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Short North #3
Almost But Not Quite
A Cinderfella story.
Every fairytale has its dragon.
Daniel Kohl is at a new low. After struggling to pull himself up from nearly four years on the street, an old lover and a series of bad decisions has him right back where he started. Except this time around, he's not sure he has the stomach for it.
Returning home after his father's passing, Maximilian Litt has laid claim to his fortune and taken up the reins to his legacy, a charity organization that had been his father's whole world. But even the weight of the foundation and his handsome administrative assistant can't distract him from the ghosts of his past.
Can a chance meeting, under the worst of circumstances, lead each man to the one thing he is looking for?
Everyone has their regrets. Some just haunt us more than others.
Every fairytale has its dragon.
Daniel Kohl is at a new low. After struggling to pull himself up from nearly four years on the street, an old lover and a series of bad decisions has him right back where he started. Except this time around, he's not sure he has the stomach for it.
Returning home after his father's passing, Maximilian Litt has laid claim to his fortune and taken up the reins to his legacy, a charity organization that had been his father's whole world. But even the weight of the foundation and his handsome administrative assistant can't distract him from the ghosts of his past.
Can a chance meeting, under the worst of circumstances, lead each man to the one thing he is looking for?
Everyone has their regrets. Some just haunt us more than others.
107 pages, ebook
First published July 20, 2015
94 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Amy Spector
32 books124 followersAmy Spector grew up in the United States surviving on a steady diet of old horror movies, television reruns and mystery novels.
After years of blogging about comic books, vintage Gothic romance book cover illustrations, and a shameful amount about herself, she decided to try her hand at writing stories. She found it more than a little like talking about herself in third person, and that suited her just fine.
She blames Universal for her love of horror, Edward Gorey for her love of British drama and writing for awakening the romantic that was probably there all along.
Amy lives in the Midwest with her husband and children, and her cats Poe, Goji, and Nekō.
After years of blogging about comic books, vintage Gothic romance book cover illustrations, and a shameful amount about herself, she decided to try her hand at writing stories. She found it more than a little like talking about herself in third person, and that suited her just fine.
She blames Universal for her love of horror, Edward Gorey for her love of British drama and writing for awakening the romantic that was probably there all along.
Amy lives in the Midwest with her husband and children, and her cats Poe, Goji, and Nekō.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
July 23, 2015
I love me a good Cinderfella story, and this one didn't disappoint.
The dual POV drew me in immediately. I couldn't help but love Daniel, and I was crazy happy that Max found him, or rather, that they found each other.
The secondary characters were well sketched, and the theme of hurt/comfort was lovely.
Even if certain things came too easily, I didn't mind.
It's called a FAIRY TALE, people.
My only niggle was the weird suspense scene at the end. That came out of nowhere and was, I think, unnecessary.
The dual POV drew me in immediately. I couldn't help but love Daniel, and I was crazy happy that Max found him, or rather, that they found each other.
The secondary characters were well sketched, and the theme of hurt/comfort was lovely.
Even if certain things came too easily, I didn't mind.
It's called a FAIRY TALE, people.
My only niggle was the weird suspense scene at the end. That came out of nowhere and was, I think, unnecessary.
July 21, 2015
Swimming in the 3.5-4 stars pool -- The billionaire prompt!!!!!
I was pressed so hard against this prompt, it should’ve popped wood. Major wood.
One of my favorite things in romances (it might look like I like a lot of things but trust me, I don’t) are billionaires.
Yeah, I’m that girl.
I don’t care about the probability of anyone actually finding an attractive, single and eligible rich bachelor who is hung like Triton and can fuck like a god in bed.
I don’t care.
Give them a personality and I’m sold…for the most part.
My favorite fictional billionaire is Mr. Gideon Cross. And guess who he was based on? Mr. David Gandy.
Don’t know who he is? Here let me help you.
And this prompt pic was one of Mr. Gandy’s as well, wouldn’t you know?
(Not the prompt pic but I just thought I’d give another angle of his face)
Right, so I might have quelted once or twice when this prompt popped up.
Now in my head, I imagined this story going a certain way because billionaire and Gandy means hot fucking and sultry orders was on the menu, right?
But “Almost But Not Quite” wasn’t like the popular billionaire clichés. In fact, the author humanized Maximilian, the billionaire main character.
He was relatable and sweet and such a soft heart. Don’t get me wrong, when the bedroom action happens (and it does happen), he had a couple of hot lines. There was a growly moment that I particularly enjoyed. (of course)
This was cinderfella-esque, so in terms of relationship building between the main characters, I knew to suspend reality for a bit because who would bring a drunk homeless person who offered to fuck them for cash to their house? Their actual living space and close their eyes and go to sleep...with the hot for cash hobo in their house? With all their valuables just laying about looking all pricy?
The main thing was for me to buy Daniel the part-time rent-boy/fired hairdresser/full-time drunk/ex-drug addict and Max, the Gandy-twin billionaire's relationship and then sexual tension. You can pull that off I don't care if their plan trips to moon to search for polar bears, make me believe.
And overall, their relationship was good. There were parts where I questioned their motives but they were meant for each other. So it's all good.
I had niggles though, minor ones.
One being, it was short for pulling off the HEA. Add another 50 pages or so to show Daniel's progression of detox and his substance abuse struggles, let him stand on his two feet. Let Max slowly start to trust Daniel and let him into his world, I would have thrown all the stars at this thing. I had to reread certain parts to make sure they were actually ready for the ILY moment because I kinda thought it was premature. (A little bit)
Max gave in too quickly before realizing how he felt. In fact, the beginning Max was slightly arrogant, sort of standoffish business man then he turned to mush toward the middle and stayed like that. He was very trusting, very quickly and if he had got burned by the stepbrother (my biggest niggle - I'll get to that) would he really be as open and trusting as he was with Daniel.
Daniel, I preferred slightly more than Max just because I sort of got to know him more. I think he was a good kid who came from a bad situation. I would have liked a little more clarification on his background, then again maybe some more exploration of Max's and his stepbrother as well. What we get is good and can carry the story. I might just be nitpicky and know nothing of what I speak of. ;P
Sometimes there were minor scenes that I didn't think added to the overall story.
Oh and my biggest niggle, the stepbrother plot twist.
Okay, this story was a solid 4 stars until the last chapter. It was sweet and about redemption and being sober and cute and sweet kisses and finally getting to express yourself in the bedroom kinda hot but...the twist felt like it came out of nowhere.
And then I'm thinking to myself as I'm reading: (it's a little spoiler-ish)
If only the last chapter didn't happen. But it did.
But I can respect the author for trying to shake it up. I enjoyed the ideas brought to the story. The execution showed promise, it got a little shaky a few times but I was entertained. (I'll be reading more Amy Spector, for sure)
And most importantly, the author proved not all billionaires need to be anti-social fuck machines who can make body parts leak at just a glance.
So major thanks to the author and the team behind the story.
And David Gandy.
P.S. Great cover.
I was pressed so hard against this prompt, it should’ve popped wood. Major wood.
One of my favorite things in romances (it might look like I like a lot of things but trust me, I don’t) are billionaires.
Yeah, I’m that girl.
I don’t care about the probability of anyone actually finding an attractive, single and eligible rich bachelor who is hung like Triton and can fuck like a god in bed.
I don’t care.
Give them a personality and I’m sold…for the most part.
My favorite fictional billionaire is Mr. Gideon Cross. And guess who he was based on? Mr. David Gandy.
Don’t know who he is? Here let me help you.
And this prompt pic was one of Mr. Gandy’s as well, wouldn’t you know?
(Not the prompt pic but I just thought I’d give another angle of his face)
Right, so I might have quelted once or twice when this prompt popped up.
Now in my head, I imagined this story going a certain way because billionaire and Gandy means hot fucking and sultry orders was on the menu, right?
But “Almost But Not Quite” wasn’t like the popular billionaire clichés. In fact, the author humanized Maximilian, the billionaire main character.
He was relatable and sweet and such a soft heart. Don’t get me wrong, when the bedroom action happens (and it does happen), he had a couple of hot lines. There was a growly moment that I particularly enjoyed. (of course)
This was cinderfella-esque, so in terms of relationship building between the main characters, I knew to suspend reality for a bit because who would bring a drunk homeless person who offered to fuck them for cash to their house? Their actual living space and close their eyes and go to sleep...with the hot for cash hobo in their house? With all their valuables just laying about looking all pricy?
The main thing was for me to buy Daniel the part-time rent-boy/fired hairdresser/full-time drunk/ex-drug addict and Max, the Gandy-twin billionaire's relationship and then sexual tension. You can pull that off I don't care if their plan trips to moon to search for polar bears, make me believe.
And overall, their relationship was good. There were parts where I questioned their motives but they were meant for each other. So it's all good.
I had niggles though, minor ones.
One being, it was short for pulling off the HEA. Add another 50 pages or so to show Daniel's progression of detox and his substance abuse struggles, let him stand on his two feet. Let Max slowly start to trust Daniel and let him into his world, I would have thrown all the stars at this thing. I had to reread certain parts to make sure they were actually ready for the ILY moment because I kinda thought it was premature. (A little bit)
Max gave in too quickly before realizing how he felt. In fact, the beginning Max was slightly arrogant, sort of standoffish business man then he turned to mush toward the middle and stayed like that. He was very trusting, very quickly and if he had got burned by the stepbrother (my biggest niggle - I'll get to that) would he really be as open and trusting as he was with Daniel.
Daniel, I preferred slightly more than Max just because I sort of got to know him more. I think he was a good kid who came from a bad situation. I would have liked a little more clarification on his background, then again maybe some more exploration of Max's and his stepbrother as well. What we get is good and can carry the story. I might just be nitpicky and know nothing of what I speak of. ;P
Sometimes there were minor scenes that I didn't think added to the overall story.
Oh and my biggest niggle, the stepbrother plot twist.
Okay, this story was a solid 4 stars until the last chapter. It was sweet and about redemption and being sober and cute and sweet kisses and finally getting to express yourself in the bedroom kinda hot but...the twist felt like it came out of nowhere.
And then I'm thinking to myself as I'm reading: (it's a little spoiler-ish)
If only the last chapter didn't happen. But it did.
But I can respect the author for trying to shake it up. I enjoyed the ideas brought to the story. The execution showed promise, it got a little shaky a few times but I was entertained. (I'll be reading more Amy Spector, for sure)
And most importantly, the author proved not all billionaires need to be anti-social fuck machines who can make body parts leak at just a glance.
So major thanks to the author and the team behind the story.
And David Gandy.
P.S. Great cover.
Read
March 10, 2018review removed
September 20, 2015
3.5 stars
I adore Cinderfella stories and I really liked this one. It was sweet and lovely. I just feel like that plot twist at the end wasn't quite necessary.
I adore Cinderfella stories and I really liked this one. It was sweet and lovely. I just feel like that plot twist at the end wasn't quite necessary.
July 21, 2024
Yeah, sure… because homeless alcoholic boys are just picked up by billionaires who only want to help them...
Oh, wait. It is a Cinder(f)ella story. Then it should be more magical, right?
Daniel
Max
He was much more the Fairy Godmother than the Prince…
The whole relationship seemed unlikely and inappropriate, and not just because of the age gap…
And the ending?! The evil stepbrother... What a nonsense! Okay, okay, Cinderella, I get it…
Not quite what I expected…
Oh, wait. It is a Cinder(f)ella story. Then it should be more magical, right?
Daniel
Max
He was much more the Fairy Godmother than the Prince…
The whole relationship seemed unlikely and inappropriate, and not just because of the age gap…
And the ending?! The evil stepbrother... What a nonsense! Okay, okay, Cinderella, I get it…
Not quite what I expected…
July 21, 2015
4.5 stars
Once upon a time there was a young man named Daniel. To say he was down on his luck would be an understatement. Afraid to go back to a shelter for fear that this time it really might break him, he's not only struggling with being homeless and jobless, but with a very real struggle with alcohol addiction. He didn't think that offering a sexual favor in return for money, to the well-dressed man in the park, would lead to a knight in shining armor helping to set his life to rights.
But that's exactly what happens.
Maximilian takes one look at the beautiful boy and decided to do what he can to help this young man. Not necessarily out of the goodness of his heart, but guilt for a ghost in his past. Regardless of his intentions, he develops real feelings for his Cinderfella, and helps him in anyway Daniel will allow him.
What comes about is a sexy billionaire sweeping a beautiful man off his feet, and creating a happily ever after for the both of them.
But there's always a dragon to be slain in a fairytale. Sometimes the knight needs rescuing too. And sometimes the Cinderfella knows he has to put the work in so he can be worthy of the Knight. And that, right there? That's just another reason why I loved this story. It has a Cinderfella willing and wanting to be better for his Prince.
There's also a bonus for those who've read Shiny Things by this author. You'll see a brief cameo from both Vincent and Nathaniel. (Vincent is such a cutie.)
As this is a contemporary fairytale, I'm going to assume thatMatthew our Dragon was sentenced to 5 to 10, in a padded jail cell Castle dungeon, guarded by peasants with pitchforks and torches. I've taken the liberty of rewriting your ending Mrs. Spector. Matthew is now guarded by these lovely people.
Oh, and you owe me some puppies.
My thanks to the author for her time, sanity, and participation in the Love is an Open Road event.
Once upon a time there was a young man named Daniel. To say he was down on his luck would be an understatement. Afraid to go back to a shelter for fear that this time it really might break him, he's not only struggling with being homeless and jobless, but with a very real struggle with alcohol addiction. He didn't think that offering a sexual favor in return for money, to the well-dressed man in the park, would lead to a knight in shining armor helping to set his life to rights.
But that's exactly what happens.
Maximilian takes one look at the beautiful boy and decided to do what he can to help this young man. Not necessarily out of the goodness of his heart, but guilt for a ghost in his past. Regardless of his intentions, he develops real feelings for his Cinderfella, and helps him in anyway Daniel will allow him.
What comes about is a sexy billionaire sweeping a beautiful man off his feet, and creating a happily ever after for the both of them.
But there's always a dragon to be slain in a fairytale. Sometimes the knight needs rescuing too. And sometimes the Cinderfella knows he has to put the work in so he can be worthy of the Knight. And that, right there? That's just another reason why I loved this story. It has a Cinderfella willing and wanting to be better for his Prince.
There's also a bonus for those who've read Shiny Things by this author. You'll see a brief cameo from both Vincent and Nathaniel. (Vincent is such a cutie.)
As this is a contemporary fairytale, I'm going to assume that
Oh, and you owe me some puppies.
My thanks to the author for her time, sanity, and participation in the Love is an Open Road event.
July 20, 2015
Don't ask why, just play this song when you read this story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...
A very well written story with some unexpected and brilliant twists and turns :D
I loved Daniel and Max and the way that their relationship developed ( and the hotness). Theirs is a rather beautiful story of love that occurs despite difficulties and challenges.
It is not instant love which seems to me realistic given the drug issues.
And I loved the puppies .
So, everything is going swimmingly, and Al is happy.
But then...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...
A very well written story with some unexpected and brilliant twists and turns :D
I loved Daniel and Max and the way that their relationship developed ( and the hotness). Theirs is a rather beautiful story of love that occurs despite difficulties and challenges.
It is not instant love which seems to me realistic given the drug issues.
And I loved the puppies .
So, everything is going swimmingly, and Al is happy.
But then...
July 20, 2015
*4.25 stars*
Cinderfella!! This is somewhat of a fairy tale so, on the one hand, you have to suspend your disbelief a little that the 22 year old homeless alcoholic will end up with the sexy billionaire BUT on the other hand I so want to believe that stories like this happen and that sometimes there are rich guys with a social conscious like Max.
The romance was sweet with a little slow burn and we do get to see some hot action between our MCs.
This wasn't just a romance though as it was also the story of Daniel's recovery from alcoholism and the start of the new life he was building for himself.
Overall, a sweet, feel good story!
Cinderfella!! This is somewhat of a fairy tale so, on the one hand, you have to suspend your disbelief a little that the 22 year old homeless alcoholic will end up with the sexy billionaire BUT on the other hand I so want to believe that stories like this happen and that sometimes there are rich guys with a social conscious like Max.
The romance was sweet with a little slow burn and we do get to see some hot action between our MCs.
This wasn't just a romance though as it was also the story of Daniel's recovery from alcoholism and the start of the new life he was building for himself.
Overall, a sweet, feel good story!
July 22, 2015
I'm all for romancing handsome billionaires.
Right this way, Max. Come to Noah, who is a philanthropist too. :D
Right this way, Max. Come to Noah, who is a philanthropist too. :D
October 17, 2018
AYFKM?
I marked this as read, but technically it's a DNF -- at 96%. Yes, at 96% and with one minute left in the book. I'm sorry, but I simply cannot take even one more minute of stupid.
I marked this as read, but technically it's a DNF -- at 96%. Yes, at 96% and with one minute left in the book. I'm sorry, but I simply cannot take even one more minute of stupid.
July 21, 2015
Thanks to the author for participating and offering this freebie
2.something stars, rounding upward.
It's a cute Cinderfella story that's spoiled by being too neat and having sudden extraneous plot to complicate matters. I liked the writing though and I like when people win despite their situation.
Daniel's drink problem is resolved without a hiccup. His job replaced with a phone-call - it's all too easy. I'd have rather seen a little struggle there to show what a huge thing fighting any addiction is. It felt trivialized. Daniel is very unspoilt considering his situation, I couldn't buy his innocence. He is extremely sweet and likeable though. Lots of puppy enthusiasm.
The whole wicked step-brother plot - what was that? more importantly - why was that? It wasn't needed, if angst was wanted then explore the details already introduced. It was odd and unnecessary. There were a few little side details I thought irrelevant.
I liked reading this, wanted them to get together and have everything turn up roses, as long as you don't over think the details it's a nice read.
2.something stars, rounding upward.
It's a cute Cinderfella story that's spoiled by being too neat and having sudden extraneous plot to complicate matters. I liked the writing though and I like when people win despite their situation.
Daniel's drink problem is resolved without a hiccup. His job replaced with a phone-call - it's all too easy. I'd have rather seen a little struggle there to show what a huge thing fighting any addiction is. It felt trivialized. Daniel is very unspoilt considering his situation, I couldn't buy his innocence. He is extremely sweet and likeable though. Lots of puppy enthusiasm.
The whole wicked step-brother plot - what was that? more importantly - why was that? It wasn't needed, if angst was wanted then explore the details already introduced. It was odd and unnecessary. There were a few little side details I thought irrelevant.
I liked reading this, wanted them to get together and have everything turn up roses, as long as you don't over think the details it's a nice read.
June 7, 2016
Loved this short one. A building up read. A little sort of fairytale. The rich Max and the homeless Daniel. Yeah I know...but it is possible. I love a good imagination.
The way of writing was really good, a good flow in it.
A sweet story with a sharp tail. But with a HEA
The way of writing was really good, a good flow in it.
A sweet story with a sharp tail. But with a HEA
July 31, 2015
A fun, sweet and well written little cinderfella story. I am always amazed by the DRitC stories each year; all the authors sharing their talent just because. Amazing.
July 21, 2015
I love it when a story manages to surprise me.
Admittedly, when I saw the prompt coupled with the Gandy-tastic Cinderella-esque inspiration I was over the moon...
I mean, come on! David Gandy people! The only man hotter would be, oh I don't know, Matt Bom-- okay, I digress.
But seriously, I read this story with certain things on my mind...
But dammit, the writing was superb. Immediately, I was there with Daniel, feeling his pain and despair, the grit of the street, the hopelessness. Then Max jumped off the page and in moments I knew he was the kind of hero that would glide into Daniel's life and not only lift him up, but help him do it on his own terms.
These characters had me hooked and I loved being privy to their relationship as it developed in such a sweet and gentle way, but not without tension and challenges.
So when the seemed inevitable I was like...
And then
I was thoroughly satisfied.
The ending was anything but cliche and it kept me guessing for the entire ride. Bravo, my dear.
Come for the Gandy-candy, stay for a brilliant story.
Admittedly, when I saw the prompt coupled with the Gandy-tastic Cinderella-esque inspiration I was over the moon...
I mean, come on! David Gandy people! The only man hotter would be, oh I don't know, Matt Bom-- okay, I digress.
But seriously, I read this story with certain things on my mind...
But dammit, the writing was superb. Immediately, I was there with Daniel, feeling his pain and despair, the grit of the street, the hopelessness. Then Max jumped off the page and in moments I knew he was the kind of hero that would glide into Daniel's life and not only lift him up, but help him do it on his own terms.
These characters had me hooked and I loved being privy to their relationship as it developed in such a sweet and gentle way, but not without tension and challenges.
So when the seemed inevitable I was like...
And then
I was thoroughly satisfied.
The ending was anything but cliche and it kept me guessing for the entire ride. Bravo, my dear.
Come for the Gandy-candy, stay for a brilliant story.
July 24, 2015
Cinderfella!!!
It's been too long since I last read a good cinderfella story. This one was lovely. I liked the MCs and Daniel's personality in particular. I enjoyed the slow burn and the building chemistry between these two. And I definately loved that they took their time and didn't jump in a relationship, not before Daniel overcoming his addiction.
I did feel that the story could have ended at 85 % though.
Also, can I just say that the guy on the cover is gorgeous and fits Daniel perfectly?
Overall, I enjoyed the story and I liked the writing a lot. Great job!
It's been too long since I last read a good cinderfella story. This one was lovely. I liked the MCs and Daniel's personality in particular. I enjoyed the slow burn and the building chemistry between these two. And I definately loved that they took their time and didn't jump in a relationship, not before Daniel overcoming his addiction.
I did feel that the story could have ended at 85 % though.
Also, can I just say that the guy on the cover is gorgeous and fits Daniel perfectly?
Overall, I enjoyed the story and I liked the writing a lot. Great job!
July 20, 2015
3.5 stars
Really enjoyed this cinderfella story. It has to be read with that in mind, because it really is all about the fairytale— the meeting your knight in shining armor (enter Max Litt, a David Gandy-ish stud-muffin-of-a-billionaire. Oh mama.)— and the whole sweeping off the feet thing.
But there’s some edge added too. Young Daniel (vulnerable, all on his own, life on the streets) has serious problems with alcohol and substance abuse. And he needs to deal with those before he can feel worthy of Max’s interest and affection. He needs to learn to stand on his own. His situation did pull at my heart… cast-off boy just wanting some love and belonging. But, these two play it careful until Daniel is on his way to that recovery and discovery. I liked that.
There is some family drama to stir things up, things get a little cray-cray on the side, and there’s a clever little plot-twist thing… but the sweet HEA is within reach. I really wouldn’t mind reading about some of the side characters touched on here… Timothy, for one… he needs to get his man! And, perhaps Max’s majordomo, Thomas. A man with a past, for sure… my Spidey-sense tells me… some interesting secrets lurking there. Or just wishful thinking?
July 30, 2015
I love Amy Spector's characters so much. I forget in between reading her stories. There is something so fragile and vulnerable about them, yet they also have a spark of resilience, which means that whatever trial lies ahead of them (and it's an Amy Spector story, so there WILL be a trial ahead of them) there's also going to be a delicious happy ending.
And cameos.
They make me smile like a fool.
So what we have here, then, is the story of Daniel, a young homeless man who is trying is bloody hardest to get on his feet. He's an unabashed alcoholic, perhaps only with a certain wealthy gentleman who bought him dinner al fresco and captured Daniel's heart?
Speaking of said wealthy gentleman... if you ever get tired of Daniel, Mr. Mmmmillion*, I'll be right here, waiting.
Thank you, Amy, and the Love is an Open Road team, for another wonderful and FREE story.
* Yes, I know it's not, but shh.
And cameos.
They make me smile like a fool.
So what we have here, then, is the story of Daniel, a young homeless man who is trying is bloody hardest to get on his feet. He's an unabashed alcoholic, perhaps only with a certain wealthy gentleman who bought him dinner al fresco and captured Daniel's heart?
Speaking of said wealthy gentleman... if you ever get tired of Daniel, Mr. Mmmmillion*, I'll be right here, waiting.
Thank you, Amy, and the Love is an Open Road team, for another wonderful and FREE story.
* Yes, I know it's not, but shh.
July 21, 2015
A nice, well-done story about a young man who's tried hard to better his circumstances, but his drinking gets in the way, and a very rich, somewhat older man, who sees in him first someone to atone with, but then falls for what might be.
With some family drama, some nail-biting moments, and some hot sexy times, with a dose of humor, rounded out by some nicely developed characters, this was a splendid way to spend an hour.
Free from the M/M Romance group's Love Is An Open Road event. My thanks to the author.
With some family drama, some nail-biting moments, and some hot sexy times, with a dose of humor, rounded out by some nicely developed characters, this was a splendid way to spend an hour.
Free from the M/M Romance group's Love Is An Open Road event. My thanks to the author.
July 8, 2017
This hurt my heart at first but the sweet reward was worth it.
So much sympathy for down on his luck Daniel who can't really escape his past or his demons no matter how hard he tries - until he meets Max, who takes a chance on helping a stranger in need.
Great, slow burn and UST. Of course I would have loved to have had this more fleshed out in several areas regarding their relationship and that plot twist at the end, but who am I to complain much when this was free and entertaining? Bonus points for being sexy and having that always appreciated, no fuss, happy ending!
So much sympathy for down on his luck Daniel who can't really escape his past or his demons no matter how hard he tries - until he meets Max, who takes a chance on helping a stranger in need.
Great, slow burn and UST. Of course I would have loved to have had this more fleshed out in several areas regarding their relationship and that plot twist at the end, but who am I to complain much when this was free and entertaining? Bonus points for being sexy and having that always appreciated, no fuss, happy ending!
October 6, 2015
The main characters were pleasant and sweet. But personally, I don't like it when an author tries to squeeze everything in a short. The transitions between chapters were too far apart and the delivery of the story (backstories and twists included) felt rushed. I didn't feel connected to the characters because the author barely scratched the surface of their being. It's a good idea for a modern Cinderella-ish tale, but it didn't work for me.
July 21, 2015
An enchanting story full of heart with exquisitely flawed characters that you’ll find yourself rooting for from the very start. There are twists. There are turns. And there are definitely a few laughs and a few gasps. I believe the lovely Michgee, who prompted this story, voiced her hope for a touch of the fairy tale feel. I personally think we get that... and then some.
Yes, there's the affluent and debonair Maximilian. And yes, there's the fair but downtrodden Daniel. Their paths will cross, sparks will fly, and their lives will be forever altered. But not everything is as it seems. And I was only too willing to follow along as the layers are peeled back and we finally get to savor a well-earned HEA. These two are the perfect example of the whole being larger than the sum of its parts. Max and Daniel are made better for being in each other’s lives. I hope we get to encounter them again.
This is my second story by the fabulous Amy Spector and she has a way of creating extremely likeable characters that I would love to hang out with in real life. And once again, I'm totally charmed by her cast of secondary characters.
Thank you to Michgee for a wonderful prompt and to Amy Spector for taking part in this year’s M/M Romance Love is an Open Road writing event! And bravo on a gorgeous cover design.
Yes, there's the affluent and debonair Maximilian. And yes, there's the fair but downtrodden Daniel. Their paths will cross, sparks will fly, and their lives will be forever altered. But not everything is as it seems. And I was only too willing to follow along as the layers are peeled back and we finally get to savor a well-earned HEA. These two are the perfect example of the whole being larger than the sum of its parts. Max and Daniel are made better for being in each other’s lives. I hope we get to encounter them again.
This is my second story by the fabulous Amy Spector and she has a way of creating extremely likeable characters that I would love to hang out with in real life. And once again, I'm totally charmed by her cast of secondary characters.
Thank you to Michgee for a wonderful prompt and to Amy Spector for taking part in this year’s M/M Romance Love is an Open Road writing event! And bravo on a gorgeous cover design.
July 25, 2015
I read Watching Elijah Fall by this author, and I loved it so much (I may have aggressively pushed it on a few of my friends and nagged them to read it?), so I was pretty confident about this one too. And I was right!
Cindefella stories are the freaking best. It's something amazing to read about a person finding a real prince charming and finding their happily ever after (Why yes, I do love Pretty Woman, in case you were wondering) and this story was just. Right in the spot.
I loved Daniel, and I LOVED Maximillian. I liked how everything flowed and I was floored by the writing. Truly enjoyed every part of this story.
The suspense at the end was nail biting, and I was reading it like
and going "Nooooo don't go in thereeere!" but I'm glad it Whew.
Thank you author for this lovely freebie!
Cindefella stories are the freaking best. It's something amazing to read about a person finding a real prince charming and finding their happily ever after (Why yes, I do love Pretty Woman, in case you were wondering) and this story was just. Right in the spot.
I loved Daniel, and I LOVED Maximillian. I liked how everything flowed and I was floored by the writing. Truly enjoyed every part of this story.
The suspense at the end was nail biting, and I was reading it like
and going "Nooooo don't go in thereeere!" but I'm glad it Whew.
Thank you author for this lovely freebie!
July 21, 2015
Cinderfella...a wonderful contemporary fairy tale. Thank you!
July 21, 2015
Someone should make a film of this story !
January 12, 2019
It was good until the weird events at the end.
October 23, 2015
2.5 stars
I liked the premise about a hot billionaire saving a homeless 22 year old guy from a life on the street.
Unfortunately I didn’t feel it. I liked how this story started with some good hurt/comfort, but I just couldn’t get used to Max and his cold ways. I have no idea what Daniel saw in him.
Daniel was so full of emotion and Max was so…… nothing. He had no personality whatsoever and that bothered the shit out of me.
By the end of the book I wanted Daniel to please go back on the street and find happiness with someone else.
And don’t get me started on the weird suspense thing at the end with the long lost stepbrother. That made no sense AT ALL.
I liked the premise about a hot billionaire saving a homeless 22 year old guy from a life on the street.
Unfortunately I didn’t feel it. I liked how this story started with some good hurt/comfort, but I just couldn’t get used to Max and his cold ways. I have no idea what Daniel saw in him.
Daniel was so full of emotion and Max was so…… nothing. He had no personality whatsoever and that bothered the shit out of me.
By the end of the book I wanted Daniel to please go back on the street and find happiness with someone else.
And don’t get me started on the weird suspense thing at the end with the long lost stepbrother. That made no sense AT ALL.
August 4, 2015
Man, I don't even know what to say about this book, but I loved it!!
What a nice, unexpected twist, but,
Also, loved the sexy times!
Over all I'd say Almost 5 stars, but not quite. :D
(Yes, I went there)
Bwahaha, no really, I'd give it a 4.5-4.75, it was really good!
Bravo Amy Spector, I loved it!
What a nice, unexpected twist, but,
Also, loved the sexy times!
Over all I'd say Almost 5 stars, but not quite. :D
(Yes, I went there)
Bwahaha, no really, I'd give it a 4.5-4.75, it was really good!
Bravo Amy Spector, I loved it!
May 16, 2016
This was my prompt! I'm so proud of the story Amy put together, well done dear. This was a great story, I never imagined it would turn out this way. I am more than happy with it. Thank you Amy for picking my prompt.
Re-Read 16 May 2016
I don't know why I revisited this little gem, but I'm glad I did. I still really love it. And I still really hate Matt for killing those two dogs!
Re-Read 16 May 2016
I don't know why I revisited this little gem, but I'm glad I did. I still really love it. And I still really hate Matt for killing those two dogs!
September 16, 2015
Cute Cinderfella fairytale.
Absolutely unbelievable but enjoyable enough. The only thing I didn’t like really was the suspense thingie at the end.. I could’ve done without that aspect…
Love second chances…
“I feel like I’ve lived most of my life surrounded by ugliness, you know? And then you came along, this perfect thing, and showed me that there’s more than just the ugly stuff, there’s beautiful things out there too, if you look hard enough.”
This story is a free story from Goodreads M/M Romance Group (MM Romance Group - Love is an Open Road Stories 2015)
http://www.mmromancegroup.com/almost-...
Picture and prompt;
July 21, 2015
This was very good, I'd definitely read more by this author.
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