Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Beauregard Stone lives a life of solitude in the snow-blanketed town of Windeville, Maine. The burly, gruff lumberjack is a man of few words and even fewer smiles. He hasn’t spoken much since his husband died eight years ago. Now, each day bleeds into the next as Stone loses himself in his woodshop and lumber- hauling business. Returning to his empty cabin exhausted is how he survives his achingly lonely nights.

But when Royal Peterson, a burnt-out corporate finance executive from Manhattan, stumbles into Windeville everything changes. Royal has just left his high-pressure job after a medical scare, unsure what his future holds or what kind of life he even wants. In the tiny town, everything feels painfully slow and too peaceful—two things Royal didn't even know existed. But there's something about the place, the history, its friendly people, the vibrant winter holiday decorations, that calls to his soul.

Stone isn’t the kind of man who fawns over the strangers who wander into town, especially not ones who look like Royal. Stone's too rough around the edges, convinced he's too old, too grizzled, too broken for someone as young and gorgeous as Royal. But when he sees the same sadness in Royal's warm brown eyes that's reflected in his own, Stone’s defenses began to crumble. Something about Royal’s vulnerability tugs at his heart in ways he can’t explain.

As Stone and Royal’s paths continue to cross in unexpected ways, they start to realize healing and loving aren’t always as complicated as they seem. But just as their bond begins to grow, Royal faces a difficult choice: does he stay in Windeville, with its peace and simplicity, or does he return to his fast-paced life, leaving Stone to face the cold, lonely winter nights once again?

Stone knows the sting of loss better than anyone, but can he risk letting love in, only to lose it again?

Cold Winter Nights is a heartfelt hurt-comfort story of second chances, and the unexpected healing that comes from opening your soul to someone who’s just as broken as you are.

Book Review

Tongue in cheek, I forewarn that ‘Cold Winter Nights’ is best recommended for those readers who are not emotionally or intellectually diabetic.

 

Much as exchanging looks with a stranger in a gay bar may be indicative of what’s to come (or, mea culpa, to cum), the opening descriptives may go far to setting moods and character. By the time Chapter 2 is completed – as I will point out, you will commit to this fairy tale and its fictive ‘fairies’ or you will switch back to the world as presented on TV by CNN!

 

This fictional world is offered in mood, location and even in the ultimate outfitting – and the descriptions are terrific. In a rural Maine cabin, we meet Stone, who is wont to masturbate while showering. His cabin is to aptly reflect his solitude. He is a gay widow of eight years, now seeking another assistant for his seasonal Christmas tree business.

 

Then meet Royal, a Manhattan businessman on the way to partner, stressed, ultra hypertensive. Burnt out at forty-five, suffering too much at last, and having existed in some form of isolation, Royal quits! And he is off to Windeville, Maine, a town his parents often took him to as a child, and which is extensively described as Eden-like. Much as landing in Oz (with changing colors, softened edges, and stirred emotions!), Royal finds a local inn. Dear reader – here is just about the reading point where you commit, or close your Kindle with disappointment. Royal meets the proprietress, Mrs. Pearl, who bribes him with comfort food – meatloaf.

 

Royal also meets Stone (conductor, bring up the background music!), who is unbelievable – deep, gravelly and melancholy voice (?); a mountain of a man, thick black hair streaked with silver. Wow. Being introduced, Stone repeats Royal’s name – and Royal “hoped his name tasted good.” As forewarned – readers, time to check your blood sugar. And Royal is attracted.

 

Guess what? The mayor is looking for a finance man to help out the town. Meanwhile, the locals like Royal’s lost, unassuming, guarded nature and Stone is attracted to his meekness and beauty.

 

Appropriate to this genre, the respective personalities of Stone and Royal are well-limned, and then their joint relationship is presented. Eventually, that is applied to the underlying plot – confecting a fine romantic tale. There also sufficient wise remarks for moderately salacious entertainment. “He felt behind his zipper how sexy Stone was in those jeans…” and “What size are those boots…fourteen? I wonder if their proportionate to his –” Forgive the author’s poor grammar, please!

 

Author Via successfully creates characters, and their couple-hood (artful coitus between virgin Royal and 260-pound Stone) – and then presents weather problems for them to face – and to which committed readers will react.

 

Plot is almost secondary to character development and engagement. Typical of the genre (found, lost, recovered) miscues confound our slow but good-heated heroes, whose angst makes us edgy by misdirected actions. But the happy ending always seems assured.

 

Surely by now you’ve decided whether this book is for you. I am of a neutral mind.

 

 

 

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

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 159 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	21-December-2024
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Winter-Nights-AE-Via-ebook/dp/B0DNG44L2R