with some of your unintended bad behaviour would worry your dead self, unless you got a chance to redeem yourself. :)
June 23, 2015
Loved it!
March 30, 2025
3/5 ⭐️
Definitivamente no es lo que yo esperaba... pero igual estuvo lindo... y bastante chistoso. 😅 Este libro es raro. En plan, raro raro. Bizarro, incluso... Hay filosofía, mezclada con religión cristiana, pero al mismo tiempo toca temas como la reencarnación, las almas, la condición homosexual del individuo como parte del equilibrio en el ser y la naturaleza... Eh. Sí. Muy bizarro. Ok, siendo justa, todo eso fue apenas una pequeña fracción de toda la historia, pero igual toma por sorpresa a cualquiera el cambio de tono tan abrupto. Hay otras escenas hacia el final que también me resultaron bastante extrañas, pero bueno, ninguna traspasó el umbral de lo terriblemente cringe, así que pude soportarlo. 😂
Quizás esperaba algo un poco más emotivo. Tal vez por eso me costó conectar con la historia en un principio. Por ejemplo, el hecho de que Brian hubiera muerto de forma abrupta y horrible, pero a nadie pareció importarle gran cosa (?) Idk. 🤷🏼♀️ Por suerte, la tensión entre Chuck y Kevin medio salvó el día. Fue lindo verlos juntos, aunque ese romance pareció salir de la nada.
En conclusión, fue un viaje breve y extraño, pero lindo, wholesome y gracioso.
Definitivamente no es lo que yo esperaba... pero igual estuvo lindo... y bastante chistoso. 😅 Este libro es raro. En plan, raro raro. Bizarro, incluso... Hay filosofía, mezclada con religión cristiana, pero al mismo tiempo toca temas como la reencarnación, las almas, la condición homosexual del individuo como parte del equilibrio en el ser y la naturaleza... Eh. Sí. Muy bizarro. Ok, siendo justa, todo eso fue apenas una pequeña fracción de toda la historia, pero igual toma por sorpresa a cualquiera el cambio de tono tan abrupto. Hay otras escenas hacia el final que también me resultaron bastante extrañas, pero bueno, ninguna traspasó el umbral de lo terriblemente cringe, así que pude soportarlo. 😂
Quizás esperaba algo un poco más emotivo. Tal vez por eso me costó conectar con la historia en un principio. Por ejemplo, el hecho de que Brian hubiera muerto de forma abrupta y horrible, pero a nadie pareció importarle gran cosa (?) Idk. 🤷🏼♀️ Por suerte, la tensión entre Chuck y Kevin medio salvó el día. Fue lindo verlos juntos, aunque ese romance pareció salir de la nada.
En conclusión, fue un viaje breve y extraño, pero lindo, wholesome y gracioso.
May 12, 2024
A great little novella that gets to a very important point for the story.
Brian was 19 and couldn't believe he was dead but there's a judgement to his next step.
Stuck in lindo as a 👻 he’s to save Kevin in two weeks.
He’d had a best friend, Chuck in collage but they were a part of the bad bunch.
Straight up Kevin is being bullied for being gay from a homophobic roommate.
An enemies to lovers romance which the couple eventually find their HEA, with a little help from a ghost.
Brian was 19 and couldn't believe he was dead but there's a judgement to his next step.
Stuck in lindo as a 👻 he’s to save Kevin in two weeks.
He’d had a best friend, Chuck in collage but they were a part of the bad bunch.
Straight up Kevin is being bullied for being gay from a homophobic roommate.
An enemies to lovers romance which the couple eventually find their HEA, with a little help from a ghost.
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