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Rockets and Romance
Love isn’t rocket science… or is it?
Julian Barlow has finally landed his dream job working for NASA. The catch? He has to move to Huntsville, Alabama—a daunting prospect for a gay pescetarian from Los Angeles who’s never been south of the Mason-Dixon line.
Fellow engineer Cody Ewing is an Alabama boy through and through, and Julian’s casual assumptions about the South in general and Southern homophobia in particular makes it dislike at first sight. Then NASA throws them together on a months-long project, and they have to make it work.
Forced to rely on each other, the two men develop a tentative friendship that becomes something more as Cody shows Julian Alabama’s good side. Julian’s insistence on secrecy and Cody’s hot-and-cold act could scuttle their chances before they ever get off the ground, though.
States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
Julian Barlow has finally landed his dream job working for NASA. The catch? He has to move to Huntsville, Alabama—a daunting prospect for a gay pescetarian from Los Angeles who’s never been south of the Mason-Dixon line.
Fellow engineer Cody Ewing is an Alabama boy through and through, and Julian’s casual assumptions about the South in general and Southern homophobia in particular makes it dislike at first sight. Then NASA throws them together on a months-long project, and they have to make it work.
Forced to rely on each other, the two men develop a tentative friendship that becomes something more as Cody shows Julian Alabama’s good side. Julian’s insistence on secrecy and Cody’s hot-and-cold act could scuttle their chances before they ever get off the ground, though.
States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2019
2 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Qualls
10 books89 followersWendy Qualls was a small town librarian until she finished reading everything her library had to offer. At that point she put her expensive and totally unrelated college degree to use by writing smutty romance novels and wasting time on the internet. She lives in Northern Alabama with her husband, two girls, two dogs, and a seasonally fluctuating swarm of unwanted ladybugs. Wendy can be found on Twitter as @wendyqualls. She is represented by Moe Ferrara of BookEnds Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 10, 2021
Julian Barlows gets his dream job at NASA, but Huntsville, Alabama is definitely NOT his dream location. Julian brings with him a boatload of preconceptions and ideas about living as a gay man in the south. The beauty of this short novella is how the author goes about changing those stereotypes and giving us a sweet romance.
Julian's initial work assignment is deciphering programming code developed by a retired programmer, or as Julian says "deciphering it is like trying to translate Sanskrit into Java" and that the code "reads like the bastard love child of Perl and that mumbling homeless guy who panhandles outside Whole Foods." (Love the geek snark)
After a bit of a rocky start, Julian and Cody soon have a comfortable work relationship, as well as one outside of the office as Cody decides to show Julian there is a strong LGBTQ presence in Huntsville. In the process of attending concerts, events, going out to dinner, they come to realize they can have a future together. I could have done without Julian and Cody's last minute miscommunication angst, which seemed somewhat out of character with their easy-going relationship, but on the whole I liked their chemistry.
I especially like the way Qualls shows us Huntsville and its various events, businesses and nightlife. This book exemplifies why I love the Dreamspinner States of Love series, with authors giving us wonderful little portrayals of the United States they love. 4 stars.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Julian's initial work assignment is deciphering programming code developed by a retired programmer, or as Julian says "deciphering it is like trying to translate Sanskrit into Java" and that the code "reads like the bastard love child of Perl and that mumbling homeless guy who panhandles outside Whole Foods." (Love the geek snark)
After a bit of a rocky start, Julian and Cody soon have a comfortable work relationship, as well as one outside of the office as Cody decides to show Julian there is a strong LGBTQ presence in Huntsville. In the process of attending concerts, events, going out to dinner, they come to realize they can have a future together. I could have done without Julian and Cody's last minute miscommunication angst, which seemed somewhat out of character with their easy-going relationship, but on the whole I liked their chemistry.
I especially like the way Qualls shows us Huntsville and its various events, businesses and nightlife. This book exemplifies why I love the Dreamspinner States of Love series, with authors giving us wonderful little portrayals of the United States they love. 4 stars.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
August 12, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
In many ways, Rockets and Romance has some really good things to offer. Cody is incredibly kind and forgiving—an instantly likeable character who is willing to play the game Julian sets out in order to keep seeing the man. I had to warm up to Julian gradually as he really had a bit of a chip on his shoulder when it came to southerners and what he was sure their reaction to gays might be. Without any real evidence or knowledge, he dismissed the idea that he might find acceptance and that made it tough for him to really feel at ease in the new city he now lived in. It also made him a bit untrusting and inclined to see the worst in most situations. This then was the premise for most, if not all, the conflict in the story. Thankfully, the novella moved swiftly enough that this didn’t become too predictable.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
3 stars
In many ways, Rockets and Romance has some really good things to offer. Cody is incredibly kind and forgiving—an instantly likeable character who is willing to play the game Julian sets out in order to keep seeing the man. I had to warm up to Julian gradually as he really had a bit of a chip on his shoulder when it came to southerners and what he was sure their reaction to gays might be. Without any real evidence or knowledge, he dismissed the idea that he might find acceptance and that made it tough for him to really feel at ease in the new city he now lived in. It also made him a bit untrusting and inclined to see the worst in most situations. This then was the premise for most, if not all, the conflict in the story. Thankfully, the novella moved swiftly enough that this didn’t become too predictable.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
July 29, 2019
Set in Alabama, this had all of the local colloquialisms down, including fried Oreos and grilled cheese and okra sandwiches with a dash of romance on the side.
NASA is well known and well respected, so when Julian was asked to transfer from LA to Alabama for a job, he left his life and boyfriend behind to start on a new adventure.
His first day on the job didn't go exactly as planned. He'd managed to piss off Cody, the other gay man in the engineering group, as well as the person who would train him for the next month.
In an effort to apologize, they ended up spending quite a fun filled, easy, effortless day together, including a very happy ending. But, with Julian being new, getting into an office romance with someone right away doesn't seem like the greatest ideas. And then things start to get complicated, messy and down right cold.
I loved how smart both MC's were, yet there was no petty one-upmanship at all. They were genuine and sweet and funny together.
This book was like having a chat with a best friend. It was warm and nice, funny and sweet and something about it just felt familiar. It was definitely worth the read.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
NASA is well known and well respected, so when Julian was asked to transfer from LA to Alabama for a job, he left his life and boyfriend behind to start on a new adventure.
His first day on the job didn't go exactly as planned. He'd managed to piss off Cody, the other gay man in the engineering group, as well as the person who would train him for the next month.
In an effort to apologize, they ended up spending quite a fun filled, easy, effortless day together, including a very happy ending. But, with Julian being new, getting into an office romance with someone right away doesn't seem like the greatest ideas. And then things start to get complicated, messy and down right cold.
I loved how smart both MC's were, yet there was no petty one-upmanship at all. They were genuine and sweet and funny together.
This book was like having a chat with a best friend. It was warm and nice, funny and sweet and something about it just felt familiar. It was definitely worth the read.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*
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August 2, 2019Reviewed by Jenn for Diverse Reader
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Rockets and Romance is the fish out of water tale about finding everything you ever wanted in the last place you ever expected.
California native, Julian Barlow, has dreamed of working for NASA, he just never thought he’d end up in Huntsville, Alabama to do it. Julian is an out gay man and is very nervous about moving to Alabama, he assumes no one will accept him. Julian definitely buys into all the stereotypes about the south and shows up with a bit of an attitude. This attitude doesn’t go over well with Cody, the man there to show him the ropes.
Cody has lived in Alabama for years, his family moved there when he was a child. He works for NASA and has a nice life. He is also openly gay and is treated with care and respect by his colleagues. He and Julian definitely get off on the wrong foot, but after apologies are made, the two try being friends. What begins as a day of showing Julian the hidden wonders of his new home, quickly escalates to a passionate encounter. Cody and Julian like each other, but Julian seems reluctant to live out in the open with his feelings. This begins a slow burn relationship that we can see has amazing potential…if Julian can get out of his own way a bit.
This was a very sweet read, it’s comforting to need a character like Cody. He is so willing to lend a hand at work, be a friend and be patient as Julian figures out what he wants. He is full of charm and really is the whole package. I loved seeing his more laid-back approach next to Julian’s easily ruffled feathers. Don’t get me wrong, Julian is very likable, just a bit high strung. Coming together with Cody and opening himself up to his new home will be the things that help make Julian discover mot just his dream job…but his dream life.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Rockets and Romance is the fish out of water tale about finding everything you ever wanted in the last place you ever expected.
California native, Julian Barlow, has dreamed of working for NASA, he just never thought he’d end up in Huntsville, Alabama to do it. Julian is an out gay man and is very nervous about moving to Alabama, he assumes no one will accept him. Julian definitely buys into all the stereotypes about the south and shows up with a bit of an attitude. This attitude doesn’t go over well with Cody, the man there to show him the ropes.
Cody has lived in Alabama for years, his family moved there when he was a child. He works for NASA and has a nice life. He is also openly gay and is treated with care and respect by his colleagues. He and Julian definitely get off on the wrong foot, but after apologies are made, the two try being friends. What begins as a day of showing Julian the hidden wonders of his new home, quickly escalates to a passionate encounter. Cody and Julian like each other, but Julian seems reluctant to live out in the open with his feelings. This begins a slow burn relationship that we can see has amazing potential…if Julian can get out of his own way a bit.
This was a very sweet read, it’s comforting to need a character like Cody. He is so willing to lend a hand at work, be a friend and be patient as Julian figures out what he wants. He is full of charm and really is the whole package. I loved seeing his more laid-back approach next to Julian’s easily ruffled feathers. Don’t get me wrong, Julian is very likable, just a bit high strung. Coming together with Cody and opening himself up to his new home will be the things that help make Julian discover mot just his dream job…but his dream life.
August 13, 2019
4 Stars
This was a sweet story. I’m not a huge fan of enemies to lovers, but thankfully, the transition from one to the other doesn’t take all that long.
Cody and Julian were both likable guys and they were sweet together, well, once Julian got over his little temper tantrum that is. I liked watching Cody and Julian work together to figure out the mess Kevin, Julian’s predecessors, left behind. I also enjoyed taking a small tour of Huntsville, Alabama with them. I’ve been to, and have family that lives in the Mobile area, but I’ve never been to Huntsville, so seeing some of what the area has to offer was interesting.
The story was well-written and enjoyable. Cody and Julian had great chemistry and they fit together well. My only complaints are, and they are just my personal opinion, I wish there had been a more solid ending. It’s a much more HFN ending, but I prefer my ending to be more of a HEA. Maybe it’s silly, but I wish I love you had been used because that always makes me feel more secure. Still, this was a quick and easy read that’s definitely recommendable!
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
July 27, 2019
This was a cute office style romance. Julian and Cody's initial meeting was fun in that it was full of sassiness. I was excited to see how they pulled themselves out of not liking each other after that. We got to see them working together a little bit but really got to see them get to know one another outside of their work.
They were both easy to like MCs but I wish we would have gotten to know them individually a little bit more. We got Julian's story with him moving across the country and him speaking to his ex-boyfriend (who I very much want to get his HEA because he seemed lovely) and I would have liked getting more personal details on Cody as well. The epilogue was short but matched perfectly to the story and it was a nice end to the book. Overall this was a sweet enjoyable story!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
They were both easy to like MCs but I wish we would have gotten to know them individually a little bit more. We got Julian's story with him moving across the country and him speaking to his ex-boyfriend (who I very much want to get his HEA because he seemed lovely) and I would have liked getting more personal details on Cody as well. The epilogue was short but matched perfectly to the story and it was a nice end to the book. Overall this was a sweet enjoyable story!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
April 6, 2020
I wanted to like it, but all of the conflict was based on one of the MCs misunderstanding and not ASKING the other guy for clarification. Ugh.
Also, the idea that one programmer worked on essentials systems for NASA without oversight and used made-up coding language - not sure how that works in aerospace, but in my small tech company, that would NEVER fly. We have code reviews, oversight, and documentation. I'm pretty sure NASA would do WAY more.
Also, the idea that one programmer worked on essentials systems for NASA without oversight and used made-up coding language - not sure how that works in aerospace, but in my small tech company, that would NEVER fly. We have code reviews, oversight, and documentation. I'm pretty sure NASA would do WAY more.
August 12, 2019
Sweet but left me wanting more. Cody and Julian are nice guys, but the romance goes too quick, lasts a week, falls out for a week and then is back on track and the book is over. Too short and didn't come across as believable at all. Usually I like the state books. This one is just too short.
April 14, 2020
Sweet
Very sweet and quick low angst read. There was a Doctor Who episode this past season that had a gay astronaut character and I found myself wanting more. This fed it a tiny bit-not exactly astronauts but In the neighborhood with NASA employees. Unique setting for sure. :)
Very sweet and quick low angst read. There was a Doctor Who episode this past season that had a gay astronaut character and I found myself wanting more. This fed it a tiny bit-not exactly astronauts but In the neighborhood with NASA employees. Unique setting for sure. :)
August 13, 2020
It’s lovely sometimes to read about smart, generally well-adjusted people developing a healthy relationship. Stakes and conflict are low, but that’s what I needed. The ending felt a bit rushed, could’ve been a little more satisfying. Still worth reading if you’re looking for something sweet.
August 5, 2019
Absolutely loved this. It was a refreshing read for me, plus fun to read about Huntsville, Alabama.
August 6, 2019
** 3.5 Stars **
August 17, 2019
Very sweet. I enjoyed both characters and their chemistry. I did think the epilogue was a little disappointing.
February 10, 2020
A bit of an abrupt end, but still a great book.
March 30, 2020
Short and sweet and sexy. Fish-out-of-water romance that was an easy read and also I want to visit Huntsville Alabama now. 😂
April 25, 2020
Cute gay romance but could’ve used more substance and build up.
August 30, 2020
An average romance. Few misunderstandings between MCs, but cleared up soon enough . Lots of computer jargon in between.
August 9, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
This was a nice idea for a story but I’m not sure it connected well for me. Julian is thrown in the deep end moving to the south at the last minute. Cody has grown up in Huntsville and embraces what goes on in his hometown.
This story was Cody and Julian getting along then Julian making assumptions/hurting Cody rinse and repeat. I guess I couldn’t get past all the negative assumptions Julian made about his new home and how what Cody overheard him saying at the beginning was never addressed. I don’t know, I love how open Cody was and the little bit that Julian actually opened up but I couldn’t get passed how quickly Cody would forgive Julian and then it just happened over and over again.
The cover art by Brooke Albrecht is cute and I love the visual of Cody and Julian together.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
This was a nice idea for a story but I’m not sure it connected well for me. Julian is thrown in the deep end moving to the south at the last minute. Cody has grown up in Huntsville and embraces what goes on in his hometown.
This story was Cody and Julian getting along then Julian making assumptions/hurting Cody rinse and repeat. I guess I couldn’t get past all the negative assumptions Julian made about his new home and how what Cody overheard him saying at the beginning was never addressed. I don’t know, I love how open Cody was and the little bit that Julian actually opened up but I couldn’t get passed how quickly Cody would forgive Julian and then it just happened over and over again.
The cover art by Brooke Albrecht is cute and I love the visual of Cody and Julian together.
August 2, 2019
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
Rockets and Romance, by Wendy Quall
Part of the States of Love Collection
★★★☆☆
97 Pages
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Okay, so...it didn't work for me. I can't put it any plainer than that. I wrote my full review to dispel the frustrations and then deleted it, to whittle it down to the important facts:
* I didn't buy the relationship, for many reasons. Namely, too soon after Julian's break up, regardless of excuses that it's been over for a while; ignoring and disliking each other for over a week suddenly becomes insta-lust and can't keep their hands off each other; the pettiness of their arguments that they blew totally out of proportion, over and over again.
* the arguments ruined what could have been a super cute insta-lust story. Since the arguments didn't make any sense – they were stupid, silly things that they took way too seriously – they could have been nixed altogether and replaced with instant attraction they tried to fight. I would even have been happier had it been “I hate you, but I can't keep my hands off you” instead of instantly going from one extreme to the other.
* it took 20-30% of the story to get past the stupid arguments, which meant it took me that long to stop rolling my eyes and wondering when these two macho-ego-boys would grow up. #SorryNotSorry. I didn't like the MC's at all, until after this point and would have DNF'd if I wasn't reviewing this.
* there was a complete shift of personality. When they were at work, they didn't even attempt to be professionals or friends; they were just arguing with each other or flirting. When they were outside of work, they became real people, with real problems, with real chemistry. But then it would end up back at work again and things would fall apart. One minute Julian would be self-assured and assertive, the next he was either blushing or trying to get Cody's pants off. One minute Cody would be the geeky artisan profession, then he was some dirty-talking seducer being all stiff and brash and taking things the wrong way.
* I honestly didn't see the point of Alex, the ex boyfriend. He didn't drive the story forward, he didn't add drama or emotional baggage that might hold Julian back. The only thing he did was inspire the purchase of a caftan and tell Julian to use coffee to apologise, which I'm sure he was smart enough to figure out, eventually. Otherwise, he added nothing of value. Maybe if he'd been made use of, I might have understood Julian's resistance towards relationships and his instant mistrust of Cody a little better, but he didn't even do that.
Overall, while there were some sweet moments and the story had potential, it didn't suck me in. It made the mistake of making me dislike the characters immediately, and never really redeemed itself after that. I couldn't start to care or like about these two when they kept flip-flopping between two alternative personalities. Half of the book was “I want to rip your clothes off” and the other half was “my dick is bigger than yours” either in pissing contents or in who could fly off the handle quicker.
If I can't believe the relationship, then there's no hope. So, while other people loved it, it just wasn't for me. There were too many inconsistencies, too many unnecessary people/events that never had any real impact and the 'misunderstand' schtick that ruined a perfectly sweet insta-love story. With no substance to their relationship, I couldn't get invested.
I'm rating it 3* for the potential. It *could* have been either a) a really super cute insta-love story, or b) a really hot enemies-to-lovers story. Sadly, it tried to be both and ended up drifting aimlessly somewhere in between.
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
Rockets and Romance, by Wendy Quall
Part of the States of Love Collection
★★★☆☆
97 Pages
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Okay, so...it didn't work for me. I can't put it any plainer than that. I wrote my full review to dispel the frustrations and then deleted it, to whittle it down to the important facts:
* I didn't buy the relationship, for many reasons. Namely, too soon after Julian's break up, regardless of excuses that it's been over for a while; ignoring and disliking each other for over a week suddenly becomes insta-lust and can't keep their hands off each other; the pettiness of their arguments that they blew totally out of proportion, over and over again.
* the arguments ruined what could have been a super cute insta-lust story. Since the arguments didn't make any sense – they were stupid, silly things that they took way too seriously – they could have been nixed altogether and replaced with instant attraction they tried to fight. I would even have been happier had it been “I hate you, but I can't keep my hands off you” instead of instantly going from one extreme to the other.
* it took 20-30% of the story to get past the stupid arguments, which meant it took me that long to stop rolling my eyes and wondering when these two macho-ego-boys would grow up. #SorryNotSorry. I didn't like the MC's at all, until after this point and would have DNF'd if I wasn't reviewing this.
* there was a complete shift of personality. When they were at work, they didn't even attempt to be professionals or friends; they were just arguing with each other or flirting. When they were outside of work, they became real people, with real problems, with real chemistry. But then it would end up back at work again and things would fall apart. One minute Julian would be self-assured and assertive, the next he was either blushing or trying to get Cody's pants off. One minute Cody would be the geeky artisan profession, then he was some dirty-talking seducer being all stiff and brash and taking things the wrong way.
* I honestly didn't see the point of Alex, the ex boyfriend. He didn't drive the story forward, he didn't add drama or emotional baggage that might hold Julian back. The only thing he did was inspire the purchase of a caftan and tell Julian to use coffee to apologise, which I'm sure he was smart enough to figure out, eventually. Otherwise, he added nothing of value. Maybe if he'd been made use of, I might have understood Julian's resistance towards relationships and his instant mistrust of Cody a little better, but he didn't even do that.
Overall, while there were some sweet moments and the story had potential, it didn't suck me in. It made the mistake of making me dislike the characters immediately, and never really redeemed itself after that. I couldn't start to care or like about these two when they kept flip-flopping between two alternative personalities. Half of the book was “I want to rip your clothes off” and the other half was “my dick is bigger than yours” either in pissing contents or in who could fly off the handle quicker.
If I can't believe the relationship, then there's no hope. So, while other people loved it, it just wasn't for me. There were too many inconsistencies, too many unnecessary people/events that never had any real impact and the 'misunderstand' schtick that ruined a perfectly sweet insta-love story. With no substance to their relationship, I couldn't get invested.
I'm rating it 3* for the potential. It *could* have been either a) a really super cute insta-love story, or b) a really hot enemies-to-lovers story. Sadly, it tried to be both and ended up drifting aimlessly somewhere in between.
March 25, 2020
"Imma take it slow while the rocket burn. They burnin’. We’ll be making love, baby.” ~ Frank Ocean (Rocket Love)
It is seldom safe to make assumptions, but Julian Barlow, of ‘Rockets and Romance’ by Wendy Qualls, is a master at it. Julian has always wanted to work for NASA, but when he gets a chance to do so, he has to move to Huntsville, Alabama. Without researching it, Julian assumes that the people there will be backward, uncultured, and homophobic. He is expecting to be totally bored and unaccepted.
Cody is ready to accept the new employee, Julian, with open arms, helping him settle into his job, untangling the weird computer codes left by his predecessor. When he goes down to greet Julian, he overhears him talking of the phone, expressing the negative perception of Huntsville and its residents. Needless to say, it angers Cody, souring any goodwill he may have for Julian. To say they get off on the wrong foot is an understatement. Yet Cody tries to be professional, disregarding Julian’s demeaning comments and continues the introduction process. However, Cody has formed an impression of Julian as a stuck-up, citified jerk.
Matters don’t improve when Julian finds that Cody is going to be working with him, helping him learn the ropes, making the transition easier for him and the company in general. Julian resents Cody’s help, thinking that it makes him seem weak and inadequate in some way. Cody is offended by Julian’s attitude and, although he would like to just give Julian the working manual and leave him to it, he doesn’t want to let anyone else down, so he continues to try to help a resistant Julian. After being there a while, Julian is beginning to understand why he might need help. He’s also beginning to be attracted to Cody, although he would never want anyone at work to know it, for fear of being judged for being gay. Cody is openly gay and has never faced prejudice from anyone in the workplace, but Julian isn’t convinced that the same would be true for him. After spending a day together as just friends, Julian begins to appreciate the charm the city has to offer as well what Cody has to offer. When they get back to work, Julian is still afraid that his sexuality is going to affect his professional appearance and insists that he and Cody behave as if they were just coworkers and not lovers. Cody doesn’t like the idea, but he agrees. As things get more complicated between them, the pressure grows; something has to give.
I enjoyed reading about Huntsville. However, the almost constant conflict between the two main characters almost gave me whiplash. At times, I wanted to smack both of them and tell them to grow up and start communicating properly. It was an enemy-to-friends story, so some discordance was expected and I’m always a sucker for a happy ending, no matter the path taken to get there. Thanks, Wendy, for bringing Julian and Cody together.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on
It is seldom safe to make assumptions, but Julian Barlow, of ‘Rockets and Romance’ by Wendy Qualls, is a master at it. Julian has always wanted to work for NASA, but when he gets a chance to do so, he has to move to Huntsville, Alabama. Without researching it, Julian assumes that the people there will be backward, uncultured, and homophobic. He is expecting to be totally bored and unaccepted.
Cody is ready to accept the new employee, Julian, with open arms, helping him settle into his job, untangling the weird computer codes left by his predecessor. When he goes down to greet Julian, he overhears him talking of the phone, expressing the negative perception of Huntsville and its residents. Needless to say, it angers Cody, souring any goodwill he may have for Julian. To say they get off on the wrong foot is an understatement. Yet Cody tries to be professional, disregarding Julian’s demeaning comments and continues the introduction process. However, Cody has formed an impression of Julian as a stuck-up, citified jerk.
Matters don’t improve when Julian finds that Cody is going to be working with him, helping him learn the ropes, making the transition easier for him and the company in general. Julian resents Cody’s help, thinking that it makes him seem weak and inadequate in some way. Cody is offended by Julian’s attitude and, although he would like to just give Julian the working manual and leave him to it, he doesn’t want to let anyone else down, so he continues to try to help a resistant Julian. After being there a while, Julian is beginning to understand why he might need help. He’s also beginning to be attracted to Cody, although he would never want anyone at work to know it, for fear of being judged for being gay. Cody is openly gay and has never faced prejudice from anyone in the workplace, but Julian isn’t convinced that the same would be true for him. After spending a day together as just friends, Julian begins to appreciate the charm the city has to offer as well what Cody has to offer. When they get back to work, Julian is still afraid that his sexuality is going to affect his professional appearance and insists that he and Cody behave as if they were just coworkers and not lovers. Cody doesn’t like the idea, but he agrees. As things get more complicated between them, the pressure grows; something has to give.
I enjoyed reading about Huntsville. However, the almost constant conflict between the two main characters almost gave me whiplash. At times, I wanted to smack both of them and tell them to grow up and start communicating properly. It was an enemy-to-friends story, so some discordance was expected and I’m always a sucker for a happy ending, no matter the path taken to get there. Thanks, Wendy, for bringing Julian and Cody together.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on
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