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Irons and Works #6.5
To Touch the Light
“I see them…In you, I see them.”
Estranged from his family and locked in a demanding job which monopolizes all of his time, Head Chef, Mario Garcia, doesn’t exactly have holiday spirit. He spends all season creating magic for others, and for himself, he’s resigned to another lonely winter. There’s a reason he’s known as the Devil in Fairfield Resort’s high-end kitchen, and he has no plans to change that. What most people don’t realize, however, is that Chef Garcia has a soft spot for one man—a half-blind, Russian dishwasher who is the first person in years to make Mario feel.
Viktor Popov's life is full of secrets and lies. He showed up in Fairfield with a handful of suspicious papers, no past, and secured a job in the bowels of a resort kitchen. He spends his waking hours washing dishes and trying his best to manage his failing eyesight without anyone taking notice. Once upon a time, he was a man of wealth and reputation, and now he’s living day-to-day, hoping no one will ever take notice.
It's been forever since Vitya believed in anything, and these long years of loneliness only proved to him that miracles didn’t exist. At least, until the night when warm hands pulled him out of the cold, and a soft voice whispered in his ear that he mattered.
Life isn’t easy, and both men have never expected any different. But maybe, by the soft light of the menorah, both men will finally be able to see that for each other, they’re exactly what they need.
To Touch the Light is a 43,000 word holiday novel set in the Irons and Works Universe. This book contains no cheating and an HEA.
Estranged from his family and locked in a demanding job which monopolizes all of his time, Head Chef, Mario Garcia, doesn’t exactly have holiday spirit. He spends all season creating magic for others, and for himself, he’s resigned to another lonely winter. There’s a reason he’s known as the Devil in Fairfield Resort’s high-end kitchen, and he has no plans to change that. What most people don’t realize, however, is that Chef Garcia has a soft spot for one man—a half-blind, Russian dishwasher who is the first person in years to make Mario feel.
Viktor Popov's life is full of secrets and lies. He showed up in Fairfield with a handful of suspicious papers, no past, and secured a job in the bowels of a resort kitchen. He spends his waking hours washing dishes and trying his best to manage his failing eyesight without anyone taking notice. Once upon a time, he was a man of wealth and reputation, and now he’s living day-to-day, hoping no one will ever take notice.
It's been forever since Vitya believed in anything, and these long years of loneliness only proved to him that miracles didn’t exist. At least, until the night when warm hands pulled him out of the cold, and a soft voice whispered in his ear that he mattered.
Life isn’t easy, and both men have never expected any different. But maybe, by the soft light of the menorah, both men will finally be able to see that for each other, they’re exactly what they need.
To Touch the Light is a 43,000 word holiday novel set in the Irons and Works Universe. This book contains no cheating and an HEA.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2019
312 people are currently reading
1000 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
143 books1,375 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
January 1, 2022
3.5 Stars
This was quite the angsty holiday piece just so you know....
Mario is basically ostracized from his family for being trans, where the only joy he may get is from his work as a chef. Viktor is basically a poor refugee who has no other resources or help other than his job as a dishwasher, desperate to suffer indignities to eke out another day of barely surviving.
Though these two have noticed each other from afar for years, a small series of events reveals their hurts and vulnerabilities where two very very very lonely souls finally connect. Do they dare hope to find happiness in the other?
I read this for a challenge not realizing that this is part of a series and overall, I was not lost as this stands on its own merits. For readers of this series, be reassured that you’ll see previous couples happy and whole. Overall, this is hurt comfort to the max where a HEA is made that much sweeter as it’s nudged by Christmas and Jewish traditions to take a chance on more!
This was quite the angsty holiday piece just so you know....
Mario is basically ostracized from his family for being trans, where the only joy he may get is from his work as a chef. Viktor is basically a poor refugee who has no other resources or help other than his job as a dishwasher, desperate to suffer indignities to eke out another day of barely surviving.
Though these two have noticed each other from afar for years, a small series of events reveals their hurts and vulnerabilities where two very very very lonely souls finally connect. Do they dare hope to find happiness in the other?
I read this for a challenge not realizing that this is part of a series and overall, I was not lost as this stands on its own merits. For readers of this series, be reassured that you’ll see previous couples happy and whole. Overall, this is hurt comfort to the max where a HEA is made that much sweeter as it’s nudged by Christmas and Jewish traditions to take a chance on more!
December 17, 2020
A latino gay trans man (also a chef) and a undocumented immigrant from Russia (forced out of Russia) who is half-blind, Jewish and gay. Age gap. M/M Chanukah HEA romance.
So many feels! I really felt like I got to know these 2 guys, I wanted to hug them, rooted for their happiness. It touched on so many important things in regards to both of them. This is definitely a favorite!
So many feels! I really felt like I got to know these 2 guys, I wanted to hug them, rooted for their happiness. It touched on so many important things in regards to both of them. This is definitely a favorite!
Want to read
December 8, 2020Kindle freebie 12/8/20
November 5, 2023
3,75 stars.
The author has put much thought in this book, and I appreciated her foreword/author's note.
This is not a typical sweet holiday romance, but a raw and still quiet romance that plays out around Chanukah (not Christmas).
The focus was on the MC's personalties and history in my opinion.
Mario, a gay trans chef in a resort, and Vitya, a gay russian dishwasher at the same resort, who had been a philosophy professor in Russia, and was older than Mario, had known each other for years, working in the same place, and got closer in the week leading up to Chanukah. The story itself plays out in this one week.
Although both MCs had suffered in the past and still had existential fears, the book wasn't overly angsty.
There were things that I could nitpick on, like the fast trusting/loving each other or the many hours Mario could be absent from work, although it was the busiest time of the year, but clearly the storyline otherwise wouldn't have fit in 1 week.
For me the book's value is in the characters and their actions, accepting each other, caring for each other, falling for each other.
The author has put much thought in this book, and I appreciated her foreword/author's note.
This is not a typical sweet holiday romance, but a raw and still quiet romance that plays out around Chanukah (not Christmas).
The focus was on the MC's personalties and history in my opinion.
Mario, a gay trans chef in a resort, and Vitya, a gay russian dishwasher at the same resort, who had been a philosophy professor in Russia, and was older than Mario, had known each other for years, working in the same place, and got closer in the week leading up to Chanukah. The story itself plays out in this one week.
Although both MCs had suffered in the past and still had existential fears, the book wasn't overly angsty.
There were things that I could nitpick on, like the fast trusting/loving each other or the many hours Mario could be absent from work, although it was the busiest time of the year, but clearly the storyline otherwise wouldn't have fit in 1 week.
For me the book's value is in the characters and their actions, accepting each other, caring for each other, falling for each other.
December 10, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Every year I try to read at least one Chanukah romance and so I was delighted when author E.M. Lindsey offered this one up for review. Chanukah stories are pretty thin on the ground in this genre, and as someone who celebrates the holiday, it is important to me to showcase them on the blog. This book turned out to be a perfect choice, as To Touch the Light is a really lovely story that so nicely connects the romance to the holiday.
Mario is driven to add a Chanukah celebration to the resort’s festivities as he recognizes it is a holiday that is so often overlooked. With the holiday falling so close to Christmas, a huge religious holiday with celebrations that begin earlier each year, the Chanukah celebration can be forgotten in the excitement. He wants Jewish families and their friends to find a place where they can fit and feel accepted and seen.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Every year I try to read at least one Chanukah romance and so I was delighted when author E.M. Lindsey offered this one up for review. Chanukah stories are pretty thin on the ground in this genre, and as someone who celebrates the holiday, it is important to me to showcase them on the blog. This book turned out to be a perfect choice, as To Touch the Light is a really lovely story that so nicely connects the romance to the holiday.
Mario is driven to add a Chanukah celebration to the resort’s festivities as he recognizes it is a holiday that is so often overlooked. With the holiday falling so close to Christmas, a huge religious holiday with celebrations that begin earlier each year, the Chanukah celebration can be forgotten in the excitement. He wants Jewish families and their friends to find a place where they can fit and feel accepted and seen.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
December 20, 2020
this was such a beautiful and emotional story… technically it’s the seventh and last book in this series, but it was my first one by this author and it works fine as a standalone… yes, the couples from previous stories appear here, but in small scenes, and while it will make you curious enough to pick up their books… *coughs* I totally bought all six of them *coughs* it’s not necessary to enjoy this gem :) I loved this novella with all my heart… would I wish it was longer? yes, but only because I adored both these characters and wanted to see even more of them :) the romance between them was really well developed for such a short amount of time and I highly recommend you to pick it up :)
XOXO
A
XOXO
A
December 6, 2019
3 stars
I love this series but I didn’t love this book as much. Victor’s story was sooooo sad and painful and while the author promised a HEA, and did deliver, I felt like his tragic story needed more to redeem it, as ridiculous as that sounds. But gosh, it was so NOT enough! 🙊
Also, while Mario and Victor have known each other for years, it was all off page. So in that sense it felt a little like insta-love to me. So yeah...not enough of a story for me to actually love 😳
I love this series but I didn’t love this book as much. Victor’s story was sooooo sad and painful and while the author promised a HEA, and did deliver, I felt like his tragic story needed more to redeem it, as ridiculous as that sounds. But gosh, it was so NOT enough! 🙊
Also, while Mario and Victor have known each other for years, it was all off page. So in that sense it felt a little like insta-love to me. So yeah...not enough of a story for me to actually love 😳
April 16, 2021
This is a very good romance novella. It's part of a series and I think the other couples show up briefly, but I've only read this one and didn't feel like I was missing any info. So it stands alone. Although Vitya's life problems are very serious, and his circumstances are extremely difficult, this book has the feel of a lightweight holiday romance (celebrating Chanukah). I didn't feel it was an angsty read.
My one criticism: Mario believes that he's really tough on his employees, but we don't really see him in action in the kitchen, only a couple times with his manager, and she deserved his toughness. I was expecting a very different kind of book, with a redemption arc of some kind - that I might have to come around to liking Mario. But Mario never seems like a jerk. It's a gentle read, and there's only one truly harsh moment, when Mario loses his temper with Vitya for a reason that's easy to understand. That conflict was resolved almost immediately and I really liked that.
The connection between Vitya and Mario is deep and romantic. There's a decent amount of sex, and it's both hot and affectionate. They fit each other's needs perfectly, and I totally believe in them finding happiness together.
Vitya is a gay cis man and Mario is trans, and Vitya is comfortable with Mario's gender at all times. I have read several trans + cis romances where that isn't the case. (Note: I am a cis reader, so be sure to seek out reviews from trans readers on that point.)
Overall, this is a sweet story that feels like a slice of life. I'm curious to read more by this author.
My one criticism: Mario believes that he's really tough on his employees, but we don't really see him in action in the kitchen, only a couple times with his manager, and she deserved his toughness. I was expecting a very different kind of book, with a redemption arc of some kind - that I might have to come around to liking Mario. But Mario never seems like a jerk. It's a gentle read, and there's only one truly harsh moment, when Mario loses his temper with Vitya for a reason that's easy to understand. That conflict was resolved almost immediately and I really liked that.
The connection between Vitya and Mario is deep and romantic. There's a decent amount of sex, and it's both hot and affectionate. They fit each other's needs perfectly, and I totally believe in them finding happiness together.
Vitya is a gay cis man and Mario is trans, and Vitya is comfortable with Mario's gender at all times. I have read several trans + cis romances where that isn't the case. (Note: I am a cis reader, so be sure to seek out reviews from trans readers on that point.)
Overall, this is a sweet story that feels like a slice of life. I'm curious to read more by this author.
December 6, 2019
Sometimes, you happen upon a book that touches your soul so powerfully that you find yourself a bit breathless and awestruck. This is that kind of book.
There were so many difficult topics in this book that I was a bit nervous about diving in. The author seemed to line up all the possible things that would make me nervous in a story and weave them together in the most gripping tale I’ve read this year.
This is the most beautiful love story. It’s not a lighthearted holiday read. It is a powerful, moving, and inspiring story that I plan to read again and again this holiday season.
I am always equal parts delighted and nervous whenever we get a trans character. I worry about how the character’s story will be handled. This story left me in awe. So well crafted that every little detail adds up to the perfect picture of Mario, both wonderfully confident and still slightly insecure. The realities of what he faces are so beautifully stated that it truly shreds your heart while somehow repairing your soul.
The story also includes the harsh reality of living as an undocumented person in the United States. It opens the reader’s eyes to the fear and horrific living standards that too often come with that status. But somehow, by some miracle of the written word, the author takes a situation that is completely and utterly hopeless and turns it into a powerful tale of overcoming the odds. The catch is that she does that without magically fixing the problem or pretending it just magically vanished. She carefully constructs a path for the future in a way that is both believable and appropriate, without ever going into too much detail and losing the reader.
Finally, the author also challenges the reader - without ever doing so directly - to reconsider their views on what the holidays mean to them. Do we consider other religious celebrations? Do we do our best to honor and understand those traditions as well? We are guided to an understanding that overlooking another person’s traditions and religion can be viewed the same as overlooking the person. To welcome and love all members of the community is to make sure that all have a place at the holiday feasts.
To the author, I would say THANK YOU for writing this book. Thank you for tackling such serious and difficult topics with such power and hope, while also being true to the difficulty of the circumstances. Nothing is glossed over or made to feel easy. Everything is just as painful and difficult as it can be in real life. But that is where the true magic happens - the beauty is found in taking the cruelty and harshness of the world and turning into an epic story of love, survival, and triumph.
There were so many difficult topics in this book that I was a bit nervous about diving in. The author seemed to line up all the possible things that would make me nervous in a story and weave them together in the most gripping tale I’ve read this year.
This is the most beautiful love story. It’s not a lighthearted holiday read. It is a powerful, moving, and inspiring story that I plan to read again and again this holiday season.
I am always equal parts delighted and nervous whenever we get a trans character. I worry about how the character’s story will be handled. This story left me in awe. So well crafted that every little detail adds up to the perfect picture of Mario, both wonderfully confident and still slightly insecure. The realities of what he faces are so beautifully stated that it truly shreds your heart while somehow repairing your soul.
The story also includes the harsh reality of living as an undocumented person in the United States. It opens the reader’s eyes to the fear and horrific living standards that too often come with that status. But somehow, by some miracle of the written word, the author takes a situation that is completely and utterly hopeless and turns it into a powerful tale of overcoming the odds. The catch is that she does that without magically fixing the problem or pretending it just magically vanished. She carefully constructs a path for the future in a way that is both believable and appropriate, without ever going into too much detail and losing the reader.
Finally, the author also challenges the reader - without ever doing so directly - to reconsider their views on what the holidays mean to them. Do we consider other religious celebrations? Do we do our best to honor and understand those traditions as well? We are guided to an understanding that overlooking another person’s traditions and religion can be viewed the same as overlooking the person. To welcome and love all members of the community is to make sure that all have a place at the holiday feasts.
To the author, I would say THANK YOU for writing this book. Thank you for tackling such serious and difficult topics with such power and hope, while also being true to the difficulty of the circumstances. Nothing is glossed over or made to feel easy. Everything is just as painful and difficult as it can be in real life. But that is where the true magic happens - the beauty is found in taking the cruelty and harshness of the world and turning into an epic story of love, survival, and triumph.
May 25, 2020
Tak, wiem - robię się już zapewne nudna z oceną tej serii, ale cóż kobieta może zrobić, jak jej chłopaki z "Irons & Works" i okolic podeszły - no tylko dać 5 kolejnej książce 😁 I nie ma znaczenia, że ta jest właśnie z okolic - żaden z tatuażystów nie jest jej głównym bohaterem, ale przecież nie mogło ich zabraknąć w historii dziejącej się w Fairfield, bo w końcu są jej niezmiernie ważnym elementem 😁
Po raz kolejny jestem zauroczona bohaterami, sposobem, w jaki autorka ich prowadzi, ich uczuciem, zachowaniem, postępowaniem... Ich historią po prostu. I choć jak zwykle w tej serii, tematy łatwe nie są, ich przeszłość i przeżycia również, to mimo wszystko przedstawione jest to w ciepły sposób, z echem nadziei dla bohaterów - nawet wtedy, gdy wszystko jest beznadziejne i oni nawet o niej nie myślą. Dla mnie to ciepłe i mądre książki po prostu...
Generalnie, jak na razie, E.M. Lindsey, wraz z Renae Kaye, to odkrycia roku 😁 Mam nadzieję, że nie jedyne 😁
Po raz kolejny jestem zauroczona bohaterami, sposobem, w jaki autorka ich prowadzi, ich uczuciem, zachowaniem, postępowaniem... Ich historią po prostu. I choć jak zwykle w tej serii, tematy łatwe nie są, ich przeszłość i przeżycia również, to mimo wszystko przedstawione jest to w ciepły sposób, z echem nadziei dla bohaterów - nawet wtedy, gdy wszystko jest beznadziejne i oni nawet o niej nie myślą. Dla mnie to ciepłe i mądre książki po prostu...
Generalnie, jak na razie, E.M. Lindsey, wraz z Renae Kaye, to odkrycia roku 😁 Mam nadzieję, że nie jedyne 😁
December 28, 2022
Darum geht’s:
Viktor ist mit zweifelhaften Papieren aus Russland in die USA gekommen und muss unter dem Radar der Behörden bleiben. Deshalb begnügt er sich mit einem miesen Job als Tellerwäscher, lässt sich von den Kollegen piesacken und wohnt in einer kalten, heruntergekommenen Bude. Ohne Krankenversicherung kann er auch seine immer schlechter werdende Sehkraft nicht untersuchen lassen. Seine einzige Freude ist Küchenchef Mario, den er einfach wunderbar findet.
Mario ist taff und in der Küche gefürchtet. Insgeheim ist er aber mit den Narben auf seinem Oberkörper, die bei seiner Transition zum Mann entstanden sind, nicht im Reinen. Er will sie mit Tattoos überdecken und hofft, dass das hilft. Als Viktor Ärger mit einer Barkeeperin bekommt, stellt sich Mario an seine Seite.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier">Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Viktor ist mit zweifelhaften Papieren aus Russland in die USA gekommen und muss unter dem Radar der Behörden bleiben. Deshalb begnügt er sich mit einem miesen Job als Tellerwäscher, lässt sich von den Kollegen piesacken und wohnt in einer kalten, heruntergekommenen Bude. Ohne Krankenversicherung kann er auch seine immer schlechter werdende Sehkraft nicht untersuchen lassen. Seine einzige Freude ist Küchenchef Mario, den er einfach wunderbar findet.
Mario ist taff und in der Küche gefürchtet. Insgeheim ist er aber mit den Narben auf seinem Oberkörper, die bei seiner Transition zum Mann entstanden sind, nicht im Reinen. Er will sie mit Tattoos überdecken und hofft, dass das hilft. Als Viktor Ärger mit einer Barkeeperin bekommt, stellt sich Mario an seine Seite.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier">Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
December 22, 2020
Overall book rating: 3.5
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
I don't get around to marking my books as finished.
I'm trying to work on that now.
I enjoyed this one. I love a underdog story, and Vitya
pulled at my heart strings in a exactly that way.
I H.A.T.E BULLIES! I don't understand them and
I personally think such people should be eradicated
from society. But unfortunately "their sort" will
always be in our midst.
I was happy that Vitya had Mario. Even if it took
them some time to really see each other and find
themselves. It made my heart happy to have them
end up with love and expectance.
Just a nice little Christmas read with warmth and
smiles.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4
I don't get around to marking my books as finished.
I'm trying to work on that now.
I enjoyed this one. I love a underdog story, and Vitya
pulled at my heart strings in a exactly that way.
I H.A.T.E BULLIES! I don't understand them and
I personally think such people should be eradicated
from society. But unfortunately "their sort" will
always be in our midst.
I was happy that Vitya had Mario. Even if it took
them some time to really see each other and find
themselves. It made my heart happy to have them
end up with love and expectance.
Just a nice little Christmas read with warmth and
smiles.
January 1, 2021
A sweet holiday romance, but I must admit my favourite Lindsey is still Verismo ... none of their other books work as well for my reading tastes. This one, for example, had a too fast a pace for my liking. Vitya and Mario may have been colleagues for a long time, but they weren't friends or anything before they started talking one day and less than a week later ILY-s are flying around. I want slow burn!
All in all, sweet, but I expected more.
All in all, sweet, but I expected more.
December 19, 2024
3.5 stars
Listen, I liked Vitya, because how could you not? Mario was also a well rounded character. Together? Idk. I felt like for the people they were, and rapid descent to “I love you” didn’t make a lot of sense. They both had sooooo much trauma and neither were good at letting people in just generally speaking. It just needed to be a longer burn imo.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: transphobia, antisemitism, poverty, no access to healthcare, ableism, body dysphoria, bullying (not from MCs), loss of home and family
Listen, I liked Vitya, because how could you not? Mario was also a well rounded character. Together? Idk. I felt like for the people they were, and rapid descent to “I love you” didn’t make a lot of sense. They both had sooooo much trauma and neither were good at letting people in just generally speaking. It just needed to be a longer burn imo.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: transphobia, antisemitism, poverty, no access to healthcare, ableism, body dysphoria, bullying (not from MCs), loss of home and family
December 25, 2020
Transgender Mario and Excited Russian Viktor/Vitya worked together for years and have been harboring feelings for each other. Mario was the devilish scary head chef that Viktor respect. Viktor was the quiet hardworking dishwasher that Mario can't help feeling there's more to the man than he shown himself. Viktor was struggling with his poor eyesight which made him outcasted by his colleagues. An incident brought them together and with that small glimpse of that possibility pushed both into the light.
It's a story that celebrates Chanukkah instead of Christmas.
It's a story that celebrates Chanukkah instead of Christmas.
December 4, 2022
I'm in love with this story
I didn't know anything more than that it was a gay romance, and I needed a feel-good, pick-me-up. The preface then let me know that it was about a Jewish man, Chanukah miracles and a gay trans man. Amazingly, so many of those things describe my life.
This story was perfect beyond belief, exactly what I needed.
I didn't know anything more than that it was a gay romance, and I needed a feel-good, pick-me-up. The preface then let me know that it was about a Jewish man, Chanukah miracles and a gay trans man. Amazingly, so many of those things describe my life.
This story was perfect beyond belief, exactly what I needed.
August 10, 2024
This was… an unexpectedly tough read. EM always gets to the heart of emotional circumstances but this was…. More. Painful.
Viktor deserves every single good thing. Reading his character - both through his POV and Mario’s - hits *very* hard. Like getting punched in the stomach. He is verbally abused by everyone at work, insults are slung his way without regard, and despite not being able to speak English fluently, he can fully understand all the hate being thrown at him - all he does is keep his head down & do what he has to - I wanted to punch every single person. Including Mario. A lot.
In case it wasn’t obvious, I love Viktor.
FRTC
Viktor deserves every single good thing. Reading his character - both through his POV and Mario’s - hits *very* hard. Like getting punched in the stomach. He is verbally abused by everyone at work, insults are slung his way without regard, and despite not being able to speak English fluently, he can fully understand all the hate being thrown at him - all he does is keep his head down & do what he has to - I wanted to punch every single person. Including Mario. A lot.
In case it wasn’t obvious, I love Viktor.
FRTC
Read
November 1, 2023This was very sweet, their love tangible although somewhat insta and my heart broke for Vitya.
This would have been a four star read but I couldn't get over the fact that after all those years they have sex so quickly while Vitya is still ill - couldn't they wait? What's wrong with snuggles? That just yeeted me out of the story and I didn't enjoy the rest as much as I could have.
In general though: a very sweet, heartwarming romance!
Some quotes
Heart breaking for this poor guy:
Viktor describing Mario
NSFW infos:
- Latino trans gay man who "is close to half [Vitya's] age"
- Jewish Russian 46-year old who was deported due to sedition and is myopic
- vers
- "hot heat" (p. 132)
Nickname:
solnyshko
This would have been a four star read but I couldn't get over the fact that after all those years they have sex so quickly while Vitya is still ill - couldn't they wait? What's wrong with snuggles? That just yeeted me out of the story and I didn't enjoy the rest as much as I could have.
In general though: a very sweet, heartwarming romance!
Some quotes
Heart breaking for this poor guy:
"Just day in day out–the same routine. His hands cracked from the harsh soap, and the only fluent English he spoke were the insults thrown at him when the cooks ahd no one to take their moods out on. He made sure to smile though, always. He made sure not to let them break him. Not all the way." (p. 21)
Viktor describing Mario
"He was beautiful. He was lithe, muscular but thin, soft edges to his jaw which Vitya could see under his thick beard. He kept his hair cut closely vropped, and rarely smiled. When he did, though, it was a vision. His cheeks dimpled, his eyes crinkled in the corners, his full lips stretched wide. Vitya had seen it twice in the last seven years he had worked for the hotel, and he cherished that memory. If he lost his vision totally, he was sure that grin was the one thing he'd never forget." (p.22)
NSFW infos:
- Latino trans gay man who "is close to half [Vitya's] age"
- Jewish Russian 46-year old who was deported due to sedition and is myopic
- vers
- "hot heat" (p. 132)
Nickname:
solnyshko
December 14, 2021
He was Grinchy, he wasn't Satan.
I truly enjoyed this. So much. It was so much more than I thought it was going to be. I get bad luck (to me) for holiday stuff, and they always end up being super fluff. I am very rarely in the mood for that. And I need to know that it is going to be that. So often summaries are misleading...
Anyway, I really liked how this was handled. Things weren't immediately resolved, past insecurities/past fortune was taken into account. I could feel each character's emotions and difficulty so well. Such a journey! And such a difficult piece to write!
I don't have experience with being trans or even religious but do have my own on other aspects here. I really liked the sensitivity, and the way things were portrayed. Mario and Vitya are so sweet and understanding. There are moments where drama could be so played out and I am so glad it wasn't.
Vitya's sight and Mario's past/current prejudice break my heart. Soo much.
And Snuggle... *snickers*
Buut I wasn't a fan of the 2-year time jump. I am also super biased since I don't like epilogues much in general and that long is a huge epilogue. It was still cute though.
I will most certainly be reading this author again, though! Oh yeah. Speaking of, I didn't realize that this was a part of a larger series. Even though it definitely read well on its own and I didn't notice, I am not the type to read things out of order regardless so... Yep. But
(See also: Corey's Book Corner review. Great job here describing most my feels.)
October 10, 2020
Mario has secrets. He's a Latino head chef at the resort's finest dining establishment but fears that if they learn he is gay and a trans man, he will lose all respect and credibility.
Vitya keeps his head down and tries not to be noticed, but the dishwasher's failing eyesight is becoming harder to hide by the day. Exiled from mother Russia for anonymously publishing his philosophy on being a gay man, he's forced to live in the shadows for fear of deportation, prison, or death!
Age-gap romance. Hurt/comfort. Set on the outskirts of the Iron and Works series, the artists are featured as minor secondary characters but it is not wholly necessary to read the whole series prior to this one (tho, it would provide the most enjoyment and fewer spoilers should you want to read them later).
Better connection between Mario and Vitya than I've felt in the previous couple installments of the series. I enjoyed their story and their HEA, which was good BUT it neglected to address and provide closure in regards to Vitya's status that was brought to Soren and Rowen's attention (intentionally vague to avoid any spoilers).
Vitya keeps his head down and tries not to be noticed, but the dishwasher's failing eyesight is becoming harder to hide by the day. Exiled from mother Russia for anonymously publishing his philosophy on being a gay man, he's forced to live in the shadows for fear of deportation, prison, or death!
Age-gap romance. Hurt/comfort. Set on the outskirts of the Iron and Works series, the artists are featured as minor secondary characters but it is not wholly necessary to read the whole series prior to this one (tho, it would provide the most enjoyment and fewer spoilers should you want to read them later).
Better connection between Mario and Vitya than I've felt in the previous couple installments of the series. I enjoyed their story and their HEA, which was good BUT it neglected to address and provide closure in regards to Vitya's status that was brought to Soren and Rowen's attention (intentionally vague to avoid any spoilers).
December 31, 2019
I read this book because it was on a "best of" list by someone I respect. As much as I do, however, this book was just okay for me. I do *love* the protagonists--including what makes them different and unique. My main quibble is that the couple seemed to fall in love too quickly and I'm simply not a fan of "insta-love." I need to see more of the progression from lust to love for me to have all the feels about any particular book. I suspect this author actually does that well--it's just hard to accomplish in a short story format. I'll definitely check out more works by this author in the future and am glad I read this book.
April 8, 2021
Really enjoyed this short book centered around a trans chef. There was a lot of great character development in both leads and the ending was sweet.
December 18, 2020
12/16/2020. Still reading. The connection to Irons and Works is that Mario got a tattoo from Mat.
Chapter 9. I’m confused as to what Vitya knew when. Between his vision issues and his broken English, I didn’t get the impression Vitya knew Mario wasn’t biologically male until he came out wearing a strap-on. That weirded me out on a consent level. Shouldn’t that come out in conversation before getting naked? Being fucked by a penis and pegging are two different sex acts.
To clarify: Mario is a transman with top surgery, but not bottom surgery. And, yeah, that’s not another person’s business until you ask to fuck them.
Keep in mind:
* Vitya is already Mario’s employee. Mario is the head chef at a resort. Vitya is a dishwasher.
* Mario knows enough about Vitya’s immigration status to screw with him.
* Plus, Vitya’s dirt poor — a mattress on the floor in an unheated apartment — being invited to stay in a nice house.
That’s a major power differential.
Granted, Vitya showed no signs of discomfort. I’m just feeling protective of him.
****
12/17/2020
Finished. Love the main Irons & Works books, but this one just didn’t work for me.
For erotica to work, you need to either see yourself as one of the characters, or be attracted to at least one of the characters. For romance to work, you need to fall in love with at least one of the characters.
I love Vitya, but not in a romantic sense. Like big sister protective and I’m still not sure Mario is good enough for him. Even down to the last scene. They’re an established couple and he’s disparaging a cat because Vitya is giving him affection. WTF? Yeah. Mario just rubs me wrong personality wise.
BTW: We did get more of the Irons & Works boys later in the book.
Chapter 9. I’m confused as to what Vitya knew when. Between his vision issues and his broken English, I didn’t get the impression Vitya knew Mario wasn’t biologically male until he came out wearing a strap-on. That weirded me out on a consent level. Shouldn’t that come out in conversation before getting naked? Being fucked by a penis and pegging are two different sex acts.
To clarify: Mario is a transman with top surgery, but not bottom surgery. And, yeah, that’s not another person’s business until you ask to fuck them.
Keep in mind:
* Vitya is already Mario’s employee. Mario is the head chef at a resort. Vitya is a dishwasher.
* Mario knows enough about Vitya’s immigration status to screw with him.
* Plus, Vitya’s dirt poor — a mattress on the floor in an unheated apartment — being invited to stay in a nice house.
That’s a major power differential.
Granted, Vitya showed no signs of discomfort. I’m just feeling protective of him.
****
12/17/2020
Finished. Love the main Irons & Works books, but this one just didn’t work for me.
For erotica to work, you need to either see yourself as one of the characters, or be attracted to at least one of the characters. For romance to work, you need to fall in love with at least one of the characters.
I love Vitya, but not in a romantic sense. Like big sister protective and I’m still not sure Mario is good enough for him. Even down to the last scene. They’re an established couple and he’s disparaging a cat because Vitya is giving him affection. WTF? Yeah. Mario just rubs me wrong personality wise.
BTW: We did get more of the Irons & Works boys later in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 8, 2019Content warnings
Overall, I enjoyed this deeply drawn complex Chanukah romance novella, and am glad to have read this book. I'm interested in exploring this author's backlist, and this series in particular, as I enjoy both her writing style and the depth of characterization in this book.
Read my full review on my blog.
Overall, I enjoyed this deeply drawn complex Chanukah romance novella, and am glad to have read this book. I'm interested in exploring this author's backlist, and this series in particular, as I enjoy both her writing style and the depth of characterization in this book.
Read my full review on my blog.
December 26, 2021
This was a very touching story and not about Christmas for once.
The two main characters have known each other for a few years but until the start of the novella, have not interacted much at all but it's clear there could be something there. There are quite a few obstacles, the power imbalance from the workplace, Mario's lingering dysphoric moments, Viktor's citizen status - by the end of the novella, they don't have all the answers and solutions yet, even if they are at a better place. It all does get addressed and it never feels exploitative. With both POVs, you are privy to both of their thoughts.
This was my first E.M. Lindsey and after 11 more titles still remains my favourite.
The two main characters have known each other for a few years but until the start of the novella, have not interacted much at all but it's clear there could be something there. There are quite a few obstacles, the power imbalance from the workplace, Mario's lingering dysphoric moments, Viktor's citizen status - by the end of the novella, they don't have all the answers and solutions yet, even if they are at a better place. It all does get addressed and it never feels exploitative. With both POVs, you are privy to both of their thoughts.
This was my first E.M. Lindsey and after 11 more titles still remains my favourite.
February 9, 2020
I LOVED this story of transgender Chef Mario and dishwasher/philosopher Vitya. It was great that although he was run ragged working to get the xmas meal for the resort guests, he wanted (& did) include a Channukah buffet as an alternative holiday celebration. And non-jewish people came for support! YAY!! On the flip side, the budding romance between the two men was wonderful and filled with trepidation that was palpable. Folks from the Irons & Works series were in this new series as well.
December 22, 2020
Not my favorite
I really did not care for these main characters. I could care less about their sexuality but, neither were very likable. Mario was in his own pit of issues that were not helped by his personality. Viktor had serious problems multiplied by his vision issues, but he came across as weak for me. They had somewhat of a HEA, but I read to escape the darkness of life, and here you become mired in it.
I really did not care for these main characters. I could care less about their sexuality but, neither were very likable. Mario was in his own pit of issues that were not helped by his personality. Viktor had serious problems multiplied by his vision issues, but he came across as weak for me. They had somewhat of a HEA, but I read to escape the darkness of life, and here you become mired in it.
September 25, 2021
I really wanted this to work but it never fully addressed the power imbalance between them. Mario held all the cards in his hands and Vitya had way too much to lose between being undocumented, going blind, and living in impoverished conditions. I wish their relationship hadn’t begun because Viktor became sick and Mario took him home. It was sweet at first and Viktor deserved to being taken care of but given that Mario is his boss, it just made me uncomfortable that it so quickly transitioned into a sexual relationship. And it didn’t make a whole lot of sense that Mario told Viktor to stay home from work because he was too sick but then comes home during his lunch break so they can have sex. Which is it? Perhaps this just needed to be a longer story to really dig into everything but it was too instalove for me. I also didn’t like that the low moment involved such an ableist, cruel response from Mario. At that point, I wanted Viktor to go elsewhere and find a better job and someone else.
I was also confused by Mario’s last minute decision that the resort needed to have a Chanukah party. The resort’s Christmas party likely involved months of planning and publicity. Why would he expect they could just shoehorn a whole other event in there with such little notice? He hadn’t even consulted with a local rabbi before deciding they needed to do this! It came across as a disservice to both the Jewish community and to the resort employees. The resort should have a Chanukah party but they needed to do it right. This whole subplot felt underdeveloped, which makes sense given that Mario isn’t Jewish and knew nothing about the holiday in the first place.
I can’t speak to the trans or Jewish rep. I really appreciated Corey’s review, for perspective from a Jewish trans stone butch/genderqueer writer. I'm glad this novella worked better for them than it did for me.
Character notes: Mario is a gay trans Latino head chef at a resort. Viktor is a 46 year old gay white Russian Jewish dishwasher and undocumented immigrant. This is set in Fairfield, CO.
Content notes: MC going blind, antisemitism (countered), ableism (countered), ableist slur, body dysmorphia, past arrest for sedition and deportation from Russia (put on plane to US without papers), MC is an undocumented immigrant, extreme poverty, scars from top surgery, T shot (on page injection), female pejorative (MC calls female secondary character a bitch and cunt), gendered insult (not toward MC), past transphobia at work, estrangement from family, homophobia (Russia), on page sex, ableist language, reference to past marijuana
I was also confused by Mario’s last minute decision that the resort needed to have a Chanukah party. The resort’s Christmas party likely involved months of planning and publicity. Why would he expect they could just shoehorn a whole other event in there with such little notice? He hadn’t even consulted with a local rabbi before deciding they needed to do this! It came across as a disservice to both the Jewish community and to the resort employees. The resort should have a Chanukah party but they needed to do it right. This whole subplot felt underdeveloped, which makes sense given that Mario isn’t Jewish and knew nothing about the holiday in the first place.
I can’t speak to the trans or Jewish rep. I really appreciated Corey’s review, for perspective from a Jewish trans stone butch/genderqueer writer. I'm glad this novella worked better for them than it did for me.
Character notes: Mario is a gay trans Latino head chef at a resort. Viktor is a 46 year old gay white Russian Jewish dishwasher and undocumented immigrant. This is set in Fairfield, CO.
Content notes: MC going blind, antisemitism (countered), ableism (countered), ableist slur, body dysmorphia, past arrest for sedition and deportation from Russia (put on plane to US without papers), MC is an undocumented immigrant, extreme poverty, scars from top surgery, T shot (on page injection), female pejorative (MC calls female secondary character a bitch and cunt), gendered insult (not toward MC), past transphobia at work, estrangement from family, homophobia (Russia), on page sex, ableist language, reference to past marijuana
December 26, 2023
DNF 58%
This book sounded so good on paper but just didn't work for me in reality. I think my two biggest issues were:
1. Vitya is an almost blind MMC and he works in the kitchen of a restaurant. I would imagine kitchen restaurants are a very busy place and an almost blind person would have a tough time. Not to mention...he wanders hallways to deliver glassware to the bar, where he often times bumps in to people with his cart? I love to read characters with disabilities of any sort given opportunities in the real world, but this just wasn't believable to me.
2. This relationship seems to pick up quite suddenly, but the two MCs have actually worked together for a long time. There is a lot of history that could have been shared to help see the attraction between these two. As it was, I just couldn't see it. Vitya is 46-year-old Russian immigrant and Mario was in his early-mid twenties. I had no idea what he saw in this older man and I feel that's the author's fault, as we weren't given any background. It's hard to buy a relationship when you're thrown in to the middle of their story.
This was my first book with a trans character, and while I most definitely don't need to be hand fed information, I think there are some things I would have liked to have known. Bits and pieces of what he went through with his transition would have been nice and the one sex scene I did read could have been fleshed out a bit more. I believe, although Mario never stated it, that Vitya knew he was trans, but when it came to sex, was he aware of how Mario would actually proceed with it? Would there not be some sort of discussion beforehand?
This story just seemed to have so many missing parts that it didn't seem complete. Great premise. Poor execution.
This book sounded so good on paper but just didn't work for me in reality. I think my two biggest issues were:
1. Vitya is an almost blind MMC and he works in the kitchen of a restaurant. I would imagine kitchen restaurants are a very busy place and an almost blind person would have a tough time. Not to mention...he wanders hallways to deliver glassware to the bar, where he often times bumps in to people with his cart? I love to read characters with disabilities of any sort given opportunities in the real world, but this just wasn't believable to me.
2. This relationship seems to pick up quite suddenly, but the two MCs have actually worked together for a long time. There is a lot of history that could have been shared to help see the attraction between these two. As it was, I just couldn't see it. Vitya is 46-year-old Russian immigrant and Mario was in his early-mid twenties. I had no idea what he saw in this older man and I feel that's the author's fault, as we weren't given any background. It's hard to buy a relationship when you're thrown in to the middle of their story.
This was my first book with a trans character, and while I most definitely don't need to be hand fed information, I think there are some things I would have liked to have known. Bits and pieces of what he went through with his transition would have been nice and the one sex scene I did read could have been fleshed out a bit more. I believe, although Mario never stated it, that Vitya knew he was trans, but when it came to sex, was he aware of how Mario would actually proceed with it? Would there not be some sort of discussion beforehand?
This story just seemed to have so many missing parts that it didn't seem complete. Great premise. Poor execution.
December 17, 2020
To Touch the Light was so freaking cute! This was exactly what I needed right now. It had fluff, it had a little angst, and it had all the holiday feels.
I loved Vitya and Mario. They were just the sweetest! They had a little mutual pining thing going on and I loved when they finally just said to hell with it and got together. I also really liked that they had a little bit of an age gap romance. Also! This book has trans rep!!! I wasn’t expecting that going into this book. It was done so freaking well!
Some of the other things I liked about this book was seeing a male character struggling with their body image and being self conscious about their scars. And we had a blind character! I loved reading Vitya’s perspective and how he saw things. Can we also take a moment to talk about the fact that Mario hates how Christmas seems to take over EVERYTHING?! Having worked in retail around the holidays, I felt that to the very core of my being 😔✊. And I loved that he decided to do something about it.
The representation in this book was truly awesome. If you haven’t checked out this series and you’re into romance, even just the slightest bit, you should check out this series! To Touch the Light is getting a solid four stars.
I loved Vitya and Mario. They were just the sweetest! They had a little mutual pining thing going on and I loved when they finally just said to hell with it and got together. I also really liked that they had a little bit of an age gap romance. Also! This book has trans rep!!! I wasn’t expecting that going into this book. It was done so freaking well!
Some of the other things I liked about this book was seeing a male character struggling with their body image and being self conscious about their scars. And we had a blind character! I loved reading Vitya’s perspective and how he saw things. Can we also take a moment to talk about the fact that Mario hates how Christmas seems to take over EVERYTHING?! Having worked in retail around the holidays, I felt that to the very core of my being 😔✊. And I loved that he decided to do something about it.
The representation in this book was truly awesome. If you haven’t checked out this series and you’re into romance, even just the slightest bit, you should check out this series! To Touch the Light is getting a solid four stars.
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