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Piece Us Back Together
All That Shimmers
Beau Bell is a former Olympic hopeful, left paralyzed from the waist down after a car accident. He has every reason in the world to be pissed off and miserable, yet he’s training for the Paralympics Men's 100m—S6 division. The chair? Just a part of who he is now. Beau's attitude is golden. If only he could contend with this one little errant erections and no way to relieve them!
Nikša Meríc is a lonely scientist and really bad poet living underneath the old building where he does his research. Every night he watches his neighbor through his basement window as he undresses in his wheelchair. Although there is no apparent reason for Nikša to be unhappy, he’s struggled with depression his whole life and has tried to kill himself on multiple occasions.
When Beau proposes that his “voyeur” come over and help him experiment with the erections he can’t actually feel, the relationship they build is a sexual one. But the relationship they need is one that will heal each other’s hearts as well.
Nikša Meríc is a lonely scientist and really bad poet living underneath the old building where he does his research. Every night he watches his neighbor through his basement window as he undresses in his wheelchair. Although there is no apparent reason for Nikša to be unhappy, he’s struggled with depression his whole life and has tried to kill himself on multiple occasions.
When Beau proposes that his “voyeur” come over and help him experiment with the erections he can’t actually feel, the relationship they build is a sexual one. But the relationship they need is one that will heal each other’s hearts as well.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2015
3 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Raine O'Tierney
25 books173 followersRaine O'Tierney wants to change the world...one sweet story at a time. When she's not writing, Raine is either playing video games or fighting the good fight for intellectual freedom at her library day job. She believes the best thing we can do in life is be kind to one another, and she enjoys encouraging fellow writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 7, 2015
This was great!! Lots of emotion and well researched characters packed into this beautiful story in a way that grips the reader.
Niksa is depressed and suicidal and lonely but he watches his neighbour Beau from his basement flat window. Beau lost the use of his legs in a car accident but he hasn't given up his dreams of swimming and medals, and is training for the 2016 paralympics. The only problem is his sex life. He knows he can have one but he needs someone in his life who will take time to explore with him and help him because now that he is disabled having a sex life is a challenge.
And suddenly Beau realises that his voyeur of a neighbour may be just the person to help him and Niksa who is lonely agrees.
But love surprisingly over takes the two of them and Niksa finds that Beau challenges him to stay alive, and Beau finds that Niksa challenges him to find something that goes beyond just sex and together the two men find both life and love.
This is a lovely novella. It is well researched and portrays the emotions of the two men with sensitivity and emotion. It is one of the stories in a set of three (Piece us Back Together series from DSP) which can be bought separately. Having enjoyed this one I will definitely be reading the other two:
This was lovely
Niksa is depressed and suicidal and lonely but he watches his neighbour Beau from his basement flat window. Beau lost the use of his legs in a car accident but he hasn't given up his dreams of swimming and medals, and is training for the 2016 paralympics. The only problem is his sex life. He knows he can have one but he needs someone in his life who will take time to explore with him and help him because now that he is disabled having a sex life is a challenge.
And suddenly Beau realises that his voyeur of a neighbour may be just the person to help him and Niksa who is lonely agrees.
But love surprisingly over takes the two of them and Niksa finds that Beau challenges him to stay alive, and Beau finds that Niksa challenges him to find something that goes beyond just sex and together the two men find both life and love.
This is a lovely novella. It is well researched and portrays the emotions of the two men with sensitivity and emotion. It is one of the stories in a set of three (Piece us Back Together series from DSP) which can be bought separately. Having enjoyed this one I will definitely be reading the other two:
This was lovely
May 14, 2015
This is an amazing story about two men who each face an uphill struggle not just to survive, but to do it well. Their challenges are very different, and neither of them suspects they’ll be able to help each other. But once they begin to interact (on a purely voyeuristic basis at first), then meet and build one of the most unusual relationships I have read about in a while, they discover there is a lot more between them than the “deal” they have made to explore having sex together. Both characters are not just well researched, but written with compassion and a deep understanding of what drives them. This may look like a purely physical relationship, and that is what Beau thinks he needs, but it ends up being a growth experience for both of them. It is also a great case of intimacy sneaking up on two unsuspecting guys and turning out to be not at all what they expected.
Beau is all about the physical side of life. Not surprising really, since he used to be an Olympic swimmer, and even though a car accident paralyzed him from the waist down, his solution is, by necessity, centered around the physical as well. He has to learn how to deal with a different set of abilities, but the one thing he knows is that he will remain a swimmer. Beau has also never had the time (or inclination) for a relationship, so he isn’t looking for one when he hooks up with Niksa. Beau requests help with his involuntary erections and how to learn to orgasm without genital stimulation. I thought it was pretty obvious he’d need intimacy to get there, but he never even considers this. For him, as ever, it is still all about his body. It was fascinating to see him learn and grow!
Niksa is the complete opposite of Beau. He is a scientist who lives in his head, has no friends, and not even a real desire to live. He’s had a tough life, but his challenge is mental and spiritual. Niksa writes poetry, and it’s all very dark and depressing, yet very emotional. He has never had sex, so Beau’s “offer” to teach him works well, but Niksa knows he will get attached and be in trouble before they start. He craves intimacy, yet he knows it is the one thing Beau is not willing to give. And Niksa being very self-centered, he misses all the signs that things may be changing, and is totally shocked when he finds out what has been happening to Beau.
If you like stories about complicated men who face tremendous challenges, if you want to find out what it may be like to live as a physically or emotionally challenged person, and if you’re looking for a read that is deeply emotional, character-driven, and very hot, then you will probably enjoy this extraordinary novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Beau is all about the physical side of life. Not surprising really, since he used to be an Olympic swimmer, and even though a car accident paralyzed him from the waist down, his solution is, by necessity, centered around the physical as well. He has to learn how to deal with a different set of abilities, but the one thing he knows is that he will remain a swimmer. Beau has also never had the time (or inclination) for a relationship, so he isn’t looking for one when he hooks up with Niksa. Beau requests help with his involuntary erections and how to learn to orgasm without genital stimulation. I thought it was pretty obvious he’d need intimacy to get there, but he never even considers this. For him, as ever, it is still all about his body. It was fascinating to see him learn and grow!
Niksa is the complete opposite of Beau. He is a scientist who lives in his head, has no friends, and not even a real desire to live. He’s had a tough life, but his challenge is mental and spiritual. Niksa writes poetry, and it’s all very dark and depressing, yet very emotional. He has never had sex, so Beau’s “offer” to teach him works well, but Niksa knows he will get attached and be in trouble before they start. He craves intimacy, yet he knows it is the one thing Beau is not willing to give. And Niksa being very self-centered, he misses all the signs that things may be changing, and is totally shocked when he finds out what has been happening to Beau.
If you like stories about complicated men who face tremendous challenges, if you want to find out what it may be like to live as a physically or emotionally challenged person, and if you’re looking for a read that is deeply emotional, character-driven, and very hot, then you will probably enjoy this extraordinary novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 20, 2016
This story is a deeply moving portrayal of a very unconventional relationship, spawned by the disparate needs of two men from very different walks of life and the mutual benefits found through their intimate connection.
Beau is an athlete who is paraplegic following an accident. Once the life and soul of the party, he quickly discovers the shallowness of he pre-injury gregarious social/sexual existence. Now he lives alone and, whilst he is highly independent, he is also understandably frustrated.
In an apartment across the way is Nikša, a scientist living with severe, life-threatening depression.
They come together in the most unusual way and embark on a 'relationship' that is at once fascinating, unpredictable, heart-wrenching, sob-inducing and brilliant.
No stereotypes or tropes here. No ridiculous resolve to a conventional happy ending. The ending is wonderful, but it's also real.
If you're sick of reading the same old MM romances, you've come to the right place.
Beau is an athlete who is paraplegic following an accident. Once the life and soul of the party, he quickly discovers the shallowness of he pre-injury gregarious social/sexual existence. Now he lives alone and, whilst he is highly independent, he is also understandably frustrated.
In an apartment across the way is Nikša, a scientist living with severe, life-threatening depression.
They come together in the most unusual way and embark on a 'relationship' that is at once fascinating, unpredictable, heart-wrenching, sob-inducing and brilliant.
No stereotypes or tropes here. No ridiculous resolve to a conventional happy ending. The ending is wonderful, but it's also real.
If you're sick of reading the same old MM romances, you've come to the right place.
May 29, 2015
Well...I 've seen some good reviews around so I'm pretty sure this is a case of "it's not you, it's me".
The premise was good and I like stories with disability as a theme.
Beau is in a wheelchair, but he doesn't let it slow him down, He is a fighter and I liked that. And this is pretty much the only thing I liked about him. He is arrogant and rude. And he speaks to himself in the third person (God, I hate that)
"But one thing was for certain: the man was turned on by Beau Bell." (Yes, he talks about himself)
Also, he makes it clear from the get go that he wants Niksa only to help him get off, since he can't do it himself anymore because of the accident, and he is a jerk about it.
"I need an orgasm, not a boyfriend.”
Now Niksa...I don't really know what to say, I think the word I'm looking for about his situation is absurd. Niksa is obviously a torture soul. He is lonely and depressed, so he becomes Beau's doormat. He has tried to kill himself four times. We meet him right after his fourth attempt, when he wakes up covered in vomit after swallowing a shitload of pills. And he had the most normal reaction :" Dammit, it didn't work. Ok, I'll clean up, take a shower and go to work. Work is good." DUDE!
Like I said, absurd.
Bottom line, I felt zero connection between the MCs and I found the whole story weird and awkward. But like I said, this is just me:)
dnf-not-4-me
May 9, 2015Too much angst.
May 6, 2015
All That Shimmers is from the anthology (collection) Piece us back together. These stories can all be read separate and standalone beautifully
All that shimmers is a very riveting story about an Olympic swimmer that is now paraplegic. Beau is strong and even though he is paralyzed from the waist down, he never gave up on his dream. He does have a deeper issue to deal with that we never would think of. Though he is paralyzed he feels the need for orgasm. He knows he gets aroused and can get hard on but cannot ever come.
Niksa has deep mental issues. He has attempted suicide several times but failed. He is all alone, form another country and has no real friends. Can these two men heal each other?
This is a beautiful, angsty story of two broken men, one physically the other mentally. It shows us challenges and needs we would never consider in people’s lives. Simple needs such as orgasm for a man with spinal paralysis and the simple need of family of friends. Being alone in a strange land with no one.
I loved the strength in Beau that he never gave up on his dreams even though he lost the use of his legs. He is sort of an ass relationship wise but once you read the story you do see why and cannot really blame him. I still found him likeable.
Niksa, Niksa, Niksa! What I would give to see his full story. (hint, hint). My heart went out to him. (Tissue alert). The way Niksa and Beau meet is a bit creepy, but I loved this story so much.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
All that shimmers is a very riveting story about an Olympic swimmer that is now paraplegic. Beau is strong and even though he is paralyzed from the waist down, he never gave up on his dream. He does have a deeper issue to deal with that we never would think of. Though he is paralyzed he feels the need for orgasm. He knows he gets aroused and can get hard on but cannot ever come.
Niksa has deep mental issues. He has attempted suicide several times but failed. He is all alone, form another country and has no real friends. Can these two men heal each other?
This is a beautiful, angsty story of two broken men, one physically the other mentally. It shows us challenges and needs we would never consider in people’s lives. Simple needs such as orgasm for a man with spinal paralysis and the simple need of family of friends. Being alone in a strange land with no one.
I loved the strength in Beau that he never gave up on his dreams even though he lost the use of his legs. He is sort of an ass relationship wise but once you read the story you do see why and cannot really blame him. I still found him likeable.
Niksa, Niksa, Niksa! What I would give to see his full story. (hint, hint). My heart went out to him. (Tissue alert). The way Niksa and Beau meet is a bit creepy, but I loved this story so much.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com
May 15, 2015
Ein Autounfall hat das Leben des Spitzensportlers Beau Bell von Grund auf verändert und seither sitzt er im Rollstuhl. Anstatt für die Olympischen Spiele zu trainieren, ist sein Ziel bei den Paraolympics teilzunehmen. Und Beau ist extrem ehrgeizig und willensstark. Nach einer düsteren Periode hat er sein Leben endlich wieder im Griff. Fast. Immer wieder bekommt er Erektionen, findet aber keine wirkliche Erfüllung. Das Gefühl ist einfach weg. Mit seinem früheren Freund Simon kann er darüber nicht sprechen, da der Groll auf Beau’s Seite noch tief sitzt.
Allerdings fasst der analytische und zielgerichtete Beau einen Plan. Was nicht passt, wird passend gemacht. Und er hat auch schon einen Kandidaten für ein Experiment auserkoren. Ein gutaussehender Nachbar, der ihn stalkt. Allerdings scheint der Mann harmlos zu sein und gibt sich mit der Rolle des Voyeurs zufrieden.
Niksa Meric ist besagter Nachbar und er ist ein einsamer, zurückgezogener Naturwissenschaftler, der auch eine Neigung zur Poesie hat. Allerdings verliert sich Niksa oft in seinen düsteren Gedanken und sieht nur wenig Sinn in seinem Leben. Einzige Lichtblicke sind seine Arbeit und Beau, den er so gerne ansieht.
Und tatsächlich finden diese zwei ungewöhnlichen und unterschiedlichen Männer zusammen. Während Beau eben körperlichen Verlust erfahren hat, ist Niksa seelisch zerbrochen. Zuviele Verluste und zuviele Zurückweisungen haben sein Leben geprägt. Auch mangelndes Selbstbewusstsein und seine Unfähigkeit mit seinem Problem und seiner Einsamkeit zurecht zu kommen nehmen ihm jeden Lebenswillen. Und auch diese Beziehung mit Beau scheint für ihn nur von kurzer Dauer zu sein. Er traut sich einfach zu wenig zu und er scheint zu schwach zu sein um zu kämpfen …..
Ein sehr berührendes Buch, dem jedoch ein paar Seiten mehr nicht geschadet hätten. Die Annäherung von Beau und Niksa ist gut beschrieben und die Autorin verleiht den Protagonisten auch genügend Tiefe. Jedoch hätte ich gern mehr über die Männer erfahren. Vor allem über Niksa, der mich doch sehr berührt hat. Es ist ein stilles Buch, das an manchen Stellen beklemmend ist. Doch es auch ein Buch voller Hoffnung und mit der Botschaft nicht aufzugeben.
Allerdings fasst der analytische und zielgerichtete Beau einen Plan. Was nicht passt, wird passend gemacht. Und er hat auch schon einen Kandidaten für ein Experiment auserkoren. Ein gutaussehender Nachbar, der ihn stalkt. Allerdings scheint der Mann harmlos zu sein und gibt sich mit der Rolle des Voyeurs zufrieden.
Niksa Meric ist besagter Nachbar und er ist ein einsamer, zurückgezogener Naturwissenschaftler, der auch eine Neigung zur Poesie hat. Allerdings verliert sich Niksa oft in seinen düsteren Gedanken und sieht nur wenig Sinn in seinem Leben. Einzige Lichtblicke sind seine Arbeit und Beau, den er so gerne ansieht.
Und tatsächlich finden diese zwei ungewöhnlichen und unterschiedlichen Männer zusammen. Während Beau eben körperlichen Verlust erfahren hat, ist Niksa seelisch zerbrochen. Zuviele Verluste und zuviele Zurückweisungen haben sein Leben geprägt. Auch mangelndes Selbstbewusstsein und seine Unfähigkeit mit seinem Problem und seiner Einsamkeit zurecht zu kommen nehmen ihm jeden Lebenswillen. Und auch diese Beziehung mit Beau scheint für ihn nur von kurzer Dauer zu sein. Er traut sich einfach zu wenig zu und er scheint zu schwach zu sein um zu kämpfen …..
Ein sehr berührendes Buch, dem jedoch ein paar Seiten mehr nicht geschadet hätten. Die Annäherung von Beau und Niksa ist gut beschrieben und die Autorin verleiht den Protagonisten auch genügend Tiefe. Jedoch hätte ich gern mehr über die Männer erfahren. Vor allem über Niksa, der mich doch sehr berührt hat. Es ist ein stilles Buch, das an manchen Stellen beklemmend ist. Doch es auch ein Buch voller Hoffnung und mit der Botschaft nicht aufzugeben.
July 3, 2015
“You’re made of dark stuff, aren’t you, Nicky?”
At one time Beau Bell was headed to the Olympics looking to obtain a gold medal in his future with any sexy man candy he wanted on his arm. Now Beau is excited about possible record breaking swim times and his future in the Paralymics. Beau still sees a gold medal in his future. The one thing Beau wants in his near future that isn’t even a blip on his radar is an orgasm. It still works he has seen the hard evidence of that, and he wants it to do what he is used to it doing. There are a few things Beau misses about his pre-accident life and getting off is the the one that is one his mind the most.
Watching plants grow and penning his dark poetry are the only things that Niksa has, that he sees. Sometimes when the darkness gets to be too heavy he tries to end it, but like everything in life he fails at that too. This is why Niksa is shocked when the sexy neighbor that he has named Wheels invites him over to help with relieving him of a problem that Beau’s own hand cannot. This is the beginning of the ‘help Beau get off’ fling that makes this novella such an enjoyable read.
I have to tell you that the moment Niksa takes his trip to the library (for research purposes) that I totally fell in love with him as a character. Beau is fun and upbeat and spirited and entirely too easy to like as a character. Niksa and his darkness makes you want better things for him, but he still has a long way to go before he’s whole. I liked the fact that the character who should have the more reasons to hate the world is really the optimistic person i All That Shimmers. The character that can easily be seen as “normal” is the one that has to most to gain or lose here.
At one time Beau Bell was headed to the Olympics looking to obtain a gold medal in his future with any sexy man candy he wanted on his arm. Now Beau is excited about possible record breaking swim times and his future in the Paralymics. Beau still sees a gold medal in his future. The one thing Beau wants in his near future that isn’t even a blip on his radar is an orgasm. It still works he has seen the hard evidence of that, and he wants it to do what he is used to it doing. There are a few things Beau misses about his pre-accident life and getting off is the the one that is one his mind the most.
Watching plants grow and penning his dark poetry are the only things that Niksa has, that he sees. Sometimes when the darkness gets to be too heavy he tries to end it, but like everything in life he fails at that too. This is why Niksa is shocked when the sexy neighbor that he has named Wheels invites him over to help with relieving him of a problem that Beau’s own hand cannot. This is the beginning of the ‘help Beau get off’ fling that makes this novella such an enjoyable read.
I have to tell you that the moment Niksa takes his trip to the library (for research purposes) that I totally fell in love with him as a character. Beau is fun and upbeat and spirited and entirely too easy to like as a character. Niksa and his darkness makes you want better things for him, but he still has a long way to go before he’s whole. I liked the fact that the character who should have the more reasons to hate the world is really the optimistic person i All That Shimmers. The character that can easily be seen as “normal” is the one that has to most to gain or lose here.
September 1, 2015
4.5 Honestly, I was a little weirded out in the beginning with the whole voyeurism thing but I'm glad I kept reading. I thought Niksa was a beautiful character: he was definitely a little "off" but he tried so hard to make friends all his life and was constantly rejected and ignored. Eventually he just became a loner and kept to himself even though he still truly craved a real relationship, intimacy, sex, etc. Then he meets Beau, the object of his obsession, and his total opposite. Beau is confident, outspoken, and doesn't let the fact that he is in a wheelchair bring him down. Instead he tries to be the best at whatever he does and I think his confidence and positive can-do attitude is what helped Niksa in the end.
May 15, 2015
2.5 stars
The writing was good, I finished it, but overall it was too dark for my current mood.
The writing was good, I finished it, but overall it was too dark for my current mood.
May 21, 2015
4.5 stars.
I loved this one! Really well done in so few pages especially considering the topics she explores.
I only wish there was more.
I loved this one! Really well done in so few pages especially considering the topics she explores.
I only wish there was more.
May 12, 2015
4.25 Stars
June 9, 2015
4 Heart Review by Tammy
Beau Bell was training for the Olympics when a tragic car accident leaves him a paraplegic, luckily Beau has both the personality and strength of character that allows him to keep his spirits up and not become mired in depression. Niksa Meríc is the complete opposite of Beau, he suffers from chronic depression and has so far tried to commit suicide four times. The one bright spot in Niksa’s life is watching his wheelchair bound neighbour getting undressed every night.
Beau trains for hours every day at the local pool so that he qualifies for the Paralympics Men’s 100m in the S6 Division. He has the support and friendship of his coach and fellow swimmers but there is one area of Beau’s life he’s not happy with- constant erections and his inability to relieve them himself. Now, before his accident Beau was a total manwhore, extremely good looking and never wanting for sexual partners. But it’s been a year and a half since the accident and his ever ready, psychogenic erections are the bane of his life because he can’t feel anything from the waist down. So starts the exploration to find a way for Beau to have an orgasm!
Niksa on the other hand has been alone practically all his life, his parents sent him to America from Croatia to live with his aunt when he was only two years old. When he was eight his aunt decided he was old enough to know that his parents had died in the war and that was the beginning of his downward spiral into depression. Niksa doesn’t know how to be or keep a friend, he holds on too hard which only pushes his friends away. When Beau decides after a considerable amount of research that what he needs is a partner who is willing to explore all positions and options so he can finally have an orgasm, Niksa is overwhelmed that Beau chooses him. Beau doesn’t want a boyfriend he only wants to get off, at least that’s what he tells Niksa at the beginning and the development of their relationship is amazing with the way Niksa gets through to Beau that he’s fallen in love with him. Nobody has ever told Beau they love him and it makes him think long and hard about what Niksa means to him too.
All in all, All That Shimmers is an incredibly powerful and at times very dark short story. You get to go on the roller coaster that is Niksa’s emotions as well as Beaus awakening that there is someone to love him even though he’s in a wheelchair. I would definitely recommend this story to all m/m romance lovers.
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!
Beau Bell was training for the Olympics when a tragic car accident leaves him a paraplegic, luckily Beau has both the personality and strength of character that allows him to keep his spirits up and not become mired in depression. Niksa Meríc is the complete opposite of Beau, he suffers from chronic depression and has so far tried to commit suicide four times. The one bright spot in Niksa’s life is watching his wheelchair bound neighbour getting undressed every night.
Beau trains for hours every day at the local pool so that he qualifies for the Paralympics Men’s 100m in the S6 Division. He has the support and friendship of his coach and fellow swimmers but there is one area of Beau’s life he’s not happy with- constant erections and his inability to relieve them himself. Now, before his accident Beau was a total manwhore, extremely good looking and never wanting for sexual partners. But it’s been a year and a half since the accident and his ever ready, psychogenic erections are the bane of his life because he can’t feel anything from the waist down. So starts the exploration to find a way for Beau to have an orgasm!
Niksa on the other hand has been alone practically all his life, his parents sent him to America from Croatia to live with his aunt when he was only two years old. When he was eight his aunt decided he was old enough to know that his parents had died in the war and that was the beginning of his downward spiral into depression. Niksa doesn’t know how to be or keep a friend, he holds on too hard which only pushes his friends away. When Beau decides after a considerable amount of research that what he needs is a partner who is willing to explore all positions and options so he can finally have an orgasm, Niksa is overwhelmed that Beau chooses him. Beau doesn’t want a boyfriend he only wants to get off, at least that’s what he tells Niksa at the beginning and the development of their relationship is amazing with the way Niksa gets through to Beau that he’s fallen in love with him. Nobody has ever told Beau they love him and it makes him think long and hard about what Niksa means to him too.
All in all, All That Shimmers is an incredibly powerful and at times very dark short story. You get to go on the roller coaster that is Niksa’s emotions as well as Beaus awakening that there is someone to love him even though he’s in a wheelchair. I would definitely recommend this story to all m/m romance lovers.
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!
May 24, 2015
Well this was a bit of an odd one for me--but I saw it on a goodreads newsletter I received and was intrigued. A little disclaimer right off the bat, I skimmed through some of Niksa's stuff in the beginning because... well, wasn't really currently in the mood for all his feels. Also I have no personal experience/know anyone with a spinal cord injury or serious depression difficulties and therefore can't predict what their take on this book would be.
This book surprised me a little (especially given how corny the description sounded) in that I thought not only was the romance well written, but both characters and their plights were fairly well written. Niksa and Beau make such a cute couple and have so many sweet moments that regardless of other aspects of the story I think I would have liked it based on that fact alone. But I also liked how honest both characters were about their problems, desires, and ultimately themselves--they never danced around anything which made them quite likable even when they were doing something not so likable. I will say I think Beau definitely handled some things wrong when it came to Niksa's depression, but I also think that was partially the point; Beau didn't know how to handle something so contrasting to his own views/choices that confronting it the only way he knew how, while right in that it showed he cared and wanted to address it, was horribly wrong for Niksa. But humans are bound to make mistakes, especially when we care. The important part is to keep trying until we get it right and that's what both characters do for themselves and for their relationship, which is what touched me the most about the story.
Not exactly a fluffy read despite being a short romance, but it is high on the feels (do not fear, many a-warm fuzzies included in those feels). If the premise intrigues you, I recommend going with your gut and giving this one a try.
This book surprised me a little (especially given how corny the description sounded) in that I thought not only was the romance well written, but both characters and their plights were fairly well written. Niksa and Beau make such a cute couple and have so many sweet moments that regardless of other aspects of the story I think I would have liked it based on that fact alone. But I also liked how honest both characters were about their problems, desires, and ultimately themselves--they never danced around anything which made them quite likable even when they were doing something not so likable. I will say I think Beau definitely handled some things wrong when it came to Niksa's depression, but I also think that was partially the point; Beau didn't know how to handle something so contrasting to his own views/choices that confronting it the only way he knew how, while right in that it showed he cared and wanted to address it, was horribly wrong for Niksa. But humans are bound to make mistakes, especially when we care. The important part is to keep trying until we get it right and that's what both characters do for themselves and for their relationship, which is what touched me the most about the story.
Not exactly a fluffy read despite being a short romance, but it is high on the feels (do not fear, many a-warm fuzzies included in those feels). If the premise intrigues you, I recommend going with your gut and giving this one a try.
August 29, 2015
Lots of dark and emotional stuff going on here, but I felt disconnected from the MCs. I didn't think Niksa's issues were taken that seriously by Beau. All of a sudden there was a leap to the HEA. I wanted more of the journey.
June 22, 2015
I liked it a lot, angsty though it is. Beau on the stairs? Just wow, how do you deserve someone like that!
May 30, 2015
Very good book!!
Love reading about two people needing each other to love!! Was very moving and so different then the typical romance novels !!!
Love reading about two people needing each other to love!! Was very moving and so different then the typical romance novels !!!
May 2, 2021
Not sur I have read the same book as many reviews here because they talked about an amazing and a beautiful story between a paralyzed paraplegic swim player and a depressed scientist with challenging each other find love and life together..
And this is about an asshole of paraplegic swim player Beau who used to be an A grade manwhore who’s missing fucking more than swimming and obsessed over orgasming one more time since the last time he came was a just before the accident a year and half prior and because he didn’t want the last time his blew his load to be with his dickhead ex Simon.
He spent more the half of the book frustrated because he couldn’t make himself come more than winning the gold in the Paralympics. He decided to use his voyeur depressed scientist neighbor Niksa who used to spend his life trying to kill himself between jacking off watching Beau undressing every night.
He accepted to help Beau, he made him come, Niksa wasn’t depressed anymore, they fell in love and it’s over.
0 steam, almost everything was off page and their 1st time together was lame. Not prep for a 1st time and he took him without any problem, rode him like a champion and made him come with a cock ring ... 😶
I highly don’t recommend.
And this is about an asshole of paraplegic swim player Beau who used to be an A grade manwhore who’s missing fucking more than swimming and obsessed over orgasming one more time since the last time he came was a just before the accident a year and half prior and because he didn’t want the last time his blew his load to be with his dickhead ex Simon.
He spent more the half of the book frustrated because he couldn’t make himself come more than winning the gold in the Paralympics. He decided to use his voyeur depressed scientist neighbor Niksa who used to spend his life trying to kill himself between jacking off watching Beau undressing every night.
He accepted to help Beau, he made him come, Niksa wasn’t depressed anymore, they fell in love and it’s over.
0 steam, almost everything was off page and their 1st time together was lame. Not prep for a 1st time and he took him without any problem, rode him like a champion and made him come with a cock ring ... 😶
I highly don’t recommend.
January 3, 2018
3.5 Stars
I have found a new author I really like in Raine O'Tiernery. This is one of her more dark offerings as the heroes are both engaged in struggles.
The fall in love here is quick but the frank exploration of sexuality in a disabled body is well done as is the look at issues of chemical imbalance.
I love the driven swimmer and the scientist pairing.
I wish the world of each man was a little wider than what we see here and that we got more time with them but it is a very engaging read.
I have found a new author I really like in Raine O'Tiernery. This is one of her more dark offerings as the heroes are both engaged in struggles.
The fall in love here is quick but the frank exploration of sexuality in a disabled body is well done as is the look at issues of chemical imbalance.
I love the driven swimmer and the scientist pairing.
I wish the world of each man was a little wider than what we see here and that we got more time with them but it is a very engaging read.
May 10, 2015
All That Shimmers - FiveStars
This was an absolutely amazing story. Very motivational and uplifting from start to finish.
Both the main men have been through a lot (one physically, one mentally) and both have different ways of coping. One having lost the use of his legs, the other has mentally crippling thoughts.
I think it could've been drawn out more so we learned exactly what happened to Beau to lose his mobility, what happens in the future and more about Nicky, but ultimately I loved that we got the meat of the story, we weren't being dragged along through anything. It was the two men dealing with the beginning of a difficult and unusual relationship.
I hope to get my hands on more of Ms. Tierney's work for sure because it was so wel written, not to mention good feeling inducing.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Renee
ThreeStar
I liked the premise of this anthology - love beyond disability and medical conditions. But even though I usually love Cate Ashwood’s books, I found all three stories a little bit clunky.
I kept feeling that the main characters were defined by their disabilities rather than the disability just being a small part of the person. This might have been because the authors were charged with writing on the theme of disability, or it might have been because ensuring readers understand a complex disability takes time and these were short stories.
There were parts of all three stories that I really liked.
In “All that Shimmers”, Beau’s swimming is described beautifully. I liked the power he had in the water, and I enjoyed the banter between Beau, his coach, and his opponent.
In “Swimming With Elephants”, I liked Garrett’s home menagerie and his passion for his job.
It was Carter’s thoughtfulness I enjoyed in “Red Runs Through”. I loved the presents he brought the bed bound Matthew.
This wasn’t a favourite book, but it is a collection of sweet, romantic short stories.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Sarah
FourStars
Piece Us Back Together - Anthology
4 stars
All that Shimmers - Raine O'Tierney
3.5 stars
M/M Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
This story was very sweet. Beau's spirit and tenacity were so fun to read. I cried for his loss, but found extreme joy in his successes.
Niska was somewhat of an enigma. He was shy, introverted, and a voyeur. His mannerisms were that of an awkward teen and even though he was book smart, he seemed to be lacking in the socialization department.
Together, the journey that these two walked was remarkable. I really enjoyed the path that they took on their beginning relationship, however, I felt that the story jumped around some too. It was not that it jumped in sequential order, I just felt that emotions were all over the place - not easily followed.
The romance was somewhat lacking as well. Yes, they helped each other by allowing exploration, but it also seemed like the relationship was rushed. With the emotions in no discernible order, the story just felt jumbled.
Swimming with Elephants - L. J. Labarthe
4 stars
M/M Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Garrett is living with a constant burden. He goes to a place of healing to try and find an inner peace. I LOVED this story. It was both spiritually filling and emotionally filling. You can truly feel the pain that Garrett is going through - and in turn you can truly feel the healing that takes place. I love his attitude in that this is just something he is going to have to live with and he can either let it beat him down or push forward.
Then you have Jai. I love his inner calm - he is able to take the storm that was Garrett and help him channel those emotions and the pain in to something wonderful. His surprise to Garrett brought me to tears.
They had a chemistry between them that only grew as the story went on. They allowed each other find their true selves with encouragement and love, compassion and trust. This was a wonderful story.
