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What You Can't Live Without
A flashy car, a trendy apartment, membership at a swanky country club -- Dr. Mitchell Rollins has it all, except someone to share it with. Dr. Arnulfo Oliva doesn't share his materialistic views and has no use for expensive toys. Turning away from all the U.S. has to offer, Nulfo returns to El Salvador, where he feels truly needed.
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake rocks El Salvador and both men. Desperate to find his former lover, Mitch joins a mercy mission to the devastated country, coming face to face with the man who left him behind. Can two men from different worlds find common ground after the crisis?
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake rocks El Salvador and both men. Desperate to find his former lover, Mitch joins a mercy mission to the devastated country, coming face to face with the man who left him behind. Can two men from different worlds find common ground after the crisis?
40 pages, ebook
First published September 15, 2010
2 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Eden Winters
88 books672 followersYou will know Eden Winters by her distinctive white plumage and exuberant cry of “Hey, y’all!” in a Southern US drawl so thick it renders even the simplest of words unrecognizable. Watch out, she hugs!
Driven by insatiable curiosity, she possibly holds the world’s record for curriculum changes to the point that she’s never quite earned a degree but is a force to be reckoned with at Trivial Pursuit.
She’s trudged down hallways with police detectives, learned to disarm knife-wielding bad guys, and witnessed the correct way to blow doors off buildings. Her e-mail contains various snippets of forensic wisdom, such as “What would a dead body left in a Mexican drug tunnel look like after six months?” In the process of her adventures, she has written over thirty gay romance novels, lost count of novellas and short stories, has won Rainbow Awards, was a Lambda Awards Finalist, and lives in terror of authorities showing up at her door to question her Internet searches.
When not putting characters in dangerous situations she’s cosplaying for children's charities or hanging out at the farm being a mother, grandmother, and vegetarian.
Her natural habitats are hardware stores and on the backs of motorcycles.
Driven by insatiable curiosity, she possibly holds the world’s record for curriculum changes to the point that she’s never quite earned a degree but is a force to be reckoned with at Trivial Pursuit.
She’s trudged down hallways with police detectives, learned to disarm knife-wielding bad guys, and witnessed the correct way to blow doors off buildings. Her e-mail contains various snippets of forensic wisdom, such as “What would a dead body left in a Mexican drug tunnel look like after six months?” In the process of her adventures, she has written over thirty gay romance novels, lost count of novellas and short stories, has won Rainbow Awards, was a Lambda Awards Finalist, and lives in terror of authorities showing up at her door to question her Internet searches.
When not putting characters in dangerous situations she’s cosplaying for children's charities or hanging out at the farm being a mother, grandmother, and vegetarian.
Her natural habitats are hardware stores and on the backs of motorcycles.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 30, 2011
Again Eden Winters just brings to life her characters. Such an emotional read for a short story, but even short we get a complete story. Worth reading for anyone looking for a quick love fix.
September 25, 2010
As you no doubt know the Healing Hearts collection is Torquere Press’s charity sip grouping. You can buy the entire set or buy your favorite authors but part of the profits goes to Doctors Without Borders. Thus doctors and medical professions feature in most of the stories. Eden Winters’ offering is a more literal take on charity and features volunteer doctors in El Salvador after a natural disaster.
There’s a twist to the story to the straight forward tale and a moral lesson on materialism. Mitch had a wealthy, privileged childhood and grew into a wealthy, privileged doctor. He likes expensive cars, pristine glass condos, flashy clothes, and material things. He’s frustrated that his boyfriend and fellow doctor Nulfo won’t fall into line as a pretty but loved acquisition. Instead Nulfo insists on going back to his home country where he’s needed.
The story is sweet and mostly consists of Mitch learning that money can’t buy happiness and he’s a better person when he lets this go. It’s a good lesson but somewhat obvious and extreme. Part of this no doubt is due to the limited space afforded. The set up of Mitch’s materialism, his hopes and dreams for a breezy, wealthy, cultured lifestyle is then thrown when Nulfo leaves him. Mitch comes to his senses and turns completely around. I mean he goes from an expensive sports car to a minivan at the end – so the change is extreme and not really that believable.
Although the final change is rather too far opposite what Mitch started as, the writing is good in showing the impetus for change. Going to El Salvador after a massive natural disaster forces Mitch to re-evaluate and also gives a good backdrop to show what is really important in life. I could see how Mitch understood in that moment that he had to change and his ideals were empty. I’m not sure I believe he changed –so- completely so easily but it’s nice and romantic.
Overall this is a sweet story that fits the theme and tone of the collection well. It gives some interesting texture to a unique character in Nulfo (who should have been the star) but also ends up giving Mitch more depth and meaning than he started with. This is a good example of the author if you haven’t read anything of hers yet and fans will likely enjoy the familiar prose.
There’s a twist to the story to the straight forward tale and a moral lesson on materialism. Mitch had a wealthy, privileged childhood and grew into a wealthy, privileged doctor. He likes expensive cars, pristine glass condos, flashy clothes, and material things. He’s frustrated that his boyfriend and fellow doctor Nulfo won’t fall into line as a pretty but loved acquisition. Instead Nulfo insists on going back to his home country where he’s needed.
The story is sweet and mostly consists of Mitch learning that money can’t buy happiness and he’s a better person when he lets this go. It’s a good lesson but somewhat obvious and extreme. Part of this no doubt is due to the limited space afforded. The set up of Mitch’s materialism, his hopes and dreams for a breezy, wealthy, cultured lifestyle is then thrown when Nulfo leaves him. Mitch comes to his senses and turns completely around. I mean he goes from an expensive sports car to a minivan at the end – so the change is extreme and not really that believable.
Although the final change is rather too far opposite what Mitch started as, the writing is good in showing the impetus for change. Going to El Salvador after a massive natural disaster forces Mitch to re-evaluate and also gives a good backdrop to show what is really important in life. I could see how Mitch understood in that moment that he had to change and his ideals were empty. I’m not sure I believe he changed –so- completely so easily but it’s nice and romantic.
Overall this is a sweet story that fits the theme and tone of the collection well. It gives some interesting texture to a unique character in Nulfo (who should have been the star) but also ends up giving Mitch more depth and meaning than he started with. This is a good example of the author if you haven’t read anything of hers yet and fans will likely enjoy the familiar prose.
February 5, 2011
Kalyko’s Review:
I have to admit that upon first acquaintance, Mitchell Rollins wasn’t someone I could care about. But, and I should have known this because Arnulfo loved him, there was more than appeared on the surface.
Nulfo saw behind Mitch’s flashiness, saw what it was that drove the man and he understood. He accepted Mitch for the man he truly was and that was the beginning. But as Dr. Oliva he was determined to do what he had always promised back home. And the good doctor never went back on a promise.
Sometimes it just takes the love of an extraordinary person to open someone’s eyes. Even then some people never know, or want to know. But Mitch wasn’t one of them.
Even though Mitch didn’t realise it at the time, he had given his heart completely to Arnulfo; it just took something major to make him realise it. It was a journey that was longer and went further than just to El Salvador. I loved watching the changes as they came about. To see how much more Mitch had than before when everything he owned was the most expensive, the most luxurious, was an eye-opener and something very much worth remembering.
I’ve seen Eden Winters’ name around but this is the first time that I read one of her stories; it’s very certain that it will not be the last.
Rated 4 Raven Divas by Kalyko!
I have to admit that upon first acquaintance, Mitchell Rollins wasn’t someone I could care about. But, and I should have known this because Arnulfo loved him, there was more than appeared on the surface.
Nulfo saw behind Mitch’s flashiness, saw what it was that drove the man and he understood. He accepted Mitch for the man he truly was and that was the beginning. But as Dr. Oliva he was determined to do what he had always promised back home. And the good doctor never went back on a promise.
Sometimes it just takes the love of an extraordinary person to open someone’s eyes. Even then some people never know, or want to know. But Mitch wasn’t one of them.
Even though Mitch didn’t realise it at the time, he had given his heart completely to Arnulfo; it just took something major to make him realise it. It was a journey that was longer and went further than just to El Salvador. I loved watching the changes as they came about. To see how much more Mitch had than before when everything he owned was the most expensive, the most luxurious, was an eye-opener and something very much worth remembering.
I’ve seen Eden Winters’ name around but this is the first time that I read one of her stories; it’s very certain that it will not be the last.
Rated 4 Raven Divas by Kalyko!
April 3, 2012
Surprising and beautiful short story about what is really important in life. And here's a hint - it's not a sports car! Loved Mitch's growth in this story and a terrific ending.
November 28, 2011
Mitchell Rollins is a trendy doctor who seems to be a bit shallow and materialistic. He tries to impress his boyfriend, Dr. Arnulfo Oliva with his clothes and fancy car. Arnulfo is from El Salvador and is not impressed by material goods. This becomes clear when Arnulfo chooses to return to El Salvador to help his people in any way that he can. While Nulfo does not want to leave his boyfriend, he can't ignore his higher calling. Mitch misses Arnulfo, but it really hits home when he hears on the news that El Salvador was hit with an earthquake and many people were hurt and killed. Mitch travels with other doctors to El Salvador to find Nulfo, but immediately realizes that he is not prepared to be in a country without the amenities that he is used to.
For a short story, Eden Winters does a great job with character development. In just a few pages you witness Mitchell's growth as a person, you learn about Nulfo's past and how his life in El Salvador shaped him to become the generous man he is today. Nulfo's selflessness and strong sense of family values also comes to light.
A really great read with poignant characters and a fairly developed story line. A strong short story. Thanks to Eden Winters for providing this as a free download to her readers.
For a short story, Eden Winters does a great job with character development. In just a few pages you witness Mitchell's growth as a person, you learn about Nulfo's past and how his life in El Salvador shaped him to become the generous man he is today. Nulfo's selflessness and strong sense of family values also comes to light.
A really great read with poignant characters and a fairly developed story line. A strong short story. Thanks to Eden Winters for providing this as a free download to her readers.
January 25, 2011
Mitch is an up and coming Dr. who's happy to live the good life of expensive cars, the opera, lunch at the country club, etc. He's in love with his colleague from El Salvador, Arnulfo. He really doesn't get that Arnulfo drives a rust bucket and sends money home and is crushed when Arnulfo tells him he's returning to El Salvador. When an earthquake strikes, he feels compelled to go find Arnulfo and gets himself roped into volunteering even though his plan is to get Arnulfo and get out. Things never work out the way you plan and when he realizes his help is needed, he's forced to reassess his way of looking at the world, especially when Arnulfo is the only remaining relative of a small injured girl. A very sweet story about figuring out what's really important in life and making compromises. The setting in El Salvador in an earthquake zone was very vivid. A really great read although at first I wasn't too impressed with Mitch's attitude, which was the point I suppose. :-)
September 30, 2010
2.5 stars
Rich doctor has a foreign lover. The foreign lover goes back to El Salvador. Rich doctor follows him after the Quake. Ask the foreign lover to return to US because we can help with money and hey, money is better than doctor service.
I think the ending is the reason WHY I only give this 2.5 stars. For me, personally, I like it better IF the doctor stays in El Salvador. Or both join Doctors Without Borders to give their service for few months in a year. Because while money is needed, I just don't get the morale of the story *shrugs*.
PLUS, a couple of weeks before I read book from this series with similar theme, "El Cedral", and I loved that one better (I gave 4 stars) because the U.S. doctor decided to stay at the 3rd world country.
Rich doctor has a foreign lover. The foreign lover goes back to El Salvador. Rich doctor follows him after the Quake. Ask the foreign lover to return to US because we can help with money and hey, money is better than doctor service.
I think the ending is the reason WHY I only give this 2.5 stars. For me, personally, I like it better IF the doctor stays in El Salvador. Or both join Doctors Without Borders to give their service for few months in a year. Because while money is needed, I just don't get the morale of the story *shrugs*.
PLUS, a couple of weeks before I read book from this series with similar theme, "El Cedral", and I loved that one better (I gave 4 stars) because the U.S. doctor decided to stay at the 3rd world country.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2010
This one left me sniffling. But aw. Dr.Mitch has had his expectations slapped around and his needs redefined in terms of what's really important, like what will you carry if that's all you can have. The author did a super job of portraying the beauty and the danger of El Salvador in the earthquake - that all felt very real. "Welcome to my shaky country," she has Dr. Nulfo saying. I felt like I was there, and I bet she's been.
Mitch had a pretty drastic change of heart, but I think his experiences should have changed him, and being with a person who lives his convictions has to make a difference. (But I think the mini-van was still a Lexus!)
Mitch had a pretty drastic change of heart, but I think his experiences should have changed him, and being with a person who lives his convictions has to make a difference. (But I think the mini-van was still a Lexus!)
December 1, 2011
Very short story and though it was okay it was hard to like Mitch. He was just so materialistic that it made him seem so shallow. Even when he went searching for Arnulfo it was just to take his away from him home. I like the way the story finally unfolded but that first impression of Mitch was hard to shake. Enjoyed the read.
November 30, 2011
This is a great book about the fact that no one is beyond redemption and anyone can discover what it is he or she can’t live without. Life is all about choices and compromises. I very much enjoyed the story and the message behind it.
http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p=495
November 1, 2010
Sweet m/m romance about a rich doctor who can't understand why the doctor he desires has chosen to return home to El Salvador to help his family, rather than staying to become rich in the US.
January 24, 2011
This medical tale is part of the 2010 Torquere Charity Sip Blitz. A beautifully done tale of personal growth and learning that money and posesssions aren't everything.
September 20, 2011
3.5 stars
short and sweet love story about a Mitch realizing what he real wants isn't something you can buy.
short and sweet love story about a Mitch realizing what he real wants isn't something you can buy.
October 27, 2011
Sweet story about a wealthy doctor learning that what's really important isn't anything you can buy.
Of course certain things were glossed over, but it's a romance and had a nice moral .
Of course certain things were glossed over, but it's a romance and had a nice moral .
November 28, 2011
Lovely short story, great message behind it.
Sweet :)
Sweet :)
March 21, 2012
Beautiful story.
February 2, 2012
Loved it!
November 1, 2017
I have to say I am quite impressed with this lovely story. So often in shorter stories there is the element of insta, or, if the relationship is already established, I find I don’t feel I’m given enough to really see the two MCs as a couple. Neither was an issue here. Mitch and Arnulfo are lovers and have been together for quite a while when the story opens, but within a short number of pages, Ms. Winters created depth of emotion and history between the two.
The blurb pretty much covers the story, and there aren’t twists and turns. What you’ll get is a wonderful story of two men who have different priorities, and a journey for one to find what truly matters. Mitch likes pretty things, he likes to show off his wealth and status, everything revolves around how he is seen, and he sets his value on his personal possessions. Arnulfo is the complete opposite, which both drives Mitch nuts and also makes him so much more alluring to Mitch, because Nulfo could care less about pretty cars or designer fashion. It’s those differences that drive them apart, not because Nulfo doesn’t love Mitch but because he has a purpose for his people: he can help, he can provide, and he needs to be there. Mitch doesn’t understand, and lets Arnulfo walk out of his life and go home to his country.
One of my favorite things is character growth, to watch someone change and mature, to see that “aha” moment, and What You Can’t Live Without delivered it in spades. I loved reading as Mitch realized how miserable and empty he was without Arnulfo, and that no amount of possessions could fill that void. It was amazing to see Mitch’s eyes open to how things are for so many unfortunate people, and the struggles they face, to finally really understand Arnulfo and the decisions he made. It all hit me right in the feels.
Arnulfo may not take quite the journey Mitch does, but he still has his own lessons to learn and decisions to make. When he first leaves, his mind is set on one path, but Mitch’s change of heart and behavior give him the ability to see other options, a bigger picture and a way to possibly achieve his dreams to help his countrymen and woman while still having the man he loves at his side.
I just enjoyed this story to pieces. The characters both mature, they both learn to compromise, they find their purpose and how to achieve their HEA, and, ultimately, find out what truly matters.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
The blurb pretty much covers the story, and there aren’t twists and turns. What you’ll get is a wonderful story of two men who have different priorities, and a journey for one to find what truly matters. Mitch likes pretty things, he likes to show off his wealth and status, everything revolves around how he is seen, and he sets his value on his personal possessions. Arnulfo is the complete opposite, which both drives Mitch nuts and also makes him so much more alluring to Mitch, because Nulfo could care less about pretty cars or designer fashion. It’s those differences that drive them apart, not because Nulfo doesn’t love Mitch but because he has a purpose for his people: he can help, he can provide, and he needs to be there. Mitch doesn’t understand, and lets Arnulfo walk out of his life and go home to his country.
One of my favorite things is character growth, to watch someone change and mature, to see that “aha” moment, and What You Can’t Live Without delivered it in spades. I loved reading as Mitch realized how miserable and empty he was without Arnulfo, and that no amount of possessions could fill that void. It was amazing to see Mitch’s eyes open to how things are for so many unfortunate people, and the struggles they face, to finally really understand Arnulfo and the decisions he made. It all hit me right in the feels.
Arnulfo may not take quite the journey Mitch does, but he still has his own lessons to learn and decisions to make. When he first leaves, his mind is set on one path, but Mitch’s change of heart and behavior give him the ability to see other options, a bigger picture and a way to possibly achieve his dreams to help his countrymen and woman while still having the man he loves at his side.
I just enjoyed this story to pieces. The characters both mature, they both learn to compromise, they find their purpose and how to achieve their HEA, and, ultimately, find out what truly matters.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
September 23, 2017
“Love is not finding someone to live with; it's finding someone you can't live without.” ~ Raphael Montanez Ortiz
Mitch Rollins, of 'What You Can't Live Without by Eden Winters, is on top of the world. He's a well-paid doctor with all the creature comforts he could want. Mitch also has a boyfriend, a doctor as well, whom he loves. Mitch is ready to settle down with Arnulfo. Mitch is floored when Arnulfo chooses humanitarianism over a life with Mitch.
Mitch and Arnulfo have a great relationship. Mitch thinks Arnulfo is The One and wants to make it permanent. But that is the night that Arnulfo tells Mitch about his plans to return to El Salvador. He's grateful for the opportunity to study medicine in the US, but the pull of knowing how much the people need a doctor in the small village where he was raised is more than his conscience will let him ignore. Arnulfo can't stay, not even for Mitch.
When Arnulfo leaves for his country, he and Mitch keep in touch. With Arnulfo gone, Mitch realizes just how empty his life is without him. All the things in the world don't take the place of a warm body beside you at night or a killer smile from someone you love. The bottom line is that, without Arnulfo, everything seems unimportant. Mitch gets to a point where he can't stand it anymore. He is willing to do what he has to to see Arnulfo again. To everyone's surprise, he volunteers for a trip to Arnulfo's village with the idea that he can convince him to come home with him. The trip is a real eye-opener for him. Mitch gets to see firsthand where Arnulfo comes from and why he chose to go back. Mitch is overwhelmed by the poverty, desperation, and sickness all around him but he still clings to hope that Arnulfo's love for him will overcome his desire to stay.
Eden has created a light, easy love story about two men who learn to compromise. I was especially happy to see that Mitch, Mr. Materialista, was able to adjust his priorities in order to be able to have what he can't live without. Thanks, Eden, for the entertaining read.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Mitch Rollins, of 'What You Can't Live Without by Eden Winters, is on top of the world. He's a well-paid doctor with all the creature comforts he could want. Mitch also has a boyfriend, a doctor as well, whom he loves. Mitch is ready to settle down with Arnulfo. Mitch is floored when Arnulfo chooses humanitarianism over a life with Mitch.
Mitch and Arnulfo have a great relationship. Mitch thinks Arnulfo is The One and wants to make it permanent. But that is the night that Arnulfo tells Mitch about his plans to return to El Salvador. He's grateful for the opportunity to study medicine in the US, but the pull of knowing how much the people need a doctor in the small village where he was raised is more than his conscience will let him ignore. Arnulfo can't stay, not even for Mitch.
When Arnulfo leaves for his country, he and Mitch keep in touch. With Arnulfo gone, Mitch realizes just how empty his life is without him. All the things in the world don't take the place of a warm body beside you at night or a killer smile from someone you love. The bottom line is that, without Arnulfo, everything seems unimportant. Mitch gets to a point where he can't stand it anymore. He is willing to do what he has to to see Arnulfo again. To everyone's surprise, he volunteers for a trip to Arnulfo's village with the idea that he can convince him to come home with him. The trip is a real eye-opener for him. Mitch gets to see firsthand where Arnulfo comes from and why he chose to go back. Mitch is overwhelmed by the poverty, desperation, and sickness all around him but he still clings to hope that Arnulfo's love for him will overcome his desire to stay.
Eden has created a light, easy love story about two men who learn to compromise. I was especially happy to see that Mitch, Mr. Materialista, was able to adjust his priorities in order to be able to have what he can't live without. Thanks, Eden, for the entertaining read.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 11, 2020
Great read
This is a beautiful love story. I enjoyed the conflict and angst between the characters and how they took different paths before love and fate forced a confrontation. I enjoyed how the story touched upon a character’s desire to help his country of El Salvador. Overall, this is a great escapist read.
This is a beautiful love story. I enjoyed the conflict and angst between the characters and how they took different paths before love and fate forced a confrontation. I enjoyed how the story touched upon a character’s desire to help his country of El Salvador. Overall, this is a great escapist read.
March 6, 2024
2.5 stars - too short, fairly dated, and the exclamations during the scant sex scenes were . . . something - but, it fulfilled a prompt and the brevity worked to my favor
December 17, 2011
While I usually love author's stories and, especially, her characters, I had trouble connecting to Mitch and Arnulfo. One is a shallow, spoiled, privileged prick, the other - nearly a saint. They were both extreme in their own way and that didn't work well for me in a short story. The length of the story is probably a reason for their simplicity, but I really wanted more depth in both characters. It also struck me that these two intelligent men never made any real attempt to solve the differences between them. Arnulfo decides to leave - and that's the end for him, although he claims to love Mitch. Mitch, on the other hand, throws a tantrum - and excepts the end. And, as it turned out, the solution to their problems was easy, way too easy. After their parting, the changes in both men seemed unrealistic and the ending, while sweet, left me somewhat dissatisfied. While you should certainly check out the story, I recommend you my personal favorite shorts by Eden Winters - Tinsel and Frost or Highway Man, for example.
October 16, 2012
A sweet, short story with meaning.
Mitch is the doctor with material possessions and shallow views. Arnulfo is the doctor with humanitarian views and a love-is-enough attitude.
Nulfo returns to his roots in El Salvadore to help his people and give back. Mitch is upset, as he loves Nulfo, but tends to love his creature comforts a bit more. Several weeks later a 7.8 earthquake rocks El Savadore, Mitch decides to go find Nulfo. Nulfo is found, Mitch sees another side to the world, and perspective's change.
This is my second Eden Winters read. Both have been too short to truly do the premise at hand as much justice as, perhaps, could have been the case.
Unfortunately I just found the characters hard to warm up to. Mitch was too painfully shallow, Nulfo was too perfect. The characters didn't get enough opportunity to be drawn fully, mostly because of the book's length. However the message was an important one, and I liked that very much. It was sweet and it had a positive, nice ending.
Mitch is the doctor with material possessions and shallow views. Arnulfo is the doctor with humanitarian views and a love-is-enough attitude.
Nulfo returns to his roots in El Salvadore to help his people and give back. Mitch is upset, as he loves Nulfo, but tends to love his creature comforts a bit more. Several weeks later a 7.8 earthquake rocks El Savadore, Mitch decides to go find Nulfo. Nulfo is found, Mitch sees another side to the world, and perspective's change.
This is my second Eden Winters read. Both have been too short to truly do the premise at hand as much justice as, perhaps, could have been the case.
Unfortunately I just found the characters hard to warm up to. Mitch was too painfully shallow, Nulfo was too perfect. The characters didn't get enough opportunity to be drawn fully, mostly because of the book's length. However the message was an important one, and I liked that very much. It was sweet and it had a positive, nice ending.
November 12, 2013
This was a fantastic, free read. It has a humanitarian and a child, so of course I liked it. :)
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