What do you think?
Rate this book
Double Dutch Courage
New City. New Beginnings. New Love?
Twenty-eight-year-old Ronan Collins is a virgin and so deep in the closet he isn’t sure where the exit is. An unexpected opportunity to travel from Dublin to Amsterdam after his estranged father dies may be his opportunity to discover what he has been denying himself – if he’s brave enough to take it.
Out and proud Lucas Brandt’s life falls apart when Paul Kelly, the man who gave him a job and a roof over his head, suddenly dies. Now, with Paul’s estranged son coming to Amsterdam to take charge of his father’s business and house, Lucas’s future is in limbo.
Two strangers sharing a house soon find they have more on their hands than a messy inheritance. When attraction enters the mix, will they be brave enough to embrace it – and each other?
Twenty-eight-year-old Ronan Collins is a virgin and so deep in the closet he isn’t sure where the exit is. An unexpected opportunity to travel from Dublin to Amsterdam after his estranged father dies may be his opportunity to discover what he has been denying himself – if he’s brave enough to take it.
Out and proud Lucas Brandt’s life falls apart when Paul Kelly, the man who gave him a job and a roof over his head, suddenly dies. Now, with Paul’s estranged son coming to Amsterdam to take charge of his father’s business and house, Lucas’s future is in limbo.
Two strangers sharing a house soon find they have more on their hands than a messy inheritance. When attraction enters the mix, will they be brave enough to embrace it – and each other?
- GenresM M RomanceLGBTRomance
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2018
12 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Helena Stone
36 books130 followersHelena Stone can’t remember a life before words and reading. After growing up in a household where no holiday or festivity was complete without at least one new book, it’s hardly surprising she now owns more books than shelf space while her Kindle is about to explode.
The urge to write did come as a surprise. The realisation that people might enjoy her words was a delightful shock. Now that the writing bug has well and truly taken hold, Helena can no longer imagine not sharing the characters and stories in her head and heart with the rest of the world.
Having left the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam for the peace and quiet of the Irish countryside she divides her time between reading, writing, long walks, and her part-time job in a library. A grown-up daughter and her ever-loving and patient husband make sure she occasionally takes a break too.
You can find Helena here:
Website:
http://helenastone.blogspot.ie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helena.stone...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenaStone63
The urge to write did come as a surprise. The realisation that people might enjoy her words was a delightful shock. Now that the writing bug has well and truly taken hold, Helena can no longer imagine not sharing the characters and stories in her head and heart with the rest of the world.
Having left the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam for the peace and quiet of the Irish countryside she divides her time between reading, writing, long walks, and her part-time job in a library. A grown-up daughter and her ever-loving and patient husband make sure she occasionally takes a break too.
You can find Helena here:
Website:
http://helenastone.blogspot.ie/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helena.stone...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenaStone63
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 4, 2018
This was an utterly gentle story. No angst and with kind and friendly people.
Written in a, for me, pleasant way. I could consume it comfortably, maybe because of the use of language. Irish/English with a Dutch background. I just understood every word and sentence.
The story took place *jump jump* in the Netherlands !! And gosh did I enjoyed this!!
It was so delightful familiar I had a constant smile on my face.
Ronan inherit a big part of his fathers company. His father, he never met and didn't know anything about, lived in the Netherlands. The only thing he knows is his father left his mother behind because he was gay. Never will he tell his mom he is gay too. He suppressed his feelings and lived his life... a bit lonely
Ronan takes a flight to Amsterdam, excited to enter a free-spirited new town.
There he meets Lucas, a Dutch man who lived with Ronan's father and who owns also a part of the company.
Big decisions must be made for the future and Lucas is afraid he is the one who will be left with empty hands.
The way the story reveals is kind with ditto personalities they wouldn't hurt a fly. Ronan a bit naive for his age and Lucas considered and thoughtful towards Ronan.
A friendly, smoothly written story about blooming friendship and love, hard decisions, precarious family matters. Personally I would have loved some more struggle or hurt/comfort, but duh Dutch people are just nice !
This all against a Dutch background. Can I ask for more...?
Kindly received an arc from the author.
Written in a, for me, pleasant way. I could consume it comfortably, maybe because of the use of language. Irish/English with a Dutch background. I just understood every word and sentence.
The story took place *jump jump* in the Netherlands !! And gosh did I enjoyed this!!
It was so delightful familiar I had a constant smile on my face.
Ronan inherit a big part of his fathers company. His father, he never met and didn't know anything about, lived in the Netherlands. The only thing he knows is his father left his mother behind because he was gay. Never will he tell his mom he is gay too. He suppressed his feelings and lived his life... a bit lonely
Ronan takes a flight to Amsterdam, excited to enter a free-spirited new town.
There he meets Lucas, a Dutch man who lived with Ronan's father and who owns also a part of the company.
Big decisions must be made for the future and Lucas is afraid he is the one who will be left with empty hands.
The way the story reveals is kind with ditto personalities they wouldn't hurt a fly. Ronan a bit naive for his age and Lucas considered and thoughtful towards Ronan.
A friendly, smoothly written story about blooming friendship and love, hard decisions, precarious family matters. Personally I would have loved some more struggle or hurt/comfort, but duh Dutch people are just nice !
This all against a Dutch background. Can I ask for more...?
Kindly received an arc from the author.
June 5, 2018
*2,75*
The scenario was appealing and the idea for the plot nicely thought out.
However, I found all the coincidences of the plot too forced, and both Lucas and Ronan came across as a bit of lukewarm. Ronan's innocence (at 28) felt like from a different era. He was so clueless about anything gay, it was difficult to believe. Even harder to comprehend was why he actually ended up being a virgin to this age.
Lots of firsts for Ronan could have been more fun than it actually turned out to be, which was a shame. I also wasn't too keen on the large amount of narrative which got me to the stage of skimming over long passages.
Not quite my thing all in all, but Amsterdam sounds like a fun place to visit!
The scenario was appealing and the idea for the plot nicely thought out.
However, I found all the coincidences of the plot too forced, and both Lucas and Ronan came across as a bit of lukewarm. Ronan's innocence (at 28) felt like from a different era. He was so clueless about anything gay, it was difficult to believe. Even harder to comprehend was why he actually ended up being a virgin to this age.
Lots of firsts for Ronan could have been more fun than it actually turned out to be, which was a shame. I also wasn't too keen on the large amount of narrative which got me to the stage of skimming over long passages.
Not quite my thing all in all, but Amsterdam sounds like a fun place to visit!
May 14, 2018
I’ll be the first to admit, I am totally biased when it comes to Helena Stone’s books. We’re friends. I was staying at her house when I beta read “Double Dutch Courage”. But biased or not, it’s a wonderful story.
“Double Dutch Courage” follows Ronan Collins from Dublin to Amsterdam as he learns about an inheritance left to him by his absent father, Paul, and begins to take the first steps toward being open about his attraction to men. Lucas Brant, Paul’s business partner and flatmate, helps guide Ronan along that path.
The author deftly weaves in Ronan’s discovery of Amsterdam through the story and it plays such a large role in the book, it needed to be mentioned. It’s wonderful and vivid and makes me want to travel there (more than I already did)!
This is a quiet story. Ronan’s journey doesn’t have huge, wildly dramatic twists and turns, but the gently unfolding self-discovery is no less compelling. The attraction between them and the building relationship is skillfully done and you’re rooting for them as Ronan overcomes those final obstacles and moves forward into the kind of future he’s always dreamed of.
“Double Dutch Courage” has wonderful characters, a fantastic setting, and a sweet romance. What more could any reader want?
“Double Dutch Courage” follows Ronan Collins from Dublin to Amsterdam as he learns about an inheritance left to him by his absent father, Paul, and begins to take the first steps toward being open about his attraction to men. Lucas Brant, Paul’s business partner and flatmate, helps guide Ronan along that path.
The author deftly weaves in Ronan’s discovery of Amsterdam through the story and it plays such a large role in the book, it needed to be mentioned. It’s wonderful and vivid and makes me want to travel there (more than I already did)!
This is a quiet story. Ronan’s journey doesn’t have huge, wildly dramatic twists and turns, but the gently unfolding self-discovery is no less compelling. The attraction between them and the building relationship is skillfully done and you’re rooting for them as Ronan overcomes those final obstacles and moves forward into the kind of future he’s always dreamed of.
“Double Dutch Courage” has wonderful characters, a fantastic setting, and a sweet romance. What more could any reader want?
May 9, 2018
I enjoyed this smooth-moving story of discovery, redemption, and restoration so much I hardly know where to begin.
Paul Collins was a successful interior designer, living in Amsterdam, who fathered a son and then left his wife in her first trimester explaining he is gay and can no longer live a lie. As the story opens Paul has died suddenly and unexpectantly.
Ronan Collins, Paul’s son is also gay and has spent most of his life, living quietly in Dublin, hiding who he is for fear coming out would break his mother’s heart. Quoting the author, “Ronan isn’t going to be the second gay man to do that.” The death of his estranged father brings Ronan the opportunity to permanently shift his paradigm as he has been left both a home and a thriving business, in Amsterdam, in the will of this man he has never come to know.
Lucas Brandt, also remembered in Paul’s will, is a tenant in the house and the sole employee of the business and stands to find himself both homeless and unemployed, depending on the decisions of a man he never knew existed. He is all but estranged from his parents since the day he graduated university.
The sudden and unexpected death of Paul brings together Ronan and Lucas, two men who had one thing in common, the interior design business. Until Paul’s death neither man knew the other existed and now each finds his future tied to the other. Through their interaction, each man striving to learn more about the other not only learns more about himself but as is often the case, discovers how very wrong his perception was of the world he had created for himself to live in.
I loved this story because it moves along at a smooth pace as it weaves together the separate but connected personal and cultural threads of these men’s lives and their families. They come together expecting to hate each other. Instead, they find themselves immensely compatible and intensely attracted to each other.
Romance novels are usually so predictable. Everyone seems to follow the same script to attract and titillate the reader. This is where Ms. Stone steps away from the pack. Her characters are delightfully unpredictable. The surprises are artfully dispersed throughout the story, using charm, humor, and emotion in such a way as to enhance your reading pleasure. In her synopsis, Ms. Stone writes; “Sudden changes require great bravery. Can both men find the courage to be true to themselves and each other?” Her artful spin of this tale takes you to the very end before you gain the full answer to this question. I like that.
A free copy of this book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. This is my first time reading a work by Helena Stone, but, it definitely won’t be my last.
Paul Collins was a successful interior designer, living in Amsterdam, who fathered a son and then left his wife in her first trimester explaining he is gay and can no longer live a lie. As the story opens Paul has died suddenly and unexpectantly.
Ronan Collins, Paul’s son is also gay and has spent most of his life, living quietly in Dublin, hiding who he is for fear coming out would break his mother’s heart. Quoting the author, “Ronan isn’t going to be the second gay man to do that.” The death of his estranged father brings Ronan the opportunity to permanently shift his paradigm as he has been left both a home and a thriving business, in Amsterdam, in the will of this man he has never come to know.
Lucas Brandt, also remembered in Paul’s will, is a tenant in the house and the sole employee of the business and stands to find himself both homeless and unemployed, depending on the decisions of a man he never knew existed. He is all but estranged from his parents since the day he graduated university.
The sudden and unexpected death of Paul brings together Ronan and Lucas, two men who had one thing in common, the interior design business. Until Paul’s death neither man knew the other existed and now each finds his future tied to the other. Through their interaction, each man striving to learn more about the other not only learns more about himself but as is often the case, discovers how very wrong his perception was of the world he had created for himself to live in.
I loved this story because it moves along at a smooth pace as it weaves together the separate but connected personal and cultural threads of these men’s lives and their families. They come together expecting to hate each other. Instead, they find themselves immensely compatible and intensely attracted to each other.
Romance novels are usually so predictable. Everyone seems to follow the same script to attract and titillate the reader. This is where Ms. Stone steps away from the pack. Her characters are delightfully unpredictable. The surprises are artfully dispersed throughout the story, using charm, humor, and emotion in such a way as to enhance your reading pleasure. In her synopsis, Ms. Stone writes; “Sudden changes require great bravery. Can both men find the courage to be true to themselves and each other?” Her artful spin of this tale takes you to the very end before you gain the full answer to this question. I like that.
A free copy of this book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. This is my first time reading a work by Helena Stone, but, it definitely won’t be my last.
August 23, 2018
Perfect Coupling
The plot of this one is cleverly laid out in the book's blurb, but the manner in which the relationship develops between the 28-year-old Irish lad Ronan and the 25-year-old Dutch yuppie Lucas is so sweetly handled that somewhere along the line your tooth might start to ache. Which is a good thing.
The story of how Ronan's father managed to ignore his son all those years after he left his pregnant wife and how Lucas became involved with him is gingerly handled over a period of lovingly written chapters. The love story that develops between Ronan and Lucas is flummoxed at all times because of their own parental issues and how guilty each feels because of them.
The book is partially helped by a wonderfully glib yet detailed tour of Amsterdam which Lucas takes Ronan on in several chapters, and this leads to an appreciation of how cultural discovery can accommodate the development of love.
Really neat book, perfect for a flight, train ride, or day at the beach.
The plot of this one is cleverly laid out in the book's blurb, but the manner in which the relationship develops between the 28-year-old Irish lad Ronan and the 25-year-old Dutch yuppie Lucas is so sweetly handled that somewhere along the line your tooth might start to ache. Which is a good thing.
The story of how Ronan's father managed to ignore his son all those years after he left his pregnant wife and how Lucas became involved with him is gingerly handled over a period of lovingly written chapters. The love story that develops between Ronan and Lucas is flummoxed at all times because of their own parental issues and how guilty each feels because of them.
The book is partially helped by a wonderfully glib yet detailed tour of Amsterdam which Lucas takes Ronan on in several chapters, and this leads to an appreciation of how cultural discovery can accommodate the development of love.
Really neat book, perfect for a flight, train ride, or day at the beach.
December 3, 2018
Enjoyed thus sweet and tender romance very much. The development of the main characters relationship was well paced and you are treated to a look at some of the highlights of the city of Amsterdam. Satisfying read with low conflict that just made me happy.
June 20, 2018
A warm and wonderful romance in Amsterdam. Take the journey with Ronan and Lucas. Their slow-build relationship is a joy to experience and as a bonus, you get to learn a bit about Amsterdam. If you enjoy warm, witty and low angst romance, this is a book for you.
May 14, 2018
*arc received in exchange for an honest review*
This was a cute, slow burn novel. It doesn’t qualify as a clean romantic because Ronan and Lucas do have an intimate moment but it’s the next step up and it was a fresh pace to see the characters really get to know each other on a personal level. It was a great plot line and I did feel for Ronan having lost a father he never knew about and the way Stone detailed his regrets at never looking made you feel the same sadness. Amsterdam was a lovely backdrop for such a sweet novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This was a cute, slow burn novel. It doesn’t qualify as a clean romantic because Ronan and Lucas do have an intimate moment but it’s the next step up and it was a fresh pace to see the characters really get to know each other on a personal level. It was a great plot line and I did feel for Ronan having lost a father he never knew about and the way Stone detailed his regrets at never looking made you feel the same sadness. Amsterdam was a lovely backdrop for such a sweet novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
June 6, 2018
Ronan Collins has never known his father, he's only known what his mother has told him so when he discovers that his father has died and left him his business and home, Ronan is completely shocked but jumps at the chance to go to Amsterdam and discover what he can. Lucas Brandt was lucky to be mentored by Paul Kelly, not only did Paul give him a job but a place to live too but now that Paul has died, Lucas finds his future in the hands of an unknown son. When these two meet, can Ronan's need to know who his dad was coincide with Lucas' need to know where he stands mesh? Will they discover more than what they are looking for?
Double Dutch Courage is just delightful! Ronan and Lucas are absolutely adorable both as individuals and as a pair. There are so many routes the author could have taken, no doubt they all would have made for a good story but the journey Helena Stone takes these two men on is near picture perfect. I just loved how Ronan is able to finally be himself, even if reluctantly, with Lucas' blend of friendship, co-worker, and tour guide. His choice isn't easy having spent his whole life denying that part of himself in fear of hurting his mother but sometimes we need to search our past before we can find our future.
I was prepared to really hate Ronan's mother especially after she announced she was coming to Amsterdam for a visit. Now I won't give any particulars in regard to her stay but I will say that this was one of those points I mentioned where the author could have taken many possibile paths but the one Miss Stone takes is definitely the better one. If you are looking for proof that communication with secondary characters are important than this is a prime example.
Drama doesn't have to mean angst and turmoil, it can be simple every day misunderstandings, miscommunications, or even just discovery which is exactly what Double Dutch Courage is about: discovering the past, discovering the future, discovering yourself, and the journey connecting these findings. Helena Stone filled the covers with sweet romance, intense connections, beautiful scenery, and just the right amount of heat to bring you a very entertaining, dramatic yet fun romance.
Double Dutch Courage is just delightful! Ronan and Lucas are absolutely adorable both as individuals and as a pair. There are so many routes the author could have taken, no doubt they all would have made for a good story but the journey Helena Stone takes these two men on is near picture perfect. I just loved how Ronan is able to finally be himself, even if reluctantly, with Lucas' blend of friendship, co-worker, and tour guide. His choice isn't easy having spent his whole life denying that part of himself in fear of hurting his mother but sometimes we need to search our past before we can find our future.
I was prepared to really hate Ronan's mother especially after she announced she was coming to Amsterdam for a visit. Now I won't give any particulars in regard to her stay but I will say that this was one of those points I mentioned where the author could have taken many possibile paths but the one Miss Stone takes is definitely the better one. If you are looking for proof that communication with secondary characters are important than this is a prime example.
Drama doesn't have to mean angst and turmoil, it can be simple every day misunderstandings, miscommunications, or even just discovery which is exactly what Double Dutch Courage is about: discovering the past, discovering the future, discovering yourself, and the journey connecting these findings. Helena Stone filled the covers with sweet romance, intense connections, beautiful scenery, and just the right amount of heat to bring you a very entertaining, dramatic yet fun romance.
May 11, 2018
This was such a lovely story. Sweet, fun, and charming. Low on sex, but high on feelings.
It is all about self-discovery. That you can have the life you want if you are true to yourself. Ronan does just that. Out of the blue, he inherits his dad’s design company, and he grabs the chance to spread his wings by going to Amsterdam. Not that he has a warm and loving home, but at twenty-eight, he knows now is the time to live his life as a gay man.
He never expected to find the attractive Lucas opening the door. The attraction is instant. On both sides. What I love about this story that the author let the men take their time to get to know each other. No hopping into bed at the first sign, but a slowly developing relationship. She brings the characters to life on the pages. They felt so real and genuine. Ronan, a bit shy, curious about his father, but also somewhat resentful. Wanting to experience his gay self, but hesitant to give it his all. Lucas might be younger, but in this relationship, he is the more experienced. Partly character, partly having lived in a free(r) country all his life. He is often the man who puts on the brakes, but with a loving understanding.
Not everything is going smoothly, but there are no major fallouts or misunderstandings. Even when Ronan’s mother reveals some well-kept secrets about his father and their marriage, he shows a maturity and forgiveness that is astounding and admirable and completely in sync with how I got to know him. Also, credits to his mother for redeeming herself.
This book is for everyone who loves a well-written story with great characters, who loves a laugh and sweetness without being sappy.
I have to confess it was an absolute delight to read a story set in Amsterdam. Being Dutch myself, I was all so familiar to me. What we would call “een feest der herkenning.” Literally translated as “a feast of recognition.” This author sure knows what she is talking about. And yes, King’s Day is an absolute madhouse, but so much fun. Orange as the far as the eye can see.
It is all about self-discovery. That you can have the life you want if you are true to yourself. Ronan does just that. Out of the blue, he inherits his dad’s design company, and he grabs the chance to spread his wings by going to Amsterdam. Not that he has a warm and loving home, but at twenty-eight, he knows now is the time to live his life as a gay man.
He never expected to find the attractive Lucas opening the door. The attraction is instant. On both sides. What I love about this story that the author let the men take their time to get to know each other. No hopping into bed at the first sign, but a slowly developing relationship. She brings the characters to life on the pages. They felt so real and genuine. Ronan, a bit shy, curious about his father, but also somewhat resentful. Wanting to experience his gay self, but hesitant to give it his all. Lucas might be younger, but in this relationship, he is the more experienced. Partly character, partly having lived in a free(r) country all his life. He is often the man who puts on the brakes, but with a loving understanding.
Not everything is going smoothly, but there are no major fallouts or misunderstandings. Even when Ronan’s mother reveals some well-kept secrets about his father and their marriage, he shows a maturity and forgiveness that is astounding and admirable and completely in sync with how I got to know him. Also, credits to his mother for redeeming herself.
This book is for everyone who loves a well-written story with great characters, who loves a laugh and sweetness without being sappy.
I have to confess it was an absolute delight to read a story set in Amsterdam. Being Dutch myself, I was all so familiar to me. What we would call “een feest der herkenning.” Literally translated as “a feast of recognition.” This author sure knows what she is talking about. And yes, King’s Day is an absolute madhouse, but so much fun. Orange as the far as the eye can see.
May 12, 2018
Ronan inherits both a home and business in Amsterdam when his father had passed away unexpectedly. Ronan never expected to receive anything from his father because he hadn’t ever had his father in his life. It’s always been he and his mother back in Dublin. Even at twenty-eight he still lives at home with his mother and keeps parts of himself hidden from view because he fears upsetting his mother.
Amsterdam represents an opportunity Ronan never thought he would have. He’d get to know who his father was and he’s experience life away from his mother and a small town. He doesn’t expect the attraction to his father’s business partner and tenant, Lucas.
What I enjoyed about this was how much I could relate to Ronan. You live in the boundaries you think are set out for you. You do what you expect your parents expect of you. Ronan not only uses his time in Amsterdam to figure out his professional future but he starts to discover who he truly is.
The pacing of Ronan and Lucas’s romance and attraction is well done. It’s not a fast jump in to a relationship. There was an ebb and flow to it. I liked the internal thought process that was included for both characters. When something happened, Ronan thought it out to exhaustion. When you’re new and experiencing all these situations at a later age, you do that. Lucas weighed all variations of what could happen with Ronan. Would this be okay or would pursuing a romantic relationship with his business partner end up in heartache?
This is a sweet, moving story and I enjoyed it every bit.
Amsterdam represents an opportunity Ronan never thought he would have. He’d get to know who his father was and he’s experience life away from his mother and a small town. He doesn’t expect the attraction to his father’s business partner and tenant, Lucas.
What I enjoyed about this was how much I could relate to Ronan. You live in the boundaries you think are set out for you. You do what you expect your parents expect of you. Ronan not only uses his time in Amsterdam to figure out his professional future but he starts to discover who he truly is.
The pacing of Ronan and Lucas’s romance and attraction is well done. It’s not a fast jump in to a relationship. There was an ebb and flow to it. I liked the internal thought process that was included for both characters. When something happened, Ronan thought it out to exhaustion. When you’re new and experiencing all these situations at a later age, you do that. Lucas weighed all variations of what could happen with Ronan. Would this be okay or would pursuing a romantic relationship with his business partner end up in heartache?
This is a sweet, moving story and I enjoyed it every bit.
March 29, 2019
Courage to love
Ronan received a letter from the father that split on his mother when she was pregnant with him. His father had past leaving him half of his company with a guy that he may or may not have been involved with. Paul had been Lucas mentor for the last three years,now he was died. Leaving him and unknown son the company he had built. Dreading the meeting both was unprepared for the out come. Torn between the parent that raised him or his own desires Ronan was taking things as they came, trying to judge the world that his father lived in versus the one his mother had painted for him. Lucas was just beginning to get to no the son that would be either his downfall or godsent. Will Ronan have the courage to follow through on his feelings for Lucas or let his fears of how his mother may react to him being gay stand in his way? This was amazing story of self discovery and courage to take what you want for your happiness.
Ronan received a letter from the father that split on his mother when she was pregnant with him. His father had past leaving him half of his company with a guy that he may or may not have been involved with. Paul had been Lucas mentor for the last three years,now he was died. Leaving him and unknown son the company he had built. Dreading the meeting both was unprepared for the out come. Torn between the parent that raised him or his own desires Ronan was taking things as they came, trying to judge the world that his father lived in versus the one his mother had painted for him. Lucas was just beginning to get to no the son that would be either his downfall or godsent. Will Ronan have the courage to follow through on his feelings for Lucas or let his fears of how his mother may react to him being gay stand in his way? This was amazing story of self discovery and courage to take what you want for your happiness.
September 5, 2021
High concept contemporary where an Irish man inherits a home and interior design business from the father he never knew, who moved to Amsterdam before he was born. (Btw, the son has coincidentally become an interior designer, ahem.) The inheritance is split with the father's protege, who lives in an apartment attached to the house, so as they spend time together to try and work out how they'll deal with everything, they start to fall in love. (Oh, and your Irish hero's a 28 year old repressed virgin . . . you see there's a lot going on.) I think this might have been the author's first full length book? I am trying to finish books I started and stalled out on (mainly if I can't remember why I stalled out on them . . . if they're terrible I'll just delete them.) This one was pretty good, just with an overegged plot.
May 11, 2018
3.5 stars.
This is as much a story of Ronan's self-discovery, as well as his and Lucas' parental relationships, as it is a romance.
It is a pleasant read on the feel-good end of the angst-spectrum. You get to experience Amsterdam alongside Ronan, but I can imagine you would enjoy this more than I did if you know of the city.
The story is fast paced, and at times a little on the superficial side to fit more time (and self-realization, and for real emotions to form), which I didn't love since I like to see the characters develop on page rather than off, but I understand the choice since the main theme is (as I see it) Ronan's self-discovery.
This is as much a story of Ronan's self-discovery, as well as his and Lucas' parental relationships, as it is a romance.
It is a pleasant read on the feel-good end of the angst-spectrum. You get to experience Amsterdam alongside Ronan, but I can imagine you would enjoy this more than I did if you know of the city.
The story is fast paced, and at times a little on the superficial side to fit more time (and self-realization, and for real emotions to form), which I didn't love since I like to see the characters develop on page rather than off, but I understand the choice since the main theme is (as I see it) Ronan's self-discovery.
May 26, 2018
I had a difficult time reading this book and I don't really know why. It is well-written, I like the characters and the story is different and interesting. For some reason it just didn't work for me. Ronan and Lucas are great together even though this is Ronan's first experience in any kind of relationship. Lucas is patient with him and allows Ronan to find his own way. Ronan is on a journey of self discovery and the story is mostly centered on him as he learns about the father he never knew and explores his sexuality. As I enjoyed reading books by this author in the past I do look forward to reading her next book. This just isn't my cup of tea.
I was given an ARC to review.
I was given an ARC to review.
May 11, 2018
Charming and fun read about discovering who you are when you can be yourself. Ronan and Lucas are just delightful together and together they find that life can be rather amazing. i found the story easy to read and it flowed nicely.
The MC's are both likable characters and the story is engaging and will give you a satisfying read. Ronan does have a lot to reconcile with the partial truths from his past and this is handled in a very low angst manner.
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my review
The MC's are both likable characters and the story is engaging and will give you a satisfying read. Ronan does have a lot to reconcile with the partial truths from his past and this is handled in a very low angst manner.
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my review
December 28, 2018
this is a wonderful MM story of self discovery and coming out, when a father that Ronan had never met leaves him 3/4th of his business and home as well as worldly posessions when he passes away, he finds himself on a journey to discover his true self.
Lucas has been working for Ronan's father for 4 years and inherits the other 1/4th of the business and property, can they wok together, or will the attraction they feel break not only them but the business apart?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lucas has been working for Ronan's father for 4 years and inherits the other 1/4th of the business and property, can they wok together, or will the attraction they feel break not only them but the business apart?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2018
What can I say, Double Dutch Courage was a thoroughly enjoyable romance. There’s something about miscommunicating or not communicating at all that brings about great tension. I love reading stories set far from Canada and Ireland and Holland are two places I would love to visit, so I got to enjoy a little bit while I read this great story. I really liked Ronan and Lucas and I loved the slow build story, I would love to read more about them. I would definitely recommend this book.
June 25, 2018
Double Dutch Courage is a very gentle romance with hardly any angst. It was extra enjoyable for me ‘cause it’s set in Amsterdam. I enjoyed Ronan getting to know all these typical Dutch things. Apart from that it is well written. I loved reading about Ronan who finally gets to be himself, something he’s always denied himself because he was afraid to hurt his mum who was left by her gay husband when she was pregnant.
January 9, 2019
Wow, I really really liked this story! With so many books set in the US, it's so refreshing to find well written books set in good old Europe.
Helena Stone is a new to me author, and this won't definitely be the last book of hers I read!
Loved the MCs, Lucas and Ronan are both great characters and I loved Ronan's voyage of self-discovery.
Helena Stone is a new to me author, and this won't definitely be the last book of hers I read!
Loved the MCs, Lucas and Ronan are both great characters and I loved Ronan's voyage of self-discovery.
May 4, 2021
Well, this didn't completely thrill me, the beginning was interesting, then the middle bit I found rather slow and without a true plot, but then the end part did speed up and become enjoyable and sweet. Learning bits about the traditions of Amsterdam was neat, and having a bit of a mental tour made me wish I was there, Ronan and Lucas were lovely men.
July 22, 2018
*2.5* stars.
There were parts of this story that I really did like, but ultimately, I didn’t feel like I really connected with the main characters. There were also small issues with the writing that bothered me throughout the book. I really wish I could have given it a better rating.
There were parts of this story that I really did like, but ultimately, I didn’t feel like I really connected with the main characters. There were also small issues with the writing that bothered me throughout the book. I really wish I could have given it a better rating.
December 24, 2018
Good Romance
I found the story both light hearted and emotional, showing sensitivity for a newly out gay man. Decent character development for both MCs and an upbeat ending promising a future for the couple.
I found the story both light hearted and emotional, showing sensitivity for a newly out gay man. Decent character development for both MCs and an upbeat ending promising a future for the couple.
May 27, 2018
Double Dutch Courage is a sweet love story with little to no angst. I really enjoyed this story. I found the MC's to be a very match!
June 27, 2019
A vivid picture of Amsterdam, in addition to some delicious pining :)
September 1, 2020
For a story about secrets, guilt and lies, this was unexpectedly low angst.
April 17, 2021
Thoroughly engaging, lovely romance. Really enjoyed the Amsterdam setting and the satisfying HEA ending.
June 25, 2018
This novel is such an enjoyable romance, with little angst and a good dose of sweetness. Ronan who lives in Dublin, inherits two thirds of a design company in Amsterdam from his father, that he has never met. He heads to Amsterdam to learn about the business and decide whether to keep or sell the business.
Lucas has inherited the other third of the business from Paul (Ronan’s Father), and is living in uncertain times, not only may he be forced to sell his share of the business, but that would also cost him his home, which is an apartment within the building.
Ronan has hidden his sexuality from his Mother. Having seen how his Father leaving her after coming out gay. So, living in Amsterdam is an exciting chance to dip his toes in the water. There is an instant attraction between Ronan and Lucas but lack of communication causes awkwardness.
They both try and maintain a professional relationship. Not wanting to pressure the other. But Lucas is the closest one person who knew his Father well, and able to help Ronan learn about his Father. The story has a balanced angst vs happy moment.
The two guys are so sweet and adorable. Lucas patience with Ronans inexperience and Ronans ability to take things in his stride, shine through. Though he becomes annoyed mostly with himself for hiding his sexuality from his Mother.
I found the book, nicely paced and easy to read. I enjoyed the mix of the two cultures, really interesting as we often believe that all countries eat, drink, wear the same things. I always have a giggle how the same item can be two totally different things in different countries.
I loved the fluidity of the novel, and now have another one click author on my list.
Lucas has inherited the other third of the business from Paul (Ronan’s Father), and is living in uncertain times, not only may he be forced to sell his share of the business, but that would also cost him his home, which is an apartment within the building.
Ronan has hidden his sexuality from his Mother. Having seen how his Father leaving her after coming out gay. So, living in Amsterdam is an exciting chance to dip his toes in the water. There is an instant attraction between Ronan and Lucas but lack of communication causes awkwardness.
They both try and maintain a professional relationship. Not wanting to pressure the other. But Lucas is the closest one person who knew his Father well, and able to help Ronan learn about his Father. The story has a balanced angst vs happy moment.
The two guys are so sweet and adorable. Lucas patience with Ronans inexperience and Ronans ability to take things in his stride, shine through. Though he becomes annoyed mostly with himself for hiding his sexuality from his Mother.
I found the book, nicely paced and easy to read. I enjoyed the mix of the two cultures, really interesting as we often believe that all countries eat, drink, wear the same things. I always have a giggle how the same item can be two totally different things in different countries.
I loved the fluidity of the novel, and now have another one click author on my list.
May 15, 2018
This is my first read by this author and I'll happily look out for future books from her. Even without the characters we got a lovely tour around Amsterdam as Lucas played tour guide to Ronan. Wonderfully written allowing readers to easily fall into the setting of the story.
Ronan discovers his father's identity and passing when he receives a letter about the man's will and what Ronan has been left. He subsequently makes the trip to Amsterdam where his father had became a successful business owner.
Lucas lives in the house of his friend and boss, Peter, who passed away recently. Grateful for everything he's been given he's now unsure of his future as the man's son is coming over and has the overall decision of what will be happening with it all.
The surprise that comes is the attraction they both feel after their expected initial hesitation.
Ronan's decision to give everything 6 months for him to decide allows him to experience the business that, shockingly, is the same career that he chose for himself. But it also allows a relationship to build between himself and Lucas, Ronan's first gay experience after keeping it secret for his whole life so far.
This is an enjoyable story giving Ronan the chance to explore the side of himself he's never been able to do before. Having someone with him he's insanely attracted to is just a major bonus. Though their troubles exist with what Ronan will decide about the business and home that Lucas works for and lives in. It keeps a constant "what if" between them until Ronan makes his choice.
The characters are well written and I like their interaction. Allowing Ronan to explore himself in a new city is something I'm sure a lot of people long to experience and Helena writes the wariness and acceptance very well.
Ronan and Lucas are pretty much the only characters we have with occasional input by Ronan's mum which includes some family drama, adding to the emotional aspect of the story.
I'd recommend this for people looking for an easy romance, sweet and first time.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Ronan discovers his father's identity and passing when he receives a letter about the man's will and what Ronan has been left. He subsequently makes the trip to Amsterdam where his father had became a successful business owner.
Lucas lives in the house of his friend and boss, Peter, who passed away recently. Grateful for everything he's been given he's now unsure of his future as the man's son is coming over and has the overall decision of what will be happening with it all.
The surprise that comes is the attraction they both feel after their expected initial hesitation.
Ronan's decision to give everything 6 months for him to decide allows him to experience the business that, shockingly, is the same career that he chose for himself. But it also allows a relationship to build between himself and Lucas, Ronan's first gay experience after keeping it secret for his whole life so far.
This is an enjoyable story giving Ronan the chance to explore the side of himself he's never been able to do before. Having someone with him he's insanely attracted to is just a major bonus. Though their troubles exist with what Ronan will decide about the business and home that Lucas works for and lives in. It keeps a constant "what if" between them until Ronan makes his choice.
The characters are well written and I like their interaction. Allowing Ronan to explore himself in a new city is something I'm sure a lot of people long to experience and Helena writes the wariness and acceptance very well.
Ronan and Lucas are pretty much the only characters we have with occasional input by Ronan's mum which includes some family drama, adding to the emotional aspect of the story.
I'd recommend this for people looking for an easy romance, sweet and first time.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
September 23, 2018
https://optimumm.blog/2018/09/23/review-double-dutch-courage-by-helena-stone/
Ronan Collins is a twenty-year-old young man, living in Dublin with his mother. His life changes when he received a notary letter informing it that his father is dead and Ronan is his heir. Ronan’s disconcerted by this letter since he never knew his father because he’d abandoned his mother when she was three months pregnant with him.
Ronan decides to see what this mysterious father wants to offer him in his death. For that, he will have to move at Amsterdam and work with Lucas, his father’s assistant.
What’s supposed to be a walk in his father’s life will become the journey of Ronan’s life and future.
Double Dutch Courage is my first book from Helena Stone the author.
This book is a quiet journey in Ronan and Lucas’ life. When Lucas is scared for his future since everything will depend on what Ronan will do, Ronan is scared of himself. Saying that Ronan is in the closet is an understatement, the guy is so deep in the closet that he often takes the tea with Asla. But I understood why. He’s scared of hurting his mother—plain and simple. Otherwise, Lucas hasn’t a problem with his sexuality, but he refuses to take advantage of Ronan. Together, these two young men will get to know each other as work partners, then friends and then lovers. They also learn more about themselves.
I liked the relationship between Ronan and his father. (Yes you read me correctly, and no, I didn’t forget what I wrote above). Even if Ronan and his father are strangers and never saw each other, they are similar, more than what Ronan thinks. First, Ronan is the spitting image of his father. Second, they share the same creativity and field of work. Finally, they’re both gay and they’d both struggled with their sexuality. I liked this kind of mirror effect between father and son.
I can’t say that I disliked the book, but I can’t say that I liked either. This book wasn’t for me. I’m use to books with a faster pace (it matches my personality I think), so sometimes the book couldn’t hold my attention. Besides, the characters were kind of one-dimensional, and it missed something for my taste.
But it was well written, the author has talent, and her descriptions of Amsterdam was so vivid that I had the feeling of being there with them seeing the colors and smelling the odors of the beautiful city.
It’s 3 OptimuMM for the Irish and his Dutch lover!
***I would like to thank the author for the privilege and opportunity of reading this ARC. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
Ronan Collins is a twenty-year-old young man, living in Dublin with his mother. His life changes when he received a notary letter informing it that his father is dead and Ronan is his heir. Ronan’s disconcerted by this letter since he never knew his father because he’d abandoned his mother when she was three months pregnant with him.
Ronan decides to see what this mysterious father wants to offer him in his death. For that, he will have to move at Amsterdam and work with Lucas, his father’s assistant.
What’s supposed to be a walk in his father’s life will become the journey of Ronan’s life and future.
Double Dutch Courage is my first book from Helena Stone the author.
This book is a quiet journey in Ronan and Lucas’ life. When Lucas is scared for his future since everything will depend on what Ronan will do, Ronan is scared of himself. Saying that Ronan is in the closet is an understatement, the guy is so deep in the closet that he often takes the tea with Asla. But I understood why. He’s scared of hurting his mother—plain and simple. Otherwise, Lucas hasn’t a problem with his sexuality, but he refuses to take advantage of Ronan. Together, these two young men will get to know each other as work partners, then friends and then lovers. They also learn more about themselves.
I liked the relationship between Ronan and his father. (Yes you read me correctly, and no, I didn’t forget what I wrote above). Even if Ronan and his father are strangers and never saw each other, they are similar, more than what Ronan thinks. First, Ronan is the spitting image of his father. Second, they share the same creativity and field of work. Finally, they’re both gay and they’d both struggled with their sexuality. I liked this kind of mirror effect between father and son.
I can’t say that I disliked the book, but I can’t say that I liked either. This book wasn’t for me. I’m use to books with a faster pace (it matches my personality I think), so sometimes the book couldn’t hold my attention. Besides, the characters were kind of one-dimensional, and it missed something for my taste.
But it was well written, the author has talent, and her descriptions of Amsterdam was so vivid that I had the feeling of being there with them seeing the colors and smelling the odors of the beautiful city.
It’s 3 OptimuMM for the Irish and his Dutch lover!
***I would like to thank the author for the privilege and opportunity of reading this ARC. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews