Barbies and Beaches

Read and reviewed for Open Skye Book reviews
Just a few beers with the guys and than he can withdraw. Shane doesn’t want to be there but... it’s a 26th December tradition. He is intrigued by the sleeping guy on the couch.

Neil thinks it’s time to return to the other side of the world where it’s not so terrible hot... he can’t handle the heat. Who is that guy watching him ‘sleep’?

Two men sneaking out of the party. The two both with baggage... and a lot of attraction.

Sweet read, just enough developed to get into the feelings and understand where they come from.
I loved the entourage and the way this story is written. Engaging personalities put in a bubble and having a hea. Well done. A sweet short Christmas read!

Two men who meet up at the annual Boxing Day party. I like that Neil isn't sure he wants to hang around Australia but he's willing to at least see the beach. I love how this becomes the start of a new tradition for these two men.

Review by Toni @ Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter: https://bit.ly/2SCuV5a

I was absolutely delighted to find that 'Barbies and Beaches' by Asta Idonea is based in my local city in South Australia!

Neil is visiting from the UK – right in the middle of the scorching Australian summer heat. He’s not coping well, considering cutting his journey short and heading back home to cooler climates, when Shane appears at Neil’s cousin’s annual Boxing Day barbeque.

Shane is sick of everyone only discussing his recent divorce. He’s ready to move on but it seems as if it’s the only topic whenever he catches up with friends and family. He’s putting in a polite appearance at the annual event, but intends to leave early to drink the day away on his own. Until, that is, Neil catches his eye…

This sweet and enjoyable short read is full of Australianisms! Anyone not familiar with an esky (to keep drinks cool) or that thongs belong on feet, may need to do some Googling to keep up with the fun! While the descriptions of the Australian summer and typical barbeques are spot on and a great look at our culture.

I inhaled this engaging story in a single sitting and found myself smiling and giggling along with the cultural references. For such a quick read, 'Barbies and Beaches' provides depth of character, well described scenery and would be perfect for filling in some time around the holidays.

Barbies and Beaches was a very short, short story. I'm not sure I would call it cute, as both characters were basically somewhat depressed at the time they met. However, I could see how they made a connection based on their recent breakups.

I definitely would have liked having a few more pages to connect with the characters, so that they could connect with each other. I don't even think we learned what Neil did for a living, although we did learn about Shane's occupation.

Short stories are what they are, short, but this one felt like I could have enjoyed it more, if I'd had a few more pages to learn more about the characters versus the issues behind why they both wanted to leave the party.

3 pieces of eye candy
posted to Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
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