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Dragons
A chance encounter in a hospital waiting room between twenty-two year old Will Messina and sixteen year old Josiah Pinkerton ends with a gift of a stuffed dragon off the hospital gift cart and a memory neither of them can shake.
Five years later, when a lonely, buttoned-up Will ventures into a gay club, he spots a pale, leather-clad specter with violet eyes tracking his every move. Will realizes he’s being watched by the grown version of the boy who’s haunted his thoughts for years.
Joey recognizes Will, but he’s no longer the sweet, brown-eyed boy worthy of Will’s attention. He’s damaged and defective and lives in a different world than Will now. When his childhood crush makes his way across the bar, Joey doesn’t have time to decide whether to be enchanted or dismayed because, unless he turns and runs, those worlds are about to collide.
Five years later, when a lonely, buttoned-up Will ventures into a gay club, he spots a pale, leather-clad specter with violet eyes tracking his every move. Will realizes he’s being watched by the grown version of the boy who’s haunted his thoughts for years.
Joey recognizes Will, but he’s no longer the sweet, brown-eyed boy worthy of Will’s attention. He’s damaged and defective and lives in a different world than Will now. When his childhood crush makes his way across the bar, Joey doesn’t have time to decide whether to be enchanted or dismayed because, unless he turns and runs, those worlds are about to collide.
45 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2015
2 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Jaycee Edward
2 books23 followersJaycee Edward is no longer seventeen years old but don’t tell her that. She’s actually a tad older and lives in northeast Ohio with her handsome husband and one, big gorgeous dog. She has two grown stepdaughters and is proud to be the ultra-cool Nana to two amazingly incredible grand-teens. Jaycee loves pistol shooting and is has earned her Bar 7 Sharpshooter status in the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program and hopes to someday reach the level of Expert Marksman. She is the token liberal and constant source of fascination to the other members at her gun range. Jaycee knows way too much about the inner workings of Walt Disney World and anything related to One Direction. She’d love to pull you into the rabbit hole with her. All you have to do is ask. Find her there or contact her through social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 28, 2016
O my gosh. Love at first sight.
Awesome sweet and sometimes heartbreaking story.
Joey and Will
When their eyes met they both felt it. Joey just 16 with ink-black hair and big, dark eyes set into the palest, most porcelain skin. Will thought he was striking.
Will gives him a purple dragon.
Will was working in his free time at the hospital were Joey would have a cancer treatment.
Joey has a very low self esteem. He almost want to disappear.
After five years they meet again at a gay bar. Will sees the pale porcelain skin and walks to Joey and that's the beginning of something beautiful.
Which is so great written you al should read. #mustread
Joey still has his purple dragon <3 <3
Awesome sweet and sometimes heartbreaking story.
Joey and Will
When their eyes met they both felt it. Joey just 16 with ink-black hair and big, dark eyes set into the palest, most porcelain skin. Will thought he was striking.
Will gives him a purple dragon.
Will was working in his free time at the hospital were Joey would have a cancer treatment.
Joey has a very low self esteem. He almost want to disappear.
After five years they meet again at a gay bar. Will sees the pale porcelain skin and walks to Joey and that's the beginning of something beautiful.
Which is so great written you al should read. #mustread
Joey still has his purple dragon <3 <3
April 15, 2015
Short, sweet and satisfying describes Dragons perfectly. Not the longest read; this gentle, emotionally affecting little tale packed a lot of heart and soul. Not every short story delivers on that front but this one actually brought tears to my eyes at more than one instance, and in a forty five page book I reckon that shows a true skill for not only good writing, but being able to tell a well-rounded story.
This is the second book by Jaycee I've read and loved. She has a way of connecting you to her characters and she gets the connection between them just right! From the word go I found myself captivated by Will and Josiah, and their sensitively portrayed love story.
Will is a lovely person; kind and thoughtful, whilst Josiah is a sweet but sad soul. You don't get a massive amount of backstory, that's not its true focus, but what you do get sets the scene for the continuation of their story, which takes place five years after they first encounter each other at the hospital, where sixteen year old Josiah is having treatments for cancer, and twenty two year old Will is volunteering.
There's something about this pretty, withdrawn teenager that tugs at Will's heart. An attraction of sorts but at this point more of an emotional pull that calls to him. The title comes from a purple, plush toy dragon that Will gifts Josiah during their short time together at the beginning of the novelette. An act of kindness that—as the following five years continue to throw curveballs at him—provides the one comfort in life he cherishes, until at the age of twenty one, he again meets the older guy he's never forgotten, and the fleeting connection they initially felt is given a chance to blossom into a healing process that is just a joy to witness....
Link to rest of review~http://bit.ly/1JJNLNB
This is the second book by Jaycee I've read and loved. She has a way of connecting you to her characters and she gets the connection between them just right! From the word go I found myself captivated by Will and Josiah, and their sensitively portrayed love story.
Will is a lovely person; kind and thoughtful, whilst Josiah is a sweet but sad soul. You don't get a massive amount of backstory, that's not its true focus, but what you do get sets the scene for the continuation of their story, which takes place five years after they first encounter each other at the hospital, where sixteen year old Josiah is having treatments for cancer, and twenty two year old Will is volunteering.
There's something about this pretty, withdrawn teenager that tugs at Will's heart. An attraction of sorts but at this point more of an emotional pull that calls to him. The title comes from a purple, plush toy dragon that Will gifts Josiah during their short time together at the beginning of the novelette. An act of kindness that—as the following five years continue to throw curveballs at him—provides the one comfort in life he cherishes, until at the age of twenty one, he again meets the older guy he's never forgotten, and the fleeting connection they initially felt is given a chance to blossom into a healing process that is just a joy to witness....
Link to rest of review~http://bit.ly/1JJNLNB
May 24, 2015
What a beautiful little story this was Jaycee, full of heart in it's 40 odd pages. You'll run the gamut with this one, there were tears, smiles and a big grin at the end. 4 stars from me.
April 15, 2015
I don’t usually mention the cover of a book when I write my thoughts on the story down. In general, I’m not much of a cover girl and I guess I’m even less so now that I get most of my books in e-format. Dragons, however, is the exception that proves the rule. Not only is this one of the most gorgeous covers I’ve ever seen, it is also the perfect cover for this book. The young man on the left is exactly – and I mean exactly – how I imagined Joey. The cover artist, Jay Aheer, did the most amazing job when she created the cover for Dragons.
And talking about Joey; I wanted to wrap him up in my arms and keep him safe from the very first moment I met him in that hospital waiting room. Will is ‘just’ this amazingly wonderful man right from the start and that never changes. Joey is adorable, he touched my heart the first time he appeared on the page and stayed there, sometimes making the beats skip and sometimes making my heart swell in my breast. He had me captivated.
Jaycee has a knack for heart-rending stories. She manages to draw her readers in to her character’s lives to such an extend it is impossible not to get emotionally involved. And some of her sentences and descriptions are pure jewels.
Joey’s description of Will when he sees him in the bar brought Will to life for me.
“...Will stood out in his crisp, white shirt like an awkward angel.”
And the description of the toy dragon in the middle of Joey’s big bed evoked emotions far beyond just a visual image.
“The little purple warrior held his ground in an obvious last ditch effort to fight off its bleak surroundings and the onslaught of adulthood.”
And the following sentence is simply a thing of beauty, and a very accurate description of the Joey I’d fallen in love with by that stage of the story.
“Joey was fragile. That was blatantly obvious, but Will suspected inside his porcelain shell raged the heart of a warrior.”
I would love to also quote my favourite line in this book but I resist the temptation. That’s something you’ll have to discover for yourself and appreciate in the right context. I bet it will leave you with as big a grin on your face as had.
To summarise: Dragons is a short but fully formed story about two adorable characters. The story strikes an almost perfect balance between sweet, touching and angsty. And I have to say that for a sex free tale, Dragons is rather hot. If you’ve got about an hour to spare and are looking for a thoroughly enjoyable read, you can’t go wrong with Dragons.
And talking about Joey; I wanted to wrap him up in my arms and keep him safe from the very first moment I met him in that hospital waiting room. Will is ‘just’ this amazingly wonderful man right from the start and that never changes. Joey is adorable, he touched my heart the first time he appeared on the page and stayed there, sometimes making the beats skip and sometimes making my heart swell in my breast. He had me captivated.
Jaycee has a knack for heart-rending stories. She manages to draw her readers in to her character’s lives to such an extend it is impossible not to get emotionally involved. And some of her sentences and descriptions are pure jewels.
Joey’s description of Will when he sees him in the bar brought Will to life for me.
“...Will stood out in his crisp, white shirt like an awkward angel.”
And the description of the toy dragon in the middle of Joey’s big bed evoked emotions far beyond just a visual image.
“The little purple warrior held his ground in an obvious last ditch effort to fight off its bleak surroundings and the onslaught of adulthood.”
And the following sentence is simply a thing of beauty, and a very accurate description of the Joey I’d fallen in love with by that stage of the story.
“Joey was fragile. That was blatantly obvious, but Will suspected inside his porcelain shell raged the heart of a warrior.”
I would love to also quote my favourite line in this book but I resist the temptation. That’s something you’ll have to discover for yourself and appreciate in the right context. I bet it will leave you with as big a grin on your face as had.
To summarise: Dragons is a short but fully formed story about two adorable characters. The story strikes an almost perfect balance between sweet, touching and angsty. And I have to say that for a sex free tale, Dragons is rather hot. If you’ve got about an hour to spare and are looking for a thoroughly enjoyable read, you can’t go wrong with Dragons.
July 13, 2015
This is a wonderfully warm sweet treat wrapped up in a 40 page short story.
Joey and Will originally meet under unusual circumstances and it's only a few pages in and I'm smitten by them both, chuck in the stuffed dragon and I'm a goner! They meet up again, by chance, 5 years later and the impression they had initially made on each other has not dimmed over time. As men in their early and mid 20's , it was truly a joy to see the confident Will engage Joey with words and touch and warmth and feelings. Showing Joey he was just perfect as he was.....I was just goo *sigh* The banter between the MC's was light and humorous and the "grow in the dark" comment made me smirk.
Overall, for such a short story, this had me engaged from the first page and held my attention till the last word, it packed a lot into the pages. It ended on a strong HFN and that was my only complaint, it ended.
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
Joey and Will originally meet under unusual circumstances and it's only a few pages in and I'm smitten by them both, chuck in the stuffed dragon and I'm a goner! They meet up again, by chance, 5 years later and the impression they had initially made on each other has not dimmed over time. As men in their early and mid 20's , it was truly a joy to see the confident Will engage Joey with words and touch and warmth and feelings. Showing Joey he was just perfect as he was.....I was just goo *sigh* The banter between the MC's was light and humorous and the "grow in the dark" comment made me smirk.
Overall, for such a short story, this had me engaged from the first page and held my attention till the last word, it packed a lot into the pages. It ended on a strong HFN and that was my only complaint, it ended.
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2015
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this story and the only complaint I have is that it ended.
The is about Will and Joey who initially meet in the hospital, where Will volunteers and Joey is a patient. I was gripped from the start. The subject matter is sad but is in no way depressing and the way the connection between the two MC's is written is spot on. Their first meeting occurs when Joey is 16 and Will 21 and although they only meet twice briefly, they both feel a connection. They don't bump into each other again until five years later, when their mutual attraction is as strong as ever. You can't help but fall for both boys and want the best for them. The HEA is well written and completed in such a way that the reader isn't left hanging. I'd happily read more by this author.
I absolutely loved this story and the only complaint I have is that it ended.
The is about Will and Joey who initially meet in the hospital, where Will volunteers and Joey is a patient. I was gripped from the start. The subject matter is sad but is in no way depressing and the way the connection between the two MC's is written is spot on. Their first meeting occurs when Joey is 16 and Will 21 and although they only meet twice briefly, they both feel a connection. They don't bump into each other again until five years later, when their mutual attraction is as strong as ever. You can't help but fall for both boys and want the best for them. The HEA is well written and completed in such a way that the reader isn't left hanging. I'd happily read more by this author.
June 23, 2015
I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Jaycee Edward's Dragons is a short and sweet story. Joey and Will first meet while Joey is receiving chemotherapy. They see each other twice during his treatment; however, Will has a lasting impact on Joey. Fast forward five years and Joey is still suffering emotionally from his bout with cancer. Once again Will becomes Joey's inadvertent savior.
The relationship between Will and Joey moves pretty fast but it is still believable. If you're looking for a quick sweet read, Dragons is the book for you.
Jaycee Edward's Dragons is a short and sweet story. Joey and Will first meet while Joey is receiving chemotherapy. They see each other twice during his treatment; however, Will has a lasting impact on Joey. Fast forward five years and Joey is still suffering emotionally from his bout with cancer. Once again Will becomes Joey's inadvertent savior.
The relationship between Will and Joey moves pretty fast but it is still believable. If you're looking for a quick sweet read, Dragons is the book for you.
July 12, 2015
What a wonderful little gem of a story!
I was engaged from the very beginning and for a very short novella there is such a lot packed in.
I would absolutely love to read more about these two.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I was engaged from the very beginning and for a very short novella there is such a lot packed in.
I would absolutely love to read more about these two.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2015
This was so sweet!!
April 25, 2015
Dragons and fairy tales go well together, but this story shows they can also play a role in very “normal” lives. Having said that, nothing about Joey and Will’s lives is normal, and especially not when they first meet. But that is the charm if this story: it all seems very bleak until a small ray of hope appears in the form of a stuffed dragon given to Joey when Will wants to cheer him up on the day they meet. And while they don’t see each other for five years, it is that small seed of hope that grows into a wonderful surprise and a very special relationship. It is a touching story, and as improbable as is sounds, it moved me like any modern-day fairy tale about shining knights and brave young men slaying their dragons.
Will can’t forget the young cancer patient he met when he was volunteering in the hospital. He was just a sixteen-year old kid back then, but when Will runs into him again five years later, he is just as fascinated by the young man. All grown up now, but clearly in trouble, Joey is fascinating and Will goes after him with single-minded determination and great sensitivity. Will knows what he wants, and he won’t take no for an answer.
Joy hasn’t had an easy life. His father died when Joey was young, he had to got through treatments fro testicular cancer when he was a teenager, and now sees himself as “damaged” and a freak”. To top it all, his mother disowned him when he came out. Joey cannot believe anyone as perfect and “whole” as Will could possibly be interested i him, but he has never forgotten the kind gift of a small stuffed dragon that helped him through his years of loneliness. Joey thinks he can hold it all together, but who could resist Will? Luckily, Joey can’t.
If you like sweet romances with a touch of drama, if men fighting for their lives and ending up the victor are worthy of your admiration, and if you’re looking for a read that is as deeply emotional as it is heartwarming, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Evernight Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Will can’t forget the young cancer patient he met when he was volunteering in the hospital. He was just a sixteen-year old kid back then, but when Will runs into him again five years later, he is just as fascinated by the young man. All grown up now, but clearly in trouble, Joey is fascinating and Will goes after him with single-minded determination and great sensitivity. Will knows what he wants, and he won’t take no for an answer.
Joy hasn’t had an easy life. His father died when Joey was young, he had to got through treatments fro testicular cancer when he was a teenager, and now sees himself as “damaged” and a freak”. To top it all, his mother disowned him when he came out. Joey cannot believe anyone as perfect and “whole” as Will could possibly be interested i him, but he has never forgotten the kind gift of a small stuffed dragon that helped him through his years of loneliness. Joey thinks he can hold it all together, but who could resist Will? Luckily, Joey can’t.
If you like sweet romances with a touch of drama, if men fighting for their lives and ending up the victor are worthy of your admiration, and if you’re looking for a read that is as deeply emotional as it is heartwarming, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Evernight Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 7, 2015
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review
For a short story, this sure packed a big punch! There was so much story for so few pages. It wasn't that there was a huge, tremendously big story to tell, but I wasn't left wondering about so many things that often happens when I read a short story.
We meet Joey and Will, and understand the connection between them with just a few pages. It was written so well. I was grateful that the story didn't immediately jump to a sexual connection like many do. Joey is 16 and Will is 21. While there might be some attraction in some way, that wasn't the focus of their connection. For Joey, it was like a simple, basic need for human connection and understanding at a time that seemed unlikely. For Will, there was something about Joey that just called to him. Again, even thought it was just a few pages, I FELT that connection between them. The dragon melted me!
When Joey and Will meet up years later, it is clear to see that they were both affected by those first meetings, much like I was. They knew who the other was just by seeing him across the room. Poor Joey had so much emotional stuff on his plate, but Will (true to the character that we meet 5 years earlier) just plows right through it and does not let that bother him. My heart broke for Joey and I found myself cheering as he opened himself up to Will.
I do wish we had gotten more story regarding Joey's relationship with his mother, but I did not find that the lack of information deterred from the story or kept me curious. Will and Joey were the stars here, and they sure did shine. One thing I really wish we had in this book? MORE. I would've loved to see them work through some of Joey's emotional growth. I really loved these guys and 40 pages was not enough.
For a short story, this sure packed a big punch! There was so much story for so few pages. It wasn't that there was a huge, tremendously big story to tell, but I wasn't left wondering about so many things that often happens when I read a short story.
We meet Joey and Will, and understand the connection between them with just a few pages. It was written so well. I was grateful that the story didn't immediately jump to a sexual connection like many do. Joey is 16 and Will is 21. While there might be some attraction in some way, that wasn't the focus of their connection. For Joey, it was like a simple, basic need for human connection and understanding at a time that seemed unlikely. For Will, there was something about Joey that just called to him. Again, even thought it was just a few pages, I FELT that connection between them. The dragon melted me!
When Joey and Will meet up years later, it is clear to see that they were both affected by those first meetings, much like I was. They knew who the other was just by seeing him across the room. Poor Joey had so much emotional stuff on his plate, but Will (true to the character that we meet 5 years earlier) just plows right through it and does not let that bother him. My heart broke for Joey and I found myself cheering as he opened himself up to Will.
I do wish we had gotten more story regarding Joey's relationship with his mother, but I did not find that the lack of information deterred from the story or kept me curious. Will and Joey were the stars here, and they sure did shine. One thing I really wish we had in this book? MORE. I would've loved to see them work through some of Joey's emotional growth. I really loved these guys and 40 pages was not enough.
May 6, 2015
This book sure packs a punch for a short read. But saying it was a short read seems wrong as it seemed to last a lot longer than it did.
So much emotion, angst, hope, sadness and love were packed into these 45 pages.
It all starts with a chance meeting in a hospital waiting area and a stuffed Dragon. Then five years later another chance meeting between them happens. And the Dragon in pride of place.
Joey due to what has happened in his young life feels that he is damaged and almost like he is not worthy of people's love and respect.
Will seems perfect to Joey and it seems that he is going to sabotage their relationship before it starts. But Joey can't resist Will.
The epilogue makes this book in my opinion it shows what can be achieved with a little faith, love, a purple Dragon and support.
A tough subject was the backbone of this book and even though it's a rough start the sweetness comes through and you have a smile and warmth I n your heart after finishing this book. I recommend this book to all.
*** This book was provided free for an honest review***
So much emotion, angst, hope, sadness and love were packed into these 45 pages.
It all starts with a chance meeting in a hospital waiting area and a stuffed Dragon. Then five years later another chance meeting between them happens. And the Dragon in pride of place.
Joey due to what has happened in his young life feels that he is damaged and almost like he is not worthy of people's love and respect.
Will seems perfect to Joey and it seems that he is going to sabotage their relationship before it starts. But Joey can't resist Will.
The epilogue makes this book in my opinion it shows what can be achieved with a little faith, love, a purple Dragon and support.
A tough subject was the backbone of this book and even though it's a rough start the sweetness comes through and you have a smile and warmth I n your heart after finishing this book. I recommend this book to all.
*** This book was provided free for an honest review***
November 29, 2015
Joey and Will were so cute. This book was short but extremely sweet. Their first encounter is in a hospital and when they meet again five years later Joey thinks he's too damaged for Will. I loved seeing this couple come together. They were a perfect match. I only wished I could have read more of their story.
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2015
I love the storyline of the book, but I wish it was a full length novel. I was just getting to know the characters and it was over.
The story was great, as was the writing style. I really enjoyed it but a full length novel would have been able to answer some lingering questions I have.
I would definitely recommend this book to friends. Great quick read.
The story was great, as was the writing style. I really enjoyed it but a full length novel would have been able to answer some lingering questions I have.
I would definitely recommend this book to friends. Great quick read.
May 3, 2015
4 heart review by Amber
Crazily enough, I thought this was going to be about dragon shifters. And I’m not saying it’s NOT about shifters because I don’t want to spoil anything for anybody. I actually loved how “dragons” played into this very sweet short story. This is an instalove story; it seems right when they see each other there is something more. It’s hard for Will because he knows Joey is only 16 but they both feel the something more.
Josiah Pinkerton is beyond awkward. Not only that, he’s defensive, secretive, and sensitive. But when he first met Will Messina something within him came to life. He was only 16, he was in the most difficult place of his whole life but those few moments with Will gave him so much happiness.
Will Messina never got “Joey” out of his head. There was something about the kid from the cancer ward that struck his heart. Only having spent a few precious moments in his company it seems like he’s more important to him then he should be.
They meet 5 years later at a gay club. The attraction is still intense and immediate. Will takes Joey out to his family’s restaurant and the chemistry continues to grow between them. Joey is a mystery to Will. Will can tell Joey has a lot of self worth issues, he just doesn’t know why. Joey feels defective due to having testicular cancer when he was 16. He thinks no one would want him or should want him because of the cancer treatment.
Will embarks on a mission to prove to Joey that he is desirable. That he is wanted and that he is not defective.
This book is a feel good read. Will is Joey’s knight in shining armor. You can really get a feel for how much these two care about each other. The chemistry is electric.
I really enjoyed reading this very sweet short story. Even though it delved in some pretty serious topics it still managed to make you feel good. Totally recommend.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Crazily enough, I thought this was going to be about dragon shifters. And I’m not saying it’s NOT about shifters because I don’t want to spoil anything for anybody. I actually loved how “dragons” played into this very sweet short story. This is an instalove story; it seems right when they see each other there is something more. It’s hard for Will because he knows Joey is only 16 but they both feel the something more.
Josiah Pinkerton is beyond awkward. Not only that, he’s defensive, secretive, and sensitive. But when he first met Will Messina something within him came to life. He was only 16, he was in the most difficult place of his whole life but those few moments with Will gave him so much happiness.
Will Messina never got “Joey” out of his head. There was something about the kid from the cancer ward that struck his heart. Only having spent a few precious moments in his company it seems like he’s more important to him then he should be.
They meet 5 years later at a gay club. The attraction is still intense and immediate. Will takes Joey out to his family’s restaurant and the chemistry continues to grow between them. Joey is a mystery to Will. Will can tell Joey has a lot of self worth issues, he just doesn’t know why. Joey feels defective due to having testicular cancer when he was 16. He thinks no one would want him or should want him because of the cancer treatment.
Will embarks on a mission to prove to Joey that he is desirable. That he is wanted and that he is not defective.
This book is a feel good read. Will is Joey’s knight in shining armor. You can really get a feel for how much these two care about each other. The chemistry is electric.
I really enjoyed reading this very sweet short story. Even though it delved in some pretty serious topics it still managed to make you feel good. Totally recommend.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
July 16, 2015
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
Twenty-two year old Will Messina first meets sixteen year old Josiah Pinkerton, or Joey, as he calls him, in the radiation department waiting room where Will volunteers while finishing college. Will is immediately taken in by the cute but shy Joey and gives him a purple stuffed dragon from the gift cart. Will doesn’t know it, but Josiah actually looks forward to going to the hospital now just to try to catch a glimpse of Will. Their brief visits don’t last long before they lose contact.
Five years later Will catches a glimpse of a guy dressed in leather across the bar and immediately knows it’s Joey. They talk but are interrupted by a guy wanting a hook-up with Joey who Will quickly dispenses with. Joey takes Will to his room where the purple stuff dragon still sits on his bed. Will’s heart is warmed over this, but he’s shocked to see that Joey’s living conditions are less than desirable and the guy wanting a hook-up was a regular. Although Joey assures Will he doesn’t take money from them. It’s quickly apparent that Joey’s self-esteem is pretty low. The connection they once felt for each other is still there though and they go out on a date to get to know each other. Joey has a lot of issues regarding having had cancer and what it did to his body and it comes out on their date, but Will handles it very well.
I enjoyed this story. It’s rather short at forty-two pages so it can be read in one sitting. The characters are likable and make a good couple. There are elements of the story that feel like they could be fleshed out more, such as Joey’s relationship with his mother. Clearly things are not good there but we never know what happened, although not knowing doesn’t detract from the story. There is good use of humor too. Overall I found the story believable and well paced. I would recommend it to my friends.
Twenty-two year old Will Messina first meets sixteen year old Josiah Pinkerton, or Joey, as he calls him, in the radiation department waiting room where Will volunteers while finishing college. Will is immediately taken in by the cute but shy Joey and gives him a purple stuffed dragon from the gift cart. Will doesn’t know it, but Josiah actually looks forward to going to the hospital now just to try to catch a glimpse of Will. Their brief visits don’t last long before they lose contact.
Five years later Will catches a glimpse of a guy dressed in leather across the bar and immediately knows it’s Joey. They talk but are interrupted by a guy wanting a hook-up with Joey who Will quickly dispenses with. Joey takes Will to his room where the purple stuff dragon still sits on his bed. Will’s heart is warmed over this, but he’s shocked to see that Joey’s living conditions are less than desirable and the guy wanting a hook-up was a regular. Although Joey assures Will he doesn’t take money from them. It’s quickly apparent that Joey’s self-esteem is pretty low. The connection they once felt for each other is still there though and they go out on a date to get to know each other. Joey has a lot of issues regarding having had cancer and what it did to his body and it comes out on their date, but Will handles it very well.
I enjoyed this story. It’s rather short at forty-two pages so it can be read in one sitting. The characters are likable and make a good couple. There are elements of the story that feel like they could be fleshed out more, such as Joey’s relationship with his mother. Clearly things are not good there but we never know what happened, although not knowing doesn’t detract from the story. There is good use of humor too. Overall I found the story believable and well paced. I would recommend it to my friends.
April 20, 2015
Up until the last chapter of this book,this short story was a 5 stars read for me...
For story this short,Dragons really packed some serious emotions.
Joey's pain and vulnerability were so realistically (if not realisticaly,than in a way that really touched me) written,that I wanted to hug him the whole time,and just take him someplace where all is well,and nobody is going to hurt him...But,luckily he had Will for that. Will's determination managed to completely break and heal Joey in the same time,and that scene was amazing.
And than the last chapter (scene,epilogue) happened,which was so anticlimatic,and so confusing,that managed to ruin everything I read before it.
For story this short,Dragons really packed some serious emotions.
Joey's pain and vulnerability were so realistically (if not realisticaly,than in a way that really touched me) written,that I wanted to hug him the whole time,and just take him someplace where all is well,and nobody is going to hurt him...But,luckily he had Will for that. Will's determination managed to completely break and heal Joey in the same time,and that scene was amazing.
And than the last chapter (scene,epilogue) happened,which was so anticlimatic,and so confusing,that managed to ruin everything I read before it.
May 2, 2015
Josiah Pinkerton is terrified in the hospital waiting room when volunteer Will Messina sees the fear and impulsively presents him with a stuffed dragon. Years later in a gay club Will sees that younger boy he never forgot, but now he’s grown up and he’s not so innocent.
This short story is high on emotion. Josiah hasn’t had a lot of luck, from the cancer to his family’s reaction to his sexuality to his present place. He doesn’t pity himself, though, and that shows through. When he and Will come together, it’s a little sad and a lot hopeful. The moment when Will sees Josiah’s room is heartbreaking, and then when he sees what is on Josiah’s bed, well, my heart broke a little more even as I was so happy Josiah was going to finally get to be happy.
Will is a strong, lovely person, a good person and he’s perfect for Josiah. I loved the idea that one random act of kindness can be the one thing someone holds onto through some terrible times. And the epilogue made me happy.
This short story is high on emotion. Josiah hasn’t had a lot of luck, from the cancer to his family’s reaction to his sexuality to his present place. He doesn’t pity himself, though, and that shows through. When he and Will come together, it’s a little sad and a lot hopeful. The moment when Will sees Josiah’s room is heartbreaking, and then when he sees what is on Josiah’s bed, well, my heart broke a little more even as I was so happy Josiah was going to finally get to be happy.
Will is a strong, lovely person, a good person and he’s perfect for Josiah. I loved the idea that one random act of kindness can be the one thing someone holds onto through some terrible times. And the epilogue made me happy.
May 16, 2015
From Will and Josiah’s very first meeting to their chance encounter five years later “Dragons” is a very sweet yet substantial story. Sometimes sweetness implies a lack of depth, but Jaycee always seems to know how to tug at the heart-strings and create full, fleshed-out characters. She consistently gives those characters an emotional, layered depth in a relatively short period of time. She made me want to scoop up Joey and hug him. He’s been through so much.
I am a fan of short stories, so you certainly won’t hear any complaints from me about the length, but I did think it would have been interesting to explore more of what happened in Joey’s life in those five years and how he got to the point he’s at when Will runs into him at the club. I loved Will as well and the fact that he had such a deft touch in dealing with Joey’s fears. He knew when to push and when to back off. The epilogue was perfect and had me grinning and laughing through it. “Dragons” was a wonderful story that you shouldn’t miss!
I am a fan of short stories, so you certainly won’t hear any complaints from me about the length, but I did think it would have been interesting to explore more of what happened in Joey’s life in those five years and how he got to the point he’s at when Will runs into him at the club. I loved Will as well and the fact that he had such a deft touch in dealing with Joey’s fears. He knew when to push and when to back off. The epilogue was perfect and had me grinning and laughing through it. “Dragons” was a wonderful story that you shouldn’t miss!
June 23, 2015
3.5/5.0
I admit the title of the book grabbed my attention. Not knowing what it was about except it was a short story and had something to do with dragons,and someone I know had recommended it, I bought it.
The books centers on Josiah and Will. When they meet - Josiah is sixteen and undergoing treatment for cancer. Will is a volunteer at the hospital and has noticed this young man sitting in the waiting area on the Saturdays that he volunteers. One day they have a chance to talk and Will gives Joey a purple dragon. They meet once more then Will does not see Joey again.
Will has often wondered what happened to him until one night they chance to meet again. Joey's life is nothing like when they met five years before and he seems a bit lost. Will is determined to not miss this opportunity to get to know Joey now that he has found him.
This is a sweet story. It moves quickly, as short stories must, but it is satisfying, a feel good story. Even though some of the subject matter is serious, it felt hopeful and I enjoyed the happy ending.
I admit the title of the book grabbed my attention. Not knowing what it was about except it was a short story and had something to do with dragons,and someone I know had recommended it, I bought it.
The books centers on Josiah and Will. When they meet - Josiah is sixteen and undergoing treatment for cancer. Will is a volunteer at the hospital and has noticed this young man sitting in the waiting area on the Saturdays that he volunteers. One day they have a chance to talk and Will gives Joey a purple dragon. They meet once more then Will does not see Joey again.
Will has often wondered what happened to him until one night they chance to meet again. Joey's life is nothing like when they met five years before and he seems a bit lost. Will is determined to not miss this opportunity to get to know Joey now that he has found him.
This is a sweet story. It moves quickly, as short stories must, but it is satisfying, a feel good story. Even though some of the subject matter is serious, it felt hopeful and I enjoyed the happy ending.
July 9, 2015
My rating 3.5. Dragons is a story about two boys, William and Josiah, who meet in a hospital wing and end up reconnecting five years later. Though there are plenty of sparks flying and they both are crazy about each other, Josiah is insecure about losing one testicle due to his bout with cancer. He thinks William will reject him, but when Josiah realizes that it's not the case, they come together as a couple.
I really was in love with this story. The romance was touching, and I was so engrossed with the plot, that when the story suddenly ended, I was caught off guard and disappointed. I really expected there to be more, but when it got to the point where they were going to have sex, the story went into narration mode, quickly fast-forwarding to the end. I really liked the characters and thought the buildup was sexy and emotional, but I would have preferred more meat in the final pages. Overall, the story was romantic and enjoyable.
