Addison Albright

4 Hearts

This is exactly what I like in my historical fantasies and to be honest, I’m so sad that this was only a mere 8000ish words.

As per the blurb, Prince Marcelo of Sheburat is basically a rare male in a highly matriarchal society. Not much is expected of him, let alone marriage or anything of import. Marcelo has long since resigned himself to a quiet life of celibacy and being a minor figurehead at most in his female dominated family. Sexuality and desire has not even been a blip on his radar until that is, his sister’s untimely death throws 2 kingdoms into chaos, as the question of who will now fulfill the peace treaty between two very different countries arises.

Created 18 years ago, the treaty between Sheburat and Zioneven had a contingency plan should the original terms become void on either side for any reason, and Prince Efren of Zioneven and his advisors have always had an alternate choice should that happen. No one is more surprised than Marcelo that he’s chosen instead of one of his many eligible sisters.

Admittedly, I loved the premise of this, and it was quite nostalgic of many a M/F historical I’ve read that played on arranged marriages and the obligations that such a setup entails. I’m only disappointed that we didn’t get a more detailed and drawn out look at Efren courting Marcelo for the potential of some delicious (all that is virginal) awakening that is just begging to be explored. Darn!! My poor self also would’ve happily read about the growing relationship between two strangers “forced” to work together for the good of their people - a partnership that eventually evolves into respect and love as Marcelo discovers what his new life has to offer under such tutelage and care. Oh yes!

Don’t get me wrong. This was lovely, but it left me wanting which I suppose is the best compliment! I know I wouldn’t say no to more of these two regarding their future or just a new edition expanding on all the potential this little story contains. More please!

Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review


… (altro)

I received To Love and To Cherish through the ‘Don’t Buy My Love’ program. This is the third story in the ‘Vows’ series. Nash Marino has been jilted two weeks before his wedding when his fiancé, Sam, finds out that his husband Henry, whom he presumed dead, isn’t. This story is told in third person from Nash’s pov.

3.5 Stars



I had no trouble following along with what happened in this book even though it was the third in the series. Sam, the ex, does show up, but only briefly. He’s mostly present through Nash’s memories. I would say this can be read as a stand-a-lone. The only reason you might want to read the previous books, is that Nash’s bitterness and situation would have more impact if the other books were read first. But as I mentioned, it’s not necessary.

Nash is a nurse and has been living with his BFF, Harley, and his boyfriend, Oliver, for many months. Sleeping on the sofa is getting old and he wants to move out. He’s trying to find a new job, but he also wants to settle down. He’s over thirty and thought that Sam was the one he could start his life with, but that was blown apart when Henry returned. I had a bit of a problem with Nash’s reactions to Sam, the breakup and to love. At first Nash says he was more in love with what Sam could give him, the life he wanted, rather than loving Sam. But then later he says he loved Sam, but not that much because he got over Sam quickly. If he did, then how come he grew jaded about love if it wasn’t a big deal? This is what confused me throughout the book. Was Nash in love or not? Was it just love for the ‘idea’ of Sam and their future life together, or not? I felt like he flipped back and forth with his feelings which was a bit annoying. The author didn’t tell us the readers, definitively what was going on in Nash’s heart. Another thing I didn’t like, was that Nash felt like he needed to apologize to Sam. I didn’t believe he needed to apologize at all. Maybe it was because the author wanted to tie everything up neat and tidy, for everyone to get along, but I think it would’ve worked better if Nash just accepted Sam’s apology, which he did, but it also seemed like Nash was accepting the apology so as not to make waves. Nash again wasn’t consistent.

Dr. Myles, aka ‘Emmitt’ Burlingham was another confusing character. He was going through a divorce from his wife at the start of the story. When he and Nash hook up, Nash asks him if he’s sure he’s gay. To paraphrase, he says, ‘yes, I know I am even though I’ve never done anything about it.’ So, I’m guessing he’s not bi, or has never had sex with a guy. What also doesn’t happen, is that we never find out why Emmitt ever bothered to marry, Crystal, in the first place if he so surely knew he was gay. His Grampy seems totally okay with Emmitt being gay, so it doesn’t seem it has to do with his home environment. There was no explanation to Nash, or to us readers, about Emmitt’s situation. Also why Emmitt was so upset about divorcing if he was gay, and from indications in the story, very attracted to Nash and had to fight his feelings for Nash. We don’t learn much about Emmitt, he was just a foil for Nash in this story. There’s confusing continuity issues happening with Emmitt, just like Nash.

I liked the amnesia surprise and how Nash regained his memories bit by bit. The plot kept me entertained. However, there was too much telling instead of showing. The dialogue between the characters was fine, except at one point they sounded like they were two women talking and getting emotional with each other. The only reason I say this, is because it was out of character from the way they spoke to each other during the rest of the book. That particular scene stood out in an odd way.

Overall, I enjoyed To Love and to Cherish. The plot was interesting, and this book can stand alone in the series. I did forget to mention the overuse of ‘rolling of the eyes,’ throughout the book as traits for multiple people. The characters didn’t seem consistent in their thoughts and behaviors, and no explanation about Emmitt being gay, married, divorced, and never having been with a man, was ever discussed with Nash so we could understand more about Emmitt’s background. That was a big no no for me. The story also has too much telling for my taste, which is why I give it 3.5 stars, but I would still recommend this book to anyone looking for a low angst read. I round the stars up to 4 Stars because of the interesting plot.


… (altro)

King Kong vs. The Skinny Pirate is a very short story about Blaine, an attorney, and George, an auto mechanic. The two are as different as night and day. Blaine is well dressed and prefers men like him. George is built like a mountain and hairy to top it off.

Blaine and George meet in a bar and since the pickings are slim decide to go home with each other. George knows he’s not Blaine’s usual type. They are both open about how they don’t fit together, but George has a good sense of humor about it. Surprisingly they have a great time together. The rest of this very short story is both of them deciding how to find each other again and whether they should take the chance of dating.

King Kong vs. The Skinny Pirate is an extremely short, short story. In short (see what I did there?), it’s probably too short, and that’s why I took off stars. However, at the same time, I liked the characters. I’d like to give this 3.5 stars, but since I can’t, I’ll give this book, 4 Stars since it doesn’t have any other glaring problems other than it’s too short.… (altro)