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Counterbalance
John loves his job as head rigger for Cirque Brilliance. The heavy scarring over half his face makes it a little hard to meet new people, but John's got a good crew and a nice found family, and he’s content with his lot in life.
When Cirque hires talent for a new show, John meets Bao, a bright, ever-cheerful acrobat. Bao seems drawn to John and becomes a constant presence at his side — talking to him during downtime, spending time with him at lunch, and generally seeking out his company.
John doesn't know what to make of this. Sure, he likes Bao — maybe a little too much, honestly — but he’s had enough experience to know that Bao couldn’t possibly like him back. Or so he thinks, anyway. Fortunately, Bao seems determined to prove him wrong.
When Cirque hires talent for a new show, John meets Bao, a bright, ever-cheerful acrobat. Bao seems drawn to John and becomes a constant presence at his side — talking to him during downtime, spending time with him at lunch, and generally seeking out his company.
John doesn't know what to make of this. Sure, he likes Bao — maybe a little too much, honestly — but he’s had enough experience to know that Bao couldn’t possibly like him back. Or so he thinks, anyway. Fortunately, Bao seems determined to prove him wrong.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2016
3 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Aidan Wayne
12 books78 followersAidan Wayne has been publishing LGBTQ+ fiction since 2016. While they usually stick with contemporary romance (both adult and YA), some soft sci-fi/fantasy has been known to sneak in as well. They primarily write character-driven stories with happy endings, because, dammit, queer people deserve happy endings too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 16, 2016
~3.5~
I was pleasantly surprised by this story. This is only the author's second published book (novella, really), but it's well written and brimming with sweetness.
The main characters aren't as well developed as I would have liked, but I still got a sense of them as people.
John works for Cirque as the lead rigger. He has burn scars on half his face and body, and is used to people staring. His colleagues have nicknamed him Phantom, which is terribly sad when you think about it.
But Bao, one of the new performers from China, really sees John. He brings John lunch and tries to draw him out of his shell.
The story is told from John's perspective, and he's completely clueless as to Bao's intent. Thankfully, Bao is relentlessly optimistic and determined.
The men's ages aren't mentioned, but I guessed Bao to be in his early 20s and John to be in his late 30s. John's backstory wasn't entirely believable. And Bao seemed almost too good to be true.
But, hey, I'll take the goodness. This story has almost no steam, and there's not a lot of plot (just Bao and John dancing around each other).
Even so, I loved the tenderness between the MCs, the quiet friendship. Too bad the ending was a tentative HFN at best. I would have liked to see these two get their HEA.
I was pleasantly surprised by this story. This is only the author's second published book (novella, really), but it's well written and brimming with sweetness.
The main characters aren't as well developed as I would have liked, but I still got a sense of them as people.
John works for Cirque as the lead rigger. He has burn scars on half his face and body, and is used to people staring. His colleagues have nicknamed him Phantom, which is terribly sad when you think about it.
But Bao, one of the new performers from China, really sees John. He brings John lunch and tries to draw him out of his shell.
The story is told from John's perspective, and he's completely clueless as to Bao's intent. Thankfully, Bao is relentlessly optimistic and determined.
The men's ages aren't mentioned, but I guessed Bao to be in his early 20s and John to be in his late 30s. John's backstory wasn't entirely believable. And Bao seemed almost too good to be true.
But, hey, I'll take the goodness. This story has almost no steam, and there's not a lot of plot (just Bao and John dancing around each other).
Even so, I loved the tenderness between the MCs, the quiet friendship. Too bad the ending was a tentative HFN at best. I would have liked to see these two get their HEA.
July 14, 2023
Awwwww this was sooo sweet. New to me author and what a lovely surprise. This short story is so cute, hurt-comfort, grumpy (although John wasn’t quite grumpy but sad and distrustful) and sunshine Bao and the interesting world of modern day great circuses. Very slow burn, low on spice but an absolute delight.
Later edit: This wasn’t a new author to me just that I forgot I read a while back his short book “Loud and clear”and I absolutely loved it.
Later edit: This wasn’t a new author to me just that I forgot I read a while back his short book “Loud and clear”and I absolutely loved it.
September 23, 2016
This is so sweet!
Aidan Wayne really knows how to write feel-good books. Reading a story of these is a promise of a smile threatening to split my face in two.
They are kind of theatre plays.
Basically they are about two characters with flaws, but this kind of flaws that are not really defects, but an aspect of their lives that prevents them from really looking for happiness because of the fear of how they willl be viewed and judged by society. The problem is, this view and judgment they are scared of focuses only on the superficial aspects rather than the real person beneath. The characters grow thanks to the other one, they get free of their chains and embrace and cherish what’s truly important of themselves. Or at least, they find the way to go there.
John’s surname in the Cirque is Phantom. It’s no wonder why that is, as half his face is scarred, like part of his body. People try not to get close to him if they can help it.
Until Bao.
Bao is the new Chinese acrobat. He is cheerful and doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. He loves talking to everybody. And, apparently, he seems to like to be close to John more than to anybody else.
John doesn’t know what to make of it. At first, he has no clue why someone like Bao would want to do anything with something like him. At first, he tells himself Bao is nice to everybody, and for once, he doesn’t make an exception with him. At first, he tells himself Bao just want him as a friend.
However, John begins to wish for something more, things that he gave up ages ago: a connection with someone. Love. He tries to lower his expectations, to extinguish hope before it ever has the chance to sparkle. He can be described as deliberately obtuse, but you also understand his reasons to be so blind, even when reality is so painfully obvious.
Because he knows it’s not possible. For someone to love him. For Bao to love him.
Is it?
Bao is adorbs. John is too cute for words. Their interactions made me hop on my seat. The action goes smoothly and their closeness happens naturally, without forcing the situation, which, by the length of the book, is impressive.
Bao can be considered too bright, too perfect, too selfless. But hey, John is the epitome of a generous heart, too. This may feel more like a fairy tale than the real world. But in the Cirque magic happens, right?
All in all, I can see this relationship being developed beyond that open ending, resulting in a great novel. In fact, I’m curious enough to know how this author is when writing a full story.
*****
***Copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***
Aidan Wayne really knows how to write feel-good books. Reading a story of these is a promise of a smile threatening to split my face in two.
They are kind of theatre plays.
Basically they are about two characters with flaws, but this kind of flaws that are not really defects, but an aspect of their lives that prevents them from really looking for happiness because of the fear of how they willl be viewed and judged by society. The problem is, this view and judgment they are scared of focuses only on the superficial aspects rather than the real person beneath. The characters grow thanks to the other one, they get free of their chains and embrace and cherish what’s truly important of themselves. Or at least, they find the way to go there.
John’s surname in the Cirque is Phantom. It’s no wonder why that is, as half his face is scarred, like part of his body. People try not to get close to him if they can help it.
Until Bao.
Bao is the new Chinese acrobat. He is cheerful and doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. He loves talking to everybody. And, apparently, he seems to like to be close to John more than to anybody else.
John doesn’t know what to make of it. At first, he has no clue why someone like Bao would want to do anything with something like him. At first, he tells himself Bao is nice to everybody, and for once, he doesn’t make an exception with him. At first, he tells himself Bao just want him as a friend.
However, John begins to wish for something more, things that he gave up ages ago: a connection with someone. Love. He tries to lower his expectations, to extinguish hope before it ever has the chance to sparkle. He can be described as deliberately obtuse, but you also understand his reasons to be so blind, even when reality is so painfully obvious.
Because he knows it’s not possible. For someone to love him. For Bao to love him.
Is it?
Bao is adorbs. John is too cute for words. Their interactions made me hop on my seat. The action goes smoothly and their closeness happens naturally, without forcing the situation, which, by the length of the book, is impressive.
Bao can be considered too bright, too perfect, too selfless. But hey, John is the epitome of a generous heart, too. This may feel more like a fairy tale than the real world. But in the Cirque magic happens, right?
All in all, I can see this relationship being developed beyond that open ending, resulting in a great novel. In fact, I’m curious enough to know how this author is when writing a full story.
*****
***Copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.***
September 22, 2016
Counterbalance was a cute story from a promising author, Aidan Wayne, but it was too short to really do much for me.
I'm of the point of view that for a novella to be impactful, the author has to really go for it from the get go. That's really difficult to do in a novella, and that's why so many authors fall short in that format. Aidan Wayne did an admirable job with a sweet story about an eager, bubbly Cirque acrobat, Bao, and the lead rigger for the performance, John, but I still wanted more.
I liked the upbeat Bao (maybe because he's a bit like me, HA!), and I was curious about his attraction for John, which happened right off the bat. John is disfigured from being burned in his youth, and he isn't the most outgoing personality, so I didn't quite grasp the insta-GIMME from Bao. I think it's hard only having one POV in some stories, and that was the case with this one.
Though there is very little steam, I did enjoy the chemistry between Bao and John. I thought that they seemed well balanced, and I was happy with their pairing.
I had a few issues with John's backstory seeming a little... out of place in modern times (no spoilers!), but I went with it. What do I know about the circus anyway?
A cute story, though not super memorable, but still a pleasant read.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I'm of the point of view that for a novella to be impactful, the author has to really go for it from the get go. That's really difficult to do in a novella, and that's why so many authors fall short in that format. Aidan Wayne did an admirable job with a sweet story about an eager, bubbly Cirque acrobat, Bao, and the lead rigger for the performance, John, but I still wanted more.
I liked the upbeat Bao (maybe because he's a bit like me, HA!), and I was curious about his attraction for John, which happened right off the bat. John is disfigured from being burned in his youth, and he isn't the most outgoing personality, so I didn't quite grasp the insta-GIMME from Bao. I think it's hard only having one POV in some stories, and that was the case with this one.
Though there is very little steam, I did enjoy the chemistry between Bao and John. I thought that they seemed well balanced, and I was happy with their pairing.
I had a few issues with John's backstory seeming a little... out of place in modern times (no spoilers!), but I went with it. What do I know about the circus anyway?
A cute story, though not super memorable, but still a pleasant read.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
December 30, 2019
John started as a sideshow act and worked his way up to chief rigger for all Cirque Brilliance shows, meaning he handles the logistics for the stage layout and safety for the performers. Bao is a hand balancer and general gymnast at Cirque, performing for the first time outside of China. This short story is very much a character study of John and Bao, how they meet and become friends, and their first tentative steps into a relationship.
John's nickname is Phantom (think Phantom of the Opera) because of the scars he bears on his face, arms and hands. He is uncertain when Bao starts seeking him out and afraid of misinterpreting Bao's interest. Neither John or Bao are particularly well-fleshed out, but Aidan Wayne does a nice job of piquing our interest with these two characters - one so uncertain about love and/or relationships and the second doing his best to express his interest to someone who is skittish and scared.
The pace of the story is gentle and very low-angst with no explicit sex scenes, but it suits the character-driven aspect of the story and while the ending is just really the beginning for John and Bao, this novella is a sweet tale that feels very satisfying.
I received an ARC of this book from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
John's nickname is Phantom (think Phantom of the Opera) because of the scars he bears on his face, arms and hands. He is uncertain when Bao starts seeking him out and afraid of misinterpreting Bao's interest. Neither John or Bao are particularly well-fleshed out, but Aidan Wayne does a nice job of piquing our interest with these two characters - one so uncertain about love and/or relationships and the second doing his best to express his interest to someone who is skittish and scared.
The pace of the story is gentle and very low-angst with no explicit sex scenes, but it suits the character-driven aspect of the story and while the ending is just really the beginning for John and Bao, this novella is a sweet tale that feels very satisfying.
I received an ARC of this book from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
February 24, 2019
My second book (short) by this Author and another hit! I'll be totally looking into something more by Aidan Wayne ;)
It was very sweet and made me feel sooo good.
Bao was just adorable and I loved how he cared for John.
And I might have cried a little bit for John in the last chapter...
A highly recommended comfort read that would definitely cheer you up!!!
It was very sweet and made me feel sooo good.
Bao was just adorable and I loved how he cared for John.
And I might have cried a little bit for John in the last chapter...
A highly recommended comfort read that would definitely cheer you up!!!
July 27, 2016
3.75 stars rounded up
Two novellas (and one short story published under different name) in -- and I can safely say that I think Aidan Wayne's writing and story fit my reading preference to the T. Because I see how Wayne focuses on characters and connections when telling about the relationship, and not just sexual relationship for the sake of steam alone.
I found Counterbalance to be fulfilling my need of reading romance where the characters interact in more than just the bedroom. Where it started as friendship and not as lust. I loved how Bao befriended John, that he kept coming back to talk to John, to bring him lunch, to ask John to go out and had fun. This story was written solely from John's perspective but I easily thought both characters to be written quite well.
I loved that John was confused with Bao's attention, and he didn't know how to do with it. I didn't miss Bao's perspective at all because I thought it was more of an interesting ride to take alongside John.
I loved finding out Bao's reason to approach John in the first place as well as his determination to keep looking for John. With John's scars -- which made people nicknamed him as Phantom -- it was easy to think that was the reason why he stood out for Bao. I was so happy that Bao proved my initial judgment wrong; and that it was a sweet reason, one that I didn't think before.
Yes, Bao might be a little too perfect ... this optimistic, cheerful, positive character that is like a sunshine on rainy days. But hey, I thought we need this kind of characters in our fiction too. Bao made John happy and I approved of that.
Oh , and I LOVED Wayne's character occupations!! In Loud and Clear, we have cab driver. In here, we get a head rigger for Cirque and an acrobat. I would love to read more of Bao doing his moves!!
The only complaint that I have this time was the flow of the story was a little disrupted approaching the end. . It bothered me slightly.
Anyway, I can't wait to read more stories coming from Aidan Wayne. Hopefully, next time will be more than just novella length.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Two novellas (and one short story published under different name) in -- and I can safely say that I think Aidan Wayne's writing and story fit my reading preference to the T. Because I see how Wayne focuses on characters and connections when telling about the relationship, and not just sexual relationship for the sake of steam alone.
I found Counterbalance to be fulfilling my need of reading romance where the characters interact in more than just the bedroom. Where it started as friendship and not as lust. I loved how Bao befriended John, that he kept coming back to talk to John, to bring him lunch, to ask John to go out and had fun. This story was written solely from John's perspective but I easily thought both characters to be written quite well.
I loved that John was confused with Bao's attention, and he didn't know how to do with it. I didn't miss Bao's perspective at all because I thought it was more of an interesting ride to take alongside John.
I loved finding out Bao's reason to approach John in the first place as well as his determination to keep looking for John. With John's scars -- which made people nicknamed him as Phantom -- it was easy to think that was the reason why he stood out for Bao. I was so happy that Bao proved my initial judgment wrong; and that it was a sweet reason, one that I didn't think before.
Yes, Bao might be a little too perfect ... this optimistic, cheerful, positive character that is like a sunshine on rainy days. But hey, I thought we need this kind of characters in our fiction too. Bao made John happy and I approved of that.
Oh , and I LOVED Wayne's character occupations!! In Loud and Clear, we have cab driver. In here, we get a head rigger for Cirque and an acrobat. I would love to read more of Bao doing his moves!!
The only complaint that I have this time was the flow of the story was a little disrupted approaching the end. . It bothered me slightly.
Anyway, I can't wait to read more stories coming from Aidan Wayne. Hopefully, next time will be more than just novella length.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
June 29, 2023
This was so adorable! John is a shy, virgin gentle giant who has bad burn scars on half of his face and other parts of his body due to horrific child abuse. He's the head rigger at Cirque Brilliance (I assume using Cirque du Soleil would have led to copyright problems for the author) and he's pretty much resigned himself to never having any romantic relationships. Then along comes a ray of sunshine, also known as Bao. He's a young, enthusiastic, incredibly cheerful acrobat from China who decides John is one of the best things in the universe and he's adorably confused whenever others (including John himself) don't agree with him. The story is a very cute slow burn romance where the reason behind the slow burn is that John can't believe Bao's obvious signs of interest could possibly be interest, forcing poor Bao to use bigger and bigger neon signs as the story progressed.
The pacing was done perfectly for this short novella with the author staying focused on the developing relationship between John and Bao at all times, which is exactly what I love. Bao realizes that John's shyness, self-confidence issues and lack of romantic experience means he has to approach John slowly and almost coax the older man into becoming friends and (Bao hopes) eventually something more. It was wonderful how the author paced the progression of things with Bao and John slowly growing closer over time and how Bao found all sorts of ways to spend more time with John without freaking the latter out.
Since I adore physical hurt/comfort, my favorite scenes took place after .
Side note: the story takes place in Canada, which always makes me happy!
I do wish the story was longer because things end pretty much right after Bao and John decide to get romantically involved. We get a nice smut scene between them and I appreciated that the two of them stuck to HJs, since that was realistic given John's lack of experience and Bao having just been medically cleared. The story does neatly wrap up in a tidy bow but it's the kind of story where I wanted it to continue just because I adored the MCs, there were still plenty of things that could have been explored and I would have loved to spend more time with John and Bao and their world.
Overall, this was a very sweet and well paced sports romance novella with wonderful MCs and an adorable relationship. I highly recommend it!
The pacing was done perfectly for this short novella with the author staying focused on the developing relationship between John and Bao at all times, which is exactly what I love. Bao realizes that John's shyness, self-confidence issues and lack of romantic experience means he has to approach John slowly and almost coax the older man into becoming friends and (Bao hopes) eventually something more. It was wonderful how the author paced the progression of things with Bao and John slowly growing closer over time and how Bao found all sorts of ways to spend more time with John without freaking the latter out.
Since I adore physical hurt/comfort, my favorite scenes took place after .
Side note: the story takes place in Canada, which always makes me happy!
I do wish the story was longer because things end pretty much right after Bao and John decide to get romantically involved. We get a nice smut scene between them and I appreciated that the two of them stuck to HJs, since that was realistic given John's lack of experience and Bao having just been medically cleared. The story does neatly wrap up in a tidy bow but it's the kind of story where I wanted it to continue just because I adored the MCs, there were still plenty of things that could have been explored and I would have loved to spend more time with John and Bao and their world.
Overall, this was a very sweet and well paced sports romance novella with wonderful MCs and an adorable relationship. I highly recommend it!
August 14, 2016
There are books you just HAVE to like.
NOT to like this one felt like leaving pets drowing at the sea.
Sorry for THAT, but I didn't like it. Despite the fact that it was condemned to be liked.
A typical MM romance, sweet, nice, with a typical HEA, but.
BUT
I don't know. Sweet. Short. Forgettable.
Nothing happened here. Sweet and boring.
**Copy provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
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September 4, 2023Sweet but boring. All telling, no showing. We spend most of the story in John’s head as he tells us over and over and over and over ♾️ why no one would be attracted to him and how he’s ok with that. There is little on page time with the MCs actually interacting or spending time together. We’re told John and Baolin have lunch together occasionally but we don’t hear their conversations. The author gives them an excuse for forced proximity for a week but we don’t really see them together much during that time, the story just kind of skims past it. Though good in concept, the execution of the story was dull, flat and lifeless, very little happens and the MCs have little on page interaction that’s substantive or meaningful.
I want to 2 star this but feel like an @$$ because this should have, could have been a powerful and moving story about seeing past people’s outward appearance with underrepresented protagonists. Both MCs are the kind toward whom I typically gravitate and love, so it’s that much more disappointing that the storytelling was so uninspired.
*Sigh* Another dud to add to my recent stack of Supreme Meh.
I want to 2 star this but feel like an @$$ because this should have, could have been a powerful and moving story about seeing past people’s outward appearance with underrepresented protagonists. Both MCs are the kind toward whom I typically gravitate and love, so it’s that much more disappointing that the storytelling was so uninspired.
*Sigh* Another dud to add to my recent stack of Supreme Meh.
February 10, 2024
3.5 stars
Understated & touching romance with a superbly unusual background. Refreshing.
Note - I've just realised I've read another Aidan Wayne short story - Loud and Clear - about which I had similar feelings. Off to look out some other AW titles.
Cover art: L.C. Chase.
Understated & touching romance with a superbly unusual background. Refreshing.
Note - I've just realised I've read another Aidan Wayne short story - Loud and Clear - about which I had similar feelings. Off to look out some other AW titles.
Cover art: L.C. Chase.
July 1, 2023
I'm of two minds, or maybe more. Alternatively, on the one hand this on the other hand that on the third hand something else again.
One hand. I'm (mostly) a sucker for a sweet-tempered love story, and "No one will ever want me -- oh, wait!!!" is one of my favorite tropes.
Other hand. I feel a little twitchy about Baolin's characterization. On the one (sub-)hand: He's from China and English is his second language; English and Chinese are from different language families, so are much more different in structure than English is from French or even from Polish; therefore it's natural for Baolin to speak in short sentences, using simple language; also, his English improves over the course of the story, which is as one would expect. On the other (sub-)hand, he's constantly bouncing on his toes, which seems like a small thing and may be appropriate for a professional acrobat, but which also produces a childlike impression, especially when I put it together with his imperfect-though-improving English.
In short, all the individual pieces make sense, but I'm not sure what to make of how they add up. I should say that I'm not in the least accusing this author of deliberate racism; for all I know, this is a me problem (does Baolin slot into stereotypes I believe at some level?).
Third hand. On the one (sub-)hand: Obviously someone who, like John, is badly scarred is going to have a harder time attracting romantic attention than he otherwise would have, and some of the erotic attention he attracts is going to amount to a form of rubbernecking. But on the other (sub-)hand, he's a kind, smart, interesting person who works in a challenging field; is it so unlikely that he would have met someone before Baolin who would find him attractive despite the scarring?
Fourth hand. What a sweet love story! Another reviewer describes Baolin as putting up larger and larger neon signs as he tries to make his interest plain to John, and I thought of that image repeatedly as I read, smiling.
I'm calling this 3 stars, because of all the above waffling, but again: What a sweet love story!
One hand. I'm (mostly) a sucker for a sweet-tempered love story, and "No one will ever want me -- oh, wait!!!" is one of my favorite tropes.
Other hand. I feel a little twitchy about Baolin's characterization. On the one (sub-)hand: He's from China and English is his second language; English and Chinese are from different language families, so are much more different in structure than English is from French or even from Polish; therefore it's natural for Baolin to speak in short sentences, using simple language; also, his English improves over the course of the story, which is as one would expect. On the other (sub-)hand, he's constantly bouncing on his toes, which seems like a small thing and may be appropriate for a professional acrobat, but which also produces a childlike impression, especially when I put it together with his imperfect-though-improving English.
In short, all the individual pieces make sense, but I'm not sure what to make of how they add up. I should say that I'm not in the least accusing this author of deliberate racism; for all I know, this is a me problem (does Baolin slot into stereotypes I believe at some level?).
Third hand. On the one (sub-)hand: Obviously someone who, like John, is badly scarred is going to have a harder time attracting romantic attention than he otherwise would have, and some of the erotic attention he attracts is going to amount to a form of rubbernecking. But on the other (sub-)hand, he's a kind, smart, interesting person who works in a challenging field; is it so unlikely that he would have met someone before Baolin who would find him attractive despite the scarring?
Fourth hand. What a sweet love story! Another reviewer describes Baolin as putting up larger and larger neon signs as he tries to make his interest plain to John, and I thought of that image repeatedly as I read, smiling.
I'm calling this 3 stars, because of all the above waffling, but again: What a sweet love story!
September 14, 2016
Running off to join the circus may be a joke to many people, but for John it ended up being a lifesaver. After many years working under the big tent, he has come to find that the family he has made there is so much more loving than the one that left him with scars and more than a few self-image issues. With a new season starting, and with new tricks and new people coming in, John has his work as a rigger cut out for him. Especially with hints that more water stunts might be added to the production. Determined to keep all the performers under him safe, John works extra hard to make sure they have everything they need. He just never foresaw that what Bao, one of the new cast members, needs is John himself.
After reviewing Loud and Clear, Aidan Wayne’s first novella, I’ve been waiting to see what they come up with next. And after having read Counterbalance, I am still completely sure that this author has a great future in writing ahead of them. This novella was completely sweet and I loved every second of it.
Boa comes across as a bit of an overactive puppy to begin with, but I find his enthusiasm to be a great, well, counterbalance, to John’s more standoffish nature. The way Boa just wiggles his way into John’s life, without hesitation but also with care, just made me want to oooh and ahhh all over the place. I kinda get why John is so reticent to just throw himself back at Boa, but the way he can’t seem to not cling just a little bit whenever the guy is around just melted my heart.
Honestly this book was just all things sweetness and light, but with a very solid core. The characters were very well written, and that made it so that all the rather silly bits had real heart to them. I am thoroughly charmed by this story and this author. I can’t wait to see what they do next.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
After reviewing Loud and Clear, Aidan Wayne’s first novella, I’ve been waiting to see what they come up with next. And after having read Counterbalance, I am still completely sure that this author has a great future in writing ahead of them. This novella was completely sweet and I loved every second of it.
Boa comes across as a bit of an overactive puppy to begin with, but I find his enthusiasm to be a great, well, counterbalance, to John’s more standoffish nature. The way Boa just wiggles his way into John’s life, without hesitation but also with care, just made me want to oooh and ahhh all over the place. I kinda get why John is so reticent to just throw himself back at Boa, but the way he can’t seem to not cling just a little bit whenever the guy is around just melted my heart.
Honestly this book was just all things sweetness and light, but with a very solid core. The characters were very well written, and that made it so that all the rather silly bits had real heart to them. I am thoroughly charmed by this story and this author. I can’t wait to see what they do next.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
September 17, 2016
This is the second time I’ve been reeled in by a blurb on an Aidan Wayne story. It’s the second time I was totally bummed to realize that it was only a novella instead of a full length story. And it’s the second time the two heroes don’t really seal the deal on page.
But. Just like with the first novella I read from this author, both heroes are sweet and likeable. They’re an unlikely pairing, but they fit. They fill a void in one another, and because of that –and because of their vulnerabilities– it’s so very easy to root for their HEA.
John is a rigger for a circus troop. He’s badly scarred and has pretty much written off any chance of love. But then Bao joins the troop as an acrobat and quickly becomes a fixture at John’s side. John is attracted to the attentive and exuberant Chinese man, but can’t believe it could be mutual. Sure, Bao’s around a lot, but maybe cultural and language differences are muddying the waters. Or at least, that’s what John’s afraid of. After all, who could want a man with a face as messed up as his?
