Rating: 4 stars
Buy Link: Amazon | iBooks | Amazon UK
Length: Novella
I selected Shoulder Season for International Week of our Reading Challenge Month because it’s set in Iceland! I’ve read a few stories set there and was excited to experience that locale in a new way.
Ben is a mid-twenties, newly graduated, mechanical engineer who’s working in a garage in Colorado until he can get a job in his field. He’s recently broken up with his spoiled, rich, and abusive boyfriend, Alan. Alan actually ended things, cancelling Ben’s ticket on their Oktoberfest trip in a fit of petulance, but Ben had the time off and a new passport, so he booked the cheapest international trip he could afford: a red-eye to Reykjavik, Iceland. He airbnb’d a utilitarian apartment, but his clothing, while suitable for Germany’s more balmy temps, isn’t holding off the rain and wind of Reykjavik.
Despondent and isolated, Ben plans to return to the airport the next morning, but before he books a flight, he notices his neighbor struggling to get around with both a cane and a sling. Hearing the crash through their common wall, Ben fears the Icelandic god isn’t doing so well. Coming to the man’s aid gives Ben a thrill; he always liked taking care of people, not that Alan ever appreciated his efforts. Solvin, however, is embarrassed, but grateful. He’s been struggling for a few weeks, too stubborn to rely on his friends and family to care for him. Still, Ben’s stuttering, sweet greetings, and offer of help are more than Solvin will refuse.
And, the next day, Solvin wants to repay Ben’s initial kindness by helping him explore Iceland. Together they take in quiet sites, museums and churches that Alan never would have deigned worthy of a visit. And Ben and Solvin build a rapport over tasty local fare and mutual struggles. Turns out that Solvin is also gay, and has been without a partner for some time. These two take delicate steps into intimacy, mostly through cautious touches and haltingly delivered conversation. Solvin’s English is quite good, and he’s a gracious tour guide, but both he and Ben are reserved people. Solvin, perhaps due to his culture, and Ben, likely due to his ex’s abuse. Ben struggles with his own emotions—and he’s still recovering from their last blowout, which left Ben with a black eye. He wonders if Solvin will suddenly treat him as poorly as Alan did, but he’s always happily mistaken and enjoying his very nice visit.
I loved exploring the mysteries of Iceland, from black volcanic beaches to azure hot springs. It’s seems to be a land of extremes and that rang clear throughout the story. There are plenty of descriptions of cultures, both Icelandic and American–sometimes to Ben’s mortification. It was good to see Ben begin to recover from his abuse and fight the wariness that had been ingrained through his connections to Alan. I wondered a bit about Ben’s family, who are never mentioned, and how they would feel about his grand adventure and budding love. It would have been nice to get that information, especially as we do hear quite a bit about Solvin’s mother. Expect a quiet romance, a bit of sexytimes, and a plan for new lives and happiness.
This review is part of our Reading Challenge Month for International Week! Leave a relevant comment below and you will be entered to win a prize pack of some of our favorite International Books. Commenters will also be entered to win our amazing grand prize sponsored by Dreamspinner Press (a Kindle Fire filled with Dreamspun Desires/Beyond books, plus a 3-month subscription!). You can get more information on our Challenge Month here, and more details on International Week here, including a list of all the books in this week’s prize.
I really like that this story is set in Iceland (it is on my bucketlist to hopefully visit ) That alone will make me put Shoulder Season on my TBR list. And after reading your review i’m convinced. Thank you.
It really sounds like an awesome place. I’ve been interested in it for a long time. Glad it piqued your interest!
This story sounds lovely, I will be adding to my list.
It sounds good… and Iceland is a country I want to visit. Thanks for the review
An Icelandic setting does sound appealing. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention, Veronica.
And having seen this review reminds me that I own another book by the author that I have yet to read. That one is set in France, so I’ll be reading it this week.
I’d love to read an Iceland-set story! (I know Erica Pike is Icelandic, but all the stories I’ve read of hers are set in the US…)
Try Fall Hard by J.L. Merrow. It is on our prize list this week but excellent story set in Iceland!
This sounds good. The only other books that I’ve read that were set in Iceland was a murder mystery series that seemed to focus on the more gloomy aspects of the country.
Since I mainly read romance, I’ve mostly read erotic stories of folks having a “grand time” under the Northern Lights… 😉
i have been intrigued with Iceland and love reading stories that take place there, not that there are that many.
Wow! I think maybe I should’ve picked this one for my International Challenge, although, so far, I really like the one I chose. This is definitely going on my TBR. 🙂
Cool! Hope you like it, too!
Sounds like a sweet read. I haven’t read this one by Jackie North. Thank you for the review!
This is already on my wish list at Dreamspinner so I’m happy to read this review. This is another place I would love to visit.
I like the sound of this one. It feels like so many people I know or hear about have been going to Iceland lately. I’ll BOOK a trip there instead. (I can’t help myself.) Thanks for bringing this one to our attention, Veronica.
Iceland has been in my to go list since I read Fall Hard by JL Merrow (which by the way was the first book I read written by her, and which I really enjoyed). This sounds really good to me. Thank you for the review, Veronica
Yes, love Fall Hard! We are giving it away this week as part of our prize pack.
I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland (I’m a big Bjork fan and have always imagined the country to be how her music sounds!). Great review – I’ll be adding this one to my TBR pile, thank you!
Thank you for your review. I have always been hesitant to go to Iceland because of the climate, but reading your review gives me a great incentive to finally take that last step. It is definitely a book I will put on my TBR list.
I haven’t read a book by Jackie North and this sounds like a nice one to start.
I’m going to Iceland for the first time next week! I’ll have to read this when I get back