Random Review: Textual Relations by Cate Ashwood #Review #Giveaway

Title: Textual Relations

Author: Cate Ashwood

Publisher: Cate Ashwood

Genre: Contemporary m/m romance (GFY)

Length: Novella - 32,500 words

Release date: August 10, 2017

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35668308-textual-relations

Reviewed by Erin

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Synopsis

Evolutionary psychology professor Henry Hathaway is ready to spend his birthday the same way he does every year: a good teeth cleaning followed by lunch with his brother. But when he receives a wrong-number text confirming the details of a date, he does what any considerate person would—he goes to meet them and explain why they've been stood up.

Asher Wescott hadn't expected his blind date to go well, because when do they ever? Henry shows up instead, and things are suddenly looking up. Socially awkward and attached to his routines, Henry is nevertheless one of the most charming and kind men Asher has met in a long time.

Too bad he's not Henry's type.

An accidental date, an impulsive kiss, and a few conflicted feelings later, can Asher get Henry to see the world—and him—in a different light?

Review

I love meet-cutes! Especially when they involve an adorkably awkward professor and a case of mistaken identity. Seriously, I had such a smile while reading Textual Relations by Cate Ashwood. Professor Henry Hathaway is a bumbling, sweet guy and Asher Wescott couldn't have been more perfect for him. If you're looking for a low angst, light and easy read, then Textual Relations is just for you. 

A random text to Henry from someone named Ash about meeting for a date on his birthday starts a whirlwind that predictable and socially awkward professor Henry Hathaway could never have imagined. He realizes that the sender is talking about a blind date and not wanting to leave the guy wondering where his date is, he shows up to explain. Only to find that the person waiting is not an Ashley as he assumed, but an Ash, short for Asher. For his part, Ash is more than happy with the unexpected change in circumstances and in a totally unpredictable move for Henry, takes Ash up on his offer of a drink. Hours of delightful conversation later, and a shared cupcake, these two have definitely hit it off. Only at the end of the night, Henry realizes that he’s been on a date. With a man.

What happens from here is a lovely, low-key exploration for Henry as he comes to terms with his attraction to Ash. Ash for his part is easy to talk to and their chemistry is undeniable. I really liked how Henry didn’t angst over his sudden and powerful attraction to Ash, he just rolled with it. Sure there were a few stutters and questions, but mainly, he just enjoyed it all. There are some steamy sex scenes and some tender moments, too, and it was a nice balance of both. 

This is a short book so there’s not a whole lot of time for character or relationship development, but it still all worked for me. Henry is so sweet and earnest and Ash is easy going and so charming and I really just wanted these guys to be happy together. Textual Relations is a sweet book about following your heart and I recommend you check this one out ASAP!

About the Author

 

Cate discovered her love for books of all kinds early on, but romance is where her heart truly lies. She is addicted to the happily ever afters and the journey the characters take to get there. Currently residing in White Rock, B.C, Cate loves living just a stone's throw from the ocean. When she's not writing, she can be found consuming coffee at an alarming rate while wrangling her children, her husband, and their two cats.

Cate loves to hear from readers. You can contact her at cateashwood@gmail.com or on her website http://www.cateashwood.com.

If you’d like to get up-to-date information, exclusive excerpts and content, and giveaways, be sure to sign up for Cate’s Newsletter.

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