Tattoos & Teacups by Anna Martin

[reviews_and_ramblings]

It starts almost in a lyric way, but that is not only a first impression; Rob, the narrative voice, is an English professor with a way for words, and this is clearly reflected in his mind flow process. We see the blossoming and developing of his relationship with Chris, always from Rob’s point of view, but that doesn’t mean Chris is not represented, since Rob, who loves him, is able to make him come alive.

Though only 9 years separate Rob and Chris, most of the novel is based on their differences both in age than social status. Maybe this is emphasized by the fact that Rob is a teenager dad, like there are 9 years between him and Chris, there are only 9 years between Chris and his daughter. Chris is also a free spirit, tagging along his rock band, without a real home to call his own. But if Rob remarks the age difference, Chris doesn’t really mind; it’s not like he has a kink for older men, but indeed the explanation he gives to Rob is right, older men treat him better, they make him feel special, and loved.

This is really a sweet romance, not sweet since it lacks the sex, but sweet because the sex comes after the love; actually it will takes Rob and Chris several dates to arrive to the sex, but neither them or the reader lacked it. It was really nice to see them know each other better, to learn each other timing and personality.

While the author wanted to give Chris a bad boy’s aura, she also made him quite right for Rob: half rock band drummer, half orchestra maestro, Chris is a mix of young and old, naïve and experience, all concentrated in a bundle of energy that is able to sit down and spread comfort vibes all around.

It was long that I didn’t enjoy so much a contemporary novel, so much that, when I reached the end, I was mourning these characters already.

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3081

Amazon: Tattoos & Teacups
Amazon Kindle: Tattoos & Teacups
Paperback: 244 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 6, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1613725906
ISBN-13: 978-1613725900

Reading List: http://www.librarything.com/catalog_bottom.php?tag=reading+list&view=elisa.rolle


Cover Art by Shobana Appavu