Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Rob Barker had plans for his weekend and they didn’t involve struggling through the pre-Christmas crowds with the five-year-old niece he barely knows. Left with no choice, he grudgingly takes Pearl to see the sights of London but, instead of following the list his sister-in-law gives him, Rob takes her to With A Kick, an ice-cream shop with a difference.

His plan is foiled when he discovers With A Kick is closed for a private children's party, but the owners kindly let Pearl join in. Rob’s mood improves considerably as he watches Father Christmas hand out presents. Not only is Santa a hot red-head under the beard, he is also one of his rugby team-mates, Mick, a man Rob has always lusted after. After Mick confesses a mutual interest, he agrees to meet Rob at With A Kick’s evening party—where there are definitely no kids - or girls - allowed.

 

Book Review

“If you spent your life concentrating on what everyone else thought of you, would you forget who you really were?” ~ Jodi Picoult, Nineteen Minutes

Rob Barker, of 'Bells and Balls' by Sue Brown, has become disillusioned with life. He feels alienated from his family who he believes do not approve of him and his lack of motivation. Rob hasn't told his family he's gay for fear of even more rejection. In order to ease the pain of isolation, Rob pretends not to care. When his brother asks that he babysit his daughter, Pearl, for the afternoon so he and his wife can have some alone time, Rob thinks it's a joke. He  can't imagine why they trust him to be with her at all; but his brother sounds so desperate that he takes pity on him. Rob picks up his niece and promptly throws away the detailed list her mother has prepared for them which includes organic food and other things which are healthy and takes Pearl to McDonald’s then to his favorite ice cream parlor, With a Kick.'  After a bit of time with her, Rob is surprised to find that he actually likes Pearl.

With a Kick is closed for a private party which includes presents and a visit from Santa Claus. The owner of the shop graciously lets Pearl join the party. While waiting for her, Rob meets the men from the other stories in the ‘With a Kick’ series, Lee and Patrick and Stan and David, and they give him a quick rundown on all the other men in their group. He's delighted to learn that they are all gay and even happier when they tell him about a boy's only party later. When it comes time to sit on Santa's lap, Pearl is terrified. She's confused because her mother has told her there is no Santa which Rob finds appalling. He offers to go up with her and sit on Santa's lap himself. Then he realizes that Santa is his fellow soccer player, Mick. Rob has been lusting after him for years, but didn't know he was gay. When he finds that Mick will be coming to the adult party later, he starts plotting.

Mick, like Rob, hasn't told anyone he's gay, especially his soccer teammates, but when Rob finds out, Mick decides to let his hair down and spend some time with him. They have fun at the party until Rob's comments get too sexual and Mick becomes upset. He starts to walk away until Lee does an intervention, advising Rob to slow down and approach Mick with respect instead of just trying to get him in bed right away. Rob decides that Mick is worth the effort and embarks on a mission to prove that he wants more than sex from Mick. In the process, he learns a lot about how he perceives himself and how others perceive him as well.

This is my favorite of all of the 'With a Kick' series so far. Sue has such a knack for mixing funny circumstances and conversations in with serious subjects. The result is a realistic but hopeful situation, which encourages rather than brings me down. Sue's characters are wonderfully flawed, eccentric, and true to life. Once I understand their point of view and the reasons behind their behavior, I can't help but become attached to them and wish them well. It was great visiting with the other guys in the series and see how their small, but complex community supports each other. This story can be read alone, but is better if read in sequential order. Don’t miss all the drama and fun of the other three books. If you like a funny, realistic story with lots of handsome men, ice cream, friendships, and bringing families closer together, you will enjoy 'Bells and Balls.' Thanks, Sue. This holiday tale was a great addition to the series. I can't wait to see what the boys get up to next.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 27000 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	29-December-2014
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Bells-Balls-Kick-Book-4-ebook/dp/B00RKOGQO8