Serena Yates's Blog, page 6
January 16, 2010
A great first 'official' review for To Keep and to Love
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Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-304-9
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx
Reunited at last, Ryan Johnston and Daniel Miller are ready to begin their happily-ever-after. Unfortunately, the same people responsible for their four-year separation are at it again. Ryan’s parents are homophobic and the way they treat their son appalls Daniel. Ryan is frightened and believes the only way he can protect the man he loves is to vanish once again.
If the strained family ties aren’t enough, Ryan’s lack of funds and Daniel’s abundance of wealth enhances the tension on their relationship. Will the two men find a way to coexist, even with so many barriers in their way?
For those who were awaiting Serena Yates’ sequel for To Find and to Keep, the wait is over. She begins this compelling story the day after Ryan’s twin sister’s wedding. Ryan’s character really knows how to pull on the old heartstrings. It was hard not to feel his hurt and anguish throughout the story. I would love to combine Daniel’s characteristics into a very straight and available man. Handsome, loving, protective, an excellent cook and businessman, topped off with a healthy libido. What person wouldn’t want him by their side or in their bed? I’ll admit this story is quite a tear jerker. Ms. Yates adds fantastic backdrops and believable characters, with a giant dollop of drama. If you want beefy men, who are on testosterone-overload, then this may not be the story for you. However, if you enjoy a good emotional rollercoaster ride, you should pick up a copy of To Keep and to Love.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-304-9
Genre: {M/M} Contemporary
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Scandalous Minx
Reunited at last, Ryan Johnston and Daniel Miller are ready to begin their happily-ever-after. Unfortunately, the same people responsible for their four-year separation are at it again. Ryan’s parents are homophobic and the way they treat their son appalls Daniel. Ryan is frightened and believes the only way he can protect the man he loves is to vanish once again.
If the strained family ties aren’t enough, Ryan’s lack of funds and Daniel’s abundance of wealth enhances the tension on their relationship. Will the two men find a way to coexist, even with so many barriers in their way?
For those who were awaiting Serena Yates’ sequel for To Find and to Keep, the wait is over. She begins this compelling story the day after Ryan’s twin sister’s wedding. Ryan’s character really knows how to pull on the old heartstrings. It was hard not to feel his hurt and anguish throughout the story. I would love to combine Daniel’s characteristics into a very straight and available man. Handsome, loving, protective, an excellent cook and businessman, topped off with a healthy libido. What person wouldn’t want him by their side or in their bed? I’ll admit this story is quite a tear jerker. Ms. Yates adds fantastic backdrops and believable characters, with a giant dollop of drama. If you want beefy men, who are on testosterone-overload, then this may not be the story for you. However, if you enjoy a good emotional rollercoaster ride, you should pick up a copy of To Keep and to Love.
January 3, 2010
Another excellent review for The Mistletoe Phenomenon
[image error]
Title: The Mistletoe Phenomenon
Author: Serena Yates
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-342-1
Genre: [M/M:] Contemporary Holiday
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph
Life has taken an unexpected turn for famous glaciologist Magnus Carstens, with the death of his brother and sister-in-law. He’s the guardian of his eight year-old nephew Jakob and he’s taken a new job in Mistletoe, Wyoming, better suited for a man of science trying to create a stable home environment for a young child. He and Jakob aren’t in town a week when he meets Lance Rivera, working in his sister’s shop, Holiday World. Lance is pretty disillusioned with life. His lover left, taking all their money, he can’t get a job in his chosen profession and he’s unhappy and lonely. When a challenge puts the men under a sprig of mistletoe, it makes them both realize that what they want is standing right there in front of them. All they have to do is reach out with both hands to find love, happiness and the family they’re looking for.
The Mistletoe Phenomenon is a cute, endearing and well written Christmas story from the first page to the last and destined for a place in my keeper file to be read and enjoyed next Christmas holiday season.
Lance is a real sweetheart. You have to love this guy. He’s cute, endearing, loyal, knows how to handle just about every situation, aside from problems in his own life, and he wants a family of his own so badly, I found myself rooting for him from the beginning. Then there’s Jakob. After the death of his parents, this poor kid deserves to have two adults to love and take care of him. Finally there’s Magnus. In the beginning, this guy is so socially inept I found myself wincing at nearly everything that came out of his mouth. Despite loving his nephew, he doesn’t know what to do or say to make him happy. That brings us back to loving house-Dad-wanna-be Lance. He and Magnus might come from vastly different family and professional backgrounds, but they fill in the holes that life has left in the other. Overall, it’s a case of strange circumstances and timing and a little sprig of mistletoe, bringing three people together to form a loving family.
http://bit.ly/7JPdU4
Title: The Mistletoe Phenomenon
Author: Serena Yates
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-342-1
Genre: [M/M:] Contemporary Holiday
Rating: 4.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Mystical Nymph
Life has taken an unexpected turn for famous glaciologist Magnus Carstens, with the death of his brother and sister-in-law. He’s the guardian of his eight year-old nephew Jakob and he’s taken a new job in Mistletoe, Wyoming, better suited for a man of science trying to create a stable home environment for a young child. He and Jakob aren’t in town a week when he meets Lance Rivera, working in his sister’s shop, Holiday World. Lance is pretty disillusioned with life. His lover left, taking all their money, he can’t get a job in his chosen profession and he’s unhappy and lonely. When a challenge puts the men under a sprig of mistletoe, it makes them both realize that what they want is standing right there in front of them. All they have to do is reach out with both hands to find love, happiness and the family they’re looking for.
The Mistletoe Phenomenon is a cute, endearing and well written Christmas story from the first page to the last and destined for a place in my keeper file to be read and enjoyed next Christmas holiday season.
Lance is a real sweetheart. You have to love this guy. He’s cute, endearing, loyal, knows how to handle just about every situation, aside from problems in his own life, and he wants a family of his own so badly, I found myself rooting for him from the beginning. Then there’s Jakob. After the death of his parents, this poor kid deserves to have two adults to love and take care of him. Finally there’s Magnus. In the beginning, this guy is so socially inept I found myself wincing at nearly everything that came out of his mouth. Despite loving his nephew, he doesn’t know what to do or say to make him happy. That brings us back to loving house-Dad-wanna-be Lance. He and Magnus might come from vastly different family and professional backgrounds, but they fill in the holes that life has left in the other. Overall, it’s a case of strange circumstances and timing and a little sprig of mistletoe, bringing three people together to form a loving family.
http://bit.ly/7JPdU4
December 31, 2009
December 27, 2009
Taking Stock
With the holidays behind me and before the new year starts, this is the time of year when I usually lean back to take stock of the past. Not only that, it's an ideal time to start thinking about my goals for the next calendar year.
2009 was quite a momentous year of change on many fronts.
As a writer it was the year I first got published, thus realizing a dream I'd had since learning to read - several "eons" ago. I also managed to sell three more books, which makes me feel like I'm definitely on my way. I have at least another ten WIPs, so lots to look forward to on the "work" front.
Professionally I took the step of leaving full-time employment in June which freed up all the time I now need for writing. It was, and is, a scary thing to do. But I haven't regretted it for a second; it was one of the most freeing things I have ever done.
Personally I saw my three youngest nieces and my goddaughter grow and develop, which is always a joy. I discovered some things about myself that I never had the time to realize while I was working a stressful job. I'm still on that journey of personal discovery, but I know enough to have made the rainbow butterfly my avatar. And I've gained some wonderful new friends in the online community.
What are my goals for 2010?
They're still forming, but writing and more personal discovery are top among them. I want to finish the ten novels I started and then start some more. I want to find the time to discuss books and ideas with my fellow writers and online friends. I want to spend even more time with my nieces and travel. I'm determined to get physically fit again. I want to continue to support the fight for equal rights of GLBT people everywhere.
All this will take energy and dedication. I'm sure that the potential gain on all those fronts is truly worth the effort. This is a great beginning of the second decade of the 21st century!
I wish all of you a view of the future and a year 2010 that is similarly hopeful and, of course, ultimately successful!
Serena
December 25, 2009
Happy Holidays!
Just wanted to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a great time with the people you're celebrating with!
Serena
December 18, 2009
First review for The Mistletoe Phenomenon
I am very excited to receive my first review for The Mistletoe Phenomenon this morning.
The Mistletoe Phenomenon
Dark Diva Reviews has given it 4 1/2 Delightful Divas!
Summary: Magnus Carstens, an eminent glaciologist, recently had to change his life: he's become his nephew Jakob's guardian after the boy's parents died in a plane crash, he's taken a new job as a park ranger, and he's moved them to Mistletoe, Wyoming, so he can offer a stable home to Jakob while still contributing to science. There he meets Lance Rivera, a disillusioned physical therapist who is working in his sister's store to make a living after his lover took off with all their money. When the two men come together--literally under the mistletoe--both realize all they really want, despite adversity, is a family to love.
Kathy's Review: A heart warming and beautiful story of love, family and dreams come true, Serena Yates has given us a quintessential Christmas story. In The Mistletoe Phenomenon we meet a man, Lance, whose life and dreams have fallen by the wayside; he's spent his life trying to make others happy at the expense of his own happiness. Magnus, on the other hand, has had his world turned upside down and he's floundering, badly. This magical Christmas tale is the result of one little boy and a sprig of mistletoe; oh, and the scientist's need to experiment.
Delightful yet with an unexpected tension, Ms. Yates has given us a delicious treat for the holidays.
Rated 4 1/2 Delightful Divas by Kathy!
http://bit.ly/4T9v4h
The Mistletoe Phenomenon
Dark Diva Reviews has given it 4 1/2 Delightful Divas!
Summary: Magnus Carstens, an eminent glaciologist, recently had to change his life: he's become his nephew Jakob's guardian after the boy's parents died in a plane crash, he's taken a new job as a park ranger, and he's moved them to Mistletoe, Wyoming, so he can offer a stable home to Jakob while still contributing to science. There he meets Lance Rivera, a disillusioned physical therapist who is working in his sister's store to make a living after his lover took off with all their money. When the two men come together--literally under the mistletoe--both realize all they really want, despite adversity, is a family to love.
Kathy's Review: A heart warming and beautiful story of love, family and dreams come true, Serena Yates has given us a quintessential Christmas story. In The Mistletoe Phenomenon we meet a man, Lance, whose life and dreams have fallen by the wayside; he's spent his life trying to make others happy at the expense of his own happiness. Magnus, on the other hand, has had his world turned upside down and he's floundering, badly. This magical Christmas tale is the result of one little boy and a sprig of mistletoe; oh, and the scientist's need to experiment.
Delightful yet with an unexpected tension, Ms. Yates has given us a delicious treat for the holidays.
Rated 4 1/2 Delightful Divas by Kathy!
http://bit.ly/4T9v4h
