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Ice Around the Edges
Evan Kano’s life is on an even keel until the night he’s shot at the homeless shelter where he works. The resulting turmoil is not caused by a bullet but by a blast from the Evan’s first lover has returned to visit him in the hospital and deliver some big news.
Ten years ago, Dixon Bain walked out of Evan’s life because he thought his family didn’t approve of him having a male lover. But Dixon has discovered that what he thought he knew could not be further from the truth, and now he’s returned to claim the only man he’s ever loved... if he can melt the ice around the edges of Evan’s still-wounded heart.
Ten years ago, Dixon Bain walked out of Evan’s life because he thought his family didn’t approve of him having a male lover. But Dixon has discovered that what he thought he knew could not be further from the truth, and now he’s returned to claim the only man he’s ever loved... if he can melt the ice around the edges of Evan’s still-wounded heart.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2010
121 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
127 books5,006 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
December 2, 2022
Classic Calmes
Seriously. Totally classic Calmes from everything to the gorgeous-but-doesn't-believe-it MC, to the bullshit breakup years prior, to the no-one-means-as-much-as-you reunion, with eyebrow waggles and all, and the requirement of suspension of disbelief. Classic Calmes crack.
Seriously. Totally classic Calmes from everything to the gorgeous-but-doesn't-believe-it MC, to the bullshit breakup years prior, to the no-one-means-as-much-as-you reunion, with eyebrow waggles and all, and the requirement of suspension of disbelief. Classic Calmes crack.
March 14, 2016
I know, more Mary Calmes but in fairness to me this is a holiday story. I really enjoyed this story with the exception of the fact that it felt more like I got plunked down in the middle of a story and really only got to read a slice of it.
'Ice Around the Edges' was approximately 30ish pages long and to me it read more like a long scene from what should have been and potentially could have been a longer story.
The scene which takes place at a hospital where Evan is recovering from a gunshot wound (no spoiler here it's in the blurb). Evan wakes up to find Dixon, a lover from his past, at his beside. What unfolds in this story are all the reasons why things ended between these two, as Dixon attempts to convince Evan that things aren't really over. between them. I would have loved for this story to start back when Evan and Dixon first met and then to carry on past where it ended and show us a bit more of what the future held for these two men.
Maybe with any luck one day Ms Calmes will remember this little gem and return to it to give us a full accounting of Evan and Dixon's relationship. I'd be on board for that one to be sure.
'Ice Around the Edges' was approximately 30ish pages long and to me it read more like a long scene from what should have been and potentially could have been a longer story.
The scene which takes place at a hospital where Evan is recovering from a gunshot wound (no spoiler here it's in the blurb). Evan wakes up to find Dixon, a lover from his past, at his beside. What unfolds in this story are all the reasons why things ended between these two, as Dixon attempts to convince Evan that things aren't really over. between them. I would have loved for this story to start back when Evan and Dixon first met and then to carry on past where it ended and show us a bit more of what the future held for these two men.
Maybe with any luck one day Ms Calmes will remember this little gem and return to it to give us a full accounting of Evan and Dixon's relationship. I'd be on board for that one to be sure.
July 10, 2014
All Dixon wants for Christmas is Evan.
Evan wakes up in the hospital after being shot to find his college boyfriend, whom he hasn’t seen in almost a decade, there wanting to get back together.
This is a really short story and Mary still manages to pack it all in. The eyebrow waggle, the excessive outerwear descriptions, feeding our MC, and even the completely pointless scene where a random ex shows up to show us how much our MC is wanted... It really is Christmas in July.
Evan wakes up in the hospital after being shot to find his college boyfriend, whom he hasn’t seen in almost a decade, there wanting to get back together.
This is a really short story and Mary still manages to pack it all in. The eyebrow waggle, the excessive outerwear descriptions, feeding our MC, and even the completely pointless scene where a random ex shows up to show us how much our MC is wanted... It really is Christmas in July.
July 15, 2013
2.5
What to say without saying too much? I probably can't do that...:)
Hmmm...Evan is recuperating from a gunshot ( and I guess the chest wound wasn't so serious since the day of his release..he's ready for some other kind of..oh never mind.)
Anyway, who walks in but his ex Dixon.
Now I will say I liked their back and forth, I believed they were 'it' for each other and that they wanted and loved the other.. but Dixon is an asshat of epic proportions in my option.
He left Evan after 4 years of living and loving because of what? Are you kidding me? Idiotic selfish, arrogant ass doesn't even begin to describe him.
When Evan said he hadn't seen it coming, that he was shocked when Dixon actually walked out on him..
And..just a side note, IF the secretary hadn't sent that request to Dixon and Dixon hadn't mentioned the shooting at home..would he have ever tried to get Evan back?
I don't think so, I also don't think he came to Evan ready to apologize and to really make amends..
I did like that Evan didn't (outwardly) cave completely, but again, Evan is to give up his existence ( oh, I haven't said I'm sorry, but I will say you need to sell your apartment ) for Dixon.
So..some will think it's sweet and romantic and a second chance at the one who got away...Me? I sort of wished he had stayed away..
I was left feeling that it wasn't Dixon's love for Evan that brought him back, because really he is so take charge and controlling, his way or else, but he walked away of a 4yr love after eavesdropping ...puuuleaze.
What to say without saying too much? I probably can't do that...:)
Hmmm...Evan is recuperating from a gunshot ( and I guess the chest wound wasn't so serious since the day of his release..he's ready for some other kind of..oh never mind.)
Anyway, who walks in but his ex Dixon.
Now I will say I liked their back and forth, I believed they were 'it' for each other and that they wanted and loved the other.. but Dixon is an asshat of epic proportions in my option.
He left Evan after 4 years of living and loving because of what? Are you kidding me? Idiotic selfish, arrogant ass doesn't even begin to describe him.
When Evan said he hadn't seen it coming, that he was shocked when Dixon actually walked out on him..
And..just a side note, IF the secretary hadn't sent that request to Dixon and Dixon hadn't mentioned the shooting at home..would he have ever tried to get Evan back?
I don't think so, I also don't think he came to Evan ready to apologize and to really make amends..
I did like that Evan didn't (outwardly) cave completely, but again, Evan is to give up his existence ( oh, I haven't said I'm sorry, but I will say you need to sell your apartment ) for Dixon.
So..some will think it's sweet and romantic and a second chance at the one who got away...Me? I sort of wished he had stayed away..
I was left feeling that it wasn't Dixon's love for Evan that brought him back, because really he is so take charge and controlling, his way or else, but he walked away of a 4yr love after eavesdropping ...puuuleaze.
July 10, 2014
Srsly, you guys...
Other than that ----> What she said.
December 5, 2022
And I repeat:
This was sooooo Mary. And well, if you bow down to all that is Mary like I do, well, this book is a super shorty Merry Christmas just for you.
And I'll add:
Like I always say about the shorties. I just need more. I'd love a revisit to some of these super shorts. Like where are they now.
Good stuff.
Re-Read 2022
-------
I've owned this forever and have no idea how after all these years I missed it.
This was sooooo Mary. And well, if you bow down to all that is Mary like I do, well, this book is a super shorty Merry Christmas just for you.
So Mary. My goodness.
This was sooooo Mary. And well, if you bow down to all that is Mary like I do, well, this book is a super shorty Merry Christmas just for you.
And I'll add:
Like I always say about the shorties. I just need more. I'd love a revisit to some of these super shorts. Like where are they now.
Good stuff.
Re-Read 2022
-------
I've owned this forever and have no idea how after all these years I missed it.
This was sooooo Mary. And well, if you bow down to all that is Mary like I do, well, this book is a super shorty Merry Christmas just for you.
So Mary. My goodness.
December 17, 2010
For a couple of assholes they sure where sweet in their own way
May 18, 2019
3.5 Stars
Very Mary.
Very Mary.
January 29, 2011
This is basically the story of Evan who wakes up in the hospital to find his ex Dixon, who now wants him back. Dixon left Evan 10 years ago because his family didn't approve of them being together, walking out on a 4 year relationship.
I read on other reviews that Evan didn't give in to Dixon easily, I have to say I don't agree, he didn't put up much of a fight, he didn't put up a fight at all.
The main reason I didn't like this story was because of Dixon, we find out that not only was he a coward when he left Evan, but that he did it because he didn't want to lose his inheritance. That's how much he loved Evan?
So when he comes back into the picture you would expect for him to have to grovel quite a bit. Well... he doesn't. He just informs Evan that he will be moving in with him, is overbearing and somewhere in the story he feels the need to tell Evan that he slept with “way more than 20 men”, I have no idea what the point of that was.
Then there was the fact that he didn't come back because he couldn't live without Evan, he did it because he discovers that his father didn't actually have a problem with Evan in the first place and it had all been a BIG misunderstanding. So by the end of the book he was still a money loving coward and would have still put Evan last if he hadn’t found out his father was ok with it. And Evan was fine with all of it. Love really must be blind.
The cherry on the top for me was when Evan asks him at the end of the book why he came to see him and Dixon’s answer, and I quote was "I'm tired of screwing", what a lovely reason to come back after 10 years!
Definitely not a favourite.
I read on other reviews that Evan didn't give in to Dixon easily, I have to say I don't agree, he didn't put up much of a fight, he didn't put up a fight at all.
The main reason I didn't like this story was because of Dixon, we find out that not only was he a coward when he left Evan, but that he did it because he didn't want to lose his inheritance. That's how much he loved Evan?
So when he comes back into the picture you would expect for him to have to grovel quite a bit. Well... he doesn't. He just informs Evan that he will be moving in with him, is overbearing and somewhere in the story he feels the need to tell Evan that he slept with “way more than 20 men”, I have no idea what the point of that was.
Then there was the fact that he didn't come back because he couldn't live without Evan, he did it because he discovers that his father didn't actually have a problem with Evan in the first place and it had all been a BIG misunderstanding. So by the end of the book he was still a money loving coward and would have still put Evan last if he hadn’t found out his father was ok with it. And Evan was fine with all of it. Love really must be blind.
The cherry on the top for me was when Evan asks him at the end of the book why he came to see him and Dixon’s answer, and I quote was "I'm tired of screwing", what a lovely reason to come back after 10 years!
Definitely not a favourite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2010
Evan Kano wakes up in a hospital to see his ex-lover, Dixon Bain, at his side. Ten years ago, out of fear for his family's disapproval of his relationship with a man, Dixon chose to walk out of Evan. This year, however, Dixon is determined to show Evan that he never stops loving him -- that he will do anything to fix his mistake.
Well, the idea of stupid-ex who returns for forgiveness and second chances always hook me in. What's better season to do that than Christmas, right? I like the banter between Evan and Dixon enough. I also like the fact that Evan does not "surrender" easily; especially after 10 years being apart (Dixon needs some kind of punishment first, right?).
I do feel a bit annoyed with the "come home with me" phrase though, since I have a bad experience with another story of Ms. Calmes, His Hearth, that overuses this phrase. BUT, at least this one doesn't have demon suddenly appear.
Well, the idea of stupid-ex who returns for forgiveness and second chances always hook me in. What's better season to do that than Christmas, right? I like the banter between Evan and Dixon enough. I also like the fact that Evan does not "surrender" easily; especially after 10 years being apart (Dixon needs some kind of punishment first, right?).
I do feel a bit annoyed with the "come home with me" phrase though, since I have a bad experience with another story of Ms. Calmes, His Hearth, that overuses this phrase. BUT, at least this one doesn't have demon suddenly appear.
June 25, 2019
While I liked the character of Evan, I hated Dixon. Are you kidding me? You are with the so called love of your life for four years, then randomly eavesdrop a conversation between your super rich dad and super rich gramps,methinks they are discussing said love of life's unsuitability and you just dump him? No explanation and for ten years you don't bother to even ASK your family why they are bigoted asshats? You don't bother to make even a token effort to find out what they meant, or even defend someone? God. Hated him. I wanted Evan to run the other way. Had he not gotten shot, would it have even been resolved? And even after "oh I loved you forever, just a mistake", you still want Evan to give up his all for you ? Evan was dumb and Dixon just a complete selfish, money happy jerk.
December 25, 2018
A cute quick read ... a second chance
December 29, 2020
I don't really like Christmas stories, but I do love Mary Calmes and her ridiculous characters and plots... so sue me.
December 27, 2022
Ten years apart? More like ten minutes. 🤣 Classic Calmes meant to be savored, not dissected. Suspend and believe.
December 28, 2012
Hmmmm.
Sometimes I do like Mary Calmes, sometimes I want to throw her stuff across the room. With this story, I kind of want to do both at the same time.
I like the way this is written. The prose did a good job of sucking me into the story. OTOH, I really really didn't like one of the MCs, and it seemed that his failings were glossed over much too easily.
Here's the deal:
The first MC, Evan, is a crusader who works at a homeless shelter. At the beginning of the story, just before Christmas, he is in the hospital after being shot by a pimp who objected to Evan helping to get the pimp's clientele off the streets.
The other MC, Dixon, is a rich guy who was Evan's first love. They lived together for 4 years, but Dixon left Evan 10 years ago when he found out that Dixon's father and grandfather both disapproved of Evan and that Dixon was in danger of being disinherited.
All this changes when Evan is shot. Dixon finds out about the shooting, and he suddenly shows up at Evan's hospital room determined to get back together with Evan. He wants Evan to come back "home" (Dixon now lives in NYC, Evan in Chicago) for Christmas and New Years, and actually forever.
BUT --
Can you see the problem here? Dixon doesn't deserve to have Evan back. . And Evan is just letting Dixon back in because he still lusts after Dixon. I don't think he ever said much really nice about Dixon's **personality** in the whole story, just about how physically irresistible Dixon is.
So anyway -- I found the style appealing, the content less so. 3 stars.
Sometimes I do like Mary Calmes, sometimes I want to throw her stuff across the room. With this story, I kind of want to do both at the same time.
I like the way this is written. The prose did a good job of sucking me into the story. OTOH, I really really didn't like one of the MCs, and it seemed that his failings were glossed over much too easily.
Here's the deal:
The first MC, Evan, is a crusader who works at a homeless shelter. At the beginning of the story, just before Christmas, he is in the hospital after being shot by a pimp who objected to Evan helping to get the pimp's clientele off the streets.
The other MC, Dixon, is a rich guy who was Evan's first love. They lived together for 4 years, but Dixon left Evan 10 years ago when he found out that Dixon's father and grandfather both disapproved of Evan and that Dixon was in danger of being disinherited.
All this changes when Evan is shot. Dixon finds out about the shooting, and he suddenly shows up at Evan's hospital room determined to get back together with Evan. He wants Evan to come back "home" (Dixon now lives in NYC, Evan in Chicago) for Christmas and New Years, and actually forever.
BUT --
Can you see the problem here? Dixon doesn't deserve to have Evan back. . And Evan is just letting Dixon back in because he still lusts after Dixon. I don't think he ever said much really nice about Dixon's **personality** in the whole story, just about how physically irresistible Dixon is.
So anyway -- I found the style appealing, the content less so. 3 stars.
January 20, 2019
Not my favourite
2.75 ⭐️
This one is not one of my favourites from Ms Calmes, but I knew that before starting and should have listened to myself. I don’t seem to mix well with Ms Calmes books where there has been a prolonged separation, so knowing that I shouldn’t have read this one.
What I don’t like is the partner that has left comes back in and steamrolls the one left behind. In this case, don’t worry that Evan has a life he has built and a job that means something, he is expected to just up and move to New York because Dixon has come back and wants him after 10 years. And Dixon’s Mum, what was up with that manipulation.
It didn’t make as angry as Again (my least favourite MC book) in fact I was downright calm in this one, I just didn’t get invested.
2.75 ⭐️
This one is not one of my favourites from Ms Calmes, but I knew that before starting and should have listened to myself. I don’t seem to mix well with Ms Calmes books where there has been a prolonged separation, so knowing that I shouldn’t have read this one.
What I don’t like is the partner that has left comes back in and steamrolls the one left behind. In this case, don’t worry that Evan has a life he has built and a job that means something, he is expected to just up and move to New York because Dixon has come back and wants him after 10 years. And Dixon’s Mum, what was up with that manipulation.
It didn’t make as angry as Again (my least favourite MC book) in fact I was downright calm in this one, I just didn’t get invested.
December 21, 2010
After a misunderstanding ten years ago, Dixon's come back to Evan after he hears Evan's been shot. They both still love each other but it's hard for Evan to get over Dixon abruptly leaving him over a decade earlier.
I really liked this story. It was a sweet and simple read and I loved Evan. As with all Mary's main characters, Evan is instantly liked by everyone. Dixon is an assertive, determined guy and he won't let Evan slip through his fingers again so that made me love Dixon, too. Plus, who can't not like a character named Dixon?? Lol
In the end, I was smiling so I'll definitely be re-reading this whenever I need to be cheered up.
I really liked this story. It was a sweet and simple read and I loved Evan. As with all Mary's main characters, Evan is instantly liked by everyone. Dixon is an assertive, determined guy and he won't let Evan slip through his fingers again so that made me love Dixon, too. Plus, who can't not like a character named Dixon?? Lol
In the end, I was smiling so I'll definitely be re-reading this whenever I need to be cheered up.
December 3, 2010
This is just such a perfect Christmas story. I'll admit that I'm a sucker for reunions, and this is one of the best I've ever encountered. It isn't easy, or immediate. Evan has a lot to work through if he ever wants to let Dixon back into his life. I liked the realism of that. There is just enough doubt in Evan's mind to keep the tension up and really draw the reader in. Very, very touching!
June 6, 2019
Wildly improbably (they broke up 10 years ago because of a misunderstanding / miscommunication) and wildly romance (they would always love one another) and wildly Mary Calmes.
July 2, 2017
While the idea behind this short novella was nice, the banter between the two characters made me feel a bit disconnected. It's a sort of a (HUGE) misunderstanding that let these two break up 10 years ago. Now Dixon is back in Evan life after he heard he got shot. He hurries back to his side not accepting ANY no for an answer for them getting back, first of, spending the holidays together.
For me the story lacked substance, and yeah, I know it's a very short novella. Yet I've read others that left me with a better taste of who the MC are. Basically what made them broke up was Dixon's fear that his "old money" family won't accept his partner or the fact he is gay and so he breaks up with Evan when they finish college never to return again. But now 10 years later he realizes Evan is THE ONE, and he will make Evan see it when he comes back into his life trying to be there for him and care for him.
The main thing in this novella is them arguing. Evan pushing Dixon away, Dixon fighting back. I was lost in this banter. I can see that they belonged together but I think this kind of hurt doesn't just disappear in a day or two. 10 Years is a lot of time and I needed for THIS kind of plot line to have a little bit more so I could see these two guys together (not to mention they live far from each other).
I liked the idea behind this novella and the characters were sweet and endearing. The contrasts between the two, and yet the similarities made them perfect for one another, but I wish I could have seen MORE to truly feel it. I usually love Mary's novels so I don't really know what happened in this one..
More Reviews HERE
For me the story lacked substance, and yeah, I know it's a very short novella. Yet I've read others that left me with a better taste of who the MC are. Basically what made them broke up was Dixon's fear that his "old money" family won't accept his partner or the fact he is gay and so he breaks up with Evan when they finish college never to return again. But now 10 years later he realizes Evan is THE ONE, and he will make Evan see it when he comes back into his life trying to be there for him and care for him.
The main thing in this novella is them arguing. Evan pushing Dixon away, Dixon fighting back. I was lost in this banter. I can see that they belonged together but I think this kind of hurt doesn't just disappear in a day or two. 10 Years is a lot of time and I needed for THIS kind of plot line to have a little bit more so I could see these two guys together (not to mention they live far from each other).
I liked the idea behind this novella and the characters were sweet and endearing. The contrasts between the two, and yet the similarities made them perfect for one another, but I wish I could have seen MORE to truly feel it. I usually love Mary's novels so I don't really know what happened in this one..
More Reviews HERE
November 27, 2017
I'm not big on holiday-themed stories, but when I saw there was a Mary Calmes story that Id not read yet, of course, I couldn't wait to read it!!
Evan and Dixon had separated a year before, mostly because they were young and things often don't work out the way you think they're going to when you're young. But Dixon thought his father didn't approve of Evan because of a conversation hed overheard his dad talking with his grandpa.... Turns out, it wasn't what he thought, but they'd already lost ten years together because of it.
Now, with Evan, had gotten his heart broken because Dixon chose money and his family over his love for Evan. I can absolutely understand why he'd be hurt, I would've been too.
Id have been furious if the guy I loved so much and he left me came back because he was tired of playing around and wanted the happy ever after now.... but true to Mrs. Calmes fashion, she does it up good and we love the way they grovel and beg if they have to, and I ended up falling in love with these two by the end. I love, love, love it.
5 stars from me, of course!
Evan and Dixon had separated a year before, mostly because they were young and things often don't work out the way you think they're going to when you're young. But Dixon thought his father didn't approve of Evan because of a conversation hed overheard his dad talking with his grandpa.... Turns out, it wasn't what he thought, but they'd already lost ten years together because of it.
Now, with Evan, had gotten his heart broken because Dixon chose money and his family over his love for Evan. I can absolutely understand why he'd be hurt, I would've been too.
Id have been furious if the guy I loved so much and he left me came back because he was tired of playing around and wanted the happy ever after now.... but true to Mrs. Calmes fashion, she does it up good and we love the way they grovel and beg if they have to, and I ended up falling in love with these two by the end. I love, love, love it.
5 stars from me, of course!
Read
November 12, 2017A perfect Mary short of lost love found again. The MCs are very perfectly Mary characters and while this story could have easily been 200 or more pages, it was a delightful look into a piece of these characters world.
November 16, 2024
Not for me this one
I'm not a huge fan of such short reads, but sometimes I enjoy them, sadly, not the case this time.
I have quite a few problems with the way the pair got back together and Dixon's character. It's true it was already rocky for me bc I don't usually like second chances (I think I've only liked two books so far) and the "slightly steamroller personality/ I arrive and organise and decide your life" type makes my eye twitch. A lot.
I didn't found the coming together part endearing, I actually thought they shouldn't go back and I blame the previous break up on Dixon. You cannot expect Evan to fight for both of them if Dixon doesnt even give him the opportunity. Dixon chose, and that was it.
You fight for a relationship because the other person also wants to be with you, but not when the other leaves because then it just means that only one of them is invested.
Oh and the bit about the hook up showing up was kind of, I don't know, showing us the difference in reception or something?
Sigh, as I've said, not my cuppa this one, wasn't expecting it too either tbh. As other readers said however, it is a classic Mary Calmes short though.
I'm not a huge fan of such short reads, but sometimes I enjoy them, sadly, not the case this time.
I have quite a few problems with the way the pair got back together and Dixon's character. It's true it was already rocky for me bc I don't usually like second chances (I think I've only liked two books so far) and the "slightly steamroller personality/ I arrive and organise and decide your life" type makes my eye twitch. A lot.
I didn't found the coming together part endearing, I actually thought they shouldn't go back and I blame the previous break up on Dixon. You cannot expect Evan to fight for both of them if Dixon doesnt even give him the opportunity. Dixon chose, and that was it.
You fight for a relationship because the other person also wants to be with you, but not when the other leaves because then it just means that only one of them is invested.
Oh and the bit about the hook up showing up was kind of, I don't know, showing us the difference in reception or something?
Sigh, as I've said, not my cuppa this one, wasn't expecting it too either tbh. As other readers said however, it is a classic Mary Calmes short though.
November 14, 2024
A gorgeous and sadly too short of a tale. It takes getting shot for a man to return into Evan's life 10 years later, and not just any man, Dixon is the one that got away, the one that obeyed his father rather than his heart.
August 2, 2025
Juste ce que j'avais besoin : une histoire rapide sans prise de tête 😊
June 23, 2011
Review: This was a rewarding read with a refreshingly mature approach towards a reunion romance plot.
Review for Brief Encounters Reviews: http://briefencountersreviews.com/201...
Evan is the narrator, a sympathetic and attractive character. In the opening scene, he appears overwhelmed by Dixon’s larger-than-life presence, but from then on his sense and caution hold the story together. It’s a fine use of first person, allowing a balance of personal emotion, wit and angst. Dixon’s arrogance was startling, and at first his posturing was irritating. However, the man’s vulnerability was gradually and skillfully uncovered, including the fact that Evan was just as much a match for him. Their banter and ingrained tolerance of each other was both amusing and poignant.
The “big misunderstanding” made me wince – It was funny… and sad… very sad – but the author didn’t dwell on melodrama. They both took responsibility, they were both adult about it, and this made me totally comfortable and eager to read on and see how they dealt with it.
I personally loved that most of the story was based on their dialogue. It made confrontation more vivid and immediate, as they faced up to what kind of men they’d been, and how they reacted to each other now. The author’s style is a good example of showing not telling. Even with the dialogue, it pleasantly teased me with what *wasn’t* being said – yet was obvious to the reader.
Some readers may find it contained, more like a stage play. There’s little about the shooting or Evan’s job, or other people in his life. But this has the advantage of maintaining tension between the two men. The author finds enough time in the story to create several scenes so that they’re allowed a reasonable passage of time to work through their reunion in a very plausible way.
I found some of the construction a little stilted – for example, a lot of “he was not” as opposed to a more relaxed “he wasn’t” – but it didn’t spoil the enjoyment. Dialogue tags were used sparingly, yet I could still hear clearly each individual voice.
Overall, I found the story as much about the men and their lives as sex and romance – about the balance of control and need and love, dramatically described in their confessions, apologies and admissions. The sex scenes were hot, totally in context, and a delightful demonstration of each man’s strengths and needs. What I particularly liked was that they’d been together for some years before the split: this was described effectively without any excess info-dump. They’d both had other relationships since, but there was a strong history between them already. The author used this well, her storytelling persuading me that Evan and Dixon could and would reconnect with each other, despite their differences and confusion, and not just use sex as the way back to an HEA.
An enjoyable and sophisticated head-to-head story between two men needing to find a new way forward, well written and with sexy, entertaining and plausible characters, I give this an A.
by pettyprose…my opinion alone.
Review for Brief Encounters Reviews: http://briefencountersreviews.com/201...
Evan is the narrator, a sympathetic and attractive character. In the opening scene, he appears overwhelmed by Dixon’s larger-than-life presence, but from then on his sense and caution hold the story together. It’s a fine use of first person, allowing a balance of personal emotion, wit and angst. Dixon’s arrogance was startling, and at first his posturing was irritating. However, the man’s vulnerability was gradually and skillfully uncovered, including the fact that Evan was just as much a match for him. Their banter and ingrained tolerance of each other was both amusing and poignant.
The “big misunderstanding” made me wince – It was funny… and sad… very sad – but the author didn’t dwell on melodrama. They both took responsibility, they were both adult about it, and this made me totally comfortable and eager to read on and see how they dealt with it.
I personally loved that most of the story was based on their dialogue. It made confrontation more vivid and immediate, as they faced up to what kind of men they’d been, and how they reacted to each other now. The author’s style is a good example of showing not telling. Even with the dialogue, it pleasantly teased me with what *wasn’t* being said – yet was obvious to the reader.
Some readers may find it contained, more like a stage play. There’s little about the shooting or Evan’s job, or other people in his life. But this has the advantage of maintaining tension between the two men. The author finds enough time in the story to create several scenes so that they’re allowed a reasonable passage of time to work through their reunion in a very plausible way.
I found some of the construction a little stilted – for example, a lot of “he was not” as opposed to a more relaxed “he wasn’t” – but it didn’t spoil the enjoyment. Dialogue tags were used sparingly, yet I could still hear clearly each individual voice.
Overall, I found the story as much about the men and their lives as sex and romance – about the balance of control and need and love, dramatically described in their confessions, apologies and admissions. The sex scenes were hot, totally in context, and a delightful demonstration of each man’s strengths and needs. What I particularly liked was that they’d been together for some years before the split: this was described effectively without any excess info-dump. They’d both had other relationships since, but there was a strong history between them already. The author used this well, her storytelling persuading me that Evan and Dixon could and would reconnect with each other, despite their differences and confusion, and not just use sex as the way back to an HEA.
An enjoyable and sophisticated head-to-head story between two men needing to find a new way forward, well written and with sexy, entertaining and plausible characters, I give this an A.
by pettyprose…my opinion alone.
November 4, 2024
I am a sucker for Mary’s books, they read so easily. However, this was the most absurd toxic masculinity I’ve seen. There wasn’t any romance in this book at all.
December 11, 2016
1.75 stars
reread 12/11/16
What the hell was I thinking with that rating?
This was typical Mary Calmes with short one or two word sentences in the dialog, everyone loving the main character including his exes. I wasn't thrilled with the premise because for an ex to come back because he realizes his parents are fine with the relationship doesn't make it any better. He didn't fight for him. It's just easy and convenient now no matter what he says. He still needs his parents approval? What if the first MC does something the second MC's parents don't like? Will he break up with him?
Overall, boring and silly.
November 5, 2023
I've read a lot of Mary Calmes books because I generally like her writing, but there is a theme that sometimes appears in her books I really hate. Like here. One MC fucks up big and the other forgives him way too quickly. I like good second chance romance when that second chance is well deserved. I hate it when I read about one MC who is an asshole and second who is a pathetic doormat. Man, have some self respect. I would rather read that Evan get his closure and it allowed him to open up his heart to the new guy. Dixon tho... Like that saying "too little to late". I'm not saying it's too late, because they are both single at the time, but it definitely is too little.
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