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Northern Lights
A dream romantic vacation to Iceland to see the Northern Lights turns into a nightmare when James’s workaholic boyfriend, Richard, again insists on putting his work first. After a call from Richard’s office, an argument ends with the couple splitting up for good. Not only has Richard left James, he’s left him abandoned to explore the park alone, where James quickly gets lost. But just when things seem darkest, the Solstice works its magic, and James finds the guiding light he needs. Or it finds him.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2015 Advent Calendar package "Sleigh Ride".
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2015 Advent Calendar package "Sleigh Ride".
29 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
About the author
Asta Idonea
49 books49 followersAsta Idonea is the M/M pen name of author Nicki J. Markus.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 21, 2015
2.75 stars
I loved the Icelandic setting. The romance hadn't even really started by the time this novella ended though, so it was a little disappointing.
I loved the Icelandic setting. The romance hadn't even really started by the time this novella ended though, so it was a little disappointing.
December 20, 2015
This was such a unique and wonderful little surprise. My heart absolutely broke for James, but he was a great character with no delusions about who he was and what he needed to do to be happy with himself. The author did a good job of showing and not telling about how he goes through the mourning of his relationship and begins to change.
James meets his hero in Kari and while it's hard to buy into insta-love but this one worked for me. Probably because they didn't smother each other with hearts and flowery words, but were more "hey, this is pretty awesome, fuck it, let's give it a shot". So, an optimistic HFN ending that totally worked and I'll definitely be reading more of this author.
James meets his hero in Kari and while it's hard to buy into insta-love but this one worked for me. Probably because they didn't smother each other with hearts and flowery words, but were more "hey, this is pretty awesome, fuck it, let's give it a shot". So, an optimistic HFN ending that totally worked and I'll definitely be reading more of this author.
December 3, 2015
“The darkest hour is just before the dawn” is not just a proverb, it is also exactly what James experiences in this story. His dream vacation in Iceland at Christmastime turns into a nightmare when his workaholic boyfriend of five years gets called back into the office on the day before James’s birthday and they break up. They have been struggling for a while but it is still hard on James. He is determined to still enjoy the holiday since it’s already paid for, and what follows is his adventure once the ex is gone.
James is an artist, and he loves taking photographs. He has no paying job, so he’ll need to figure something out. But that is for after the vacation is over. James joins a bus tour to a park to see the geysers, and wanting to take a few nature shots, away from the other tourists, James gets lost, sprains his ankle, and needs rescuing from a local man. Kari is not like any man James has ever met, and not just shows James the Northern Lights but also gives him new hope.
If you like stories about unexpected new beginnings, if an interesting setting like Iceland at Christmastime sounds good, and if you’re looking for a read that is entertaining, hopeful, and sweet, then you might like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
James is an artist, and he loves taking photographs. He has no paying job, so he’ll need to figure something out. But that is for after the vacation is over. James joins a bus tour to a park to see the geysers, and wanting to take a few nature shots, away from the other tourists, James gets lost, sprains his ankle, and needs rescuing from a local man. Kari is not like any man James has ever met, and not just shows James the Northern Lights but also gives him new hope.
If you like stories about unexpected new beginnings, if an interesting setting like Iceland at Christmastime sounds good, and if you’re looking for a read that is entertaining, hopeful, and sweet, then you might like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 11, 2015
Color me surprised! I did not go into the M/M universe expecting to find such delicious fluffy goodness, but delicious fluffy goodness is exactly what I found! I should say, this story wasn’t super steamy, but it was still incredibly sweet. As you read, you truly do feel for James who has been left by a partner that could never prioritize him. You feel upset that the switch from love to resentment was so easily flipped. And James’s new love interest, which I won’t spoil for you, was a true meeting of the old and the new…ancient ideologies and modern ones. It was effortless, and now all I want to go is go to Iceland and meet the strong, blonde, woman of my dreams.
December 27, 2015
It's just okay I guess. James, can play a role of a nagging wife or spoiled Princess for his partner.
But his partner for 5 years was a jerk as well, I mean working on Christmas?
Yeah okay, he's ridiculously busy, but, really? Because his 'assistant' called him, and 'need' him at the office. I smell cheating here.
Whatever.
Back to James, I can't like him as well. He's too spoiled, good thing is, he found another man who thinks he's his type.
Good luck with that dude. You'll be tired with this James less than a year.
But his partner for 5 years was a jerk as well, I mean working on Christmas?
Yeah okay, he's ridiculously busy, but, really? Because his 'assistant' called him, and 'need' him at the office. I smell cheating here.
Whatever.
Back to James, I can't like him as well. He's too spoiled, good thing is, he found another man who thinks he's his type.
Good luck with that dude. You'll be tired with this James less than a year.
December 11, 2015
3.5*
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews
Five years into his relationship with Richard and James has had it; they haven’t had a Christmas together since the party they met at and all he wants is some time for them to be together. The romantic trip he planned to see the Northern Lights and reconnect goes south, however, when Richard’s boss calls and less than a day after arriving, Richard is packing to fly back home. Heartbroken but determined to enjoy himself regardless, James sets out to do just that but instead finds himself in trouble and in need of rescue. Could the worst day of his life actually turn out to be the best?
I really liked the premise to this story and within the first few pages I was already rooting for James and wanting to jump into the book to punch Richard in the face. Trust me, he needed it. I think James had to have been some kind of a saint to deal with all the BS that Richard has put him through over the years and honestly, I would have reacted the same way he did when he found out he was being ditched for work again. In spite of the situation, James is still determined to try and enjoy himself and do what he came to do; see and photograph the Northern Lights. Trying to get away from his fellow tourists leads him into trouble, however, and it is only the timely appearance of a local park ranger that saves him. Kari made me think of Thor long before James made the comparison and even though I don’t feel the story spent enough time with him, I still liked his character. He’s kind and unafraid to be himself, even around a total stranger, which was nice to see. Things heat up fairly quickly between James and Kari but I was pleased to see there was no sex in the story as I though it wouldn’t fit so soon.
The only problem I had with this story was that the plans between the two main characters were extensive and we never got to see any of it; the ending just felt so abrupt that I stared at the page for a minute and was like, ‘is that it?’ I almost feel a little cheated with all the things I expected to read but didn’t get to. It also would’ve been nice to have the Northern Lights feature a little more within the story as they were the entire reason James had chosen to go to Iceland in the first place. It was still an enjoyable read, and I’m sure I’ll read it again in the future, but I didn’t get the holiday feels from it that I expected to.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews
Five years into his relationship with Richard and James has had it; they haven’t had a Christmas together since the party they met at and all he wants is some time for them to be together. The romantic trip he planned to see the Northern Lights and reconnect goes south, however, when Richard’s boss calls and less than a day after arriving, Richard is packing to fly back home. Heartbroken but determined to enjoy himself regardless, James sets out to do just that but instead finds himself in trouble and in need of rescue. Could the worst day of his life actually turn out to be the best?
I really liked the premise to this story and within the first few pages I was already rooting for James and wanting to jump into the book to punch Richard in the face. Trust me, he needed it. I think James had to have been some kind of a saint to deal with all the BS that Richard has put him through over the years and honestly, I would have reacted the same way he did when he found out he was being ditched for work again. In spite of the situation, James is still determined to try and enjoy himself and do what he came to do; see and photograph the Northern Lights. Trying to get away from his fellow tourists leads him into trouble, however, and it is only the timely appearance of a local park ranger that saves him. Kari made me think of Thor long before James made the comparison and even though I don’t feel the story spent enough time with him, I still liked his character. He’s kind and unafraid to be himself, even around a total stranger, which was nice to see. Things heat up fairly quickly between James and Kari but I was pleased to see there was no sex in the story as I though it wouldn’t fit so soon.
The only problem I had with this story was that the plans between the two main characters were extensive and we never got to see any of it; the ending just felt so abrupt that I stared at the page for a minute and was like, ‘is that it?’ I almost feel a little cheated with all the things I expected to read but didn’t get to. It also would’ve been nice to have the Northern Lights feature a little more within the story as they were the entire reason James had chosen to go to Iceland in the first place. It was still an enjoyable read, and I’m sure I’ll read it again in the future, but I didn’t get the holiday feels from it that I expected to.
December 8, 2015
Reviewed on The Blogger Girls.
When James goes to Iceland with his boyfriend Richard to see the Northern Lights, he was expecting a peaceful and romantic getaway. Instead what he gets is Richard taking calls from the office and then ultimately breaking up with him to fly home. Left in Iceland, he decides to make the most of it and visits all the places he wanted to go to. But when one of those places gets him lost and hurt, he’s rescued by someone who just might fulfill his dreams of what Iceland would be like.
I admit, I was a little hesitant to read this one because the blurb is a little vague on whether James and Richard break up or not so I wasn’t sure if James and Richard reunite or if James finds someone else while still with Richard. A little spoiler, they do breakup and James does find someone else, which I was extremely happy for. As for the story, I rather enjoyed that James didn’t let himself become depressed with the breakup but decided to get up and take advantage of the situation. The love interest, Kari, was a sweet lookalike Thor and I loved how much of a connection he had with James. I just wish the ending wasn’t so abrupt. I feel like James will be in the exact same position as he was before so I would have liked seeing them months or weeks after everything goes down.
In the end, a lovely short story. I adored both Kari and James because they were strong and lovable characters and I really enjoyed the premise of the story. I hope the author considers writing a sequel because I really want to get back to these characters and see where they’re at in six or so months!
When James goes to Iceland with his boyfriend Richard to see the Northern Lights, he was expecting a peaceful and romantic getaway. Instead what he gets is Richard taking calls from the office and then ultimately breaking up with him to fly home. Left in Iceland, he decides to make the most of it and visits all the places he wanted to go to. But when one of those places gets him lost and hurt, he’s rescued by someone who just might fulfill his dreams of what Iceland would be like.
I admit, I was a little hesitant to read this one because the blurb is a little vague on whether James and Richard break up or not so I wasn’t sure if James and Richard reunite or if James finds someone else while still with Richard. A little spoiler, they do breakup and James does find someone else, which I was extremely happy for. As for the story, I rather enjoyed that James didn’t let himself become depressed with the breakup but decided to get up and take advantage of the situation. The love interest, Kari, was a sweet lookalike Thor and I loved how much of a connection he had with James. I just wish the ending wasn’t so abrupt. I feel like James will be in the exact same position as he was before so I would have liked seeing them months or weeks after everything goes down.
In the end, a lovely short story. I adored both Kari and James because they were strong and lovable characters and I really enjoyed the premise of the story. I hope the author considers writing a sequel because I really want to get back to these characters and see where they’re at in six or so months!
December 16, 2015
“I go from feeling pleasantly toasty to uncomfortably warm. I know I should look away, certain my stare is fast turning into an all out leer, but I find myself mesmerized by the enticing flash of rippling abs.”
4 Light Me Up stars!! Wow, such a great book!! I love the idea behind it and well the characters were fun to read.
James decides to take his boyfrined on a romantic getaway to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. But while they should be enjoying their time there, Richard is constantly on the phone with work. James, tired of being put second to Richard’s work, decides that enough is enough and they split up for good. Not wanting to ruin his dream vacation, James sets off to explore the area on his own, never thinking he’d get lost along the way. What he finds out there on his own will bring you to your knees!!
I loved this holiday book, it was hot and heartwarming. You really feel bad for James and the way Richard treats him. But the ending is so fantastic!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
February 16, 2016
In lieu of writing reviews – I’m taking an extended break – I decided to leave this list showing some of the reasons for the stars I’ve given to the stories I’ve read.
5 Stars – Given to stories that had me falling in love with the characters or stories where I hated the characters but the author had me hooked. For stories that had me so engaged in the plot I couldn’t put the book down and stories that either made me cry buckets and/or laugh until I cried. In short…. these ones rocked my world!!!
4 Stars– Given to stories that I REALLY, REALLY enjoyed reading but had me wishing for just a bit more.
3 Stars – Given to stories that I thought were worth the read but they didn’t knock my socks off.
2 Stars – Given to stories that didn’t work for me. I couldn’t connect to the MCs or feel any sort of connection between them. I couldn’t follow the plot or there wasn’t a plot. Every so often one of these stories just needs work to fix what went wrong but mostly 2 star reads are stories that leave me wondering why I kept reading until the end.
1 Star - I RARELY give out 1 Star so when I do it means the story was a complete train wreck.
I know what I may love another reader may wonder what the hell I was thinking and vise versa but I’m okay with that!
5 Stars – Given to stories that had me falling in love with the characters or stories where I hated the characters but the author had me hooked. For stories that had me so engaged in the plot I couldn’t put the book down and stories that either made me cry buckets and/or laugh until I cried. In short…. these ones rocked my world!!!
4 Stars– Given to stories that I REALLY, REALLY enjoyed reading but had me wishing for just a bit more.
3 Stars – Given to stories that I thought were worth the read but they didn’t knock my socks off.
2 Stars – Given to stories that didn’t work for me. I couldn’t connect to the MCs or feel any sort of connection between them. I couldn’t follow the plot or there wasn’t a plot. Every so often one of these stories just needs work to fix what went wrong but mostly 2 star reads are stories that leave me wondering why I kept reading until the end.
1 Star - I RARELY give out 1 Star so when I do it means the story was a complete train wreck.
I know what I may love another reader may wonder what the hell I was thinking and vise versa but I’m okay with that!
June 9, 2016
What better gift could someone get for Christmas but their Mr. Right?
James is in a bad relationship that ends when his sugar daddy lover leaves him on vacation to handle something at work. He tries to enjoy the rest of his vacation but ends up hurt. Thankfully he is saved by a sexy park ranger.
I liked James’ and Kari’s relationship even if it was on the insta-love side and a little unbelievable. There is no conflict between the men once they meet, but this is a short story so you can’t expect too much trouble.
It was well-written and enjoyable with an HEA. Just what readers love at Christmastime.
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2015...
James is in a bad relationship that ends when his sugar daddy lover leaves him on vacation to handle something at work. He tries to enjoy the rest of his vacation but ends up hurt. Thankfully he is saved by a sexy park ranger.
I liked James’ and Kari’s relationship even if it was on the insta-love side and a little unbelievable. There is no conflict between the men once they meet, but this is a short story so you can’t expect too much trouble.
It was well-written and enjoyable with an HEA. Just what readers love at Christmastime.
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2015...
December 6, 2015
3.5 Stars
Wow, another great book from Dreamspinners Advent Calendar. I loved James and really loved Kari. This was sweet loving story about how two men find each other. The only big issue was that James did not work, but I guess some men like to be taken care of and some men like to take care of some else and I guess Kari was helping James by given suggestions on work in Iceland.
I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, another great book from Dreamspinners Advent Calendar. I loved James and really loved Kari. This was sweet loving story about how two men find each other. The only big issue was that James did not work, but I guess some men like to be taken care of and some men like to take care of some else and I guess Kari was helping James by given suggestions on work in Iceland.
I received a free copy of this book to read for Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2016
2.5 stars
Uhm ... I was ready to sympathize with James. I really, REALLY do. Until I found out that he didn't exactly have a steady job that gave him money, and so all this time he basically got paid for everything by his boyfriend, and then demanded that they should spent more time together on Christmas, on his partner's dime? What did he actually contribute to the relationship then. Just sex? I dunno. I am not feeling you, dude. Sorry.
I liked the setting though ... the thought of seeing Northern Lights myself was just dreamy *sigh*
Uhm ... I was ready to sympathize with James. I really, REALLY do. Until I found out that he didn't exactly have a steady job that gave him money, and so all this time he basically got paid for everything by his boyfriend, and then demanded that they should spent more time together on Christmas, on his partner's dime? What did he actually contribute to the relationship then. Just sex? I dunno. I am not feeling you, dude. Sorry.
I liked the setting though ... the thought of seeing Northern Lights myself was just dreamy *sigh*
December 30, 2015
2.5 stars - dumped in Iceland and rescued by a Viking
For a story about being dumped on one's birthday in a foreign country and knocked unconscious, it slips its way into being semi-sweet. The protagonist isn't overly sympathetic, but, of course being rescued by a pagan Viking is about as nice a way to resolve the dilemma. Even so, the story ends with a bit of a whimper (but a nice hint of a hopeful HFN).
Rounded up to three stars for the wintry, pagan rescue.
For a story about being dumped on one's birthday in a foreign country and knocked unconscious, it slips its way into being semi-sweet. The protagonist isn't overly sympathetic, but, of course being rescued by a pagan Viking is about as nice a way to resolve the dilemma. Even so, the story ends with a bit of a whimper (but a nice hint of a hopeful HFN).
Rounded up to three stars for the wintry, pagan rescue.
December 4, 2016
A quite short story so whilst perfect for a coffee break, there is not enough time to get to know the characters, particularly Kari.
Jimmy spends most of his time in the story on his own or incapacitated, with Kari comng to his rescue - more of a hopefully start than a happy ending, and Jimmy does land on his feet, eventually.
Jimmy spends most of his time in the story on his own or incapacitated, with Kari comng to his rescue - more of a hopefully start than a happy ending, and Jimmy does land on his feet, eventually.
December 6, 2015
It all happened too quick. Could have been a great story with a bit more depth to the characters and the plot.
December 18, 2015
Meh. This one is a little too shallow for me, and James was a bit too much of a doormat.
December 29, 2015
James life too a turn for the worse but a timely rescue by Kari leads to a very special connection.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews