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Grounded
Between raising his daughter Camille, his work as a full-time pastry chef, and his hobby of capoeira, Baz’s life is pretty full. He may be a little lonely, but he’s too busy to think about it all that much.
When his cousin Alaina introduces him to Terry, another capoeira student, Baz is instantly drawn to him. Though quiet and withdrawn, Terry ends up being a fun, interesting person who Baz can’t help but fall for. And when Baz does things, he doesn’t do them halfway.
Terry is a successful voice actor and a talented martial artist. But the fact that he’s shy, on top of being a trans man, has kept him from really dating. He likes Baz, he does—he just doesn’t want to mess up their friendship by failing at romance. Still, Baz is nothing if not stubborn, and Terry is willing to give things a try.
When his cousin Alaina introduces him to Terry, another capoeira student, Baz is instantly drawn to him. Though quiet and withdrawn, Terry ends up being a fun, interesting person who Baz can’t help but fall for. And when Baz does things, he doesn’t do them halfway.
Terry is a successful voice actor and a talented martial artist. But the fact that he’s shy, on top of being a trans man, has kept him from really dating. He likes Baz, he does—he just doesn’t want to mess up their friendship by failing at romance. Still, Baz is nothing if not stubborn, and Terry is willing to give things a try.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2017
1 person is currently reading
93 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 3, 2017
3.5 stars This was a very nice little story. I forgot it was novella length, so I was surprised after a day of traveling to see I was already at 84%. But the length worked well for it, it didn't feel rushed and things wrapped up completely.
I liked these two together and thought that they had good chemistry, although maybe a little more from Baz's side. It was hard to get a read on Terry since we didn't get his POV. I liked him, although honestly all the insecurity got to be a bit much. While I can totally understand where he's coming from, it's unfair to Baz too to keep acting like you don't believe him when he says he wants you.
Given that the insecurities weren't all trans related, I wish they'd been addressed more. Terry mentioned not really having friends, so while the relationship was great, I wish he'd ended up becoming better friends with the capoeira people. Especially how much they focus on capoeira, I wish it had played a bigger role into the story and his personal journey.
I don't have kids, but there were a handful of temper tantrums so Camille seemed to me to be represented age appropriately. She was cute and played a large role, given that Baz is a single dad, but she didn't overwhelm the story or overshadow the romance.
And the romance was done well. There weren't time jumps exactly, but there were a few "and July tuned to August"s that allowed time to progress smoothly and give their relationship time to develop at the right pace, without us having to read every nitty gritty detail. There isn't much sex in this story, that's not a huge focus of their relationship since Terry was hesitant about it for a while. But the one scene we did get was necessary to show us how they'll function long-term and allow Terry to realize his full potential. It was very well done.
Overall a nice story and a fairly quick light read. The fact that Terry is a trans man is a very large focus of the story, but also not. It just is. So it's relevant and addressed in different ways, but very organically and simply as part of their lives.
Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
I liked these two together and thought that they had good chemistry, although maybe a little more from Baz's side. It was hard to get a read on Terry since we didn't get his POV. I liked him, although honestly all the insecurity got to be a bit much. While I can totally understand where he's coming from, it's unfair to Baz too to keep acting like you don't believe him when he says he wants you.
Given that the insecurities weren't all trans related, I wish they'd been addressed more. Terry mentioned not really having friends, so while the relationship was great, I wish he'd ended up becoming better friends with the capoeira people. Especially how much they focus on capoeira, I wish it had played a bigger role into the story and his personal journey.
I don't have kids, but there were a handful of temper tantrums so Camille seemed to me to be represented age appropriately. She was cute and played a large role, given that Baz is a single dad, but she didn't overwhelm the story or overshadow the romance.
And the romance was done well. There weren't time jumps exactly, but there were a few "and July tuned to August"s that allowed time to progress smoothly and give their relationship time to develop at the right pace, without us having to read every nitty gritty detail. There isn't much sex in this story, that's not a huge focus of their relationship since Terry was hesitant about it for a while. But the one scene we did get was necessary to show us how they'll function long-term and allow Terry to realize his full potential. It was very well done.
Overall a nice story and a fairly quick light read. The fact that Terry is a trans man is a very large focus of the story, but also not. It just is. So it's relevant and addressed in different ways, but very organically and simply as part of their lives.
Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
August 26, 2017
Between his daughter, his job as a pastry chef, and his friends from his martial arts training, Baz’s life isn’t half bad. At least he doesn’t think so. Then Terry walks into his life and Baz can’t help but admit that while he is certainly content with the hand he has been dealt, he is also missing something. Whether that something is Terry, Baz doesn’t know, but he would sure like to find out. Terry is fun, if a bit shy, and Baz lights up when he is around the man. He kinda hopes he might do the same for Terry. But Terry is reluctant to start anything, and Baz has no clue how to show that giving him a chance could be the best thing to happen to either of them in a long time.
Aidan Wayne has easily entered the list of authors I check up with constantly to see if they have anything new out. This is the third novella of theirs I have reviewed for the blog, and I once again say that I found the story very enjoyable. A bit lighthearted, to be sure, but that is not actually a bad thing when you’ve had to review several books with rather heavy content lately.
I did really like how Terry was handled here, though. I love that Terry was not the typical trans male you see in these kinds of stories. Most of the time authors show trans people post-transition and pretty much “passing” in most regards. And while I think those are cool stories, it is kinda nice to see a character that is not on T. As someone who has pretty much put off medically transitioning till some point in the future, I like seeing that authors are willing to show that there is more than one way to be transgender. And the fact that Terry decided that in order to keep his job as a voice artist he would have to come off T was depressing, but it was also something that trans people have to go thru. Maybe not this exact situation, but sometimes life isn’t fairytale where someone waves a wand and suddenly everything is changed for the better. Sometimes hard choices are made and you have to live the best life you can with what you’ve got. The fact that Terry isn’t on hormones doesn’t make him any less trans or any less male, it just means that he has to fight a little bit harder for people to recognize that he is. That really speaks to me, and I’m glad the author decided to go that direction with this character.
And on nearly the same note, I really liked that Terry didn’t know how he would react to sex with Baz. I just…look, I am really thrilled to gets trans characters who are not just victims and who are instead strong and awesome. I like stories where they get to be the heroes and the ass-kickers. I do. But I also like stories where they get to be human and unsure. I don’t want them to be doormats, but sometimes it is nice to see that trans characters don’t always have to have their shit together. Mostly because I am by far the least “together” person out there. So the fact that Terry didn’t know what he wanted in regards to sex, or a lot of things that most people probably have figured out by his age, it hits home. And yeah, I just really enjoy seeing characters who are kinda like me get their own HEAs.
I will say though that the plot did tend to meander a bit. So while I really enjoyed the actual characters, there didn’t seem to be a lot at stake with the relationships. Baz is a bit too much of a perfectly decent, totally accepting guy. Which probably shouldn’t be a bad thing, but I found it a bit bland. I think I needed a bit more conflict in this story that wasn’t directly related to Terry’s issues. I also wish the martial arts aspect hadn’t petered out about halfway thru the story. All this pretty much means that while the story was enjoyable it also lacked momentum, and while not a long story by any means, didn’t have the draw that could push me to keep turning pages.
This is probably not my favorite of the authors stories, but I do still really like it. Terry was a really great character, and I was thrilled to read about a trans character that is a bit outside the “norm.” Not a gotta-buy-it-now, but for a light trans romance, it does its job fairly well.
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.
Aidan Wayne has easily entered the list of authors I check up with constantly to see if they have anything new out. This is the third novella of theirs I have reviewed for the blog, and I once again say that I found the story very enjoyable. A bit lighthearted, to be sure, but that is not actually a bad thing when you’ve had to review several books with rather heavy content lately.
I did really like how Terry was handled here, though. I love that Terry was not the typical trans male you see in these kinds of stories. Most of the time authors show trans people post-transition and pretty much “passing” in most regards. And while I think those are cool stories, it is kinda nice to see a character that is not on T. As someone who has pretty much put off medically transitioning till some point in the future, I like seeing that authors are willing to show that there is more than one way to be transgender. And the fact that Terry decided that in order to keep his job as a voice artist he would have to come off T was depressing, but it was also something that trans people have to go thru. Maybe not this exact situation, but sometimes life isn’t fairytale where someone waves a wand and suddenly everything is changed for the better. Sometimes hard choices are made and you have to live the best life you can with what you’ve got. The fact that Terry isn’t on hormones doesn’t make him any less trans or any less male, it just means that he has to fight a little bit harder for people to recognize that he is. That really speaks to me, and I’m glad the author decided to go that direction with this character.
And on nearly the same note, I really liked that Terry didn’t know how he would react to sex with Baz. I just…look, I am really thrilled to gets trans characters who are not just victims and who are instead strong and awesome. I like stories where they get to be the heroes and the ass-kickers. I do. But I also like stories where they get to be human and unsure. I don’t want them to be doormats, but sometimes it is nice to see that trans characters don’t always have to have their shit together. Mostly because I am by far the least “together” person out there. So the fact that Terry didn’t know what he wanted in regards to sex, or a lot of things that most people probably have figured out by his age, it hits home. And yeah, I just really enjoy seeing characters who are kinda like me get their own HEAs.
I will say though that the plot did tend to meander a bit. So while I really enjoyed the actual characters, there didn’t seem to be a lot at stake with the relationships. Baz is a bit too much of a perfectly decent, totally accepting guy. Which probably shouldn’t be a bad thing, but I found it a bit bland. I think I needed a bit more conflict in this story that wasn’t directly related to Terry’s issues. I also wish the martial arts aspect hadn’t petered out about halfway thru the story. All this pretty much means that while the story was enjoyable it also lacked momentum, and while not a long story by any means, didn’t have the draw that could push me to keep turning pages.
This is probably not my favorite of the authors stories, but I do still really like it. Terry was a really great character, and I was thrilled to read about a trans character that is a bit outside the “norm.” Not a gotta-buy-it-now, but for a light trans romance, it does its job fairly well.
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.
August 6, 2018
a short, m/m romance with a trans boy LI and a happy end, awesome. i love that. it's just. the story and i didn't really click? i think this is Waynes longest book so far and i actually thought sometimes it dragged a bit. i love that the main character is a single dad because we don't get to see that often, but our lives couldn't be more apart. i don't want to have kids at all so every time he made it clear how much his life revolved around his little girl i was just thrown off. not that it's not understandable! it totally is, and if you want to have kids, you do you! i just realised that i, apparently, don't care that much for reading about them in this way? idk man.
also, as a chronically ill person, i cringed when Camille said "sorry for being sick" and he replied with "it's okay, just get better." i'm sure that's just me because i know what it is to not get better. it was just a weird moment for me.
it was pretty cool to have a mc that just went for things and communicated openly and clearly and didn't beat around the bush. pretty refreshing. also, Terry is Jewish.
also, as a chronically ill person, i cringed when Camille said "sorry for being sick" and he replied with "it's okay, just get better." i'm sure that's just me because i know what it is to not get better. it was just a weird moment for me.
it was pretty cool to have a mc that just went for things and communicated openly and clearly and didn't beat around the bush. pretty refreshing. also, Terry is Jewish.
September 14, 2017
3.5 stars
From all of LGBT spectrum, I'm the least educated with trans* person in real life. So reading about Terry's characterization in this book becomes another way for me to learn. Terry's insecurities, concerns, the problems he's facing because he goes off T, as well as the choices he makes regarding the medication humanizes Terry, and makes him so endearing. Even if the novella is written solely from Baz's perspective but I found Terry to be quite layered of a person. I appreciated Aidan Wayne to write another side of a trans* character. One that's not so sure of himself ...
Interestingly (or is that, unfortunately?) even if Baz is the one on the spotlight, I felt him rather bland. Or maybe because he came off as too perfect, too accepting, too patient... even when his five-year-old daughter throwing temper tantrum Baz seemed to always get it together. I guess I sort of want Baz to be a little off kilter too, just to make both men coming on equal ground.
In addition, the story also moves a bit like a day-to-day journal; meaning it's a bit humdrum at some parts. Oh, I liked the part where Baz and Terry watching movies, or doing the dinner dates, or communicating through their phones and texts. However, I sort of didn't really understand the need for martial arts part of it because aside from there's Baz and Terry met, there wasn't enough of them doing the activities together. So everything about that part was rather boring. Which is too bad since I really would love to see some martial arts action in this novella. Maybe Baz attending a competition or something.
All in all, Grounded is a lovely read. It confirms that Aidan Wayne's stories click with me :)
From all of LGBT spectrum, I'm the least educated with trans* person in real life. So reading about Terry's characterization in this book becomes another way for me to learn. Terry's insecurities, concerns, the problems he's facing because he goes off T, as well as the choices he makes regarding the medication humanizes Terry, and makes him so endearing. Even if the novella is written solely from Baz's perspective but I found Terry to be quite layered of a person. I appreciated Aidan Wayne to write another side of a trans* character. One that's not so sure of himself ...
Interestingly (or is that, unfortunately?) even if Baz is the one on the spotlight, I felt him rather bland. Or maybe because he came off as too perfect, too accepting, too patient... even when his five-year-old daughter throwing temper tantrum Baz seemed to always get it together. I guess I sort of want Baz to be a little off kilter too, just to make both men coming on equal ground.
In addition, the story also moves a bit like a day-to-day journal; meaning it's a bit humdrum at some parts. Oh, I liked the part where Baz and Terry watching movies, or doing the dinner dates, or communicating through their phones and texts. However, I sort of didn't really understand the need for martial arts part of it because aside from there's Baz and Terry met, there wasn't enough of them doing the activities together. So everything about that part was rather boring. Which is too bad since I really would love to see some martial arts action in this novella. Maybe Baz attending a competition or something.
All in all, Grounded is a lovely read. It confirms that Aidan Wayne's stories click with me :)
August 24, 2017
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Baz is a busy man working as a pastry chef, being a single father and spending his spare time doing capoeira. For those who don't know (i.e. Me!), Capoeira is Brazilian martial arts that combines dance, acrobats and music. I had no idea what all the talk and discussion was about in this story regarding capoeira and should have looked up the definition while reading, instead of just doing it for this review. All the capoeira talk was a little overwhelming with no explanation for someone who had no clue what was being talked about. It sounds really interesting and something that would be enjoyable to watch! After a performance, Baz is introduced to Terry. Terry has been out of capoeira for a little while but was interested in getting back into it. Baz works hard and he and Terry become friends. This story is told by Baz's POV and I would have loved to have had Terry's as well, to understand his reluctance in being friends, dating, and everything else.
This story is a novella and I really think it could have helped the story if it was longer, and had Terry's POV. I struggled understanding Terry. He told Baz that he had no friends which was hard to understand because many people within this story tried to friend him, but he just shut down. And, Terry is transgender, and he seemed to have some issues that were not really resolved, or talked about in the story but seemed to be difficulties in the sense of him having relationships. Baz was a great support to Terry and put no pressure on him. I thought Baz showed great patience and understanding building a friendship, then a relationship with Terry. Overall, this was a short story with good bones.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Baz is a busy man working as a pastry chef, being a single father and spending his spare time doing capoeira. For those who don't know (i.e. Me!), Capoeira is Brazilian martial arts that combines dance, acrobats and music. I had no idea what all the talk and discussion was about in this story regarding capoeira and should have looked up the definition while reading, instead of just doing it for this review. All the capoeira talk was a little overwhelming with no explanation for someone who had no clue what was being talked about. It sounds really interesting and something that would be enjoyable to watch! After a performance, Baz is introduced to Terry. Terry has been out of capoeira for a little while but was interested in getting back into it. Baz works hard and he and Terry become friends. This story is told by Baz's POV and I would have loved to have had Terry's as well, to understand his reluctance in being friends, dating, and everything else.
This story is a novella and I really think it could have helped the story if it was longer, and had Terry's POV. I struggled understanding Terry. He told Baz that he had no friends which was hard to understand because many people within this story tried to friend him, but he just shut down. And, Terry is transgender, and he seemed to have some issues that were not really resolved, or talked about in the story but seemed to be difficulties in the sense of him having relationships. Baz was a great support to Terry and put no pressure on him. I thought Baz showed great patience and understanding building a friendship, then a relationship with Terry. Overall, this was a short story with good bones.
Rating: 3.5 stars
September 3, 2017
6/10 stars
"So I would say the rep was nice, the story was nice, I was super interested in the detail about capoeira and tae kwon do, but…" - Matt
"I wanted to love it more than I actually did. Which might have been totally me and my taste, so 3 stars it is." - Maria
Find our full reviews on our blog here.
*copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
"So I would say the rep was nice, the story was nice, I was super interested in the detail about capoeira and tae kwon do, but…" - Matt
"I wanted to love it more than I actually did. Which might have been totally me and my taste, so 3 stars it is." - Maria
Find our full reviews on our blog here.
*copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
August 19, 2017
Aidan Wayne always has something interesting on the books I read. I'm getting familiar with their writing style; the candid straightforward way the story goes and the slow burn romance.
Grounded is a sweet, unhurried and non-steamy romance starring pastry chef Baz and voice actor Terry. Baz is juggling between his job, capoeira and raising his five year old daughter Camille. He's intrigued by Terry the first time they met. Terry is quiet and shy, even a bit insecure on being a trans man. He's both elated and unsure on Baz's attention that it takes quite a while before he's sure Baz is taking him as he is.
I like that the characters take things slowly, the dating - not rushing due to the dry spell they've been having. Having said that, at times the story feels rather monotonous, between mentions of capoeira, their jobs and dates. Good thing Baz's kid is a cute thing that her portions of the book is entertaining.
Both MCs are likable enough. That saying, I don't get clear background on the men, especially for Terry as the story only told singularly from Baz's POV. Even I don't get much out of Baz (such as why he's bilingual - French descendant or else? - or considering his ex's selfishness, how he could've been involved with her in the first place). If only their characters could be developed a bit more I might've felt more engaged to the story.
Granted, I learned a thing or two on this novella of stuff I didn't know before. But as far as courtship story, it's rather too lukewarm for my taste.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Grounded is a sweet, unhurried and non-steamy romance starring pastry chef Baz and voice actor Terry. Baz is juggling between his job, capoeira and raising his five year old daughter Camille. He's intrigued by Terry the first time they met. Terry is quiet and shy, even a bit insecure on being a trans man. He's both elated and unsure on Baz's attention that it takes quite a while before he's sure Baz is taking him as he is.
I like that the characters take things slowly, the dating - not rushing due to the dry spell they've been having. Having said that, at times the story feels rather monotonous, between mentions of capoeira, their jobs and dates. Good thing Baz's kid is a cute thing that her portions of the book is entertaining.
Both MCs are likable enough. That saying, I don't get clear background on the men, especially for Terry as the story only told singularly from Baz's POV. Even I don't get much out of Baz (such as why he's bilingual - French descendant or else? - or considering his ex's selfishness, how he could've been involved with her in the first place). If only their characters could be developed a bit more I might've felt more engaged to the story.
Granted, I learned a thing or two on this novella of stuff I didn't know before. But as far as courtship story, it's rather too lukewarm for my taste.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2017
3.5 Stars!
I liked everything that was in this book but to make this romance really sing I need much more to make an emotionial investment.
I like the slow unspooling of Terry's character. I enjoyed the details of how Baz's manages single fatherhood and the scenes with his daughter. The details of each hero's job were were well done. I like how sexual desire and romantic affection is handled.
I like Baz and Terry and their courtship and relationship.
However, so much floated in this story that I couldn't engage. Setting needed much more developed. Baz's sexuality isn't really discussed as well as many aspects of his back story. A great deal about Terry is shadowed as well. We don't get much martial arts really either.
So, it is sweet and gentle romance with great everyday details but I needed more emotionial intimacy.
I liked everything that was in this book but to make this romance really sing I need much more to make an emotionial investment.
I like the slow unspooling of Terry's character. I enjoyed the details of how Baz's manages single fatherhood and the scenes with his daughter. The details of each hero's job were were well done. I like how sexual desire and romantic affection is handled.
I like Baz and Terry and their courtship and relationship.
However, so much floated in this story that I couldn't engage. Setting needed much more developed. Baz's sexuality isn't really discussed as well as many aspects of his back story. A great deal about Terry is shadowed as well. We don't get much martial arts really either.
So, it is sweet and gentle romance with great everyday details but I needed more emotionial intimacy.
September 8, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
This book is built entirely around the Baz/Terry relationship. Wayne’s careful attention to their characters helps elevate an otherwise pretty low-key story into one that is a bit more memorable. Both main characters have interesting jobs—Baz is a patisserie and Terry is a voice actor. Their jobs add a bit of dimensionality to them as characters and, arguably more importantly, introduce an element of conflict in the schedule. This, in turn, helps drive the plot a bit. Specifically, Baz’s work hours keep him busy nights while his daughter Camille keeps him busy most of the rest of the time. This means he’s a man who doesn’t have a lot of time to devote to a relationship. Similarly, Terry’s job as a voice actor means he might be called away on a job at a moment’s notice and it could take a week or two or more to complete the job.
As inconsequential as scheduling conflicts seem to be, this does play an important role in the story. Baz is the main narrator and we get to see him reacting to his own schedule, figuring out if he wants to prioritize time with Terry initially and then figuring out what it means when he needs to prioritize time with Terry (especially when he can’t control how long Terry might be away on an assignment). In other words, their work commitments bring into sharper relief how Baz feels about making time for Terry and how Terry reacts to someone finally making time for him.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
This book is built entirely around the Baz/Terry relationship. Wayne’s careful attention to their characters helps elevate an otherwise pretty low-key story into one that is a bit more memorable. Both main characters have interesting jobs—Baz is a patisserie and Terry is a voice actor. Their jobs add a bit of dimensionality to them as characters and, arguably more importantly, introduce an element of conflict in the schedule. This, in turn, helps drive the plot a bit. Specifically, Baz’s work hours keep him busy nights while his daughter Camille keeps him busy most of the rest of the time. This means he’s a man who doesn’t have a lot of time to devote to a relationship. Similarly, Terry’s job as a voice actor means he might be called away on a job at a moment’s notice and it could take a week or two or more to complete the job.
As inconsequential as scheduling conflicts seem to be, this does play an important role in the story. Baz is the main narrator and we get to see him reacting to his own schedule, figuring out if he wants to prioritize time with Terry initially and then figuring out what it means when he needs to prioritize time with Terry (especially when he can’t control how long Terry might be away on an assignment). In other words, their work commitments bring into sharper relief how Baz feels about making time for Terry and how Terry reacts to someone finally making time for him.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
March 11, 2018
This was a completely delightful romance! Single dad meets a shy, quiet guy at capoeira and things just unfold from there.
June 9, 2018
this was the cutest thing, reading it made me feel so warm inside
August 17, 2017
Grounded (ARC) was graciously provided to me by IndiGo Marketing & Design for an honest review.
"Amour, acceptation, et macarons.."
I just finished reading a new book that was such a sweet story; one that was overflowing with wonderfully adorable and realistic father daughter moments, eye-opening and peaceful revelations, which were also interlaced with acceptance and support from friends and family members, all of which was made even sweeter by the various sprinklings of delicious yumminess created by one of the mc's, Baz, who is a pastry-chef. As a result of having just read, Grounded, by Aiden Wayne, fluffy, sparkly and misty clouds made of sugar decadence, are now pouring off of me like fairy dust all due to the feel-good, overall sense of goodness and that flows from this story.
Grounded is a story about (Bastian) Baz, a single parent, who is currently raising his adorable daughter Camille, while working very hard as a pastry chef, and at times, as a sous chef as well. While attempting to maintain his healthy lifestyle, he also participates in various capoeira exercise classes. At one of these classes, he meets..Terry Cohen, a transgender man who is a voice over actor and former martial arts instructor. Cool, huh? As this was my very first experience with a story which had at least one character who was transgender, I was so glad to have had the opportunity to read it, and, I think I can say that my heart grew even more for individuals who are valiantly trying to live a life as they wish to live.
This is a story about opening one's heart and loving someone regardless of gender. Regardless of anything at all, and, loving the actual person. It's about plowing forward and working hard to be able to have everything that one desires.
I found this to be a very good and welcoming short story. I thought Baz deserved an all-around gold medal for his kindness, patience, strength and his perseverance. I thought he was amazing. I absolutely loved how he was raising his daughter, got chills every time they spoke French, and, was so proud of him for following his heart.
I was also so proud of Terry for beginning the transition, but, was slightly confused as well. I thought that unless there was something from his childhood that was causing his insecurity and doubt..his insecurities were a bit much. It seemed like they didn't completely have anything to do with his transitioning, so, I felt it was a bit excessive, and, Baz' patience with him, was incredible. I was just as proud when he was able to let his guard down and open up to not only Baz but also to Camille, regardless of any short-comings.
I was excited to be able to read about the developing relationship between Baz and Terry. It was so nice to see it progressing. That being said, I felt that it was still on the outskirts of a relationship, and, needed more depth. I was sporadically able to feel the chemistry between the two, regardless of the barely there fade-to-black heat. I felt more of a connection, in general, between Baz and Camille, and, Baz and all of his relatives, than with Terry. I needed more.
The plot and pace of the story were great, regardless of the need for more character development, background, and a need for an actual setting to the story. There were many secondary characters, and, with capoeira being such a huge part of Baz' life, I had wished that it was developed more within the story.
I really liked Grounded. I absolutely loved the father daughter moments, the incorporation of the French language, and the food as well. *yummm* I enjoyed seeing how important family was to Baz and other family members. There were times when I was eager for things to develop, and, did find myself cheering when individuals simply..let loose. On the other hand, I had also wished that there was more development in various areas, and, less in others. I actually found myself snort giggling at one such lengthy part, regardless of it's content, and wondering..."umm..really?" Bottom line is..it's a good story, with good characters, and a great plot, all of which I hope to see more of in the future..:)
*star rating: 3 short-story stars*
"Amour, acceptation, et macarons.."
I just finished reading a new book that was such a sweet story; one that was overflowing with wonderfully adorable and realistic father daughter moments, eye-opening and peaceful revelations, which were also interlaced with acceptance and support from friends and family members, all of which was made even sweeter by the various sprinklings of delicious yumminess created by one of the mc's, Baz, who is a pastry-chef. As a result of having just read, Grounded, by Aiden Wayne, fluffy, sparkly and misty clouds made of sugar decadence, are now pouring off of me like fairy dust all due to the feel-good, overall sense of goodness and that flows from this story.
Grounded is a story about (Bastian) Baz, a single parent, who is currently raising his adorable daughter Camille, while working very hard as a pastry chef, and at times, as a sous chef as well. While attempting to maintain his healthy lifestyle, he also participates in various capoeira exercise classes. At one of these classes, he meets..Terry Cohen, a transgender man who is a voice over actor and former martial arts instructor. Cool, huh? As this was my very first experience with a story which had at least one character who was transgender, I was so glad to have had the opportunity to read it, and, I think I can say that my heart grew even more for individuals who are valiantly trying to live a life as they wish to live.
This is a story about opening one's heart and loving someone regardless of gender. Regardless of anything at all, and, loving the actual person. It's about plowing forward and working hard to be able to have everything that one desires.
I found this to be a very good and welcoming short story. I thought Baz deserved an all-around gold medal for his kindness, patience, strength and his perseverance. I thought he was amazing. I absolutely loved how he was raising his daughter, got chills every time they spoke French, and, was so proud of him for following his heart.
I was also so proud of Terry for beginning the transition, but, was slightly confused as well. I thought that unless there was something from his childhood that was causing his insecurity and doubt..his insecurities were a bit much. It seemed like they didn't completely have anything to do with his transitioning, so, I felt it was a bit excessive, and, Baz' patience with him, was incredible. I was just as proud when he was able to let his guard down and open up to not only Baz but also to Camille, regardless of any short-comings.
I was excited to be able to read about the developing relationship between Baz and Terry. It was so nice to see it progressing. That being said, I felt that it was still on the outskirts of a relationship, and, needed more depth. I was sporadically able to feel the chemistry between the two, regardless of the barely there fade-to-black heat. I felt more of a connection, in general, between Baz and Camille, and, Baz and all of his relatives, than with Terry. I needed more.
The plot and pace of the story were great, regardless of the need for more character development, background, and a need for an actual setting to the story. There were many secondary characters, and, with capoeira being such a huge part of Baz' life, I had wished that it was developed more within the story.
I really liked Grounded. I absolutely loved the father daughter moments, the incorporation of the French language, and the food as well. *yummm* I enjoyed seeing how important family was to Baz and other family members. There were times when I was eager for things to develop, and, did find myself cheering when individuals simply..let loose. On the other hand, I had also wished that there was more development in various areas, and, less in others. I actually found myself snort giggling at one such lengthy part, regardless of it's content, and wondering..."umm..really?" Bottom line is..it's a good story, with good characters, and a great plot, all of which I hope to see more of in the future..:)
*star rating: 3 short-story stars*
August 30, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This was a very sweet story. Baz hasn’t dated since his daughter was born, allowing her and his job to take up his life. When he meeting Terry he is intrigued and begins with starting a tentative friendship with the shy man.
Baz is willing to push Terry for them to move into a relationship but doesn’t want to scare him. He is so understanding with Terry, almost unbelievably so, and the bumps along the way to build their relationship.
Terry has gone through so much with transitioning and how people have treated him throughout his life. I could see how hard it was for him when people mistook him for a girl and to accept that Baz wanted him, I mean really wanted him. I loved seeing both Baz and Terry get the relationship they both wanted and needed in the end and I was glad to see them slowly taking more steps to be together longer.
Cover art by Natasha Snow is a wonderful picture.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This was a very sweet story. Baz hasn’t dated since his daughter was born, allowing her and his job to take up his life. When he meeting Terry he is intrigued and begins with starting a tentative friendship with the shy man.
Baz is willing to push Terry for them to move into a relationship but doesn’t want to scare him. He is so understanding with Terry, almost unbelievably so, and the bumps along the way to build their relationship.
Terry has gone through so much with transitioning and how people have treated him throughout his life. I could see how hard it was for him when people mistook him for a girl and to accept that Baz wanted him, I mean really wanted him. I loved seeing both Baz and Terry get the relationship they both wanted and needed in the end and I was glad to see them slowly taking more steps to be together longer.
Cover art by Natasha Snow is a wonderful picture.
December 5, 2018
This was fun!
I really like the characterization of the family dynamics. I like how careful and respectful Baz and Terry are of each other. I like how this is looking at a relationship in its context as part of a community.
Heartwarmingly sweet.
I really like the characterization of the family dynamics. I like how careful and respectful Baz and Terry are of each other. I like how this is looking at a relationship in its context as part of a community.
Heartwarmingly sweet.
December 11, 2018
Full RTC
I enjoyed this novella and how Baz and Terry were cozy and adorable together. 💗
Camille was an adorable child & I loved how Baz was such a great father.
Terry's vulnerability and lack of experience is nicely told and I really loved how he was displayed. 💗
I enjoyed this novella and how Baz and Terry were cozy and adorable together. 💗
Camille was an adorable child & I loved how Baz was such a great father.
Terry's vulnerability and lack of experience is nicely told and I really loved how he was displayed. 💗
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March 17, 2019Enjoyed it!
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August 15, 2017Review to come 8/24
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