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Chef, George Patras, is embracing life again. It’s been two years since David’s death and to honor him he’s opening a restaurant in his name.
Michelangelo Napolitano is a sweet bear of a guy, known in Dupont Circle as the singing mailman. He’s cute, funny, bold, impulsive, and light on his feet—one of which is often in his mouth.
George’s restaurant is on Mikey’s route. They see each other daily, yet date the wrong people. Will they ever see they’re perfect for each other?
There’s more Circle magic in this romantic comedy of blind dates, new love, and a whole lot of HEART.
Heart: Tales of the Circle Book 3, is a romantic comedy set in the gayborhood of Dupont Circle, in Washington, DC. It features characters from prior novels in the series that may enhance your enjoyment, but can easily be read as a standalone.
This book contains mature content.
Michelangelo Napolitano is a sweet bear of a guy, known in Dupont Circle as the singing mailman. He’s cute, funny, bold, impulsive, and light on his feet—one of which is often in his mouth.
George’s restaurant is on Mikey’s route. They see each other daily, yet date the wrong people. Will they ever see they’re perfect for each other?
There’s more Circle magic in this romantic comedy of blind dates, new love, and a whole lot of HEART.
Heart: Tales of the Circle Book 3, is a romantic comedy set in the gayborhood of Dupont Circle, in Washington, DC. It features characters from prior novels in the series that may enhance your enjoyment, but can easily be read as a standalone.
This book contains mature content.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2021
42 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Warren
51 books120 followersTimothy Warren lives in the Atlanta suburbs with his husband and their pets. When he is not writing, he is writing in his head... which often leads to strange looks from his spouse.
He loves writing about things that make him smile--the chemistry between men, in particular. Sex plays a big part in these relations, but love wins out more so with his enjoyment of telling these stories... as in life.
"I like to write about men being men and falling in love with men. And I love a happy ending."
You can reach out to him here:
https://www.facebook.com/timothy.warr...
He loves writing about things that make him smile--the chemistry between men, in particular. Sex plays a big part in these relations, but love wins out more so with his enjoyment of telling these stories... as in life.
"I like to write about men being men and falling in love with men. And I love a happy ending."
You can reach out to him here:
https://www.facebook.com/timothy.warr...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 15, 2021
I have really enjoyed all three of these books. Mickey and George are totally adorable. I’m happy to see there will be another book about Ralph.
May 9, 2021
I struggled with the first 30% and gave up some times. But aber that the characters grew on me and I liked the development. I really liked the whole series and it was fun meeting the characters from the first two books again.
June 2, 2022
Part of a series, but can stand alone. Dupont Circle, Washington, DC.
We meet our men and learn about each one, and they meet, after George sees and hears Mikey singing on the street. We then watch as each man goes on disastrous blind dates.
George, Greek, near 40, dark hair and stocky,
is a Chef who lost his husband two years ago. He's opening his own restaurant, and trying to move forward.
Mikey, Italian, near 40, bearded, hairy and and burly,
with short dark hair, and is a lively mailman who sings as he delivers the mail and also sings elsewhere. He takes care of his Mom and sister.
Both men get along with people and Mikey knows everyone in the area. Each man has friends who are too interested in their sex lives, but they care and are fun folks.
It's well written, with great characters, and it's a different story with lots of heart.
We watch the men realize that they are meant for each other, but Mikey has self-esteem issues, and George is still grieving. They begin to care more and more, as we see them get closer. We see their struggles, the fun times, and their sexy times are wonderful.
They deal with their issues, families, and we feel their deep thoughts, see the heartwarming times, and the love they develop. We get sad, happy, and hopeful, too.
The ending of this tender, lovely story is fantastic.
I loved it.
ENJOY !
=====
We meet our men and learn about each one, and they meet, after George sees and hears Mikey singing on the street. We then watch as each man goes on disastrous blind dates.
George, Greek, near 40, dark hair and stocky,
is a Chef who lost his husband two years ago. He's opening his own restaurant, and trying to move forward.
Mikey, Italian, near 40, bearded, hairy and and burly,
with short dark hair, and is a lively mailman who sings as he delivers the mail and also sings elsewhere. He takes care of his Mom and sister.
Both men get along with people and Mikey knows everyone in the area. Each man has friends who are too interested in their sex lives, but they care and are fun folks.
It's well written, with great characters, and it's a different story with lots of heart.
We watch the men realize that they are meant for each other, but Mikey has self-esteem issues, and George is still grieving. They begin to care more and more, as we see them get closer. We see their struggles, the fun times, and their sexy times are wonderful.
They deal with their issues, families, and we feel their deep thoughts, see the heartwarming times, and the love they develop. We get sad, happy, and hopeful, too.
The ending of this tender, lovely story is fantastic.
I loved it.
ENJOY !
=====
April 24, 2021
OK... I'll admit it, I was initially more attracted to the setting of this book than to the set-up. I've been a frequent visitor to DC over the years and have always loved the gayborhoods there.
DC is a weird mix of North and South; great restaurants, plenty of cultural distractions, plenty of embassies and plenty of old money. Plus the people I've met there have generally been friendly and somewhat lower-key than the Manhattanites I was used to dealing with.
The main characters here are both bearish men past thirty, more like my real-life friends than the younger svelter guys I generally read about. Both MCs are well-rounded, down-to-earth guys you might actually meet, with a cast of supportive friends,workmates, and family.
This is a relaxing, sweet romance, with low angst. And the sex is regular guy sex, not the sex one so often sees in books, between athletically gifted, gym bunnies. And yet, the problem with cuddly guys is that amid their outward geniality, there are often some soft-spots and insufficiently healed wounds. These guys are no exception, and this quickly becomes a tale of healing, community, friends, fellowship, and family.
And since one of the guys is a chef opening a new restaurant, now I'm hungry. Gosh, I haven't had a good saganaki in so long...
Still, if you've an appetite for a romantic tale of two regular guys finding each other and a bit of happiness as well, I can recommend this as a good place to start. This is a comfort read with a HEA ending and the promise of more books in the series to come. This IS the third in a series and I've not read either of the preceding books, but I don't feel that I missed anything because of that. I have added them to my ever-growing “want-to-read” list.
DC is a weird mix of North and South; great restaurants, plenty of cultural distractions, plenty of embassies and plenty of old money. Plus the people I've met there have generally been friendly and somewhat lower-key than the Manhattanites I was used to dealing with.
The main characters here are both bearish men past thirty, more like my real-life friends than the younger svelter guys I generally read about. Both MCs are well-rounded, down-to-earth guys you might actually meet, with a cast of supportive friends,workmates, and family.
This is a relaxing, sweet romance, with low angst. And the sex is regular guy sex, not the sex one so often sees in books, between athletically gifted, gym bunnies. And yet, the problem with cuddly guys is that amid their outward geniality, there are often some soft-spots and insufficiently healed wounds. These guys are no exception, and this quickly becomes a tale of healing, community, friends, fellowship, and family.
And since one of the guys is a chef opening a new restaurant, now I'm hungry. Gosh, I haven't had a good saganaki in so long...
Still, if you've an appetite for a romantic tale of two regular guys finding each other and a bit of happiness as well, I can recommend this as a good place to start. This is a comfort read with a HEA ending and the promise of more books in the series to come. This IS the third in a series and I've not read either of the preceding books, but I don't feel that I missed anything because of that. I have added them to my ever-growing “want-to-read” list.
April 22, 2021
4.5, rounded up...
I enjoyed the first two books in this series, which I discovered quite by accident, and was excited at the prospect of Mikey the singing mailman getting his HEA. Timothy Warren did not disappoint. It's not necessary to read the first two books to enjoy this one, but you should read them anyway, because they're great fun. Each has a different tone, and this one is very much tied to the DC-Baltimore area, and characters who could easily be walking down those streets right now. Just a couple of regular guys.
Timothy Warren has a gift for dialogue, and it's showcased in this book. The rhythm and cadence of Mikey and George's conversations feels natural and unforced.
They're sweet, sexy men, and I enjoyed their journey!
I enjoyed the first two books in this series, which I discovered quite by accident, and was excited at the prospect of Mikey the singing mailman getting his HEA. Timothy Warren did not disappoint. It's not necessary to read the first two books to enjoy this one, but you should read them anyway, because they're great fun. Each has a different tone, and this one is very much tied to the DC-Baltimore area, and characters who could easily be walking down those streets right now. Just a couple of regular guys.
Timothy Warren has a gift for dialogue, and it's showcased in this book. The rhythm and cadence of Mikey and George's conversations feels natural and unforced.
They're sweet, sexy men, and I enjoyed their journey!
April 21, 2021
No just no. This book, what I read of it before I couldn’t take it anymore, had so many issues for me. First of all the euphemisms for dick were bordering on ridiculous and there were a staggering amount of POV issues with both characters thoughts and feelings described but only supposedly from one POV which just annoys me. I wouldn’t have let those issues make me DNF on their own because that’s just my opinion. However, what I found unacceptable was the consent issues. If a man I was barely friends with exposed himself on a video call after I asked him to stop multiple times I would hang up and block him but then on top of that Mikey also pressures George into exposing himself too by manipulating him after he said no multiple times. I don’t care if George was “secretly” liking it or frozen and couldn’t hang up even though he knew he had the option Mikey didn’t know that and in my opinion the whole scene was extremely problematic. I couldn’t get past that scene at 30% so maybe the whole story got better but I’ll never know. I’m giving it two stars because I love a book without chiseled abs and bulging biceps (although it makes the cover model make no sense at all which also annoys me) but I am beyond disappointed in the authors lack of respect for consent.
May 19, 2021
Part three of the series
What shall I say. Again a great book. Where in TRUE the findings of themselves and the description of landscape were the outstanding theme and in SECRET it was the thrill, it´s in HEART the emotions of the two main characters. Both have their personal, emotional problems and it´s amazing to see how the two guys George and Mickey are finding together and heal them mutual. The process of their relation ship is so amazing, Timothy is writing this story so great that you can feel every little thing between the two. I have suffered with them together. I loved the two other books really, especially SECRET because of the thrill but HEART is so emotional, no topping. Well let´s see how part 4 "Snow time for love" will be.
Over all three books you can see how there is building a family from former friends. It´s great to meet all the characters again. I like that kind of story telling.
What shall I say. Again a great book. Where in TRUE the findings of themselves and the description of landscape were the outstanding theme and in SECRET it was the thrill, it´s in HEART the emotions of the two main characters. Both have their personal, emotional problems and it´s amazing to see how the two guys George and Mickey are finding together and heal them mutual. The process of their relation ship is so amazing, Timothy is writing this story so great that you can feel every little thing between the two. I have suffered with them together. I loved the two other books really, especially SECRET because of the thrill but HEART is so emotional, no topping. Well let´s see how part 4 "Snow time for love" will be.
Over all three books you can see how there is building a family from former friends. It´s great to meet all the characters again. I like that kind of story telling.
April 16, 2021
Fantastic story!! The first chapter grabbed me and didn’t let go, super-hot and steamy. I seriously loved Mikey!!! He had no filter, so funny! George is starting over, two after his husband’s death he’s finally moving on and opening a restaurant in the gay district, Dupont Circle. Mikey is the mailman, open and friendly. George is somewhat broken but slowly coming out of his mourning. Mikey asks George out but he’s not ready and wants to be friends. The two slowly gravitate to each other. They had an awesome connection and great chemistry. I loved how the author brought back Demarco and Jack from Secret and Alec and Tyler in True! It was awesome catching up with their lives and how they had progressed. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
April 23, 2021
My favorite in the series yet!
I absolutely loved Mikey and George. George is a chef opening his own restaurant on honor of his late husband it’s the only thing he wants to focus on, he doesn’t think he’ll ever be ready to date again. Enter the singing mailman Mikey and a budding friendship morphs into more after some crazy over the top failed dates (with other guys) and some interesting late night phone conversations. The sweetness between these two men made me swoony and not to mention the steam level them is smoking! We get to see the guys from the first two books as well and how they and their families are all doing now. This book was exactly as it advertises full of Heart.
I absolutely loved Mikey and George. George is a chef opening his own restaurant on honor of his late husband it’s the only thing he wants to focus on, he doesn’t think he’ll ever be ready to date again. Enter the singing mailman Mikey and a budding friendship morphs into more after some crazy over the top failed dates (with other guys) and some interesting late night phone conversations. The sweetness between these two men made me swoony and not to mention the steam level them is smoking! We get to see the guys from the first two books as well and how they and their families are all doing now. This book was exactly as it advertises full of Heart.
April 23, 2021
sweet short cute easy read.. it was adorable and interesting.. it was well written and curious. i enjoyed it
May 8, 2021
Gorgeously funny romance from Timothy Warren with likeable real men, food and laughter. Highly recommended!
April 23, 2021
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Heart is the third book in the Tales of the Circle series. Knowledge of the previous books is not necessary but it would enhance the reading experience. I came into this book without any idea about the other characters or this series in general. Reading this book does not make one feel as if there is something missing in the story.
This story is a really sweet romance. A very light read during a lazy day, sunny day while sipping some cold drink and nibbling on some light snack.
The story revolves between George Patras, a chef and a widower who has just started his path to embracing life again and Michelangelo Napolitano, a sweet, cheerful and vivacious bear of man. Mikey had terrible luck with his previous boyfriends while George who is still mourning his husband is very reluctant to open up and try the dating scene. When these two people met, it seems like fate has decided that they were meant for each other. It isn't insta-love though they have some really good chemistry going on between them. Being a constant in each other's life has helped their friendship grow strong.
There were moments where I as the reader wanted to just bash the characters' head together for not figuring things out sooner but those are few and far in between.
I did have a whiplash though when the friendship between George and Mikey took a more romantic turn, but then they also avoided what was between them, tried dating others before finally finding their happy ever after. In some ways those felt surreal and unreal but the way these two were written and the supporting cast made up for that. The characters for me are the center piece of this story and they are loveable.
I'd still recommend this book despite the issues that I mentioned as it still is a good story with very endearing characters.
This is a 4 stars for me.
Heart is the third book in the Tales of the Circle series. Knowledge of the previous books is not necessary but it would enhance the reading experience. I came into this book without any idea about the other characters or this series in general. Reading this book does not make one feel as if there is something missing in the story.
This story is a really sweet romance. A very light read during a lazy day, sunny day while sipping some cold drink and nibbling on some light snack.
The story revolves between George Patras, a chef and a widower who has just started his path to embracing life again and Michelangelo Napolitano, a sweet, cheerful and vivacious bear of man. Mikey had terrible luck with his previous boyfriends while George who is still mourning his husband is very reluctant to open up and try the dating scene. When these two people met, it seems like fate has decided that they were meant for each other. It isn't insta-love though they have some really good chemistry going on between them. Being a constant in each other's life has helped their friendship grow strong.
There were moments where I as the reader wanted to just bash the characters' head together for not figuring things out sooner but those are few and far in between.
I did have a whiplash though when the friendship between George and Mikey took a more romantic turn, but then they also avoided what was between them, tried dating others before finally finding their happy ever after. In some ways those felt surreal and unreal but the way these two were written and the supporting cast made up for that. The characters for me are the center piece of this story and they are loveable.
I'd still recommend this book despite the issues that I mentioned as it still is a good story with very endearing characters.
This is a 4 stars for me.
May 1, 2021
Both George and Mikey are strong, compelling characters. Mikey, in particular, is awesome, because he’s utterly guileless and lives his life with his whole heart-- a constant act of bravery for which he’s not always rewarded. Watching him patiently, hopefully, hovering in George’s life until noticed for who he really is is both heartwarming and a little heartbreaking, until, of course, it all starts to go right. Their romance is exactly what they both need, and George finds in Mikey what he didn’t even know he could look for. I also liked the supporting characters, some of whom will definitely look familiar to readers of the author’s previous works.
I liked the romance, and the characters. The plot was sometimes more description than events, and while all the food sounds delicious (it really, really does) it was occasionally overwhelming, and distracting. George is a chef, I know, and maybe I’m just complaining here because I found it impossible to read this novel and not crave Italian/Greek fusion. Another quirk of the reading experience for me was that George sometimes feels like he’s a stand in for the author, narrating his own life more than experiencing it, particularly in his conversations with Mikey, which are often him explaining his, or Mikey’s personality and/or emotions. It’s saved from feeling too overtly like an authorial device by the sheer sweetness of their conversations’ content-- it’s hard to mind that George is sometimes explication in human form when he and Mikey are so good together. Overall, a really enjoyable read.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked the romance, and the characters. The plot was sometimes more description than events, and while all the food sounds delicious (it really, really does) it was occasionally overwhelming, and distracting. George is a chef, I know, and maybe I’m just complaining here because I found it impossible to read this novel and not crave Italian/Greek fusion. Another quirk of the reading experience for me was that George sometimes feels like he’s a stand in for the author, narrating his own life more than experiencing it, particularly in his conversations with Mikey, which are often him explaining his, or Mikey’s personality and/or emotions. It’s saved from feeling too overtly like an authorial device by the sheer sweetness of their conversations’ content-- it’s hard to mind that George is sometimes explication in human form when he and Mikey are so good together. Overall, a really enjoyable read.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2021
This book put a smile on my face and a chuckle as soon as I started reading it. Mikey’s joy is shining through the pages. The book started out like an opening scene of a romantic comedy show, complete with radio show references after the most vivid “dream” scene Mikey had. I knew it was going to keep me smiling after that.
What I love about this feel-good book is the fact that it’s an everyday-Joes falling-in-love kind of story. There’s no rockstars, there’s no bazillionaires, just a postman with contagious joy and singing pipes like no other, and a chef who’s moving on from a devastating loss of his husband.
The journey Mikey and George went through to find HEA with each other is so endearing. It’s not perfect but it’s theirs. Even their bedroom stuff, Mikey’s early pearlies.. it’s all real-life stuff that couples facez George and Mikey worked through that challenge too.
There are tender moments in this book as well. Moments that made me teary-eyed. All real feels. I also loved that Mr. Warren put in a lot of songs in the scenes, it sets the mood and I listened to them while reading the scenes itself. Amazing!
The supporting characters in this story are remarkable too. I’ll forever be thinking May and George are indeed the Circle’s own Will and Grace.
Oh, and now I have another author to instantly follow! I’m going to have to backread the other books in this series.
If you’re in search of an adorable talented bear and a loving chef, then this book is the one you’re looking for. It’s a feel-good, smile-through-pages, all-heart, read.
What I love about this feel-good book is the fact that it’s an everyday-Joes falling-in-love kind of story. There’s no rockstars, there’s no bazillionaires, just a postman with contagious joy and singing pipes like no other, and a chef who’s moving on from a devastating loss of his husband.
The journey Mikey and George went through to find HEA with each other is so endearing. It’s not perfect but it’s theirs. Even their bedroom stuff, Mikey’s early pearlies.. it’s all real-life stuff that couples facez George and Mikey worked through that challenge too.
There are tender moments in this book as well. Moments that made me teary-eyed. All real feels. I also loved that Mr. Warren put in a lot of songs in the scenes, it sets the mood and I listened to them while reading the scenes itself. Amazing!
The supporting characters in this story are remarkable too. I’ll forever be thinking May and George are indeed the Circle’s own Will and Grace.
Oh, and now I have another author to instantly follow! I’m going to have to backread the other books in this series.
If you’re in search of an adorable talented bear and a loving chef, then this book is the one you’re looking for. It’s a feel-good, smile-through-pages, all-heart, read.
June 8, 2021
Appropriately titled Heart, this book has mine. Mikey the Mailman caught my eye from book one, and I immediately loved George and his bestie from their introduction here. There is such sweetness here, such giving and joy in how Mikey approaches people, but such insecurity too, he felt incredibly real, while also being so amazing (a singing mailman serenading the streets!) that he seemed like a fantastic creature I wished would come to life.
I have to admit, this just pushes all my buttons - anxious real people, music as self-expression, chosen family, cooking for that chosen family, feeling anxious about approaching someone but wanting to make them smile, eventually figuring out that you like someone and then struggling to say it, actually communicating about what you need and want in a relationship, and then even some personal insight and growth. All my story hard-ons!
It was really difficult to read the last page - I didn't want this to be over, particularly as characters from previous books showed up to populate this beautiful extended family with joy, laughter, individuality, and puppies! I can't wait to see what Timothy Warren has in store next!
I have to admit, this just pushes all my buttons - anxious real people, music as self-expression, chosen family, cooking for that chosen family, feeling anxious about approaching someone but wanting to make them smile, eventually figuring out that you like someone and then struggling to say it, actually communicating about what you need and want in a relationship, and then even some personal insight and growth. All my story hard-ons!
It was really difficult to read the last page - I didn't want this to be over, particularly as characters from previous books showed up to populate this beautiful extended family with joy, laughter, individuality, and puppies! I can't wait to see what Timothy Warren has in store next!
April 21, 2021
Mikey's Delightful Story
So having read and enjoyed the previous two books in the series, I was eager to read Mikey’s story and hope that he could find true love with someone. I loved Mikey, he was a great character, so loveable but jaded by the dating game in general and some of his dates weren’t what he was expecting. Then he meets George who owns a new business on his postal round. George was also very sweet and not necessarily looking for love.
The characters were likeable and overall, the story was an endearing read. I loved Mikey’s vulnerability and how George supported and encouraged him.
I suppose my only bug bear were the many references throughout the book to songs and movies that I didn’t necessarily understand. I don’t mind a few sprinkled through the book but there was a few too many for me.
Would I recommend this book? Definitely. It’s a real feel-good book and so happy for Mikey! I loved that we got to catch up with the characters from True and Secret, and if you haven’t read those yet, it might be an idea to give those ago first although Mikey and George’s story can be read as a standalone.
So having read and enjoyed the previous two books in the series, I was eager to read Mikey’s story and hope that he could find true love with someone. I loved Mikey, he was a great character, so loveable but jaded by the dating game in general and some of his dates weren’t what he was expecting. Then he meets George who owns a new business on his postal round. George was also very sweet and not necessarily looking for love.
The characters were likeable and overall, the story was an endearing read. I loved Mikey’s vulnerability and how George supported and encouraged him.
I suppose my only bug bear were the many references throughout the book to songs and movies that I didn’t necessarily understand. I don’t mind a few sprinkled through the book but there was a few too many for me.
Would I recommend this book? Definitely. It’s a real feel-good book and so happy for Mikey! I loved that we got to catch up with the characters from True and Secret, and if you haven’t read those yet, it might be an idea to give those ago first although Mikey and George’s story can be read as a standalone.
April 24, 2021
Gosh I love this series. I love how real these characters are with their insecurities and imperfections. I love how the author has written about men of different races and body type in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Mikey and George’s budding relationship from friends to lovers. Everything felt very organic the way their relationship progressed.
What I really loved, were the times Mikey couldn’t think of the word or didn’t know the meaning of a word. George was in tune enough to finish his words or kindly define the word. Maybe because that happens to me a lot, but that small touch to the character made my think, “just like IRL.” It just felt right.
There are a few instances where the descriptors for cock get a little out of hand. I’m dying laughing just thinking about it. Not sure if that was the authors intent, but it drew my attention in to the point of laughing and rolling my eyes.
If you are looking for a series about characters who are stumbling their way through life seeking out happiness and love with absolutely no angst, this series is perfect for you. I’m so happy I found this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Mikey and George’s budding relationship from friends to lovers. Everything felt very organic the way their relationship progressed.
What I really loved, were the times Mikey couldn’t think of the word or didn’t know the meaning of a word. George was in tune enough to finish his words or kindly define the word. Maybe because that happens to me a lot, but that small touch to the character made my think, “just like IRL.” It just felt right.
There are a few instances where the descriptors for cock get a little out of hand. I’m dying laughing just thinking about it. Not sure if that was the authors intent, but it drew my attention in to the point of laughing and rolling my eyes.
If you are looking for a series about characters who are stumbling their way through life seeking out happiness and love with absolutely no angst, this series is perfect for you. I’m so happy I found this author.
May 22, 2021
Mikey is so adorable and warm that I just want to give him a big squishy hug while belting out tunes with him. Timothy Warren is still a new to me author but I really enjoyed reading Heart (Mikey and George's story) which is Book 3 in his Tales of the Circle series. It can be read as a standalone according to other reviews and the story tag but it fits well in to the Tales of the Circle series since familiar faces pop into George and Mikey's life.
Their names were really familiar to me because I read Snow Time for Love when it was a freebie and unmodified so I had to go back and read Heart to understand George and Mikey's story. This was a wonderful friends to lovers story between two men who have been hurt in the past and can't see what's right in front of them. George is still grieving the loss of his husband and decides to open a restaurant named David's to honor him. Mikey is the local singing mailman who discovers David's on his route and becomes friends with George. From beginning to end, I had a grin and a chuckle on my lips. A delightful and enjoyable read that made me so hungry thanks to all the food porn *drooling* Can't wait to read more by this author!
Their names were really familiar to me because I read Snow Time for Love when it was a freebie and unmodified so I had to go back and read Heart to understand George and Mikey's story. This was a wonderful friends to lovers story between two men who have been hurt in the past and can't see what's right in front of them. George is still grieving the loss of his husband and decides to open a restaurant named David's to honor him. Mikey is the local singing mailman who discovers David's on his route and becomes friends with George. From beginning to end, I had a grin and a chuckle on my lips. A delightful and enjoyable read that made me so hungry thanks to all the food porn *drooling* Can't wait to read more by this author!
December 1, 2021
November 6th:
I'm about halfway through and every great thing I've heard about this book is true. I love George and am so proud of his journey so far. Mikey is ... Mikey. He can shake off a bad mood or personal slight faster than anyone I know. He's all about positivity and joy, and makes that choice each day. But that doesn't mean he doesn't feel deeply. A few of his moments have blown me a way. They are funny individually, but together ... their sense of humor is next level. I can't wait to finish it!
November 13th:
I finally had some sit-down reading time and was able to finish. I've already raved about the first half of the book, about how much the romantic couple works, so I'm going to take this time to mention how much the second half of the book focuses on family. Mikey is overwhelmed by his own expectations of his role in his family and I loved how he finally spoke about his fears. And Mikey and George have a beautiful group of friends who may as well be family. We saw all of our previous couples and picked up more friends along the way. It was a feel good story all the way to the end.
I'm about halfway through and every great thing I've heard about this book is true. I love George and am so proud of his journey so far. Mikey is ... Mikey. He can shake off a bad mood or personal slight faster than anyone I know. He's all about positivity and joy, and makes that choice each day. But that doesn't mean he doesn't feel deeply. A few of his moments have blown me a way. They are funny individually, but together ... their sense of humor is next level. I can't wait to finish it!
November 13th:
I finally had some sit-down reading time and was able to finish. I've already raved about the first half of the book, about how much the romantic couple works, so I'm going to take this time to mention how much the second half of the book focuses on family. Mikey is overwhelmed by his own expectations of his role in his family and I loved how he finally spoke about his fears. And Mikey and George have a beautiful group of friends who may as well be family. We saw all of our previous couples and picked up more friends along the way. It was a feel good story all the way to the end.
April 27, 2021
4.5 stars
This was a feel-good, easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed and although this is book 3 in the series I had no trouble reading it as a stand-alone.
Mikey the mailman is adorable and sweet and George was so lovely and deserved to find love again. They are great together and I liked that that everything felt so real, from the bad dates, the negotiations, and the slow pace, of their steamier moments due to Mikey’s anxiousness, to the wonderful food descriptions, including Pastitsio which I googled, made and is now a new favourite meal.
It is a fun, heartwarming story of love that I highly recommend.
I was given an ARC of this book to review and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
This was a feel-good, easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed and although this is book 3 in the series I had no trouble reading it as a stand-alone.
Mikey the mailman is adorable and sweet and George was so lovely and deserved to find love again. They are great together and I liked that that everything felt so real, from the bad dates, the negotiations, and the slow pace, of their steamier moments due to Mikey’s anxiousness, to the wonderful food descriptions, including Pastitsio which I googled, made and is now a new favourite meal.
It is a fun, heartwarming story of love that I highly recommend.
I was given an ARC of this book to review and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
April 30, 2021
Heart is the third book in the Tales of the Circle series by author Timothy Warren. I liked this story a lot. It is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. About characters that are imperfectly right for each other.
George is a chef. He is embracing life again after losing his husband. He even named his restaurant after him. I liked the heart and soul of this character he feels deeply.
Mikey he is known in town as the singing mailman. He is full of sunshine and love. He is the perfect man to get George out of his depression.
This is a beautiful love story. A friendship to lovers’ story which is my favorite kind. I did not read this series in order and I was not lost at all starting here. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Five Shooting Stars
George is a chef. He is embracing life again after losing his husband. He even named his restaurant after him. I liked the heart and soul of this character he feels deeply.
Mikey he is known in town as the singing mailman. He is full of sunshine and love. He is the perfect man to get George out of his depression.
This is a beautiful love story. A friendship to lovers’ story which is my favorite kind. I did not read this series in order and I was not lost at all starting here. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Five Shooting Stars
May 3, 2021
Need recipes! George struggles moving on from his loss. But he takes the step, then he follows through with more. Michaelangelo is exactly who he appears to be. No guile, no deceptions no hidden agendas. He is the type of person everyone should have in their lives. He provides balance. George and Micky do a quick step through their relationship, slightly off beat. Will they sync up? Will George open his heart as well as his eyes and see Micky for who he could be to/for George? Does Micky have an unlimited amount of patience? The other characters bring the 'community' to the story. The journey makes an excellent read that pulls at your heart strings. Will George reach his goals? Story makes you feel good about life. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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May 2, 2021DNF at 46% I really had to force myself just to get to this point. I'm curious about the age of the author cause this is not an accurate depiction of 40 years olds. I'm 35 and feel old reading this. I just don't have the patience these days for this. 🤷♀️ Not rating
May 3, 2021
3.5 stars for this low angst sweet love story.
In Heart we see Mikey, the sweet, Italian bear of a mailman meeting and falling for the new restaurant owner, George who is also a widower not ready for love.
The story was sweet, low on angst and high on humour and romantic notions. For George, opening the restaurant was the final tribute to his late husband, and another step towards letting go and getting a chance at a happy life, again. Mikey is the kind, joyful and confident blue collar worker who immediatly crushes on George. He's also responsible for his mother and sister after his dad died and takes his duty seriously.
Their flirting, their disastrous dates with other people, the small things they do for the other, Mikey's singing and George's hearty food bring this pair closer and closer to the reader.
I haven't read the first two books in the series but I can imagine the sweet stories of the Circle and the characters popping up in this book giving advice and just plain being the friends our two main characters need. May, George's best friend is too a very great supporting character, her being queer and the best support for George being her greates traits.
This story touched some pretty serious and unconventional topics. One, of course, being grief over a lost spouse. The other being the insecurities someone's weight and quirkiness can produce when you don't trust people for wanting you as you. And the last one being a bit more on the intimate part... quick ejaculation brought on by mostly stress in intimate situations. Not a lot books talk about much, so this actually was a great shining moment for this book.
All in all, the story was sweet, lovely, funny and sometimes serious but with really little angst and drama. It was a heartfelt and warm story that just hugged me and gave me smiles.
In Heart we see Mikey, the sweet, Italian bear of a mailman meeting and falling for the new restaurant owner, George who is also a widower not ready for love.
The story was sweet, low on angst and high on humour and romantic notions. For George, opening the restaurant was the final tribute to his late husband, and another step towards letting go and getting a chance at a happy life, again. Mikey is the kind, joyful and confident blue collar worker who immediatly crushes on George. He's also responsible for his mother and sister after his dad died and takes his duty seriously.
Their flirting, their disastrous dates with other people, the small things they do for the other, Mikey's singing and George's hearty food bring this pair closer and closer to the reader.
I haven't read the first two books in the series but I can imagine the sweet stories of the Circle and the characters popping up in this book giving advice and just plain being the friends our two main characters need. May, George's best friend is too a very great supporting character, her being queer and the best support for George being her greates traits.
This story touched some pretty serious and unconventional topics. One, of course, being grief over a lost spouse. The other being the insecurities someone's weight and quirkiness can produce when you don't trust people for wanting you as you. And the last one being a bit more on the intimate part... quick ejaculation brought on by mostly stress in intimate situations. Not a lot books talk about much, so this actually was a great shining moment for this book.
All in all, the story was sweet, lovely, funny and sometimes serious but with really little angst and drama. It was a heartfelt and warm story that just hugged me and gave me smiles.
April 22, 2021
This was a really sweet romance. Cute, light and yummy, but also with some flaws.
The protagonists, Mikey and George were absolute sweethearts. Mikey hasn't had any luck with his previous boyfriends, while George was still mourning his husband, so when they first met, although Mikey was immediately interested in George, the latter wasn't yet ready to date. The saw each other daily and they became a constant in each other's lives, and I liked seeing their friendship grow.
Fact was, the way things changed between them, going beyond friendship, didn't really convince me. An impromptu steamy video call happened, but they chose to put their desire on the back burner and dated other people, to kind of fall in bed together at some point. After that, to me they seemed more like teenagers ridden by hormones rather than adults building on their emotions connection. Also, Mikey went from being happy with his life to doubting his self worth compared to George's accomplishments, at least it felt that way to me. And, I could never shake the feeling that George was less invested in their relationship than Mikey was.
Even though I ended up that tiny bit not assured of their romance, I loved Mikey and George to bits because they were amazing men. I'm thrilled they'd found each other and that they were happy, and the two of them together with the secondary characters kept a smile plastered on my face from the first page to the last one of the story.
The protagonists, Mikey and George were absolute sweethearts. Mikey hasn't had any luck with his previous boyfriends, while George was still mourning his husband, so when they first met, although Mikey was immediately interested in George, the latter wasn't yet ready to date. The saw each other daily and they became a constant in each other's lives, and I liked seeing their friendship grow.
Fact was, the way things changed between them, going beyond friendship, didn't really convince me. An impromptu steamy video call happened, but they chose to put their desire on the back burner and dated other people, to kind of fall in bed together at some point. After that, to me they seemed more like teenagers ridden by hormones rather than adults building on their emotions connection. Also, Mikey went from being happy with his life to doubting his self worth compared to George's accomplishments, at least it felt that way to me. And, I could never shake the feeling that George was less invested in their relationship than Mikey was.
Even though I ended up that tiny bit not assured of their romance, I loved Mikey and George to bits because they were amazing men. I'm thrilled they'd found each other and that they were happy, and the two of them together with the secondary characters kept a smile plastered on my face from the first page to the last one of the story.
May 16, 2021
Sometimes, what you need is right there in front of you..
This was a funny slow burn about two guys that are struggling in the modern dating world to find something real while the real thing is right under their nose. George is opening a new restaurant in honor of his husband who passed two years ago. He is nervous and excited at this new opportunity. He is ready to move on, but at the same time he is hesitant to jump back into dating and relationships, hiding behind his new business. His friends won't let it slide though so he is pretty much pushed into dating, which ends juts like one might expect. While Mikey was one of the first to ask him out, George rejected him and they stayed friends instead, while each of them continue to date other people. It is kind of funny to see them ignore their easy connection and dating potential, but kind of sad too. They are ignoring the obvious and going for bad date choices instead which is humorous and exasperating at the same time.
It was a nice enough story with funny characters, I just wish it wasn't so cringe worthy on some occasions and rather overly dramatic. But other than that, it was fine.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
This was a funny slow burn about two guys that are struggling in the modern dating world to find something real while the real thing is right under their nose. George is opening a new restaurant in honor of his husband who passed two years ago. He is nervous and excited at this new opportunity. He is ready to move on, but at the same time he is hesitant to jump back into dating and relationships, hiding behind his new business. His friends won't let it slide though so he is pretty much pushed into dating, which ends juts like one might expect. While Mikey was one of the first to ask him out, George rejected him and they stayed friends instead, while each of them continue to date other people. It is kind of funny to see them ignore their easy connection and dating potential, but kind of sad too. They are ignoring the obvious and going for bad date choices instead which is humorous and exasperating at the same time.
It was a nice enough story with funny characters, I just wish it wasn't so cringe worthy on some occasions and rather overly dramatic. But other than that, it was fine.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
April 23, 2021
Well ok.. yes two regular men.. But Mikey is so sweet and quirky!! Mikey is big bear of a sweetheart - a singing Mailman!! Need I say more? George is just trying to get out two years after losing his partner.. So we have Mikey who is a bit insecure and George who is timid about getting involved again. So two imperfect regular guys.. but perfect for each other.. They actually become friends at first.. so this kind of becomes a Friends to Lovers romance. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is I just really could not understand them dating others instead of just either! but that is all me.. the other dates are just funny!! I guess I am more of an insta lover!! LOL.. I received and ARC of this book.. and I definitely recommend it to people who like realistic romances with all the quirks and awkwardness that come with real live Love!!!
May 4, 2021
This book is an absolute gem. I always connect and enjoy books that have couples who face real life challenges and have to work for their relationship.
Mikey has so much joy. He is known throughout out the circle as the singing mailman. His joy is so infectious it bleeds through the pages of the book leaving a smile on your face as you read. George is trying to move on from the death of his husband. He is reluctant to try the dating scene again.
It was slightly frustrating because I wanted them to get together before they finally did, but it was great that it wasn't an insta love and showed them growing their friendship to make a solid structure for their romantic relationship.
This was a great addition to the first two books in the series. Another win!
Mikey has so much joy. He is known throughout out the circle as the singing mailman. His joy is so infectious it bleeds through the pages of the book leaving a smile on your face as you read. George is trying to move on from the death of his husband. He is reluctant to try the dating scene again.
It was slightly frustrating because I wanted them to get together before they finally did, but it was great that it wasn't an insta love and showed them growing their friendship to make a solid structure for their romantic relationship.
This was a great addition to the first two books in the series. Another win!
April 22, 2021
A sweet, low on angst story.
The buildup is slow but steady btw Mikey and George. Mikey's character was so unique in that he, being a mailman, delivered his mail with songs from his soul and this is what first caught George's attention and his heart. Mikey just came off as one big cuddly bear of a man. This book was a nice change of pace. George was the widower; not sure, he could ever love again, and Mikey the optimist, who at first wanted friendship, but awoke to his desire for more from George. Secondary characters from the other 2 books in this Tales of the Circle series show up to add to the plot. This is a story I got as an ARC and I'm leaving a voluntary review.
The buildup is slow but steady btw Mikey and George. Mikey's character was so unique in that he, being a mailman, delivered his mail with songs from his soul and this is what first caught George's attention and his heart. Mikey just came off as one big cuddly bear of a man. This book was a nice change of pace. George was the widower; not sure, he could ever love again, and Mikey the optimist, who at first wanted friendship, but awoke to his desire for more from George. Secondary characters from the other 2 books in this Tales of the Circle series show up to add to the plot. This is a story I got as an ARC and I'm leaving a voluntary review.
April 22, 2021
George and Mikey were a hoot and so genuine you couldn't help but fall in love with these men. Mikey was outgoing yet suffered with insecurities and was loving and kind, George was still hurting due to past pain and at first ready for Mikey's fabulousness. I loved how they bonded and seem to just fit together and there was no drama just steam and nosy yet helpful friends. I adored catching up with past characters and seeing how they are getting on. I couldn't get enough of all the trivia info and throwback comments. A beautiful love story unfolds that will wrap around you making you feel happy.
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