Reviewed by Ami
Title: The Mature Man’s Guide to Surviving Change
Author: Chris Scully
Series: 2017 Advent Calendar Daily – Stocking Stuffers
Heroes: Joel/Perry
Genre: MM Holiday
Length: 66 Pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: In the sunny playground of Palm Springs, growing up was something confirmed bachelor and bad-boy chef Joel avoided at all costs—until a close friend’s death made him reevaluate his priorities. Ever since, he’s been dedicated to helping his widowed friend Perry get back on his feet by teaching him to cook and providing a shoulder to cry on. But when Perry announces that he’s ready to start dating again and then begins receiving gifts from an anonymous secret Santa, Joel is forced to confront the feelings he’s suppressed for so long.
As Joel struggles with jealousy and guilt amid the holiday season, he must decide if he’s ready to grow up and reach for what he’s always wanted but never thought he could have.
Review: When Perry decides that he is ready to start dating again after losing his husband two years ago, it drops a bombshell into Joel’s life. Joel has feeling for Perry for years – but Perry was married to Joel’s good friend. While this can finally be his chance, Joel is filled with guilt and uncertainty (he thinks Perry is out of his league) but he is doesn’t want to see Perry dating someone else. Especially since Perry starting to get presents from a secret admirer. What Joel to do?
While Joel’s notorious indecisiveness frustrates me but the whole story fulfills my heart’s desire for a hopeful holiday story. Plus, The Mature Man’s Guide to Surviving Change features TWO men in their 50’s (thumbs up for that fact alone).
Yes, it takes a LONG time for Joel to finally makes his move – he’s constantly thinking that he’s not good enough for Perry, and worries Perry only wants ‘to test the water’ with him. He also acts a bit petty when one of the ‘younger men’ wants to try his chance with Perry. I wanted to knock him in the head because apparently being older doesn’t mean being wiser.
However, at the same time, I was also a little amused with his internal conflicts. I mean, Joel is a confirmed bachelor and he avoids relationship because it’s easier for him. Joel admits to himself that he’s not good with making snappy decisions. I can understand that it’s not too easy to just get out of his comfort zone. Besides this makes the story move at a pace that I like with a low steam level.
Simply put, Chris Scully does it again for me — and that’s why she is one of my favorite authors.
Overall Impression: I really liked it!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
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