Novella - Stubbed Toes and Dating Woes Gay Romance, Romantic Comedy, Novella
Hot Tree Publishing
May 19, 2023
Kindle
131
Amazon
Niclas Ruiz loves digging in the dirt for ancient artifacts. He’s obsessed with old words and lives in his own world. His summers are often spent traveling to new places to hunt for treasure with his trusty metal detector while trying not to get lost or stumble off a cliff.
Love has never been high on his priority list. His being autistic and asexual has often been a hurdle for other people. But he’s happy enough to plod along on his own with his horde like a fairy-tale dragon.
But sometimes, he allows himself to dream about a man out of his reach.
Two things about Falk “Grizz” Evensen are certain. He runs a successful security firm and has been hopelessly in love with his best friend’s younger brother for many years. Neither of them has ever dared to test the waters.
When Niclas plans to visit Cornwall for the summer, his older brother convinces Falk to join him under the auspices of keeping him safe.
Is this May-December romance doomed to be derailed by fears of unrequited love?
Will their treasure hunt lead them to true love or fool’s gold?
Reviewed by Linda Tonis
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
Niclas Ruiz is a 28-year-old autistic man with a love of collecting artifacts and old curses. Some of what he says brought a smile to my face and I would list some of them, but I am not certain what they mean but someone out there may know these words and they could be curses so I will leave it up to you to read them.
Niclas works for the British Museum on archeological digs a job he loves and is very good at. Niclas must take time to process things, he hates loud noises and just wants to go out with his metal detector and find artifacts for the museum. His older brother Izan has looked after Niclas since their parents died and he is overly protective where his younger brother is concerned.
Niclas forgets to eat when he is on a dig and a day doesn’t go by without him tripping and banging into things. He is going on a two-month exploration, permits in hand and Airbnb rentals. Izan is worried about him being on his own and imagining the trouble he can get himself in. His biggest fear is Niclas hurting himself.
Falk “Grizz” Evensen is Izan’s old military mate and is now his boss. Falk owns a private security firm and Izan convinces him that he needs a vacation and wouldn’t it be fun to accompany Niclas on his digs. Falk has been in love with Niclas for years and he can’t think of one thing to keep him from being with Niclas. Well, there is one thing that could stand in his way, Niclas not wanting him to come. Niclas accepts because he has loved Falk for years and despite knowing that his brother is the one who suggested Falk come with him, he looks forward to the company.
Both men are asexual, have loved each other for years, Falk is older than Niclas and Niclas is autistic.
They will be spending two months in close proximity, but it will take an act of courage for one of them to make a move.
Niclas does get himself in trouble, he falls into the water, he forgets to eat and drink but fortunately Falk is there to look after him. Falk is amazing in that he knows how to handle Niclas and can give him what he needs when he is floundering.
A sweet story no sex, no suspense, no surprises and yet an interesting story about two men who are not the norm but still deserve love and respect.