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Sylvan #1-4
Sylvan Collection
Return to small-town Sylvan in Jan Irving’s bestselling series—reimagined and re-edited with an all-new bonus novella.
The small Western town of Sylvan is a place for new beginnings for those who won’t settle for anything less than true love. These sweet tales of slow-simmering romance and the old-fashioned values of commitment and pulling together when times get tough prove that sometimes the best matches are also the most unexpected.
With the help of a storm, a washed-up Olympic swimmer and a carpenter cracking under the strain of caring for his Alzheimer’s-affected father learn opposites sometimes really do attract.
A likable cowboy called Happy Nate is determined to help a mute boy speak again—and to help his father move beyond the repression of the Mennonite community to find the love he deserves.
When a hard-partying cowboy is suddenly saddled with a surprise baby, he’s at his wit’s end. Luckily the local doctor is available to help, and if the two men can find the courage to accept themselves and step into a new life, they might just make a real family. They’ll need to lend each other strength when an unspeakable tragedy strikes—and when it’s time to pick up the pieces.
The small Western town of Sylvan is a place for new beginnings for those who won’t settle for anything less than true love. These sweet tales of slow-simmering romance and the old-fashioned values of commitment and pulling together when times get tough prove that sometimes the best matches are also the most unexpected.
With the help of a storm, a washed-up Olympic swimmer and a carpenter cracking under the strain of caring for his Alzheimer’s-affected father learn opposites sometimes really do attract.
A likable cowboy called Happy Nate is determined to help a mute boy speak again—and to help his father move beyond the repression of the Mennonite community to find the love he deserves.
When a hard-partying cowboy is suddenly saddled with a surprise baby, he’s at his wit’s end. Luckily the local doctor is available to help, and if the two men can find the courage to accept themselves and step into a new life, they might just make a real family. They’ll need to lend each other strength when an unspeakable tragedy strikes—and when it’s time to pick up the pieces.
- GenresM M RomanceGay
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2016
16 people want to read
About the author
Jan Irving
51 books199 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
romance author
Jan Irving has worked in all kinds of creative fields, from painting silk to making porcelain ceramics, to interior design, but writing was always her passion.
She feels you can’t fully understand characters until you follow their journey through a story world. Many kinds of worlds interest her, fantasy, historical, science fiction and suspense—but all have one thing in common, people finding a way to live together—in the most emotional and erotic fashion possible, of course!
Visit Jan's blog at http://jan-revealed.livejournal.com.
romance author
Jan Irving has worked in all kinds of creative fields, from painting silk to making porcelain ceramics, to interior design, but writing was always her passion.
She feels you can’t fully understand characters until you follow their journey through a story world. Many kinds of worlds interest her, fantasy, historical, science fiction and suspense—but all have one thing in common, people finding a way to live together—in the most emotional and erotic fashion possible, of course!
Visit Jan's blog at http://jan-revealed.livejournal.com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 25, 2016
Romance can be a beautiful thing, and this collection contains four novellas filled with slow-burn, old-fashioned love stories that made me smile. With a setting like Sylvan, a small Western town where people still know their neighbors – and most of each other’s business – the stories are all just a little connected by characters making short cameo appearances. Some of the matches are surprises, some of them take a while to get going, but all of them are very sweet.
Mal is a washed-up Olympic swimmer at twenty-three and he returns to Sylvan mostly because he has nowhere else to go and no clue what to do with the rest of his life. His grandmother raised him there, and he is looking forward to spending time with her – only to find out she has died and left him her cabin next to a small lake. Mal has a hard time dealing with it and is very tempted to return to partying with a different man every night, but then he meets quiet carpenter Leif from across the lake. Leif could not be more different from Mal, and yet, as they get to know each other, they discover they have some things in common as well.
Luke used to be a footloose cowboy who liked to party and enjoyed one-night stands – but those days are long behind him when he makes his way to the small town of Sylvan. One of his brief encounters has left him with a baby – literally – and two weeks later, Luke is at his wits’ end. The local doctor, Morgan, is happy to help, not least because he is attracted to Luke, never mind that Luke is straight. But as Luke begins to work for Morgan, repairing his cabin and stables, they get to know each other and start to figure out that Morgan may be the only one interested in more than friendship.
Nate is a cowboy who loves horses, wants a family, but can see no way of having one. So when he sees Sam, the son of the man who cooks for all the cowboys where Nate works, being bullied, he helps. But Sam’s father, Aaron, is from a Mennonite community and doesn’t quite know what to do – not about the bullying and not about the fact that Sam has not spoken since his mother died and Aaron decided to leave the only home they had known. Turns out that Aaron and Nate have more in common than either of them thought and that, together, they can figure out a way to help Sam.
The final story is called ‘Luke’s Baby’ – and I have to say it was a bit of a shock. After all the other sweet and gentle love stories with only a little drama, the first few pages threw me for a loop. It is set a few months after Nate and Aaron have moved in together, and focuses on the second couple from this collection, Morgan, Luke, and Luke’s daughter Jessica. It appears that Doc Morgan has inherited quite a lot of money from his father, and Luke has had trouble accepting that. Luke’s pride got in the way, then a few misunderstandings happened, and it becomes clear that they have not had it easy. Then the author drops a devastating bombshell on their little family and I wasn’t sure I’d survive. Seriously! My heart about stopped. Talk about testing a couple’s love – and so much more. Definitely the most hard-earned happy ending in the whole bundle!
If you like cowboys and the men who fall in love with them, if you enjoy sweet stories about unusual lovers finding each other, and if you’re looking for a collection of reads that focus on happy endings, no matter how far off they seem to be initially, then you will probably like these novellas.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Mal is a washed-up Olympic swimmer at twenty-three and he returns to Sylvan mostly because he has nowhere else to go and no clue what to do with the rest of his life. His grandmother raised him there, and he is looking forward to spending time with her – only to find out she has died and left him her cabin next to a small lake. Mal has a hard time dealing with it and is very tempted to return to partying with a different man every night, but then he meets quiet carpenter Leif from across the lake. Leif could not be more different from Mal, and yet, as they get to know each other, they discover they have some things in common as well.
Luke used to be a footloose cowboy who liked to party and enjoyed one-night stands – but those days are long behind him when he makes his way to the small town of Sylvan. One of his brief encounters has left him with a baby – literally – and two weeks later, Luke is at his wits’ end. The local doctor, Morgan, is happy to help, not least because he is attracted to Luke, never mind that Luke is straight. But as Luke begins to work for Morgan, repairing his cabin and stables, they get to know each other and start to figure out that Morgan may be the only one interested in more than friendship.
Nate is a cowboy who loves horses, wants a family, but can see no way of having one. So when he sees Sam, the son of the man who cooks for all the cowboys where Nate works, being bullied, he helps. But Sam’s father, Aaron, is from a Mennonite community and doesn’t quite know what to do – not about the bullying and not about the fact that Sam has not spoken since his mother died and Aaron decided to leave the only home they had known. Turns out that Aaron and Nate have more in common than either of them thought and that, together, they can figure out a way to help Sam.
The final story is called ‘Luke’s Baby’ – and I have to say it was a bit of a shock. After all the other sweet and gentle love stories with only a little drama, the first few pages threw me for a loop. It is set a few months after Nate and Aaron have moved in together, and focuses on the second couple from this collection, Morgan, Luke, and Luke’s daughter Jessica. It appears that Doc Morgan has inherited quite a lot of money from his father, and Luke has had trouble accepting that. Luke’s pride got in the way, then a few misunderstandings happened, and it becomes clear that they have not had it easy. Then the author drops a devastating bombshell on their little family and I wasn’t sure I’d survive. Seriously! My heart about stopped. Talk about testing a couple’s love – and so much more. Definitely the most hard-earned happy ending in the whole bundle!
If you like cowboys and the men who fall in love with them, if you enjoy sweet stories about unusual lovers finding each other, and if you’re looking for a collection of reads that focus on happy endings, no matter how far off they seem to be initially, then you will probably like these novellas.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 20, 2016
This is a collection of four stories in one.This book is amazing. It will make you laugh at time and cry for sure. be sure to have a box of tissues. Each story is sweet, heartwarming and sexy. It's hard to choose a favorite.
First up is Sylvan. 5 Meows
Mal was on an Olympic swim team but kept coming in third. He didn't focus and liked to party so he was cut.He decided to go back to Sylvan and visit with his Nan that raised him for a while to get his head on. When he called he found out she had passed away.Returning to sylvan to mourn and take care of the estate he met Leif, a handsome Nordic God looking man. Leif is very old-fashioned and wants a relationship, a man of his own, but his father with dementia makes it hard for him to do anything other than work.
This is a sweet story. I loved Leif and had to grow to like Mal. The descriptions of the characters and setting were awesome. I felt like I was right there with them. I also could relate to both Mal( having to start over in life) and Leif having a parent with a disability)
A great start to this collection and it introduced a couple characters that lead into the next story.
Luke 5 Meows
Oh wow. I fell in love with Luke and Morgan. This isn't your usual two gay guys meet and instantly fall in love.
Luke is a straight man saddled with a three-month-old baby. He has tried to take care of Baby Jessie but he can't get a job with the baby, his money is running out and he is overwhelmed and not sure what to do.He wants her but thinks it would be best for her to give her up. This leads him to a small mission in Sylvan where he meets Dr Morgan after Jessie gets sick.
Morgan had spotted Luke in the Mission and was immediately taken by the sexy cowboy with sad eyes. Even though Luke is straight he takes him and Jessica in and they form a bond.
the story is sweet, heartfelt and sexy.
Nate 5 Meows
I loved Nate. He is a carefree happy cowboy that loves to dance. He brings new meaning to dancing to your own beat.I could visualize him He likes Aaron a simple man that has come to cook for the ranch after losing his wife. Aaron has a son that doesn't speak. He also likes Nate but doesn't understand his attraction to the man.
This story is so sweet and heartfelt. I could feel Aarons confusion and Possessiveness when he gives in. He is quite a surprising Character. Of course, Sam is adorable. Who doesn't like a child and one with a disability makes the story more touching.
We get a freebie with Luke's Baby 500 oops-5 Meows
This is a story about Jessica when she is eight and a tragedy that happens. I will warn you to have a box of tissues handy for sure. In this story, it describes things that have happened I wish I had seen happen. I would love this one in a fully detailed novel or novella.
If you like unique characters,bittersweet stories, heartfelt stories, gay for you, dealing with disabilities, and some hot but sensual man-sex I highly recommend this book.
First up is Sylvan. 5 Meows
Mal was on an Olympic swim team but kept coming in third. He didn't focus and liked to party so he was cut.He decided to go back to Sylvan and visit with his Nan that raised him for a while to get his head on. When he called he found out she had passed away.Returning to sylvan to mourn and take care of the estate he met Leif, a handsome Nordic God looking man. Leif is very old-fashioned and wants a relationship, a man of his own, but his father with dementia makes it hard for him to do anything other than work.
This is a sweet story. I loved Leif and had to grow to like Mal. The descriptions of the characters and setting were awesome. I felt like I was right there with them. I also could relate to both Mal( having to start over in life) and Leif having a parent with a disability)
A great start to this collection and it introduced a couple characters that lead into the next story.
Luke 5 Meows
Oh wow. I fell in love with Luke and Morgan. This isn't your usual two gay guys meet and instantly fall in love.
Luke is a straight man saddled with a three-month-old baby. He has tried to take care of Baby Jessie but he can't get a job with the baby, his money is running out and he is overwhelmed and not sure what to do.He wants her but thinks it would be best for her to give her up. This leads him to a small mission in Sylvan where he meets Dr Morgan after Jessie gets sick.
Morgan had spotted Luke in the Mission and was immediately taken by the sexy cowboy with sad eyes. Even though Luke is straight he takes him and Jessica in and they form a bond.
the story is sweet, heartfelt and sexy.
Nate 5 Meows
I loved Nate. He is a carefree happy cowboy that loves to dance. He brings new meaning to dancing to your own beat.I could visualize him He likes Aaron a simple man that has come to cook for the ranch after losing his wife. Aaron has a son that doesn't speak. He also likes Nate but doesn't understand his attraction to the man.
This story is so sweet and heartfelt. I could feel Aarons confusion and Possessiveness when he gives in. He is quite a surprising Character. Of course, Sam is adorable. Who doesn't like a child and one with a disability makes the story more touching.
We get a freebie with Luke's Baby 500 oops-5 Meows
This is a story about Jessica when she is eight and a tragedy that happens. I will warn you to have a box of tissues handy for sure. In this story, it describes things that have happened I wish I had seen happen. I would love this one in a fully detailed novel or novella.
If you like unique characters,bittersweet stories, heartfelt stories, gay for you, dealing with disabilities, and some hot but sensual man-sex I highly recommend this book.
September 9, 2016
Reading the Sylvan collection was like visiting with old friends. Jan Irving is the first author I ever e-mailed; that was in 2012. The four novellas in this bundle, Sylvan, Luke, Nate, and Luke’s Baby, are emotional and well written stories, and they all lead to one common denominator—no matter how different people are, they can still find love.
In Sylvan, Mal Harrison is an Olympic gold medal swimmer. He lived the good life for a while, but recently life has taken a downturn for him, and now he’s returned home to try and start over.
Leif Gunnar, owner of a construction company that restores cottages, takes care of Jenner, his father. He’s attracted to Mal, but he also has his doubts about him.
In the next novella, Luke, Luke Walker is a father who’s unsure about what to do with his baby daughter, Jessica. He’s a first time father and just doesn’t see how a baby can fit into his life. While he’s in church, he sees Dr. Morgan Gallagher and catches a break.
Morgan has a ranch that’s worse for the wear. He hires Luke to work around his ranch, and with the help of Morgan’s housekeeper, they all pitch in to help Luke raise baby Jessica.
The story Nate introduces Nathaniel “Happy” Jefferson, a ranch hand. He loves life and loves to love. Nate makes a connection with Sam, Aaron King’s son. Sam hasn’t spoken since his mother’s death, and Nate hopes to connect to Aaron too. Aaron is a conservative man, but he knows he has an attraction to Nate.
And the final story, Luke’s Baby, was a heartbreaking read. We first met Luke and Morgan in their novella, Luke, and we got to see their relationship grow along with the love they shared for baby Jessica. In Luke’s Baby there is so much more information shared about Luke and Morgan, and we see them both struggle through their relationship.
After the first three novellas in the collection, there is an Afterword by the author that explains how the stories came about and how they connect with each other, which really added to making these stories heart felt.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
In Sylvan, Mal Harrison is an Olympic gold medal swimmer. He lived the good life for a while, but recently life has taken a downturn for him, and now he’s returned home to try and start over.
Leif Gunnar, owner of a construction company that restores cottages, takes care of Jenner, his father. He’s attracted to Mal, but he also has his doubts about him.
In the next novella, Luke, Luke Walker is a father who’s unsure about what to do with his baby daughter, Jessica. He’s a first time father and just doesn’t see how a baby can fit into his life. While he’s in church, he sees Dr. Morgan Gallagher and catches a break.
Morgan has a ranch that’s worse for the wear. He hires Luke to work around his ranch, and with the help of Morgan’s housekeeper, they all pitch in to help Luke raise baby Jessica.
The story Nate introduces Nathaniel “Happy” Jefferson, a ranch hand. He loves life and loves to love. Nate makes a connection with Sam, Aaron King’s son. Sam hasn’t spoken since his mother’s death, and Nate hopes to connect to Aaron too. Aaron is a conservative man, but he knows he has an attraction to Nate.
And the final story, Luke’s Baby, was a heartbreaking read. We first met Luke and Morgan in their novella, Luke, and we got to see their relationship grow along with the love they shared for baby Jessica. In Luke’s Baby there is so much more information shared about Luke and Morgan, and we see them both struggle through their relationship.
After the first three novellas in the collection, there is an Afterword by the author that explains how the stories came about and how they connect with each other, which really added to making these stories heart felt.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
August 22, 2016
I was given a copy of this collection to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a collection of three very sweet small town romances and one slightly darker follow-on story. Each story is a short novella, allowing for strong character and relationship development without too much added angst.
Personally, my favourite of the four stories was Luke and Morgan’s book. There is something special about the connection between young single father and the kind doctor. The vulnerable, exhausted cowboy and the lonely older man make for a beautiful pairing. There isn’t much realism to this story but the gay-for-you fantasy made me go all warm and tingly.
In the first book in the collection, I loved Leif as he struggled to care for his father and Mal at the same time. He is solid, placid and pragmatic and I really enjoyed the way he was challenged by Mal, a younger, wilder man. My reservations with this story lay with Mal - a man who felt even younger than his twenty-three years and often came across as slightly spoiled and sulky. Together these two make a great pair and I really enjoyed the slow build romance.
Happy Nathaniel and Aaron’s relationship in the third book was completely unexpected. The promiscuous cowboy and the traditional Mennonite are an unlikely pair, but the chemistry between them is very hot. Nate’s beard fetish was a first for me but I enjoyed the couple and Aaron’s young son, Sam.
The final story is darker, returning to Luke and Morgan several years in the future as they face a family tragedy together. Rather than a simple romance, this is a heavier story of a couple struggling with the complexities of their long-term partnership. Even more implausible fantasy elements have been added to this story and I found it a less satisfying read.
Together, this is a collection of sweet romantic stories. These are gentle, feel-good stories and as long as readers expect escapism rather than realism, they will enjoy the colourful men of Sylvan.
This is a collection of three very sweet small town romances and one slightly darker follow-on story. Each story is a short novella, allowing for strong character and relationship development without too much added angst.
Personally, my favourite of the four stories was Luke and Morgan’s book. There is something special about the connection between young single father and the kind doctor. The vulnerable, exhausted cowboy and the lonely older man make for a beautiful pairing. There isn’t much realism to this story but the gay-for-you fantasy made me go all warm and tingly.
In the first book in the collection, I loved Leif as he struggled to care for his father and Mal at the same time. He is solid, placid and pragmatic and I really enjoyed the way he was challenged by Mal, a younger, wilder man. My reservations with this story lay with Mal - a man who felt even younger than his twenty-three years and often came across as slightly spoiled and sulky. Together these two make a great pair and I really enjoyed the slow build romance.
Happy Nathaniel and Aaron’s relationship in the third book was completely unexpected. The promiscuous cowboy and the traditional Mennonite are an unlikely pair, but the chemistry between them is very hot. Nate’s beard fetish was a first for me but I enjoyed the couple and Aaron’s young son, Sam.
The final story is darker, returning to Luke and Morgan several years in the future as they face a family tragedy together. Rather than a simple romance, this is a heavier story of a couple struggling with the complexities of their long-term partnership. Even more implausible fantasy elements have been added to this story and I found it a less satisfying read.
Together, this is a collection of sweet romantic stories. These are gentle, feel-good stories and as long as readers expect escapism rather than realism, they will enjoy the colourful men of Sylvan.
January 3, 2024
A wonderful collection of four short novelas highlighting the lives of three very different gay couples in the small town of Sylvan. Mal has just been dropped from eligibility for the Olympic swim team only to find out that his Nan has passed away. Not sure what he wants to do with his life he returns to his Nan's cottage in Sylvan where he meets Leif. Leif is a local contractor and Mal needs work to survive as well as to the cottage. It doesn't hurt that he finds Leif attractive.
In the second story Luke has suddenly become a reluctant and now exhausted father. The child's mother left him with the baby two weeks ago. Luke hasn't got a job and getting one with a baby in tow is not easy for a cowboy. At his wits end he goes into the mission church in Sylvan with the intention to leave the baby there. Local doctor Morgan is there at the same time and wants to help, and he wants Luke.
In the third story Aaron has left his Old Order Mennonite community to work on a ranch in Sylvan. His son Samuel has refused to talk since his mother died and Aaron wants more help than his community had been willing to offer. One of the cowboys on the ranch, Nathaniel (Happy) is just about the only one to befriend Aaron and his Old Order ways. Aaron married as much to satisfy the community and deny his lost ways. With Nate he finds that the lost is found and that life is good.
The final story is one of strength and fortitude when Luke's daughter is severely injured during a kidnapping by a mad man who disapproves of Luke and Morgan's lifestyle.
Each of the stores intertwines the lives of the other couples into a wonderful whole community in this small western town
In the second story Luke has suddenly become a reluctant and now exhausted father. The child's mother left him with the baby two weeks ago. Luke hasn't got a job and getting one with a baby in tow is not easy for a cowboy. At his wits end he goes into the mission church in Sylvan with the intention to leave the baby there. Local doctor Morgan is there at the same time and wants to help, and he wants Luke.
In the third story Aaron has left his Old Order Mennonite community to work on a ranch in Sylvan. His son Samuel has refused to talk since his mother died and Aaron wants more help than his community had been willing to offer. One of the cowboys on the ranch, Nathaniel (Happy) is just about the only one to befriend Aaron and his Old Order ways. Aaron married as much to satisfy the community and deny his lost ways. With Nate he finds that the lost is found and that life is good.
The final story is one of strength and fortitude when Luke's daughter is severely injured during a kidnapping by a mad man who disapproves of Luke and Morgan's lifestyle.
Each of the stores intertwines the lives of the other couples into a wonderful whole community in this small western town
September 29, 2016
4 heart review for Love Bytes Reviews
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. This review was originally posted at Love Bytes Reviews, please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews, and giveaways!
As you can see from the blurb, this is a newly edited book containing previously released short stories written by Jan Irving. I read the first three years ago, now there is a new short story added to this collection. Here are my reviews for each of the stories:
We start with Sylvan, the story of Mal, the washed up swimmer with failed Olympic dreams as he returns to his grandmothers home in Sylvan. Mal is lost and alone, no family, no job, no swimming, no goals. Nothing but his grandmothers falling down cabin. He meets Leif, a local carpenter, once on the road and again in the water. The two begin a tentative friendship, that eventually turns in to a romance and love. Mal is a bit of a slut, or at least he was before he lost his place on the swimming team and heads to the only safe place he knows. Leif is the total opposite. A quiet, calm man, waiting patiently for the love of his life. Unfortunately this will be a hard thing for him to find, he lives in a small town and is caring for his sick father. He is certainly attracted to Mal, but reluctant to start a relationship with him. Of course the two do, and it is slow and lovely to watch. I loved the two men, their story relationship, their interaction with Leif’s dad, and their finally coming together. The development and healing of Mal was particularly satisfying to watch.
The second story is about Luke, who makes a very brief appearance in the first story along with his baby, as he struggles to find hope and a safe place to settle. Luke has recently taken on the care of his three month old daughter, who was abandoned by her party girl mother. Luke met a girl in a bar and had a one night stand, and Jessica is the result. Luke is a cowboy, barely making a living and caring for himself, now finds himself burdened with a baby he is completely unprepared to care for. He has a moment of crisis in a small church in the town of Sylvan, and is rescued by Morgan, the local doctor. Morgan offers not only care for baby Jessie, but a job to Luke, and a safe place for the two to live. This is also a sweet and gentle romance, as Morgan lures the lover hidden in Luke out in to the open. The two are wonderful together, and the baby adds to the story without detracting from the main romance. The two are assisted in their relationship by Morgan’s housekeeper, and oddly, by Luke’s baby mama. I loved this one too!
Then we have the story of Nate and Happy. A more mismatched pair I have rarely seen! Nate has left his Mennonite community to find help for his son, who has stopped speaking and is fading away, after witnessing his mothers death. Nate isn’t able to find help in their community, and ends up as the cook on a ranch in Sylvan. He’s another lonely man, just living with his son, gardening and feeding the hands at the ranch. Nothing is helping Samuel, who is getting bullied at school. Nate has no idea what to do. In comes Happy, one of the ranch hands. Happy is confident, open in his love of men, likes to dance in the dirt, he’s just a simple happy man. He sees the pain in both Nate and Samuel, and can’t resist helping. And maybe opening Nate up to a whole new world. Another winner, I loved the sweetness of Happy, and the blossoming hope in Nate and Samuel.
Finally we have Luke’s Baby. This story takes place eight years after Luke and Morgan’s story, and is about the kidnapping and injury of Jessica, the baby that brought Luke and Morgan together. Morgan has come in to a fortune, and a very bad man kidnaps Jessie with the plan of marrying her and getting Morgan’s money. A good portion of this story takes place in the hospital where Jessie is recovering, then a bit after she gets home. We see the kidnapping through flashbacks. I have to say I did NOT like this story at all. It felt totally out of character from the story of Luke and Morgan. The whole thing about the money didn’t work for me, and the kidnapping and injury of Jessie was just awful. It didn’t even seem like Luke and Morgan to me, and the hints and what Luke may have done if there was a different ending were also awful. I’m not sure what the point of the whole story was to be honest, and it brought the collection down for me.
So I enjoyed the first three stories very much, and I’m going to try really hard to forget about the fourth one! In fact I’m not even going to talk about it anymore, other than to say again, that I didn’t like it one bit! The first three were just wonderful, sweet and gentle stories, slow to build, each with a fantastic ending. They do intersect slightly, the men from one story have brief appearances in the other stories, but they are pretty self contained. I liked that each has different types of characters, we have a swimmer and a carpenter, a doctor and a cowboy, and a cook and a ranch hand. Each has a little drama and heartbreak, but ends with a satisfying ending. The love and sex take time to come, but are just perfect when it all happens. I loved each of the six men, their stories were compelling, their connections strong, their sex good, and they all lived happily ever after.
I have always liked Jan Irving’s writing, she’s not a prolific writer, but when she does release a book I find it very enjoyable. She’s written several cowboy stories and does those particularly well. Her writing style works for the slow nature of the cowboy life. Even with my strong dislike of the fourth story, I would recommend reading this one, the first three stories make up for the last one! If you haven’t read any of her books, start with this one and move on to some others….
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. This review was originally posted at Love Bytes Reviews, please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews, and giveaways!
As you can see from the blurb, this is a newly edited book containing previously released short stories written by Jan Irving. I read the first three years ago, now there is a new short story added to this collection. Here are my reviews for each of the stories:
We start with Sylvan, the story of Mal, the washed up swimmer with failed Olympic dreams as he returns to his grandmothers home in Sylvan. Mal is lost and alone, no family, no job, no swimming, no goals. Nothing but his grandmothers falling down cabin. He meets Leif, a local carpenter, once on the road and again in the water. The two begin a tentative friendship, that eventually turns in to a romance and love. Mal is a bit of a slut, or at least he was before he lost his place on the swimming team and heads to the only safe place he knows. Leif is the total opposite. A quiet, calm man, waiting patiently for the love of his life. Unfortunately this will be a hard thing for him to find, he lives in a small town and is caring for his sick father. He is certainly attracted to Mal, but reluctant to start a relationship with him. Of course the two do, and it is slow and lovely to watch. I loved the two men, their story relationship, their interaction with Leif’s dad, and their finally coming together. The development and healing of Mal was particularly satisfying to watch.
The second story is about Luke, who makes a very brief appearance in the first story along with his baby, as he struggles to find hope and a safe place to settle. Luke has recently taken on the care of his three month old daughter, who was abandoned by her party girl mother. Luke met a girl in a bar and had a one night stand, and Jessica is the result. Luke is a cowboy, barely making a living and caring for himself, now finds himself burdened with a baby he is completely unprepared to care for. He has a moment of crisis in a small church in the town of Sylvan, and is rescued by Morgan, the local doctor. Morgan offers not only care for baby Jessie, but a job to Luke, and a safe place for the two to live. This is also a sweet and gentle romance, as Morgan lures the lover hidden in Luke out in to the open. The two are wonderful together, and the baby adds to the story without detracting from the main romance. The two are assisted in their relationship by Morgan’s housekeeper, and oddly, by Luke’s baby mama. I loved this one too!
Then we have the story of Nate and Happy. A more mismatched pair I have rarely seen! Nate has left his Mennonite community to find help for his son, who has stopped speaking and is fading away, after witnessing his mothers death. Nate isn’t able to find help in their community, and ends up as the cook on a ranch in Sylvan. He’s another lonely man, just living with his son, gardening and feeding the hands at the ranch. Nothing is helping Samuel, who is getting bullied at school. Nate has no idea what to do. In comes Happy, one of the ranch hands. Happy is confident, open in his love of men, likes to dance in the dirt, he’s just a simple happy man. He sees the pain in both Nate and Samuel, and can’t resist helping. And maybe opening Nate up to a whole new world. Another winner, I loved the sweetness of Happy, and the blossoming hope in Nate and Samuel.
Finally we have Luke’s Baby. This story takes place eight years after Luke and Morgan’s story, and is about the kidnapping and injury of Jessica, the baby that brought Luke and Morgan together. Morgan has come in to a fortune, and a very bad man kidnaps Jessie with the plan of marrying her and getting Morgan’s money. A good portion of this story takes place in the hospital where Jessie is recovering, then a bit after she gets home. We see the kidnapping through flashbacks. I have to say I did NOT like this story at all. It felt totally out of character from the story of Luke and Morgan. The whole thing about the money didn’t work for me, and the kidnapping and injury of Jessie was just awful. It didn’t even seem like Luke and Morgan to me, and the hints and what Luke may have done if there was a different ending were also awful. I’m not sure what the point of the whole story was to be honest, and it brought the collection down for me.
So I enjoyed the first three stories very much, and I’m going to try really hard to forget about the fourth one! In fact I’m not even going to talk about it anymore, other than to say again, that I didn’t like it one bit! The first three were just wonderful, sweet and gentle stories, slow to build, each with a fantastic ending. They do intersect slightly, the men from one story have brief appearances in the other stories, but they are pretty self contained. I liked that each has different types of characters, we have a swimmer and a carpenter, a doctor and a cowboy, and a cook and a ranch hand. Each has a little drama and heartbreak, but ends with a satisfying ending. The love and sex take time to come, but are just perfect when it all happens. I loved each of the six men, their stories were compelling, their connections strong, their sex good, and they all lived happily ever after.
I have always liked Jan Irving’s writing, she’s not a prolific writer, but when she does release a book I find it very enjoyable. She’s written several cowboy stories and does those particularly well. Her writing style works for the slow nature of the cowboy life. Even with my strong dislike of the fourth story, I would recommend reading this one, the first three stories make up for the last one! If you haven’t read any of her books, start with this one and move on to some others….
August 26, 2018
Quick reads. Enjoyable to read. 3 stories in one book.
August 25, 2016
Sylvan is an anthology of stories all taking place in the town of Sylvan.
Story 1: Sylvan
I'm going to be honest, this story was very hard to get into for me. I actually found myself utterly confused on what was going on and had to skip to the next story.
Story 2: Luke
Luke is a down and out cowboy who woke up one day hungover to realize he's the father of a baby girl born out of a one-night stand. Now caring for the infant by himself and moving from motel to motel, he's not sure if he should keep her. A chance encounter at a local church finds Luke and his daughter going home with Morgan, a local Doctor.
Morgan is more than happy to open his home to Luke and Jessica. He can't help feeling attraction to the cowboy or quickly falling in love with the sweet baby. Morgan is gay but as far as he knows Luke is not. But as the two get closer the attraction Morgan feels seems to be reflected in Luke's eyes as well. Now they'll have to decide if they're going to try becoming a family.
I enjoyed this story a lot more than the first story in the book. I liked both Luke who was a tad surly but a good dad and Morgan who was very selfless. The two had good chemistry and when they were finally able to communicate with one another about how they felt I really liked them together.
The story was good and kept me entertained. I did find the dialogue on the slow side and somewhat formal. It made the story feel longer than it actually was.
Story 3: Nate
Aaron and his mute son Samuel are living on the farm after leaving their Mennonite community. Happy/Nate works and lives on the farm. The two men start a tentative friendship that blossoms into something more. But being gay isn't easy for Aaron who grew up in a community that would not consider that okay. However, Aaron wants to explore this new relationship.
I'm not really sure how I feel about this story. The story itself was okay but I really didn't care for Aaron. I felt as if he didn't really like his own child and that made it hard to connect with him. The way he spoke to him, treated him was almost cold. Whether or not it had to do with his upbringing I have no clue but it irked me.
Story 4: Luke's Baby
This is a sad, tragic story that thank the gods ends on a happy note, but I was pretty shocked reading it because I felt as if we'd had enough closure with Luke, Morgan and Jessie. Maybe it's just me but, honestly, this story was just full of depressing events that made me wonder why Luke and Morgan even remained a couple.
I know in real life love and relationships aren't all rainbows and unicorns. There are going to be challenges and drama and fights and so on. But this is fiction, romance. I read these books for entertainment, to get out of my head and live in a new world. This book was definitely focused on a world I would want to avoid. It's hard to enjoy that.
Overall, I give Sylvan 3 Stars!
***A copy of this book was provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest and fair review ***
Story 1: Sylvan
I'm going to be honest, this story was very hard to get into for me. I actually found myself utterly confused on what was going on and had to skip to the next story.
Story 2: Luke
Luke is a down and out cowboy who woke up one day hungover to realize he's the father of a baby girl born out of a one-night stand. Now caring for the infant by himself and moving from motel to motel, he's not sure if he should keep her. A chance encounter at a local church finds Luke and his daughter going home with Morgan, a local Doctor.
Morgan is more than happy to open his home to Luke and Jessica. He can't help feeling attraction to the cowboy or quickly falling in love with the sweet baby. Morgan is gay but as far as he knows Luke is not. But as the two get closer the attraction Morgan feels seems to be reflected in Luke's eyes as well. Now they'll have to decide if they're going to try becoming a family.
I enjoyed this story a lot more than the first story in the book. I liked both Luke who was a tad surly but a good dad and Morgan who was very selfless. The two had good chemistry and when they were finally able to communicate with one another about how they felt I really liked them together.
The story was good and kept me entertained. I did find the dialogue on the slow side and somewhat formal. It made the story feel longer than it actually was.
Story 3: Nate
Aaron and his mute son Samuel are living on the farm after leaving their Mennonite community. Happy/Nate works and lives on the farm. The two men start a tentative friendship that blossoms into something more. But being gay isn't easy for Aaron who grew up in a community that would not consider that okay. However, Aaron wants to explore this new relationship.
I'm not really sure how I feel about this story. The story itself was okay but I really didn't care for Aaron. I felt as if he didn't really like his own child and that made it hard to connect with him. The way he spoke to him, treated him was almost cold. Whether or not it had to do with his upbringing I have no clue but it irked me.
Story 4: Luke's Baby
This is a sad, tragic story that thank the gods ends on a happy note, but I was pretty shocked reading it because I felt as if we'd had enough closure with Luke, Morgan and Jessie. Maybe it's just me but, honestly, this story was just full of depressing events that made me wonder why Luke and Morgan even remained a couple.
I know in real life love and relationships aren't all rainbows and unicorns. There are going to be challenges and drama and fights and so on. But this is fiction, romance. I read these books for entertainment, to get out of my head and live in a new world. This book was definitely focused on a world I would want to avoid. It's hard to enjoy that.
Overall, I give Sylvan 3 Stars!
***A copy of this book was provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest and fair review ***
March 8, 2017
Series felt rural and warm without being sappy.
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