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Of Paper and Wood
TROY
To inherit the family fortune, I must marry a woman. But first I have one chance at a night of passion with a man.
I just wish I could share it with someone who would treat me more like a lover than a customer.
After all, it’s my first time. My only time.
PARK
Alesto Markin sics his werewolf lackey on anyone who can’t pay him back. One bite, and my life as I know it will be over. My only hope of paying off my staggering debt is my godfather’s brothel.
I just never expected the man who hired me to be young. Or sweet.
I certainly didn’t expect to fall in love with him.
Of Paper and Wood is a sweet love story of two men who share many firsts together. In a world of wands and werewolves, where their fate is either rags or riches, being together could cost them everything.
While Amy Bellows normally writes books set in the omegaverse. Of Paper and Wood is not. You can still expect magic, humor, and a big HEA.
To inherit the family fortune, I must marry a woman. But first I have one chance at a night of passion with a man.
I just wish I could share it with someone who would treat me more like a lover than a customer.
After all, it’s my first time. My only time.
PARK
Alesto Markin sics his werewolf lackey on anyone who can’t pay him back. One bite, and my life as I know it will be over. My only hope of paying off my staggering debt is my godfather’s brothel.
I just never expected the man who hired me to be young. Or sweet.
I certainly didn’t expect to fall in love with him.
Of Paper and Wood is a sweet love story of two men who share many firsts together. In a world of wands and werewolves, where their fate is either rags or riches, being together could cost them everything.
While Amy Bellows normally writes books set in the omegaverse. Of Paper and Wood is not. You can still expect magic, humor, and a big HEA.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 18, 2024
A very, very strange book. I didn't understand what I was reading at first. Somehow the concept of this story completely slipped away from me at the beginning and I was just reading along.
That's not meant to be a negative statement, I was in a bit of a funk, don't know if that was the reason. Anyway, the story grew on me bit by bit until I was crying on every page at the very end. So it can't have been bad.
This is the story of how Park and Troy meet, one selling his virginity to the other. Not the best conditions for a relationship perhaps, but from the first moments it becomes clear that neither of them take the business side of their arrangement seriously and that there is so much more to it.
It's beautiful how they both stumble through their sexual experiences, it's really touchingly told.
We’re not making love, I remind myself. We’re fucking. But he’s so pliant and vulnerable beneath me, so responsive as I slide in the rest of my finger. His walls feel hot and tight. I’m going to come the second I’m inside him. I already know it. 💞😳💞
“Is this bed going to be big enough for both of us?” Troy asks, and I can hear the smile in his voice.
“I guess we’ll have to sleep in each other’s arms,” I say.
He chuckles. “I guess so.” 💞🤗💞
Oh I love happy endings, so simple without a lot of frills and yet so wonderfully beautiful.
But that is by no means all. And that's what bothers me a bit, the story behind everything, the background, the world-building, it's all only shown in small snippets. A bit sad. I mean, I already love the concept of only showing snippets and not telling a "complete" story. I can really appreciate that from an artistic point of view. In this case though, it left me a bit unsatisfied.
Because this is not just the story of two men, Park and Troy are just a small part. At first it confused and disturbed me madly, but then I wanted more because you also get little POVs from Alistair, from Richard, from Sam and from Danielle, strangely not from Sarah. Oh I'm just greedy, too bad the book didn't want to give more.
That's not meant to be a negative statement, I was in a bit of a funk, don't know if that was the reason. Anyway, the story grew on me bit by bit until I was crying on every page at the very end. So it can't have been bad.
This is the story of how Park and Troy meet, one selling his virginity to the other. Not the best conditions for a relationship perhaps, but from the first moments it becomes clear that neither of them take the business side of their arrangement seriously and that there is so much more to it.
It's beautiful how they both stumble through their sexual experiences, it's really touchingly told.
We’re not making love, I remind myself. We’re fucking. But he’s so pliant and vulnerable beneath me, so responsive as I slide in the rest of my finger. His walls feel hot and tight. I’m going to come the second I’m inside him. I already know it. 💞😳💞
“Is this bed going to be big enough for both of us?” Troy asks, and I can hear the smile in his voice.
“I guess we’ll have to sleep in each other’s arms,” I say.
He chuckles. “I guess so.” 💞🤗💞
Oh I love happy endings, so simple without a lot of frills and yet so wonderfully beautiful.
But that is by no means all. And that's what bothers me a bit, the story behind everything, the background, the world-building, it's all only shown in small snippets. A bit sad. I mean, I already love the concept of only showing snippets and not telling a "complete" story. I can really appreciate that from an artistic point of view. In this case though, it left me a bit unsatisfied.
Because this is not just the story of two men, Park and Troy are just a small part. At first it confused and disturbed me madly, but then I wanted more because you also get little POVs from Alistair, from Richard, from Sam and from Danielle, strangely not from Sarah. Oh I'm just greedy, too bad the book didn't want to give more.
October 6, 2022
This is sooo good I’m tearing up!! This book has the most romantic scenes ever! 😭❤️
So Troy had to marry a woman for the sake of culture, but has one wish to bed with a man for the first time whilst Park partipated in a brothel to be a sex worker to pay his debts. Their story starts there where they become attached with each other since the first night they had sex together.
I can’t believe they just met!! The chemistry they share oh my godd! I love it so much. Despite them just meet each other and as virgins, their first night was so FUCKING ROMANTIC. The light touches, nervousness, cum-too-fast, holding each other, gasps, closeness, cuddles and the visuals are everything 🥹 I’ve never read something cuter than their first time!
Despite my review raging them for being so sweet, a lot parts of this book are based on sex scenes and them trying new sexual stuffs. If you don’t like sex too much and think that this maybe not your cuppa, I’d still recommend it because the sweetness during their hot moments are so much better than just normal plain sex. 🥰😩💜
I find it so comforting reading their story. The silence they share with each other feels so peaceful. I can’t help but feel attached to both of them immediately. I was rooting for them like crazy! Even though it was mentioned in the premise that this include magic, this is still a low fantasy book, so keep your expectations low for the magic stuffs ;) It has werewolves elements as well, but no shifting/shifters happening on page.
I also loove the concept of the brothel and Alistair’s sex workers. Usually sex workers in books, are portrayed badly or not even in depth, but in this one was entirely different. The professionalism and the way Alistair trains his boys are just *chef’s kiss*. Full of details and true to life, it was truly an eye opener. I love it!
This book touches deep in my heart especially when Troy had to marry a woman and he tried so hard to be happy to cherish his “last” moments with Park. I teared up, that was so sad, so realistic, and so good at the same time :( Lastly, I do want them to runaway together and that ending hmmm I needed more… however, I still love them so much that I didn’t care. I want to imagine them running away together, makes me feel better ❤️
And this book has docking scene! 🤭🫣🤭🫣🤭 I LOVEE THAT SO MUCH BAHHSHSHA HEHEHEHHE🤪🤪
Favourite Details: **MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD**
☺︎ Riding horse together!! AAAAAHHH😭😭😭
☺︎ Running away to be alone 😭😭😭😭😭
☺︎ “Meet me just outside the stables in the town square in an hour,” I say. THIS SCENE, THIS SCENE!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
☺︎ The sudden kinky nesss OH LORD HAHAHAH HOTTT!
☺︎ “Would you teach me how to do that?” I ask. Park steps back, surprised.
“Do what?” I take in a deep breath.
“Cook.”
I love this scene too!! ❤️❤️
“His firm but gentle grip, combined with the heat of our dicks pressed together, is overwhelming. As he pumps them both at once, dragging our foreskins up and down along our tips, I simply watch.
He leans his forehead into mine, and that feels better, somehow. Like he can feel it too—this frantic and terrifying desire for closeness that’s filling my chest.”
So Troy had to marry a woman for the sake of culture, but has one wish to bed with a man for the first time whilst Park partipated in a brothel to be a sex worker to pay his debts. Their story starts there where they become attached with each other since the first night they had sex together.
I can’t believe they just met!! The chemistry they share oh my godd! I love it so much. Despite them just meet each other and as virgins, their first night was so FUCKING ROMANTIC. The light touches, nervousness, cum-too-fast, holding each other, gasps, closeness, cuddles and the visuals are everything 🥹 I’ve never read something cuter than their first time!
Despite my review raging them for being so sweet, a lot parts of this book are based on sex scenes and them trying new sexual stuffs. If you don’t like sex too much and think that this maybe not your cuppa, I’d still recommend it because the sweetness during their hot moments are so much better than just normal plain sex. 🥰😩💜
I find it so comforting reading their story. The silence they share with each other feels so peaceful. I can’t help but feel attached to both of them immediately. I was rooting for them like crazy! Even though it was mentioned in the premise that this include magic, this is still a low fantasy book, so keep your expectations low for the magic stuffs ;) It has werewolves elements as well, but no shifting/shifters happening on page.
I also loove the concept of the brothel and Alistair’s sex workers. Usually sex workers in books, are portrayed badly or not even in depth, but in this one was entirely different. The professionalism and the way Alistair trains his boys are just *chef’s kiss*. Full of details and true to life, it was truly an eye opener. I love it!
This book touches deep in my heart especially when Troy had to marry a woman and he tried so hard to be happy to cherish his “last” moments with Park. I teared up, that was so sad, so realistic, and so good at the same time :( Lastly, I do want them to runaway together and that ending hmmm I needed more… however, I still love them so much that I didn’t care. I want to imagine them running away together, makes me feel better ❤️
And this book has docking scene! 🤭🫣🤭🫣🤭 I LOVEE THAT SO MUCH BAHHSHSHA HEHEHEHHE🤪🤪
Favourite Details: **MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD**
☺︎ Riding horse together!! AAAAAHHH😭😭😭
☺︎ Running away to be alone 😭😭😭😭😭
☺︎ “Meet me just outside the stables in the town square in an hour,” I say. THIS SCENE, THIS SCENE!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
☺︎ The sudden kinky nesss OH LORD HAHAHAH HOTTT!
☺︎ “Would you teach me how to do that?” I ask. Park steps back, surprised.
“Do what?” I take in a deep breath.
“Cook.”
I love this scene too!! ❤️❤️
May 6, 2020
Troy and Park
Awwww this was such a sweet story! Two innocent young guys, together they have many firsts. This all sprinkled with some magic and there you go... an awesome story.
I’m a big fan of magic wands.
Park is in debt with a cruel man. He wants help from his godfather Alistair who runs a brothel. He wants to give his virginity as a rent boy for big money. Never could he imagine his first client Troy was as impressed with him as he was with Troy. One night isn’t enough.
Together with some breathtaking side stories, this story was more than enjoyable.
Beautiful maybe simply because it was gentle, sweet, considerate, surprising, and very entertaining. And let’s not forget the style of writing awesome!
Awwww this was such a sweet story! Two innocent young guys, together they have many firsts. This all sprinkled with some magic and there you go... an awesome story.
I’m a big fan of magic wands.
Park is in debt with a cruel man. He wants help from his godfather Alistair who runs a brothel. He wants to give his virginity as a rent boy for big money. Never could he imagine his first client Troy was as impressed with him as he was with Troy. One night isn’t enough.
Together with some breathtaking side stories, this story was more than enjoyable.
Beautiful maybe simply because it was gentle, sweet, considerate, surprising, and very entertaining. And let’s not forget the style of writing awesome!
May 5, 2020
4.5 stars of Magic Awesomeness
All Amy Bellows book plots and narrative never follow what I call the "traditional Romance formula" and there is not better example than Of Paper and Wood.
A mix of olden times fairy tales and the paranormal , with a detailed and layered world building where magic is part of daily life, wands, marriage contracts, werewolves , purple flowers, a virgin rent boy, a brothel , impromptu Greek islands getaways and many other things, make perfectly sense.
A steamy and hot AF , low angst and low drama , romantic tale with an endearing HEA that's highly entertaining.
#ReadOn2020 #KU #Amazon #KindleFire #BooksILove
All Amy Bellows book plots and narrative never follow what I call the "traditional Romance formula" and there is not better example than Of Paper and Wood.
A mix of olden times fairy tales and the paranormal , with a detailed and layered world building where magic is part of daily life, wands, marriage contracts, werewolves , purple flowers, a virgin rent boy, a brothel , impromptu Greek islands getaways and many other things, make perfectly sense.
A steamy and hot AF , low angst and low drama , romantic tale with an endearing HEA that's highly entertaining.
#ReadOn2020 #KU #Amazon #KindleFire #BooksILove
December 30, 2022
3 stars
this was a short and sweet book as are all Amy Bellows books!
I think it took me a while to warm up to Troy... he was a little too naïve from being brought up in wealth, but him later on made up for it.
and the epilogue was adorable. I thought that getting all the POVs of the characters was interesting, like Alistair, Richard, and Sam. But those didn't really take away from the story.
can't wait to read other Amy Bellows books in the future, love her writing!
this was a short and sweet book as are all Amy Bellows books!
I think it took me a while to warm up to Troy... he was a little too naïve from being brought up in wealth, but him later on made up for it.
and the epilogue was adorable. I thought that getting all the POVs of the characters was interesting, like Alistair, Richard, and Sam. But those didn't really take away from the story.
can't wait to read other Amy Bellows books in the future, love her writing!
January 20, 2024
So… I might be one of very few who didn’t love this book.
The reason? I was simply not invested.
The story didn’t hold my interest in the slightest and even though it was a rather sweet love story between a rich and a poor kid who fall in love through sex, I can simply not say that I liked it.
I’m kind of sorry about that…
The reason? I was simply not invested.
The story didn’t hold my interest in the slightest and even though it was a rather sweet love story between a rich and a poor kid who fall in love through sex, I can simply not say that I liked it.
I’m kind of sorry about that…
December 1, 2021
why did i cry like 5 times reading this??? really sweet / sexy. wish it were longer + more character development for troy but i really liked it.
May 6, 2020
Well, I loved it. What else is new? There was one teeny tiny thing that erked me but we'll get into that later. For now, on to the fangirling.
This is Amy's first non omegaverse book, and while it's pretty melancholic, it still has all of the heart and feels (and smut) you've come to expect from said Queen. I'm not going to say this book was angsty or depressing because that's a little dramatic even for me. But the overall tone of this book is pretty somber. There's a clear caste system in this world and if you are not at the top of the caste, your life pretty much sucks. But this story is so rich and fascinating, that the journey is so worth it.
Quick shout out the side characters because they really drive this home for me. Danielle and Sarah are fun, Alistair has my soul, and his relationship with Sam is everything (petition to get a book about them). They're honestly great. They feel realistic, they're honest, and really ground Park and Troy, who while not bad people in any way shape or form, are flawed.
Real quick, for those of you who didn't read the blurb, Park is a 20-something down on his luck who wants to become a rent boy to pay off his debts and Troy just so happens to be the rich kid who hires him. Let the smut commence. Seriously though, there's a lot of smut in here, it's great.
Park and Troy's relationship is adorable. It's cute and sweet and awkward in the most enduring way possible. They're both likeable and perfectly imperfect.
Park is naive, too kind for his own good at times, and has a habit of letting his emotions control him. He's a hard worker and tender hearted. The werewolves he once feared, he soon feels empathy towards and cherishes. He's a good guy who takes nothing for granted and you can confidently stan.
Troy is every privileged 20 year old whose biggest problem is being gay and their father not approving. But he has depth and he grows. He's a product of his environment yes, but he's not a bad person nor mean spirited. He's warm and tries to do the right thing.
Now full transparency, I didn't appreciate his miscommunication with Park. Or rather his refusal to sit and think and understand what Park was trying to say. It's accurate for Troy's character because what 20 year old listens the first time around, but it still kind of erked me. And I am of course being vague here because spoilers.
TL;DR as melancholic as this book was, it's pretty sweet. In fact, I think the somber background amplifies those sweet moments. Plus it has great characters, hot smut, and a real andaccurate depiction of what someone's first time is like. This is probably one of the very few times I've read a scene like this and it wasn't cringe or completely unrealistic. If you're a fan of Amy's, you'll love this. If not, there's still a high chance you might enjoy this one cuz there's no mpreg. 5 solid stars because that HEA had me giddy.
This is Amy's first non omegaverse book, and while it's pretty melancholic, it still has all of the heart and feels (and smut) you've come to expect from said Queen. I'm not going to say this book was angsty or depressing because that's a little dramatic even for me. But the overall tone of this book is pretty somber. There's a clear caste system in this world and if you are not at the top of the caste, your life pretty much sucks. But this story is so rich and fascinating, that the journey is so worth it.
Quick shout out the side characters because they really drive this home for me. Danielle and Sarah are fun, Alistair has my soul, and his relationship with Sam is everything (petition to get a book about them). They're honestly great. They feel realistic, they're honest, and really ground Park and Troy, who while not bad people in any way shape or form, are flawed.
Real quick, for those of you who didn't read the blurb, Park is a 20-something down on his luck who wants to become a rent boy to pay off his debts and Troy just so happens to be the rich kid who hires him. Let the smut commence. Seriously though, there's a lot of smut in here, it's great.
Park and Troy's relationship is adorable. It's cute and sweet and awkward in the most enduring way possible. They're both likeable and perfectly imperfect.
Park is naive, too kind for his own good at times, and has a habit of letting his emotions control him. He's a hard worker and tender hearted. The werewolves he once feared, he soon feels empathy towards and cherishes. He's a good guy who takes nothing for granted and you can confidently stan.
Troy is every privileged 20 year old whose biggest problem is being gay and their father not approving. But he has depth and he grows. He's a product of his environment yes, but he's not a bad person nor mean spirited. He's warm and tries to do the right thing.
Now full transparency, I didn't appreciate his miscommunication with Park. Or rather his refusal to sit and think and understand what Park was trying to say. It's accurate for Troy's character because what 20 year old listens the first time around, but it still kind of erked me. And I am of course being vague here because spoilers.
TL;DR as melancholic as this book was, it's pretty sweet. In fact, I think the somber background amplifies those sweet moments. Plus it has great characters, hot smut, and a real andaccurate depiction of what someone's first time is like. This is probably one of the very few times I've read a scene like this and it wasn't cringe or completely unrealistic. If you're a fan of Amy's, you'll love this. If not, there's still a high chance you might enjoy this one cuz there's no mpreg. 5 solid stars because that HEA had me giddy.
July 25, 2021
I wasn't sure how much I would like this until I got to the end, and by that point I was in love with this universe. Excellent story-telling without huge info dumps at the beginning, and I loved the different classes portrayed. I've only read a few of this author's stories, but after this I'll definitely be looking for more!
May 9, 2022
Review to come. Hopefully.
3.5 stars
Love & hugs ❤️❤️🩹
3.5 stars
Love & hugs ❤️❤️🩹
December 21, 2022
What a gorgeous story! This one sat in my TBR for way too long.
It grabbed me from the first chapter and just wouldn't let go. Both MCs are just beautiful characters and quite innocent in their own ways. Lovely secondary cast, that were quite detailed characters in their own right.
Amy Bellows normally writes in the omegaverse with mpreg, but this one is neither. I'd class it as a romantic fantasy.
Highly, Highly recommended!
May 7, 2020
Do you remember a while back when Shia LaBeouf made that odd video where he yelled ‘just do it’ over and over again? I feel like that could be me now, except I’d be yelling ‘just read it’. This book is amazing. I adored the characters (who were both perfectly imperfect). Troy and Park were just so adorable together, so lovely and heart-warming and I wanted, desperately, for them to get their HEA.
In theory, this was a historical romance which, in all honesty, is something I tend not to gravitate towards but I am so glad I read this. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve read some amazing historical romances, but for whatever reason I tend to prefer modern-day or futuristic settings. I actually really adored the world that was created and I didn’t find myself distracted by it (which is usually where I fall down with historical romances). Amy Bellows is fantastic about building a world you can completely immerse yourself in and this story is no different. I would happily read a whole series set in this world (historical or not!).
Troy and Park… what can I say, I just fell in love with them both. Life was not all roses for either of them, but they were still such loveable and believable characters. Despite that, they were able to find something special with each other. Whilst initially they seemed so different, I think at their heart they were kindred spirits and their time together made each other better. I loved the way they were both written; I felt invested in them being able to find their HEA. Also, as I’m coming to expect with Amy Bellows, the sex was both steamy and yet so sweet.
I’m hoping we’ll see more – in all honesty, I’m not really ready to say good bye to these two and I want to be able to wallow in their future happiness.
Needless to say, I wholeheartedly recommend reading this – prepare to fall in love!
In theory, this was a historical romance which, in all honesty, is something I tend not to gravitate towards but I am so glad I read this. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve read some amazing historical romances, but for whatever reason I tend to prefer modern-day or futuristic settings. I actually really adored the world that was created and I didn’t find myself distracted by it (which is usually where I fall down with historical romances). Amy Bellows is fantastic about building a world you can completely immerse yourself in and this story is no different. I would happily read a whole series set in this world (historical or not!).
Troy and Park… what can I say, I just fell in love with them both. Life was not all roses for either of them, but they were still such loveable and believable characters. Despite that, they were able to find something special with each other. Whilst initially they seemed so different, I think at their heart they were kindred spirits and their time together made each other better. I loved the way they were both written; I felt invested in them being able to find their HEA. Also, as I’m coming to expect with Amy Bellows, the sex was both steamy and yet so sweet.
I’m hoping we’ll see more – in all honesty, I’m not really ready to say good bye to these two and I want to be able to wallow in their future happiness.
Needless to say, I wholeheartedly recommend reading this – prepare to fall in love!
October 30, 2022
As always, Amy provided a sweet and heartwarming story that was incredibly enjoyable. For a fairly short story, the world building was top notch and I fell in love with the characters.
May 3, 2020
Amy Bellows is known for her great world-building and this book is no exception. While this book is NOT in the Omegaverse, it's amazing! In this world where magic is normal, we meet werewolves, loan sharks, male escorts, and loyal friends.
Troy has the misfortune of being born to a rich wand family. In order to retain the huge bank account, he must marry an equally magickal family and produce an heir. Just one problem for the young twenty-two-year-old ... he doesn't want to marry someone he doesn't love, like his father. He doesn't want to grow to be the angry and bitter man ... just like his father.
Park is an only child who lost his mother several years ago to a disease that took most of the females, including Troy's own mother. These boys meet in the most unlikely of places, a brothel, where Park is newly employed. Even though they come from opposite ends of the economic world, they find they have much in common. Neither has experience in love.
The story itself is so sweet, yet tart. It takes the reader on a roller coaster between love and lust, firsts and discovery. Amy Bellows knows how to bring the reader deep into the feelings of her characters through meaningful conversations and reflections. Nothing in her books, including this one, is written to fill space. Every action, every reaction, all the talking pulls the reader into her world.
If you're looking for an mpreg book, or are used to those from this author, I ask you still consider this book. It's beautifully written and will still take you away to a world of magic and love. If you want a spectacular love story and a gorgeously penned one at that, this book is for you.
Troy has the misfortune of being born to a rich wand family. In order to retain the huge bank account, he must marry an equally magickal family and produce an heir. Just one problem for the young twenty-two-year-old ... he doesn't want to marry someone he doesn't love, like his father. He doesn't want to grow to be the angry and bitter man ... just like his father.
Park is an only child who lost his mother several years ago to a disease that took most of the females, including Troy's own mother. These boys meet in the most unlikely of places, a brothel, where Park is newly employed. Even though they come from opposite ends of the economic world, they find they have much in common. Neither has experience in love.
The story itself is so sweet, yet tart. It takes the reader on a roller coaster between love and lust, firsts and discovery. Amy Bellows knows how to bring the reader deep into the feelings of her characters through meaningful conversations and reflections. Nothing in her books, including this one, is written to fill space. Every action, every reaction, all the talking pulls the reader into her world.
If you're looking for an mpreg book, or are used to those from this author, I ask you still consider this book. It's beautifully written and will still take you away to a world of magic and love. If you want a spectacular love story and a gorgeously penned one at that, this book is for you.
May 7, 2020
Of Paper and Wood is an impressive read by Amy Bellows. Fantasy and magic are not my typical read, but for certain authors, I have to take a chance. And Amy Bellows is definitely one such author.
This is an emotional story of complete opposites. One's rich and being forced into marrying a woman. The other is poor and is going to be a sex worker to save himself.
Troy and Park are both virgins when they meet. And it definitely isn't the typical brothel experience. The two men quickly become emotionally attached.
This is a story with werewolves and magical mirrors, a story with depth and heart. There are plenty of steamy scenes, including a fun docking scene. But, the thing that takes this book from good to great, is the emotional depth of the feelings these two men have for one another.
The author does a wonderful job developing this unique world and all it entails. Magic, fairy tales, wands, and more are all present. It's fun, entertaining, and a nice escape read.
Of Paper and Wood is a riveting story of first love and first times. Amy Bellows impresses in this story of making sacrifices for love. Her combination of fantasy, magic, kink, and emotion makes this a must read.
This is an emotional story of complete opposites. One's rich and being forced into marrying a woman. The other is poor and is going to be a sex worker to save himself.
Troy and Park are both virgins when they meet. And it definitely isn't the typical brothel experience. The two men quickly become emotionally attached.
This is a story with werewolves and magical mirrors, a story with depth and heart. There are plenty of steamy scenes, including a fun docking scene. But, the thing that takes this book from good to great, is the emotional depth of the feelings these two men have for one another.
The author does a wonderful job developing this unique world and all it entails. Magic, fairy tales, wands, and more are all present. It's fun, entertaining, and a nice escape read.
Of Paper and Wood is a riveting story of first love and first times. Amy Bellows impresses in this story of making sacrifices for love. Her combination of fantasy, magic, kink, and emotion makes this a must read.
May 7, 2020
I was really excited about this book because it's something different from the author. But it was a really cute read, so I'm happy about it.
First, the cover. I think I'm the only one who don't like it, but it says nothing - the colors are gorgeous, but the Elder Wand (from Harry Potter) is not fit. Yes, they're using wands, but come on, there are many wands on the internet, why this typical one?!
The story was good, but I wanted more about this magic world - so the world building is a bit deficient. This isn't a fantasy book with romance. No. It's a romance book with a touch of fantasy.
The two main character - Troy and Park - they were lovely. I liked reading about them and about their first times. It's rare to find two virgin in one book, and it was really good. The sexy scenes were really good and hot, and the romance scenes with all the kissing was super sweet.
The side characters were interesting too, Alaistair, Sam, Danielle - I liked all of them.
It was a good story.
First, the cover. I think I'm the only one who don't like it, but it says nothing - the colors are gorgeous, but the Elder Wand (from Harry Potter) is not fit. Yes, they're using wands, but come on, there are many wands on the internet, why this typical one?!
The story was good, but I wanted more about this magic world - so the world building is a bit deficient. This isn't a fantasy book with romance. No. It's a romance book with a touch of fantasy.
The two main character - Troy and Park - they were lovely. I liked reading about them and about their first times. It's rare to find two virgin in one book, and it was really good. The sexy scenes were really good and hot, and the romance scenes with all the kissing was super sweet.
The side characters were interesting too, Alaistair, Sam, Danielle - I liked all of them.
It was a good story.
November 14, 2020
DNF @ 31%.
I've enjoyed other books by Amy Bellows, so decided to give this one a go.
It wasn't anything spectacular. There is some light world building, but for a short story, there was too much going on. Then there was Park and Troy, who at 22 and 20 come off as teens, with POVs that read the same. Then Richard and Alistair have their POVs thrown in, which also sound identical. I can barely stand reading 2 POVs, let alone 4.
And then there is Sam. Who is asexual and therefore doesn't have any interest in sex. Because obviously an asexual can't have any interest in sex. I do hope that that isn't the author's actual belief of how asexualty, which is a huge spectrum, can be summed up.
I've enjoyed other books by Amy Bellows, so decided to give this one a go.
It wasn't anything spectacular. There is some light world building, but for a short story, there was too much going on. Then there was Park and Troy, who at 22 and 20 come off as teens, with POVs that read the same. Then Richard and Alistair have their POVs thrown in, which also sound identical. I can barely stand reading 2 POVs, let alone 4.
And then there is Sam. Who is asexual and therefore doesn't have any interest in sex. Because obviously an asexual can't have any interest in sex. I do hope that that isn't the author's actual belief of how asexualty, which is a huge spectrum, can be summed up.
May 5, 2020
3.5 stars. I loved the characters. Strangely enough Danielle the lesbian was my favorite. The world building needed some polishing. There were just so many ridiculously convenient points. Definitely not PebbleGifter quality. Also more than a few plot holes I'm choosing to ignore. Still a cute romance of two naive young men falling in love.
July 2, 2020
Wow... this book took me FOREVER to finish! That it did is in no way due to the author's skill at telling this story and everything to due with my ability to read it. Ever since the whole coronavirus stay at home stuff started I have found in hard to read anything that is the least bit somber or sad in tone. The best I can do it take it in very small doses and so this book has taken awhile to get through. I just kept coming back to it... read as much as I could handle and then take a break. I am glad I stuck with it because it was SOOOOOO worth it! The world the author built in these pages is complex with many layers, stark and somber. The people she populated it with are so very real that the trials they went through felt like my own. I had no idea just how desperately I needed this ending until I got it. After I finished the last sentence I had such a good cry and feel so much better. If you are thinking about reading this book, prepare be moved, prepare to hurt and prepare to feel immense joy as well!
May 6, 2020
These boys are so sweet and are just trying to make the best of the situations they are in. I know this was a short story first and I think I can tell where that has ended, even though I had never read it. I think the fact that Troy had someone to lean on in the end gave him the courage to go for what he wanted and to walk away from his life. Park is only trying to get out of a debt when he takes Troy as a client and it leads to so much more.
While I liked this story there were just a couple things that bugged me; I didn’t understand why Alistair never introduced Park to his husband previously, the story switched from first to third person once or twice and it threw me off and I wished we would have gotten to see how Park and Troy got to where they were in the epilogue.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
While I liked this story there were just a couple things that bugged me; I didn’t understand why Alistair never introduced Park to his husband previously, the story switched from first to third person once or twice and it threw me off and I wished we would have gotten to see how Park and Troy got to where they were in the epilogue.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
May 18, 2020
*Received A Copy To Review From The Author*
I'm not sure if this is a three star or a two star for me honestly. It's an okay read. I didn't love it, and am kind of meh about it. There were parts that were interesting, I would've much rather read about Alistair's everything. Park and Troy are just....there. I don't understand why they love each other. At all. Troy has moments of major jerkdom that he just never recovered from for me. And I feel like should've been called out and addressed. Park is...irksome in a less jerkish way. He's just...I don't understand his reasonings. Side characters were the highlights here. The whole werewolf side plot would've been more interesting to delve into. Also the whole story behind the wands would make an interesting read. I just...liked everything except the main couple I guess.
I'm not sure if this is a three star or a two star for me honestly. It's an okay read. I didn't love it, and am kind of meh about it. There were parts that were interesting, I would've much rather read about Alistair's everything. Park and Troy are just....there. I don't understand why they love each other. At all. Troy has moments of major jerkdom that he just never recovered from for me. And I feel like should've been called out and addressed. Park is...irksome in a less jerkish way. He's just...I don't understand his reasonings. Side characters were the highlights here. The whole werewolf side plot would've been more interesting to delve into. Also the whole story behind the wands would make an interesting read. I just...liked everything except the main couple I guess.
May 5, 2020
I'm all smiles after reading this. It has all the wonderful things you can expect from an Amy Bellows book, epic world building, hot af sex, and happy endings. This is a beautifully told story of two boys who meet under less than stellar circumstances and who face some challenges in the pursuit of their happiness. I loved this book from the very beginning and my opinion didn't change when I read the last word on the last page. I can only hope that Amy chooses to give us more stories set in this world because I enjoyed it immensely.
May 29, 2025
I'm not super familiar with the writing of Amy Bellows, I think this might be the second book of theirs I've read? Of Paper and Wood is actually a sweet new adult love story about two virgins from opposite ends of the tracks. Forbidden love, royalty, magic, that kind of stuff.
I listend to the audio version of Of Paper and Wood and fell in love with the narrator, Tom North. I really enjoyed his performance! I'll definitely be looking for more of his books.
I listend to the audio version of Of Paper and Wood and fell in love with the narrator, Tom North. I really enjoyed his performance! I'll definitely be looking for more of his books.
May 6, 2020
Ok, I love Amy Bellows, her writing is so much fun. That out of the way, I had a hard time getting into this book. This has more to do with me then the story itself. I will say, I loved the world building! I would love to read more from this world. I just had a hard time with the rent boy/ virginity selling, which was a large part of this story. It does have a HEA (come on, all of Amy’s stories do! 🥰) so it’s worth the read!
May 5, 2020
Amy Bellows is such a talented writer and I really enjoyed this wonderful story. I loved Troy and Park and their story held my attention throughout , there's magic, romance and the paranormal , all blended fantastically in this book.
December 1, 2023
The mind of Amy Bellows must be so much fun, because the worlds she builds are so interesting and diverse and completely bonkers. But I love them all!
“This is it? Really?” I ask.
“Would you rather there be a huge sign that spells out ‘Whores, whores, whores?’ Honestly, Troy, the discretion is part of the reason I come here.”
Troy is gay but has to marry a woman in order to get his grandfather's inheritance, so his dad (also gay and closeted) takes him to a brothel to have one night with a man before he has to give it all up for the family fortune.
Park is an orphan who borrowed money from a very bad man to buy a necklace to try to save his sick mom's life - now the very bad man wants his money back. His godfather owns a brothel and reluctantly agrees to let Park become a rent boy to help him pay off the loan.
Both boys are virgins when they meet for their one night of sex, and it's just as awkward as it usually is when you have your first time. Park worries that Troy isn't happy with him because he wasn't a very good lover while Troy worries that Park was only nice to him because of the money.
Troy wants to hire Park exclusively for a year, but Alistair agrees to a month because that will earn enough money for Park to pay off the debtor and try to have a life outside of the brothel. In that month, Park and Troy connect both sexually and emotionally, and they of course fall in love. Their interactions are so sweet and gentle, and it's actually adorable to watch them figure out what they like and don't like. The rope tying scene was soft and funny.
I look at him uncertainly, and he leans in closer—so close our lips are almost touching. Instead of kissing me, he slowly and gently rubs his nose against mine, leaving my skin tingling.
However, Troy can't be with Park if he wants the inheritance, and Park can't be with Troy because he's just a lowly rent boy. Can they figure out how to be together and still get everything they want?
“This is it? Really?” I ask.
“Would you rather there be a huge sign that spells out ‘Whores, whores, whores?’ Honestly, Troy, the discretion is part of the reason I come here.”
Troy is gay but has to marry a woman in order to get his grandfather's inheritance, so his dad (also gay and closeted) takes him to a brothel to have one night with a man before he has to give it all up for the family fortune.
Park is an orphan who borrowed money from a very bad man to buy a necklace to try to save his sick mom's life - now the very bad man wants his money back. His godfather owns a brothel and reluctantly agrees to let Park become a rent boy to help him pay off the loan.
Both boys are virgins when they meet for their one night of sex, and it's just as awkward as it usually is when you have your first time. Park worries that Troy isn't happy with him because he wasn't a very good lover while Troy worries that Park was only nice to him because of the money.
Troy wants to hire Park exclusively for a year, but Alistair agrees to a month because that will earn enough money for Park to pay off the debtor and try to have a life outside of the brothel. In that month, Park and Troy connect both sexually and emotionally, and they of course fall in love. Their interactions are so sweet and gentle, and it's actually adorable to watch them figure out what they like and don't like. The rope tying scene was soft and funny.
I look at him uncertainly, and he leans in closer—so close our lips are almost touching. Instead of kissing me, he slowly and gently rubs his nose against mine, leaving my skin tingling.
However, Troy can't be with Park if he wants the inheritance, and Park can't be with Troy because he's just a lowly rent boy. Can they figure out how to be together and still get everything they want?
May 25, 2020
Mixed feelings about this
This title was a fantasy/PNR MM standalone Romance with HEA.
This simply wasn't for my taste despite being MM, PNR /fantasy. I don't know if it was due to the story contents or the author's style as I don't think I've read anything by them before and I doubt I will. It didn't read like a finished story to me for it felt like it was missing vital pieces due to what all had been included to start with.
It was readable and interesting, partly enjoyable, fresh, not the same old same old which I considered a big plus. Then as negative there were too many things here that didn't please me or work for me. For example I counted no less than six (6) POVs in a standalone romance title this short like it was LOTR or WoT or something. I've no trouble mostly with one POV nor two, but for romances more is going overboard when the story is about one couple. I hope this isn't some new trend. Secondly there was some backstory to the history of magic users and shifters here but not enlightened to us. It was like showing only partial glimpses and stuff getting left so that you can't form a picture. Like ... I had been emroidering a tablecloth and left so much out of it that everything was very clearly and disturbingly left unfinished. Flowers missing petals, stems and leaves where they ought to be, partially colored in places. Thirdly the werewolf side of things was so outré and again left so unexplained that ... yes, it was fresh and original but you cannot / shouldn't do it this way.
There was too much for such a short story to contain. It should've been told a bit more longer and explained a bit more or then all this not taken out of the cupboard like to play with but left then just to be.
These left me so messed about and ruined the book, I feel it's in vain to start talking about the personal relationships which admittedly is the most important point in a romance. Those were interesting.
This title was a fantasy/PNR MM standalone Romance with HEA.
This simply wasn't for my taste despite being MM, PNR /fantasy. I don't know if it was due to the story contents or the author's style as I don't think I've read anything by them before and I doubt I will. It didn't read like a finished story to me for it felt like it was missing vital pieces due to what all had been included to start with.
It was readable and interesting, partly enjoyable, fresh, not the same old same old which I considered a big plus. Then as negative there were too many things here that didn't please me or work for me. For example I counted no less than six (6) POVs in a standalone romance title this short like it was LOTR or WoT or something. I've no trouble mostly with one POV nor two, but for romances more is going overboard when the story is about one couple. I hope this isn't some new trend. Secondly there was some backstory to the history of magic users and shifters here but not enlightened to us. It was like showing only partial glimpses and stuff getting left so that you can't form a picture. Like ... I had been emroidering a tablecloth and left so much out of it that everything was very clearly and disturbingly left unfinished. Flowers missing petals, stems and leaves where they ought to be, partially colored in places. Thirdly the werewolf side of things was so outré and again left so unexplained that ... yes, it was fresh and original but you cannot / shouldn't do it this way.
There was too much for such a short story to contain. It should've been told a bit more longer and explained a bit more or then all this not taken out of the cupboard like to play with but left then just to be.
These left me so messed about and ruined the book, I feel it's in vain to start talking about the personal relationships which admittedly is the most important point in a romance. Those were interesting.
May 4, 2020
This reads like a regency romance with some magic added. Homosexuality isn't necessarily frowned upon except in the wealthy families that adhere to the old inheritance standby. It's archaic and leads to the main problem. One boy down on his luck decided to sell his virginity to pay a debt and falls in love. The young man he sells it to is desperate to experience sex with a man before he has to marry a woman for the rest of his life, but also falls in love. Can he find a way to keep Park and his fortune? Or will he have to give it all up to be able to live the life he wants? Troy goes through some changes and character growth during this story as he decides what path he will choose. It was nice to see something other than the rich guy just making demands and getting his way.
This story carries multiple povs from several characters. There are also several types of sexual orientations portrayed. The main character works in a gay brothel where different sex acts are discussed and enacted. If these things bother you, then this is not the book for you.
This story carries multiple povs from several characters. There are also several types of sexual orientations portrayed. The main character works in a gay brothel where different sex acts are discussed and enacted. If these things bother you, then this is not the book for you.
May 5, 2020
The world building in this book is phenomenal. Amy Bellows is a master of world building and this series is no different in that regard. She makes the characters and setting come alive as if you could step into the page. I could close my eyes and imagine the entire world and characters. This has a bit of a regency feel with the magic added in. For the most part no one cares who you’re in a relationship unless you’re from an important family. Troy has the bad luck to like men and be born into a wealthy family where he can only stay that way if he marries an equally well to do woman and produces an heir. He wants one night with a man before he does this though. Park is not from a well to do family and has lost his mother. They meet at a brothel that Park has just started to work at and their story is so sweet. This is a story of firsts for these two men and it definitely takes you on a journey. I loved the multiple POVs and Troy has to decide what he wants and if he can have Park and his family fortune.
May 5, 2020
I love when a book just grabs a hold of me and I can read it practically in one sitting!! I love that Ms. Bellows went outside her normal writing style of omegaverse and created this magical, old-timey, paranormal universe. It was different then anything I’ve read and I really enjoyed that.
Park is so sweet and I truly felt like he didn’t want to be a rent boy but it was a necessity. Troy seemed like the spoiled rich kid that he was but overtime Park’s sweetness and love helped him to change. I honestly thought for a second that Troy would go through with wedding...that’s how much Troy was struggling. These two lost their virginities together and were so cute trying to figure things out on their own.
I loved the varying POVs from Alistair, Danielle, and Richard. Seeing their side of the story really helped strengthen the plot and epilogue. I was happy with the last chapter but totally ECSTATIC over the epilogue!!! I hope maybe we can get more stories from this world!!
Park is so sweet and I truly felt like he didn’t want to be a rent boy but it was a necessity. Troy seemed like the spoiled rich kid that he was but overtime Park’s sweetness and love helped him to change. I honestly thought for a second that Troy would go through with wedding...that’s how much Troy was struggling. These two lost their virginities together and were so cute trying to figure things out on their own.
I loved the varying POVs from Alistair, Danielle, and Richard. Seeing their side of the story really helped strengthen the plot and epilogue. I was happy with the last chapter but totally ECSTATIC over the epilogue!!! I hope maybe we can get more stories from this world!!
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