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The Professor's Green Card Marriage
I’ll marry you.
Professor Valentyn Shevchenko isn’t sure how to react when, after months of ineffective flirting, the cute barista’s first words to him are a proposal. In many ways, Peter Grunberg is the solution to all his problems. With his work visa inexplicably denied, Valentyn is running out of options to keep from being deported. But is a green card marriage really the answer? Is it still a marriage of convenience when he’s this attracted to his potential spouse?
Peter came to his uncle’s coffee shop in Boulder, Colorado, to reset his life after his struggles with selective mutism returned with a vengeance. He never meant his first words to the handsome ecology professor to be an offer of marriage, but he’s not backing out now. It doesn’t matter that Peter struggles to find words. He can say everything he needs to with his body.
Though this relationship may have started out back-to-front, Valentyn and Peter are determined to make their fake marriage real. But one misstep in their immigration interview could bring everything crashing down. They’ll have to hope that their love is enough to overcome all their obstacles and give them the prize they’ve both been dreaming a certified happy ever after.
Professor Valentyn Shevchenko isn’t sure how to react when, after months of ineffective flirting, the cute barista’s first words to him are a proposal. In many ways, Peter Grunberg is the solution to all his problems. With his work visa inexplicably denied, Valentyn is running out of options to keep from being deported. But is a green card marriage really the answer? Is it still a marriage of convenience when he’s this attracted to his potential spouse?
Peter came to his uncle’s coffee shop in Boulder, Colorado, to reset his life after his struggles with selective mutism returned with a vengeance. He never meant his first words to the handsome ecology professor to be an offer of marriage, but he’s not backing out now. It doesn’t matter that Peter struggles to find words. He can say everything he needs to with his body.
Though this relationship may have started out back-to-front, Valentyn and Peter are determined to make their fake marriage real. But one misstep in their immigration interview could bring everything crashing down. They’ll have to hope that their love is enough to overcome all their obstacles and give them the prize they’ve both been dreaming a certified happy ever after.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2020
36 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Cullinan
50 books2,880 followersAuthor of over thirty novels, Midwest-native Heidi Cullinan writes positive-outcome romances for LGBT characters struggling against insurmountable odds because they believe there’s no such thing as too much happy ever after. Heidi’s books have been recommended by Library Journal, USA Today, RT Magazine, and Publishers Weekly. When Heidi isn’t writing, they enjoy gaming, reading manga, manhua, and danmei, playing with cats, and watching too much anime.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 25, 2020
This isn't a typical romance. Heidi Cullinan doesn't do typical. Many of her books are political, and this one's no exception. The title says it all.
The Professor's Green Card Marriage is about Valentyn, a Ukrainian man and environmental scientist in his late-30s who's been living in the States since college but is still dealing with visa issues. His latest work visa is denied, and his friend Dennis convinces him that the easiest (and possibly only) way not to be deported is to marry a U.S. citizen.
Peter, who's in his mid-20s, works at his uncle's coffee shop. He seems shy and never says a word to Valentyn when he orders his standard breve latte (Peter makes it best). And it's not because he's not interested. Peter has selective mutism (SM) and can't talk to strangers or in unfamiliar settings. Online, he's on fire as he argues climate change with perfect strangers, but face-to-face he freezes up.
SM, a type of anxiety disorder, is a real thing. I have a friend whose daughter has SM, and it's amazing how many people, including teachers, act like she's faking or simply choosing not to speak to get attention.
Peter and Valentyn begin communicating via text and email. Valentyn is incredibly supportive of Peter's condition and doesn't push him to talk. Valentyn is not necessarily easy to like. He's broody, neurotic, and pessimistic. He's certain his relationship with Peter is doomed to failure, even as Peter insists that they have a true thing going.
The men's relationship is never platonic and never just a business transaction. They DO have a real relationship, based on shared interests (Peter is a huge environmentalist) and passion. There is one explosive scene in the coffee shop which had me salivating for more.
Valentyn equates relationships with safe, clinical sex, but Peter urges him to give into his dirty desires and take Peter the way he wants to be taken.
Peter is pan, but I also read him as demisexual. He needs to feel a strong connection with someone before he feels comfortable completely letting go. His previous partners told Peter he's bad in bed, but Valentyn vehemently disagrees.
I really liked the secondary characters in this story, particularly Valentyn's friend Dennis who's funny and tenacious, and Peter's wonderful aunt Helen, who knows exactly how to be there for Peter without treating him like a child (unlike's Peter well-meaning but overbearing mother).
The issue of immigration, "illegal" or otherwise, is near and dear to my heart. My family immigrated to the States in the 80s, green cards in hand. I became a U.S. citizen in the mid-90s, after I graduated high school. It wasn't that hard or complicated then, but it was still an expensive, tiresome, and at times overwhelming process.
I am constantly shocked, although I shouldn't be, at how damn difficult the U.S. government makes lives for immigrants. The policies are outrageously racist; the system is appallingly bureaucratic; applications are backlogged for years. I'm not going to get ranty, but suffice it to say, this is just one more reason I loathe the current administration.
I wish this book had been longer. I wanted more scenes with the MCs interacting on page (chunks of time are summarized as the story progresses). The ending feels slightly rushed, but the epilogue is very satisfying.
If you're a fan of Ms. Cullinan's work, I definitely recommend this story.
The Professor's Green Card Marriage is about Valentyn, a Ukrainian man and environmental scientist in his late-30s who's been living in the States since college but is still dealing with visa issues. His latest work visa is denied, and his friend Dennis convinces him that the easiest (and possibly only) way not to be deported is to marry a U.S. citizen.
Peter, who's in his mid-20s, works at his uncle's coffee shop. He seems shy and never says a word to Valentyn when he orders his standard breve latte (Peter makes it best). And it's not because he's not interested. Peter has selective mutism (SM) and can't talk to strangers or in unfamiliar settings. Online, he's on fire as he argues climate change with perfect strangers, but face-to-face he freezes up.
SM, a type of anxiety disorder, is a real thing. I have a friend whose daughter has SM, and it's amazing how many people, including teachers, act like she's faking or simply choosing not to speak to get attention.
Peter and Valentyn begin communicating via text and email. Valentyn is incredibly supportive of Peter's condition and doesn't push him to talk. Valentyn is not necessarily easy to like. He's broody, neurotic, and pessimistic. He's certain his relationship with Peter is doomed to failure, even as Peter insists that they have a true thing going.
The men's relationship is never platonic and never just a business transaction. They DO have a real relationship, based on shared interests (Peter is a huge environmentalist) and passion. There is one explosive scene in the coffee shop which had me salivating for more.
Valentyn equates relationships with safe, clinical sex, but Peter urges him to give into his dirty desires and take Peter the way he wants to be taken.
Peter is pan, but I also read him as demisexual. He needs to feel a strong connection with someone before he feels comfortable completely letting go. His previous partners told Peter he's bad in bed, but Valentyn vehemently disagrees.
I really liked the secondary characters in this story, particularly Valentyn's friend Dennis who's funny and tenacious, and Peter's wonderful aunt Helen, who knows exactly how to be there for Peter without treating him like a child (unlike's Peter well-meaning but overbearing mother).
The issue of immigration, "illegal" or otherwise, is near and dear to my heart. My family immigrated to the States in the 80s, green cards in hand. I became a U.S. citizen in the mid-90s, after I graduated high school. It wasn't that hard or complicated then, but it was still an expensive, tiresome, and at times overwhelming process.
I am constantly shocked, although I shouldn't be, at how damn difficult the U.S. government makes lives for immigrants. The policies are outrageously racist; the system is appallingly bureaucratic; applications are backlogged for years. I'm not going to get ranty, but suffice it to say, this is just one more reason I loathe the current administration.
I wish this book had been longer. I wanted more scenes with the MCs interacting on page (chunks of time are summarized as the story progresses). The ending feels slightly rushed, but the epilogue is very satisfying.
If you're a fan of Ms. Cullinan's work, I definitely recommend this story.
March 21, 2020
I don’t know exactly what it is about the fake relationships trope that makes me so happy but I really get a kick out of them. I suppose it’s the “let’s pretend and *boom* suddenly it’s not so fake anymore” that brings a smile to my face every time. I don’t typically gravitate towards politically charged books but for some reason, this one pulled me in. I got a little more than I bargained for but I’m certainly not complaining. Selective mutism is not something I’m overly familiar with. Peter has struggled to communicate his whole life. He has discovered coping mechanisms over years including therapy and regiment but recently he lost some of the control and slid back, helpless to its dominance. Finding himself a prisoner to his own body, Peter is limited to specific individuals he can verbalize with. The sexy regular at the coffee shop he works at is not on that list. Nope, most definitely not. So, no one is more surprised than Peter himself when he utters three words to the man. Even more shocking is the fact it’s a marriage proposal. They begin a cautious relationship, focusing on friendship and building trust. A heated moment early on confirms they are very compatible in a physical sense but it’s going to take more than lust to convince immigration that Valya and Peter are the real deal.
What's to like: Both Peter and Valya are so easy to fall for, I can see how they fall for each other. Peter may be quiet but he’s full of personality and just needs someone that can read him when his words fail him. Valya loves living in the United States and is terrified of losing his work visa. When his worst fears become a very real possibility he vents his concerns to his best friend. They happen to be at their favorite coffee shop and their private conversation inadvertently includes another set of ears. Which is where Peter becomes the hail mary. Valya is deeply concerned and worries (a lot) but I couldn’t fault him for his anxiety. The progression of their relationship felt very authentic.
What's to love: I loved how they overcame the obstacles blocking their path and ended up falling madly in love in the process. Peter’s condition was only one of the hurdles they faced. From the endearments to the saucy beverage of choice, I loved the Ukraine bits brought to the pages. I loved the emotions that fueled their messaging. I loved nearly all of the secondary cast, including Valya’s best friend and Peter’s aunt. The ending picked up speed but I absolutely loved the epilogue. If you’re anticipating a HEA, you get it. If you’re searching for some feel-good love conquers all, this could be exactly what you need.
Beware of: Fraudulent intentions become truthful testimonies. Patience and understanding prove to be invaluable. And sometimes fate truly knows best.
This book is for: If a fake-out, make-out, beyond-the-shadow-of-a-doubt sounds good to you…I think you should check out this Professor and his Mylyy.
Book UNfunk
What's to like: Both Peter and Valya are so easy to fall for, I can see how they fall for each other. Peter may be quiet but he’s full of personality and just needs someone that can read him when his words fail him. Valya loves living in the United States and is terrified of losing his work visa. When his worst fears become a very real possibility he vents his concerns to his best friend. They happen to be at their favorite coffee shop and their private conversation inadvertently includes another set of ears. Which is where Peter becomes the hail mary. Valya is deeply concerned and worries (a lot) but I couldn’t fault him for his anxiety. The progression of their relationship felt very authentic.
What's to love: I loved how they overcame the obstacles blocking their path and ended up falling madly in love in the process. Peter’s condition was only one of the hurdles they faced. From the endearments to the saucy beverage of choice, I loved the Ukraine bits brought to the pages. I loved the emotions that fueled their messaging. I loved nearly all of the secondary cast, including Valya’s best friend and Peter’s aunt. The ending picked up speed but I absolutely loved the epilogue. If you’re anticipating a HEA, you get it. If you’re searching for some feel-good love conquers all, this could be exactly what you need.
Beware of: Fraudulent intentions become truthful testimonies. Patience and understanding prove to be invaluable. And sometimes fate truly knows best.
This book is for: If a fake-out, make-out, beyond-the-shadow-of-a-doubt sounds good to you…I think you should check out this Professor and his Mylyy.
Book UNfunk
dnf
February 22, 2020dnf @ 37%
Nope.
Nope.
April 28, 2020
*3,5 stars*
Medical conditions have always interested and fascinated me. I’d heard of Selective Mutism but didn’t know anything about it. I do now! It wasn’t only educating and but also very heart-rending.
Tbh, finding out about SM and how Peter lives and copes with it was one of the highlights in this book. It is obvious a lot of research happened here.
I also found the info about the immigration process in the US quite eye-opening. And upsetting. I can really appreciate the anguish Valentyn and Peter are going through, as I have gone through similar (but not as extreme) procedures.
I liked the connection between these very different men but for me the ILYs come far too soon and out of nowhere, and it seems there’s a lot of telling rather than showing throughout. I had that weird feeling that I wasn’t right in the story but watching it from somewhere above, involved somehow but not 100% connected.
Still, it is a good enough read.
Medical conditions have always interested and fascinated me. I’d heard of Selective Mutism but didn’t know anything about it. I do now! It wasn’t only educating and but also very heart-rending.
Tbh, finding out about SM and how Peter lives and copes with it was one of the highlights in this book. It is obvious a lot of research happened here.
I also found the info about the immigration process in the US quite eye-opening. And upsetting. I can really appreciate the anguish Valentyn and Peter are going through, as I have gone through similar (but not as extreme) procedures.
I liked the connection between these very different men but for me the ILYs come far too soon and out of nowhere, and it seems there’s a lot of telling rather than showing throughout. I had that weird feeling that I wasn’t right in the story but watching it from somewhere above, involved somehow but not 100% connected.
Still, it is a good enough read.
March 11, 2022
okay.... this did make me cry a bit 👉👈
I feel like the first half of this book was told from third person's perspective, yet even then it felt like first person. But the second half of this book felt second person pov. It felt like we were observing life trudge through Valentyn and Peter's experience. It didn't quite felt like we were experiencing it, yet it didn't feel so unaatached as well.
→ Like I said, this book did make me tear up a bit but mainly at the end. Like one single lone tear for my coal heart.
Rating: 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
The writing was definetly reflective and deep. Many of the things Valentyn said to Peter were breathtaking because not a single word was not used up by the beat of his soul. It truly felt like his heart alligned with his words and he opened himself just for Peter.
Valentyn was definetly a character who did more pull than push, he faced a lot of internalized trauma and homophobia, a lot of doubts and thick walls of self-preservation surrounded him. It was hard and sometimes, yes, frustrating to read about.
But my heart swelled a bit when I read, when I freaking saw and felt how Peter wasn't deterred by this. Wasn't fazed by how many times Valentyn pulled afar from him. Even when Valentyn drunk himself and reeked of cigarettes, even when Valentyn kept on saying NO, Peter knew that all Valentyn wanted to scream on top of his lungs was YES. Peter knew that, he understood that and he fucking empathized with Valenytn. He cared and soothe and fucking protected Valentyn agaisnt all odds. Not once did he get mad. Not once did he show or even feel irritation.
→ I've read a thousand books in my life yet even this small token of a lesson will be embodied in my mind.
I can't state my opinion upon the plot of this book because it deals with Valentyn and the hardship he faces as a Caucasian Ukraine Immigrant in Colorado, USA. I don't know the specifics, the accuracies or even the experience. Yet even if fictionalized, Valentyn's perseverance, resilience and sheer determination is something to admire.
Just as well, our second MC deals with Selective Mutism which is a severe social anxiety disorder. I cannot be a model of accuracy because I myself do not deal with SM. But the book and our MC: Peter deals with SM and a very large part of this book goes through his journey and his childhood and his lifetime experience dealing with SM. From the confusion to the self-hate to near suicide. It's hard to read about even as someone not diagnosed with SM. I cannot be the person to look upon how accurate the details and the narration Selective Mutism has in the experience of Peter. But what you can take from my opinion, is that: Just, for god's sake, Be Kind to people folks. If you can't be, don't interact with them then. I'm the latter part of this HUMBLE opinion. Nobuddy knows what other people are going through, even friends or family, let alone strangers. Being a dick-ACTUALLY, dicks are awesome so- Being an asshole doesn't help anyone. Not you nor others.
‼️‼️ IMPORTANT NOTE ‼️
This book deals with a Ukraine immigrant with lots of talk about Russian invasion/takeover. I was surprised and it made me a bit uncomfortable to read about because of the bloody state of the world. However this book was WRITTEN in 2020 and the truth of the words of this book makes me sad. I wouldn't suggest this to ANYONE not coping well with the news surrounding this goddamn world.
To end this review,
My heart goes to every immigrant out there and my prayers to Ukraine citizens and immigrants out there.
Sometimes he felt as if he’d been born tired.
I feel like the first half of this book was told from third person's perspective, yet even then it felt like first person. But the second half of this book felt second person pov. It felt like we were observing life trudge through Valentyn and Peter's experience. It didn't quite felt like we were experiencing it, yet it didn't feel so unaatached as well.
→ Like I said, this book did make me tear up a bit but mainly at the end. Like one single lone tear for my coal heart.
Rating: 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
The writing was definetly reflective and deep. Many of the things Valentyn said to Peter were breathtaking because not a single word was not used up by the beat of his soul. It truly felt like his heart alligned with his words and he opened himself just for Peter.
Ah, I can’t send this now. It’s too much. But I can’t delete it either, and somehow I must tell you. Tell you that you are my sun, moon, and stars, and if you will only allow me this one moment of selfishness, I will give you the whole of the rest of my life.
Valentyn was definetly a character who did more pull than push, he faced a lot of internalized trauma and homophobia, a lot of doubts and thick walls of self-preservation surrounded him. It was hard and sometimes, yes, frustrating to read about.
The truth is you unspool things inside me. I think you had my heart from the moment you proposed to me, and you sealed it when you flirted with me via email and text. Tonight I came to the coffee shop ready to apply reason and sense to this madness, and yet all it took was one look at you, one touch of your hand and I saw no point in rationality or sanity. I made my best effort to voice my concerns, and with one kiss you erased everything. You’re apologizing for distracting me; I am red-faced at the idea that I fucked you over a table when I was supposed to be having a conversation.
Since the moment you proposed to me, I feel as if I keep tumbling off cliffs, and yet somehow I have yet to experience a single bruise.
You are unlike anyone I’ve ever met, a dazzling array of contradictions and depth that lure me like a siren.
But my heart swelled a bit when I read, when I freaking saw and felt how Peter wasn't deterred by this. Wasn't fazed by how many times Valentyn pulled afar from him. Even when Valentyn drunk himself and reeked of cigarettes, even when Valentyn kept on saying NO, Peter knew that all Valentyn wanted to scream on top of his lungs was YES. Peter knew that, he understood that and he fucking empathized with Valenytn. He cared and soothe and fucking protected Valentyn agaisnt all odds. Not once did he get mad. Not once did he show or even feel irritation.
I’m attracted to you, and you’ve made it plain you’re attracted to me. You don’t mind the snarls I’ve tied myself into, the self-hatred I’m still trying to unknot from eighteen years of not being able to say even to myself who I was.
“Well, I care, but I want to be with you as you struggle, to help you find your way out. As for hating yourself, I hate myself sometimes too. Perhaps if we love each other, we can each learn to love ourselves.”
→ I've read a thousand books in my life yet even this small token of a lesson will be embodied in my mind.
I can't state my opinion upon the plot of this book because it deals with Valentyn and the hardship he faces as a Caucasian Ukraine Immigrant in Colorado, USA. I don't know the specifics, the accuracies or even the experience. Yet even if fictionalized, Valentyn's perseverance, resilience and sheer determination is something to admire.
I was so afraid of being gay.
THE first time Valentyn had sex with a man, he vomited afterward.
I don’t know how you can love me, a wreck of a man such as I am. But my whole body, heart, and mind belong to you, should you care for any part of them
Just as well, our second MC deals with Selective Mutism which is a severe social anxiety disorder. I cannot be a model of accuracy because I myself do not deal with SM. But the book and our MC: Peter deals with SM and a very large part of this book goes through his journey and his childhood and his lifetime experience dealing with SM. From the confusion to the self-hate to near suicide. It's hard to read about even as someone not diagnosed with SM. I cannot be the person to look upon how accurate the details and the narration Selective Mutism has in the experience of Peter. But what you can take from my opinion, is that: Just, for god's sake, Be Kind to people folks. If you can't be, don't interact with them then. I'm the latter part of this HUMBLE opinion. Nobuddy knows what other people are going through, even friends or family, let alone strangers. Being a dick-ACTUALLY, dicks are awesome so- Being an asshole doesn't help anyone. Not you nor others.
I didn’t sit down one day and make up the rules in my head. My brain invented them for its own reasons, and when I try to undo those rules, I have to approach the part of me that made them with respect and care. The therapist I have now is really great, and she tells me to thank my brain for taking such good care of me. My brain behaves this way as self protection, and who is better than my brain to understand what protection I need?
‼️‼️ IMPORTANT NOTE ‼️
This book deals with a Ukraine immigrant with lots of talk about Russian invasion/takeover. I was surprised and it made me a bit uncomfortable to read about because of the bloody state of the world. However this book was WRITTEN in 2020 and the truth of the words of this book makes me sad. I wouldn't suggest this to ANYONE not coping well with the news surrounding this goddamn world.
I don’t think I can marry you tomorrow. But I don’t want to leave this country, and I can’t imagine marrying anyone else, for any reason, even though that is such a foolish thing to say. You make me feel so foolish, koshenya. So beautifully, achingly foolish.
To end this review,
My heart goes to every immigrant out there and my prayers to Ukraine citizens and immigrants out there.
March 9, 2022
This was fun. Too much on page sex for my taste but other than that I had no issue with this story. This is a popular trope for a reason and Heidi pulled it off well. Peter and Val have an insta connection but Peter has selective mutism and they don't act on it until Peter can't help it and proposes!!
Peter's SM was an interesting dynamic added to the story and helped push the two of them together faster.
I do recommend this but again, there is a lot of on page sex in case that's not your thing...or maybe it is. 😉
Peter's SM was an interesting dynamic added to the story and helped push the two of them together faster.
I do recommend this but again, there is a lot of on page sex in case that's not your thing...or maybe it is. 😉
March 6, 2020
3.5 stars
Cute and heartwarming.
Professor Valentyn Shevchenko is about to lose his job, and the country he has come to call home, after his visa runs out.
Peter Grunberg, the cute barista with selective mutism, offers the solution completely out of the blue - a marriage proposal.
Those first words set off a whirlwind romance that neither man expected, or could have hoped for.
The fake relationship trope is one I generally enjoy. Peter and Val up the ante with a full-on marriage, very real communication hurdles, and a race against the deportation clock.
Though their relationship begins quite suddenly, both men are genuinely committed to giving it a real go.
Fair warning if it isn’t your thing - this is pretty close to insta-love. It doesn’t take Val and Peter long at all to begin thinking of their green marriage as a forever-after commitment.
While things did move along a bit too quickly for my usual tastes, I was all on board for it.
The connection between the two men is undeniable, right from the first date. And it only grows and strengthens with each subsequent date, and as each man learns to make space for the other in his life.
I absolutely adored Peter. His daily struggles are real, but he refused to let his selective mutism dictate his relationship with Val.
And I loved how patient and understanding Val was, giving Peter the time, support, and space he needed.
Also, their physical chemistry - wowza. Good on them for letting their dirty sides out to play!
The big issue is of course the immigration process. In classic Cullinan fashion, there’s a lesson to be learned here.
Peter and Val come through at the other end the stronger for it, and their HEA well-deserved! Overall, I quite enjoyed this read and would definitely recommend it.
Cute and heartwarming.
Professor Valentyn Shevchenko is about to lose his job, and the country he has come to call home, after his visa runs out.
Peter Grunberg, the cute barista with selective mutism, offers the solution completely out of the blue - a marriage proposal.
Those first words set off a whirlwind romance that neither man expected, or could have hoped for.
The fake relationship trope is one I generally enjoy. Peter and Val up the ante with a full-on marriage, very real communication hurdles, and a race against the deportation clock.
Though their relationship begins quite suddenly, both men are genuinely committed to giving it a real go.
Fair warning if it isn’t your thing - this is pretty close to insta-love. It doesn’t take Val and Peter long at all to begin thinking of their green marriage as a forever-after commitment.
While things did move along a bit too quickly for my usual tastes, I was all on board for it.
The connection between the two men is undeniable, right from the first date. And it only grows and strengthens with each subsequent date, and as each man learns to make space for the other in his life.
I absolutely adored Peter. His daily struggles are real, but he refused to let his selective mutism dictate his relationship with Val.
And I loved how patient and understanding Val was, giving Peter the time, support, and space he needed.
Also, their physical chemistry - wowza. Good on them for letting their dirty sides out to play!
The big issue is of course the immigration process. In classic Cullinan fashion, there’s a lesson to be learned here.
Peter and Val come through at the other end the stronger for it, and their HEA well-deserved! Overall, I quite enjoyed this read and would definitely recommend it.
December 22, 2020
I really enjoy books written about someone learning to deal successfully with their disability. Peter suffered from selective mutism. I’d never heard of this , but it was fascinating. Valentyn struggled as well. He is about to lose his green card and will be sent back to Ukraine. He also drinks way too much and smokes. The story is very touching. I loved it in the beginning. However, after they decided to marry it kind of drug until they finally marry. The ending was wonderful.
August 6, 2022
I finished this beautiful love story yesterday, but I've been procrastinating, trying to find the perfect words to write the perfect review. But pressed for time, I realize the book speaks for itself. It's very well-written, as I would expect from this author, and several of the subtopics are timely and pertinent. Coincidentally, Valentyn is from Ukraine, and though this was written several years ago, the information is still pertinent and actually holds more meaning for me now than it would have then. Peter, the other MC, suffers from Selective Mutism and the information about that disorder is both in-depth and interesting.
As the story started to unfold I made assumptions about how it would unfold that turned out to be wrong. Very wrong. This may start with a need to marry to stay in the US but by the end each man is the other's world and the emotional turmoil and circumstances they face are very realistically portrayed and make the story flow so well I found it hard to put down.
Bottom line here is pick this up. It's superb.
As the story started to unfold I made assumptions about how it would unfold that turned out to be wrong. Very wrong. This may start with a need to marry to stay in the US but by the end each man is the other's world and the emotional turmoil and circumstances they face are very realistically portrayed and make the story flow so well I found it hard to put down.
Bottom line here is pick this up. It's superb.
May 30, 2020
Ulysses Dietz Member of The Paranormal Guild Review Team
Rating: ----five stars
The Professor’s Green Card Marriage
By Heidi Cullinan
Dreamspinner Press
Romance
M/M
2020
Page count: TBD
Other than the clunky title (which, admittedly, says it all), I loved this book. This is a love story, with love’s path made rough by the peculiar circumstances and the idiosyncratic personalities of the two main characters. Classic m/m fiction seems to insist on its central players being somehow messed up, as if a romance without a big mess is less worthy of our admiration.
So be it. The big mess here is both funny and heartbreaking, exacerbated by the cultural and age differences between Valentyn Schevchenko, a Ukranian ex-pat professor, and Peter Grunberg, a brilliant millennial stuck with a rare anxiety disorder known as selective mutism. Val’s disorders are more prosaic: a gay man brutalized by his own country and forced into exile in order to achieve freedom, he is mistrusting and keeps himself walled up behind carefully-constructed emotional barriers. Peter, stuck as a barista in his uncle’s university coffee shop, has a supportive network of people, but is trapped behind his own mind’s hurdles.
Val, to both their surprises, finds accommodating to Peter’s unorthodox needs easy. Moreover, both men are attracted to each other immediately – long before they in fact communicate with each other. The awkwardness comes in because the first words Peter addresses to Val is a proposal of marriage, upon overhearing him discuss with a colleague his need to retain his green card through marriage.
Thus, what we have, is an ass-backwards romance in which the love is there from the start, but in circumstances in which nobody will believe Val and Peter no matter how sincere their feelings are. Val’s reserve and Peter’s anxiety only make things more difficult, and I had to admire Cullinan’s skill and weaving her tortured way through the pitfalls and hurdles to the ending we all wanted from the start.
M/m romance needs to be this good to keep my attention and capture my heart. Every romance is like a landscape – we all know what it looks like, but it is the artist’s skill that makes the familiar content meaningful.
Rating: ----five stars
The Professor’s Green Card Marriage
By Heidi Cullinan
Dreamspinner Press
Romance
M/M
2020
Page count: TBD
Other than the clunky title (which, admittedly, says it all), I loved this book. This is a love story, with love’s path made rough by the peculiar circumstances and the idiosyncratic personalities of the two main characters. Classic m/m fiction seems to insist on its central players being somehow messed up, as if a romance without a big mess is less worthy of our admiration.
So be it. The big mess here is both funny and heartbreaking, exacerbated by the cultural and age differences between Valentyn Schevchenko, a Ukranian ex-pat professor, and Peter Grunberg, a brilliant millennial stuck with a rare anxiety disorder known as selective mutism. Val’s disorders are more prosaic: a gay man brutalized by his own country and forced into exile in order to achieve freedom, he is mistrusting and keeps himself walled up behind carefully-constructed emotional barriers. Peter, stuck as a barista in his uncle’s university coffee shop, has a supportive network of people, but is trapped behind his own mind’s hurdles.
Val, to both their surprises, finds accommodating to Peter’s unorthodox needs easy. Moreover, both men are attracted to each other immediately – long before they in fact communicate with each other. The awkwardness comes in because the first words Peter addresses to Val is a proposal of marriage, upon overhearing him discuss with a colleague his need to retain his green card through marriage.
Thus, what we have, is an ass-backwards romance in which the love is there from the start, but in circumstances in which nobody will believe Val and Peter no matter how sincere their feelings are. Val’s reserve and Peter’s anxiety only make things more difficult, and I had to admire Cullinan’s skill and weaving her tortured way through the pitfalls and hurdles to the ending we all wanted from the start.
M/m romance needs to be this good to keep my attention and capture my heart. Every romance is like a landscape – we all know what it looks like, but it is the artist’s skill that makes the familiar content meaningful.
March 6, 2021
I am a Heidi Cullinan fan and as expected I liked this story about a Ukrainian professor
who needs a green card marriage to stay in the United States and Peter, a young guy with a communication disorder - selective mutism (I honestly never heard about that).
The story kept me interested and I enjoyed how these very different guys looked for a way to communicate without many words.
However, they both also had a lot of baggage and it was overwhelming from time to time, it really got a little too much.
I am grateful that the marriage interview only added a little drama and not the big bang I dreaded.
At the same time, the story lacked depth, it really didn`t show how those two fell in love- we were told it was not out of convenience for both of them, but it remained unconvincing for me.
So, while I enjoyed reading this, I was not completely satisfied, it was a good book but not perfect as many other Heidi Cullinan stories. 3.5 stars for me.
who needs a green card marriage to stay in the United States and Peter, a young guy with a communication disorder - selective mutism (I honestly never heard about that).
The story kept me interested and I enjoyed how these very different guys looked for a way to communicate without many words.
However, they both also had a lot of baggage and it was overwhelming from time to time, it really got a little too much.
I am grateful that the marriage interview only added a little drama and not the big bang I dreaded.
At the same time, the story lacked depth, it really didn`t show how those two fell in love- we were told it was not out of convenience for both of them, but it remained unconvincing for me.
So, while I enjoyed reading this, I was not completely satisfied, it was a good book but not perfect as many other Heidi Cullinan stories. 3.5 stars for me.
March 21, 2022
2.5 stars rounded up for including a neurodivergent person/character with a disability. I mean, you get what you pay for in this book with that title - a Ukrainian professor in the US has a visa that is about to expire and then the barista at the coffee shop he frequents overhears this and proposes. Cue laughs. Not. It was definitely not a comedy. One of the MCs has a severe case of selective mutism and this is a huge plot point, it was interesting to read about his struggles. However, as a piece of fiction, I overall found this far, far too cheesy. Things escalate real fast - which, okay, makes sense - but then it rapidly descends into just like the corniest romance. Maybe it's my headspace, but this one just didn't work for me.
November 26, 2021
Thank you to Peppermint Candypants for gifting this to me during the 2021 Secret Santa Exchange!
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3.5 rounded up!
I've not read a ton from this author but I've enjoyed all the books of hers I've read and this was no exception! Interesting concept, and I think the author did a good job balancing the ~business transaction~ aspect with the fact that they both are genuinely attracted to and interesting in dating one another from the start. It's a mixture that could very easily become a bit drawn-out, rife with miscommunications, etc. and I actually thought it played out really well. I also enjoyed that each of the characters was quite unique/more distinct from what I often see in this genre, and I thought the portrayal of an adult with selective mutism was especially well done and honestly not something I think I've come across before. I also really appreciated that, while I wouldn't necessarily say this is a kink book, the smut is quite dirty in a way that Peter is very much into, and I really enjoyed a character with a disability being able to fully own his sexuality.
My biggest issue here was that I do think it would have benefited from being a little longer and more fleshed out. The book doesn't feel short, but given the fairly complex themes being covered here, there were several parts where events were just sort of skimmed over/summarized and I think the book would have been stronger if the author had the space to flesh them out more.
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3.5 rounded up!
I've not read a ton from this author but I've enjoyed all the books of hers I've read and this was no exception! Interesting concept, and I think the author did a good job balancing the ~business transaction~ aspect with the fact that they both are genuinely attracted to and interesting in dating one another from the start. It's a mixture that could very easily become a bit drawn-out, rife with miscommunications, etc. and I actually thought it played out really well. I also enjoyed that each of the characters was quite unique/more distinct from what I often see in this genre, and I thought the portrayal of an adult with selective mutism was especially well done and honestly not something I think I've come across before. I also really appreciated that, while I wouldn't necessarily say this is a kink book, the smut is quite dirty in a way that Peter is very much into, and I really enjoyed a character with a disability being able to fully own his sexuality.
My biggest issue here was that I do think it would have benefited from being a little longer and more fleshed out. The book doesn't feel short, but given the fairly complex themes being covered here, there were several parts where events were just sort of skimmed over/summarized and I think the book would have been stronger if the author had the space to flesh them out more.
March 6, 2020
I'm only slightly embarrassed for how much I freaking loved this. I finished it in one sitting and reread bits of it for days afterwards. Is it objectively as good as all that? Who knows. But it hit a bunch of things that are things for me in romances.
1. A main character who's an academic (and slavic!)
2. A main character with a mental health condition
3. A marriage/relationship of convenience
4. Falling in love via letters (or in this case email and texts)
Yes please. Heidi Cullinan is also an excellent writer. The stakes felt real, the romance had the sort of desperation that would never been a good sign in real life but is a lot of fun in a novel, and both characters were flawed but love-able human beings.
1. A main character who's an academic (and slavic!)
2. A main character with a mental health condition
3. A marriage/relationship of convenience
4. Falling in love via letters (or in this case email and texts)
Yes please. Heidi Cullinan is also an excellent writer. The stakes felt real, the romance had the sort of desperation that would never been a good sign in real life but is a lot of fun in a novel, and both characters were flawed but love-able human beings.
February 22, 2020
4,5 heartwarming stars!
I loved this book! I loved the exploration of selective mutism and the issues around US citizenship! I loved the connection the couple had and the fact that they just kept showing up for each other! So good!
I loved this book! I loved the exploration of selective mutism and the issues around US citizenship! I loved the connection the couple had and the fact that they just kept showing up for each other! So good!
April 20, 2020
"I would set the world on fire for you."
"No. I like the world. Help me save it instead."
This was such a lovely read.
I think the portrayal of selective mutism was really insightful and well written - it wasn't romanticised and Peter was such a great example of how there's so much going on behind the face of someone with SM even though they'll look completely wooden in front of you. I loved how brave Peter was and how he wouldn't give up.
His support system (from when we joined him) was also great and I loved how his aunt and uncle made his life easier where they could but didn't baby him or treat him like he was lesser.
Val is actually quite lovely. An academic from Ukraine who is terrified to be deported and forced back in to the closet for fear of his safety. I so adored how patient he was with Peter. He didn't understand everything about SM from the beginning but he didn't make assumptions and he waited for Peter to guide him.
I love Cullinan's romances because she always writes such rounded characters who have real relationships.
"No. I like the world. Help me save it instead."
This was such a lovely read.
I think the portrayal of selective mutism was really insightful and well written - it wasn't romanticised and Peter was such a great example of how there's so much going on behind the face of someone with SM even though they'll look completely wooden in front of you. I loved how brave Peter was and how he wouldn't give up.
His support system (from when we joined him) was also great and I loved how his aunt and uncle made his life easier where they could but didn't baby him or treat him like he was lesser.
Val is actually quite lovely. An academic from Ukraine who is terrified to be deported and forced back in to the closet for fear of his safety. I so adored how patient he was with Peter. He didn't understand everything about SM from the beginning but he didn't make assumptions and he waited for Peter to guide him.
I love Cullinan's romances because she always writes such rounded characters who have real relationships.
did-not-finish
April 10, 2020DNF @ 30%
Urgh, I was so into this and the premise, but then it went downhill so fast.
I was really interested in reading about a selective mute character and how the main characters would deal with that, but it went in a completely different direction than I expected. I thought Peter would be genuinely shy and that he and Val would spend a lot of time getting to know each other, but no. Of course Peter can be perfectly sassy, open, flirty and outgoing in text form. I'm not saying that has to be a bad thing, but it just left me so disappointed.
But okay, I tried to get over that and I liked the approach that the two main characters got to know each other better over texts and e-mails. Then they have their first "date" and everything just went down the drain. Not only CAN Peter talk to someone he's known like a week, after he made such a big deal out of it, saying he would not be able to react to or talk to Val at all, face to face, no, they also FUCK in the coffee shop where Peter works. Without a condom, too, I hate that. Like, this book can make such a big deal out of saving the environment (which is important, of course), but it's too much for the author to just put in a line saying that Val had a condom on him? He had fucking LUBE in his bag, why did he not have a condom???
I could have dealt with them kissing on their first date, because, all right, I know a lot of these stories move fast, but after making such a big deal out of "Oh god, should we really get fake married? I don't know how I feel about that", they just go ahead and fuck just like that?? After Peter made such a big deal about how hard he is to handle? I hate when the two main characters sleep together too early in general, but here it was like 10 times worse!
I was so looking forward to a slow burn of two guys getting to know each other and learning how to deal with their problems, but this was just a big disappointment. I'm sad now.
Urgh, I was so into this and the premise, but then it went downhill so fast.
I was really interested in reading about a selective mute character and how the main characters would deal with that, but it went in a completely different direction than I expected. I thought Peter would be genuinely shy and that he and Val would spend a lot of time getting to know each other, but no. Of course Peter can be perfectly sassy, open, flirty and outgoing in text form. I'm not saying that has to be a bad thing, but it just left me so disappointed.
But okay, I tried to get over that and I liked the approach that the two main characters got to know each other better over texts and e-mails. Then they have their first "date" and everything just went down the drain. Not only CAN Peter talk to someone he's known like a week, after he made such a big deal out of it, saying he would not be able to react to or talk to Val at all, face to face, no, they also FUCK in the coffee shop where Peter works. Without a condom, too, I hate that. Like, this book can make such a big deal out of saving the environment (which is important, of course), but it's too much for the author to just put in a line saying that Val had a condom on him? He had fucking LUBE in his bag, why did he not have a condom???
I could have dealt with them kissing on their first date, because, all right, I know a lot of these stories move fast, but after making such a big deal out of "Oh god, should we really get fake married? I don't know how I feel about that", they just go ahead and fuck just like that?? After Peter made such a big deal about how hard he is to handle? I hate when the two main characters sleep together too early in general, but here it was like 10 times worse!
I was so looking forward to a slow burn of two guys getting to know each other and learning how to deal with their problems, but this was just a big disappointment. I'm sad now.
March 14, 2020
This story has so much heart.
I know little about the process of foreign workers in the US and the process to get a green card and then citizenship, but I know it's a long process and getting harder to navigate. I loved both guys and everyone around them, and their difficulties felt real and sometimes overwhelming. I may have cried several times during the last few chapters.
I know little about the process of foreign workers in the US and the process to get a green card and then citizenship, but I know it's a long process and getting harder to navigate. I loved both guys and everyone around them, and their difficulties felt real and sometimes overwhelming. I may have cried several times during the last few chapters.
September 13, 2020
This was pretty cute!
I liked how understanding Valentyn was with Peter and I felt like the conlifct of green card marriage versus actual attraction/interest was pretty well balanced.
I liked how understanding Valentyn was with Peter and I felt like the conlifct of green card marriage versus actual attraction/interest was pretty well balanced.
February 20, 2020
Liked this alright enough, but I suppose I was also not in the best mood while reading so that affected my enjoyment of the story. The storyline and premise was interesting- having a green card marriage offer premise in the beginning, between an older Ukrainian professor Valentyn whose work visa had just been denied and he absolutely did not want to return to Kiev due to his being gay, and younger Peter who works at his uncle's coffeeshop and has been dealing all his life with selective mutism and the general anxiety the condition brings with it and the workarounds he's had to make around it.
I wasn't fully engaged in the development of their relationship, they seemed to move very fast with sex and intimacy due to the dynamic and also their time crunch. I did appreciate that this was something I had not read before in romance fiction, where one of the protagonists could not speak directly face to face with his love interest at first and they have to find ways to deal with that throughout their courtship (copious email and text, etc), while navigating a stressful outside legal issue looming over the whole process. I also appreciated the fact that love did bloom between them and it wasn't like Peter's condition magically healed or anything, and they had to navigate everyday couple stuff like daily chores, arguing about Valentyn smoking and being more closed off too.
The specificities of the legal process behind immigration were also highlighted and from my limited experience dealing with this in the US, this was quite accurate in terms of the annoyances and struggles in the system- and Valentyn is already considered an easier candidate for being approved for residency/citizenship. He is a highly educated non-brown/Hispanic person trying to get legal status to stay, and it was a trial for him even.
All in all, this novel was aggressively fine to me. I didn't feel much beyond oh, that's interesting I guess- but that was a combination of both my apathetic mood and a lack of connection to the couple.
SIDE THOUGHT: the cover model is HOT. I think it's meant to be Peter?
I wasn't fully engaged in the development of their relationship, they seemed to move very fast with sex and intimacy due to the dynamic and also their time crunch. I did appreciate that this was something I had not read before in romance fiction, where one of the protagonists could not speak directly face to face with his love interest at first and they have to find ways to deal with that throughout their courtship (copious email and text, etc), while navigating a stressful outside legal issue looming over the whole process. I also appreciated the fact that love did bloom between them and it wasn't like Peter's condition magically healed or anything, and they had to navigate everyday couple stuff like daily chores, arguing about Valentyn smoking and being more closed off too.
The specificities of the legal process behind immigration were also highlighted and from my limited experience dealing with this in the US, this was quite accurate in terms of the annoyances and struggles in the system- and Valentyn is already considered an easier candidate for being approved for residency/citizenship. He is a highly educated non-brown/Hispanic person trying to get legal status to stay, and it was a trial for him even.
All in all, this novel was aggressively fine to me. I didn't feel much beyond oh, that's interesting I guess- but that was a combination of both my apathetic mood and a lack of connection to the couple.
SIDE THOUGHT: the cover model is HOT. I think it's meant to be Peter?
March 17, 2020
Professor Valentyn Shevchenko needs to stay in the USA, but his work visa was suddendly denied. The best way for him to stay is to have a green-card marriage. His only prospect is a shy barista Peter Grunberg.
As a Ukrainian I was very curious about this book. I'm used to the depiction of Ukrainians in the books and movies. What? You are not Russians? But you use Cyrillic alphabet, it means you are the same peoplz, right?
Heidi Cullinan didn't dissapoint me. She really did her homework. The joke about Caucasians was golden. And info about Simeiz being gay capital of Ukraine before the Crimea annexation - she really had a professional informator.
Almost every word in Ukrainian was used and written properly.
I didn't like the uncertainty about Maidan. The situation about the 2014 Revolution was explicitely black-and-white and the question "who organized it" stinks of conspiracy theory boosted by Kremlin bots.
I also didn't understand why Valentyn left Ukraine. Was it because of the homophobia or he just left because he wanted a better financial future for himself? Or was it a bit of both?
But otherwise it was a sweet book with a real Ukrainian character who can speak Ukrainian and doesn't seem as a walking cliche (except of his love of vodka, of course).
As a Ukrainian I was very curious about this book. I'm used to the depiction of Ukrainians in the books and movies. What? You are not Russians? But you use Cyrillic alphabet, it means you are the same peoplz, right?
Heidi Cullinan didn't dissapoint me. She really did her homework. The joke about Caucasians was golden. And info about Simeiz being gay capital of Ukraine before the Crimea annexation - she really had a professional informator.
Almost every word in Ukrainian was used and written properly.
I didn't like the uncertainty about Maidan. The situation about the 2014 Revolution was explicitely black-and-white and the question "who organized it" stinks of conspiracy theory boosted by Kremlin bots.
I also didn't understand why Valentyn left Ukraine. Was it because of the homophobia or he just left because he wanted a better financial future for himself? Or was it a bit of both?
But otherwise it was a sweet book with a real Ukrainian character who can speak Ukrainian and doesn't seem as a walking cliche (except of his love of vodka, of course).
October 17, 2024
At first, I liked this book, but the more I read, the harder it was to keep reading it. Honestly, I only finished it because of a challenge. They were cute. Sort of. It moved too quickly. Especially considering SM. The text and the emails were just overflowing with emotions and saying private things to a stranger... I had hard time believing it all.
Also, I was really annoyed with the vodka thing. Every time Valentyn started drinking vodka I wanted to put the book down. Yes, yes I know it's stereotypical.
Also, I was really annoyed with the vodka thing. Every time Valentyn started drinking vodka I wanted to put the book down. Yes, yes I know it's stereotypical.
February 23, 2020
I have read and enjoyed several epistolary novels in the past and have really enjoyed the style. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to work for me in this novel. Instead of maximizing the intimate nature of their relationship, I found it distanced the characters from me, the reader.
I did find the information about selective mutism and the U.S. immigration process interesting.
I did find the information about selective mutism and the U.S. immigration process interesting.
February 20, 2020
Sympa mais vu le résumé je m'attendais à beaucoup mieux. Y a pas mal de longueurs.
February 18, 2022
learnt a lot more than I knew previously about selective mutism (and maybe Ukraine??) but other than that not much to see here. very quick read. 2.4⭐
February 11, 2020
I wasn’t sure if I would like this book since the fake relationship/marriage trope is probably one of my least favorites. However, since this was written by one of my all time favorite authors I gave it a go.
This book was AMAZING!!!! The characters were great. Each one is dealing with very different problems. Val (no way am I trying to spell his full name) is scared of having to return to his home country. He comes off as almost paranoid a few times, thinking the government is reading his emails and listening to his conversations. Peter seems to be this quiet, shy guy but you find out that he is this passionate rabble rouser but due to his selective mutism he is stuck only being able to voice his opinions online or to those very close to him. This was a very fast pace story. Peter and Val were spouting “I love you’s” very early on in the story, which isn’t typical for a Heidi book. The two have crazy chemistry and it’s fascinating to see how they work out their relationship. Highly recommend!!!!
This book was AMAZING!!!! The characters were great. Each one is dealing with very different problems. Val (no way am I trying to spell his full name) is scared of having to return to his home country. He comes off as almost paranoid a few times, thinking the government is reading his emails and listening to his conversations. Peter seems to be this quiet, shy guy but you find out that he is this passionate rabble rouser but due to his selective mutism he is stuck only being able to voice his opinions online or to those very close to him. This was a very fast pace story. Peter and Val were spouting “I love you’s” very early on in the story, which isn’t typical for a Heidi book. The two have crazy chemistry and it’s fascinating to see how they work out their relationship. Highly recommend!!!!
March 23, 2020
When losing impulse control to commit both a social gaffe and a major felony is the best decision of your life
Contemporary sweet m-m marriage-of-convenience/ romance
Eavesdropping. Proposing marriage as the first words uttered to a stranger. Committing a major felony.
Thankfully after the first exchange, Peter and Val don’t always need such extreme measures to work through relationship issues, even though both bring their own unique characteristics - expiring green card, SM (selective mutism), social baggage.
Short but sweet. Both men are a bit overly perfect, but both are dedicated and a bit desperate in their own ways to take a chance on the chemistry they feel.
Contemporary sweet m-m marriage-of-convenience/ romance
Eavesdropping. Proposing marriage as the first words uttered to a stranger. Committing a major felony.
Thankfully after the first exchange, Peter and Val don’t always need such extreme measures to work through relationship issues, even though both bring their own unique characteristics - expiring green card, SM (selective mutism), social baggage.
Short but sweet. Both men are a bit overly perfect, but both are dedicated and a bit desperate in their own ways to take a chance on the chemistry they feel.
February 28, 2020
I've been delaying a review of this because I haven't been able to sit down and put my thoughts into words properly. Still not sure I'm ready to do that, but we'll see how it goes.
This book was sweet, fluffy, and nicely informative about selective mutism and US citizenship issues. I appreciated reading a book with the latter. It also has some hot, dirty sex (on a table in a cafe even!) which I love. When Heidi Cullinan writes dirty sex, she does it well.
Beyond the steam and information, this book is all fluff. Yes, we have the looming issue of Valentyn needing a green card or he will be kicked out of the country, but it is mainly external issues that are the conflict here, not internal ones. Although both characters have personal things they are dealing with, these demons don't create conflict in their relationship. In fact, the characters have a bit of insta-love going on and LOTS of understanding conversations. Almost all of their conversations about their relationship felt like "I'm afraid my issues will cause problems and you will want to leave me." "Don't worry, I love you just the way you are." It's good to have those kind of conversations and many a relationship aims to have calm, rational conversations where they try to understand their partner and work through their issues instead of letting them fester, but we are human. Life can't always be like that.
It wasn't until they started living together that we finally get some of the real life tidbits that come with loving another person, those stupid arguments and conflicting views on life that make a relationship interesting. I was happy to see those moments, even if they were glossed over a bit. Otherwise this book would have been too sweet for me.
It is a lovely story though, and DAMN the sex was hot.
This book was sweet, fluffy, and nicely informative about selective mutism and US citizenship issues. I appreciated reading a book with the latter. It also has some hot, dirty sex (on a table in a cafe even!) which I love. When Heidi Cullinan writes dirty sex, she does it well.
Beyond the steam and information, this book is all fluff. Yes, we have the looming issue of Valentyn needing a green card or he will be kicked out of the country, but it is mainly external issues that are the conflict here, not internal ones. Although both characters have personal things they are dealing with, these demons don't create conflict in their relationship. In fact, the characters have a bit of insta-love going on and LOTS of understanding conversations. Almost all of their conversations about their relationship felt like "I'm afraid my issues will cause problems and you will want to leave me." "Don't worry, I love you just the way you are." It's good to have those kind of conversations and many a relationship aims to have calm, rational conversations where they try to understand their partner and work through their issues instead of letting them fester, but we are human. Life can't always be like that.
It wasn't until they started living together that we finally get some of the real life tidbits that come with loving another person, those stupid arguments and conflicting views on life that make a relationship interesting. I was happy to see those moments, even if they were glossed over a bit. Otherwise this book would have been too sweet for me.
It is a lovely story though, and DAMN the sex was hot.
February 23, 2020
DNF 30%
Its just so boring:( I really wanted to like it, but i couldnt stay interested...
Its just so boring:( I really wanted to like it, but i couldnt stay interested...
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