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Sand & Water
Widower John McConnell gets along fine raising his daughter on Georgia's Tybee Island, though he wouldn't exactly say he's happy. Haunted by the memory of his dead wife, John hasn't considered dating again until he meets Bryan Simmons in the park. It isn't long before John realizes that what he feels for Bryan could be something real, but how will he know he's ready to move on?
As John soon discovers, Bryan carries some heavy emotional baggage of his own. With John's help, Bryan starts to put his demons to rest, and together they lay the foundation for a relationship. It looks like they might finally leave their tragedies behind them—until John takes a misstep that could turn a magical night together into their last.
As John soon discovers, Bryan carries some heavy emotional baggage of his own. With John's help, Bryan starts to put his demons to rest, and together they lay the foundation for a relationship. It looks like they might finally leave their tragedies behind them—until John takes a misstep that could turn a magical night together into their last.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2011
About the author
Shae Connor
44 books79 followersShae Connor lives in Atlanta, where she’s a lackadaisical government worker by day and writes sweet-hot romance under the cover of night. She’s been making things up for as long as she can remember, but it took her a while to figure out that maybe she should try writing them down.
Shae is part Jersey, part Irish, and all Southern, which explains why she never shuts up. When she’s not chained to her laptop, she enjoys cooking, traveling, watching baseball, reading voraciously, giving and receiving hugs, and wearing tiaras. In her copious spare time, she volunteers as director and editor of the Dragon Con on-site publication, the Daily Dragon.
Shae is part Jersey, part Irish, and all Southern, which explains why she never shuts up. When she’s not chained to her laptop, she enjoys cooking, traveling, watching baseball, reading voraciously, giving and receiving hugs, and wearing tiaras. In her copious spare time, she volunteers as director and editor of the Dragon Con on-site publication, the Daily Dragon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 21, 2015
3.5 to 4 Stars???
I'll be the first to admit that going into this, I was feeling "meh" about it. I simply expected a nice, average, simple story about a widower who meets someone who helps him with his grief, and everyone lives happily ever after.
What I got instead was a pretty poignant tale that centered on two people with terrible, heart breaking pasts and their efforts to find some well deserved happiness. This could've been trite, it could've moved too fast, it could've glossed over the ugly parts. But it didn't.
This was by no means perfect. Be aware the romantic progression was slow, there's a lot of kid time present, it chronicled the ordinary events of daily life. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the realistic execution, and I was impressed with the UST, smexy times, and emotional resonance. Perhaps my expectations were low and thus the higher rating, but I appreciated that not everything was neatly tied up into the perfect package we all typically demand and want. These guys have a tough road ahead, but at the end I truly believed that John and Bryan would be okay and that together, they would continue to work toward their happy ending.
I'll be the first to admit that going into this, I was feeling "meh" about it. I simply expected a nice, average, simple story about a widower who meets someone who helps him with his grief, and everyone lives happily ever after.
What I got instead was a pretty poignant tale that centered on two people with terrible, heart breaking pasts and their efforts to find some well deserved happiness. This could've been trite, it could've moved too fast, it could've glossed over the ugly parts. But it didn't.
This was by no means perfect. Be aware the romantic progression was slow, there's a lot of kid time present, it chronicled the ordinary events of daily life. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the realistic execution, and I was impressed with the UST, smexy times, and emotional resonance. Perhaps my expectations were low and thus the higher rating, but I appreciated that not everything was neatly tied up into the perfect package we all typically demand and want. These guys have a tough road ahead, but at the end I truly believed that John and Bryan would be okay and that together, they would continue to work toward their happy ending.
July 5, 2023
DNF @ 3%.
Your five year old daughter is excited to see her friend at the park and your response is, “Ah, young love.” Bud, the girl can have a friend, and a boy one at that, without you making it into that. Gross
Your five year old daughter is excited to see her friend at the park and your response is, “Ah, young love.” Bud, the girl can have a friend, and a boy one at that, without you making it into that. Gross
August 14, 2011
I like Shae Connor's stories and this is her first novel-length title. When I see the word "daughter", I can't help to immediately jump on it. What can I say, I love single dads with kids. In this one, there is not only one kid but TWO. John's daughter, Beth, and Bryan's nephew, Jeremy. I'm a goner :)
Some technical information first: the story is written in 3rd person, but John is the main narrator (no alternate point of view). John is a bisexual. He was married to a woman for seven years before she died on child birth but John had experience of having a boyfriend. Bryan is gay and younger than John.
The story moves in SLOW pace. Both John and Bryan take time to build a relationship. The scenes mainly move from John's daily routines to taking Beth to a play date with Bryan and Jeremy, to dinner, to interaction with other secondary characters in the book (John's aunt, Meaghan, or Bryan's sister, Karen). And in between we have John's thoughts about his memory of Liz and his growing attraction to Bryan.
The first kiss doesn't happen until around 48% of the story (page 116 in .pdf). Even until so, they don't immediately move to love making. Readers must wait until the last two chapters for that since Bryan has a painful past that he must deals first. SO, this should be a warning for readers who don't enjoy this kind of pace. This kind of day-to-day activities rather than romance or sex.
Me? I love it. I enjoy reading John's interaction with his daughter. I enjoy reading John's trying to grow courage to make a relationship with Bryan. The kids are adorable -- and I love how the two men interact with them, from simple eat out to talking about Spongebob. It's not erotic but it sure feels homey and comfortable.
Then there is Bryan's past. I'm not going to spoil much but when Bryan deals with this, it makes my eyes all teary. It's emotional and heartbreaking.
So the story might never have an explosive climax, but rather a steady pace. But if you love story with kids, you don't want to miss this one.
Some technical information first: the story is written in 3rd person, but John is the main narrator (no alternate point of view). John is a bisexual. He was married to a woman for seven years before she died on child birth but John had experience of having a boyfriend. Bryan is gay and younger than John.
The story moves in SLOW pace. Both John and Bryan take time to build a relationship. The scenes mainly move from John's daily routines to taking Beth to a play date with Bryan and Jeremy, to dinner, to interaction with other secondary characters in the book (John's aunt, Meaghan, or Bryan's sister, Karen). And in between we have John's thoughts about his memory of Liz and his growing attraction to Bryan.
The first kiss doesn't happen until around 48% of the story (page 116 in .pdf). Even until so, they don't immediately move to love making. Readers must wait until the last two chapters for that since Bryan has a painful past that he must deals first. SO, this should be a warning for readers who don't enjoy this kind of pace. This kind of day-to-day activities rather than romance or sex.
Me? I love it. I enjoy reading John's interaction with his daughter. I enjoy reading John's trying to grow courage to make a relationship with Bryan. The kids are adorable -- and I love how the two men interact with them, from simple eat out to talking about Spongebob. It's not erotic but it sure feels homey and comfortable.
Then there is Bryan's past. I'm not going to spoil much but when Bryan deals with this, it makes my eyes all teary. It's emotional and heartbreaking.
So the story might never have an explosive climax, but rather a steady pace. But if you love story with kids, you don't want to miss this one.
February 26, 2012
A very moving story about two men whose lives were suddenly taken from them.
I'm aware that this book is not for every one. The slow development and lack of action may turn off some people. It's sweet, but is surely not angst free. There's no open conflict, since it happens very subtly.
Recommended.
I'm aware that this book is not for every one. The slow development and lack of action may turn off some people. It's sweet, but is surely not angst free. There's no open conflict, since it happens very subtly.
Recommended.
September 16, 2011
Two men's deliciously UST-filled progress from being complete strangers to being the sweetest of couples? With two small kids around providing much-appreciated adorableness? Sold. I have officially found another go-to author for "relaxing Sunday afternoon reading". Shae Connor, you make my Sunday afternoon more beautiful!
Except I didn't read this story on a Sunday afternoon. I read this at night, after a grueling day at work on Monday, and finished it during lunchtime on Tuesday (again at work), in between meeting with various publishers and writing movie articles about Tom Hardy and Andy Serkis. Let me tell you, all that hardship? It makes this book work even better as the ultimate stress reliever.
There's not a single thing in this book that doesn't make me smile. Even the angst parts make me smile through my tears because the outcomes are positive. Either Shae Connor really intended to fluff my life, or I'm just a sucker for this kind of slow-brewing, sweet-and-steamy kind of story. (It's probably me.)
My only objection to it is that, for once, I wanted to have a big happy ending that ends in a wedding and eternal love (because I think the two characters, Bryan and John, deserve it) and the story didn't provide me with it. Of course, what Connor provided is very realistic (and still happy), but it's just not enough for me. I don't think I'll rest easy until Bryan and John tie the knot. But that's okay, I'm still crossing my fingers for a sequel. If there's none, I'll take up my imaginary quill and write one self-indulgent fanfic for myself (don't ask me to show it, though, because that's just embarrassing).
Do I sound really giddy about this book? If the answer is yes, then you're right on track. It's official now: Shae Connor's stories = my Prozac.
Except I didn't read this story on a Sunday afternoon. I read this at night, after a grueling day at work on Monday, and finished it during lunchtime on Tuesday (again at work), in between meeting with various publishers and writing movie articles about Tom Hardy and Andy Serkis. Let me tell you, all that hardship? It makes this book work even better as the ultimate stress reliever.
There's not a single thing in this book that doesn't make me smile. Even the angst parts make me smile through my tears because the outcomes are positive. Either Shae Connor really intended to fluff my life, or I'm just a sucker for this kind of slow-brewing, sweet-and-steamy kind of story. (It's probably me.)
My only objection to it is that, for once, I wanted to have a big happy ending that ends in a wedding and eternal love (because I think the two characters, Bryan and John, deserve it) and the story didn't provide me with it. Of course, what Connor provided is very realistic (and still happy), but it's just not enough for me. I don't think I'll rest easy until Bryan and John tie the knot. But that's okay, I'm still crossing my fingers for a sequel. If there's none, I'll take up my imaginary quill and write one self-indulgent fanfic for myself (don't ask me to show it, though, because that's just embarrassing).
Do I sound really giddy about this book? If the answer is yes, then you're right on track. It's official now: Shae Connor's stories = my Prozac.
October 18, 2011
Sweet, a bit slow in the pacing, but that was partly because the writing was beautifully descriptive. I thought it was a bit rose-colored-glasses on the rather casual acceptance of John's bisexuality; I've seen some pretty strong negative reactions from gay men when they are told someone identifies as bisexual, and his straight friends seem even less shocked/judgemental. I totally wish the world was more like the people in John and Bryan's world, but the discrimination that bisexual men and women face from both the gay and straight communities is pretty pervasive. I know that wasn't the focus of the story, but it would have been more interesting for me if that had been addressed in some way.
August 16, 2011
3.5 stars. I've not read anything by Shae Connor before, and from what I understand, this is her first full length novel. It's probably best described as a slow burn, as the two MC's take quite some time to admit their feelings for each other. There's nothing wrong with that, nor really with this novel, as it is a pleasant read. However, it did feel like it was on one level the entire time, that there was no upward momentum. Not a bad way to spend a few hours.
August 28, 2011
Just what I needed a fluffy book :-D
This story was great the relationship building and development flowed great and I spent most of the time smiling while I was reading this book.
It probably won't be for everyone. There was very little angst so if you have to have angst in your stories this probably won't be for you.
This is the first book I have read by the author but won't be the last.
I hope she revisits these characters again i would love to read more.
This story was great the relationship building and development flowed great and I spent most of the time smiling while I was reading this book.
It probably won't be for everyone. There was very little angst so if you have to have angst in your stories this probably won't be for you.
This is the first book I have read by the author but won't be the last.
I hope she revisits these characters again i would love to read more.
November 24, 2011
Review edited as per request of the publisher on February 29th. See the comments for more.
I admit I'd be heartbroken if I ever found out this was one of those plagiarised works.
Because I really, really liked this story.
I liked the sweetness of it. I liked it even when it bordered eye-roll-inducing sappiness.
I liked how everything was so delightfully normal. I liked how family and friends didn't just disappear when the crushing started.
I liked how John never forgot to put his daughter first. I liked how Bryan loved that about John.
I liked that there was a happy hetero-relationship model in the book too.
I liked that no one was vilified to make the gays look better.
I liked the slow-build of the romance. I liked the talking that came before the kisses. I liked the kisses that came before dry-humping. I liked the dry humping that came before the actual sex. And I liked...
I liked how the story was about more than just romance. I liked how it was about the coming to terms with a loss, the moving on with your life, and the falling in love again.
I liked how not everyone was supportive or even accepting.
I liked how it was about forgiveness.
I liked how this was imperfect story with few too many artificial emphasis on just how manly and gay John and Bryan are.
I liked how a few questions remained unanswered, because real life rarely gives us any answers at all.
I liked the quietness of it.
I liked how it ended in a place of hope and happiness.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
As of February 29th this review can now also be seen on Sandra's My Fiction Nook-blog.
I admit I'd be heartbroken if I ever found out this was one of those plagiarised works.
Because I really, really liked this story.
I liked the sweetness of it. I liked it even when it bordered eye-roll-inducing sappiness.
I liked how everything was so delightfully normal. I liked how family and friends didn't just disappear when the crushing started.
I liked how John never forgot to put his daughter first. I liked how Bryan loved that about John.
I liked that there was a happy hetero-relationship model in the book too.
I liked that no one was vilified to make the gays look better.
I liked the slow-build of the romance. I liked the talking that came before the kisses. I liked the kisses that came before dry-humping. I liked the dry humping that came before the actual sex. And I liked...
I liked how the story was about more than just romance. I liked how it was about the coming to terms with a loss, the moving on with your life, and the falling in love again.
I liked how not everyone was supportive or even accepting.
I liked how it was about forgiveness.
I liked how this was imperfect story with few too many artificial emphasis on just how manly and gay John and Bryan are.
I liked how a few questions remained unanswered, because real life rarely gives us any answers at all.
I liked the quietness of it.
I liked how it ended in a place of hope and happiness.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
As of February 29th this review can now also be seen on Sandra's My Fiction Nook-blog.
August 27, 2011
3.5, more like it.
This is a story of John, a widower with a daughter, and Bryan, a guy he meets at the park and makes friends with. Bryan has his own issues to overcome as well.
I really liked that it took a while for the romantic and especially sexual part of the relationship to develop. It was very slow-paced, but only as far as development page-count wise. What I mean to say is that it took many pages in the book for the relationship to develop, but the actual relationship wasn't that slow. You'd get the impression that they were going at a snail's pace, but it was only the writing. It was only, what, a week or so after they met that they kissed. That really surprised me, because I guess I wasn't paying attention to the timeline, and then when it was mentioned, it threw me off. The book gave the appearance of more UST than there was actual UST. That's why my rating is lower.
They were really sweet together. I even cried at some point (meeting Eddie).
I was, however, surprised that a conversation with the daughter didn't happen. I wanted some more involvement on her part. Also, John hardly mentioned what happened with his mother to Bryan. Those felt like loose ends.
I was also surprised that their relationship was so top/bottom. John fantasized about bottoming for Bryan, I recall. But then it was never mentioned again.
Those were some things I thought could be expanded upon, while some other parts could have been tightened in order to make the story seem faster-paced (while the sexual relationship still remained in the same places in the story).
Overall, it was a nice read.
This is a story of John, a widower with a daughter, and Bryan, a guy he meets at the park and makes friends with. Bryan has his own issues to overcome as well.
I really liked that it took a while for the romantic and especially sexual part of the relationship to develop. It was very slow-paced, but only as far as development page-count wise. What I mean to say is that it took many pages in the book for the relationship to develop, but the actual relationship wasn't that slow. You'd get the impression that they were going at a snail's pace, but it was only the writing. It was only, what, a week or so after they met that they kissed. That really surprised me, because I guess I wasn't paying attention to the timeline, and then when it was mentioned, it threw me off. The book gave the appearance of more UST than there was actual UST. That's why my rating is lower.
They were really sweet together. I even cried at some point (meeting Eddie).
I was, however, surprised that a conversation with the daughter didn't happen. I wanted some more involvement on her part. Also, John hardly mentioned what happened with his mother to Bryan. Those felt like loose ends.
I was also surprised that their relationship was so top/bottom. John fantasized about bottoming for Bryan, I recall. But then it was never mentioned again.
Those were some things I thought could be expanded upon, while some other parts could have been tightened in order to make the story seem faster-paced (while the sexual relationship still remained in the same places in the story).
Overall, it was a nice read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2014
This book felt really long! I can't decide if that's a good thing or not.
Then it just ended.
It seriously narks the shit outta me when I turn the page and see "About the author" when I'm not ready for it. What the hell happened with John's mother? When did they tell Beth? Did Karen have a boy or a girl?
I feel like I was enjoying a Screwball ice-cream and there's no bubble-gum ball in the bottom.
I loved the characters though, they all understood each other, it was very harmonious, to the point I was wondering if I was gonna suddenly get hit with some massive catastrophe... but I didn't.
Sometimes it's nice to read an angst-free story.
Then it just ended.
It seriously narks the shit outta me when I turn the page and see "About the author" when I'm not ready for it. What the hell happened with John's mother? When did they tell Beth? Did Karen have a boy or a girl?
I feel like I was enjoying a Screwball ice-cream and there's no bubble-gum ball in the bottom.
I loved the characters though, they all understood each other, it was very harmonious, to the point I was wondering if I was gonna suddenly get hit with some massive catastrophe... but I didn't.
Sometimes it's nice to read an angst-free story.
August 16, 2011
Really sweet romantic story plotted in slow motion. I liked how the plot developed and how both main characters behaved around each other. In my opinion everything was left open and a lot unsolved, but then you can write whole life in couple of pages. In overall this story was truly well written romance with emotions and warm people.
July 19, 2011
I think I had too many expectations for this book, the last quarter was okay and the writing was good, unfortunately it went on for too long, slow and I mean really slow. Plus the children weren't exactly adorably cute.
September 10, 2011
Peaceful and understanding love story. Most people might find this boring. For me, food for soul.
September 29, 2022
John has been raising his daughter for five years with the help of his aunt. John misses his wife and has no genuine desire to find anyone else. While John and Beth are at the park, her new friend, Jeremy, shows up with his uncle Bryan in tow. Bryan and John hit off and become friends.
This book moves slowly, but given the history of John and Bryan, I was okay with the slow pace as the two progress from friends to lovers. We see many of John's day-to-day activities since he is the main narrator. We also see into his mind as he realizes that he is attracted to Bryan and how he handles that knowledge, along with seeing memories of his wife. Bryan and John have a heartbreaking past, so be prepared for some tears.
This book moves slowly, but given the history of John and Bryan, I was okay with the slow pace as the two progress from friends to lovers. We see many of John's day-to-day activities since he is the main narrator. We also see into his mind as he realizes that he is attracted to Bryan and how he handles that knowledge, along with seeing memories of his wife. Bryan and John have a heartbreaking past, so be prepared for some tears.
September 5, 2021
Bisexual father John McConnell lost his wife during childbirth five years ago and has been raising his daughter, Beth, with the help of his Aunt on Tybee Island. Bryan Simmons has his own issues after surviving a gay bashing. Bryan has come to the island and is living with his sister's family and helping with renovations to the B & B. These two meet at a local park when Beth meets Jeremy, Bryan's nephew. John is taken aback when he begins to experience an attraction to Bryan. Soon sparks begin to fly between them, but are they ready to move on from their past tragedies? An interesting take on a second chance at love story.
April 16, 2018
2 1/2 stars rounded up - This was a sssssllllloooooowwwww burn. The slowest I’ve ever read. This book takes place over roughly a one month period. I have read books that take place over a two week period and are over 500 pages that went so much quicker than this. I honestly would have DNFed this if I hadn’t loved the characters so much. I just wish the storyline had been more interesting. Had I known it was a slow burn, I would not have even bought the book. They just aren’t really my thing. So, lovable characters, slow story.
August 23, 2017
A sweet love story, great for a relaxing day when you don't want a lot of drama, just 2 sexy guys falling in love.
October 7, 2017
maybe 2.5 stars. I gotta admit I liked the premise and enjoyed the first 30-40%. But then the slowburn I enjoyed slowed down even more. And problems from Bryan's past weren't solved solved properly.
November 13, 2011
Sweet, But Too Simple
Widower John McConnell still grieves the love of his life, the woman he was lucky enough to marry but lost during the birth of their daughter. Five years has given him some perspective, though, and he's just as likely to wake up smiling from memories as he is to wake up aching with loss - which is a major improvement - and there's no doubt their daughter is a source of joy to him. After the first year, a dark time John would prefer to forget, he hasn't given thought to any sort of social life, his focus on raising his daughter and surviving his loss.
Life goes on, though, and grief eases eventually. One day John looks over at the uncle of his daughter's best friend, a handsome young man named Bryan Simmons, and feels a mix of desire and tenderness stir for the first time since he buried his wife. John has always known he wasn't totally straight - he'd dated a man before he met his wife - so it wasn't an issue of gender, but there was a sadness behind Bryan's eyes that John didn't understand. One he would be willing to help ease if Byran would take a chance on an older widower who may or may not have it in him to love again.
~*~
Though Sand & Water is a simple, sweet romance with a lovely setting and pleasant characters, it didn't do enough for me to set itself apart or make itself particularly memorable, and there were a few issues that bothered me. I felt a little overwhelmed by the superfluous detail in the narrative. It dragged down the pace of the story until it waddled along in places, moving slower than the turtles Bethy favored. I would have preferred more depth in the character definition and plot instead of the minute detail given to the characters' thoughts and actions.
I also thought story execution was lacking in sophistication, most notably in the beginning, which felt awkward and unnatural during the initial introduction of John and Bryan. Dialogue was stilted and odd and I had a hard time imagining any conversation between two strangers going that way, regardless of gender or sexuality. On a brighter note, the dialogue issues didn't continue, though a lack of sophistication in concept as well as design continue to plague the book throughout.
There was a noted lack of genuine conflict, either personal or relationship, that made the plot seem very one-note, and little was provided to flesh out either character. By the time either John or Bryan's history came up it became the sole source of potential relationship conflict, but without much given to really develop any of the fallout from the past, the rush to resolution washed out the emotional impact of some potentially significant backstory. I was also disappointed that none of the more timely issues and questions about how a relationship between John and Bryan would work were addressed or given more than a passing and nebulous nod.
My overall impression of the book was one of apathy. I can't say I disliked it, but there wasn't much given to me to really enjoy, either. Certainly nothing of significant merit was truly hashed out in this book, and what few personal issues the characters had were mostly addressed out of the reader's view or glossed over quickly. There was a lot of potential in both characters and story, but it went unrealized. I would have liked some genuine meat being added to the anemic plot and much more character definition provided to all of them. What's there isn't bad so much as it is mostly inconsequential and, unfortunately, forgettable.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Dreamspinner Press via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Widower John McConnell still grieves the love of his life, the woman he was lucky enough to marry but lost during the birth of their daughter. Five years has given him some perspective, though, and he's just as likely to wake up smiling from memories as he is to wake up aching with loss - which is a major improvement - and there's no doubt their daughter is a source of joy to him. After the first year, a dark time John would prefer to forget, he hasn't given thought to any sort of social life, his focus on raising his daughter and surviving his loss.
Life goes on, though, and grief eases eventually. One day John looks over at the uncle of his daughter's best friend, a handsome young man named Bryan Simmons, and feels a mix of desire and tenderness stir for the first time since he buried his wife. John has always known he wasn't totally straight - he'd dated a man before he met his wife - so it wasn't an issue of gender, but there was a sadness behind Bryan's eyes that John didn't understand. One he would be willing to help ease if Byran would take a chance on an older widower who may or may not have it in him to love again.
~*~
Though Sand & Water is a simple, sweet romance with a lovely setting and pleasant characters, it didn't do enough for me to set itself apart or make itself particularly memorable, and there were a few issues that bothered me. I felt a little overwhelmed by the superfluous detail in the narrative. It dragged down the pace of the story until it waddled along in places, moving slower than the turtles Bethy favored. I would have preferred more depth in the character definition and plot instead of the minute detail given to the characters' thoughts and actions.
I also thought story execution was lacking in sophistication, most notably in the beginning, which felt awkward and unnatural during the initial introduction of John and Bryan. Dialogue was stilted and odd and I had a hard time imagining any conversation between two strangers going that way, regardless of gender or sexuality. On a brighter note, the dialogue issues didn't continue, though a lack of sophistication in concept as well as design continue to plague the book throughout.
There was a noted lack of genuine conflict, either personal or relationship, that made the plot seem very one-note, and little was provided to flesh out either character. By the time either John or Bryan's history came up it became the sole source of potential relationship conflict, but without much given to really develop any of the fallout from the past, the rush to resolution washed out the emotional impact of some potentially significant backstory. I was also disappointed that none of the more timely issues and questions about how a relationship between John and Bryan would work were addressed or given more than a passing and nebulous nod.
My overall impression of the book was one of apathy. I can't say I disliked it, but there wasn't much given to me to really enjoy, either. Certainly nothing of significant merit was truly hashed out in this book, and what few personal issues the characters had were mostly addressed out of the reader's view or glossed over quickly. There was a lot of potential in both characters and story, but it went unrealized. I would have liked some genuine meat being added to the anemic plot and much more character definition provided to all of them. What's there isn't bad so much as it is mostly inconsequential and, unfortunately, forgettable.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Dreamspinner Press via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
October 22, 2015
Seit 5 Jahren zieht der Witwer John seine kleine Tochter Beth nur mit Hilfe seiner Tante Meg auf. Während Beth ein sehr fröhliches und kommunikatives Kind ist, trauert ihr Vater noch immer um Liz, die bei der Geburt der Tochter gestorben ist. John lebt nur für Beth und seine Arbeit als Statistiker. Freunde hat er kaum, auch wenn es in der ruhigen Gegend am Meer viele freundliche Menschen gibt. Darunter auch Bryan, der bei seiner Schwester, Schwager und deren kleinen Sohn Jeremy lebt und arbeitet.
Wie John kommt Bryan eigentlich aus der Stadt; dort wo er seine Homosexualität offen ausleben konnte. Doch ein tragisches Ereignis hat den angehenden Architekten völlig verändert und nun hat es ihn in die Beschaulichkeit der Küste gezogen. Dort lernt er nun John kennen und sie werden rasch Freunde, auch wenn sie auf den ersten Blick nicht so viel verbindet. Auch wen Bryan immer fröhlich und gelöst ist, merkt John schnell, dass auch Bryan nicht unbelastet durchs Leben geht. Es dauert eine Weile, bis Bryan sich John völlig öffnet und ihm Einblick gewährt. Jedoch bedeutet das nicht, dass er wirklich offen und bereit für einen Neuanfang – möglicherweise mit John – ist.
Sand & Water ist eine sehr nette Geschichte, die relativ ruhig und simpel erzählt wird. Beide Protagonisten tragen einen Sack voller Emotionen und schmerzlichen Erinnerungen mit sich herum. Und Beide befinden sich nun an einer Weggabelung, die wohl ihr weiteres Leben bestimmen wird. Positiv war für mich die Entwicklung der Freundschaft zwischen Bryan und John. Diese zieht sich über viele Seiten hin und es ist auch sehr rührig zu lesen, wie John sich seiner Gefühle Bryan gegenüber bewusst wird.
Als weniger erbaulich zu lesen fand ich hingegen den Umstand, dass sich ständig alles um Beth drehte. Beth hier, Daddy da. Immer wieder wurde tagtägliche Familienritual beschrieben – irgendwann wurde es langweilig. Dabei hätte der Stoff wirklich viel mehr hergegeben. Vor allem hätte mich die Vergangenheit beider Männer interessiert. Doch da wird nur das wirklich Relevante angeschnitten, kurz erklärt und ad acta gelegt. Das war mir persönlich dann einfach zu wenig.
Wie John kommt Bryan eigentlich aus der Stadt; dort wo er seine Homosexualität offen ausleben konnte. Doch ein tragisches Ereignis hat den angehenden Architekten völlig verändert und nun hat es ihn in die Beschaulichkeit der Küste gezogen. Dort lernt er nun John kennen und sie werden rasch Freunde, auch wenn sie auf den ersten Blick nicht so viel verbindet. Auch wen Bryan immer fröhlich und gelöst ist, merkt John schnell, dass auch Bryan nicht unbelastet durchs Leben geht. Es dauert eine Weile, bis Bryan sich John völlig öffnet und ihm Einblick gewährt. Jedoch bedeutet das nicht, dass er wirklich offen und bereit für einen Neuanfang – möglicherweise mit John – ist.
Sand & Water ist eine sehr nette Geschichte, die relativ ruhig und simpel erzählt wird. Beide Protagonisten tragen einen Sack voller Emotionen und schmerzlichen Erinnerungen mit sich herum. Und Beide befinden sich nun an einer Weggabelung, die wohl ihr weiteres Leben bestimmen wird. Positiv war für mich die Entwicklung der Freundschaft zwischen Bryan und John. Diese zieht sich über viele Seiten hin und es ist auch sehr rührig zu lesen, wie John sich seiner Gefühle Bryan gegenüber bewusst wird.
Als weniger erbaulich zu lesen fand ich hingegen den Umstand, dass sich ständig alles um Beth drehte. Beth hier, Daddy da. Immer wieder wurde tagtägliche Familienritual beschrieben – irgendwann wurde es langweilig. Dabei hätte der Stoff wirklich viel mehr hergegeben. Vor allem hätte mich die Vergangenheit beider Männer interessiert. Doch da wird nur das wirklich Relevante angeschnitten, kurz erklärt und ad acta gelegt. Das war mir persönlich dann einfach zu wenig.
October 4, 2011
Review found at:
http://www.rarelydustybooks.com/2011/...
John lost his wife during the birth of their daughter five years ago. He spent the first year trying to drown his sorrows in meaningless sexual encounters with men and women. He finally decided to make a new start and moved in with his aunt on the beach. He deals with his pain by keeping busy with work and raising his daughter Beth.
Bryan, who is openly gay, shows up in the small beach town to help his sister and her family, renovate an old Bed and Breakfast. He is also running from a relationship that has left him with an incredible amount of guilt and heartache.
Unfortunately, this story fell short for me. It touches on many highly emotional issues like moving on after the loss of a loved one, homophobia, and even church views on homosexuality, but there wasn’t much depth to it. I didn’t feel like the characters ever left the shallow end of the pool and the characters’ conversations on emotional issues were too neat and tidy if that makes sense. This is a very light read except for the scene where Bryan takes John to meet his ex. Their situation is heartbreaking.
I also felt this would have made a better novella. There were too many scenes with secondary characters doing mundane things without really moving the story along. I ended up skimming parts to get to John and Bryan’s story. My favorite part was when John and Bryan gave in to their needs. They had been taking things slow because they both had so much baggage, but the need to connect and feel love again was to strong. Unfortunately this doesn’t happen till the last 1/3 of the book.
This is just my opinion on this story and there are others who loved it so I suggest checking out some other reviews before deciding if this book is for you.
http://www.rarelydustybooks.com/2011/...
John lost his wife during the birth of their daughter five years ago. He spent the first year trying to drown his sorrows in meaningless sexual encounters with men and women. He finally decided to make a new start and moved in with his aunt on the beach. He deals with his pain by keeping busy with work and raising his daughter Beth.
Bryan, who is openly gay, shows up in the small beach town to help his sister and her family, renovate an old Bed and Breakfast. He is also running from a relationship that has left him with an incredible amount of guilt and heartache.
Unfortunately, this story fell short for me. It touches on many highly emotional issues like moving on after the loss of a loved one, homophobia, and even church views on homosexuality, but there wasn’t much depth to it. I didn’t feel like the characters ever left the shallow end of the pool and the characters’ conversations on emotional issues were too neat and tidy if that makes sense. This is a very light read except for the scene where Bryan takes John to meet his ex. Their situation is heartbreaking.
I also felt this would have made a better novella. There were too many scenes with secondary characters doing mundane things without really moving the story along. I ended up skimming parts to get to John and Bryan’s story. My favorite part was when John and Bryan gave in to their needs. They had been taking things slow because they both had so much baggage, but the need to connect and feel love again was to strong. Unfortunately this doesn’t happen till the last 1/3 of the book.
This is just my opinion on this story and there are others who loved it so I suggest checking out some other reviews before deciding if this book is for you.
September 7, 2011
REVIEW DONE BY ENA (MY MUM) FOR MY BLOG TOO
John McConnell is a widower and is getting along fine raising his daughter on Georgia's Tybee Island, though he wouldn't exactly say he's happy.John is haunted by the memory of his dead wife, he hasn't even considered dating again. All that changes when he meets Bryan Simmons in the park. It doesn't take long before John realizes that what he feels for Bryan could be something real. But how will John know when he's ready to move on?
Bryan carries his own heavy emotional baggage but with John's help, Bryan starts to put his demons to rest. Together John and Bryan lay the foundations for a relationship. It looks like they might finally leave their tragedies behind them that is until John takes a misstep that could turn a magical night together into their last.
This book has a really interesting storyline concept. I loved how the relationship between John and his daughter was portrayed it was really believable and heartwarming. I also liked the individual characters of John and Bryan and how they got together in a loving relationship. I wouldn't read it again even though I did enjoy the book as I found, in my opinion that the sexual aspect of the relationship was pushed to the fore too much and dwelled on too much. In short there were too many sex scenes in it for my liking. All that said I would recommend the book to the right sort of age group for the adult content contained in the book. A well written readable book!
Available from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk £16.99 paperback or £4.98 on kindle
John McConnell is a widower and is getting along fine raising his daughter on Georgia's Tybee Island, though he wouldn't exactly say he's happy.John is haunted by the memory of his dead wife, he hasn't even considered dating again. All that changes when he meets Bryan Simmons in the park. It doesn't take long before John realizes that what he feels for Bryan could be something real. But how will John know when he's ready to move on?
Bryan carries his own heavy emotional baggage but with John's help, Bryan starts to put his demons to rest. Together John and Bryan lay the foundations for a relationship. It looks like they might finally leave their tragedies behind them that is until John takes a misstep that could turn a magical night together into their last.
This book has a really interesting storyline concept. I loved how the relationship between John and his daughter was portrayed it was really believable and heartwarming. I also liked the individual characters of John and Bryan and how they got together in a loving relationship. I wouldn't read it again even though I did enjoy the book as I found, in my opinion that the sexual aspect of the relationship was pushed to the fore too much and dwelled on too much. In short there were too many sex scenes in it for my liking. All that said I would recommend the book to the right sort of age group for the adult content contained in the book. A well written readable book!
Available from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk £16.99 paperback or £4.98 on kindle
October 3, 2011
This book was reviewed for musings of a bookworm
The synopsis
Widower John McConnell gets along fine raising his daughter on Georgia's Tybee Island, though he wouldn't exactly say he's happy. Haunted by the memory of his dead wife, John hasn't considered dating again until he meets Bryan Simmons in the park. It isn't long before John realizes that what he feels for Bryan could be something real, but how will he know he's ready to move on?
As John soon discovers, Bryan carries some heavy emotional baggage of his own. With John's help, Bryan starts to put his demons to rest, and together they lay the foundation for a relationship. It looks like they might finally leave their tragedies behind them—until John takes a misstep that could turn a magical night together into their last.
My review
This is a beautiful story of a man journey trough the greif of his wife's death to being ready to fall in love again. This is really Johns story and is told from his perspective. I really like that the friendship and budding relationship is taken slowly. Bryan's story was sad and tragic but ment he could understand Johns feelings. At no time was the story rushed and this made it all the more believable and beautiful, when they got together it was hot to trot and worth the wait. If you like reading story about the human condition this is the book for you. It is gentle and stunning and you won't regret the journey.
The synopsis
Widower John McConnell gets along fine raising his daughter on Georgia's Tybee Island, though he wouldn't exactly say he's happy. Haunted by the memory of his dead wife, John hasn't considered dating again until he meets Bryan Simmons in the park. It isn't long before John realizes that what he feels for Bryan could be something real, but how will he know he's ready to move on?
As John soon discovers, Bryan carries some heavy emotional baggage of his own. With John's help, Bryan starts to put his demons to rest, and together they lay the foundation for a relationship. It looks like they might finally leave their tragedies behind them—until John takes a misstep that could turn a magical night together into their last.
My review
This is a beautiful story of a man journey trough the greif of his wife's death to being ready to fall in love again. This is really Johns story and is told from his perspective. I really like that the friendship and budding relationship is taken slowly. Bryan's story was sad and tragic but ment he could understand Johns feelings. At no time was the story rushed and this made it all the more believable and beautiful, when they got together it was hot to trot and worth the wait. If you like reading story about the human condition this is the book for you. It is gentle and stunning and you won't regret the journey.
February 2, 2013
I would like to start by saying I am not a fan of the Slow Burn romance. I have no patience and would like instant (or at least near instant) gratification when it comes to romance. Up until around the 80% mark the characters did little more than kiss. There was a lot of backstory told (the characters both had romantic tragedies in their past) but I just couldn't get myself interested enough in the backstory, or if I am being honest in the current romance. It seemed too long in the telling, almost stagnant. I found myself reading every other paragraph and skipping over large parts of the story as I didn't feel there was purpose or drive to what was written. Once the main characters finally decided to give the relationship a real try, the story ended. The reader isn't told how the relationship was disclosed to their families and friends. John has a young daughter - we never learn how she takes to her daddy and Bryan dating (is she excited, does she understand, etc). It just abruptly ends!!!! I read over two hundred pages of Bryan and John trying to decide if the should be together or be friends, building the me up and dragging me along. When the characters finally decide to try a real relationship and accept their love for each other - bang.....story over. Maybe there will be a book 2 to tell the tale of what comes next, I don't know. I do know overall I was disappointed.
December 1, 2015
Reading MM is getting more and more repetitive. Same stories, same douts and indecisions, same violence and rape and bashing episodes... Everything depends on author's ability to describe and characterize the novels and attract the reader. This one, for example, was boring for the most of the book. At the beginning, the encounter of the two soon-to-be-lovers might be rather appealing, the attraction, the doubts, the sense of guilt of the widower who was unconsolable for the loss of his beloved wife... And then, all of the sudden, the guilt disappears, the lust comes like a lighning struck and it is all "love" and gay thing. The one I supposed to be the charmer, the cheerful seducer becomes the impossible one, because of a past that is not yet past. And to get to the "L" moment the reader is forced to read all sort of reasonings of the first character about the right move and lots of gestures of everyday life I wondered why I had to read: why I had to read how the main character's technique in baking pies? or the cleaning arrangements of the loft in Atlanta? or moreover the garbage collection and disposal in the damster? A short emotional moment was given during the visit to Eddie's hospital, but it was too short and at the end still not so thrilling. A nice story that had not its right development.
July 31, 2011
I'd give it a 3.5
A sweet story filled with heavy emotional baggage by both John and Bryan. I liked that the guys started off as friends brought together by the two little kids Bethy and Jeremy. It was fun watching them interact and for the light to suddenly go on and for John to almost freak out when he realized he had romantic feeling for Bryan... feelings like he'd had for his deceased wife. I understood why the author chose to take their relationship slow but the details of daily life and including so many other people often made it seem a little plodding.
I loved the interaction with the two kids. They were full of boundless energy...I wish I had a little...and I appreciated that the men made certain their care and safety always came first. I liked the portrayal of Aunt Meghan, Kai, Bryan's family, and John's in-laws. The scene with John's homophobic mom added no value that I can see and could have been deleted. Without giving much away, I'll say that the most heart wrenching scenes are those where the guys visit Bryan's ex-lover in the facility where he now lives. Those will make you tear up. I guarantee it.
A sweet story filled with heavy emotional baggage by both John and Bryan. I liked that the guys started off as friends brought together by the two little kids Bethy and Jeremy. It was fun watching them interact and for the light to suddenly go on and for John to almost freak out when he realized he had romantic feeling for Bryan... feelings like he'd had for his deceased wife. I understood why the author chose to take their relationship slow but the details of daily life and including so many other people often made it seem a little plodding.
I loved the interaction with the two kids. They were full of boundless energy...I wish I had a little...and I appreciated that the men made certain their care and safety always came first. I liked the portrayal of Aunt Meghan, Kai, Bryan's family, and John's in-laws. The scene with John's homophobic mom added no value that I can see and could have been deleted. Without giving much away, I'll say that the most heart wrenching scenes are those where the guys visit Bryan's ex-lover in the facility where he now lives. Those will make you tear up. I guarantee it.
September 26, 2011
Sand and Water is a gentle love story staring two lovelorn heroes. John McConnell thinks his life is great even though he is raising his daughter alone ever since the death of his wife, Elizabeth. He has no time nor thoughts of dating any time soon… That is until an ordinary day spent at the park with his daughter he meets newcomer, Bryan Simmons. He likes what he sees and the more time John spends with Bryan the more he realizes just how much John wants more. No matter how much he tries to go slow with this new relationship yet … there is just something about Bryan that makes it hard to keep it from keeping just platonic.
Sand and Water is a sweet and romantic tale of John and Bryan.. I enjoyed the deep connection J & B had from the beginning. And one cannot help but love all the foreplay and what leads up to steamy hot love scenes!
Sand and Water is a sweet and romantic tale of John and Bryan.. I enjoyed the deep connection J & B had from the beginning. And one cannot help but love all the foreplay and what leads up to steamy hot love scenes!
June 20, 2013
I liked reading this book but when I finished it, I felt a bit disappointed, I think it didn't address everything it should have. Some of the theme should have been more deeply developed.
spoiler :
I think two points should have been developed while they have hardly been broached:
- the introduction of the boyfriend to Beth and how to live a gay relationship while having a kid. There are no solutions for that within the book.
- living as gay in a small town and the reaction of friends, I think it was not enough to just talk about it briefly with the Vicar.
I think those points are among the things that make reading MM more interesting than reading FM and it left me frustrated with the book which was not a bad book otherwise. It does not feel finished and not because I could not bear to part with the characters like with some other books.
spoiler :
I think two points should have been developed while they have hardly been broached:
- the introduction of the boyfriend to Beth and how to live a gay relationship while having a kid. There are no solutions for that within the book.
- living as gay in a small town and the reaction of friends, I think it was not enough to just talk about it briefly with the Vicar.
I think those points are among the things that make reading MM more interesting than reading FM and it left me frustrated with the book which was not a bad book otherwise. It does not feel finished and not because I could not bear to part with the characters like with some other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2013
I loved the story of John and Bryan. Both men have a lot of issues that could drag them down, but Connor does a great job at pushing them forward. I haven’t read any novels previously where a man discovers his bisexuality later in life, and I wondered how the author would get me there – could I believe that he could fall in love with a man, considering his love for his wife? How would they deal with the community’s expectations? Et cetera. And for me, I’m not all-for romances with children. But it worked. I thought it was nice that the romance came after they had established a relationship – that it wasn’t just jumping into the physical but were able to see them building trust, and love, and not even realizing it. Well worth reading.
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