GRL 2019 AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together by Ari McKay

In my attempt to cover some of the attending authors for this year's GRL,
I am reviewing 

Ari McKay's 
Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together!

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

BLURB

When a Christmas shopping expedition brings Tomy Peralta into Jason Winters’ yarn store, both men feel an immediate and intense spark of attraction, but dance instructor Tomy intends to propose to his boyfriend Sean at Christmas. Unfortunately for Tomy, marriage isn’t on career-minded Sean’s agenda. Heartbroken, Tomy throws himself into his work until his mother convinces him that learning to knit might help take his mind off his failed romance.

Jason falls hard for Tomy, but he knows Tomy needs time to heal and to trust in love again. As Jason teaches Tomy how to knit, Tomy teaches him how to dance in return to prepare for his sister’s wedding. Just when it seems Tomy is ready for a new romance, Sean shows up, wanting Tomy back. Has Jason helped Tomy knit his heart together again, only for Tomy to give it to Sean once more, or will Tomy finally see Sean for what he truly is?

REVIEW

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together is a fun romance, which happens to begin in a yarn store.

Jason's a former football player who knits and owns a yarn store. Talk about an intriguing character. Meanwhile Tomy's a dance teacher who end up taking lessons from Jason. His heart's been broken and learning to knit soothes his soul, and well as mends his heart. 

It's beautiful the way Jason is willing to wait for Tomy, as he's taken with the dancer when they meet. The evolution of their relationship is slow and natural, which makes it even more enjoyable. I love that they each have something to offer the other. The writing's seamless, the characters compelling, and the storyline emotionally rewarding.

Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together is a sweet and tender holiday-ish romance. With just 111 pages, it's a quick read when you're looking for a feel-good read.

Ari McKay

Ari McKay is the professional pseudonym for Arionrhod and McKay, who collaborate on original m/m fiction. They began writing together in 2004 and finished their first original full length novel in 2011. Recently, they’ve begun collaborating on designing and creating costumes to wear and compete in at Sci Fi conventions, and they share a love of yarn and cake.

Arionrhod is an avid costumer, knitter, and all-around craft fiend, as well as a professional systems engineer. Mother of two human children and two dachshunds who think they are human, she is a voracious reader with wildly eclectic tastes, devouring romance novels, military science fiction, horror stories and Shakespeare with equal glee. She is currently preparing for the zombie apocalypse.

McKay is an English teacher who has been writing for one reason or another most of her life. She also enjoys knitting, reading, cooking, and playing video games. She has been known to knit in public. Given she has the survival skills of a gnat, she’s relying on Arionrhod to help her survive the zombie apocalypse.

Like No One is Watching (Dance, Love, Live #1) by Jaime Samms

Dreamspinner Press Link

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Dusty has finally landed a job he thinks he’ll be able to keep long-term, even with his broken brain and bum knee. He didn’t anticipate that cleaning a dance studio would reawaken his yearning to dance—even though he is no longer capable—or that meeting the studio’s director would rouse his dormant libido. Or his sleeping heart.

Conrad thinks his life is finally complete with his successful dance studio and a steady stream of students. When Dusty arrives, he rediscovers his thirst for a man who will let him hand over control and give him the undivided attention he’s never had. The trouble is, Dusty isn’t sure he’s worthy of the studio director’s submission.

To make their relationship work, Dusty will have to trust his ability to dominate the powerful and beautiful dancer, and Conrad will have to stop talking long enough to hear Dusty’s promises.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!


Jaime Samms' Like No One is Dancing is an interesting read. I find it rather slow, but the message is beautiful. 

One can't help but to fall in love with Dusty. His lack of self-worth is emormous, as well as heart-breaking. His background is tragic, and dancing helps him feel centered and grounded again. But, with his bad knee, he struggles with taking the chance. 

Conrad's love for Dusty is strong, and is perceverience is even stronger. They're an odd couple, definitely not one you'd expect to see, but they're also a hot couple. 

Overall, Like No One is Watching is a sweet and touching romance. At it's heart it's about acceptance and healing.