Book Reviews

Book Blurb

It’s a lovely little life Kelly Seaton leads. He’s got his own landscaping business, a nice little house, and his best friend, Cosimo Renaldi, and Coz’s goofball family who have adopted Kelly as their own. Sure, it’s a little lonely at night, but it’s a sweet deal, and Kelly can’t chance ruining it by letting on that he wants more—has always wanted more—with Coz.

Then Kelly’s past comes to town, bringing bad memories and hurt feelings that start to break Kelly down, and Coz just doesn’t understand why Kelly won’t let him be the support and strength that Kelly’s always been for him. They’ve already been through war, Coz’s devastating injury, and starting new careers in Mangrove, Florida. Why shouldn’t they face their chaotic pasts and build their future of quiet nights… together?

 

 

Mangrove Stories

 

Book Review

'Quiet Nights' is the second installment in Mary Calmes's series 'Mangrove Stories'. As I mentioned during my review of the first book, these short stories are a little different from what I'm accustomed to with this author. However, in no way, shape, or form, does that lessen my pleasure. I think I could read Mary's writing indefinitely, and being faced with a story of shorter length, I'm understandably disappointed that it doesn't go on and on. Regardless, I am equally excited to experience each of these memorable gems. *grins*

Kelley and Coz met in the Army, and as soon as Kelley's four years were up, he hightailed it to Mangrove, Florida where his best friend had gone after a medical discharge from having his Humvee blown out from under him. Kelley was welcomed, wholeheartedly, and now is a full-fledged member of the Renaldi family, including a mom and an older sister. Oh and Coz, although no matter how hard he tries, there's no way Kelley can ever view Coz as a brother. Kelley has been mad about Coz from the beginning, but since losing his left arm two years ago, Coz seems to believe no one will ever look at him again, and thus, he stays away from the dating pool, having no clue how Kelley feels.

"It was easy to understand why he was the grounding force in my life—before him, there was nothing and nobody. He was the rock I clung to; he was earth beneath my feet; he was the lifeline, the shelter in the storm. I thought of Coz and he was home. But not once, not ever, had I thought he’d believed the same of me beyond what we’d been when it was just us."

Wow. Mary, you've really outdone yourself here! This installment is funny, heartwarming, and so damn sexy. Kelley and Coz are absolutely adorable, with Kelley too afraid to admit his feelings for fear of losing this family, and Coz being too blind to see what was right in front of his face. But, boy howdy, when they both finally got on the same page? Holy Smokes were they insanely hot. I love a well done friends-to-lovers story, and this definitely qualifies. Thank you, Mary. I'm so looking forward to the next book.

 

 

 

 

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 and audio
Length	Novella, 80 pages/21398 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	09-February-2015
Price	$3.99 ebook, $6.95 audiobook
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/quiet-nights-by-mary-calmes-5739-b