What do you think?
Rate this book
Second Wind
What do a shy French-horn-playing accountant and a single dad trans trumpet player have in common other than both being members of the community orchestra at Theatr Fach in the little town of Llanbaruc?
Gethin’s been more or less hiding from life since his marriage broke up a couple of years ago. He joined the orchestra because his sister told him he needed a hobby rather than sitting at home brooding about his divorce.
Martin is careful who he dates because of his gender and his teenage daughter. He came to Llanbaruc as a stage manager for the Theatr Fach twelve years ago. He has a good set of friends here. Shannon’s a good kid. They’re a team.
Martin and Gethin hit it off. Will their mutual baggage prove too much to sustain a relationship?
Gethin’s been more or less hiding from life since his marriage broke up a couple of years ago. He joined the orchestra because his sister told him he needed a hobby rather than sitting at home brooding about his divorce.
Martin is careful who he dates because of his gender and his teenage daughter. He came to Llanbaruc as a stage manager for the Theatr Fach twelve years ago. He has a good set of friends here. Shannon’s a good kid. They’re a team.
Martin and Gethin hit it off. Will their mutual baggage prove too much to sustain a relationship?
67 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2022
2 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Lester
27 books152 followersWriter of queer, paranormal, historical, romantic suspense. Lives in the South West of England with Mr AL, two children, a badly behaved dachshund, a terrifying cat and some hens. Likes gardening but doesn't really have time or energy. Not musical. Doesn't much like telly. Non-binary. Chronically disabled. Has tedious fits.
For updates, giveaways and general shenanigans: My newsletter and a free novella - my facebook group - twitter - instagram - tiktok.
I also write higher-heat contemporary MM romance as Frances Fox.
For updates, giveaways and general shenanigans: My newsletter and a free novella - my facebook group - twitter - instagram - tiktok.
I also write higher-heat contemporary MM romance as Frances Fox.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Currently reading
November 19, 2022Are you looking for a low angst gay romance with a trans MC set in a little Welsh town with a truly terrible community orchestra?
I've got you covered.
Out today!
I've got you covered.
Out today!
October 26, 2023
I really struggle with this writing style, and a quiet small town orchestra band romance between two quiet men (one a single dad too) sounded great in theory, but this fell very flat for me.
November 19, 2022
And here we have yet another wonderful short story by this author. It's sweet but not syrupy, it's happy without being pure fluff and it brings us two lovely characters who just happen to be falling in love =D
I love how both, Martin and Gethin, are just ready to take a shot at a second chance and yet still a bit shy about how they go at it.
A quick, charming read ♥
I love how both, Martin and Gethin, are just ready to take a shot at a second chance and yet still a bit shy about how they go at it.
A quick, charming read ♥
November 4, 2022
SECOND WIND is a standalone novella set in Llanbaruc, with some of the crew of Theatre Fawr too. Gethin (I love that name) is a bi-divorcee, being pushed into being social by his older sister. Martin is trans with a daughter. They meet at orchestra practice and follow on from there.
This is a novella and, as such, I don't usually give them 5-stars. This one, though, I have no choice BUT to do so. It has so much to it, you get the full story. Yes, it could be fleshed out in parts but if there's no need, why do it?
I loved how Martin and Gethin communicated from the start, their relationship built on openness and trust. You see it grow and change as things happen between them.
Fading to black doesn't take away any of the intensity between these two. And I loved how Luke showed up (from another standalone in the same world). I am loving this world and am always drawn in by A.L. Lester's writing style.
Absolutely loved it and highly recommend it. And grab Out of Focus too, while you're at it!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a novella and, as such, I don't usually give them 5-stars. This one, though, I have no choice BUT to do so. It has so much to it, you get the full story. Yes, it could be fleshed out in parts but if there's no need, why do it?
I loved how Martin and Gethin communicated from the start, their relationship built on openness and trust. You see it grow and change as things happen between them.
Fading to black doesn't take away any of the intensity between these two. And I loved how Luke showed up (from another standalone in the same world). I am loving this world and am always drawn in by A.L. Lester's writing style.
Absolutely loved it and highly recommend it. And grab Out of Focus too, while you're at it!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
December 30, 2022
Sweet. I enjoy the quiet, small-town romances in this series.
November 15, 2022
Martin and Gethin’s connection is woven together with communication and gentleness — they both have baggage of different types, and trust builds carefully, as does the depth of the bond between them. Everything in this story feels finely drawn— the setting, the premise, the characters themselves: you get just enough detail to see the essence of everything, and to be immersed, for a brief but deeply rewarding moment, in the world the author has crafted here.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 25, 2022
Second wind was a lovely little romance set in a small town with fun quirky characters and lots of heart. I would have loved for it to be longer so we really could have gotten to know Martin and his family.
This is a low heat fade to black story, but the perfect quick read.
As a former violinist I really appreciated the whole orchestra set up with the cute guy in the wind section....
This is a low heat fade to black story, but the perfect quick read.
As a former violinist I really appreciated the whole orchestra set up with the cute guy in the wind section....
November 16, 2022
Martin Reed, is the stage-manager at the Theatre Fach. He likes living in the small sea-side town of Llanbaruc. He enjoys participating in the community orchestra and spending time with his orchestra mates. His main priority is his fourteen year old daughter, Shannon, who shares time with her father, Lee. Martin keeps his private life, private, he’s heard enough of the gossip and it’s all in the past. Even though it took his ex-Lee a little time he and Shannon had both been supportive of Martins transition.
Gethin Jones, accountant and French-horn player, has been living a life of solitude. He was caught up in a very bad marriage with now, ex-Marion and ex-best friend Rob. Marion told Gethin, he was boring and to add more humiliation and hurt, it seemed others knew about what was taking place behind his back. Gethin, loved being an accountant and he was good at it. He is now business partners with Lillian Liversedge, besides being a very good accountant, she gave Gethin an opportunity and friendship that was needed. Gethin also has a sister, Posey, who he appreciates. When things became difficult for him, she made efforts to help and protect him. She’s overbearing at times but she encouraged Gethin, to get out more.
Gethin makes the giant step to join the community orchestra and meets Martin. Martin takes him under his wing and introduces him around. As Gethin starts to feel comfortable, he accepts Martins invitation to join the small orchestra group at the pub, Dragon. Another invitation by Martin’s find him and Gethin spending time at Cwm Rheidol. The more they see each other, they become very open about their personal issues and the small town gossip. Can they survive it all and make their own lives happy?
A.L. Lester brings readers another delightful story from Wales. It’s also a story of what can happen when sharing feelings and lines of communication are open and it brings an understanding between two men. There’s no doubt Martin and Gethin are made for each other. It’s a story of survival in a small town where the gossip never seems to stop, but eventually it does go away. It also brings out that it doesn’t matter, what gender you are, but love is love and that’s what counts.
The tale is topped out with so many wonderful characters. Shannon, Matin’s daughter, so caring and understanding. Lillian such a life-saver for Gethin and Posey who just get’s overbearing. There’s the Community Orchestra: Fiona, Julie, Lucy, Alan, Tim and Portia. Of course, the small town of Llanbaruc and all its gossip.
A.L. Lester brings readers a story of the trumpet and French horn that live happily ever after, just in time for the holiday season!
Gethin Jones, accountant and French-horn player, has been living a life of solitude. He was caught up in a very bad marriage with now, ex-Marion and ex-best friend Rob. Marion told Gethin, he was boring and to add more humiliation and hurt, it seemed others knew about what was taking place behind his back. Gethin, loved being an accountant and he was good at it. He is now business partners with Lillian Liversedge, besides being a very good accountant, she gave Gethin an opportunity and friendship that was needed. Gethin also has a sister, Posey, who he appreciates. When things became difficult for him, she made efforts to help and protect him. She’s overbearing at times but she encouraged Gethin, to get out more.
Gethin makes the giant step to join the community orchestra and meets Martin. Martin takes him under his wing and introduces him around. As Gethin starts to feel comfortable, he accepts Martins invitation to join the small orchestra group at the pub, Dragon. Another invitation by Martin’s find him and Gethin spending time at Cwm Rheidol. The more they see each other, they become very open about their personal issues and the small town gossip. Can they survive it all and make their own lives happy?
A.L. Lester brings readers another delightful story from Wales. It’s also a story of what can happen when sharing feelings and lines of communication are open and it brings an understanding between two men. There’s no doubt Martin and Gethin are made for each other. It’s a story of survival in a small town where the gossip never seems to stop, but eventually it does go away. It also brings out that it doesn’t matter, what gender you are, but love is love and that’s what counts.
The tale is topped out with so many wonderful characters. Shannon, Matin’s daughter, so caring and understanding. Lillian such a life-saver for Gethin and Posey who just get’s overbearing. There’s the Community Orchestra: Fiona, Julie, Lucy, Alan, Tim and Portia. Of course, the small town of Llanbaruc and all its gossip.
A.L. Lester brings readers a story of the trumpet and French horn that live happily ever after, just in time for the holiday season!
June 10, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Our first MD Martin transitioned F M a decade ago. His 13-year-old daughter Shannon lives primarily with him, though she also spends time with her other Dad with whom Martin has a cordial relationship. Between his Shannon as his job as the stage manager at the local theater Martin doesn’t have much time for a social life. In addition, Martin has found that not every guy he meets is 100% comfortable with dating a man who was formerly a woman. One thing that he does make time for though is playing his Trumpet every Friday in the town’s local community orchestra.
Our second MC Gethin is an accountant. He is bi and his rather gut-punching divorce was recently finalized. Things had been over for a while, seeing that 2 years ago his wife left him to shack up with one of Gethin’s best friends (OUCH!!), but still. Well, here we are, and after going through that whole mess Gethin has allowed himself to become somewhat of a recluse. Gethin’s bossy sister Posey and his bestie/work-boss Lillian have talked Gethin into dusting off his French Horn and joining the community orchestra. Gethin isn’t sure he’s totally sold on this socializing stuff, but since a number of his Posey’s friends are also in the orchestra, he knows he’s not getting out of it without Posey’s wrath on his head. So, that first Friday night, he packs up his Horn and heads to rehearsal.
At the first rehearsal Martin takes Gethin under his wing and introduces him around. He also talks Gethin into accompanying the group to their weekly pub outing after rehearsal. Gethin figures what can it hurt? A bloke can always use more pals, right? It turns out to be the start of something special.
This author was new to me, so I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Plus, it seemed to me from the blurb that neither Martin nor Gethin ought to be the kind of characters to dive head-long into something hot and heavy right away. I personally hate insta-love in situations where it’s not realistic. THANKFULLY, the author agreed with me, so Martin and Gethin’s romance was indeed a nice slow-burn. In that same vein, very little of the sexy-times took place on page, though it was referenced so you could still tell that this was a real relationship as opposed to just friends-with-benefits.
In one word, this book is simply CHARMING. I seriously recommend this book but do yourself a favor and don’t start it on a night when you have to work the next day. It’s a good thing it was a Friday night when I started reading as I just couldn’t stop until I finished it. Trying to working the next day after reading until the wee hours would NOT have been conducive to my productivity metrics.
Our first MD Martin transitioned F M a decade ago. His 13-year-old daughter Shannon lives primarily with him, though she also spends time with her other Dad with whom Martin has a cordial relationship. Between his Shannon as his job as the stage manager at the local theater Martin doesn’t have much time for a social life. In addition, Martin has found that not every guy he meets is 100% comfortable with dating a man who was formerly a woman. One thing that he does make time for though is playing his Trumpet every Friday in the town’s local community orchestra.
Our second MC Gethin is an accountant. He is bi and his rather gut-punching divorce was recently finalized. Things had been over for a while, seeing that 2 years ago his wife left him to shack up with one of Gethin’s best friends (OUCH!!), but still. Well, here we are, and after going through that whole mess Gethin has allowed himself to become somewhat of a recluse. Gethin’s bossy sister Posey and his bestie/work-boss Lillian have talked Gethin into dusting off his French Horn and joining the community orchestra. Gethin isn’t sure he’s totally sold on this socializing stuff, but since a number of his Posey’s friends are also in the orchestra, he knows he’s not getting out of it without Posey’s wrath on his head. So, that first Friday night, he packs up his Horn and heads to rehearsal.
At the first rehearsal Martin takes Gethin under his wing and introduces him around. He also talks Gethin into accompanying the group to their weekly pub outing after rehearsal. Gethin figures what can it hurt? A bloke can always use more pals, right? It turns out to be the start of something special.
This author was new to me, so I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Plus, it seemed to me from the blurb that neither Martin nor Gethin ought to be the kind of characters to dive head-long into something hot and heavy right away. I personally hate insta-love in situations where it’s not realistic. THANKFULLY, the author agreed with me, so Martin and Gethin’s romance was indeed a nice slow-burn. In that same vein, very little of the sexy-times took place on page, though it was referenced so you could still tell that this was a real relationship as opposed to just friends-with-benefits.
In one word, this book is simply CHARMING. I seriously recommend this book but do yourself a favor and don’t start it on a night when you have to work the next day. It’s a good thing it was a Friday night when I started reading as I just couldn’t stop until I finished it. Trying to working the next day after reading until the wee hours would NOT have been conducive to my productivity metrics.
November 15, 2022
Second Wind by A. L. Lester is the sweet story of two lonely men who have gone through divorces that have affected their lives and aren’t looking for a new beginning but they find one. Martin is a trans man who got divorced when he came out. He has a 14 year old daughter that spends her time between both houses and he works at a theater as the stage manager in their small town in Wales. Gethin got divorced 2 years ago and hasn’t gotten over that his wife cheated on him. He is a quiet man and works as an accountant. His sister convinces him that he needs to get out more because he was so devastated so he joins the local orchestra because he plays the French horn, although not very well. That is where he meets Martin who plays the trumpet and they get along well. They go to the pub with the other orchestra members after rehearsal and start talking. This leads to them going on a hike where they really get to know one another and find that they really like each other and their happiness grows. They continue to date and begin a relationship, something neither of them has had in a long time. I really enjoyed this short story. The characters were interesting and you felt their angst at the beginning and their happiness grow as they spend time together. The side characters were interesting and added to the story as did the small town atmosphere that was full of well-meaning busybodies. If you are looking for a short read that has some angst as well as a great ending then this book is for you. I highly recommend it and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
December 13, 2022
Second Wind is one of those books you want to read on a cold winter's day with warm socks and a hot cup of tea. It reads as both cozy and intimate, and I wish I could have spent more time with this one. Set in a picturesque small town, this is an easy, feel-good type of romance with two people meeting at just the right time.
The two leads could probably carry the story alone, but there are quite a few memorable characters supporting them as well. Each one felt unique and real, which is hard to do considering this novella comes in just under 100 pages. In particular, the sister of one of the leads and the daughter of the other helped to flesh out the world in the novel.
Going in, I was worried that I wouldn't like some aspects because a good portrayal of a transgender person, especially in a romantic lead, is often hard to find. I shouldn't have, though. The author does a fantastic job with that character and with how other characters interact with him. The only criticism I could offer at all in this arena would be that the world might be a little too idealistic to match the current state of things. But then the novella wouldn't have that melt-in-your-mouth charm that it does have.
Errors are typos are the main reason I didn't give Second Wind the highest rating. This is mostly in the form of missing or misused words and punctuation issues. It wasn't egregious, but it was enough to be noticeable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The two leads could probably carry the story alone, but there are quite a few memorable characters supporting them as well. Each one felt unique and real, which is hard to do considering this novella comes in just under 100 pages. In particular, the sister of one of the leads and the daughter of the other helped to flesh out the world in the novel.
Going in, I was worried that I wouldn't like some aspects because a good portrayal of a transgender person, especially in a romantic lead, is often hard to find. I shouldn't have, though. The author does a fantastic job with that character and with how other characters interact with him. The only criticism I could offer at all in this arena would be that the world might be a little too idealistic to match the current state of things. But then the novella wouldn't have that melt-in-your-mouth charm that it does have.
Errors are typos are the main reason I didn't give Second Wind the highest rating. This is mostly in the form of missing or misused words and punctuation issues. It wasn't egregious, but it was enough to be noticeable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 21, 2022
Second Wind is a love story set in Llanbaruc, a small Welsh seaside town. Martin has worked at the Theatr Fach for ten years since he left England and his husband to transition to the man he is today. He and his daughter have made a good life but there may be something missing. That something may be someone and that someone may be divorced Gethin, the newly recruited French horn player for the amateur orchestra Martin belongs to.
Gethin is slowly recovering from the lies and deceit of his wife and his best friend with the help of his sister and his boss. He has been reclusive but with a prod or two from his sister he makes the effort to try something and someone new. Yeah, you get it, Martin.
This is a really sweet romance. Gethin and Martin don’t know what they let themselves in for when they go to the pub with the rest of the orchestra after practice. They find they enjoy each other's company and agree to go for a hike together the next day after meeting at the car park they left their cars at.
Their story is set against the backdrop of small town life where everyone knows everyone else's business and are not shy about talking about it. Here it is supportive and friendly, allowing the two guys the freedom they need to find their way to each other.
A beautifully realised tale of growing respect and love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Gethin is slowly recovering from the lies and deceit of his wife and his best friend with the help of his sister and his boss. He has been reclusive but with a prod or two from his sister he makes the effort to try something and someone new. Yeah, you get it, Martin.
This is a really sweet romance. Gethin and Martin don’t know what they let themselves in for when they go to the pub with the rest of the orchestra after practice. They find they enjoy each other's company and agree to go for a hike together the next day after meeting at the car park they left their cars at.
Their story is set against the backdrop of small town life where everyone knows everyone else's business and are not shy about talking about it. Here it is supportive and friendly, allowing the two guys the freedom they need to find their way to each other.
A beautifully realised tale of growing respect and love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 29, 2022
Second Wind was such a sweet low-angst novella about Gethin, a divorced man who is being pushed into joining the local community orchestra, and Martin, a trans man who is already an established member of the orchestra.
I loved how these two actually acted like adults and communicated with each other as their relationship grew. They talked things out and the relationship felt real. Both of these characters were interesting and I really wanted to know more. I would have loved to have seen Gethin meet Shannon. I would have loved to have seen more of their relationship progressing because it was so beautiful to see them find someone who actually appreciated who they were. There were no unrealistic expectations. Gethin and Martin just actually liked each other.
But since it was a novella, there were many things we were not able to experience. There were no ILYs exchanged and we only saw six months into the future. It would have been nice to see more of how their relationship would evolve. It was so good, and I'm greedy that way. :)
I was so proud of Gethin for standing up to his sister too. I love how he put her in her place for being pushy and nosy. He understood it came from a place of love, but that it was unhealthy. Loved that. Again, it was pleasant to see read about two men actually acting like adults.
This was my first book by A.L. Lester, but I cannot wait to read more by this author.
I received an ARC through BookSirens for my honest review
I loved how these two actually acted like adults and communicated with each other as their relationship grew. They talked things out and the relationship felt real. Both of these characters were interesting and I really wanted to know more. I would have loved to have seen Gethin meet Shannon. I would have loved to have seen more of their relationship progressing because it was so beautiful to see them find someone who actually appreciated who they were. There were no unrealistic expectations. Gethin and Martin just actually liked each other.
But since it was a novella, there were many things we were not able to experience. There were no ILYs exchanged and we only saw six months into the future. It would have been nice to see more of how their relationship would evolve. It was so good, and I'm greedy that way. :)
I was so proud of Gethin for standing up to his sister too. I love how he put her in her place for being pushy and nosy. He understood it came from a place of love, but that it was unhealthy. Loved that. Again, it was pleasant to see read about two men actually acting like adults.
This was my first book by A.L. Lester, but I cannot wait to read more by this author.
I received an ARC through BookSirens for my honest review
April 27, 2023
rep: bi MC; trans & gay MC
-----
ratings: funny: 2 // romance: 4 // spice: 0 (closed-door) // ease: 5 // plot: 5 (its' just the relationship)
-----
What I liked:
- A cute & low-angst (I'd argue *no* angst) closed-door romance!
- extremely focused on the budding relationship between the two leads; the relationship is basically the entire plot (which, for me, is a good thing!)
- both MCs are likable
- great communication & everyone was very open and expressive about their feelings (not just the two MCs with each other, but also the MCs with other people in their lives)
- I liked the trans rep. It was nice to read about a man who transitioned in his adult life (after he had a kid, even!). I was glad that his trans-ness was not a point of drama in the romance.
What wasn't my (personal!!!) favorite:
- the daughter is barely present & we get no interaction with her and her dad's love interest
- the main story (epilogue excluded) basically covers the first week (9 days) of their relationship
- related to the previous point, the ending is kind of abrupt. It is a happy ending, though, and I didn't feel that anything was unresolved, I just wasn't prepared to turn the page and see "epilogue"
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
-----
ratings: funny: 2 // romance: 4 // spice: 0 (closed-door) // ease: 5 // plot: 5 (its' just the relationship)
-----
What I liked:
- A cute & low-angst (I'd argue *no* angst) closed-door romance!
- extremely focused on the budding relationship between the two leads; the relationship is basically the entire plot (which, for me, is a good thing!)
- both MCs are likable
- great communication & everyone was very open and expressive about their feelings (not just the two MCs with each other, but also the MCs with other people in their lives)
- I liked the trans rep. It was nice to read about a man who transitioned in his adult life (after he had a kid, even!). I was glad that his trans-ness was not a point of drama in the romance.
What wasn't my (personal!!!) favorite:
- the daughter is barely present & we get no interaction with her and her dad's love interest
- the main story (epilogue excluded) basically covers the first week (9 days) of their relationship
- related to the previous point, the ending is kind of abrupt. It is a happy ending, though, and I didn't feel that anything was unresolved, I just wasn't prepared to turn the page and see "epilogue"
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 9, 2022
I always love reading A. L. Lester’s books, and when I saw the summary of their newest release I knew I had to read it right away! Queer romance? In a small Welsh town? At a community orchestra? Yes, yes and yes again!
📚Find this and more reviews on my blog!📚
This was a really lovely little romance, with a very tender love story and characters you can’t help but warm to. I’m always impressed by how A. L. Lester manages to create a full realised world and characters in just a few pages, and this is no exception. While the whole book is less than 100 pages, it feels like a novel with how well-formed and present the characters are.
The setting is another strength of the book. I’m perhaps more familiar with the setting than most, but all the little touches – from the Wenglish to the post-rehearsal pub – put the story right at home.
This is another excellent book from A. L. Lester, and I’m looking forward to reading more from this little Welsh town!
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
📚Find this and more reviews on my blog!📚
This was a really lovely little romance, with a very tender love story and characters you can’t help but warm to. I’m always impressed by how A. L. Lester manages to create a full realised world and characters in just a few pages, and this is no exception. While the whole book is less than 100 pages, it feels like a novel with how well-formed and present the characters are.
The setting is another strength of the book. I’m perhaps more familiar with the setting than most, but all the little touches – from the Wenglish to the post-rehearsal pub – put the story right at home.
This is another excellent book from A. L. Lester, and I’m looking forward to reading more from this little Welsh town!
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
November 17, 2022
These two men won my heart! I can see myself, kind of, in Gethin with his desire to not leave the house or interact with others. Martin is more outgoing due to his job in the theatre. When they meet, Gethin is still hurting from the betrayal of not only his ex-wife but her lover, his former best friend. It has been two years and he finally agrees to join the local orchestra, mainly to stop his sister nagging him. There, he meets Martin. Martin shows him the ropes and invites him to the pub after. They hit it off and go on a walk the next day. Martin explains more about his transition and is pleasantly surprised that it does not put Gethin off as it has others. They are both supported by others, especially Lillian and Shannon. But they also have others that may be a little too invested in how they live their lives. I pulled for these two to have their HEA because they both deserve to be happy and loved! A sweet, clean story that will give you a warm feeling for the holidays.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 4, 2022
Having enjoyed Out of Focus by A.L. Lester, I was eager to read Second Wind by them. While the theater only appears tangentially in the second book, both the main characters have something to do with the arts. Martin, the stage manager of the theater, plays trumpet in the community orchestra. There he meets Gethin, who plays french horn, and is new to the orchestra. To say the two hit it off is an understatement. Both men bring a lot of baggage to their evolving friendship, which is one reason they clicked. This is one short story I wished had been book length, as I wanted to know more about their lives. The advantage of short stories is they can appear more frequently, but sometimes still leave the reader wanting more. I appreciate reading about characters on the LGBTQIA spectrum that were rare when I was growing up. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 4, 2023
I really liked this book. It is basically about two lonely men, one divorced (Gethin) and one trans (Martin), living in a small Welsh village. Martin has been a member of the local orchestra for a couple of years. Gethin is new, trying to get out more at the encouragement of his sister. Martin takes Gethin under his wing as the new orchestra member, there is an attraction, and things progress from there.
Both characters are pretty quiet, new to this attraction and possibly dating, and the development of their relationship was really sweet.
I just felt like they could be someone I would enjoy knowing and having as a friend. Not a steamy romance but one that develops naturally. This is a short but satisfying read, leaving me with a good feeling about the characters and possible next steps for them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Both characters are pretty quiet, new to this attraction and possibly dating, and the development of their relationship was really sweet.
I just felt like they could be someone I would enjoy knowing and having as a friend. Not a steamy romance but one that develops naturally. This is a short but satisfying read, leaving me with a good feeling about the characters and possible next steps for them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 17, 2022
I really like A L Lester's contemporary novellas for how they give me that gentle, slice-of-life, hopeful realism that sometimes is just what I need. Martin and Gethin were both lovely characters that felt like incredibly real people and who I just wanted to see happy from the off, and their happiness in finding each other was a joy to read.
I liked especially the way the small-town life was both a source of community and support, whilst also being gossipy and overbearing at times too. It was a great sense of relief to see Gethin's sister being called out!
I've also long had a desire for an orchestra themed romance and this is one of the few I've seen!
Cw for transphobia (called out), with the MC referring to his own deadname.
*I received a free ARC and I have chosen to leave a review*
I liked especially the way the small-town life was both a source of community and support, whilst also being gossipy and overbearing at times too. It was a great sense of relief to see Gethin's sister being called out!
I've also long had a desire for an orchestra themed romance and this is one of the few I've seen!
Cw for transphobia (called out), with the MC referring to his own deadname.
*I received a free ARC and I have chosen to leave a review*
November 20, 2022
Second Wind is a sweet story of how Martin and Gethin met. I really enjoyed this book. Sometimes we just need a gentle push for something wonderful to happen. A journey starts with a single step as they say. Gethin's sister told him he needed to get out of the house and stop moping about his divorce, so he joined the community orchestra. A good way to be social and have some fun. He didn't know he would find love too. Martin, a single dad with a teenage daughter, is also part of the community orchestra and he and Gethin really hit it off. Though Martin has his own fears about relationships, he and Gethin have a special connection. They just might be who the other has been waiting for. Gethin and Martin are sweet together and both take a chance on love and happiness. I recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2022
A good start to Second Wind as the two characters meet for the first time. A theatre band and then to an group outing at the bar to socialise Martin and Gethin get to know each other. I noticed right off this has some coincidences into the story for both characters. I’m not really a fan of them.
Focused in a small town where everyone know each other business and such ie Martin didn’t have to have the conversation about his trans status.
Martin 35 years, had a 14 year daughter, he worked at the theatre as a trumpet player.
Gethin 34 a divorced, was an accountant and just begun at the theatre with his french horn.
A beautiful fast storyline for this book with both povs, Gethin doesn’t waste anytime in knowing Martin. Both have a gorgeous connection with each other. The sex scenes are skipped over in this book.
Focused in a small town where everyone know each other business and such ie Martin didn’t have to have the conversation about his trans status.
Martin 35 years, had a 14 year daughter, he worked at the theatre as a trumpet player.
Gethin 34 a divorced, was an accountant and just begun at the theatre with his french horn.
A beautiful fast storyline for this book with both povs, Gethin doesn’t waste anytime in knowing Martin. Both have a gorgeous connection with each other. The sex scenes are skipped over in this book.
December 16, 2022
A man joins a community orchestra because his sister nags him after his divorce. Gethin is an accountant in a small town in Wales and is good at withdrawing from the world. He meets Martin, who manages the local theater and has a daughter he shares with her father. Martin is trans, which seems to have finally been accepted by the locals after 12 years, and he is certainly comfortable with himself. These two fall into a sweet and natural relationship. There is nothing graphic about this book, which would make it suitable for young people. I wished it was a full-length novel--a unique setting and characters made it quite appealing.
I received an advance review copy for free and left this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and left this review voluntarily.
January 5, 2023
A pleasant little story about Martin and Gethin who meet at the volunteer orchestra in a little town in Wales and hit it off. Lester allows each character to grow during the novella. Gethin, who has been mostly vegetating since his wife and best friend left him two years ago, finds the strength to tell his sister thank you for keeping me alive so far but now please stay out of my love life. Martin and Martin's daughter have pretty much forgotten he was ever a she. Will it bother Gethin? What about Gethin's people?
It's a small town and everyone knows your business. But it's Wales. So if you have any musical talent and you aren't hurting anyone, does anyone care?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's a small town and everyone knows your business. But it's Wales. So if you have any musical talent and you aren't hurting anyone, does anyone care?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 3, 2022
What a delight to return to Llanbaruc and the setting of the Theatr Fach for another one-off romance, this time amongst members of the community orchestra. I loved the atmosphere of small-town rural Wales that the author created, where everyone is interrelated and you're not properly seen as local until you've lived there for 50 years.
The tight-knit and sometimes stifling community is fondly described as a backdrop to Martin and Gethin's romance, both wary and with their own baggage. This is such a life-affirming story about healing and mending and finding your feet with the right person. I hope we get another visit to this charming town soon for a fresh romance.
The tight-knit and sometimes stifling community is fondly described as a backdrop to Martin and Gethin's romance, both wary and with their own baggage. This is such a life-affirming story about healing and mending and finding your feet with the right person. I hope we get another visit to this charming town soon for a fresh romance.
December 4, 2022
I highly recommend this novella. It involves a community orchestra from the perspective of characters in the brass section, set in Wales, M/M with one trans main character, both single dads. From the first page, I fell in love with all the characters, and the writing flows like tea with honey. Complete with an excellent and satisfying HEA. Steam level is fade-to-black with lots of lovely descriptive kissing and making out first. Told in dual third-person point of view. I will 100% re-read this.
Source of book: Purchased on pre-order, read after release.
Disclosure: This author and I are friendly mutuals on various social media platforms.
Source of book: Purchased on pre-order, read after release.
Disclosure: This author and I are friendly mutuals on various social media platforms.
November 26, 2022
One of my first e-books, this caught my imagination on the Bookstodon on Mastodon where I'm following the author. A short novel nicely written, set in Wales and featuring a trans man and a cis man who have a romantic relationship notable only for the lack of drama when the cis man finds out about the gender history of the trans man. I've given it four stars purely because, although it's a nice story I found it a bit predictable and would have liked a twist or two. But well worth looking at and I'll be checking out the author's other books.
November 15, 2022
A.L. Lester is the master of the perfect moment. I'm obsessed with these short stories that provide one fleeting romantic moment, leaving the reader wanting more. There's just enough to be interesting, and so much more to imagine. Gethin and Martin made me a part of something special. It was so refreshing to see an open and honest relationship, where communication flowed freely. Wonderful choice for a quick pick-me-up!
November 20, 2022
A lovely novella about Martin and Gethin meeting each other and heading into a relationship together. Despite not having a complicated plot, the story was enjoyable to read the whole way through. I particularly appreciated the overall dislike of gossip and Gethin's hermit tendencies. The best part was the sympathetic and accurate trans representation.
I received an advance review copy for free and am happy to leave a voluntary review .
I received an advance review copy for free and am happy to leave a voluntary review .
March 11, 2023
Good story. Since I am not British, takes time to decipher some terms. CAVEAT - my biggest gripe is errors. Readers are the writer's, editor's, and publisher's customers. Not closing a character's phrase with a quotation mark may be small. But errors add up. The reader as to come out of the world the writer strives so hard to create. That is irritating. (I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
June 10, 2024
this was solo sweet! my only problem is that it was too short and don't call me crazy I knew it was a novella going in but I still feel it was way too short for a novella like I blinked and it was over.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews