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Sweet as Chili Pepper
Meet Theo, an art teacher looking to start over. An accident has robbed him of his sense of smell and taste, not to mention ended his long term relationship with the melodramatic Ian. At a diner on the way from his old life to his new one, Theo will meet Jude, a busker, looking for a ride that will take him away from past mistakes. The two of them share one steamy night that will change them forever.
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First published January 1, 2013
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Veronica Sloane
10 books46 followersVee lives in NY with their husband, child, and cat.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 4, 2014
Theo had a horrible accident six months ago, he spent four months in the hospital and is still recovering.
He was an art teacher but because of some residual issues from his injuries he had to find a new job and used the move as a start in a new life away from all the loss and painful memories.
One of the things Theo has had to deal with is his loss of taste and smell, everything tastes the same, like dust. He is in a slump and feeling a bit sorry for himself during the long drive to his new home, he stops at a diner and a young man comes in and joins him at the counter. Theo likes the the look of the young musician and decides to offer Jude a ride as far as his new place.
During the hours they spend together they share their stories and open up and we get the most important information about these two damaged men. I liked the title of this book even before it became clear exactly how it came about.
They share a lot, not just a great night but something more, I really liked how instant love/lust was incorporated into the story. Jude really is a romantic, even if I didn't agree with how he went about doing what he thinks he needs to do.
Theo lives and heals and really gets comfortable in his own skin, he enjoys his new job, new home and he forms a good friendship with Audrey, a psychic and owner of the eclectic shop "The Happy Pagan". Theo really did have to move on, from what he tells Jude it is clear that he really needs this change, all of his relationships actually benefit from it.
I did miss Jude's growth and his making peace with himself, since this story is told from Theo's POV and because we don't find out what Jude did in the interim, that and the shortness of the story are my only complaints.
This sweet and poignant short has two men meeting at the right time in their lives to find themselves and find each other. It definitely left me wanting more.
He was an art teacher but because of some residual issues from his injuries he had to find a new job and used the move as a start in a new life away from all the loss and painful memories.
One of the things Theo has had to deal with is his loss of taste and smell, everything tastes the same, like dust. He is in a slump and feeling a bit sorry for himself during the long drive to his new home, he stops at a diner and a young man comes in and joins him at the counter. Theo likes the the look of the young musician and decides to offer Jude a ride as far as his new place.
During the hours they spend together they share their stories and open up and we get the most important information about these two damaged men. I liked the title of this book even before it became clear exactly how it came about.
They share a lot, not just a great night but something more, I really liked how instant love/lust was incorporated into the story. Jude really is a romantic, even if I didn't agree with how he went about doing what he thinks he needs to do.
Theo lives and heals and really gets comfortable in his own skin, he enjoys his new job, new home and he forms a good friendship with Audrey, a psychic and owner of the eclectic shop "The Happy Pagan". Theo really did have to move on, from what he tells Jude it is clear that he really needs this change, all of his relationships actually benefit from it.
I did miss Jude's growth and his making peace with himself, since this story is told from Theo's POV and because we don't find out what Jude did in the interim, that and the shortness of the story are my only complaints.
This sweet and poignant short has two men meeting at the right time in their lives to find themselves and find each other. It definitely left me wanting more.
November 3, 2019
What an incredibly beautiful, well written short story. I knew they were out there.
This author manages to enthrall the reader from the first page to the last with no stone left unturned. Amazing in a short story but she does it. I feel wholly satisfied and yearning for more, so much more.
A true compliment to the author.
Damn that's what love is all about.
This author manages to enthrall the reader from the first page to the last with no stone left unturned. Amazing in a short story but she does it. I feel wholly satisfied and yearning for more, so much more.
A true compliment to the author.
Damn that's what love is all about.
January 13, 2013
3.75 stars rounded up
Mandy brought this to my timeline -- she could've said that the 'hours' that Theo and Jude was spent together was in a car. 'Cause it meant roadtrip (well, sort of) and it would push me to read this sooner *lol*.
Anyway, I thought this was wonderful ... Theo and Jude were both men with issues who met just at the right time. Theo, trying to move on after an accident that robbed him his sense of smell and taste. While Jude, the much younger man was just starting again after his sugar daddy decided to leave him. Their conversations in the car were honest, and they just clicked.
I could understand why Jude decided to leave after that one night. Theo was already on the first step of a new life -- a new job in a different city. But Jude, he still needed to prove himself. Being with Theo might just be a little too much resemblance of his old life. I just wish, that his story was also told. I wanted to know what happened to him while being away and what prompted him finally to return to Theo.
Another plot that I liked very much was with Theo's ex. It was easy to make him the villain (he did leave Theo when he was still in the hospital). At the same time, like Theo himself learned, it was hard on Ian, that he felt guilty of the accident. So I was actually glad that Theo forgave Ian and they became friends. It was quite nice, to let go of the sad part of one's life without being bitter.
Mandy had said everything else I didn't cover ^^.
Mandy brought this to my timeline -- she could've said that the 'hours' that Theo and Jude was spent together was in a car. 'Cause it meant roadtrip (well, sort of) and it would push me to read this sooner *lol*.
Anyway, I thought this was wonderful ... Theo and Jude were both men with issues who met just at the right time. Theo, trying to move on after an accident that robbed him his sense of smell and taste. While Jude, the much younger man was just starting again after his sugar daddy decided to leave him. Their conversations in the car were honest, and they just clicked.
I could understand why Jude decided to leave after that one night. Theo was already on the first step of a new life -- a new job in a different city. But Jude, he still needed to prove himself. Being with Theo might just be a little too much resemblance of his old life. I just wish, that his story was also told. I wanted to know what happened to him while being away and what prompted him finally to return to Theo.
Another plot that I liked very much was with Theo's ex. It was easy to make him the villain (he did leave Theo when he was still in the hospital). At the same time, like Theo himself learned, it was hard on Ian, that he felt guilty of the accident. So I was actually glad that Theo forgave Ian and they became friends. It was quite nice, to let go of the sad part of one's life without being bitter.
Mandy had said everything else I didn't cover ^^.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2013
Have I mentioned how wary I am of short stories? They are so hard to pull through and most of them are just snippets and teasers. Not this one though. This is a full story that lacks nothing. And what a title this one has. Quite literally if you want to describe this book you can use its title: Sweet as Chili Pepper.
Theo’s life changed drastically after an accident that left him with too much trauma. His prettiness gone, his smell and taste shattered and his partner abandoned him while still in a hospital bed. Yeah, life sucks and the only thing Theo can do to not let it drown him, is move forward.
It’s like that he meets Jude, in a diner in the middle of nowhere. It’s easier to talk to strangers you know, and Jude has something about him that pushes Theo to open up and give it all. While giving him a rife till Theo’s stop, the two men open their heart to each other and when they reach their destination Theo offers Jude a place for the night. Little did he know that was just the beginning…
Although it hurts him deeply when he finds his bed empty in the morning Theo is not left completely alone. A new life opens its arm to him and he embraces it wholeheartedly. And while it’s still winter, summer is around the corner bidding her time…
I loved this little story. The sweetness and gentleness, so very appropriate. It flowed smoothly and the plot was so very solid. No questions left hanging, no holes for you to trip and an ending I didn’t quite anticipate happening the way it did. I think, this is one of the most beautiful HEA’s I’ve ever read.
Theo’s life changed drastically after an accident that left him with too much trauma. His prettiness gone, his smell and taste shattered and his partner abandoned him while still in a hospital bed. Yeah, life sucks and the only thing Theo can do to not let it drown him, is move forward.
It’s like that he meets Jude, in a diner in the middle of nowhere. It’s easier to talk to strangers you know, and Jude has something about him that pushes Theo to open up and give it all. While giving him a rife till Theo’s stop, the two men open their heart to each other and when they reach their destination Theo offers Jude a place for the night. Little did he know that was just the beginning…
Although it hurts him deeply when he finds his bed empty in the morning Theo is not left completely alone. A new life opens its arm to him and he embraces it wholeheartedly. And while it’s still winter, summer is around the corner bidding her time…
I loved this little story. The sweetness and gentleness, so very appropriate. It flowed smoothly and the plot was so very solid. No questions left hanging, no holes for you to trip and an ending I didn’t quite anticipate happening the way it did. I think, this is one of the most beautiful HEA’s I’ve ever read.
February 24, 2013
Short, sweet and enjoyable.
March 25, 2018
Enjoyable and just long enough to fill my morning work-break, went as well as a choccie biccie with my cuppa ;) (but no dunking)
Glad I found it when I did too, with the comic The Less Than Epic Adventures of TJ and Amal just completed and me missing the weekly dose of my favourite road-trip boys. This book has the same feel as the comic, I highly recommend the book to fans of the comic, and vise-versa.
Sloane as with Stories Beneath Our Skin manages to write characters with baggage and yet keep the story sweet. Both Theo and Jude have depth but the story is a simple one of them meeting, connecting and having the chance of a better life together.
There's so much to like here. The ease and strength to which these two bonded, they really didn't know each other for long and yet I believed it. This is Theo's story and I liked meeting his ex and how that was dealt with; yes he was a douche but not a cardboard villain and they could be friends. That there was no wallowing in self-pity this was a positive moving on and making a new start. And there was a nice hint of spice!
What holds me back from the 5stars is that we don't see Jude getting his life in order or have any idea what that entails. This is only Theo's story. I understand and respect him for leaving to sort it though, Theo is starting fresh he doesn't need the complications and it means Jude too can start anew. To be honest I'm not sure how Jude's story could have been told without complicating the book and spoiling it's charm.
There's a poignancy to the changing seasons but no angst, the 'psychic' shop owner is quirky and I like her. The end is lovely; it felt all enthused. Joyous. And yes, leave reality knock tomorrow, for now warm sunny sweetness and chilli spice.
I kind of want to pop the kettle on, curl up and read this over again.
Glad I found it when I did too, with the comic The Less Than Epic Adventures of TJ and Amal just completed and me missing the weekly dose of my favourite road-trip boys. This book has the same feel as the comic, I highly recommend the book to fans of the comic, and vise-versa.
Sloane as with Stories Beneath Our Skin manages to write characters with baggage and yet keep the story sweet. Both Theo and Jude have depth but the story is a simple one of them meeting, connecting and having the chance of a better life together.
There's so much to like here. The ease and strength to which these two bonded, they really didn't know each other for long and yet I believed it. This is Theo's story and I liked meeting his ex and how that was dealt with; yes he was a douche but not a cardboard villain and they could be friends. That there was no wallowing in self-pity this was a positive moving on and making a new start. And there was a nice hint of spice!
What holds me back from the 5stars is that we don't see Jude getting his life in order or have any idea what that entails. This is only Theo's story. I understand and respect him for leaving to sort it though, Theo is starting fresh he doesn't need the complications and it means Jude too can start anew. To be honest I'm not sure how Jude's story could have been told without complicating the book and spoiling it's charm.
There's a poignancy to the changing seasons but no angst, the 'psychic' shop owner is quirky and I like her. The end is lovely; it felt all enthused. Joyous. And yes, leave reality knock tomorrow, for now warm sunny sweetness and chilli spice.
I kind of want to pop the kettle on, curl up and read this over again.
August 6, 2014
This is such a sweet story about a new beginning, a second chance at everything, it's about two strangers, both hurting and hopeful in different ways, getting to know each other and falling in love. A quiet story that makes one smile. Recommended!
July 8, 2014
3.5 stars
Short and to the point, a very good read in between.
Short and to the point, a very good read in between.
January 21, 2013
This review can be found at Brief Encounters Reviews.
The story starts following Theo’s accident, on his way to his new job and town. When he stops for dinner, he meets Ian. Ian has been trying to hitchhike to Buffalo to start over his own life and Theo agrees to give him a ride at least as far as his small town. Along the way, Theo explains about the accident and his ex’s callous behaviour while he was recovering and that now he has lost his sense of taste. However Ian likes spicy food and always carries some chili pepper with him. When he sprinkles it on Ian’s fries, Ian can suddenly taste sweetness, and is overjoyed that he can taste ANYTHING. However after an amazing night in Theo’s new apartment, Ian disappears saying he has to get his life together, but he’ll be back.
There were several things I liked a great deal in this story. Theo’s injury if you will, is different and interesting. I’ve heard of it, but it’s difficult to imagine. I also liked that the injury and subsequent break-up was the impetus Theo needed to break out of his shell and start fresh. He had an overprotective mother (even before the accident), and was not very adventurous in any way. However, moving to a new town took him outside of his rigid comfort zone. Also Theo’s landlord and friend, a “psychic” with a new wave shop was a fun character, without being the annoying female character. She was just a good friend.
Probably the best point, was that he didn’t meet a hitchhiker who had been living on friends couches trying to make it as a musician, fall in love, and live happily ever after within hours. There was a separation, but while they were apart, Theo didn’t pine away. Granted he didn’t date (he did live in a small town), but he made friends, enjoyed his job, even became friends with his ex again, life went on. So that when the reunion did come, it was realistic and you wanted them to work it out. And it seems during that time, Ian got his life together as well. I thought it was entirely sensible on Ian’s part to know he was a mess and not in a position to be in a relationship, and for Theo to kind of accept that maybe their short time was it, and move ahead. Not too often you find sensible people in romance it seems.
This is the first story by the author (although there is another one out this week) and I will definitely check it out and see if the “realism” is one of her hallmarks because it made me appreciate the story so much more than forced happy endings. I think it’s a story well worth reading.
The story starts following Theo’s accident, on his way to his new job and town. When he stops for dinner, he meets Ian. Ian has been trying to hitchhike to Buffalo to start over his own life and Theo agrees to give him a ride at least as far as his small town. Along the way, Theo explains about the accident and his ex’s callous behaviour while he was recovering and that now he has lost his sense of taste. However Ian likes spicy food and always carries some chili pepper with him. When he sprinkles it on Ian’s fries, Ian can suddenly taste sweetness, and is overjoyed that he can taste ANYTHING. However after an amazing night in Theo’s new apartment, Ian disappears saying he has to get his life together, but he’ll be back.
There were several things I liked a great deal in this story. Theo’s injury if you will, is different and interesting. I’ve heard of it, but it’s difficult to imagine. I also liked that the injury and subsequent break-up was the impetus Theo needed to break out of his shell and start fresh. He had an overprotective mother (even before the accident), and was not very adventurous in any way. However, moving to a new town took him outside of his rigid comfort zone. Also Theo’s landlord and friend, a “psychic” with a new wave shop was a fun character, without being the annoying female character. She was just a good friend.
Probably the best point, was that he didn’t meet a hitchhiker who had been living on friends couches trying to make it as a musician, fall in love, and live happily ever after within hours. There was a separation, but while they were apart, Theo didn’t pine away. Granted he didn’t date (he did live in a small town), but he made friends, enjoyed his job, even became friends with his ex again, life went on. So that when the reunion did come, it was realistic and you wanted them to work it out. And it seems during that time, Ian got his life together as well. I thought it was entirely sensible on Ian’s part to know he was a mess and not in a position to be in a relationship, and for Theo to kind of accept that maybe their short time was it, and move ahead. Not too often you find sensible people in romance it seems.
This is the first story by the author (although there is another one out this week) and I will definitely check it out and see if the “realism” is one of her hallmarks because it made me appreciate the story so much more than forced happy endings. I think it’s a story well worth reading.
January 16, 2013
Mr P's Review:
For a short story this one packed in a lot of emotions. Ms. Sloane created two characters and gave them each a history and a potential future.
Please see Mr P's complete review on February 3, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.... Please note the link will not be live until February 3.
For a short story this one packed in a lot of emotions. Ms. Sloane created two characters and gave them each a history and a potential future.
Please see Mr P's complete review on February 3, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index.... Please note the link will not be live until February 3.
February 6, 2013
a short, sweet Valentine's treat of a story.
May 5, 2014
I wanted to know about Jude, but, in a way, this was Theo's story. Very sweet and truly enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews