Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Milo Callan is convinced the disease that ravaged his legs and left him in a wheelchair as a child has damaged something inside him because, as he grows to adulthood, he only becomes aroused by men. His secluded life means he’s convinced he is alone in this until the day Robert Grange, his temporary valet, rescues him from his life inside and takes him into the summer heat, changing his life forever beneath the shade of an ancient tree.

Overwhelmed, confused, and helplessly in love, Milo struggles to deal with his feelings and pushes Robert away time after time.

When Robert can bear it no longer, he decides to leave. Beside himself with grief, can Milo find the strength to believe in himself and accept their love? Will he be able to convince Robert to stay, or has he pushed Robert away for the last time?

Book Review

Set in an unspecified time of what feels like the late 18th century, ‘The Heat of the Moment’ is a story about loneliness, unexpected acceptance, and heartwarming hope. The main character, Milo, tells the story, and it is quite a tale. He is paralyzed and wheelchair-bound, dependent on servants to take care of him, and so miserable that he lashes out badly enough to chase away all but his determined butler. Milo has never had the advantage of physiotherapy to teach him how to do as much as he can for himself, he has not been challenged and taught to be as independent as possible, and he has no idea what love feels like.

Milo touched me for several reasons. First, he is so alone that it is not surprising he is bitter. His mother just left him behind, his guardian did the same, and as a result, Milo believes everyone will eventually leave him. Second, Milo thinks that his attraction to men is due to the same illness that ravaged his legs and left him unable to walk. In a time when men loving each other was illegal and punished by hanging the offenders, it is easy to see how he came to that conclusion.

When Robert is hired as Milo’s new valet, everything changes. Robert is the first person who takes Milo seriously, who thinks about his real needs rather than what looks easy to do, and ends up challenging Milo to be much more active than he has ever been before. It’s not easy, but the sexual attraction between them allows them to become closer – before Milo panics and almost ruins everything.

If you like stories in historical settings with a bit of “upstairs/downstairs” charm, if you believe that everyone deserves a chance to be happy, and if you’re looking for a read that is as moving and heartbreaking as it is filled with passion and hope, then you will probably like this short story as much as I do. Absolutely wonderful!

 

 

 

 

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

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Short Story, 12300 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	17-September-2016
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29_94&products_id=1875