City of Gold by L.J. LaBarthe

Summary:

Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire, 1131 AD

Gallienus has spent his life in service of his country, and now his scarred body is no longer up for the fight. Assigned to work the gates of Constantinople, he is charged with examining the cargo brought into the city from all over the world. Misahuen is part of the merchant train bringing wares from the Silk Road to trade, but it’s not Misahuen’s cargo that interests the wounded soldier. Gallienus thought his heart was too battered to love anything but his country. Does he have the courage to dream of a future beyond service to the City of Gold?

Reviewer: RedDragonfly
This was the first novel I've read by L.J. LaBarthe but it for sure won't be the last. This short story was beautifully written and the characters were very likable and really pulled you into the story. I just wish that this had been a longer story. There were parts that mentioned weeks had gone by of them talking and learning about each other but we didn't get to see that, we don't get to see them fall in love. We only got to see the instant lust they had for each other and when they finally acted upon their desires.

The only problem I had with this short was that the author said something about Gallienus taking his breeches off but breeches weren't part of the Byzantine Empire dress. She also mentioned his boots but scholars arent certain what type of footwear they had so I guess I could let that mistake slide.

I'm giving City of Gold 4.5 stars only because I can't give it the full 5 stars for it's story length.

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Life and Nothing But by L.J. LaBarthe

Summary:

When Michael Lee takes a job as a tutor to Lord Henilworth's children, the last thing he expects to find is the love of his life. However, from the moment he first meets Nick, the gardener of Castle Henilworth, he cannot deny the attraction. Believing it to be one-sided, Michael tries to bury himself in his work, but living in the same village and working in the same place make it impossible to completely avoid Nick. Gradually, Michael overcomes his shyness, and, when Nick makes his own interest clear, everything seems to be going Michael's way. However, ghosts of the past and a racist attack threaten the fragile happiness Michael has found. Will Nick's love really be enough?

Reviewer: RedDragonfly
Michael is finally trying to get his life back together after the loss of his wife and child a few years ago. In doing so, he takes a job as a teacher for Lord Hadley's children and the other children living at their castle. As part of Michael's wage, he is given a cottage on the grounds where he quickly becomes friends with his next door neighbor Nick. Because of Michael's Korean heritage he is uncomfortable with his bisexuality and has a hard time with his feelings for Nick. After many months of developing their friendship the two finally confess to having feelings for each other.

While reading this book I was able to feel what Michael was feeling and enjoyed his point of view. I thought that the developing of a friendship with lust for each other that slowly turned into a love was very nice and I thought Nick was a great love interest. His insecurities due to the way he grew up were explored well and seemed very believable. The only problem that I had with this story was I felt that the loss of Michael's wife and son wasn't explored enough, there really wasn't any talking about it or feelings discussed or information given about them. I understand that it had been 3 years since it happened but I feel like when you lose your family like that it would have a bigger impact in future relationships and would be talked about more. But besides that I really enjoyed Life and Nothing But and I'm giving this novel 4.5 stars.

Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing LLC
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders

Long Road Back by LJ LaBarthe

Summary:

Yoo Lee Shin had great hopes for his new life studying engineering in Australia, but nothing could have prepared him for the wonder of falling in love. His roommate’s brother, Craig, is beautiful, kind, and brave—and, very shortly after they meet, he’s deployed. As Christmas nears, can Shin keep hope for a happy ending bright enough to guide Craig to him on the long road back?

Reviewer: PurpleRose
Shin is in Australia, studying to be and engineer. His roommate Tasha decides to bring him home to meet her family, more importantly her brother Craig! Only their time is cut short because Craig is about to be deployed. Shin looses himself to his studies as he waits for Christmas to near, and the hopes he might just get want he wants…Craig returned home safely.

This was a nice and wonderful story. It was very easy to read and follow along and it had great detail throughout, but for me it ended too abruptly. I didn’t know what to think when the ending came, as there was still much I was waiting to learn about. Who knows maybe we will have a follow up in a sequel! Maybe?

I give this 3 stars…a sweet, warm holiday story.

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Review Courtesy Of: ManicReaders