I don’t usually like stories told in first person because there is often too much telling, but the author did a really good job and was able to convey Jude’s distress with the events in his life and with his OCD. I loved the characters and I loved the very slow build-up of their relationship and how Devin helped Jude face his fears and open up to the world. With the help of Devin Kidd, Jude’s new neighbor across the hall, Jude is learning to overcome his OCD. The story is told in first person through the eyes of Jude Allen, a young man with severe OCD. If it’s not particularly your favorite plot line, fine to pass on this one.Carte Blanche is part of the M/M Romance Group’s 2014 Love’s Landscapes event.

Still, if you’re a sucker for a Cinderfella story, as I am, it’s worth doing a quick read through. There were some unnecessary details that had little to do with the plot (dance studio, clean clothing, family picture)…and I would have preferred to have that wordcount devoted more to developing the relationship. I just had trouble understanding why he’d be interested in Casey. He’s this big lumberjack of a man who is kind and gentle and exudes the “hero” qualities that are swoonworthy. The best part of the story was the character of Ethan. The other side characters played very generic roles, none of whom were fleshed out: the girl bestie, the flamboyant gay bestie, the awful stepmom. I think he has his charm, but he comes across a little bit pathetic and his crush, Jackson, well there wasn’t anything believable about why Casey would be attracted to him. I think the short story format didn’t work for this as it felt the author was trying to do too much and ultimately didn’t end up doing enough.Ĭasey, the MC, is not an entirely likable character. And though this one was fine, it was not something I found particularly memorable or with any original take to it. Problem for me is that there are better Cinderfella stories out there. This short Cinderfella story was sweet and a quick, easy read. But by the time the clock strikes midnight, will Casey’s Prince Charming be the man he’s always dreamed of? REVIEW: One evening out with his friends, Casey decides to lay all his cards on the table and profess his love to the man he’s been lusting after for years. His stepmom is constantly nattering at him about the way he looks, his stepsisters ignore him unless they need something, his best friends can’t seem to get along, and the love of his life barely notices he’s alive. REVIEW: “A Different Dance” by Nash Summers ABOUT:Ĭasey has always dreamed of being swept off his feet, despite feeling like he continually gets the short end of the stick.

A Different Dance by Nash Summers