Total Immersion
By Ellis Carrington
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TEST

A couple of college seniors on a two-week summer tour of Europe discover that not only do opposites attract, but human kindness and loyalty go a long way to making an immersive romance into a solid base for a potential lasting relationship.

Although Evan Stanton isn’t one hundred percent cured after he slipped on steps going to class (which forced him into physical therapy), he still agrees to go abroad because his boyfriend wants to. When Evan gets to the airport with his backpack, he’s stunned to receive an email dumping him.

Rather than give up on the trip, the gothic Evan guts up and gets on the transatlantic flight where he meets preppy Chris Bale whose cheerful disposition hacks away at Evan’s tendency to brood.

This is a cute novella with one very glaring flaw. It’s apparent why Evan might be attracted to Chris. Chris is the ray of sunshine Evan needs to keep him going on the trip. When Evan’s back is killing him and they have a ways to walk, Chris plies him with questions and silly Jeopardy!-like quizzes to divert his attention.

But why does Chris like Evan? It’s never quite clear since Evan spends most of his time telling Chris what he can’t do and bellyaching about the rigors of the trip in general.

Carrington’s glib style keeps the story moving while the guys’ bantering discussions will bring a smile to reader’s lips. The glancing travelogue adds enough background to make this a mini-vacation brochure.

Other than that niggling little detail of Chris’ motivation – something that needs to be taken for granted in order for the story to work – this novella will add a dollop of cheer on a hot summer’s day or a long winter’s night.

Reviewed by Pat Henshaw

Grade: B

Book Type: Queer Romance

Sensuality: Warm

Review Date: 26/07/14

Publication Date: 2014/06

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Recent Comments …

  3. excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.

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