Review: Steamroller by Mary Calmes

Reviewed by Hannah
Steamroller by Mary Calmes
Dreamspinner Press
Novella: 160pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:
About the last thing Vincent Wade expected was for Carson Cress to ask him out. Vince is a dedicated biology student and a bit of a loner. Superstar quarterback Carson is larger than life, and he lives under a public microscope. 

 There’s no way they should work. But Vince is learning that sometimes people just come steamrolling into your life and all you can do is hang on for the ride or lose your heart in the process. If their relationship can survive the fallout when an injury derails Carson’s future plans, maybe Vince can finally find something to believe in.


Review:
Buy it.

Can you have a two word review? I should elaborate shouldn't I? OK then, I’ll give you a little more.

This story of a Jock and Botanist is so refreshing. It is filled with quick wit and humour that is an enjoyable and welcome relief from the angst that fills so many pages of M/M romantic tales.

Vince, the Botanist in this love affair, is sarcastic but oh, so endearing. He seems to win a place in your heart very quickly as you realise he bucks the initial thoughts of what you believe his character to be. In the place of a ‘victim’ of bullying and therefore a reserved and shy geek, you have a witty, smart and handsome character who makes you laugh out loud with how quick his retorts are, and who impresses you with how comfortable he is in his own skin. He compliments the other characters around him effortlessly as the interactions throughout the book flow so easily you can picture this group of friends in college as if you were one of them.

The introduction of Carson, the Jock in this story, makes you a little weak at the knees with how Vince describes him. Somehow, even though you know where the book will lead, you still are pleasantly surprised with how their intertwining story progresses. They each manage to unnerve the other which manages to crack their composure enough to lead to passionate, sweaty, heart rate rising encounters.

The most enjoyable aspect of Mary Calmes telling of this story, is that she pushes against where you think their love affair will lead. Although upset and rejection can be heard in the background of the story, it ends up centred around wanting, passion and love. As you reach the end of the book you realise that your heart has been left feeling light, and not tortured with anxiety at how these two self-assured college guys, with their completely opposite circles, can make it work.

The only disappointment with this read is that it had to finish. I fell in love with these two rather quickly, which should tell you all you need to know about how enjoyable a read Calmes makes this book.

Buy it, and enjoy.

4 Pants Off