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Storming Love: One Storm, Twelve Men #5
Nelson & Caleb
A hurricane, a cat, and a secret.
Nelson Dunn's settled in his routines - a security job, days off for his therapy dogs, occasional club sex, and good books. So when Hurricane Lauris strands Caleb Robertson at his house, Nelson has mixed feelings about having an attractive guy in his space. Caleb's presence is a tease, a frustration, when nothing more can happen. But with the storm raging, trying to reassure three dogs and a very wet cat in a small space, it becomes hard to keep a logical distance from a kind, interesting guy like Caleb. Maybe it's time for something in Nelson's life to change.
This is a rerelease of the MLR novella in the "Storming Love" series.
A 27,000-word opposites- (and sometimes too-much-alikes-) attract story.
Nelson Dunn's settled in his routines - a security job, days off for his therapy dogs, occasional club sex, and good books. So when Hurricane Lauris strands Caleb Robertson at his house, Nelson has mixed feelings about having an attractive guy in his space. Caleb's presence is a tease, a frustration, when nothing more can happen. But with the storm raging, trying to reassure three dogs and a very wet cat in a small space, it becomes hard to keep a logical distance from a kind, interesting guy like Caleb. Maybe it's time for something in Nelson's life to change.
This is a rerelease of the MLR novella in the "Storming Love" series.
A 27,000-word opposites- (and sometimes too-much-alikes-) attract story.
103 pages, ebook
First published October 3, 2014
2 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Kaje Harper
91 books2,730 followersI get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.
I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – fifty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)
My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.
I now have a good-sized backlist in ebooks and print, both free and professionally published. A complete list with links can be found on my website "Books" page at https://kajeharper.com/.
You can find me and my book reviews on my author page here on Goodreads - I hang out on Goodreads a lot because I moderate the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group. I also post free short YA stories on that group, more than 50 of them so far.
You can also find me on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/KajeHarper
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 7, 2014
I've read 700+ M/M books, so nothing shocks me anymore, but this story did. It was not at all what I expected, and it made me question the conventions I take for granted in romance novels.
There are no villains and no heroes in this story, no manufactured drama or undue angst. Nelson and Caleb are ordinary guys.
Nelson is a former cop now working as a security guard with three dog babies and a volunteer position in the children's ward at a local hospital. He brings his rescue dogs with him to cheer up the kids.
Caleb works in the building where Nelson is a security guard. Caleb is average. He does something with science. His hair is a mess, and at the time of the story he has a cast on one leg and a little motorized scooter for getting around.
The guys have to weather out the storm in Nelson's house with three dogs and a stray cat for company. Caleb is really into Nelson's "big bear" looks, but Nelson is prickly, defensive, standoffish. He has some serious insecurities about his body.
Nelson and Caleb are a little awkward together. The conversation doesn't flow. Caleb wants to pass the time fucking and playing, but Nelson only seems interested in giving Caleb quickie blow jobs; he doesn't want Caleb to touch him.
I was irritated with this until I realized, Hey, this is REAL. Many relationships start like this, and some don't start at all. Candlelight isn't always romantic. People don't always match up sexually. And sometimes there's just nothing to talk about.
Even as I was thinking this was going to be another "I only do one-offs" kind of story, Harper shook me out of my reverie. Nelson's revelation made me profoundly sad...and then it pissed me off. Because who the hell wants to read about THAT in a romance book?
I'm not proud of my reaction. Shame on me.
There's nothing preachy about this book, nothing dramatic, but the little twist is unexpected, and it made me question just how much I want to be spoonfed perfection.
Kaje Harper twists the genre, forcing readers to reevaluate how they perceive sex, looks, and relationships. It's actually quite brilliant.
There's no sparkly HEA here, but there is a sense of...healing maybe? Hope? I'm not sure. I do know that this story made me THINK and shook me up emotionally.
Thank you, Kaje, for that.
There are no villains and no heroes in this story, no manufactured drama or undue angst. Nelson and Caleb are ordinary guys.
Nelson is a former cop now working as a security guard with three dog babies and a volunteer position in the children's ward at a local hospital. He brings his rescue dogs with him to cheer up the kids.
Caleb works in the building where Nelson is a security guard. Caleb is average. He does something with science. His hair is a mess, and at the time of the story he has a cast on one leg and a little motorized scooter for getting around.
The guys have to weather out the storm in Nelson's house with three dogs and a stray cat for company. Caleb is really into Nelson's "big bear" looks, but Nelson is prickly, defensive, standoffish. He has some serious insecurities about his body.
Nelson and Caleb are a little awkward together. The conversation doesn't flow. Caleb wants to pass the time fucking and playing, but Nelson only seems interested in giving Caleb quickie blow jobs; he doesn't want Caleb to touch him.
I was irritated with this until I realized, Hey, this is REAL. Many relationships start like this, and some don't start at all. Candlelight isn't always romantic. People don't always match up sexually. And sometimes there's just nothing to talk about.
Even as I was thinking this was going to be another "I only do one-offs" kind of story, Harper shook me out of my reverie. Nelson's revelation made me profoundly sad...and then it pissed me off. Because who the hell wants to read about THAT in a romance book?
I'm not proud of my reaction. Shame on me.
There's nothing preachy about this book, nothing dramatic, but the little twist is unexpected, and it made me question just how much I want to be spoonfed perfection.
Kaje Harper twists the genre, forcing readers to reevaluate how they perceive sex, looks, and relationships. It's actually quite brilliant.
There's no sparkly HEA here, but there is a sense of...healing maybe? Hope? I'm not sure. I do know that this story made me THINK and shook me up emotionally.
Thank you, Kaje, for that.
October 7, 2016
Cross-posted at Outlaw Reviews and at Shelf Inflicted
I enjoy stories about people who are forced together by events out of their control, and this was no exception. It is also my first experience reading Kaje Harper. It definitely won’t be my last.
Nelson Dunn is an ex-cop who now works as a security guard. In his free time, he and his three dogs, Bonnie, Troy, and Snaps, volunteer at a local hospital. Nelson derives enormous satisfaction from seeing the smiles on the young patients’ faces.
Unfortunately, a hurricane is brewing and the hospital is making emergency preparations, so Nelson’s visit is cut short. He recognizes the voice of a man who works in the same building where he is a guard and offers him a ride home.
Caleb Robertson was visiting the hospital to get his cast removed, but learned that it needs to stay on another two weeks. Though it sucks to be incapacitated in such bad weather, he is grateful for Nelson’s invitation to stay at his house, as the storm becomes increasingly more dangerous.
Though the men are spending a lot of time together in close quarters and eventually act on their mutual attraction, this is not a light, fluffy romance where life is simple and the emphasis is solely on the physical. Both Caleb and Nelson have been hurt by past events and have decided a solitary existence is best. Even though the span of this story is just a few days, the men take their time getting to know each other and gradually opening up about their insecurities and imperfections accompanied by the stress, anxiety, and uncertainty of dealing with an unpredictable storm.
Nelson likes to have a plan, while Caleb is better at improvising. Nelson likes to write and Caleb likes to draw. Both love their pets dearly, but Nelson is passionate about dogs while Caleb prefers cats. Their differences and similarities make them very well-rounded and realistic characters who work well together when presented with challenges.
This was sweet, sad, and beautiful. No excess drama or angry outbursts, no shocking revelations, just quiet, powerful and touching moments.
And adorable pets.
So good.
Thanks to Lynnette from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.
I enjoy stories about people who are forced together by events out of their control, and this was no exception. It is also my first experience reading Kaje Harper. It definitely won’t be my last.
Nelson Dunn is an ex-cop who now works as a security guard. In his free time, he and his three dogs, Bonnie, Troy, and Snaps, volunteer at a local hospital. Nelson derives enormous satisfaction from seeing the smiles on the young patients’ faces.
Unfortunately, a hurricane is brewing and the hospital is making emergency preparations, so Nelson’s visit is cut short. He recognizes the voice of a man who works in the same building where he is a guard and offers him a ride home.
Caleb Robertson was visiting the hospital to get his cast removed, but learned that it needs to stay on another two weeks. Though it sucks to be incapacitated in such bad weather, he is grateful for Nelson’s invitation to stay at his house, as the storm becomes increasingly more dangerous.
Though the men are spending a lot of time together in close quarters and eventually act on their mutual attraction, this is not a light, fluffy romance where life is simple and the emphasis is solely on the physical. Both Caleb and Nelson have been hurt by past events and have decided a solitary existence is best. Even though the span of this story is just a few days, the men take their time getting to know each other and gradually opening up about their insecurities and imperfections accompanied by the stress, anxiety, and uncertainty of dealing with an unpredictable storm.
Nelson likes to have a plan, while Caleb is better at improvising. Nelson likes to write and Caleb likes to draw. Both love their pets dearly, but Nelson is passionate about dogs while Caleb prefers cats. Their differences and similarities make them very well-rounded and realistic characters who work well together when presented with challenges.
This was sweet, sad, and beautiful. No excess drama or angry outbursts, no shocking revelations, just quiet, powerful and touching moments.
And adorable pets.
So good.
Thanks to Lynnette from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.
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August 8, 2018
My first Kaje Harper, and so good!
Due to a storm, loner ex-cop gets an unexpected house guest. I enjoy forced-proximity themed romance stories and this one had a lot of charm. There is nice and strong chemistry between the pair, and a couple of interesting surprises as the story progresses. A very enjoyable quick read, 4.5 stars!
Due to a storm, loner ex-cop gets an unexpected house guest. I enjoy forced-proximity themed romance stories and this one had a lot of charm. There is nice and strong chemistry between the pair, and a couple of interesting surprises as the story progresses. A very enjoyable quick read, 4.5 stars!
October 8, 2014
Storming Love is a series of novellas from six authors that tackle six couples during one of the hurricanes/storm events. Kaje Harper’s story came as #5 in the series and my favorite so far. Of course, you all could also say that I’m biased, since Kaje is one of my favorite authors in this genre. Well, maybe I am ... but I truly think that when an author can still surprise me within a twist in a story that seems to be straightforward romance, can still introduce layers in a character half-way through, that calls for genuine appreciation.
In similar fashion to the other novellas in this series, Caleb Robertson found himself stranded with security-guard Nelson Dunn, when Hurricane Lauris came their way, along with Nelson’s dogs and a stray cat. There was a tentative insta-connection considering that both men were stranded without anywhere to go, and the story happened within only a couple of days. There was also a sense of ‘mystery’ about why Nelson seemed a bit reluctant to move past oral sex with Caleb and my mind was running wild throughout – was Nelson injured during his cop days? Did Nelson have a sexual disease? What was going on?!?
That was when, around half-way through, Ms. Harper surprised me with the answer. It was something that I’ve never read anywhere else. It elevated the story to a level of acceptance towards one’s imperfections that was just so beautiful and touching. I was really moved with the situation. I don’t want to spoil anything, I guess as a reader, I feel that it is something you need to experience by yourself. It was a subtle nuance that made the story stood out from the rest of the novellas in this series so far. And I need to applaud Ms. Harper for that.
The ending was a hopeful one ... and I would like to believe that Nelson and Caleb would be happy together, forever, with their dogs and their cats – no matter how many times Nelson denied that he wasn’t a cat man *smile*
In similar fashion to the other novellas in this series, Caleb Robertson found himself stranded with security-guard Nelson Dunn, when Hurricane Lauris came their way, along with Nelson’s dogs and a stray cat. There was a tentative insta-connection considering that both men were stranded without anywhere to go, and the story happened within only a couple of days. There was also a sense of ‘mystery’ about why Nelson seemed a bit reluctant to move past oral sex with Caleb and my mind was running wild throughout – was Nelson injured during his cop days? Did Nelson have a sexual disease? What was going on?!?
That was when, around half-way through, Ms. Harper surprised me with the answer. It was something that I’ve never read anywhere else. It elevated the story to a level of acceptance towards one’s imperfections that was just so beautiful and touching. I was really moved with the situation. I don’t want to spoil anything, I guess as a reader, I feel that it is something you need to experience by yourself. It was a subtle nuance that made the story stood out from the rest of the novellas in this series so far. And I need to applaud Ms. Harper for that.
The ending was a hopeful one ... and I would like to believe that Nelson and Caleb would be happy together, forever, with their dogs and their cats – no matter how many times Nelson denied that he wasn’t a cat man *smile*
Read
August 31, 2021Today I've rereleased Nelson & Caleb - my novella that was part of the Storming Love hurricane setting series (all stand-alones). It was fun to be able to put the actual Nelson (and Bonnie his therapy dog) on the cover (thanks to Karrie Jax.) This should now be available on most ebook vendors.
July 15, 2018
It’s not often that I get to be surprised by a book these days and I certainly wasn’t expecting to be with this one.
I’m rather fond of the trapped-together set-up and the great writing and realistic characters are a given when it comes to Kaje Harper, so I was pretty sure I'd enjoy this novella. And I was right, although it didn’t go quite as I expected.
There are authors who can write realistic characters and authors who can even write realistic relationship conflicts and realistic dynamics but, no matter how far they take realism, almost nobody messes with certain tropes, or I guess we could call them assumptions, about characters in romance novels. Insecure and “defective” characters are fine, even applauded as realistic, as long as the insecurities and “defects” are of a certain kind.
Not many authors would’ve gone where Kaje Harper went with this short story and I’m sure more than a few readers won’t appreciate it. I know that because I, for one, wasn’t particularly enthusiastic when I first saw where this was headed and I’m not very proud of that. I can’t really say more than this because I don’t want to spoil anything, but I guess I’ve gotten used to expect a low level of compromise regarding certain aspects of a relationship in my romance novels and I think I expected the outcome to be less than satisfactory.
Silly me, Kaje Harper made it work wonderfully like she always does and Nelson and Caleb might have just become one of my favorite couples by this author.
I’m rather fond of the trapped-together set-up and the great writing and realistic characters are a given when it comes to Kaje Harper, so I was pretty sure I'd enjoy this novella. And I was right, although it didn’t go quite as I expected.
There are authors who can write realistic characters and authors who can even write realistic relationship conflicts and realistic dynamics but, no matter how far they take realism, almost nobody messes with certain tropes, or I guess we could call them assumptions, about characters in romance novels. Insecure and “defective” characters are fine, even applauded as realistic, as long as the insecurities and “defects” are of a certain kind.
Not many authors would’ve gone where Kaje Harper went with this short story and I’m sure more than a few readers won’t appreciate it. I know that because I, for one, wasn’t particularly enthusiastic when I first saw where this was headed and I’m not very proud of that. I can’t really say more than this because I don’t want to spoil anything, but I guess I’ve gotten used to expect a low level of compromise regarding certain aspects of a relationship in my romance novels and I think I expected the outcome to be less than satisfactory.
Silly me, Kaje Harper made it work wonderfully like she always does and Nelson and Caleb might have just become one of my favorite couples by this author.
September 19, 2021
I liked this, but wanted to like it more.
Nelson is a sweet man with adorable dogs but he's body conscious in a way that makes him defensive, pushing people away.
Caleb is bright and breezy but not insensitive, who likes cats.
A hurricane brings them together long enough for a tentative bond and the promise of a future.
While I really liked the characters I didn't necessarily feel the connection, it took them awhile to find even ground; in honesty I was more interested in the dogs leaving their crates and getting cuddles! But I'm unashamedly a dog person. I also got confused over the house set-up, Nelson's bedroom and half-bath were upstairs but he left the bed to check upstairs? Maybe I read something wrong, but I got lost.
It's an awkward start where communication takes times and not everything goes smoothly, it felt real, realistic to the characters. I wanted good things for Nelson. They've known each other awhile but this is the first time they've really spoken and the story spans one night. There felt too much I didn't know about them. It's more the promise of more than a true hea, good healing friendship at the very least.
I liked it, I liked the characters, the animals, the acceptance, but I didn't love it. Something was missing that kept it from full feels.
Nelson is a sweet man with adorable dogs but he's body conscious in a way that makes him defensive, pushing people away.
Caleb is bright and breezy but not insensitive, who likes cats.
A hurricane brings them together long enough for a tentative bond and the promise of a future.
While I really liked the characters I didn't necessarily feel the connection, it took them awhile to find even ground; in honesty I was more interested in the dogs leaving their crates and getting cuddles! But I'm unashamedly a dog person. I also got confused over the house set-up, Nelson's bedroom and half-bath were upstairs but he left the bed to check upstairs? Maybe I read something wrong, but I got lost.
It's an awkward start where communication takes times and not everything goes smoothly, it felt real, realistic to the characters. I wanted good things for Nelson. They've known each other awhile but this is the first time they've really spoken and the story spans one night. There felt too much I didn't know about them. It's more the promise of more than a true hea, good healing friendship at the very least.
I liked it, I liked the characters, the animals, the acceptance, but I didn't love it. Something was missing that kept it from full feels.
October 15, 2014
I love Kaje Harper stories. They aren’t over the top. No flamboyant twinks, obscenely rich Doms, or professors getting their kink on with their students (although I like all those stories too!). But sometimes it’s nice to read about normal, everyday guys. And that’s what we have here. Nelson is a former cop turned security guard with a bad ankle. He volunteers at the hospital with his therapy dogs. Caleb is a high-tech scientist guy who works in the same building as Nelson. They end up waiting out the hurricane together at Nelson’s house. There’s no insta-love; just two guys getting to know each other. No big HEA, but a sweet “happy for now”. I enjoyed it!
October 8, 2014
This is the 3rd book that I've read in this series, and this is the only one that I've liked so far.
Nelson and Caleb are lovely together. Nelson is vulnerable and insecure, and at times lashes when Caleb threatens the boundaries that he has set up for himself even though he has been crushing on Caleb for a while. The storm might be raging outside, but inside Nelson it is raging even more because one the things that Nelson has desired more than anything else is someone that can love him for himself, warts and all. Caleb shows him acceptance, and that he will work with him to show him that there is something more than just the physical because this is definitely about body image, and hurt, and insecurities that have been fostered by insensitive assholes.
Do I think that Nelson and Caleb found their HEA? No, I think it's more a HFN that could become something better, solid and true...But for now, I think these men found something better, acceptance and friendship that will last a lifetime.
Nelson and Caleb are lovely together. Nelson is vulnerable and insecure, and at times lashes when Caleb threatens the boundaries that he has set up for himself even though he has been crushing on Caleb for a while. The storm might be raging outside, but inside Nelson it is raging even more because one the things that Nelson has desired more than anything else is someone that can love him for himself, warts and all. Caleb shows him acceptance, and that he will work with him to show him that there is something more than just the physical because this is definitely about body image, and hurt, and insecurities that have been fostered by insensitive assholes.
Do I think that Nelson and Caleb found their HEA? No, I think it's more a HFN that could become something better, solid and true...But for now, I think these men found something better, acceptance and friendship that will last a lifetime.
February 4, 2018
3.5 Stars!
This is a well drawn stuck together romance with wonderful characters. This romance deals directly with body image and sexual expectations in a way that is compelling, real and tender.
Very good writing. I could have spent a lot longer with these characters but was grateful for the time I got.
This is a well drawn stuck together romance with wonderful characters. This romance deals directly with body image and sexual expectations in a way that is compelling, real and tender.
Very good writing. I could have spent a lot longer with these characters but was grateful for the time I got.
May 4, 2016
When Caleb finds himself stranded at the hospital with a hurricane coming in, a broken foot, and not a taxi to be seen anywhere, Nelson offers to drive him home. At the hospital to let the kids there play with his therapy dogs, Nelson kinda jumps at the chance to help rescue Caleb–-a man he knows from his day job as a security guard. But with roads washing out and winds picking up, they are unable to make it to Caleb’s…so it looks like Caleb will be bunking at Nelson’s till the storm passes by. So with three dogs, no electricity, and a surprise cat (or three) the men set about waiting out the storm. And, well, there is not a lot to do with no electricity and the world going to soggy, windy, hell outside…except entertain themselves however they can find.
I quite liked this short by Kaje Harper. I haven’t got a chance to read the other novellas in the series yet, but I found this one cute and very well written. And I did enjoy that little twist quite a bit.
Nelson certainly has his issues, which are probably earned from all the dickheads in his life prior to Caleb, but he was more than what I was expecting. Security guard by day, cartoonist by night–-I have to admit I never saw that coming. Didn’t see a lot of Nelson coming, in fact. Which was cool.
And I loved that they were -–and that that didn’t stop them from trying for something more than a quick bj in the bathroom. It will certainly make their lives interesting, that’s for sure. I’m sure they can find many a creative way to use all that stuff in Nelson’s little drawer of fun.
The animals in this story were cute as well. Even the temperamental kitty cat. And my cat so totally does that ‘pick food out of a perfectly good bowl, drop on floor, then eat it.’ I can’t decide if it is cute or annoying, but that usually depends on whether I end up accidently stepping on it later.
This was a very good story-–but it’s Kaje Harper so I didn’t expect any less. I really need to go read the others that are out in this series and see what they had to offer, because this was a lot of fun.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
I quite liked this short by Kaje Harper. I haven’t got a chance to read the other novellas in the series yet, but I found this one cute and very well written. And I did enjoy that little twist quite a bit.
Nelson certainly has his issues, which are probably earned from all the dickheads in his life prior to Caleb, but he was more than what I was expecting. Security guard by day, cartoonist by night–-I have to admit I never saw that coming. Didn’t see a lot of Nelson coming, in fact. Which was cool.
And I loved that they were -–and that that didn’t stop them from trying for something more than a quick bj in the bathroom. It will certainly make their lives interesting, that’s for sure. I’m sure they can find many a creative way to use all that stuff in Nelson’s little drawer of fun.
The animals in this story were cute as well. Even the temperamental kitty cat. And my cat so totally does that ‘pick food out of a perfectly good bowl, drop on floor, then eat it.’ I can’t decide if it is cute or annoying, but that usually depends on whether I end up accidently stepping on it later.
This was a very good story-–but it’s Kaje Harper so I didn’t expect any less. I really need to go read the others that are out in this series and see what they had to offer, because this was a lot of fun.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
November 13, 2024
Brilliant!
The writing is stellar, smart and well-balanced.
The story is angst-free and it's so refreshing to read a romance with a character out of the usual physical romance standards.
It's more a HFN than a HEA, but it's quite fine with a novella.
I could nitpick about one or two things with my gay point of view, but it's really inconsequential.
One of the best blow-job I've ever read.
The writing is stellar, smart and well-balanced.
The story is angst-free and it's so refreshing to read a romance with a character out of the usual physical romance standards.
It's more a HFN than a HEA, but it's quite fine with a novella.
I could nitpick about one or two things with my gay point of view, but it's really inconsequential.
One of the best blow-job I've ever read.
September 1, 2021
It seems like a really long time since I read anything new by Kaje Harper. Since I'm quite the fan, you can imagine by excitement. And, of course, Nelson owns three rescue dogs, and I'm a sucker for a man with a soft spot for animals. Also, I was intrigued at the thought of two people trapped together during a vicious storm, finding love.
Nelson works security at the building where Caleb works. Essentially, they have a passing acquaintance, in that Nelson tells Caleb good-bye when he leaves at night. Nelson runs into Caleb at the hospital where Caleb is trying to get a cab to go home, but since the storm is getting worse, no cabs are running. Nelson offers to give Caleb a ride home, but they aren't able to make it through the flooding that's already begun, so Nelson offers Caleb to wait it out at his house.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Nelson works security at the building where Caleb works. Essentially, they have a passing acquaintance, in that Nelson tells Caleb good-bye when he leaves at night. Nelson runs into Caleb at the hospital where Caleb is trying to get a cab to go home, but since the storm is getting worse, no cabs are running. Nelson offers to give Caleb a ride home, but they aren't able to make it through the flooding that's already begun, so Nelson offers Caleb to wait it out at his house.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
September 26, 2015
Grabbed me from the first scene where Bonnie, the handicapped therapy dog, is entertaining kids at the hospital with her big, sweet bear of an ex-cop owner. I adored Nelson from the get-go. Enjoyed the heat and attraction -- and that Nelson’s a dog guy while Caleb’s a cat lover. :-) And the fact that both men prefer to bottom adds to the other little twist the author throws in. A well-written, short but sweetly enjoyable read!
October 4, 2014
I love stranded-in-a-storm stories, and this is no exception. It was a solid four-star read for well over half the book, and then... And then Kaje Harper proved why she's one of the best writers in this genre. I was so unexpectedly moved by where this story went, the affection and acceptance, the tentative beginnings of something real and powerful. Just so good.
October 14, 2014
2.5 stars. Started off ok, but I wasn't feeling the big reveal.
January 26, 2015
4.5 stars for a great, refreshing read.
Need to gather my thoughts for a more in-depth review, but if you are wondering if u should get it, do it. So worth it :)
Need to gather my thoughts for a more in-depth review, but if you are wondering if u should get it, do it. So worth it :)
April 28, 2017
4.5 stars. Kaje Harper does it again: takes a not often talked about scenario in mm romance and makes it normal. I loved Norman, perceived flaws and all. Caleb was charming and so supportive. I liked how they didn't let their incompatibility in the bedroom detract from their desire for each other.
the backdrop of the storm and the animals worked to keep things interesting.
the backdrop of the storm and the animals worked to keep things interesting.
November 6, 2014
4 Stars
Okay this one is really sweet. I really like the flow of the story. Kaje Harper really can make a story feel complete and detailed even if the story is short.
I really like Nelson from the first chapter. I thought he was already someone interesting and someone I would like to know in real life. Caleb was also really interesting.
I really don't know what to say anymore because I was shocked. This one tackled something that could really happen in real life. Not everyone is a perfect guy like most books create for their main character. I loved that it was tackled decently and no unnecessary angst.
This was a great treat.
Okay this one is really sweet. I really like the flow of the story. Kaje Harper really can make a story feel complete and detailed even if the story is short.
I really like Nelson from the first chapter. I thought he was already someone interesting and someone I would like to know in real life. Caleb was also really interesting.
I really don't know what to say anymore because I was shocked. This one tackled something that could really happen in real life. Not everyone is a perfect guy like most books create for their main character. I loved that it was tackled decently and no unnecessary angst.
This was a great treat.
November 2, 2014
Cute little story, I’ll never question Kaje Harper’s writing skills, she is having her way with words.
I love the story despite I think it is a shaky HFN and Nelson should consider therapy. What I really wish is….more. Can we please get more of them? Can we read how this relationship is developing? This would be great.
I love the story despite I think it is a shaky HFN and Nelson should consider therapy. What I really wish is….more. Can we please get more of them? Can we read how this relationship is developing? This would be great.
October 9, 2014
This was different and that made it so good :) I really would love to read more about Nelson and Caleb, to see how they made their relationship work...
January 29, 2018
I enjoyed the book, because it's a lot more authentic than most romance novels. It felt a lot more real and raw than most.
I thought the book was very well written and the character had depth, but they also had plenty of problems.
They where not really sexually compatible, they where awkward together at times (and not the cute awkward some books rock either) and Nelson's hang up was pretty major, but there was also chemistry and the will to make it work. There's some angst as well as cute and lovely scenes (there are plenty animals, after all).
So it's not the usual escapism kind of romance, because the book is about as gritty and imperfect as real live romances can be, but that's what I liked about it. It's not my usual fair but it's a nice change of pace.
Accordingly, there's also not a HEA, more of a HFN, and Caleb doesn't just magic away Nelsons hang ups with awesome sex. But there's hope and potential, and sometimes that's enough.
I thought the book was very well written and the character had depth, but they also had plenty of problems.
They where not really sexually compatible, they where awkward together at times (and not the cute awkward some books rock either) and Nelson's hang up was pretty major, but there was also chemistry and the will to make it work. There's some angst as well as cute and lovely scenes (there are plenty animals, after all).
So it's not the usual escapism kind of romance, because the book is about as gritty and imperfect as real live romances can be, but that's what I liked about it. It's not my usual fair but it's a nice change of pace.
Accordingly, there's also not a HEA, more of a HFN, and Caleb doesn't just magic away Nelsons hang ups with awesome sex. But there's hope and potential, and sometimes that's enough.
September 28, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up
This was mostly more than I had expected. Caleb is a much better person than he first appeared, quick to flirt but also quick to look for ways that he and Nelson could be more than just guys who happen to work in the same building. I loved how much care he took with Nelson without making an issue of...the issue. Nelson himself was absolutely lovely with such a tender heart. I'm not sure what makes me feel it wasn't a full 5 stars -- maybe I wish it were longer, with a peek at their continuing relationship after the storm.
This was mostly more than I had expected. Caleb is a much better person than he first appeared, quick to flirt but also quick to look for ways that he and Nelson could be more than just guys who happen to work in the same building. I loved how much care he took with Nelson without making an issue of...the issue. Nelson himself was absolutely lovely with such a tender heart. I'm not sure what makes me feel it wasn't a full 5 stars -- maybe I wish it were longer, with a peek at their continuing relationship after the storm.
January 7, 2025
Weather and a cat force a new relationship
The story creates a real sense of drama with the threat to life caused by a storm. All round good guy Nelson is doomed to be relationship free, so he thinks, so it takes a few days of forced proximity for Caleb to make him think differently. Not too sickly sweet, an unlikely pairing of a couple that shouldn’t work makes for a great short story.
The story creates a real sense of drama with the threat to life caused by a storm. All round good guy Nelson is doomed to be relationship free, so he thinks, so it takes a few days of forced proximity for Caleb to make him think differently. Not too sickly sweet, an unlikely pairing of a couple that shouldn’t work makes for a great short story.
May 25, 2022
3.5 stars. Hurricane brings these two older, lonely single men together. Harper tactfully addresses a physical issue which is rarely raised in the genre, and handles it well. Albeit a short story, these damaged souls end the story with hope.
January 6, 2025
Really liked the story! The main characters are interesting and relatable, the writing is really good and the ending is sweet but not sugary, just enough to make you smile. There is chemistry and heat and real issues that get addressed. And of course, fun dog and cat characters. Five stars. :-)
April 2, 2019
3.75 stars
February 26, 2022
I loved nelson, and Caleb. The book was well written, and had a great story line , I loved it.
June 9, 2022
4.5 Stars
October 31, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
There is a lot of good in this story. There is acceptance, friendship, and the hope of companionship. There is a real life quality that not every relationship matches up perfectly.
I had a more difficult time connecting to these guys romantically. They make great friends, but lack a certain spark. For a big bear of a guy, Nelson is insecure physically and it plays out accordingly, and we barely get to know Caleb. It’s not a long story and the focus is on the scene at hand. There were some slow parts, which were needed for the type of story this is telling, but my interest was not fully captured all of the way through. The animals kind of stole the show and perhaps the best scene is what happens on the bed in the spare room.
The writing is well done overall and the aspects of the storm have us in the moment. This is a good choice for a story where relationships aren’t perfect and not everyone is a perfect fit, even if there is attraction. This is the story of Nelson and Caleb and what may be revealed during a storm.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
There is a lot of good in this story. There is acceptance, friendship, and the hope of companionship. There is a real life quality that not every relationship matches up perfectly.
I had a more difficult time connecting to these guys romantically. They make great friends, but lack a certain spark. For a big bear of a guy, Nelson is insecure physically and it plays out accordingly, and we barely get to know Caleb. It’s not a long story and the focus is on the scene at hand. There were some slow parts, which were needed for the type of story this is telling, but my interest was not fully captured all of the way through. The animals kind of stole the show and perhaps the best scene is what happens on the bed in the spare room.
The writing is well done overall and the aspects of the storm have us in the moment. This is a good choice for a story where relationships aren’t perfect and not everyone is a perfect fit, even if there is attraction. This is the story of Nelson and Caleb and what may be revealed during a storm.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
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