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Laced
Intimacy laces: the ultimate wedding gift, threads of magical energy binding you and your soulmate together for the rest of your happily ever after.
At least, that's what the brochure said ...
Stacy and Jake are united not only by matrimony but by the bonds of their intimacy laces, which allow them to feel each other's eternal devotion. However, after six years of wedded "bliss," the spark has died, and the once healthy laces have dimmed to weak spider threads of light. Determined to reignite the flame, Stacy drags Jake to the Emotional Intimacy Clinic to get their laces refurbished. When the clinic insists on a full consultation and evaluation of their relationship, Jake is reluctant, but Stacy knows they're perfect for each other.
What could possibly go wrong?
At least, that's what the brochure said ...
Stacy and Jake are united not only by matrimony but by the bonds of their intimacy laces, which allow them to feel each other's eternal devotion. However, after six years of wedded "bliss," the spark has died, and the once healthy laces have dimmed to weak spider threads of light. Determined to reignite the flame, Stacy drags Jake to the Emotional Intimacy Clinic to get their laces refurbished. When the clinic insists on a full consultation and evaluation of their relationship, Jake is reluctant, but Stacy knows they're perfect for each other.
What could possibly go wrong?
23 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2018
6 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
H.L. Burke
94 books566 followersBorn in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.
An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.
Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.
She is the author of a four part fantasy/romance series entitled "The Dragon and the Scholar," the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy "Cora and the Nurse Dragon," among others .
Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.hlburkeauthor.com
http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Burke/e/B...
An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.
Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.
She is the author of a four part fantasy/romance series entitled "The Dragon and the Scholar," the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy "Cora and the Nurse Dragon," among others .
Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.hlburkeauthor.com
http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Burke/e/B...
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 23, 2020
"Do you know which package you purchased"? "The receptionist slid a laminated brochure across the desk. The slogan "Make the honeymoon last forever" was displayed prominently at the top followed by a list of services and pricing".
Laced by H.L. Burke
This was a short read but quite a good one that combines Dystopian with a but of romance to create something quite unusual and a real pleasure to read..
Stacy and Jake are married. In the world of "Laced" couples are "binded" using energy in the form of magical laces that glow and sparkle on their wrists whenever each spouse feels love for their partner. These Laces are sold as "packages" at the relationship institute and can be purchased at different levels. Want just a bit of magic lace? That's an inexpensive package. Then you can go all the way up and take the ultimate package which does stronger binding and is also of coarse way more expensive.
Jake and Stacy chose the most inexpensive package but now, after many years, they are just not feeling the love to much. Stacy is ashamed that their Lace no longer glows all that much and judges her relationship directly contingent on the glows and sparkles from the lace .
I loved this premise and loved everything about the book. There is also something subtly dark and ominous about this (on the surface) cheerful institute that claims to want to help people save their relationships.
If there is one reason I did not give it a five it is because the story is so short it ends just as it is getting really interesting. I would LOVE to see a full length book about the institute and the couples who buy into this premise. I do not know this writer's work so perhaps she has already done so and I just do not know it. But I know I';d have liked this to be at least a bit longer. It's such a fascinating premise.
And the scenes are vivid and well laid out. One can envision this (really creepy) outwardly cheery relationship institute that seems to me anyway more interested in taking peoples' money, then doing any thing to help their relationships. And I liked Jake and Stacy so much and wanted to know more about them. I also wanted more of the magical laces which are described in such ethereal terms.
But it is a fun and short read. Great ending as well! Highly recommended, especially to Dystopian fans.
Laced by H.L. Burke
This was a short read but quite a good one that combines Dystopian with a but of romance to create something quite unusual and a real pleasure to read..
Stacy and Jake are married. In the world of "Laced" couples are "binded" using energy in the form of magical laces that glow and sparkle on their wrists whenever each spouse feels love for their partner. These Laces are sold as "packages" at the relationship institute and can be purchased at different levels. Want just a bit of magic lace? That's an inexpensive package. Then you can go all the way up and take the ultimate package which does stronger binding and is also of coarse way more expensive.
Jake and Stacy chose the most inexpensive package but now, after many years, they are just not feeling the love to much. Stacy is ashamed that their Lace no longer glows all that much and judges her relationship directly contingent on the glows and sparkles from the lace .
I loved this premise and loved everything about the book. There is also something subtly dark and ominous about this (on the surface) cheerful institute that claims to want to help people save their relationships.
If there is one reason I did not give it a five it is because the story is so short it ends just as it is getting really interesting. I would LOVE to see a full length book about the institute and the couples who buy into this premise. I do not know this writer's work so perhaps she has already done so and I just do not know it. But I know I';d have liked this to be at least a bit longer. It's such a fascinating premise.
And the scenes are vivid and well laid out. One can envision this (really creepy) outwardly cheery relationship institute that seems to me anyway more interested in taking peoples' money, then doing any thing to help their relationships. And I liked Jake and Stacy so much and wanted to know more about them. I also wanted more of the magical laces which are described in such ethereal terms.
But it is a fun and short read. Great ending as well! Highly recommended, especially to Dystopian fans.
Read
April 19, 2021This is a quick, short story read. Fun concept!
July 15, 2018
A solid reminder that it's commitment that makes a true match. ^_^
January 5, 2019
This is a delightful little story about the power of true love as opposed to a magical/artificial means of binding two people together. Is the binding force of a marriage based on internal or external means?
August 7, 2022
Interesting Concept
This is a very short story with an interesting concept and a good theme. I think it could have been expanded a bit, and it's definitely more for adults, but it's not bad.
Update: having read this several years later, I appreciate it quite a bit more. Definitely a good read, and it's nice to see a story celebrating what love and a good romantic relationship actually look like.
This is a very short story with an interesting concept and a good theme. I think it could have been expanded a bit, and it's definitely more for adults, but it's not bad.
Update: having read this several years later, I appreciate it quite a bit more. Definitely a good read, and it's nice to see a story celebrating what love and a good romantic relationship actually look like.
Read
May 15, 2018I wrote it, so of course I read it ... like a bunch of times ... desperately seeking typos.
January 21, 2019
The premise of this story is that in a world very much like our own, a new magic has been invented to help people find and keep true love through magic laces; these ethereal ties between a couple sparkle and shine when the couple wearing them feels love for the other.
The main reason it gets three stars is because under my rating system, I'd have to be able to reread something (or want to reread it) in order for it to earn four stars; I'm not feeling much inclined to reread this anytime soon.
The premise was interesting, I will admit. Being a short read both helps and hurts this story; it's too short to allow for any real character development or worldbuilding. Not to mention that my level of being able to suspend my disbelief is about three times as high when reading paranormal/urban fantasy stories than reading high fantasy or stories set in worlds not like our own. But because it's so short, it's hard to not appreciate it for what it is: a cute romantic story where the couple in question is struggling to save a failing marriage. I do wish we'd gotten to see more of the laces themselves, like how they were developed or how the professor couple came to be the first ones to have the laces attached. At times I got the impression that there was something darker going on behind the scenes, like the lace-makers were trying to move people away from the "basic" package and sell the more expensive ones, but that didn't really get enough development for me to have any sort of theories about it.
Despite that, this is a good, quick read, with a bonus sneak preview of Burke's novel (which I admittedly have not yet read, though I enjoyed The Magician's Rivalry and ended up getting a copy of Cora and the Nurse Dragon, as well, and eventually I intend to read her novel Coiled at some point, too.) Indeed, this story's biggest sin is that it's so good it needs a longer story than what it is right now. Perhaps we should all go pester Burke until she gets plot bunnies to make this a novel. xD
The main reason it gets three stars is because under my rating system, I'd have to be able to reread something (or want to reread it) in order for it to earn four stars; I'm not feeling much inclined to reread this anytime soon.
The premise was interesting, I will admit. Being a short read both helps and hurts this story; it's too short to allow for any real character development or worldbuilding. Not to mention that my level of being able to suspend my disbelief is about three times as high when reading paranormal/urban fantasy stories than reading high fantasy or stories set in worlds not like our own. But because it's so short, it's hard to not appreciate it for what it is: a cute romantic story where the couple in question is struggling to save a failing marriage. I do wish we'd gotten to see more of the laces themselves, like how they were developed or how the professor couple came to be the first ones to have the laces attached. At times I got the impression that there was something darker going on behind the scenes, like the lace-makers were trying to move people away from the "basic" package and sell the more expensive ones, but that didn't really get enough development for me to have any sort of theories about it.
Despite that, this is a good, quick read, with a bonus sneak preview of Burke's novel (which I admittedly have not yet read, though I enjoyed The Magician's Rivalry and ended up getting a copy of Cora and the Nurse Dragon, as well, and eventually I intend to read her novel Coiled at some point, too.) Indeed, this story's biggest sin is that it's so good it needs a longer story than what it is right now. Perhaps we should all go pester Burke until she gets plot bunnies to make this a novel. xD
June 18, 2018
Love is stronger than magic algorithms
In this short story by H.L. Burke she asks the question, what if you and your spose were completely wrong for each other?
Laces are magical binding that couples get to enhance their emotional intimacy. This story is about a couple who's laces are starting fade.
I loved the way this odd idea of magical bindings feels completely normal. After reading this I feel like this clinic is a place I could go to.
And with today's reliance on matchmaking algorithms, I can see something like this taking off.
I really loved the ending and that I could read this whole story during my break.
I am not in a relationship right now but if I was, this is the kind I would want.
In this short story by H.L. Burke she asks the question, what if you and your spose were completely wrong for each other?
Laces are magical binding that couples get to enhance their emotional intimacy. This story is about a couple who's laces are starting fade.
I loved the way this odd idea of magical bindings feels completely normal. After reading this I feel like this clinic is a place I could go to.
And with today's reliance on matchmaking algorithms, I can see something like this taking off.
I really loved the ending and that I could read this whole story during my break.
I am not in a relationship right now but if I was, this is the kind I would want.
May 31, 2023
What a sweet relatable story for any "long haul" love partnership/marriage. This tale is a fun magical idea of "laces binding a relationship together". Laces sounded naughty/sexy, but not. It makes me think of artificial intelligence and that interfering in the human experience of a love relationship and it's many chapters. It is so natural to compare your relationship to your peers in the early years of marriage. Until one day, you wake up to realize love comes in more ways than that beginning electricity that binds...It's the moving through all of what life brings together- listening, compromise and celebrating the strengths of each other's differences...that makes the bond!💕This short story delivered that concept.
January 9, 2019
Can love be computerized? Lacings that don't glow don't necessarily mean that love is dead. Stacy believes that their love needs help because the magical lacings are not as vibrant. Jake is just a tired businessman that wants to please his wife, but life is getting in the way. This is an interesting look at real love vs. magical love. Made me chuckle at the end.
April 16, 2019
I really adored this short story. I loved the magic/science aspect, but I also really loved how the author talked about love and what makes it real... not the feelings, but the things we do every day to show we care. It's such a quick read, and I think everyone should read it for the magic and the way it makes you think!
January 23, 2025
Entertaining relationship listening
This kindle ebook is from my Kindle Unlimited account
H. L. Burke is one of my favorite authors.
A couple are going to see the counselor. The counselor does not want to renew the lace. They make a decision.
I would recommend this short novella and author to readers looking for a quick read. 😄😜 2025 👒💏my
This kindle ebook is from my Kindle Unlimited account
H. L. Burke is one of my favorite authors.
A couple are going to see the counselor. The counselor does not want to renew the lace. They make a decision.
I would recommend this short novella and author to readers looking for a quick read. 😄😜 2025 👒💏my
June 4, 2018
This short but poignant love short story blew me away. I completely fell into this world and wanted this couple to work out their differences and succeed above society's pressures. Such a refreshing story about marriage and what really matters.
January 10, 2019
Interesting Concept
Very interesting take on a matchmaking service. This short story was well written and I'd definitely be interested in hearing more of the couple's story! Only complaint is I wish it was longer.
Very interesting take on a matchmaking service. This short story was well written and I'd definitely be interested in hearing more of the couple's story! Only complaint is I wish it was longer.
April 23, 2022
nice short story
A quick short story with an introduction to a new book as a bonus. I liked the story in Laced as it looked at the idea of soulmates and how maybe love isn’t this destined thing.
A quick short story with an introduction to a new book as a bonus. I liked the story in Laced as it looked at the idea of soulmates and how maybe love isn’t this destined thing.
June 19, 2018
Perfect Match
A fun short story that shows that true love is more than the passionate moments. I love the practical versus whimsical and the sweetheart ending.
A fun short story that shows that true love is more than the passionate moments. I love the practical versus whimsical and the sweetheart ending.
June 20, 2018
Super sweet and "awwwww"-inducing.
October 19, 2018
OH MY GOODNESS.
This was absolutely adorable and I think my wee little heart might explode from all the sweetness and honesty here. 10/10 will read again, I need a paperback copy to hug.
This was absolutely adorable and I think my wee little heart might explode from all the sweetness and honesty here. 10/10 will read again, I need a paperback copy to hug.
January 25, 2019
This was not at all what I thought it would be--it was even better!
April 30, 2019
Short and sweet
Short and sweet. A good reminder for all couples, a relationship needs to be worked on and communication is key to happiness.
Short and sweet. A good reminder for all couples, a relationship needs to be worked on and communication is key to happiness.
February 11, 2020
Smile-worthy.
April 5, 2020
Interesting idea ans a short, sweet story. I thought the wife was much easier to like than the husband.
May 8, 2020
Cute story. Very relatable even though it's speculative.
January 9, 2021
Perfect
Such a great story about married love. What do you do when it takes work to get the spark that came so easy in the honeymoon stage? A beautiful short story!
Such a great story about married love. What do you do when it takes work to get the spark that came so easy in the honeymoon stage? A beautiful short story!
January 25, 2021
A short and interesting read, i was hoping to read more about what happened? Not sure if there was an actual ending... The idea of laces, very interesting.
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November 12, 2020About a 20 minute read. I liked the story idea.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews