While this story is set in the past, in 1979, a time when AIDS was at its height, what happens is pure fiction. Chris has lost his partner, Steve, to the “gay cancer” as it was called back then, and he is still in deep mourning six months after his death. Then he gets a letter to come to a certain store, and what he finds there changes his life.

The version of electronics the author uses in ‘Start Me Up’ is an unusual combination of technology and pure magic. As ever when supernatural things are involved, there are certain rules, and both Chris and the “robotic” version of Steve have to stick to them if they want to have the second chance they both crave. Figuring out those rules was fun, but the one thing I found hard to deal with was the knowledge that all of Chris and Steve’s friends did not have the same option of accessing this magic – and neither did all the men who fell victim to a disease that was as deadly as it was stigmatized in the early days.

The effect of having Steve “come back to life” on Chris was kind of interesting. He did not jump at the chance immediately, instead approached his change in circumstances with a healthy dose of skepticism. Ultimately, what determined the outcome for both men was their love for each other and that made my inner romantic very happy.

If you like stories with a touch of magic, if you think that two men who want to build a life together deserve a chance to do so, no matter what Fate may have decided, and if you’re looking for a slightly mysterious, entertaining, and very sweet read, then you will probably like this short story.


NOTE: This book was provided by Changeling Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. ( )