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Counting #1
Counting Fence Posts
There are over two hundred thousand fence posts between Syracuse and Boston. Henry Auttenberg likes numbers—it’s his job—but he isn’t going to count them all, even if the view outside the rental car is less confounding than the driver, his attractive but oh so obnoxious colleague, Marcus Winnamore. It’s Christmas Eve, and Henry would much rather be home with his family. When the blizzard that grounded their flight forces them off the road, however, he’s stuck with Marc until the storm passes—or a plow digs them out.
As the temperature outside plummets, the atmosphere inside the car slowly heats up. Henry learns the true reason for Marc’s chilly distance—he’s not exactly straight… maybe… and he’s been fantasizing about Henry’s mouth, among other things. Confession laid out, Marc is all for sharing body heat… and more. Henry isn’t interested in being an experiment, but as the night and cold deepen, he could be convinced to balance certain risk against uncertain reward.
As the temperature outside plummets, the atmosphere inside the car slowly heats up. Henry learns the true reason for Marc’s chilly distance—he’s not exactly straight… maybe… and he’s been fantasizing about Henry’s mouth, among other things. Confession laid out, Marc is all for sharing body heat… and more. Henry isn’t interested in being an experiment, but as the night and cold deepen, he could be convinced to balance certain risk against uncertain reward.
61 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2016
About the author
Kelly Jensen
38 books238 followersIf aliens ever do land on Earth, Kelly will not be prepared, despite having read over a hundred stories of the apocalypse. Still, she will pack her precious books into a box and carry them with her as she strives to survive. It’s what bibliophiles do.
Kelly is the author of twelve novels–including the Chaos Station series, co-written with Jenn Burke–and several novellas and short stories. Some of what she writes is speculative in nature, but mostly it’s just about a guy losing his socks and/or burning dinner. Because life isn’t all conquering aliens and mountain peaks. Sometimes finding a happy ever after is all the adventure we need.
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/czGhYz
Kelly is the author of twelve novels–including the Chaos Station series, co-written with Jenn Burke–and several novellas and short stories. Some of what she writes is speculative in nature, but mostly it’s just about a guy losing his socks and/or burning dinner. Because life isn’t all conquering aliens and mountain peaks. Sometimes finding a happy ever after is all the adventure we need.
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/czGhYz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 16, 2017
3.5 Stars
I admit that serials aren’t typically my thing. They can be excessively long and the wait can be interminable. However, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this 3 part series is finished, as I couldn’t resist the premise of this love story.
Work colleagues Henry and Marc are stuck on the side of the road during a terrible storm. Being stranded with nowhere to go provides the perfect opportunity to let some truths out. What unfolds is a little heart to heart and a bit of smexy exploration.
Well written with a nice progression, this was full of realistic fears, doubts, and desires. As a warning perhaps, this ends abruptly just as Henry and Marc are saved, and it remains to be seen how the rest of their Christmas holiday unfolds. To be continued...
I admit that serials aren’t typically my thing. They can be excessively long and the wait can be interminable. However, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this 3 part series is finished, as I couldn’t resist the premise of this love story.
Work colleagues Henry and Marc are stuck on the side of the road during a terrible storm. Being stranded with nowhere to go provides the perfect opportunity to let some truths out. What unfolds is a little heart to heart and a bit of smexy exploration.
Well written with a nice progression, this was full of realistic fears, doubts, and desires. As a warning perhaps, this ends abruptly just as Henry and Marc are saved, and it remains to be seen how the rest of their Christmas holiday unfolds. To be continued...
July 9, 2016
Oh how I do love Jizzmas in July! Counting Fence Posts did not disappoint and it actually worked really well for a July story since the Christmas theme is subtle. It’s there but it’s subtle. This is a sweetly realistic character driven story. Given that it’s just over 60 pages, the author was able to give me fully fleshed out MC’s with enough backstory to give them depth and without the time I did have with them used to info-dump unnecessary filler.
Marc and Henry are returning from a business trip when they get stuck by a snowstorm leaving them on the side of the road and waiting for a plow to get them out. Henry has idolized the seemingly perfect Marc since he started at the financial firm they worked at. Marc is a few years Henry’s senior and he’s on the fast track to success. Marc is a little intimidating and, Henry assumes, very straight. They haven’t had much conversation on their trip to this point and Henry just assumes that Marc is too much of a single minded workaholic to bother with the likes of Henry.
As they set out on the road to try and beat the storm home, it turns out the assumptions Henry had been making weren’t even close to being accurate. And this is where the author did such a good job of making these characters read as real people. The evolution of their conversations was spot on to what their personalities would have allowed. They have moments of frustration with one another, but they were minor, good natured and the result of the situation and aforementioned assumptions.
Since the two of them are stuck and really don’t know each other well, the conversations started out slowly and were pretty superficial, as would be expected. Henry started to see glimpses of the “real” Marc and that didn’t really help with the crush he’s got on the guy. Henry is a very methodical man. It works for him, making him good at his job and helps to keep him safe from heartbreak, especially when crushing on a straight guy who is the star of his fantasies. He keeps his head down and focuses on his job. Marc assumes Henry is shy and as the communication continues it shows that neither of them knew the other at all.
So, it turns out that Marc isn’t as strictly straight as Henry assumed and he’s got some crush-worthy feelings of his own towards Henry. The story evolved here perfectly. The author intertwined the assumptions each guy had of the other with the sharing of information they had going on to move the connection forward organically. Marc’s feelings aren’t new to him, but this is the first he’s acted on them, Henry is protective of his heart and not interested in being a “gay experiment”. I appreciated the honesty and mature dialog that can be so rare to read and even more so in a Christmas novella.
Marc and Henry may not have given each other enough of a chance had they not been stranded as they were. The situation gave them more of an opportunity to be open and honest without sabotaging their potential relationship with incorrect assumptions.
The story ends on an optimistic HFN with a little help from a dash of Christmas spirit. There were no declarations of undying love or plans to pick out china patterns. There was however, the promise for open-mindedness and a commitment to try because each thought the other was so worth it. I would love a follow up story with the two of them. There’s a lot of delicious potential with these two in introducing Marc to the realities of a relationship with another man. There’s also a lot of potential for some serious sweetness as they open themselves to each other romantically and support each other through their new dynamics. I would auto buy that story.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
Marc and Henry are returning from a business trip when they get stuck by a snowstorm leaving them on the side of the road and waiting for a plow to get them out. Henry has idolized the seemingly perfect Marc since he started at the financial firm they worked at. Marc is a few years Henry’s senior and he’s on the fast track to success. Marc is a little intimidating and, Henry assumes, very straight. They haven’t had much conversation on their trip to this point and Henry just assumes that Marc is too much of a single minded workaholic to bother with the likes of Henry.
As they set out on the road to try and beat the storm home, it turns out the assumptions Henry had been making weren’t even close to being accurate. And this is where the author did such a good job of making these characters read as real people. The evolution of their conversations was spot on to what their personalities would have allowed. They have moments of frustration with one another, but they were minor, good natured and the result of the situation and aforementioned assumptions.
Since the two of them are stuck and really don’t know each other well, the conversations started out slowly and were pretty superficial, as would be expected. Henry started to see glimpses of the “real” Marc and that didn’t really help with the crush he’s got on the guy. Henry is a very methodical man. It works for him, making him good at his job and helps to keep him safe from heartbreak, especially when crushing on a straight guy who is the star of his fantasies. He keeps his head down and focuses on his job. Marc assumes Henry is shy and as the communication continues it shows that neither of them knew the other at all.
So, it turns out that Marc isn’t as strictly straight as Henry assumed and he’s got some crush-worthy feelings of his own towards Henry. The story evolved here perfectly. The author intertwined the assumptions each guy had of the other with the sharing of information they had going on to move the connection forward organically. Marc’s feelings aren’t new to him, but this is the first he’s acted on them, Henry is protective of his heart and not interested in being a “gay experiment”. I appreciated the honesty and mature dialog that can be so rare to read and even more so in a Christmas novella.
Marc and Henry may not have given each other enough of a chance had they not been stranded as they were. The situation gave them more of an opportunity to be open and honest without sabotaging their potential relationship with incorrect assumptions.
The story ends on an optimistic HFN with a little help from a dash of Christmas spirit. There were no declarations of undying love or plans to pick out china patterns. There was however, the promise for open-mindedness and a commitment to try because each thought the other was so worth it. I would love a follow up story with the two of them. There’s a lot of delicious potential with these two in introducing Marc to the realities of a relationship with another man. There’s also a lot of potential for some serious sweetness as they open themselves to each other romantically and support each other through their new dynamics. I would auto buy that story.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
June 26, 2016
I 've become a fan of Kelly Jensen's writing this past year. I like her stories because, albeit short, they 're funny, sexy and romantic. Although I enjoyed Counting Fence Posts , I didn't love it like Wrong Direction or When Was the Last Time.
The first 50% of the book had me really hooked. Henry and his annoying colleague, Marc, are trapped in their rental car during a snowstorm. Forced to spend the night together, they get to know each other better, and realise that appearances can be deceptive.
The story is short but there is a lot of slow burn. Like A LOT! And it's delicious. One taste of Henry, and Marc is insatiable. His family doesn't matter, the fact they work together doesn't matter. I loved that Marcus was all in after that first kiss.
There is not a lot of steam, but the chemistry between the MCs is crazy. The story ends with a tentative HFN, and I'd definitely like to see more of these two in the future. The writing is pretty good and I loved the snarky and funny dialogue.
“Tell that to the blizzard out there.” Marc glanced over. “You sound like my uncle Bob.”
“Yeah, well, the GPS sounds like my aunt Debbie.”
Debbie chose that moment to chime in with, “Signal lost.”
“No shit, Debbie,”...
What confused me was Marc's thoughts and declarations about his sexuality, and not because he was confused too. That's to be expected. Marcus has been with women all his life but now he finds himself obsessed with Henry. But he declares himself "not bisexual". Why not? On the other hand, it seems that he never felt like this with a woman, so maybe he is gay after all. In any case, I desperately needed Marc's POV, which I didn't get. And Henry is not exactly a reliable narrator.
And a small niggle:
“Half the women I’ve taken out have needled me about their appearance and career, as if they need my approval to exist, let alone count on a second date. I don’t get it.”
Lets not do this anymore, ok?
Bottom line, this was an enjoyable shortie with a Christmas feel to it. I'm looking forward to reading more from the author.
*Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
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March 18, 2020Freebie right now, 3/18/20!
September 28, 2017
Dang it! I want an epilogue! This was really cute. Just because it's short doesn't mean it's not good and well written. I've never read anything by this author before, but I will be fixing that soon. :) Marc and Henry are co-workers who find themselves stranded in a car during a blizzard. And Marc has been questioning his sexuality ever since he can't stop thinking about Henry.
This was not an insta-love or anything like it. I completely enjoyed how this played out and demand more! Their is no on page sex-sex, but handjob/blowjob action. I have a feeling these two are going to make it as a couple, and even if they don't I could see them being the best of friends. They just have a special connection. We don't know how things go with them because their is no epilogue! WTH? Like is a "1 year later" page too much to ask? With them sharing another Christmas together? Le sigh, I'm sure they had a very merry Christmas the following year. ;)
Very well written, believable, real-life characters. Just an awesome story.
This was not an insta-love or anything like it. I completely enjoyed how this played out and demand more! Their is no on page sex-sex, but handjob/blowjob action. I have a feeling these two are going to make it as a couple, and even if they don't I could see them being the best of friends. They just have a special connection. We don't know how things go with them because their is no epilogue! WTH? Like is a "1 year later" page too much to ask? With them sharing another Christmas together? Le sigh, I'm sure they had a very merry Christmas the following year. ;)
Very well written, believable, real-life characters. Just an awesome story.
March 17, 2019
Not a bad stranded in a snowstorm at Christmas time, this time with a twist of being stuck in a car with your workplace crush.
So, I read this quickly and enjoyed it mainly until it just ended so Marc was left still being too much of a jerk while Henry was wonderful.
So, I read this quickly and enjoyed it mainly until it just ended so Marc was left still being too much of a jerk while Henry was wonderful.
December 6, 2017
3 Stars
This short story follows work colleagues, Henry and Marc, who, on the way home from a business trip, get stranded in their rental car during a snowstorm.
During their night stuck in close – very cold – quarters, the two men learn many unexpected things about one another and begin to share a deeper connection than either could have anticipated.
Even though this was a short story, Jensen delivered two very well-developed characters and managed to create the illusion of a slow-burn romance between the two men.
It definitely ended right when things were getting good, but (thankfully) that’s what sequels are for!
This short story follows work colleagues, Henry and Marc, who, on the way home from a business trip, get stranded in their rental car during a snowstorm.
During their night stuck in close – very cold – quarters, the two men learn many unexpected things about one another and begin to share a deeper connection than either could have anticipated.
Even though this was a short story, Jensen delivered two very well-developed characters and managed to create the illusion of a slow-burn romance between the two men.
It definitely ended right when things were getting good, but (thankfully) that’s what sequels are for!
March 22, 2017
Really cute and fun little short read.
September 3, 2017
I thought this was a great start to the story. Glad there's s second part. Because we only got a little of them together..
July 23, 2016
3.5 stars
I really liked that this was a slow-burn piece, even if the short story happened within several hours of Henry and Marc being trapped inside the car during snow storm. I enjoyed the tension in that small space. The ending was a tentative HFN but it felt right because these two definitely still need time to work things out.
BUT, it will probably be a better story for me if I can get Marc's own POV. Clearly Henry didn't understand Marc that well. Considering the story was written solely from Henry's perspective, to me, Marc was still an enigma. Especially in regards to his confusion about his sexuality and his feeling towards Henry.
I really liked that this was a slow-burn piece, even if the short story happened within several hours of Henry and Marc being trapped inside the car during snow storm. I enjoyed the tension in that small space. The ending was a tentative HFN but it felt right because these two definitely still need time to work things out.
BUT, it will probably be a better story for me if I can get Marc's own POV. Clearly Henry didn't understand Marc that well. Considering the story was written solely from Henry's perspective, to me, Marc was still an enigma. Especially in regards to his confusion about his sexuality and his feeling towards Henry.
November 24, 2017
Too darn short. I loved reading about Henry and Marc, two work colleagues who get stuck on the side of a road in a blizzard. However, it was only really a promising beginning to a relationship rather than a full story.
June 24, 2016
Kelly is seriously the best at bite-sized, heartwarming stories that you could totally see happening in real life. Her characters are real guys, thrown into real situations...though, okay, there is a little bit of drama, because this is fiction.
What do I love about this one in particular? The fact that Marc is confused and admits it, though there's an undercurrent to what he says and does that suggests maybe he's not as confused as he thinks. The fact that Henry is the one who has second thoughts, for valid reasons—you definitely can't blame him. The fact that once Marc gets a taste of Henry, he's all in, no second-guessing himself.
I'm so excited that these guys will have a second novella to explore their relationship further! (Kelly just announced that here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
What do I love about this one in particular? The fact that Marc is confused and admits it, though there's an undercurrent to what he says and does that suggests maybe he's not as confused as he thinks. The fact that Henry is the one who has second thoughts, for valid reasons—you definitely can't blame him. The fact that once Marc gets a taste of Henry, he's all in, no second-guessing himself.
I'm so excited that these guys will have a second novella to explore their relationship further! (Kelly just announced that here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
December 3, 2017
Analytical minds make for the most awesome sex scenes. I loved Henry's reasoning for counting fence posts while driving in awkward silence with Marc. There's something about trying to do anything other than the thing a person wants to do which is universally easy to understand. Henry definitely had the once-burned, twice-shy attitude thanks to a rough time with a guy "experimenting" with him in the past; Marc made for a pleasant puzzle as he showed bits of himself a little at a time while being more transparent in his confessions than any lover I've ever had in the past has been.
Innocence, exploration, and a healthy dose of holiday cheer make Counting Fence Posts a fantastic read for me. It's a solid four-stars. I can't wait to see where Henry and Marc go from here.
Innocence, exploration, and a healthy dose of holiday cheer make Counting Fence Posts a fantastic read for me. It's a solid four-stars. I can't wait to see where Henry and Marc go from here.
June 30, 2016
Why does this sound like something I already read? Which story does this remind me of?
More like 2.5 stars.
I still don't know why this sounded familiar, but what I know is, that reading this felt as if it was missing the beginning and the end. The story dealt with the part where the relationship evolved from strictly business to personal over the time span of a few hours, from one of the MC's presumably straight to bicurious to gay in the same time span. What was there of the story was easy, albeit not very reasonable, more like far-fetched. And then - bam, night over, story over.
Nevertheless I wouldn't mind reading the 'ending part' of this story.
More like 2.5 stars.
I still don't know why this sounded familiar, but what I know is, that reading this felt as if it was missing the beginning and the end. The story dealt with the part where the relationship evolved from strictly business to personal over the time span of a few hours, from one of the MC's presumably straight to bicurious to gay in the same time span. What was there of the story was easy, albeit not very reasonable, more like far-fetched. And then - bam, night over, story over.
Nevertheless I wouldn't mind reading the 'ending part' of this story.
July 27, 2016
https://justloveromance.wordpress.com...
4 stars
Writing a good novella takes a certain amount of skill, something that Kelly Jensen has in spades. The first novella I read by this author, When Was the Last Time, drew me in with her touching story about two men trying to rekindle the spark in their relationship. What I loved about that story was that it felt real. Real relationships go through highs and lows and it’s the way that you handle the tough times that really matter. It was a gorgeous little book and you should go read it immediately. Well, right after you read this review, that is :)
In Counting Fence posts, Henry and Marcus are successful financial analysts at the same firm, trying to make their way from Syracuse to Boston during the Christmas holidays. Henry is going home to his parents to spend Christmas with his family, while Marc is…well, Henry doesn’t know where Marc is headed exactly, only that Marc doesn’t seem thrilled with the idea. While comparisons between the two are always being drawn at work, both of them being young professionals eager to make a name for themselves, they’re not exactly friendly with one another. Marc is outgoing and sociable while Henry is more reserved and aloof. And while Henry is quietly out at work, Marc only dates women. But that doesn’t stop Henry from noticing Marc in some very unprofessional ways. So, while Henry is busy talking himself out of a crush on yet another straight man, Marc is starting to give off some very odd vibes. Suddenly, the quiet and uncomfortable drive Henry was expecting, is turning out to be quite different. And when an icy storm pushes them off the road, Henry and Marc find themselves heating up the very cold car in totally unexpected ways.
I really enjoyed this story. Even though this is a novella, there was still a nice, slow burn between the two MC’s that allows the reader to fully appreciate all the moments leading up to an amazing first kiss. While the backstory is understandably short, it’s nice to be given the opportunity to get to know the MC’s first before thrusting them into a relationship. I also liked how Marc was able to come to terms with his attraction to Henry. Not that there isn’t a certain amount of indecision on his part, but he manages to overcome his own objections with a minimum amount of angst. If anything, it’s Henry that initially holds back from going any further, particularly as he doesn’t wish to be another straight man’s experiment.
Everyone knows the best sign of a good novel is that you always want more and I would definitely like to read a little more about Henry and Marc. I would especially like to see one from Marc’s POV so we can see why he was being cagey about his personal life. I have no idea if the author plans such a book but I’m hoping we can put a little gentle pressure encouragement on her to write one.
All in all, this was a lovely little story featuring two very likeable MC’s and enough snow to cool down even the hottest summer afternoon. Although if you read this at Christmas, it will certainly be the perfect accompaniment to a mug of hot chocolate and a warm blanket.
**I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review**
4 stars
Writing a good novella takes a certain amount of skill, something that Kelly Jensen has in spades. The first novella I read by this author, When Was the Last Time, drew me in with her touching story about two men trying to rekindle the spark in their relationship. What I loved about that story was that it felt real. Real relationships go through highs and lows and it’s the way that you handle the tough times that really matter. It was a gorgeous little book and you should go read it immediately. Well, right after you read this review, that is :)
In Counting Fence posts, Henry and Marcus are successful financial analysts at the same firm, trying to make their way from Syracuse to Boston during the Christmas holidays. Henry is going home to his parents to spend Christmas with his family, while Marc is…well, Henry doesn’t know where Marc is headed exactly, only that Marc doesn’t seem thrilled with the idea. While comparisons between the two are always being drawn at work, both of them being young professionals eager to make a name for themselves, they’re not exactly friendly with one another. Marc is outgoing and sociable while Henry is more reserved and aloof. And while Henry is quietly out at work, Marc only dates women. But that doesn’t stop Henry from noticing Marc in some very unprofessional ways. So, while Henry is busy talking himself out of a crush on yet another straight man, Marc is starting to give off some very odd vibes. Suddenly, the quiet and uncomfortable drive Henry was expecting, is turning out to be quite different. And when an icy storm pushes them off the road, Henry and Marc find themselves heating up the very cold car in totally unexpected ways.
I really enjoyed this story. Even though this is a novella, there was still a nice, slow burn between the two MC’s that allows the reader to fully appreciate all the moments leading up to an amazing first kiss. While the backstory is understandably short, it’s nice to be given the opportunity to get to know the MC’s first before thrusting them into a relationship. I also liked how Marc was able to come to terms with his attraction to Henry. Not that there isn’t a certain amount of indecision on his part, but he manages to overcome his own objections with a minimum amount of angst. If anything, it’s Henry that initially holds back from going any further, particularly as he doesn’t wish to be another straight man’s experiment.
Everyone knows the best sign of a good novel is that you always want more and I would definitely like to read a little more about Henry and Marc. I would especially like to see one from Marc’s POV so we can see why he was being cagey about his personal life. I have no idea if the author plans such a book but I’m hoping we can put a little gentle pressure encouragement on her to write one.
All in all, this was a lovely little story featuring two very likeable MC’s and enough snow to cool down even the hottest summer afternoon. Although if you read this at Christmas, it will certainly be the perfect accompaniment to a mug of hot chocolate and a warm blanket.
**I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review**
July 13, 2016
The full review and others can be found at The Novel Approach
Henry and Marcus have decided to try to beat the weather home to Boston for Christmas Eve after their flight has been cancelled due to the impending storm. Unfortunately, they then end up on state roads rather than the interstate after Marcus gets frustrated with the traffic. Might I suggest Waze for your next trip boys?? The snow starts in earnest, and what was already a bit of a tense drive becomes a potential disaster when Marcus drives them off the road and into a snowbank that they can’t get out of.
Luckily they have extra clothes from their business trip, so they try to conserve heat and fuel by layering up and intermittently running the engine for some much needed additional warmth. While initially their conversation is mostly around work, they discover that they both harbor some misconceptions about the other. When things move into the personal, the doors are sort of blown open, so to speak. Henry is out, but he doesn’t really share his personal life at work. Marcus has only dated girls up to this point. But, he’s definitely noticed Henry—and not as a coworker. And he’s honest with Henry about it, but Henry is really pretty skeptical. He’s not sure that he trusts Marcus, and he’s been burned in the past as someone’s bi-curious fling—which he has no interest in repeating. So, what will happen between them, if anything? And where would or could it lead? You’ll have to read to find out.
I really enjoyed this short story of mutual discovery for both Henry and Marcus. They were all about assumptions, many of which were pretty much unfounded or the result of miscommunication or misinterpretation. Once they decided to go forward, on the level with each other, things got better. Are there still risks? Sure. Nothing in life is guaranteed, but they have a pretty good shot if they keep things open and honest. I’d enjoy reading more of their story someday. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I like her style and will definitely look for more!
Side Note: If ever there were characters/scenarios I could relate to, it was these guys in this story! Perhaps this was some sort of karma since I was reading this story as I sat at the Cincinnati airport for four hours last Thursday night, and when my flight was finally cancelled tried to decide if I should just rent a car and drive to Chicago to get to my car to get home. This happens all the time when you fly on business every week—hopefully not at Christmas—although come to think of it, it did happen to me a couple of years ago, but I was in Florida and I got to finish my Christmas shopping in 80 degree temps, so it turned out OK.
Henry and Marcus have decided to try to beat the weather home to Boston for Christmas Eve after their flight has been cancelled due to the impending storm. Unfortunately, they then end up on state roads rather than the interstate after Marcus gets frustrated with the traffic. Might I suggest Waze for your next trip boys?? The snow starts in earnest, and what was already a bit of a tense drive becomes a potential disaster when Marcus drives them off the road and into a snowbank that they can’t get out of.
Luckily they have extra clothes from their business trip, so they try to conserve heat and fuel by layering up and intermittently running the engine for some much needed additional warmth. While initially their conversation is mostly around work, they discover that they both harbor some misconceptions about the other. When things move into the personal, the doors are sort of blown open, so to speak. Henry is out, but he doesn’t really share his personal life at work. Marcus has only dated girls up to this point. But, he’s definitely noticed Henry—and not as a coworker. And he’s honest with Henry about it, but Henry is really pretty skeptical. He’s not sure that he trusts Marcus, and he’s been burned in the past as someone’s bi-curious fling—which he has no interest in repeating. So, what will happen between them, if anything? And where would or could it lead? You’ll have to read to find out.
I really enjoyed this short story of mutual discovery for both Henry and Marcus. They were all about assumptions, many of which were pretty much unfounded or the result of miscommunication or misinterpretation. Once they decided to go forward, on the level with each other, things got better. Are there still risks? Sure. Nothing in life is guaranteed, but they have a pretty good shot if they keep things open and honest. I’d enjoy reading more of their story someday. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I like her style and will definitely look for more!
Side Note: If ever there were characters/scenarios I could relate to, it was these guys in this story! Perhaps this was some sort of karma since I was reading this story as I sat at the Cincinnati airport for four hours last Thursday night, and when my flight was finally cancelled tried to decide if I should just rent a car and drive to Chicago to get to my car to get home. This happens all the time when you fly on business every week—hopefully not at Christmas—although come to think of it, it did happen to me a couple of years ago, but I was in Florida and I got to finish my Christmas shopping in 80 degree temps, so it turned out OK.
July 20, 2016
My Review:
One of my most favorite tropes of all time is when love interests get stuck in a snowstorm, but usually that means stuck in a cabin with a cozy fireplace while the storm rages outside. In this book, there isn't that safety parameter. No, these two men are trapped in a ditch in a blizzard and the likelihood of someone finding them seems rather grim. So, you know, the need to exchange body heat is absolutely imperative (see, this is why I love this trope so much!)
No, but seriously, this is a quick little read, but Kelly Jensen managed to pack a ton of story into very few pages. These guys have worked together for 2 1/2 years. While the story is only told from Henry's pov, it quickly becomes obvious that they've both been hiding their attraction to one another for a while. But not only do they work together, but Marc isn't out of the closet. In fact, until he met Henry, he didn't even consider that there was a closet about himself. (I do like a good gay-for-you trope, too.)
The story is fast and it actually only takes place over about 12 hours times, but I never felt short-changed. I didn't even doubt the validity of where these two went from there. I loved how Marc didn't really know what he was doing, but he was very self-assured in all of it. And I also loved Henry's analytical mind. He's very conscious about things...from counting the fenceposts to weighing the pros and cons of doing this thing with Marc, he thinks it all through.
It was a sweet, romantic story with just a hint of possible life-threatening frost-bite, but snuggling is a very, very good thing. I think you'll probably like this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
One of my most favorite tropes of all time is when love interests get stuck in a snowstorm, but usually that means stuck in a cabin with a cozy fireplace while the storm rages outside. In this book, there isn't that safety parameter. No, these two men are trapped in a ditch in a blizzard and the likelihood of someone finding them seems rather grim. So, you know, the need to exchange body heat is absolutely imperative (see, this is why I love this trope so much!)
No, but seriously, this is a quick little read, but Kelly Jensen managed to pack a ton of story into very few pages. These guys have worked together for 2 1/2 years. While the story is only told from Henry's pov, it quickly becomes obvious that they've both been hiding their attraction to one another for a while. But not only do they work together, but Marc isn't out of the closet. In fact, until he met Henry, he didn't even consider that there was a closet about himself. (I do like a good gay-for-you trope, too.)
The story is fast and it actually only takes place over about 12 hours times, but I never felt short-changed. I didn't even doubt the validity of where these two went from there. I loved how Marc didn't really know what he was doing, but he was very self-assured in all of it. And I also loved Henry's analytical mind. He's very conscious about things...from counting the fenceposts to weighing the pros and cons of doing this thing with Marc, he thinks it all through.
It was a sweet, romantic story with just a hint of possible life-threatening frost-bite, but snuggling is a very, very good thing. I think you'll probably like this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
August 3, 2016
Christmas in July— why not?—A great time to read a winter holiday story…
Marc and Henry, co-workers, are on the road during a work trip just before the Christmas holidays. They become stranded in the countryside during a sudden freak snowstorm. I love stranded-in-the-snow stories. Usually with a roaring fire in the hearth and a cup of hot chocolate in hand, though. Here, there is the danger of freezing to death in a car in the middle of nowhere. But Mark and Henry don’t let that stop them from upping the heat to the simmering attraction that has been growing between them.
I really liked the quiet, driven Henry and his quiet smoldering for Marc. Marc, though…he comes off a bit strong in the beginning— kinda stubborn and hard-headed. But he softens up soon enough. I liked how Henry stands up to Marc’s more aggressive nature and holds his own.
This isn’t an insta-love story, though considering how short it is, one could think it might be. What works is that these guys have actually known each other for some time, and it is the catalyst of the snowstorm and being alone in close quarters that gets things going between them. The ending is HFN, though you’d expect good things to happen afterward. I’d sure love to read about that, too.
July 6, 2016
An unexpected blizzard puts two people in the path of true love when Henry and Marc, colleagues on a business trip end up trapped together in their car and discover that their feelings for each other are a little more confusing than just that of simple co-workers. While Henry is out as a gay man, Marc is not, and to Marc's chagrin, being alone with Henry is testing everything he thought he knew about himself. The result is a sweet and sexy story about exploring your personal boundaries. Spending time together when they must pull off the side of the road results in some honest communication and a discussion of feelings that seems okay to reveal amid the enforced closeness of hunkering down in a blizzard and awaiting rescue. It's got a lovely happy for now ending with these two guys ensuring that this isn't going to be just a one time event, and that they are both willing to explore what could become a meaningful relationship. I really enjoy Kelly's writing, and this makes a perfect afternoon read. 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
July 25, 2016
I quite liked this novella. Loved that we didn't fall into labels. Marc is 28 and for all intents and purposes, is straight. Until he's not. I so appreciated that fact that we are not asked to wonder why, at 28, he's questioning his sexuality. So many books make that an issue as if there is a deadline by which you have to decide that you're gay, bi, whatever. Really liked the discovering the attraction between Henry and Marc against the backdrop of being stranded in a car in a blizzard (because Marc is a jerk!). Well written. Got some nice backstory on the two MCs which you don't often see in such a short book. Bit of sexy bits. Interesting HFN. Might we see more of Marc and Henry? I hope so.
July 25, 2016
4.5 stars - A light, sweet romp that brings a nice touch of Christmas to this July. Fans of forced proximity tropes will get a kick out of the setting and even though this was a quick read, I appreciated the sweetness between heroes. Very enjoyable read.
November 3, 2016
Awww this was cuute!!
The two Mcs, coworkers but no friends, must get a rental car to back to boston from a work trip and they get stuck in a blizzard ~
They have nothing to do at the freezing car so finally start to speak to eachother...
Niice xmas short story!!!
3,5*
The two Mcs, coworkers but no friends, must get a rental car to back to boston from a work trip and they get stuck in a blizzard ~
They have nothing to do at the freezing car so finally start to speak to eachother...
Niice xmas short story!!!
3,5*
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April 1, 2017No idea how to rate this. Was loving it until it ended with the part-german character consisting only of stereotypes.
December 6, 2018
3 stars! Read it a few months ago. Likable characters..Ok story.., could have had a little more steam.
January 3, 2020
Just a short snip of the two getting together -- now I need to chase down more Henry and Marc!
November 30, 2017
Henry and Marc are both people who guard their feelings and keep their cards close to their chest, so despite working together for two and a half years they barely know each other, but when they are trapped together in their car during a blizzard they discover they feel attracted to each other.
Kelly packs a lot of character development into a novella length story, I felt we got real insights into who Henry and Marc both were. Marc seemed an unlikeable guy at first but as he and Henry share confidences we learn of some of his vulnerabilities. Because we got to know more about Henry and Marc before they first kiss rather than them diving straight into sexy times, it made more more invested in their potential happiness.
By the time I reached the end of the story I was so pleased they got their HFN and I'm really looking forward to reading more about them in the next book.
Kelly packs a lot of character development into a novella length story, I felt we got real insights into who Henry and Marc both were. Marc seemed an unlikeable guy at first but as he and Henry share confidences we learn of some of his vulnerabilities. Because we got to know more about Henry and Marc before they first kiss rather than them diving straight into sexy times, it made more more invested in their potential happiness.
By the time I reached the end of the story I was so pleased they got their HFN and I'm really looking forward to reading more about them in the next book.
November 19, 2017
Well, I cheated and read this before Christmas...and Thanksgiving. I couldn't help it. I wanted to read the first two before the third book comes out in a few days. I'm glad I did; I loved it! Being stranded is one of my favorite tropes and I haven't read one in a long time. Since it's told entirely from Henry's POV, I felt like I got to know him very well. Marc, however, I wanted to know him better and I wanted to know what he was thinking. I am so glad I can read the next one asap because I know it's told from his POV. I wanted more. I wonder how Christmas at Henry's parents house went?
September 12, 2017
Adorable story. I'm so glad there's more to come and I already have the next two (1 1/2) instalments.
Full review to follow.
Full review to follow.
August 2, 2017
Short and sweet! Loved it. :)
Want to Read
March 24, 20173/24/17 99c sale via Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Counting-Fence...
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