Book Reviews

Salt & Vinegar by Clare London at Jocular Press

Genre Gay / Contemporary / Romance
Reviewed by Lena Grey on 01-January-2025

Book Blurb

The sweetest summer love can have an edge of sour

Brighton in the summer is a great place to be for a young, gay man looking for a good time with no strings. Art student Joe is spending his vacation working in a fish-and-chip shop with a succession of cringey punning names, and enjoying casual, fun hook-ups. But something makes him want to take it slow with one regular customer, the quiet, gorgeous Steven.

It's an exciting and emotional time when Steven returns Joe’s interest, and they begin to see each other more often. Steven is still reserved, and Joe isn’t practised in being boyfriend of the year—but there’s no mistaking the mutual attraction. Joe finds himself, for the first time in his life, wanting more from a relationship, and prepared to be what Steven needs.

The trouble is, Joe may not have all the facts to hand. Despite their growing love, Steven’s shy smile hides a dark secret, and his past is about to overshadow their sweet times together. Maybe they’ll both need to find the strength and care to have a future beyond this summer



Author Note: this story has fun and a romantic happy ending, but there is also angst and struggle along the way, and it covers the themes of (off-page) abuse. Readers should bear this in mind if they may be triggered or distressed by these topics.

 

Book Review

“We change our behavior when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing. Consequences give us the pain that motivates us to change.” ~ Henry Cloud

 

From the moment Joe sees Steven in 'Salt & Vinegar' by Clare London, he senses that this attraction will be different. Usually Joe has no problem approaching someone he finds interesting, but with Steven, he is hesitant to do so. His twin sister's teasing only adds to his confusion. Even when he decides to reach out to Steven, he feels off balance, a sensation he has never experienced before. Joe, who is usually very confident and avoids forming bonds, now wants things from Steven that he has never felt before. He doesn't understand it, but Joe can't ignore it.

 

Steven, too, feels the same attraction towards Joe, but his past experiences in a relationship have left him skittish and struggling to move forward. His low self-esteem makes it hard for him to believe that someone like Joe would choose to be with him. Despite these challenges, they spend a lot of time together, enjoying each other's company and growing closer. However, everything changes on one fateful night when Steven, haunted by his past, abruptly exits Joe's life, leaving him devastated.

 

It's not an exaggeration to say that Clare London has a masterful way with words. Long or short, funny or serious, she expertly weaves into her stories with just the right blend of angst, happiness, and love. 'Salt & Vinegar' is another example of her exceptional storytelling skills. Thanks, Clare, for a touching story of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.

 

 

 

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

 

Additional Information

Format ebook
Length Novella, 55 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date 30-September-2024
Price $3.99 ebook
Buy Link https://www.amazon.com/Salt-Vinegar-Clare-London-ebook/dp/B0DH3T28KM