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Not a Word
Niall doesn’t speak to his neighbours. He doesn’t speak to anyone. Avoiding conversation is easier than the pity and impatience he senses from everyone the moment he opens his mouth and nothing comes out. Since he split up with his partner years before, he hasn’t had much to do with anyone and that has suited him just fine. He has his dog, Zen, for company. Zen doesn’t care that Niall can’t get through an entire sentence without stuttering. Zen is all Niall needs. And that’s how it would have stayed until the day a new neighbour moves in next door.
Zak is Niall’s exact opposite—twenty-three years Niall’s junior, bubbly, gregarious and never shuts up. His arrival fills Niall’s quiet life with constant noise and constant company. Zen appears to have defected, and Zak doesn’t seem to even notice that Niall rarely speaks. Gradually, Zak’s endless patience brings Niall out of his shell. To Niall’s surprise, he suddenly has a friend, a confidante and perhaps something more.
And he didn’t even have to say a word.
This story was originally written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
A new, extended version is now available with Beaten Track Publishing.
Zak is Niall’s exact opposite—twenty-three years Niall’s junior, bubbly, gregarious and never shuts up. His arrival fills Niall’s quiet life with constant noise and constant company. Zen appears to have defected, and Zak doesn’t seem to even notice that Niall rarely speaks. Gradually, Zak’s endless patience brings Niall out of his shell. To Niall’s surprise, he suddenly has a friend, a confidante and perhaps something more.
And he didn’t even have to say a word.
This story was originally written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
A new, extended version is now available with Beaten Track Publishing.
116 pages, ebook
First published August 28, 2015
6 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Sister
15 books73 followersDawn is from the North East of England. Her life is spent juggling. The juggling balls are: children, husband, work (occasionally), voluntary work, professional knitting (notice she doesn't class this as work), and writing. When she has time she actually sleeps.
The whole point of writing for Dawn is just to get it all off her chest and out of her head. If she doesn't write it down then she ends up having long conversations with the characters out loud and her husband thinks she's crazy.
I like chocolate, coffee and donuts, sometimes all at the same time.
I love evenings around a campfire singing in the company of good friends.
I like listening to the dawn chorus even if I’ve been awake all night.
I like reading stories with characters that are filled with hope even in their darkest hours.
I like happy endings.
I write LGBTQ+ Romance (with happy endings of course).
Read my blog for insights into my stories, updates on WIPs and some exclusive excerpts.
The whole point of writing for Dawn is just to get it all off her chest and out of her head. If she doesn't write it down then she ends up having long conversations with the characters out loud and her husband thinks she's crazy.
I like chocolate, coffee and donuts, sometimes all at the same time.
I love evenings around a campfire singing in the company of good friends.
I like listening to the dawn chorus even if I’ve been awake all night.
I like reading stories with characters that are filled with hope even in their darkest hours.
I like happy endings.
I write LGBTQ+ Romance (with happy endings of course).
Read my blog for insights into my stories, updates on WIPs and some exclusive excerpts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
August 29, 2015
Another wonderful story from Dawn Sister.
I love how she brings to life these characters that first appear slightly grumpy but very quickly you see they're just protecting themselves from the world. Niall is no different, and Zak wants to be the one to protect him. You can't help but fall for them a little :) And if I had a dog, I'd want Zen. I love the cover!
I love how she brings to life these characters that first appear slightly grumpy but very quickly you see they're just protecting themselves from the world. Niall is no different, and Zak wants to be the one to protect him. You can't help but fall for them a little :) And if I had a dog, I'd want Zen. I love the cover!
August 29, 2015
This story? It's like eating an ooey gooey chocolate sundae while watching cute animal videos.
Niall was perfectly happy living on his own. He has Zen, the cutest dog ever, (next to mine of course.) and he generally keeps to himself. Niall has a stutter, one many people don't have the patience for. It only frustrates him more when people interrupt his speaking, or try to guess what his words are. So, keeping to himself? That's just fine by him, until Zak moves in next door. Now suddenly his life is filled with non-stop chatter, and color, and a connection he didn't even know he was lacking.
Told entirely from Niall's POV, we see Zak as the human equivalent of a puppy dog. He's a friendly American transplant, who invites himself into Niall's life and makes fast friends with Zen the dog. He talks a mile a minute but rarely says the important things about himself. And the way he treats Niall is oh so perfectly right.
Their relationship is a sloooooowww buuurrrn. So slow in fact, that Zak sneakily moves in with Niall without telling him. It's cute, really cute. Even cuter? Zen! Who's a little doggy traitor, and a sneaky partner in crime. He steals the show, and some of the more heart melting moments are all down to him.
Zak is an American, but he read entirely British. The reason for that, of course, is that the author is British. I don't think it bothered me enough to take me out of the story, but there were instances where I raised my eyebrow.
There's also an unnecessary conflict at the end that I wish hadn't happened. I would have preferred that the story went out on the initial conflict between the two MCs and the sweet way they chose to make up, instead of having external forces bring them closer together. But still, it was really enjoyable, and a believable May/December romance.
An absolutely adorable, sweet read that made me want to hug my kindle and left me with a smile on my face.
My thanks to the author for their participation in the Love is an Open Road event.
Niall was perfectly happy living on his own. He has Zen, the cutest dog ever, (next to mine of course.) and he generally keeps to himself. Niall has a stutter, one many people don't have the patience for. It only frustrates him more when people interrupt his speaking, or try to guess what his words are. So, keeping to himself? That's just fine by him, until Zak moves in next door. Now suddenly his life is filled with non-stop chatter, and color, and a connection he didn't even know he was lacking.
Told entirely from Niall's POV, we see Zak as the human equivalent of a puppy dog. He's a friendly American transplant, who invites himself into Niall's life and makes fast friends with Zen the dog. He talks a mile a minute but rarely says the important things about himself. And the way he treats Niall is oh so perfectly right.
Their relationship is a sloooooowww buuurrrn. So slow in fact, that Zak sneakily moves in with Niall without telling him. It's cute, really cute. Even cuter? Zen! Who's a little doggy traitor, and a sneaky partner in crime. He steals the show, and some of the more heart melting moments are all down to him.
Zak is an American, but he read entirely British. The reason for that, of course, is that the author is British. I don't think it bothered me enough to take me out of the story, but there were instances where I raised my eyebrow.
There's also an unnecessary conflict at the end that I wish hadn't happened. I would have preferred that the story went out on the initial conflict between the two MCs and the sweet way they chose to make up, instead of having external forces bring them closer together. But still, it was really enjoyable, and a believable May/December romance.
An absolutely adorable, sweet read that made me want to hug my kindle and left me with a smile on my face.
My thanks to the author for their participation in the Love is an Open Road event.
August 31, 2015
A story with heart and charm and likeable characters.
But too often annoying. Like:
the repetitions which at first I thought were the narrator’s quirk but soon realized they were just repetitions; the unnecessary scenes with the ex-partners of both MCs; the big conflict which I found childish (although, I must admit the process of its resolution made me chuckle a couple of times); the angst fest in the last ~15% courtesy of one my pet peeves ;
So, just an OK read for me. Extra star for the many uncomfortable moments which caused Niall to announce he was making tea/coffee (I know, a cliché but I still found it cute) and for the dog and the chapter titles because both were adorable.
September 4, 2015
Thanks to the author for participating and offering this freebie
I want to tell you this is cute story of sweet guys and an adorable dog - because it is! It's lovely. But..
It's slow-slow-slow slow moving, at halfway there's sudden drama thrown in when all I wanted was for them to kiss already and be done. The exs weren't needed. The big age gap wasn't needed - seem to remember this author putting that into last years story too - there's emphathis on how young Zak looks for his age, the scene where Niall is standing by Zak's mother had me cringe; couldn't escape picturing a het couple dispairing at a teenager! Then more needless drama and emotions flying everywhere. Strangely I noticed Niall's stutter got better when he was emotional - that's new!
I had trouble with a 43yr old man running away literally from a conversation - I have a work friend with a stutter who I've known reach the point of being unable to utter a single word. Didn't see what there was to attract Zak with Niall at the start not talking (or attempting too) at all. Jumbled emotions and a tad too much self-depreciation for my taste.
It's a mix of show and tell, at one point it's said 'like when they watch movies together' and I was 'when was that?' While I liked them getting to know each other I don't feel I really got to know them. Also first person present tense - it felt a little awkward at times. The story is a bit repetitive, things are repeated a lot, in case you miss it things are often resaid.
But I loved the humour in the chapter headings, every one raised a smile; Zak is funny and sweet, there's a little dog (though a Jack Russel of all things - my big tough doggy is deeply mistrustful (scared) of them) annnnnd it's okay. Plenty to like, nothing to stand out. If this had been rounded off at around the 40% mark I'd likely be here cooing over cuteness.
And don't tell my dog but I think the covers cute! ;)
I want to tell you this is cute story of sweet guys and an adorable dog - because it is! It's lovely. But..
It's slow-slow-slow slow moving, at halfway there's sudden drama thrown in when all I wanted was for them to kiss already and be done. The exs weren't needed. The big age gap wasn't needed - seem to remember this author putting that into last years story too - there's emphathis on how young Zak looks for his age, the scene where Niall is standing by Zak's mother had me cringe; couldn't escape picturing a het couple dispairing at a teenager! Then more needless drama and emotions flying everywhere. Strangely I noticed Niall's stutter got better when he was emotional - that's new!
I had trouble with a 43yr old man running away literally from a conversation - I have a work friend with a stutter who I've known reach the point of being unable to utter a single word. Didn't see what there was to attract Zak with Niall at the start not talking (or attempting too) at all. Jumbled emotions and a tad too much self-depreciation for my taste.
It's a mix of show and tell, at one point it's said 'like when they watch movies together' and I was 'when was that?' While I liked them getting to know each other I don't feel I really got to know them. Also first person present tense - it felt a little awkward at times. The story is a bit repetitive, things are repeated a lot, in case you miss it things are often resaid.
But I loved the humour in the chapter headings, every one raised a smile; Zak is funny and sweet, there's a little dog (though a Jack Russel of all things - my big tough doggy is deeply mistrustful (scared) of them) annnnnd it's okay. Plenty to like, nothing to stand out. If this had been rounded off at around the 40% mark I'd likely be here cooing over cuteness.
And don't tell my dog but I think the covers cute! ;)
August 29, 2015
What a fun read - I love how Zak stealthily moved into Niall's house. The age difference worked really well. As did the complete difference in the characters' personalities. I loved Niall a lot, introverted and interesting he was pretty much the exact opposite to Zak, but they worked so well together. This story just made me smile all the way through.
And a shout out to Zen, cos this story wouldn't have been this story without Zen.
September 2, 2015
The cuteness!!! It slays me!
I am so happy with how the story turned out. This is a sweet and cuddly romance.
The story started off a little awkwardly for me but its charm soon won me over.
Zak was adorable. He was exactly the kind of person I envisioned when I wrote my prompt. He and Niall fit together perfectly for me. I have a love for the Opposites Attract theme and this romance hit the right spot for me.
There was a moment near the end of the book that brought me to tears. It was well-done and tugged all the right heartstrings for me.
Let's not forget the other star of this story. Zen. That dog is fantastic and I wish I had a Zen of my own.
People with anathema towards super-sweet romances may be a little put off by this story, but fans of sweet comfort reads will love this.
I am so happy with how the story turned out. This is a sweet and cuddly romance.
The story started off a little awkwardly for me but its charm soon won me over.
Zak was adorable. He was exactly the kind of person I envisioned when I wrote my prompt. He and Niall fit together perfectly for me. I have a love for the Opposites Attract theme and this romance hit the right spot for me.
There was a moment near the end of the book that brought me to tears. It was well-done and tugged all the right heartstrings for me.
Let's not forget the other star of this story. Zen. That dog is fantastic and I wish I had a Zen of my own.
People with anathema towards super-sweet romances may be a little put off by this story, but fans of sweet comfort reads will love this.
October 14, 2015
4.5 stars
Everybody was right, this is great story. Niall was just adorable and Zak was OC but they were good together. I'm not much with the age gap trope but this one work for me. I highly recommend this one and plus it's free. The only thing you will be paying for is time and it is so worth it.
Everybody was right, this is great story. Niall was just adorable and Zak was OC but they were good together. I'm not much with the age gap trope but this one work for me. I highly recommend this one and plus it's free. The only thing you will be paying for is time and it is so worth it.
January 10, 2018
Sweet, cute. Large age-gap (20 years). No sex. My favorite part was the dog. Although who would ever name a Jack Russell Terrier “Zen?”
December 2, 2015
I haven't read that many age gap themed books so far and I wasn't sure if this book would be something for me, but it definitly was! And here comes why:
Due to his stutter, Niall is living a rather withdrawn life in a small neighborhood in England. He is mostly working from home (programming webpages) and enjoyes walking his dog Zen. However, when Zak and his mother are moving in in the house next door, his life is about to change.
Zak lost his father and left the States together with his mother in order to start over in England. Zak has been bullied due to his sexual orientation in his old town and is thus a bit hesitant to make new friends.
After a first cute, but rather akward meeting with his new neighbor, Zak is setting up a routine in bringing Niall back his dog, who is constantly espacing into Zak's garden.
Niall, while not talking much at first, is quickly feeling at easy in Zak's company. Compared to many others, Zak is very patient, never tries to put words into Niall's mouth and always lets him finish his sentences even if it takes him a while.
An easy friendship developes and the attraction between these two lovely MC's can't be ignored. I loved Zak's energy and was enjoying his way of life. Niall was very interessting too, but I would have loved to get a bit more information about his life before Zak.
Short, sweet and with enough plot, Not a Word was very interessting to read. I liked the writing style, the dialogues and the sweet subheading of the chapters. However, there were a few repetations that kept getting on my nervs - both in terms of words and actions.
Still - 4 stars for this sweet read! P.S. I love the cover and Zen's role in the story!
Due to his stutter, Niall is living a rather withdrawn life in a small neighborhood in England. He is mostly working from home (programming webpages) and enjoyes walking his dog Zen. However, when Zak and his mother are moving in in the house next door, his life is about to change.
Zak lost his father and left the States together with his mother in order to start over in England. Zak has been bullied due to his sexual orientation in his old town and is thus a bit hesitant to make new friends.
After a first cute, but rather akward meeting with his new neighbor, Zak is setting up a routine in bringing Niall back his dog, who is constantly espacing into Zak's garden.
Niall, while not talking much at first, is quickly feeling at easy in Zak's company. Compared to many others, Zak is very patient, never tries to put words into Niall's mouth and always lets him finish his sentences even if it takes him a while.
An easy friendship developes and the attraction between these two lovely MC's can't be ignored. I loved Zak's energy and was enjoying his way of life. Niall was very interessting too, but I would have loved to get a bit more information about his life before Zak.
Short, sweet and with enough plot, Not a Word was very interessting to read. I liked the writing style, the dialogues and the sweet subheading of the chapters. However, there were a few repetations that kept getting on my nervs - both in terms of words and actions.
Still - 4 stars for this sweet read! P.S. I love the cover and Zen's role in the story!
September 19, 2015
3.5 stars! Cute story.
September 12, 2018
Just done a re-read.... still so, so cute.
This book was adorable... short but so very sweet, I absolutely adored Zak, even from the first time he meets Niall and can't stop talking, I giggled my way through their first meeting when he runs to Nialls house and attempts to talk to him through the mail slot in the door. How cute was that?
Niall has a problem with stuttering, people get tired of waiting on him to get out what he wants to say so they tend to interrupt him or try to finish his sentences so he just chooses not to speak much. But, Zak isn't like that, he's patient and understanding and he talks enough for the both of them. Nialls dog Zen took to Zak immediately when he moved in next door, They go from neighbors to friends so quick and I think it's obvious they have feelings for each other even though the POV is soley from Nialls POV.
It's easy for them to go from friends to having feelings for each other, I feel like it happened really quickly too but neither of them would say anything... eventually though, a misunderstanding, a fight then an emergency brings them back together after only a day where they both regretted the arguement... Zak goes out of his way to be really sweet to get Niall to forgive him I thought that was so cute....They ended up together in the end though... It was very cute I was happy the way it turned out and I wouldn't mind reading about these two some more if another book happened to come about :)
5 stars for me!
This book was adorable... short but so very sweet, I absolutely adored Zak, even from the first time he meets Niall and can't stop talking, I giggled my way through their first meeting when he runs to Nialls house and attempts to talk to him through the mail slot in the door. How cute was that?
Niall has a problem with stuttering, people get tired of waiting on him to get out what he wants to say so they tend to interrupt him or try to finish his sentences so he just chooses not to speak much. But, Zak isn't like that, he's patient and understanding and he talks enough for the both of them. Nialls dog Zen took to Zak immediately when he moved in next door, They go from neighbors to friends so quick and I think it's obvious they have feelings for each other even though the POV is soley from Nialls POV.
It's easy for them to go from friends to having feelings for each other, I feel like it happened really quickly too but neither of them would say anything... eventually though, a misunderstanding, a fight then an emergency brings them back together after only a day where they both regretted the arguement... Zak goes out of his way to be really sweet to get Niall to forgive him I thought that was so cute....They ended up together in the end though... It was very cute I was happy the way it turned out and I wouldn't mind reading about these two some more if another book happened to come about :)
5 stars for me!
December 27, 2015
This is a cutesie story I immensely enjoyed reading because I just love me some May-December affair and add the cutest dog ever and I’m hooked. I loved the fact that the main characters are so different from each other. Niall keeps to himself and stutter so bad whilst Zak can’t seem to stop talking! They have their issue but they get past it.
My favorite part was Zak’s ninja moves! (Haha!) - Stealthily moving in with Niall without the latter knowing it! So cute! I loved the apologies from Zak and the assistance from the dog! Ugh. So freaking adorable!
I’m docking off a star because of the super slow – slow burn. It was like, are they ever going to kiss or do it or what? It was a long wait before they realized they belong together. But hey, minor issues for me. I still enjoyed it and I’m pretty sure you will too. Plus, it’s freaking free so whaaaaaa…?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
My favorite part was Zak’s ninja moves! (Haha!) - Stealthily moving in with Niall without the latter knowing it! So cute! I loved the apologies from Zak and the assistance from the dog! Ugh. So freaking adorable!
I’m docking off a star because of the super slow – slow burn. It was like, are they ever going to kiss or do it or what? It was a long wait before they realized they belong together. But hey, minor issues for me. I still enjoyed it and I’m pretty sure you will too. Plus, it’s freaking free so whaaaaaa…?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
August 29, 2015
This story has so many of my favourite things - a cute puppy, a May/November pairing - but best of all, a main character that is willing to take the time to get his man.
Perhaps the writing could be a bit tighter (there is a tiny bit of repetitiveness) but nothing that hampered my reading enjoyment.
Perhaps the writing could be a bit tighter (there is a tiny bit of repetitiveness) but nothing that hampered my reading enjoyment.
October 28, 2015
Love this story! Review to follow.
July 4, 2022
3.75 stars
I read the slightly expanded version, 133 Kindle pages, which includes an epilogue with a spicy scene, but otherwise the original story ended shortly after Niall and Zak confirm that they are, in fact, in a relationship but before anything past kisses. Both with or without the epilogue, this is a lovely romance with the younger Zak slowly drawing Niall out of his self-imposed isolation, sneakily making himself indispensable to the older man. We don't see inside Zak's head, but most of his thought processes come directly out of his mouth, so nothing is a surprise here, just a nice slow-burn.
I read the slightly expanded version, 133 Kindle pages, which includes an epilogue with a spicy scene, but otherwise the original story ended shortly after Niall and Zak confirm that they are, in fact, in a relationship but before anything past kisses. Both with or without the epilogue, this is a lovely romance with the younger Zak slowly drawing Niall out of his self-imposed isolation, sneakily making himself indispensable to the older man. We don't see inside Zak's head, but most of his thought processes come directly out of his mouth, so nothing is a surprise here, just a nice slow-burn.
February 24, 2024
"I think he knows if I say anything at all, it’s important, because it takes me so damn long I usually don’t bother. At those times, he always listens, never tries to hurry me and never puts words in my mouth. He just waits, as if what I’m saying is the only thing in the world that matters."
November 14, 2021
I am drawn to stories where a younger man draws out a very shy older man. This one didn’t have the same issues as the other book I've read by this author, and was very sweet on the whole, just didn’t knock my socks off.
Read
September 5, 2015This was delightful - an easy read with sufficient conflict to make me want to read on. I did however feel a little 'uneasy' when
Anyway, I loved the ending - it worked perfectly with the story and the characters were great fun to read - especially Zen.
However, I am not rating this - the niggle is still there and as I read this while under what might be considered difficult circumstances - laughing here - perhaps my judgement was skewed.
Anyway, I loved the ending - it worked perfectly with the story and the characters were great fun to read - especially Zen.
However, I am not rating this - the niggle is still there and as I read this while under what might be considered difficult circumstances - laughing here - perhaps my judgement was skewed.
October 11, 2015
Let's see. I'm an Anglophile, I live in San Diego, I'm older and like younger, and I love dogs. This story was perfect for me.
The dialogue flows naturally, and is often humorous.
The story touches slightly on serious topics, but not overwhelmingly.
It was a substantial length as well.
One thing I thought was cliché was the drama near the end. It was used as a device to make several things happen, but I still thought it unnecessary and a bit crass. If it hadn't occurred I believe the end result would have been the same.
The dialogue flows naturally, and is often humorous.
The story touches slightly on serious topics, but not overwhelmingly.
It was a substantial length as well.
One thing I thought was cliché was the drama near the end. It was used as a device to make several things happen, but I still thought it unnecessary and a bit crass. If it hadn't occurred I believe the end result would have been the same.
February 14, 2016
I liked this story. I loved Zak and his rambling. He was adorable and although Niall was clueless, Zak was not subtle.
September 13, 2015
Cute and of course - Zen the dog! But they really don't seem like the click and I could have done without the skeevy visit from the ex - why in the world would quiet Niall stay with someone like that for ten years!
June 7, 2020
2,5 stars
dnf
January 7, 2016DNF - I hardly started. I wasn't in the mood for another book with a stuttering MC. I may change my mind later on. It was sweet as far as I read.
February 27, 2023
3.5 stars
Read
August 29, 2015This was just lovely!
August 14, 2021
Not a Word is an utterly delightful, opposites-attract romance. The low-key humor generated lots of chuckles and kept me smiling from cover to cover. I shed a few sad tears here and there, too, but if ever there was a feel-good story, this is it. It's one of three quirky books I recently discovered, and will be reviewing, by new-to-me author, Dawn Sister. Boy oh boy, do I adore her storytelling. All three are sweet and enchanting with unique plots and unforgettable characters.
Grouchy Niall doesn’t quite know what to make of his new neighbor, twenty-three-year-old Zak, who has recently moved with his mother to England from San Diego. Niall does his best to avoid conversation with anyone because of his frustrating and exhausting stutter. He’s content just conversing with his spirited Jack Russell, Zen, who doesn’t think Niall is broken like many people do. But when Zak shows up on his doorstep, his non-stop motor mouth makes it hardly noticeable that Niall isn’t speaking.
Loquacious Zak is an adorable, effervescent character. He begins to visit Niall multiple times a day to return Zen the Escape Dog who keeps digging under their shared fence and vanishing into Zak's yard. Niall has gotten quite comfy with the routine and looks forward to Zak's visits. Without an invite, Zak just plows on through the front door, past Niall, and into the kitchen without stopping to breathe among all the words coming out of his mouth.
Zen seems to like Zak better, or is at least relishes having two attentive care takers. Niall’s not jealous, though, it just means Zak has to bring him home more. Soon, Niall thinks maybe he’s made a new friend who doesn’t think he’s rude or has a mental problem. In fact, Zak doesn’t bat an eye or seem even slightly fazed by Niall’s grunts, stammers, and inability to string two words together. Instead of feeling like Zak has invaded his life, it’s like he’s filling an emptiness Niall didn’t even know existed.
Zak's mother decided to leave San Diego and move back to England after his father died. But Zak’s life was completely uprooted, leaving behind college and friends, and most importantly, all the positive reminders and connections to his dad. Niall thinks all of Zak's chatter is hiding his grief and a fragility that goes unnoticed by others.
They grow closer day after day, one visit and one dog walk at a time. Their relationship is a slow burn, creeping up on them at the speed of snail, despite the many hints Zak drops. Niall and Zak don't manage to have a heart to heart and hash out their feelings for each other, though, because, well, “it would take me a year to ask all those questions and, because of his tendency to use a hundred words where one would suffice, another year for him to answer.”
In the most amusing sequence in the book, Zak implements a months-long campaign of “stealth relocation” to Niall’s home. A toothbrush appears, then shampoo, and his clothes show up in Niall's laundry basket. He’s sleeping on the couch and gradually moves himself into a spare bedroom. Soon after, this slow-burn story comes to a head (so to speak) and the relationship is passionately consummated.
Niall and Zak's love story is perfectly captured within the book’s 116 pages. It’s an ideal single sitting novella that never feels incomplete or underdeveloped. I highly recommend this sweet and comedic comfort read.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
Grouchy Niall doesn’t quite know what to make of his new neighbor, twenty-three-year-old Zak, who has recently moved with his mother to England from San Diego. Niall does his best to avoid conversation with anyone because of his frustrating and exhausting stutter. He’s content just conversing with his spirited Jack Russell, Zen, who doesn’t think Niall is broken like many people do. But when Zak shows up on his doorstep, his non-stop motor mouth makes it hardly noticeable that Niall isn’t speaking.
Loquacious Zak is an adorable, effervescent character. He begins to visit Niall multiple times a day to return Zen the Escape Dog who keeps digging under their shared fence and vanishing into Zak's yard. Niall has gotten quite comfy with the routine and looks forward to Zak's visits. Without an invite, Zak just plows on through the front door, past Niall, and into the kitchen without stopping to breathe among all the words coming out of his mouth.
Zen seems to like Zak better, or is at least relishes having two attentive care takers. Niall’s not jealous, though, it just means Zak has to bring him home more. Soon, Niall thinks maybe he’s made a new friend who doesn’t think he’s rude or has a mental problem. In fact, Zak doesn’t bat an eye or seem even slightly fazed by Niall’s grunts, stammers, and inability to string two words together. Instead of feeling like Zak has invaded his life, it’s like he’s filling an emptiness Niall didn’t even know existed.
Zak's mother decided to leave San Diego and move back to England after his father died. But Zak’s life was completely uprooted, leaving behind college and friends, and most importantly, all the positive reminders and connections to his dad. Niall thinks all of Zak's chatter is hiding his grief and a fragility that goes unnoticed by others.
They grow closer day after day, one visit and one dog walk at a time. Their relationship is a slow burn, creeping up on them at the speed of snail, despite the many hints Zak drops. Niall and Zak don't manage to have a heart to heart and hash out their feelings for each other, though, because, well, “it would take me a year to ask all those questions and, because of his tendency to use a hundred words where one would suffice, another year for him to answer.”
In the most amusing sequence in the book, Zak implements a months-long campaign of “stealth relocation” to Niall’s home. A toothbrush appears, then shampoo, and his clothes show up in Niall's laundry basket. He’s sleeping on the couch and gradually moves himself into a spare bedroom. Soon after, this slow-burn story comes to a head (so to speak) and the relationship is passionately consummated.
Niall and Zak's love story is perfectly captured within the book’s 116 pages. It’s an ideal single sitting novella that never feels incomplete or underdeveloped. I highly recommend this sweet and comedic comfort read.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
October 2, 2018
Age is Just a Number
I accidentally found a really endearing tale that I truly enjoyed reading. It covers a variety of topics in a humorous, but self deprecating manner. It's told in a first person voice, yet the reader gets to know the other characters that are very loquacious. It has been awhile since I read a book that didn't have alternating voices in each chapter.
This is a May December slow build up romance set in England.It contains the following tropes that were the perfect mixture for this delightful story. Marked age difference between the main characters. Convenience or not of being Next Door Neighbors. A profound Speech Impediment that has had detrimental effects on the life of a main character. Yet despite it he was able to accomplish as much as he had even though he eventually ended up a Recluse.
Patience is a virtue and a bridge for a man who never runs out of words, except when he patiently without interrupting or finishing his sentences, allows the MC with the speech impediment to get in a few words edgewise.
A meddling Mom. Circumstantial loneliness. Burgeoning and blossoming "friendship". And last but certainly not least a very clever Jack Russell Terrier that is the cover model. A cute doggie cover that instantly attracted me to the book. The Jack Russell plays a key role in literally bringing the two men together.
Among the 1,000s of books I have to choose from this story called to me and I am very pleased that I answered the call to "Read me! Pick me!" This is an emotional book, but the humor offsets the other more visceral emotions. I plan to recommend it in every forum I am a member the & maybe even join a few just to let others know about this lovely little gem.
I accidentally found a really endearing tale that I truly enjoyed reading. It covers a variety of topics in a humorous, but self deprecating manner. It's told in a first person voice, yet the reader gets to know the other characters that are very loquacious. It has been awhile since I read a book that didn't have alternating voices in each chapter.
This is a May December slow build up romance set in England.It contains the following tropes that were the perfect mixture for this delightful story. Marked age difference between the main characters. Convenience or not of being Next Door Neighbors. A profound Speech Impediment that has had detrimental effects on the life of a main character. Yet despite it he was able to accomplish as much as he had even though he eventually ended up a Recluse.
Patience is a virtue and a bridge for a man who never runs out of words, except when he patiently without interrupting or finishing his sentences, allows the MC with the speech impediment to get in a few words edgewise.
A meddling Mom. Circumstantial loneliness. Burgeoning and blossoming "friendship". And last but certainly not least a very clever Jack Russell Terrier that is the cover model. A cute doggie cover that instantly attracted me to the book. The Jack Russell plays a key role in literally bringing the two men together.
Among the 1,000s of books I have to choose from this story called to me and I am very pleased that I answered the call to "Read me! Pick me!" This is an emotional book, but the humor offsets the other more visceral emotions. I plan to recommend it in every forum I am a member the & maybe even join a few just to let others know about this lovely little gem.
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