Review: 12 Courses by EM Lynley

Author: EM Lynley

Pages/Word Count: 117 Pages

At a Glance: I really liked everything about 12 Courses, right down to how the author labeled her chapters.

Reviewed By: Kim

Blurb: Thom Kennedy Leyton returns to San Francisco to take up the reins of Graze, one of the city’s best restaurants, years after he lost his job when his innovative new set of recipes was stolen. Thom’s loss of self-esteem eventually caused his boyfriend, Blake Warner, to end their relationship, sending Thom into a deep depression.

Now, cured of fifty excess pounds and any attraction to Blake, Thom’s back in town. Blake catches him off guard when he visits Graze several days in a row, and Thom lets himself get caught up in Blake’s allure, despite knowing better.

Thom juggles a renewed relationship with Blake, a Christmas visit from his parents, and an important holiday menu based on a Twelve Days of Christmas theme. When an old acquaintance reveals that Blake knows more about the theft of the recipes than he lets on, Thom doesn’t know whom to trust. But the truth isn’t quite that simple, and Thom won’t be able to decide if Blake deserves a place in his life until he learns exactly what happened years ago.

Review: 12 Courses starts off with Thom making preparations for his debut in the culinary world in San Francisco…again. But what caught my heart and twisted it a little for Thom was when he drove to another restaurant, parked, and waited to catch a glimpse of someone from his past–and that someone was with another man. And although Thom made it a point not to be spotted as he drove away, Blake recognized him immediately. And it’s here that I got a look at what a lonely life Blake leads since he broke up with Thom.

For me, both of these men were likable. Both had their share of regrets for what happened ten years previously, and during that time, both had made progress in overcoming their mistakes from the past. I especially liked Blake since he took full blame for the break-up between him and Thom and did his best to make amends.

Because this is a short story, I really can’t say much without revealing too much more, but I will say this: I liked how the author didn’t rush the emotional, “Oh, I forgive you,” part of the story. There were no quick and easy fixes, and it was perfect how EM Lynley left it at a HFN ending, which I don’t mind as long as I get a follow-up on how Blake and Thom eventually work things out and get a more permanent HEA. ::hint hint::

I really liked everything about 12 Courses, right down to how the author labeled her chapters.

TNA_Signature_Kim

You can buy 12 Courses here:

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