Review: I'm smitten for this lovely, historical MM romance. Emotional without angst.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 25, 2013
~~~4.5 Surprising StarsHistorical MM romance set during World War I.Full of surprises, mysteries, history and colloquialisms.""I'd been smitten, knocked off my feet as surely as if I'd got a Blighty one and, this time, there was a chance he'd reciprocate.""THE CHARACTERSCaptain Tom Donald - Brave on the battlefield, but not as sure in his personal life. Tom Donald realizes time is fleeting.Frank Foden - Honest, steadfast. He and Tom are perfectly paired to fight battles and more.Veronica - Frank's wife, a doctor, is extraordinary.THE STORYStrong bonds are formed between comrades. Living vicariously through happiness of others is one way to lift the oppression of war.Despite the bleak nature of trench warfare during The Great War, 1914-1918, I found this to be a true love story. The atrocious conditions that surrounding this story do not smother it. Instead, it's the constant knowledge that life is precious and moments are fleeting that drives this story forward.Letters from home hold whispers of truth. I kept going back to the letters even before I finished my first read. Then after my second read, the letters brought new light to the story."I've enjoyed your letters so much,"..."You've stolen my very words,"...It's easy to imagine the impact letters from the homeland would carry.THE WRITINGFifteen pages in and I had tears in my eyes. It surprised me to find that I could connect to these characters so quickly in this novelette.Some could argue that the romance develops too quickly, but I don't see it that way at all. You have to consider the passage of time during warfare.Early colloquialisms may put some off, but just read through; it really sets the time frame perfectly.I find myself simultaneously wanting to analyze bits and pieces, but also, to let it stand. I think this would be a great little discussion generator.MM sex is only alluded to (off screen), but in a lovely way this carries the tone and dignity of the story toward a sexual relationship.[I just finished it, again, and I can recommend it whole-heartedly. Emotional, but no real angst, still moving and lovely. This would be an excellent entry point into MM romance.]HIGHLY RECOMMENDED~~~My thanks to Netgalley and Carina Press for providing me with a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.~~~