Wake Up Call
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4.6 • 10 Ratings
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- $4.99
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- $4.99
Publisher Description
South London mechanic Devan Thompson has gone to Porthkennack to track down someone he’s been waiting all his life to know. But Dev’s distracted from his quest by Kyle, a broodingly handsome local of only a few months, who’s already got a reputation as an alcoholic because of his strange behaviour—including a habit of collapsing in the street.
Kyle Anthony fled to Porthkennack to escape from the ruins of his life. Still raging against his diagnosis of narcolepsy—a condition that’s cost him his job as a barrister, his lover, and all chance of normality—the last thing he wants is another relationship that’s doomed to fail. But Dev’s easy-going acceptance and adaptability, not to mention his good looks, have Kyle breaking all his self-imposed rules.
When disaster strikes Dev’s adored little sister, Kyle steps up to the plate, and Dev sees a side of his lover he wasn’t prepared for: competent, professional—and way out of Dev’s league. With one man determined that they don’t have a future, and the other fearing it, life after Porthkennack is starting to look bleak for both of them.
(Porthkennack stories can be read in any order—jump in wherever you’d like!)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Merrow inaugurates a multi-author series set in a Cornish tourist town in this excellent contemporary romance. Dev, a multiethnic car mechanic from London, has come to Porthkennack to track down the wealthy mother who gave him up for adoption. But his plans get sidetracked after he leaps to the aid of Kyle, a handsome man who's collapsed in the street. Kyle, a recent newcomer to the town, lets rumors of alcoholism hide his recent diagnosis of narcolepsy. His refusal to accept medical intervention has thrown his life as a high-powered criminal attorney into a tailspin. As Kyle and Dev act on their mutual attraction, miscommunications, class difference, and uncertainty about the future conspire to drive them apart. Merrow navigates these interpersonal concerns supremely well, making each hiccup feel real and raw. Her treatment of chronic illness elicits real empathy. A slim supporting cast of locals and family with their own drama rounds out the story and allows Dev and Kyle to show their skills at handling crises. British turns of phrase abound, but provide more local color than confusion for American readers. This tale of deep characters with real problems is a genuine treat for fans of contemporary romance.
Customer Reviews
Wake Up Call just in time!
A helping spirit introduces DEV and Kyle, two lonely strangers in an English Atlantic seaside holiday resort village. Author JL Merrow unwinds a unique tale evolving into a solution for a romantic resolution of fate and unflinching love. This novella captures an interesting cast of characters, situations, relationships, with a fragile dynamic scenario.. Read .. on and enjoy!
An Unlikely Pairing!
On a three-week holiday to meet his mum for the first time, mechanic Devan “Dev” also meets narcoleptic-riddled, barrister Kyle and a connection begins. This is a somewhat dark or somber-toned tale. The MCs are very distinctive: Dev comes off like a bull in a china shop, he just blunders about even though there is a kindness to his personality, too. Kyle is just traumatized by his illness, a bit lost. I also thought his narcolepsy/catalepsy condition was handled in a realistic, educational and sensitive way. This is not an easy read, partially because of Dev’s South London dialect, maybe or just how the story is written.
Overall, good storytelling.