katereads2much's review
4.0
(3.5 Stars)
Because some parts of “Stay: A Touch of Desire” by Autumn Breeze surprised me, it’s taken me some time to gather my opinions and feelings about it. Actually… that’s a lie. I haven’t yet sorted all my opinions and feelings about it, at least partly because I have a bunch of thoughts and feelings. They’re all still a jumble in my head.
It’s helpful to note that this novella was my introduction to Breeze. I’m unfamiliar with her work, and I wonder if this narrative represents her storytelling. If anyone knows, I’d love to hear their thoughts. It’s an interesting story and an uncommon approach to “happily ever after” in conventional publishing terms. It’s more akin to fanfiction I’ve read than other novels. I enjoy fanfiction so that isn’t a criticism; I’m merely noting the stylistic choices.
As for the plot itself, the novella follows Elio, a lonely vampire, and Micah, the human who hired him. They’re drawn to each other, but Micah does not date employees. At least he didn’t until he sees who and what Elio truly is. Elio takes Micah into a new world, and it fascinates Micah. Micah shares a new world with Elio too, but in a different, more subtle way that’s no less crucial.
Overall, I liked “Stay.” The story is sweet with some spicy scenes I enjoyed. Also, I’m interested in exploring the world Breeze built further. Also, as the start of a series, it introduces Breeze’s world while giving us a tender story between a human and a vampire. World-building and storytelling aren’t easy, and I admire authors who manage both simultaneously. The sweetness, heart of the characters, intriguing world, and passionate scenes of the story make “Stay,” mostly, a gem of a novella.
It’s surprising how far in the future the novella goes. It focuses on a handful of days where the relationship takes off, but the story spans centuries. Breeze also describes generalities from the characters’ history to help set the stage for their romance. However, the epilogue goes farther in the future than I expected. I haven’t determined my final opinion of the epilogue yet. I think it’s objectively a good ending. It fits. That said, I wish there was a content warning for it. Again, I have an abundance of mixed thoughts and feelings. It’s conceivable I would not have read the story if they had given me a warning, but I’m not upset that I read the tale either.
If you would like to know what I'm struggling with and get the content warning I would have appreciated, you can check out this warning spoiler:
Because some parts of “Stay: A Touch of Desire” by Autumn Breeze surprised me, it’s taken me some time to gather my opinions and feelings about it. Actually… that’s a lie. I haven’t yet sorted all my opinions and feelings about it, at least partly because I have a bunch of thoughts and feelings. They’re all still a jumble in my head.
It’s helpful to note that this novella was my introduction to Breeze. I’m unfamiliar with her work, and I wonder if this narrative represents her storytelling. If anyone knows, I’d love to hear their thoughts. It’s an interesting story and an uncommon approach to “happily ever after” in conventional publishing terms. It’s more akin to fanfiction I’ve read than other novels. I enjoy fanfiction so that isn’t a criticism; I’m merely noting the stylistic choices.
As for the plot itself, the novella follows Elio, a lonely vampire, and Micah, the human who hired him. They’re drawn to each other, but Micah does not date employees. At least he didn’t until he sees who and what Elio truly is. Elio takes Micah into a new world, and it fascinates Micah. Micah shares a new world with Elio too, but in a different, more subtle way that’s no less crucial.
Overall, I liked “Stay.” The story is sweet with some spicy scenes I enjoyed. Also, I’m interested in exploring the world Breeze built further. Also, as the start of a series, it introduces Breeze’s world while giving us a tender story between a human and a vampire. World-building and storytelling aren’t easy, and I admire authors who manage both simultaneously. The sweetness, heart of the characters, intriguing world, and passionate scenes of the story make “Stay,” mostly, a gem of a novella.
It’s surprising how far in the future the novella goes. It focuses on a handful of days where the relationship takes off, but the story spans centuries. Breeze also describes generalities from the characters’ history to help set the stage for their romance. However, the epilogue goes farther in the future than I expected. I haven’t determined my final opinion of the epilogue yet. I think it’s objectively a good ending. It fits. That said, I wish there was a content warning for it. Again, I have an abundance of mixed thoughts and feelings. It’s conceivable I would not have read the story if they had given me a warning, but I’m not upset that I read the tale either.
If you would like to know what I'm struggling with and get the content warning I would have appreciated, you can check out this warning spoiler:
Spoiler
Micah doesn't want to become a vampire. After a long happy life together, he's old and dying. The two of them decide at that point to die together. Elio takes the last of Micah's life force (killing him) just before the sun rises on them, killing Elio.aligroen's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this story. Micah couldn't let Elio go and they both jumped in feet first. I loved that Micah and Elio overcame their differences and build what seemed to be a wonderful life. I understand that some had an issue with the ending but I thought it was so perfect that neither of them wanted to live without the other and they found a perfect way for them to make that happen.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
scarlett_r_90's review
4.0
This book is a fairly quick and uncomplicated book. Vampires have been done a lot, but this does feel like the vampirism has a slightly different spin on things and . It doesn't feel like there is ever a chance they won't end up together, and the sexual tension between Micah and Elio is scorching. Nothing feels unfinished despite the short length, and it is definitely well written. I will certainly read this again - well-written short stories are rarer than longer books, and sometimes you just want to read from cover to cover in one sitting.
If I could change anything, I would remove the last chapter but this is because of my own personal preference
I do recommend this book, and the sex is scorching! Definitely give it a try when you want something hot and novella-length.
* I received this book from Gay Romance Reads Review Team. This is my honest review.*
Spoiler
it is unusual for a vampire's lover to choose to stay human and grow old.If I could change anything, I would remove the last chapter but this is because of my own personal preference
Spoiler
I prefer fade-to-black endings, becaue all life only ends with death, and the bittersweet reminder of this can tinge my viewpoint of the couple. There's an element of sadness there, which is realistic, but I personally like an ending that makes me believe the couple somehow magically lived forever togetherI do recommend this book, and the sex is scorching! Definitely give it a try when you want something hot and novella-length.
* I received this book from Gay Romance Reads Review Team. This is my honest review.*
teenykins's review
3.0
I'm always on the hunt for Urban Fantasy so of course I couldn't pass up the opportunity of getting an ARC of this and the small length helped for an in-between palate cleanser.
Elio is a vampire but not your everyday one. He feeds on energy (life-force) and being a bartender at a gay club means he'll never go hungry. Micah is his boss and he is delectable. Things happen and Micah sees what Elio is and when Elio thought he'd get the boot instead he got the D. And it was damn hot!!!
So at this point I'm hoping to get the story of them getting serious together because already many pages had been spend till the revelation part. What we got was pages upon pages of Elio and Micah having their first date in what was essentially Diagon Alley. And then bam epilogue with a huge time jump and a summary of the time that passed, although with the road Micah chose to take it couldn't have worked any other way.
I get that the novella is only 63pgs long but it would have been preferably to have cut the finding out what Elio is shorter, the date too have been shorter as well and spend a couple of pages in smaller time jumps to show us their life before the epilogue.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Elio is a vampire but not your everyday one. He feeds on energy (life-force) and being a bartender at a gay club means he'll never go hungry. Micah is his boss and he is delectable. Things happen and Micah sees what Elio is and when Elio thought he'd get the boot instead he got the D. And it was damn hot!!!
So at this point I'm hoping to get the story of them getting serious together because already many pages had been spend till the revelation part. What we got was pages upon pages of Elio and Micah having their first date in what was essentially Diagon Alley. And then bam epilogue with a huge time jump and a summary of the time that passed, although with the road Micah chose to take it couldn't have worked any other way.
I get that the novella is only 63pgs long but it would have been preferably to have cut the finding out what Elio is shorter, the date too have been shorter as well and spend a couple of pages in smaller time jumps to show us their life before the epilogue.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
scarlett__r90's review
4.0
This book is a fairly quick and uncomplicated book. Vampires have been done a lot, but this does feel like the vampirism has a slightly different spin on things and . It doesn't feel like there is ever a chance they won't end up together, and the sexual tension between Micah and Elio is scorching. Nothing feels unfinished despite the short length, and it is definitely well written. I will certainly read this again - well-written short stories are rarer than longer books, and sometimes you just want to read from cover to cover in one sitting.
If I could change anything, I would remove the last chapter but this is because of my own personal preference
I do recommend this book, and the sex is scorching! Definitely give it a try when you want something hot and novella-length.
* I received this book from Gay Romance Reads Review Team. This is my honest review.*
Spoiler
it is unusual for a vampire's lover to choose to stay human and grow old.If I could change anything, I would remove the last chapter but this is because of my own personal preference
Spoiler
I prefer fade-to-black endings, becaue all life only ends with death, and the bittersweet reminder of this can tinge my viewpoint of the couple. There's an element of sadness there, which is realistic, but I personally like an ending that makes me believe the couple somehow magically lived forever togetherI do recommend this book, and the sex is scorching! Definitely give it a try when you want something hot and novella-length.
* I received this book from Gay Romance Reads Review Team. This is my honest review.*
katherine_c's review
5.0
So, I thought this was going to be a quick fun read. But no. This broke me! I have absolutely no words for how Stay made me feel. Typically books of this length aren’t quite enough to make me really feel for the characters. But Elio and Micah were literal magic together and their happy ending had me crying my eyes out. I don’t think I’ve ever connected with two characters as quickly as I have with Stay, and that is all down the the authors writing.
Elio has been alone for so long, and trying to stay away from Micah has not been easy. And for Micah, his bartenders are off limits, meaning Elio is off limits. But after Elio is in danger, and Micah sees who he truly is, their relationship is full speed ahead.
I am absolutely terrified to read any more of Autumn Breeze’s books because if she can reduce me to tears with Stay, I may not survive her other stories.
Without a doubt, Stay is an amazing story, and I’m hoping we see more of Elio and Micah in the next book. All the stars and more.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
Elio has been alone for so long, and trying to stay away from Micah has not been easy. And for Micah, his bartenders are off limits, meaning Elio is off limits. But after Elio is in danger, and Micah sees who he truly is, their relationship is full speed ahead.
I am absolutely terrified to read any more of Autumn Breeze’s books because if she can reduce me to tears with Stay, I may not survive her other stories.
Without a doubt, Stay is an amazing story, and I’m hoping we see more of Elio and Micah in the next book. All the stars and more.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
sreberko's review
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is my first take with that author, and I must say that it's hard to decide after ~50 pages if someone's writing is for me or not. The story is short, has a beginning, a sex scene, and an ending. The middle was... adorable but weirdly paced because of that feeling that it's the first date for our MC's and we won't have time to see their second date because of book-length.
The writing was appealing, the story went smoothly, I had time to know the characters, the POVs changed a couple of times.
Elio feeds on human energy. This specific vampiric way to gain life forces was an intriguing take on the genre, even if it seemed closer to incubus than the sun-allergic species. :) But again, I understand why it wouldn't work to make Elio anything other than vampire and it's OK. He is cute, insecure, and mostly a simple person. He isn't one of the sophisticated bloodsuckers, isn't a part of any big, dark coven.
Micah is... well, to be honest, I didn't really have any opportunity to like him. It's not that he wasn't likable, just... shallow. He was a nice guy with muscles, not stupid, but not really special. Well, he *tasted* differently and was *amazing* at sex, but this we knew thanks to Elio's POV.
In the end, I didn't feel that real deep connection with MCs that I'd like, but in a short, it was more than understandable to do some shortcuts.
To be honest, I started to genuinely feel for them in the epilogue... But I won't spoil why. The only thing that I can say is that it was a surprise - and I know why the author decided to write it in that way, even if it's some time that I came across that kind of ending.
Summarizing: it's a nice read, fast, well written, and not too heavy (until the gut-punching ending, but shh). I can recommend it to readers who are bored with the usual blood-sucking vampires and want a different approach.
I'm not sure if I'll check the next books in that series because I seek other things in my stories and characters - but I'm not disappointed that I had the opportunity to read Breeze's novel.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
relly's review
3.0
3 Stars
I knew going in that this was a short story, it’s the reason I picked it, and I think the author did well with the story in the space provided, but I would have liked it to be a bit longer and more expanded. I did like this authors take on vampires, it was different.
I liked both Elio and Micah. Micah’s wonder at the new world that was opened up to him was nice to read. I also liked Elio and did think that he lived a lonely life before he got together with Micah. They had chemistry but with the shortness of the book, I didn’t feel like I connected with them. We start the book after they had already known each other for 3 years, so we missed a lot of the getting to know you phase.
I loved the way the ending was handled but due to the fact that I hadn’t fully connected with the characters I didn’t feel as invested as I would have liked.
***Arc provided by GRR. This is my voluntary and honest review***
I knew going in that this was a short story, it’s the reason I picked it, and I think the author did well with the story in the space provided, but I would have liked it to be a bit longer and more expanded. I did like this authors take on vampires, it was different.
I liked both Elio and Micah. Micah’s wonder at the new world that was opened up to him was nice to read. I also liked Elio and did think that he lived a lonely life before he got together with Micah. They had chemistry but with the shortness of the book, I didn’t feel like I connected with them. We start the book after they had already known each other for 3 years, so we missed a lot of the getting to know you phase.
I loved the way the ending was handled but due to the fact that I hadn’t fully connected with the characters I didn’t feel as invested as I would have liked.
***Arc provided by GRR. This is my voluntary and honest review***
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