JL Merrow

4 Stars

Real foibles. Real problems. Real.

Definitely a great start to an intriguing series setup involving a fictional British seaside town that will be the future nexus of past and present romance stories.

I admit I kinda hesitated starting this. It seemed a bit gloomy and the page number was intimidating but its quiet voice and strength of story won me over.

Devan is on vacation with a hidden agenda in visiting Porthkennack. While he procrastinates he comes across Kyle who has his own health problems and baggage. What ensues is a cheeky (but with plenty of feels) interaction that is sparked by attraction and transforms into a friends with benefits situation as they get to know each other while exploring the history laden town. Both Devan and Kyle have insecurities about their life situation and the prospects about their future - each plausible and understandable - each with a yearning to find purpose and maybe that special someone to perhaps take a chance on.

This was a slow buildup despite spanning a short few weeks. This was also a thoughtful and unique look at an illness hardly seen or known about and how both Devan and Kyle step up for the other when truly needed.

Sedate but grounded, smexy with tenderness and conflict. This could’ve been boring but the MC’s and supporting cast kept this interesting and engaging. I’m looking forward to delving more into the world of Porthkennack as other authors will have a new outlook and take on this unique setting.… (mais)

Relief Valve (The Plumber's Mate #2) by J.L. Merrow was a very fun read for me. I want to thank Netgally Riptide Publishing for my advanced copy of Relief Valve. When I picked it up I didn’t realize it was the second book in a series but it flows so nicely that I didn’t feel bothered by not reading the first one, but I do have plans to go back and read the first one. I love Tom's narrative voice. He's funny and sometimes snarky but in a good-hearted way. He's not pretentious, and he has a fair bit of tolerance for the quirks of others, even as he complains cheerfully about them. Phil is so cheeky that this was a joy to read. I loved all the British terms in the story and loved the mystery that was wrapped up so nicely. All and all I am glad I picked this up and will be continuing the series.
… (mais)

Tip has been cursed by a witch to turn into a tortoise, mostly at inopportune times. He is tortoise-napped by a little old lady. Trying to escape her, he finds the most exquisite man ever who reads the same authors. Will he run when Tip turns into a human? Why was he tortoise-napped?

I enjoyed this short story. It was funny. I would like to see it developed into a longer tale or this be the prequel to a novel on Tip and Steve. It was sweet. Poor Tip! He is lost as to what happens to him and when. He knows the why. I liked Steve trying to reassure Tip as to why he was tortoist-napped. This story made me feel good and that's okay for a rainy day.… (mais)

Simone has an imaginary friend only she can see. Eros or Eric, as he prefers to be called, is trying to find Simone a boyfriend. As a high school student, she does not want a boyfriend after watching her parents split up. Simone's father also sees Eric when he goes to her room to talk with her. What happens now? What will Simone's father do?

I enjoyed this short story. It was fun and light. I liked Simone and her reactions to Eric and his stunts. I loved how the story ended. I just wish this would have been longer as I enjoyed Simone's reaction to Eric and his obliviousness.

I look forward to more of these short stories.… (mais)