Review: Wonderful winter story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 12, 2013
Do you have a relationship regret? You know, the one that got away, the one you've never gotten over? Or maybe it's just the one that if the stars had been aligned differently, might have been your soul mate. It was refreshing to read this holiday story about Riley and Stan and watch them muddle through those same issues. I am a big fan of Josephine Myles, so it certainly wasn't a hardship to read 'Merry Gentlemen'.Riley works for the Bath City Council and in the interests of a big, fat, promotion, Riley volunteered to be the Bath Christmas Market Manager this season. Reputedly the job is a poisoned chalice but Riley really wants a shot at the promotion and figures his good deeds will reward him in the end. Of course, his life certainly isn't where he though it would be by now. He'd dreamed of living in a gorgeous flat in the wealthy area with a beautiful man and servants. He didn't dream of his one room flat with no man, but that's what his life is these days. It doesn't help that he can't seem to go more than a few days without thinking of his ex, Stan, which is ridiculous since he hasn't seen him in five years.Riley is absolutely shocked to discover, on opening day no less, that a replacement vendor turns out to be his Stan, looking incredibly hot and rugged from his years in the country. See, that's why they broke up. Riley was on the corporate ladder and wanted nothing to do with the great outdoors and Stan wanted to move out to the country and get away from the city life and there was no compromising for either of them. It definitely doesn't take them long to realize the passion and fire they always had is still there and yowza, they are good. When Riley discovers that Stan is sleeping in his van, which is really illegal, he offers his flat as a place for Stan to share while the market is going on. Who knew what memories that would bring back for both of them? Soon enough, though, their time together is at an end, and neither of them seems willing, or able, to compromise.This is a wonderful winter holiday story and I adored it. As usual, the author made me laugh with her dry, sarcastic sense of humor and the story was great. I loved that Riley and Stan were able to make it work, finally, because what they both had to realize was they weren't happy unless they were together. This was a very enjoyable read that I can definitely see myself re-reading in the future.NOTE: This book was provided by Samhain Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews