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Just for Nice
Nick Caratelli flees the city in an attempt to escape a broken relationship and a career he never wanted. He plans to set up a bed-and-breakfast in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country—despite the fact he has no experience in renovating the old building. Luckily his handsome neighbor Sam approaches him with a curious he’ll help with the restoration in exchange for Nick babysitting his niece.
As they work to have the bed-and-breakfast open for business by summer’s end, their lives become interwoven without them even trying. Before he knows it, Nick is recovering from his loss and taking his place in the unconventional family that seems determined to form. But for Nick and Sam to be together in all the ways they desire, they’ll have to realize all the arguments against romance exist only in their heads….
States of Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
As they work to have the bed-and-breakfast open for business by summer’s end, their lives become interwoven without them even trying. Before he knows it, Nick is recovering from his loss and taking his place in the unconventional family that seems determined to form. But for Nick and Sam to be together in all the ways they desire, they’ll have to realize all the arguments against romance exist only in their heads….
States of Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
55 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2018
1 person is currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
H.M. Shepherd
2 books1 followerH. M. SHEPHERD is a twentysomething paralegal living in Berks County, Pennsylvania, with both parents, two dogs, a baby sister who should stop growing up, and a brother who similarly failed to launch. Contrary to the Millennial stereotype, however, she does not live in the basement—a blessing considering the size of the spiders down there. She crochets as a hobby, cooks when she can, and reads as though it were her vocation. She is also an amateur genealogist and spends entirely too much time squinting at old census records and church documents. A little spacey, she once managed to forget that her car needed an oil change until it stopped running, and regularly has milk-in-the-cupboard-cereal-in-the-fridge moments. While she is an avid writer, Just for Nice is her first and so far only professional publication.
She is not particularly active on social media, finding it much easier to like people when you don’t know everything about them. Still, she can be reached through a few choice sites.
She is not particularly active on social media, finding it much easier to like people when you don’t know everything about them. Still, she can be reached through a few choice sites.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 2, 2020
2.5 Hearts
Not too bad for a debut novel...
As per the blurb, Nick is getting over a bad break up and has decided to quit law and open up a bed and breakfast. He realizes too late that he’s a bit in over his head and really doesn’t have the knowledge to do what needs to be done. Perhaps fortuitously, Nick’s neighbor Sam, is in need of a babysitter for his niece and offers his handyman services in exchange. Attraction and feelings inevitably develop because of course they will!
I’m going to assume that the States of Love series has a word limit on how long a story can be and that the author was perhaps stymied by this. I wanted things more fleshed out. I wanted everything from Nick’s sexuality, to Sam’s past, and even the niece’s age, to be revealed with better timing and explanation than what I got. I felt like I was in the dark for three quarters of this book and just when things were finally coming together, a few months pass by in a flash, and we’re told the ending, rather than shown. To be honest, approximately 100 pages is just not enough to properly do a story justice most of the time, and though I absolutely adored the premise, this fell short for me.
Again, I liked what I got. Points go towards the very likeable MC’s and the hot sweetness when Nick and Sam acted on their attraction. I’m just really greedy, and I wanted more.
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Not too bad for a debut novel...
As per the blurb, Nick is getting over a bad break up and has decided to quit law and open up a bed and breakfast. He realizes too late that he’s a bit in over his head and really doesn’t have the knowledge to do what needs to be done. Perhaps fortuitously, Nick’s neighbor Sam, is in need of a babysitter for his niece and offers his handyman services in exchange. Attraction and feelings inevitably develop because of course they will!
I’m going to assume that the States of Love series has a word limit on how long a story can be and that the author was perhaps stymied by this. I wanted things more fleshed out. I wanted everything from Nick’s sexuality, to Sam’s past, and even the niece’s age, to be revealed with better timing and explanation than what I got. I felt like I was in the dark for three quarters of this book and just when things were finally coming together, a few months pass by in a flash, and we’re told the ending, rather than shown. To be honest, approximately 100 pages is just not enough to properly do a story justice most of the time, and though I absolutely adored the premise, this fell short for me.
Again, I liked what I got. Points go towards the very likeable MC’s and the hot sweetness when Nick and Sam acted on their attraction. I’m just really greedy, and I wanted more.
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
February 10, 2018
Told in delightful little snippets of Nick and Sam growing closer as their lives intermingle over time, this novella has lots of charm, gave me a great feel for what Pennsylvania Dutch country looks and sounds and smells like, what kind of people live there, and made me smile more than once. Nick and Sam are very different guys, but they have a common project (Nick’s bed-and-breakfast) and some complementary skills, so it is no surprise they get along. Whether or not it might become more than an arrangement of convenience – with Sam doing the needed renovations on Nick’s house and Nick watching Sam’s teenage niece – remained to be seen.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 1, 2018
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
4.5*s of sweet and sexy goodness
This is a really good book, with a lot of content for a short story. I was really invested in the budding romance between two men in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, as well as the issues that Sam had with his niece. I loved how all the loose ends got woven back together, and that Nick and Sam got to explore their feelings for each other. A very satisfying read.
P.S. When I read that this is the author's first published work, I was very impressed, and hope that I will get the opportunity to read more of her work in the near future. My compliments, Ms Shepherd
4.5*s of sweet and sexy goodness
This is a really good book, with a lot of content for a short story. I was really invested in the budding romance between two men in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, as well as the issues that Sam had with his niece. I loved how all the loose ends got woven back together, and that Nick and Sam got to explore their feelings for each other. A very satisfying read.
P.S. When I read that this is the author's first published work, I was very impressed, and hope that I will get the opportunity to read more of her work in the near future. My compliments, Ms Shepherd
January 24, 2018
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ THREE & 3/4 - STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Light haired male in a tank top stands in the foreground. Dark-haired male in a dress shirt and dark pants is seen midway back and a barn and Amish style buggy are in the far-back. It supports the Pennsylvania Dutch theme for the story. Strong title and author fonts.
> > Looking Deeper < <
* * * AUTHOR DEBUT * * *
POV ~> Third-person
Nick buys an old, weathered farmhouse to turn into a B&B in the rural Penn-Dutch countryside. His neighbor, Sam, is worried this new "big city" guy is doing to demolish it and try to citify things. Sam has temporary guardianship of his teen niece but cannot leave her unattended over summer break while he's at work. Sam and Nick make a mutually beneficial bargain.
It's always hard for me to form a bond with characters and feel the bond they are developing for one another when stories are this short and it takes a rare author to make that happen.
I did not really get a good sense of who these characters were on a deeper level. I liked them and think I would have liked them even more had I had the chance to get to know them better. Everything felt "on the surface" to me. As the summer progressed, I did not feel the romantic bonds developing. They skirted around until they ended up in bed, like BAM!, after Nick received an unexpected package. It was a little unexpected and admittedly, neither man was prepared. Sam broke all the preconceived notions we tend to have, as well. Although he was the bigger guy, I had a hard time keeping in mind that he was only mid-20s and a *virgin*.
I wish there were more to the story, it just felt so one-and-done. They're moving along through the summer in preparation to open the B&B. Then it opened, but there was no expansion of what it entailed or the guests that were there. No further mention of Ellie after the "big event". Even Maggie was forgotten.
With a pre-Christmas declaration of love, it was over. End of story. I'd love another 100 or so pages added to this. Some meat and potatoes to go with all too much gravy.
.
Rating: [PG-13+ / R-] ~ Score: 3.75 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Light haired male in a tank top stands in the foreground. Dark-haired male in a dress shirt and dark pants is seen midway back and a barn and Amish style buggy are in the far-back. It supports the Pennsylvania Dutch theme for the story. Strong title and author fonts.
> > Looking Deeper < <
* * * AUTHOR DEBUT * * *
POV ~> Third-person
Nick buys an old, weathered farmhouse to turn into a B&B in the rural Penn-Dutch countryside. His neighbor, Sam, is worried this new "big city" guy is doing to demolish it and try to citify things. Sam has temporary guardianship of his teen niece but cannot leave her unattended over summer break while he's at work. Sam and Nick make a mutually beneficial bargain.
It's always hard for me to form a bond with characters and feel the bond they are developing for one another when stories are this short and it takes a rare author to make that happen.
I did not really get a good sense of who these characters were on a deeper level. I liked them and think I would have liked them even more had I had the chance to get to know them better. Everything felt "on the surface" to me. As the summer progressed, I did not feel the romantic bonds developing. They skirted around until they ended up in bed, like BAM!, after Nick received an unexpected package. It was a little unexpected and admittedly, neither man was prepared. Sam broke all the preconceived notions we tend to have, as well. Although he was the bigger guy, I had a hard time keeping in mind that he was only mid-20s and a *virgin*.
I wish there were more to the story, it just felt so one-and-done. They're moving along through the summer in preparation to open the B&B. Then it opened, but there was no expansion of what it entailed or the guests that were there. No further mention of Ellie after the "big event". Even Maggie was forgotten.
With a pre-Christmas declaration of love, it was over. End of story. I'd love another 100 or so pages added to this. Some meat and potatoes to go with all too much gravy.
.
Rating: [PG-13+ / R-] ~ Score: 3.75 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
March 28, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
I have never been disappointed by a story from the Dreamspinner Press States of Love collection, so when I saw Just For Nice, I was excited. The concept is great, and it’s exactly up my alley: city boy in the country, a man who knows how to use his hands, a precocious, somewhat bratty kid, and a gradual love story. Unfortunately, I’m sorry to say I didn’t connect with Just For Nice.
Nick and Sam are great guys…individually. However, I just didn’t feel much for them as a couple. There wasn’t much chemistry between them. I’m sure part of it is because this is a relatively short novella, so there wasn’t enough time to develop the characters. In fact, I had a difficult time remembering who was who. I kept getting Nick and Sam mixed up because their personalities weren’t that developed.
At first, I thought the main focus would be about Nick moving to the country to get over his breakup, but it turns out Sam’s custody of Ellie was what was in the forefront. Sam had to worry about the social worker in charge of their case. There could be nothing untoward in his life, and he was afraid being in a relationship with Nick could hurt his cause.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
I have never been disappointed by a story from the Dreamspinner Press States of Love collection, so when I saw Just For Nice, I was excited. The concept is great, and it’s exactly up my alley: city boy in the country, a man who knows how to use his hands, a precocious, somewhat bratty kid, and a gradual love story. Unfortunately, I’m sorry to say I didn’t connect with Just For Nice.
Nick and Sam are great guys…individually. However, I just didn’t feel much for them as a couple. There wasn’t much chemistry between them. I’m sure part of it is because this is a relatively short novella, so there wasn’t enough time to develop the characters. In fact, I had a difficult time remembering who was who. I kept getting Nick and Sam mixed up because their personalities weren’t that developed.
At first, I thought the main focus would be about Nick moving to the country to get over his breakup, but it turns out Sam’s custody of Ellie was what was in the forefront. Sam had to worry about the social worker in charge of their case. There could be nothing untoward in his life, and he was afraid being in a relationship with Nick could hurt his cause.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
February 11, 2018
2.5 stars
This is definitely a case of 'limited' space to tell the story, I guess. I mean, it offers a number of scenes but it wasn't 'complete' enough somehow. I mean, I didn't even KNOW that Sam was in his twenties, after mid-through!! Maybe if it's a longer one, it'll be a better story for me.
This is definitely a case of 'limited' space to tell the story, I guess. I mean, it offers a number of scenes but it wasn't 'complete' enough somehow. I mean, I didn't even KNOW that Sam was in his twenties, after mid-through!! Maybe if it's a longer one, it'll be a better story for me.
February 25, 2018
A lovely little romance filled with details of living in Plain country. I liked the way the relationship between Nick and Sam had to fit in between everything else they had going on in their lives...as you do.
Quick read.
Quick read.
February 10, 2018
2.5 Stars
There are parts I like and parts I dislike. Idk, perhaps had this multi-POVs story been longer and explored more, I might click with it better.
There are parts I like and parts I dislike. Idk, perhaps had this multi-POVs story been longer and explored more, I might click with it better.
April 25, 2018
Neighbors Nick and Sam meet when handyman Sam barters with Nick for babysitting services for his niece Emma, in exchange for Sam helping Nick remodel his house for a bed-and-breakfast. Over the course of this short novella, the two men fall into a relationship and start to build a life together.
At only 55 pages, this novella feels much too short and there is little character development of the two main characters. There is much more "tell" than "show" and it's difficult to sense much chemistry or sexual sizzle between Nick and Sam. While the story is framed by the work being done on the bed-and-breakfast, once it opens there are few details about the business and although this book is in the Dreamspinner "States of Love" series, there are only a few minor details about Pennsylvania-Dutch culture. Ultimately, this story just did not work for me (although I wish this novella was expanded in order to provide more details and story development) and I give it 3 stars.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press, in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
At only 55 pages, this novella feels much too short and there is little character development of the two main characters. There is much more "tell" than "show" and it's difficult to sense much chemistry or sexual sizzle between Nick and Sam. While the story is framed by the work being done on the bed-and-breakfast, once it opens there are few details about the business and although this book is in the Dreamspinner "States of Love" series, there are only a few minor details about Pennsylvania-Dutch culture. Ultimately, this story just did not work for me (although I wish this novella was expanded in order to provide more details and story development) and I give it 3 stars.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press, in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
February 9, 2018
**Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.**
Just for Nice is part of Dreamspinner Press’ States of Love. This short story takes place in rural Pennsylvania. If you’ve read my reviews regarding novellas, I always say how hard I think they must be to write. The author has to fit a believable love story in just a few short pages, in this case, only 55 pages. And, I think it has to be especially hard when done with two strangers.
This novella introduces us to Nick, who, after his fiancée ended things, decided to leave his job, the city and to open a bed and breakfast in the country. He meets his neighbor Sam, and they offer an exchange of services. Nick watches Sam’s teenage niece and Sam will help with remodeling the bed and breakfast. And from there a relationship somehow develops and I missed it.
I was taken by surprise when the men ended up in bed, and that they ended up in a relationship because we only had brief glimpses of them together. I didn’t have any connection with either character and didn’t feel the connection between them. I think this story has great potential but I think it needed a little more of Nick and Sam together and working towards a relationship.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Just for Nice is part of Dreamspinner Press’ States of Love. This short story takes place in rural Pennsylvania. If you’ve read my reviews regarding novellas, I always say how hard I think they must be to write. The author has to fit a believable love story in just a few short pages, in this case, only 55 pages. And, I think it has to be especially hard when done with two strangers.
This novella introduces us to Nick, who, after his fiancée ended things, decided to leave his job, the city and to open a bed and breakfast in the country. He meets his neighbor Sam, and they offer an exchange of services. Nick watches Sam’s teenage niece and Sam will help with remodeling the bed and breakfast. And from there a relationship somehow develops and I missed it.
I was taken by surprise when the men ended up in bed, and that they ended up in a relationship because we only had brief glimpses of them together. I didn’t have any connection with either character and didn’t feel the connection between them. I think this story has great potential but I think it needed a little more of Nick and Sam together and working towards a relationship.
Rating: 3.5 stars
March 11, 2018
3.5 stars
February 12, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This was a sweet story. Nick’s ex did him a favor when she broke off their relationship, he finally breaks away from his unsatisfying career and start something new. Sam has been basically living on pause since he became his niece’s guardian.
I liked that Nick and Sam spent the time to build a friendship before even beginning to explore anything together. I liked seeing both of them accepting their own feelings but didn’t like Sam thinking he pretty much had to give up on happiness for his niece. It was good that others are looking out for him. Both of these guys work hard and try to do what’s best. I loved their first scene in bed and kinds wished there would have been more.
I loved cover art by Tiferet Design and it gives great visuals for the story.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This was a sweet story. Nick’s ex did him a favor when she broke off their relationship, he finally breaks away from his unsatisfying career and start something new. Sam has been basically living on pause since he became his niece’s guardian.
I liked that Nick and Sam spent the time to build a friendship before even beginning to explore anything together. I liked seeing both of them accepting their own feelings but didn’t like Sam thinking he pretty much had to give up on happiness for his niece. It was good that others are looking out for him. Both of these guys work hard and try to do what’s best. I loved their first scene in bed and kinds wished there would have been more.
I loved cover art by Tiferet Design and it gives great visuals for the story.
February 9, 2018
Check out our
Just for Nice
post on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of sweet and sexy goodness
This is a really good book, with a lot of content for a short story. I was really invested in the budding romance between two men in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, as well as the issues that Sam had with his niece. I loved how all the loose ends got woven back together, and that Nick and Sam got to explore their feelings for each other. A very satisfying read.
P.S. When I read that this is the author's first published work, I was very impressed, and hope that I will get the opportunity to read more of her work in the near future. My compliments, Ms. Shepherd.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of sweet and sexy goodness
This is a really good book, with a lot of content for a short story. I was really invested in the budding romance between two men in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, as well as the issues that Sam had with his niece. I loved how all the loose ends got woven back together, and that Nick and Sam got to explore their feelings for each other. A very satisfying read.
P.S. When I read that this is the author's first published work, I was very impressed, and hope that I will get the opportunity to read more of her work in the near future. My compliments, Ms. Shepherd.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
March 19, 2018
3.75 stars
March 7, 2018
Reviewed by Louisa
Just for Nice was a cute little novella. It had a lot going on. Nick leaves his city job as a lawyer to escape his broken relationship. His new bed and breakfast needs a lot of work. Which is convenient because his neighbour needs some help minding his niece over the school holidays in exchange for working on the house.
Sam is an interesting man. A quiet unassuming local who is very shy about people finding out he is gay. And from what I can gather in the story, it is an area where you wouldn’t advertise your sexual preference. His niece is trying to find her way in the world now that her mum is not there. Nick really has no idea what he is doing with the house, his new dog or with Sam and his niece.
There is a session with a photographer for the house and Nick’s ex being in the story for a while. It is all very busy. But for me, I didn’t really have a connection to the story. It felt busy but flat. And there was a lot of German words, some that I felt were explained and lots that just went over my head.
So for me, this was a three heart story. It is well written and I enjoyed the storyline. But I didn’t feel much between the two MC’s. But I did enjoy this novella as it was cute, sweet and packed with things happening.
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Just for Nice was a cute little novella. It had a lot going on. Nick leaves his city job as a lawyer to escape his broken relationship. His new bed and breakfast needs a lot of work. Which is convenient because his neighbour needs some help minding his niece over the school holidays in exchange for working on the house.
Sam is an interesting man. A quiet unassuming local who is very shy about people finding out he is gay. And from what I can gather in the story, it is an area where you wouldn’t advertise your sexual preference. His niece is trying to find her way in the world now that her mum is not there. Nick really has no idea what he is doing with the house, his new dog or with Sam and his niece.
There is a session with a photographer for the house and Nick’s ex being in the story for a while. It is all very busy. But for me, I didn’t really have a connection to the story. It felt busy but flat. And there was a lot of German words, some that I felt were explained and lots that just went over my head.
So for me, this was a three heart story. It is well written and I enjoyed the storyline. But I didn’t feel much between the two MC’s. But I did enjoy this novella as it was cute, sweet and packed with things happening.
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
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