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The Elf and Shoemaker
(Gay / Erotica / Fantasy / Fairy Tale / Witchcraft / Magic) Logan Shoemaker's honest, hardworking, and loves what he does. Though he never expects to get rich, he's fared well enough to stay comfortable with his quirky metaphysical store, Shoemaker's Magick Shoppe. But when the economy falls on hard times, his store pays the price. As each month passes, slow sales turn into no sales, and soon Logan's living off ramen noodles and sleeping in a freezing house during the cold winter nights as he struggles to make ends meet. His personal life isn't much better--the worse business at the store grows, the more isolated and lonely he becomes. After a string of mishaps that wipe out the last of his small savings, he finally hits rock bottom the day he discovers the disconnection notice from the electric company hanging on his door. That night, desperate and in despair, he makes a plea to the universe, asking for help. Needless to say, he never anticipates receiving a response so quickly. Not only does he awaken the next morning to find on his kitchen table four little bottles of a special potion labeled 'PASSION,' but he keeps remembering the erotically charged dream he'd had during the night. A dream where a tall, gorgeous man with pointed ears comes to his bed and shows him just what kind of magick they can make together. But was it a dream? All Logan knows is that his customers can't get enough of the special potion--an aphrodisiac--and he can't stop thinking about the sweet seduction of the nighttime visitor who made it. As he tries to sort out what's real and what's not, he discovers there's a much bigger world out there than he'd ever believed, and his true heart's desire might come in a most unexpected form...
120 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
10 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Rhodes
42 books570 followersI’m author M.L. Rhodes and I write m/m romance and fantasy. This means my books are about gay or bisexual men meeting, falling in love, and finding happily-ever-afters with other men. Sometimes the settings are contemporary, sometimes the stories take place in worlds filled with dragons, witches, or other fantasy and paranormal creatures. But there’s one thing of which you can be certain…in my books, love always wins!
If you'd like to know more about me and writing, swing by my website when you have a few minutes! http://authormlrhodes.com
If you'd like to know more about me and writing, swing by my website when you have a few minutes! http://authormlrhodes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 29, 2009
Logan Shoemaker is struggling to keep his store, Shoemaker's Magick Shoppe, afloat. As the economy worsens his store has been losing customers and sales and he now finds himself on the brink of financial disaster. Disheartened with the state of his life Logan is finding it hard to believe that he'll find a way out of the mess his life has become. When he gets drunk one night he calls out for help, never thinking that he'll get any, but there's magic in the air that night and his call is heard and answered.
Hallan Greystone is an elf who's been watching Logan through a magical mirror for a while. In love with the man he sees in the mirror but unable to make any contact Hallan is thrilled when he hears Logan call for help. When he manages to cross into Logan's world Hallan finds himself unable to resist the man he's in love with and Logan and Hallan spend a magical night together. Before heading back to his world he makes four bottles of a special potion that just may end up giving Logan's business a second lease on life.
But while Logan's life starts to improve Hallan's is becoming dangerous. In his world he is known as the Potion Master and the King he serves, not by his choice, has the power of life and death over him. Unable to resist Logan, Hallan continues to cross over to visit him although each time could lead to disaster. As the lovers search for a way to be together things finally come to a head in Hallan's world and the consequences could be deadly for him.
I really enjoyed this modern day fairy tale. Both Logan and Hallan are well developed and quite likable characters. Logan is a decent hardworking man who is trying as hard as he can to keep his dreams alive. Even though he's experiencing really hard times the author manages to keep him a sympathetic character where it would have been easy for him to slip into a whiny why me attitude. Instead he comes across as a sweet gentle and genuinely nice man and as we see his interactions with not only Hallan but his customers and neighbor as well it's quite easy to really like him.
Hallan is also as nice a character as Logan. It's a shame though that a lot of his story takes place in his world and we don't get to experience it firsthand with him. However that doesn't take away from the story and I was still very taken with the men and the relationship that develops between them. They are romantic and loving yet very hot as well.
This story is very well written including the sex scenes. The characters come alive on the page and the love and care between them is clear. Overall this is a wonderfully compelling story with an interesting plot and memorable characters. I really enjoyed this sweet tale of love and highly recommend it.
Hallan Greystone is an elf who's been watching Logan through a magical mirror for a while. In love with the man he sees in the mirror but unable to make any contact Hallan is thrilled when he hears Logan call for help. When he manages to cross into Logan's world Hallan finds himself unable to resist the man he's in love with and Logan and Hallan spend a magical night together. Before heading back to his world he makes four bottles of a special potion that just may end up giving Logan's business a second lease on life.
But while Logan's life starts to improve Hallan's is becoming dangerous. In his world he is known as the Potion Master and the King he serves, not by his choice, has the power of life and death over him. Unable to resist Logan, Hallan continues to cross over to visit him although each time could lead to disaster. As the lovers search for a way to be together things finally come to a head in Hallan's world and the consequences could be deadly for him.
I really enjoyed this modern day fairy tale. Both Logan and Hallan are well developed and quite likable characters. Logan is a decent hardworking man who is trying as hard as he can to keep his dreams alive. Even though he's experiencing really hard times the author manages to keep him a sympathetic character where it would have been easy for him to slip into a whiny why me attitude. Instead he comes across as a sweet gentle and genuinely nice man and as we see his interactions with not only Hallan but his customers and neighbor as well it's quite easy to really like him.
Hallan is also as nice a character as Logan. It's a shame though that a lot of his story takes place in his world and we don't get to experience it firsthand with him. However that doesn't take away from the story and I was still very taken with the men and the relationship that develops between them. They are romantic and loving yet very hot as well.
This story is very well written including the sex scenes. The characters come alive on the page and the love and care between them is clear. Overall this is a wonderfully compelling story with an interesting plot and memorable characters. I really enjoyed this sweet tale of love and highly recommend it.
March 31, 2012
Loved it so much what an intense erotic love story this was. Hallan and Logan god the emotion and love in every caress and kiss was beautiful the want and need, the desperation making every moment last as long as possible yep it tugged at my heart strings. Fantasy at its best a dreamy magical gem a perfect pick me up and a definite keeper.
April 14, 2012
I loved this story! Short but oh so sweet I only wish it could have been longer. The connection between Logan and Hallan......*sigh* was so beautiful.
This book was pure romance in its best form, no angst just sweet, sweet loving. Being a big fan of fantasy it was great to have that element here.
Short book, short review but the book is in no way short of anything! I never like to write what the story is about in my reviews you can read that from the blurb and its best to experience some books with as little knowledge as possible before you start. This is one of those books.
I highly recommend this book, perfect book to read in between those angst filled stories.....enjoy!
This book was pure romance in its best form, no angst just sweet, sweet loving. Being a big fan of fantasy it was great to have that element here.
Short book, short review but the book is in no way short of anything! I never like to write what the story is about in my reviews you can read that from the blurb and its best to experience some books with as little knowledge as possible before you start. This is one of those books.
I highly recommend this book, perfect book to read in between those angst filled stories.....enjoy!
April 7, 2012
All I can say is that I loved this book. It was a very sweet and wonderful read.
January 9, 2011
Mirror can be tricky!
Logan don't know he has a magic mirror, and is all depressed and sad
... a lot... being depressed and sad about his life in front of that mirror.Hallan is an elf (if I can be honesty, a hell of a hot one!) and he can see and hear Logan... doing that for almost 2 years he will fall in love.
So I can't say more because all the fun of the story is how can Logan get a better life, and how can Hallan
... yep, friendship is his main aim 
.4 stars and only the lack of a more deeply description of Hallan world is the problem if this story (to fast in my view, more should be told about his elf world)
March 27, 2011
I love M.L. Rhodes's fantasy stories -- they are so much better than her contemporary ones :p. There is so much tenderness in this story, emotions that are so deep. Starting with the loneliness and yearning for a better life, coming from Logan, the Shoemaker. Then that love coming from Hallan. It's a lovely romance that makes my heart just all warm and fuzzy.
Complaints: I wish there are more scenes regarding Hallan's fight to get back to Logan's world. After Hallan makes that promise that he will find a way to stay with Logan, the scenes are all written from Logan's point of view. That makes something "missing" from the whole story.
Complaints: I wish there are more scenes regarding Hallan's fight to get back to Logan's world. After Hallan makes that promise that he will find a way to stay with Logan, the scenes are all written from Logan's point of view. That makes something "missing" from the whole story.
June 14, 2016
Why did I wait so long to read this really sweet and romantic story???
Thanks to Mandy, Monika and Vio for pushing...there really is no Pumuckl inside
Thanks to Mandy, Monika and Vio for pushing...there really is no Pumuckl inside
June 27, 2010
Nicely done m/m fantasy romance about the owner of a new age shop who’s about to lose his business when help comes from a most unexpected source. (If you have a mysterious old mirror wrapped up and tucked away somewhere, I’d really recommend you get it out and hang it up!)
November 17, 2012
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.0
Logan Shoemaker is the owner of Shoemaker’s Magick Shoppe, a quirky metaphysical store that has fallen on hard times. Sales have turned stagnant and Logan has been living off of ramen noodles while the electric company is threatening to cut off his power in the middle of winter. He has desperately tried to turn things around to no avail; and, he has grown more isolated and despondent by the day. When he finally hits rock bottom, Logan makes a heart-felt plea to the universe, asking for help. His prayers are answered by Hallan Greystone, a 650-year-old, dreamy, smexy elf. Hallan has been watching Logan through a magical mirror for the better part of two years. In that time, Hallan has fallen hard for the kind, honest, and hardworking shopkeeper. Logan's plea for help allows Hallan to cross between worlds, thus beginning their steamy love affair.
This was a sweet read. I liked the concept and enjoyed reading about the worlds that Rhodes created. Both Logan and Hallan were loveable protaganists ... if anything, they were too good. Although they weren't perfect, they were a little too perfect for each other. This was insta-love, at least on Logan's part if not Hallan's too. Personally, I would have liked to see their relationship hashed out more. Also, although we are treated to a glimpse into Lamerion and Hallan's struggles in this alternate world in the beginning of the book, we are sadly shut out when all the action happens near the end. Rather than "showing" us what unfolded there, we are "told" about it second hand, which was disappointing.
On the bright side: I LOVED how thoughtful and caring Hallan was with Logan. The woo-hoo oil, Mrs. Khovanksy (Logan's elderly neighbor), and Zeus were fun too.
Bottom line: A short and sweet fantasy about a struggling magic shop owner and a hunky elf. Recommended!
Logan Shoemaker is the owner of Shoemaker’s Magick Shoppe, a quirky metaphysical store that has fallen on hard times. Sales have turned stagnant and Logan has been living off of ramen noodles while the electric company is threatening to cut off his power in the middle of winter. He has desperately tried to turn things around to no avail; and, he has grown more isolated and despondent by the day. When he finally hits rock bottom, Logan makes a heart-felt plea to the universe, asking for help. His prayers are answered by Hallan Greystone, a 650-year-old, dreamy, smexy elf. Hallan has been watching Logan through a magical mirror for the better part of two years. In that time, Hallan has fallen hard for the kind, honest, and hardworking shopkeeper. Logan's plea for help allows Hallan to cross between worlds, thus beginning their steamy love affair.
This was a sweet read. I liked the concept and enjoyed reading about the worlds that Rhodes created. Both Logan and Hallan were loveable protaganists ... if anything, they were too good. Although they weren't perfect, they were a little too perfect for each other. This was insta-love, at least on Logan's part if not Hallan's too. Personally, I would have liked to see their relationship hashed out more. Also, although we are treated to a glimpse into Lamerion and Hallan's struggles in this alternate world in the beginning of the book, we are sadly shut out when all the action happens near the end. Rather than "showing" us what unfolded there, we are "told" about it second hand, which was disappointing.
On the bright side: I LOVED how thoughtful and caring Hallan was with Logan. The woo-hoo oil, Mrs. Khovanksy (Logan's elderly neighbor), and Zeus were fun too.
Bottom line: A short and sweet fantasy about a struggling magic shop owner and a hunky elf. Recommended!
January 7, 2011
I loved this book. It was a very, very sweet read, imo.
It starts off kind of depressing with Logan going through a rough time and about to lose his business. He asks for help and in comes Hallan, an elf from another world. Hallan has been watching Logan for the past two years (his time, 9 months Logan's time), through an elf mirror, and has fallen in love with Logan so when Logan asks for help, he drops everything he's doing to answer Logan's plea.
In the midst of the story, Hallan creates potions that Logan sells and helps his business get back on its feet. However, while Logan's business is blooming, his heart is breaking because Hallan and he are from two different worlds and there's stipulations that are attached to the mirror Hallan goes through to visit Logan. Between Logan's inability to properly see Hallan when they meet and the dangers Hallan faces at home, they both go through a difficult time trying to figure out a way to be together before anything fatal happens to Hallan.
You know, I loved this book. Logan and Hallan together was so captivating to me that I didn't want to put them down. I stayed up late to finish reading it, that's how good it was to me. Lol. I can't even give you a specific reason why I loved it just that I was drawn in from start to finish. ^_^
I would have liked to see more of Hallan's world, though, and for it to have been longer so we could have delved deeper into Logan and Hallan's relationship.
All in all, a great book. Short, sweet and cute.
It starts off kind of depressing with Logan going through a rough time and about to lose his business. He asks for help and in comes Hallan, an elf from another world. Hallan has been watching Logan for the past two years (his time, 9 months Logan's time), through an elf mirror, and has fallen in love with Logan so when Logan asks for help, he drops everything he's doing to answer Logan's plea.
In the midst of the story, Hallan creates potions that Logan sells and helps his business get back on its feet. However, while Logan's business is blooming, his heart is breaking because Hallan and he are from two different worlds and there's stipulations that are attached to the mirror Hallan goes through to visit Logan. Between Logan's inability to properly see Hallan when they meet and the dangers Hallan faces at home, they both go through a difficult time trying to figure out a way to be together before anything fatal happens to Hallan.
You know, I loved this book. Logan and Hallan together was so captivating to me that I didn't want to put them down. I stayed up late to finish reading it, that's how good it was to me. Lol. I can't even give you a specific reason why I loved it just that I was drawn in from start to finish. ^_^
I would have liked to see more of Hallan's world, though, and for it to have been longer so we could have delved deeper into Logan and Hallan's relationship.
All in all, a great book. Short, sweet and cute.
April 17, 2012
I really enjoyed/loved this story and basically finished in one sitting that kept me up way to late on a "school" night. And who doesn't love retreating into a fantasy world for a change.
The connection between Logan and Hallan is beautiful. Logan doesn't ask for much he just wants to be happy with the shop he loves and to have someone in his life. Hallan sees the good in Logan and wants nothing more than to with him. Do they connect? You will have to read to find out.
I usually shy away from short stories because it get sucked in and its over way to soon. Yes, this story did that to me, but am not sorry in the least that I did. This is truly a love story and shows that when it right what one will do.
Highly recommended!
The connection between Logan and Hallan is beautiful. Logan doesn't ask for much he just wants to be happy with the shop he loves and to have someone in his life. Hallan sees the good in Logan and wants nothing more than to with him. Do they connect? You will have to read to find out.
I usually shy away from short stories because it get sucked in and its over way to soon. Yes, this story did that to me, but am not sorry in the least that I did. This is truly a love story and shows that when it right what one will do.
Highly recommended!
April 11, 2011
Not bad, but not one of my favorites from M.L. Rhodes. Quick explanation why? Too much sex, not enough story for my tastes. Also, I'm a big fan of fantasy, and I thought the fantasy elements in this book were seriously lacking. (Most of the action takes place in the human world, and very little about the elven world is really explained or expanded upon. Frankly, most of the book was sex rather than story.)
October 17, 2015
Based on the story of the elves and the shoemaker, this is the same story except the elf is a potion maker and Logan is called Shoemaker but he doesnt make shoes he owns a stores. Business is bad and Logan cant make ends meet. One night, Hallan visits and leaves him a passion potion and also makes love to him.The potion sells and Logan has money for his bills.
This is a cute story with alot of sex for such a short book.
This is a cute story with alot of sex for such a short book.
February 27, 2010
Short and perfect. Logan is sweet and soulful, Hallan is an elf who makes his dreams come true. To be clear, he's an elf in the Legolas sort of way, not in the Christmas or Keebler kind. So we're clear. There is also a subtle tie in between this one and The Draegan Lord series which is beyond great.
June 3, 2010
Totally cute! Perfect take on a fairy tale re-told.
February 7, 2015
This was a sweet story of a magick shopkeeper about to loose his shop and an elf who'd been loving him from other world. Nicely wrote short story. Truly enjoyed it!
September 21, 2022
The Elf and Shoemaker by M.L. Rhodes (Goodreads Author)- The book narrates the story of Logan, an honest and hardworking Shoemaker who loves the work done by him. Logan never expects to get rich. He has fared well enough to stay comfortable with his quirky metaphysical store named ‘Shoemaker’s Magick Shoppe”. when the economy falls on hard times, his store pays the price. As each month passes, slow sales turn into no sales, and soon Logan’s living off ramen noodles and sleeping in a freezing house during the cold winter nights, as he struggles to make ends meet. His personal life is not much better—the worse business at the store grows. Logan becomes more isolated and lonely. After a string of mishaps that wipe out the last of his small savings, he finally hits rock bottom the day he discovers the disconnection notice from the electric company hanging on his door. That night, desperate and in despair, he makes a plea to the universe, asking for help. Needless to say, he never anticipates receiving a response so quickly. Not only does he awaken the next morning to find on his kitchen table four little bottles of a special potion labeled “PASSION,” but he keeps remembering the erotically charged dream he had had during the night. A dream where a tall, gorgeous man with pointed ears comes to his bed and shows him just what kind of Magick they can make together. But was it a dream? All Logan knows is that his customers cannot get enough of the special potion—an aphrodisiac—and he cannot stop thinking about the sweet seduction of the night time visitor who made it. As he tries to sort out what is real and what’s not, he discovers there is a much bigger world out there than he did ever believed, and his true heart’s desire might come in a most unexpected form. Logan does not fall for Hogan’s magical potions. He works hard and slow and steady his store finds customers visit him.
Read
May 19, 2009In a little college small town Logan Shoemaker apparently has a good life, he is the owner of an old Victorian house he turned in a magick shop and lives upstair. The neighbors are nice and he is quite content with his life, if not for the financial trouble he is having: people don't believe no more in magic and his shop is always more empty.
In one of the darkest days of his life, after drinking a full bottle of red wine, Logan cries out for help... and someone listen to him. Hallan lives from the other side of the ancient mirror Logan hangs up in his kitchen; he is an elf, a potion master, and the mirror allow him to see the everyday life of Logan, but he has never had before the chance to talk to him, only if Logan asks for help, only in that event Hallan can step through the mirror in Logan's life. But only by night and without Logan seeing him.
That night Hallan helps Logan making four little bottles of passion oil and also giving to Logan the most wonderful sex of his life (always in the dark and with Logan believing he is having a wet dream). But the morning after Logan finds the four bottles and also a ring Hallan left for him, and so he realizes that his elf dream lover is real.
But in Hallan's world there is a war in act, and Hallan as king's potion master is in deep trouble. And he can't be with Logan, since if Logan sees him he will be forever captive in the elf world, without no more the possibility to step through the mirror.
I like the story, it's really a fairy tale; even if there is sex, and really hot sex, it never ruins the fairy tale atmosphere of the story. Hallan is really tender, so wise and steady, not at all the usual elflike character I'm used to. He is strong but at the same time gentle, he creates magic with his hands, mixing love potions and making sweet love to Logan. Logan is a cute character, I don't understand if he is pretty or not, but I imagine he is, but he is also shy and gentle, the classic man who helps the elderly and shelters stray pets (even if it's the first time I read of a stray rodent...)
The story is more simple of what I was expecting but it was not a bad thing; reading it I was building a lot of possibility in my head, trying to imagine how all the supporting characters in the story will be involved in the final solution; in the end all was simpler than what I was imagining, but I'm not criticizing the author, for me it means that she gave deepness even to the less important characters.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1602728925/?...
In one of the darkest days of his life, after drinking a full bottle of red wine, Logan cries out for help... and someone listen to him. Hallan lives from the other side of the ancient mirror Logan hangs up in his kitchen; he is an elf, a potion master, and the mirror allow him to see the everyday life of Logan, but he has never had before the chance to talk to him, only if Logan asks for help, only in that event Hallan can step through the mirror in Logan's life. But only by night and without Logan seeing him.
That night Hallan helps Logan making four little bottles of passion oil and also giving to Logan the most wonderful sex of his life (always in the dark and with Logan believing he is having a wet dream). But the morning after Logan finds the four bottles and also a ring Hallan left for him, and so he realizes that his elf dream lover is real.
But in Hallan's world there is a war in act, and Hallan as king's potion master is in deep trouble. And he can't be with Logan, since if Logan sees him he will be forever captive in the elf world, without no more the possibility to step through the mirror.
I like the story, it's really a fairy tale; even if there is sex, and really hot sex, it never ruins the fairy tale atmosphere of the story. Hallan is really tender, so wise and steady, not at all the usual elflike character I'm used to. He is strong but at the same time gentle, he creates magic with his hands, mixing love potions and making sweet love to Logan. Logan is a cute character, I don't understand if he is pretty or not, but I imagine he is, but he is also shy and gentle, the classic man who helps the elderly and shelters stray pets (even if it's the first time I read of a stray rodent...)
The story is more simple of what I was expecting but it was not a bad thing; reading it I was building a lot of possibility in my head, trying to imagine how all the supporting characters in the story will be involved in the final solution; in the end all was simpler than what I was imagining, but I'm not criticizing the author, for me it means that she gave deepness even to the less important characters.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1602728925/?...
January 8, 2012
Poor Logan is honest , hardworking and loves what he does. He helps little old ladies home and shovels their walk. But that dont pay the bills. He's doing everything he can to survive the bad economy. One night it's just too much that he lays his head down and asks the universe for help.
Surprise he has a magic mirror in his kitchen. On the other side is a elf named Hallan, who has been watching Logan for years. So the elf comes to his rescue and there is some "dreamy" elf sex (btw dreamy elf sex is really really hot). We find out that elf ears are a hot spot. Hallan makes Logan some passion potion. Then Hallan has to go back.
Hallan loves Logan and Logan loves Hallan but it's never that simple.
I loved the book and I would recommend it to anyone.
Surprise he has a magic mirror in his kitchen. On the other side is a elf named Hallan, who has been watching Logan for years. So the elf comes to his rescue and there is some "dreamy" elf sex (btw dreamy elf sex is really really hot). We find out that elf ears are a hot spot. Hallan makes Logan some passion potion. Then Hallan has to go back.
Hallan loves Logan and Logan loves Hallan but it's never that simple.
I loved the book and I would recommend it to anyone.
October 29, 2010
This is a wonderful fantasy M&M Romance. We all want to believe in fairies, elves and magic. This book has it all along with hot men. What more can you ask for? I love, love, loved it.
May 12, 2012
Such a short, sweet, lovely story.
So romantic -le sigh-
Recommended for those who enjoy this genre!
So romantic -le sigh-
Recommended for those who enjoy this genre!
July 10, 2018
Between 3-4, the ending felt like there could have been more, especially after what felt like a really good build up. First half gives it a 4, the last half felt somewhat rushed and ended this more on a 3.
July 15, 2023
Para lo breve que es, sus personajes inspiraron ternura.
October 26, 2023
3.5 stars
July 28, 2025
It is what it’s suppose to be:
Short story
Love
Hotness
To the point plot
Short story
Love
Hotness
To the point plot
October 27, 2012
Not Rhodes’s best, but still very good
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Disclaimer(s):
* I have read only about 25 m/m romances, so I'm not an expert yet on the genre as a whole.
* I prefer romances that are more about feelings than sex. If a book has lots of lust-filled, dispassionate sex, I'm not impressed. If the sex is a manifestation of love, bring it on.
Rating: 8/10
Pros:
- Genuinely feel-good, rags-to-riches, "awww" story.
- Hot sex scenes - passionate, tender, lots of kissing.
- Surprisingly believable "love at first touch" plotline - Rhodes did a better job at developing a loving (as opposed to lusting) relationship very quickly than some other authors do. Possible SPOILER: Part of this is because one of the characters has known about the other for 2 years before they ever meet and is already in love with him.
- Well-written - Rhodes is one of the best I've encountered in this genre.
Cons:
- Short - closer to novella length than novel length.
- Rushed ending - almost anti-climactic climax. The climactic scene lasts for about 5 pages, which is okay if you consider how short the story is as a whole. The problem, though, is that Rhodes builds up the suspense throughout the rest of the story (by hinting at what must happen at the end), and then when the moment of truth finally comes along, things are hairy for about a page and a half and then it's all over.
- Little development of the fantasy world. What we see of it is beautiful, particularly in one dream-like sequence, but a handful of other details (in addition to the silver tree, for example) would really have rounded the world out.
Overall comments: If you're addicted to the genre, as I am, certainly worth a read. If you're more interested in the romance of m/m books than in plot, certainly worth a read. If you prefer stories heavy on the action/drama and lighter on the romance/sex, this one may not be for you.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Disclaimer(s):
* I have read only about 25 m/m romances, so I'm not an expert yet on the genre as a whole.
* I prefer romances that are more about feelings than sex. If a book has lots of lust-filled, dispassionate sex, I'm not impressed. If the sex is a manifestation of love, bring it on.
Rating: 8/10
Pros:
- Genuinely feel-good, rags-to-riches, "awww" story.
- Hot sex scenes - passionate, tender, lots of kissing.
- Surprisingly believable "love at first touch" plotline - Rhodes did a better job at developing a loving (as opposed to lusting) relationship very quickly than some other authors do. Possible SPOILER: Part of this is because one of the characters has known about the other for 2 years before they ever meet and is already in love with him.
- Well-written - Rhodes is one of the best I've encountered in this genre.
Cons:
- Short - closer to novella length than novel length.
- Rushed ending - almost anti-climactic climax. The climactic scene lasts for about 5 pages, which is okay if you consider how short the story is as a whole. The problem, though, is that Rhodes builds up the suspense throughout the rest of the story (by hinting at what must happen at the end), and then when the moment of truth finally comes along, things are hairy for about a page and a half and then it's all over.
- Little development of the fantasy world. What we see of it is beautiful, particularly in one dream-like sequence, but a handful of other details (in addition to the silver tree, for example) would really have rounded the world out.
Overall comments: If you're addicted to the genre, as I am, certainly worth a read. If you're more interested in the romance of m/m books than in plot, certainly worth a read. If you prefer stories heavy on the action/drama and lighter on the romance/sex, this one may not be for you.
June 3, 2011
This was like drinking hot chocolate on a cold winters day. Curled up comfy while the storm raged outside, I couldn’t put the book down. Sure there wasn’t this ultimate since of betrayal as you’ll find in most all books lately but that’s what made it even more of a treasure to me. It was more about something ordinary turning magical. An ordinary man making it day by day, having ordinary troubles as most of us do. The economy hasn’t been nice to many of us. It was a fairy tale story that I loved as a child in an adult setting. While the plot might not be the main course that some enjoy, I personally enjoy having desert occasionally (as my waistline would tell you if you could see it). You really get to know the characters and fall in love with them. The only complaint is that the author did such a good job on the characters that I feel lost not having a story on the little old neighbor lady. I feel as though there should or is something more about her that I’m missing. I really recommend this book this book to those that want a sweet, well written read occasionally.
August 9, 2009
The Tasting:
Dislike/like (ending on a high note):
Dislike~ Let’s face it, you know from the outset that this is pretty much going to end happily ever after. I didn’t really dislike this exactly, but still a smidge too easy.
Like~ I HEART M L Rhodes’ work. She gives good romance. Enuf said.
Dislike~ I wanted a longer story. I wanted more angst, more conflict, more detail – in real time – about what was happening in the Elf world, etc.
Like~ Awww, Logan and Hallan. *sigh* Perfect characters for this story; not to mention being very smexy together. *YAY*
So, what I think:
M L Rhodes never disappoints. If you like her, you’ll like this sweet story.
========================================
‘Tasting’ is my version of a mini-review where I talk a (very) little about what I liked and disliked about a book as well as who I think the story will appeal to.
Dislike/like (ending on a high note):
Dislike~ Let’s face it, you know from the outset that this is pretty much going to end happily ever after. I didn’t really dislike this exactly, but still a smidge too easy.
Like~ I HEART M L Rhodes’ work. She gives good romance. Enuf said.
Dislike~ I wanted a longer story. I wanted more angst, more conflict, more detail – in real time – about what was happening in the Elf world, etc.
Like~ Awww, Logan and Hallan. *sigh* Perfect characters for this story; not to mention being very smexy together. *YAY*
So, what I think:
M L Rhodes never disappoints. If you like her, you’ll like this sweet story.
========================================
‘Tasting’ is my version of a mini-review where I talk a (very) little about what I liked and disliked about a book as well as who I think the story will appeal to.
April 14, 2014
I have no clue why I loved this story so much, so don't ask (kidding, you can ask away)! I was infuriated when I realized this "novel" actually constitutes a novella, and was pining for more when I reached the conclusion. For some reason, I fell in love with Logan (the protagonist); mostly because I could see him as a real person (hell, I could see him as me!). Throwing away the prospect of fortunes in this face-paced economy, Logan chose to pursue his passion: his magick shop. He is failing to make ends meet, and then, out of a silent cry for help, Logan receives what he needs most: success in his business and a companion to share with him in this success. Though I am not normally drawn to the Fantasy genre, I enjoyed how the worlds (human and elf) interacted, but continued to focus primarily on Logan's.
It was hot and OH so charming.
It was hot and OH so charming.
August 22, 2015
i have to say i was very curious about this story when i started to read it.... and my curiosity grow as i continues to read.....
i really liked it! it was really interesting the way everything was played up.... and i liked the ending.... \(^.^)/
Tho i have to say, That may be they hit the sack a bit too fast in a way, but then that's just me thinking.....
Dinner before that i did say but then, this was special kind of meeting o(0>0)o
non the less, what really caught me was the way emotions were played between this too characters, the despair, wounder, loneliness etc, then they way they were slowly counteracted, i would read it again just for this :p, also the interaction between the characters, kind of makes me feel all nice inside.....lol
all in all i really liked it and hope that there's something else coming, like sequel..... o(>.<)o
i really liked it! it was really interesting the way everything was played up.... and i liked the ending.... \(^.^)/
Tho i have to say, That may be they hit the sack a bit too fast in a way, but then that's just me thinking.....
Dinner before that i did say but then, this was special kind of meeting o(0>0)o
non the less, what really caught me was the way emotions were played between this too characters, the despair, wounder, loneliness etc, then they way they were slowly counteracted, i would read it again just for this :p, also the interaction between the characters, kind of makes me feel all nice inside.....lol
all in all i really liked it and hope that there's something else coming, like sequel..... o(>.<)o
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