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Just Hanging Out
“Come and honour the Oak King.”
The countdown to the company solstice picnic is one of Shawn’s favourite times of the year. The scents of sage, mint, basil, sunflower, and lavender fill the air as the workshop mixes up the final batch of Litha, their solstice soap. It’s celebration time! This year, Shawn has an extra spring in his step, and it’s all for the new buyer, Tim. Shawn’s fine having a crush on the gorgeous new straight guy. Until he isn’t.
As the clock ticks down to Picnic-Day, Shawn’s confidence and Tim’s sexuality become mired in doubt and second guesses. It’s a minefield of embarrassed glances and missed opportunities. Seems like they’ll never get together…
To cap it all, Shawn’s drawn Tim in the secret solstice gifting. What to get for the quiet man who turns Shawn’s legs to jelly and has the best underwear hanging from the washing line in his garden? And will that tempting rainbow of colour be forever seared onto Shawn’s brain?
The countdown to the company solstice picnic is one of Shawn’s favourite times of the year. The scents of sage, mint, basil, sunflower, and lavender fill the air as the workshop mixes up the final batch of Litha, their solstice soap. It’s celebration time! This year, Shawn has an extra spring in his step, and it’s all for the new buyer, Tim. Shawn’s fine having a crush on the gorgeous new straight guy. Until he isn’t.
As the clock ticks down to Picnic-Day, Shawn’s confidence and Tim’s sexuality become mired in doubt and second guesses. It’s a minefield of embarrassed glances and missed opportunities. Seems like they’ll never get together…
To cap it all, Shawn’s drawn Tim in the secret solstice gifting. What to get for the quiet man who turns Shawn’s legs to jelly and has the best underwear hanging from the washing line in his garden? And will that tempting rainbow of colour be forever seared onto Shawn’s brain?
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2017
About the author
Lillian Francis
15 books102 followersLillian Francis is an English writer who likes to dabble in many genres but always seems to return to the here and now.
Their name may imply a grand dame in pink chiffon and lace, but Lillian is more at home in jeans, Converse, and the sort of T-shirts that often need explaining to the populous at large but will get a fist bump at Comic-Con. Lillian is a self-confessed geek who likes nothing more than settling down with a comic or a good book, except maybe writing. Given a notepad, pen, her Kindle, and an infinite supply of chocolate Hob Nobs and they can lose themself for weeks. Romance was never their reading matter of choice, so it came as a great surprise to all concerned, including themself, to discover a romance was exactly what they’d written, and not the rollicking spy adventure or cosy murder mystery they always assumed they’d write. Luckily there's always room for romance no matter what plot bunny chooses to bite them, so never say never to either of those stories appearing.
Lillian lives in an imposing castle on a windswept desolate moor or in an elaborate shack on the edge of a beach somewhere, depending on their mood. And while they’d love for the heroes of their stories to either be chained up in the dungeon or wandering the shack serving drinks in nothing but skimpy barista aprons more often than not they are doing something far less erotic like running charity shops and shovelling elephant shit.
Drawn to the ocean, although not in a Reginald Perrin sort of way, Lillian would love to own a camper van and to live by the sea.
Their name may imply a grand dame in pink chiffon and lace, but Lillian is more at home in jeans, Converse, and the sort of T-shirts that often need explaining to the populous at large but will get a fist bump at Comic-Con. Lillian is a self-confessed geek who likes nothing more than settling down with a comic or a good book, except maybe writing. Given a notepad, pen, her Kindle, and an infinite supply of chocolate Hob Nobs and they can lose themself for weeks. Romance was never their reading matter of choice, so it came as a great surprise to all concerned, including themself, to discover a romance was exactly what they’d written, and not the rollicking spy adventure or cosy murder mystery they always assumed they’d write. Luckily there's always room for romance no matter what plot bunny chooses to bite them, so never say never to either of those stories appearing.
Lillian lives in an imposing castle on a windswept desolate moor or in an elaborate shack on the edge of a beach somewhere, depending on their mood. And while they’d love for the heroes of their stories to either be chained up in the dungeon or wandering the shack serving drinks in nothing but skimpy barista aprons more often than not they are doing something far less erotic like running charity shops and shovelling elephant shit.
Drawn to the ocean, although not in a Reginald Perrin sort of way, Lillian would love to own a camper van and to live by the sea.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 24, 2017
4,5 stars. Delicious read. Funny lovely and endearing.
It gave me a positive boost.
Tim is a teaser and Shawn responds to ever teas... A read with soap, candles and fragrance and picnic and sunset....
A short but very sweet read. A bit embarrassment, lots of blushing and also straight forwarding.
Two sweet men, lovely conversations and finally a kiss....all very consuming and recommended!
It gave me a positive boost.
Tim is a teaser and Shawn responds to ever teas... A read with soap, candles and fragrance and picnic and sunset....
A short but very sweet read. A bit embarrassment, lots of blushing and also straight forwarding.
Two sweet men, lovely conversations and finally a kiss....all very consuming and recommended!
Want to Read
June 21, 20186/21/18 Currently FREE
Per author Lillian Francis:
"To celebrate the summer solstice Just Hanging Out by Lillian Francis is free at Amazon until 25th June."
http://mybook.to/JustHangingOut_LF
Enjoy!
Per author Lillian Francis:
"To celebrate the summer solstice Just Hanging Out by Lillian Francis is free at Amazon until 25th June."
http://mybook.to/JustHangingOut_LF
Enjoy!
June 23, 2017
This is a lovely, sweet and funny story. Shawn is adorkable and Tim is very sweet! I was drawn into the entire setting of a soap and candle works. This will definitely be added to my "happy place" list so I can revisit when I need a lift.
Cheers to Lillian Francis, well done!
Cheers to Lillian Francis, well done!
October 4, 2018
This was cute initially, but I have really mixed feelings. I enjoyed the writing and I liked this a lot for the most part. That's why it gets two stars. Ahem. However (and this may be a spoiler, but it's implied in the blurb), giving a co-worker provocative underwear for secret Santa at a company holiday party is not okay. He even jokes about getting fired. Shawn's gift is pretty horrifying and thoroughly inappropriate and definitely, 100%, is sexual harassment. He's fully aware of that, which, on one hand, is good, but on the other hand, he still goes through with it, which makes him really icky. That part made me cringe so hard. He's very contrite and regretful (fortunately), and knows how stupid he's been, but I kind of wish he'd been told off properly by anyone and then really reprimanded by his employer, who was there when it happened (and somehow wasn't worried about a lawsuit or having to fire Shawn). This is a very short story and workplace disciplinary measures and harassment investigations aren't very cute or exciting to read, but still. Maybe I'm getting a bit too "real world" here and overthinking it, but as much as I liked Shawn as a character initially, the fact that he gave that gift under those circumstances is gross and I didn't like him so much afterwards. He should have done it in a private moment--that would have been perfect. The conflict in the story didn't need to be that particular conflict, and it's resolved so quickly and easily as to be unbelievable. I know this is a light romance short story, but it was a bit too implausible and unrealistic and icky for me to fully enjoy it. As Shawn points out: if he was giving this gift to a female co-worker, he would have been fired immediately. Why is it any different when it's a male co-worker? Why didn't he listen to his conscience?
Read
January 30, 2019Currently available in Kindle Unlimited
http://mybook.to/JustHangingOut_LF
http://mybook.to/JustHangingOut_LF
August 11, 2017
4 Hearts
When I finished this novella I actually had to take time to think about whether or not I liked it. With short stories like this I know going in not to expect much back story on the characters and sometimes that hurts a story. I didn’t find that to be true with, Just Hanging Out. I thought Lillian Francis did a great job in making these two men likeable and endearing which I appreciated. The cat and mouse game between Tim and Shawn was super cute but also a bit strange. I think for me the lines blurred on “just trying to get your attention vs. stalker.” But again I think the way this author told the story really helped it not be so weird and cuter.
Shawn is having a hard time hiding his crush on his new “straight” co-worker, Tim. It doesn’t help that Tim is sending some crazy mixed signals.
Shawn and Tim study each other and it was adorable to see the mating dance come to life between these two men. Both of them adorably clueless it was sweet to see them iron out their misunderstanding and start working towards their HEA.
I liked this story. Was this one of my most favorite novellas of all time, no. But it was uniquely told and I’m a huge sucker for unrequited love coming to fruition.
Overall, super sweet, cute, and funny story…recommend.
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.
When I finished this novella I actually had to take time to think about whether or not I liked it. With short stories like this I know going in not to expect much back story on the characters and sometimes that hurts a story. I didn’t find that to be true with, Just Hanging Out. I thought Lillian Francis did a great job in making these two men likeable and endearing which I appreciated. The cat and mouse game between Tim and Shawn was super cute but also a bit strange. I think for me the lines blurred on “just trying to get your attention vs. stalker.” But again I think the way this author told the story really helped it not be so weird and cuter.
Shawn is having a hard time hiding his crush on his new “straight” co-worker, Tim. It doesn’t help that Tim is sending some crazy mixed signals.
Shawn and Tim study each other and it was adorable to see the mating dance come to life between these two men. Both of them adorably clueless it was sweet to see them iron out their misunderstanding and start working towards their HEA.
I liked this story. Was this one of my most favorite novellas of all time, no. But it was uniquely told and I’m a huge sucker for unrequited love coming to fruition.
Overall, super sweet, cute, and funny story…recommend.
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.
June 23, 2017
Tim and Shawn's story is sweet and charming. There's no major angst or drama instead it is the humourous, sometimes embarrassing interactions between two guys who aren't quite sure how to relate to each other or let the other know they are attracted to them.
It is set during the time of Midsummer's Eve and the pagan beliefs and rituals are wound into the story, adding interest but not detracting from Shawn and Tim's tale.
I finished the story with a smile on my face as I had become quite invested in Tim and Shawn working through their miscommunications and reaching their HFN.
As it's novella length it would be a perfect comfort read for an evening when you want to switch off and escape from the reality of day to day life.
It is set during the time of Midsummer's Eve and the pagan beliefs and rituals are wound into the story, adding interest but not detracting from Shawn and Tim's tale.
I finished the story with a smile on my face as I had become quite invested in Tim and Shawn working through their miscommunications and reaching their HFN.
As it's novella length it would be a perfect comfort read for an evening when you want to switch off and escape from the reality of day to day life.
June 23, 2017
This book was given to me for free in exchange for an honest review.
This is a short office crush story. It reminded me of "ferris bueller's Day Off" the way it is written. A lot of daydreaming by the main character.
I gave this a 3star rating because I prefer to know what both the main characters are thinking. This is totally from one point of view. It is well written, and you can totally imagine the setting. I like that this is basically the initiation of a first date. Crush to first date. Charming.
June 22, 2017
I giggled & sometimes, outright laughed as I read this sweet & very charming story. I admit that I haven't read a lot by this talented author, (which is something I intend to change), but reading this book felt so instantly comfortable, like re-reading an old favorite & so I encourage anyone reading this review to experience the story for themselves.
June 24, 2017
4.5 stars for this terrific short story. I liked seeing Shawn trying to not be caught watching Tim and I liked seeing Tim try and get Shawn to notice his interest. These two make a bit of a mess of the whole thing until Shawn's encouraged to fix the blunders and misconceptions. Terrific ending.
Adult read
Adult read
June 25, 2017
This was a cute & fun read. I loved Shawn & Tim's bumbling attempts to not show their attraction to each other. The setting was wonderful and I enjoyed the solstice picnic. It was short but sweet and beautifully written. I will definitely be reading more books by this author. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
June 27, 2017
I liked this cute story about Shawn and Tim. The story was well written, great storyline, and loveable realistic characters. I liked the awkwardness of them getting to know each other and the misunderstanding with the solstice gift that brought them together. I recommend this for anybody that is looking to relax with a lighthearted read. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
June 28, 2017
A fun, quick read. Poor Shawn has a crush on his co-worker and manages to get himself in some uncomfortable situations with his daydreaming about that crush. The story flows well and is witty and often humorous. The only drawback for me was that I would've liked to have known more about the characters, but considering the length of the book and it's premise, it came together very well.
July 4, 2017
This sweet and charming book is the story of Shawn and Tim, two co-workers that have a crush on each other and how they get together.
I loved Shawn and Tim. Both come across and cute and adorable, shy and awkward around each other, trying to decide if the other feels they same way.
I really enjoyed their story, and I think anybody that is looking for a short, easy read that is cute and funny will enjoy it as well.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review. This is my honest opinion.
I loved Shawn and Tim. Both come across and cute and adorable, shy and awkward around each other, trying to decide if the other feels they same way.
I really enjoyed their story, and I think anybody that is looking for a short, easy read that is cute and funny will enjoy it as well.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review. This is my honest opinion.
June 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this it is a short story,about a crush for a co worker.
that develops in to a date and maybe more.
I found this a nice funny read,good for a 3.5 stars.
it was well written alto I missed a blurb/intro in the book.
you sort off fall in to it.
but I had fun.
that develops in to a date and maybe more.
I found this a nice funny read,good for a 3.5 stars.
it was well written alto I missed a blurb/intro in the book.
you sort off fall in to it.
but I had fun.
June 28, 2017
Quick, sweet and funny. This was well written and the storyline was good. Shawn and Tim are coworkers who have crushes on each other. There are misunderstandings and embarrassing moments, but a happy ending when it's all said and done.
July 2, 2017
Wonderful cute and sweet story. It's a quick read with a good storyline that flows flawlessly. Sean and Tim are wonderful characters who go through several misunderstandings. It's a good short and funny story.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book
December 31, 2018
Fun short story
Office lusting between two oblivious to the others desire. Midsummer solstice gift giving yields an unveiling of mutual attraction. Final chapter brings the HEA. Good quick read.
Office lusting between two oblivious to the others desire. Midsummer solstice gift giving yields an unveiling of mutual attraction. Final chapter brings the HEA. Good quick read.
June 26, 2017
Very sweet, zero-angst office romance. Just a bit of pig-tail pulling, or maybe that should be pen sucking? Shawn and Tim were both too adorable. Shawn's obliviousness was rather endearing. The shop they work at sounds like a fun place to work too. Definitely a nice little happy read for when you need a pick me up.
December 29, 2018
Sweet short
Loved it. Thoroughly enjoyed this sweet short story. Tim and Shaun were a delight to read and get to know.
Loved it. Thoroughly enjoyed this sweet short story. Tim and Shaun were a delight to read and get to know.
August 7, 2017
This is a sweet, dorky, adorable, delightful short read that most people will enjoy. Though it's short, it feels complete and just right.
July 19, 2018
So sweet.
This was such a sweet short read with a good storyline and characters. I liked the fact that the author included the reasons why things were done. Very informative without taking me out of the story.
This was such a sweet short read with a good storyline and characters. I liked the fact that the author included the reasons why things were done. Very informative without taking me out of the story.
January 11, 2019
That's How It's Done
I absolutely love this author's work. They write short yet complete stories that develop characters & scenes that are highly enjoyable. That's a talent I admire more & more with each title I read through. Shawn & Tim are such a cute couple with this being an equally cute story on how they got together.
I absolutely love this author's work. They write short yet complete stories that develop characters & scenes that are highly enjoyable. That's a talent I admire more & more with each title I read through. Shawn & Tim are such a cute couple with this being an equally cute story on how they got together.
December 9, 2020
Lovely sweet and funny romance with great characters, Shawn and Tim, who both have crushes on the other. I also really loved the underwear blowing in the wind on the cover :) It sets the mood for the whole story. Shawn has a crush on his coworker, Tim, and keeps imagining him in his underwear. From the awkward moments, the daydreams, and the embarrassing gift giving scene, this was a lovely funny romance that's a quick read. So glad I found this author and her books. I've enjoyed everything that I've read by her so far!
March 21, 2021
I'm voluntarily reviewing a free advance reader copy I received from the author.
I liked the incorporation of pagan rituals and it was very interesting in that respect. The story between MC's (Shawn and Tim) was a little slow for me ot start. It took a little bit for me to really grasp the flow of the setting and characters. It was told from Shawn's POV, but it was a cute book.
I liked the incorporation of pagan rituals and it was very interesting in that respect. The story between MC's (Shawn and Tim) was a little slow for me ot start. It took a little bit for me to really grasp the flow of the setting and characters. It was told from Shawn's POV, but it was a cute book.
June 25, 2017
The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. It had an uneven flow to it and it was like a few events were placed together and that’s it. It was a bit confusing. Shawn and Tim are the MC’s of this book and I want to like them but I know very little about them. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews