Burning Ashes

Title:  Burning Ashes

Author:  H. Lewis-Foster

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press

Rating:  B+

Quad Shot of Love

Length:  200 pages

Blurb:  Intelligent and confident, Australian cricketer Nat Seddon is one of the world’s best bowlers. He’s openly gay, but keeps his private life to himself, everything under control. But on the last day of his team’s “Ashes” tour of England, he meets Scott Alverley, England’s promising new batsman. Nat tries not to be attracted to Scott, but he can’t help finding the privileged young man handsome and endearing. Nat is tempted by a little end of tour fun, but finds himself playing agony uncle to a virgin. Instead of going home to bask on a beach, he spends a wet week in the north of England with Scott. Try as he might to resist, he can’t help falling hopelessly in love.

The hectic sporting calendar is a persistent obstacle to their growing romance; Nat and Scott are rarely even on the same continent. They make the most of the time when they can be together, but the months apart take a toll on Scott, professionally and personally. The possible solutions are nearly unthinkable, but if they are willing to make sacrifices that will change their lives forever, they might hold on to the love they found in the Ashes.

Review:  This is the first true long distance relationship romance book I have ever read. It goes in depth into the hurt and pain of loving someone you can’t be with.

When Nat and Scott meet they are pulled together incredibly fast. There is not just passion between them, but also an understanding that whatever is between them is different, unique, and worth the time to explore.

There are love stories that span days and there are love stories that span months, but this one spans a lifetime. The author does it perfectly. We are lost in the pain and struggle of young love that is built on phone calls, emails, and the occasional visit.

Nat is older and has seen and lived a life alone. He is at the top of his game, but there is a question of his ability to make a life commitment with another man. His maturity and grace are what hold him and Scott together for a long time.

Scott is young, vibrant and full of passion and talent. He pushes Nat and lets him see that they do have a chance, that sometimes risk can be the best thing in the world. Even at a cost.

Then they come to terms with the fact that they mean enough to make some amazing sacrifices. This is where the story is even more beautiful. There is a journey of two men over a life of ups and downs, careers and family, all to make a life of joy together.

I loved that not everything was roses and daisies, but each part was hard fought. Both men knew the other was worth the sacrifice, the pain, and even the overwhelming happiness.

A love story that was more than just skin deep, it was a built on a foundation strong enough to last a lifetime.

Reviewed by Beans