A Midsummer Dream

by E.T. Malinowski

Arik Blackbourne has a talent for wringing emotions from his audience. He can make them believe in anything, including love, although he detest plays about love even more than love itself. When his best friend and director decides to do an erotic adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Arik bows out. Yet Arik’s past rears its head unexpectedly, forcing him to return to the play and take on the role of Helenus, the spurned suitor of Demetrius. Despite his dislike of the play, it might be tolerable if it weren’t for the man slated to play Demetrius.

Donovan Montgomery is an amicable man, but Arik Blackbourne tests the limits of his patience. When Arik leaves them high and dry, Donovan decides to get answers. While he still doesn’t care for Arik’s standoffish attitude, Donovan has to admit the man is smoking hot and seriously talented. What starts out as just a love scene soon becomes much more, and Donovan must fight Arik’s past to win the love of his life.

Genres: M M Romance

84 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 22, 2015

About the author

An avid reader, E.T. finds inspiration in all her favorite genres, from mainstream romance by her favorite authors to Japanese manga and anime. To her, even the classic fairytales hold that spark of motivation and if there is one thing she has learned from her many years of writing solely for herself, it’s this: never deny the Muse, she gets cranky and pulls out the bullwhip. E.T. Malinowski is the youngest of seven girls. It was her love of reading that eventually led her to attempt writing. From there, a passion was born. She began writing romance in her early teens and, at that time, never dreamed of sharing her work with anyone. With the help of several dear friends, not to mention her ex-husband, she found the courage to take that last step towards publication. As the single mother of three rambunctious boys, finding time to write is a bit difficult. Yet E.T. manages to do it, even if it’s on break or lunch at a regular day job. She has found her place in homoerotic romance. To her, love doesn’t recognize gender boundaries and is always special. An avid reader, E.T. finds inspiration in all her favorite genres, from mainstream romance by her favorite authors to Japanese manga and anime. To her, even the classic fairytales hold that spark of motivation and if there is one thing she has learned from her many years of writing solely for herself, it’s this: never deny the Muse, she gets cranky and pulls out the bullwhip.

Reviews

[Erin O'Riordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short book and a quick read, so I finished it in an afternoon. I love everything to do with my favorite Shakespeare comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream. I love romance novels in all the genres, with all the possible gender combinations, and I especially like contemporaries. It was a no-brainer that I had to read this one.

I was not disappointed. The writing wasn't perfect, but I really didn't care, because I was heavily invested in the characters. I always like the heroes who are a little bit damaged, and Arik Blackbourne is a classic example of this. He has a tragic past. He's estranged from his sister and niece. He harbors a longstanding crush on a fellow actor who barely knows he exists.

Donovan Montgomery is that actor, and he's a little clueless. He needs to work on his communication skills. But as he performs the role of Demetrius, opposite Arik's gender-swapped Helena ("Helenus"), Donovan is increasingly smitten. And this seems increasingly familiar...

Like Shakespeare's play, this gripping romance proceeds, with much confusion, toward a happily-ever-after ending. The involvement of fairy royalty and their retinue is not even required.

The novella does raise an interesting Shakespearean question, though: At the end of the original play, are Demetrius and Helena really in love? Or is she in love with a guy who's still stuck under a fairy love spell, but deep down he's not even interested in her anymore?

I tend to think that at the end of the wedding scene, when Oberon bestows his blessing upon the marital beds of the three couples, he's also undoing all of his mischievous magic, and at this point, Helena and Demetrius are truly in love. Christian Bale and Calista Flockheart look pretty lovey-dovey at the end of the 1999 movie (which I saw in the theater when it came out, because that's the kind of literature geek I am). But I suppose the Shakespeareans are welcome to debate that point.

I checked this e-book out from the library via HooplaDigital.com. I was not obligated in any way to review it.

[Brandilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance

A man with a secret crush who had sex with said crush. Said crush then doesn't remember a thing about that night. Man is embarrassed and takes it out on Crush. Crush thinks man is a first class asshole all around. Man and Crush get thrown together as love interests in an erotic adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Passion ensues.

For Complete review see Prism Book Alliance: http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...