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Village Love #0.5
Resonance
Resonance: The quality in a sound. The power to evoke enduring emotions. Sometimes one can result in the other.
Rick Brandt would never have said he was claustrophobic; after all he’s been in plenty of enclosed spaces in his job as the village’s only handyman cum gardener. He even squeezed into a disused coal chute to rescue a trapped dog for an elderly resident. So why did opening his eyes in the MRI scanner induce a breath stealing freak-out that has him jabbing at the panic button.
Luckily, Mal, the radiographer running his scan has a pleasant voice and an excellent bedside manner that soothes Rick’s frayed nerves and rabbity heartbeat. Soon the resonance of his tone has gone beyond calming and Rick is lost in a fantasy of the man behind the voice. But things aren’t always what they seem and when Rick’s shocked surprise at the reality causes offence, the likelihood of him getting to experience Mal’s true bedside manner appears to be slipping away.
Rick Brandt would never have said he was claustrophobic; after all he’s been in plenty of enclosed spaces in his job as the village’s only handyman cum gardener. He even squeezed into a disused coal chute to rescue a trapped dog for an elderly resident. So why did opening his eyes in the MRI scanner induce a breath stealing freak-out that has him jabbing at the panic button.
Luckily, Mal, the radiographer running his scan has a pleasant voice and an excellent bedside manner that soothes Rick’s frayed nerves and rabbity heartbeat. Soon the resonance of his tone has gone beyond calming and Rick is lost in a fantasy of the man behind the voice. But things aren’t always what they seem and when Rick’s shocked surprise at the reality causes offence, the likelihood of him getting to experience Mal’s true bedside manner appears to be slipping away.
38 pages, ebook
First published October 26, 2015
7 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Lillian Francis
15 books102 followersLillian Francis is an English writer who likes to dabble in many genres but always seems to return to the here and now.
Their name may imply a grand dame in pink chiffon and lace, but Lillian is more at home in jeans, Converse, and the sort of T-shirts that often need explaining to the populous at large but will get a fist bump at Comic-Con. Lillian is a self-confessed geek who likes nothing more than settling down with a comic or a good book, except maybe writing. Given a notepad, pen, her Kindle, and an infinite supply of chocolate Hob Nobs and they can lose themself for weeks. Romance was never their reading matter of choice, so it came as a great surprise to all concerned, including themself, to discover a romance was exactly what they’d written, and not the rollicking spy adventure or cosy murder mystery they always assumed they’d write. Luckily there's always room for romance no matter what plot bunny chooses to bite them, so never say never to either of those stories appearing.
Lillian lives in an imposing castle on a windswept desolate moor or in an elaborate shack on the edge of a beach somewhere, depending on their mood. And while they’d love for the heroes of their stories to either be chained up in the dungeon or wandering the shack serving drinks in nothing but skimpy barista aprons more often than not they are doing something far less erotic like running charity shops and shovelling elephant shit.
Drawn to the ocean, although not in a Reginald Perrin sort of way, Lillian would love to own a camper van and to live by the sea.
Their name may imply a grand dame in pink chiffon and lace, but Lillian is more at home in jeans, Converse, and the sort of T-shirts that often need explaining to the populous at large but will get a fist bump at Comic-Con. Lillian is a self-confessed geek who likes nothing more than settling down with a comic or a good book, except maybe writing. Given a notepad, pen, her Kindle, and an infinite supply of chocolate Hob Nobs and they can lose themself for weeks. Romance was never their reading matter of choice, so it came as a great surprise to all concerned, including themself, to discover a romance was exactly what they’d written, and not the rollicking spy adventure or cosy murder mystery they always assumed they’d write. Luckily there's always room for romance no matter what plot bunny chooses to bite them, so never say never to either of those stories appearing.
Lillian lives in an imposing castle on a windswept desolate moor or in an elaborate shack on the edge of a beach somewhere, depending on their mood. And while they’d love for the heroes of their stories to either be chained up in the dungeon or wandering the shack serving drinks in nothing but skimpy barista aprons more often than not they are doing something far less erotic like running charity shops and shovelling elephant shit.
Drawn to the ocean, although not in a Reginald Perrin sort of way, Lillian would love to own a camper van and to live by the sea.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 31, 2022
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Hmm, still gives me an off feeling. Culling.
.. ..
This is 'okay' due to the length, it's not 'bad' but any more and I'd have dnf'd.
The surprise mentioned is not at all what I expected and the reveal left me a bit uncomfortable, without there being anything overtly offensive about it there's still that hint of something that felt off to me.
It's out of sequence, the beginning had me rechecking the blurb but it then flashes to 6hours earlier telling how they got to there, then beyond. And there's the other problem I had it reads as a hook-up and left as that fine, but by the end of this single meeting it's deemed something worth making huge changes/risks for and that was a bit much to swallow!
Hmm, still gives me an off feeling. Culling.
.. ..
This is 'okay' due to the length, it's not 'bad' but any more and I'd have dnf'd.
The surprise mentioned is not at all what I expected and the reveal left me a bit uncomfortable, without there being anything overtly offensive about it there's still that hint of something that felt off to me.
It's out of sequence, the beginning had me rechecking the blurb but it then flashes to 6hours earlier telling how they got to there, then beyond. And there's the other problem I had it reads as a hook-up and left as that fine, but by the end of this single meeting it's deemed something worth making huge changes/risks for and that was a bit much to swallow!
May 30, 2016
I loved this story. It actually took me a little by surprise that I became so invested in the characters so quickly, but as always, Lillian's writing style drew me in and hooked me. Combining the sensual scenes and the 'two worlds colliding' it made for a wonderful story. I really hope this is just the beginning for Rick and Mal.
December 31, 2017
Hospitals are the least sexy places on the planet Earth, yet Lillian Francis managed to make Rick's meeting with Mal a real heart-stopper. I've had MRIs myself before and panicked over the feeling of being trapped; Mal speaking on and on at Rick for the whole forty-five minute procedure was beyond endearing to me.
A person's voice often sets up an idea of how that individual should look in the listener's mind. Rick experienced a shock I could utterly empathize with when he realized he'd pictured the exact opposite of the man who'd helped him. Their attraction was mutual, instinctual, and decadent. I thought it was very honest the way they progressed together. Everyone should have a chance to fall into bed with someone they have an instant attraction to at least once in their lives.
My favorite part of this short introduction to Mal and Rick was seeing the obvious care Mal had for Rick outside of the bedroom. He rang him more than once to check he was safe; a man only interested in a good lay wouldn't be so concerned which I truly loved seeing Rick realize as he asked Mal to come round his village in spite of not being 'out and proud' at home.
I was lucky enough to get a complimentary copy from the author through the MMRG Don't Buy My Love program though I've added a copy to my permanent library as I enjoyed it so much I can see myself reading it again for a much-needed glimpse of love on a work break. I can't wait to see where Mal and Rick go from here!
A person's voice often sets up an idea of how that individual should look in the listener's mind. Rick experienced a shock I could utterly empathize with when he realized he'd pictured the exact opposite of the man who'd helped him. Their attraction was mutual, instinctual, and decadent. I thought it was very honest the way they progressed together. Everyone should have a chance to fall into bed with someone they have an instant attraction to at least once in their lives.
My favorite part of this short introduction to Mal and Rick was seeing the obvious care Mal had for Rick outside of the bedroom. He rang him more than once to check he was safe; a man only interested in a good lay wouldn't be so concerned which I truly loved seeing Rick realize as he asked Mal to come round his village in spite of not being 'out and proud' at home.
I was lucky enough to get a complimentary copy from the author through the MMRG Don't Buy My Love program though I've added a copy to my permanent library as I enjoyed it so much I can see myself reading it again for a much-needed glimpse of love on a work break. I can't wait to see where Mal and Rick go from here!
October 29, 2015
This was not bad, but I was excepting something else and I think it just caught me at the wrong time. You have to understand, I love MM romance where one of the MC's has a disability of some kind or is in some way 'other' from the typical handsome MC. So when I read the blurb I was soooo excited, imaging Mal was in a wheelchair, or perhaps scarred/disfigured in some way, or maybe overweight or just plain unattractive. But alas, twas not to be . To say I was disappointed would be an understatement.
Also, since the blurb touts it as a surprise, I was not excited to have the first chapter be the big reveal with them getting it on. Then chapter two starting with "6 hours earlier". This is kinda a pet peeve of mine. There really needs to be a reason for this writing trope, otherwise it just ruins the suspense and annoys me. So I kinda checked out before it even began. Sorry.
Also, since the blurb touts it as a surprise, I was not excited to have the first chapter be the big reveal with them getting it on. Then chapter two starting with "6 hours earlier". This is kinda a pet peeve of mine. There really needs to be a reason for this writing trope, otherwise it just ruins the suspense and annoys me. So I kinda checked out before it even began. Sorry.
November 9, 2015
This was sexy and sweet, a lovely example of how Ms Francis draws her characters so vividly, in shorter as well as longer books. Written from Rick’s point of view, it showcases his believably masculine character, often lusty but immediately sympathetic.
Mal the radiographer is nervous in front of a new lover but confident enough to make the first move. How refreshing to have the town/country divide in their background and nationalities, not just in the scenery LOL.
There was much more to enjoy than just a very sexy love scene. And one of the best and boldest opening scenes I’ve read for a long time.
Mal the radiographer is nervous in front of a new lover but confident enough to make the first move. How refreshing to have the town/country divide in their background and nationalities, not just in the scenery LOL.
There was much more to enjoy than just a very sexy love scene. And one of the best and boldest opening scenes I’ve read for a long time.
March 30, 2017
I consider this a prologue to Resistance and include it in that book's rating. The overall story becomes a sweet slice of some of the best sides of British village life, and a lovely intro to a series.
January 22, 2018
Short and sexy and sweet. Definitely a book meant to wet your appetite for the next in the series. Liked the premise.
December 14, 2017
I freely admit I'm an Anglophile. I love Christie's Marple mysteries for the way that they evoke a village life that is now past and can only be found in fiction. (Perhaps it only ever was. )
This novella cum short story has a lot of that same appeal. It's well crafted and there are polished facets that make it a gem of a story.
The title "Resonance" and the MRI struck a nice chord that was carried through in any number of other ways. The tale of a young blue collar bloke from a traditional village meeting and connecting with a Pakistani man who's plummy accent suggests a well educated and much more professional background, has many sweet surprises in store for those that read it.
The details about both men are presented in well-orchestrated ways that play into the story while complimenting the pace of the narrative. The man's watch powered by kinetic energy says a lot about the man's activity level in a distinctive way. The way that it's worked into the tale that his folks moved to Australia explain his living alone in a very traditional village with one of the greatest town names I've ever encountered in m/m fiction.
The dialogue is even salaciously witty at exactly the right times as in their shall we do dinner exchange... "I really fancy an Indian." "I'm Pakistani."
And now even though I've worked with Brits for 20 years, I've got a bunch of new phrases that I need to research... a game of Dead Lions? getting my strimmer out? Andda Bread? Though as I was reminded by another phrase it's time to stop faffing about.
This novella cum short story has a lot of that same appeal. It's well crafted and there are polished facets that make it a gem of a story.
The title "Resonance" and the MRI struck a nice chord that was carried through in any number of other ways. The tale of a young blue collar bloke from a traditional village meeting and connecting with a Pakistani man who's plummy accent suggests a well educated and much more professional background, has many sweet surprises in store for those that read it.
The details about both men are presented in well-orchestrated ways that play into the story while complimenting the pace of the narrative. The man's watch powered by kinetic energy says a lot about the man's activity level in a distinctive way. The way that it's worked into the tale that his folks moved to Australia explain his living alone in a very traditional village with one of the greatest town names I've ever encountered in m/m fiction.
The dialogue is even salaciously witty at exactly the right times as in their shall we do dinner exchange... "I really fancy an Indian." "I'm Pakistani."
And now even though I've worked with Brits for 20 years, I've got a bunch of new phrases that I need to research... a game of Dead Lions? getting my strimmer out? Andda Bread? Though as I was reminded by another phrase it's time to stop faffing about.
August 6, 2016
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews with a copy provided by the publisher / author for an honest review.)
I really enjoyed this short story prelude. The details of the MRI made me chuckle, because they were so spot on. It appears that MRIs in the UK follow the exact same pattern as here in the US. I have to have them regularly, and every step of the way through the process was like she was reading my mind. I remember that panic attack the first time I had one as well. Great job with that!
Rick Brandt rushes close to an hour and half from his sleepy little English village to London to take an available last minute appointment for an MRI on his shoulder. Having just had one of those as well, I could sympathize. There is only one major problem, Rick doesn’t realize that he is claustrophobic until he opens up his eyes, with his head locked in that little cage contraption they use, and sees that the top of the tube is literally inches from his nose. When he panics, and hits the panic button, he is pulled out, talked down, and then put back in to finish the test.
He asks Mal, the man doing the scan to talk to him instead of making him listen to the vapid radio station on the headphones. Rick quickly falls for Mal’s voice, imagining a blond, blue eyed Malcolm in the other room. Imagine his surprise when he meets Malik, the young Pakistani Muslim man who is actually behind the voice.
I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
I really enjoyed this short story prelude. The details of the MRI made me chuckle, because they were so spot on. It appears that MRIs in the UK follow the exact same pattern as here in the US. I have to have them regularly, and every step of the way through the process was like she was reading my mind. I remember that panic attack the first time I had one as well. Great job with that!
Rick Brandt rushes close to an hour and half from his sleepy little English village to London to take an available last minute appointment for an MRI on his shoulder. Having just had one of those as well, I could sympathize. There is only one major problem, Rick doesn’t realize that he is claustrophobic until he opens up his eyes, with his head locked in that little cage contraption they use, and sees that the top of the tube is literally inches from his nose. When he panics, and hits the panic button, he is pulled out, talked down, and then put back in to finish the test.
He asks Mal, the man doing the scan to talk to him instead of making him listen to the vapid radio station on the headphones. Rick quickly falls for Mal’s voice, imagining a blond, blue eyed Malcolm in the other room. Imagine his surprise when he meets Malik, the young Pakistani Muslim man who is actually behind the voice.
I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
April 1, 2017
Resonance is the first story I read by Lillian Francis. It’s a short, just forty pages, but I soon liked the author style. I found myself captured and curious about Rick and the guy behind the voice who is helping Rick with a panic attack during a MRI scan on his shoulder.
The short was a beautiful surprise especially cause it is very detailed in the writing, an almost unique trait. Characters well delined, medical procedures well explained and an intrigued atmosphere. I truly felt myself in that room with Mal and Rick. It’s very rare to me to find good shorts around, Resonance was a winner.
The cover art by Garrett Leigh is different and I like it.
The short was a beautiful surprise especially cause it is very detailed in the writing, an almost unique trait. Characters well delined, medical procedures well explained and an intrigued atmosphere. I truly felt myself in that room with Mal and Rick. It’s very rare to me to find good shorts around, Resonance was a winner.
The cover art by Garrett Leigh is different and I like it.
January 12, 2022
I loved the heck out of this. The writing is great, and the characters were appealing.
I want to see where these two go, but going to proceed to the next one with trepidation because I'll need to see how prevalent the religious bits are.
I want to see where these two go, but going to proceed to the next one with trepidation because I'll need to see how prevalent the religious bits are.
July 26, 2016
This book is short, sexy and sweet. An amazing set-up for the next book in the series. I definitely recommend reading this one first, or you might feel a tad lost with Resistance as I did.
November 17, 2016
This didn't catch my attention. I skimmed part of it and then didn't immediately write a review and now 3-4 days later I literally can't remember what it was about. So.....just meh I guess.
March 30, 2017
3,5☆ More please...
July 8, 2019
Too cute and adorable.
February 1, 2016
A little jewel of a book. A tale of falling in love told with sweetness, compassion, and hope. More sensual than sexual, laced through with exquisite descriptive detail and gentle good humor. That the characters involved are gay and male diminishes none of the appeal; this story will resonate with anyone who has taken the risk of falling in love. This is now on my "Re-read" list.
January 28, 2024
Sequel please :-)
January 5, 2016
Sweet story!
December 11, 2017
A free copy of the book was provided by the author. A review was not required.
I had a couple issues with this short story.
First, Rick's reaction to Mal was pretty awful, so I hated that Mal ended up being the one to apologize. Frankly, he had every right to be upset about what Rick was saying/implying.
Second, the writing style wasn't great. I didn't like the use of first person here, because it didn't sound realistic to me. There was also a tendency to over-describe things. I definitely skimmed over several paragraphs of Rick describing his own physical features because I found it both boring and awkward.
I had a couple issues with this short story.
First, Rick's reaction to Mal was pretty awful, so I hated that Mal ended up being the one to apologize. Frankly, he had every right to be upset about what Rick was saying/implying.
Second, the writing style wasn't great. I didn't like the use of first person here, because it didn't sound realistic to me. There was also a tendency to over-describe things. I definitely skimmed over several paragraphs of Rick describing his own physical features because I found it both boring and awkward.
June 18, 2018
I’d downloaded this back in June 2016, and didn’t finish it, as I just didn’t like Rick’s voice. I’m also not a fan of sex at first meeting. This time around, the two sequels were discounted, and I bought them, not remembering I’d tried this series before. So I re-read, managing to get to the end, hoping I’ll like the story enough to get through the next two books. This prequel gets 2 ½ stars, rounded up to ***
Want to read
March 26, 2017NTS:
1) Read this before book #1 Resistance.
2) This is good for Ultimate Challenge as this is 38p and takes place in England.
1) Read this before book #1 Resistance.
2) This is good for Ultimate Challenge as this is 38p and takes place in England.
November 7, 2016
It was okay.
At least my brain is ready to try another novel now.
At least my brain is ready to try another novel now.
April 21, 2022
Short prequel to Resistance
I loved getting to see how Mal and Rick met and the hope Rick felt about bringing Mal to Slopy Bottom
I loved getting to see how Mal and Rick met and the hope Rick felt about bringing Mal to Slopy Bottom
August 16, 2016
3.5 stars
April 4, 2017
I didn't like it because it's insta-sex, and honestly, I'm more curious about Rick's MRI result than his romance with Mal.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews