Summer Research

by Rain Merton

Presenting his research at the annual academic mega-conference is supposed to provide the answer to Jonah's dilemma.

Instead, Congress brings him Xavier. Loud-mouthed, flamboyant, and whip-smart, Xavier wields humor as both a weapon and a shield. Soon Jonah can't discern sincerity from banter; all he knows is the overwhelming, mystifying lust he feels for Xavier.

Is desire enough to build a decision around? Can Xavier offer the solution to Jonah's dilemma?

Genres: Novella, M M Romance

ebook

First published August 20, 2016

Reviews

[namericanwordcat · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an interesting read as two very smart heroes get together but just when the romance is getting interesting, vulnerable and real, the tale is done.

[Xan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! The writing was gorgeous. The story was sweet and hot and deeply queer. I fell hard for both the MCs and really enjoyed their arc together, and in particular loved watching them flirt. The ending was a bit of a stretch for me, but I do think it worked in this context. I am very much looking forward to reading more work by this author. I would especially love to read a longer story.

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A graduate student conference is the setting for this sweet and sexy short novella. While Jonah and Xavier meet like any other students, their reaction to each other is strong enough to entice them into a little late night rendezvous. The writing is eloquent and charming, while giving a down to earth snapshot of the life of a grad student. Jonah has been so focussed on the academic side of the conference that meeting Xavier who is clearly interested in more than just being friends is a bit of a brain tease - turning off the intellectual part of him and turning on the physical. Xavier is a little older and wiser and when he invites Jonah to consider continuing their relationship past the conference it's clear he means it. They share a sexy scene together, but more than that, it's the start of what could clearly be something serious between them. It's wonderful to see an ethnically diverse queer romance, with Jonah a black man and Xavier a Filipino that doesn't rely on stereotypes to showcase their attraction. They are just two men, discovering a common connection. 4 stars.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.

[Rhode PVD · Rating 2 out of 5]

On one hand it starts with one of the best descriptions of love at first sight I’ve ever read. On the other hand, it’s overwritten. Never a short word where a long one could do, etc. I genuinely had to skim quite lightly, because I wouldn’t have made it through otherwise.

Lastly, the cover - which, unless you squint, look like two white dudes at a beach - don’t fit this story of a black guy and a Filipino guy hanging at an academic conference. I know it’s a bitch for authors to find good POC cover art though.

[Chasia Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot, sweet m/m short! Jonah won me over instantly, and I really liked Javier-With-A-X.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely short story. Things happened a bit too quickly for me but I loved the writing and think this could make a great longer book.

ETA: You can stop by Ellie Reads Fiction and read my interview with the author now :)

[Iben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet, intelligent and juicy little morsel of a story. I can only look forward to what Rain Merton will write next.

[Sheryl Beesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short story, only 32 pages. But sometimes the best presents are in small packages.. I really enjoyed the instant connection between Jonah and Xavier. The style of writing (is that the correct phrase) was delightful and I had consumed the story in just a few minutes. I look forward to see what the author does next.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally I have a little bit of en eye-roll for love-at-first-site stories but this was incredibly sweet and moving.

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come