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Wake-up Call
When you live beside a cat café, it’s inevitable the fur will start flying eventually. Derek “Dez” Walker, a police officer wounded in a shooting, feels adrift and isolated as he makes a slow recovery. Others call him a hero, but it’s a title he doesn’t think he deserves.
When Dez intervenes in a burglary at the cat café near his apartment, he meets the owner, Francis “Fran” Green. Though he’s a hero to Fran for his intervention in the burglary, it’s Fran who becomes a strong source of support for Dez. Fran offers friendship to his vulnerable neighbour and, as they spend more time together, Dez comes to rely on Fran ... and his cats.
He begins to find the way out of his isolation, but does he deserve everything Fran offers?
When Dez intervenes in a burglary at the cat café near his apartment, he meets the owner, Francis “Fran” Green. Though he’s a hero to Fran for his intervention in the burglary, it’s Fran who becomes a strong source of support for Dez. Fran offers friendship to his vulnerable neighbour and, as they spend more time together, Dez comes to rely on Fran ... and his cats.
He begins to find the way out of his isolation, but does he deserve everything Fran offers?
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2017
2 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 11, 2017
3.5*
I liked how the story is told, is sweet and slow burn, but it looks more like a chapter than a book!! :(
I wish the author could continue this! It ended very abruptly.
I liked how the story is told, is sweet and slow burn, but it looks more like a chapter than a book!! :(
I wish the author could continue this! It ended very abruptly.
September 27, 2017
Surprisingly, for being such a quick little read, Wake-up Call managed to do something most novellas don’t for me—build a connection to the characters and find a balance between the plot and the romance. Coming in at fifty-six pages, it took no time at all for me to whip through this book on a short hour or so flight; it was pretty much the perfect page count.
I’m the first to admit I struggle with shorter stories, though sometimes I just don’t have the time to jump into and devote a significant amount of time to a longer book. But, at the same time, the quicker reads are difficult. Shorter stories can often feel rushed, leaving little time to get to know the protagonists. I am very pleased this book was one of the rarer finds for me in that it didn’t feel rushed at all. In fact, there was a nice slow-burn element to the romance despite the shorter length. I could connect with each character individually and then together as a couple, which is something that is a must for me. Heck, I even got the feels for some of the cats, too!
Dez and Fran were both engaging characters, with little quirks and enough depth to make them realistic. As opposite as you can get (or so it would seem), they also complement each other really well. Dez needed something to yank him out of his funk, and Fran and his cats are exactly the thing to pull it off. I could picture Fran with his little cat ears and cat themed shirts that Dez found so adorable. Dez was a little harder to picture, based on written explanation of looks since the story is told from his perspective, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t able to create my own image of a grumpy Dez based on his personality.
I must admit I really enjoyed reading about the Cat Café, much more than I thought I would. As someone who has never owned cats, is mildly allergic, and most of my immediate family is extremely allergic, my interaction with cats has been limited to exposure via my cat-loving friends and the videos they post, or make me watch. The whole Cat Café was a new concept for me, as I hadn’t ever heard of such a thing before. I’ll be darned if they aren’t a real thing, and I found the whole concept extremely fascinating, to the point I had to go look up some details! Honestly, I found it to be a great backdrop for the blossoming romance, and I’m sure cat lovers will totally be team Riley!
As is the case sometimes, the story was so short that it couldn’t fully explore some details I would have really liked to understand, such as the reason for Dez’s situation. The basics are explained, eventually, but it did feel a little hurried, and because I am nosy and like to know everything about my characters, it’s not a shocker I wanted to know more background as to how everything went down, and why.
I would absolutely recommend this novella to anyone who is looking for a quick, feel-good read with charming characters and a sweet slow-burn romance, especially those who are cat lovers.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
I’m the first to admit I struggle with shorter stories, though sometimes I just don’t have the time to jump into and devote a significant amount of time to a longer book. But, at the same time, the quicker reads are difficult. Shorter stories can often feel rushed, leaving little time to get to know the protagonists. I am very pleased this book was one of the rarer finds for me in that it didn’t feel rushed at all. In fact, there was a nice slow-burn element to the romance despite the shorter length. I could connect with each character individually and then together as a couple, which is something that is a must for me. Heck, I even got the feels for some of the cats, too!
Dez and Fran were both engaging characters, with little quirks and enough depth to make them realistic. As opposite as you can get (or so it would seem), they also complement each other really well. Dez needed something to yank him out of his funk, and Fran and his cats are exactly the thing to pull it off. I could picture Fran with his little cat ears and cat themed shirts that Dez found so adorable. Dez was a little harder to picture, based on written explanation of looks since the story is told from his perspective, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t able to create my own image of a grumpy Dez based on his personality.
I must admit I really enjoyed reading about the Cat Café, much more than I thought I would. As someone who has never owned cats, is mildly allergic, and most of my immediate family is extremely allergic, my interaction with cats has been limited to exposure via my cat-loving friends and the videos they post, or make me watch. The whole Cat Café was a new concept for me, as I hadn’t ever heard of such a thing before. I’ll be darned if they aren’t a real thing, and I found the whole concept extremely fascinating, to the point I had to go look up some details! Honestly, I found it to be a great backdrop for the blossoming romance, and I’m sure cat lovers will totally be team Riley!
As is the case sometimes, the story was so short that it couldn’t fully explore some details I would have really liked to understand, such as the reason for Dez’s situation. The basics are explained, eventually, but it did feel a little hurried, and because I am nosy and like to know everything about my characters, it’s not a shocker I wanted to know more background as to how everything went down, and why.
I would absolutely recommend this novella to anyone who is looking for a quick, feel-good read with charming characters and a sweet slow-burn romance, especially those who are cat lovers.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
July 16, 2017
The Life of Riley
This was a very charming story of two men who seemed like such opposites, but ended up very much attracted to each other. Since I had recently finished a book where I didn't connect with the characters. This was a very pleasurable surprise. I had read about Cat Cafes in Japan and I have visited a variety of stores, especially non-chain bookstores that had resident cats. It was always nice to browse the shelves with a little feline assistance. Or a cat laying on the counter at the check out, waiting for a few scritches under their chins. Of course this always meant getting the third degree by my Manx (tail-less) cats when I got home.
A cop out on Disability hears a commotion downstairs and without thinking rushed into the melee to rescue his neighbor who was being assaulted during the commission of a burglary. After chasing away the assailant "Dez" (Derek) had to help his neighbor, Francis Green. The help ended up meaning cat sitting his Car Cafe kitties while Francis went to the hospital. This was a very unique experience for Dez especially when the agitated cats started calming down then warming up to him. One in particular a big domestic red tabby named Riley, laid claim to him first. Surprisingly Officer Derek Walker felt himself relaxing also despite the initially violent, tense, and uncomfortable situation.
What started off as a yowling rescue became a tentative friendship. Francis actually understood why Derek behaved in a reclusive manner. He began taking baby steps with Dez after another traumatic incident instigated by Francis & his co-workers, then another with his friends. Dez knew he needed to try to meet Francis at least a quarter of the way. Their relationship began to slowly blossom. Prompting Dez to turtle his way out of his self imposed shell. A sweet gift sealed the deal. This is a definite future re-read. I recommend it to those who like hurt/comfort, cats, and sweet romances.
This was a very charming story of two men who seemed like such opposites, but ended up very much attracted to each other. Since I had recently finished a book where I didn't connect with the characters. This was a very pleasurable surprise. I had read about Cat Cafes in Japan and I have visited a variety of stores, especially non-chain bookstores that had resident cats. It was always nice to browse the shelves with a little feline assistance. Or a cat laying on the counter at the check out, waiting for a few scritches under their chins. Of course this always meant getting the third degree by my Manx (tail-less) cats when I got home.
A cop out on Disability hears a commotion downstairs and without thinking rushed into the melee to rescue his neighbor who was being assaulted during the commission of a burglary. After chasing away the assailant "Dez" (Derek) had to help his neighbor, Francis Green. The help ended up meaning cat sitting his Car Cafe kitties while Francis went to the hospital. This was a very unique experience for Dez especially when the agitated cats started calming down then warming up to him. One in particular a big domestic red tabby named Riley, laid claim to him first. Surprisingly Officer Derek Walker felt himself relaxing also despite the initially violent, tense, and uncomfortable situation.
What started off as a yowling rescue became a tentative friendship. Francis actually understood why Derek behaved in a reclusive manner. He began taking baby steps with Dez after another traumatic incident instigated by Francis & his co-workers, then another with his friends. Dez knew he needed to try to meet Francis at least a quarter of the way. Their relationship began to slowly blossom. Prompting Dez to turtle his way out of his self imposed shell. A sweet gift sealed the deal. This is a definite future re-read. I recommend it to those who like hurt/comfort, cats, and sweet romances.
May 19, 2017
3.5 Stars. Short but sweet romance.
January 20, 2018
Traumatised hero and cats. What more could you want?
Maybe a little more oomph.
Maybe a little more oomph.
October 15, 2018
PTSD sucks bad. But having love and support helps. Especially when they are in the forms of kitties!! This was such a good story.
November 18, 2017
3,5* Part of the 2017 Top Ten Gay Romance Anthology.
May 17, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
I thought this was such a cute story. Dez has pretty much been living his life on pause since he was wounded, avoiding others and moving on. Being awoken by the sound of a burglary and the new friendship he develops with Fran is just the wake-up call he needs to get his life back on track.
Fran wants to show Dez that he is worthy of affection let along the friendship he is offering, having helped a brother with PTSD he knows he has to be patient but also push at the same time. Dez knows he needs to try to get better to be the man he thinks Fran deserves and gains a new cat, Riley, in the process. We see this story from through Dez’s eyes but Fran is so open and loving that you can easily how he is feeling too. These two complement each other wonderfully and I loved seeing them together.
The cover art by Written Ink Designs is adorable and gives a great visual of Dez and his new cat, Riley.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
I thought this was such a cute story. Dez has pretty much been living his life on pause since he was wounded, avoiding others and moving on. Being awoken by the sound of a burglary and the new friendship he develops with Fran is just the wake-up call he needs to get his life back on track.
Fran wants to show Dez that he is worthy of affection let along the friendship he is offering, having helped a brother with PTSD he knows he has to be patient but also push at the same time. Dez knows he needs to try to get better to be the man he thinks Fran deserves and gains a new cat, Riley, in the process. We see this story from through Dez’s eyes but Fran is so open and loving that you can easily how he is feeling too. These two complement each other wonderfully and I loved seeing them together.
The cover art by Written Ink Designs is adorable and gives a great visual of Dez and his new cat, Riley.
July 20, 2019
Dez Walker, of 'Wake Up Call' by Becky Black, is not expecting to have to deal with a possible burglary while he's recovering from being shot, but when Dez hears a commotion next door, he instinctively reacts, putting his police training in action and ignoring his anxiety. Dez interrupts the intruder, but not before the owner, Fran, is assaulted. He needs medical care but won't go because someone needs to care for his cats. Dez doesn't know much about cats but does understand Fran's concerns. At first the cats are suspicious, but the lure of food draws them in. Dez decides to spend the night so the cats, who have been traumatized by the whole ordeal, will feel safer.
With Fran, like many people who have pets, it's a case of love me, love my pet. He's so impressed with Dez going what he considers is above and beyond. He can't thank him enough. Fran thinks Dez is a hero, but Dez is having none of it. The last thing Dez feels like is a hero; the experience that landed him on medical leave also left him with PTSD. Fran is sympathetic with his plight and tries to think of ways to help Dez find his confidence again.
This a short, uncomplicated story about two men, cats, and a serious message about PTSD. I admire Fran for looking beyond Dez's inability to cope and having the patience it takes to work with him, so Dez can find his way back to living. This story is perfect for sitting in a comfortable chair on a rainy afternoon, along with a cup of tea.
NOTE: This book was provided by JMS Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
With Fran, like many people who have pets, it's a case of love me, love my pet. He's so impressed with Dez going what he considers is above and beyond. He can't thank him enough. Fran thinks Dez is a hero, but Dez is having none of it. The last thing Dez feels like is a hero; the experience that landed him on medical leave also left him with PTSD. Fran is sympathetic with his plight and tries to think of ways to help Dez find his confidence again.
This a short, uncomplicated story about two men, cats, and a serious message about PTSD. I admire Fran for looking beyond Dez's inability to cope and having the patience it takes to work with him, so Dez can find his way back to living. This story is perfect for sitting in a comfortable chair on a rainy afternoon, along with a cup of tea.
NOTE: This book was provided by JMS Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 12, 2017
Sehr putzig geschrieben und erzählt. Leider zu kurz und etwas zu vage. Auch da wäre deutlich mehr drinnen gewesen. :(
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews