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Royal Cycles #1
Chainbreaker
San Francisco bike courier Matt Robinson only cares about one thing in this life, his boyfriend, Gulf War veteran Jason Hicks. When one of the other couriers starts pushing Jason around, Matt puts everything on the line to protect his man, even his job, and finds out his sweet, broken blond is a lot tougher than he looks.
- GenresM M RomanceGay
20 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2010
29 people want to read
About the author
Kate Roman
39 books57 followersKate Roman is an adventurer, a scribe, and a hopeless romantic. A native of northern California, she divides her time between dreaming of beautiful, heartbroken men and the men who love them and working in IT support. She's ably assisted by one cat, three dogs, and four rabbits and doesn't want to talk about the shameful state of her garden. She also reads more books than can possibly be healthy and can be reached at romankate@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 9, 2010
Chris and Jenre mentioned this was a great little short and I’m so glad I took their advice. This is an adorable, wonderful short story that left me wanting so much more from these two. Matt and Jason were childhood friends that got torn apart when their parents discovered they were more than just friends. The two never lost contact and always knew they’d be together again. Years later the opportunity finally appears and Matt leaves everything to be with Jason and the two are adorably happy, even though completely broke and working in a messenger shop.
The connection between the two is lovely and charming. They’re clearly soul mates and their interaction is what makes the story. From the small touches to the sex scenes, these two know each other inside and out and love everything they find. It’s not all sappy romance either with a healthy dose of young men with all the brash attitude of bike messengers.
I was really surprised at the extended length (32 pgs) and was disappointed the story ended. The ending is sweet and the characters are wonderful from beginning to end. I especially liked the positive message the story ended on. Definitely worth reading and I hope the author revisits these men again.
The connection between the two is lovely and charming. They’re clearly soul mates and their interaction is what makes the story. From the small touches to the sex scenes, these two know each other inside and out and love everything they find. It’s not all sappy romance either with a healthy dose of young men with all the brash attitude of bike messengers.
I was really surprised at the extended length (32 pgs) and was disappointed the story ended. The ending is sweet and the characters are wonderful from beginning to end. I especially liked the positive message the story ended on. Definitely worth reading and I hope the author revisits these men again.
April 13, 2010
A story about boyhood fiends/lovers who were torn apart by parents who didn't understand. Reunited years later, they're making a life for themselves. The way they relate to each other and have each other's backs is heartwarming.
December 12, 2011
Rating: B+
Review originally posted at Brief Encounters Reviews
Even though this was released nearly two years ago, I dug it out because I was intrigued by the blurb to the recently released sequel Crankset (review coming soon). I must say, I’m really glad I did. The plot of the story is fairly straightforward and the blurb just about says it all, but Chainbreaker is a delightful slice of life story. It’s also one of those stories that actually improved on the second read through, which is always a pleasure.
The story is told from Matt’s point of view, and opens with him racing back through the streets of San Franscisco, to get back to his boyfriend who works behind the counter at Royal Cycles. We’re given a few brief paragraphs of background to the couple, who have grown up together and been in love since they were sixteen. Unfortunately when their parents discovered this, the two were split up and Jason sent to military school, and then on to Afghanistan where he was injured in service. I feel it would be a spoiler to give the details of exactly how, as I loved the way the story delays the reveal. Let’s just say for now that Jason has a permanent physical disability, but Matt loves him just as much as ever.
The strength of the bond between these two young lovers is never called into question. Indeed, it is this that allows them to cope with their poverty with good humour. They may only have a curtained off alcove in a one bedroom flat shared with three women, but they really seem to enjoy the little things in life: the buzz of the city around them, eating good food and their healthy sex life. I was pleased that while Kate Roman doesn’t sugar coat their poverty in any way, she also doesn’t make it a source of angst for them. I also loved the way the Mission district of San Francisco is portrayed: the city streets and all the diverse secondary characters come alive through the prose. In particular, Mama Yung, the chainsmoking, seventy-something owner of Royal Cycles is a real delight.
Normally I’m not so keen on romances where there’s no conflict between the lovers, but this time it really worked for me. In part this is down to the strength of the writing, but I think it’s mainly the characters. While both young men are clearly very nice guys, they also felt utterly real. Their teasing banter is cute without ever being sugary – a fine line to walk but Kate Roman makes it look effortless. It helps that Matt lashes out when one of the other couriers makes fun of Jason’s disability, and it is this that drives the main plot conflict. A little protectiveness is always an admirable quality in a character. Indeed, Matt really does cherish Jason, seeing him as a precious gift who was returned to him.
This is one of those stories that made me feel warm and fuzzy inside, while giving a fascinating portrait of a vibrant city. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a story that’s low on the conflict, but high on the love quotient.
Review originally posted at Brief Encounters Reviews
Even though this was released nearly two years ago, I dug it out because I was intrigued by the blurb to the recently released sequel Crankset (review coming soon). I must say, I’m really glad I did. The plot of the story is fairly straightforward and the blurb just about says it all, but Chainbreaker is a delightful slice of life story. It’s also one of those stories that actually improved on the second read through, which is always a pleasure.
The story is told from Matt’s point of view, and opens with him racing back through the streets of San Franscisco, to get back to his boyfriend who works behind the counter at Royal Cycles. We’re given a few brief paragraphs of background to the couple, who have grown up together and been in love since they were sixteen. Unfortunately when their parents discovered this, the two were split up and Jason sent to military school, and then on to Afghanistan where he was injured in service. I feel it would be a spoiler to give the details of exactly how, as I loved the way the story delays the reveal. Let’s just say for now that Jason has a permanent physical disability, but Matt loves him just as much as ever.
The strength of the bond between these two young lovers is never called into question. Indeed, it is this that allows them to cope with their poverty with good humour. They may only have a curtained off alcove in a one bedroom flat shared with three women, but they really seem to enjoy the little things in life: the buzz of the city around them, eating good food and their healthy sex life. I was pleased that while Kate Roman doesn’t sugar coat their poverty in any way, she also doesn’t make it a source of angst for them. I also loved the way the Mission district of San Francisco is portrayed: the city streets and all the diverse secondary characters come alive through the prose. In particular, Mama Yung, the chainsmoking, seventy-something owner of Royal Cycles is a real delight.
Normally I’m not so keen on romances where there’s no conflict between the lovers, but this time it really worked for me. In part this is down to the strength of the writing, but I think it’s mainly the characters. While both young men are clearly very nice guys, they also felt utterly real. Their teasing banter is cute without ever being sugary – a fine line to walk but Kate Roman makes it look effortless. It helps that Matt lashes out when one of the other couriers makes fun of Jason’s disability, and it is this that drives the main plot conflict. A little protectiveness is always an admirable quality in a character. Indeed, Matt really does cherish Jason, seeing him as a precious gift who was returned to him.
This is one of those stories that made me feel warm and fuzzy inside, while giving a fascinating portrait of a vibrant city. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a story that’s low on the conflict, but high on the love quotient.
November 12, 2010
It is a sweet short story about a couple who is pretty much soulmate. I enjoy the description of bike messenger life, plus the whole racing idea. BUT, this story doesn't really stand out for me to give it more than 3 stars though ...
February 6, 2011
3,5 stars
A sweet short about two lovers and childhood friends who overcame hate and ignorance to be together. There was just enough drama to make it interesting but too little pages to really draw it out.
Still: a cute story.
A sweet short about two lovers and childhood friends who overcame hate and ignorance to be together. There was just enough drama to make it interesting but too little pages to really draw it out.
Still: a cute story.
March 7, 2010
Fun, with just enough darkness to make you really care about the characters.
March 22, 2010
Didn't expect to like this as much as I did. A great read. The author managed to pack a lot of story into such a short book.
November 5, 2010
Very good short m/m romance about a San Francisco bike messenger and his boyfriend.
November 30, 2011
Sweet short about a bike messanger and his boyhood love and disabled war vet boyfriend.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews