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Storytime

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Since the death of his partner a year ago, sci-fi writer James Murphy has lived a quiet, secluded life. But at the urging of his agent, he finally makes an effort to rejoin society. His first step is volunteering for a weekly storytime at the local library. The decision seems like a good one when he meets the children's librarian, David.

Bright and engaging, David somehow manages to make James feel like everything will be okay. But when mutual friendship leads to a budding romance, the move forward could be too much for James. Leaving his past love behind once and for all might be a step he'll never be ready to take.

34 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2015

2 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

K. Lynn

34 books14 followers
K. Lynn has been an avid reader and writer since childhood. In her youth, she could most likely be found in the local library, devouring books that covered everything from WWII History to Dr. McCoy's latest adventures aboard the Enterprise, with some X-Men thrown in for good measure. Once she had read everything that was on the shelves, she turned around and read them again. K. Lynn was also known to create elaborate adventures that more than once made it to the page. Ink-filled papers gave way to overflowing computer memory as the years went on, but the stories never ceased.

While in college, K. Lynn increased her involvement in LGBT issues and writing within the LGBT fiction genre. She has become a long-time fan of the authors that seek to explore the commonality that exists within all sexualities and genders. Most of K. Lynn's work features LGBT characters, many of whom are in established relationships and show how love perseveres through every trial and tribulation that life holds. She also has a particular interest in seeing transgender characters gain a larger foothold within the LGBT fiction genre, hoping that the market for these works expand in the future.

K. Lynn has degrees and certificates from UNC-Chapel Hill in the areas of American History, Religion, Creative Writing, Public Health, and Journalism. She is a member of Mensa and has an extensive writing and editing background. To her, life is an ongoing adventure where she seeks to learn something new every day. When K. Lynn is not writing short stories, she is working on her novels. Her interests range from erotica to education, with stops along the way in paranormal fiction, historical novels, and established relationship romance. Give her a good story and she's willing to read.

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for SheReadsALot.
1,865 reviews1,263 followers
October 3, 2015
3.5 HEARTS--I'm fascinated with reading romances with main characters who find love after losing the love of their life.

Morbid? Maybe.

But to read about the internal struggles and obstacles of returning to the land of the living catches my eye.

As does books with librarian main characters. This book has both, so reading this was a no-brainer for me.

James is a popular science fiction writer who lost his spark. He's fifty-three and lost his partner of twenty-plus years. Though it has been a year, his work is suffering, he is still suffering alone. He tries rejoin society by hosting a children's storytime hour at his local library once a week, There he befriends children's librarian, David. Through conversation and sharing their pasts, the men find a common bond.

This was a great in-between read. Quick, light and easy to read. Though grief is a heavy topic, the author doesn't delve too deeply in James' past relationship or give a glimpse through a flashback. So other than a few brief mentions of having writer's block from missing his lover or thinking about past memories, the book was surprisingly light. I liked David but his little twist at the restaurant made him more interesting to me. I was a little intrigued by his past...naughty skeleton in closet, maybe? *grin* Excuse the wishful thinking. ;P

I like the way "Storytime" ended. Though I question how quick James seemed to get over his dead lover Paul, I like the last conversation. I love the open ending. Because James couldn't have just easily got over twenty plus years with a quick hook up. Not the guy who is still picking up the pieces of his life and struggling with human contact.

I'd read more from this author. Really enjoyed her tone.


A copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jyanx.
Author 3 books110 followers
August 14, 2015
I received this book as an ARC though NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the romantic, almost soft mood to the story. I found James to be a relatable character, and I liked that, while he was still mourning his loss, that he was taking steps to move beyond his grief. I can't imagine losing someone like that, and I respected that James was working on not drowning in his heartbreak. I really liked David as well. He is a good man, and I loved seeing them grow closer. I didn't even realize that the age gap was significant as it is because David has such maturity, and presence, and James never once treated him with anything but respect. I loved that David was so self possessed, and he fully understands his own preferences. It made me fully buy into their love story. The ending was nicely sexy, and it wrapped up the story nicely. I loved watching these two fall for each other. A great short story.
Profile Image for Arch Bala.
Author 4 books41 followers
August 12, 2015
It has been hard for sci-fi writer James Murphy to move on since the death of his partner a year ago. But at the urging of his agent, he volunteered for a weekly storytime at a local library as a way to start socializing again. This is where he meets the children’s librarian, David.

David is twenty-five years younger and has the exuberance that James was attracted to. What started out as friendship turns into romance. Will James be able to leave the past behind and moved on to a future with a promise of a second chance at love?

This endearing short story is a fun read that will put a smile on your face. It’s an easy read where it’s futile to ask the question how will they be able to put both of their past behind and just go on and be in love. It’s a natural occurrence after all to search for human comfort and both David and James found that with each other. As simple as that.

I’m not even bothered with David reminding James of his former beau. Like, would I ask if it’s simply a rebound thing? Nah – fortunately, I didn’t. That happens right? I believe that the heart can love as many people as they want – sappy I know, but it’s true.

I personally would’ve liked a longer version of this but I think the ending gave a perfect note implying what the future will be ahead of them.

A lovely read indeed.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
Profile Image for ☆ Todd.
1,450 reviews1,600 followers
August 16, 2015
While this short read was well-written and somewhat entertaining, it really didn't make me *feel* anything.

Yes, I was sorry to hear about the death of James' long-term partner, Paul, but I didn't get enough in-depth information to actually feel the loss in any real sense.

And yes, David, the librarian seemed like a nice guy, with his own loss of a partner, from when his older partner/professor simply leaves for another man. But again, not enough backstory was provided to feel much anything there, either.

The story wrapped up with two dates, one quick roll in the hay and the promise of continued dates, so no commitment to an HEA or even an HFN, although that's where the story is hinting will most likely come of the dates.

This is my second read by this author, both short stories, of which neither had quite enough 'feels' for my taste.

2 1/2 stars for this quick read.
Profile Image for Diana.
650 reviews18 followers
September 11, 2015
After mourning the loss of his partner, James Murphy is trying to get back out into the world. He decided to sign up for Storytime for children at the local library. On his first day, he meets David, the librarian. It is not long before James feels a connection with the David, finding him easy to talk to and would like to spend more time with him. James is worried about the friendship turning into something more, not only because of the loss of his partner, but also there is a 25 year age gap between David and James. David doesn’t see the age gap as a problem since his cheating ex-boyfriend was older than him too.

I really liked this slow building relationship between James and David. What I really didn’t like was how the story was too short. I knew it was a short story when I 1-clicked, but I almost felt like it was a quarter of a book. Just when I settled down and really started to enjoy it. THE END. I wanted to know more about this couple, their struggles, heartache and happy times. I just wanted more.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jen.
3,653 reviews
September 26, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.

Note: This ARC was provided by Less Than Three Press in exchange for an honest review.

Storytime is a short story from author K. Lynn and is a very fast read about author James Murphy and librarian David (no last name mentioned), who meet and strike up a friendship that provides an opportunity for something more. Even after a year from the time his partner died, James is still having difficulty moving on professionally and personally. David was exactly what he needed and came along at the right time. The ending was more than fitting, leaving readers hopeful. I'm giving Storytime 4.5 stars, rounded off to five stars. ♥
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,437 reviews402 followers
December 7, 2017
It was okay I think.
James and Dàvid moved too fast IMO.
And the ending , well, let's sày, I'm not satisfied .
Profile Image for El.
255 reviews9 followers
October 2, 2015
* I received an advanced copy of this novella in exchange for a fair and honest review. *

I really enjoy K. Lynn's short stories, and this one was no different! She has a great way with words, and her novellas are always very sweet. This one, about a man trying to find his way back into the world after the loss of his husband, was really lovely. James is a writer, but hasn't been able to find any interest in writing since his partner died suddenly last year. At the suggestion of his agent, he starts to volunteer at a local library, and there he meets David.

The relationship between David and James was really nice. However, there's a very significant age difference between them (twenty-five years!), and I was upset that it wasn't addressed more outside of the two of them. James makes it seem like such a big deal when he brings it up with David, but then it's never discussed again. If it's not going to have an impact on the plot or the way the characters act, then why include it at all?

"You're fifty-three, I already know that," David said. "And for the record, I'm twenty-eight, but I'm not seeing the problem.(Kindle Loc. 360)

I also thought that the summary was a bit of a lie. It implies an internal conflict for James as his relationship with David progresses, but I never picked up on that. Instead, it's a very sweet, level relationship with few ups and downs. Not necessarily a bad thing, especially for a story this short, but the summary implies more turmoil than is actually present.

For most of the novel, I thought this was going to be a 4 or 5 star review, but the ending actually dropped it down pretty harshly for me. I won't give any spoilers, but I will say that it was a huge let-down. It was sudden, and I felt unfulfilled after. So while the rest of the novella was really enjoyable, I found myself disappointed when I reached the conclusion.

K. Lynn does a great job of writing short, sweet novellas! I just wish the ending on this one hadn't been so abrupt and empty.

See the review on Just Love
Profile Image for Tiffany (BookAndCoffeeAddict).
186 reviews5 followers
October 24, 2015
In his first attempt to get out of the house and move on with his life after the death of his partner a year ago, author James Murphy decides to volunteer for storytime at his local library. It’s not long before he develops a fascination with the children’s librarian, David, who just happens to be the spitting image of his dead lover. The fascination and attraction is mutual and the two start dating.

Storytime is well-written, but very short and not really in-depth. It’s pretty much just a little window into the very beginning of James’s attempt to jump back into the dating world with David. The two literally meet, flirt, go on two dates and then engage in a little bit of hanky panky.

I was a little uncomfortable as it seemed throughout the story that James viewed David as Paul 2.0 (Paul is his deceased partner). David looks exactly like Paul did when he and James first met 22 years ago. James and David go on their first date to the restaurant where James and Paul had their standing weekly date night (their second date is at the home James and Paul shared). Paul was James’s muse and now he can see David filling that role. And, lastly, James explicitly states that “no one had made him feel this way except Paul”. Now, I know there is going to be some overlap, but it kind of felt like there was some kind of transference going on – I would have loved to see that explored more.

Over all, the story felt a little incomplete to me, I would have really liked to maybe see David and James address some of the problems that arise when dating widower, but I understand that there just wasn’t time for that. Even though I wasn’t completely into this particular short story, I did enjoy the writing and would read the author again.

*I received an ARC of this book to review. You can find this review and others like it at BookAndCoffeeAddict.com, along with recommendations for a fantastic cup of coffee.
Profile Image for Book Gannet.
1,572 reviews18 followers
October 2, 2015
Short and pretty sweet, there’s not really a lot to be said about this little story. James is likeable, David is cute and flirty without being overly pushy and their relationship moves swiftly but with plenty of nice moments.

However, this is a quick and fairly shallow tale that doesn’t really delve into the emotions of either character. I ended up feeling like James was moving on a little too fast and I really didn’t like the idea that David looked like a younger Paul (the ex-partner), which gave off all kinds of creepy vibes – to me at least. The idea that their first date was at the same place James and Paul used to always go also felt a little off to me.

If James had made all the moves I definitely wouldn’t have been comfortable with it, but David does the chasing, and James’ is sweetly introverted enough that it didn’t feel too creepy. If he’d permanently considered how like Paul David was, then this would have been a different tale altogether. Instead it’s short and sweet with a bit of a redundant sex scene and an open ending that implies a happy for now scenario.

If you're looking for something quick and easy and don’t mind not feeling the emotions that such a loss would imply, then give this a try. It’s sweet enough to please, if not quite deep enough to be memorable.

(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Profile Image for Love Bytes Reviews.
2,529 reviews38 followers
December 15, 2015
3 Heart Review by Dennis

James hasn’t written anything or even really been living since the death of his partner. By the suggestion of his agent he ventures out and decides to volunteer at a library for storytime. While there he meets David the man in charge. They get to know each other and have a friendly banter but James isn’t sure if it’s more than just friendly or if David is hitting on him.

I honestly don’t know where to start or what to say about Storytime except it is definitely a short story, so short I feel like it ended just as soon as it started. It doesn’t dwell to deep in the mind of James’ pain but rather David helping him move on and see that there can be light after the darkness. To me this is the beginning of what can be a good story. If you’re looking for something to read while at lunch then this would be one of those books.

This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
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Profile Image for Ella.
168 reviews11 followers
March 6, 2016
J'ai reçu cette ARC par NetGalley. Merci pour votre confiance.

Petite nouvelle mettant en scène un bibliothécaire et un écrivain hanté par la mort de son partenaire, elle est classique dans sa forme, peut-être un peu trop courte. Après la rencontre, nous observons les liens se tisser entre les deux personnages jusqu'à leur premier rendez-vous. Tout se passe bien, ça clique instantanément entre eux. Peut-être un peu trop facilement, mais en fait, il y a tout de même un maximum que l'on peut faire avec 11 000 mots. D'ailleurs, c'est à regret qu'on laisse les personnages après leur second rendez-vous. L'équilibre entre les scènes romantiques et sexuelles est maintenu et le tout se tient parfaitement. J'aurais néanmoins été curieuse d'en apprendre plus sur le reste de leur histoire.
Idéale pour une petite heure de relaxation toute douce.
Profile Image for Christi Snow.
Author 69 books738 followers
September 30, 2015
My Review:
On the surface, this book was fine. The writing worked and the story kept my attention. BUT it's super, super short...and what's missing from the story is the emotion. While I somewhat enjoyed reading James and David's story, I never did emotionally engage with them. It was like reading a narrative where I could clap and say, "well done", but five minutes later, just not care. All the surface story telling is there, but there's nothing deep in the story to let the reader connect and root for the characters. Which is kind of sad, because the surface story is decent. It just needed more. I wanted to care for these characters...and I just didn't.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for C.E. Case.
Author 6 books17 followers
November 5, 2015
Storytime is a short, sweet story by K. Lynn. Middle-aged James Murphy is mourning his partner. He decides to get involved in the children's program at the local library, just to get out of the house. There he meets David, the children's librarian. The story's setting is realistic as a library, which is refreshing. You wouldn't think it would matter, but there's some weird stuff out there. James and David are both enjoyable people. This is a May-December Romance that comes across as sweet and fun. I had to knock off some points for the brevity of the sex scene. But not too many, because what's there is hot. I had a good time reading Storytime. I can only imagine K. Lynn's fans will too. ~ Christy
Profile Image for Brandilyn.
1,126 reviews50 followers
January 10, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance

Loss comes in many forms. The death of a loved is certainly the most permanent -- and gut-wrenching -- but sometimes similar pain is enough over which to create a bond. That is the situation James and David find themselves facing in Storytime.

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

Profile Image for Lilian.
497 reviews35 followers
September 14, 2015
Cute short story! I didn't know I would like it this much, but I definitely want to read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews