Blog Post: Counterbalance by Aidan Wayne #Review #Giveaway

Author: Aidan Wayne

Book: Counterbalance

Publisher: Riptide Publishing

Publication date: September 12, 2016

Length: 88 pages

Reviewed by Meredith

 Synopsis

John loves his job as head rigger for Cirque Brilliance. The heavy scarring over half his face makes it a little hard to meet new people, but John's got a good crew and a nice found family, and he’s content with his lot in life.

When Cirque hires talent for a new show, John meets Bao, a bright, ever-cheerful acrobat. Bao seems drawn to John and becomes a constant presence at his side—talking to him during downtime, spending time with him at lunch, and generally seeking out his company.

John doesn't know what to make of this. Sure, he likes Bao—maybe a little too much, honestly—but he’s had enough experience to know that Bao couldn’t possibly like him back. Or so he thinks, anyway. Fortunately, Bao seems determined to prove him wrong.

Purchase from Riptide: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/counterbalance

 Review

I have to say this is the first circus based story I've read in this genre and I loved that. John is the head rigger for Cirque Brilliance and the scarring that covers more than half his face makes John really crawl into himself when it comes to meeting new people. Which I can relate to. I think we all can. Whether it's gaining weight, losing hair, or something else; how we feel about ourselves really reflects on us and our actions.

He does have a great crew/ family who l love and support him. They fill a void that would likely make him feel very lonely. Because of the comfort and stability they provide he really doesn't want for anything or anyone.

Bao however is not a NO guy. Hired as an Acrobat, John is a loop, tuck, and fold in itself for the guy! I loved how John really was bewildered by the attention Bao gave him. The genuine attitude! He just doesn't see John's scars.

I really loved the creativity and flow of this novella. It had great feelings and wonderful understanding. Very enjoyable!

 Author Bio

About Aidan Wayne

Aidan Wayne is a big believer in character-driven stories with happy endings. This is not to say that stories can’t contain a little (or a lot) of grief, just that at the end of it all expect there to be bandages and hugs. They particularly like to write about minority characters because damn it, they deserve happy endings too.

When not writing, Aidan enjoys practicing aerial, martial arts, and ASL, and watching reality cooking shows. They are probably in the middle of twelve projects as you read this.

Tumblr: justsayins.tumblr.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/justsayins

Website: aidanwayne.wordpress.com

 Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Counterbalance, one lucky winner will receive $20 in Riptide Publishing credit! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on September 17, 2016. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!