What do you think?
Rate this book
Gibraltar
Ben est un homme juste et un capitaine intrépide, mais au cœur blessé. Plus tôt, aux Indes, il a assisté à la mort de Jack, le plus fidèle de ses hommes : il l’a vu tomber à la mer pendant une bataille, sans avoir eu le temps de lui confier son amour.
À Gibraltar, le capitaine rencontre par hasard un étranger, John, qui lui rappelle à tous les égards l’être aimé perdu.
Entre les deux hommes naît une amitié qui aboutit à l’amour. Cette fois-ci, Benjamin fera tout ce qui est en son pouvoir pour déclarer ses sentiments avant qu’ils lui glissent à nouveau entre les mains.
- GenresM M RomanceHistorical
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2014
24 people want to read
About the author
Cristina Bruni
51 books77 followersCristina Bruni adora i libri gialli e di mistero, il cinema, i viaggi e la letteratura LGBT. Nel 2013 ha pubblicato Splendente come un diamante, edizioni Lite Editions, e La tigre e il professore, edizioni La mela avvelenata. Nel 2014 Gibraltar e Seonac’s Son con Triskell Rainbow e Text Me con Alcheringa. Nel 2015 ha pubblicato Sette giorni con Triskell Rainbow e Loves from the World in self publishing con Leah Weston.
Alcuni suoi racconti sono inseriti nelle antologie edite da Delos Books, Alcheringa e Triskell Rainbow.
Alcuni suoi racconti sono inseriti nelle antologie edite da Delos Books, Alcheringa e Triskell Rainbow.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 27, 2018
Gibilterra...
Territorio piccolo, piccolo libro.
Sì, vabbè, forse un po' scontato, ma quanto mi piace quando una storia, in così poco spazio, è concentrata, racconta tanto e si conclude con...
No! Non lo dico!
Dico solo che è una storia d'amore, anche se un amore non convenzionale.
«Convenzionale? Quando mai l’amore lo è?»
🌍 Europa Tour con un libro sotto il braccio: 🇬🇮 Gibilterra 🇬🇮
Territorio piccolo, piccolo libro.
Sì, vabbè, forse un po' scontato, ma quanto mi piace quando una storia, in così poco spazio, è concentrata, racconta tanto e si conclude con...
No! Non lo dico!
Dico solo che è una storia d'amore, anche se un amore non convenzionale.
«Convenzionale? Quando mai l’amore lo è?»
🌍 Europa Tour con un libro sotto il braccio: 🇬🇮 Gibilterra 🇬🇮
September 11, 2014
Recensione presente sul sito www.reginlaradiosa.it:
"L’amore sia l’interprete nelle conferenze sull’amore, io voglio che il mio cuore sia unito al tuo in modo che di due cuori non se ne componga che uno; che le nostre due anime, avvinte da un giuramento, si fondano assieme e non ne formino che una sola." (Shakespeare)
"[..] D’improvviso, il mondo attorno a loro tornò ad avere un colore e un profumo ed entrambi si sentirono di nuovo vivi, poiché, in fin dei conti, poco importava chi fossero singolarmente: contava solo che insieme fossero John e Benjamin.”
Benjamin Scott è un capitano della Regia Marina, e la sua fedele nave, Sunrise, è in riparazione al porto di Gibilterra. Ben è un uomo tormentato dalla perdita di Jack, fedele marinaio, amico e... qualcosa di più. Logorato dal rimpianto per non aver accettato il sentimento che li univa e ancora sofferente per la sua mancanza, vaga per le vie della città, irrequieto e indifferente a tutto.
“Si sentiva disinteressato a tutto. A parte il voler riprendere il mare al più presto. Solo quando si trovava sulla sua nave, si sentiva bene e, in particolare, l’azione gli impediva di pensare.”
Un giorno, mentre vaga nella libreria che è diventata ben presto un rifugio in cui ricordare Jack, accanito lettore, vede un uomo che assomiglia tantissimo all'amato perso. Possibile che sia lui davvero? Lui l'ha visto cadere dalla nave, ferito da un proiettile, com'è possibile rivederlo lì?
Il capitano segue l'apparizione, incurante di tutto e tutti, fino ad arrivare di fronte alla porta del suo alloggio. Ad aprire, però, non è Jack, è John Walsh, che assomiglia tremendamente al suo vecchio amico.
John Walsh ha perso la memoria in seguito a un incidente, e Ben si illude che sia il suo amato Jack tornato finalmente da lui. Nasce una profonda amicizia e il capitano affronta finalmente i sentimenti che imperversano dentro di lui..
“[..] Ho disputato e vinto battaglie durissime, ma ora mi sento incapace come una giovane recluta alle prime armi."
"L’amore è la battaglia più dura, figliolo. Che si può vincere solamente lasciandosi andare e facendosi sorprendere, senza aver timore della propria incapacità di amare o di diffondere amore. Senza paura di essere rifiutati o di essere ciò che si è. Oggi si viene respinti? Non importa, va bene così; ci riproveremo un altro giorno.”
La narrazione è in terza persona e la caratterizzazione è per lo più concentrata sul protagonista Benjamin, una scelta che ho approvato.
E' un racconto breve, che si legge tutto d'un fiato. La rara capacità dell'autrice è quella di scrivere racconti che hanno un inizio e una fine; potrebbe sembrare un fattore da poco, ma spesso non lo è. Da grande fan dell'autrice e del suo stile, riconosco che vorrei scrivesse lavori più lunghi, ma in questo caso il ritmo è ben cadenzato tra le pagine e il lettore non rimane con l'amaro in bocca per "quel qualcosa in più che manca".
Con il suo stile aggraziato e musicale, Cristina Bruni coinvolge il lettore in una danza d'amore che vede protagonisti un capitano e un giovane marinaio, alle prese con le seconde possibilità che la vita ci regala.
Una storia dolce e commovente che vi consiglio dal cuore!
"L’amore sia l’interprete nelle conferenze sull’amore, io voglio che il mio cuore sia unito al tuo in modo che di due cuori non se ne componga che uno; che le nostre due anime, avvinte da un giuramento, si fondano assieme e non ne formino che una sola." (Shakespeare)
"[..] D’improvviso, il mondo attorno a loro tornò ad avere un colore e un profumo ed entrambi si sentirono di nuovo vivi, poiché, in fin dei conti, poco importava chi fossero singolarmente: contava solo che insieme fossero John e Benjamin.”
Benjamin Scott è un capitano della Regia Marina, e la sua fedele nave, Sunrise, è in riparazione al porto di Gibilterra. Ben è un uomo tormentato dalla perdita di Jack, fedele marinaio, amico e... qualcosa di più. Logorato dal rimpianto per non aver accettato il sentimento che li univa e ancora sofferente per la sua mancanza, vaga per le vie della città, irrequieto e indifferente a tutto.
“Si sentiva disinteressato a tutto. A parte il voler riprendere il mare al più presto. Solo quando si trovava sulla sua nave, si sentiva bene e, in particolare, l’azione gli impediva di pensare.”
Un giorno, mentre vaga nella libreria che è diventata ben presto un rifugio in cui ricordare Jack, accanito lettore, vede un uomo che assomiglia tantissimo all'amato perso. Possibile che sia lui davvero? Lui l'ha visto cadere dalla nave, ferito da un proiettile, com'è possibile rivederlo lì?
Il capitano segue l'apparizione, incurante di tutto e tutti, fino ad arrivare di fronte alla porta del suo alloggio. Ad aprire, però, non è Jack, è John Walsh, che assomiglia tremendamente al suo vecchio amico.
John Walsh ha perso la memoria in seguito a un incidente, e Ben si illude che sia il suo amato Jack tornato finalmente da lui. Nasce una profonda amicizia e il capitano affronta finalmente i sentimenti che imperversano dentro di lui..
“[..] Ho disputato e vinto battaglie durissime, ma ora mi sento incapace come una giovane recluta alle prime armi."
"L’amore è la battaglia più dura, figliolo. Che si può vincere solamente lasciandosi andare e facendosi sorprendere, senza aver timore della propria incapacità di amare o di diffondere amore. Senza paura di essere rifiutati o di essere ciò che si è. Oggi si viene respinti? Non importa, va bene così; ci riproveremo un altro giorno.”
La narrazione è in terza persona e la caratterizzazione è per lo più concentrata sul protagonista Benjamin, una scelta che ho approvato.
E' un racconto breve, che si legge tutto d'un fiato. La rara capacità dell'autrice è quella di scrivere racconti che hanno un inizio e una fine; potrebbe sembrare un fattore da poco, ma spesso non lo è. Da grande fan dell'autrice e del suo stile, riconosco che vorrei scrivesse lavori più lunghi, ma in questo caso il ritmo è ben cadenzato tra le pagine e il lettore non rimane con l'amaro in bocca per "quel qualcosa in più che manca".
Con il suo stile aggraziato e musicale, Cristina Bruni coinvolge il lettore in una danza d'amore che vede protagonisti un capitano e un giovane marinaio, alle prese con le seconde possibilità che la vita ci regala.
Una storia dolce e commovente che vi consiglio dal cuore!
Read
January 6, 2018not for me
February 1, 2018
Love Lingers Longest When Lost
Benjamin broke my heart as a sea captain who lost his would-be lover before he could act on their desires. Fear of what it'd mean for him to love another man kept him from loving Jack before Jack was shot in a sea battle; every day since the loss of Jack all Benjamin has lived for has been sailing and trying to forget his feelings for Jack. I loved that he was waylaid in Gibraltar for ship repairs since it's a romantic location for him to try to confront his long lost love. I wasn't terribly surprised he found a man who looked like his Jack to fall in love with---but I admit I was curious as to whether or not this man was his Jack or truly the John he claims.
Amnesia is a fun plot point to put into a story especially when it's lost love. I enjoyed trying to figure out what I'd like more -John being simply another man who looked like Jack with similar interests or John actually being Jack giving Benjamin the second chance he'd prayed for in the church- and I think the anticipation was well worth the reveal. I enjoyed the way the romance between John and Benjamin felt slow burn when it was actually very quick. I think it was due to the atmospheric writing of Cristina Bruni which captured the feeling of Gibraltar very well. I really did enjoy basking in their new love even when I wasn't sure if it was old love resumed or truly new love found.
I found the ending very sweet with the right kind of happy-ever-after for the two men whose lives I got to glimpse in this short read. I think I'd have preferred this to be a longer story, but it's a complete work in that it is short. There's a distinct beginning, middle, and an ending which is happy enough for anyone I should think. I was lucky enough to get my copy for free from the Don't Buy My Love review program on the M/M Romance Group on Goodreads. I encourage anyone who loves lost love stories or stories staring sailors to consider reading Gibraltar for a quick atmospheric indulgence.
Benjamin broke my heart as a sea captain who lost his would-be lover before he could act on their desires. Fear of what it'd mean for him to love another man kept him from loving Jack before Jack was shot in a sea battle; every day since the loss of Jack all Benjamin has lived for has been sailing and trying to forget his feelings for Jack. I loved that he was waylaid in Gibraltar for ship repairs since it's a romantic location for him to try to confront his long lost love. I wasn't terribly surprised he found a man who looked like his Jack to fall in love with---but I admit I was curious as to whether or not this man was his Jack or truly the John he claims.
Amnesia is a fun plot point to put into a story especially when it's lost love. I enjoyed trying to figure out what I'd like more -John being simply another man who looked like Jack with similar interests or John actually being Jack giving Benjamin the second chance he'd prayed for in the church- and I think the anticipation was well worth the reveal. I enjoyed the way the romance between John and Benjamin felt slow burn when it was actually very quick. I think it was due to the atmospheric writing of Cristina Bruni which captured the feeling of Gibraltar very well. I really did enjoy basking in their new love even when I wasn't sure if it was old love resumed or truly new love found.
I found the ending very sweet with the right kind of happy-ever-after for the two men whose lives I got to glimpse in this short read. I think I'd have preferred this to be a longer story, but it's a complete work in that it is short. There's a distinct beginning, middle, and an ending which is happy enough for anyone I should think. I was lucky enough to get my copy for free from the Don't Buy My Love review program on the M/M Romance Group on Goodreads. I encourage anyone who loves lost love stories or stories staring sailors to consider reading Gibraltar for a quick atmospheric indulgence.
October 7, 2014
da www.sognipensieriparole.com
Il profumo di pioggia che emanavano quei capelli riempiva di pace il cuore del capitano.
Con questa novella delicata novella storica Cristina Bruni ci regala una storia d’amore, quella tra Ben e John, che passa dalla malinconia alla dolcezza per arrivare alla serenità completa.
L’autrice ha l’abilità e il dono (raro) di riuscire a tratteggiare e ad esprimere nel giro di poche pagine un uomo – Benjamin - e tutte le sue dimensioni temporali: il passato e il suo carico di rimorsi, il presente con i dubbi e le incertezze di aver ritrovato il proprio amore perduto e di esserne ancora degno, il futuro con le sue speranze appena accennate ma già sicure, sia nel cuore dei protagonisti che nell’immaginazione del lettore.
Da leggere per riempirsi di tenerezza.
Il profumo di pioggia che emanavano quei capelli riempiva di pace il cuore del capitano.
Con questa novella delicata novella storica Cristina Bruni ci regala una storia d’amore, quella tra Ben e John, che passa dalla malinconia alla dolcezza per arrivare alla serenità completa.
L’autrice ha l’abilità e il dono (raro) di riuscire a tratteggiare e ad esprimere nel giro di poche pagine un uomo – Benjamin - e tutte le sue dimensioni temporali: il passato e il suo carico di rimorsi, il presente con i dubbi e le incertezze di aver ritrovato il proprio amore perduto e di esserne ancora degno, il futuro con le sue speranze appena accennate ma già sicure, sia nel cuore dei protagonisti che nell’immaginazione del lettore.
Da leggere per riempirsi di tenerezza.
September 20, 2014
Potete trovare tutte le mie recensioni su http://bianchianita1971.blogspot.it/
Era da parecchio tempo che non leggevo uno storico... chissà perchè! La storia tra Ben e John ti cattura immediatamente e scorre veloce verso un finale perfetto! Abbiamo un'ambientazione inusuale e suggestiva (Gibilterra), un capitano coraggioso in battaglia ma spaventato dai sentimenti (Ben) e un uomo solo che non sa più chi è (John).
Ho apprezzato moltissimo lo stile narrativo della scrittrice e le scelte fatte, sia nel farci "entrare" direttemente nel pieno dell'azione, sia nel risovere il "mistero". Nonostante la brevità è assolutamente perfetto così com'è!
Era da parecchio tempo che non leggevo uno storico... chissà perchè! La storia tra Ben e John ti cattura immediatamente e scorre veloce verso un finale perfetto! Abbiamo un'ambientazione inusuale e suggestiva (Gibilterra), un capitano coraggioso in battaglia ma spaventato dai sentimenti (Ben) e un uomo solo che non sa più chi è (John).
Ho apprezzato moltissimo lo stile narrativo della scrittrice e le scelte fatte, sia nel farci "entrare" direttemente nel pieno dell'azione, sia nel risovere il "mistero". Nonostante la brevità è assolutamente perfetto così com'è!
September 20, 2014
Una storia davvero bella e molto romantica. Adoro la crescita che Benjamin fa, molto realistica.
Complimenti all'autrice per aver saputo trasmettere l'atmosfera della Gibilterra di quel tempo. Un'ottimo lavoro!
Complimenti all'autrice per aver saputo trasmettere l'atmosfera della Gibilterra di quel tempo. Un'ottimo lavoro!
April 15, 2015
Non posso dire che non mi sia piaciuto.
Il potenziale c'è, ma è iniziato in maniera un pò sconfusionata e non è scritto benissimo. HO trovato la storia anche piuttosto banale. Peccato perchè si poteva far di meglio
Il potenziale c'è, ma è iniziato in maniera un pò sconfusionata e non è scritto benissimo. HO trovato la storia anche piuttosto banale. Peccato perchè si poteva far di meglio
January 9, 2018
Benjamin Scott is a fair man and a fearless sea captain, but his heart is broken. A while back, during a fierce battle in the West Indies, he witnessed the death of his best man, Jack, who fell into the sea before Ben had the chance to confess his love to him.
In Gibraltar, he happens to run into a stranger, John, who bears an uncanny resemblance to his lost love. A friendship grows between the two men, soon turning to love. This time, will Benjamin find the courage to confess his love, before losing John as well?
Review: Ben is a sea captain who lost his best friend and the love of his life, Jack, to an enemy bullet and a fall into the sea right in front of Ben. He never got to tell Jack how he felt and now he’s sort of just existing. But while in port he meets John, who doesn’t remember anything about his past and who looks just like Jack. Could it be?
I felt for both John and Ben. John is trying to move forward without being able to look back and Ben is pining for what could have been. These two wounded souls have a connection and maybe can make something of it. Ben is so sure that John is Jack and John is so ready to “be” someone. So the two of them work at being friends and getting to know each other. I loved Mamy, the barkeep, who is “…a little gruff, but I swear on my honor she’s got a heart of gold.” She watches for John and I liked that. John had spent months in a hospital after being picked up off a whaler and he’s desperately hopeful that he is Ben’s Jack. Ben is also desperately hopeful.
When John finally gathers his courage to show Ben how he feels, he isn’t met with the reception he thought and I wanted to shake Benjamin. “Benjamin’s words had struck him hard. They had drained his world of form and consistency, smell and color. Everything became gray and lifeless, and a horrible empty ache came to life in the pit of his belly, crawled up and took root deep in his heart.” Oh, John.
This novella is 110 pages on my iPad and there is a lot of emotion packed into it. I felt for both these men and even understood Ben’s actions on that day. I wanted them to be happy, in whatever form that would take. This is not an angst filled book, despite the tragedy, and I enjoyed it.
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
In Gibraltar, he happens to run into a stranger, John, who bears an uncanny resemblance to his lost love. A friendship grows between the two men, soon turning to love. This time, will Benjamin find the courage to confess his love, before losing John as well?
Review: Ben is a sea captain who lost his best friend and the love of his life, Jack, to an enemy bullet and a fall into the sea right in front of Ben. He never got to tell Jack how he felt and now he’s sort of just existing. But while in port he meets John, who doesn’t remember anything about his past and who looks just like Jack. Could it be?
I felt for both John and Ben. John is trying to move forward without being able to look back and Ben is pining for what could have been. These two wounded souls have a connection and maybe can make something of it. Ben is so sure that John is Jack and John is so ready to “be” someone. So the two of them work at being friends and getting to know each other. I loved Mamy, the barkeep, who is “…a little gruff, but I swear on my honor she’s got a heart of gold.” She watches for John and I liked that. John had spent months in a hospital after being picked up off a whaler and he’s desperately hopeful that he is Ben’s Jack. Ben is also desperately hopeful.
When John finally gathers his courage to show Ben how he feels, he isn’t met with the reception he thought and I wanted to shake Benjamin. “Benjamin’s words had struck him hard. They had drained his world of form and consistency, smell and color. Everything became gray and lifeless, and a horrible empty ache came to life in the pit of his belly, crawled up and took root deep in his heart.” Oh, John.
This novella is 110 pages on my iPad and there is a lot of emotion packed into it. I felt for both these men and even understood Ben’s actions on that day. I wanted them to be happy, in whatever form that would take. This is not an angst filled book, despite the tragedy, and I enjoyed it.
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
March 22, 2019
Un récit court et agréable à lire qui est malheureusement pour le coup bien trop court pour que l'histoire y trouve son réel épanouissement.
Le cote "époque" est faiblement évoqué que ce soit dans les décors ou la trame mais cela n'est guère dérangeant au vu du format. John et Ben se rencontrent et au fil des questions que se pose Ben à son sujet, un amour tendre se noue doucement au fil des pages. Le résumé étant assez précis sur le contenu je ne vais donc pas m’éterniser sur le scénario qui est assez simple mais sympa.
Les deux hommes sont doux et quelques peu nostalgiques ce qui développe une douce atmosphère chargée de regrets et de tendresse prometteuse mais une fois de plus on est très frustré par un déroulement trop rapide (forcément ! ). L'ambiance est là, on la devine austère et romantique et on aimerait pouvoir s'y engouffrer un peu plus, en savoir plus de ces navires, de cette époque et de ses perceptions. Le passé des deux hommes est légèrement soulevé, suffisamment pour la nouvelle mais trop peu pour mes attentes et la curiosité qu'il crée, leur personnalité n'a pas vraiment le temps d’éclore et on doit du coup se contenter des faits même s'ils sont joliment contés. Une romance qui aurait, je le pense sincèrement, gagnée à être dans un format plus long tant pour son impact ��motionnel que pour imposer un peu plus la présence de ses personnages.
L'histoire est mignonne, très attrayante, les "amoures particulières" dans le passé sont toujours un sujet délicat à traiter en romance et aurait vraiment mérité un traitement plus poussé (et donc plus de pages, une fois encore ) pour la rendre plus prenante ce qui aurait sans doute effacé cette sensation de fin trop vite bouclée.
L'épilogue sera en revanche un peu ma bête noire du récit par son côté trop sucré/facile mais cela reste cohérent en terme de rythme.
En conclusion, une courte histoire, bien trop courte hélas car on ne demande qu'à rester un peu plus avec ces deux marins, rafraîchissante et douce qui vous offrira un doux moment de lecture reposante.
Yop.
http://meninbooks.eklablog.com
Le cote "époque" est faiblement évoqué que ce soit dans les décors ou la trame mais cela n'est guère dérangeant au vu du format. John et Ben se rencontrent et au fil des questions que se pose Ben à son sujet, un amour tendre se noue doucement au fil des pages. Le résumé étant assez précis sur le contenu je ne vais donc pas m’éterniser sur le scénario qui est assez simple mais sympa.
Les deux hommes sont doux et quelques peu nostalgiques ce qui développe une douce atmosphère chargée de regrets et de tendresse prometteuse mais une fois de plus on est très frustré par un déroulement trop rapide (forcément ! ). L'ambiance est là, on la devine austère et romantique et on aimerait pouvoir s'y engouffrer un peu plus, en savoir plus de ces navires, de cette époque et de ses perceptions. Le passé des deux hommes est légèrement soulevé, suffisamment pour la nouvelle mais trop peu pour mes attentes et la curiosité qu'il crée, leur personnalité n'a pas vraiment le temps d’éclore et on doit du coup se contenter des faits même s'ils sont joliment contés. Une romance qui aurait, je le pense sincèrement, gagnée à être dans un format plus long tant pour son impact ��motionnel que pour imposer un peu plus la présence de ses personnages.
L'histoire est mignonne, très attrayante, les "amoures particulières" dans le passé sont toujours un sujet délicat à traiter en romance et aurait vraiment mérité un traitement plus poussé (et donc plus de pages, une fois encore ) pour la rendre plus prenante ce qui aurait sans doute effacé cette sensation de fin trop vite bouclée.
L'épilogue sera en revanche un peu ma bête noire du récit par son côté trop sucré/facile mais cela reste cohérent en terme de rythme.
En conclusion, une courte histoire, bien trop courte hélas car on ne demande qu'à rester un peu plus avec ces deux marins, rafraîchissante et douce qui vous offrira un doux moment de lecture reposante.
Yop.
http://meninbooks.eklablog.com
February 13, 2018
*I received a free copy through the M/M Romance Group DBML program in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
Synopsis: Captain Benjamin and his crew are in port waiting while their ship gets repairs. Ben's first officer offers to look after the repair progress if Ben wants to bring his wife to see him, but Ben wants to keep busy, so he maintains control of the ship. Then, one day, he sees a man who reminds him of the man he lost a few years before. The man doesn't know who he is, but gave himself the name John Walsh.
As Benjamin and John get to know each other, Ben is pretty sure this is his missing, and presumed dead Jack, but he gets to know John for John, and the feelings that he had for Jack have grown past what they were before.
What I liked: although this was very short, it told the entire story and nothing felt really rushed. Even though Ben was convinced the man he was dealing with was his lost love, he didn't fall in love with the memory, he fell in love, and admitted it, with the person he had in front of him. I liked that they got to know one another and played games with each other. I also liked that Ben took the leave he was offered just to be with John.
What I didn't like: that even though I as the reader could see that Ben was falling in love with John, whether he was Jack or John, that John couldn't. And while I know that it was something that had to be done in those times, I really didn't like the fact that Benjamin was married, even though he didn't love his wife.
Overall impression: I would have liked to have seen more of the story after, because I really liked John and Ben. This was a translated to English version, and the translation was well done, with a few errors in the last couple of chapters. I will definitely check out more books by this author.
3.5 stars
Synopsis: Captain Benjamin and his crew are in port waiting while their ship gets repairs. Ben's first officer offers to look after the repair progress if Ben wants to bring his wife to see him, but Ben wants to keep busy, so he maintains control of the ship. Then, one day, he sees a man who reminds him of the man he lost a few years before. The man doesn't know who he is, but gave himself the name John Walsh.
As Benjamin and John get to know each other, Ben is pretty sure this is his missing, and presumed dead Jack, but he gets to know John for John, and the feelings that he had for Jack have grown past what they were before.
What I liked: although this was very short, it told the entire story and nothing felt really rushed. Even though Ben was convinced the man he was dealing with was his lost love, he didn't fall in love with the memory, he fell in love, and admitted it, with the person he had in front of him. I liked that they got to know one another and played games with each other. I also liked that Ben took the leave he was offered just to be with John.
What I didn't like: that even though I as the reader could see that Ben was falling in love with John, whether he was Jack or John, that John couldn't. And while I know that it was something that had to be done in those times, I really didn't like the fact that Benjamin was married, even though he didn't love his wife.
Overall impression: I would have liked to have seen more of the story after, because I really liked John and Ben. This was a translated to English version, and the translation was well done, with a few errors in the last couple of chapters. I will definitely check out more books by this author.
December 25, 2017
First, I would like to congratulate Cristina Bruni on the release of 'Gibraltar' (English Edition). This is the second book that she's translated for us English speaking folks to enjoy.
So... this is a short, historical romance. Let me just say that I could have read it forever because OMG, Cristina absolutely NAILED IT!
The story takes place in Gibraltar where Benjamin has his ship in dock for repairs. While there he meets a man who looks like the love that he lost. The way that the author completely captured the importance of the time was a thing of beauty. Telling the story in such a way that we readers truly can understand the way romantic love was an art form in those days.
Sometimes I think that we, for all of our technology and industry have gotten the short straw when it comes to something as important as romance and love. There was no doubting the sincerity or depth of feelings of the MC's as they made their journey. They took their time, not so much with the romance, but with life in this story because they actually had time to take and it made the story that much richer.
I love both of the characters. Benjamin captured my heart because I felt his struggle to embrace the chance at having love again and John because he is such a tender soul. I cried because I was happy and I cried because I was sad for them, they made my heart full. There is a lot of emotion in such a short book and I was both surprised and delighted that Cristina was able to accomplish all of that.
This is for real, a sweet, sweet romance that has just the right amount of angst to pull at your heartstrings and an abundance of love. I know that this will be on of my comfort reads from now on. I'm so glad that the author translated this book!
So... this is a short, historical romance. Let me just say that I could have read it forever because OMG, Cristina absolutely NAILED IT!
The story takes place in Gibraltar where Benjamin has his ship in dock for repairs. While there he meets a man who looks like the love that he lost. The way that the author completely captured the importance of the time was a thing of beauty. Telling the story in such a way that we readers truly can understand the way romantic love was an art form in those days.
Sometimes I think that we, for all of our technology and industry have gotten the short straw when it comes to something as important as romance and love. There was no doubting the sincerity or depth of feelings of the MC's as they made their journey. They took their time, not so much with the romance, but with life in this story because they actually had time to take and it made the story that much richer.
I love both of the characters. Benjamin captured my heart because I felt his struggle to embrace the chance at having love again and John because he is such a tender soul. I cried because I was happy and I cried because I was sad for them, they made my heart full. There is a lot of emotion in such a short book and I was both surprised and delighted that Cristina was able to accomplish all of that.
This is for real, a sweet, sweet romance that has just the right amount of angst to pull at your heartstrings and an abundance of love. I know that this will be on of my comfort reads from now on. I'm so glad that the author translated this book!
January 1, 2018
“My name is Walsh, sir. I’m terribly sorry.”
Captain Benjamin Scott is staying in Gibraltar while his ship The Sunrise was in the dockyards having maintenance work done. Jack Hughes was Ben's Lieutenant years prior and they had shared a secret love until the privateer’s attacked. Thinking Jack was dead,
If only you hadn’t seen him, with your very own eyes, being struck by an enemy bullet and falling into the sea, just outside Basseterre Bay.
Ben was completely taken aback at the local bookshop,
he’d just seen on the other side of the shelf: that mop of ash blond hair, those two blue eyes that looked like sapphires framed by little wrinkles caused by too many smiles.
Unfortunately the man he saw was named John Walsh, or was it? John had no memory of who he was. Giving hope Jack may have survived, the two spend time together trying to help John possibly regain his memory.
This was a beautiful and emotional story. I was happy to read some of Johns inner thoughts as well. I felt and believe both men and the struggle they went through to understand and except what was happening. Just like other stories this short I did feel it was a little rushed and wished the author gave them more time. This is a new author to me but I will definitely be reading other books as I enjoyed the writing style very much.
Plot: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development: 5
Heat: 4
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
Captain Benjamin Scott is staying in Gibraltar while his ship The Sunrise was in the dockyards having maintenance work done. Jack Hughes was Ben's Lieutenant years prior and they had shared a secret love until the privateer’s attacked. Thinking Jack was dead,
If only you hadn’t seen him, with your very own eyes, being struck by an enemy bullet and falling into the sea, just outside Basseterre Bay.
Ben was completely taken aback at the local bookshop,
he’d just seen on the other side of the shelf: that mop of ash blond hair, those two blue eyes that looked like sapphires framed by little wrinkles caused by too many smiles.
Unfortunately the man he saw was named John Walsh, or was it? John had no memory of who he was. Giving hope Jack may have survived, the two spend time together trying to help John possibly regain his memory.
This was a beautiful and emotional story. I was happy to read some of Johns inner thoughts as well. I felt and believe both men and the struggle they went through to understand and except what was happening. Just like other stories this short I did feel it was a little rushed and wished the author gave them more time. This is a new author to me but I will definitely be reading other books as I enjoyed the writing style very much.
Plot: 5
Ending: 5
Character Development: 5
Heat: 4
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
December 30, 2017
A sweet and tender short romance between two men that have muddled pasts. One has a past of heartbreak and loss, the other can't remember his. Between the two of them they search for healing, affection, friendship, love, and even a future. But will their love and future be together or will their pasts keep them apart?
Benjamin is a captain in the royal navy and lost his male lover during a tragic moment near the West Indies. Seeing his Jack shot and falling overboard never to be seen again has given Ben nothing but sadness, loneliness, and a recognition of his own cowardice. A quiet moment in a book store, however, brings his past rushing back to him. The blonde man has to be his Jack! After running after him and finding out that his Jack is actually a man named John Walsh, a man who has amnesia, Ben is determined to help John find himself and their mutual past. Not everything is as it seems, however, and John becomes saddened and yet carries a small flame of hope when he learns the truth.
Watching them come together to find tenderness, understanding, and passion was nice. The book was a solidly enjoyable read and gave a sense of hope and finality that was fitting for the characters.
Read and willingly reviewed this ARC from the author.
Benjamin is a captain in the royal navy and lost his male lover during a tragic moment near the West Indies. Seeing his Jack shot and falling overboard never to be seen again has given Ben nothing but sadness, loneliness, and a recognition of his own cowardice. A quiet moment in a book store, however, brings his past rushing back to him. The blonde man has to be his Jack! After running after him and finding out that his Jack is actually a man named John Walsh, a man who has amnesia, Ben is determined to help John find himself and their mutual past. Not everything is as it seems, however, and John becomes saddened and yet carries a small flame of hope when he learns the truth.
Watching them come together to find tenderness, understanding, and passion was nice. The book was a solidly enjoyable read and gave a sense of hope and finality that was fitting for the characters.
Read and willingly reviewed this ARC from the author.
Read
February 17, 2018The story is imbued with colorful descriptions but scenes jump from one to another leaving somewhat disjointed impression. It also looks like Benjamin is married, and I don’t like cheating in romance books.
Ben thinks he saw a ghost when he sees a blond man in a bookshop. The beginning of the book clearly conveys how painfully he is missing Jack. There is a surprisingly moving introspective piece in keeping with period’s morals. The stranger’s appearance in Benjamin’s life is both a blessing and a curse. The ghost from Ben’s past is alive, but Jack doesn’t remember anything. Every moment they spend together is a sweet torture for Benjamin.
Interestingly enough, they weren’t lovers before Jack’s disappearance. Two men are connected by deep friendship and half formed but unspoken hopes.
Switches to the other’s man POV are sudden and confusing. The ending was disappointing to me. It is a happy ending, and interesting in its own way, just not what I was expecting. I felt cheated and it spoiled my impression of men’s relationship and the story overall.
I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
Ben thinks he saw a ghost when he sees a blond man in a bookshop. The beginning of the book clearly conveys how painfully he is missing Jack. There is a surprisingly moving introspective piece in keeping with period’s morals. The stranger’s appearance in Benjamin’s life is both a blessing and a curse. The ghost from Ben’s past is alive, but Jack doesn’t remember anything. Every moment they spend together is a sweet torture for Benjamin.
Interestingly enough, they weren’t lovers before Jack’s disappearance. Two men are connected by deep friendship and half formed but unspoken hopes.
Switches to the other’s man POV are sudden and confusing. The ending was disappointing to me. It is a happy ending, and interesting in its own way, just not what I was expecting. I felt cheated and it spoiled my impression of men’s relationship and the story overall.
I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
February 2, 2018
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review from the Don't Buy Me Love program. This is a short story of a gay romance set during a period that being gay was absolutely going to cause some major problems, if not bring an end to all problems by being killed. With that in mind, I both liked the book and disliked it. I liked it because it was a fun read during a historical period that is a great setting for a sweet romance, which this was. I disliked it because the struggle of being gay was not an issue for either men. I kept waiting for it, and either I blinked and missed it or it wasn't there. I liked John and Ben as characters. I liked John's reasons for leaving. I did not like Ben taking him on as a cabin boy when Ben is Captain. This seems a bit problem with power, not to mention a bit dangerous in terms of getting caught. While this review may seem a critical, I actually did enjoy the book. It's a fun quick romance that make you smile as you read it. Nothing wrong with that! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2018
** spoiler alert ** The blurb gives a fairly accurate description of what the book is about. That being said I wasn't really as captivated by the story as I thought I would be. It read through fine and I didn't have much of an opinion regarding the characters, John/Jack or Benjamin. They didn't really stick out to me and didn't have a unique presence .
I did feel for their situation with John/Jack having amnesia and not knowing who he was and Benjamin for losing someone he loved and not being able to pursue it when the individual was still in his life. I felt if the author had fleshed out the story a bit more it may have struck a stronger chord in readers.
Benjamin being married and pursuing a romantic relationship with John regardless of his marital status didn't stick well with me. I actually felt a bit sad at the thought of his wife setting at home awaiting his return only for him never return resulting in her to pine as Ben did for years after he saw Jack go to his death.
Kudos to the author using harbor as a descriptive during the intimacy scene. It was a clever allusion considering Benjamin is a sea captain and sailing seems to be something both characters enjoy.
A free copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I did feel for their situation with John/Jack having amnesia and not knowing who he was and Benjamin for losing someone he loved and not being able to pursue it when the individual was still in his life. I felt if the author had fleshed out the story a bit more it may have struck a stronger chord in readers.
Benjamin being married and pursuing a romantic relationship with John regardless of his marital status didn't stick well with me. I actually felt a bit sad at the thought of his wife setting at home awaiting his return only for him never return resulting in her to pine as Ben did for years after he saw Jack go to his death.
Kudos to the author using harbor as a descriptive during the intimacy scene. It was a clever allusion considering Benjamin is a sea captain and sailing seems to be something both characters enjoy.
A free copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Read
April 6, 2021Lors d'une escale à Gibraltar, Benjamin Scott, capitaine de la Royal Navy pense retrouver Jack Hugues l'homme qu'il aime alors qu'il le pensait mort.
Mais cet homme, John Walsh, est amnésique et Ben ne veut pas laisser passer cette seconde chance de se déclarer enfin.
Mais John et Jack sont-ils la même personne ?
Et Ben aura-t'il finalement le courage d'assumer, à cette époque, d'aimer un homme, alors que son épouse l'attend sur le continent ?
Une histoire assez bien écrite, mais beaucoup trop courte pour que l'on ait le temps de véritablement entrer dans l'univers et s'attacher aux personnages.
Quand à la fin, j'avais en tête la scène finale de Pretty Woman ;-)))
Mais cet homme, John Walsh, est amnésique et Ben ne veut pas laisser passer cette seconde chance de se déclarer enfin.
Mais John et Jack sont-ils la même personne ?
Et Ben aura-t'il finalement le courage d'assumer, à cette époque, d'aimer un homme, alors que son épouse l'attend sur le continent ?
Une histoire assez bien écrite, mais beaucoup trop courte pour que l'on ait le temps de véritablement entrer dans l'univers et s'attacher aux personnages.
Quand à la fin, j'avais en tête la scène finale de Pretty Woman ;-)))
September 20, 2018
A quick, gripping and emotional story with a rollercoaster ride!
The book has a terrific pace and was visual enough without belaboring mundane details. Set a couple hundred years ago, the writing helped keep me in the time this story takes place. As a reader, I could practically feel Benjamin's sense of loss, his joy, and his ache.
Cristina Bruni is new to me, but I will definitely be watching for more from her!
The book has a terrific pace and was visual enough without belaboring mundane details. Set a couple hundred years ago, the writing helped keep me in the time this story takes place. As a reader, I could practically feel Benjamin's sense of loss, his joy, and his ache.
Cristina Bruni is new to me, but I will definitely be watching for more from her!
December 20, 2017
I just finished it! Absolutely worth it! Very well written, sweet short story. When two souls are meant to be together, they will always find each other.
September 25, 2018
An absolutely stunningly written book that allows the reader to feel like they are actually there, 300 years ago, on the deck of a ship with the smell of the salt air... incredible
August 21, 2022
Voto: 3.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Venite a leggerla sul nostro blog!
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Venite a leggerla sul nostro blog!
June 30, 2021
Captain Benjamin Scott of the Royal Navy is dry-docked in Gibraltar waiting for repairs to his ship Sunrise when he encounters a blond man in a bookstore that looks remarkably like Jack, a crew member lost at sea during a battle. Benjamin and Jack had an attraction to one another which they never acted upon, and seeing this man - who has amnesia and goes by the name "John"- Benjamin feels he has been given a second chance at love.
This novella was originally written in Italian and I wonder if perhaps something was lost in the translation. While the story has an interesting premise (a twist on the familiar amnesia trope), the writing style moves from lyrical emotions and thoughts to short brisk disjointed sentences. We don't learn until almost 90% that the novella is set around 1800, and there is very little in the story that describes the time and place. I didn't sense much chemistry between the two men, and the ending seemed too unbelievable. This story just did not work for me. 3 stars.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
This novella was originally written in Italian and I wonder if perhaps something was lost in the translation. While the story has an interesting premise (a twist on the familiar amnesia trope), the writing style moves from lyrical emotions and thoughts to short brisk disjointed sentences. We don't learn until almost 90% that the novella is set around 1800, and there is very little in the story that describes the time and place. I didn't sense much chemistry between the two men, and the ending seemed too unbelievable. This story just did not work for me. 3 stars.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
December 9, 2014
2,5 stars.
And don't ask me why I have written this review in english instead of in italian. The habit.
And don't ask me why I have written this review in english instead of in italian. The habit.
November 26, 2014
Breve ma intenso. Ben scritto, la storia poi è coinvolgente e i personaggi ben strutturati, anche il finale mi è piaciuto molto *-*
March 27, 2017
Una lettura scorrevole, molto piacevole ma anche molto dolce e tenera. L'unico peccato è che sia troppo corta nel complesso è un bel romanzo.
February 2, 2018
The blurb gives a fairly accurate description of what the book is about. That being said I wasn't really as captivated by the story as I thought I would be. It read through fine and I didn't have much of an opinion regarding the characters, John/Jack or Benjamin. They didn't really stick out to me and didn't have a unique presence .
I did feel for their situation with John/Jack having amnesia and not knowing who he was and Benjamin for losing someone he loved and not being able to pursue it when the individual was still in his life. I felt if the author had fleshed out the story a bit more it may have struck a stronger chord in readers.
Benjamin being married and pursuing a romantic relationship with John regardless of his marital status didn't stick well with me. I actually felt a bit sad at the thought of his wife setting at home awaiting his return only for him never return resulting in her to pine as Ben did for years after he saw Jack go to his death.
Kudos to the author using harbor as a descriptive during the intimacy scene. It was a clever allusion considering Benjamin is a sea captain and sailing seems to be something both characters enjoy.
A free copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I did feel for their situation with John/Jack having amnesia and not knowing who he was and Benjamin for losing someone he loved and not being able to pursue it when the individual was still in his life. I felt if the author had fleshed out the story a bit more it may have struck a stronger chord in readers.
Benjamin being married and pursuing a romantic relationship with John regardless of his marital status didn't stick well with me. I actually felt a bit sad at the thought of his wife setting at home awaiting his return only for him never return resulting in her to pine as Ben did for years after he saw Jack go to his death.
Kudos to the author using harbor as a descriptive during the intimacy scene. It was a clever allusion considering Benjamin is a sea captain and sailing seems to be something both characters enjoy.
A free copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews