Review: This was such a cleverly wrought story, full of emotion and some of the sexiest scenes and imagery
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 8, 2013
Start with two people: alone and lonely, add in an instantaneously updated personals section in the local paper and an intriguing advertisement.  "I will meet you on Wednesdays at noon in Celebration Park. Kissing only."  The deliciously sexy man in the photograph with the advertisement has Carrie intrigued.When she sets eyes on Brian, the two have an instant connection: and that first kiss is simply electric.  But, Brian is setting the ground rules for their meeting; nothing too personal, he will not touch her below the shoulders.  Closed off and guarded, Brian is hiding or protecting something - and Carrie needs to know what.Despite his desire for reserve and separation, Brian is drawn to Carrie and shares little pieces with her.  Completely lost in the dream of what this could be, Carrie is told by a friend that he could be her "story guy", one of those moments in her black and white life that contrasts in neon pink, a memory to treasure and look back on years from now.  Story guys aren't forever, they are sweet moments to show that you have lived and loved, if only for a moment, in a sensible life.This was such a cleverly wrought story, full of emotion and some of the sexiest scenes and imagery created from the simple kisses to full on phone sex.  Yet all of it felt normal and real, current to this society of internet connections and knowing people from IM and conversations, if not always in a face to face situation.  Carrie's realization that Brian's closed body language is not to keep her out, but to keep him from shattering under the weight of his responsibilities and secret is heartbreaking. And her continued confidence in them, their connection and his goodness as she waited on Wednesdays for him to return keeps readers begging him to arrive.Mary Ann Rivers has created a lovely short novella that will have you squirming, cheering and crying as Carrie is laid bare before you, all in her determination that a connection this strong is worth taking all the chances.  With a couple of clever twists and an ending that everyone would wish for, this is a must read story.I received an eBook from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.