I don’t want to spoil too much of their journey to happiness, because the story is really short. And I guess that’s my only real complaint. It’s too short. John is pretty fleshed out, but Bao just isn’t. He’s kind of one dimensionally perfect. And just when these two start to come to an understanding, the book is over. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed what was there. I did. But there wasn’t enough. It almost felt like more of a tease than a full story.
I think next time I read a blurb from this author, I will check the word count before I start the story. If Wayne ever puts out a full length book, I’ll give it a go, because I think there’s something good here. I just need more to feel complete.
*ARC provided by publisher
But. Just like with the first novella I read from this author, both heroes are sweet and likeable. They’re an unlikely pairing, but they fit. They fill a void in one another, and because of that –and because of their vulnerabilities– it’s so very easy to root for their HEA.
John is a rigger for a circus troop. He’s badly scarred and has pretty much written off any chance of love. But then Bao joins the troop as an acrobat and quickly becomes a fixture at John’s side. John is attracted to the attentive and exuberant Chinese man, but can’t believe it could be mutual. Sure, Bao’s around a lot, but maybe cultural and language differences are muddying the waters. Or at least, that’s what John’s afraid of. After all, who could want a man with a face as messed up as his?
I don’t want to spoil too much of their journey to happiness, because the story is really short. And I guess that’s my only real complaint. It’s too short. John is pretty fleshed out, but Bao just isn’t. He’s kind of one dimensionally perfect. And just when these two start to come to an understanding, the book is over. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed what was there. I did. But there wasn’t enough. It almost felt like more of a tease than a full story.
I think next time I read a blurb from this author, I will check the word count before I start the story. If Wayne ever puts out a full length book, I’ll give it a go, because I think there’s something good here. I just need more to feel complete.
*ARC provided by publisher
September 23, 2016
I've read both of Aiden Wayne's available books, and there is a definite "type": unique, sweet, charming, empathetic, and... page-turning! That last one surprised me, because more often than not, short stories (ironically?) bore me. I hardly ever form a connection to the characters and simply don't care what happens to them. With Wayne's stories, I care like crazy! Heart throbbing care. I loved both unique men and the world they existed in. Wayne never gets too physically sexy (hand-jobs, kisses, and cuddles only in this story) and yet the sexual tension and human connection is always delicious, and the relationship development belly-rubbing-satisfying.
September 7, 2016
3.5 stars
Overall this story was adorable. I really loved having a main character who had physical scars that he wasn't struggling with. He was almost confident in them because he wasn't so traumatized by the incredibly traumatizing thing that happened to him. I loved the way the author explained John's feelings about his scars. It was a refreshing angle to read about.
I also loved Bao and the adorable way that he and John's relationship progressed. At first, I was worried that the way that Bao's dialogue was written was going to be offensive. However, having known many young Chinese people who learned English as a second language, Bao's endearing English was surprisingly accurate. While their English is not perfect, it is often endearing and encouraging to hear them speak. I liked that Bao really captured what I've come to learn as the humble personality of Chinese people (at least in my experience.)
My only complaint is that this story was way too short. I wanted to learn more about the troupe and the acrobatics. I wanted the angst to drag on a little bit more. I wanted to see Bao and John's relationship progress farther. For that reason, I can't rate this too high because it just left me wanting so much more.
Overall this story was adorable. I really loved having a main character who had physical scars that he wasn't struggling with. He was almost confident in them because he wasn't so traumatized by the incredibly traumatizing thing that happened to him. I loved the way the author explained John's feelings about his scars. It was a refreshing angle to read about.
I also loved Bao and the adorable way that he and John's relationship progressed. At first, I was worried that the way that Bao's dialogue was written was going to be offensive. However, having known many young Chinese people who learned English as a second language, Bao's endearing English was surprisingly accurate. While their English is not perfect, it is often endearing and encouraging to hear them speak. I liked that Bao really captured what I've come to learn as the humble personality of Chinese people (at least in my experience.)
My only complaint is that this story was way too short. I wanted to learn more about the troupe and the acrobatics. I wanted the angst to drag on a little bit more. I wanted to see Bao and John's relationship progress farther. For that reason, I can't rate this too high because it just left me wanting so much more.
June 20, 2017
I love Bao. He is one of those amazing sunny, kind heroes with a lot of talent. John is nice but I adore Bao.
This is a slow burn and as such need to be more than a novella so that we could really see this relationship flourish.
I also would have preferred alternating points of view. Being stuck in John's head with Bao's limited English makes less of Bao and thus racially colors in a negative way this sweet love story.
Bao is so awesome. Aidan Wayne, please write longer books!
This is a slow burn and as such need to be more than a novella so that we could really see this relationship flourish.
I also would have preferred alternating points of view. Being stuck in John's head with Bao's limited English makes less of Bao and thus racially colors in a negative way this sweet love story.
Bao is so awesome. Aidan Wayne, please write longer books!
August 3, 2018
This was so cute. I cried multiple times.
Obviously, it didn't touch me as deeply as Loud and Clear, but that never would have been a fair comparison. This is a wonderful novella about a queer guy trying to let himself believe that the wonderful, overenthusiastic, cute male asian acrobat really is into him. It's basically all romance, but TW for a recollection of extreme homophobia and violence and implied bullying. Also minor acrobatic accident and mild sexual content.
Obviously, it didn't touch me as deeply as Loud and Clear, but that never would have been a fair comparison. This is a wonderful novella about a queer guy trying to let himself believe that the wonderful, overenthusiastic, cute male asian acrobat really is into him. It's basically all romance, but TW for a recollection of extreme homophobia and violence and implied bullying. Also minor acrobatic accident and mild sexual content.
May 7, 2019
Sweet but felt incomplete
August 13, 2016
*I received this book from NetGalley and Riptide Publishing in return for a fair review.*
After reading Aidan Wayne’s Loud and Clear, I was quite excited to see a new story pop up. I was quite eager to read it and was happy when my request was granted to read. I had to hold off, though, since I read fast, this is a short story, and I got the story a lot more than 30 days before publication. But the time had come . . .
So, John, a Texan, works as the guy who works out how to set up the rigging/matting/etc. for the Cirque Brilliance show (he is head rigger). Heh, that’s actually the first time that I noticed that it, was Cirque Brilliance. I just saw Cirque and assumed it was Cirque du Soleil.
Bao, John’s interest, is a new performer with the show. He’s quite talented, has been training since he was a kid, and is from China. Bao, though, unlike Wayne’s first story, does not have his thoughts and feelings expressed through his own point of view, but instead interpreted by John.
This brings me back to John. John, you see, expects nothing can happen with Bao, because John is horribly scarred and can’t believe anyone would see past the scarring to actually want anything to do with him. He is quite taken with the idea. That no one could possibly want him, well, other than those who have a freak fetish. That’s a really annoying reoccurring theme in the story. ‘Bao hugged me; Boa is just a happy kind of guy, and the Chinese are very huggy types of people, it doesn’t mean he likes me; Bao brought me lunch . . .it doesn’t mean . . ; Bao has pulled my pants down and is sucking on my penis. That doesn’t mean anything, he is Chinese, and it’s what they do.’ Okay, all but the last one happened in the story. John is/was scarred mentally and physically, both from the incident where he got the injuries, and from his experiences with others through his life when he attempted to get close to him. So there’s a solid backing for his reactions. It just got frustrating to see it over and over again. To the point that I’m sure that Bao could have done that last thing I mentioned and John would still likely have reacted the same way – disbelieving (except for the part wherein John would have stopped him, but whatever).
Other than believing that his English isn’t the best, there doesn’t seem to be anything ‘wrong’ with Bao. There probably is something, if we could get into his head. But we aren’t in there so, the evidence says: he’s an excitable kitten with no issues or problems other than a vague feeling that his English isn’t the best.
I mention this because we really are on unequal footing here – the reader and the participants. Because all we have are what John sees and feels. It’s hard to know, from this angle, what exactly Bao sees in him. You can only have a guy berate himself, internally, before you just accept that he’s an ugly freak and anyone who is interested is interested because they have a fetish. And no, that isn’t how I came to see Bao; no I came to conclusion that I had no idea why he was interested in John.
I’m missing half the story here. Bao’s half. That frustrates me. Especially since I really really loved the first story I had read by Wayne.
This story is interesting enough, don’t get me wrong. I just wanted to spend more time with the excitable kitten, and less with the super depressing self-loathing John.
I have a feeling that I might have ended up feeling the same way, if ‘Loud and Clear’ had been from, say, Caleb’s point of view only. Instead it was from both Caleb and Jaxon. And while neither was an excitable kitten, Jaxon seemed like a great guy to know, smoothing out any issues I might have had with Caleb (which I only really recall him being something of a stuffed shirt; but this vague recollection is probably wrong).
Caleb and Jaxon had flaws, and positives. John is a self-loathing scarred and scared man, while Bao is an excitable happy kitten – a perfect specimen of manhood (yeah, I can see why John kept asking himself why Bao would be interested in him).
Well. Hmms. Let me see. I believe I would rate this story somewhere around 3.65 to 3.885. As for GoodReads sakes, that would equate to a rating of 4 stars, since we do not have half stars on Goodreads. I reserve the right to switch the rating to 3 stars and keeping the story on my 3.5 shelf.
August 12 2016
After reading Aidan Wayne’s Loud and Clear, I was quite excited to see a new story pop up. I was quite eager to read it and was happy when my request was granted to read. I had to hold off, though, since I read fast, this is a short story, and I got the story a lot more than 30 days before publication. But the time had come . . .
So, John, a Texan, works as the guy who works out how to set up the rigging/matting/etc. for the Cirque Brilliance show (he is head rigger). Heh, that’s actually the first time that I noticed that it, was Cirque Brilliance. I just saw Cirque and assumed it was Cirque du Soleil.
Bao, John’s interest, is a new performer with the show. He’s quite talented, has been training since he was a kid, and is from China. Bao, though, unlike Wayne’s first story, does not have his thoughts and feelings expressed through his own point of view, but instead interpreted by John.
This brings me back to John. John, you see, expects nothing can happen with Bao, because John is horribly scarred and can’t believe anyone would see past the scarring to actually want anything to do with him. He is quite taken with the idea. That no one could possibly want him, well, other than those who have a freak fetish. That’s a really annoying reoccurring theme in the story. ‘Bao hugged me; Boa is just a happy kind of guy, and the Chinese are very huggy types of people, it doesn’t mean he likes me; Bao brought me lunch . . .it doesn’t mean . . ; Bao has pulled my pants down and is sucking on my penis. That doesn’t mean anything, he is Chinese, and it’s what they do.’ Okay, all but the last one happened in the story. John is/was scarred mentally and physically, both from the incident where he got the injuries, and from his experiences with others through his life when he attempted to get close to him. So there’s a solid backing for his reactions. It just got frustrating to see it over and over again. To the point that I’m sure that Bao could have done that last thing I mentioned and John would still likely have reacted the same way – disbelieving (except for the part wherein John would have stopped him, but whatever).
Other than believing that his English isn’t the best, there doesn’t seem to be anything ‘wrong’ with Bao. There probably is something, if we could get into his head. But we aren’t in there so, the evidence says: he’s an excitable kitten with no issues or problems other than a vague feeling that his English isn’t the best.
I mention this because we really are on unequal footing here – the reader and the participants. Because all we have are what John sees and feels. It’s hard to know, from this angle, what exactly Bao sees in him. You can only have a guy berate himself, internally, before you just accept that he’s an ugly freak and anyone who is interested is interested because they have a fetish. And no, that isn’t how I came to see Bao; no I came to conclusion that I had no idea why he was interested in John.
I’m missing half the story here. Bao’s half. That frustrates me. Especially since I really really loved the first story I had read by Wayne.
This story is interesting enough, don’t get me wrong. I just wanted to spend more time with the excitable kitten, and less with the super depressing self-loathing John.
I have a feeling that I might have ended up feeling the same way, if ‘Loud and Clear’ had been from, say, Caleb’s point of view only. Instead it was from both Caleb and Jaxon. And while neither was an excitable kitten, Jaxon seemed like a great guy to know, smoothing out any issues I might have had with Caleb (which I only really recall him being something of a stuffed shirt; but this vague recollection is probably wrong).
Caleb and Jaxon had flaws, and positives. John is a self-loathing scarred and scared man, while Bao is an excitable happy kitten – a perfect specimen of manhood (yeah, I can see why John kept asking himself why Bao would be interested in him).
Well. Hmms. Let me see. I believe I would rate this story somewhere around 3.65 to 3.885. As for GoodReads sakes, that would equate to a rating of 4 stars, since we do not have half stars on Goodreads. I reserve the right to switch the rating to 3 stars and keeping the story on my 3.5 shelf.
August 12 2016
September 13, 2016
Counterbalance is more super cute, short story goodness from author Aidan Wayne. This was the second book I’ve read from Wayne and once again, their writing and characters captivated me. I didn’t love this one quite as much as I did Loud and Clear, but still thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of good stuff to tick off here: Unique setting; interesting characters; sweet, but not too sweet; loads of charm. Also, I love when authors aren’t afraid to write flawed or atypical characters, and Wayne does it really well again in this book.
John is seriously taken aback when one of the new performers takes a shine to him, and it’s quite amusing when what seems obvious to the rest of the crew—that Bao sincerely likes him—is completely lost on John. He doesn’t think anyone could possibly be truly attracted to him, what with all of his off-putting scars. Bao isn’t put off by John at all, however, and does everything he can to show John his affections. But, language and cultural barriers are only part of the issue…John simply can’t allow himself to believe that love might happen for him.
John is such a good egg. Just a solid, good guy. I liked him very much. And Bao is an absolute delight. Fun, bubbly, seemingly always happy, he is definitely the new bright spot in all of John’s days. Bao’s appetite for learning and his earnestness at practicing both his craft and English are endearing, and John finds himself being just as drawn to the Chinese acrobat as Bao obviously is to him. These guys were fantastic together. I loved their clumsy and awkward interactions just as much as I loved when they started figuring things out.
A quick couple more things that worked so well…First, the setting and premise were very cool. Building a Cirque show as the backdrop for the story was fun and intriguing. Even the stuff about John’s job as head rigger was interesting. Who would have thought that reading about people setting up tumbling mats would be fascinating?! Second, I loved John’s relationships with his co-workers. Their good-natured ribbing, and obvious fondness, of him was lovely to read.
This author definitely has a talent for writing short stories, and I would love to see more—we need more great stories in the less-than-one-hundred-pages category—but, I would also love to see something novel length from them because so far I’ve loved their work!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach Reviews
John is seriously taken aback when one of the new performers takes a shine to him, and it’s quite amusing when what seems obvious to the rest of the crew—that Bao sincerely likes him—is completely lost on John. He doesn’t think anyone could possibly be truly attracted to him, what with all of his off-putting scars. Bao isn’t put off by John at all, however, and does everything he can to show John his affections. But, language and cultural barriers are only part of the issue…John simply can’t allow himself to believe that love might happen for him.
John is such a good egg. Just a solid, good guy. I liked him very much. And Bao is an absolute delight. Fun, bubbly, seemingly always happy, he is definitely the new bright spot in all of John’s days. Bao’s appetite for learning and his earnestness at practicing both his craft and English are endearing, and John finds himself being just as drawn to the Chinese acrobat as Bao obviously is to him. These guys were fantastic together. I loved their clumsy and awkward interactions just as much as I loved when they started figuring things out.
A quick couple more things that worked so well…First, the setting and premise were very cool. Building a Cirque show as the backdrop for the story was fun and intriguing. Even the stuff about John’s job as head rigger was interesting. Who would have thought that reading about people setting up tumbling mats would be fascinating?! Second, I loved John’s relationships with his co-workers. Their good-natured ribbing, and obvious fondness, of him was lovely to read.
This author definitely has a talent for writing short stories, and I would love to see more—we need more great stories in the less-than-one-hundred-pages category—but, I would also love to see something novel length from them because so far I’ve loved their work!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach Reviews
August 11, 2016
This was a delightful romance story—one of those that leaves me saying “Aww, I want more.” I’ve heard some people call this kind of story too sweet, but really, it was very satisfying on so many levels; and IMHO, nothing is too sweet. This one was somewhat like a fine piece of dark chocolate that melts in your mouth as you savor the flavor while enjoying it slowly.
Bao Liu is recruited from China to join a new Cirque show. On his first day he meets John, the head rigger, a man whose face and body had been severely burned in the past—and a man who carries the scars as much on the inside as on the outside. John has been rejected and taunted for how he looks and is even called Phantom by many in the show, including some of his crewmates. They apparently don’t know or care how much that hurts him. And they certainly don’t know why he never joins them on their time off and is never seen with a date. John is simply too fearful to take a risk. Until Bao breaks down the walls he’s spent years building.
But break them he does—one brick at a time. The cheerful, bouncy, personable acrobat will be featured in a handstand act, and it’s hard for John to imagine Bao staying still long enough to balance. He seems to be in perpetual motion, even when spending most of his free time hanging out with John, trying to befriend the stubborn recluse. It’s fun to watch Bao batter down those walls John has built, and the author does a beautiful job showing us the John who hides behind his mask of indifference.
When Bao is injured, John not only takes on the blame for not assuring his safety, he ends up volunteering to check in on Bao and ensure he gets the rest he needs for a week. And that gives the couple more time to get to know one another.
If I had one wish for this story, it would be that I want it to be longer. There is so much to these two men that didn’t have enough time for further exploration, and so many sweet moments I didn’t get to see because the story came to a close before I was ready to let them go. I hope the author considers more stories in this world. It was a unique setting, with unique and interesting characters, and I recommend it to all who love a sweet MM romance between an unlikely couple.
ARC provided by the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an impartial review.
Bao Liu is recruited from China to join a new Cirque show. On his first day he meets John, the head rigger, a man whose face and body had been severely burned in the past—and a man who carries the scars as much on the inside as on the outside. John has been rejected and taunted for how he looks and is even called Phantom by many in the show, including some of his crewmates. They apparently don’t know or care how much that hurts him. And they certainly don’t know why he never joins them on their time off and is never seen with a date. John is simply too fearful to take a risk. Until Bao breaks down the walls he’s spent years building.
But break them he does—one brick at a time. The cheerful, bouncy, personable acrobat will be featured in a handstand act, and it’s hard for John to imagine Bao staying still long enough to balance. He seems to be in perpetual motion, even when spending most of his free time hanging out with John, trying to befriend the stubborn recluse. It’s fun to watch Bao batter down those walls John has built, and the author does a beautiful job showing us the John who hides behind his mask of indifference.
When Bao is injured, John not only takes on the blame for not assuring his safety, he ends up volunteering to check in on Bao and ensure he gets the rest he needs for a week. And that gives the couple more time to get to know one another.
If I had one wish for this story, it would be that I want it to be longer. There is so much to these two men that didn’t have enough time for further exploration, and so many sweet moments I didn’t get to see because the story came to a close before I was ready to let them go. I hope the author considers more stories in this world. It was a unique setting, with unique and interesting characters, and I recommend it to all who love a sweet MM romance between an unlikely couple.
ARC provided by the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an impartial review.
August 29, 2016
3.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
With a magical Cirque du Soleil setting and a beguiling cast of performers and crew members, the author has created a wonderful setting for a romance. This is the story of John, the badly scarred and socially awkward chief rigger. He is a gentle, private man who is passionate about his work. It is also the story of Bao, a new Chinese acrobat, who is happy, friendly and always cheerful. I loved the contrast between the quiet Texan and the extroverted Chinese man.
John becomes braver and less introverted as the story progresses and I loved his complicated story. Unfortunately, Bao never seems to fully emerge as his own character. He is talented, kind and sweet, but we never fully know his backstory or much of anything about his life and family back in China. There isn’t much physical description of either Bao or John which is disappointing - I was left to imagine a big, muscular manual labourer and a lithe acrobat...
The romance between John and Bao is sweet, but their actual physical time together feels rushed and slightly aborted. I would have liked this story as a novel with time for the romance and physical relationship between these two characters to develop fully. As it is, this is a quick, gentle romance with very little steam or angst.
I found the writing style very choppy in this story. With such a vibrant setting, I wanted more description and more passion in the writing but this felt a little sparse and cold. I know that English is Bao’s second language and I understood the need for his broken English. But because Bao’s verbal communication is so simplistic, I felt like some of the story should have been narrated from his perspective to allow him to develop into a full character rather than a caricature.
I’d like to see a second story in this series - the Cirque offers so many possibilities for fascinating characters. I’m excited to see this new author develop further.
With a magical Cirque du Soleil setting and a beguiling cast of performers and crew members, the author has created a wonderful setting for a romance. This is the story of John, the badly scarred and socially awkward chief rigger. He is a gentle, private man who is passionate about his work. It is also the story of Bao, a new Chinese acrobat, who is happy, friendly and always cheerful. I loved the contrast between the quiet Texan and the extroverted Chinese man.
John becomes braver and less introverted as the story progresses and I loved his complicated story. Unfortunately, Bao never seems to fully emerge as his own character. He is talented, kind and sweet, but we never fully know his backstory or much of anything about his life and family back in China. There isn’t much physical description of either Bao or John which is disappointing - I was left to imagine a big, muscular manual labourer and a lithe acrobat...
The romance between John and Bao is sweet, but their actual physical time together feels rushed and slightly aborted. I would have liked this story as a novel with time for the romance and physical relationship between these two characters to develop fully. As it is, this is a quick, gentle romance with very little steam or angst.
I found the writing style very choppy in this story. With such a vibrant setting, I wanted more description and more passion in the writing but this felt a little sparse and cold. I know that English is Bao’s second language and I understood the need for his broken English. But because Bao’s verbal communication is so simplistic, I felt like some of the story should have been narrated from his perspective to allow him to develop into a full character rather than a caricature.
I’d like to see a second story in this series - the Cirque offers so many possibilities for fascinating characters. I’m excited to see this new author develop further.
September 9, 2016
2.5 stars
I really enjoy Aidan Wayne's writing.
This story falls short of Loud and Clear but its better than most I've read this year which is saying something considering this is Wayne's second novella! Kudos to Wayne! You're doing it right!
So why am I not completely enthralled with this particular story? Well it comes down to there was nothing that made the story stand out from other MM books. Loud and Clear had unique, fresh voice which is missing in this. Bao was lovable but too Gary Sue for me.
I would still recommend it as a read though. Wayne has a way of telling a story that keeps you engaged despite the fact that this one lacked the oomph I was looking for. This one is not a must have for me. Never the less its still an entertaining read.
Read it! Looking forward to another Wayne book.
*ARC provided for review*
September 12, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This story was absolutely adorable and wonderful. Bao is so earnest and sweet, John reticent with good reason. And together, they just make a sweet couple. Told from John’s POV, the author shows us a broken man who has come to terms with his life, but isn’t exactly happy there. As soon as John opens his heart to the possibility of more with Bao, he blossoms. These guys work together and I really liked their story.
I thought the author did particularly well with both of these characters. John has a lot of baggage, and some bad stuff has happened to him in his life. But he’s made a life for himself, and he’s resigned to being alone. He’s used to keeping himself at arm’s length, and so he doesn’t quite know what to do with the sweet, energetic, friendly Bao. There’s sort of a slow burn going on here, because even though John acknowledges his physical attraction to Bao pretty early on, it takes time for him to allow thoughts of more. But by the time he was ready for it, it was wonderful to see them take that step from friends to lovers.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This story was absolutely adorable and wonderful. Bao is so earnest and sweet, John reticent with good reason. And together, they just make a sweet couple. Told from John’s POV, the author shows us a broken man who has come to terms with his life, but isn’t exactly happy there. As soon as John opens his heart to the possibility of more with Bao, he blossoms. These guys work together and I really liked their story.
I thought the author did particularly well with both of these characters. John has a lot of baggage, and some bad stuff has happened to him in his life. But he’s made a life for himself, and he’s resigned to being alone. He’s used to keeping himself at arm’s length, and so he doesn’t quite know what to do with the sweet, energetic, friendly Bao. There’s sort of a slow burn going on here, because even though John acknowledges his physical attraction to Bao pretty early on, it takes time for him to allow thoughts of more. But by the time he was ready for it, it was wonderful to see them take that step from friends to lovers.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
August 30, 2021
A nice gentle, low angst romance. This is a lovely novella. There is no great tension or drama, just a man who has bern betrayed and scarred by his family in the past. Others now define him by those scars but he hasn't allowed it to hold him back.
John finds satisfaction in his job with Cirque Brilliance. He is very guarded around people especially people who are newly recruited at Cirque. Then Bao arrives from China and little by little Bao manages to burrow through the invisible protection that John places around himself.
This is a lovely story and also quite gentle. A story set in a circus is a new story setting for me and reminds me of the times I have see Cirque Du Soleil. Sometimes it is refreshing to read a story which has a lovely simplicity and little angst, even though the angst is actually there. This was nicely written. I don't know why it has taken me so long to get to it but with the ups and downs of the pandemic, perhaps I have actually read it at just the right time.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
John finds satisfaction in his job with Cirque Brilliance. He is very guarded around people especially people who are newly recruited at Cirque. Then Bao arrives from China and little by little Bao manages to burrow through the invisible protection that John places around himself.
This is a lovely story and also quite gentle. A story set in a circus is a new story setting for me and reminds me of the times I have see Cirque Du Soleil. Sometimes it is refreshing to read a story which has a lovely simplicity and little angst, even though the angst is actually there. This was nicely written. I don't know why it has taken me so long to get to it but with the ups and downs of the pandemic, perhaps I have actually read it at just the right time.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
February 27, 2018
I loved this so much! I kept feeling myself smiling as I was reading. Such sweet characters and a wonderful love story ... well, the beginning of a love story. My only real complaint is that I would like so much more about them and their lives. I have to hope that maybe there will be more about them some day although this is a complete story on its own.
Will definitely re-read any time I need to smile. Or feel warm fuzzies. Or to just enjoy a well crafted story.
Will definitely re-read any time I need to smile. Or feel warm fuzzies. Or to just enjoy a well crafted story.
June 4, 2023
Sweet and slow burn story of a circus rigger and aerialist. The rigger is badly scarred and self conscious about anyone thinking of him romantically. I enjoyed the circus shop talk and the sweet slow relationship development.
Tags: scarred MC, slow burn, coworkers, circus, Chinese MC
Tags: scarred MC, slow burn, coworkers, circus, Chinese MC
December 30, 2017
An easy, low angst read. Could see the relationship deepen as the story went on. Will definitely read more from this author.
December 30, 2020
This is a heartwarming book brimming with good feelings and fluff and it is perfect to read when you need a pick-me-upper.
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