Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Carter McClintock’s life is uncomplicated. For the past five years, he’s spent so much time in hospital scrubs that one day bleeds into the next, and that’s just the way he likes it. That is, until he meets Matthew Nolan. Carter has never had a patient affect him the way Matthew does. During Matthew’s stay in the hospital, the chemistry is unmistakable, and once he is discharged, Carter asks him out.

Despite the obvious attraction between them, Matthew’s HIV status keeps him from handing Carter his heart, refusing to believe anyone could ever truly want him. When Matthew’s past comes to light, their budding relationship is threatened before it has even begun. But Carter isn’t one to give up without a fight, and he will do anything to show Matthew the lengths he will go to keep them together.

 

Book Review

Some men have a harder time than others when defining their life and how they want to live it. In this story, Carter and Matthew may come from different backgrounds, but they share the issue of how to deal with Matthew’s HIV-positive status. And while Carter tells the story, he is so rational and laid-back that it felt to me as though the focus was much more on Matthew than him. Maybe it was due to the fact that Carter’s reactions are so rational, even though his emotions are clearly involved from the moment he meets Matthew.  Maybe it was the way Matthew quietly dealt with his lot in life and how grateful he was for every scrap of attention and affection from Carter. Either way, I think this novella is an interesting character study.
 
Carter is a phlebotomist, in charge of taking blood samples for lab tests. He is rational, dedicated to his work, and usually withdrawn and professional. When he meets Matthew, he suddenly faces an attraction he is not quite sure what to do with, and anyway, he cannot act on it until Matthew stops being a patient. Nevertheless, Carter begins to get to know Matthew during his daily visits and they start dating once Matthew is discharged. Carter’s acceptance of Matthew’s HIV-positive status comes easily. I guess that’s because he knows the facts like few others, and it is rare to see this reaction – in reality as well as in fiction. But there is no emotional turmoil for Carter, just determination to see where things go.

Matthew is the hesitant one in this relationship. Not that I can blame him! He not only has been dealt an awful hand thanks to a despicable ex who infected him, but he has had to deal with a lot of rejection from men who hear about his status – and run for the hills. And Matthew is so open and honest about it that he hasn’t had much more than a first date in a long time. He is shocked and delighted in equal measure when he confesses he is positive, and all that happens is for Carter to accept him anyway. Matthew is still careful about trusting his luck, always ready for rejection at every turn.

If you like stories about opposites attracting, if an almost fairy tale like relationship full of acceptance, helpful (and not so helpful) family members is your thing, and if you’re looking for an angstfree read with a message of hope, then you will probably like this novella.

 

 

 

 

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, 90 pages/27133 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	20-May-2015
Price
Buy Link	OUT OF PRINT