Book Reviews

Book Blurb

A short stint in Basel, Switzerland is just what Mark needs to blast away the boredom of his job. When he meets Steffen, a sexy Swiss man, Mark expects some fun, great sex, and a clean break when he heads home to the UK in a few months.

 
The arrangement works just as well for Steffen, who has been content with casual lovers after a painful betrayal, but his soft spot for British men after attending university in the UK, means it’s not as easy as he thought to keep Mark in his bed but out of his heart. 

Together they explore Basel’s rich history and traditions, and Mark begins to see Steffen as much more than a tour guide with benefits. If he isn’t careful, the trip meant to break the lull in his career might end up breaking his heart instead.

First edition published by Dreamspinner Press, January 2018.

Book Review

Any blurb of a romance story that starts with “neither of them wants to fall in love…” not just makes me smile - It’s a romance, right?! So what is the point of resistance? - but also has my immediate interest. I find it fascinating to watch people who say “never” or “that isn’t going to happen to me” find out that their preconceived notions are just plain wrong. It has happened to me a few times in my life, and every time it did, there was a major “light bulb moment” for me. Mark and Steffen are in for a major enlightenment as well – albeit only after fighting themselves, each other, and Fate.

Mark only goes to Basel for his job, knows it is temporary, yet he finds the working environment much more interesting than what he is used to from the UK. Add the fact that he meets Steffen, and he is quickly tempted into doing exactly what he swore he wouldn’t – wanting more from Steffen than they agreed to. And all this despite the fact that Mark does not even want a long-term relationship.

Steffen has been badly burned by a cheating lover, has slept around for a few years, and is beginning to think that he might be ready for a long-term partner. But while he likes Mark and enjoys sending time with him on a temporary basis, Steffen has not planned to fall in love. And being Swiss, even a Cambridge-educated one, he likes his plans and being in control of his life.

Amid the thoroughly enjoyable explorations of Basel, learning about Swiss traditions, and enjoying getting to know Swiss food, Mark is thoroughly charmed by Steffen. Steffen enjoys Mark’s curiosity and reactions far more than he wants to admit. Both men want more, but neither thinks of making the first move. They had an agreement after all. I was about to despair of both of them when a sliver of hope appeared at the horizon… and that is all I will say. What happens next is charming, fun, and very entertaining. It’s also a wonderful way to find out more about Switzerland, as the setting is vividly integrated into the proceedings.

If you like stories about men who never intended to fall in love when they meet – only to discover they have “no choice”, if you enjoy romances set in foreign countries, and if you’re looking for a fun read with lots of passion, then you will probably like this novella.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 162 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	26-January-2020
Price	$3.49 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Not-All-Chocolate-Cuckoo-Clocks-ebook/dp/B0847R96R1