Red Runs Through - Cate Ashwood
4 stars
M/M Romance
Carter is just your typical guy. He goes to work, has nice friends and is happy in his life. When he meets Matthew, his world shifts. Suddenly, he not only loves to go to work, but once he is away from work, he can only think about Matthew.
Matthew is written with such love. His honesty was such an admirable quality. I loved that he was not defined by anything - that he was OK living his life.
I wanted to throw Carter's parents threw their house when they upset the couple, but loved how Carter's sister was always supportive and loving.
Despite not having the best families, Carter and Matthew were able to find their own family - to define their own lives.
These two also had great chemistry. I loved how this story took something that is still taboo in some circles and made a beautiful love story.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~AvidReader
This was an absolutely amazing story. Very motivational and uplifting from start to finish.
Both the main men have been through a lot (one physically, one mentally) and both have different ways of coping. One having lost the use of his legs, the other has mentally crippling thoughts.
I think it could've been drawn out more so we learned exactly what happened to Beau to lose his mobility, what happens in the future and more about Nicky, but ultimately I loved that we got the meat of the story, we weren't being dragged along through anything. It was the two men dealing with the beginning of a difficult and unusual relationship.
I hope to get my hands on more of Ms. Tierney's work for sure because it was so wel written, not to mention good feeling inducing.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Renee
ThreeStar
I liked the premise of this anthology - love beyond disability and medical conditions. But even though I usually love Cate Ashwood’s books, I found all three stories a little bit clunky.
I kept feeling that the main characters were defined by their disabilities rather than the disability just being a small part of the person. This might have been because the authors were charged with writing on the theme of disability, or it might have been because ensuring readers understand a complex disability takes time and these were short stories.
There were parts of all three stories that I really liked.
In “All that Shimmers”, Beau’s swimming is described beautifully. I liked the power he had in the water, and I enjoyed the banter between Beau, his coach, and his opponent.
In “Swimming With Elephants”, I liked Garrett’s home menagerie and his passion for his job.
It was Carter’s thoughtfulness I enjoyed in “Red Runs Through”. I loved the presents he brought the bed bound Matthew.
This wasn’t a favourite book, but it is a collection of sweet, romantic short stories.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Sarah
FourStars
Piece Us Back Together - Anthology
4 stars
All that Shimmers - Raine O'Tierney
3.5 stars
M/M Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
This story was very sweet. Beau's spirit and tenacity were so fun to read. I cried for his loss, but found extreme joy in his successes.
Niska was somewhat of an enigma. He was shy, introverted, and a voyeur. His mannerisms were that of an awkward teen and even though he was book smart, he seemed to be lacking in the socialization department.
Together, the journey that these two walked was remarkable. I really enjoyed the path that they took on their beginning relationship, however, I felt that the story jumped around some too. It was not that it jumped in sequential order, I just felt that emotions were all over the place - not easily followed.
The romance was somewhat lacking as well. Yes, they helped each other by allowing exploration, but it also seemed like the relationship was rushed. With the emotions in no discernible order, the story just felt jumbled.
Swimming with Elephants - L. J. Labarthe
4 stars
M/M Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Garrett is living with a constant burden. He goes to a place of healing to try and find an inner peace. I LOVED this story. It was both spiritually filling and emotionally filling. You can truly feel the pain that Garrett is going through - and in turn you can truly feel the healing that takes place. I love his attitude in that this is just something he is going to have to live with and he can either let it beat him down or push forward.
Then you have Jai. I love his inner calm - he is able to take the storm that was Garrett and help him channel those emotions and the pain in to something wonderful. His surprise to Garrett brought me to tears.
They had a chemistry between them that only grew as the story went on. They allowed each other find their true selves with encouragement and love, compassion and trust. This was a wonderful story.
Red Runs Through - Cate Ashwood
4 stars
M/M Romance
Carter is just your typical guy. He goes to work, has nice friends and is happy in his life. When he meets Matthew, his world shifts. Suddenly, he not only loves to go to work, but once he is away from work, he can only think about Matthew.
Matthew is written with such love. His honesty was such an admirable quality. I loved that he was not defined by anything - that he was OK living his life.
I wanted to throw Carter's parents threw their house when they upset the couple, but loved how Carter's sister was always supportive and loving.
Despite not having the best families, Carter and Matthew were able to find their own family - to define their own lives.
These two also had great chemistry. I loved how this story took something that is still taboo in some circles and made a beautiful love story.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~AvidReader
May 31, 2015
There really wasn't much about this book that I liked. At all.
The characters totally didn't work for me. Beau was the epitome of the stereotypical jock. He is an arrogant, self centered SOB who only thinks of two things. Winning and getting off. Niksa is catastrophically depressed with absolutely no friends or even acquaintances and comes across as seriously creepy and needy. It would be a stretch of incredible talent and creativity to write a relationship between these two characters that works on any believable level. That just isn't the case here.
Not only are you trying to force two seriously messed up personalities into a working relationship without any kind of damage, but the writer also does so in a ridiculously short period of time. There are lots of ways you can make a really short courtship work in a book. Extenuating circumstances, like a really intensely dramatic situation, usually life and death, that forces the characters to become extremely close. Heck even a mystical reason, like a mating bond type thing you often see in fantasy novels sometimes works. Every day, general life experiences typically just won't do it unless you've, again, gotten really creative and made it work. Again, not the case here.
As I've mentioned before, safe sex scenes in a book are a huge peeve of mine. This book pushes the peeve button all the way. The couple have unprotected sex after knowing each other barely a week based on the fact that Beau tells Niksa, who claims to never have had sex before, that he is tested regularly by the team he is on and that he is clean. Sorry! No. It is not okay to just trust that it is okay. Suit up or wait for a test and written proof. Sort or long term relationships don't even make a difference. Always, always. No exception. No excuse.
In the end, after only about a week, both characters are madly in love with each other. Personality issues are either magically gone or, hey, yeah, the one that is horrifically unbalanced is now in therapy and all is good in the world. Even after 95% of the time the two spent together, one is treating it strictly as an experiment and the other is so completely lost in his own depression or so needy it is almost scary, they suddenly realize they are in love and are going to live happily ever after. That just doesn't work for me.
I've said it many times before, I have to really believe what I'm reading to make it even a decent story, let alone a good one. This is so far away from believable that it doesn't even rate an okay from me. Authors can do wonders working with dark and seriously broken characters and create some really amazing stories in the process, but it does take a lot of ingenuity and realistic problem solving and having the characters deal with and work to overcome those issues to make it work. If you aren't going to put that work into your writing, please don't try to work with those kinds of personalities for your characters.
The characters totally didn't work for me. Beau was the epitome of the stereotypical jock. He is an arrogant, self centered SOB who only thinks of two things. Winning and getting off. Niksa is catastrophically depressed with absolutely no friends or even acquaintances and comes across as seriously creepy and needy. It would be a stretch of incredible talent and creativity to write a relationship between these two characters that works on any believable level. That just isn't the case here.
Not only are you trying to force two seriously messed up personalities into a working relationship without any kind of damage, but the writer also does so in a ridiculously short period of time. There are lots of ways you can make a really short courtship work in a book. Extenuating circumstances, like a really intensely dramatic situation, usually life and death, that forces the characters to become extremely close. Heck even a mystical reason, like a mating bond type thing you often see in fantasy novels sometimes works. Every day, general life experiences typically just won't do it unless you've, again, gotten really creative and made it work. Again, not the case here.
As I've mentioned before, safe sex scenes in a book are a huge peeve of mine. This book pushes the peeve button all the way. The couple have unprotected sex after knowing each other barely a week based on the fact that Beau tells Niksa, who claims to never have had sex before, that he is tested regularly by the team he is on and that he is clean. Sorry! No. It is not okay to just trust that it is okay. Suit up or wait for a test and written proof. Sort or long term relationships don't even make a difference. Always, always. No exception. No excuse.
In the end, after only about a week, both characters are madly in love with each other. Personality issues are either magically gone or, hey, yeah, the one that is horrifically unbalanced is now in therapy and all is good in the world. Even after 95% of the time the two spent together, one is treating it strictly as an experiment and the other is so completely lost in his own depression or so needy it is almost scary, they suddenly realize they are in love and are going to live happily ever after. That just doesn't work for me.
I've said it many times before, I have to really believe what I'm reading to make it even a decent story, let alone a good one. This is so far away from believable that it doesn't even rate an okay from me. Authors can do wonders working with dark and seriously broken characters and create some really amazing stories in the process, but it does take a lot of ingenuity and realistic problem solving and having the characters deal with and work to overcome those issues to make it work. If you aren't going to put that work into your writing, please don't try to work with those kinds of personalities for your characters.
January 3, 2018
3.5 stars
Synopsis: Beau is a swimmer who was an Olympic contender until he was in an accident that paralysed him from the waist down. After his recovery, Beau became determined to compete in the Paralympics, so he trains for that. Just about every night, as he gets ready for bed, Beau has someone watching him from the house next door.
Niksa is a scientist who has tried to kill himself several times. He has suffered depression since he was a child, but something is keeping him alive against the odds. He wakes up covered in vomit after his latest attempt with pills, realizes that it is just a matter of time before he tries again. The only thing that Niksa has to live for is his experiments, his poetry...and watching the guy in the wheelchair undress every night.
When Beau challenges Niksa to meet, Niksa comes over. Beau is tired of not being sexually active, and since he can't feel anything below his waist, he wants to discover a new way to have an orgasm. For this, he enlists Niksa, and they endeavour to find a way for Beau to experience pleasure. Beau is adamant that this is not a relationship, and Niksa is on board with that, since he's never really had anyone in his life that stays.
What I liked: that both Niksa and Beau were fully drawn characters, with imperfections and foibles. I liked that they both grew as they got to know one another, and that they added to each other's lives. I liked that Niksa opened up to Beau, and that Beau could tell Niksa what was going on in his life as well, since they were both so isolated and solitary.
What I didn't like: while there was a magic cure for Niksa's depression, the resolution came pretty close to it.
Synopsis: Beau is a swimmer who was an Olympic contender until he was in an accident that paralysed him from the waist down. After his recovery, Beau became determined to compete in the Paralympics, so he trains for that. Just about every night, as he gets ready for bed, Beau has someone watching him from the house next door.
Niksa is a scientist who has tried to kill himself several times. He has suffered depression since he was a child, but something is keeping him alive against the odds. He wakes up covered in vomit after his latest attempt with pills, realizes that it is just a matter of time before he tries again. The only thing that Niksa has to live for is his experiments, his poetry...and watching the guy in the wheelchair undress every night.
When Beau challenges Niksa to meet, Niksa comes over. Beau is tired of not being sexually active, and since he can't feel anything below his waist, he wants to discover a new way to have an orgasm. For this, he enlists Niksa, and they endeavour to find a way for Beau to experience pleasure. Beau is adamant that this is not a relationship, and Niksa is on board with that, since he's never really had anyone in his life that stays.
What I liked: that both Niksa and Beau were fully drawn characters, with imperfections and foibles. I liked that they both grew as they got to know one another, and that they added to each other's lives. I liked that Niksa opened up to Beau, and that Beau could tell Niksa what was going on in his life as well, since they were both so isolated and solitary.
What I didn't like: while there was a magic cure for Niksa's depression, the resolution came pretty close to it.
May 26, 2015
Three-and-a-half stars rounded to four. I didn't know what to expect of the emotional arc since I've seen many authors use romance as a fix for depression more often than I'd like, but Niksa and Beau resist the usual clichés. I felt like I understood Beau's thought process a little better than I did Niksa's, though I share more in common with the latter than the former. Both characters are well-drawn with internal lives, conflicts, and quirks that seem authentic.
I think the contrast between Beau's physical disability and Niksa's mental illness challenges the reader to question their expectations of each and of what they "should" look like or of how characters "should" respond. I felt immersed in the characters' experience. I wish that the narrative had spent more time unpacking the confusion and anger that Beau feels when (minor spoiler, no specifics:)
Instead, the conclusion felt a little abrupt and perhaps even more so because the story progresses at a moderate pace before then. "All That Shimmers" is well-written, though, and very well-researched. The characters are endearing on their own and together, they're more than the sum of their parts. I would've loved to spend another 90 pages with Niksa and Beau.
I think the contrast between Beau's physical disability and Niksa's mental illness challenges the reader to question their expectations of each and of what they "should" look like or of how characters "should" respond. I felt immersed in the characters' experience. I wish that the narrative had spent more time unpacking the confusion and anger that Beau feels when (minor spoiler, no specifics:)
Instead, the conclusion felt a little abrupt and perhaps even more so because the story progresses at a moderate pace before then. "All That Shimmers" is well-written, though, and very well-researched. The characters are endearing on their own and together, they're more than the sum of their parts. I would've loved to spend another 90 pages with Niksa and Beau.
