What do you think?
Rate this book
Mangrove Stories #1
Blue Days
2 hours and 49 minutes.
Falling for a coworker is rarely a good idea, especially for a man getting a last chance at salvaging his career. But from the moment Dwyer Knolls sees the beautiful but socially awkward Takeo Hiroyuki, he seems destined to make bad decisions.
Takeo’s life is a string of failed attempts to please his traditional Japanese father. Unfortunately, succeeding in business turns out to be just as difficult for Takeo as changing from gay to straight. In fact, the only thing Takeo seems to truly excel at is taking notice of Dwyer Knolls.
When Dwyer and Takeo head to Mangrove, Florida on a real estate buying trip, their tentative friendship combusts and becomes much more. Is their sudden connection real enough to bank their futures on, or should they chalk the whole thing up to the daze inspired by the blue ocean breeze?
Falling for a coworker is rarely a good idea, especially for a man getting a last chance at salvaging his career. But from the moment Dwyer Knolls sees the beautiful but socially awkward Takeo Hiroyuki, he seems destined to make bad decisions.
Takeo’s life is a string of failed attempts to please his traditional Japanese father. Unfortunately, succeeding in business turns out to be just as difficult for Takeo as changing from gay to straight. In fact, the only thing Takeo seems to truly excel at is taking notice of Dwyer Knolls.
When Dwyer and Takeo head to Mangrove, Florida on a real estate buying trip, their tentative friendship combusts and becomes much more. Is their sudden connection real enough to bank their futures on, or should they chalk the whole thing up to the daze inspired by the blue ocean breeze?
3 pages, Audible Audio
First published November 5, 2014
31 people are currently reading
676 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
127 books5,024 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
November 6, 2014
3.5 stars ⇐ Trust me; this is a roaring rating!
I have a love/hate relationship with Mary Calmes. I loved Frog, but most of her other books have been misses for me. Yet I keep coming back for more. She sprinkles her words with crack, I'm convinced. Even a bad trip is better than none.
This is a novella, and as such I didn't expect great character development, so I was pleasantly surprised that both Dwyer and Takeo were fairly complex characters. I loved the friends-to-lovers trope and the sweetness between these two.
I am very familiar with Japanese culture and was buzzing with excitement when I realized one of the MCs was Japanese. Sadly, this book failed almost entirely on that front. The portrayal of Japanese culture was muddled and unrealistic. The mannerisms and linguistic barriers were presented inaccurately or not at all. Dwyer's friend, Mak, for example, spoke like he was from East L.A., not Tokyo.
Once I took a Xanax and stopped gnashing my teeth over this, I quite enjoyed the story.
There was a slow buildup of tension, and the one steamy scene was all kinds of HAWT. Bring on the boys who top from the bottom and threaten bodily harm when someone so much as looks at their boyfriend!
Takeo, oh my god, he was delicious in all his awkward, possessive glory.
If you can suspend disbelief about silly issues like money and work visas, and can deal with the frustration of having three years summarized in a couple chapters, you'll love this cute little novella.
The epilgue was gooey, the banter funny, and the atmosphere uber light. FLUFFY FUN!
I have a love/hate relationship with Mary Calmes. I loved Frog, but most of her other books have been misses for me. Yet I keep coming back for more. She sprinkles her words with crack, I'm convinced. Even a bad trip is better than none.
This is a novella, and as such I didn't expect great character development, so I was pleasantly surprised that both Dwyer and Takeo were fairly complex characters. I loved the friends-to-lovers trope and the sweetness between these two.
I am very familiar with Japanese culture and was buzzing with excitement when I realized one of the MCs was Japanese. Sadly, this book failed almost entirely on that front. The portrayal of Japanese culture was muddled and unrealistic. The mannerisms and linguistic barriers were presented inaccurately or not at all. Dwyer's friend, Mak, for example, spoke like he was from East L.A., not Tokyo.
Once I took a Xanax and stopped gnashing my teeth over this, I quite enjoyed the story.
There was a slow buildup of tension, and the one steamy scene was all kinds of HAWT. Bring on the boys who top from the bottom and threaten bodily harm when someone so much as looks at their boyfriend!
Takeo, oh my god, he was delicious in all his awkward, possessive glory.
If you can suspend disbelief about silly issues like money and work visas, and can deal with the frustration of having three years summarized in a couple chapters, you'll love this cute little novella.
The epilgue was gooey, the banter funny, and the atmosphere uber light. FLUFFY FUN!
November 4, 2014
I don't know why I'm so drawn to Mary Calmes.
I guess she's like my MM mother. I really love her, okay? And god forbid an outsider criticize her or I. Will. Go. BALLISTIC. But I swear to god, there's a million little things about her books that make me want to scream.
For instance, this book. I feel like I now have all the knowledge needed to purchase a grocery store or something. SO. MUCH. REAL. ESTATE. INFO. There are sheep farms in Australia more interesting than this.
Also, about 40% of the book is not quite an info dump, but pretty close. Page after page of how much Dwyer adores Takeo, how Dwyer would like to fuck him over his desk if only he were gay (dude, he's totally gay) and how Takeo seems to love how only Dwyer understands him and different examples of how the cold, detail-oriented Takeo annoys everyone else on the planet but really he's just insecure. All of this takes place over 3 years--we don't really experience it, we kind of just coast over it with Mary highlighting a few scenes here and there.
And yet...she's Mary Freakin' Calmes, okay? Men don't just love to kiss in her books--no! They kiss and it's only these two men in the history of the world who have ever enjoyed kissing this much. Other dudes just want get to the fucking, but these men want to eat at each others mouths for hours. Well, until they want to fuck and then it's not that these two men have a fantastic time in bed together--no! It's no man has ever understood how I hard I liked to be fucked, but you do and I trust you so stop fingering me, you bastard, and STICK IT IN 'CAUSE I LIKE THE BURN. And the men in her books aren't just possessive--no, they're "I'll rip your dick off and shove it down your throat if you look at my man" possessive. Somehow, in Calmes-world, this is absolutely adorable instead of psychotic. Everything is just so intense in her world. I would find it absolutely exhausting in real life but that intensity makes her books impossible to ignore.
I don't know how she does it. I feel like taking her words apart in an attempt to discover how she puts them together in such a way that means I am compelled to read them. Even in a book like this, where the main characters don't do much for me (by the time I got to know them the novella was over) I still have to keep reading. Blue Days satisfies that part of me that yearns for just a taste of violent luuurve.
She's crack, people, she's crack. A lot of her fans will tell you that--and it's fucking true. Don't doubt it.
3.5 stars
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
January 7, 2015
I don't know; it was fine, I guess, but her usual motifs were applied in a kind of slapdash shorthand. The level of financial HEA was over the top. 2.5 stars?
January 7, 2020
Wonderful read. I just loved the main characters! If it could have been longer and resolved more of the characters it would have been phenomenal! Recommend to all!
September 1, 2016
When I saw that this audiobook was narrated by one of my favorite narrators, Greg Tremblay, I KNEW that I had to get my grabby hands on it! When I saw that this book had an Asian, MC, it all made sense. Greg Tremblay is a white guy that can do Asian voices. Really, really well. He doesn't make them sounds like caricatures, he just makes them sounds... correct. Now, I'm a white Jewish girl who knows diddly about Asian accents, but in my very uneducated opinion, Greg really nails them.
The best part of this book, by far, was the narration. Greg puts his all into it, as he does in every story, giving each characters a distinctive voice and feel. I enjoyed the narration so very much.
The story, however, was muuuuch less successful. I thought that these guys moved way too fast once they made the first move, going from making out to looove in a hot second. I also wasn't into how Takeo went from unable to read social situations to a social maven by the end of the story. Everything wrapped up in a neat little bow, and I was scratching my head as to how that happened. Huge decisions are made and huge problems sort of magically disappear by the end of the story.
This wasn't even close to my favorite Mary Calmes story, but I think that the audio narration pulled this one out of the trenches.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
November 8, 2014
This was cute, but nothing particularly special. I don't think it really followed Calmes' typical "Sam and Jory" formula, there was no Jory type. Dwyer was popular, I guess, but I don't remember people just falling all over themselves to be close to him. Takeo was very awkward and brusque, but it felt more like he had a disability than just being plain rude.
Really, this is just fluff, not a lot of substance to be found in this one, but not a terrible way to spend an hour(if that).
Really, this is just fluff, not a lot of substance to be found in this one, but not a terrible way to spend an hour(if that).
December 16, 2014
This made me smile, it really did. The characters were great and I really liked them together. If it had been a bit longer I think I would have enjoyed it even more. But saying that, it was still really good.
Dwyer and Takeo made a really lovely couple. There was just something really sweet about them. And it was nice that Dwyer was able to see through Takeo's icy exterior.
The ending was perfect, I thought, and provided a wonderful HEA.
Dwyer and Takeo made a really lovely couple. There was just something really sweet about them. And it was nice that Dwyer was able to see through Takeo's icy exterior.
The ending was perfect, I thought, and provided a wonderful HEA.
November 15, 2014
Maybe I am just too much of a fan girl.
That can't be true. I haven't loved everything Calmes.
I don't know.
What I do know is that there wasn't a page of this that bothered me. If anything, every single page worked for me.
It's weird. I went in thinking I wasn't going to like it, I can see why people didn't, I can even see why Mary fans didn't. But for me, it worked.
Sometimes timing is everything and sometimes words just move you in the best way possible.
Perfect timing and perfect words.
Thank you Mary!!!
That can't be true. I haven't loved everything Calmes.
I don't know.
What I do know is that there wasn't a page of this that bothered me. If anything, every single page worked for me.
It's weird. I went in thinking I wasn't going to like it, I can see why people didn't, I can even see why Mary fans didn't. But for me, it worked.
Sometimes timing is everything and sometimes words just move you in the best way possible.
Perfect timing and perfect words.
Thank you Mary!!!
November 6, 2014
I'm pretty sure Mary Calmes found a way to slip us some illegal and highly addictive substance between the lines of her books. I never give them more than 3.5 stars, but if I don't get my fix regularly, I frantically hide behind closed doors to reread her novellas and her full lenght novels. Of course, I would never admit to such a thing publicly. This must be my evil twin typing.
Anyway, back to the point. This book is ridiculous, even for Calmes. The characters dance around each other for three years, and in that time, no one really understands their connection, including themselves. But they somehow manage to avoid an honest conversation, and by the time they finally get around to being honest, they are ready to burst. And so is the reader. Besides being completely over the top, the book is also sugary sweet and pretty much conflict-free. And this last thing, my friend, is what pulls me in every single time.
I have no idea when her next book is coming out, but luckily, I have like a gazillion old ones to reread. For the gazillionth time. But don't tell anyone.
Write faster, Mary. I'll send the chocolate.
Anyway, back to the point. This book is ridiculous, even for Calmes. The characters dance around each other for three years, and in that time, no one really understands their connection, including themselves. But they somehow manage to avoid an honest conversation, and by the time they finally get around to being honest, they are ready to burst. And so is the reader. Besides being completely over the top, the book is also sugary sweet and pretty much conflict-free. And this last thing, my friend, is what pulls me in every single time.
I have no idea when her next book is coming out, but luckily, I have like a gazillion old ones to reread. For the gazillionth time. But don't tell anyone.
Write faster, Mary. I'll send the chocolate.
October 5, 2018
3.5
Surprisingly this is probably the least annoying story I’ve read by MC. I actually like the characters and I find it sweet. Its a short little work romance.
The Narration: 4 Pants Off
A solid effort by Greg Tremblay. He does a pretty good Japanese accent.
Surprisingly this is probably the least annoying story I’ve read by MC. I actually like the characters and I find it sweet. Its a short little work romance.
The Narration: 4 Pants Off
A solid effort by Greg Tremblay. He does a pretty good Japanese accent.
April 2, 2018
I normally love Mary Calmes books, but this one bored me. After the first half, I was wondering if I should just quit while I was ahead. I only finished because Greg Tremblay does wonders for any story.
Month of Mary reread 5/11/2017
Month of Mary reread 5/11/2017
July 15, 2022
I actually enjoyed this one even more the second time around. I think it's the best of the series.
original review from April 2017
Well that was just what I needed... thank you Mary Calmes and Greg Tremblay :)
original review from April 2017
Well that was just what I needed... thank you Mary Calmes and Greg Tremblay :)
March 16, 2016
Okay - lookit. I'm not going to rehash the story or plot. You want that - there are a whole bunch of reviews that go into depth - go read one of them. What I will say is this: I LOVE Mary Calmes. I am wholly, ardently, unabashedly in love with her writing. Her books make me happy. It's the same with Cardeno C. They just make me happy.
Mary Calmes is my hot soup and grilled cheese sandwich on a cold day. She is my comfort read.
So, if you like Calmes, read it. If you don't like Calmes, I mean, I don't even know what to say to you. Besides, "Are you crazy?!" But hey, that's why there's chocolate chip cookies, Oreos, and Pinwheels. There's a little something for everyone.
UPDATED March, 2015 for audio book:
HOLY SHIT, GREG TREMBLAY NARRATED THIS LIKE A GOD.
Look, I'm new to the whole audio book scene. I was adamantly opposed for decades. But my one and a half hour commute every day, coupled with some mind numbing projects at work, has caused me to change my tune.
That said, there have been many where I've scoffed at the voices, or the tempo, whatever. I have NO complaints about this. Literally not one. It was FABULOUS.
I have to find a way to afford the other books this man narrates. Anyone need a slightly used kidney?
Read:
11/2014, 03/2015
Mary Calmes is my hot soup and grilled cheese sandwich on a cold day. She is my comfort read.
So, if you like Calmes, read it. If you don't like Calmes, I mean, I don't even know what to say to you. Besides, "Are you crazy?!" But hey, that's why there's chocolate chip cookies, Oreos, and Pinwheels. There's a little something for everyone.
UPDATED March, 2015 for audio book:
HOLY SHIT, GREG TREMBLAY NARRATED THIS LIKE A GOD.
Look, I'm new to the whole audio book scene. I was adamantly opposed for decades. But my one and a half hour commute every day, coupled with some mind numbing projects at work, has caused me to change my tune.
That said, there have been many where I've scoffed at the voices, or the tempo, whatever. I have NO complaints about this. Literally not one. It was FABULOUS.
I have to find a way to afford the other books this man narrates. Anyone need a slightly used kidney?
Read:
11/2014, 03/2015
November 5, 2014
For a good review, please read Rosa, Really - and - Dani Love & Semi Colon's reviews.
Now that I got that out of the way because I don't want to repeat the same things that the above reviews mention, I'll say that I found refreshing that one of these MC's was not the usual Jory-everybody-loves-me character. Takeo, though extremely attractive, was socially awkward and unsure to the point that anyone that worked with him or had anything to do with him disliked or hated him intensely. After that we fell into Mary Calme's familiar territory -the only one that got him, the only one that understood and loved him was Dwyer who was the other MC. Now Dwyer was familiar Calme's territory. Dwyer was the alpha type that women and men salivated over. Everybody wanted him, Takeo included. But Dwyer was also a bit of a douche. He griped about his ex's, the unreasonable men that complained that he had no staying power in a relationship to which Dwyer clarified that it wasn't his problem if the ex's hadn't kept interesting, and bored him to death. Ouch! A tad of arrogance with a side of cruelty from this hero. Not nice at all, Dwyer.
But let's move along. We finally get a sex scene at about 60-70 percent of the story. This scene was a doozy of hotness, especially since our socially awkward Takeo is a twink that tops from the bottom, and as they bite, snarl, and growl the darn scene takes a life of it's own. Heck, yeah, Mary Calmes can WRITE a sex scene. And suddenly we ramp up at 100/miles an hour cuz this is a novella and there's no space to develop this relationship better even if it took more than half of the book for that 1st sex scene. Without mentioning spoilers, rapidly our couple are moving together, have a new business and Dwyer is carrying wedding rings!
Okay...
Now that I got that out of the way because I don't want to repeat the same things that the above reviews mention, I'll say that I found refreshing that one of these MC's was not the usual Jory-everybody-loves-me character. Takeo, though extremely attractive, was socially awkward and unsure to the point that anyone that worked with him or had anything to do with him disliked or hated him intensely. After that we fell into Mary Calme's familiar territory -the only one that got him, the only one that understood and loved him was Dwyer who was the other MC. Now Dwyer was familiar Calme's territory. Dwyer was the alpha type that women and men salivated over. Everybody wanted him, Takeo included. But Dwyer was also a bit of a douche. He griped about his ex's, the unreasonable men that complained that he had no staying power in a relationship to which Dwyer clarified that it wasn't his problem if the ex's hadn't kept interesting, and bored him to death. Ouch! A tad of arrogance with a side of cruelty from this hero. Not nice at all, Dwyer.
But let's move along. We finally get a sex scene at about 60-70 percent of the story. This scene was a doozy of hotness, especially since our socially awkward Takeo is a twink that tops from the bottom, and as they bite, snarl, and growl the darn scene takes a life of it's own. Heck, yeah, Mary Calmes can WRITE a sex scene. And suddenly we ramp up at 100/miles an hour cuz this is a novella and there's no space to develop this relationship better even if it took more than half of the book for that 1st sex scene. Without mentioning spoilers, rapidly our couple are moving together, have a new business and Dwyer is carrying wedding rings!
Okay...
March 14, 2016
I do love the comfort food of Mary Calmes. Her stories are like a balm for my heart and soul. I love the characters, I love that while the window dressing may change a bit at the core is always that over the top love story that only she knows how to deliver.
Blue Days gives us two new characters Dwyer, is our alpha with the irresistible gravitational pull and Takeo is the object of his desire. In spite of the obstacles and there are a few our boys find a way to make it work and yes, thank you for wondering, I did smile pretty much from beginning to end on this one.
While 'Blue Days' won't make the list of my favourite Mary Calmes books ever, still it was Mary Calmes and I enjoyed it and I'm still smiling.
Psst, I forgot to mention even though they didn't actually make an appearance in the book, I think it's safe to say that Aaron and Duncan are doing ok ;-)
Blue Days gives us two new characters Dwyer, is our alpha with the irresistible gravitational pull and Takeo is the object of his desire. In spite of the obstacles and there are a few our boys find a way to make it work and yes, thank you for wondering, I did smile pretty much from beginning to end on this one.
While 'Blue Days' won't make the list of my favourite Mary Calmes books ever, still it was Mary Calmes and I enjoyed it and I'm still smiling.
Psst, I forgot to mention even though they didn't actually make an appearance in the book, I think it's safe to say that Aaron and Duncan are doing ok ;-)
November 6, 2014
Enjoyed it but the time jumps killed me! Also, loved the update on Aaron and Duncan. :D
Want to read
November 6, 2014
Hot dog!
November 8, 2018
Short and sweet and utterly CHARMING!!! 🤗😍
This got so so stars by other readers but it was a feel good read for me, no angst or drama just a sweet story.
This got so so stars by other readers but it was a feel good read for me, no angst or drama just a sweet story.
November 9, 2014
3.5 Stars
I really like Mary Calmes' characters. I know some readers find her characters are very similar but I enjoy these similarities and feel that it is nice for an author to have a kind of imprint or trade mark. Works for me.
Anyway this was a nice enough story but not one of my favourites from MC. I liked the characters and their quirky personalities especially Takeo and I feel the story rumbles along nicely but isn't as gripping for me as some of her other characters. I like the growly alpha males and the adorable partners and I didn't get that in this story. In any case things were going on nicely, enjoyable but not necessarily gripping, until Takeo and Dwyer had sex.
Without a condom, without knowing their own status or each others....' I did not want a condom, you ridiculous man. I have no need of one, neither of us do. We are both careful, and as long as you have me there is no need of another lover.....???? In this day and age? When our struggles against the injustices against positive people are ongoing with no end in sight? How stupidly naive and careless.
I really disliked this perhaps because I am an Aids activist and I find it hard to suspend what I know. Why not take the time and have a test first before dispensing with the condom? The future is fine but who knows what is in your past? I hate this kind of attitude because it is careless and the reality of HIV transmission jars my senses when I read these stories.
These two men are business leaders but they take such risks with themselves. Male or female - good to use a condom until you know your status and you know your partner's. So from that point on the main characters had fallen in my estimation.
After that the story kind of picked up pace and the ending was ok. It just didn't land for me in the way MC stories usually do.
So overall an ok story. Roll on for the next MC release because I am looking forward to the next one and I hope the growly alpha male lead and the adorable loveable partner will be back.
I really like Mary Calmes' characters. I know some readers find her characters are very similar but I enjoy these similarities and feel that it is nice for an author to have a kind of imprint or trade mark. Works for me.
Anyway this was a nice enough story but not one of my favourites from MC. I liked the characters and their quirky personalities especially Takeo and I feel the story rumbles along nicely but isn't as gripping for me as some of her other characters. I like the growly alpha males and the adorable partners and I didn't get that in this story. In any case things were going on nicely, enjoyable but not necessarily gripping, until Takeo and Dwyer had sex.
Without a condom, without knowing their own status or each others....' I did not want a condom, you ridiculous man. I have no need of one, neither of us do. We are both careful, and as long as you have me there is no need of another lover.....???? In this day and age? When our struggles against the injustices against positive people are ongoing with no end in sight? How stupidly naive and careless.
I really disliked this perhaps because I am an Aids activist and I find it hard to suspend what I know. Why not take the time and have a test first before dispensing with the condom? The future is fine but who knows what is in your past? I hate this kind of attitude because it is careless and the reality of HIV transmission jars my senses when I read these stories.
These two men are business leaders but they take such risks with themselves. Male or female - good to use a condom until you know your status and you know your partner's. So from that point on the main characters had fallen in my estimation.
After that the story kind of picked up pace and the ending was ok. It just didn't land for me in the way MC stories usually do.
So overall an ok story. Roll on for the next MC release because I am looking forward to the next one and I hope the growly alpha male lead and the adorable loveable partner will be back.
December 29, 2014
All I can say is wow. What a horrible disappointment. The characters had no life, no charm, nothing to differientiate them from any of Calmes' characters in previous books. In fact, I just put the book down and I've completely forgotten the names of both MC's.
As for the plot, it was nonexistent. I was completely bored within the first couple chapters, but I kept reading, thinking it just had to get better. Obviously I was wrong.
I hate to say it, but I DNF'd at 56%. I have NEVER not finished a book by Mary before. But I just couldn't force myself to keep trying to slog through the repetitive sentences, the uninspired dialogue and the total lack of action in the story.
I'm feeling both a bit pissed off and a lot sad. I was really looking forward to a new Mary Calmes book, but now I just feel let down.
As for the plot, it was nonexistent. I was completely bored within the first couple chapters, but I kept reading, thinking it just had to get better. Obviously I was wrong.
I hate to say it, but I DNF'd at 56%. I have NEVER not finished a book by Mary before. But I just couldn't force myself to keep trying to slog through the repetitive sentences, the uninspired dialogue and the total lack of action in the story.
I'm feeling both a bit pissed off and a lot sad. I was really looking forward to a new Mary Calmes book, but now I just feel let down.
November 8, 2014
This is a nice book, with an interesting setting: an office of Japanese company in the US. It has many Calmes' signature markers: nice flow, humorous, sweet, rapid conversation, and not high on angst meter. One usual marker, though, happens in reverse in this book: Instead of someone who is loved by everyone (Jory, Stefan, etc.), here one MC (Takeo) is universally hated by everyone. Well, except for the other MC, of course.
The main problem with this book, I think, is the length. I felt the bunk of the story was pushed into the last quarter of the book. It is good that the story spans several years (although they are told, not shown) so the couple's relationship (friendship, boss-employee, lovers) has time to grow, but I felt something was missing there.
We also don't get much information about the characters: Some are Japanese who lived in Tokyo, but their behaviors (save some short Japanese phrases here and there) don't really feel like Japanese. Except perhaps some bowing and rigid expectation of addressing the boss. Not that I really know how Japanese behave, but change the ethnicity and names into German, we basically get similar feeling. Did they grow up in the US? Went to school here?
As someone who lived in Hawaii for long, I thought Ms. Calmes would be able to pull more. After all, there are many Japanese (both American Japanese and 'Japanese' Japanese) live in her previous state whom she could consult.
Oh, I'm feeling ambiguous about the cameo of MCs from her other books.
The main problem with this book, I think, is the length. I felt the bunk of the story was pushed into the last quarter of the book. It is good that the story spans several years (although they are told, not shown) so the couple's relationship (friendship, boss-employee, lovers) has time to grow, but I felt something was missing there.
We also don't get much information about the characters: Some are Japanese who lived in Tokyo, but their behaviors (save some short Japanese phrases here and there) don't really feel like Japanese. Except perhaps some bowing and rigid expectation of addressing the boss. Not that I really know how Japanese behave, but change the ethnicity and names into German, we basically get similar feeling. Did they grow up in the US? Went to school here?
As someone who lived in Hawaii for long, I thought Ms. Calmes would be able to pull more. After all, there are many Japanese (both American Japanese and 'Japanese' Japanese) live in her previous state whom she could consult.
Oh, I'm feeling ambiguous about the cameo of MCs from her other books.
May 12, 2015
Cute little novella about a totally unbelievable love story..
Who cares !!!
Greg Tremblay, again did an AWESOME job. Gawd, I love that man’s voice. He is incredible with these Asian voices… But to be honest, I could listen to him reading a telephone-book!!
The plot, yeah....
Dwyer Knolls has been in love with his coworker/boss Takeo Hiroyuki for three years.
Takeo is awkward, funny even, as he doesn’t realize it. Because of his inadequate behavior, he is often misunderstood by people. He is known as the Ice Prince
No one understands him except Dwyer.
“Okay, so it’s twelve thirty now,” a client said, “let’s convene back here at - yes, there in the back row.”
And I knew what Takeo was going to say before it even came out of his mouth.
“It is actually twelve thirty-two,” he corrected. “To be precise, sir.”
And… done. He waited for the thank-you that never came.
He made the correction because, in Takeo’s mind, he didn’t want the client to be wrong, so he brought the error to the client’s attention. He didn’t want the person in charge to be informing people that they had an hour for lunch if they did, in fact, only have fifty-eight minutes. It was completely logical in his mind.
-Blue Daze
April 2, 2020
The narration was excellent!! I read Mary Calmes in small doses because her stories and characters are crazy, chaotic, and unbelievable. This one is MORE believable than I would say most of her stories. This isn't exactly an Insta love story, they met a while ago and had interest, but their relationship went from boss/employee to lovers overnight, which whew! That was abrupt, though not too bad.
The characters were not as annoying as others she's written, so plus there. The story made sense, well, as much as it could given the plot is two men going on a business trip to determine if an investment/purchase is possible in a small town, then they have sex declare their love, buy a B&B instead (quit their jobs), and live happily ever after, all the while dealing with disapproving father. Yeah, it made sense under the circumstances.
Now, I kinda fell asleep at the end so I don't know how that goes. I will play back the last few minutes but I can only imagine they are happy and have lots of sex. 😊
3.5 stars for story
5 for narration. I mean, he had to narrate this story and dialogue, props for that alone! But his voice was wonderful and captured the accent and language so well!!!!
The characters were not as annoying as others she's written, so plus there. The story made sense, well, as much as it could given the plot is two men going on a business trip to determine if an investment/purchase is possible in a small town, then they have sex declare their love, buy a B&B instead (quit their jobs), and live happily ever after, all the while dealing with disapproving father. Yeah, it made sense under the circumstances.
Now, I kinda fell asleep at the end so I don't know how that goes. I will play back the last few minutes but I can only imagine they are happy and have lots of sex. 😊
3.5 stars for story
5 for narration. I mean, he had to narrate this story and dialogue, props for that alone! But his voice was wonderful and captured the accent and language so well!!!!
July 13, 2019
Mary Calmes & Greg Tremblay...for the win!
I have to admit of all the Mary Calmes books that I've read the Mangrove series isn't my favorite...not that I didn't like them...I did. But I have to admit I definitely enjoyed the audio books even more. Greg Tremblay is without a doubt awesome and then some at what he does.
Originally I read the e-books and my original review for the books still works for me but as for the audiobooks I giving them an extra star to reflect how much I enjoyed this one as an audio book. So 3 stars for the e-book and 4 stars for the audio book.
Oct. 3/4 - so sue me I've become addicted to Mary Calmes book on audio. It's like vocal happiness and really Greg Tremblay? really how can I possibly resist? Willpower...I has none!
I have to admit of all the Mary Calmes books that I've read the Mangrove series isn't my favorite...not that I didn't like them...I did. But I have to admit I definitely enjoyed the audio books even more. Greg Tremblay is without a doubt awesome and then some at what he does.
Originally I read the e-books and my original review for the books still works for me but as for the audiobooks I giving them an extra star to reflect how much I enjoyed this one as an audio book. So 3 stars for the e-book and 4 stars for the audio book.
Oct. 3/4 - so sue me I've become addicted to Mary Calmes book on audio. It's like vocal happiness and really Greg Tremblay? really how can I possibly resist? Willpower...I has none!
November 14, 2014
We are at the point where Mary Calmes can write a book in Calmesian shorthand and her fans will just fill in the blanks and ask for more. The proof of which is that I happily read this outline of a novel, filled in all the gaps with standard MC patter and am now waiting for the next one.
Pretty soon she's only going to have to give us the blurb and the first chapter.
Pretty soon she's only going to have to give us the blurb and the first chapter.
November 13, 2014
3.5 STARS
Miss Mary never disappoints, this was cute, sweet, adorable short tale. I absolutely loved it, thought the sequence and interactions where different from what I'm used to I still enjoyed it.
Miss Mary never disappoints, this was cute, sweet, adorable short tale. I absolutely loved it, thought the sequence and interactions where different from what I'm used to I still enjoyed it.
September 5, 2016
Full review http://kimichanexperience.com/134/
Dwyer is stuck in a job that he may or may not be great at, but that may not be important because he may or may not hate it, anyway. One thing he knows for sure, his new co-worker turned boss makes going to work every day a dream come true.
Takeo is Japanese to the nth degree. He takes everything literally, rarely understands social cues, knows he hates his job, knows he hates his dad, but doesn’t know that the man of his dreams harbors an attraction for him, as well.
Things at the company go steadily down hill, everyone wondering when their axe is going to fall, leaving them without a job. Dwyer is never worried. Why? Well, he just doesn’t worry. Takeo isn’t worried. Why? Well, his dad owns the company.
However, things are about to get really shaken up when Dwyer and Takeo take a business trip to Florida for damage control on a deal gone sideways. Neither man realizes it, but their lives will change from that moment forward, in ways neither saw coming.
**
Oh Mary. I just love, love, love your books. Takeo is so damn cute! So bumbling and stuffy. The perfect mate for Dwyer, who falls asleep in meetings and makes doodles to pass the time. Of course, everyone loves Dwyer. He can literally do no wrong. And of course, nobody, and I mean nobody, likes Takeo. Except for Dwyer.
The secondary characters are also wonderfully created. From Mak, who secretly wants to run a nightclub. To Gretchen, whose husband proposed to her at a picnic table by the ocean.
Mary never disappoints. The sex is super-hot. The love is a slow burn, but so tender and touching, you just know they’re going to last forever.
And then you get the cross-over! We get to hear about, briefly, Aaron Sutter and Duncan Steil. I won’t spoil the surprise but it’s as lovely as it was expected.
I highly recommend this book (and all of Mary’s books) 5 of 5 hearts.
Audio:
Greg Tremblay is one of my very favorite narrators and he does a super awesome job here. His version of Takeo is perfect! I just love how “straight man” he is played – by the books, literal, conservative and then how utterly delicious it is when he lets go and shows his true emotions. Greg does an amazing job with the emotion, letting us feel like we’re there and really getting in to the story.
5 of 5 hearts for the narration as well
Dwyer is stuck in a job that he may or may not be great at, but that may not be important because he may or may not hate it, anyway. One thing he knows for sure, his new co-worker turned boss makes going to work every day a dream come true.
Takeo is Japanese to the nth degree. He takes everything literally, rarely understands social cues, knows he hates his job, knows he hates his dad, but doesn’t know that the man of his dreams harbors an attraction for him, as well.
Things at the company go steadily down hill, everyone wondering when their axe is going to fall, leaving them without a job. Dwyer is never worried. Why? Well, he just doesn’t worry. Takeo isn’t worried. Why? Well, his dad owns the company.
However, things are about to get really shaken up when Dwyer and Takeo take a business trip to Florida for damage control on a deal gone sideways. Neither man realizes it, but their lives will change from that moment forward, in ways neither saw coming.
**
Oh Mary. I just love, love, love your books. Takeo is so damn cute! So bumbling and stuffy. The perfect mate for Dwyer, who falls asleep in meetings and makes doodles to pass the time. Of course, everyone loves Dwyer. He can literally do no wrong. And of course, nobody, and I mean nobody, likes Takeo. Except for Dwyer.
The secondary characters are also wonderfully created. From Mak, who secretly wants to run a nightclub. To Gretchen, whose husband proposed to her at a picnic table by the ocean.
Mary never disappoints. The sex is super-hot. The love is a slow burn, but so tender and touching, you just know they’re going to last forever.
And then you get the cross-over! We get to hear about, briefly, Aaron Sutter and Duncan Steil. I won’t spoil the surprise but it’s as lovely as it was expected.
I highly recommend this book (and all of Mary’s books) 5 of 5 hearts.
Audio:
Greg Tremblay is one of my very favorite narrators and he does a super awesome job here. His version of Takeo is perfect! I just love how “straight man” he is played – by the books, literal, conservative and then how utterly delicious it is when he lets go and shows his true emotions. Greg does an amazing job with the emotion, letting us feel like we’re there and really getting in to the story.
5 of 5 hearts for the narration as well
November 6, 2014
Hello, my name is pbj, and I'm an addict.
2.5 rounded up to three because it's Mary Calmes.
My main dilemma in rating books by Mary Calmes is that like the addict that I am, I'm looking for that same great high I got when I read my first book by the author - and I haven't gotten close to it in a long time. So I'm not sure, am I not enjoying these books because I'm expecting too much, or are they just not as good anymore?
This is a fairly simple office romance story with some cross-cultural fraternizing thrown in for fun. Our Caucasian hero Dwyer falls in insta-lust with his new Japanese business associate Hiroyuki Takeo. (just as an aside, I'm sure there are men named Bob Sam, but Hiroyuki and Takeo are both usually given names in Japanese and it kind of drove me crazy...) Takeo turns out to be a complete social misfit who is unfortunately powerful enough to get everyone fired who doesn't get along with him. It turns out, Dwyer is the only one who does 'get along with him'.
Time passes, they fall in love, there are some 'issues', but really no angst.
I am endlessly grateful for the inclusion of Dwyer's work partner Mak as an example of a normal Japanese man, because Takeo is a walking, talking caricature of a Japanese Yaoi (fe)male. I really found this disturbing - though obviously not enough to stop reading.
I do feel like it's a little sad that the most exciting moment in this book for me was the mere mention of Aaron Sutter. It's not a good sign when my takeaway from Blue Days is that I'm glad Aaron and Duncan are doing ok - and they're not even in the book!
"Written by Mary Calmes" - I don't know why that continues to be a magical incantation that makes me read her books given that I haven't actually liked the last few that I've read, but like an addict, she writes 'em and I can't help but read them. The first step is admitting powerlessness right?
2.5 rounded up to three because it's Mary Calmes.
My main dilemma in rating books by Mary Calmes is that like the addict that I am, I'm looking for that same great high I got when I read my first book by the author - and I haven't gotten close to it in a long time. So I'm not sure, am I not enjoying these books because I'm expecting too much, or are they just not as good anymore?
This is a fairly simple office romance story with some cross-cultural fraternizing thrown in for fun. Our Caucasian hero Dwyer falls in insta-lust with his new Japanese business associate Hiroyuki Takeo. (just as an aside, I'm sure there are men named Bob Sam, but Hiroyuki and Takeo are both usually given names in Japanese and it kind of drove me crazy...) Takeo turns out to be a complete social misfit who is unfortunately powerful enough to get everyone fired who doesn't get along with him. It turns out, Dwyer is the only one who does 'get along with him'.
Time passes, they fall in love, there are some 'issues', but really no angst.
I am endlessly grateful for the inclusion of Dwyer's work partner Mak as an example of a normal Japanese man, because Takeo is a walking, talking caricature of a Japanese Yaoi (fe)male. I really found this disturbing - though obviously not enough to stop reading.
I do feel like it's a little sad that the most exciting moment in this book for me was the mere mention of Aaron Sutter. It's not a good sign when my takeaway from Blue Days is that I'm glad Aaron and Duncan are doing ok - and they're not even in the book!
"Written by Mary Calmes" - I don't know why that continues to be a magical incantation that makes me read her books given that I haven't actually liked the last few that I've read, but like an addict, she writes 'em and I can't help but read them. The first step is admitting powerlessness right?
January 12, 2017
*** 3,5 stars ***
Audio edition, narrator Greg Tremblay.
2 hours 49 minutes
Overall: 3
Performance: 5
Story: 3
I really liked this story, much thanks to the excellent narration of Greg Tremblay!
It's the first part in the Mangrove series, and it basically tells us how the story (and series) ends up in Mangrove, Florida.
Dwyer Knolls and Takeo Hiroyuki works for the same company. That's a bit simplified, but let's just go with it. Also, who in their right mind calls their MC for Dwyer Knolls?
Anyway, there's interest from both sides from day one, but it still takes year for them to finally get together. I didn't mind it. It was a slow build and a friends to lovers story. I liked getting to know Dwyer and Takeo and was very happy for them when they got together. And, phew, did they get together!
I don't care if it the story was slightly unbelievable, I just enjoyed the story and Tremblay's narration. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
Audio edition, narrator Greg Tremblay.
2 hours 49 minutes
Overall: 3
Performance: 5
Story: 3
I really liked this story, much thanks to the excellent narration of Greg Tremblay!
It's the first part in the Mangrove series, and it basically tells us how the story (and series) ends up in Mangrove, Florida.
Dwyer Knolls and Takeo Hiroyuki works for the same company. That's a bit simplified, but let's just go with it. Also, who in their right mind calls their MC for Dwyer Knolls?
Anyway, there's interest from both sides from day one, but it still takes year for them to finally get together. I didn't mind it. It was a slow build and a friends to lovers story. I liked getting to know Dwyer and Takeo and was very happy for them when they got together. And, phew, did they get together!
I don't care if it the story was slightly unbelievable, I just enjoyed the story and Tremblay's narration. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
February 2, 2015
Ok so I love Mary Calmes, anyone who has read my reviews knows this. Her words speak to me and I always adore her main characters (and secondary ones!) This one was more of a falling in love story than her action ones, but it was a sweet read.
Takeo is a strange strange man, but adorable in all his nerdy-awkwardness. I liked how Dwyer was the only one who could really understand him and of course this lead to a great drawn out romance. While we all knew that the two would get together watching them dance and awkwardly shuffle along with each other was adorable and made me constantly smile. This is one of the sweeter Mary books and is perfect if you are looking for a light happy read. It’s a great novella though the characters do move pretty fast once they put their minds to being together. If you want a feel good read, pick it up.
**Just finished it on Audio I liked the narrator a lot, his voice completely shifted from Takeo to Dwyer it was perfect.**
Takeo is a strange strange man, but adorable in all his nerdy-awkwardness. I liked how Dwyer was the only one who could really understand him and of course this lead to a great drawn out romance. While we all knew that the two would get together watching them dance and awkwardly shuffle along with each other was adorable and made me constantly smile. This is one of the sweeter Mary books and is perfect if you are looking for a light happy read. It’s a great novella though the characters do move pretty fast once they put their minds to being together. If you want a feel good read, pick it up.
**Just finished it on Audio I liked the narrator a lot, his voice completely shifted from Takeo to Dwyer it was perfect.**
Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews