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Summit
When out of condition divorced lorry driver, Ash Tomlinson, makes the spur of the moment decision to climb Kilimanjaro, he doesn’t consider how much it will change his life. There’s the training, the equipment to buy, the fear of altitude sickness, and of failure. And there’s Sean, a man who makes Ash question what he really wants for his future.
Sean Briggs is a school sports teacher and wishful mountain leader, longing for the chance to lead people on mountain hikes, but never having taken the plunge to do the training course. While he thinks about it, he decides to undertake the trip of a lifetime on Kilimanjaro.
The two men meet on a training weekend in Wales, and afterwards Ash goes home and tries to forget about Sean, but finds it impossible.
When the pair strike out for the summit of the highest mountain in Africa, their physical and mental strength is tested, and their growing feelings for each other help them push through the toughest moments of the trek.
Sean Briggs is a school sports teacher and wishful mountain leader, longing for the chance to lead people on mountain hikes, but never having taken the plunge to do the training course. While he thinks about it, he decides to undertake the trip of a lifetime on Kilimanjaro.
The two men meet on a training weekend in Wales, and afterwards Ash goes home and tries to forget about Sean, but finds it impossible.
When the pair strike out for the summit of the highest mountain in Africa, their physical and mental strength is tested, and their growing feelings for each other help them push through the toughest moments of the trek.
- GenresM M Romance
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2018
1 person is currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Louise Lyons
31 books64 followersI currently live in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, having moved from my home town of Grimsby in 2010. I come from a family of writers, although my Mum, Nana and Auntie have all written poetry. For me, it has always been fiction that drew me.Louise Lyons introductory photograph
It started with Mum’s old manual typewriter when I was eight years old – a story about a little girl and a pony, which at the time was my dream. By the time I reached my early teens, I progressed to romance although I still only wrote for my own pleasure. This quickly developed into primarily gay romance stories and when I discovered the world of Fanfiction, I gradually built up a large following in some fandoms.
Knowing that other people liked my work drove me to follow a new dream – to become a published author – which has finally been realised with Dreamspinner Press.
On this site you can keep up to date with all my latest news on my upcoming book and lots more about me, as I post regular blogs. Read my articles.Feel free to contact me with any comments or questions. I’ll always do my best to answer each and every one. Get in touch with me.
It started with Mum’s old manual typewriter when I was eight years old – a story about a little girl and a pony, which at the time was my dream. By the time I reached my early teens, I progressed to romance although I still only wrote for my own pleasure. This quickly developed into primarily gay romance stories and when I discovered the world of Fanfiction, I gradually built up a large following in some fandoms.
Knowing that other people liked my work drove me to follow a new dream – to become a published author – which has finally been realised with Dreamspinner Press.
On this site you can keep up to date with all my latest news on my upcoming book and lots more about me, as I post regular blogs. Read my articles.Feel free to contact me with any comments or questions. I’ll always do my best to answer each and every one. Get in touch with me.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 25, 2024
I climbed the Kilimanjaro !! Not really but I was there while reading this journey of Ash and Sean... One of the few stories I have read where the conversations, events and environments are widely exposed and developed.
We get a detailed view how two men prepare themselves for months to a heavy journey, they will attempt to climb a mountain, the Kilimanjaro. On this journey, they develop feelings for each other... it’s not as simple as it sounds.
How they behave around each other was wonderful reasonable and mature. They had their sweet and sexy moments every time when it was possible.
They climbed with a small group and the dynamic of the whole group was thoroughly friendly and considerate.
The story was, for me as a layman, convincing to the bone and amazingly captivating written.
A strong solid read. The end was good, personal preference for the end would be something more definitive.
Kindly received an arc from Gay Book Romance
We get a detailed view how two men prepare themselves for months to a heavy journey, they will attempt to climb a mountain, the Kilimanjaro. On this journey, they develop feelings for each other... it’s not as simple as it sounds.
How they behave around each other was wonderful reasonable and mature. They had their sweet and sexy moments every time when it was possible.
They climbed with a small group and the dynamic of the whole group was thoroughly friendly and considerate.
The story was, for me as a layman, convincing to the bone and amazingly captivating written.
A strong solid read. The end was good, personal preference for the end would be something more definitive.
Kindly received an arc from Gay Book Romance
September 1, 2018
I was intrigued by Summit from the moment I read the synopsis. As someone who has participated in endurance sports (half marathons and a full marathon), I can appreciate what goes into preparing and training for something like climbing Kilimanjaro—though my personal experience is not anywhere near that scale. That Sean and Ash’s relationship plays out during this preparation and training time puts their story in a unique setting from what I’ve read before in this genre.
I identified most closely with Ash—his situation closely mirrored my own when I first started seriously trying to lose weight and wound up getting my interest piqued about races, much like he did by watching a documentary on climbing the mountain. Even now after I’ve let things slide, this story has sparked my interest again—the way the preparation, training and the actual climb were described made for interesting reading that is now poking at me to also get off my behind and back to it.
It was good to watch as Ash opened himself up to something with a guy other than just one-offs, and took a chance once he and Sean realized there was something more there between them. Things between them felt relatively low angst once they got past the initial awkwardness of whether this was a one-time thing or something more.
The portions of the story related to training for and the actual climb were detailed and made me feel like I was right there alongside the guys. There were a couple of times where it did feel slightly over-detailed to me, mostly because I tend to prefer stories focus more on relationship development than the things the characters are doing as they go along. But again, those details did arouse my curiosity about climbing as well as give me my own push to get back to my training.
Sean and Ash are really good together, and even though it might seem like they didn’t have a lot of time together in each other’s physical company (not sex, just together in the same place) before the “L” word was creeping in, things were actually spread out over the weeks/months of training, and that time spent with each other plus the climb was intense.
Summit was a very solid 4-star read for me, edging toward a 4.5. M/M romance fans who appreciate more detailed stories will enjoy this book, and don’t be surprised to find yourself looking up climbing information—or at least renewing your own interest in other physical pursuits—when you’re done. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
I identified most closely with Ash—his situation closely mirrored my own when I first started seriously trying to lose weight and wound up getting my interest piqued about races, much like he did by watching a documentary on climbing the mountain. Even now after I’ve let things slide, this story has sparked my interest again—the way the preparation, training and the actual climb were described made for interesting reading that is now poking at me to also get off my behind and back to it.
It was good to watch as Ash opened himself up to something with a guy other than just one-offs, and took a chance once he and Sean realized there was something more there between them. Things between them felt relatively low angst once they got past the initial awkwardness of whether this was a one-time thing or something more.
The portions of the story related to training for and the actual climb were detailed and made me feel like I was right there alongside the guys. There were a couple of times where it did feel slightly over-detailed to me, mostly because I tend to prefer stories focus more on relationship development than the things the characters are doing as they go along. But again, those details did arouse my curiosity about climbing as well as give me my own push to get back to my training.
Sean and Ash are really good together, and even though it might seem like they didn’t have a lot of time together in each other’s physical company (not sex, just together in the same place) before the “L” word was creeping in, things were actually spread out over the weeks/months of training, and that time spent with each other plus the climb was intense.
Summit was a very solid 4-star read for me, edging toward a 4.5. M/M romance fans who appreciate more detailed stories will enjoy this book, and don’t be surprised to find yourself looking up climbing information—or at least renewing your own interest in other physical pursuits—when you’re done. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
September 10, 2018
4.5 Stars
For the most part, this was a really enjoyable read. I loved both Ash and Sean. They got off to a bit of a rocky start, pun intended, and Ash, being so unaccepting of his bisexuality at first, really worried me, but he didn’t back away from Sean after his first little blunder.
Together, Sean and Ash had amazing chemistry. The sexual tension between them was palpable and they lit up the pages of, and liked to set, my iPad on fire.
I loved not only watching them as their feelings developed, something that was natural and organic, but the story is centered around their preparation for and their climb of Kilimanjaro. It’s told in great detail, and I loved taking this adventure with them and I was never once bored. Although hiking and mountain climbing aren’t my thing, the author pulled me in and held my interest with the descriptions of the events that were taking place.
The story is well-written and it flowed well, but I was disappointed in the ending. I wish there’d been a more solid happy ending, the ending is nice, but I wanted more, I'm greedy like that. I also thought there was an unresolved issue that Ash needed to address.
Other than these couple of things, the story was very enjoyable and I’d definitely recommend it!
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
For the most part, this was a really enjoyable read. I loved both Ash and Sean. They got off to a bit of a rocky start, pun intended, and Ash, being so unaccepting of his bisexuality at first, really worried me, but he didn’t back away from Sean after his first little blunder.
Together, Sean and Ash had amazing chemistry. The sexual tension between them was palpable and they lit up the pages of, and liked to set, my iPad on fire.
I loved not only watching them as their feelings developed, something that was natural and organic, but the story is centered around their preparation for and their climb of Kilimanjaro. It’s told in great detail, and I loved taking this adventure with them and I was never once bored. Although hiking and mountain climbing aren’t my thing, the author pulled me in and held my interest with the descriptions of the events that were taking place.
The story is well-written and it flowed well, but I was disappointed in the ending. I wish there’d been a more solid happy ending, the ending is nice, but I wanted more, I'm greedy like that. I also thought there was an unresolved issue that Ash needed to address.
Other than these couple of things, the story was very enjoyable and I’d definitely recommend it!
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
September 1, 2018
Unique and inspiring story of finding love as you change your life. Wanting more out of life and setting a new goal of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro brings amazing friendships and love for these MC's. Both MC's are very likable and real. They each touched my heart with their hopes and dreams. i enjoyed the writing and the story-line was unique and interesting.
Sometimes we find ourselves at a crossroads and change is the best choice. Ash found himself at that crossroads and the new journey that he undertook was wondrous. The pre-work, the hikes and the climb of the mountain are really interesting and beautiful.
Sean is such a cool guy and i would love to have him as a friend. He is fun and self-aware, loving and honest and just the perfect guy for Ash. I think Sean was my favorite of these guys.
I liked how Ash and Sean connect and find their way through to a relationship. That was a journey and it had its twist and turns just like the climb, but they were successful in finding the meaning in each.
I was gifted this book from Gay Book Promotions and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
Sometimes we find ourselves at a crossroads and change is the best choice. Ash found himself at that crossroads and the new journey that he undertook was wondrous. The pre-work, the hikes and the climb of the mountain are really interesting and beautiful.
Sean is such a cool guy and i would love to have him as a friend. He is fun and self-aware, loving and honest and just the perfect guy for Ash. I think Sean was my favorite of these guys.
I liked how Ash and Sean connect and find their way through to a relationship. That was a journey and it had its twist and turns just like the climb, but they were successful in finding the meaning in each.
I was gifted this book from Gay Book Promotions and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
September 1, 2018
This was my first Louise Lyons book and it won't be my last, I absolutely loved it. The storyline was realistic and intetesting, the characters were everyday people and their challenge was epic. From cover to cover I couldn't put this book down.
This is Ash's story of transformation. A divorced, overweight, long haul lorry driver, he decides to challenge himself, signing up with a treking company to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. Before he can achieve his goal he needs to change his life style, diet and exercise and training.
Ash meets Sean at a training weekend, both staying a few additional days for extra training. Chemistry is off the charts but Ash has concerns based on what others might think.
This is Ash's story of transformation. A divorced, overweight, long haul lorry driver, he decides to challenge himself, signing up with a treking company to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. Before he can achieve his goal he needs to change his life style, diet and exercise and training.
Ash meets Sean at a training weekend, both staying a few additional days for extra training. Chemistry is off the charts but Ash has concerns based on what others might think.
September 2, 2018
This is a wonderful story of making positive changes, taking on new challenges, and finding love. Ash and Sean are witty and sweet together, and their training and eventual climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro is fascinating. The descriptions are detailed and realistic, and the secondary characters are likeable and well written. Ash and Sean are easy to love from the very beginning, and they only get better as the story progresses. This is the first time I've read anything from Louise Lyons, but I am adding her to my TBR list. Excellent story!
September 2, 2018
I always enjoy a well written book that's set in the UK. This was made even better by the fact that I knew many of the places mentioned. They were also very well described. This was a very real story, a couple of ordinary blokes with real life problems. Ash actually reminded me of someone I used to know. A 'blokey bloke', who's bisexual, but doesn't want people to know in case they think he's less of a man. I enjoyed the way he decided to 'sort himself out' and in doing so met the love of his life. I really enjoyed both Ash and Sean, like I said above, they're very real. I understood their reluctance to commit and their vulnerabilities. This is the first book that I've read from Ms Lyons and it certainly won't be the last, my only complaint is that it ended on more of a HFN than a HEA, and I do love me a happy ending. So well written, good plot line and very real characters.
September 3, 2018
Summit is a fun romance by Louise Lyons, a new to me author.
Ash decides to climb Kilimanjaro, but first he's going to need to get back in shape and make some life changes. Overall, since his divorce, he has made a lot of changes.
Upon meeting Sean at a training camp, he finds his very attractive and is interested in the man. When he's home after their training, he's unable to allow himself to stay in touch with Sean. Crazy thing is though, he just can't get the man out of his head.
Their hookups are super hot, as the chemistry between them is sizzling. It's the farthest Ash has ever gone with a man, making for some fun scenes. As feelings get stronger, they will have decisions to make. Can Ash come out? Do they want to be together after the climb? And if so, how since they don't live near each other.
This story is a ton of fun and interesting, as well as atmospheric. I found the training, as well as the actually climb fascinating, as I certainly have no experience with such a climb.
I am happy to have found Summit and am happy with Louisa Lyons's writing style, as it is entertaining, charming, and sweet. I'll have to check out her other books.
Ash decides to climb Kilimanjaro, but first he's going to need to get back in shape and make some life changes. Overall, since his divorce, he has made a lot of changes.
Upon meeting Sean at a training camp, he finds his very attractive and is interested in the man. When he's home after their training, he's unable to allow himself to stay in touch with Sean. Crazy thing is though, he just can't get the man out of his head.
Their hookups are super hot, as the chemistry between them is sizzling. It's the farthest Ash has ever gone with a man, making for some fun scenes. As feelings get stronger, they will have decisions to make. Can Ash come out? Do they want to be together after the climb? And if so, how since they don't live near each other.
This story is a ton of fun and interesting, as well as atmospheric. I found the training, as well as the actually climb fascinating, as I certainly have no experience with such a climb.
I am happy to have found Summit and am happy with Louisa Lyons's writing style, as it is entertaining, charming, and sweet. I'll have to check out her other books.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews