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Finding Zach #1.5
Hopes and Fears
Brian McCarthy is a cynic who hates Christmas, doesn't keep in touch with his family, and likes quick hookups and faster goodbyes. The only real relationship he's ever been in was with the subject of his best-selling book, "Caged," a young man held hostage for five years. Unfortunately, it was entirely one-sided, since Zach was already involved with someone else. So the last thing Brian expects when he goes in for treatment for an injured knee is to develop feelings for his physical therapist. But Jerry seems intent on either avoiding Brian or demanding more than he is willing to give, and Brian doesn’t know if he has the courage to face his past to forge a future.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2010
302 people want to read
About the author
Rowan Speedwell
22 books402 followersAn unrepentant biblioholic, Rowan Speedwell spends half her time pretending to be a law librarian, half her time pretending to be a database manager, half her time pretending to be a fifteenth-century Aragonese noblewoman, half her time… wait a minute… hmm. Well, one thing she doesn't pretend to be is good at math. She is good at pretending, though.
In her copious spare time (hah) she does needlework, calligraphy and illumination, and makes jewelry. She has a master's degree in history from the University of Chicago, is a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, and lives in a Chicago suburb with the obligatory Writer's Cat and way too many books.
In her copious spare time (hah) she does needlework, calligraphy and illumination, and makes jewelry. She has a master's degree in history from the University of Chicago, is a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, and lives in a Chicago suburb with the obligatory Writer's Cat and way too many books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 15, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Might contain spoilers*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
A cute little short story with Brian ‘Briney’ ‘Bri’ McCarthy (33), who we met in Finding Zach and Jerry ‘Jer’ Abruzzi (how old?) who we heard from in Finding Zach . It's short story with the timeline around Christmas, which Brian hates. Yes, he hates Christmas. But he have to go to a treatment for an injured knee where he meets Jerry, the physical therapist. Insta-love was pretty much what this short story was. They loved each other after less than two weeks and Brian and Jerry got their happily ever after.
“You’re running.”
Two words. Simple. Not complex, not complicated, not harsh or pejorative. So the fact that they hit me with the force of a one-two punch made the pain seem all the more vicious.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series (Standalone?), Book Two
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Jerry Abruzzi?
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes, first book.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2 stars.
December 9, 2010
The summary is enough and for once I want to just jump into my opinion, okay ^_^. Rowan Speedwell's Finding Zach is one of the most emotional and best M/M books I read this year. So, when I read the summary that this book will be about Brian McCarthy, the reporter from Finding Zach, well of course I need to jump on board and read his story.
I like Brian enough the first time -- and it is such a delight to read his own story. It's like reading an update of a long-time friend. At first, Brian comes as a Scrooge over Christmas, but I'm sure there is more than meet the eyes. Then comes Jerry, he's a lovely sympathetic character ... and I do feel the chemistry between the two guys. While I always prefer a longer build-up rather than the quick-period of falling in love, somehow, with the "personal talks" that Brian and Jerry have over Brian's past (which makes him hate Christmas), I think the foundation is strong enough for me to believe in them. The writing is also flows nicely -- and there are times I chuckle while reading Brian's inner conversation with himself (usually related to his opinion of Christmas). On top of that, a tender scene between Brian and his parents, which makes me a bit teary eyed.
THEN, there's that one little surprise on who Jerry really is -- which I have to be honest, I DO NOT see it coming -- though after I find out, it comes to no surprise why I like Jerry so much (there's that sense of old-time friend again). The ending is cute and totally bring the big smile into my face. Just a satisfying sequel, I say.
I like Brian enough the first time -- and it is such a delight to read his own story. It's like reading an update of a long-time friend. At first, Brian comes as a Scrooge over Christmas, but I'm sure there is more than meet the eyes. Then comes Jerry, he's a lovely sympathetic character ... and I do feel the chemistry between the two guys. While I always prefer a longer build-up rather than the quick-period of falling in love, somehow, with the "personal talks" that Brian and Jerry have over Brian's past (which makes him hate Christmas), I think the foundation is strong enough for me to believe in them. The writing is also flows nicely -- and there are times I chuckle while reading Brian's inner conversation with himself (usually related to his opinion of Christmas). On top of that, a tender scene between Brian and his parents, which makes me a bit teary eyed.
THEN, there's that one little surprise on who Jerry really is -- which I have to be honest, I DO NOT see it coming -- though after I find out, it comes to no surprise why I like Jerry so much (there's that sense of old-time friend again). The ending is cute and totally bring the big smile into my face. Just a satisfying sequel, I say.
October 27, 2012
2.5
I loved Finding Zach but Brian really came across as an opportunist in that book, I wasn't really a fan. Seeing him hook up with David's ex-boyfriend Jerry was a bit too 90210-ish for me. I think Jerry deserved better!
I loved Finding Zach but Brian really came across as an opportunist in that book, I wasn't really a fan. Seeing him hook up with David's ex-boyfriend Jerry was a bit too 90210-ish for me. I think Jerry deserved better!
December 17, 2010
What a solid piece of writing this was. So much in so few pages. I devoured every word and was thoroughly satisfied at the end of this simple but substantial literary meal.
To be honest, I don't have much recollection of Finding Zach beyond that I enjoyed it when I was reading it. I do recall Brian as a pesky journalist but not his being in love with Zach. Not one bit. So I might have to reread FZ at some time or another. I would have liked H & F to be a longer story but only because both Jerry and Brian were interesting characters and I would have liked to have taken the development of their romance a little slower since they are coming from opposite ends: Jerry doesn't do hook-ups and Brian nothing but. Conflicts like these interest me so yes, I would have liked a novella, at the very least. Being only 38 pages on my Sony reader, there was no room for much development of the romance so Jerry leaps from "No, I don't want to go out with you" to "Fuck me now!" in a matter of a few paragraphs. This would have, on most occasions, accorded the book Wallbanger status except that in those few pages, the story turns out to be not so much a quickie romance but the healing and salvation of Brian. And yes, it is succinctly done within this short, short Christmas tale.
The romance that develops is the bonus and I never minded Jerry's quick switch at all. As to Ami's remark in her review/comment about the identity of Jerry, since I don't recall that particular detail in Finding Zach, it was a non-event for me.
To be honest, I don't have much recollection of Finding Zach beyond that I enjoyed it when I was reading it. I do recall Brian as a pesky journalist but not his being in love with Zach. Not one bit. So I might have to reread FZ at some time or another. I would have liked H & F to be a longer story but only because both Jerry and Brian were interesting characters and I would have liked to have taken the development of their romance a little slower since they are coming from opposite ends: Jerry doesn't do hook-ups and Brian nothing but. Conflicts like these interest me so yes, I would have liked a novella, at the very least. Being only 38 pages on my Sony reader, there was no room for much development of the romance so Jerry leaps from "No, I don't want to go out with you" to "Fuck me now!" in a matter of a few paragraphs. This would have, on most occasions, accorded the book Wallbanger status except that in those few pages, the story turns out to be not so much a quickie romance but the healing and salvation of Brian. And yes, it is succinctly done within this short, short Christmas tale.
The romance that develops is the bonus and I never minded Jerry's quick switch at all. As to Ami's remark in her review/comment about the identity of Jerry, since I don't recall that particular detail in Finding Zach, it was a non-event for me.
December 12, 2010
Excellent story about a man who finally faces his past so he can start living in the present and build a future. Not necessarily a Christmas story either, even thought Christmas is the trigger for what happens between Brian and Jerry.
Brian, who's the journalist from Finding Zach, is lonely, desperate and not willing to do anything more than hook up. It wasn't clear to me how deep his issues were at first, but the reasons are revealed gradually and, as horrible as they were, made a lot of sense. As much sense as something that is largely a misunderstanding can make.
Jerry, Brian's physical therapist, is an amazing character. He desperately wants a committed relationship. He's patient and willing to go out on a limb for Brian, despite the fact that he believes he's not interested in anything longer term. He's also quite the psychologist!
I loved the realism of these guys' issues, how they dealt with them, and the slow suspenseful reveal of what was going on with Brian. A great read all around!
Brian, who's the journalist from Finding Zach, is lonely, desperate and not willing to do anything more than hook up. It wasn't clear to me how deep his issues were at first, but the reasons are revealed gradually and, as horrible as they were, made a lot of sense. As much sense as something that is largely a misunderstanding can make.
Jerry, Brian's physical therapist, is an amazing character. He desperately wants a committed relationship. He's patient and willing to go out on a limb for Brian, despite the fact that he believes he's not interested in anything longer term. He's also quite the psychologist!
I loved the realism of these guys' issues, how they dealt with them, and the slow suspenseful reveal of what was going on with Brian. A great read all around!
April 13, 2011
This was a really cute one that allows us to see Brian, from Finding Zach, and Jerry (who was David's ex-boyfriend in FZ) get their own HEA together. It was sweet the way Jerry helps Brian work his way through the fears he has and the way he just shuts himself off when something close to a relationship can happen. I will say that Brian was never really my favorite person in FZ. I just didn't like him but I did like Jerry. So, I'm glad he was able to get Brian's head out of his ass and show him there's more to being a couple than pain and that he can and is worthy of love. Plus, Jerry made Brian make-up with his parents which I found both amusing and sweet.
Definitely recommended if you are looking for something short and cute after a long, angsty book.
Definitely recommended if you are looking for something short and cute after a long, angsty book.
October 2, 2017
3.5 stars
I didn't really care for Brian in Finding Zack and he still didn't come across as someone to like in this story.
You can read this one as a stand alone book if you want to.
I didn't really care for Brian in Finding Zack and he still didn't come across as someone to like in this story.
You can read this one as a stand alone book if you want to.
December 1, 2013
I haven't read Finding Zach yet so I came to this follow up Xmas story fairly blind, not having met any of the characters but knowing the very basics about ' Zach' as one of my bezzie friends Gina has been been urging me to read it for a while. I think this reads pretty good as a standalone but having finished it. I must admit it won't be long before ' Finding Zach ' gets pushed up the list as I really enjoyed this short Xmas story a lot!
Set around the season, but not in your face, I really enjoyed meeting Brian with all his past hang ups around Zach, his family and all the grinchy feelings about Xmas he carries around with him until he meets the lovely Jerry who not only gets under his skin, but also makes him realise and confront exactly why he's the mixed up person he is, as they fall in love over the course of the novella. There's also a little surprise at the end which, whilst being connected to the first novel, still didn't make me feel out of the loop.
I had a little teary moment at the end involving Brian and his family and ended the story feeling really satisfied but wanting to know about David and Zach so that's why Finding Zach is now calling to me ASAP!
Set around the season, but not in your face, I really enjoyed meeting Brian with all his past hang ups around Zach, his family and all the grinchy feelings about Xmas he carries around with him until he meets the lovely Jerry who not only gets under his skin, but also makes him realise and confront exactly why he's the mixed up person he is, as they fall in love over the course of the novella. There's also a little surprise at the end which, whilst being connected to the first novel, still didn't make me feel out of the loop.
I had a little teary moment at the end involving Brian and his family and ended the story feeling really satisfied but wanting to know about David and Zach so that's why Finding Zach is now calling to me ASAP!
January 25, 2011
This is a follow-up to Finding Zach which I haven't read but you don't need to. Brian is the author who wrote Zach's book, he's now teaching in Chicago and wrenched his injured knee and goes to a physio clinic. He meets Jerry and he's instantly attracted but Jerry is clear, he doesn't do hook-ups and Brian doesn't do relationships. He also hates Christmas and is more or less estranged from his family since he came out. He runs into a drunk Jerry and ends up taking him home and Jerry starts to dig as to why he hates Christmas and his relationship with his family, acting as the catalyst to bring them together. What I loved what that I was just in Chicago and it described the physio clinic as right where I'd been, at the skating rink at Millennium Park, so I was all "squeee". :-) This one made me cry, although I thought maybe Jerry was a bit pushy about the whole thing and I likely would have walked out, but it's a sweet story about reconnecting and getting past old hurts and starting over. I'm sure fans of Finding Zach will enjoy this little peek as there is much reference made to Zach.
August 7, 2011
3.5
I loved Finding Zach and had high expectations on this one.
Despite having Zach in his life, David still felt a sense of huge loss when he realized that Jerry was finally moving on. I really felt bad for Jerry after that last phone call. He deserved somebody great and wonderful. He instead found a Grinch. The book was too short for me to learn to like Brian. I'm sure getting past his issues with Jerry's help would eventually show his potential as a wonderful partner. The book ended too soon.
I loved Finding Zach and had high expectations on this one.
Despite having Zach in his life, David still felt a sense of huge loss when he realized that Jerry was finally moving on. I really felt bad for Jerry after that last phone call. He deserved somebody great and wonderful. He instead found a Grinch. The book was too short for me to learn to like Brian. I'm sure getting past his issues with Jerry's help would eventually show his potential as a wonderful partner. The book ended too soon.
August 16, 2012
I loved this book and loved Brian he didn't know what he wanted or needed until Jerry came into his life and helped him see. Jerry just got him and they were perfect for each other. I know it's going to be a good one when the book can make me cry. I would have loved for it to be longer I read it too fast:-)
September 8, 2012
Sweet little Christmas story follow-up of Finding Zach about Brian (the journalist). I loved Brian in that book, but I also adored Jerry even before I realized who he really was. Glad they found each other and happiness although I wish it could have been a full length novel.
I you loved Finding Zach, definitely read this!
I you loved Finding Zach, definitely read this!
August 14, 2015
I had a hard time liking Brian in the first book, Finding Zach, and I didn't really get a chance to change my mind in this one because it was just too short. I kept having flashbacks to his dicky behavior and it kinda overshadowed my perceptions of him in this book. But reading this one did make me want to go back and re-read Zach's book, so that's good.
December 17, 2011
Very good short m/m holiday romance about an investigative journalist going to physical therapy for his injured knee who's very attracted to his physical therapist.
November 30, 2014
Very good follow up to Finding Zach. A much easier read, too.
March 14, 2016
une nouvelle qui en dit beaucoup tout de même.. j'ai eu l'impression que les chose s'enchainaient vite.
Bon moment
Bon moment
April 10, 2011
Interesting and good follow-up to Finding Zach - just wish the story was longer.
Read
November 22, 2021Why did it end sooo quickly?! >.<
I wanted it to just...you know, go on... Like never ending kind...
Such a nice, sweet, sad-y at times, read!
I would really really really love it if Bri and Jer get more books as well! (≧▽≦)✨
Bri and Jer! (ʃƪ＾3＾）They are melted-my-heart characters!
Been awhile since I felt gloom-ish that the book ended!(个_个)
I wanted it to just...you know, go on... Like never ending kind...
Such a nice, sweet, sad-y at times, read!
I would really really really love it if Bri and Jer get more books as well! (≧▽≦)✨
Bri and Jer! (ʃƪ＾3＾）They are melted-my-heart characters!
Been awhile since I felt gloom-ish that the book ended!(个_个)
February 15, 2024
Since Finding Zach I have been intrigued with Brian, felt he was a jerk at first then it turned out he is very motivated and not so bad after all.
Jerry seemed such a great guy, even through the breakup with David it was clear he was 'good people'.
The book is quick and has many gaps but if you read Book 1, it should be ok.
Jerry seemed such a great guy, even through the breakup with David it was clear he was 'good people'.
The book is quick and has many gaps but if you read Book 1, it should be ok.
November 11, 2017
I didn't care for this at all. There was no development between the two MC's and I didn't buy the relationship for a minute. I was pretty disappointed as I've enjoyed some of this author's stuff a lot in the past.
August 27, 2017
I wasn't sure if I even wanted to pick up this short story, because I really, really didn't like the character of Brian in Finding Zach. There, he came across as quite an opportunist who was looking to make a name for himself by forcing Zach to talk about his captivity in Venezuela before he was really ready to do it. And after reading this novella, I still don't like Brian.
At least in this book, he does show that he had some remorse for what he did to Zach. I don't like that the author made it be Zach who was pushing to tell his story and do the talk show gamut, when it was quite obvious in Finding Zach, at least for most of it, that he didn't want to do that at all. He was put in a rock-and-hard-place situation and chose to tell his story, but if he hadn't received the pressure from Brian, I don't think he would have done it this way, at least not so soon. But, at least Brian DID show some remorse and even admitted that he was self-centered in his approach, so that was a positive.
And the rest of my review should probably be hidden under the spoiler tag.
There was also the instalove that comes inherent with these romantic novellas; Jerry and Brian were barely together a couple of weeks before they were throwing the "L" word around. Meh. I'm not feeling it.
At least in this book, he does show that he had some remorse for what he did to Zach. I don't like that the author made it be Zach who was pushing to tell his story and do the talk show gamut, when it was quite obvious in Finding Zach, at least for most of it, that he didn't want to do that at all. He was put in a rock-and-hard-place situation and chose to tell his story, but if he hadn't received the pressure from Brian, I don't think he would have done it this way, at least not so soon. But, at least Brian DID show some remorse and even admitted that he was self-centered in his approach, so that was a positive.
And the rest of my review should probably be hidden under the spoiler tag.
There was also the instalove that comes inherent with these romantic novellas; Jerry and Brian were barely together a couple of weeks before they were throwing the "L" word around. Meh. I'm not feeling it.
April 1, 2011
"Hopes and Fears" is the sequel to Finding Zach, a wonderful book in its own right. "Hopes" is quite a bit shorter - I read it in about an hour - but it was a wonderful coda to the entire saga of Zach and David. Talk about wrapping things up in a sweet package! If you enjoyed "Finding Zach," you will most definitely appreciate this heart-warming story.
MILD SPOILERS FOLLOW:
"Hopes and Fears" isn't the deepest story ever told, but it is infinitely sweet. Yes, some of the coincidences in the book are a bit over the top, and Brian's new take on life was a bit quick for my taste (hence the 4-star instead of a 5), but it was a very satisfying, enjoyable read that left me all warm and fuzzy inside.
Written from Brian's somewhat jaded/prickly point of view, the narrative was right on the mark. I felt as though I got to know Brian in a way I had never seen him before (of course, he was only a minor character in "Finding Zach," but he was an interesting one!). I'm not a huge fan of Christmas, but the tie-in to the holiday was sweet, and not overly so.
An enjoyable, well-written read!
MILD SPOILERS FOLLOW:
"Hopes and Fears" isn't the deepest story ever told, but it is infinitely sweet. Yes, some of the coincidences in the book are a bit over the top, and Brian's new take on life was a bit quick for my taste (hence the 4-star instead of a 5), but it was a very satisfying, enjoyable read that left me all warm and fuzzy inside.
Written from Brian's somewhat jaded/prickly point of view, the narrative was right on the mark. I felt as though I got to know Brian in a way I had never seen him before (of course, he was only a minor character in "Finding Zach," but he was an interesting one!). I'm not a huge fan of Christmas, but the tie-in to the holiday was sweet, and not overly so.
An enjoyable, well-written read!
December 18, 2012
This short is a sequel to Finding Zach, although it does not follow the MCs from that book. It isn't necessary to read the first book before this one, although it will add a bit more depth to your understaning.
I liked the story, but let me say right now that I HATED THAT STUPID COINCIDENCE NEAR THE END. I won't spoiler it here, but it was STUPID AND UNNECESSARY.
Thanks, I feel much better now. ;-)
Other than that -- this is the story of a journalist, Brian, who has retired from active journalism and is now teaching at Columbia U. in Chicago. He is burnt out and screwed up, in part because he spent years immersed in researching and writing about Zach's life (Zach from the first book). If you've read that book, you'll understand why that could be stressful. Brian is pretty much a completely shut down cynic, who never does any more than one night stands, never connects with people on a personal level, and who hates Christmas.
The other MC is Jerry, a physical therapist who is warm and caring and never does one night stands. Brian goes to Jerry for treatment a few weeks before Christmas, when he aggravates an old knee injury. Brian gradually feels himself opening up under Jerry's influence, and eventually he is even able to reconnect wth family that he hasn't really spoken with for years.
Like most shorts, I'm gonna complain that this is too short. The relationship developed too quickly, as well as the reconciliation with the family. This is all taking place in less than a month, and that just makes my eyes roll. Nonetheless, thanks to Speedwell's writing talent, it's still a good read.
3.5 stars, rounding up.
I liked the story, but let me say right now that I HATED THAT STUPID COINCIDENCE NEAR THE END. I won't spoiler it here, but it was STUPID AND UNNECESSARY.
Thanks, I feel much better now. ;-)
Other than that -- this is the story of a journalist, Brian, who has retired from active journalism and is now teaching at Columbia U. in Chicago. He is burnt out and screwed up, in part because he spent years immersed in researching and writing about Zach's life (Zach from the first book). If you've read that book, you'll understand why that could be stressful. Brian is pretty much a completely shut down cynic, who never does any more than one night stands, never connects with people on a personal level, and who hates Christmas.
The other MC is Jerry, a physical therapist who is warm and caring and never does one night stands. Brian goes to Jerry for treatment a few weeks before Christmas, when he aggravates an old knee injury. Brian gradually feels himself opening up under Jerry's influence, and eventually he is even able to reconnect wth family that he hasn't really spoken with for years.
Like most shorts, I'm gonna complain that this is too short. The relationship developed too quickly, as well as the reconciliation with the family. This is all taking place in less than a month, and that just makes my eyes roll. Nonetheless, thanks to Speedwell's writing talent, it's still a good read.
3.5 stars, rounding up.
March 26, 2013
2012 Review:
A Christmas short. Now, I really didn’t expect it when I started reading, since it is first person narrative from a rather grinchy guy, but this ended up being heart-warming and funny. The writing was excellent and the story engaging. Despite the way it started, in essence it was all about emotions. Love too but mostly healing up. The sex wasn’t even described in more than summation. (Good choice.)
Despite being a tying up of loose ends from a full-length novel, this story was completely stand-alone. The ending made me really laugh. <3
After the second reading I am still mostly on-board with what I wrote about this first time. Except maybe a tad less exuberant because as nice as that story was, and it was pretty good, it didn’t fill me with extreme happiness. Although, to be fair, I am drugged currently, so that may be factoring into it.
Maybe it’s also because I’ve seen Brian in the other book and it’s tricky to get over the way he was there. He was not evil or anything blatant like that, but yeah. So here we were, six years later in story time, and he and Jerry finally get to have something good together. I just hope it lasts. :3 It should, but the author has shown that love is not always enough to make relationships last.
A Christmas short. Now, I really didn’t expect it when I started reading, since it is first person narrative from a rather grinchy guy, but this ended up being heart-warming and funny. The writing was excellent and the story engaging. Despite the way it started, in essence it was all about emotions. Love too but mostly healing up. The sex wasn’t even described in more than summation. (Good choice.)
Despite being a tying up of loose ends from a full-length novel, this story was completely stand-alone. The ending made me really laugh. <3
After the second reading I am still mostly on-board with what I wrote about this first time. Except maybe a tad less exuberant because as nice as that story was, and it was pretty good, it didn’t fill me with extreme happiness. Although, to be fair, I am drugged currently, so that may be factoring into it.
Maybe it’s also because I’ve seen Brian in the other book and it’s tricky to get over the way he was there. He was not evil or anything blatant like that, but yeah. So here we were, six years later in story time, and he and Jerry finally get to have something good together. I just hope it lasts. :3 It should, but the author has shown that love is not always enough to make relationships last.
December 13, 2015
This is the second book in a series, but I didn't read the first (not realizing it was in the series) before reading this and I didn't feel like it made a difference.
Brian is a journalist turned professor who lives in Chicago. Due to an injury, he meets physical therapist Jerry. He's immediately attracted, but he doesn't do relationships and Jerry doesn't do hookups. There's a lot that goes on in this book, with Brian and Jerry finally making a move forward and finding out about their pasts. However, the short length of the book definitely hindered the story. I just felt like too much was taking place and there wasn't enough time for it all. I'm pretty tempted to go read the first in the series now, though.
Brian is a journalist turned professor who lives in Chicago. Due to an injury, he meets physical therapist Jerry. He's immediately attracted, but he doesn't do relationships and Jerry doesn't do hookups. There's a lot that goes on in this book, with Brian and Jerry finally making a move forward and finding out about their pasts. However, the short length of the book definitely hindered the story. I just felt like too much was taking place and there wasn't enough time for it all. I'm pretty tempted to go read the first in the series now, though.
April 7, 2011
Brian was bothersome in Finding Zach, but I enjoyed reading his story in Hopes and Fears. We get see another side of him. Not so confident, and a man with issues that are revealed as the story moves along at good pace. He does have a soul. What he did in Finding Zach had an affect on him and is nicely explained in brief details.
Jerry is sweet, perceptive, and so much fun. David in FZ mourned the lost of Jerry. I see why because Jerry is just a nice guy who deserve the chance for happiness. Will he get it with Brian?
Hopes and Fears is enjoyable and tightly written. An excellent post story to FZ.
Jerry is sweet, perceptive, and so much fun. David in FZ mourned the lost of Jerry. I see why because Jerry is just a nice guy who deserve the chance for happiness. Will he get it with Brian?
Hopes and Fears is enjoyable and tightly written. An excellent post story to FZ.
December 8, 2012
This was a fabulous follow-up to Finding Zach! It was heartwarming, solid m/m romance. It's about Brian, the journalist who wrote Zach's story and about Jerry, a physical therapist who works with Brian to heal his bad knee. They do not fall into insta-love but there is attraction from the beginning and with the fact that this is a short story and is set in the holiday time frame, the author did an excellent job in setting up what will likely become a long term relationship. And the twist about Jerry's background at the end was a fun surprise. Highly recommended.
December 11, 2014
If you loved Speedwell's Finding Zach, I think you'll really enjoy this holiday short about the man who wrote about Zach's experience in captivity. Brian lives with his regret about insinuating himself into a damaged man's life for the sake of a story to sell. He's also never come to terms with his family's reaction to his coming out. Enter Jeremy, a PT, who treats Brian's injury he suffered while researching his book and ends up finding himself attracted to his self-contained client. For a very short story, it packed a nice little punch in terms of mitigating past mistakes, learning to trust, and self discovery. A nice romantic holiday short.
April 25, 2012
I didn't read the first book in the series and this book can probably be read as a stand alone. Readers will get background info on Brian (whom I will assume surfaced in the first book) and his developing relationship with Jerry, his physical therapist.
I found the book to be quite enjoyable although I was a bit annoyed about Jerry's psychological eval. of Brian in the coffee shop(or was it a cafe...I can't remember) it was nice though that he put the issue out there and tried to help Brian so that Brian could start living his life again.
I found the book to be quite enjoyable although I was a bit annoyed about Jerry's psychological eval. of Brian in the coffee shop(or was it a cafe...I can't remember) it was nice though that he put the issue out there and tried to help Brian so that Brian could start living his life again.
December 27, 2013
It didn't dawn on me until after I finished reading this that Rowan Speedwell also wrote Finding Zach and he's the Zach that's mentioned in this book. Well I'll have to read that book ASAP.
I liked Brian and agree with his philosophy about Christmas. For being a short novella, the characters were very complex. Jerry was perfect for Brian and I loved how he helped him stop running.
I liked Brian and agree with his philosophy about Christmas. For being a short novella, the characters were very complex. Jerry was perfect for Brian and I loved how he helped him stop running.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews