Merlin in the Library

The Agency #1.5

by Ada Maria Soto

An Agency Short Story

Agent Martin Grove is in pain every minute of the day while his wounds slowly heal. As soon as one injury starts to fade another that was hidden presents itself, but despite that Martin is, above all, a man who appreciates routine. For him that means 'Merlin' must return to the regularly scheduled Saturday Children's’ Story Hour at the library. He's been absent for too long and his body is still a technicolor canvas of physical damage, but as long as he has his Arthur by his side, he just might make it.

~4,000 words

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Short Stories, Asexual, Fiction

19 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 18, 2018

About the author

A psychologist once told Ada Maria Soto that she has a fantasy prone personality. Fortunately, Ada grew up to become an author, so a life lived deep in her imagination fits her perfectly. As a Mexican-American expat living in the South Pacific with her partner and kid, her life is chaotically divided between being a writer, a publisher, and a parent.

Dysgraphia, phonological dyslexia, and ADHD makes for some exciting editing, but Ada continues to push through with a writing career. She’s a veteran of the theatre and television business, as well as all the lousy jobs that come with two liberal arts degrees.

Ada’s ability to capture the complex inner life of her characters in moving, yet relatable, ways endears readers to her unforgettable characters. Whether writing hot, spicy erotica or “tame” romances about asexual characters, she creates stories that readers return to again and again.

When not buried under manuscripts, Ada is a sports fan dedicated to the Oakland A’s, Auckland Blues, USA Eagles, and New Zealand Black Caps.

Reviews

[Snjez · Rating 3 out of 5]

A super short story told from Martin's POV. It's more like an additional chapter to the previous book. Sweet and heartwarming.

[Kaje Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to find this little short story that gives me something I'd really wanted - a bit of Martin's viewpoint, as he navigates his recovery, explores his caring for Arthur, and reconnects with the kids at the library. Not much happens here plot-wise. But this is a welcome little glimpse of our guys making their way forward, with tiny hints about Martin's past, and a taste of the warmth of how he and Arthur feel about each other.

Only read this after "His Quiet Agent" because it does contain spoilers, plus it won't mean much before that story. But after... this will warm your heart. I read it twice over, just to spend time with Martin and Arthur.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart did a little happy jig in my chest when I spotted this gem on goodreads. Really! I never expected to get more from Merlin and Arthur. :) This story has a different vibe than His Quiet Agent, but I still loved it. It certainly inspired me to go back and re-read and sit with them at lunch all over again.

This is from Martin’s point of view! Martin’s! His voice in this short, too short story provides little tidbits of information and clues to the puzzle of these two men. We see everything from the public library to Arthur through Martin’s eyes. And all I can say is…I want more! His words bring such eloquence and texture to everything in his life.

“Arthur just hummed in agreement and said nothing more. Arthur seldom, if ever, pushed for more or pressed himself in where he was unwanted. Yet somehow, he had slid himself so fully and naturally into Martin’s life that when they were separated, his absence was felt as keenly as any physical pain.”

My senses pinged off quite a few of Martin’s descriptions in this story—from butter hitting a hot pan to this…”The heavy double doors of the library hissed slightly, like an airlock. Inside it was cool and dry and still smelled of aging books and fresh newspapers.” I could feel my own library in those words.

These two seemingly complicated men, with a relationship like no other, bring all the simple and little things in a day to life so beautifully for me with every hum, look, and hand squeeze.

Go read His Quiet Agent! You need to meet Arthur and Martin.

[annob [on hiatus]]

I bought this because the ending of the first book made me want an epilogue so bad. Hoped it would be a glimpse of the pair settled down together.

I kinda got what I wished and yet not, as this little extra didn't deliver that satisfactory, happy post-HEA feeling I was after. The pair's story still felt somewhat unfinished to me (or rather; left up to the reader to imagine on their own). I'll not even attempt to rate it since this extra is very short.

I did find it interesting to get a glimpse of things from Martin's POV this time round, that was probably the best thing about this mini add-on.

[Linda ~ they got the mustard out! ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable little follow up to His Quiet Agent and a much appreciated insight into Martin's POV. Martin's still banged up from his ordeal and still had a long road to full recovery, but he's got Arthur, he's learning to take care of himself, and he's well enough to get back to the library for story hour with the kids.

I wanted it to be about a hundred pages longer. :D *crossing fingers for another full-length book with these two*

[Meep · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short 19page coda.

An extra chapter from Martin's pov.
It gives a little hint at Martin's past, at what has shaped him. Lets us know that Arthur has come to mean a lot to him. Liked that it humanised him without changing his manner.

[Daniel Myatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A VERY short story that gives us the tiniest glimpse into Martin's life, and we get reminded that food can help us heal!

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short (~ 4000 words) follow up from Ada Maria Soto's His Quiet Agent... and this time it's from Martin's perspective.

It warms my heart reading that Martin are healing, that he is still with Arthur, that he is leaving the agency, and makes plans for the kids in the library. It's lovely and tender. If the author plans to have more stories with these two men, I will not complain.

[John The Cosmic Wanderer · Rating 5 out of 5]

i want more 😭😭😭

[Annery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The is a sweet little coda to His Quiet Agent, which is certainly one my favorite recent reads. It's also an appetite wetter for a continuation of Martin & Arthur's story? I hope so.

The story picks up a few weeks after the events in HQA and happily we get Martin's POV. Martin has been convalescing at Arthur's place, and he's finally ready to go back to the library. He misses the children and they miss him. He's learning to ask for help when he needs it and to trust and Arthur is there to be the unobtrusive shoulder to lean on. We also get hints at a past I'm super anxious to discover. Here's hoping it comes soon.

[Dumbledore11214 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to be honest I was really nervous even imagining that “His quiet agent” would have a sequel. I think I graded it four stars when I first read it but considering how many times I reread it and how well it stands out in my memory now I would have probably graded it even higher. It was almost perfect on its own. The delicate touches in the portrayals of both men, their quiet strength in dealing with whatever life threw at them and the gentle, lovely connection which author managed to establish so convincingly during such short page space. I didn’t want to see a sequel , I was scared that Martin would see the error of his ways and decide that he does want to have sex after all ( which is fine by me if it makes sense for the character don’t get me wrong it is just Martin established himself so strongly in my mind after first story that sex just wasn’t part of his journey for me ). this was not my only worry , I just didn’t want the fragile connection they had disturbed by anything . The author proved me so very wrong . She still paints with very delicate touch and I loved that she chose to concentrate on Martin’s recovery and make his connection with Arthur stronger . Return to the library and kids reaction was just pure perfection for me . But do read the first story don’t start with this one.

[Georgie-who-is-Sarah-Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Quiet Agent was one of 2017's unexpected delights, a quiet self-contained little story that had only one weakness - it was too short. And today, dropping like the gentle rain from heaven, here's the perfect coda. Everything that made HQA special: Martin, Arthur, the children in the library, Vietnamese food, and a tranquil hopefulness.

[BevS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely little catch up with Arthur and Martin, and this one is told from Martin's POV starting at the end of His Quiet Agent, when Martin is still healing from the injuries sustained on a job for the Agency.

He is apparently thinking about life after the Agency though, thanks to that disastrous job and giving serious consideration to Arthur's suggestion of becoming a teacher. We have another library session with the kids, who are told that Martin has been slaying dragons as an excuse for his poor physical condition. We also discover a little of his past...which certainly helps me to understand him a teeny, tiny bit better. 4 stars.

[JenMcJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awww. Arthur and Martin in a short snippet of life. I loved it.

[Aussie54 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was lovely to catch up with Arthur and Martin, although this is just a very small glimpse of what happened directly after His Quiet Agent.

"Merlin in the Library" shows a more human Martin, who smiles now and then, and who is able to express himself a little more easily. It’s heart-warming seeing him rely on Arthur now, and I loved watching them cook together.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A peek into Martin's mind. Lots of hints into his past, and how he sees Arthur. I really hope the next book will have his POV too!

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice if overly brief follow on from the main book via Martin's pov.

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Jordan Lombard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect. Except that I still want more, especially from Martin’s POV! I just want to hug him for all of his hardships and for the progress he’s clearly making here. I love these characters so so much!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful coda to His Quiet Agent. Just a day in the lives of two men who love each other, while they share the gift of enjoying good food that Arthur gave to Martin, and share the joy of literacy with young people at the library.

[Courtney Bassett · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a step in the right direction

I knew going in that this was short. SO short. But I was hungry for more, and this did indeed give a brief glimpse into the characters’ lives following the events of His Quiet Agent. It didn’t quite satisfy my hunger so much as tease it.

I was glad to see healing take place, but it ended a little abruptly and left me checking to see if I hadn’t somehow missed another chapter. I’m hoping that maybe this is more of an episode than an epilogue. I find I’m reluctant to see the last of these guys, and I’d really like to see them truly find their happiness and peace someday.

[Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I was on a direct flight from Ireland to Seattle today, so I read *a lot* of books on my bookshelf, including this one. I'm desperately in need of sleep, so this review will be short and sweet!

I have such a soft spot in my heart for this series--in part because it is so singular and unique in the m/m genre. While this story is only 19 pages in length--it's 19 wholly welcome pages. I sincerely hope this author writes more follow-ups to this excellent series. Highly recommended (so long as your read book #1 first!).

[Skye Kilaen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read His Secret Agent and you're trying to decide whether to read this too, the answer is YES!

[Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seriously! I need more!

[Sea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arthur smiled at him and Martin felt like he was standing in a shaft of sun between rustling trees.

I- I need more. 🥺

[TT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story but interestingly enough the author manage to cover two things not touched on in the first book. A little bit more of Marlins past and a little bit of bakcground of the time when he was abducted. Intriguing insights, would love to have more.

[Isabelle Adler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this little sneak peak into Martin's head. As difficult at the healing process is for him, he is hopeful, and I would absolutely love to see how things progress for him and Arthur in the future. My only wish is that this were longer!

[Victoria (Eve's Alexandria) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A teensy epilogue story to His Quiet Agent, which is from Martin’s POV and gives more insight into his past. Also, more toasted cheese and dumpling eating, and Saturday morning story time.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

So lovely. I never reviewed this the first time I read it, but I will this time: it's wonderful. Such a treat.

[Rhode PVD · Rating 5 out of 5]

At last we see inside Martin’s head. A lovely little follow up immediately on the heels of the book.