Different Strokes

Reviewed at All About Romance: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=9929

This was a short yet very sweet story. For a romance that was sixty something pages, it had a good pace. We met the characters when they themselves met for the first time, and we kept delving into their lives in certain periods of the year, like christmas, thanksgiving and valentines, which made the story flow easily.

Tomas is an Olympic medalled swimmer who has his own massage therapist. He’s not very social for the strict and disciplined way he lives his life, so when his therapist has to leave for an emergency and sends her replacement, Darren, Tomas is met with a nice surprise.

Since there aren’t many pages to get to know these characters, the author didn’t go into too much detail. But don’t let that fool you, we still had enough to like them and see their romance bloom. I liked the way the story jumped from one period to another without stretching things too long, but at the same time it didn’t leave with a feeling that anything was missing. We saw their interaction and then moved on to a new one which was the right thing to do for a novella this short.

The characters were very easy to sympathize with, with Tomas’ stoic and quiet demeanor, and Darren’s more lively and forward personality. From the very start we knew that Tomas is not the kind of man who’s open with what he feels, while Darren is someone who wears his feelings on his sleeve. The idea of ‘opposites attract’ has always been one of my favorites, and this story was why. If we could’ve had a novel instead of this short novella, I’m sure this contrast would’ve made a great plot in getting them to end up together. Tomas could’ve had more internal dilemmas about letting his feelings known, and Darren could’ve been more unsure for that very reason. But I still loved it the way it was, though I might’ve preferred more spice, and in the end, I was left with a fond smile on my face, and wishing this story was much much longer.

I’m putting four spoonfuls of this sweet story into my hodgepodge.

Different Strokes how do I love thee…let me count the ways…Wait, is that too flowery? Too fluffy to be the beginning of a review? Deal with it. This was exactly what I needed at exactly the right time. I had this book pre-ordered already but I am a greedy selfish cow so when I saw it on NetGalley I jumped on this baby and was tickled when I was approved.

From the moment I met Tomas I was giddy. I loved being in his head and when this gorgeous man sees Darren I was a goner.

In a season of miracles and gifts, that man…he looked like an angel.

How can you go wrong with that? You can’t, you just can’t. I love the way the story is set up; we get our meet cute and then you are left waiting but not for long. I adored Darren, just adored him as he is preparing for her first massage session with the reputation that IS Tomas Lundquist. I was smiling through it all, a bit fat grin on my face as I read this story and hugged my Nook. It was wonderful and yes it was fluffy. So damn fluffy that I am still wrapped up in it and I don’t want out.

The push and pull with these boys was well done. I would have loved to witness a more hands on experience with the massage sessions, really would have loved to make sure Darren got that first request done well…really well. *ahem* My mind wanders far into the gutter with that but hey, Tomas said it so I totally blame him. Oh and Tomas, six words that came out of your mouth, so unexpected but so damn HOT! Dayum boy! You done good!

Different Strokes was a lovely read, a simply lovely read. I loved how the men got to know each other and how they both held onto their integrity throughout the attraction. Tomas and Darren were fantastic with learning the steps to the dance that will let them get what they want. Ooh the dance and kitchen counters and confessions…Le Sigh.

“I’m not sure if I’ll be good at this.”

“Just do what feels natural.”

If you like your boys full of sweetness with a side of sexy and hold the angst, then I suggest you add this to your list.

Different Strokes. Nico Jaye Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews. I love the build up to a romance, that whole is he/she interested...the way looks and glances, and simple touches can say so much when well written. Books don't need to have in your face graphic sex to be sensual and erotic, and this little novella is a perfect example. Its a great short – I’m not usually a fan of novellas but sometimes they're perfect, if you've just a short time or you're a slow reader for example. I enjoyed this, meeting Tomas and Darren, learning what’s behind their thoughts and gestures, and how easy it is for one person to mean something very different to how its interpreted. Ended in a terrific way, when they finally got on the same wave length, (unintended pun there !!) and Darren learned that Tomas wasn't just a standoffish person, wasn't trying to let him down but was just feeling his way. Tomas seemed such a confident person but I enjoyed how we saw what he really was behind that mask, and equally Darren seemed so open and upfront and yet when it mattered to him he was cautious and more closed. Fun read, I’d guess at around 70 pages as I don't have length or price info.

Stars: four

ARC supplied via Netgalley