For What It's Worth


Thursday, July 18, 2013

Review: The Story Guy (Novella) by Mary Ann Rivers


17411704In this eBook original novella, Mary Ann Rivers introduces a soulful and sexy tale of courage, sacrifice, and love.

I will meet you on Wednesdays at noon in Celebration Park. Kissing only.

Carrie West is happy with her life . . . isn’t she? But when she sees this provocative online ad, the thirtysomething librarian can’t help but be tempted. After all, the photo of the anonymous poster is far too attractive to ignore. And when Wednesday finally arrives, it brings a first kiss that’s hotter than any she’s ever imagined. Brian Newburgh is an attorney, but there’s more to his life . . . that he won't share with Carrie. Determined to have more than just Wednesdays, Carrie embarks on a quest to learn Brian’s story, certain that he will be worth the cost. But is she ready to gamble her heart on a man who just might be The One . . . even though she has no idea how their love story will end?
~ Goodreads

Review:
This books was literally ALL OVER my Twitter feed on it's release day. Some of my favorite bloggers and authors were calling The Story Guy their favorite book of the year, despite it being a very short novella.

I was definitely interested but then panicked. Because me being me - I'll be the lone blogger that hates it. But at 120 pages why not give it a shot?

I have to be honest, I wasn't blown away into best book of the year territory but The Story Guy packs an emotional wallop.

The premise seemed silly to me. Kissing….just one day a week…he won't touch below the shoulders?? Visions of tortured heroes with weird kinks danced through my head.

Despite this being a novella and the romance unconventional, I completely bought into the premise. The reason for the kissing only rule was sweet and Brian's reluctance to enter a relationship was heartbreaking. It actually cut a little too close to home for me. Without revealing any spoilers I can absolutely attest to Brian's hesitance. I noticed a few reviewers thought he was begin overly dramatic but I totally got it.

Final thoughts: The Story Guy is a sweet, heartbreaking, (very) sexy and even funny romance that had a surprisingly slow, believable build despite the short timeframe of this relationship.

Also a plus - library humor. Read it and you'll see what I'm talking about.

If you're a fan of Cara McKenna (if not – you should be) and her very smart, erotic romances I think you'll enjoy The Story Guy.

Author: Goodreads | website | twitter
Buy the book! The Story Guy (Novella)

19 comments:

  1. I am intrigued, the whole kissing, not touching below, I want to know more

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's pretty amazing that all this emotion and a full story is packed into a novella! I saw this all over my Twitter feed, too, but haven't yet caved. Sounds like I really do need to!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know if I got too overhyped and expected more so I wasn't quite as blown away as everyone else - but it was very good.

      Delete
  3. Sweet heartbreaking and sexy all sounds great to me.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I haven't heard of this book! I laughed at this though "Kissing….just one day a week…he won't touch below the shoulders?? Visions of tortured heroes with weird kinks danced through my head." That DOES seem like a sort of silly premise but I'm glad it was pulled off here! It sounds like a pretty good novella overall.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sounded so weird to me and all the books out there now turn into something over the top with the angst/kink. But this was just a sweet story. Especially for a novella.

      Delete
  5. Hm... now this is something I wouldn't have picked up. I would have been thinking the same thing... so what is the kink going on here? LOL However, you convinced me to try it. I'm very curious now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Try ti! I'm pretty sure you would like this one.

      Delete
  6. I think I saw your tweet and some others and ended up getting it and reading it around the same day. I really, really liked it!! The concept sounded super strange to me, so I was going in just based off reviews, and I'm so glad I checked it out. I adored the characters, and I can't believe how deep of a story was told within those few pages.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would have never read it without Mandi (Smexy books and Ann Aguirre tweeting about it.

      I'm glad I did though. I was surprised how much she packed into such a short time frame. I think it would have dragged outt oo long with a full length novel.

      Delete
  7. I'm sorry but the cover and title is a total turnoff for me. I don't know why. Maybe I'm moody today.

    I haven't read anything by Cara McKenna. Suggestions?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Snob lol

      I'll have to think which Cara McKenna would work for you. I love her Curio series about a parisian male prostitute who falls in love with a virgin lol It's dirrrrrty though

      Delete
  8. I saw the hype and read it. Like you, I liked it just didn't LOVE it. Loved the fun librarian/book references like her tote bag and tattoo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The librarian jokes wer hilarious. And how cute was it that they were both kind of nerdy?? lol

      Delete
  9. I'm glad you enjoyed this. I hadn't heard of it though...it sounds cute. I want to know what happens, but I may just make you tell me about it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah...I don't think this one is for you but it was a nice story that isn't nearly as weird as the premise makes it sound.

      Delete
  10. SOLD! I am buying this one right now. I actually haven't heard of this one, but it sounds so intriguing. Plus, I have a lot of friends who like Cara McKenna so that comparison helps.
    Great review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you'll like this one. And I KNOW you would like Cara McKenna!

      Delete