May 22, 2015
i have a love/hate relationship with novellas. i love that we get right to the good stuff but i hate that we don't have more to the story! the writing is good - i'm really starting to be a big fan of ms. o'tierney (and her hats!)
when we first meet beau, i am not a fan. he's an a$$...and not the feel sorry for myself because i can't walk any more a$$...just a not likeable a$$. by the end of the book i like him a little better but still think he's a little too abrasive for nik's needs (he does redeem himself quite a bit in 2 scenes). i'm hopeful that the more time they spend together the better he will get at being sweeter with nik.
i feel so sad for nik. he is truly alone and has no one to help him fight his demons. he is so sweet and has so much love to give, he just wants to get it in return. he is starved for attention and love. aside from his depression and anxiety (although, i could make an argument for him being bipolar), he completely lacks self confidence. his career is so admirable yet he belittles what he does. by the end of the book, we start to see a bit of confidence appear.
while there is a lot of angst, this is still a good love story.
when we first meet beau, i am not a fan. he's an a$$...and not the feel sorry for myself because i can't walk any more a$$...just a not likeable a$$. by the end of the book i like him a little better but still think he's a little too abrasive for nik's needs (he does redeem himself quite a bit in 2 scenes). i'm hopeful that the more time they spend together the better he will get at being sweeter with nik.
i feel so sad for nik. he is truly alone and has no one to help him fight his demons. he is so sweet and has so much love to give, he just wants to get it in return. he is starved for attention and love. aside from his depression and anxiety (although, i could make an argument for him being bipolar), he completely lacks self confidence. his career is so admirable yet he belittles what he does. by the end of the book, we start to see a bit of confidence appear.
while there is a lot of angst, this is still a good love story.
July 21, 2015
As a story I found this very compelling, it sucked me right in and I had to finish it now! It helps that it was a pacy read and relatively short!
Beau and Niksa are light and dark. Visually Beau is the one that looks like he should have the troubles of the world - disabled in an accident and lost his Olympic dreams - but he is a jock still, full of his self belief and still aiming for gold. Niksa has a job, researching cancer cures so looks to be set but is tormented with mental disabilities resulting in at least 4 serioous suicide attempts.
Yes, it is fiction so the solutions are unorthodox and fast but I did feel for both guys, especially Niksa.
I'm not sure how accurate the disabilities are, especially Niksa's but I found myself absorbed by them in this story.
I would love to read a longer treatment of this - Beau before the accident (bet he was obnoxiously self centred), his accident, Alan and his accident, Niksa's formative years (sounds like his Aunt really screwed him up).
Beau and Niksa are light and dark. Visually Beau is the one that looks like he should have the troubles of the world - disabled in an accident and lost his Olympic dreams - but he is a jock still, full of his self belief and still aiming for gold. Niksa has a job, researching cancer cures so looks to be set but is tormented with mental disabilities resulting in at least 4 serioous suicide attempts.
Yes, it is fiction so the solutions are unorthodox and fast but I did feel for both guys, especially Niksa.
I'm not sure how accurate the disabilities are, especially Niksa's but I found myself absorbed by them in this story.
I would love to read a longer treatment of this - Beau before the accident (bet he was obnoxiously self centred), his accident, Alan and his accident, Niksa's formative years (sounds like his Aunt really screwed him up).
May 11, 2015
This was an absolutely amazing story. Very motivational and uplifting from start to finish.
Both the main men have been through a lot (one physically, one mentally) and both have different ways of coping. One having lost the use of his legs, the other has mentally crippling thoughts.
I think it could've been drawn out more so we learned exactly what happened to Beau to lose his mobility, what happens in the future and more about Nicky, but ultimately I loved that we got the meat of the story, we weren't being dragged along through anything. It was the two men dealing with the beginning of a difficult and unusual relationship.
I hope to get my hands on more of Ms. Tierney's work for sure because it was so wel written, not to mention good feeling inducing.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Both the main men have been through a lot (one physically, one mentally) and both have different ways of coping. One having lost the use of his legs, the other has mentally crippling thoughts.
I think it could've been drawn out more so we learned exactly what happened to Beau to lose his mobility, what happens in the future and more about Nicky, but ultimately I loved that we got the meat of the story, we weren't being dragged along through anything. It was the two men dealing with the beginning of a difficult and unusual relationship.
I hope to get my hands on more of Ms. Tierney's work for sure because it was so wel written, not to mention good feeling inducing.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
May 20, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
Oh Niksa! With your beautiful naivety and pure heart, giving Beau exactly what he didn’t know he needed. And Beau growing and showing Niksa he has reasons to live. This story is so lovely. I enjoyed seeing these two figure out there was more to life than their little corner in the world and help each other open their eyes. I would love to see more of these two. Maybe Beau competing like he’s training to do? Or the two of them together longer to show them happy long term?
Four and a half stars!
Oh Niksa! With your beautiful naivety and pure heart, giving Beau exactly what he didn’t know he needed. And Beau growing and showing Niksa he has reasons to live. This story is so lovely. I enjoyed seeing these two figure out there was more to life than their little corner in the world and help each other open their eyes. I would love to see more of these two. Maybe Beau competing like he’s training to do? Or the two of them together longer to show them happy long term?
October 25, 2015
Teaser
I absolutely loved how Beau and Niksa were introduced in All that Shimmers. O’Tierney presents two very interesting and complex characters in such detail that you immediately understand their mindsets and where they are at in life.
Beau and Nicky were initially like oil and water; but when pushed to confront their own emotions, they could blend together. And where Beau and Nicky ultimately take one another is beautiful!
Read Full Review At:
http://blog.queercentricbooks.com/all...
OR
Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter on FB At: https://www.facebook.com/KimmersEroti...
I absolutely loved how Beau and Niksa were introduced in All that Shimmers. O’Tierney presents two very interesting and complex characters in such detail that you immediately understand their mindsets and where they are at in life.
Beau and Nicky were initially like oil and water; but when pushed to confront their own emotions, they could blend together. And where Beau and Nicky ultimately take one another is beautiful!
Read Full Review At:
http://blog.queercentricbooks.com/all...
OR
Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter on FB At: https://www.facebook.com/KimmersEroti...
July 30, 2018
I’ve been trying to make sure my romance consumption hasn’t been so full of white, able-bodied cis dudes. As a result of that search, I present one of the more interesting books I’ve come across in a long time: All That Shimmers, the story of a man with a Spinal Cord Injury who convinces his neighbor to help him experiment and figure out how he can be sexual with no feeling Down There. Naturally, it grows to be much more. The author says she did a lot of research, and while I’m no expert, it feels very real. A short but excellent and memorable read.
August 30, 2015
Nice writing with a realistic feel to it. Niksa's anxiety and depression were well described and really had a melancholic poetic feel to it. And Beau's side of the story also wasn't half bad, the paralyzed golden boy finally moving past his own selfish need for release to falling in love and caring deeply for Niksa.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews