Rating: 4.25 stars
Buy Link:
Amazon | iBooks | Amazon UK
Length: Novella


Shane is tired and broken down. His mother died. His father left. He’s not spoken to his brother in over a year, and topping that, he’s living with a boyfriend, Tyler, who beats him and has ruined any self esteem Shane might have had. One night, Tyler tells Shane to get dressed as they’ve been invited to dinner by their next door neighbor. While there, Shane is charmed by the man, Michael, finding himself feeling good for the first time in a long while. Of course, once he and Tyler return home, his happiness is ruined by his jealous and angry boyfriend.

Deciding he’s had enough, Shane escapes. He’s confronted by Michael who brings him into his home and comforts him. He offers Shane a place to stay until he can get back on his feet. When Shane moves into a cheep motel, Michael visits, and soon it’s clear they’ll be more than friends. However, what’s going to happen when Tyler finds out about Shane and Michael’s blooming relationship?

I really like this one. It’s a nice hurt/comfort story with some very sweet moments between two special men. Shane is, literally, beaten down (Quick trigger warning…there are a few detailed scenes of domestic violence.), but his bravery shines through when he decides to run from Tyler. Michael is wonderful…caring, sweet, loving, and protective.

Even though Something from Nothing is a novella and it’s fast moving, it doesn’t feel like it goes at a breakneck speed. In fact, I think the pacing was perfect…seamless, even. There’s no needless detail to bog it down. For instance, Shane and Michael have to be apart for two weeks. However, there’s no daily breakdown of what each man did. There simply were sentences like:

“It was a long fortnight. Shane’s one consolation were (sic) the nightly phone calls from Michael that sometimes continued for a couple of hours.”

The dialogue in the story flows nicely and feels like real conversation. The banter between Shane and Michael, and also the men and their friend Mona is sweet…especially between Shane and Michael. There’s some nice sexy talk that shows how happy and comfortable they are with each other.

Something From Nothing isn’t all moonlight and roses. There is Tyler to contend with. He’s not going to give up on bringing Shane back, and he’s not above fear tactics and (again…a small warning) violence. Toward the end, there’s a bit of a twist, and I confess it made me quite happy. I almost wonder if that makes me a bad person, but nope. I don’t think I am 🙂

Speaking of the end…it’s a good one. It gives Shane and Michael, especially Shane, the happily ever after they deserve. I get the feeling that everything is going to be alright with the two of them. I highly recommend this one. It’s a short and sweet story, taking me out of my head on a rough day. It’s definitely worth picking up.