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Sullivan's Yard
Cal Beaufontaine, son of a Creole restaurateur and a recent graduate from culinary school, is starting his career as an apprentice chef in Modesto, California. His newly renovated apartment borders a derelict peach farm, Sullivan's Yard, and the lingering scent of peaches inspires dreams of making love to a sexy but faceless man in his backyard beneath a peach tree in full bloom. On his first day at the Alhambra, a top restaurant in the city, Cal encopnters Luis, the owner's nephew and one-night stand expert. Luis begins a determined seduction campaign, but while Cal is immediately attracted he has no intention of becoming a notch on Luis's bedpost. Yet his driving ambition to learn all he can and run his own restaurant could be knocked off-track by his growing desire for the Spaniard.
52 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2012
About the author
Chris Quinton
47 books99 followersChris started creating stories not long after she mastered joined-up writing, somewhat to the bemusement of her parents and her English teachers. But she received plenty of encouragement. Her dad gave her an already old Everest typewriter when she was about ten, and it was probably the best gift she'd ever received – until the inventions of the home-computer and the worldwide web.
Chris's reading and writing interests range from historical, mystery, and paranormal, to science-fiction and fantasy, mostly in the male/male genre. She also writes male/female novels in the name of Chris Power. She refuses to be pigeon-holed and intends to uphold the long and honourable tradition of the Eccentric Brit to the best of her ability. In her spare time [hah!] she reads, embroiders, quilts and knits. In the past she has been a part-time and unpaid amateur archaeologist, and a 15th century re-enactor.
She currently lives in a small and ancient city in the south-west of the United Kingdom, sharing her usually chaotic home with an extended family, two large dogs, fancy mice, sundry goldfish and a young frilled dragon (Australian lizard) aka Trogdorina.
Chris's reading and writing interests range from historical, mystery, and paranormal, to science-fiction and fantasy, mostly in the male/male genre. She also writes male/female novels in the name of Chris Power. She refuses to be pigeon-holed and intends to uphold the long and honourable tradition of the Eccentric Brit to the best of her ability. In her spare time [hah!] she reads, embroiders, quilts and knits. In the past she has been a part-time and unpaid amateur archaeologist, and a 15th century re-enactor.
She currently lives in a small and ancient city in the south-west of the United Kingdom, sharing her usually chaotic home with an extended family, two large dogs, fancy mice, sundry goldfish and a young frilled dragon (Australian lizard) aka Trogdorina.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 20, 2012
4.5 Stars
This seriously needs a sequel! I loved this story everything about it appealed to me it was so good. It needs another book to be written so we get to know how Cal and Luis's relationship develops and their dreams and excitement about the restaurant/hotel unfolds.
One of the best parts of the story was the dream sequence with the peach it was beautiful, I could visualize that whole scene it was dreamy. I liked the slow build up between them and how they become friends first and then finally lovers. Even though Luis tries it on pretty hard at first he is soon put in his place Cal is not about to become a one night stand! So a great romance which I really enjoyed.
This seriously needs a sequel! I loved this story everything about it appealed to me it was so good. It needs another book to be written so we get to know how Cal and Luis's relationship develops and their dreams and excitement about the restaurant/hotel unfolds.
One of the best parts of the story was the dream sequence with the peach it was beautiful, I could visualize that whole scene it was dreamy. I liked the slow build up between them and how they become friends first and then finally lovers. Even though Luis tries it on pretty hard at first he is soon put in his place Cal is not about to become a one night stand! So a great romance which I really enjoyed.
February 21, 2012
This was such a sweet romance but way too short. It was so nice how they built such a wonderful friendship, a friendship that developed into so much more. I want to learn so much more about Cal and Luis and where their futures and dreams go from here.
February 22, 2012
Short and sweet. This was a nice gentle read, but somehow it failed to really engage me totally, maybe if it had been longer I could of got more involved. But still worth the read.
February 22, 2012
I enjoyed this story of flirting then friendship turning into something real.
My only complaints were that it ended so quickly. Luis and Cal finally give into their feelings and then I'm on the last page! And I would have loved a bit more of the paranormal aspect of the story.
My only complaints were that it ended so quickly. Luis and Cal finally give into their feelings and then I'm on the last page! And I would have loved a bit more of the paranormal aspect of the story.
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August 25, 2013I know that when I’m approaching to read a Quinton’s story, I’m not to be disappointed, but it always surprises me. Even in a novella, even in a simple romance story, with just that hint of magick to make it special, but not enough to be paranormal.
Cal is a young chef just out of school at his first job; he comes from a privileged environment, his dad owns an exclusive restaurant in San Francisco, Cal studied at a prestigious school in New York City and now he is apprenticing in an important restaurant in Modesto. Sure, he is not working for his dad, but at the restaurant they know who he is, and moreover who is dad is. So this is not the story of a struggling poor boy with a dream, it’s more the story of two lucky boys falling in love. The other boy in question is Andaluz “Luis”, the nephew of Cal’s new boss; bold and brash when he first meets Cal, no hiding he is gay, interested in Cal, but only for one night, he is soon turned down by Cal who was previously burned by an in-working place relationship. But not letting Luis have his new toy to play is the sure way to have him hooked for the long-term instead.
Most of the story centers around this, Cal and Luis’s blossoming love, and the building of their future together. The story just stops at the beginning of that, but the reader is sure the future will be bright and happiness will be part of it, cause, as I said, there is just an hint of magick, like a window in the future, that makes you sure that will happen.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0075N6F5O/?...
Cal is a young chef just out of school at his first job; he comes from a privileged environment, his dad owns an exclusive restaurant in San Francisco, Cal studied at a prestigious school in New York City and now he is apprenticing in an important restaurant in Modesto. Sure, he is not working for his dad, but at the restaurant they know who he is, and moreover who is dad is. So this is not the story of a struggling poor boy with a dream, it’s more the story of two lucky boys falling in love. The other boy in question is Andaluz “Luis”, the nephew of Cal’s new boss; bold and brash when he first meets Cal, no hiding he is gay, interested in Cal, but only for one night, he is soon turned down by Cal who was previously burned by an in-working place relationship. But not letting Luis have his new toy to play is the sure way to have him hooked for the long-term instead.
Most of the story centers around this, Cal and Luis’s blossoming love, and the building of their future together. The story just stops at the beginning of that, but the reader is sure the future will be bright and happiness will be part of it, cause, as I said, there is just an hint of magick, like a window in the future, that makes you sure that will happen.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0075N6F5O/?...
October 13, 2020
This was a good book... I enjoyed it for the most part.
Except...
The ending was completely rushed. From when they get together until the last sentence, it’s rushed and just feels a little incomplete.
I wonder why, when detail was put into the rest of the book. Maybe it’s on purpose and I just don’t get it?
Except...
The ending was completely rushed. From when they get together until the last sentence, it’s rushed and just feels a little incomplete.
I wonder why, when detail was put into the rest of the book. Maybe it’s on purpose and I just don’t get it?
July 19, 2024
'Sullivan's Yard' by Chris Quinton
A very curious but sweet love story, which I really liked! Slender volume; wish there was a follow-up.
At first it appears to be a ghost story, but keep reading as the ending may surprise you! Maybe it's not THAT difficult to surmise, but a lovely storyline nonethelessless.
Chris Quinton is a fave author of mine due to the well-written, creative, and quirky nature of their stories.
A very curious but sweet love story, which I really liked! Slender volume; wish there was a follow-up.
At first it appears to be a ghost story, but keep reading as the ending may surprise you! Maybe it's not THAT difficult to surmise, but a lovely storyline nonethelessless.
Chris Quinton is a fave author of mine due to the well-written, creative, and quirky nature of their stories.
January 8, 2013
This review can be found at Brief Encounters Reviews.
I will call this story paranormal “light”, it’s got a slight paranormal bent, but that’s not the main driver. Cal has moved to Modesto, California following his graduation from a culinary school to work at a family-run restaurant. He’s found a place to stay, it’s not great but clean and neat, and used to be part of an old peach plantation. Before long he’s hearing faint voices sometimes, but it really doesn’t bother him.
Everyone at work is terrific, however Luis is insistent in pursuing Cal who has a no-sleeping-with-coworkers policy. However he soon gets Luis to back-off and they become friends, exploring local vineyards. Cal has also tries to convince his father, a restaurant magnate in his own right, that purchasing the languishing old house and orchard would be a great investment to start a hotel and restaurant.
I really liked Cal. He’s smart and willing to work his way up and he’s a nice guy. He’s not afraid of hard work (apparently you won’t last long in the restaurant biz if you are) and despite being attracted to Luis, he’s able to control his hormones and keep the relationship to just friend. Seeing Luis go from man-whore to kind of settling in with his family (he’s an American but was raised in Spain) was also nice. The paranormal aspect comes as the voices sound remarkably like him and Luis and the erotic dreams he has about a mystery man seem an awful lot like Luis. Is it ghosts of the past or an imprint of the future. Hmmm.
It was a nice read although I would have loved to see down the road when the hotel/restaurant was finished. I’m afraid that idea of taking a total wreck of a place and refurbishing it to old glory kind of appeals to me. But seeing them become friends first rather than just jump into bed was nice, even though the attraction simmered. I would recommend it when you’re in the mood for something without a lot of angst.
I will call this story paranormal “light”, it’s got a slight paranormal bent, but that’s not the main driver. Cal has moved to Modesto, California following his graduation from a culinary school to work at a family-run restaurant. He’s found a place to stay, it’s not great but clean and neat, and used to be part of an old peach plantation. Before long he’s hearing faint voices sometimes, but it really doesn’t bother him.
Everyone at work is terrific, however Luis is insistent in pursuing Cal who has a no-sleeping-with-coworkers policy. However he soon gets Luis to back-off and they become friends, exploring local vineyards. Cal has also tries to convince his father, a restaurant magnate in his own right, that purchasing the languishing old house and orchard would be a great investment to start a hotel and restaurant.
I really liked Cal. He’s smart and willing to work his way up and he’s a nice guy. He’s not afraid of hard work (apparently you won’t last long in the restaurant biz if you are) and despite being attracted to Luis, he’s able to control his hormones and keep the relationship to just friend. Seeing Luis go from man-whore to kind of settling in with his family (he’s an American but was raised in Spain) was also nice. The paranormal aspect comes as the voices sound remarkably like him and Luis and the erotic dreams he has about a mystery man seem an awful lot like Luis. Is it ghosts of the past or an imprint of the future. Hmmm.
It was a nice read although I would have loved to see down the road when the hotel/restaurant was finished. I’m afraid that idea of taking a total wreck of a place and refurbishing it to old glory kind of appeals to me. But seeing them become friends first rather than just jump into bed was nice, even though the attraction simmered. I would recommend it when you’re in the mood for something without a lot of angst.
April 18, 2012
When he comes to work at the Alhambra, one of the premier restaurants in Modesto, Cal Beaufontaine is looking for experience. Coming from a family that owns a successful chain of Cajun restaurants, he wants to separate himself from the name and the family and stake his own claim. This should be just the start he needs.
Only there's one complication. Luis, the nephew of the owners, freshly in from Spain. The one night stand expert who keeps hitting on Cal, only to be shot down time after time. Well, that and the strange laughter and noises Cal hears in his small apartment.
He's also fascinated by the deserted peach farm that adjoins the apartment. He can smell the peaches and is fascinated by the history of the area. When he ventures up to the old family home on the property, Luis in tow, he falls in love with the place and can imagine it as a restaurant.
All his dreams, so very clear now. He can see what he wants. How will Luis figure in though? And will he be able to make his visions a reality?
Chris Quinton has written a short, exquisitely sweet story of love, history repeating itself and fresh starts. Cal is a wonderful character - driven to be successful, willing to put his love life on the back burner and wait. So very focused.
And Luis, so spontaneous and fun and the perfect counter to Cal's seriousness. He brings a lightness to Cal that is so nice, so needed. And when the two spar and have fun, he chips away at Cal's resolve. But his changes are lovely to watch too- the two are extremes that slowly crawl towards each other and meet in the middle.
I loved this story, and the only flaw? It wasn't long enough!
Give me more of these two lovely and fun men, Ms. Quinton!
So very good.
Tom
Only there's one complication. Luis, the nephew of the owners, freshly in from Spain. The one night stand expert who keeps hitting on Cal, only to be shot down time after time. Well, that and the strange laughter and noises Cal hears in his small apartment.
He's also fascinated by the deserted peach farm that adjoins the apartment. He can smell the peaches and is fascinated by the history of the area. When he ventures up to the old family home on the property, Luis in tow, he falls in love with the place and can imagine it as a restaurant.
All his dreams, so very clear now. He can see what he wants. How will Luis figure in though? And will he be able to make his visions a reality?
Chris Quinton has written a short, exquisitely sweet story of love, history repeating itself and fresh starts. Cal is a wonderful character - driven to be successful, willing to put his love life on the back burner and wait. So very focused.
And Luis, so spontaneous and fun and the perfect counter to Cal's seriousness. He brings a lightness to Cal that is so nice, so needed. And when the two spar and have fun, he chips away at Cal's resolve. But his changes are lovely to watch too- the two are extremes that slowly crawl towards each other and meet in the middle.
I loved this story, and the only flaw? It wasn't long enough!
Give me more of these two lovely and fun men, Ms. Quinton!
So very good.
Tom
March 2, 2012
Cal was new in Modesto, CA. He was just hired as one of the chefs at Alhambra, a prestigious Spanish cuisine restaurant. He learned from the neighbor that his rented apartment was haunted. Later, he started to hear the intimate taks and murmurs at night. In the meantime, he started to have dreams about having sex with a lover with Spanish accent, with big peach tree in the background.
At work, Cal had been courted by Luis, the owner's grandson who was famous as a player. Cal kept turning down the advances since he didn't want to be a conquest of a coworker. He had bad experience of dating a coworker.
I really enjoyed reading this novella. It's romantic and beautiful. Their friendship, and the relation with the dreams, talks, and tree are particularly nice. Both MCs are likeable, and their romance is slowly developed, eventhough they are both attracted to each other.
At work, Cal had been courted by Luis, the owner's grandson who was famous as a player. Cal kept turning down the advances since he didn't want to be a conquest of a coworker. He had bad experience of dating a coworker.
I really enjoyed reading this novella. It's romantic and beautiful. Their friendship, and the relation with the dreams, talks, and tree are particularly nice. Both MCs are likeable, and their romance is slowly developed, eventhough they are both attracted to each other.
March 24, 2013
A sweet short story that could have been so much more.
There was so much potential in this story to make a full-length contemporary romance with a paranormal twist. The haunted apartment aspect of the book, particularly in the first half, is mysterious and erotic and I wanted to know so much more.
Unfortunately, this side of the story seems to fizzle out, which was such a shame. To me, it felt as if the author had two different stories to tell and tried to mesh them together into one short story, which just didn’t work.
The characters Cal and Luis seem like they had a really wonderful story to share, but they don’t get enough page time to develop. Instead of getting interactive scenes where we see them flirt/banter, become friends, and then slowly lovers, it felt as if I was being told it happened and to accept it. But I wanted to see it happen for myself. They are both interesting characters, and maybe I’m being too demanding, but I wanted to be a part of their journey.
Still, there are some very sweet moments and nice writing that made Sullivan’s Yard a pleasant read.
There was so much potential in this story to make a full-length contemporary romance with a paranormal twist. The haunted apartment aspect of the book, particularly in the first half, is mysterious and erotic and I wanted to know so much more.
Unfortunately, this side of the story seems to fizzle out, which was such a shame. To me, it felt as if the author had two different stories to tell and tried to mesh them together into one short story, which just didn’t work.
The characters Cal and Luis seem like they had a really wonderful story to share, but they don’t get enough page time to develop. Instead of getting interactive scenes where we see them flirt/banter, become friends, and then slowly lovers, it felt as if I was being told it happened and to accept it. But I wanted to see it happen for myself. They are both interesting characters, and maybe I’m being too demanding, but I wanted to be a part of their journey.
Still, there are some very sweet moments and nice writing that made Sullivan’s Yard a pleasant read.
February 5, 2012
This short story gave a good character depth with a great story line. I would like to see it written into a full length novel. Chris’s books will be going to top of my next purchase list.
February 7, 2012
A sweet, comfort read that I have already read twice and one that will probably be brought out for many rainy days.
February 14, 2012
This was sweet short novella about dreams, new found love and happiness. I liked it. For my taste it was to short. I wouldn't mind reading more about this couple.
July 9, 2012
review to come
on-my-radar
September 27, 2012M/m coworkers.
March 20, 2013
Very, very sweet story about a man just starting his career and a dream that he has. Short and sweet.
December 21, 2012
I really enjoyed this story although I wish it had been longer.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews