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Short of Love
A self-centred man’s love relationship goes out of control due to a satirical misconception. Tom Archer falls for university student Vicki Hillstone, who tricks him to take a lie detector test and finds out he is bedding town girl Barbara. Vicki is distracting Tom from his studies so he reduces his overall vulnerability to love. He ‘shorts’ Vicki for later but he is devastated when she appears to make out with his best friend Richard. The women counteract Tom’s love commodity investment with tragic consequences. He follows a glittering career in the petroleum industry while trying to take up with Vicki. After the deception of their beginning, can he and Vicki ever become a couple?
382 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
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June 2, 2026REVIEW BY BELLY J WHITTEN
Short of Love is a sharp and unconventional story that immediately stands out. The premise alone is intriguing, but what kept me reading was how the story unfolded in a way that felt both controlled and unpredictable.
Tom Archer is not a typical lead character. His way of approaching relationships feels calculated, and at times uncomfortable, but that is exactly what makes the story interesting. You are constantly aware that his choices are driving the tension.
The writing is clear and moves at a steady pace, making it easy to stay engaged from start to finish. There is a certain rhythm to the storytelling that gives is a unique voice.
This is not a simple love story. It leans more toward irony and consequence, making it a thoughtful read for those who enjoy something different and a bit challenging.
Short of Love is a sharp and unconventional story that immediately stands out. The premise alone is intriguing, but what kept me reading was how the story unfolded in a way that felt both controlled and unpredictable.
Tom Archer is not a typical lead character. His way of approaching relationships feels calculated, and at times uncomfortable, but that is exactly what makes the story interesting. You are constantly aware that his choices are driving the tension.
The writing is clear and moves at a steady pace, making it easy to stay engaged from start to finish. There is a certain rhythm to the storytelling that gives is a unique voice.
This is not a simple love story. It leans more toward irony and consequence, making it a thoughtful read for those who enjoy something different and a bit challenging.
May 26, 2026
I don't read much satirical fiction but this was amusing and compelling. Tom thinks his engineering career is his only focus until he meets the alluring Vicki and becomes obsessed with strategies to win her over.
Tom is one of those characters that doesn't know he's self-sabotaging his love life, but as a reader you'll want him to win Vicki's love eventually. You'll have to read it to find out if he does.
The writer has a unique, intelligent voice that is missing from many mainstream novels. Worth the read.
Tom is one of those characters that doesn't know he's self-sabotaging his love life, but as a reader you'll want him to win Vicki's love eventually. You'll have to read it to find out if he does.
The writer has a unique, intelligent voice that is missing from many mainstream novels. Worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews