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Foothills Pride #8
Short Order
A Foothills Pride Story
When recent horticulture graduate Dr. Fenton Miller arrives in Stone Acres, California, he thinks his only concern is which job offer to accept after spending the holidays working at his cousin’s plant nursery. But after he rents a room from another shorter-than-average man, sous-chef John Barton, Fen falls in lust.
While he’s attracted to Fen, John’s got bigger concerns when two men from his past arrive in town and pressure him to return to San Francisco. Although John tries to stop Fen from getting involved, Fen realizes his lover is in trouble and is determined to protect him.
As the holidays get closer and Fen makes his own enemy, the joy of the season gets lost in the ill will around them. To ensure love triumphs, Fen and John must stand tall to show that short, dark, and handsome is a recipe for love.
When recent horticulture graduate Dr. Fenton Miller arrives in Stone Acres, California, he thinks his only concern is which job offer to accept after spending the holidays working at his cousin’s plant nursery. But after he rents a room from another shorter-than-average man, sous-chef John Barton, Fen falls in lust.
While he’s attracted to Fen, John’s got bigger concerns when two men from his past arrive in town and pressure him to return to San Francisco. Although John tries to stop Fen from getting involved, Fen realizes his lover is in trouble and is determined to protect him.
As the holidays get closer and Fen makes his own enemy, the joy of the season gets lost in the ill will around them. To ensure love triumphs, Fen and John must stand tall to show that short, dark, and handsome is a recipe for love.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2017
About the author
Pat Henshaw
30 books76 followersPat has lived on both coasts and in the middle of the United States. Pat’s been a book reviewer for too many years to count as well as an English composition instructor and theatrical costumer. Places visited include Canada, Mexico, Europe, Egypt, Nicaragua, and Thailand. Pat's found that people everywhere are remarkably similar.
See Pat Henshaw.
See Pat Henshaw.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 21, 2017
Two words that sum up my thoughts on this short story..... disappointed and confused. Disappointed because I was hoping this one would work and it didn't and confused because it's all over the place. This story is in desperate need of some restructuring to make it more cohesive.
December 29, 2017
*ARC provided by the author*
I just wasn't a fan.
It was way too messy and, while the general idea had potential, the actual excecution was very poor.
I just wasn't a fan.
It was way too messy and, while the general idea had potential, the actual excecution was very poor.
December 13, 2017
This is the eighth book in The Foothills Pride Series. An engrossing book the writing was great. Which can be read as a standalone book, that’s how I read it. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters wonderful. The characters were developed and thought out. Dr. Fenton Miller and John Barton are the MC’s of this book. I was hesitant at first to like Ricky because I was unsure about who he really was. But he was like an excited puppy, it was kind of cute. There was humor, a restaurant, a plant nursery, a nasty criminal, a surprise door, Christmas time, a rental, 2 bratty boys, English Ivy tattoo and so much more in this book.
Here is a quote from the book, “I like having friends.” He gave me an exuberant hug after I complimented him on cleaning up the holiday greenhouse display. “Not a lot of people want to be my friend.” I understood. Ricky was oddly childlike in his enthusiasm and his acceptance of everyone he met. His emotional level dipped and soared almost minute by minute. He exhausted me.”. There is more but you will need to read the book which I can recommend. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
Here is a quote from the book, “I like having friends.” He gave me an exuberant hug after I complimented him on cleaning up the holiday greenhouse display. “Not a lot of people want to be my friend.” I understood. Ricky was oddly childlike in his enthusiasm and his acceptance of everyone he met. His emotional level dipped and soared almost minute by minute. He exhausted me.”. There is more but you will need to read the book which I can recommend. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
May 20, 2018
Underdogs, Unite!
I love a good underdogs story. Love. Love. Love. And you have a lot of that here. Add in a personal growth twist and an epic romance and you have a whole lotta good feels.
I liked that the MCs were a little different. I liked that they were a little damaged, or well, at least one of them was. More so than the other. I liked the fact that John had to grow up a little and realize that there is a vast different between what you think you want and what you actually need.
Fenton's character was fantastic. Smart, sweet, funny, patient, and strong. John was quieter and a little broken, but still made of steel. They were great as individuals and great together.
As always, there are niggles. The villain in the story was more of a paper tiger. I mean, do people as inept as he was really get away with stuff like that in a setting like this? I just don't see it. I guess it's not as much that it's impossible as it seems unlikely. Maybe I'm being hypercritical, but I don't think so.
John pissed me off a few times and Fen, too, for that matter. John was just a little too ... self-sacrificing? Self-deprecating? Doom and gloom. And Fen was too far in the other direction. Hyperfocused on something ephemeral instead of something real. Too dismissive. Too determinedly footloose. It irked here and there even though I knew they'd get it together.
All in all this was an enjoyable read. I really loved the character- and relationship-building even though the guys frustrated me at times. The plot was so-so, like I said before, but taken as a whole I really don't have much to complain about. I liked it. I was thankful—because my work schedule sucks ass—that I didn't have to read the whole series to enjoy this book. It can be read as a standalone. And best of all, I'd truly love to see these guys again sometime.
4 Hearts (GR Stars)
Review crossposted at:
More reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be found on Goodreads here.
Images (when present) may be subject to copyright.
An ARC copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
I love a good underdogs story. Love. Love. Love. And you have a lot of that here. Add in a personal growth twist and an epic romance and you have a whole lotta good feels.
I liked that the MCs were a little different. I liked that they were a little damaged, or well, at least one of them was. More so than the other. I liked the fact that John had to grow up a little and realize that there is a vast different between what you think you want and what you actually need.
Fenton's character was fantastic. Smart, sweet, funny, patient, and strong. John was quieter and a little broken, but still made of steel. They were great as individuals and great together.
As always, there are niggles. The villain in the story was more of a paper tiger. I mean, do people as inept as he was really get away with stuff like that in a setting like this? I just don't see it. I guess it's not as much that it's impossible as it seems unlikely. Maybe I'm being hypercritical, but I don't think so.
John pissed me off a few times and Fen, too, for that matter. John was just a little too ... self-sacrificing? Self-deprecating? Doom and gloom. And Fen was too far in the other direction. Hyperfocused on something ephemeral instead of something real. Too dismissive. Too determinedly footloose. It irked here and there even though I knew they'd get it together.
All in all this was an enjoyable read. I really loved the character- and relationship-building even though the guys frustrated me at times. The plot was so-so, like I said before, but taken as a whole I really don't have much to complain about. I liked it. I was thankful—because my work schedule sucks ass—that I didn't have to read the whole series to enjoy this book. It can be read as a standalone. And best of all, I'd truly love to see these guys again sometime.
4 Hearts (GR Stars)
Review crossposted at:
More reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be found on Goodreads here.
Images (when present) may be subject to copyright.
An ARC copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
December 14, 2017
Fen and John are just delightful together! Fen has been searching for big, tall and handsome and almost missed his perfect man. John is not so tall, dark and not classically handsome, but he is the perfect man for Fen. i loved their differences and thought that they really balanced each other!
Fen is this neat character that has an accepting heart and lots of common sense. John has had a really abusive few years prior to his becoming a chef and he is emotionally scared. Fen and John together are just a perfect fit and they really get each other. They learn to navigate their relationship together and it was great to watch. Lot's of love and kindness was a key ingredient that helped them find their dream.
i am a fan of this series and it was great to see some of the past MC's have a spot in this latest story. There were also new supporting characters that really added to this story and made my heart hurt for them. Terrific read!
I received an ARC at no cost from the author
Merged review:
Fen and John are just delightful together! Fen has been searching for big, tall and handsome and almost missed his perfect man. John is not so tall, dark and not classically handsome, but he is the perfect man for Fen. i loved their differences and thought that they really balanced each other!
Fen is this neat character that has an accepting heart and lots of common sense. John has had a really abusive few years prior to his becoming a chef and he is emotionally scared. Fen and John together are just a perfect fit and they really get each other. They learn to navigate their relationship together and it was great to watch. Lot's of love and kindness was a key ingredient that helped them find their dream.
i am a fan of this series and it was great to see some of the past MC's have a spot in this latest story. There were also new supporting characters that really added to this story and made my heart hurt for them. Terrific read!
I received an ARC at no cost from the author
Fen is this neat character that has an accepting heart and lots of common sense. John has had a really abusive few years prior to his becoming a chef and he is emotionally scared. Fen and John together are just a perfect fit and they really get each other. They learn to navigate their relationship together and it was great to watch. Lot's of love and kindness was a key ingredient that helped them find their dream.
i am a fan of this series and it was great to see some of the past MC's have a spot in this latest story. There were also new supporting characters that really added to this story and made my heart hurt for them. Terrific read!
I received an ARC at no cost from the author
Merged review:
Fen and John are just delightful together! Fen has been searching for big, tall and handsome and almost missed his perfect man. John is not so tall, dark and not classically handsome, but he is the perfect man for Fen. i loved their differences and thought that they really balanced each other!
Fen is this neat character that has an accepting heart and lots of common sense. John has had a really abusive few years prior to his becoming a chef and he is emotionally scared. Fen and John together are just a perfect fit and they really get each other. They learn to navigate their relationship together and it was great to watch. Lot's of love and kindness was a key ingredient that helped them find their dream.
i am a fan of this series and it was great to see some of the past MC's have a spot in this latest story. There were also new supporting characters that really added to this story and made my heart hurt for them. Terrific read!
I received an ARC at no cost from the author
December 11, 2017
2,5 to 3 stars
I was looking forward to Fenton and John’s story as I thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in the Foothill Pride series, but to be honest, I was a little disappointed with this one.
Fenton and John are both short men, but they have very different ways of dealing with it. Fenton chose to spice up his appearance by taking tattoos and dying his hair. John is just the opposite, doesn’t want to get noticed and became a grumpy, aloof man. And when you learn about his past, you understand perfectly. Fenton rents an apartment in John’s house, and Fenton slowly manages to coax John out of his shell. When John’s past comes back haunting him, it is all hands on deck to keep him safe. As well as his friend Ricky, who is in danger of falling into the same hands.
I enjoyed this story, but at the same time, I found something missing. It is not the writing. That is up to par. I liked how the author gave a surprising look at how it is to be short. You wouldn’t think about it when you’re of average height. And what that could do to your self-worth and self-esteem.
The elements I have the most difficulties with are the characters, the plot and the way the story is told. When I read a story, it is all about feelings. Do I feel connected to the characters? I don’t have to like them, although that is always better. Do I feel the connection between the MC’s? Instalove or slow-burning. It doesn’t matter as long as the author makes it realistic for me.
That is what I missed a bit in this story. I was more reading than feeling the connection with Fenton and John or their connection to each other for that matter. It is not all bad because there were certainly some emotional and funny moments. However, a real love story wasn’t what it felt like.
John’s history is nothing but horrible, but I didn’t like the direction the author took unraveling his past. Incidents seem to be randomly and not tied together. It would have benefitted from fleshing out the storyline.
As I liked the previous stories, I chalk this one up to be a bit of a miss, and I am hoping the next books will give me the happy feelings back.
I was looking forward to Fenton and John’s story as I thoroughly enjoyed the previous books in the Foothill Pride series, but to be honest, I was a little disappointed with this one.
Fenton and John are both short men, but they have very different ways of dealing with it. Fenton chose to spice up his appearance by taking tattoos and dying his hair. John is just the opposite, doesn’t want to get noticed and became a grumpy, aloof man. And when you learn about his past, you understand perfectly. Fenton rents an apartment in John’s house, and Fenton slowly manages to coax John out of his shell. When John’s past comes back haunting him, it is all hands on deck to keep him safe. As well as his friend Ricky, who is in danger of falling into the same hands.
I enjoyed this story, but at the same time, I found something missing. It is not the writing. That is up to par. I liked how the author gave a surprising look at how it is to be short. You wouldn’t think about it when you’re of average height. And what that could do to your self-worth and self-esteem.
The elements I have the most difficulties with are the characters, the plot and the way the story is told. When I read a story, it is all about feelings. Do I feel connected to the characters? I don’t have to like them, although that is always better. Do I feel the connection between the MC’s? Instalove or slow-burning. It doesn’t matter as long as the author makes it realistic for me.
That is what I missed a bit in this story. I was more reading than feeling the connection with Fenton and John or their connection to each other for that matter. It is not all bad because there were certainly some emotional and funny moments. However, a real love story wasn’t what it felt like.
John’s history is nothing but horrible, but I didn’t like the direction the author took unraveling his past. Incidents seem to be randomly and not tied together. It would have benefitted from fleshing out the storyline.
As I liked the previous stories, I chalk this one up to be a bit of a miss, and I am hoping the next books will give me the happy feelings back.
December 13, 2017
Fen is in Stone Acres to help out his cousin while he is debating job offers. He doesn’t want to stay with said cousin, however, since “As a gay man, hearing two lesbians…made me shiver and flinch. If that weren’t enough, having to push aside drying bras in order to take a shower this morning made my hands itch.” Poor Fen. So off he goes in search of a place to stay and fate brings him to the Blue Cottage, the house he’s always loved. His landlord here is John Barton.
John and Fen are both short men but while Fen goes out of his way to be identified as something other as “the short guy”, John sort of just fades into the woodwork and he seems to try not to be noticed. It is not until unsavory visitors from his past show up that you understand why. The two of them make tentative, hesitant steps towards being friends and have to deal with the bad blast from the past (so nasty). There’s also an incredibly unsavory aspect in Jeremy and Boone’s father so Stone Acres isn’t paradise, which made it a little more realistic.
One thing that sort of confused me was the animosity towards Adam and David. That wasn’t apparent in any of the previous books and seemed to come from nowhere. While I appreciate when not everyone in the town loves each other, I needed a little more background for that, since that had never previously come across.
I loved getting to see a little of Freddi Zimmer again, probably my favorite character from this series. This wasn’t my favorite of the series and I felt like I was missing something from the connection of these two.
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
John and Fen are both short men but while Fen goes out of his way to be identified as something other as “the short guy”, John sort of just fades into the woodwork and he seems to try not to be noticed. It is not until unsavory visitors from his past show up that you understand why. The two of them make tentative, hesitant steps towards being friends and have to deal with the bad blast from the past (so nasty). There’s also an incredibly unsavory aspect in Jeremy and Boone’s father so Stone Acres isn’t paradise, which made it a little more realistic.
One thing that sort of confused me was the animosity towards Adam and David. That wasn’t apparent in any of the previous books and seemed to come from nowhere. While I appreciate when not everyone in the town loves each other, I needed a little more background for that, since that had never previously come across.
I loved getting to see a little of Freddi Zimmer again, probably my favorite character from this series. This wasn’t my favorite of the series and I felt like I was missing something from the connection of these two.
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
December 4, 2017
Another good book in the Foothills Pride series. Pat Henshaw is truly a great author.
Fen is new to town for the most part. He has visited some but this is the first time he has been back since he graduated college and he is excited to start working. While he decides on which jobnoffer to take he will be working at he nursery with Beth.
While he is staying in town he was originally going to stay with Beth and Kate but hat changes after only one night of staying with them. He decided he really needed to find somewhere to rwnt and it just so happened that the place he fell in love with the last time in town is looking for a tenant. So it is a win win for Fen because he loves this house. What he did not expect was to fall for the owner as well.
John is the owner of the house that Fen is renting plus he is a sous chef at a local restaurant. But he has pain from his past that haunts him and keeps him from letting people in. But he cannot seem to not let in Fen. The more they get to know each other the closer they become. When John's pat comes back to haunt him, both Fen and John have to be strong enough to make it through it for each other and for Ricky also.
Can two men that have not each other long but are quickly falling for the other work together to overcome the obstacles that they are facing and so it together?
This was a good quick read about not letting your past define who you are but to let it help you to make you stronger and better then you thought possible. Pat Henshaw did a great job on this book. I look forward to more by this author in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Fen is new to town for the most part. He has visited some but this is the first time he has been back since he graduated college and he is excited to start working. While he decides on which jobnoffer to take he will be working at he nursery with Beth.
While he is staying in town he was originally going to stay with Beth and Kate but hat changes after only one night of staying with them. He decided he really needed to find somewhere to rwnt and it just so happened that the place he fell in love with the last time in town is looking for a tenant. So it is a win win for Fen because he loves this house. What he did not expect was to fall for the owner as well.
John is the owner of the house that Fen is renting plus he is a sous chef at a local restaurant. But he has pain from his past that haunts him and keeps him from letting people in. But he cannot seem to not let in Fen. The more they get to know each other the closer they become. When John's pat comes back to haunt him, both Fen and John have to be strong enough to make it through it for each other and for Ricky also.
Can two men that have not each other long but are quickly falling for the other work together to overcome the obstacles that they are facing and so it together?
This was a good quick read about not letting your past define who you are but to let it help you to make you stronger and better then you thought possible. Pat Henshaw did a great job on this book. I look forward to more by this author in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
December 20, 2017
Short Order by Pat Henshaw is a short novella about a horticulture graduate Dr. Fenton Miller who moves back to Stone Acres, California after graduation. Working in his cousin’s plant nursery, Fenton rents a room from sous-chef, John Barton and instantly falls in lust for the shorter than average man. John keeps his distance from Fen, not letting him into his past. He becomes an enigma that holds many secrets. Then again, Fen does as well. It’s not until Leo and Ricky show up that the past surfaces causing John and Fen to open up further to each other.
I’ve had the pleasure of reading one other book in the Foothill Series by Pat Henshaw. It was the first one that came out called What’s In A Name?. Short Order did not disappoint. For an 80 page novella, there was quite a bit of detail and back story given. The characters were well thought out and the world development was quite nice. What I would like to see though is for this to be extended so that we can get a better glimpse into the lives of the characters. All in all, I would recommend Short Order by Pat Henshaw to anyone looking for a cozy afternoon read.
I’ve had the pleasure of reading one other book in the Foothill Series by Pat Henshaw. It was the first one that came out called What’s In A Name?. Short Order did not disappoint. For an 80 page novella, there was quite a bit of detail and back story given. The characters were well thought out and the world development was quite nice. What I would like to see though is for this to be extended so that we can get a better glimpse into the lives of the characters. All in all, I would recommend Short Order by Pat Henshaw to anyone looking for a cozy afternoon read.
December 20, 2017
This story does a good job of bringing together two men who might ordinarily have nothing to do with one another but falls short with the voice of the story and the overall plot. There were some deep issues as well as disturbing things that took place and they came off as merely events in the story's overall flow rather than pivotal moments or catalysts for change. I felt disconnected from the characters and the story as if the narrator were an observer who knew Fen's mind rather than Fen himself. I liked him in the beginning and had high hopes for his character to be quirky yet very down-to-earth. I didn't know John at all and we get the events of his life but even after the intense reveal I still don't feel drawn into his life and him as a person. The two men are good for one another and I can see a lasting romance. I say that but I still feel detached from them in general. Also all the intimacy was intimated and not described. So the story was good overall but I wasn't captivated as I was hoping to be.
Read and willingly reviewed this ARC for the author.
Read and willingly reviewed this ARC for the author.
December 20, 2017
4 Stars!
This is book 8 in the Foothills Pride series and while it can be read as a standalone, there are great books in this series, so I encourage you to check them out.
Fen was the driving force of this book. He was charming, outgoing and easy to relate to. John was more of an acquired taste. He was prickly and it took me a while to warm up to him, but they seemed to fit together well.
The book was enjoyable, the characters likable and while I wasn't completely sold on John's backstory or how it impacted their present, all's well that ends well. I liked seeing some of the characters from previous books in this one and if this is indeed the last book in the series, I'm going to miss catching up with some of them.
Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
This is book 8 in the Foothills Pride series and while it can be read as a standalone, there are great books in this series, so I encourage you to check them out.
Fen was the driving force of this book. He was charming, outgoing and easy to relate to. John was more of an acquired taste. He was prickly and it took me a while to warm up to him, but they seemed to fit together well.
The book was enjoyable, the characters likable and while I wasn't completely sold on John's backstory or how it impacted their present, all's well that ends well. I liked seeing some of the characters from previous books in this one and if this is indeed the last book in the series, I'm going to miss catching up with some of them.
Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
April 21, 2018
Short Order is the 8th book in the Foothills Pride series by author Pat Henshaw. This series just keeps getting better and better. It does not have to be read first to understand this story. But I would just because it is that good.
Fen is a doctor of horticulture. He is going to cure the world through plants. He is easy going happy kinda guy. Nothing much phases him.
John he is brisk, all business. He is sous chef and has a room for rent.
These two seem like the most unlikely of couples. But they are what the other needs. I like that. This is a very short story, but I really loved the characters. They are well developed and have a lot of heart and soul.
I think this one is a great addition to the series and I cannot wait to see who falls in love next.
Five Shooting Stars
Fen is a doctor of horticulture. He is going to cure the world through plants. He is easy going happy kinda guy. Nothing much phases him.
John he is brisk, all business. He is sous chef and has a room for rent.
These two seem like the most unlikely of couples. But they are what the other needs. I like that. This is a very short story, but I really loved the characters. They are well developed and have a lot of heart and soul.
I think this one is a great addition to the series and I cannot wait to see who falls in love next.
Five Shooting Stars
August 23, 2020
This was a fun short read. First both MC’s are so great. They are short little guys who know who they are and are just trying to live their best lives. Fen is looking to start his career after completing his doctorate and John is trying to find his place in the culinary world. Fen rents a room from John and just wants to be friends, and of course they become boyfriends. Then you find out about some of John’s past and they come to house one of John’s former roommates/workmates. Then some other bad things happen, but John and Fen never waiver on their feelings for each other and make choices to solidify that they are in for the long hall. There no sex scenes in this short read, so I would definitely recommend this read for someone looking to venture into the MM genre.
December 23, 2017
This is another book from Pat Henshaw that I wanted to like because of the premise. The characters, John and Fen, you want to root for them but they feel one-dimensional like there's no real, deep emotional connection you feel between them as a reader. Even dealing with John's past, I wasn't invested enough in the characters to have a truly emotional reaction to him or, to be honest, with the story as a whole. And I wanted to be. I love when characters have an intense bond, but this one was lacking in a way I couldn't put my finger on. Although you can see John and Fen having a future together, in the end, I felt detached from the story.
December 31, 2017
This fell totally flat for me. I just didn’t feel the connection between John and Fen. Though I know some of that is John’s stoicism, the lack of sex and the off hand way their connection was worked into the mystery just made it seem like the romance was more afterthought than anything else.
I appreciated the quirkiness of the characters and the personal growth of all 3 men but I didn’t think this warmed my heart in a romantic sense.
The writing was fine so I’m giving this 2.75 rounded to 3 of 5 stars.
I appreciated the quirkiness of the characters and the personal growth of all 3 men but I didn’t think this warmed my heart in a romantic sense.
The writing was fine so I’m giving this 2.75 rounded to 3 of 5 stars.
December 15, 2017
I really liked Fen and John's unorthodox romance. They were both accustomed to being bullied - or worse, in John's case - so both had tough exteriors and trust issues. While many scenes in this book were humorous, there was definitely a good amount of angst, confusion, and even violence. There was a hurt / comfort theme running throughout, and it was sweet how well John and Fen took care of each other. I absolutely loved Fen's mom, and Ricky was adorable. Though this book is part of a series, it was easy to read as a standalone.
December 18, 2017
A great read that I really enjoyed. Fen and John are wonderful characters who are perfect together. I really liked watching their relationship develop and how understanding and caring they are with one another. Ricky is also an endearing character and a great addition to the story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
November 7, 2019
As part of the series it was ok, gave us new characters, gave us small glimpses at previous MC’s but I was a bit underwhelmed really.
I didn’t feel a lot of the connection between John and Fen and felt the Leo angle was a bit for ed on the story.
So for me, ok. Maybe the short form didn’t work,so well for these two.
2.5*
I didn’t feel a lot of the connection between John and Fen and felt the Leo angle was a bit for ed on the story.
So for me, ok. Maybe the short form didn’t work,so well for these two.
2.5*
December 12, 2017
this just proves that looks aren't important, two shorter than average men can still find love and acceptance with each other. John and Fen make a sweet couple. I would def recommend this series/author. Hope there is more to this series!
December 24, 2017
The story was rather disjointed, and was that pimp plot necessary? Fen and John's romance was alright, though.
January 13, 2018
Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews.
I knew when I picked up this book that I would enjoy it. After all, I really enjoy all this author’s stories. This one wasn’t an exception.
Fen Miller is in Stone Acres to work with his cousin and her girlfriend during the holiday season at their nursery. He can’t possibly live with two lesbians though because even when being quiet they make enough noise during sex to put him off. Then he finds an ad for an apartment in a beautiful old Victorian house that he has always admired in town. When he meets the man who owns the house, and he is as short as Fen, they instantly bond over the ‘short’ thing. Both have been picked on their entire lives for being short and they have that in common. It turns out they have more in common that just that as the story proceeds.
I liked this one. There was a backstory involving John and a young guy that shows up mid story named Ricky. Both John and Ricky are trying to escape from a very bad man named Leo and the reasons lead to some drama in the story.
I’ve got to say that I’ve liked every story in this series. But…I’ve got the same comment on this one that I had on all the others. I want more! I’d love them to each be longer. I just get to know and like the characters and we’re at the end of the story. I know many of you probably think they are the perfect length…so I might be the minority. Length grumbles aside. I enjoyed Fen and John. Their characters and situations were a great addition to the residents of Stone Acres.
I highly recommend this installment and all of the previous ones.
I knew when I picked up this book that I would enjoy it. After all, I really enjoy all this author’s stories. This one wasn’t an exception.
Fen Miller is in Stone Acres to work with his cousin and her girlfriend during the holiday season at their nursery. He can’t possibly live with two lesbians though because even when being quiet they make enough noise during sex to put him off. Then he finds an ad for an apartment in a beautiful old Victorian house that he has always admired in town. When he meets the man who owns the house, and he is as short as Fen, they instantly bond over the ‘short’ thing. Both have been picked on their entire lives for being short and they have that in common. It turns out they have more in common that just that as the story proceeds.
I liked this one. There was a backstory involving John and a young guy that shows up mid story named Ricky. Both John and Ricky are trying to escape from a very bad man named Leo and the reasons lead to some drama in the story.
I’ve got to say that I’ve liked every story in this series. But…I’ve got the same comment on this one that I had on all the others. I want more! I’d love them to each be longer. I just get to know and like the characters and we’re at the end of the story. I know many of you probably think they are the perfect length…so I might be the minority. Length grumbles aside. I enjoyed Fen and John. Their characters and situations were a great addition to the residents of Stone Acres.
I highly recommend this installment and all of the previous ones.
July 30, 2021
2.5 Stars ~ The ‘Foothills Pride’ series is one I enjoy and can always easily recommend. Each of these novellas offers a little something for everyone, fun and interesting characters, storylines with a bit of angst that gets resolved realistically, and lovely happy ever afters. It’s rare an author pairs two vertically challenged characters together and for that alone I was looking forward to Fen and John. *grins*
Fen’s cousin and her wife own the local nursery and it’s a great place for Fen to fill in and help out over the holiday season while he’s deliberating between his two job offers. Even better, his favorite house on Main street, an old Victorian, has a room for rent and he’s lucky enough to get it. He finds his landlord, John, pretty intriguing but the guy says about two words to him and rebuffs Fen’s offers to grab a beer after work. But one night John invited Fen out and a friendship, and possibly more, develops.
John has a couple of sleazy guys who keep coming around and John warns Fen to stay away from them although it appears Leo has his sights set on Fen. John brings David into the nursery and David asks Fen if he’d be willing to do some holiday decorating at Adam’s restaurant, Silver Star. Apparently, the celebrity chef and his boyfriend went with a contractor out of town (because David didn’t even know Stone Acres had a nursery) and they’re not particularly happy with the result. This leads to Fen grumbling to John about the celebrity people who have moved to town but don’t take advantage of getting to know their neighbors, investing in their community, or making the restaurant a place where locals feel welcome and can afford it. To be honest, the direction the author took here with really no build-up in previous installments had me a little off kilter.
In fact, I have to admit to being even more disappointed in this novella than in the previous one. Again I was faced with characters I couldn’t get a handle on, a storyline that seemed to skim the surface with random happenings not tied in together, and even worse, in my opinion, is that I felt gypped out of a real love story. It was nice to see some familiar faces but overall I was unhappy with the direction, or lack thereof, the author took. The drama with Leo was strange and never seemed to flow with the rest of the story. Anyway, these are only my opinions.
Even though I was disappointed I’m not ruling out the possibility of reading another novella in the series. I really adored the first six stories so I’m hoping a return to those charms is in store for the rest of the series.
NOTE: This book was provided by the Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Fen’s cousin and her wife own the local nursery and it’s a great place for Fen to fill in and help out over the holiday season while he’s deliberating between his two job offers. Even better, his favorite house on Main street, an old Victorian, has a room for rent and he’s lucky enough to get it. He finds his landlord, John, pretty intriguing but the guy says about two words to him and rebuffs Fen’s offers to grab a beer after work. But one night John invited Fen out and a friendship, and possibly more, develops.
John has a couple of sleazy guys who keep coming around and John warns Fen to stay away from them although it appears Leo has his sights set on Fen. John brings David into the nursery and David asks Fen if he’d be willing to do some holiday decorating at Adam’s restaurant, Silver Star. Apparently, the celebrity chef and his boyfriend went with a contractor out of town (because David didn’t even know Stone Acres had a nursery) and they’re not particularly happy with the result. This leads to Fen grumbling to John about the celebrity people who have moved to town but don’t take advantage of getting to know their neighbors, investing in their community, or making the restaurant a place where locals feel welcome and can afford it. To be honest, the direction the author took here with really no build-up in previous installments had me a little off kilter.
In fact, I have to admit to being even more disappointed in this novella than in the previous one. Again I was faced with characters I couldn’t get a handle on, a storyline that seemed to skim the surface with random happenings not tied in together, and even worse, in my opinion, is that I felt gypped out of a real love story. It was nice to see some familiar faces but overall I was unhappy with the direction, or lack thereof, the author took. The drama with Leo was strange and never seemed to flow with the rest of the story. Anyway, these are only my opinions.
Even though I was disappointed I’m not ruling out the possibility of reading another novella in the series. I really adored the first six stories so I’m hoping a return to those charms is in store for the rest of the series.
NOTE: This book was provided by the Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2017
An okay book!!?. Although I didnt feel the connection between Fen and John. The book i felt needed to be a bit longer with the beginning chapters especially John's character and his ex. Questions kept popping up as i read.
Fenton, graduate of horticulture was back in town after being away 5 years..
Finding a place was first on the list. As luck he sees a room for rent.
John worked at the Silver Star restaurant and rented out a room upstairs in his house.
Its not long before bad news lands on John's doorstep in the form of his ex, Leo..who the hell is Ricky? And why would John let him stay with him if he wanted nothing to do with Leo.? My quires i had at the start, they're answered further in the story.
Fenton, graduate of horticulture was back in town after being away 5 years..
Finding a place was first on the list. As luck he sees a room for rent.
John worked at the Silver Star restaurant and rented out a room upstairs in his house.
Its not long before bad news lands on John's doorstep in the form of his ex, Leo..who the hell is Ricky? And why would John let him stay with him if he wanted nothing to do with Leo.? My quires i had at the start, they're answered further in the story.
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