What do you think?
Rate this book
Breakfast at Midnight
Hope can be found in unexpected places. Lonely, still struggling with his divorce, and suffering from writer’s block, successful thriller author Fred spends much more time in an all-night Denny’s than is healthy for any man. It’s the last place he thought he’d meet someone like Callum, who has literally run away from the internationally famous boy band Leos. Despite their age difference, the two become friends, and their long nights of soul-searching might help them find the courage to face their Fred’s deteriorating relationship with his daughter and Callum’s career issues. It’s easy for their lives to tangle together, and each might provide the other the means to move beyond the past—even if it’s not a journey they can take together.
- GenresM M Romance
66 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2017
1 person is currently reading
22 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 11, 2017
The blurb of this novella hooked me right of the bat. I definitely LOVE the idea: a divorcé with a younger man, who meet at an all-nighter café… I am a big fan of that serendipity meeting in romance, when two souls are connecting, soul-searching, and then finding happiness together.
The execution in this one does not work completely, though.
The beginning was fine … both Fred and Callum run away from something in their life when they meet at Denny’s. After his divorce, Fred suffers from writer’s block while trying to stay away from his ex-husband. Even if that means missing his daughter’s upcoming birthday party. While Callum runs away from his band because apparently coming out as gay member of a boy band is not allowed.
Up to this point, I liked it. Then the story has too many stilted conversations. I sensed that there was still unfinished business between Fred and his ex, which makes the newly developed ‘relationship’ (if you can call it that, considering that the timespan is VERY short) between Fred and Callum feel uncomfortable … and, what the heck is with that abrupt ending?
So while this one might have potential, overall, I am not completely satisfied.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
The execution in this one does not work completely, though.
The beginning was fine … both Fred and Callum run away from something in their life when they meet at Denny’s. After his divorce, Fred suffers from writer’s block while trying to stay away from his ex-husband. Even if that means missing his daughter’s upcoming birthday party. While Callum runs away from his band because apparently coming out as gay member of a boy band is not allowed.
Up to this point, I liked it. Then the story has too many stilted conversations. I sensed that there was still unfinished business between Fred and his ex, which makes the newly developed ‘relationship’ (if you can call it that, considering that the timespan is VERY short) between Fred and Callum feel uncomfortable … and, what the heck is with that abrupt ending?
So while this one might have potential, overall, I am not completely satisfied.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
October 13, 2017
3 hearts
Buddy read with Fantasy!!!
After finishing this book I was pretty deflated and I kind of wanted to hate it...but I just couldn't. This book was beautifully written and I became so consumed with these characters and their story!
This was a love story but definitely had more of a healing/self discovery feel to it.
Fred is struggling after his divorce from his long-term partner and husband. He spends many nights drinking coffee at a crappy diner well into the early hours of the morning. As we get to know Fred and his story a bit better, we see he has been barely a shadow of himself for the past few years. Then Callum comes along, young, but mature and he somehow drags Fred out of the greyness and gives him a reason to better himself.
These two men are what this story is about and these two characters are what makes this story great. Their individual complications and the connection to each other felt genuine and their story progression was done very well. There is even communication!!!
See the rest of my review and Fantasy's over at the blog,
Buddy read with Fantasy!!!
After finishing this book I was pretty deflated and I kind of wanted to hate it...but I just couldn't. This book was beautifully written and I became so consumed with these characters and their story!
This was a love story but definitely had more of a healing/self discovery feel to it.
Fred is struggling after his divorce from his long-term partner and husband. He spends many nights drinking coffee at a crappy diner well into the early hours of the morning. As we get to know Fred and his story a bit better, we see he has been barely a shadow of himself for the past few years. Then Callum comes along, young, but mature and he somehow drags Fred out of the greyness and gives him a reason to better himself.
These two men are what this story is about and these two characters are what makes this story great. Their individual complications and the connection to each other felt genuine and their story progression was done very well. There is even communication!!!
See the rest of my review and Fantasy's over at the blog,
October 27, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
I think the best way to approach this review of Kim Dias’ story Breakfast at Midnight is to say that I felt it was, in essence, unfinished. There was not a cliffhanger at the end of this novella, but there was also no closure for either man or a happy ever after style ending, either. What remained was a bit of a mystery to me for the last few chapters of this book were so disjointed I wasn’t really sure what was going on between Fred and Callum.
Let me begin by saying that the potential between the two men—their chemistry, such as it was—stood out immediately. There was a definite connection there and it was both plausible and real. Despite the age difference, both Callum and Fred needed each other and there was such possibility for them to really grow and develop a genuine relationship that I was sad to see that falter and then drift aimlessly in the last third of this novella. I understood why Callum made the choice he did, but so many decisions by he and Fred were left undeveloped and unexplained that I felt as though the story was only half written.
I never really got a handle on what happened between Fred and his ex to cause their divorce. We definitely got hints that Fred had suffered from some form of depression most of their married life—a depression so deep it obviously stunted his ability to maintain his relationship with both his daughter and his husband. But the details of his former life were so sketchy that I never got a clear picture of what caused the break up or the roots of the miasma of despair that seemed to rule Fred’s life.
I do believe that author Kim Dias has incredible potential to write a compelling story. The pieces really are all there in Breakfast at Midnight, they simply aren’t fully explored, unpacked, and presented so that the reader can really sink their teeth into her story. Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me, but I certainly will look for other work by this author in the hope that she allows her creative abilities to more fully develop.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
3 stars
I think the best way to approach this review of Kim Dias’ story Breakfast at Midnight is to say that I felt it was, in essence, unfinished. There was not a cliffhanger at the end of this novella, but there was also no closure for either man or a happy ever after style ending, either. What remained was a bit of a mystery to me for the last few chapters of this book were so disjointed I wasn’t really sure what was going on between Fred and Callum.
Let me begin by saying that the potential between the two men—their chemistry, such as it was—stood out immediately. There was a definite connection there and it was both plausible and real. Despite the age difference, both Callum and Fred needed each other and there was such possibility for them to really grow and develop a genuine relationship that I was sad to see that falter and then drift aimlessly in the last third of this novella. I understood why Callum made the choice he did, but so many decisions by he and Fred were left undeveloped and unexplained that I felt as though the story was only half written.
I never really got a handle on what happened between Fred and his ex to cause their divorce. We definitely got hints that Fred had suffered from some form of depression most of their married life—a depression so deep it obviously stunted his ability to maintain his relationship with both his daughter and his husband. But the details of his former life were so sketchy that I never got a clear picture of what caused the break up or the roots of the miasma of despair that seemed to rule Fred’s life.
I do believe that author Kim Dias has incredible potential to write a compelling story. The pieces really are all there in Breakfast at Midnight, they simply aren’t fully explored, unpacked, and presented so that the reader can really sink their teeth into her story. Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me, but I certainly will look for other work by this author in the hope that she allows her creative abilities to more fully develop.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
October 7, 2017
Fred, divorced 49-year-old writer meets Callum, 23-year-old runway boy band musician at a Denny's one night. The majority of this novella takes place over the course of a week during which Fred reconciles with his adult daughter and gets closure on his marriage, while Callum realizes he needs to return to L.A. to determine if his career can survive him coming out.
There's a lot going on in this short novella and the author does a good job of fleshing out this tentative relationship, this connection between Fred and Callum, although there is no on-page sex. The novella ends rather abruptly and I would have liked to have had a bit more time with this story since it ends without even a HFN. I enjoyed the writing, but felt this was more a vignette than a complete story. 3.25 stars for Breakfast at Midnight and I would definitely read more from Kim Dias although this particular story didn't work for me.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
There's a lot going on in this short novella and the author does a good job of fleshing out this tentative relationship, this connection between Fred and Callum, although there is no on-page sex. The novella ends rather abruptly and I would have liked to have had a bit more time with this story since it ends without even a HFN. I enjoyed the writing, but felt this was more a vignette than a complete story. 3.25 stars for Breakfast at Midnight and I would definitely read more from Kim Dias although this particular story didn't work for me.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
October 19, 2017
Strange.
Too many awkward conversation and there's cheating.
Not what I expected. Guess I'm disappointed.
The blurb is good and promising, but again, blurb can be tricky sometimes.
I understand that you'll find or feel the bond when you meet someone who's running away from the past the same as you. The problem is, you're not done with that, while you want desperately to start a new beginning.
This is what happened with Fred and Callum. They're no ready.
Shows that Fred cannot move on from his ex husband, and kissed him with many things appeared in his head, while he's already 'in a relationship' with Callum. And I hate that when your current lover sees that.
The story ended abruptly, okay, with a promise. But still.
Not a fan. Sorry.
Too many awkward conversation and there's cheating.
Not what I expected. Guess I'm disappointed.
The blurb is good and promising, but again, blurb can be tricky sometimes.
I understand that you'll find or feel the bond when you meet someone who's running away from the past the same as you. The problem is, you're not done with that, while you want desperately to start a new beginning.
This is what happened with Fred and Callum. They're no ready.
Shows that Fred cannot move on from his ex husband, and kissed him with many things appeared in his head, while he's already 'in a relationship' with Callum. And I hate that when your current lover sees that.
The story ended abruptly, okay, with a promise. But still.
Not a fan. Sorry.
October 11, 2017
This story had tons of potential. The execution was so-so. I really shouldn't read short stories, there is never enough character development or plot depth for me. Call me greedy! No instalove, but kinda. No relationship, but kinda. No cheating, but kinda.
Fred and Callum, quite a odd May-December romance match. This pairing was my favorite part of the book! They bring out an interesting fire in each other, even with the doubt when this story ends. The sex is all off the page and it works. The story is about their connection and the beautiful friendship that develops out of the oddest circumstances.
The imbalance is what I worried about, that Fred has had a life full of fear and pain but also an incredible love. Callum is young and it shows. Do they have a future? Who knows? The abrupt ending is another thing I get angry about in short stories. It snuck up on me, making me sad that the story was left undone
Fred and Callum, quite a odd May-December romance match. This pairing was my favorite part of the book! They bring out an interesting fire in each other, even with the doubt when this story ends. The sex is all off the page and it works. The story is about their connection and the beautiful friendship that develops out of the oddest circumstances.
The imbalance is what I worried about, that Fred has had a life full of fear and pain but also an incredible love. Callum is young and it shows. Do they have a future? Who knows? The abrupt ending is another thing I get angry about in short stories. It snuck up on me, making me sad that the story was left undone
October 14, 2017
Wow. I’ve just finished reading this lovely little book, and my feelings are a bit all over the place about it. Breakfast at Midnight by Kim Dias was equal parts charming and a little bit goofy. There was so much going on in these sixty-six pages I want to be sure to get out just what I adored, as well as what threw me a little or just didn’t quite measure up.
First, I enjoyed the author’s writing style. There were lines or moments that had me smiling or chuckling quietly to myself, and there were other moments that were quite thought-provoking and emotional. The subject matter tended more toward the serious—divorce, family issues, depression and anxiety, and personal journeys—but Dias approached it all with a pretty light touch. Fred’s depression and anxiety were dealt with sooo subtly that at first I was worried the message would be lost. But, in the end, I felt like it worked. I think she gave just a clear enough picture of what was going on to show how harmful those disorders can be to individuals and families.
I loved the premise, and I loved how things progressed in the beginning between Fred and Callum. There were some very sweet and honest moments between them when they were initially getting to know each other. Those intimate moments that can only be found sometimes in those quiet, late night, exposing-all-your-secrets conversations, where you allow yourself to be truly vulnerable. I loved this:
As good as much of the story was, though, things started to fall apart a bit at the end. For me, it seemed like Dias tried to push their familiarity a bit too far. As close as you can begin to feel to someone in even one intimate, late-night conversation or two, the leap she took with their relationship was a bit much. I felt like the little conflict that arises between them toward the end was a stretch. Although it did get her to where she needed to be in the story, and I very much like what she did with most of the conclusion, the execution was not as smooth as it might have been.
Overall, I really enjoyed Breakfast at Midnight. There was a surprising amount of character development and solid storyline packed into this novella. Callum and Fred were both incredibly sweet, and aside from a very abrupt ending, it left me feeling mostly satisfied. I’ll for sure be on the lookout for more from this author!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
First, I enjoyed the author’s writing style. There were lines or moments that had me smiling or chuckling quietly to myself, and there were other moments that were quite thought-provoking and emotional. The subject matter tended more toward the serious—divorce, family issues, depression and anxiety, and personal journeys—but Dias approached it all with a pretty light touch. Fred’s depression and anxiety were dealt with sooo subtly that at first I was worried the message would be lost. But, in the end, I felt like it worked. I think she gave just a clear enough picture of what was going on to show how harmful those disorders can be to individuals and families.
I loved the premise, and I loved how things progressed in the beginning between Fred and Callum. There were some very sweet and honest moments between them when they were initially getting to know each other. Those intimate moments that can only be found sometimes in those quiet, late night, exposing-all-your-secrets conversations, where you allow yourself to be truly vulnerable. I loved this:
It was his turn, and he didn’t want to say a single one of the confessions that came into his head: I sometimes hate myself so much I want to burn everything I write, and for about a week after my divorce, I didn’t do anything but stay in bed and listen to Leonard Cohen, and worst of all, for its sheer vulnerability, you make me want to write again.
As good as much of the story was, though, things started to fall apart a bit at the end. For me, it seemed like Dias tried to push their familiarity a bit too far. As close as you can begin to feel to someone in even one intimate, late-night conversation or two, the leap she took with their relationship was a bit much. I felt like the little conflict that arises between them toward the end was a stretch. Although it did get her to where she needed to be in the story, and I very much like what she did with most of the conclusion, the execution was not as smooth as it might have been.
Overall, I really enjoyed Breakfast at Midnight. There was a surprising amount of character development and solid storyline packed into this novella. Callum and Fred were both incredibly sweet, and aside from a very abrupt ending, it left me feeling mostly satisfied. I’ll for sure be on the lookout for more from this author!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
October 12, 2017
From the blurb, I was anticipating a really sweet meet cute about an older guy getting over a divorce and a younger famous musician trying to figure out his life. Breakfast at Midnight by Kim Dias IS that but unfortunately not much else. I'm a huge fan of age-gap romances and even the twenty-six year difference between Fred and Callum (though a bit more than I usually come across) wasn't too much for me to go along with but more the whole tone of the book. At only 66 pages, there sure isn't a lot of time for character development but I felt like I missed a whole lot of who these guys are.
I really liked the premise of how Fred and Callum met...over late-night breakfast at Denny's, thus the title. And it did make sense for how these two got to know one another but unfortunately I just didn't really buy into Fred and Callum as being in a relationship. Things were awkward and Fred is SO hot and cold...it was all a bit confusing. Throw in a fragile relationship between Fred and his adult daughter on top of some bitterness and unresolved feelings for his ex-husband and Fred was really confusing. I definitely would have preferred the story to focus solely on Fred and Callum instead.
All in all, not a bad story, it just fell a bit short execution wise. I did enjoy it enough to keep an eye out for more of Kim Dias's work in the future. This might be a case of it's me not the book, so check it out and see what you think!
*this review will also be posted on www.diversereader.blogspot.com
I really liked the premise of how Fred and Callum met...over late-night breakfast at Denny's, thus the title. And it did make sense for how these two got to know one another but unfortunately I just didn't really buy into Fred and Callum as being in a relationship. Things were awkward and Fred is SO hot and cold...it was all a bit confusing. Throw in a fragile relationship between Fred and his adult daughter on top of some bitterness and unresolved feelings for his ex-husband and Fred was really confusing. I definitely would have preferred the story to focus solely on Fred and Callum instead.
All in all, not a bad story, it just fell a bit short execution wise. I did enjoy it enough to keep an eye out for more of Kim Dias's work in the future. This might be a case of it's me not the book, so check it out and see what you think!
*this review will also be posted on www.diversereader.blogspot.com
October 15, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-bTp
From that review: " Breakfast at Midnight by Kim Dias is short but the author does a remarkable job of packing a lot of heart, angst, and promise into 66 pages. A first for me by this author, the story of two men, each having huge difficulties in their lives and professions. They meet and connect at a Denny's, that connection grows into a possibility for the future and while that happens, they set their own lives a little straighter as well..."
For all our reviews, author interviews and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-bTp
From that review: " Breakfast at Midnight by Kim Dias is short but the author does a remarkable job of packing a lot of heart, angst, and promise into 66 pages. A first for me by this author, the story of two men, each having huge difficulties in their lives and professions. They meet and connect at a Denny's, that connection grows into a possibility for the future and while that happens, they set their own lives a little straighter as well..."
For all our reviews, author interviews and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
October 17, 2017
*´¨✫)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (¸.•"They weren't a love story; they were a moment."
WTELF!!!!
I have never wanted to scream and yell and oh, my ever loving GAWD. I am still screaming as I type these words. I do not think I have read a Kim Dias story before. I am now afraid to ever read another one as I do not want to have to be this surprised. Not that this wasn't good. In such a short space of time, I saw development in characterization, and a need to better ones' self. No, I am beyond irreparable due to that surprise ending. WTF!!!
I am never good for that sort of ending, no matter how much I enjoy my characters. I felt as if I had this story all worked out. I. Am. Stunned. A bit happy that this author threw me a curve, but also, what???
Fred...boy, still snickering over that one. An author with writer's block after his divorce and anxiety issues. These also lead to his insomnia and trips to Denny's, having what else? Breakfast at Midnight. And can we talk about the compulsive ketchup usage? Er, no!!
Callum. Boy band member who wanted to escape for personal reasons. Too young for Fred, but attracted to him. Finds himself in small town Denny's and eventually met Fred. There's should not have been, but the attraction was there despite the large age gap.
This book became a test in growth and development. These two men found a way to draw out something deep inside, while falling slowly for each other. Still shocked, but begging for a book two to appease me. Pretty please.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from Dreamspinner Press
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (¸.•"They weren't a love story; they were a moment."
WTELF!!!!
I have never wanted to scream and yell and oh, my ever loving GAWD. I am still screaming as I type these words. I do not think I have read a Kim Dias story before. I am now afraid to ever read another one as I do not want to have to be this surprised. Not that this wasn't good. In such a short space of time, I saw development in characterization, and a need to better ones' self. No, I am beyond irreparable due to that surprise ending. WTF!!!
I am never good for that sort of ending, no matter how much I enjoy my characters. I felt as if I had this story all worked out. I. Am. Stunned. A bit happy that this author threw me a curve, but also, what???
Fred...boy, still snickering over that one. An author with writer's block after his divorce and anxiety issues. These also lead to his insomnia and trips to Denny's, having what else? Breakfast at Midnight. And can we talk about the compulsive ketchup usage? Er, no!!
Callum. Boy band member who wanted to escape for personal reasons. Too young for Fred, but attracted to him. Finds himself in small town Denny's and eventually met Fred. There's should not have been, but the attraction was there despite the large age gap.
This book became a test in growth and development. These two men found a way to draw out something deep inside, while falling slowly for each other. Still shocked, but begging for a book two to appease me. Pretty please.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from Dreamspinner Press
Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
January 21, 2018
Loved It!
A writer who has lost his voice. A member of a boy band who hasn't lived a life. A second (and first) chance at love❤️
A writer who has lost his voice. A member of a boy band who hasn't lived a life. A second (and first) chance at love❤️
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews