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In Search of Saints
Mitch is on a last-ditch drive to save his career with the Scottish Institute of Archaeology. His ex-lover Lewis has stolen his research into the legendary Pictish saints, mystical pre-Celtic statues hidden somewhere on mist-wreathed Dove Island. Now Mitch is tearing out to the coast in the hope of reaching the saints before his treacherous ex can stake a claim.
At Mitch’s side is his devoted assistant, Owen. Owen adores Mitch, but he’s the quiet, loyal type. Despite himself, Mitch is still dazzled by memories of flamboyant Lewis. He’s in danger of destroying his newfound happiness with Owen – and, as the race for the saints intensifies, he’s losing perspective. Will Mitch learn how to appreciate the love of a good man before he plunges himself and Owen too far into the deadly mysteries of Dove Island?
Word Count: 25,172
At Mitch’s side is his devoted assistant, Owen. Owen adores Mitch, but he’s the quiet, loyal type. Despite himself, Mitch is still dazzled by memories of flamboyant Lewis. He’s in danger of destroying his newfound happiness with Owen – and, as the race for the saints intensifies, he’s losing perspective. Will Mitch learn how to appreciate the love of a good man before he plunges himself and Owen too far into the deadly mysteries of Dove Island?
Word Count: 25,172
83 pages, ebook
First published August 5, 2012
4 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Harper Fox
58 books1,176 followersHarper Fox is an M/M author with a mission. She’s produced six critically acclaimed novels in a year and is trying to dispel rumours that she has a clone/twin sister locked away in a study in her basement. In fact she simply continues working on what she loves best– creating worlds and stories for the huge cast of lovely gay men queuing up inside her head. She lives in rural Northumberland in northern England and does most of her writing at a pensioned-off kitchen table in her back garden, often with blanket and hot water bottle.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn't letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she's yet to discover them.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn't letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she's yet to discover them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 9, 2012
The writing once again is poignant, with a vividness that makes this story so alluring and mysterious. Mitch and Owen are on an expedition to find the elusive mystical saints in the middle of nowhere, Mitch is tough to handle and treats his lover Owen atrociously. He's wired up, unpredictable and moody, Owen is no doormat you can feel him gritting his teeth at times. I think he allows Mitch to treat him like dirt because deep down he has a smidgen of hope that Mitch is in love with him and isn't on the rebound and will eventually get over his ex-lover Lewis the thief, liar and user, who is still on the scene ready to swoop.
The drama that unfolds on this hunt has potential tragic consequences for Owen and Mitch who suddenly realizes he's about to lose the best thing that's happened to him. There is a bit of magic here and the paranormal tone just adds to the mystery, what would have worked even more for me is a lengthier story with more background about Owen and Mitch during their adventure. Also I couldn't hate Mitch he was hurt and lost hitting out, only at the wrong man but he does sort of redeem himself in the end. Recommended if you are fan of the author, I love the way she writes its wonderful and appealing, I liked this one very much, I want more!
The drama that unfolds on this hunt has potential tragic consequences for Owen and Mitch who suddenly realizes he's about to lose the best thing that's happened to him. There is a bit of magic here and the paranormal tone just adds to the mystery, what would have worked even more for me is a lengthier story with more background about Owen and Mitch during their adventure. Also I couldn't hate Mitch he was hurt and lost hitting out, only at the wrong man but he does sort of redeem himself in the end. Recommended if you are fan of the author, I love the way she writes its wonderful and appealing, I liked this one very much, I want more!
December 23, 2021
3.5 🌟 I have realized that after reading only a few books by Harper Fox, I have come to appreciate her ability to write stories against beautiful backdrops and heavily flawed characters.
Mitch is an archaeological researcher and is currently dating his assistant, Owen. However, Owen is his rebound after his ex, Lewis duped him and stole his research papers.
I didn't like Mitch up to 40-50% of the novella(83 pages) but the author made us feel his plight. He knew Owen is the perfect, earthy guy and his ex is a liar and a jerk. He could feel and appreciate the differences yet couldn't stop himself from feeling guilty about the breakup.
Just like most HF stories, this too has a mystical element. However, I feel she wrote a fairly good redemption story in just 83pages
Mitch is an archaeological researcher and is currently dating his assistant, Owen. However, Owen is his rebound after his ex, Lewis duped him and stole his research papers.
I didn't like Mitch up to 40-50% of the novella(83 pages) but the author made us feel his plight. He knew Owen is the perfect, earthy guy and his ex is a liar and a jerk. He could feel and appreciate the differences yet couldn't stop himself from feeling guilty about the breakup.
Just like most HF stories, this too has a mystical element. However, I feel she wrote a fairly good redemption story in just 83pages
November 15, 2015
4.5 stars
This nugget had been sitting on my TBR for quite awhile. For my favorite authors, I try to save some backlist reads an savor them over time. And savor this is exactly what I did.
This might be one of my favorite Harper Fox books.
The backdrop is a mystic archeological site. The romance story line is a researcher, Mitch, the shiny ex-boyfriend he can’t get over, and the tried-and-true new love he has to come to appreciate or lose him forever. YES! This is perfection!
There’s betrayal here. There’s hurt here. There’s loss here. There’s unrequited love here. There’s a grand declaration of love here. And it’s all written in the gloriously lovely way that only Harper Fox really can do.
I admit I was uncertain about the mystical/spritual element to the story…and how I felt about it. But, looking back, I can keenly remember feeling afraid, and then freaked, and then concerned, and then sad, and then confused, and I *might* have rolled my eyes a tiny bit at certain parts. Yet it ALL worked in and for the overall story.
I’m surprised how much story is covered in such few pages. I would have LOVED if this had been a longer book…or if there would be additional stories about these characters. But as it stands, I was still perfectly satisfied and in bliss by this book.
July 30, 2023
2.5 stars
I don't think I'd be able to forgive how much of a douche Mitch was for the majority of this novella. Owen deserves way better!
I don't think I'd be able to forgive how much of a douche Mitch was for the majority of this novella. Owen deserves way better!
August 21, 2012
Harper Fox has an amazing gift of creating worlds I fall into, places I can touch and taste, peopled by men who are flawed and complex and solid at the core and so very real. This story is no exception.
Historical researcher Mitch is in a state of confusion, still reeling from a casual betrayal on a professional level by Lewis Ward,the man he loved. In his battered heart, gorgeous mercurial Lewis is the man he still wants, despite his best attempts to put that behind him. Owen is there for Mitch, as he has been since Mitch's first moment of bitter rebound brought them together. He's a solid supportive presence but, next to the flaming brilliance of Lew Ward, a stolid and uninteresting one. When all three men end up on a remote island in search of the same ancient relics, they bring their individual strengths and weaknesses with them. In moments of darkness and rainstorm, amidst the search for artifacts, Mitch finds himself searching for another kind of truth.
This is a wonderful story of redemption that I read in one fell swoop without pause for breath, and will come back to again soon to savor more slowly. It is short, but feels complete (although I would happily read more of these men should the inclination ever strike the author.) Highly recommended.
Historical researcher Mitch is in a state of confusion, still reeling from a casual betrayal on a professional level by Lewis Ward,the man he loved. In his battered heart, gorgeous mercurial Lewis is the man he still wants, despite his best attempts to put that behind him. Owen is there for Mitch, as he has been since Mitch's first moment of bitter rebound brought them together. He's a solid supportive presence but, next to the flaming brilliance of Lew Ward, a stolid and uninteresting one. When all three men end up on a remote island in search of the same ancient relics, they bring their individual strengths and weaknesses with them. In moments of darkness and rainstorm, amidst the search for artifacts, Mitch finds himself searching for another kind of truth.
This is a wonderful story of redemption that I read in one fell swoop without pause for breath, and will come back to again soon to savor more slowly. It is short, but feels complete (although I would happily read more of these men should the inclination ever strike the author.) Highly recommended.
August 8, 2012
2.5 stars, I think. This story is told in the first-person point of view of Mitch, and Mitch's head is an uncomfortable place to be. He's still reeling from the betrayal of his slimy ex, Lewis, who stole his archaeological research. Mitch now has a rebound guy, his assistant, Owen. Owen is a good man but Mitch can't help but compare him to Lewis. Owen isn't handsome like Lewis, not flashy or daring or exciting. Mitch can't even come during sex without fantasizing about Lewis. And Mitch is not nice to Owen. He's short-tempered and rude, almost as if he were trying to push Owen into reacting, into showing some spine. Things eventually come to a head, and Mitch realizes how much Owen means to him, but it happens so quickly that I'm not sure I believe it.
All this relationship drama is wrapped in some sort of archaeological quest that may or may not have paranormal elements. Honestly, I'm still a little fuzzy on the details. I was so distressed about how Owen was being wronged by Mitch that I had a hard time concentrating on the plot. The writing, as usual for Harper Fox, is lush and descriptive. If you're already a fan of her writing, you'll probably like it. If not, you may find it difficult to get into.
All this relationship drama is wrapped in some sort of archaeological quest that may or may not have paranormal elements. Honestly, I'm still a little fuzzy on the details. I was so distressed about how Owen was being wronged by Mitch that I had a hard time concentrating on the plot. The writing, as usual for Harper Fox, is lush and descriptive. If you're already a fan of her writing, you'll probably like it. If not, you may find it difficult to get into.
August 22, 2017
Lovely, intense, fast paced. A lot is happening in little space and short time with vivid images of the suroundings of Dove Island and characters that made me feel furious, exasperated, heartbroken on the way and content and happy in the end. I begged the MC to, please, be not so stupid, and pleaded with the autor while reading, that she, no, no, please, can't do this! I should have had more faith. So, all is well in the end and I'm the one smiling foolishly at this wonderful story. 
October 26, 2019
I enjoyed this one the first time and just as much this time so other than the fact that this time around was audio there's no read changes here for me.
August 13, 2012
I think I've found the key to enjoying Harper Fox's stories ... the short ones *lol*. I remember loving the previous short that she released (All Roads Lead To You) and this one is no different.
I love the moody and rainswept background (I love rain, I can't help it). While Mitchell comes up in the beginning as a bastard for treating Owen wrongly, but I never feel like Owen is a doormat to him. In fact, Owen is the one who practically knocks some sense into Mitchell, even if he is doing it in a low-key. Without shouting, without pushing, without whining...
I love the contrast of both men. Lewis might be the beautiful intellectual royalty but Owen is the steady rock. Mitchell thinks Owen as "earthly", as "ordinary" -- but in his earthly and ordinary attitude, Owen offers the steady ground for Mitchell to stand tall, and fight for his right of the research against the manipulative Lewis.
There is no groveling from Mitchell's part -- but I don't mind because when he gets his revelation that Owen is the best thing that has happened to him, and that he loves Owen, THAT part is brilliant and moving and well, gives me all fuzzy feelings of course :)
And the magical tone, while both men are searching for the Saints (mysterious carved stones of a shadowy pre-Celtic culture), it adds a beautiful eerie nuance to the whole story. I love it!
I love the moody and rainswept background (I love rain, I can't help it). While Mitchell comes up in the beginning as a bastard for treating Owen wrongly, but I never feel like Owen is a doormat to him. In fact, Owen is the one who practically knocks some sense into Mitchell, even if he is doing it in a low-key. Without shouting, without pushing, without whining...
I love the contrast of both men. Lewis might be the beautiful intellectual royalty but Owen is the steady rock. Mitchell thinks Owen as "earthly", as "ordinary" -- but in his earthly and ordinary attitude, Owen offers the steady ground for Mitchell to stand tall, and fight for his right of the research against the manipulative Lewis.
There is no groveling from Mitchell's part -- but I don't mind because when he gets his revelation that Owen is the best thing that has happened to him, and that he loves Owen, THAT part is brilliant and moving and well, gives me all fuzzy feelings of course :)
And the magical tone, while both men are searching for the Saints (mysterious carved stones of a shadowy pre-Celtic culture), it adds a beautiful eerie nuance to the whole story. I love it!
August 27, 2012
What would you do if the man you love still hung up on his ex, who not only stole his idea to get a grant but also lied to the whole academic establishment and made him looked like a whinny loser? You know that the minute the ex opens his arm, the man you love--who has become your current lover-would embrace his ex back and dump you at a whim?
And now, the ex is leading a complete archaeological team to prove your lover's theory, and you and your lover are a two-men team to compete with them, without any grant money to support. As you suspected, the minute the ex asked your lover to join force, he agreed without consulting with you...
This is a story of two men who tried to figure out their place on the other man's life.
Both Mitch and Owen show the behaviors of someone who has strong feeling toward another person. Unfortunately for Owen, Mitch's was not directed to him, at least not at the beginning. I like Owen. Yes, for a while, he let Mitch treated him as nothing but f*ck buddy. However, I'm happy that he's not portrayed as a doormat. He didn't allow such thing to be forever, and at one point he told Mitch thanks but no thanks.
The discussions about the origin of some words based on phonetics are very interesting.
And now, the ex is leading a complete archaeological team to prove your lover's theory, and you and your lover are a two-men team to compete with them, without any grant money to support. As you suspected, the minute the ex asked your lover to join force, he agreed without consulting with you...
This is a story of two men who tried to figure out their place on the other man's life.
Both Mitch and Owen show the behaviors of someone who has strong feeling toward another person. Unfortunately for Owen, Mitch's was not directed to him, at least not at the beginning. I like Owen. Yes, for a while, he let Mitch treated him as nothing but f*ck buddy. However, I'm happy that he's not portrayed as a doormat. He didn't allow such thing to be forever, and at one point he told Mitch thanks but no thanks.
The discussions about the origin of some words based on phonetics are very interesting.
May 12, 2023
Had me for a minute there!
March 14, 2016
Sometimes you have to loose something before you realize...
How much it really meant to you.
Interestingly enough here again we have a case of one MC not treating the other MC as well as he should. Mitch is an historian whose research has been stolen by his ex-lover, Lewis and Mitch knows he should despise Lewis for this betrayal and he does but at the same time he knows he still loves or thinks he loves Lewis. Owen is the admin assistant who silently supports and loves Mitch. My feelings about Mitch were a bit conflicted because I understood his anger and frustration at what Lewis had done at the same time recognizing that emotions aren't something we turn on and off like water facets. How his head felt and how his heart felt weren't quite in sync with each other. I appreciated that he recognized that Owen was for all intents and purposes a better person than Lewis, but love doesn't always follow logic does it?
I liked Owen a lot. He was the kind of person who frequently tends to go unnoticed. He was solid and dependable, loyal, constant, reliable, calm and patient. So many wonderful qualities that often tend to be considered dull or boring. But when you're in a relationship for the long haul and you want it to be a lifetime thing and if you're lucky you eventually come to realize that these are the qualities that can make it work, make it last. Just because a person has these qualities it doesn't mean that they're dull or boring. It means that they're the person you can rely on, the one who will have your back and not stick a knife in it at the first opportunity that proves to be advantageous to them.
Watching Mitch as he looses his perspective on what's really important and how Owen is there for him in spite of everything was heartbreaking and at the same time only helped to endear Owen to me more and more as I quietly cheered for Mitch to come to his senses and realize that what matters most isn't always about what the rest of the world thinks but what you know and want once you get your head and your heart in agreement.
'In Search of Saints' definitely put me back on track with Harper Fox.
How much it really meant to you.
Interestingly enough here again we have a case of one MC not treating the other MC as well as he should. Mitch is an historian whose research has been stolen by his ex-lover, Lewis and Mitch knows he should despise Lewis for this betrayal and he does but at the same time he knows he still loves or thinks he loves Lewis. Owen is the admin assistant who silently supports and loves Mitch. My feelings about Mitch were a bit conflicted because I understood his anger and frustration at what Lewis had done at the same time recognizing that emotions aren't something we turn on and off like water facets. How his head felt and how his heart felt weren't quite in sync with each other. I appreciated that he recognized that Owen was for all intents and purposes a better person than Lewis, but love doesn't always follow logic does it?
I liked Owen a lot. He was the kind of person who frequently tends to go unnoticed. He was solid and dependable, loyal, constant, reliable, calm and patient. So many wonderful qualities that often tend to be considered dull or boring. But when you're in a relationship for the long haul and you want it to be a lifetime thing and if you're lucky you eventually come to realize that these are the qualities that can make it work, make it last. Just because a person has these qualities it doesn't mean that they're dull or boring. It means that they're the person you can rely on, the one who will have your back and not stick a knife in it at the first opportunity that proves to be advantageous to them.
Watching Mitch as he looses his perspective on what's really important and how Owen is there for him in spite of everything was heartbreaking and at the same time only helped to endear Owen to me more and more as I quietly cheered for Mitch to come to his senses and realize that what matters most isn't always about what the rest of the world thinks but what you know and want once you get your head and your heart in agreement.
'In Search of Saints' definitely put me back on track with Harper Fox.
June 20, 2017
3.5 stars
J'ai apprécié ce T2 bcp plus que le 1er. L'histoire ainsi que la romance sont toutes les deux plus intéressantes. Le couple ici aussi, je l'ai trouvé mieux.
Le petit élément fantastique à la fin était bien pensé et vraimenr sympa !
J'ai apprécié ce T2 bcp plus que le 1er. L'histoire ainsi que la romance sont toutes les deux plus intéressantes. Le couple ici aussi, je l'ai trouvé mieux.
Le petit élément fantastique à la fin était bien pensé et vraimenr sympa !
August 14, 2021
I liked the ending better than the beginning... this book started off rough for me, I didn't like Mitch at all or the way he treated Owen. Then add in Lewis and I really wasn't sure. But once they got to the island and Owen grew a backbone it got better! A bit of adventure, Mitch gets a clue, and we have a great little story!
Overall it was good, not my favorite of Harper's, but very worth reading. If you haven't read Scrap Metal, get it! Loved it! Liked this one, but loved Scrap Metal!
Harper is a fantastic writer, I'm looking forward to many more books from her.
Overall it was good, not my favorite of Harper's, but very worth reading. If you haven't read Scrap Metal, get it! Loved it! Liked this one, but loved Scrap Metal!
Harper is a fantastic writer, I'm looking forward to many more books from her.
August 9, 2012
3.5 stars. Good short m/m romance about an academic who's been too obsessed by his ex's betrayal to realize what he has with his new boyfriend.
September 7, 2012
This short novella had me almost to the point of squealing. Yeah, it wasn’t pretty to listen to, but jeez was I deliciously giddy on the inside. I just couldn’t help it; I was so freaking excited to read another Harper Fox story.
And I was NOT disappointed. There are hit-and-miss authors out there, but I’m getting solid ‘Wows’ with each story of hers I try.
Okay, so for this review, I want to state that, despite giddy squealing, I was a little anxious as to how this story would play out as the two main characters (and love interests) are already together at the start of the story. I wondered then how Mrs. Harper would keep the tension and suspense.
She was clever. (Of course—I’ve come to expect nothing less). While Mitch and Owen are together physically at the start of the book, Mitch is far and away from being emotionally attached as he is still hung up on his ex, who betrayed him, not only by leaving him, but stealing his research as well.
Very quickly, the author shows us the obstacles between Mitch and Owen and their HEA, with Owen quickly drawing away from Mitch. This gives the story a separation-reunion theme that resonates deep. I longed for Mitch to recognize the intimacy he had with Owen, to see what a beautiful person he was. That longing drove the tension and suspense, and it was wonderful.
This story had something else going for it that I really liked—a touch of the mystical. That might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I found just a hint of the paranormal/magical in this story to give it a little something special, an extra dimension to the story, if you will. And to me it made the climax just right, tying in the relationship developments and the setting, where Mitch is trying to prove his archeological theory and find the ‘saints’ before his ex does.
Short, emotional read. Loved it. Recommend.
And I was NOT disappointed. There are hit-and-miss authors out there, but I’m getting solid ‘Wows’ with each story of hers I try.
Okay, so for this review, I want to state that, despite giddy squealing, I was a little anxious as to how this story would play out as the two main characters (and love interests) are already together at the start of the story. I wondered then how Mrs. Harper would keep the tension and suspense.
She was clever. (Of course—I’ve come to expect nothing less). While Mitch and Owen are together physically at the start of the book, Mitch is far and away from being emotionally attached as he is still hung up on his ex, who betrayed him, not only by leaving him, but stealing his research as well.
Very quickly, the author shows us the obstacles between Mitch and Owen and their HEA, with Owen quickly drawing away from Mitch. This gives the story a separation-reunion theme that resonates deep. I longed for Mitch to recognize the intimacy he had with Owen, to see what a beautiful person he was. That longing drove the tension and suspense, and it was wonderful.
This story had something else going for it that I really liked—a touch of the mystical. That might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I found just a hint of the paranormal/magical in this story to give it a little something special, an extra dimension to the story, if you will. And to me it made the climax just right, tying in the relationship developments and the setting, where Mitch is trying to prove his archeological theory and find the ‘saints’ before his ex does.
Short, emotional read. Loved it. Recommend.
January 2, 2016
A lovely story and my first taste of Harper Fox's style of writing. My one significant disappointment derives from the fact that such an abundant potential was severely restricted by the confines of a short story format. I wanted so much more, especially in the romance department since I adored Owen's quiet dignity and strength.
March 5, 2024
Re-read. Fox does the supernatural so beautifully.
August 10, 2012
As always, I love Fox's prose. One random example:
"I tried to speak. Something was wrong with my throat, as if the rain had got in. Rain and rust and shame, enough to drown me."
This isn't my favorite Fox tale. For the best of Fox, try (in ascending order of length) Life After Joe, Driftwood, or Scrap Metal. But even though this doesn't rank at the top of her work, it's still plenty good. For one thing, it has plenty of that trademark Fox sense of place -- I swear, you'll have to search long and hard to find anyone who creates as much feeling of locale as Fox does. And, of course, there's that Fox prose. Gotta love it. Fox seems to specialize in MCs that have been emotionally devastated in some way, and her bold....meaty?...strong?....emphatic?....vital?...prose always does a wonderful job of bringing that devastation to life without becoming maudlin or sappy.
So what didn't I like about this story? Well, I'm not a big fan of paranormal -- and that is a definite element here. Also, I generally prefer longer stories -- there just isn't enough time to establish either character or plot in a short story. Third, both the MC and the "bad guy" undergo significant changes that, IMHO, happen too quickly to be easily swallowed -- another side effect of the short story form.
Overall, though, this is still a fine tale. Everyone should read more Harper Fox!
"I tried to speak. Something was wrong with my throat, as if the rain had got in. Rain and rust and shame, enough to drown me."
This isn't my favorite Fox tale. For the best of Fox, try (in ascending order of length) Life After Joe, Driftwood, or Scrap Metal. But even though this doesn't rank at the top of her work, it's still plenty good. For one thing, it has plenty of that trademark Fox sense of place -- I swear, you'll have to search long and hard to find anyone who creates as much feeling of locale as Fox does. And, of course, there's that Fox prose. Gotta love it. Fox seems to specialize in MCs that have been emotionally devastated in some way, and her bold....meaty?...strong?....emphatic?....vital?...prose always does a wonderful job of bringing that devastation to life without becoming maudlin or sappy.
So what didn't I like about this story? Well, I'm not a big fan of paranormal -- and that is a definite element here. Also, I generally prefer longer stories -- there just isn't enough time to establish either character or plot in a short story. Third, both the MC and the "bad guy" undergo significant changes that, IMHO, happen too quickly to be easily swallowed -- another side effect of the short story form.
Overall, though, this is still a fine tale. Everyone should read more Harper Fox!
November 2, 2013
I must not have the waxing poetic gene because i did not find much in the way of redeeming qualities for Mitch. Why Owen would allow himself to be the consolation prize for Mitch is beyond me...and drove me crazy.
How could Mitch suddenly realize he loves Owen when he needed to fantasize about his ex just to orgasm? Nope, that is not the kind of love i want.
Besides that, the writing was tight and the story involving the Saints was very interesting...just couldn't get past the shallow, good looking men having to settle for"ordinary" ol' Owen. But that it's just me.
How could Mitch suddenly realize he loves Owen when he needed to fantasize about his ex just to orgasm? Nope, that is not the kind of love i want.
Besides that, the writing was tight and the story involving the Saints was very interesting...just couldn't get past the shallow, good looking men having to settle for"ordinary" ol' Owen. But that it's just me.
February 22, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Harper Fox is always so unique, I loved this adventure. The romance is about finally seeing what is really important and good, when is in front of you.-
Harper Fox is always so unique, I loved this adventure. The romance is about finally seeing what is really important and good, when is in front of you.-
June 19, 2018
3.5* oh my... this book is PURE ANGST.
So Mitch, our main character is looking for this scpecial magical place in the company of his very new lover Owen. WHO IS THE MOST WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING.
And there, in the island appears his ex Lewis, the one WHO STOLE HIS WORK AND IS A TOTAL MORON. So of course Mitch is always thinking on ... LEWIS. What the heck? this made me super mad!!!!!!! I know it that we will have a lovely ending because I read other Harper Fox books but.... I was so close to throw the towel !! Yeah the ending is the cutest thing!
So Mitch, our main character is looking for this scpecial magical place in the company of his very new lover Owen. WHO IS THE MOST WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING.
And there, in the island appears his ex Lewis, the one WHO STOLE HIS WORK AND IS A TOTAL MORON. So of course Mitch is always thinking on ... LEWIS. What the heck? this made me super mad!!!!!!! I know it that we will have a lovely ending because I read other Harper Fox books but.... I was so close to throw the towel !! Yeah the ending is the cutest thing!
May 9, 2020
my own fault for getting super excited about harper fox’s whole prechristian magic & miracles Thing and not reading the jacket copy that would have warned me that this is my least favorite kind of romance: rebound except one of them will take endless shit from the other one for the opportunity to be close
sweet & short but wouldn’t reread
sweet & short but wouldn’t reread
January 29, 2018
Mitch was easily one of the most self-centered characters I've ever read about but sweet, even-tempered Owen hung around until eventually the shell cracked and Mitch woke the "F" up. This was very Harper Fox and even though the story wasn't as awesome as some of her stories it wasn't bad at all.
November 19, 2021
Owen deserves better
Read
June 30, 2017DNF
April 26, 2017
4.1 Stars
Once again, Harper Fox makes it feel like I'm actually there watching her story evolve and I just love how the setting & history are so vivid that they seem like additional characters.
Also, can I get an AMEN for someone finally realizing and CHOOSING the good guy...not the beautiful, captivating bad-boy but the ordinary, sweet, loving and caring one that sticks by you even when you start off the whole relationship actually using him and then repeatedly treating him like crap. I almost wrote Mitch off as not even deserving of Owen.
Once again, Harper Fox makes it feel like I'm actually there watching her story evolve and I just love how the setting & history are so vivid that they seem like additional characters.
Also, can I get an AMEN for someone finally realizing and CHOOSING the good guy...not the beautiful, captivating bad-boy but the ordinary, sweet, loving and caring one that sticks by you even when you start off the whole relationship actually using him and then repeatedly treating him like crap. I almost wrote Mitch off as not even deserving of Owen.
November 3, 2013
I really had trouble getting into this one. From the start, I didn't find any redeeming qualities about Mitch, who was pining away for his ex-boyfriend while treating his current beau, Owen, like total crap. And I really didn't understand why Owen continued to be such a doormat allowing Mitch to treat him so badly. When Mitch had to actually picture the ex while having sex with Owen just to get off, I lost interest.
I didn't have any actual problems with the writing, but simply found it unbelievable that Mitch did a 180 and realized he loved Owen when he clearly felt he was settling. The storyline surrounding the Saints was probably the most interesting part of this story for me but unfortunately, my dislike of the characters kept me from any further enjoyment.
October 14, 2016
It's about the atmosphere. That dark and cold atmosphere that Harper Fox does better than anyone else.
Once again she has placed her characters in faraway corners of Scotland. The story is about the rivalry between Mitch and his ex-lover Lewis in their quest for fame and a career in archaeology. But mostly it is about Mitch's road to finding beauty in the ordinary and to realising what matters in life when he becomes close to losing it to the forces of nature.
Just amazing, awesome writing. I'm off to get a cup of tea, cause it is cold around the Scottish shorelines and I felt like I was right there with Mitch and Owen.
Once again she has placed her characters in faraway corners of Scotland. The story is about the rivalry between Mitch and his ex-lover Lewis in their quest for fame and a career in archaeology. But mostly it is about Mitch's road to finding beauty in the ordinary and to realising what matters in life when he becomes close to losing it to the forces of nature.
Just amazing, awesome writing. I'm off to get a cup of tea, cause it is cold around the Scottish shorelines and I felt like I was right there with Mitch and Owen.
June 25, 2013
This was an awesome read.
It had the same flowing, beautiful prose as most of Harper Fox' books, and the strong sense of atmosphere. I am wondering how she does it in short novellas like this one.
It had an elegant little mystery/history side plot - nicely done.
But what made it a really great read, was Owen. O my. How I love a gentle main character who is strong and reserved, not flashy, who doesn't whine, doesn't beg.
A very enjoyable read.
It had the same flowing, beautiful prose as most of Harper Fox' books, and the strong sense of atmosphere. I am wondering how she does it in short novellas like this one.
It had an elegant little mystery/history side plot - nicely done.
But what made it a really great read, was Owen. O my. How I love a gentle main character who is strong and reserved, not flashy, who doesn't whine, doesn't beg.
A very enjoyable read.
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