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Looking for Adventure
Genre: LGBT Contemporary
After being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Jonathan looks back on his career-focused life and sees nothing but empty years behind him. His desire for success has left him without a single happy memory, and completely alone.
While shocked by the news, he stumbles into Nino: a man without a steady job, without a permanent home and, as happy as a person can be. On the spur of the moment they set off to an adventure by the sea, with good food, loads of sun, and rising attraction. Only both hide secrets from each other as they fight against the sparks that keep on lighting the flames.
They set out for some fun, but found the adventure of both of their lives...
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.
After being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Jonathan looks back on his career-focused life and sees nothing but empty years behind him. His desire for success has left him without a single happy memory, and completely alone.
While shocked by the news, he stumbles into Nino: a man without a steady job, without a permanent home and, as happy as a person can be. On the spur of the moment they set off to an adventure by the sea, with good food, loads of sun, and rising attraction. Only both hide secrets from each other as they fight against the sparks that keep on lighting the flames.
They set out for some fun, but found the adventure of both of their lives...
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2011
2 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Valentina Heart
22 books305 followersI would say that I am first a reader and then a writer. My fascination with books goes way back into the past when I didn't even know I could read something that wasn't given to me in school. Writing came later. First when I tried writing down the plots of the movies I found overwhelming and later in the form of a very dark blog that connected me with people I still consider very good friends.
When in reading I always reached for happy ending romances that helped me deal with the bad side of the world, while in my short stories characters died and their life usually reflected the reality that surrounded mine.
In time, vampires and shifters took the place of knights in shiny armors and I still searched for that happy ending . But with the years also came that wish for something edgier.
My current reading habits take me daily into the world of men, where kink is preferable and angst the realistic side of life in my dose of fiction. It was only natural that my fingers followed my thoughts and I came to a point where men only ogled men and women became side characters.
Somehow out of love for reading a writer was born. I won't say that the handsome men walking through my imagination have everything a reader might want. They are usually troubled, lost and insecure, but as they slowly stroll through my worlds, they eventually find their happy ending.
When in reading I always reached for happy ending romances that helped me deal with the bad side of the world, while in my short stories characters died and their life usually reflected the reality that surrounded mine.
In time, vampires and shifters took the place of knights in shiny armors and I still searched for that happy ending . But with the years also came that wish for something edgier.
My current reading habits take me daily into the world of men, where kink is preferable and angst the realistic side of life in my dose of fiction. It was only natural that my fingers followed my thoughts and I came to a point where men only ogled men and women became side characters.
Somehow out of love for reading a writer was born. I won't say that the handsome men walking through my imagination have everything a reader might want. They are usually troubled, lost and insecure, but as they slowly stroll through my worlds, they eventually find their happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 6, 2011
You know, when I read the blurb to this one I couldn't help but think of the movie The Bucket List. Lol
Anyway, I really enjoyed this book. It's the kind of book you want to read when you want a little bit of angst with a dying character but know for sure there's going to be a miracle at the end. It's a sweet read that had me shedding a few tears but had me smiling by the end of the story.
I loved Nino and Jonathan and how they just seemed to be the complete opposite of each other. Nino is adventurous and spontaneous; he doesn't much care whether he has a job one moment and none the next, he's optimistic. Jonathan is a workaholic, a hermit that has never done anything adventurous in his life.
When Jonathan learns of his terminal brain tumor, his life is flipped upside down. He's not sure what to do but running into Nino (literally) makes him realize he doesn't want to spend his last days just working. He wants to relax and does the first spontaneous thing in his life by hiring Nino as his chef/guide and takes off for the island, unwittingly falling in love with Nino in the process.
It's a light-hearted read that'll give you a few laughs while you watch how Jonathan lets loose and learns to actually live and gives both Jonathan and Nino the home they've been looking for. (Haha, loved how you fit in, who was it? Steppenwolf's? Born to be Wild song, Vale ;-P) Definitely recommended.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this book. It's the kind of book you want to read when you want a little bit of angst with a dying character but know for sure there's going to be a miracle at the end. It's a sweet read that had me shedding a few tears but had me smiling by the end of the story.
I loved Nino and Jonathan and how they just seemed to be the complete opposite of each other. Nino is adventurous and spontaneous; he doesn't much care whether he has a job one moment and none the next, he's optimistic. Jonathan is a workaholic, a hermit that has never done anything adventurous in his life.
When Jonathan learns of his terminal brain tumor, his life is flipped upside down. He's not sure what to do but running into Nino (literally) makes him realize he doesn't want to spend his last days just working. He wants to relax and does the first spontaneous thing in his life by hiring Nino as his chef/guide and takes off for the island, unwittingly falling in love with Nino in the process.
It's a light-hearted read that'll give you a few laughs while you watch how Jonathan lets loose and learns to actually live and gives both Jonathan and Nino the home they've been looking for. (Haha, loved how you fit in, who was it? Steppenwolf's? Born to be Wild song, Vale ;-P) Definitely recommended.
May 31, 2012
Even though I read the blurb and knew that the MC was diagnosed with a tumor with only months to live, I still decided to read it, but was still a little wary about how this was going to end up. I am glad that I continued with the story. This is truly a wonderful story about living life to the fullest and falling in love. There are some parts of the story that you have to let go of realism to a certain degree, however I was enjoying Nico and Jonathan so much that it really didn't bother me. This book was a comfortable and relaxing to read with very likeable characters.
August 2, 2011
Perfect summer read! First of all, I regret having booked my vacation before reading this book, because it made me want to go there! I was glad I spent a few hours in that slice of paradise!
I felt I had a few things in common with Jonathan because I've been work driven for such a long time and I suffer from chronic headaches, so I admit I was also a bit scared and sometimes I felt the story was a bit too close to me to make me feel really comfortable. Jonathan is a character that is not opposed to changes, but they have to happen to him. Like me. He is not the one who makes the first move or dives into things, but once he's there, he embraces them and gives himself to the flow with a surprising generosity. I'd like to add: like me. How much does it depend on the fact that he is been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor? I like to think that Nino would have rocked his world by proximity nonetheless.
Nino is one of those blessed people who try to make the best from the most difficult situations. He is not careless, because he gave me the impression that he always knows where he stands, especially when he is in a difficult spot, but he is not easily defeated and his enthusiasm and spontaneity are irresistible. So irresistible that even a guy in a suit like Jonathan can't help surrendering to him.
Jonathan and Nino are probably, for each other, the thought that they would have never considered and it was exciting to see how attraction turned to lust and then to love, especially how Jonathan learned to love Nino, and how the surprise became urgency in their rough love making. It was a bit sad that for Jonathan the intensity of it depended on the fact that he was on borrowed time, while for Nino it was the real thing since the beginning. But for Nino it was also his own very first real thing, because up until Jonathan he never had anything for himself.
I spent some time heartbroken and angsted (I know it's not a word, bear with me), but thank God, this is romance, so I believed the unbelievable and embraced the improbable and now I'm relaxed and almost happy, thinking about small heavenly islands in the Mediterranean sea and without a headache. Sex and a good story make it bearable, you know...
I felt I had a few things in common with Jonathan because I've been work driven for such a long time and I suffer from chronic headaches, so I admit I was also a bit scared and sometimes I felt the story was a bit too close to me to make me feel really comfortable. Jonathan is a character that is not opposed to changes, but they have to happen to him. Like me. He is not the one who makes the first move or dives into things, but once he's there, he embraces them and gives himself to the flow with a surprising generosity. I'd like to add: like me. How much does it depend on the fact that he is been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor? I like to think that Nino would have rocked his world by proximity nonetheless.
Nino is one of those blessed people who try to make the best from the most difficult situations. He is not careless, because he gave me the impression that he always knows where he stands, especially when he is in a difficult spot, but he is not easily defeated and his enthusiasm and spontaneity are irresistible. So irresistible that even a guy in a suit like Jonathan can't help surrendering to him.
Jonathan and Nino are probably, for each other, the thought that they would have never considered and it was exciting to see how attraction turned to lust and then to love, especially how Jonathan learned to love Nino, and how the surprise became urgency in their rough love making. It was a bit sad that for Jonathan the intensity of it depended on the fact that he was on borrowed time, while for Nino it was the real thing since the beginning. But for Nino it was also his own very first real thing, because up until Jonathan he never had anything for himself.
I spent some time heartbroken and angsted (I know it's not a word, bear with me), but thank God, this is romance, so I believed the unbelievable and embraced the improbable and now I'm relaxed and almost happy, thinking about small heavenly islands in the Mediterranean sea and without a headache. Sex and a good story make it bearable, you know...
March 20, 2012
(Mine is the second review)
Brain cancer is a life-changing event. Jonathan has no family and few friends. He focused purely on his career. He's wealthy and successful with a large office and great condo. It's debatable if his Pathfinder defines wealth. Personally, the Porsche Cayenne screams wealthy more than a Pathfinder. The inoperable brain cancer and less than two months to live is a wakeup call for Jonathan. He's worked so hard to succeed in his life and what happens? He doesn't even enjoy the fruits of his labour. He can't recall the last time he went on vacation.
Lost and confused, Jonathan literally trips over Nino. Nino is the antithesis of Jonathan. He's the happily little grasshopper playing and enjoying life. He's never held a steady job and he lives in the moment. It's serendipity they meet as Nino is the perfect companion to help Jonathan live out the last days of his life.
This story is really a story about first times and discovery. I like Ms. Heart's stories because there is always a moral to them. Perhaps I'm reading too deeply into her stories; perhaps it's because I feel she's teaching about life lessons through a story of "what if". In this one, I learn that focus may be great, but without stopping to experience life and "smell the roses", I'll end up missing the best part to living. We can't take for granted that we will always have good health and enjoy our successes. Tomorrow are no guarantees. It's not to say that we should all mimic the happy go lucky grasshopper, but we shouldn't be the ant who works so hard and dies without tasting the fruits we grow.
Nino is able to help Jonathan enjoy his last summer by something as simple as listening to music. Jonathan learns how to interact on an intimate level that he never experienced. Essentially this last summer, away from the office, Jonathan tries to complete everything in his bucket list. Nino is there every step of the way, unknowingly fulfilling the last wishes of a dying man.
When Jonathan's condition is finally revealed to Nino, there is a terrible falling out. I'm saddened for both of them -- Jonathan for not placing enough faith in Nino and Nino for finally finding the love of his life only to have it ripped away. This summer together was a magical time for both of them. Of course, since this is a Ms. Heart story, there is a happily ever after. I recommend this story for people who need a wakeup call that doesn't involve incurable disease. Readers who enjoy m/m romances built on friendship and companionship; this is the one for you.
June 10, 2011
Completely satisfying on multiple levels! This was a page-turner that I didn’t want to put down by a new author for me. It definitely made me constantly think, “What would I do”?
I picked this book to read as part of my monthly category challenge. I went into it with a sizable dose of trepidation based on the blurb. I like books that draw out my emotions, but probably like many people, don’t necessarily want to knowingly head into a story that’s sure to make me cry like a baby – right? Please, please, please fellow readers do NOT let the blurb scare you off or you’ll be missing an incredibly beautiful love story!
Nino and Jonathan – sigh. I adored these characters. I loved how they met and every step of their developing romance. This was absolutely one of my favorite gfy stories. The progression from “holy shit” to “hold on with both hands and don’t let go” was a very believable and steamy journey. Who couldn’t love someone that smiles at the world every single day and someone who isn’t afraid to grab every new experience for the precious gift that it is?
If ever there were a book that embodied the message “Live life to the fullest”, this book would be it. Who among us doesn’t get caught up in all the little stresses and struggles of everyday life? It happens, and unfortunately it also makes us lose sight of the bigger picture and the things that are really important. The not-so-hidden message behind this book – a reminder to seek with a vengeance the people and experiences that will make every day the best day we could make it – was worth the price of the book alone!
Mmm, mmm, satisfying! Loved it and will be reading everything I can by this author:)
I picked this book to read as part of my monthly category challenge. I went into it with a sizable dose of trepidation based on the blurb. I like books that draw out my emotions, but probably like many people, don’t necessarily want to knowingly head into a story that’s sure to make me cry like a baby – right? Please, please, please fellow readers do NOT let the blurb scare you off or you’ll be missing an incredibly beautiful love story!
Nino and Jonathan – sigh. I adored these characters. I loved how they met and every step of their developing romance. This was absolutely one of my favorite gfy stories. The progression from “holy shit” to “hold on with both hands and don’t let go” was a very believable and steamy journey. Who couldn’t love someone that smiles at the world every single day and someone who isn’t afraid to grab every new experience for the precious gift that it is?
If ever there were a book that embodied the message “Live life to the fullest”, this book would be it. Who among us doesn’t get caught up in all the little stresses and struggles of everyday life? It happens, and unfortunately it also makes us lose sight of the bigger picture and the things that are really important. The not-so-hidden message behind this book – a reminder to seek with a vengeance the people and experiences that will make every day the best day we could make it – was worth the price of the book alone!
Mmm, mmm, satisfying! Loved it and will be reading everything I can by this author:)
October 8, 2011
This is my longest 'soon to be published' book. I would also dare to say it is the best so far. The idea didn't come from a movie or a book this time, it was a collection of experiences which I wanted to share with people who have never visited my country.
I focused on the beauty of one of the islands here and modified my own memories to better fit the story. But the feeling I had when I spent my summer there was very real and I think I managed to give the characters as good of a time as I'd had it.
Imagine what it would be like to let go for one summer, forget about work, your problems and all other baggage we carry daily. And instead experience all those things you never even hoped you would. You have the sun, the sea and a gorgeous man by your side to stir your imagination to the heights you never even knew it could go.
That is what this book is about; finding yourself even when you didn't know you were lost and falling in love next to the whisper of the waves in the heat of summer.
Side note; You have to believe in miracles;)
I focused on the beauty of one of the islands here and modified my own memories to better fit the story. But the feeling I had when I spent my summer there was very real and I think I managed to give the characters as good of a time as I'd had it.
Imagine what it would be like to let go for one summer, forget about work, your problems and all other baggage we carry daily. And instead experience all those things you never even hoped you would. You have the sun, the sea and a gorgeous man by your side to stir your imagination to the heights you never even knew it could go.
That is what this book is about; finding yourself even when you didn't know you were lost and falling in love next to the whisper of the waves in the heat of summer.
Side note; You have to believe in miracles;)
April 24, 2016
I liked the idea that stressed out, uptight lawyer Jonathan finds out he has two months to live, and actually does something to improve his remaining time. Namely, going away on vacation, with a new friend that he literally ran into. Nino is a free spirit, going where he wants as the urge comes on. Spending summer on the island sounds perfect for both of them. The descriptions in this book are amazing, and made me want to visit. Their story flows quietly and sweetly. I completely loved the tattooes, both sets.
April 25, 2011
This was a really sweet story. I just loved Nino and Jonathan together<3
February 14, 2013
For about 85% of this book, I was probably too busy wondering 'Hey, what happened to the tumor?' to properly enjoy the book.
If my thoughts had a form it would have been constantly jumping up and down screaming hey tumor hey tumor hey hey hey hey
Anyway.
This had all the makings of a Korean drama series back from the days when the stereotype that all Korean drama series ends with someone dying from Cancer still applied. The story comes pretty much as advertised: J finds out he's about to die and begins his metamorphosis from this
to this.
What doesn't come as advertised:
The people don't really sound natural. They talk like they're on scripts. The explanation for the 'problem' (Nope no spoiler tags. I mean, this is a romance novel, if it had an unhappy ending you can be sure it'll have an average rating of 2.0 stars) was basically 'haha oops'. For a lawyer, I would have expected J to serve them with enough papers to make the LOTR trilogy book look like a flyer.
But nah.
And then there's the fact that someone having a brain tumor should be suffering from
And you would think that if he can Google how to light a fire, he would Google his tumor and wonder why he's having so much sex one month away from his deathbed.
The story was pretty sweet, but I felt like it was stretched thin to the point of meandering. That and I felt like I was being told what to feel by the plot. I'm supposed to feel sad that J is dying. I'm supposed to feel anxious that they have very little time together. Except I don't.
There's too little focus on that part. No blood puking and fainting spells and stuff to underline the fact that J is dead meat. Just a lot of internal monologues full of gonna die gonna die duwanna die on his part.
It could have been much more compact, cut back on the sex, and focus more on their relationship. Instead, a whole part of the book was all about 'He stared at my ass, he stared at my ass not.'
Still. It's an okay book if you're into the un-angsty angst.
If my thoughts had a form it would have been constantly jumping up and down screaming hey tumor hey tumor hey hey hey hey
Anyway.
This had all the makings of a Korean drama series back from the days when the stereotype that all Korean drama series ends with someone dying from Cancer still applied. The story comes pretty much as advertised: J finds out he's about to die and begins his metamorphosis from this
to this.
What doesn't come as advertised:
The people don't really sound natural. They talk like they're on scripts. The explanation for the 'problem' (Nope no spoiler tags. I mean, this is a romance novel, if it had an unhappy ending you can be sure it'll have an average rating of 2.0 stars) was basically 'haha oops'. For a lawyer, I would have expected J to serve them with enough papers to make the LOTR trilogy book look like a flyer.
But nah.
And then there's the fact that someone having a brain tumor should be suffering from
Headaches
Seizures
Sensory and motor loss
Deep venous thrombosis
Hearing loss
Vision loss
Fatigue
Depression
Behavioral and cognitive changes
Endocrine dysfunction
And you would think that if he can Google how to light a fire, he would Google his tumor and wonder why he's having so much sex one month away from his deathbed.
The story was pretty sweet, but I felt like it was stretched thin to the point of meandering. That and I felt like I was being told what to feel by the plot. I'm supposed to feel sad that J is dying. I'm supposed to feel anxious that they have very little time together. Except I don't.
There's too little focus on that part. No blood puking and fainting spells and stuff to underline the fact that J is dead meat. Just a lot of internal monologues full of gonna die gonna die duwanna die on his part.
It could have been much more compact, cut back on the sex, and focus more on their relationship. Instead, a whole part of the book was all about 'He stared at my ass, he stared at my ass not.'
Still. It's an okay book if you're into the un-angsty angst.
February 25, 2011
Two months. That is the generous time period that Jonathan was given with his diagnosis. Stunned, rudderless he literally collides with Nino. Jonathan allows himself to be drawn along with Nino into a vacation (well commandeered Nino’s vacation idea), learning along the way what it is exactly that he has been missing in life.
Discovery. Friendship. Adventure. Love. Living. Change. Watching Jonathan evolve was beautiful and so very heartbreaking. His words...his beautifully romantic words had me in a puddle...even though he still fumbled. *sigh* Everyone needs a Nino in our life to remind us what is important, how to live.
I had this much (….) left to read and thought that I could finish it at lunch and then...nooo! I had to stop at crucial point and wait ALL afternoon to finish the last few pages. One Week Valentina! I was dying for Nino all afternoon. Very distracting. You try to go to a P&L meeting and stay focused when you don’t know what happens next. I sat in the car in the parking lot and read the last dozen pages because I couldn’t wait until I got home. Loved it! bzzzzzz
Discovery. Friendship. Adventure. Love. Living. Change. Watching Jonathan evolve was beautiful and so very heartbreaking. His words...his beautifully romantic words had me in a puddle...even though he still fumbled. *sigh* Everyone needs a Nino in our life to remind us what is important, how to live.
I had this much (….) left to read and thought that I could finish it at lunch and then...nooo! I had to stop at crucial point and wait ALL afternoon to finish the last few pages. One Week Valentina! I was dying for Nino all afternoon. Very distracting. You try to go to a P&L meeting and stay focused when you don’t know what happens next. I sat in the car in the parking lot and read the last dozen pages because I couldn’t wait until I got home. Loved it! bzzzzzz
December 18, 2014
This was a great story about "what if". If you only had a little bit of time left, how would you spend it? I thought it was great watching the relationship between Jonathan and Nino grow. The only thing that bothered me is that I wish there was just a little more to the story, like an epilogue or something. Despite wanting more of an ending, I really enjoyed the book and the writer's style. Would definitely read more from this author.
June 3, 2011
Synchronicity. Sometimes a book comes along that reminds you of all the things that should actually be important in life at the right moment in time. I needed this reminder. I loved Jonathan and Nino's story. As characters they were great to get to know and they complimented each other perfectly. There was always truth to the depths of their emotions and that greatly appealed to me as a reader. I felt the peace and security that was oozing through the pages as the story developed. A great read!
June 28, 2011
Read as part of my QGB Q2 Challenge picked by Lexi. I really got sucked into this book. I was a little leery because I thought I was not going to get my HEA... but I did! So I am a happy camper. Jonathan's journey was bittersweet yet profound and life-changing for him. Nino is a keeper and I loved his outlook on life and his ability to draw Jonathan out of his shell. Sigh... A great read!
October 27, 2017
I enjoyed it. It was a cute love story and a happy ending (no spoiler, really) The chapters bounced back and forth between the Nico and Jonathan's point of view. Confused me at first. Overall, it was a good book easy read.
November 6, 2011
I think the blurb covers the story well. Jonathan gets a terrible diagnosis that he has a brain tumor & only a couple months to live. This is a wake up call to him as he has previously devoted his life to work only. This of course, reminds me a little of the movie "Last Holiday" & "The Bucket list."
There were a couple of things that sometimes threw me out of the story. The dialogue was a little formal at times and didn't feel like the way people talked. There was also a little too many dialogue tags (He said ... after we already know who's talking) I couldn't figure out the place the story originates. I think I needed a clearer idea of what parts of europe to explain the music, the setting etc. It needed to be made clearer that these men aren't American (probably) even though everyone is speaking english.
I did enjoy the story as it went along. Nino is a fun character. He is the type though, that flits from job to job on a whim & gets bored easily. He seems to be on the extreme opposite end of Jonathan & I'm not sure in the end how they would really work out together. Realistically, I see future issues with this pairing. I also was expecting a little more punch to the medical storyline, a little more realism. Instead this is more of a feel good (nothing wrong with that) story.
There were a couple of things that sometimes threw me out of the story. The dialogue was a little formal at times and didn't feel like the way people talked. There was also a little too many dialogue tags (He said ... after we already know who's talking) I couldn't figure out the place the story originates. I think I needed a clearer idea of what parts of europe to explain the music, the setting etc. It needed to be made clearer that these men aren't American (probably) even though everyone is speaking english.
I did enjoy the story as it went along. Nino is a fun character. He is the type though, that flits from job to job on a whim & gets bored easily. He seems to be on the extreme opposite end of Jonathan & I'm not sure in the end how they would really work out together. Realistically, I see future issues with this pairing. I also was expecting a little more punch to the medical storyline, a little more realism. Instead this is more of a feel good (nothing wrong with that) story.
February 19, 2011
Hmmm, I like the beginning of the story.Jonathan and Nino seem like such an opposite side of spectrum (Jonathan is the corporate guy and Nino is the "live free and loud" guy), it's nice to thrown in these two individuals in searching for an adventure, a nice vacation in an island (by the way, OFF topic, but this feels like should be a summer release, rather than February, no?). The structure of the story is having both men as narrators, with Jonathan narrating first chapter, then Nino the next chapter, then back to Jonathan, and so on. So at least I know what happens in the mind of the two guys.
But something missing for me to get more emotionally care for the two guys. Maybe it's my problem, been a bit burned out with m/m romance lately (cannot finding good ones can make me cranky), but I feel like the story is just stretching a bit too long for me to actually give a damn. While the ending is HEA (which of course, you have to believe in miracles), it doesn't touch me as I expect it would.
It's a nice story, though. I don't hate it. AND one point for cute nickname (Nino calls Jonathan "Bee", after an event you have to read by yourself).
Yeah, I know, this review sucks! I can't even make a coherent writing of my own thought. Sorry!
But something missing for me to get more emotionally care for the two guys. Maybe it's my problem, been a bit burned out with m/m romance lately (cannot finding good ones can make me cranky), but I feel like the story is just stretching a bit too long for me to actually give a damn. While the ending is HEA (which of course, you have to believe in miracles), it doesn't touch me as I expect it would.
It's a nice story, though. I don't hate it. AND one point for cute nickname (Nino calls Jonathan "Bee", after an event you have to read by yourself).
Yeah, I know, this review sucks! I can't even make a coherent writing of my own thought. Sorry!
July 28, 2011
Jonathan has been diagnosised with an inoperable brain tumor. Leaving work he bumps into Nino and his bike, knocking Nino down. Paying attention to what has happened he takes Nino home and hires him to cook for him when he goes on vacation. Eventually Nino admits he's gay and Jonathan and he being a romance. I liked this tenderly told tale. Jonathan is dying and realizes he has done nothing but work. It is only with Nino that he slows down and begins to live. A wonderful read of life and living it to the fullest.
July 21, 2011
This was a great read - I really liked Nino and the relationship that he and Jonathan develop. I was afraid that the brain tumor diagnosis story line was going to make the book too sad and depressing, but Jonathan's focus on making good memories keep the book from becoming a treatise on dying well.
November 10, 2015
So glad I didn't let the blurb scare me, loved Jonathan and Nino's story.
Hot guys, sweet love.
Makes me want to believe in miracles and second chances.
Hot guys, sweet love.
Makes me want to believe in miracles and second chances.
February 23, 2019
Decent, mostly fluff, and an ending that doesn't really give you an idea of their life after...so not a satisfying ending.
June 17, 2025
3.5 stars
March 22, 2011
From the very beginning Jonathan is more than just an employer to Nino. Over time, their relationship evolves into a friendship, and Nino is soon helplessly smitten by his handsome boss. But Jonathan is obviously straight like an arrow, and Nino fears rejection should Jon find out about his real feelings and his sexual orientation so he keeps them a secret. As Nino’s crush subtly turns into love, he finally can’t bear it anymore and takes the lap of faith.
Jonathan has never felt attracted to another man before. But this trip has been a series of “firsts” for him, and his growing attraction for Nino is yet another one. Only that his feelings soon go far beyond sexual attraction. It doesn’t matter anymore that Nino is a man, this might be Jon’s only chance at love, and so he grabs it with both hands.
Sounds familiar? Yes, it is – it’s the typical Gay For You setup, and yet it isn’t . The author takes the cliche and turns it into something worthwile, not entirely new, but far from stereotypical. Actually this book had a number of plot elements which could have easily come across as clichéd and still weren’t – the GFY, both character’s physical perfectness, a background of financial wealth, Jon’s incommunicado which lead to misunderstanding and separation - yet those were adressed with a wholeheartedness which turned them into something pleasant and familiar I could douse myself in like in a warm scented bath. I must admit I have a penchant for books that exude this feeling of heartfelt honesty, and thus I could forgive any shortcomings that would have bothered me otherwise.
The exceptional situation, the slow build from trust to frindship to love makes the entire development almost believable. Nino and Jon were so cute in the serious way they discussed their respective fears and concerns, soothing and reassuring each other. And they talked about everything – love, life, music, condoms, gay and straight, fashion, books, etcetera. The talking was even a bit overdone at times, when they talked to each other like – well, like characters in a book, in well- worded sentences and long paragraphs. In the beginning their manners of speaking were very different while getting more similar the closer Jon and Nino become – Jon even comments on the fact that he starts to sound like Nino over time.
Since the story is told in the alternating first person narrative voices of both main characters, we get to know both heroes very well. I immediately fell in love with Nino, who is a true hedonist and still has enough depth to keep him from being superficial. In the beginning, Jonathan is indeed the stiff Nino calls him, but he eases up pretty fast through the island life, the sun and Nino’s relaxed affection. However, it’s awfully hard to give two different first – person – narrators distinctive voices of their own, and this was barely achieved here. Yet, I could easily forgive that niggle since both characters were likeable and real.
If you’re in the mood for a comforting, relaxing read with lovingly drawn, likeable characters, then go for this book, you can’t go wrong.
Read the full review at reviewsbyjessewave.com
Jonathan has never felt attracted to another man before. But this trip has been a series of “firsts” for him, and his growing attraction for Nino is yet another one. Only that his feelings soon go far beyond sexual attraction. It doesn’t matter anymore that Nino is a man, this might be Jon’s only chance at love, and so he grabs it with both hands.
Sounds familiar? Yes, it is – it’s the typical Gay For You setup, and yet it isn’t . The author takes the cliche and turns it into something worthwile, not entirely new, but far from stereotypical. Actually this book had a number of plot elements which could have easily come across as clichéd and still weren’t – the GFY, both character’s physical perfectness, a background of financial wealth, Jon’s incommunicado which lead to misunderstanding and separation - yet those were adressed with a wholeheartedness which turned them into something pleasant and familiar I could douse myself in like in a warm scented bath. I must admit I have a penchant for books that exude this feeling of heartfelt honesty, and thus I could forgive any shortcomings that would have bothered me otherwise.
The exceptional situation, the slow build from trust to frindship to love makes the entire development almost believable. Nino and Jon were so cute in the serious way they discussed their respective fears and concerns, soothing and reassuring each other. And they talked about everything – love, life, music, condoms, gay and straight, fashion, books, etcetera. The talking was even a bit overdone at times, when they talked to each other like – well, like characters in a book, in well- worded sentences and long paragraphs. In the beginning their manners of speaking were very different while getting more similar the closer Jon and Nino become – Jon even comments on the fact that he starts to sound like Nino over time.
Since the story is told in the alternating first person narrative voices of both main characters, we get to know both heroes very well. I immediately fell in love with Nino, who is a true hedonist and still has enough depth to keep him from being superficial. In the beginning, Jonathan is indeed the stiff Nino calls him, but he eases up pretty fast through the island life, the sun and Nino’s relaxed affection. However, it’s awfully hard to give two different first – person – narrators distinctive voices of their own, and this was barely achieved here. Yet, I could easily forgive that niggle since both characters were likeable and real.
If you’re in the mood for a comforting, relaxing read with lovingly drawn, likeable characters, then go for this book, you can’t go wrong.
Read the full review at reviewsbyjessewave.com
April 8, 2011
Second chances, this concept is at the core of Valentina Heart’s Looking for Adventure. At the beginning of the novel, lawyer Jonathan Morgan is a workaholic with no personal life until a doctor tells him he has a brain tumor. This revelation changes everything. After a chance encounter outside his office with bike messenger Nico, Jonathan decides he needs to get away and asks Nico to accompany him. Nico thinks he’s being employed to help Jonathan with cooking and cleaning, but only Jonathan knows the truth of his condition. The two men grow closer and this is where the story really begins as the attraction between Nico and Jonathan builds so does the drama within the book.
While I enjoyed the premise of the book, sort of a post-ghosts visit Scrooge and Jonathan is changed as he realizes the things in his life have not made him happy and he decides to change his life, there were some niggles I had with portions of the plot. First, Jonathan allows Nico to fall in love with him, but doesn’t tell him he’s sick. This sort of betrayal seemed to me to be something even a character in a romance novel would have a hard time forgiving. Second, the medical issues stretched credibility and were extremely unrealistic from my perspective.
But despite these concerns, Looking for Adventure is an appealing book about one man’s realization that finding and keeping love should be the most important element of his life, not work. So, if you are incurable romantic that believes love can conquer anything – then this is the book for you.
Dark Divas Reviews
While I enjoyed the premise of the book, sort of a post-ghosts visit Scrooge and Jonathan is changed as he realizes the things in his life have not made him happy and he decides to change his life, there were some niggles I had with portions of the plot. First, Jonathan allows Nico to fall in love with him, but doesn’t tell him he’s sick. This sort of betrayal seemed to me to be something even a character in a romance novel would have a hard time forgiving. Second, the medical issues stretched credibility and were extremely unrealistic from my perspective.
But despite these concerns, Looking for Adventure is an appealing book about one man’s realization that finding and keeping love should be the most important element of his life, not work. So, if you are incurable romantic that believes love can conquer anything – then this is the book for you.
Dark Divas Reviews
April 22, 2015
Discovering a second chance at life and love!
If you found out you only had a few months to live, what changes would you make in your life?
Jonathan Morgan has just been handed a death sentence in the form of a tumor. As he reflects on his life, he realizes that he's been extremely lonely for way too long. Fate has him meeting Nino Herc, and an impulsive decision has Jonathan hiring Nico to cook for him as he takes an extended vacation.
Jonathan was regimented in his life as a lawyer and in his every movement. This was the complete opposite of the free-spirited Nino who treasures every moment and embraces life. I enjoyed watching these two spend time together while becoming friends and then lovers. Nino did a wonderful job helping Jonathan learn how to enjoy life once again and appreciate the little things. It was nice to see how they took care of each other in their own way.
There was plenty of dialogue and the relationship was realistic. The only thing that bothered me about this story was the lack of contractions which made the dialogue seem stilted. The biggest threat to their relationship was Jonathan's decision not to share his current health condition.
Jonathan was given a second chance with his life, and it was delightful to see him make the most of it.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by KindleRomance
for The Romance Reviews
If you found out you only had a few months to live, what changes would you make in your life?
Jonathan Morgan has just been handed a death sentence in the form of a tumor. As he reflects on his life, he realizes that he's been extremely lonely for way too long. Fate has him meeting Nino Herc, and an impulsive decision has Jonathan hiring Nico to cook for him as he takes an extended vacation.
Jonathan was regimented in his life as a lawyer and in his every movement. This was the complete opposite of the free-spirited Nino who treasures every moment and embraces life. I enjoyed watching these two spend time together while becoming friends and then lovers. Nino did a wonderful job helping Jonathan learn how to enjoy life once again and appreciate the little things. It was nice to see how they took care of each other in their own way.
There was plenty of dialogue and the relationship was realistic. The only thing that bothered me about this story was the lack of contractions which made the dialogue seem stilted. The biggest threat to their relationship was Jonathan's decision not to share his current health condition.
Jonathan was given a second chance with his life, and it was delightful to see him make the most of it.
Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by KindleRomance
for The Romance Reviews
August 4, 2013
This is the first story I've read from this author and I found it quite enjoyable. What to do if you're told you have two months to live? Well, looking for adventure is what Jonathan, a stuffy, robotic, work-driven lawyer does when he accidentally meets Nino. Nino is a carefree, happy-go-lucky bike messenger who falls off his bike at Jonathan's feet when Jonathan is leaving work to go home and ponder his last two months of life.
Nino shows Jonathan how to live, literally. The two fall in love on their holiday adventure and three months pass by before Jonathan realizes he should have already died. His headaches have stopped but he's failed to tell Nino about his death threat and when he slips up and tells the truth, Nino is shocked and angry. Jonathan disappears for a few days, while going to see his doctor and have further tests taken. Once he knows the truth, he returns to the vacation home and begs Nino's forgiveness. Of course, the guys get their HEA.
Cute story. Nice for a vacation read.
Nino shows Jonathan how to live, literally. The two fall in love on their holiday adventure and three months pass by before Jonathan realizes he should have already died. His headaches have stopped but he's failed to tell Nino about his death threat and when he slips up and tells the truth, Nino is shocked and angry. Jonathan disappears for a few days, while going to see his doctor and have further tests taken. Once he knows the truth, he returns to the vacation home and begs Nino's forgiveness. Of course, the guys get their HEA.
Cute story. Nice for a vacation read.
May 6, 2012
This book was an example of total opposites attracting. Jonathan is an uptight lawyer who has nothing else in his life apart from his work while Nino is a free spirit who drifts from job to job with the aim of being as happy as possible. The two men meet just after Jonathan has been told he only has two months to live. In a move totally out of character for him, Jonathan employs Nino and they move to an island to enjoy the summer. I really enjoyed watching Jonathan unbend and respong to Nino's obvious love of life. Both men had a tendancy to be insecure but their obviously strong feelings for each other helped them become closer. I was a little concerned that the ending would be too unrealistic but the author managed to pull off exactly what I wanted to happen in a pretty perfect way.
January 7, 2013
Nice and comforting read, perfect for lazy day on the beach.
Jonathan is a serious and inflexible lawyer. One day he finds out that he has inoperable brain tumor and only two months of life. His doctor suggests, that he should take break and enjoy his last days...
Nino is a young man, optimistic, full of energy. He works as a delivery boy, but when he meets Jonathan, who is planning to go on vacation on The Mediterranean island, he agrees to work for him as a cook.
What is supposed to be a goodbye and enjoying the last days of life, turns out to be a journey to discovery. The discovery of friendship, laugh, fun, love...
It's a simple story. Nothing unexpected, no abrupt twists. If you want to read somehting with sun and sea in the background, you can try.
Too bad it wasn't what I was hoping for.
Jonathan is a serious and inflexible lawyer. One day he finds out that he has inoperable brain tumor and only two months of life. His doctor suggests, that he should take break and enjoy his last days...
Nino is a young man, optimistic, full of energy. He works as a delivery boy, but when he meets Jonathan, who is planning to go on vacation on The Mediterranean island, he agrees to work for him as a cook.
What is supposed to be a goodbye and enjoying the last days of life, turns out to be a journey to discovery. The discovery of friendship, laugh, fun, love...
It's a simple story. Nothing unexpected, no abrupt twists. If you want to read somehting with sun and sea in the background, you can try.
Too bad it wasn't what I was hoping for.
September 2, 2017
Sweet story that was surprisingly low on angst, given the blurb. Jon and Nino were perfect for each other and their love story was truly romantic, though hot as well.
Interesting to read a book set in a non-English speaking country (Croatia), but you could tell that English is not the writer's first language. This was due to some rather odd choices of words throughout, like "settlement" instead of "village", but the grammar was excellent, and the language didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
This book had been on my TBR for six years and I'm happy that I finally got around to reading it.
Interesting to read a book set in a non-English speaking country (Croatia), but you could tell that English is not the writer's first language. This was due to some rather odd choices of words throughout, like "settlement" instead of "village", but the grammar was excellent, and the language didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
This book had been on my TBR for six years and I'm happy that I finally got around to reading it.
March 31, 2011
What would you do if you had just a couple of months to live? That's what Jonathan has to figure out after getting devastating news from his doctor. Enter Nino, a bicycle delivery guy that Jonathan inadvertently runs into. Total opposites they nevertheless click and by the next day are heading off to spend the summer by the lake. This was a nice GFY story but neither character ever really grabbed me and I found the plot and ending a bit too predictable.
August 7, 2011
4.75 Stars
This is a real feel-good story with likeable characters and a GFY plot that is deftly handled. I loved watching Jonathan transform from a workaholic "stiff" to an open, adventurous soul. And Nino? Damn, but I want to be just like him when I grow up! ;)
The handling of the medical issue could seem "convenient" to some readers but having experienced something similar with a loved one, I could only smile and smile!
This is a real feel-good story with likeable characters and a GFY plot that is deftly handled. I loved watching Jonathan transform from a workaholic "stiff" to an open, adventurous soul. And Nino? Damn, but I want to be just like him when I grow up! ;)
The handling of the medical issue could seem "convenient" to some readers but having experienced something similar with a loved one, I could only smile and smile!
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