What do you think?
Rate this book
Gnarly
Dr. Ed Hollingsworth, widowed for five years, returns to San Sebastián, Spain, after a thirty-year absence. He seeks out his first and only male lover, pro surfer Javi Elizalde.
After surviving a near-fatal shark attack, Javi turned his back on the sport he loves and became a recluse.
Iker Lizaso, professional jai alai player, finds himself at loose ends now that his contract has expired. Forced to retire at thirty-eight, he returned to his home in the Basque Country to figure out what to do with the rest of his life.
Three different men, encumbered by their past, converge in a city famous for its food, summer festivals, and romantic promenades. Can they find happiness together? It’ll be difficult, maybe even improbable, considering their backgrounds, but Cupid’s arrow usually hits the mark, and this particular strike might be epic.
World of Stories of romance that span every corner of the globe.
After surviving a near-fatal shark attack, Javi turned his back on the sport he loves and became a recluse.
Iker Lizaso, professional jai alai player, finds himself at loose ends now that his contract has expired. Forced to retire at thirty-eight, he returned to his home in the Basque Country to figure out what to do with the rest of his life.
Three different men, encumbered by their past, converge in a city famous for its food, summer festivals, and romantic promenades. Can they find happiness together? It’ll be difficult, maybe even improbable, considering their backgrounds, but Cupid’s arrow usually hits the mark, and this particular strike might be epic.
World of Stories of romance that span every corner of the globe.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2017
1 person is currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Mickie B. Ashling
51 books347 followersMICKIE B. ASHLING is the pseudonym of a multi-published author who resides in a suburb outside Chicago. She is a product of her upbringing in various cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West.
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 22, 2017
REVIEWED FOR LOVE BYTES
This is quite a gentle love story about three men who are each lonely and dealing with problems in their lives that seem insurmountable.
Javi and Ed had a wild fling thirty years ago before Ed returned from Europe to the States to begin his gruelling college life on his way to becoming a Doctor. Javi fell hard that summer but never spoke up about his feelings until it was too late. Ed arrived at college met his future wife, married and had a family and never gave much thought to Javi for the next thirty years.
Three decades on Ed finally returns to San Sebastian where he spent that carefree summer with Javi. The trip is supposed to give him the jolt he needs to get over the grief at losing his wife and inspire him as to what he wants from the rest of his life. The first thing he does is look to see if Javi’s family is still around – they are but the Javi he finds is not the man he once knew. After a shark attack Javi lost his foot and he sits in his apartment too depressed to see that his life isn’t over.
Ed is exactly the right medicine for Javi and his outlook in life changes overnight. There is an obvious sexual attraction between the two but for anything to happen Ed must first make peace with the fact that his wife is gone and he is a bisexual man. If that isn’t confusing enough for him he soon has to face up to wanting two men at the same time when he meets Iker, a man who has been forced to retire from his sport, and who is also trying to work out his future.
I loved that this story was about older men who were getting their second chances. Although their feelings rose and were declared quickly the author didn’t just drop the three into a perfect relationship. Their lives and their problems were very real and each had to be dealt with – I guess what I’m trying to say is the story had a gritty feel to it. The MC’s weren’t perfect and they had lived their lives to the fullest until each of them was struck down by adversity. They were good together and even the ending wasn’t wrapped up neatly with a bow on it – they were more a work in progress but you are left sure that they will work it all out.
This is quite a gentle love story about three men who are each lonely and dealing with problems in their lives that seem insurmountable.
Javi and Ed had a wild fling thirty years ago before Ed returned from Europe to the States to begin his gruelling college life on his way to becoming a Doctor. Javi fell hard that summer but never spoke up about his feelings until it was too late. Ed arrived at college met his future wife, married and had a family and never gave much thought to Javi for the next thirty years.
Three decades on Ed finally returns to San Sebastian where he spent that carefree summer with Javi. The trip is supposed to give him the jolt he needs to get over the grief at losing his wife and inspire him as to what he wants from the rest of his life. The first thing he does is look to see if Javi’s family is still around – they are but the Javi he finds is not the man he once knew. After a shark attack Javi lost his foot and he sits in his apartment too depressed to see that his life isn’t over.
Ed is exactly the right medicine for Javi and his outlook in life changes overnight. There is an obvious sexual attraction between the two but for anything to happen Ed must first make peace with the fact that his wife is gone and he is a bisexual man. If that isn’t confusing enough for him he soon has to face up to wanting two men at the same time when he meets Iker, a man who has been forced to retire from his sport, and who is also trying to work out his future.
I loved that this story was about older men who were getting their second chances. Although their feelings rose and were declared quickly the author didn’t just drop the three into a perfect relationship. Their lives and their problems were very real and each had to be dealt with – I guess what I’m trying to say is the story had a gritty feel to it. The MC’s weren’t perfect and they had lived their lives to the fullest until each of them was struck down by adversity. They were good together and even the ending wasn’t wrapped up neatly with a bow on it – they were more a work in progress but you are left sure that they will work it all out.
November 12, 2017
I picked Gnarly up on a whim, partially because I love the idea behind Dreamspinner’s World of Love series and because older characters intrigue me. I hadn’t read this author before, but her attention to detail in Gnarly was noteworthy- specifically in regards to the Basque culture and scenic descriptions. I continue to return to this series because I love learning about new places and experiencing it though a romance is a fantastic bonus. As far as that element goes, Gnarly is great. I loved all the details about the traditions, food, cultural events, and history. Unfortunately, the excess details spilled over to include the more mundane aspects, consequently dragging down the pace a little bit in the first part of the book. However, as the relationship between the three men took shape, I found myself more interested and the story seemed less weighed down with unnecessary details and descriptions.
Novellas are always tricky. Sometimes the story is overly simplistic and lacks depth, other times- like in Gnarly- there’s simply too much going on in too few pages. Not only did the book tackle the complexities of a second chance romance 30+years in the making, a triad relationship, and an age gap, but also addressed a character dealing with depression and PTSD after an injury, a character coming out as bisexual, a character changing careers, and a relationship complicated by long distance. It was a lot, especially once the details of the Basque culture and unique setting in Northern Spain were factored in, and it ended up feeling muddled. I was pleased most of the conflicts were resolved, I just think Gnarly didn’t quite live up to its potential as far as the romance and character development was concerned.
My other major hang-up was Ed. I quite liked the characters together and I think Miss Ashling did a good job creating a chemistry that blended all three personalities without leaving one person out regularly. I understood how they all fit together emotionally, and each seemed like an essential component in the relationship. I also liked Javi and Iker on their own. However, Ed’s self-important image and dressing down of others because he’s a doctor irritated me. I kept waiting for him to check himself. While he did mature a bit during the story, my distaste remained and it undoubtedly influenced the way I felt about Gnarly on the whole.
I really liked the idea of a second chance romance between two older men. The addition of a third man into the relationship who was significantly younger further intrigued me. Unfortunately, I think Gnarly suffered from a few pitfalls that prevented it from meeting my expectations.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
Novellas are always tricky. Sometimes the story is overly simplistic and lacks depth, other times- like in Gnarly- there’s simply too much going on in too few pages. Not only did the book tackle the complexities of a second chance romance 30+years in the making, a triad relationship, and an age gap, but also addressed a character dealing with depression and PTSD after an injury, a character coming out as bisexual, a character changing careers, and a relationship complicated by long distance. It was a lot, especially once the details of the Basque culture and unique setting in Northern Spain were factored in, and it ended up feeling muddled. I was pleased most of the conflicts were resolved, I just think Gnarly didn’t quite live up to its potential as far as the romance and character development was concerned.
My other major hang-up was Ed. I quite liked the characters together and I think Miss Ashling did a good job creating a chemistry that blended all three personalities without leaving one person out regularly. I understood how they all fit together emotionally, and each seemed like an essential component in the relationship. I also liked Javi and Iker on their own. However, Ed’s self-important image and dressing down of others because he’s a doctor irritated me. I kept waiting for him to check himself. While he did mature a bit during the story, my distaste remained and it undoubtedly influenced the way I felt about Gnarly on the whole.
I really liked the idea of a second chance romance between two older men. The addition of a third man into the relationship who was significantly younger further intrigued me. Unfortunately, I think Gnarly suffered from a few pitfalls that prevented it from meeting my expectations.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
June 15, 2017
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I have to admit that I had a really hard time with the first half of this book.. It just seemed very slow moving. However, I understand that it was necessary to build the history and explain what each of the characters had been through up to that point. But once we got over that hump, the story was just so much more interesting to me. Watching the three men figure out how they fit together while also dealing with life changing and evolving around them.
It was wonderful to watch as Javi pulled himself from depression to turn back into the man he'd once been. His two men each helped in their own ways and together. It was just fantastic.
I liked Iker, but he was sort of an added bonus in my opinion. Sure, he made their love scenes sexier than ever, but he didn't really see a whole lot of growth in my opinion except for figuring out what he wanted to do with his life since the career he'd once had was over.
Now, Ed. He was by far my favorite character even if I did want to kick him in the rear from time to time. There was just so much that he had to go through. I loved the scene when he came out to his boys, but that's all I want to say about that so I don't give anything away. I felt like Ed was the one that had to work the hardest and the one that had to make the most sacrifices through the story, but he was also the one that really learned a lot about who he was and what was important to him.
I have to admit that I had a really hard time with the first half of this book.. It just seemed very slow moving. However, I understand that it was necessary to build the history and explain what each of the characters had been through up to that point. But once we got over that hump, the story was just so much more interesting to me. Watching the three men figure out how they fit together while also dealing with life changing and evolving around them.
It was wonderful to watch as Javi pulled himself from depression to turn back into the man he'd once been. His two men each helped in their own ways and together. It was just fantastic.
I liked Iker, but he was sort of an added bonus in my opinion. Sure, he made their love scenes sexier than ever, but he didn't really see a whole lot of growth in my opinion except for figuring out what he wanted to do with his life since the career he'd once had was over.
Now, Ed. He was by far my favorite character even if I did want to kick him in the rear from time to time. There was just so much that he had to go through. I loved the scene when he came out to his boys, but that's all I want to say about that so I don't give anything away. I felt like Ed was the one that had to work the hardest and the one that had to make the most sacrifices through the story, but he was also the one that really learned a lot about who he was and what was important to him.
June 19, 2017
I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
The blurb for this book captivated me and I couldn't wait to dive in. Once I started reading this book all my enthusiasm left. The book was very wordy, there were pages upon pages without dialogue and I just couldn't connect to any of the characters. I put the book down several times and each time I picked it back up it was the same. Even the sex scenes couldn't pull me out of the blah feeling I had. Javi, Ed and Iker could have been something great together, but I just didn't feel it. Then Ed was afraid of telling anyone he was bi and he didn't even tell anyone until the second to the last or the last chapter of the book. Plus we didn't really get much closure. Sure Ed came back for the holidays but how long did that go on? Was he ever going to move to be with Javi and Iker full time? It was just one long drawn out book that I couldn't connect with any of the characters.
The blurb for this book captivated me and I couldn't wait to dive in. Once I started reading this book all my enthusiasm left. The book was very wordy, there were pages upon pages without dialogue and I just couldn't connect to any of the characters. I put the book down several times and each time I picked it back up it was the same. Even the sex scenes couldn't pull me out of the blah feeling I had. Javi, Ed and Iker could have been something great together, but I just didn't feel it. Then Ed was afraid of telling anyone he was bi and he didn't even tell anyone until the second to the last or the last chapter of the book. Plus we didn't really get much closure. Sure Ed came back for the holidays but how long did that go on? Was he ever going to move to be with Javi and Iker full time? It was just one long drawn out book that I couldn't connect with any of the characters.
June 19, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is an interesting mix of a book, starting way back in Spain the mid 80s, and then fast forwarding 30 years ... and a whole life time of experiences for both Ed and Javi. Ed moved on and is now widowed and looking for ... well he isn't quite sure what, but maybe if he finds Javi, he will know. But the Javi he finds is someone battered by life and loss. He does however rally at Ed's arrival, and feel jealousy when Ed spends the evening with Iker.
There is a lot to grab your interest in this book, and it gets super hot when the three men realise that maybe there is something in the feelings that they all have for each other. I am always curious as to whether one feels like the third, and this is addressed really well here - and in a slightly unexpected way, given their original insecurities. Some really fun moments, like Ed with his boys, and some extremely hot ones too.
This book for me is a success!
This is an interesting mix of a book, starting way back in Spain the mid 80s, and then fast forwarding 30 years ... and a whole life time of experiences for both Ed and Javi. Ed moved on and is now widowed and looking for ... well he isn't quite sure what, but maybe if he finds Javi, he will know. But the Javi he finds is someone battered by life and loss. He does however rally at Ed's arrival, and feel jealousy when Ed spends the evening with Iker.
There is a lot to grab your interest in this book, and it gets super hot when the three men realise that maybe there is something in the feelings that they all have for each other. I am always curious as to whether one feels like the third, and this is addressed really well here - and in a slightly unexpected way, given their original insecurities. Some really fun moments, like Ed with his boys, and some extremely hot ones too.
This book for me is a success!
June 15, 2017
This is a wonderfully complex second chance romance between three slightly older men. Ed returns to San Sebastian a widower with grown children. He has fond memories of a college summer fling with a beautiful surfer and he is drawn back to a time when his life was much simpler. Javi never forgot his American lover but the former champion surfer is struggling to adjust to life as an amputee and to find a reason for life after surfing. Together, the men meet a third, slightly younger, man who is also dealing with important life changes.
This isn’t an easy story. All three men are complex and their lives have been both interesting and challenging. Where many menage stories are written as erotica, this story focuses more on the emotional connection between Ed, Javi and Iker. It is definitely still a sexy read but it isn’t only a sexy read. At times, this story moves slowly. All three men have lived full lives and the relationships between them build gradually. This is a thoughtful study of middle life and the unexpected moments that change expectations, needs and desires.
The author brings the magical Basque region of Spain to life beautifully. The wonderful description the beaches, the food and Javi’s bar had me desperate to return to Javi and Iker’s beautiful home. The Basque country is a very special place and the writer definitely does it justice.
I really enjoyed these three slightly life-worn older men who are willing to explore new possibilities together. The story is more thoughtful and reflective than exciting but there is a warmth and depth to the writing that really resonated with me.
This isn’t an easy story. All three men are complex and their lives have been both interesting and challenging. Where many menage stories are written as erotica, this story focuses more on the emotional connection between Ed, Javi and Iker. It is definitely still a sexy read but it isn’t only a sexy read. At times, this story moves slowly. All three men have lived full lives and the relationships between them build gradually. This is a thoughtful study of middle life and the unexpected moments that change expectations, needs and desires.
The author brings the magical Basque region of Spain to life beautifully. The wonderful description the beaches, the food and Javi’s bar had me desperate to return to Javi and Iker’s beautiful home. The Basque country is a very special place and the writer definitely does it justice.
I really enjoyed these three slightly life-worn older men who are willing to explore new possibilities together. The story is more thoughtful and reflective than exciting but there is a warmth and depth to the writing that really resonated with me.
June 21, 2017
This just didn’t work for me.
Things I liked/loved: learning about the Basque, the language, the culture, the geography. The references to surfing. The information about Jai Alai. This country and the people sound amazing and so, so colorful. I could definitely feel the heat and passion and spiciness – it seems very rich and flavorful! I enjoyed learning about the advances in prosthesis technology.
Things that didn’t work: The ménage. I never felt like Iker was integral to this relationship and I really wasn’t sure why he was even part of this story. He felt like a third wheel. He’s so sweet and enthusiastic and I didn’t understand his willingness to be part of this couple or his attraction to the somber and rigid Ed. Which brings me to my second point. Ed. He was a total dick to Javi and seemed to completely forget him for 30 years! Then he suddenly shows up and expects that time to have just disappeared. Javi gave him a lecture – ONE – and that was completely insufficient. He’s bossy and manipulative and condescending at the best and cold and uncaring at the worst. I did not understand Javi’s attraction, nor Iker’s and I was always rooting for Iker and Javi to kick Ed to the curb.
This story was all over the map. It wanted to be a reunion story, a story of opposites attract, a May/December story, a bi-sexual discovery story, a PTSD/hurt/comfort/recovery story, a ménage…it was too much. As a reader I needed to understand how Ed could act like he did so that I could forgive him and I really received no other explanation other than – school kept me busy where I met my wife. And apparently left all of Javi and his life in the dust. I ached for poor Javi and though I applaud his willingness to let Ed help him I couldn’t help but feel like he seems like a doormat almost as much as poor Iker.
Another thing that really bugged me was how the ménage worked. I felt like Iker was on the outside. Though it was sweet that Javi and Ed shared some firsts, Ed’s holding that over Iker’s head like a prize seemed unkind and definitely made me feel like the group was seriously out of balance.
I did not feel a strong connection between these characters and as a result the “romance” in this did not pass muster. The cultural information was interesting and for that I’ll give this a 2.5 of 5 stars.
Things I liked/loved: learning about the Basque, the language, the culture, the geography. The references to surfing. The information about Jai Alai. This country and the people sound amazing and so, so colorful. I could definitely feel the heat and passion and spiciness – it seems very rich and flavorful! I enjoyed learning about the advances in prosthesis technology.
Things that didn’t work: The ménage. I never felt like Iker was integral to this relationship and I really wasn’t sure why he was even part of this story. He felt like a third wheel. He’s so sweet and enthusiastic and I didn’t understand his willingness to be part of this couple or his attraction to the somber and rigid Ed. Which brings me to my second point. Ed. He was a total dick to Javi and seemed to completely forget him for 30 years! Then he suddenly shows up and expects that time to have just disappeared. Javi gave him a lecture – ONE – and that was completely insufficient. He’s bossy and manipulative and condescending at the best and cold and uncaring at the worst. I did not understand Javi’s attraction, nor Iker’s and I was always rooting for Iker and Javi to kick Ed to the curb.
This story was all over the map. It wanted to be a reunion story, a story of opposites attract, a May/December story, a bi-sexual discovery story, a PTSD/hurt/comfort/recovery story, a ménage…it was too much. As a reader I needed to understand how Ed could act like he did so that I could forgive him and I really received no other explanation other than – school kept me busy where I met my wife. And apparently left all of Javi and his life in the dust. I ached for poor Javi and though I applaud his willingness to let Ed help him I couldn’t help but feel like he seems like a doormat almost as much as poor Iker.
Another thing that really bugged me was how the ménage worked. I felt like Iker was on the outside. Though it was sweet that Javi and Ed shared some firsts, Ed’s holding that over Iker’s head like a prize seemed unkind and definitely made me feel like the group was seriously out of balance.
I did not feel a strong connection between these characters and as a result the “romance” in this did not pass muster. The cultural information was interesting and for that I’ll give this a 2.5 of 5 stars.
June 22, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
This was such an interesting story. A short list of reasons why I was interested in this book: two of the three main characters are over the age of 50, polyamory, and interracial romance. While I’d say Ed and Javi share main character duties and Iker (their mutual lifeguard lover) and Javi’s father offer robust supporting roles, Ed is the main main character. Part of what makes him such an interesting choice is the fact that he’s already lived a full life. After returning from his summer with Javi, he goes on to finish med school and meets and falls in love with a woman whom he marries and with whom he has twin sons. Ed is a character who is rich with opportunity for mid-life crisis-ing and coming out as bisexual and coming to terms with polyamory. That said, I’ll explain at the end of this review how he winds up becoming a wet blanket in the last couple of chapters.
To be clear, while this story does have a strong polyamory element, the first third or so of the book is all about setting up Javi and Ed’s reunion. These two hit a lot of tropes all by themselves—Ed’s got the “coming out” thing, Javi’s got the “overcoming physical disfigurement” thing and a healthy dose of “bitterly unrequited love” (well, until Ed comes back and they try again), and together they cover the “lovers reunited” theme. With so much time dedicated to showcasing these two men getting reacquainted, I was almost wondering if I’d misread the blurb and this was not a polyamory piece.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
This was such an interesting story. A short list of reasons why I was interested in this book: two of the three main characters are over the age of 50, polyamory, and interracial romance. While I’d say Ed and Javi share main character duties and Iker (their mutual lifeguard lover) and Javi’s father offer robust supporting roles, Ed is the main main character. Part of what makes him such an interesting choice is the fact that he’s already lived a full life. After returning from his summer with Javi, he goes on to finish med school and meets and falls in love with a woman whom he marries and with whom he has twin sons. Ed is a character who is rich with opportunity for mid-life crisis-ing and coming out as bisexual and coming to terms with polyamory. That said, I’ll explain at the end of this review how he winds up becoming a wet blanket in the last couple of chapters.
To be clear, while this story does have a strong polyamory element, the first third or so of the book is all about setting up Javi and Ed’s reunion. These two hit a lot of tropes all by themselves—Ed’s got the “coming out” thing, Javi’s got the “overcoming physical disfigurement” thing and a healthy dose of “bitterly unrequited love” (well, until Ed comes back and they try again), and together they cover the “lovers reunited” theme. With so much time dedicated to showcasing these two men getting reacquainted, I was almost wondering if I’d misread the blurb and this was not a polyamory piece.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
August 10, 2018
The sights and sounds of San Sebastian, Spain, its people, customs, and food are the setting for a story about three multilayered men with complicated pasts and a need for each other they don’t quite know what to do with. Two of them used to be lovers, the third is at odds because he is forced to retire, and all three require help and support that none of them will admit to needing. This is their story – one that shows how the puzzle pieces of three men’s psyches fit together just right and the result can be exactly what makes each of them whole again.
Ed is now a successful doctor, but he has recently lost his wife and goes looking for a past in which he was in love with pro-surfer, Javi. He has no idea what to expect, but he can’t resist the draw of a place where he was happy.
Javi has seen his career as a surfer end after a shark attack, and while his physical recovery was successful, the fact that he has lost part of his leg means that his mental and emotional state is far from ideal. Seeing Ed again is far from ideal – Javi never forgave him for just walking away.
Iker is at loose ends because his contract ended, and thirty-eight is too young to retire. He returns to Spain to try to figure out what’s next, and meeting Ed and Javi changes his life in ways he never would have expected.
If you like multilayered characters with flaws that seem to make happiness impossible, if you enjoy complicated stories and three-way relationships that go far deeper than physical attraction, and if you’re looking for an emotionally intense story in a beautiful setting, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Ed is now a successful doctor, but he has recently lost his wife and goes looking for a past in which he was in love with pro-surfer, Javi. He has no idea what to expect, but he can’t resist the draw of a place where he was happy.
Javi has seen his career as a surfer end after a shark attack, and while his physical recovery was successful, the fact that he has lost part of his leg means that his mental and emotional state is far from ideal. Seeing Ed again is far from ideal – Javi never forgave him for just walking away.
Iker is at loose ends because his contract ended, and thirty-eight is too young to retire. He returns to Spain to try to figure out what’s next, and meeting Ed and Javi changes his life in ways he never would have expected.
If you like multilayered characters with flaws that seem to make happiness impossible, if you enjoy complicated stories and three-way relationships that go far deeper than physical attraction, and if you’re looking for an emotionally intense story in a beautiful setting, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
January 13, 2019
When I start a book, I try to not look at the blurb, so I go into it with no clue what I'm about to read. (I read the blurbs when I buy a book or request an ARC. I'm not that crazy. lol) Thus, Gnarly, by Mickie B Ashling, is nothing like I was expecting.
From the cover, I certainly wasn't expecting a menage romance, but, luckily, that is exactly what I got.
I found the beginning to be a little awkward, as the author packs in so much background information. There's the description of Ed and Javi's relationship 30 years ago and Ed's years since. Once we are all caught up and start with the present, the story really grabbed my interest.
Ed left Spain 30 years ago, and hasn't spoken to Javi since, but he's back trying to find him. The Javi he finds is a mere shell of the man he used to be. Back then, Javi was a surfer and he went on to become famous. But, now, he's a depressed, washed up has-been, after losing his foot to a shark.
With Ed's visit, and strong words, Javi is inspired to live again. Ed's able to jumpstart Javi's life again, as Javi realizes he's still got things to appreciate in this life, mainly Ed.
But there's also fear. As much as he's happy to have Ed back, he's terrified that Ed will leave again. He's still hurt from the 30 years of silence.
The changes in Javi from the beginning to the end are amazing. I absolutely came to love Javi. He's so insightful and so loving. And the strength in his love for Ed is stellar.
One of my favorite parts is the cuddling between Ed and Javi. Honestly, it's so damn sweet and tender.
Now, add in Iker, who's a much younger lifeguard and things get more interesting. The way the addition of Iker is handled is unique and completely impressive. I certainly never expected any of it. And I found it romantic and enchanting.
Gnarly is an impressive tale of facing your fears and overcoming challenges. It's a second chance story, not just of love, but also life.
From the cover, I certainly wasn't expecting a menage romance, but, luckily, that is exactly what I got.
I found the beginning to be a little awkward, as the author packs in so much background information. There's the description of Ed and Javi's relationship 30 years ago and Ed's years since. Once we are all caught up and start with the present, the story really grabbed my interest.
Ed left Spain 30 years ago, and hasn't spoken to Javi since, but he's back trying to find him. The Javi he finds is a mere shell of the man he used to be. Back then, Javi was a surfer and he went on to become famous. But, now, he's a depressed, washed up has-been, after losing his foot to a shark.
With Ed's visit, and strong words, Javi is inspired to live again. Ed's able to jumpstart Javi's life again, as Javi realizes he's still got things to appreciate in this life, mainly Ed.
But there's also fear. As much as he's happy to have Ed back, he's terrified that Ed will leave again. He's still hurt from the 30 years of silence.
The changes in Javi from the beginning to the end are amazing. I absolutely came to love Javi. He's so insightful and so loving. And the strength in his love for Ed is stellar.
One of my favorite parts is the cuddling between Ed and Javi. Honestly, it's so damn sweet and tender.
Now, add in Iker, who's a much younger lifeguard and things get more interesting. The way the addition of Iker is handled is unique and completely impressive. I certainly never expected any of it. And I found it romantic and enchanting.
Gnarly is an impressive tale of facing your fears and overcoming challenges. It's a second chance story, not just of love, but also life.
June 22, 2018
Part of the World Of Love series. All of them are stand-alone. I went through and picked several I thought would be interesting because of the location. A couple because I've never been there and don't plan to go (like tree planting in Canada) but thought it sounded it really interesting and others, because I have been there or it's some place I want to go. In each book, there is a lovely romance and a chance to experience the culture in that part of the world. Very enjoyable!
I would have loved for this specific book to have an epilogue - something to show us a true HEA, it kinda felt like a possible HFN.
I would have loved for this specific book to have an epilogue - something to show us a true HEA, it kinda felt like a possible HFN.
December 25, 2019
A beautiful story from one of my favorite authors.
June 30, 2017
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four stars!
I truly enjoyed this story. I enjoy Ms. Ashling’s voice and how she can get you invested in the story so quickly. She brings out emotions and has you connect with the characters making you want to know what happens with them. The setting for this story is so rich. You truly feel like you’re there in San Sebastian with the characters. I loved the sense of place in the story.
Javi is someone I wanted to hug. He was a bit of a curmudgeon and set in his ways but also deeply changed by the shark attack. He hid his hurt from Ed well. He was open with his affection and couldn’t not show his feelings for Ed and Iker. The way he slowly came around to life without a foot and built up to handling his fear of the water was wonderful. I adored how happy he was by the end of the story.
Iker was an old soul. While he was still young in many ways, he’d lived a long life in his thirty-eight years. He had a good head on his shoulders and mostly very rational. He also has an honor you don’t see often in this day and age. I liked how he was eager to help Javi get back in the water. Iker knew Javi needed that to properly start to heal. Ike wore his heart on his sleeve in many ways. His feelings for Ed and Javi were obvious and actually rather sweet right from the start. I enjoyed seeing him get passionate and exciting about his career towards the end of the story. You could tell he’d found what he was looking for.
I really liked watching Ed figure himself out. You could see him try to work through labels and what they meant for his past, his future, his family, and himself in general. That’s one aspect of the story that was amazingly wonderfully done. Ed struggled with his relationship with Javi far longer than expected. He seemed to go back and forth between full speed ahead and running in the opposite direction for most of the book. The way he approached helping Javi was wonderful at times and kind of off at others. I loved how he kept talking with Javi about getting back on his feet (metaphorically) and out in the water (physically). But the way he just bought things and didn’t ask Javi what he needed to heal seemed like he was proving he knew better. I adored how the relationship between Iker and Ed grew. Ed was very nervous about what each person thought and made sure everyone was on the same page.
I really enjoyed watching the build up between Javi and Ed and Ed and Iker. You can also see the slow build between Iker and Javi threaded throughout the story. I liked the tension between all three and seeing it eventually explode in passion. I also loved how they kept checking in to be sure no one was jealous and one one felt left out, laying out rules and having open communication about everything. But the ending of the story was a bit rushed making their feelings seem rushed as well. I completely felt the love between Javi and Ed. I also could mostly feel the emotions between Iker and Ed though I didn’t think they were as far along as they said they were. But I didn’t buy the feelings between Iker and Javi. I could definitely see it was headed there. But not yet. Then the story ended. I felt like I needed more to be more sure of their connection and that they would make it long term. I’d love to see a sequel to see more of all three. I would gladly read to see Javi follow his dreams, Iker content with his found career, and Ed more firmly in with the relationship.
Four stars!
I truly enjoyed this story. I enjoy Ms. Ashling’s voice and how she can get you invested in the story so quickly. She brings out emotions and has you connect with the characters making you want to know what happens with them. The setting for this story is so rich. You truly feel like you’re there in San Sebastian with the characters. I loved the sense of place in the story.
Javi is someone I wanted to hug. He was a bit of a curmudgeon and set in his ways but also deeply changed by the shark attack. He hid his hurt from Ed well. He was open with his affection and couldn’t not show his feelings for Ed and Iker. The way he slowly came around to life without a foot and built up to handling his fear of the water was wonderful. I adored how happy he was by the end of the story.
Iker was an old soul. While he was still young in many ways, he’d lived a long life in his thirty-eight years. He had a good head on his shoulders and mostly very rational. He also has an honor you don’t see often in this day and age. I liked how he was eager to help Javi get back in the water. Iker knew Javi needed that to properly start to heal. Ike wore his heart on his sleeve in many ways. His feelings for Ed and Javi were obvious and actually rather sweet right from the start. I enjoyed seeing him get passionate and exciting about his career towards the end of the story. You could tell he’d found what he was looking for.
I really liked watching Ed figure himself out. You could see him try to work through labels and what they meant for his past, his future, his family, and himself in general. That’s one aspect of the story that was amazingly wonderfully done. Ed struggled with his relationship with Javi far longer than expected. He seemed to go back and forth between full speed ahead and running in the opposite direction for most of the book. The way he approached helping Javi was wonderful at times and kind of off at others. I loved how he kept talking with Javi about getting back on his feet (metaphorically) and out in the water (physically). But the way he just bought things and didn’t ask Javi what he needed to heal seemed like he was proving he knew better. I adored how the relationship between Iker and Ed grew. Ed was very nervous about what each person thought and made sure everyone was on the same page.
I really enjoyed watching the build up between Javi and Ed and Ed and Iker. You can also see the slow build between Iker and Javi threaded throughout the story. I liked the tension between all three and seeing it eventually explode in passion. I also loved how they kept checking in to be sure no one was jealous and one one felt left out, laying out rules and having open communication about everything. But the ending of the story was a bit rushed making their feelings seem rushed as well. I completely felt the love between Javi and Ed. I also could mostly feel the emotions between Iker and Ed though I didn’t think they were as far along as they said they were. But I didn’t buy the feelings between Iker and Javi. I could definitely see it was headed there. But not yet. Then the story ended. I felt like I needed more to be more sure of their connection and that they would make it long term. I’d love to see a sequel to see more of all three. I would gladly read to see Javi follow his dreams, Iker content with his found career, and Ed more firmly in with the relationship.
May 23, 2018
This book is not without quite a collection of problems, but I still liked it a lot. I though the storyline was rather unusual and very interesting, focusing on three older guys who are all turning over a new leaf in their life due to some tragedy or the other. I also really liked the characters, even Ed, who can be a bit condescending and involved in things that are really not his problem, but I got the feeling he only does so because he genuinely wants to help and is simply lonely. Javi's impulsive, devil-may-care attitude may be tempered by his recent disability but he's a good match for Ed's tendency to overthink and his conservatism, while Iker provides steadiness and lightheartedness.
That said, I felt the book was trying to do too much and ended up short changing the romance.
Iker felt like an afterthought for the most part. I don't think the book would have been very different, if he where not part of it. Most of the book focuses on Javi and Ed alone. Iker only is along sometimes and we barely see him with alone with one of the other guys.
The romance, the threesome, Javi's recovery, everything seemed to happen in big jumps with no buildup for it. I was often confused by what came out of the character's mouth's, because things sounded very different the last time they thought about it and suddenly stuff just changed. It was never really contradictory, but it often felt strange and weird, when they just took a different angle on a whim. Like how they invite Iker for a threesome (purely for fun), then suddenly it turns into a polyamory relationship without that having been mentioned beforehand anywhere.
The dialog also sounded a bit contrived at times and there sometimes where big bursts of explanatory dialog that sounded too stiff.
The language wasn't all that great in any case, at least not to me. I thought the author often used words and expressions that where just slightly off and there where a lot of places where some mundane task was suddenly explained in unnecessary detail, e.x. the making of a drink or the moistening of a washcloth for cleanup.
It wasn't enough to make me hate the book, but it kept niggling at me and therefore the book did not flow well for me.
I really wanted to like the book better, because I just love the plot line and characters, but there was just too much off in the writing, that I couldn't ignore it.
That said, I felt the book was trying to do too much and ended up short changing the romance.
Iker felt like an afterthought for the most part. I don't think the book would have been very different, if he where not part of it. Most of the book focuses on Javi and Ed alone. Iker only is along sometimes and we barely see him with alone with one of the other guys.
The romance, the threesome, Javi's recovery, everything seemed to happen in big jumps with no buildup for it. I was often confused by what came out of the character's mouth's, because things sounded very different the last time they thought about it and suddenly stuff just changed. It was never really contradictory, but it often felt strange and weird, when they just took a different angle on a whim. Like how they invite Iker for a threesome (purely for fun), then suddenly it turns into a polyamory relationship without that having been mentioned beforehand anywhere.
The dialog also sounded a bit contrived at times and there sometimes where big bursts of explanatory dialog that sounded too stiff.
The language wasn't all that great in any case, at least not to me. I thought the author often used words and expressions that where just slightly off and there where a lot of places where some mundane task was suddenly explained in unnecessary detail, e.x. the making of a drink or the moistening of a washcloth for cleanup.
It wasn't enough to make me hate the book, but it kept niggling at me and therefore the book did not flow well for me.
I really wanted to like the book better, because I just love the plot line and characters, but there was just too much off in the writing, that I couldn't ignore it.
June 21, 2017
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Gnarly is part of Dreamspinner Press World of Love series, stories that span the world. The majority of this story took place in San Sebastian, Spain, a place the author spent some time exploring. San Sebastian sounds like the perfect getaway based on the descriptions in this book, and it was interesting learning about another area of the world.
This story is about rekindling an old relationship, finding love, and being accepting of an unconventional relationship. Ed is a doctor that finds himself questioning his life when it's time to move on. His wife died, and his twin sons are away finishing college, and he's unsure what's next for him. He decides to make a return trip to Spain, a place he has fond memories of, and with the hope of finding the only male lover he's had. When he finds Javi, he's not welcomed back with open arms and instead finds an angry, depressed man. When Javi orders him away, Ed decides to make the most of his time and explore the island and beach, which is where he meets local lifeguard Iker. Ed's reappearance has kicked Javi in the pants and forced him out of bed and back into life.
The first half of this book is very mundane and slow, but it's filled with a lot of backstory and sets up the relationship between the three men. At first, the only character I liked was Iker. He seemed to be easy going and accepting of his life. I don't feel like I got to know him as well as Ed and Javi, and at times he seemed to be more of a third-wheel. This was really a story about Javi and Ed. I liked Javi and enjoyed seeing him work through his depression and get his life on track. Even though he was in his 50's, we saw him grow up on the page and accept the life he's been given and work to make it better. It took a while for me to like Ed. He had his affair with Javi as a young man, then just forgot about him and went on with his life, but now that his life was different, he's suddenly back for Javi.
I'd consider this a HFN ending, more than a HEA, but the promise for a future was there. If you don't enjoy menage stories, this isn't for you! Otherwise, give this story a chance and learn about a beautiful part of the world!
Rating: 3 stars
Gnarly is part of Dreamspinner Press World of Love series, stories that span the world. The majority of this story took place in San Sebastian, Spain, a place the author spent some time exploring. San Sebastian sounds like the perfect getaway based on the descriptions in this book, and it was interesting learning about another area of the world.
This story is about rekindling an old relationship, finding love, and being accepting of an unconventional relationship. Ed is a doctor that finds himself questioning his life when it's time to move on. His wife died, and his twin sons are away finishing college, and he's unsure what's next for him. He decides to make a return trip to Spain, a place he has fond memories of, and with the hope of finding the only male lover he's had. When he finds Javi, he's not welcomed back with open arms and instead finds an angry, depressed man. When Javi orders him away, Ed decides to make the most of his time and explore the island and beach, which is where he meets local lifeguard Iker. Ed's reappearance has kicked Javi in the pants and forced him out of bed and back into life.
The first half of this book is very mundane and slow, but it's filled with a lot of backstory and sets up the relationship between the three men. At first, the only character I liked was Iker. He seemed to be easy going and accepting of his life. I don't feel like I got to know him as well as Ed and Javi, and at times he seemed to be more of a third-wheel. This was really a story about Javi and Ed. I liked Javi and enjoyed seeing him work through his depression and get his life on track. Even though he was in his 50's, we saw him grow up on the page and accept the life he's been given and work to make it better. It took a while for me to like Ed. He had his affair with Javi as a young man, then just forgot about him and went on with his life, but now that his life was different, he's suddenly back for Javi.
I'd consider this a HFN ending, more than a HEA, but the promise for a future was there. If you don't enjoy menage stories, this isn't for you! Otherwise, give this story a chance and learn about a beautiful part of the world!
Rating: 3 stars
June 24, 2017
What can I tell...I liked Javi and Iker but I don't get Ed character, and I don't understand as he can arise so much passion in two men with so much character and personality as their. Seems to me not a menage but a way for Ed to have two lovers at his disposal. That, that could be a story of riunion, second chance, healing leave me with a bit of bitter taste in my mouth. Beautiful the descrition of wonderful country as San Sebastian.
May 18, 2018
3.5 stars
dnf
June 8, 2023dnf @ 10%
I liked the characters being older. But the characterization feels to stilted for what I’m in the mood for. I may check in again
I liked the characters being older. But the characterization feels to stilted for what I’m in the mood for. I may check in again
June 2, 2019
3.5 really...
Being in a relationship is hard and that's only two people. Factor in others, I can't even imagine. I feel like that wasn't fully shown here, some parts, it was; but in some others, especially in Iker's POV, it feels like there is something missing. Given Ed and Javi's history, it is understandable but I guess I didn't feel that all the way (I feel like they were still holding something back). Eh! *shrugs*
But that doesn't mean, I didn't enjoy the story. I did. I like all the descriptions of San Sebastian (and I love the food references, I WILL EAT PAELLA SOMEDAY). I also loved Ed's twins! :)
Being in a relationship is hard and that's only two people. Factor in others, I can't even imagine. I feel like that wasn't fully shown here, some parts, it was; but in some others, especially in Iker's POV, it feels like there is something missing. Given Ed and Javi's history, it is understandable but I guess I didn't feel that all the way (I feel like they were still holding something back). Eh! *shrugs*
But that doesn't mean, I didn't enjoy the story. I did. I like all the descriptions of San Sebastian (and I love the food references, I WILL EAT PAELLA SOMEDAY). I also loved Ed's twins! :)
September 29, 2017
Nice read. Could've been a bit more in depth. I feel like the reunion happen really fast and most of the development of the menage was off page. A little slow to get into because the beginning reads like a tourism brochure. But I did enjoy the characters and I was rooting for them by the end.
Read
December 6, 2017DNF at 58%. It was just too boring and I didn’t connect with any of the characters but especially Ed.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews