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Glass Tidings
Eddie Rodrigues doesn’t stay in one place long enough to get attached. The only time he broke that rule, things went south fast. Now he’s on the road again, with barely enough cash in his pocket to hop a bus south after his (sort-of-stolen) car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, Midwest, USA.
He’s fine. He’ll manage. Until he watches that girl get hit by a car and left to die.
Local shop owner Grayson Croft isn’t in the habit of doing people any favors. But even a recluse can’t avoid everyone in a town as small as Clear Lake. And when the cop who played Juliet to your Romeo in the high school play asks you to put up her key witness for the night, you say yes.
Now Gray’s got a grouchy glass artist stomping around his big, empty house, and it turns out that he . . . maybe . . . kind of . . . likes the company.
But Eddie Rodrigues never sticks around.
Unless a Christmas shop owner who hates the season can show an orphan what it means to have family for the holidays.
He’s fine. He’ll manage. Until he watches that girl get hit by a car and left to die.
Local shop owner Grayson Croft isn’t in the habit of doing people any favors. But even a recluse can’t avoid everyone in a town as small as Clear Lake. And when the cop who played Juliet to your Romeo in the high school play asks you to put up her key witness for the night, you say yes.
Now Gray’s got a grouchy glass artist stomping around his big, empty house, and it turns out that he . . . maybe . . . kind of . . . likes the company.
But Eddie Rodrigues never sticks around.
Unless a Christmas shop owner who hates the season can show an orphan what it means to have family for the holidays.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2016
51 people are currently reading
651 people want to read
About the author
Amy Jo Cousins
46 books623 followersTo get updates on Amy Jo's new releases, sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/YdVW1.
Amy Jo Cousins lives in Chicago, where she writes queer romance, tweets more than she ought, and sometimes runs way too far. She loves her boy and the Cubs, who taught her that being awesome doesn't necessarily have anything to do with winning.
Amy Jo Cousins lives in Chicago, where she writes queer romance, tweets more than she ought, and sometimes runs way too far. She loves her boy and the Cubs, who taught her that being awesome doesn't necessarily have anything to do with winning.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
December 1, 2016
What a gorgeous story! I think this might be Amy Jo Cousins' strongest writing to date.
Eddie is a product of the system. He's a drifter and glass artist, making fairies and unicorns to sell at Shakespearean festivals when the weather's warm. In the winter, he heads to Texas. He doesn't own more than he can carry, and he manages just fine.
Gray shuts people out and wallows in loneliness. He owns a Christmas Shoppe, open only during the holiday season, where he sells ornaments and other baubles.
After Eddie witnesses a pedestrian hit and run, the police want him to stay in town until they find the perpetrator. Eddie isn't eager, but Gray makes him an offer he can't refuse. And Eddie likes Gray, likes to wiggle his feet under Gray's warm body while they snuggle under one blanket on the couch.
Gray gets used to Eddie's presence. He wants to do things for Eddie, make Eddie happy. There is a definite attraction between the men, but Gray is shy and careful. Eddie's willing though, and Gray can't resist.
Eddie is 28; Gray is older (mid-40s?). But the age difference isn't an issue. Eddie running away is. He doesn't like to be tied down, and his last boyfriend turned out to be a druggie, not the cozy fantasy Eddie imagined. Eddie runs because he's scared to stay, scared to rely on anyone but himself.
Beneath Eddie's rough, frantic exterior lies a wounded soul. Gray sees that, and Eddie sees Gray's vulnerabilities too. Gray isn't easy to ruffle, but Eddie has a knack for pushing the right buttons. Sometimes Gray buys pizza. Other days, Eddie cooks. Eddie decorates for Christmas, and even though Gray grumbles about it, he's happy.
This is a poignant story about finding home and giving yourself over to love. Both MCs are complex and lovable. The sex is sparse; I wanted a lot more of that. But the ending is hopeful and true.
Eddie is a product of the system. He's a drifter and glass artist, making fairies and unicorns to sell at Shakespearean festivals when the weather's warm. In the winter, he heads to Texas. He doesn't own more than he can carry, and he manages just fine.
Gray shuts people out and wallows in loneliness. He owns a Christmas Shoppe, open only during the holiday season, where he sells ornaments and other baubles.
After Eddie witnesses a pedestrian hit and run, the police want him to stay in town until they find the perpetrator. Eddie isn't eager, but Gray makes him an offer he can't refuse. And Eddie likes Gray, likes to wiggle his feet under Gray's warm body while they snuggle under one blanket on the couch.
Gray gets used to Eddie's presence. He wants to do things for Eddie, make Eddie happy. There is a definite attraction between the men, but Gray is shy and careful. Eddie's willing though, and Gray can't resist.
Eddie is 28; Gray is older (mid-40s?). But the age difference isn't an issue. Eddie running away is. He doesn't like to be tied down, and his last boyfriend turned out to be a druggie, not the cozy fantasy Eddie imagined. Eddie runs because he's scared to stay, scared to rely on anyone but himself.
Beneath Eddie's rough, frantic exterior lies a wounded soul. Gray sees that, and Eddie sees Gray's vulnerabilities too. Gray isn't easy to ruffle, but Eddie has a knack for pushing the right buttons. Sometimes Gray buys pizza. Other days, Eddie cooks. Eddie decorates for Christmas, and even though Gray grumbles about it, he's happy.
This is a poignant story about finding home and giving yourself over to love. Both MCs are complex and lovable. The sex is sparse; I wanted a lot more of that. But the ending is hopeful and true.
December 9, 2016
An angsty hurt/comfort, age-gap story about a drifter and a lonely, older man. While there is holiday cheer, you have to wade though lots of pain to get there.
I haven't read much from Amy Jo Cousins, but this was a lovely effort from her. I'm a huge fan of holiday stories, and the cover and blurb for this one drew me right in. However, this one was more angsty than I was anticipating, not that that is necessarily a bad thing.
I liked how the romance was slow burn, though there was some attraction there from the start. The characters carried a lot of baggage, so the romance had to be slow-burn for me to buy into it. Eddie was skiddish and prickly, unwilling and unable to trust that anyone could or would care for him. He was a tough nut to crack, and sometimes I wanted to shake him a bit. However, I saw how difficult his life had been up until this point, and I was fully rooting for his HEA.
Grayson was a loner, having been burned by a lover in the past. I'm not sure how old he was supposed to be (did it say?), but I'm guessing late 40s. I thought that he was too quiet and too in his head at times, but I liked how he cared for Eddie so patiently and without demeaning him.
The story was tender and emotional, though I could have done without some of the misunderstandings in the story. However, I felt really happy at Grayson and Eddie's HEA and it gave me that little umph of holiday spirit that I was looking for. Plus, now I want to learn how to glass-blow, so there's that.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
I haven't read much from Amy Jo Cousins, but this was a lovely effort from her. I'm a huge fan of holiday stories, and the cover and blurb for this one drew me right in. However, this one was more angsty than I was anticipating, not that that is necessarily a bad thing.
I liked how the romance was slow burn, though there was some attraction there from the start. The characters carried a lot of baggage, so the romance had to be slow-burn for me to buy into it. Eddie was skiddish and prickly, unwilling and unable to trust that anyone could or would care for him. He was a tough nut to crack, and sometimes I wanted to shake him a bit. However, I saw how difficult his life had been up until this point, and I was fully rooting for his HEA.
Grayson was a loner, having been burned by a lover in the past. I'm not sure how old he was supposed to be (did it say?), but I'm guessing late 40s. I thought that he was too quiet and too in his head at times, but I liked how he cared for Eddie so patiently and without demeaning him.
The story was tender and emotional, though I could have done without some of the misunderstandings in the story. However, I felt really happy at Grayson and Eddie's HEA and it gave me that little umph of holiday spirit that I was looking for. Plus, now I want to learn how to glass-blow, so there's that.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
December 5, 2016
*ARC received from author in exchange for a review*
Lucky for me, for a first Amy Jo read for me, this is quite a treat! Amy Jo, whose older books I own but haven't read, fortunately, gave me a nice holiday story that has some meat to it. YAY!!!
When I requested this, knowing it's a holiday read, I thought I was gonna get an easy light read that's all gonna be just gooey right for the holidays. It was an easy read but I got so much more out of it.
Eddie was just passing town until he inadvertently became a witness to a crime. Gray just happened to be friend of the town cop who inadvertently had to act as temporary host to Eddie until his friend sorted things out. Neither one wanting to be at the position they found themselves in, but they didn't have a choice. Ok, yes they did, but as good people, they understood there was only one right choice.
Begrudgingly, they started their temporary arrangement. And I guess it's what they both needed. As they get to learn more about each other, it seems there's an attraction there. And they actually like each other, whether they admit it or not. But they're at different stages in their lives. How do you reconcile that?
Eddie and Gray's interactions have such a delicious bite to them. Their individual sense of humor is nuanced that it produced interesting dialogues. Their individual pasts shaped the kind of men they are, and I understood the fears behind their concerns. How their feelings grew felt honest. It was sweet to see how these two seemingly opposite personalities complemented each other in a way they needed.
For an easy read, the characters are quite layered. The story moved naturally and nothing felt disingenuous. For a holiday read, it's heartwarming beyond the usual holiday fanfare. It's got depth that didn't weigh down the holiday spirit, but rather, it enhanced the feelings that a holiday read is meant to evoke. My only wish was that this was a tad longer. I know I would have been even happier if each of their pasts was explored more which would have provided more complexity to their emotions, but I get it. Then, it may have been too heavy a read for the holidays.
Regardless, I'm glad I got the opportunity to read this. Now, I can look more forward to Amy Jo's other books in my TBR.
Now if only I could multitask books...
Confession #7 of a bookhoarder and bookblogger: I tend to request/receive ARCs from authors whose previous books I own but haven't read. (I know, I know... SMH)
PRO: Obviously there's a reason why I bought their books so it makes me quite excited to start the ARC and when I do end up liking it, I'm doubly excited to get to the author's backlist, if/when I get to it
CON: If I don't end up liking the ARC, then I'm stuck with all those books I've paid for which I won't likely end up reading (and sadly, Amazon Canada has no lending feature)
There is a method to my madness, buried in there somewhere... I think...
Lucky for me, for a first Amy Jo read for me, this is quite a treat! Amy Jo, whose older books I own but haven't read, fortunately, gave me a nice holiday story that has some meat to it. YAY!!!
When I requested this, knowing it's a holiday read, I thought I was gonna get an easy light read that's all gonna be just gooey right for the holidays. It was an easy read but I got so much more out of it.
Eddie was just passing town until he inadvertently became a witness to a crime. Gray just happened to be friend of the town cop who inadvertently had to act as temporary host to Eddie until his friend sorted things out. Neither one wanting to be at the position they found themselves in, but they didn't have a choice. Ok, yes they did, but as good people, they understood there was only one right choice.
Begrudgingly, they started their temporary arrangement. And I guess it's what they both needed. As they get to learn more about each other, it seems there's an attraction there. And they actually like each other, whether they admit it or not. But they're at different stages in their lives. How do you reconcile that?
Eddie and Gray's interactions have such a delicious bite to them. Their individual sense of humor is nuanced that it produced interesting dialogues. Their individual pasts shaped the kind of men they are, and I understood the fears behind their concerns. How their feelings grew felt honest. It was sweet to see how these two seemingly opposite personalities complemented each other in a way they needed.
For an easy read, the characters are quite layered. The story moved naturally and nothing felt disingenuous. For a holiday read, it's heartwarming beyond the usual holiday fanfare. It's got depth that didn't weigh down the holiday spirit, but rather, it enhanced the feelings that a holiday read is meant to evoke. My only wish was that this was a tad longer. I know I would have been even happier if each of their pasts was explored more which would have provided more complexity to their emotions, but I get it. Then, it may have been too heavy a read for the holidays.
Regardless, I'm glad I got the opportunity to read this. Now, I can look more forward to Amy Jo's other books in my TBR.
Now if only I could multitask books...
November 18, 2017
Sweet and well written, but....meh....My problem was that I felt no burn or chemistry between the MCs. I also felt little attraction to them.
Amy Jo Cousins is a favorite writer of mine, but this story lacked a spark. It wasn’t bad, it just was.
Amy Jo Cousins is a favorite writer of mine, but this story lacked a spark. It wasn’t bad, it just was.
January 25, 2020
Eddie Rodrigues likes to keep on the move, going around the country on the Ren faire circuit until the off-season when he winters in Texas with an old friend, Rhonda. Eddie is a glass artist churning out unicorns, fairies, mermaids a couple dozen at a time. "It's not art. I'm like one of those line machines in a factory, doing the same things over and over again." Eddie travels light and leaves fast ... until he finds himself in Clear Lake, Iowa for an extended period of time after witnessing a hit and run accident.
Grayson Croft owns the Christmas Shoppe in Clear Lake which has been in his family for three generations. He's stuck ... stuck dwelling on a past relationship that evaporated before his very eyes when his boyfriend of several years left town suddenly, and stuck in his large lonely house surrounded by family heirlooms and memories. Then his old high school friend Christine, who's now a cop in town, asks Gray to give her eyewitness Eddie a place to stay until they can discover the perpetrator of the hit and run.
What follows is a beautifully-written poignant story about two lonely men, one who has an M.O of leaving, and other who has been left behind.
I received an ARC from the publisher Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Grayson Croft owns the Christmas Shoppe in Clear Lake which has been in his family for three generations. He's stuck ... stuck dwelling on a past relationship that evaporated before his very eyes when his boyfriend of several years left town suddenly, and stuck in his large lonely house surrounded by family heirlooms and memories. Then his old high school friend Christine, who's now a cop in town, asks Gray to give her eyewitness Eddie a place to stay until they can discover the perpetrator of the hit and run.
What follows is a beautifully-written poignant story about two lonely men, one who has an M.O of leaving, and other who has been left behind.
He'd spent his entire life refusing to hang on to anything, because no one had ever hung on to him.The story has no Huge Misunderstanding, angst-filled tirades or hackneyed "Christmas Miracle," (and just a few sex scenes) but rather relates a steady slow process of discovery and acceptance and love. Neither man is perfect, but they are perfect for each other. I definitely recommend this book!
I received an ARC from the publisher Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
December 8, 2016
2.5 stars
I think I am just not one for Amy Jo Cousin's writing. I kind of knew this already, but I wanted to try this anyway. And it was okay. Just not mind shattering like I’d hoped it would be.
There were pages and pages of inner dialogue that I eventually started skimming. And they all concentrated on Eddie and how his life was before he met Gray. Yeah yeah, I got it, it was a sad life. But I just didn’t feel it.
And I felt as if the no background thing with Gray went on way too long. I felt disconnected from his character because I knew so little about him. And I could understand that Eddie had up all these walls, due to his upbringing, but I was tired of him keeping everyone (Gray) at a distance.
The first sex scene could have been magical, but felt emotionless instead. It was short and Eddie makes it clear it doesn’t mean anything (although of course it does).
I just didn’t really like this.
I think I am just not one for Amy Jo Cousin's writing. I kind of knew this already, but I wanted to try this anyway. And it was okay. Just not mind shattering like I’d hoped it would be.
There were pages and pages of inner dialogue that I eventually started skimming. And they all concentrated on Eddie and how his life was before he met Gray. Yeah yeah, I got it, it was a sad life. But I just didn’t feel it.
And I felt as if the no background thing with Gray went on way too long. I felt disconnected from his character because I knew so little about him. And I could understand that Eddie had up all these walls, due to his upbringing, but I was tired of him keeping everyone (Gray) at a distance.
The first sex scene could have been magical, but felt emotionless instead. It was short and Eddie makes it clear it doesn’t mean anything (although of course it does).
I just didn’t really like this.
December 2, 2016
~3.5 stars~
This was a great story, warm and fuzzy, but with a melancholy that often accompanies Christmas. I prefer my holiday stories to be on the sad side but with a very hopeful and happy ending. Just like this one.
First of all, I have to say that the writing here is phenomenal. Even when the characters frustrated me, I could always appreciate the strong writing. I think this is one of Cousins's strongest stories, writing wise.
I loved the imperfect characters; Eddie, the glass artist/drifter who grew up in the system, too restless to stay in one place, too suspicious to get his hopes up. I adored Eddie's voice.
And Gray, the small town's Christmas Shoppe owner who lives all by himself in a huge ass house, surrounded by family memorabilia, too screwed up by past relationships to trust another man again.
The characters might be flawed, but they own their mistakes and despite their reluctance to open up, they talk about things and take responsibility. This was nice.
I loved the "finding a home" aspect of the story. Eddie started caring, not only for Gray, but for the place and the people too. Which was scary as hell, because he's used to leaving, not staying. Gray is scared too, because he's always the one who gets left behind. And that's the main conflict of the story.
But although I loved both characters seerately, I felt that they spent too much time in their heads. Their internal and often repetitive monologues went on and on. I would have liked a little more showing instead of telling. Or maybe a little more dialogue. I kept feeling that these two were seperated by an invisible wall, and didn't connect with each other until the very end.
The steam is petty low here. There is plenty of slow burn but only a couple of sex scenes, not overly descriptive but very emotional and intense.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the ending is so warm and beautiful. And hopeful! Just like Christmas stories are supposed to be.
This was a great story, warm and fuzzy, but with a melancholy that often accompanies Christmas. I prefer my holiday stories to be on the sad side but with a very hopeful and happy ending. Just like this one.
First of all, I have to say that the writing here is phenomenal. Even when the characters frustrated me, I could always appreciate the strong writing. I think this is one of Cousins's strongest stories, writing wise.
I loved the imperfect characters; Eddie, the glass artist/drifter who grew up in the system, too restless to stay in one place, too suspicious to get his hopes up. I adored Eddie's voice.
And Gray, the small town's Christmas Shoppe owner who lives all by himself in a huge ass house, surrounded by family memorabilia, too screwed up by past relationships to trust another man again.
The characters might be flawed, but they own their mistakes and despite their reluctance to open up, they talk about things and take responsibility. This was nice.
I loved the "finding a home" aspect of the story. Eddie started caring, not only for Gray, but for the place and the people too. Which was scary as hell, because he's used to leaving, not staying. Gray is scared too, because he's always the one who gets left behind. And that's the main conflict of the story.
But although I loved both characters seerately, I felt that they spent too much time in their heads. Their internal and often repetitive monologues went on and on. I would have liked a little more showing instead of telling. Or maybe a little more dialogue. I kept feeling that these two were seperated by an invisible wall, and didn't connect with each other until the very end.
The steam is petty low here. There is plenty of slow burn but only a couple of sex scenes, not overly descriptive but very emotional and intense.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and the ending is so warm and beautiful. And hopeful! Just like Christmas stories are supposed to be.
December 5, 2016
You guys, I really tried! So much angst, and I can't live for this.
This was suppose to be my second take with Amy Jo Cousins, I have stayed CLEARED away from her since Off Campus. Off Campus was way too angsty for my taste. I'm a chicken. I don't deal well with angst. Glass Tidings was so hard for me to get through. I kinda got defeated midpoint through the story. I LOATHED the non communication between these two. It was so much internal dialogue, and not enough dialogue between the characters. This is no way in shape form against Cousins, since its her style and people rock with it. It's just me and my taste doesn't sway that way.
Because of so much internal monologue going on, I don't know if I really like Eddie & Gray. I mean, overall I think them enough, but it could be because I wanted the story to be over. Both guys are dealing with internal measures. Eddie is basically a grifter and meets Gray because of witnessing a accident. Gray is a loner, and is okay being a loner. Eddie is a products of the system and for him he doesn't believe that people do anything for the goodness of their heart. Gray is still reeling from being left from a past lover.
This was definitely a slow burn romance. It took a long time for them to take any step towards romance. It was a lot of walking around each other in circles and the copious amount of internal monologue. It was a bit emotional and so freaking intense, but I think that has to do with the angst. I can't recommend this for my reading pleasure, because I didn't like it as much as I expected. It might be perfect for people who enjoy this writing style, and the way the author weaves a story.
December 30, 2016
Lovely heart-warming story. Very slow burn with characters getting to know each other and themselves along the way, adjusting and sometimes messing up, but then getting things right.
I liked how different they were, how different their voices were. Despite being a typical Christmas story it never felt mawkish to me, as so many do. It's a simple story but there's a heaping helping of feelings. It finished before I was quite ready to leave them but that's probably me being greedy.
Hope there'll be another visit to catch-up and see how other characters are doing. Plenty room for a sequel here Ms Cousins. Please?
I liked how different they were, how different their voices were. Despite being a typical Christmas story it never felt mawkish to me, as so many do. It's a simple story but there's a heaping helping of feelings. It finished before I was quite ready to leave them but that's probably me being greedy.
Hope there'll be another visit to catch-up and see how other characters are doing. Plenty room for a sequel here Ms Cousins. Please?
December 14, 2016
2.75 stars rounded up
I think I have to settle for the fact that Amy jo Cousin's longer novel just doesn't agree with me. I loved her shorter works but when it comes to her novel, I seem to always hit a brick wall. That is why I discontinued Cousin's Off Campus series after book #2. I picked this one up because 1) a holiday romance and 2) gorgeous cover. But the end-result was too much of a struggle for me to finish.
There were moments where Cousins' writing was strong, that it punched me in guts, like the part where Eddie finally opened up to Gray about his background. Unfortunately, most of the time, I was either feeling disconnected to the characters and story in overall, or being frustrated with Eddie.
I could understand Eddie's behavior and attitude, what drove him to do/say the thing he does ... but it also made it a bit difficult for me to care. The internal monologue from Eddie -- there is A LOT of that -- should in theory made me feel closer to him. However, Cousin's writing just couldn't pull me in.
In addition, I also felt that there was something important missing from the Eddie and Gray's relationship. In comparison, I recently finished story with a similar theme of a story, where a man gives a stray a chance to work at his shop, and that one worked so much better. Here, I couldn't feel the 'magic; the click moment. Everything was just off for me.
Oh and that beginning, with the hit and run part? That was way too grim for a holiday story!
I still rounded it up because the "spirit" was there. Nonetheless, Glass Tidings cements the fact that maybe when it comes to her novels, Amy Jo Cousins is not for me.
I think I have to settle for the fact that Amy jo Cousin's longer novel just doesn't agree with me. I loved her shorter works but when it comes to her novel, I seem to always hit a brick wall. That is why I discontinued Cousin's Off Campus series after book #2. I picked this one up because 1) a holiday romance and 2) gorgeous cover. But the end-result was too much of a struggle for me to finish.
There were moments where Cousins' writing was strong, that it punched me in guts, like the part where Eddie finally opened up to Gray about his background. Unfortunately, most of the time, I was either feeling disconnected to the characters and story in overall, or being frustrated with Eddie.
I could understand Eddie's behavior and attitude, what drove him to do/say the thing he does ... but it also made it a bit difficult for me to care. The internal monologue from Eddie -- there is A LOT of that -- should in theory made me feel closer to him. However, Cousin's writing just couldn't pull me in.
In addition, I also felt that there was something important missing from the Eddie and Gray's relationship. In comparison, I recently finished story with a similar theme of a story, where a man gives a stray a chance to work at his shop, and that one worked so much better. Here, I couldn't feel the 'magic; the click moment. Everything was just off for me.
Oh and that beginning, with the hit and run part? That was way too grim for a holiday story!
I still rounded it up because the "spirit" was there. Nonetheless, Glass Tidings cements the fact that maybe when it comes to her novels, Amy Jo Cousins is not for me.
December 9, 2019
3.5 stars
A very slow burn story, with lots of feelings, likable MCs and extremely beautiful writing. Unfortunately, I wasn't in a good space of mind while reading this, and it took me way too long to finish it, so in the end it didn't have the same effect on me it would have otherwise. I think on another date and time, this could easily be a 4 stars romance, now it was only 3. Plus, I felt that Gray was a bit too rigid and uptight for me to love him as much as Eddie; the things he said that caused a rift between then at some point, were not easy for me to forgive or ignore, but Eddie apparently felt differently. Still, a very nice book, I enjoyed reading it.
A very slow burn story, with lots of feelings, likable MCs and extremely beautiful writing. Unfortunately, I wasn't in a good space of mind while reading this, and it took me way too long to finish it, so in the end it didn't have the same effect on me it would have otherwise. I think on another date and time, this could easily be a 4 stars romance, now it was only 3. Plus, I felt that Gray was a bit too rigid and uptight for me to love him as much as Eddie; the things he said that caused a rift between then at some point, were not easy for me to forgive or ignore, but Eddie apparently felt differently. Still, a very nice book, I enjoyed reading it.
December 30, 2016
Glass Tidings is a low-key, slow burn holiday romance. Eddie had a neglectful mother, and then grew up in the foster care system, mostly in group homes. He's had impermanence deeply imprinted into his soul. When you can be moved to an entirely new home, school and life, on a moment's notice, with no more possessions than you can fit in a trash bag, you learn to not get attached to stuff. Or people. Eddie ran away at 16 and has been working the Ren Faire circuit ever since. He's now a skilled glass-worker, but still earns barely enough to live day to day and faire to faire.
This year, he met a man who promised him something more - a settled life that Eddie had only seen in movies. But that man turned out to be more interested in drugs, than in daily living, or in Eddie. Eddie left abruptly, back to his nomadic life. Except that witnessing a hit-and-run in a small town he was passing through, ends up with him asked not to leave town by the cops, and housed temporarily with a local do-gooder.
Eddie's sure it's a very temporary thing. He's going to leave any day now. Not like anyone will miss him, and no one has ever wanted him around long-term. He kind of wishes Grayson was different, because the man is kind and secure and older and appealing and his home is the kind of stability Eddie never had. But sticking around is a pipe dream. Still, as the hunt for the hit-and-run culprit drags out, Eddie is going to have a harder and harder time leaving...
Grayson is also solitary. It doesn't seem to be his natural state, because he has frequent impulses to take care of Eddie. There's a story to his determined solo life in this pretty, empty house. But to be more than a short term friend to Eddie, he'll have to deal with both his own baggage, and Eddie's deep-set lifetime of distrust in other people.
This was nicely realistic, and had emotional moments but was free of melodrama. It was sweet without being sugary. The relationship takes quite a while to feel more real than simple proximity, and both men are awful at communicating, but I really enjoyed this story of two loners discovering each other..
This year, he met a man who promised him something more - a settled life that Eddie had only seen in movies. But that man turned out to be more interested in drugs, than in daily living, or in Eddie. Eddie left abruptly, back to his nomadic life. Except that witnessing a hit-and-run in a small town he was passing through, ends up with him asked not to leave town by the cops, and housed temporarily with a local do-gooder.
Eddie's sure it's a very temporary thing. He's going to leave any day now. Not like anyone will miss him, and no one has ever wanted him around long-term. He kind of wishes Grayson was different, because the man is kind and secure and older and appealing and his home is the kind of stability Eddie never had. But sticking around is a pipe dream. Still, as the hunt for the hit-and-run culprit drags out, Eddie is going to have a harder and harder time leaving...
Grayson is also solitary. It doesn't seem to be his natural state, because he has frequent impulses to take care of Eddie. There's a story to his determined solo life in this pretty, empty house. But to be more than a short term friend to Eddie, he'll have to deal with both his own baggage, and Eddie's deep-set lifetime of distrust in other people.
This was nicely realistic, and had emotional moments but was free of melodrama. It was sweet without being sugary. The relationship takes quite a while to feel more real than simple proximity, and both men are awful at communicating, but I really enjoyed this story of two loners discovering each other..
December 19, 2016
This was lovely. Amy Jo's writing is beautiful, and this story made me feel all kinds of warm. This is a friends-ish to lovers very slow burn story about two people who are hesitant to open up to each other. Perfect for a cold, blustery night.
December 4, 2022
Jestem trochę zawiedziona i jednocześnie trochę zachwycona 😉
Trochę zawiedziona, bo zabrakło mi odpowiedzi na niektóre pytania dotyczące przeszłości Eddiego - niby było dużo, a jednak za mało, zwłaszcza tych ważnych - choćby jak to się stało, że wychował się systemie (choć podpowiedzi są, ale nie wiadomo, czy matka przedawkowała, czy zginęła, czy zachorowała - choć to pierwsze wydaje się najpewniejsze), dlaczego wybrał taką, a nie inną drogę życiową - włóczęgi, tułacza, bez domu, z całym majątkiem na plecach. I najważniejsze chyba - jak to się stało, że został artystą pracującym ze szkłem. Choć on nazywa się rzemieślnikiem, to potrafi robić piękne rzeczy. Ale jak to się stało? Od szesnastego roku życia jest w drodze, kto lub co go do tego zainspirowało? Sporo jest rzeczy, których chciałam się o nim dowiedzieć, ale się nie dowiedziałam...
Trochę zachwycona, bo książka jest inna. Niby świąteczna, a jednak same święta są w niej praktycznie całkowicie pominięte. Duch świąt jest, ale daleko jej do tych hallmarkowych cukierków, bo co innego jest w niej ważne. Bohaterowie są raczej trudni, nawet momentami do polubienia. Sporo jest gniewu, niepokoju - zwłaszcza po stronie Eddiego. Sporo niepewności i masek po obydwu stronach. I rutyny, choć żaden z nich by tego pewnie tak nie nazwał.
Czy ocena z mojej strony jest trochę zawyżona. Jest - tak ciut, może o pół gwiazdki. Ale inność i to, co wywołało mój taki trochę zachwyt, zasługuje na to. I okładka, bo ktoś się jednak postarał, a nie umieścił na niej kolejnego półnagiego faceta w czapce Mikołaja 😜
Trochę zawiedziona, bo zabrakło mi odpowiedzi na niektóre pytania dotyczące przeszłości Eddiego - niby było dużo, a jednak za mało, zwłaszcza tych ważnych - choćby jak to się stało, że wychował się systemie (choć podpowiedzi są, ale nie wiadomo, czy matka przedawkowała, czy zginęła, czy zachorowała - choć to pierwsze wydaje się najpewniejsze), dlaczego wybrał taką, a nie inną drogę życiową - włóczęgi, tułacza, bez domu, z całym majątkiem na plecach. I najważniejsze chyba - jak to się stało, że został artystą pracującym ze szkłem. Choć on nazywa się rzemieślnikiem, to potrafi robić piękne rzeczy. Ale jak to się stało? Od szesnastego roku życia jest w drodze, kto lub co go do tego zainspirowało? Sporo jest rzeczy, których chciałam się o nim dowiedzieć, ale się nie dowiedziałam...
Trochę zachwycona, bo książka jest inna. Niby świąteczna, a jednak same święta są w niej praktycznie całkowicie pominięte. Duch świąt jest, ale daleko jej do tych hallmarkowych cukierków, bo co innego jest w niej ważne. Bohaterowie są raczej trudni, nawet momentami do polubienia. Sporo jest gniewu, niepokoju - zwłaszcza po stronie Eddiego. Sporo niepewności i masek po obydwu stronach. I rutyny, choć żaden z nich by tego pewnie tak nie nazwał.
Czy ocena z mojej strony jest trochę zawyżona. Jest - tak ciut, może o pół gwiazdki. Ale inność i to, co wywołało mój taki trochę zachwyt, zasługuje na to. I okładka, bo ktoś się jednak postarał, a nie umieścił na niej kolejnego półnagiego faceta w czapce Mikołaja 😜
May 9, 2017
I think this may end up being my favorite holiday story this year. Eddie had difficult childhood and has spent his adult life being mostly transient. He works various Renaissance faires at different times of the year and is currently on his way through a small town on his way to Texas. He pretty much has only the clothes on his back when the car he borrowed? stole? breaks down. This dumps him in a small town where he has the misfortune of seeing a girl ran over by a hit & run driver. He's asked to stay in town for a few days and ends up being taken in by Grayson, an isolated and lonely, local shop owner.
Both of the men are prickly and grumpy and watching them dance around each other was very entertaining. The romance is a slow burn and came across realistically. Despite this being a holiday story there were no Christmas miracles to solve to these guy's problems. They work through things through communication and a bit of good, old fashioned, put your heart out there and hope you don't get burned.
I really loved both of the MC's. I always find this author's characters people I can related to and/or understand and these two were no exceptions. I liked that neither of them were perfect and they didn't expect that of each other. For me it made the romance more touching and sweet when they finally came together. I also liked the side characters in this. They were each entertaining and added to the story in their own way.
Again....I think this will end up being my favorite holiday story. It has great characters and a unique plot and I was immediately invested in these two from the very beginning of the book. There was just enough holiday magic in it to warm your heart but the real strength of the plot is showing us two everyday people falling in love.
Both of the men are prickly and grumpy and watching them dance around each other was very entertaining. The romance is a slow burn and came across realistically. Despite this being a holiday story there were no Christmas miracles to solve to these guy's problems. They work through things through communication and a bit of good, old fashioned, put your heart out there and hope you don't get burned.
I really loved both of the MC's. I always find this author's characters people I can related to and/or understand and these two were no exceptions. I liked that neither of them were perfect and they didn't expect that of each other. For me it made the romance more touching and sweet when they finally came together. I also liked the side characters in this. They were each entertaining and added to the story in their own way.
Again....I think this will end up being my favorite holiday story. It has great characters and a unique plot and I was immediately invested in these two from the very beginning of the book. There was just enough holiday magic in it to warm your heart but the real strength of the plot is showing us two everyday people falling in love.
December 6, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Glass Tidings wasn't your typical happy go lucky holiday romance, but it was heart-warming and complex and very, very enjoyable. A horrible accident and a twist of fate bring two men together during the holiday season; one is running and he's not sure if he's running from something or to it and the other is living a solitary half life, together they find friendship, comfort and more but learning to trust again just may be their downfall.
All Eddie Rodrigues wants is to get to Texas before it gets any colder, but a broken down car and witnessing a hit and run leave him stranded in the idyllic town of Clear Lake and taken in by Grayson Croft, a friend to the cop investigating the crime Eddie witnessed.
It is obvious early on that Eddie and Grayson's lives have been very different. Eddie has had to fight for everything he has and has spent the last few years of his life traveling from faire to faire selling his glass wares. Grayson grew up in a loving home surrounded by his family and though they are all gone, he still holds their memories dear. Both men are reeling from ghosts of boyfriends past, but find solace in one another.
I enjoyed watching these two dance around one another for a good portion of this book, both wanting more but Grayson afraid to make a move for fear Eddie would think he wanted payment for his generosity and Eddie for fear of becoming attached again to someone who appears not interested. I loved how easy they fell into a routine and how despite their different lives and the difference in their ages, they had enough common ground to really talk and spend time with each other even though for the most part it was fairly superficial. I won't pretend this was an easy romance because it wasn't by far, these two men both had a lot of hurt and issues that kept them from being completely open and honest with one another and for Eddie it was easier to leave than deal, something Grayson realized early on so he chose to not rock the boat.
Both men found it easier to show each other in little ways how they cared and while I think Grayson figured out Eddie a bit more than Eddie figured out Grayson, just the fact they both wanted to please the other and do things for one another made it easy for the reader to see these two were headed down a path neither one was sure about.
This was my first time reading Amy Jo Cousins and I appreciated the complex characters, interesting storyline, and heartfelt emotion contained within the pages of Glass Tidings.
ARC provided with no expectations.
Glass Tidings wasn't your typical happy go lucky holiday romance, but it was heart-warming and complex and very, very enjoyable. A horrible accident and a twist of fate bring two men together during the holiday season; one is running and he's not sure if he's running from something or to it and the other is living a solitary half life, together they find friendship, comfort and more but learning to trust again just may be their downfall.
All Eddie Rodrigues wants is to get to Texas before it gets any colder, but a broken down car and witnessing a hit and run leave him stranded in the idyllic town of Clear Lake and taken in by Grayson Croft, a friend to the cop investigating the crime Eddie witnessed.
It is obvious early on that Eddie and Grayson's lives have been very different. Eddie has had to fight for everything he has and has spent the last few years of his life traveling from faire to faire selling his glass wares. Grayson grew up in a loving home surrounded by his family and though they are all gone, he still holds their memories dear. Both men are reeling from ghosts of boyfriends past, but find solace in one another.
I enjoyed watching these two dance around one another for a good portion of this book, both wanting more but Grayson afraid to make a move for fear Eddie would think he wanted payment for his generosity and Eddie for fear of becoming attached again to someone who appears not interested. I loved how easy they fell into a routine and how despite their different lives and the difference in their ages, they had enough common ground to really talk and spend time with each other even though for the most part it was fairly superficial. I won't pretend this was an easy romance because it wasn't by far, these two men both had a lot of hurt and issues that kept them from being completely open and honest with one another and for Eddie it was easier to leave than deal, something Grayson realized early on so he chose to not rock the boat.
Both men found it easier to show each other in little ways how they cared and while I think Grayson figured out Eddie a bit more than Eddie figured out Grayson, just the fact they both wanted to please the other and do things for one another made it easy for the reader to see these two were headed down a path neither one was sure about.
This was my first time reading Amy Jo Cousins and I appreciated the complex characters, interesting storyline, and heartfelt emotion contained within the pages of Glass Tidings.
ARC provided with no expectations.
June 1, 2025
2.5 stars
There was nothing especially wrong with this book, except the fact that I probably left it too long (7 years… gulp) to gather cobwebs on my TBR and it didn’t stand the test of time and the hundreds of books I’ve read in the meantime. As a result, both the romance and the plot felt a little…stale and uninteresting. It might very well be a case of it’s-me-not-the-book.
There was nothing especially wrong with this book, except the fact that I probably left it too long (7 years… gulp) to gather cobwebs on my TBR and it didn’t stand the test of time and the hundreds of books I’ve read in the meantime. As a result, both the romance and the plot felt a little…stale and uninteresting. It might very well be a case of it’s-me-not-the-book.
December 2, 2016
Oh, that was so good, heart-warming, just perfect for the current turbulent times!
I'm a big fan of Amy Jo Cousins and I have read and enjoyed most of her books. Glass Tidings is no exception, I can honestly say it's one of the best books I read this year.
Glass Tidings is a moving romantic tale where the reclusive, a bit jaded and a lot lonely owner Christmas ornaments shop Gray falls for the always-on-the-road glass artist working at Renaissance fairs Eddie. They meet under very unlikely circumstances and are put in a situation of forced proximity where they become roommates, friends, confidants, partners, lovers.
What I love about Amy Jo's writing is how real, almost tangible she makes her characters. Gary and Eddie could be any of us - ordinary people with real problems who become something special and truly precious for the other. They are full-fledged, complex characters, each with his history and set of issues. And the romance that blooms between them is my own favourite kind of romance - slow burn, based on friendship and true partnership. I loved the way the author presents the domesticity of their relationship, the process of sharing our life with someone - the little things that bring two people together and the big issues that can tear them apart.
The sexual tension is right there from the start but it's not central in the story, rather the focus is on the inner struggle both Eddie and Gary experience with their growing attraction. For different reasons both of them find it difficult to give themselves permission to let go and follow their heart's desire, to risk a comfortable routine (which admittedly was not working for either of them any more) for the chance at happiness and more fulfilling, richer life.
This is a Christmas story, but the holiday spirit is not overdone and I really appreciate that. Yes, they are selling Christmas ornaments but what the author focuses on is buy no means the commercial aspect of the holidays but their relation to following/creating tradition, setting roots, building a home, creating a family and on a larger scale a circle/community of friends.
I loved following Eddie and Gary falling in love with each other, sharing a common living space and gradually making it their own. Their romance was all about establishing something in the always transient life of Eddie and simultaneously, bringing new possibilities and change in the too quiet and lonely life of Gray.
There is some crime/mystery plot that I liked and it helped move the story along rather nicely. I found Adrian intriguing and I'm curious what happened with him before and after. I felt like this plotline was left unfinished and wish we got more closure on him (perhaps an YA story about him?).
Overall, Amy Jo Cousins has written yet another deeply engaging and real story, heart-warming and just perfect Holiday romance with two strong, complex characters for find love and get their HFN.
I'm a big fan of Amy Jo Cousins and I have read and enjoyed most of her books. Glass Tidings is no exception, I can honestly say it's one of the best books I read this year.
Glass Tidings is a moving romantic tale where the reclusive, a bit jaded and a lot lonely owner Christmas ornaments shop Gray falls for the always-on-the-road glass artist working at Renaissance fairs Eddie. They meet under very unlikely circumstances and are put in a situation of forced proximity where they become roommates, friends, confidants, partners, lovers.
What I love about Amy Jo's writing is how real, almost tangible she makes her characters. Gary and Eddie could be any of us - ordinary people with real problems who become something special and truly precious for the other. They are full-fledged, complex characters, each with his history and set of issues. And the romance that blooms between them is my own favourite kind of romance - slow burn, based on friendship and true partnership. I loved the way the author presents the domesticity of their relationship, the process of sharing our life with someone - the little things that bring two people together and the big issues that can tear them apart.
The sexual tension is right there from the start but it's not central in the story, rather the focus is on the inner struggle both Eddie and Gary experience with their growing attraction. For different reasons both of them find it difficult to give themselves permission to let go and follow their heart's desire, to risk a comfortable routine (which admittedly was not working for either of them any more) for the chance at happiness and more fulfilling, richer life.
This is a Christmas story, but the holiday spirit is not overdone and I really appreciate that. Yes, they are selling Christmas ornaments but what the author focuses on is buy no means the commercial aspect of the holidays but their relation to following/creating tradition, setting roots, building a home, creating a family and on a larger scale a circle/community of friends.
I loved following Eddie and Gary falling in love with each other, sharing a common living space and gradually making it their own. Their romance was all about establishing something in the always transient life of Eddie and simultaneously, bringing new possibilities and change in the too quiet and lonely life of Gray.
There is some crime/mystery plot that I liked and it helped move the story along rather nicely. I found Adrian intriguing and I'm curious what happened with him before and after. I felt like this plotline was left unfinished and wish we got more closure on him (perhaps an YA story about him?).
Overall, Amy Jo Cousins has written yet another deeply engaging and real story, heart-warming and just perfect Holiday romance with two strong, complex characters for find love and get their HFN.
December 13, 2016
Full review at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
I barely recognize myself anymore. For years I’ve sneered at holiday romance and this year I’m devouring everything red, green, and glittered. Christmas has never been my favorite holiday, but in light of Dumpster Fire 2016 I’m grasping for anything happy and joyful –even if the holidays previously felt over commercialized and fake. I put up every holiday decoration I could find in the back corners of my basement. I racked up my MasterCard bill over-indulging in gift buying. I’m going to drink mulled wine until I sneeze and sweat in burgundy. It’s basically holiday overload or I might go out and buy a dozen golden retriever puppies. I NEED SOMETHING SOFT AND WARM AND HAPPY OKAY? I’m glad I broke with previous years’ traditions because if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have read Glass Tidings and it’s such a wonderful romance. In fact, it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year.
One of the reasons I usually don’t read holiday romance is that sometimes authors use this nebulous idea of the “Christmas spirit” as a tool for resolving conflict: “Well, we hated each other for years, but now it’s snowing so much and I just realized I love you because Christmas.” In my mind, the holidays present more conflict than they resolve–lots of people who may or may not like each other trapped under one roof.
One reason I loved Glass Tidings is that it’s set around Christmas, but the holidays supply just as much conflict as resolution. It’s not about having the perfect family or perfect dinner—in fact, it’s about lacking those things. It’s about two really lonely people finding love and family in each other, and it was such a powerful read.
A big part of the conflict in this book is that Gray and Eddie are both outsiders. Gray because he’s the only gay man in a small town; Eddie because he’s never belonged anywhere or had any family. And both men have built lives around being outsiders, specifically erected walls that protect them from the pain and disappointment of their pasts. So the idea of settling in and finding a sense of home and love together is profoundly scary to both of them.
If you like romance that’s heavy on character and might make you cry a little about glass roses, I suggest you check out Glass Tidings.
- Elyse
I barely recognize myself anymore. For years I’ve sneered at holiday romance and this year I’m devouring everything red, green, and glittered. Christmas has never been my favorite holiday, but in light of Dumpster Fire 2016 I’m grasping for anything happy and joyful –even if the holidays previously felt over commercialized and fake. I put up every holiday decoration I could find in the back corners of my basement. I racked up my MasterCard bill over-indulging in gift buying. I’m going to drink mulled wine until I sneeze and sweat in burgundy. It’s basically holiday overload or I might go out and buy a dozen golden retriever puppies. I NEED SOMETHING SOFT AND WARM AND HAPPY OKAY? I’m glad I broke with previous years’ traditions because if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have read Glass Tidings and it’s such a wonderful romance. In fact, it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year.
One of the reasons I usually don’t read holiday romance is that sometimes authors use this nebulous idea of the “Christmas spirit” as a tool for resolving conflict: “Well, we hated each other for years, but now it’s snowing so much and I just realized I love you because Christmas.” In my mind, the holidays present more conflict than they resolve–lots of people who may or may not like each other trapped under one roof.
One reason I loved Glass Tidings is that it’s set around Christmas, but the holidays supply just as much conflict as resolution. It’s not about having the perfect family or perfect dinner—in fact, it’s about lacking those things. It’s about two really lonely people finding love and family in each other, and it was such a powerful read.
A big part of the conflict in this book is that Gray and Eddie are both outsiders. Gray because he’s the only gay man in a small town; Eddie because he’s never belonged anywhere or had any family. And both men have built lives around being outsiders, specifically erected walls that protect them from the pain and disappointment of their pasts. So the idea of settling in and finding a sense of home and love together is profoundly scary to both of them.
If you like romance that’s heavy on character and might make you cry a little about glass roses, I suggest you check out Glass Tidings.
- Elyse
December 9, 2016
I liked this story a lot but I must say it took me quite a long while to connect with the characters. Mostly Eddie. That is, intellectually I understood why he behaved the way he did but I didn't like him in my heart. Till the moment when he told his story, and it was about half way through to the book. Gray, though - while there were moments when I was mad with him, I also understood him completely all the time and it was easy to sympathize with him.
I also had a bit of problem with the style in beginning of the book: as if the author uses a magnifying glass to describe every smallest gasp, flinch, reaction of the characters. But later it somehow smoothed. So I really got into the book about somewhere 50% of it but when I did, I liked it very much.
I liked the descriptions of how the shop worked. It was not annoyingly Christmas-y, just interesting to imagine all the things sold there and people coming to buy something. I liked the routines that were created between Gray and Eddie in their everyday life. I enjoyed how slow the relationship between Gray and Eddie developed. It was a really, really good slow, nothing felt rushed or insta-, and the connection between them was so strong even before sex that I really was not missing sex.
It was fascinating how different Gray and Eddie were. They were such complete personalities that yes, it was a bit difficult to like them, but at the same time they felt more real because of it. And I loved how both of them changed.
I liked how the story with hit and run developed. Frankly speaking, I didn't expect it at all but it was really heart warming.
And the most of all I liked that it didn't feel like a Christmas story. Okay, it was set around Christmas time and Christmas decorations but it was not forcing any feel-good feelings on you. And in the end, what Gray and Eddie have is not some miracle, they worked for it, and it was a difficult work because they had to work on themselves.
I also had a bit of problem with the style in beginning of the book: as if the author uses a magnifying glass to describe every smallest gasp, flinch, reaction of the characters. But later it somehow smoothed. So I really got into the book about somewhere 50% of it but when I did, I liked it very much.
I liked the descriptions of how the shop worked. It was not annoyingly Christmas-y, just interesting to imagine all the things sold there and people coming to buy something. I liked the routines that were created between Gray and Eddie in their everyday life. I enjoyed how slow the relationship between Gray and Eddie developed. It was a really, really good slow, nothing felt rushed or insta-, and the connection between them was so strong even before sex that I really was not missing sex.
It was fascinating how different Gray and Eddie were. They were such complete personalities that yes, it was a bit difficult to like them, but at the same time they felt more real because of it. And I loved how both of them changed.
I liked how the story with hit and run developed. Frankly speaking, I didn't expect it at all but it was really heart warming.
And the most of all I liked that it didn't feel like a Christmas story. Okay, it was set around Christmas time and Christmas decorations but it was not forcing any feel-good feelings on you. And in the end, what Gray and Eddie have is not some miracle, they worked for it, and it was a difficult work because they had to work on themselves.
February 20, 2020
My original review from 2017 still stands. This book is a complete joy as I’ve now reread it SEVERAL times.
*Original review*
Life threw thing in the way but I managed to (finally) actually start reading this one. And what a joy it was!
It would be a mistake to plaster the (somewhat) dreaded label "insta-love" on this one. I feel rather that we're taken on a typical journey of two men carrying oversized baggage from past relationships, only compressed into a finite moment - a span of two months. And to the authors credit, it works magically.
It's the story of a sparked curiosity flowing into an infatuation crashing into a denial exploding into the realization that you're in love. Hopelessly, helplessly, frighteningly in love. And all the pain and disappointment and resentment and paralyzing fear dissolves and what's left is new and shiny and all the stars in the heavens.
A bit of a rambling review, but I highly recommend this if you're in the market for journey.
4.5 stars.
*Original review*
Life threw thing in the way but I managed to (finally) actually start reading this one. And what a joy it was!
It would be a mistake to plaster the (somewhat) dreaded label "insta-love" on this one. I feel rather that we're taken on a typical journey of two men carrying oversized baggage from past relationships, only compressed into a finite moment - a span of two months. And to the authors credit, it works magically.
It's the story of a sparked curiosity flowing into an infatuation crashing into a denial exploding into the realization that you're in love. Hopelessly, helplessly, frighteningly in love. And all the pain and disappointment and resentment and paralyzing fear dissolves and what's left is new and shiny and all the stars in the heavens.
A bit of a rambling review, but I highly recommend this if you're in the market for journey.
4.5 stars.
December 5, 2016
3.5 Stars
Amy Jo Cousins writing is so easy for me to read. She keeps me turning the pages and Glass Tidings is no different.
Edie and Gray are both flawed characters. Edie is a wanderer, never staying in one place too long. He had a difficult childhood which makes him wary of trusting anyone.
Gray is a loner and does his best to avoid interacting with others.
When these two are forced together, they realize what they are missing.
But it isn't an easy HEA - loved watching these two navigate their vulnerabilities and grow as characters.
I would have liked more intimacy (and possibly more sexy times), but I really enjoyed this story!
Bottom line: check it out!!!
Amy Jo Cousins writing is so easy for me to read. She keeps me turning the pages and Glass Tidings is no different.
Edie and Gray are both flawed characters. Edie is a wanderer, never staying in one place too long. He had a difficult childhood which makes him wary of trusting anyone.
Gray is a loner and does his best to avoid interacting with others.
When these two are forced together, they realize what they are missing.
But it isn't an easy HEA - loved watching these two navigate their vulnerabilities and grow as characters.
I would have liked more intimacy (and possibly more sexy times), but I really enjoyed this story!
Bottom line: check it out!!!
Want to read
November 14, 2016Amy Jo does Christmas? With a grouchy MC? I need this book in my life NOW! Why is December 5th still so far away?!
December 8, 2016
I liked this a lot, I loved Eddie's voice, his inner thoughts. However, it could have used a bit more heat.
December 27, 2023
A sweet Christmassy romance between a drifter (Eddie) and a loner (Gray) that begins just before Christmas when Eddie witnesses a hit-and-run on the outskirts of a small town and needs to stay around while the police investigate. Gray, who runs a "Holiday" shop in town offers Eddie a place to stay - it's awkward as hell to start with, but over the following days, the pair find a rhythm that works for them and start to fall for each other.
Narrator Adam Beckett is new-to-me, and although he has only three titles to his credit at Audible, his voice was familiar so I'm wordering if it's a pseudonym. His narration is expressive and well-paced, and he differentiates clearly between Eddie and Gray and the few secondary characters are clearly delineated, too. It's a very good performance and I'll definitely keep an eye out for more of his work.
Narrator Adam Beckett is new-to-me, and although he has only three titles to his credit at Audible, his voice was familiar so I'm wordering if it's a pseudonym. His narration is expressive and well-paced, and he differentiates clearly between Eddie and Gray and the few secondary characters are clearly delineated, too. It's a very good performance and I'll definitely keep an eye out for more of his work.
December 19, 2016
When what was supposed to have been a special holiday treat away from the constant travel that comes with working the Ren Faire circuit turns out to be nothing more than smoke and mirrors (emphasis on the smoke) Eddie Rodrigues leaves his druggy ex and heads back towards Texas where a friend has agreed to put him up for the winter. Texas may not be where he had hoped to spend the holidays, but then again, where he had hoped to spend them was pretty damn disappointing, so it isn’t that big of a loss. Then “his” car breaks down, he witnesses a hit-and-run, and gets stuck rooming with a grouchy recluse by order of the local constabulary who needs Eddie to stick around town till they can figure out who hit the young girl.
Grayson Croft is a bit of a conundrum for Eddie. Gray runs a seasonal holiday shop, yet doesn’t have a single Christmas decoration on his house. He is clearly lonely, but does everything he can to push people away. He is also one of the most decent men Eddie has ever met…and boy does Eddie not get that at all. After all Eddie can get being nice in exchange for something, but deep down unselfish generosity–especially towards Eddie–is not something he knows how to handle. Not that it matters if he understands it or not, since he plans to leave town at his earliest opportunity. No matter how homey Gray’s house is starting to seem.
From nearly the first page this book had me. Eddie is such a great character, perfectly balanced between self-doubt, self-awareness, strength, and hidden faults. You never really feel sorry for him, but you almost instantly sympathize with him. It doesn’t hurt that I loved his glass-making parts of the story. You can really tell that it is a huge part of his life, just from a few scenes. Plus I just find the whole topic interesting, so that didn’t hurt.
This was a pretty simple story, but had real heart. And some really great MCs. The secondary characters were not bad either–though they don’t really get a lot of page time. The sections where Gray and Eddie are in Gray’s shop are a lot of fun. Seeing how Eddie interacts with the customers showed us a lot about Eddie, while also making me kinda wanna go out and blow some of my cash on a few Christmas ornaments. Eddie and Gray just worked together so well both at home at in the shop. Eddie with all his doubts gave Grayson someone to take care of, and Eddie was able to bring some life back into Gray’s life. As we learn more about their pasts is easy to see how well they can fit together for all that they had such varied backgrounds.
Mostly I just found this book to be a pleasure to escape into. It was sweet and fun, but also very real. A wonderful addition to the holiday season. Not that I think it wouldn’t also be fun to read year ’round.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Grayson Croft is a bit of a conundrum for Eddie. Gray runs a seasonal holiday shop, yet doesn’t have a single Christmas decoration on his house. He is clearly lonely, but does everything he can to push people away. He is also one of the most decent men Eddie has ever met…and boy does Eddie not get that at all. After all Eddie can get being nice in exchange for something, but deep down unselfish generosity–especially towards Eddie–is not something he knows how to handle. Not that it matters if he understands it or not, since he plans to leave town at his earliest opportunity. No matter how homey Gray’s house is starting to seem.
From nearly the first page this book had me. Eddie is such a great character, perfectly balanced between self-doubt, self-awareness, strength, and hidden faults. You never really feel sorry for him, but you almost instantly sympathize with him. It doesn’t hurt that I loved his glass-making parts of the story. You can really tell that it is a huge part of his life, just from a few scenes. Plus I just find the whole topic interesting, so that didn’t hurt.
This was a pretty simple story, but had real heart. And some really great MCs. The secondary characters were not bad either–though they don’t really get a lot of page time. The sections where Gray and Eddie are in Gray’s shop are a lot of fun. Seeing how Eddie interacts with the customers showed us a lot about Eddie, while also making me kinda wanna go out and blow some of my cash on a few Christmas ornaments. Eddie and Gray just worked together so well both at home at in the shop. Eddie with all his doubts gave Grayson someone to take care of, and Eddie was able to bring some life back into Gray’s life. As we learn more about their pasts is easy to see how well they can fit together for all that they had such varied backgrounds.
Mostly I just found this book to be a pleasure to escape into. It was sweet and fun, but also very real. A wonderful addition to the holiday season. Not that I think it wouldn’t also be fun to read year ’round.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
December 21, 2018
https://celebrityreaders.com/2018/12/...
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
3.5 stars — This book has recently been rereleased as an Indie read, but I read an old NetGalley ARC copy from Riptide Publishing…I doubt there were any major changes, but figured I’d mention which version I was specifically reviewing.
I find Ms. Cousins writes very differently from most authors I read. I don’t know how to describe the stylistic difference, but it’s definitely unique. I haven’t decided if I like it or not, but I guess I don’t mind it. I will say that in this one she presents us with a very flawed character in Eddie, who wasn’t always likable for me. He had a really rough upbringing, and so he sees the world in a very different way, and it’s often all about assuming bad intentions from everyone, and manipulating them first. It’s not that I don’t get how he ended up that way, but it’s not always comfortable to read from that perspective, you know? And we definitely had more time in Eddie’s head than in Gray’s. I actually thought some of his musings about his childhood to be really enlightening — things like growing up reading really old sci-fi or watching old VHS tapes b/c that’s what people were willing to give away. And while his character wasn’t my favourite, I did appreciate that he showed growth, and really seemed to be letting himself become vulnerable and feel.
I actually would have liked to learn a bit more about Gray, figure out better what made him tick. We definitely got glimpses, but I feel like there were more layers to him that we just didn’t get to peel back. His past with Brady didn’t completely explain his hermit tendancies, so was he just introverted? It wasn’t super clear. I liked what I did get to know about Gray, and I appreciated that he owned up to his own mistakes as well.
As for the two of them together? I enjoyed some of the more companionable parts, like them reading together, and forming that kind of friendship. I didn’t really feel that much chemistry between them…like under different circumstances, would they have even noticed one another? I don’t know. So the romance had its ups and downs.
I thought some of the side goodies were pretty intriguing, and I kind of liked how they weaved together — like Gray’s friend Christine, and her connection to Mrs. Wasserman. I also appreciated that we learned a bit more about who caused the accident, but I will admit I was a bit surprised Eddie never visited Lily Rose.
I also appreciated the descriptions of Eddie’s life traveling to Ren Faire’s, and how that worked for him. And I loved the bits of details we got about his work with glass…though I can’t help but wonder how he learned the trade in the first place.
So all in all it was an enjoyable Christmas read, but definitely a different one.
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
3.5 stars — This book has recently been rereleased as an Indie read, but I read an old NetGalley ARC copy from Riptide Publishing…I doubt there were any major changes, but figured I’d mention which version I was specifically reviewing.
I find Ms. Cousins writes very differently from most authors I read. I don’t know how to describe the stylistic difference, but it’s definitely unique. I haven’t decided if I like it or not, but I guess I don’t mind it. I will say that in this one she presents us with a very flawed character in Eddie, who wasn’t always likable for me. He had a really rough upbringing, and so he sees the world in a very different way, and it’s often all about assuming bad intentions from everyone, and manipulating them first. It’s not that I don’t get how he ended up that way, but it’s not always comfortable to read from that perspective, you know? And we definitely had more time in Eddie’s head than in Gray’s. I actually thought some of his musings about his childhood to be really enlightening — things like growing up reading really old sci-fi or watching old VHS tapes b/c that’s what people were willing to give away. And while his character wasn’t my favourite, I did appreciate that he showed growth, and really seemed to be letting himself become vulnerable and feel.
I actually would have liked to learn a bit more about Gray, figure out better what made him tick. We definitely got glimpses, but I feel like there were more layers to him that we just didn’t get to peel back. His past with Brady didn’t completely explain his hermit tendancies, so was he just introverted? It wasn’t super clear. I liked what I did get to know about Gray, and I appreciated that he owned up to his own mistakes as well.
As for the two of them together? I enjoyed some of the more companionable parts, like them reading together, and forming that kind of friendship. I didn’t really feel that much chemistry between them…like under different circumstances, would they have even noticed one another? I don’t know. So the romance had its ups and downs.
I thought some of the side goodies were pretty intriguing, and I kind of liked how they weaved together — like Gray’s friend Christine, and her connection to Mrs. Wasserman. I also appreciated that we learned a bit more about who caused the accident, but I will admit I was a bit surprised Eddie never visited Lily Rose.
I also appreciated the descriptions of Eddie’s life traveling to Ren Faire’s, and how that worked for him. And I loved the bits of details we got about his work with glass…though I can’t help but wonder how he learned the trade in the first place.
So all in all it was an enjoyable Christmas read, but definitely a different one.
December 15, 2016
Expected to love this book...didn't happen.
The writing was so weird, all jumbled and disjointed. I had a really hard time connecting with the story and the characters. I took breaks from reading it, thinking it was me being distracted and not in the mood, but whenever I returned to the book it was the same. I somehow managed to finish it, but it wasn't easy at all.
I have a soft spot for broken, vulnerable MCs, so I liked Eddie. But I didn't warm up to Gray at all..he was such a stick in the mud, and so full of internal angst. I don't like downers in my Christmas stories, sorry.
December 2, 2016
3.5 rounded up
Pretty much as described in the blurb. Short story about 2 lonely men coming together in unusual circumstances at Christmas. Both have been hurt in the past and this story is about them overcoming their trust issues and learning to let love in again.
Pretty much as described in the blurb. Short story about 2 lonely men coming together in unusual circumstances at Christmas. Both have been hurt in the past and this story is about them overcoming their trust issues and learning to let love in again.
November 28, 2016
My review posted on the blog is here. Another hit from Amy Jo!
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