Review: Changing the Things You Can by Ari McKay

Reviewed by SinChan
Changing the Things You Can by Ari McKay
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 43pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb: Devastated by the death of his best friend from a drug overdose, rock star Devon Bailey retreats to his hometown to grieve. When his fragile emotional state causes him to break down in a local bakery, owner Michael Behrman comes to his rescue.

Michael's nurturing instincts prompt him to reach out to Devon, offering support and a comforting shoulder, and the two grow closer. Michael's feelings for Devon deepen into something more--but how can he know whether Devon feels anything more for him than gratitude?

Review
Devon, lead singer of a popular rock band, returns to his hometown to escape the media after the death of his best friend and drummer in the same band from drug abuse. In the midst of grief, he stumbles upon Michael who comforts him.

The story focuses on Devon dealing with his grief and how Michael and Devon develop their relationship from friends to lovers. The transition from friends to lovers is a little fast in my opinion, especially in the middle of dealing with grief. However, I can believe they will make a great couple in the future since their meeting is so well written.

Michael is the knight in shining armor. Sometimes he's too perfect, like how he knows exacting the right things to say and do to comfort Devon. There's not enough pages for the reader to get to know Michael but there are hints that Michael is not a perfect person, just perfect for Devon.

Devon has a lot on his plate. His best friend just died from overdose, his dead friend's mother blames him for the death, the media is invading his privacy and he wants a career change. I think he's very fortunate to find Michael during these troubled times. His situation is portrayed very realistically and down to earth.

This short story leaves me with a smile on my face. It's a very heart warming story with a lesson. The story is set at an easy pace. I especially liked how Devon slowly reveals his problems and talks about Chad's death to Michael. It was more realistic for me to see a step by step progression. Overall, I'm impressed with how complete this short story feels.

4 Pants Off