Author Week: Give and Take by Anne Brooke

Give and Take by Anne Brooke
Amber Allure

Short Story: 7k words

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Blurb:
David has spent two years grieving for the loss of his partner to cancer. When he decides to move on, he visits a gay bar for the sole purpose of hooking up with someone—in spite of his concerns that as he’s in his mid-forties, he might be too old. There he meets Jeff, a young barman, and after dancing and making out with other men, he realizes that Jeff is in fact the one he wants to take home most of all.

During his explosive evening with Jeff, David discovers a side of himself that he never knew existed. But, when the morning comes, can he persuade Jeff that their relationship may develop into more than a simple one-night stand? 

Review:
David is ready to go out and greet the world again, after losing his partner of many years to cancer. He wants to get back to dating, and maybe finding a hook-up for a night after being so long without. He decided to visit a gay bar, but he’s also afraid that he might not be what anyone wants. He is older, has no idea how to begin, and he might be sporting the deer in headlights look.

His night in the bar begins slowly, but he finally breaks a little free to flirt and dance and do a bit of making out. However, it seems he always keeps coming back to the cute bartender. He has no idea how to approach him and ask him to go home, but David finds his courage because it’s like this ‘if you never try, then you’ll never know’.

The bartender Jeff accepts his invitation for a night of play, but David is feeling like he might be in over his head. He might not be completely ready to move on, and being alone with Jeff is bringing on feelings of trepidation. Well not to worry, Jeff knows just what to do and gives David the night he’s been looking for.

This was a nice short, light BDSM story. I liked that David got to give up his control, because he spent so much time being the decision maker for most things in his life. The night with Jeff, he was man just along for the ride. The author possesses a skill to tell an entire life story with just a few pages, and only leaving you with the feeling of just wanting more. I wanted more, just to see beyond the night that David and Jeff share.

I never know what to expect when I go and read an Anne Brooke story. It’s often funny, mysterious, or a wide range of dark (like a box of chocolates, you just never know what you gonna get). I can say though, it’s always a good experience.

3 1/2 Pants Off