Rating: 4 stars
Buy Link: Amazon | All Romance | Amazon UK
Length: Novella
Dave has been attracted to his coworker, Sean, ever since he joined the marketing company. For months he has stolen glances at Sean, but Sean always declines the after work group get togethers. Sean is confident at work, yet there is something about him that Dave yearns to protect. Finally gathering courage, Dave suggests meeting for drinks to go over a work related project, and after a moment’s hesitation, Sean agrees.
The men hit it off and slowly begin a relationship. But Sean struggles with his past and his fears are not easy to overcome. Every time the men get close, Sean runs. Dave is accepting of Sean’s fears, lets him dictate the pace of their relationship, and hopes that Sean will confide in him when he is ready. If Sean can move on and trust again, Dave may just be his future.
So you know, I like this story. It is easy to read with two likable men, the angst is light, it is mostly well paced, and it offers just a touch of intrigue to see what is up with Sean. It was just what I was in the mood for. We have tall, good looking Dave who can’t seem to stop glancing over at Sean while he works. Sean is focused on his work and keeps pretty much to himself as he has completely sworn off relationships. When the guys do get together, they have a lot in common, including their attraction to each other. However, every time things start to heat up, Sean freezes, backs down, or bolts. It is a slow build to their relationship and to Sean’s backstory. Sean’s story is not overly shocking, which completely works for the feel of the story.
This is not a full length novel and having read a number of novellas I have developed quite an appreciation for them. There are details interwoven into the narrative which helps the visual on both men, including how they like their coffee, their work habits, and their choice of reading material, which offers a nod to the romance genre. While I enjoyed all of the details and getting to know the men, it also slightly slows the pace of the story given its length. This is not fully realized until the ending, which happens quickly, and had a slight unfinished and rushed feel, although there is a warm HFN. The men take things slow and then there is not much time to enjoy them fully together.
Still, A Day at a Time is a good choice for a story that flows well and can be read from beginning to end in a short amount of time. A story of how life can change when you find the right guy.
A review copy of this book was provided by Dreamspinner Press.
