Why Love Matters by Jay Northcote
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Alastair needs help overcoming issues with touch and physical intimacy in order to clinch a business deal with some demonstrative Italians who prefer hugging to handshakes.
Martin, his assistant, has the perfect solution. His mother runs cuddle workshops, which could help Alastair overcome his fears–if he’s brave enough to try. Alastair is nervous not only about the workshop, but also because he will be sharing a room with Martin, who’s starred in his fantasies more often than an assistant should.
Alastair reluctantly decides to give it a try, so they head to a commune in Wales where Martin grew up. The weekend at the commune with Martin proves to be transformative in more ways than one.
This was a short story by Jay Northcote I had on my TBR list a looong time. I don’t know why I haven’t read it before because the story was though short totally sweet, I really can say I loved it. :3
The concept of the book was great. We have Alastair (I swoon when I read the name, love the sound of it) who is in need to improve his social skills. Means: to get in more contact and be able to accept other people’s touches he goes to the seminar of Martin’s mother who is an expert in connecting people and overcome social fears.
The blurb is with the seminar a bit unconventional, you could think it doesn’t work but the meeting itself is great described and I could really feel how uncomfortable Alastair was at the beginning and what it changed at the end.
Martin as the second main character and Alastair’s private assistant is charming and the opposite of Alastair. Without problems to get in touch, he is open and lovely. He is not superficial or arrogant. The natural charme is really captivating. No wonder Alastair is also interested though he claims Martin isn’t his type. 😉
All in all the story was good though at the end it was a little bit rushed or at least it felt so… Maybe I’m mistaken and miss something… But because it’s the typical, solid way of writing by Jay Northcote this is really satisfying 🙂
4.5 out of 5 stars
Buy link
amazon
(should open the region URL)
Mikku-chan 