Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Emmett Gant was planning to tell his father something really important one Sunday morning—but his father passed away first. Now, nearly three years later, Emmett can't seem to clear up who he should be with—the girl with the apple cheeks and the awesome family, or his snarky neighbor, Keegan, who never sees his family but who makes Emmett really happy just by coming over to chat.

Emmett needs clarity.

Fortunately for Emmett, his best friend’s mom has a cookbook that promises to give Emmett insight and good food, and Emmett is intrigued. After the cookbook follows him home, Emmett and Keegan decide to make the recipe “For Clarity,” and what ensues is both very clear—and a little surprising, especially to Emmett's girlfriend. Emmett is going to have to think hard about his past and the really important thing he forgot to tell his father if he wants to get the recipe for love just right.

 

Book Review

Very few authors do tortured characters as well as Amy Lane, and I always think I can deal with the emotional torture she puts them (and by extension, me) through. Emmett and Kegan certainly fit that bill, especially Emmet, who tells the story. Chapter one already did me in, and it got worse from there. The thing is though, and that is one of the reasons why I keep reading Amy’s books, the characters need as much help as anyone I’ve ever known, their issues are real, and the reward at the end is all worth it. The special touch of Granny B’s mysterious cookbook appearing to help Emmett and Keegan sort things out is extra nice, and, as always, “Food created out of love casts a spell all its own, but Granny B’s recipes add a little something extra.” Definitely true for this amazing story.

Emmett has grown up an only child, and wants nothing more than a big, happy family. His father loved him (at least Emmett is pretty sure he did), but was a very taciturn man who did his best to raise Emmett after his wife left him. The tragedy of Emmett never having told him he is gay, and the wondering how he might have taken that news are hard on Emmett. Add to that the fear of rejection by the only family he has ever know, that of his best friend Vinnie from next door, and Emmett’s need to fit in is clear. But even three years later all his efforts to love a girl and start a family of his own are in vain. The struggle Emmett faces to be honest with himself, then maybe come out, is heartbreaking.

Keegan is the neighbor where Emmett lives now, and he is clearly interested in Emmett. Well, I could see that, but Emmett keeps forcing himself to see Keegan as “just a friend”. One thing they have in common is the need to talk, and they do, but that doesn’t mean they actually communicate. Not until Granny B’s recipe “For Clarity” comes along – and boy, does it work!

If you like tormented characters who have to really work for their happy ending, if you enjoy sweet romances starring one clueless man and the guy who hopelessly (or so he thinks) falls for him, and if you’re looking for a read that is as emotionally wrenching as it is hot and funny, then you will probably like this novella as much as I did. What a ride!

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 92 pages/26499 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	08-April-2015
Price	$3.99 ebook
Buy Link	http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6237