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Sign of Spring
We've all heard those stock phrases. "When one door closes, another opens." "There's always a silver lining." "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade."
But, what if you're the lemon?
After crashing and burning at his job in the Palliative Care Unit, a young nurse takes a cross-country road trip, hoping a break from his routine will be the transfusion he needs to heal his bruised heart. What he doesn't expect is to fall head over heels in love with a chance met acquaintance, a man who lives in the moment, treating each day as an adventure.
An idyllic afternoon in a field of poppies leads to confessions by both men, but can their relationship survive the return to reality? Are the poppies a symbol of death, or a sign of rebirth?
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
But, what if you're the lemon?
After crashing and burning at his job in the Palliative Care Unit, a young nurse takes a cross-country road trip, hoping a break from his routine will be the transfusion he needs to heal his bruised heart. What he doesn't expect is to fall head over heels in love with a chance met acquaintance, a man who lives in the moment, treating each day as an adventure.
An idyllic afternoon in a field of poppies leads to confessions by both men, but can their relationship survive the return to reality? Are the poppies a symbol of death, or a sign of rebirth?
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
56 pages, ebook
First published July 27, 2013
25 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Kate Lowell
13 books66 followersKate Lowell lives on the east coast of Canada, in an old farm house that has way more personality than it has any right to. During the winter, she spends her time dreading snow, cursing at snow, shoveling snow, and scheming ways to shove it down the kids' necks. During the summer, she prays not to have snow. :)
Kate likes to play in ALL the sandboxes. While her main genres are paranormal and contemporary suspense, she is also interested in science fiction, fantasy and--weirdly--romantic comedy. She's willing to pay large amounts of money to anyone who can come up with plot-bunny repellent, which she will first use on herself, then sell to LA Witt for an exorbitant price to recoup her costs.
You can contact her at katelowellbooks (at) gmail.com . If you think you’d like to try writing gay romance, come visit her critique group (Link can be found at http://katelowell.com). New members are always welcome.
Kate likes to play in ALL the sandboxes. While her main genres are paranormal and contemporary suspense, she is also interested in science fiction, fantasy and--weirdly--romantic comedy. She's willing to pay large amounts of money to anyone who can come up with plot-bunny repellent, which she will first use on herself, then sell to LA Witt for an exorbitant price to recoup her costs.
You can contact her at katelowellbooks (at) gmail.com . If you think you’d like to try writing gay romance, come visit her critique group (Link can be found at http://katelowell.com). New members are always welcome.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 21, 2020
Sign of Spring is a pretty good live-your-life-to-the-fullest road romance with kinky sex and great messages:
And other stuff like that.
A quick, easy, and steamy read.
My favorite quotes.
And other stuff like that.
A quick, easy, and steamy read.
My favorite quotes.
July 29, 2013
3.5 stars
Robin had a break-down, burned out after his work as a nurse in Palliative Care Unit. He took some time off, went on a road-trip, where he met a carefree younger man, Justin. They had instant connection and Robin finds himself with Justin for the rest of the trip
-----
This is quite a nice surprise. There are a LOT of sex scenes here, more than my liking, and it usually turns me off really quick. However, Kate Lowell is able to give a quite down-to-earth story in between. The meeting between Robin and Justin happened off page (we only got the story from Robin's narration); in a way it reduced the insta-love feel because when the story started, Robin and Justin pretty much has become a 'couple' in this road-trip of them. Oh and the sex feels playful, which also helps. Robin sputtering up those 'dirty' medical terms feels fresh and I enjoyed that part.
I loved how differences between Robin and Justin actually make them better persons. Robin learned to relax a little bit, and we understand that Justin now learns to embrace the idea of settling down and not just give in to his wanderlust. I loved that the story is based on something 'real', being burned out with work. No homophobic/bullying theme, death of partners, cheating, or other heavy-drama-themes here. It's something I truly appreciate. If there are less smut, this will be a 4-stars read.
I wish there'll be sequel about their next adventure in life ... because .
PS: NO BABY AS ENDEARMENT!!! Instead, Justin calls Robin, "Birdie". So cute!
Robin had a break-down, burned out after his work as a nurse in Palliative Care Unit. He took some time off, went on a road-trip, where he met a carefree younger man, Justin. They had instant connection and Robin finds himself with Justin for the rest of the trip
-----
This is quite a nice surprise. There are a LOT of sex scenes here, more than my liking, and it usually turns me off really quick. However, Kate Lowell is able to give a quite down-to-earth story in between. The meeting between Robin and Justin happened off page (we only got the story from Robin's narration); in a way it reduced the insta-love feel because when the story started, Robin and Justin pretty much has become a 'couple' in this road-trip of them. Oh and the sex feels playful, which also helps. Robin sputtering up those 'dirty' medical terms feels fresh and I enjoyed that part.
I loved how differences between Robin and Justin actually make them better persons. Robin learned to relax a little bit, and we understand that Justin now learns to embrace the idea of settling down and not just give in to his wanderlust. I loved that the story is based on something 'real', being burned out with work. No homophobic/bullying theme, death of partners, cheating, or other heavy-drama-themes here. It's something I truly appreciate. If there are less smut, this will be a 4-stars read.
I wish there'll be sequel about their next adventure in life ... because .
PS: NO BABY AS ENDEARMENT!!! Instead, Justin calls Robin, "Birdie". So cute!
July 27, 2013
A beautiful picture prompt that the author managed to write into the story.
3.75*
The blurb is a great set-up, this story is about Robin, a dedicated and very good nurse, unfortunately he had a break down and needed to take some time off. That's when he met Justin, a carefree young man, who is exactly what Robin needs.
The story actually only covers an afternoon of them together and then a very short time later, it's heavy on the sex, but throughout all that, you feel the affection and budding love they are developing for each other.
Robin has a tendency to over think and be very precise and he has trouble just letting go and relaxing and Justin is great at distracting him.
It's sexy and hot, but also very tender, and enjoyable sweet story.
3.75*
The blurb is a great set-up, this story is about Robin, a dedicated and very good nurse, unfortunately he had a break down and needed to take some time off. That's when he met Justin, a carefree young man, who is exactly what Robin needs.
The story actually only covers an afternoon of them together and then a very short time later, it's heavy on the sex, but throughout all that, you feel the affection and budding love they are developing for each other.
Robin has a tendency to over think and be very precise and he has trouble just letting go and relaxing and Justin is great at distracting him.
It's sexy and hot, but also very tender, and enjoyable sweet story.
July 27, 2013
Lovely, smexy story of two men on a road trip. One, it's a road to recovery, the other, it's all about keep on moving. Sweet and hot Justin and Robin leave you feeling refreshed. Justin is an amazing advocate for change--accepting and moving forward and Robin is the lucky guy he shares this with.
Favorite quote:
Favorite quote:
To Justin, the glass wasn’t half full. It was completely full— half water and half air— both absolutely necessary for living, he told me once.
April 1, 2017
What a lovely little story. Sign of Spring is the perfect title for this little taste of sexy relaxation on a Saturday afternoon.
Justin and Robin get to know each other and fall in love on a lazy, meandering road trip. Robin was forced to take leave from his work as a nurse in palliative care (providing comfort measures for dying patients) after losing one too many patients caused an emotional breakdown. Usually wound up tight, Robin was having a hard time relaxing... until he met Justin. Justin is a free spirit and an optimist who perfectly counterbalances Robin's high strung and brooding tendencies. They embark on a road trip filled with self discovery, sex and promises. Robin learns that beautiful things happen to good people and Justin is the most beautiful thing he has ever encountered.
Robin is characteristically skeptical that something that makes him so happy can last. Not Justin, though. He is positive that their future is together and will be a fulfilling journey as long as they have each other. With a little convincing, Justin finally succeeds in igniting the spark of hope in his lovers eyes that allows him to dream of good things to come.
The magic of Justin can be summed up with this quote from the book:
"To Justin, the glass wasn’t half full. It was completely full— half water and half air— both absolutely necessary for living."
My life has taken a turn on a darker path as of late and my thoughts have turned bitter and restless. This little ray of sunshine struck the perfect chord with me. It managed to inspire me and lift my spirits at a time when I needed it most. How can I not give it 5 stars?
Recommended for any fans of M/M who can use a medicinal dose of happiness to brighten their day.
Justin and Robin get to know each other and fall in love on a lazy, meandering road trip. Robin was forced to take leave from his work as a nurse in palliative care (providing comfort measures for dying patients) after losing one too many patients caused an emotional breakdown. Usually wound up tight, Robin was having a hard time relaxing... until he met Justin. Justin is a free spirit and an optimist who perfectly counterbalances Robin's high strung and brooding tendencies. They embark on a road trip filled with self discovery, sex and promises. Robin learns that beautiful things happen to good people and Justin is the most beautiful thing he has ever encountered.
Robin is characteristically skeptical that something that makes him so happy can last. Not Justin, though. He is positive that their future is together and will be a fulfilling journey as long as they have each other. With a little convincing, Justin finally succeeds in igniting the spark of hope in his lovers eyes that allows him to dream of good things to come.
The magic of Justin can be summed up with this quote from the book:
"To Justin, the glass wasn’t half full. It was completely full— half water and half air— both absolutely necessary for living."
My life has taken a turn on a darker path as of late and my thoughts have turned bitter and restless. This little ray of sunshine struck the perfect chord with me. It managed to inspire me and lift my spirits at a time when I needed it most. How can I not give it 5 stars?
Recommended for any fans of M/M who can use a medicinal dose of happiness to brighten their day.
July 28, 2013
I quite liked this but here's the thing - there was nothing profoundly memorable about it to me. I also thought there was just a bit too much smut for the amount of content actually there and I wasn't a fan of being left hanging :( Overall, not a bad read.
September 30, 2014
An absolute gem of a short story! Shorts are very difficult to do well and this one was a joy to read. The characters were so well realized that I really want a 'Jason' for my very own! And yes the sex is HAWT but not gratuitous as each coming together helps to illustrate their emotional connection. Loved it!
July 28, 2013
I loved this! I really loved the pace of this and the chemistry between Robin and Justin was just sexy and beautiful. I really enjoyed how perfect of a match they are for each other and reading about their next step together. Thank you for a wonderful story!
August 17, 2017
Short but has depth.
This freebie was a pleasant surprise. It starts up in the middle of a road trip with a guy suffering from job-related PTSD (which I get - not everyone is cut out for palliative care), and a more carefree guy he met along the way. While I wish we'd gotten their full story from the start, the glimpse we get is wonderful.
There are warnings in the beginning about car sex and breath play, which was just extra incentive to me, and there were definitely a couple of hot scenes for such a short book. What I loved the most, though, was watching this new relationship and how much they already cared for and supported each other. This quote was great:
“There are no wrong choices, Robin. Not if no one's getting hurt. Just different choices and different outcomes. There's something interesting behind each one.”
There's also a fun bonus story from the other character's perspective. I really liked this, and just wish it could be made into a full-length book.
This freebie was a pleasant surprise. It starts up in the middle of a road trip with a guy suffering from job-related PTSD (which I get - not everyone is cut out for palliative care), and a more carefree guy he met along the way. While I wish we'd gotten their full story from the start, the glimpse we get is wonderful.
There are warnings in the beginning about car sex and breath play, which was just extra incentive to me, and there were definitely a couple of hot scenes for such a short book. What I loved the most, though, was watching this new relationship and how much they already cared for and supported each other. This quote was great:
“There are no wrong choices, Robin. Not if no one's getting hurt. Just different choices and different outcomes. There's something interesting behind each one.”
There's also a fun bonus story from the other character's perspective. I really liked this, and just wish it could be made into a full-length book.
March 24, 2019
An enjoyable short story about robin a seemingly great nurse who has burnt out and needing time out. You get a great insight to robin and grow to like him. Justin the other main character in the book is what everyone dreams of in a partner but you dot get to learn more about him and it is because of this I have scored it as 3.5. a lot more potential.
February 4, 2020
Naughty medical talk!
Justen has never had roots, but he wouldn’t mind being tied down with Robin. Robin, aka “birdie”, needs to spend some quality time with a Psychologist; he’s burnt-out from watching too many people die. Together they spread their wings... but to fly off to Chad... a gay couple??? That takes guts!
Justen has never had roots, but he wouldn’t mind being tied down with Robin. Robin, aka “birdie”, needs to spend some quality time with a Psychologist; he’s burnt-out from watching too many people die. Together they spread their wings... but to fly off to Chad... a gay couple??? That takes guts!
May 23, 2022
This had an important message and was better than expected.
August 6, 2013
I surprised myself with how much I loved this one. I found the writing to be absolutely gorgeous, the characters relateable and endearing, and the story to be well-paced.
It was beautiful how well Justin complimented Robin. How he could calm Robin down or center him so easily. This is one of those stories where the characters are just so perfectly well-created for each other that it leaves me wishing that everyone in real life could find the person who could do that for them.
And honestly, such beautiful writing. I'm totally heading over after I finish this to find what else this author has written and perhaps beginning to Goodreads-stalk her... >.> Seriously, seriously beautiful. I can't believe this was free!
4.5 stars rounded up for being free
Favorite Quotes:
I don't know what kind of rose-colored contacts he had in, but somehow he always made me feel handsome, desirable.
I wasn't entirely ready to be two separate entities yet.
"No thinking, Robin. Not today. Just be."
"I'm trying."
"I know." He kissed me. "You're so strong. Let someone else carry the world for a while."
"Nothing is ever all bad."
"Live your life for you, Birdie, just for a while."
"There are no wrong choices, Robin. Not if no one's getting hurt. Just different choices and different outcomes. There's something interesting behind each one."
It was beautiful how well Justin complimented Robin. How he could calm Robin down or center him so easily. This is one of those stories where the characters are just so perfectly well-created for each other that it leaves me wishing that everyone in real life could find the person who could do that for them.
And honestly, such beautiful writing. I'm totally heading over after I finish this to find what else this author has written and perhaps beginning to Goodreads-stalk her... >.> Seriously, seriously beautiful. I can't believe this was free!
4.5 stars rounded up for being free
Favorite Quotes:
I don't know what kind of rose-colored contacts he had in, but somehow he always made me feel handsome, desirable.
I wasn't entirely ready to be two separate entities yet.
"No thinking, Robin. Not today. Just be."
"I'm trying."
"I know." He kissed me. "You're so strong. Let someone else carry the world for a while."
"Nothing is ever all bad."
"Live your life for you, Birdie, just for a while."
"There are no wrong choices, Robin. Not if no one's getting hurt. Just different choices and different outcomes. There's something interesting behind each one."
August 5, 2013
LHNB Story released 27.7.13
Heading towards 3.5 stars
Robin, who narrates the story, is a specialist nurse, taking six weeks stress leave after burning out on his job in palliative care. Having decided to live life has it happens he is taking road trip and in a diner meets Justin, five years younger, carefree and optimistic. The story starts around 4 weeks into their relationship and in the run up to a meeting with Robin's supervisor at the hospital which leads the pair on a whole new adventure. Whilst I liked this story I did have a couple of issues that pulled me out of it, the first was the fact that after just 4 weeks together the pair were in love and moving across the world together and the second was simply the sex to storyline ratio - I found myself skipping over the sex more interested in finding out what happened next.
Heading towards 3.5 stars
Robin, who narrates the story, is a specialist nurse, taking six weeks stress leave after burning out on his job in palliative care. Having decided to live life has it happens he is taking road trip and in a diner meets Justin, five years younger, carefree and optimistic. The story starts around 4 weeks into their relationship and in the run up to a meeting with Robin's supervisor at the hospital which leads the pair on a whole new adventure. Whilst I liked this story I did have a couple of issues that pulled me out of it, the first was the fact that after just 4 weeks together the pair were in love and moving across the world together and the second was simply the sex to storyline ratio - I found myself skipping over the sex more interested in finding out what happened next.
November 13, 2013
- 4.5 stars – loved this story of Robin, a nurse who is on leave after suffering a breakdown. He finds Justin, a free spirit and they spend a month traveling around. We see them on the day before Robin is to return to “real life” and he’s jittery and nervous and Justin calms him down. Robin’s happy to find Justin wants to explore the possibility of a future with him. He’s surprised by the offer that awaits him when he returns home and is pleased that this new relationship has opened up in him the desire to take chances. Nicely done.
Want to read
July 23, 2016
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love Has No Boundaries Anthology: Volume 7. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
July 9, 2015
Very enjoyable. I loved the characters and how they interacted. Justin is the perfect balance for Robin. All of Robin's internal angst and worry fades with Justin. The extra story at the end of the book gives us a small peak at the two of them on the next phase of their journey together. I would beg the author for more of these two. This book has the making of an incredible love story.
Adult read
Adult read
July 27, 2013
This story has depth of feeling to both the MC and the romance, angst (which I love) and well crafted writing. The emotional honesty of Robin as he heads off a breakdown by picking up a cute stranger, the sweet hope and belief that is Justin's, that something good is around the corner if the couple just stays on the road they're on...quick, go read it!
August 7, 2013
This was a short sweet story, but as others have said before the sex scenes were a little to much. The characters and story were great, I just wish there was more story and a little less sex. (yes, unbelievable I know) What can I say, when you have such a short story, I don't want to read just sex scenes.
October 11, 2013
The storyline was for a change something different and interessting. But I would have wished for less sex in this short story. Especially because half of it is having sex instead of solving the conflict.
And I'm not sure, that these two will last. It would be interessting to see their relationship develop abroad.
And I'm not sure, that these two will last. It would be interessting to see their relationship develop abroad.
January 14, 2014
I felt as if I floated in a cloud above this story or possibly just under the water looking out at this story. I felt as though I couldn't "hear" everything that I should, and thus, I didn't feel or know enough to really enjoy the story.
[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation.]
[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation.]
June 29, 2014
Burned out and broken (Robin) meets free spirit (Justin) for a totally new breath of fresh air and the desperate realization that he can’t let go of what’s new in his life to go back to the way things were. It seemed like destiny that these guys meet and forge a new future together. I loved the prompt and resulting story. Thanks for this awesome contribution to the LHNB event!!!
April 18, 2015
3.5 - Sweet and touching. I enjoyed this story, the characters and the romance. Nice interpretation of the photo and the story letter. Thank you Kate Lowell for donating your story, your time and your talent.
July 28, 2013
That was a delight. I liked the chemistry you gave them. It worked very well, even though it was a quick love at first sight. The only thing that still goes through my head is... is Justin going to upgrade to 'Robin's poinsettia' tattoo?
July 29, 2013
Beautiful prose and a short yet complete story. Having also gone through a work-induced stress event, the main character's emotions and reactions struck me as authentic. I loved how the theme of spring was woven through the story. The sex was hot, too. What more can you ask for?
August 10, 2013
Cute story of a chance meeting turning into a road trip companion, turning into a time of healing, turning into a relationship, turning into the opportunity for more adventure. Love the progression of this story.
February 3, 2016
Even if it was a short book, I got fully involved in the story and the characters. The love between the leads really shined and for reason made me very, ah, feeling-y when I read some parts. Stuff gets emotional.
It was really good. *nod nod*
It was really good. *nod nod*
July 28, 2013
Nice sweet story. I liked how the strangers met and just meshed well with one another.
July 28, 2013
Beautiful :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews