Reviewed by Ami
Title: Mystic Man
Author: E.J. Russell
Heroes: Aaron & Cody
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 100
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: June 22, 2018
Available at: Dreamspinner Press & Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: When a series of personal crises prompt risk-averse research librarian Aaron Templeton to apply for a job on the other side of the country, nobody is more surprised than he is. He nearly runs home before the final interview except for one little problem: he has no home anymore. He put his condo on the market before he left California and it’s already sold. Only an encounter with free-spirited Connecticut native Cody Brown at the Mystic Seaport Museum staves off Aaron’s incipient panic attack.
Cody loves nothing better than introducing newcomers to the great features of his beloved home state, and when the newbie in question is a rumpled professorial type with the saddest blue eyes on the planet? Score! The attraction between the two men deepens as they explore Cody’s favorite spots, but when difficulties arise and Aaron’s insecurities threaten to overwhelm him, will Cody’s love be enough to keep him in Mystic?
Review:
I enjoy reading Dreamspinner Press’ States of Love series because they often take me to places across America without having to leave the comfort of my bedroom *laugh*. I think E.J. Russell did a GREAT job with this novella, she took me to Connecticut and I could really IMAGINE being there. I could put myself on Aaron’s shoes – new transplant in that manageable state – while Cody took Aaron with sightseeing tour. I want so badly to be there, so that is thumbs up to the author.
Now, Aaron and Cody … I was very much into their relationship as well. First of all, they are opposites attract, and I think the author also did it so well.
Aaron doesn’t have a lot of security when he is growing up, so for him he needs it as an adult. Aaron craves security and safety, he doesn’t like to take a leap of faith. While Cody grows up with tight-knit family, he never has to worry about losing his house, but he has developed a sense of restlessness, itchy feet that makes him commitment avoidant. Cody travels every winter, he postpones of having permanent job, and he still lives at his sister’s attic.
But the opposites attract WORKS … Cody helps Aaron to take chances, and Aaron gives Cody a reason to stay. I loved how they connect over museums, eating lobsters (first time for Aaron), trekking, and talk about history. Oh, and I also love that even if there are eleven years between them, the age-gap has never become an issue that keeps them from being together.
I wish the story lasts a little bit longer, probably because I am not ready to say goodbye to Hartford and the charm of Mystic River, Connecticut.
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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