Title: Luke’s Present
Series: Morning Report, Book 3.5
Author: Sue Brown
Genre: Contemporary Romance, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy from publisher
Published: December 2012 by Dreamspinner Press
Lost Cow Ranch foreman Simon Bryan is worried about Luke, his boss and possessive partner of twelve years. Reeling from the flood that took his horse, Luke has postponed surgery on his knee, and his nightmares have been escalating. Worse, he is pulling away from Simon emotionally. Desperate to help his lover cope, Simon plans a special Christmas gift, but it is Luke’s present that changes their relationship forever.
Reviewed By: J9
In a Nutshell: Good novella featuring a committed couple who share emotional and sexual intimacy and are leaders in their ranch community.
The Set Up: Simon is worried about his boss and lover, Luke, after a ranch accident that nearly killed him and left him needing surgery. Luke refuses the surgery but won’t tell Simon why and it’s up to Simon to change his mind.
Why I Read this Book: I’ve been on a MM cowboy tangent lately and this one caught my eye as I’d read Simon and Luke’s first story a few years ago and liked it.
What I Liked: The best thing about Simon and Luke’s relationship is how well they know each other and how emotionally intimate they are. Simon knows something is wrong with Luke and Luke’s reluctance to tell Simon is driving him crazy. I like how Simon shares how vulnerable this makes him feel in his relationship with Luke and how Luke then reacts. The men have a sexual relationship, sure, but the emotional one is the most important in this novella and I liked that combination.
What I Didn’t Like: I admit this is a holiday fluff novella. The Christmas spirit and the ranch community around Simon and Luke make this a picture perfect novella that is full of uncomplicated good cheer.
IMO: I suspect series fans will enjoy this novella more than a new reader but the romance is balanced and strong so I’d still recommend it.
J9’s Rating:
I liked how the emotional relationship came first. Nice review.
ReplyDeleteI'm always looking for a balance between the emotional and sexual intimacy in my romance novels and this one had a good balance IMO. Plus, hot cowboys! Duh! :)
Delete