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The Little Library
Listening Length: 8 hours and 3 minutes
Elliott Thompson was once a historian with a promising academic future, but his involvement in a scandal meant a lost job, public shame, and a ruined love life. He took shelter in his rural California hometown, where he teaches online classes, hoards books, and despairs of his future.
Simon Odisho has lost a job as well—to a bullet that sidelined his career in law enforcement. While his shattered knee recovers, he rethinks his job prospects and searches for the courage to come out to his close-knit but conservative extended family.
In an attempt to manage his overflowing book collection, Elliott builds a miniature neighborhood library in his front yard. The project puts him in touch with his neighbors—for better and worse—and introduces him to handsome, charming Simon. While romance blooms quickly between them, Elliott’s not willing to live in the closet, and his best career prospects might take him far away. His books have plenty to tell him about history, but they give him no clues about a future with Simon.
Elliott Thompson was once a historian with a promising academic future, but his involvement in a scandal meant a lost job, public shame, and a ruined love life. He took shelter in his rural California hometown, where he teaches online classes, hoards books, and despairs of his future.
Simon Odisho has lost a job as well—to a bullet that sidelined his career in law enforcement. While his shattered knee recovers, he rethinks his job prospects and searches for the courage to come out to his close-knit but conservative extended family.
In an attempt to manage his overflowing book collection, Elliott builds a miniature neighborhood library in his front yard. The project puts him in touch with his neighbors—for better and worse—and introduces him to handsome, charming Simon. While romance blooms quickly between them, Elliott’s not willing to live in the closet, and his best career prospects might take him far away. His books have plenty to tell him about history, but they give him no clues about a future with Simon.
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 26, 2018
37 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
Kim Fielding
176 books1,308 followersKim Fielding lives in Oregon and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phone booth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out assistance to her family. Her favorite word to describe herself is "eclectic" and she finally got that seventh tattoo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
March 5, 2018
~4.5~
Even though I haven't read a paper book since 2011 (when I bought my first Kindle and never looked back), I still keep my favorite books in hardback on bookshelves in my basement. Prior to to the Kindle revolution, I was a book hoarder (still am, but ebooks take up less space), so I could relate to Elliott's book shopping addiction.
Elliott is a former up-and-coming scholar and university history professor who now teaches online courses at a community college. There was a scandal and although Elliott was exonerated from all wrongdoings, he's become a bit of a recluse and self-medicates with books.
In an effort to cut down on the piles and piles of books cluttering up his house, Elliott builds a little neighborhood library. Watching people use his library brings him joy.
Simon, though . . . Simon is even better than books. A first-generation American born to Assyrian immigrants, Simon is a former cop with a bad knee (thanks to a suspect with a gun). He meets Elliott on his daily walks (Simon walks; Elliott runs) and is smitten immediately. Simon uses food as comfort and has a bit of a belly, but watching Simon eat makes Elliott happy.
Despite Simon not being out to his traditional parents and Elliott seeking a tenure-track position out of state, the two begin an easy relationship.
My favorite scene in the book is Simon's and Elliott's first date. Y'all, I laughed so fucking hard, my stomach muscles started to cramp. This was possibly the most awkward (and endearing) date ever. Everything went wrong, and when Simon proclaimed (loudly) that he's had sex with men to every patron in the restaurant, even the waiter couldn't control himself.
This date is the beginning of a beautiful thing. Simon and Elliott are respectful of each other's thoughts and feelings, and come up with various creative outing ideas. I loved watching these two interact: so much sweetness, and some sexy times too (not too many, but enough).
There are two conflicts in the story: Elliott's homophobic neighbor who makes Elliott's life miserable and Simon's closeted existence. Elliott never pushes Simon to come out to his big Assyrian family, but eventually Simon WANTS to, for Elliott, yes, but also for himself.
Fielding has a gift with words, so the story, told from Elliott's POV, has plenty of grace and charm. The secondary characters, both the bad (fuckwad neighbor) and good (El's brother and sister in law, the neighbors who love the library, Simon's cousin Miri) come alive. There is even a really cool dog!
We're served a small helping of relationship angst, but nothing overwhelming. While I would have liked a longer ending, I can't begrudge this story much. The Little Library is about two different men coming together like they were always meant to be. It's a romance, yes, but it's also an ode to friendship, community, and books.
Even though I haven't read a paper book since 2011 (when I bought my first Kindle and never looked back), I still keep my favorite books in hardback on bookshelves in my basement. Prior to to the Kindle revolution, I was a book hoarder (still am, but ebooks take up less space), so I could relate to Elliott's book shopping addiction.
Elliott is a former up-and-coming scholar and university history professor who now teaches online courses at a community college. There was a scandal and although Elliott was exonerated from all wrongdoings, he's become a bit of a recluse and self-medicates with books.
In an effort to cut down on the piles and piles of books cluttering up his house, Elliott builds a little neighborhood library. Watching people use his library brings him joy.
Simon, though . . . Simon is even better than books. A first-generation American born to Assyrian immigrants, Simon is a former cop with a bad knee (thanks to a suspect with a gun). He meets Elliott on his daily walks (Simon walks; Elliott runs) and is smitten immediately. Simon uses food as comfort and has a bit of a belly, but watching Simon eat makes Elliott happy.
Despite Simon not being out to his traditional parents and Elliott seeking a tenure-track position out of state, the two begin an easy relationship.
My favorite scene in the book is Simon's and Elliott's first date. Y'all, I laughed so fucking hard, my stomach muscles started to cramp. This was possibly the most awkward (and endearing) date ever. Everything went wrong, and when Simon proclaimed (loudly) that he's had sex with men to every patron in the restaurant, even the waiter couldn't control himself.
This date is the beginning of a beautiful thing. Simon and Elliott are respectful of each other's thoughts and feelings, and come up with various creative outing ideas. I loved watching these two interact: so much sweetness, and some sexy times too (not too many, but enough).
There are two conflicts in the story: Elliott's homophobic neighbor who makes Elliott's life miserable and Simon's closeted existence. Elliott never pushes Simon to come out to his big Assyrian family, but eventually Simon WANTS to, for Elliott, yes, but also for himself.
"I'd take a bullet a dozen times over if it meant meeting you."
Fielding has a gift with words, so the story, told from Elliott's POV, has plenty of grace and charm. The secondary characters, both the bad (fuckwad neighbor) and good (El's brother and sister in law, the neighbors who love the library, Simon's cousin Miri) come alive. There is even a really cool dog!
We're served a small helping of relationship angst, but nothing overwhelming. While I would have liked a longer ending, I can't begrudge this story much. The Little Library is about two different men coming together like they were always meant to be. It's a romance, yes, but it's also an ode to friendship, community, and books.
Now it was just the music and the primal sweetness of two bodies moving in harmony. That was enough . . . .
February 23, 2018
This was a nice read.
Very easy going and quiet. A no-fuss, somewhat subdued romance.
There was no crazy drama. It had a very authentic feel.
Things progressed very naturally between Elliot and Simon; it felt very realistic. They were a bit awkward together at first, especially that first date. I found it all rather endearing.
Mild steam in this one, which was also rather subdued. But enough to satisfy.
While this is not my typical type read, I enjoy Fielding's writing and this was a nice change for me.
Perfect for the torrential downpours we're experiencing in Texas.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review
Very easy going and quiet. A no-fuss, somewhat subdued romance.
There was no crazy drama. It had a very authentic feel.
Things progressed very naturally between Elliot and Simon; it felt very realistic. They were a bit awkward together at first, especially that first date. I found it all rather endearing.
Mild steam in this one, which was also rather subdued. But enough to satisfy.
While this is not my typical type read, I enjoy Fielding's writing and this was a nice change for me.
Perfect for the torrential downpours we're experiencing in Texas.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review
Read
January 23, 2018This book centers around a theme near and dear to many of our hearts: book hoarding. My shelves are all double-stacked and my Kindle is stuffed, and that's a concern. For Elliott, however, it's the least of his problems. He and Simon face other issues too, like what to do when the future we've dreamed of and worked toward becomes impossible. And how to balance competing but compelling demands of love.
April 7, 2018
Elliott, a taciturn teacher, comes back to live in his home town to lick his wounds from a bad break-up while teaching online and buying so many books that he decides to build a neighbourhood library.
That’s how he meets Simon.
Simon is recovering from an injury he got while being a cop. He’s a very caring and positive man, but more and more unsatisfied being closeted for fear of his conservative family’s reaction.
Both men are at a point where they have to revaluate their life, both professionally and personally, even more so that they decidedly give to their mutual attraction.
It’s kind of a slow-burn, mildly sexy with nice and caring characters and no angst. On the plus side, it’s well written and flows nicely. But I felt it took long time to go somewhere and was too smooth, with not enough insights from the characters.
Yes, I liked it but it won’t leave the poignant imprint I got from Rattlesnake, one of my favorite MM romance, also written by this author.
**Note for Lisa : Thank you once again this gift. You really spoiled me <3**
That’s how he meets Simon.
Simon is recovering from an injury he got while being a cop. He’s a very caring and positive man, but more and more unsatisfied being closeted for fear of his conservative family’s reaction.
Both men are at a point where they have to revaluate their life, both professionally and personally, even more so that they decidedly give to their mutual attraction.
It’s kind of a slow-burn, mildly sexy with nice and caring characters and no angst. On the plus side, it’s well written and flows nicely. But I felt it took long time to go somewhere and was too smooth, with not enough insights from the characters.
Yes, I liked it but it won’t leave the poignant imprint I got from Rattlesnake, one of my favorite MM romance, also written by this author.
**Note for Lisa : Thank you once again this gift. You really spoiled me <3**
April 4, 2020
Audio 4.5 Stars
Story....3.5 stars
Story....3.5 stars
February 23, 2018
Sweet, low angst romance.
Told entirely from Elliot's third person POV, the story is a pleasant journey about opening up to new experiences and letting go of a past that's holding you back.
I liked Elliot, and appreciated how much he grows during the course of the story. I liked the progression of his and Simon's relationship, and loved when Fielding interjected some humor (I loved their first date - it was hysterical) into the story.
However, I found the pacing was slow and the story was predictable at times.
All in all, while I didn't find many surprises here, this was a sweet, uncomplicated, gentle romantic read that left me with a smile as I finished.
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Little Library provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Told entirely from Elliot's third person POV, the story is a pleasant journey about opening up to new experiences and letting go of a past that's holding you back.
I liked Elliot, and appreciated how much he grows during the course of the story. I liked the progression of his and Simon's relationship, and loved when Fielding interjected some humor (I loved their first date - it was hysterical) into the story.
However, I found the pacing was slow and the story was predictable at times.
All in all, while I didn't find many surprises here, this was a sweet, uncomplicated, gentle romantic read that left me with a smile as I finished.
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Little Library provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Read
February 2, 2018DNF at 48%
I have to be honest with you: I don’t belong to undisputable fans of the author and I don’t have a great experience with her works. Those few novels I read, in spite of their popularity, didn’t work for me. But the moment The Little Library popped up on my feeds I was listening to Rattlesnake and I was enjoying it so much, that I decided to give Kim Fielding's new book a new chance.
The idea of a miniature neighborhood library was sweet, but I had a little doubt about it. I had a mini library when I was 7-8 years old myself. Books were my faithful companions ever since I can remember and I became obsessed with a library idea myself when I got my first library card at the age of 7, so I started to lend my own books to the neighbor kids and friends. Though, I was more interested in my own nicely administrated booking list than in making recommendations. It was long ago.
Now I’m a convinced advocate of e-book-readers and the idea of a paperback neighborhood library appears a bit old-fashioned and...well, out-of-date to me. Especially when I read that someone who likes books, buys a lot of books, starts slowly to have a place problem because of many books and who teaches online classes (= he is well acquainted with a modern technique), still hasn’t come to an idea to get an e-book-reader. (?)
Ok, I understood that Elliott didn’t organize his miniature neighborhood library ONLY to get rid of the books, but also because he was lonely and not very social, because he was still recovering from his last (and only) relationship that cost him his job and a promising career. A self-made library could be such a nice possibility to get to know people in his immediate vicinity. But his exaggerated enthusiasm started toannoy bother me. I had to remind myself (again and again) that he was not 10 but 36 year old.
Actually nothing really happened here, Elliott went for his morning run, sometimes it was afternoon jogging and sometimes it was an evening run. At one of those outdoor activities he met a big attractive guy with a cane, who seemed to be nice and chatty.
In his free from online teaching time he was busy with arranging of his new hobby. “Oh, someone put a new book there, with a half-naked cowboy on the cover. Who could it be?” I bet, you’d never guess.
The first date, the first meal, the first kiss, a lot of uninteresting dialogues. Now I had to remind myself that not only Elliott was an adult, but Simon either. (Sorry, but you can be either 10 year old or your IQ is not very...er...developed). I couldn’t get rid of a feeling that Simon’s IQ was less than an average one. The feeling intensified when I found out that he was since recently gay, deeply closeted and not ready to do the big reveal to Mom and Dad. And again, sorry, but it was difficult to imagine that Simon liked books, actually it was difficult to imagine that he could read at all. Don’t get me wrong, I love Muscling Through, and MCs don’t need to be academics for me to fall in love with them, but Simon…sigh…I expected a little bit more of grey cells, he is an ex cop for heaven' s sake!
Actually these two were the most boring and dull characters I’ve come across in MM Romance genre recently. I just didn't care about their problems and about them at all, I just couldn't go on with their story.
I am in a dilemma now: judging from Rattlesnake, I’d like to read more of Kim Fielding. Judging on this book- never ever.
But as I said, I didn't have a great experience with the author' works, so it is probably me.
Please note: it is a review for the first half of the book. Maybe it turns into a great romance in the second part, but I will never find out, I just don't have enough patience.
***ARC provided kindly by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
I have to be honest with you: I don’t belong to undisputable fans of the author and I don’t have a great experience with her works. Those few novels I read, in spite of their popularity, didn’t work for me. But the moment The Little Library popped up on my feeds I was listening to Rattlesnake and I was enjoying it so much, that I decided to give Kim Fielding's new book a new chance.
The idea of a miniature neighborhood library was sweet, but I had a little doubt about it. I had a mini library when I was 7-8 years old myself. Books were my faithful companions ever since I can remember and I became obsessed with a library idea myself when I got my first library card at the age of 7, so I started to lend my own books to the neighbor kids and friends. Though, I was more interested in my own nicely administrated booking list than in making recommendations. It was long ago.
Now I’m a convinced advocate of e-book-readers and the idea of a paperback neighborhood library appears a bit old-fashioned and...well, out-of-date to me. Especially when I read that someone who likes books, buys a lot of books, starts slowly to have a place problem because of many books and who teaches online classes (= he is well acquainted with a modern technique), still hasn’t come to an idea to get an e-book-reader. (?)
Ok, I understood that Elliott didn’t organize his miniature neighborhood library ONLY to get rid of the books, but also because he was lonely and not very social, because he was still recovering from his last (and only) relationship that cost him his job and a promising career. A self-made library could be such a nice possibility to get to know people in his immediate vicinity. But his exaggerated enthusiasm started to
Actually nothing really happened here, Elliott went for his morning run, sometimes it was afternoon jogging and sometimes it was an evening run. At one of those outdoor activities he met a big attractive guy with a cane, who seemed to be nice and chatty.
In his free from online teaching time he was busy with arranging of his new hobby. “Oh, someone put a new book there, with a half-naked cowboy on the cover. Who could it be?” I bet, you’d never guess.
The first date, the first meal, the first kiss, a lot of uninteresting dialogues. Now I had to remind myself that not only Elliott was an adult, but Simon either. (Sorry, but you can be either 10 year old or your IQ is not very...er...developed). I couldn’t get rid of a feeling that Simon’s IQ was less than an average one. The feeling intensified when I found out that he was since recently gay, deeply closeted and not ready to do the big reveal to Mom and Dad. And again, sorry, but it was difficult to imagine that Simon liked books, actually it was difficult to imagine that he could read at all. Don’t get me wrong, I love Muscling Through, and MCs don’t need to be academics for me to fall in love with them, but Simon…sigh…I expected a little bit more of grey cells, he is an ex cop for heaven' s sake!
Actually these two were the most boring and dull characters I’ve come across in MM Romance genre recently. I just didn't care about their problems and about them at all, I just couldn't go on with their story.
I am in a dilemma now: judging from Rattlesnake, I’d like to read more of Kim Fielding. Judging on this book- never ever.
But as I said, I didn't have a great experience with the author' works, so it is probably me.
Please note: it is a review for the first half of the book. Maybe it turns into a great romance in the second part, but I will never find out, I just don't have enough patience.
***ARC provided kindly by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
abandoned
May 16, 2018DNF at 35%.
I need to say there's nothing wrong with the story per se. The little neighborhood library is an absolutely cute concept and finding a boyfriend through it is a great idea for a romance novel.
However I do have a problem with one of the guys being in the closet and wanting the other to start a relationship that he intends to hide from his family.
This is such a painful development that it ruined the story for me.
I'm sure there will be a nice HEA and some way how this will get resolved, but I can't follow them on that particular journey.
I'm not rating it, but I do think it's a cute book. I really liked the 'little library' that the story revolves around.
I need to say there's nothing wrong with the story per se. The little neighborhood library is an absolutely cute concept and finding a boyfriend through it is a great idea for a romance novel.
However I do have a problem with one of the guys being in the closet and wanting the other to start a relationship that he intends to hide from his family.
This is such a painful development that it ruined the story for me.
I'm sure there will be a nice HEA and some way how this will get resolved, but I can't follow them on that particular journey.
I'm not rating it, but I do think it's a cute book. I really liked the 'little library' that the story revolves around.
December 28, 2019
A little library brought them together: college history professor Elliot who is a bit of a hermit, teaching online classes, ordering way too many books online, and very rarely venturing out - and former cop Simon recovering from a gunshot and re-evaluating his career.
Simon also struggles with coming out to his close-knit Assyrian family. As for Elliott, there's a reason he teaches online only involving a disastrous relationship with a manipulative ex-boyfriend. The two men begin a relationship (after a cringeworthy / hysterically funny first date) that is free of expectations - Simon is still in the closet and Elliot may be moving to another state to teach - but also very sweet and low-angst.
The story is told in Elliot's POV and I would have liked to gotten Simon's as well, and the subplot with the crazy neighbor is a bit of a caricature, but all in all, this is a sweet story about two men who deserve happiness together. 3.5 stars.
I received an ARC from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review on Gay Book Reviews.
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May 6, 2022
3.5 rounded up. This is clearly a case of it's me not the book. I didn't fall in love with it and I can't figure out why. Both MCs were fleshed out and good enough but a spark was missing. We have one MC (Elliot the only POV character) who is teaching online classes from his home, decides to have a public mini library on his front lawn and wants a job in a university but has trouble finding one because of his past. The teacher rep was very good. The second MC is Simon he was shot on duty (I think) so he is on leave from his job as a cop. He fears telling his parents he is gay so he is kind of in the closet. Their first dates were nice and their tentativeness around each other endearing but then I did not really feel anything. I didn't enjoy their subsequent dates, I can't put my finger on why but I was bored. The ending felt rushed and not all that satisfying. Final niggle, an I won't put that in a spoiler tag because it really grated me the wrong way. Pets are not object to give people as a gift/surprise. It's fine if the characters go to get a dog together and one gifts said dog to the other. But that's not what happened here and just no. PETS ARE NOT GIFTS/SUPRISES. End of rant. The high rating is because really nothing was wrong (beside the pet thing) so it's really a me thing.
March 31, 2018
Slow comfortable read of hardly visibly angst. Two nice guys meet, read, walk and end up living the cookie-cutter 'perfect family' dream.
After a busy week a nice quiet read seemed in order and I liked the first half well enough. Pleasant if forgettable, nothing there to make waves. As a book lover the garden library idea holds appeal, a romantic concept that I know thrive in some places, though growing dated. Would think his brother would suggest or buy him an e-reader - though I know several people who simply refer the sensory aspect of a pb.
As the book continued I found I was wishing for more focus. Rattlesnake is another slow book by this author but the main character re-evaluates, you can see the changes. This book jogs along at pace and there doesn't feel like any growth or adapting takes place.
Elliot drifts along, though mention of his ex is natural it felt a few times too often. His new research project could have given the book some drive, could give his life some goal, but it's barely mentioned.
Simon, ex-cop, closeted, insecure. A nice guy wanting an easy life. Not much depth there. He didn't strike me as a reader, certainly not of scolarly tomes. I did like the description of him, that slight belly, I do prefer reading real-people to air-brshed ones, not sure why the insecurity though; he was a cop, used to managing situations.
There were things that niggled, mentioned in other reviews but mild spoilers:
Predictable is fine, but things felt distant, people remained a step annoymous. While I drifted along at first I started to want more and when things happened my reaction was more to think 'I get that' or 'really?' than to actually care and consider consequences. They never became real to me in the way well developed characters do.
It's 'nice' but not special.
After a busy week a nice quiet read seemed in order and I liked the first half well enough. Pleasant if forgettable, nothing there to make waves. As a book lover the garden library idea holds appeal, a romantic concept that I know thrive in some places, though growing dated. Would think his brother would suggest or buy him an e-reader - though I know several people who simply refer the sensory aspect of a pb.
As the book continued I found I was wishing for more focus. Rattlesnake is another slow book by this author but the main character re-evaluates, you can see the changes. This book jogs along at pace and there doesn't feel like any growth or adapting takes place.
Elliot drifts along, though mention of his ex is natural it felt a few times too often. His new research project could have given the book some drive, could give his life some goal, but it's barely mentioned.
Simon, ex-cop, closeted, insecure. A nice guy wanting an easy life. Not much depth there. He didn't strike me as a reader, certainly not of scolarly tomes. I did like the description of him, that slight belly, I do prefer reading real-people to air-brshed ones, not sure why the insecurity though; he was a cop, used to managing situations.
There were things that niggled, mentioned in other reviews but mild spoilers:
Predictable is fine, but things felt distant, people remained a step annoymous. While I drifted along at first I started to want more and when things happened my reaction was more to think 'I get that' or 'really?' than to actually care and consider consequences. They never became real to me in the way well developed characters do.
It's 'nice' but not special.
February 26, 2018
3.75 stars rounded up
I have started to read e-books exclusively since 2010; and I consider myself a voracious reader. With Elliott being a little younger than me, and I see him as a dedicated reader as well, I was wondering a bit on why he never even thinks about using e-reader and keep buying all those prints *lol*.
But as an idea I thought this was very good. While I will not get back to reading print, I definitely LOVED reading how excited the community was with Elliott's mini library. I haven't found this kind of context/situation in ANY of the romance books I read so far, so kudos for Kim Fielding to bring it up.
~ remember folks, I live in Indonesia, so this kind of community library is not common! ~
Elliott is the sole narrator of this book; it is HIS journey, to start going out of his shell, realizing that he has a lot to give without having to compromise to his ideal version about being a scholar. I loved reading his journey, for sure.
The romance itself is low angst and moves in rather slow progress -- which SUITS ME just fine! I still gobbled it up within a day because it was my kind of read. Elliott and Simon meet in passing, before Simon introduced himself as one of regular visitors to Elliott's library ... and for them taking the chance in dating.
I liked the way Simon saw things in life, thinking positively even when he meets obstacles, as well as his way of nudging Elliott to the 'right' direction (). I thought this two men were good to each other.
Yep, another satisfied Kim Fielding reader ^^
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
I have started to read e-books exclusively since 2010; and I consider myself a voracious reader. With Elliott being a little younger than me, and I see him as a dedicated reader as well, I was wondering a bit on why he never even thinks about using e-reader and keep buying all those prints *lol*.
But as an idea I thought this was very good. While I will not get back to reading print, I definitely LOVED reading how excited the community was with Elliott's mini library. I haven't found this kind of context/situation in ANY of the romance books I read so far, so kudos for Kim Fielding to bring it up.
~ remember folks, I live in Indonesia, so this kind of community library is not common! ~
Elliott is the sole narrator of this book; it is HIS journey, to start going out of his shell, realizing that he has a lot to give without having to compromise to his ideal version about being a scholar. I loved reading his journey, for sure.
The romance itself is low angst and moves in rather slow progress -- which SUITS ME just fine! I still gobbled it up within a day because it was my kind of read. Elliott and Simon meet in passing, before Simon introduced himself as one of regular visitors to Elliott's library ... and for them taking the chance in dating.
I liked the way Simon saw things in life, thinking positively even when he meets obstacles, as well as his way of nudging Elliott to the 'right' direction (). I thought this two men were good to each other.
Yep, another satisfied Kim Fielding reader ^^
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
February 14, 2018
ARC provided by the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an impartial review.
I loved this story about Elliott, a young college professor who was badly deceived and used by his lover and mentor and now struggles to fight his way back to the career path of his choice. And Simon, who was injured on the job and is now fighting his way back to his career path as well—and if it can’t be as a cop, as he was before, at least he hopes to find something that fits. He most definitely doesn’t want to work with his parents in their restaurant, not only because that’s not his chosen vocation, but also because he can’t meet their high personal expectations for him—that he’ll find a nice, preferably Assyrian, young woman, settle down, and raise babies for them.
What I liked most is that these two guys seemed to be pretty normal—the kind of guys you might meet in your neighborhood, or on the job, or even have as a family member. They are gay, but they’re not atypical—neither are porn stars, or con men, or werewolves—they’re a college professor and a cop. Granted, the college professor spends a lot of time immersed in his books when he’s not teaching one of the online community college courses he’s now reduced to overseeing. He lost his highly regarded, research-oriented position with a university when his lover and mentor was discovered to be embezzling and he was inadvertently caught up in the backlash. Now, he’s searching to get back into a tenure-track position and idling away his free time by shopping for more books to feed his book-buying (and reading) addiction. He tries to “behave” and exercise willpower, as many addicts would do, but it’s not until he decides to try something he’s seen elsewhere that his life takes on new purpose, and as a side benefit, he meets a pretty sexy guy with a bum knee.
The solution? He builds a “little library” a small set of enclosed book shelves on a post in his yard. Rearranging the furniture in his home so he can spy on the people stopping by gives him pause, but he does it anyway, and he’s rewarded with making new friends. Among them a little girl and her mom and that sexy guy with the bum knee that he’s seen as he’s been out running. That guy is Simon, and the two form an immediate friendship that leads to a very slow-burn relationship. I appreciated the way the author set this relationship up—no hurry to the bedroom, no over-the-moon heartthrobs—just a slow, gentle exploration of each other, starting with kisses and leading slowly to more.
And as they grow closer, it’s evident that Simon’s closet is not where Elliott wants to be. He was very hurt by his former lover and he won’t be hidden again. But Simon’s family feelings on homosexuality and strong cultural and religious beliefs don’t allow for room to negotiate and he desperately fears losing his parents if he comes out. In the meantime, Elliott is still searching for a university where he can settle in to research and get his career back on track, and it’s starting to look like that might happen in Nebraska.
Again, the author does not make the solution magical. These guys have to work for all they have both together and individually. It’s just not simple. It’s real. And I loved them. For me, the hallmark of a well-written book with endearing characters who face and overcome difficult life situations is when I can not only remember the story days later, but I can also recall their names. This one is a winner—proven by the above standards several days after I finished the story. And it’s going on my list of best of 2018. Well-written, with a host of amazing secondary characters, two outstanding main characters, and a variety of interesting experiences, added to slow burn, which is one of my favorite themes, I can easily highly recommend this one to lovers of MM romance. If you like it slow and you like your characters to be people you’d like to get to know, by all means choose this story.
I loved this story about Elliott, a young college professor who was badly deceived and used by his lover and mentor and now struggles to fight his way back to the career path of his choice. And Simon, who was injured on the job and is now fighting his way back to his career path as well—and if it can’t be as a cop, as he was before, at least he hopes to find something that fits. He most definitely doesn’t want to work with his parents in their restaurant, not only because that’s not his chosen vocation, but also because he can’t meet their high personal expectations for him—that he’ll find a nice, preferably Assyrian, young woman, settle down, and raise babies for them.
What I liked most is that these two guys seemed to be pretty normal—the kind of guys you might meet in your neighborhood, or on the job, or even have as a family member. They are gay, but they’re not atypical—neither are porn stars, or con men, or werewolves—they’re a college professor and a cop. Granted, the college professor spends a lot of time immersed in his books when he’s not teaching one of the online community college courses he’s now reduced to overseeing. He lost his highly regarded, research-oriented position with a university when his lover and mentor was discovered to be embezzling and he was inadvertently caught up in the backlash. Now, he’s searching to get back into a tenure-track position and idling away his free time by shopping for more books to feed his book-buying (and reading) addiction. He tries to “behave” and exercise willpower, as many addicts would do, but it’s not until he decides to try something he’s seen elsewhere that his life takes on new purpose, and as a side benefit, he meets a pretty sexy guy with a bum knee.
The solution? He builds a “little library” a small set of enclosed book shelves on a post in his yard. Rearranging the furniture in his home so he can spy on the people stopping by gives him pause, but he does it anyway, and he’s rewarded with making new friends. Among them a little girl and her mom and that sexy guy with the bum knee that he’s seen as he’s been out running. That guy is Simon, and the two form an immediate friendship that leads to a very slow-burn relationship. I appreciated the way the author set this relationship up—no hurry to the bedroom, no over-the-moon heartthrobs—just a slow, gentle exploration of each other, starting with kisses and leading slowly to more.
And as they grow closer, it’s evident that Simon’s closet is not where Elliott wants to be. He was very hurt by his former lover and he won’t be hidden again. But Simon’s family feelings on homosexuality and strong cultural and religious beliefs don’t allow for room to negotiate and he desperately fears losing his parents if he comes out. In the meantime, Elliott is still searching for a university where he can settle in to research and get his career back on track, and it’s starting to look like that might happen in Nebraska.
Again, the author does not make the solution magical. These guys have to work for all they have both together and individually. It’s just not simple. It’s real. And I loved them. For me, the hallmark of a well-written book with endearing characters who face and overcome difficult life situations is when I can not only remember the story days later, but I can also recall their names. This one is a winner—proven by the above standards several days after I finished the story. And it’s going on my list of best of 2018. Well-written, with a host of amazing secondary characters, two outstanding main characters, and a variety of interesting experiences, added to slow burn, which is one of my favorite themes, I can easily highly recommend this one to lovers of MM romance. If you like it slow and you like your characters to be people you’d like to get to know, by all means choose this story.
April 9, 2018
Elliott and Simon
This book is awesome, really really awesome. It's because of the way it's written. The environments were sweet and lovely, it could be yours or mine... the whole picture is awesome.
Elliott and Simon are just the nicest guys of the world. Down to earth, honest and sweet.
The story is about how they grow to each other and how pasts and present life is working against them. They are so mature and considerate together... very easygoing... sweet.
Amazing is also how much little details and large conversations were put down...and all intriguing.
It's not a heavy earth shaking story but omg it did something to my heart. I cried my eyes out at some points.
Two at first sight ordinary men, who could live next door, but when you get to know them, their lives, their passions, their work, their families, their hopes and fears...
The little library brings a whole community together and has an emotional and exceptional part in this story.
The families and their stories are all beautiful woven into a wonderful story.
Kindly received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley
This book is awesome, really really awesome. It's because of the way it's written. The environments were sweet and lovely, it could be yours or mine... the whole picture is awesome.
Elliott and Simon are just the nicest guys of the world. Down to earth, honest and sweet.
The story is about how they grow to each other and how pasts and present life is working against them. They are so mature and considerate together... very easygoing... sweet.
Amazing is also how much little details and large conversations were put down...and all intriguing.
It's not a heavy earth shaking story but omg it did something to my heart. I cried my eyes out at some points.
Two at first sight ordinary men, who could live next door, but when you get to know them, their lives, their passions, their work, their families, their hopes and fears...
The little library brings a whole community together and has an emotional and exceptional part in this story.
The families and their stories are all beautiful woven into a wonderful story.
Kindly received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley
October 7, 2019
~ 4.5 stars ~
This was a really great story with some funny moments and lots of sweetness. Add a super awesome dog, good writing and a good narrator, a tiny bit of relationship angst, and a little bit of drama - that didn't feel contrived - and this had all the ingredients for a very enjoyable book that I didn't want to end.
This was a really great story with some funny moments and lots of sweetness. Add a super awesome dog, good writing and a good narrator, a tiny bit of relationship angst, and a little bit of drama - that didn't feel contrived - and this had all the ingredients for a very enjoyable book that I didn't want to end.
March 26, 2018
I've had a run of some mediocre to bad books recently, enough to make me wary of new-to-me authors. Riptide Publishing has become a publisher I can always count on to deliver a solid, well-written story with memorable characters. I chose The Little Library because I love those little libraries that can be found in random spots in cities, towns, and rural communities. I had no real expectations, but I did have the hope of an entertaining story. I ended up loving The Little Library, Elliott, Simon, and the entire supporting cast. The story takes place in a most unlikely setting for a romance-Modesto, CA in the Central Valley. I considered this an unexpected bonus since I grew up in the Central Valley and am very familiar with Modesto and the places Elliott and Simon visit in the book. I even went to the same college as Elliott's brother. Trust me, this doesn't often, if ever, happen. Regardless, I would have loved this book anyway because both Elliott and Simon are easy men to fall in love with--both are complex characters dealing with life-changing events and trying to make the best choices they can for themselves, while being careful not to hurt those they love. Elliott has always been a loner, but a recent personal scandal causing major changes in his life has made him retreat even more. He deals with stress by buying books from Amazon.I can totally relate. Book hoarding is an issue Elliott deals with in several ways, one being the creation of a Little Library. I loved the sense of community Elliott both gave and received through his Little Library. It just re-enforced my belief that books are amazing, and the sharing and love of books can open doors, build friendships, educate, and inspire.They can be a refuge, a savior, and provide a safe space. The Little Library is how Elliott and Simon first meet, when Simon a former police officer recovering from an injury received in the line of duty borrows some of Elliott's books. While Elliott has been out for years, Simon is still in the closet. An only child from a very tight knit traditional Assyrian family, Simon is struggling with how to tell his parents he's gay. I loved the slow build of the relationship between these two men. It felt like a genuine relationship you might witness between two of your best friends. They went on some awesome dates (at least I thought so), and spent a lot of time getting to know each other, while we got to know them, too.Simon's struggle felt very real, and broke my heart. He is such a great guy, and his family is very important to him. I felt for him and what he had to do. The characters are well-developed, the story flowed well, their relationship felt genuine and natural, the secondary characters added another layer to a well-written, entertaining story. I seriously struggled to put this one down, I was so wrapped up in Simon and Elliott I can't wait to read more books from this talented author!
June 21, 2018
4 Stars
A solid, emotional read. I immediately and totally related with Elliot in his hoarding...only my problem was with ebooks so there's no physical manifestation of the issue. (Not having a job really nipped that in the bud and if it weren't for Hoopla, borrowing, freebies and my own library I probably would have had a breakdown already). I loved the part where he tried to "people" a little more because that's me as well. I can hope to be as successful at it!
And I adored the idea of a micro-library. I've seen these in my travels, at campgrounds and in rural locations, and the one time I had a physical book on me I was so happily eager to trade it out that the "high" lasted for days. Very reminiscent of when I'd leave my completed paperbacks in random public places for others to enjoy, with a note on the inside listing my email address, and would smile for days to find out that the bodice ripper I left on the subway in Atlanta ended up in Montana, or the scifi I left in a Missouri truck stop landed in Hawaii. That feeling has got to be close to the happiness that Elliot felt when his books would be gone and replaced with others.
The romance part progressed pretty much as I thought it would, including that "surprise" at the end. It was sweetly romantic...and the days they while painful, are absolutely necessary. Both of the MCs do a lot of growing here, and character development is one thing I love to see in the books I read. Elliot is far from perfect, but his flaws are relatable, his choices understandable, and I honestly did not expect him to make the decision to but I totally respect his reasons for doing so, and that he didn't just do it for Simon.
Speaking of: I really wish we'd gotten Simon's POV, especially during the , even if what he struggled with was probably similar to others in that position (in other books). #Points! for his career goals because Rangers are awesome and make every visit to an NPS property all the more interesting and memorable.
I think this might be a re-read at some point.
A solid, emotional read. I immediately and totally related with Elliot in his hoarding...only my problem was with ebooks so there's no physical manifestation of the issue. (Not having a job really nipped that in the bud and if it weren't for Hoopla, borrowing, freebies and my own library I probably would have had a breakdown already). I loved the part where he tried to "people" a little more because that's me as well. I can hope to be as successful at it!
And I adored the idea of a micro-library. I've seen these in my travels, at campgrounds and in rural locations, and the one time I had a physical book on me I was so happily eager to trade it out that the "high" lasted for days. Very reminiscent of when I'd leave my completed paperbacks in random public places for others to enjoy, with a note on the inside listing my email address, and would smile for days to find out that the bodice ripper I left on the subway in Atlanta ended up in Montana, or the scifi I left in a Missouri truck stop landed in Hawaii. That feeling has got to be close to the happiness that Elliot felt when his books would be gone and replaced with others.
The romance part progressed pretty much as I thought it would, including that "surprise" at the end. It was sweetly romantic...and the days they while painful, are absolutely necessary. Both of the MCs do a lot of growing here, and character development is one thing I love to see in the books I read. Elliot is far from perfect, but his flaws are relatable, his choices understandable, and I honestly did not expect him to make the decision to but I totally respect his reasons for doing so, and that he didn't just do it for Simon.
Speaking of: I really wish we'd gotten Simon's POV, especially during the , even if what he struggled with was probably similar to others in that position (in other books). #Points! for his career goals because Rangers are awesome and make every visit to an NPS property all the more interesting and memorable.
I think this might be a re-read at some point.
January 1, 2021
The last book I'll finish this year, and it was quite nice. A bit on the slow side, but I didn't mind that much. This was just a very pleasant story about an ex-college professor and an ex-cop coming to terms with the changes in their lives, figuring out what dreams to hold onto and which ones to let go in favor of different ones, all while falling in love.
There was a little bit of unnecessary melodrama around the 88% mark, but it didn't last long. The resolution felt a tad lacking since
There was a little bit of unnecessary melodrama around the 88% mark, but it didn't last long. The resolution felt a tad lacking since
June 28, 2018
Mostly I just found this to be a lovely, cute, and fun read. Was a little disappointed in the ending (never quite figured out why . But other than that...I really enjoyed it. Kim Fielding has written a lot of books I've loved, and this is another one.
September 29, 2020
This story is just what I needed to get out of a book slump. It was not perfect, but it was warm and fun.
I had a few niggles , but mostly I just enjoyed it.
Andrew McFerrin is a new to me narrator and he has a warm voice that's really easy to listen to.
I had a few niggles , but mostly I just enjoyed it.
Andrew McFerrin is a new to me narrator and he has a warm voice that's really easy to listen to.
June 19, 2023
I liked this. It's a very quiet, low angst book and because of that there are pacing issues. I found the first 1/3 of the story pretty slow but once the couple starts spending time together and dating, it picked up for me. I liked that these characters were honest with each other and actually *gasp* talked to each other. I wasn't particularly wild about the epilogue which was telegraphed early on, but hey - I've read plenty of that ilk in romances featuring hetero-couples, m/m couples should be afforded the same opportunities to make my eyes roll.
July 30, 2021
I think I reached my limit with this author… must have read all her good stuff already. This one was low angst, but also slow and kinda boring…
March 29, 2018
Dnf at 29%. The story is from Elliot’s point of view, and he lives very much in head, which was not at all interesting.
January 1, 2019
A bit slow-paced but very sweet story. Poor Elliot has isolated himself to lick his wounds and a bit of a book addiction (I can relate!). In an attempt to reach out, he builds a mini-library on his front lawn which thankfully draws in a very handsome neighbor. Simon has his own issues to deal with, namely coming-out, but he and Elliot can't stop their increasing feelings. Love, love Ishtar the dog :D
January 23, 2023
4.5 stars
January 25, 2019
I couldn't have been more charmed by a story's premise than I was by Kim Fielding's A Little Library. What's not to love about a man who has such a prolific book addiction that he decides to build a little library for his front yard, to share his love of reading and, hopefully, for his neighbors to not only embrace but to contribute their own books in exchange? I was immediately taken by the concept of neighbors bonding over a shared love of the written word, and by the idea of expanding boundaries and broadening horizons with books that might not capture that person’s attention, otherwise.
Elliott Thompson's past plays a significant role in the story, more specifically, a relationship that went so horribly wrong it cost Elliott his job and tarnished his reputation in the academic community. Moving back to his hometown and now relegated to teaching an online course in California history, a very different trajectory from the path he was on before everything went sideways with his boyfriend and his career, he’s begun to put out tentative feelers to any university that might be in need of his skills, with an eye toward a full professorship and the regaining of his academic standing. Kim Fielding writing a character who is a college professor is both meta and a full-on example of ‘write what you know,’ and it works to make Elliott an authentic character. The discomfort he feels as I witnessed his first interview gave me reason to empathize with him as well, and, of course, his Buy Now with 1-click addiction hit a bit too close to home.
What would a cozy romance such as this be without a meet-cute? Enter Simon Odisho, a burly and beautiful bear of a man Elliott meets one morning while he’s out for a run, ‘meets’ being used in the loose sense that Elliott gets a bit flustered and doesn’t learn Simon’s name before they go their separate ways. As fate and romance would have it, however, they continue to see each other as Simon is convalescing after a potential career-ending injury, so his life as a cop is, at the very minimum, on hold while he rehabilitates. His daily walks not only put him in Elliott’s path on the regular, but the little library in Elliott’s front yard eventually catches Simon’s attention too, and Simon’s reading choices capture Elliott’s. I adored Simon, pretty plainly. I love a gentle giant of a man, and Simon is that in every way. He’s also in the closet and fearful of what will happen if he can work up the courage to come out to his loving but traditional Assyrian family, which works into Elliott’s past relationship dynamics and causes conflict further down the line.
The question of balance, or rather imbalance, plays an integral part of Elliott and Simon’s budding relationship—one man could give up so much while the other is unsure how much he’s willing to commit to. While this is a looming potential deal-breaker, it also isn’t dragged out for the sake of upping the angst quotient. Each moment, in and of itself, is sweet and touching while the undercurrent of unresolved issues is there, which is one reason I called this a ‘cozy romance’. There are complications without it being cumbersome or burdensome to the reader’s emotions, and while there is an instance of homophobia, it is dealt with quickly and the perpetrator is put in his place.
In short, this is a quiet story full of common issues and elements readers of romance are familiar with. It is a story of community and family and tender moments, and while I can’t say it’s my favorite of this author’s works, The Little Library is one of those books to turn to when looking for something that isn’t anxiety inducing and offers up a lovely and heartwarming HEA.
Elliott Thompson's past plays a significant role in the story, more specifically, a relationship that went so horribly wrong it cost Elliott his job and tarnished his reputation in the academic community. Moving back to his hometown and now relegated to teaching an online course in California history, a very different trajectory from the path he was on before everything went sideways with his boyfriend and his career, he’s begun to put out tentative feelers to any university that might be in need of his skills, with an eye toward a full professorship and the regaining of his academic standing. Kim Fielding writing a character who is a college professor is both meta and a full-on example of ‘write what you know,’ and it works to make Elliott an authentic character. The discomfort he feels as I witnessed his first interview gave me reason to empathize with him as well, and, of course, his Buy Now with 1-click addiction hit a bit too close to home.
What would a cozy romance such as this be without a meet-cute? Enter Simon Odisho, a burly and beautiful bear of a man Elliott meets one morning while he’s out for a run, ‘meets’ being used in the loose sense that Elliott gets a bit flustered and doesn’t learn Simon’s name before they go their separate ways. As fate and romance would have it, however, they continue to see each other as Simon is convalescing after a potential career-ending injury, so his life as a cop is, at the very minimum, on hold while he rehabilitates. His daily walks not only put him in Elliott’s path on the regular, but the little library in Elliott’s front yard eventually catches Simon’s attention too, and Simon’s reading choices capture Elliott’s. I adored Simon, pretty plainly. I love a gentle giant of a man, and Simon is that in every way. He’s also in the closet and fearful of what will happen if he can work up the courage to come out to his loving but traditional Assyrian family, which works into Elliott’s past relationship dynamics and causes conflict further down the line.
The question of balance, or rather imbalance, plays an integral part of Elliott and Simon’s budding relationship—one man could give up so much while the other is unsure how much he’s willing to commit to. While this is a looming potential deal-breaker, it also isn’t dragged out for the sake of upping the angst quotient. Each moment, in and of itself, is sweet and touching while the undercurrent of unresolved issues is there, which is one reason I called this a ‘cozy romance’. There are complications without it being cumbersome or burdensome to the reader’s emotions, and while there is an instance of homophobia, it is dealt with quickly and the perpetrator is put in his place.
In short, this is a quiet story full of common issues and elements readers of romance are familiar with. It is a story of community and family and tender moments, and while I can’t say it’s my favorite of this author’s works, The Little Library is one of those books to turn to when looking for something that isn’t anxiety inducing and offers up a lovely and heartwarming HEA.
June 9, 2018
This is a lovely story about two men man who overcome personal hurdles in order to be together. Simon is an ex cop. He was injured on the job and is now recovering from a knee injury. Being shot in the knee was no joke and he has to think about his future. Simon is in the closet. He hasn't come out to his conservative parents because of their culture. Same sex relationships are not accepted within the Assyrian speaking community. He has a very close relationship with his parents who love him, but they don't know the truth.
As Simon walks around the neighbourhood exercising his leg, he bumps into Elliot. Elliot has had a rough time. His former boyfriend kept him in the closet during their time together but that wasn't the worst thing. Elliott's boyfriend had been embezzling money from the University where they both worked and when it was discovered the scandal affected both of them. Elliot's boyfriend ended up in jail but Elliot's career tanked. Now instead of lecturing at an illustrious university he is teaching junior college students online.
Elliott feels as though his life and opportunities have been swept away but he finds some comfort in his books and his Amazon habit, and his running. As Elliot exercises and runs through the neighbourhood, he notices the good looking man walking with a cane.
Eventually Elliott and Simon get to meet but they really begin to talk when Elliot decides to set up a little library in his front yard. Elliot decides to share his love of books with his neighbours. As the two men get to know each other they get to understand each other's difficulties. Simon recognises the challenges that Elliot faces and Elliot recognises the huge challenge of coming out to your family. As their friendship develops so does their attraction for each other. But the two men will have to work together to overcome the difficulties facing them.
This is a lovely story and I enjoyed reading it. It is quite a simple and gentle story. The two men are middle aged and mid career. They know they need to address the challenges that face them and they also know that they really like each other. At the same time it will take real courage and commitment to work through some of their issues and do they feel strong enough about each other in order to make the necessary sacrifices?
It makes a change to be reading a book with characters who are mature. Both Elliot and Simon are very honest and open with each other. This doesn't prevent them from having difficulties, but at least they each know what they want. There isn't any contrived drama or angst and it felt very real.
Simon and Elliott have the kind of problems that are easy to relate to - employment, career, family, neighbours. I really enjoyed the book/library angle as well because I am something of an Amazon addict myself. I could relate to Simon and I could relate to Elliott. I also loved the depiction of a minority ethnic family and although we don't know which country Simon's family originally came from, the author captured the importance of his culture and portrayed it very well.
All in all this was an enjoyable, simple romance with no high drama but very lovely characters.
Copy provided by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
As Simon walks around the neighbourhood exercising his leg, he bumps into Elliot. Elliot has had a rough time. His former boyfriend kept him in the closet during their time together but that wasn't the worst thing. Elliott's boyfriend had been embezzling money from the University where they both worked and when it was discovered the scandal affected both of them. Elliot's boyfriend ended up in jail but Elliot's career tanked. Now instead of lecturing at an illustrious university he is teaching junior college students online.
Elliott feels as though his life and opportunities have been swept away but he finds some comfort in his books and his Amazon habit, and his running. As Elliot exercises and runs through the neighbourhood, he notices the good looking man walking with a cane.
Eventually Elliott and Simon get to meet but they really begin to talk when Elliot decides to set up a little library in his front yard. Elliot decides to share his love of books with his neighbours. As the two men get to know each other they get to understand each other's difficulties. Simon recognises the challenges that Elliot faces and Elliot recognises the huge challenge of coming out to your family. As their friendship develops so does their attraction for each other. But the two men will have to work together to overcome the difficulties facing them.
This is a lovely story and I enjoyed reading it. It is quite a simple and gentle story. The two men are middle aged and mid career. They know they need to address the challenges that face them and they also know that they really like each other. At the same time it will take real courage and commitment to work through some of their issues and do they feel strong enough about each other in order to make the necessary sacrifices?
It makes a change to be reading a book with characters who are mature. Both Elliot and Simon are very honest and open with each other. This doesn't prevent them from having difficulties, but at least they each know what they want. There isn't any contrived drama or angst and it felt very real.
Simon and Elliott have the kind of problems that are easy to relate to - employment, career, family, neighbours. I really enjoyed the book/library angle as well because I am something of an Amazon addict myself. I could relate to Simon and I could relate to Elliott. I also loved the depiction of a minority ethnic family and although we don't know which country Simon's family originally came from, the author captured the importance of his culture and portrayed it very well.
All in all this was an enjoyable, simple romance with no high drama but very lovely characters.
Copy provided by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 4, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.
Oh this one was cute...
really adorkably, cute and at times awkward!!! and all in the best ways possible.
Elliott Thompson has returned to his hometown in California after having his career destroyed by his ex. Teaching on-line classes, hiding in his home where he hoards books...Amazon is his friend and nursing his less than enthusiastic hope for his teaching career comprises his daily activities.
Simon Odisho's law enforcement career has come to an abrupt end in a matter of seconds when a bullet shatters his knee.
So when Elliott's brother demands that he return to the land of the living and re-join the world, Elliott decides to resume jogging which is where he meets Simon for the first time and from the simple task of taking up jogging again Elliott begins to come back to life. The next task on his list becomes doing something about his book hoarding ways and that is when Elliott gets the idea to build his own little library. Something that he'd seen on vacation with his jerk of an ex and it's through his little library that Elliott really begins to come back to the world and live again.
As Elliott stocks his little library he also gets regular visits from Simon who seems to walk by his house on a fairly frequent basis. Simon knows he's gay...he's just not out but he's very interested in Elliott and it's his interest that's making Simon re-think his life choices.
Elliott and Simon were just beyond dorky and cute and I loved their fledgling relationship as they got to know each other and then started to date and fall in love. With these two there were those incredible awkward dating moments and sex for these two was at time fun and funny. Plus to top it all off there was a really adorable dog and Elliott's brother was one of those epic siblings that we all would love to have. He was accepting of Elliott and genuinely cared about him. There was also the nosy neighbor...you know we all have one...thinking they run the neighborhood and they are a legend in their own minds...yeah, he was a real delight! (please read this with lots of sarcasm to ensure you get the full impact of what I'm saying).
Andrew McFerrin was the narrator for this story giving it the emotional depth it deserved as he brought Elliott and Simon to life for me.
The library may have been little but the sweetness and fun contained within this story definitely wasn't.
Oh this one was cute...
really adorkably, cute and at times awkward!!! and all in the best ways possible.
Elliott Thompson has returned to his hometown in California after having his career destroyed by his ex. Teaching on-line classes, hiding in his home where he hoards books...Amazon is his friend and nursing his less than enthusiastic hope for his teaching career comprises his daily activities.
Simon Odisho's law enforcement career has come to an abrupt end in a matter of seconds when a bullet shatters his knee.
So when Elliott's brother demands that he return to the land of the living and re-join the world, Elliott decides to resume jogging which is where he meets Simon for the first time and from the simple task of taking up jogging again Elliott begins to come back to life. The next task on his list becomes doing something about his book hoarding ways and that is when Elliott gets the idea to build his own little library. Something that he'd seen on vacation with his jerk of an ex and it's through his little library that Elliott really begins to come back to the world and live again.
As Elliott stocks his little library he also gets regular visits from Simon who seems to walk by his house on a fairly frequent basis. Simon knows he's gay...he's just not out but he's very interested in Elliott and it's his interest that's making Simon re-think his life choices.
Elliott and Simon were just beyond dorky and cute and I loved their fledgling relationship as they got to know each other and then started to date and fall in love. With these two there were those incredible awkward dating moments and sex for these two was at time fun and funny. Plus to top it all off there was a really adorable dog and Elliott's brother was one of those epic siblings that we all would love to have. He was accepting of Elliott and genuinely cared about him. There was also the nosy neighbor...you know we all have one...thinking they run the neighborhood and they are a legend in their own minds...yeah, he was a real delight! (please read this with lots of sarcasm to ensure you get the full impact of what I'm saying).
Andrew McFerrin was the narrator for this story giving it the emotional depth it deserved as he brought Elliott and Simon to life for me.
The library may have been little but the sweetness and fun contained within this story definitely wasn't.
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December 1, 2025Fielding is a favorite but this one was a big miss for me. I really dislike when parents are homophobic and hateful but the MCs keep making apologies and excuses for the parents and keep talking about what good people they are despite their homophobia. Bigots and bigot apologists get no love from me. My patience for that bs has been wholly exhausted. And for that reason, I hated this one.
From lived experience, homo/transphobic family members can f all the way off.
No rating because this book is probably ~fine~, I just have zero spoons for this kind of bigotry in my queer book escapism in 2025.
From lived experience, homo/transphobic family members can f all the way off.
No rating because this book is probably ~fine~, I just have zero spoons for this kind of bigotry in my queer book escapism in 2025.
April 4, 2018
I thought this was a sweet book. I enjoyed how they met and the little library in his yard loved it!
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