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A Nick & Carter Romance #1-2
An Enchanted Beginning
The enchanted story of an unusual romance in a very normal time.
San Francisco. 1947. The war is over and the boys are home.
Nick Williams, a native of the City, served in the Navy during the war. Now he lives with his lover Jeffery Klein, Esq., in Jeffery's house. He knows he needs to move on, but he can't. Not yet at least.
Carter Jones, a transplant from south Georgia, stayed home during the war. His draft board said his job as a fireman was more important. He's living with his best friend and former lover, Henry Winters, who spends most nights across the Bay in Oakland with his current beau. As hard as Carter works on his body and at his job, the lonely nights are empty.
Two handsome men in one beautiful city. Can they find each other? Across a crowded room?
An Enchanted Beginning is the complete back story of this wonderful love affair. Starting in 1947, this book is composed of several parts that move the reader gently through an unusual love that starts during a time when everything and everyone was supposed to be getting back to normal. From 1947 through 1950 and beyond, Nick & Carter's love is anything but normal.
If you're a fan of true romance and love to see it blossom in the most unusual of times, this is the book for you.
A note to readers -- This first two parts of this book contain revised and updated material from two previous novellas: 1947: When Nick Met Carter and 1948: When Nick & Carter Fell In Love. Three new parts include events in Nick & Carter's relationship during 1949 and 1950.
These stories are a prequel to the Nick Williams Mystery series of books, which start in 1953 with The Unexpected Heiress.
San Francisco. 1947. The war is over and the boys are home.
Nick Williams, a native of the City, served in the Navy during the war. Now he lives with his lover Jeffery Klein, Esq., in Jeffery's house. He knows he needs to move on, but he can't. Not yet at least.
Carter Jones, a transplant from south Georgia, stayed home during the war. His draft board said his job as a fireman was more important. He's living with his best friend and former lover, Henry Winters, who spends most nights across the Bay in Oakland with his current beau. As hard as Carter works on his body and at his job, the lonely nights are empty.
Two handsome men in one beautiful city. Can they find each other? Across a crowded room?
An Enchanted Beginning is the complete back story of this wonderful love affair. Starting in 1947, this book is composed of several parts that move the reader gently through an unusual love that starts during a time when everything and everyone was supposed to be getting back to normal. From 1947 through 1950 and beyond, Nick & Carter's love is anything but normal.
If you're a fan of true romance and love to see it blossom in the most unusual of times, this is the book for you.
A note to readers -- This first two parts of this book contain revised and updated material from two previous novellas: 1947: When Nick Met Carter and 1948: When Nick & Carter Fell In Love. Three new parts include events in Nick & Carter's relationship during 1949 and 1950.
These stories are a prequel to the Nick Williams Mystery series of books, which start in 1953 with The Unexpected Heiress.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2016
17 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Frank W. Butterfield
123 books106 followersFrank W. Butterfield, not an assumed name, loves old movies, wise-cracking smart guys with hearts of gold, and writing for fun.
Although he worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast.
Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983.
After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he currently makes his home in a hurricane-proof apartment with superior water pressure that was built in 1926.
While he hasn't met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open.
Although he worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast.
Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983.
After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he currently makes his home in a hurricane-proof apartment with superior water pressure that was built in 1926.
While he hasn't met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 17, 2019
I'm starting the Nick Williams Mysteries and because my OCD demanded it I had to start at the very beginning, and I'm not sorry. Though I'm sure you can enjoy the series without reference to this, or probably read it somewhere down the line, I wanted to know who Nick was and what he was all about.
This book is a collection of stories that cover from 1947, when Nicholas Williams, and his true love, Carter Jones, meet, to 1950 when they've settled into as good as married, with the ups and downs of any long term, happy couple.
Carter is a Georgia boy, who in 1939, along with his friend Henry fled the bigotry and small-mindedness of his hometown, with no plans to go back. He alights in the, once and future, gay haven of San Francisco, and becomes a firefighter. Blond, and enthusiast of physical culture, and standing 6'4" it's job he's imminently suited for. However, despite an initial hot-between-the-sheets with his friend Henry, love has remained elusive. Nick is the black sheep son of a prominent and native San Francisco family. After being kicked out at 17, joining the the Navy and serving during WWII, Nick is working as an orderly at a S.F. city hospital purely to keep himself busy. He's also foundering in the relationship department. Living with a boyfriend, who's long ago become more of a friend, but stuck and not knowing how to move on. Luckily fate, karma, or the long reach of Cupid's arrow intervenes.
If you've heard Some Enchanted Evening that's pretty much a snap-shot of how Nick & Carter meet on a Sunday afternoon at La Vie Parisian, and once you've read the stories, I think this song perfectly captures they're relationship. Can you tell I loved everything about this? I did. I love how Frank W. Butterfield perfectly captures the flavor of times, doesn't superimpose modern sensibilities onto Nick & Carter, and keeps them distinctly male. This doesn't mean they're the gay Douglas Sirk martyrs, quite the contrary. Nick, in particular has been able to arrange his life where he owes very little to the court of public opinion, however they're still full and eager participants in the life and society of their time even with it's attendant public limitations. They have friends whom they care for deeply and they're going about gathering up, our modern, chosen family. I love how, while saying very little explicitly, the author tells us everything about Nick & Carter's physical and romantic relationship; how their height difference checks all their buttons, who's a bossy bottom who won't get bossed around outside the bedroom etc. This is the very beginning of a great love story, seasoned with some heartbreak along the way. Excellent.
I'm eagerly going into the series proper, which I know are not romances, but Nick is good company and I'm sure we'll have more than a few glimpses of that tall drink of water, Carter Jones and the rest of the Nick Williams' friends.
This book is a collection of stories that cover from 1947, when Nicholas Williams, and his true love, Carter Jones, meet, to 1950 when they've settled into as good as married, with the ups and downs of any long term, happy couple.
Carter is a Georgia boy, who in 1939, along with his friend Henry fled the bigotry and small-mindedness of his hometown, with no plans to go back. He alights in the, once and future, gay haven of San Francisco, and becomes a firefighter. Blond, and enthusiast of physical culture, and standing 6'4" it's job he's imminently suited for. However, despite an initial hot-between-the-sheets with his friend Henry, love has remained elusive. Nick is the black sheep son of a prominent and native San Francisco family. After being kicked out at 17, joining the the Navy and serving during WWII, Nick is working as an orderly at a S.F. city hospital purely to keep himself busy. He's also foundering in the relationship department. Living with a boyfriend, who's long ago become more of a friend, but stuck and not knowing how to move on. Luckily fate, karma, or the long reach of Cupid's arrow intervenes.
If you've heard Some Enchanted Evening that's pretty much a snap-shot of how Nick & Carter meet on a Sunday afternoon at La Vie Parisian, and once you've read the stories, I think this song perfectly captures they're relationship. Can you tell I loved everything about this? I did. I love how Frank W. Butterfield perfectly captures the flavor of times, doesn't superimpose modern sensibilities onto Nick & Carter, and keeps them distinctly male. This doesn't mean they're the gay Douglas Sirk martyrs, quite the contrary. Nick, in particular has been able to arrange his life where he owes very little to the court of public opinion, however they're still full and eager participants in the life and society of their time even with it's attendant public limitations. They have friends whom they care for deeply and they're going about gathering up, our modern, chosen family. I love how, while saying very little explicitly, the author tells us everything about Nick & Carter's physical and romantic relationship; how their height difference checks all their buttons, who's a bossy bottom who won't get bossed around outside the bedroom etc. This is the very beginning of a great love story, seasoned with some heartbreak along the way. Excellent.
I'm eagerly going into the series proper, which I know are not romances, but Nick is good company and I'm sure we'll have more than a few glimpses of that tall drink of water, Carter Jones and the rest of the Nick Williams' friends.
November 8, 2018
This is a prequel of sorts to Frank Butterfield's Nick & Carter series of murder mysteries set in 1950's San Francisco. We learn how Nick and Carter met (like "Some Enchanted Evening," it was love at first sight, from across a crowded room), and other life experiences like buying a house in San Francisco together (with a $130 a month mortgage!) getting a car, going to see "South Pacific" on Broadway during its original run, etc. It's a fascinating slice of life for the era, and for men "in the life" (as they referred to being gay at the time.)
November 1, 2016
An Enchanted Beginning (Nick and Carter Romances, 1-5)
Frank W. Butterfield
Published 2016
Four stars
I resisted the first two Nick and Carter Romances, but caved when Frank Butterfield came out with all five of the “back story” romances that tell the story of Nick Williams and Carter Jones up to the point of the first Nick Williams Mystery, set in 1953.
The stylized prose in these five novellas made me think of the sort of flat-footed dialogue of television’s “Dragnet” series with the deadpan detective, Joe Friday. I suppose we should think of Sam Spade, too. Somehow, this clipped, retro style helped evoke San Francisco (and Chicago, and New York) in the late 1940s. For all that Nick Williams is sort of a gay Batman (without the tragedy and costume), the story of him and Carter Woodrow Wilson Jones has a weird ring of authenticity to it. The mysteries get a little more hard-nosed, but the romances charmingly set the stage for this backward look into the bad-old-days when, in spite of everything, gay men (men who were “in the life”) did manage to find each other and build loving relationships.
Butterfield doesn’t give us anything more than suggested sex, which is not only appropriate for the time, but also forces the reader to focus on the people. The first novella begins with the crumbling of Nick’s relationship with Jeffery Klein and his meeting of the Georgia-born fireman, Carter. There is nothing big and important in any of these stories, other than a slightly edgy nostalgia, and the preparation of the setting against which the actual mysteries will take place. We get to really know Nick Williams, who by unforeseen circumstances, becomes one of the richest men in San Francisco, and without question the richest homosexual. While this enables his derring-do as a P.I., it has nothing to do with his love for Carter, which is entirely based on a bolt from the blue, love-at-first-sight kind of romantic premise. Indeed, Butterfield resorts to a whole series of adorable romance novel tropes – including buying a house and meeting the “lady couple” neighbors in the Eureka Valley neighborhood of San Francisco, which will eventually come to be known as the Castro. We learn that Nick isn’t 100% a nice guy. He’s arrogant and feisty, two things taught to him by unloving parents and years in the Navy. Carter, too, scarred by the virulent racism of his small-town Deep South childhood, is no fault-less prince. Both of these men have to consciously reject the male assumptions and prejudices of post-War America, and neither one has any role models to guide them. Nick’s ex-lover Jeffery will have his own story arc in the course of the detective novels, while his first army romance, Mack McKnight, presents a poignant figure of the archetypal gay man always yearning for, but never quite finding, happiness.
As someone born in 1955, it is fascinating to see a world that I just missed; but one in which relatives and friends of my family lived. Gay life didn’t start with Stonewall, and Butterfield’s books offer a warm and cozy vision of something few of us have ever quite understood.
Frank W. Butterfield
Published 2016
Four stars
I resisted the first two Nick and Carter Romances, but caved when Frank Butterfield came out with all five of the “back story” romances that tell the story of Nick Williams and Carter Jones up to the point of the first Nick Williams Mystery, set in 1953.
The stylized prose in these five novellas made me think of the sort of flat-footed dialogue of television’s “Dragnet” series with the deadpan detective, Joe Friday. I suppose we should think of Sam Spade, too. Somehow, this clipped, retro style helped evoke San Francisco (and Chicago, and New York) in the late 1940s. For all that Nick Williams is sort of a gay Batman (without the tragedy and costume), the story of him and Carter Woodrow Wilson Jones has a weird ring of authenticity to it. The mysteries get a little more hard-nosed, but the romances charmingly set the stage for this backward look into the bad-old-days when, in spite of everything, gay men (men who were “in the life”) did manage to find each other and build loving relationships.
Butterfield doesn’t give us anything more than suggested sex, which is not only appropriate for the time, but also forces the reader to focus on the people. The first novella begins with the crumbling of Nick’s relationship with Jeffery Klein and his meeting of the Georgia-born fireman, Carter. There is nothing big and important in any of these stories, other than a slightly edgy nostalgia, and the preparation of the setting against which the actual mysteries will take place. We get to really know Nick Williams, who by unforeseen circumstances, becomes one of the richest men in San Francisco, and without question the richest homosexual. While this enables his derring-do as a P.I., it has nothing to do with his love for Carter, which is entirely based on a bolt from the blue, love-at-first-sight kind of romantic premise. Indeed, Butterfield resorts to a whole series of adorable romance novel tropes – including buying a house and meeting the “lady couple” neighbors in the Eureka Valley neighborhood of San Francisco, which will eventually come to be known as the Castro. We learn that Nick isn’t 100% a nice guy. He’s arrogant and feisty, two things taught to him by unloving parents and years in the Navy. Carter, too, scarred by the virulent racism of his small-town Deep South childhood, is no fault-less prince. Both of these men have to consciously reject the male assumptions and prejudices of post-War America, and neither one has any role models to guide them. Nick’s ex-lover Jeffery will have his own story arc in the course of the detective novels, while his first army romance, Mack McKnight, presents a poignant figure of the archetypal gay man always yearning for, but never quite finding, happiness.
As someone born in 1955, it is fascinating to see a world that I just missed; but one in which relatives and friends of my family lived. Gay life didn’t start with Stonewall, and Butterfield’s books offer a warm and cozy vision of something few of us have ever quite understood.
April 12, 2021
This is a collection of short stories that tell us Nick Williams and Carter Jones' story from their first meeting to the first Nick Williams Mystery.
Sweet and romantic, and yes, maybe a tad unrealistic but, you know what? I loved it. It captures the feeling of the era, it took me to the San Francisco pre-Castro, which is not usually the one we think about when thinking San Francisco, and it gave me a glimpse into the lives of these men, in times when everything was way more difficult for those 'in the life'. It's the beginning of their chosen family, and it's perfect.
I love that there isn't explicit sex, first, because is fitting with the times, and second, because it would distract us from the people and their feelings. We get to really know them, and no, they are no perfect, but they all are good people, trying to do their best.
And, as Nick says
The writing of Mr Butterfield is gorgeous in its simplicity, it submerges you in the time and place without needing an excess of flourish, adjectives or hyperbole. It's powerful like that, really.
And I was again reminded of how much I love Nick and Carter's stories. Time for a re-reading :P
And Brian Rollins' narration is great, giving it the perfect tone to the stories.
Sweet and romantic, and yes, maybe a tad unrealistic but, you know what? I loved it. It captures the feeling of the era, it took me to the San Francisco pre-Castro, which is not usually the one we think about when thinking San Francisco, and it gave me a glimpse into the lives of these men, in times when everything was way more difficult for those 'in the life'. It's the beginning of their chosen family, and it's perfect.
I love that there isn't explicit sex, first, because is fitting with the times, and second, because it would distract us from the people and their feelings. We get to really know them, and no, they are no perfect, but they all are good people, trying to do their best.
And, as Nick says
"Do you honestly believe in all that fairy tale stuff?"
Nick - "I don't have to believe, that's what happened."
The writing of Mr Butterfield is gorgeous in its simplicity, it submerges you in the time and place without needing an excess of flourish, adjectives or hyperbole. It's powerful like that, really.
And I was again reminded of how much I love Nick and Carter's stories. Time for a re-reading :P
And Brian Rollins' narration is great, giving it the perfect tone to the stories.
March 17, 2023
Loved reading the origin story of Nick and Carter from the Nick Williams Mysteries. An Enchanted Beginning opens when they meet after WWII and ends with buying their first house together and Nick starting his PI company. Swoon over this series.
October 2, 2016
Plucking the Heart-strings
[I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.]
Damn this book for waking that dormant beast—the die-hard, romantic dreamer, who was hibernating inside of me.
Twenty years ago, I wanting nothing more than a relationship akin to the one Nick and Carter create with each other. But I can die a happy man now, because, thanks to Frank, I got to live one for a while inside of the pages of this book.
I first read the Nick Williams mysteries, where Nick and Carter’s relationship paints the beautiful backdrop for all of the action and adventure. In this book, we get to see how it all came together...character by character and event by event.
I highly recommend An Enchanted Beginning...and I suggest you read Frank’s books the way I did. Dive into the mysteries first, where the action eggs you along an exhilarating ride. Then, when you’re ready to slow down a tad, pick up this book and savor the ease. The mysteries are a Saturday night out on the town; this romance is the following Sunday morning, relaxing on the sofa with a warm cup of coffee.
Thank you (and damn you) Frank, for resurrecting that old, beautiful, romantic dream. :-)
[I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.]
Damn this book for waking that dormant beast—the die-hard, romantic dreamer, who was hibernating inside of me.
Twenty years ago, I wanting nothing more than a relationship akin to the one Nick and Carter create with each other. But I can die a happy man now, because, thanks to Frank, I got to live one for a while inside of the pages of this book.
I first read the Nick Williams mysteries, where Nick and Carter’s relationship paints the beautiful backdrop for all of the action and adventure. In this book, we get to see how it all came together...character by character and event by event.
I highly recommend An Enchanted Beginning...and I suggest you read Frank’s books the way I did. Dive into the mysteries first, where the action eggs you along an exhilarating ride. Then, when you’re ready to slow down a tad, pick up this book and savor the ease. The mysteries are a Saturday night out on the town; this romance is the following Sunday morning, relaxing on the sofa with a warm cup of coffee.
Thank you (and damn you) Frank, for resurrecting that old, beautiful, romantic dream. :-)
March 9, 2017
Loved it! A nice glimpse of life after WW2. Not angst or anything else. It just jogged along but I could smell the Camels, feel the Frisco fog and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
October 23, 2016
Book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is book is made of many short stories. Due to that it doesn't feel like a novel, since it's not. So if you plan on reading it than you should keep that in mind.
It's a historical story set in a time right after WWII. I think for me it's a first time reading m/m book set in that era. Infact first time reading a book set in that time in english. So probably some of my irritation about usage of certain phrases comes from that.
Overall it was a sweet story. First few stories just made me smile. Even though there were lots of moments where I raised my brows and was thinking that this is so unrealistic. I didn't actually mind that. I mean it's pretty depressing to read a book that authentically describes what actually did happen most the time if strangers realised that they found a gay couple.
I wasn't that fond of Carter to be honest. I think for me the point where I stopped liking him was everything that surrounded his training for arson investigation. Actually Nick did not come out of that situation well either in my opinion. But that's just me.
And then there was the garlic thing. . Of course tastes differe, but still...
As I said it was sweet story. I would like to know what happens to them next.
This is book is made of many short stories. Due to that it doesn't feel like a novel, since it's not. So if you plan on reading it than you should keep that in mind.
It's a historical story set in a time right after WWII. I think for me it's a first time reading m/m book set in that era. Infact first time reading a book set in that time in english. So probably some of my irritation about usage of certain phrases comes from that.
Overall it was a sweet story. First few stories just made me smile. Even though there were lots of moments where I raised my brows and was thinking that this is so unrealistic. I didn't actually mind that. I mean it's pretty depressing to read a book that authentically describes what actually did happen most the time if strangers realised that they found a gay couple.
I wasn't that fond of Carter to be honest. I think for me the point where I stopped liking him was everything that surrounded his training for arson investigation. Actually Nick did not come out of that situation well either in my opinion. But that's just me.
And then there was the garlic thing. . Of course tastes differe, but still...
As I said it was sweet story. I would like to know what happens to them next.
October 21, 2020
I really like these two MCs together -- and I am absolutely in love with my new book boyfriend Carter Jones :) -- but I kept feeling like there was a pacing issue. That's just because this is a collection of five novellas/short stories that I was reading as a book, but I still felt it drag a little. I continued on to the first mystery novel, which I liked fine, but I'm going to jump over to the holiday shorts next. I just want more, more, more of these two interacting as a couple. Not sure if I'll make it back to the mysteries, but we'll see...
November 23, 2017
Charming - 5 short novellas giving fuller versions of the backstory in the novels. Very nicely done.
October 24, 2016
***I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
The book is a recompilation of stories around the main characters; however the stories do follow a chronological order, so it can be read as a novel.
In general I found the story to be sweet and the characters charming.
The story is what I think of as "quiet", meaning that it doesn't have much drama or suspense in it.
It is a glimpse into the daily life of a group of men during a time in which they were not allowed to express themselves fully.
I would have loved to see more angst, only because I usually love the rush of relief when problems are finally solved. For example, I expected to know more about the trial/fight over Nick's money.
However it's the perfect book for someone who's looking for a nice cozy story to enjoy and keep relaxed; after all, not all stories must necessarily be loaded with stressful situations.
I'm not from San Francisco, but I was there for a week last Christmas, and it was nice to recognize many of the places described in the book.
One thing I'm not fond of is expressions such as "he looked into his lover/friend's eyes" when talking about someone whose name we already know, because I feel it makes some situations sound more cliche than they already are. I think in this book this kind of expressions were a little overused.
On a different note, I did like Nick and Carter a lot. I found Nick to be very refreshing; I liked how worry free he was about so many situations that other people might have made a whole drama about.
I also appreciated the fact that the characters truly cared for each other and I truly enjoyed that we got to see the day-to-day of this group of people.
Overall I would say that it was a lovely story.
The book is a recompilation of stories around the main characters; however the stories do follow a chronological order, so it can be read as a novel.
In general I found the story to be sweet and the characters charming.
The story is what I think of as "quiet", meaning that it doesn't have much drama or suspense in it.
It is a glimpse into the daily life of a group of men during a time in which they were not allowed to express themselves fully.
I would have loved to see more angst, only because I usually love the rush of relief when problems are finally solved. For example, I expected to know more about the trial/fight over Nick's money.
However it's the perfect book for someone who's looking for a nice cozy story to enjoy and keep relaxed; after all, not all stories must necessarily be loaded with stressful situations.
I'm not from San Francisco, but I was there for a week last Christmas, and it was nice to recognize many of the places described in the book.
One thing I'm not fond of is expressions such as "he looked into his lover/friend's eyes" when talking about someone whose name we already know, because I feel it makes some situations sound more cliche than they already are. I think in this book this kind of expressions were a little overused.
On a different note, I did like Nick and Carter a lot. I found Nick to be very refreshing; I liked how worry free he was about so many situations that other people might have made a whole drama about.
I also appreciated the fact that the characters truly cared for each other and I truly enjoyed that we got to see the day-to-day of this group of people.
Overall I would say that it was a lovely story.
October 16, 2016
***I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Nick is a charming wealthy man who does not flaunt his status. Carter is an incredibly attractive down to earth guy from the south. They see each other one night at a club, it's love at first sight and they live happily ever after. Seriously, that's the entire story. Wait, what? That's the entire story?
That's where I had a problem.
The writing felt very simplistic, but that added to the historical feel. There is no graphic detail, but it wasn't necessary, and would have been a distraction from the story line. There was plenty of potential for conflict (I mean, San Francisco in the late 40's!), but every possibility was glossed over and everyone they encountered was open minded and accepting of the relationship between Carter and Nick. I find that hard to believe. Even in contemporary society, there is not that level of acceptance.
In addition, there were just a few too many cliches from the time period for my liking (Mary Martin in South Pacific, Miles Davis at the Village Vanguard...all in the same vacation trip, how convenient!).
Nothing really happened in the story. And even when something did happen towards the end, it was as if nothing happened.
This book was like Carter's taste in food. A bit bland, in need of some spicing up.
However, I like the characters and I may take a look at the Private Investigator stories.
Nick is a charming wealthy man who does not flaunt his status. Carter is an incredibly attractive down to earth guy from the south. They see each other one night at a club, it's love at first sight and they live happily ever after. Seriously, that's the entire story. Wait, what? That's the entire story?
That's where I had a problem.
The writing felt very simplistic, but that added to the historical feel. There is no graphic detail, but it wasn't necessary, and would have been a distraction from the story line. There was plenty of potential for conflict (I mean, San Francisco in the late 40's!), but every possibility was glossed over and everyone they encountered was open minded and accepting of the relationship between Carter and Nick. I find that hard to believe. Even in contemporary society, there is not that level of acceptance.
In addition, there were just a few too many cliches from the time period for my liking (Mary Martin in South Pacific, Miles Davis at the Village Vanguard...all in the same vacation trip, how convenient!).
Nothing really happened in the story. And even when something did happen towards the end, it was as if nothing happened.
This book was like Carter's taste in food. A bit bland, in need of some spicing up.
However, I like the characters and I may take a look at the Private Investigator stories.
February 11, 2017
I'm in love with this series, I think I'm going to experience some serious heart break when Mr. Butterfield decides to end the ride
October 16, 2016
This book was provided to me free by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed my first Frank W. Butterfield book. I found this book to be a romantic and sweet tale of how Carter and Nick fell in love (at first sight) and how the early days of their relationship progressed. This was a comforting read for me, in that it didn't have much conflict for Nick and Carter that threatened to tear them apart - there were some bumps and bruises along the way, but overall things moved along nicely without too much angst. I enjoyed the historical fiction aspect of the book - I haven't read many books taking place in the post-WWII era. Frank did a nice job giving the reader a feel for the dress, food, entertainment (and smoking habits :) ) of that time. Overall a lovely romantic read with two adorable characters. I look forward to continuing Nick and Carter's saga.
I really enjoyed my first Frank W. Butterfield book. I found this book to be a romantic and sweet tale of how Carter and Nick fell in love (at first sight) and how the early days of their relationship progressed. This was a comforting read for me, in that it didn't have much conflict for Nick and Carter that threatened to tear them apart - there were some bumps and bruises along the way, but overall things moved along nicely without too much angst. I enjoyed the historical fiction aspect of the book - I haven't read many books taking place in the post-WWII era. Frank did a nice job giving the reader a feel for the dress, food, entertainment (and smoking habits :) ) of that time. Overall a lovely romantic read with two adorable characters. I look forward to continuing Nick and Carter's saga.
February 27, 2023
4⭐️
I am not sure how to review this book. Not that I have been all that great with other books. So I guess I will go with typing up the words that pop up in my head route like always.
Like the title suggests, this book is about an enchanted beginning of love between 2 men in a time and place when what they were was illegal. I haven't read a lot of historic queer novels and when I have it was either in fantasy or it was depicted in a way that everything works out. While this book has that element to it in terms of everyone around the couple is gay and seem to be out I think this story being set in San Francisco and the history behind it makes it more believable.
A lot of people might want us to believe that being gay is a modern "ailment" but I think we know that is not the case. And of course there were gay men during the turn of the century and suring the war and throughout time. This book is about those in "the life" as it is described and these people have formed a community in SF. You see people who are allies and people who do not approve. But mostly we see the day to day life of a couple who happen to be homosexual and traversing this society. This is a prequel to a long running series where the MC Nick is a PI and solves mysteries, though this book mostly focused on how Nick and Carter met and how they made a life together. I absolutely love the couple and their love story. I am looking forward to reading more of this series and learning more about Carter and Nick. nick especially as I want to know about his relationship with his father and sister (just like Carter does).
I am not sure how to review this book. Not that I have been all that great with other books. So I guess I will go with typing up the words that pop up in my head route like always.
Like the title suggests, this book is about an enchanted beginning of love between 2 men in a time and place when what they were was illegal. I haven't read a lot of historic queer novels and when I have it was either in fantasy or it was depicted in a way that everything works out. While this book has that element to it in terms of everyone around the couple is gay and seem to be out I think this story being set in San Francisco and the history behind it makes it more believable.
A lot of people might want us to believe that being gay is a modern "ailment" but I think we know that is not the case. And of course there were gay men during the turn of the century and suring the war and throughout time. This book is about those in "the life" as it is described and these people have formed a community in SF. You see people who are allies and people who do not approve. But mostly we see the day to day life of a couple who happen to be homosexual and traversing this society. This is a prequel to a long running series where the MC Nick is a PI and solves mysteries, though this book mostly focused on how Nick and Carter met and how they made a life together. I absolutely love the couple and their love story. I am looking forward to reading more of this series and learning more about Carter and Nick. nick especially as I want to know about his relationship with his father and sister (just like Carter does).
January 15, 2019
I read this after the first three Nick Williams Mysteries. The fourth installment of that series (The Laconic Lumberjack) explores more of Carter's emotional backstory. These novellas treat that territory with kid gloves and a light touch but it's still nice to see how their initial attractions deepen into a commitment. As Mack and several others point out, guys can say all kinds of stuff but Nick never looked at him the way he does Carter.
Events covered in these novellas are mentioned in the N W Mystery series and for me, I kinda knew what was going to happen because of that, but it was still fun to go along for the ride. Some don't believe in love at first sight and I'm not sure it happened with them. Obviously, their meeting was inspired by the song but as Nick mentions when they see South Pacific, it's like they lived out the song before it was even written or sung out loud. It's clear there's a deep and intense connection between the two and too often that vibe fizzles out. From the other series, we know that's not the case here and for this installment in the overall grand narrative of these fictional lives, this material covers pivotal moments in their development as a couple.
This would be a great February read if you need to rekindle your romantic side as it's a wonderful valentine to a great love between two mid-century men.
Events covered in these novellas are mentioned in the N W Mystery series and for me, I kinda knew what was going to happen because of that, but it was still fun to go along for the ride. Some don't believe in love at first sight and I'm not sure it happened with them. Obviously, their meeting was inspired by the song but as Nick mentions when they see South Pacific, it's like they lived out the song before it was even written or sung out loud. It's clear there's a deep and intense connection between the two and too often that vibe fizzles out. From the other series, we know that's not the case here and for this installment in the overall grand narrative of these fictional lives, this material covers pivotal moments in their development as a couple.
This would be a great February read if you need to rekindle your romantic side as it's a wonderful valentine to a great love between two mid-century men.
April 9, 2022
I've only discovered the masters of gay mysteries in the last two years, thanks to the Queer Writers of Crime podcast. Yes, I'd read Richard Stevenson and Michael Craft, but there are so many others. Among them, Frank Butterfield. I was happy to find out that he'd written a trilogy on how Nick and Carter had met and started their relationship and their respective careers before I'd begun the multi-volume of their adventures.
While I'm sure these volumes are, to some extent, fan service to Butterfield's long time readers, this volume stands alone and introduces the lovers in a rom-com, but very real way. Establishing their 1940's and 50s mis en scene and settiing up the reader for the style and substance of their actual mysteries beginning in 1953 and continuing for many years.
While I'm sure these volumes are, to some extent, fan service to Butterfield's long time readers, this volume stands alone and introduces the lovers in a rom-com, but very real way. Establishing their 1940's and 50s mis en scene and settiing up the reader for the style and substance of their actual mysteries beginning in 1953 and continuing for many years.
March 24, 2017
This is a compilation of the first two short stories and includes a new story. This story takes place in San Francisco in the year of 1948 where we meet again Nick Williams & Carter Jones are one year into their relationship. Nick was afraid to let Carter know that he was loaded. Finally, telling him the truth, Carter takes it well and realises that Nick never lauded his riches over him. Carter is still working as a fireman and decides (after a recommendation from his captain) to study to become a arson investigator ( which is a relatively new field at that time) and seeing how satisfied Carter is with his career path, Nick decides to make changes . Nick has got his license and decided to become a PI. Also there are other big changes that I won't spoil by saying. Just a wonderful story and a really good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2020
I started reading the first book in this series,I didn't pay attention to really what this book was about,then it dawn on me,it's a love story between two men. Frank W. Butterfield seems like a excellent writer,he does have a way with his words and his style he makes you believe you really know your characters. I could not finish the book,I'm sorry to say, I just can't read about two men in love. To each his own as they say and I did say I would review with my honest opinion and this is it! Don't pay attention to me,you read the book for yourself,but he is a very good writer just couldn't finish about the story he was writing about!
May 22, 2019
A wonderful beginning
This is my first book by Frank W. Butterfield and I did a great job on my picks. Or he's just that great of a writer. Guess I'll find out with the next book. Reading about Nick and Carter and their love at first sight meeting. The feelings they had before they even when was great. Also the time and the life they lead at that time, nicely done. Being from NYC knowing those locals and what's there now was like looking in a past scope. (I made that up, but you know what I mean).
This is my first book by Frank W. Butterfield and I did a great job on my picks. Or he's just that great of a writer. Guess I'll find out with the next book. Reading about Nick and Carter and their love at first sight meeting. The feelings they had before they even when was great. Also the time and the life they lead at that time, nicely done. Being from NYC knowing those locals and what's there now was like looking in a past scope. (I made that up, but you know what I mean).
November 28, 2018
Slightly different cover image
The Nick Williams Mysteries begin in 1953, by which time Nick and Carter have been together for some six years. This collection is a series of novellas and short stories covering their first setting eyes on each other (literally across a crowded room), declaring their love (later referred to in The Iniquitous Investigator) and buying a house... We also learn more about some of their friends - in sequences dated 1947, 1948, 1949 and 1950. (1947 is also when The Daytona Beach series starts.)
This is as good as the longer novels are - need any more be said?
The Nick Williams Mysteries begin in 1953, by which time Nick and Carter have been together for some six years. This collection is a series of novellas and short stories covering their first setting eyes on each other (literally across a crowded room), declaring their love (later referred to in The Iniquitous Investigator) and buying a house... We also learn more about some of their friends - in sequences dated 1947, 1948, 1949 and 1950. (1947 is also when The Daytona Beach series starts.)
This is as good as the longer novels are - need any more be said?
October 23, 2019
Loved
This is my fave in the series so far. I always feel that way though. I’m sure the next book I read in this beautiful romance series will be my fave too, lol. I just can’t get enough of Nick and Carter. This is a must read as it gives a foundation of the beginning of Nick and Carter. Boy, Nick has a temper, I kid you not, and Carter knows just how to tame it, son.
This is my fave in the series so far. I always feel that way though. I’m sure the next book I read in this beautiful romance series will be my fave too, lol. I just can’t get enough of Nick and Carter. This is a must read as it gives a foundation of the beginning of Nick and Carter. Boy, Nick has a temper, I kid you not, and Carter knows just how to tame it, son.
August 15, 2018
This is a new author for me but I saw a review from an author I enjoy and the review said such great thing I just had to check it out. I am so glad I did. I loved it. Well written with well developed characters. I am so looking forward to the next book.
February 4, 2020
A love story for the ages
Such an excellent and well written story. I am really looking forward to reading this entire series. The LGBTQ+ community has come so far since the post was era this book is set in. Yet, in some ways, still do far to go.
Such an excellent and well written story. I am really looking forward to reading this entire series. The LGBTQ+ community has come so far since the post was era this book is set in. Yet, in some ways, still do far to go.
August 3, 2021
Well this was good! Loved reading how Nick and Carter met. This gave me a better appreciation of them as a couple.
Also, great seeing the beginning of Carter’s slow smile move. And knowing that Carter does it to Nick on purpose. Cute!
Also, great seeing the beginning of Carter’s slow smile move. And knowing that Carter does it to Nick on purpose. Cute!
February 13, 2023
A Great Beginning
While I’ve read the Nick and Carter series and through those books know much of their story, this “early work” was a delightful addition to that history. Well worth reading for fans of the series.
While I’ve read the Nick and Carter series and through those books know much of their story, this “early work” was a delightful addition to that history. Well worth reading for fans of the series.
February 5, 2018
I really enjoyed getting the backstory on these characters. This series has become one of my favorites.
March 23, 2018
** 4.5 Stars **
January 8, 2019
3.5 stars
May 22, 2021
I just really like the setting for these stories. They feel authentic. Nick is an interesting character, but Carter is really the star of the show, for me.
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