Connections

by K.C. Wells

With one week until Christmas, David Poulter is on his way to a reunion of his Chemistry degree group, fifteen years after they all graduated from Manchester University. He's looking forward to seeing his old friends. They've lost touch over the years, and it will be good to see them all again.
Especially Cameron Trent. Talk about the one that got away... Still, David wasn't out when he was a student, and as for Cameron, David didn't have a clue as to his friend's sexuality.
So when David finds himself unexpectedly sitting opposite Cameron on the train to Manchester, he can't believe it. And when he learns that not only is Cameron gay, but that his confident exterior hid a shy young man who was too nervous to come right out and ask him on a date all those years ago, the trip up north takes a new direction - one that David is not going to forget.
And Christmas might be very different this year.

Genres: M M Romance, Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, M M Contemporary

59 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2014

About the author

K.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words 'Love is Love' and 'Love Wins' is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love - be it sweet and slow, hot or kinky - for a long while to come.

If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT

You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:

E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: https://www.kcwellswrites.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/k.c.wells
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-w...


And for those who like things a little hotter?
There's KC's alter ego, Tantalus, who writes gay erotica.

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

Warm, sparkly, SEXY...this is a perfect little Christmas novella from K.C. Wells, who never disappoints.

I loved the reunited-friends-to-lovers trope. There was a tiny bit of angst, but the chemistry between the men was obvious immediately, and I believed in their HEA!

Cameron and David felt so right together. I loved the alternating POVs, which showed us David's insecurity and Cameron's tenderness.

Most Christmas stories skimp on the steam and lay on the sweetness. This story has it all...hot sex, romance, and feels GALORE.

If you're lucky enough to find the "one who got away," you keep him.

[Meags · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This holiday short was kinda lite on Christmas but high on second-chance, friends-to-lovers vibes.

I love a good MM romance about reconnecting with “the one who got away.” David and Cameron certainly had that meant-for-each-other thing happening and it was lovely to see their secret college (mutual) crushes realised in adulthood.

I would have enjoyed a fuller, more complex telling of this story, but beggars can’t be choosers and I enjoyed what little we got of these guys together.

[Sandi ♥'s way too many M/M books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super sweet holiday goodness

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and steamy story about two men who each harbored a secret crush on the other at school, meeting up years later on their way to a school reunion. I enjoyed getting the points of view of both men as they meet again and rekindle the friendship while hoping for more and wondering if it could be more than just a fling. A quick read that left me smiling.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Low-angst, feel good, holiday story.

Cameron and David haven’t seen each other in 15 years, but when they are going to a college reunion, they meet again. Immediately sparks fly, and both of them are now ready to admit they were always attracted to each other.

This was such a sweet story. I loved it.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh, that’s the ticket. Finally, a believable Christmas love connection. Everything just works here.

❄️❄️❄️❄️

[Tessi4M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice surprise – I had no idea this book was in the making. It’s a perfect little nice and warm Christmas story. Sweet and harmless in the best possible way. And it’s nice to have a book from K.C. Wells where both MCs are actually past the age of 19. Doesn’t happen too often ;-)

[Pixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up:

Good for the holidays. A bit predictable but I didn’t mind. Like someone else said I wish there had been no drama and that instead the focus had been all about finding each other and positivity.

[Jennifer☠Pher☠ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was sweet.

Very cute HEA kinda Christmas read.

I could have done without the drama though, I guess it was a statement.

[Ele · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

[Tj · Rating 4 out of 5]

David and Cameron were in the same chemistry program in university, secretly crushed on each other, and never openly admitted to being gay. David is shy and unassuming by nature. He never worked up the courage to ask Cam out. Cameron felt lonely and wanted friends. He hid this by appearing carefree and always ready with a smile and a joke.

Fast forward 15 years.... The class is getting together for a reunion. The attraction is still there as strong as ever but, this time the boys are all grown up and act on that attraction. We the reader then gets a sweet, romantic, sexy, warm read that ends like a good Christmas story should - happily ever after.

[BevS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas tale from KC. Glad Cam and David finally got it together....better late than never guys!! 3.5 stars from me.

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Poulter. Fifteen years older and looking like sex on legs. Cameron couldn’t understand why David didn’t exude confidence. Does he know how he looks? — Cameron Trent

Connections is such a wonderful play on the home for the holidays trope. Where home is not so much a place but people. It all starts with thirty-something David Poulter waiting at the station to travel to Manchester for a college reunion. In something of a twist on the strangers on a train trope the man he finds himself sitting opposite is his college crush, Cameron Trent. Little to his knowledge Cameron had a crush on him all those years ago too. But neither of them talked about their sexuality and Cam lived his life with a mask on to protect himself from hurt. This just under 60-page novella is how they end up together. Honestly, is that a spoiler? I don't think so.

I'm honestly surprised that there wasn't more from the actual train ride up. It's more an 'oh no it's him. And oh wow time has been so good to him thing' for both of them. Including what they do for work now, what they are doing with their chemistry degree, they are different career paths and I like the choices. Most of the important catching up actually happens over drinks later. That conversation does get heavy but is also kinda funny. Both Cameron and David have nasty exes with manipulation problems. The is quite a foreboding sentence about a character called Sam fairly early on. It plays out well. He is the nearest thing to a villain but even he is more of a realistic sorta person that you might come up against. Particularly in a group of idealists.

I need to share another quote. “I am so, so sorry. And as for my opinion, I think you did the right thing. You leaving him, that was survival. I’m surprised you lasted as long as you did.” David says this to Cameron. Cam is a domestic abuse survivor, his former husband Tom is am a**. David's former partner is no ray of sunshine either but Tom is just awful. There are not a lot of details included certainly nothing graphic but it's enough. At one point Cam actually says “Yeah. I wasn’t happy about it, but I wanted to make him happy.” this made me so sad. It's a wonderful summation of living in domestic abuse. Luke, David's ex was also abusive but we learn less about that. He's referred to as a mind fucker.

Not much can be said about Connections. It's only 50 something pages long. But manages its characters, their pasts and potentials well. Though it does run some quite predictable paths. But I maintain that during the season that is not a bad thing. If you want a quick read for the holiday season I recommend this.

“Look, I don’t know about you, but I thought last night was…” Cameron sighed. “It was amazing, okay? It was everything I’d ever imagined and more, and that’s saying something because I imagined quite a lot.” His eyes sparkled. “And I have no intention of letting you retreat back into your shell, David Poulter. The David I saw last night was funny, relaxed and very sexy.” — Cameron Trent

A representative gif:

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading KC Wells books. But I have to say this one was a little perplexing and the fact that when it got to the last page I was worried I hadn’t downloaded the whole book. I kind of wanted a little bit more. These characters needed more of a challenge. I thought this was one of those things that felt way too easy. Wells usually gives me more.

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a perfect mix of sweet and hot, this reunion story set a week before Christmas tugged at my heartstrings. I’m a sucker for reunions anyway, and to see two men, who have secretly considered the other “the one who got away” get a second chance, got me interested in this cute novella from the moment I read the blurb. Watching them reconnect the moment they meet on the London-Manchester train was a joy, and watching them deepen that connection over their weekend in Manchester while enjoying the company of the remaining members of their close-knit group of friends was fun and enjoyable.

David looks forward to seeing his friends again. Fifteen years may have passed since they all did a chemistry course together, but they were the best of friends for three years while at university, and he misses them. Life and different jobs all over the country came between them, but he figures it will all be good. Meeting Cameron on the train and sharing the travel time with him, brings back a lot of memories for David. He wasn’t out back then, and he believes outgoing Cameron is straight, but he soon learns the error of his ways.

Cameron is not at all as confident as he pretends to be in social situations. He had a huge crush on David, but never managed to ask him out. Now is his chance, but even with the benefit of being older, more experienced, and a lot less troubled over being openly gay, it is not easy for him to admit how much he still feels for David. Watching him struggle, and cheering him on, was definitely fun.

If you like reunions and second chances, if two men who used to be too shy suddenly finding their courage sounds interesting, and if you’re looking for a fun, sweet read full of quirky characters and lots of loving, then you will probably like this short novella.

[Keveen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

This is such a sweet and short book and I loved every page of it! Cameron and David were so perfect for each other. Their chemistry was off the charts even if they were just talking. I really loved this story and I really wish it was a bit longer. I know it's short because it's kind of like a Christmas special but I really hoped it was something to continue on.

Great treat either way.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

so sweet to see the boys together after all that time. and not quite so shy this time
they took a chance and it gave them their dream

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, cute and fun but I didn't feel the Christmas aspects as much as some other books. Also the drama when everyone met up just seemed unnecessary.

[Gabriella]

I didn't feel their "connection". The story was too predictable and bland.

[Karine DS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une réunion d'anciens élèves une semaine avant noël, une rencontre dans le train inattendue, David n'en espérait pas tant pour revoir Cameron son béguin d'adolescence d'il y a 15 ans. Le peur du rejet à l'époque avait paralysé ses tentatives d'approche.

Cameron est toujours aussi beau, alléchant, viril et une gourmandise hors de portée. Jusqu'au moment des révélations autour d'un dernier verre.

Pendant des années, Cameron a caché sa vrai nature derrière le gars sur de lui, populaire et décontracte au lieu d'avouer ses sentiments.

Cette réunion est-elle une deuxième chance ?



Le fait de les voir face à face, si incertain c'est très attachant, l'attirance est palpable.

Le moment où ils apprennent réciproquement qu'ils sont gay est assez drôle, parsemé de regrets, de confidences amères sur leur passé, assaisonné de rapprochements physiques impatients, fougueux.

Leur corps à corps est chaud, brûlant, d'un désir enfin assouvi avec tendresse, empressement et découverte des sens décuplés par un amour longtemps caché.

J'ai adoré, cette nouvelle de noël est splendide. Elle vous redonne de l'espoir. Le destin met sur votre chemin des embûches afin de mieux apprécier les instants de bonheur et de joie que la vie nous offre.

La plume de K.C. Wells est toujours un délice. Elle est capable en quelques phrases de faire ressentir un feu d'artifices de sentiments forts et intenses.

Elle distille le rêve, l'évasion que le lecteur recherche.

Une nouvelle de noël magnifique avec une pointe de magie qui réalise des étincelles.

[Russell Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for an hour or so of fun, and right here at holiday time, you won’t be sorry you read K.C. Wells’ Connection. Set at Christmastime, the novel is a male/male romance that is charming. Wells’s two main characters are richly drawn, and the situation they find themselves in—a ten year class reunion—plays out very entertainingly, with just enough satisfying tension. A very short novel, this is a very pleasurable way to spend an hour of your time, escaping to England and spending a Christmas with two very appealing men. And if you like sex scenes, you’ll find two extended romps. K. C. Wells knows how to write winningly, draw full-bodied characters, and place them in entertaining situations. Good book!

[Toshokan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cette histoire de Noël de K.C est parfaitement dans l’esprit de Noël et des présents que celui offre.

J’ai retrouvé le talent de cette auteure dans les scènes sensuelles mais l’histoire était malheureusement attendue et convenue. On s’attend aux différents événements et il n’y a que peu de surprises.

Cela m’a fait moins apprécié ma lecture même si la patte de l’auteure est présente. Les personnages sont bien conçus et interagissent parfaitement entre eux. David et Cameron son juste tous mimi. J’ai aimé l’aspect peu sûr de lui de chacun.

En résumé une belle histoire de noël malgré le caractère un peu convenu de l’ensemble qui n’a pour but que de nous divertir.

[Sue bowdley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't give anything but 5 stars for this....It's been a while since my last Kc book but I found this on amazon and hadn't heard of it....This is truly an amazing read....only about 50 pages long but done so beautifully....Cameron and David meeting on the train on the way to their reunion....The two of them together were amazing....I love my short reads because when done right they really do make you smile x

[Melisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

David and Cam were so cute!! This was a sweet and sexy little read. Only thing I thought they could with out was the whole Sam scene. Felt kind of off and unneeded. I would have expected a situation from David's ex instead. But overall a great little read!!

[Becky Condit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to follow.

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story of two old friends who discover that both of them were good at keeping secrets. But now they have a chance to connect. Fast paced but fun Christmas story.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Kavisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected it to be better, but it was a short sweet story, nothing too special.

[Wicked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super sweet Christmas holiday short.

[Claudia Lezár · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 *

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class