Apprentice chemist Dorrimin likes math, formulas, and helping run his family’s household apothecary business in Eladia, the Windswept City. A mountain city of trains, turbines, and Guild politicking, Eladia can be loud and chaotic, which is why Dorrimin prefers his quiet laboratory. But his family think he needs to talk to people more, so he is working at the counter of their shop when Tommick Fortune walks in.
Charming Tommick is a regular visitor and Dorrimin can’t help but wish that some of his charm was about courtship. But though Dorrimin’s family are respected members of a Guild, Tommick’s wealthy, powerful family will have more planned for him than a sweetheart from a middle-class level of the city. In addition, Dorrimin is… awkward.
But when the wind blows in a snowstorm, even a rich boy from the mountaintop needs safety and comfort, and perhaps, the sort of care his upper-class family can’t provide. Fortunately, Dorrimin is there with his family, and his home, and his heart, if Tommick wants it.
I'm R. Cooper, a somewhat absentminded, often distracted, writer of queer romance. I'm probably most known for the Being(s) in Love series and The Suitable 'Verse stories. Also the occasional story about witches or firefighters in love.
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Delightful and charming 60-pages novella. I adore R. Cooper's writing, and their latest book is another gem.
Single pov third person past tense.
Dorrimin is awkward, longing to be closer to Tommick, who has for the last year regularly stopped in Dorrimin's family's Apothecary for Everyday Household Needs, to chat with Dorrimin. Dorrimin is oblivious like many of R. Cooper's characters are. His family loves him, and urges him to open up a bit, to work the counter instead of creating useful potions in the basement. But, as Dorrimin complaints to Tommick "People TALK to me here" (I felt that sentiment, deeply).
One evening during a storm, Tommick can't reach home, so he seeks shelter with Dorrimin's family, cold and wet as he is. Oblivious Dorrimin has finally the opportunity to care for Tommick like he longed to, for so long. And slowly realises what his mother and sister tried to hint at.
I really enjoyed this subtle and cozy romance in the making. Tommick, a college man from a wealthy family up on the hill, has been visiting Dorrimin for almost a year, dropping hints at his interest in Tommick. Tommick is shy and awkward, missing many social cues. One night, as a storm rages and Dorrimin appears, frozen, to take shelter with Tommick's family, Tommick realizes just how important this man is to him. This short story focuses on a few days in time that turn the future of both men to a lifetime of love. Recommended!
Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get into this. Often, I can’t put R. Cooper’s books down, but 2025s releases have been easy to put down and set aside for a while.
This was less than 70 pages, but it took me 7 days to finish.
It did become a bit for engaging for me by the end, but overall, it was a bit of a miss in spite of having to elements I generally love from R. Cooper.
Where's the rest of it? I kept trying to turn the page after the last page. I get it's a series but damn she could've given us more, the story is literally unfinished. I want more R Cooper why did u do this :(
This is the cutest little story. The part where they're all together drinking plum wine was adorable. They're all match making. Dorri and his family's banter had me laughing so much. I love him and Tommick.
Short and sweet. It’s about two people coming together, both with longing though maybe both oblivious. A storm comes along and makes them both aware and it’s cute.