*I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really was in love with this story. The romance was touching, and I was so engrossed with the plot, that when the story suddenly ended, I was caught off guard and disappointed. I really expected there to be more, but when it got to the point where they were going to have sex, the story went into narration mode, quickly fast-forwarding to the end. I really liked the characters and thought the buildup was sexy and emotional, but I would have preferred more meat in the final pages. Overall, the story was romantic and enjoyable.
*I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2015
I was given a copy of this book for my unbaised review.
AHH!
What a simply wonderful book! Yes, it was a short story but it held so much emotion in those few pages! Will and Josiah "Joey" were both simply irresistible and I fell in love with them immediately.
My heart went out to then 15-year-old Josiah, who was at the hospital for cancer treatments when 21-year-old Will ran across himm. I loved the double meaning of the pruple dragon that Will gave Josiah. It was something to hold tight to as he fought his own dragon - cancer.
5 years later, they cross paths again and both remember the feeling they each had with their initial interaction and they build on that feeling.
Though I would have loved to have read more about their story, I still smiled and was a bit damp-eyed at the end. A true "feel good" story.
AHH!
What a simply wonderful book! Yes, it was a short story but it held so much emotion in those few pages! Will and Josiah "Joey" were both simply irresistible and I fell in love with them immediately.
My heart went out to then 15-year-old Josiah, who was at the hospital for cancer treatments when 21-year-old Will ran across himm. I loved the double meaning of the pruple dragon that Will gave Josiah. It was something to hold tight to as he fought his own dragon - cancer.
5 years later, they cross paths again and both remember the feeling they each had with their initial interaction and they build on that feeling.
Though I would have loved to have read more about their story, I still smiled and was a bit damp-eyed at the end. A true "feel good" story.
May 5, 2015
This was a nice, sweet, short story about 22 year old Will who is volunteering in a hospital. One day he comes across Josiah who is a teen waiting for chemo. The two have a brief but meaningful interaction but then don't see each other again for year. Another random meeting happens when they are adults and a relationship developes.
The story was well written and the characters developed nicely. Because of the length of the story the relationship moved along a little too quickly to be believable but I still enjoyed it. I would have rated it higher if it had been longer with more depth. If you like short stories I would check this out.
The story was well written and the characters developed nicely. Because of the length of the story the relationship moved along a little too quickly to be believable but I still enjoyed it. I would have rated it higher if it had been longer with more depth. If you like short stories I would check this out.
May 12, 2015
This was a little too short for me. And the Dragon title/theme felt off. There was also some stuff left unsaid like why Joey is so freaking weird. He lives thru a terminal illness and he spends the test of his life like a hermit weirdo. . why? ! Why is he all weird abt his mother? Like why is he so freaking poor? Why does he have sex with random guys but freaks out abt having sex with will? like there's a lot in here that just got thrown to the wayside. I don't believe it was a complete story.
August 1, 2015
I was given this book for an honest review. This is a short story but filled with so much emotion. Joey and Will meet at the beginning at the hospital that he volunteer's at and then they see each other at a bar 5 years later. The author doesn't go to much into the characters back grounds but I don't feel it is really necessary to get her point a crossed. She still pulls off the highs and lows of there time together. There is no violence in this story. The sexual content is not graphic but more sensual and playful. A good read.
June 2, 2015
4.5*
A gentle, confidently written short story. The characters are interesting and adorable in equal measure. The short format restrains authors from using the ‘misunderstandings in every dialogue’ to create angst, and Jaycee Edward shows that the reader can empathise with characters and feel their pain without it being spoon fed to them. This is a lovely, absorbing bedtime read. I think we all need a ‘Will’ and a purple dragon.
A gentle, confidently written short story. The characters are interesting and adorable in equal measure. The short format restrains authors from using the ‘misunderstandings in every dialogue’ to create angst, and Jaycee Edward shows that the reader can empathise with characters and feel their pain without it being spoon fed to them. This is a lovely, absorbing bedtime read. I think we all need a ‘Will’ and a purple dragon.
April 23, 2015
This was a super sweet short read. I normally shy away from novellas and shorts because I'm always left wanting more. I DID want more but I was perfectly satisfied with this. Such a clever idea for a story and now I want a stuffed dragon LOL. Cover lust too BTW!!! Jaycee Edward has become a really relaxing and enjoyable author and I look forward to more of her work.
March 29, 2015
Cute and sweet little story
April 20, 2015
Actually I loved this shortie. It's a bummer that it really is only a short story, because I would pay double to read about these two charming guys some more.
April 23, 2015
Nice romantic, sweet short story. I liked the premise of this, and I liked the ending. Its a quick read, but a good one. Check it out!
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