| Title | : | Under a Greek Twilight |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 231 |
| Publication | : | First published May 15, 2023 |
When Joshua winds up single just before his European trip of a lifetime, he refuses to give up his spot, even if that means dealing with his cheating ex and his replacement for months. With his heart finally healing, he's dealt another blow leaving him reeling and needing some space from his friends.
Lysander is immediately drawn to the sad younger man when he finds him drinking alone in his bar and strikes up a friendship that quickly becomes more. He offers to guide Joshua and his friends around the island in exchange for help in his bar as an excuse to spend more time with him.
Giving into their attraction feels right. Can a holiday fling turn into something more?
Under a Greek Twilight is a sweet, instalove, vacation romance with an age gap and hurt/comfort themes.
Under a Greek Twilight Reviews
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~2.5~
I grabbed this book mistakingly thinking it was by Jax Calder, whose work I really enjoy. I've never heard of Jax Stuart, and it didn't take me long to realize the writing style was a bit awkward and nothing like Jax Calder's.
I was aware of reading words and sentences vs. sinking into the story.
The MCs voices weren't distinct, and there were way too many silly theatrics surrounding Joshua's ex and the ex's new boyfriend.
I can understand that Joshua wasn't going to give up his dream trip to Europe because of his cheating asshole of an ex, and it was too late to change the flights/accommodations, but did the group have to do everything together?
Why couldn't Joshua make alternate activity/meal plans? Why torment himself by seeing his ex with his new sidepiece day after day?
Also, why did the author introduce so many one-dimensional secondary characters who added nothing to the story? We have Joshua's bestie getting together with one of the other guys on the trip, the girls complaining and being bitchy, the M/F couple who are in each other's pockets, etc.
Seriously, what was the point? Why not focus on developing the relationship between Joshua and Lysander?
It was just filler high school drama, and these people were in their 20s!
The story felt crowded with random events: Lysander's ex-husband creating issues, Joshua's dad having a stroke, the completely ridiculous scene where Joshua's ex verbally accosts him at work.
Plus, I felt like I was reading a travel brochure half the time. Some authors weave in the setting flawlessly so it becomes part of the story. Alas, that was not the case here.
This was an easy, insta love, feel good read, with a cute epilogue, but I most likely won't read another book by this author. -
3.5
This is 100% a book you should read when you're on holiday, next to a pool, preferably with a nice fruity mocktail!
The plot was pure escapism and totally unrealistic but enjoyable at the same time. I would have rated higher except the last part of the book was far too rushed and flat out unbelievable. Everything resolved too neatly and quickly to feel realistic in any way.
I liked both MCs but I never truly felt an emotional connection to them or between them, which also lowered my rating. However, it did feel realistic for a holiday romance in my limited experience.
What I absolutely loved though was the setting. I love Crete, it's absolutely stunning there and full of history - I stayed not far from where this was set but in the opposite direction to Malia thankfully *shudders*. It kinda made me want to go back, even though I'm way more afraid of flying now than I was when I travelled there in my early twenties!!
I'm also a HUGE nerd with anything about Ancient Greek mythology and history, so that content was making me ridiculously happy! I literally just finished an audiobook with my son before reading this which was all about Ancient Greece for children, so I've had a lovely day geeking out 😁 -
This was so fucking cute. I mean I had heart eyes while reading most of it. Josh and Sanders romance takes place over an extended vacation Josh is taking with his group of friends. A group of friends I might add, that includes his ex boyfriend Ryan and the total jerkoff he cheated on Josh with. Let's just say I spent a good amount of time hoping Ryan and his new boyfriend would accidently fall off one of the cliffs while sightseeing.
Everything about Josh and Sander was just so sweet. Well, not everything. They sometimes let sweet take the backseat during their steamy times if you catch my drift ;). I loved how Sander helped Josh heal and see what an amazing man he was. In turn, Josh helped pull Sander out of a bit of a rut he was stuck in. They were just so good for each other. Not to mention, neither of them could keep their hands off one another either.
"I want you to fuck me."
"Don't you want to shower first?"
"After. Then you can fuck me again."
“I’m nearly forty, Josh. I might need more than ten minutes to recover.”
That always make me laugh in age gap romances. The young stud raring to go and has to be reminded by the older MC he might need a little more time to get there again. Another thing I loved about this novella was Joshua's father. He was such a loving parent and you just don't see those often enough in MM romance in my opinion. I was so happy Stuart included a mini HEA for him too. He deserved it just as much as Josh and Sander did. Under a Greek Twilight was just an all around cute and feel good read. -
That was such a lovely story, a fresh breath of air. It was sweet, with some hurt/comfort, a tour around the Greek island Crete, and interacting with friends and family.
A group of friends, some close some not, are on holiday at Crete. Joshua’s ex-boyfriend Ryan is among them, and unfortunately, he brought his current boyfriend Zach with him.
Yes, it’s awkward but Joshua has good reasons to go through with this specific holiday.
After a nasty act from Zach, Joshua has enough of the group and distances himself to a bar.
Lysander the bar owner takes care of sad and drunk Joshua. Lysander is quite older than Joshua but they fit perfectly, emotionally and sexually.
Both had their doses of hurt, together they seem to work and are soothing for each other's hearts.
A really lovely story, captivatingly written, it has an enthralling storyline with kind and adorable characters, some feisty supportive friends, and the best families.
I enjoyed this one! -
3.75
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Such a cute insta love read!
Joshua had recently found out that his long term boyfriend had been cheating on him, they had a big friends trip planned travelling around, he thought his ex would cancel, but no he come only on the trip and brought his new boyfriend, parading him about and making Josh feel like crap.
When they got to Crete Josh was determined to enjoy the trip and go to the places his late mother had visited. His Rex’s new partner pulled a mean and cruel stunt which ended up with Josh running off and finding himself in a bar, where he proceeded to get drunk with the bar owner.
Lysander, was divorced and had been running his bar for years, when an upset man plonks himself down ready to drink away his sorrows, he decides to join him!! To many drinks later they end up passed out in sanders apartment above the bar, both hungover but a spark between them has been ignited where they spent the rest of Josh’s trip making memories and exploring the attraction between them.
This was a great easy read, holiday fling, with insta love and a big age gap! This is part of the Love Abroad series so check out the rest.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
💚Age Gap
💚Insta Love
💚Low angst
💚Supportive families
💚Divorced MC
💚Hurt/Comfort
💚An ex that needs
to fall off a cliff! -
Just the positive happy wee read I was needing!
No angst romance, characters that I loved to hate because of the drama they brought and the way Greece is described has me craving a holiday there myself!
Just a pleasant quick read. Finished this book in one day because I couldn’t put it down. -
I’ve read five books in this Love Abroad series and have loved almost all of them. Unfortunately this one was not for me. Based on the reviews a lot of other people enjoyed it so it might have just been me!
I usually love a instalove story. However, I have to either really believe it and get swept away in the story or there has to be some past history for it to make sense. I didn’t feel that with this story. Within a week the one MC is changing his entire life around to move across the world with the other MC which ok fine. But they don’t have the talk about becoming exclusive and boyfriends until after he does this!
The other thing that got to me was the drama! The friend group and ex boyfriend hanging around was really over the top and it just felt like a soap opera and I felt like it was too much.
On the other hand one of the things that I absolutely enjoyed about all the Love Abroad books so far (including this one) is how the books are so centered on the location they are set in. I loved all the touristy stuff they did in Greece and I would love to go there one day too!
If the things above won’t bother you or you really love this author I absolutely think you should check out this book and I hope that you can appreciate it more than I was able to! -
This is more a case of liking the characters and the backdrop than the story itself. Mostly because the insta-love was VERY insta-love and really rushed the relationship between Josh and Sander. It's pretty much an over and done in the first night meeting each other. But I did really feel for Josh in this story. He's been done epically wrong and is stuck in a horrible situation on what is supposed to be his dream vacation. Luckily he does have a few good friends along as well, and I did like Caleb, Sean, and Megan. But, his and Sander's relationship is basically meet, oh there's such a connection between us, within a week I'm giving up my entire life in Crete and moving back to California with you. Add in the age gap and it being the older guy suddenly throwing over his whole life and I was left questioning the legitimacy of it all. Still I liked the story. I just wasn't in love with it.
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Such a cute love story. Poor Josh has been totally screwed over by his boyfriend, who's been cheating on him for an age, totally draining his self confidence. It's an insta love romance, two guys who have been burned, and find that they have an immediate spark. l liked how Sander is so supportive of Joshua, in making sure he has a voice. He’s willing to fight for him ,when his insecurities get in the way. A heartwarming story! 3.5 stars.
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Sweet and fast. 5 Stars
I loved this story!! I have to admit crazy-ex-drama is like cat nip for me! Throw in a MC who, after getting dumped ends up with an upgrade.... gold. Seriously, it might be popular in stories, but I will never get enough.
Jax is an autobuy author for me. So it was fun reading a quick story with her signature A+ style. I also loved Mary Ellen! Thanks for using my name and making her a great character. -
This is a very pleasant and sweet read. It’s very fast paced with insta love.
I like a sweet romance occasionally, and this is great for those who enjoy that with a little age gap and mild steam. But I struggled a little to feel a connection to Josh and Sander as felt bits were missing in their story and who they are, but that’s just personal taste. -
True Love After Heartbreak
This is such a sweet story. I really enjoyed following along as Joshua found real love with Sander even though he was still unfortunately dealing with his ex. It was nice getting to their HEA.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion -
Under a Greek Twilight by Jax Stuart is the story of Joshua and Lysander. I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
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I loved this! The author did a really good job of making
Crete come alive. All the characters felt authentic to me, and the love story was sweet. Perfect summer read for a long weekend. -
I fell in love with Crete from this book along with Joshua and Lysander.
And wow Ryan and Zach just made me wanna slap them :)
This is a wonderful cute story with a sweet storyline, age gap and instalove!
A lovely 5 star read. -
Under a Greek Twilight is the story of Joshua, an American, and Lysander, owner of a Greek bar. This is told in first person from both Joshua and Lysander’s povs.
The blurb does a good job of explaining the plot so I won’t go over it again. I did have a problem with figuring out what was happening in the first few chapters up until Joshua runs into Lysander’s bar. I couldn’t figure out who all the characters were, and once I started to figure out who they were, I couldn’t help but think why would Joshua, who appears to come from a wealthy family, pay for all these strangers’ flights, plus room and board just because his boyfriend at the time asked him to? And then his boyfriend breaks up with him right before the trip or during, I don't remember which, but then Joshua doesn’t cancel everything, but goes along on the trip with the ex and his new boyfriend. None of that made sense to me. It was bizarre and made Joshua look like a doormat and a masochist. I don’t understand why there were so many secondary characters added to the story when they didn’t add anything to it either. Most of them were hardly in any scenes. So, for a few chapters at the beginning, I had difficulty understanding what was going on.
I think one of the best parts of this story was the description of Greece. I didn’t realize it got so hot there, but through the author’s description I’m thinking I may never want to travel to Greece, lol.
Lysander was quite a few years older than Joshua. He seemed satisfied with his life running the bar other than missing his mother and half-siblings who lived in California. Lysander and Joshua formed an interest in each other quite quickly, and Joshua hatched an idea to have Lysander serve as the group’s tour guide while sight-seeing and to make Joshua’s ex jealous since Joshua and Lysander hung out together. Lysander’s voice was consistent throughout the story. Joshua’s voice changed depending on whether he was with Lysander or with his friends. When Joshua was with Lysander, he sounded much older, but when with his friends, he sounded younger. The author could’ve done better making Joshua’s voice consistent. I’m not sure how I feel about the two as a couple. They seemed physically attracted to each other, but I’m not sure if they were compatible in other ways except for Joshua's love of mythology and the stories he'd tell Lysander.
Overall, I thought the author did a good job with describing Greece and its lifestyle. The opening chapters of Under a Greek Twilight were very confusing and I don’t understand why it was necessary to include so many characters who did nothing for the story. I’m not quite sure I believe in Joshua and Lysander as a couple. Oh, and the proposal scene at the end was a bit confusing. I give this book 3 Stars because the info on Greece was pretty good.
I received an ARC from the author and am giving my honest and unbiased opinion. -
This was a cute, sweet read
I found the premise of this interesting - what happens when the person you planned to propose to leaves you for the guy he’s been cheating on you with just before you, he and a group of your friends go on holiday? I’ve read a few of this authors books and have always enjoyed them so was excited to read something by of a contemporary nature by them. Personally, while the books was okay and there were elements that were done really well, I found it a little harder to connect with the story and be as engaged as I have been with other books by Jax. I will say the dynamics between the friends we’re done really, really well. Break ups do mean that sometimes you become a lot closer with someone you’d previously only really been a casual friend of. People feel torn and trapped between shared history and disagreeing morally with what someone’s done. It’s incredibly difficult navigating around a close knit group of friends through a break up let alone doing that on holiday, with your ex there and his new boyfriend. The way the group was written was just fine incredibly well - it was refreshingly accurate and honest. Unfortunately, for me, the rest of the story was a little lacking (though I did still enjoy it). At times, it felt a bit like we were getting info dumps on Crete and Greece in general. Don’t get me wrong I love learning about different cultures and when it’s done well it can be really cool but here it just felt like it wasn’t always natural within the scenes/writing and that took me out of the story a bit. It may not have been as noticeable if the pacing hadn’t felt a bit all over the place. It felt a bit that we went at an intermittently fast then slow pace which wasn’t particularly natural to the story and the end felt rather rushed (as did the resolution to the ‘baddie’ so to speak). I feel awful whinging but I did enjoy it and the characters were nice people who added to the story. I think maybe I just have such high expectations of Jax’s books that this one felt a little flat comparably even though it was still a fun, summery read. I’d definitely give it a try and it’s great for putting you in the right mood for warmer weather. -
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4.25 Hearts.
Joshua and his friends were on the last leg of a European tour. Greece – a special place for Josh. Unfortunately, the company also included his ex, Ryan, and Josh’s replacement, Zach, who seems intent on destroying Josh’s self-respect. After further heartbreak, Josh runs to a bar to drown his sorrows. While there, he hits it off with Lysander, the bar’s owner, and events unfold from there. But can their liaison last a lifetime, or is it merely a holiday romance?
Under A Greek Twilight is one of a Love Abroad series, written as standalone stories by various authors. I encountered a delightful tale of loyal friendship and love as heated as the Greek sun.
The tale is told in the first person, past tense, from the viewpoints of Joshua and Lysander. Other than the odd slip-up regarding autonomous body parts, it was technically sound. Worldbuilding gave me a warm sensation and a feeling for the islands. My only true gripe is that the blurb highlights love in the olive groves of Greece. Umm, yeah – it’s more like bar and touring in Greece. Olive groves are a feature – but they are not a major one – albeit love in the olive groves sounds sexier.
Ryan and Zach subjected Joshua to constant emotional battering, leaving him downtrodden and raw. Lysander is an older gentleman with an experienced head on his shoulders; he has also had similar experiences. He supports Joshua in a way that helps him grow. In return, Joshua’s youth gives Lysander renewed life and the courage to follow his dreams. Lysander has history on the island, and I’m not going to provide spoilers there, but it adds some depth to the story making it more than a holiday romp.
The extended cast members are an eclectic bunch. Some prefer to go off on their own. Others prefer to stay with the leading holiday group for reasons varying from support to jealousy.
In short, this story is a sweetie for the genre that it represents. It flows well, and although some may baulk at the idea of instalove – it is written with taste.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes. -
What would you do if you found out your boyfriend of a few years was cheating on you right before you were supposed to take a European vacation? Would you give up the trip that you had planned or would you go anyway?
Josh finds out the truth about his boyfriend Ryan and he’s devastated. He takes the trip anyway and he tries to enjoy himself even though Ryan takes his new boy toy Zack with him. What could have been a horrible experience for Josh is made better with the help of his friends Caleb, Sean, and Megan. At the end of a very hard day, Josh wanders into Lysander’s bar seeking the freedom of oblivion. Sander and Josh talk, drink, and have fun until morning. Sander offers to help Josh by showing him around Crete and being a buffer between Ryan and Zack. It’s during this time that a relationship between them forms, but what happens when the trip ends? Does Josh stay in Crete? Does he go home to California?
I think that this story is something that so many of us can understand and feel emotionally in so many ways. I mean how many times have we had to lean on our friends to get us through a rough time? For Josh to be so vulnerable and in a foreign country too makes the story even more poignant. This story was filled with heartache and yet also joy and understanding. I truly enjoy Jax Stuart’s writing and the characters that she imbues with such magnetism and sweetness. I’m so excited to read more of the Love Abroad series after reading Ms. Stuart’s book as all of the remaining authors are new to me authors!! -
I've never been to Crete, but I kind of felt like I had when I read this story. It was such a cute story, basically a holiday romance, I guess. I really enjoyed this and was just in the mood for something low angst, sun soaked and romantic and this fit that bill to a T.
The author's obvious love for Crete and Greece shone through, I felt it as Josh was exploring the place on his dream holiday with his friends. Well, his friends and friends of his ex and new boyfriend. Seriously, what kind of douchenozzle first of all goes on his ex's dream holiday, but then also brings his new boyfriend who he was cheating with? Ryan was the second most odious person in the book, the first is Zach, the aforementioned new boyfriend.
Enough about the terrible, terrible, people though and on to Sander and Josh. They were just so cute together, right from the first moment when they get drunk on Raki together and spend the night cuddling. It's pretty much an instant connection which isn't my favourite thing, but it worked for them as a holiday romance turned real. It made sense for Sander to want to come to the states as his family are there, though.
I really enjoyed this whole thing, from Sander and Josh's romance, to Ryan the terrible getting his final comeuppance (seriously why you would think it's okay to do that to someone is beyond me).
I received an ARC and this is my honest review. -
Josh is on a European holiday and is fulfilling his dream of going to Greece, which he and his Mom shared before she died. Unfortunately, his ex is along with his “new” boyfriend, whom he cheated on Josh with.
Though there are friends also with them, Josh is struggling, and it leads him to a bar, where he meets Lysander. Sander owns his bar and an olive grove, but his ex wants him to sell that property to him because it’s not Sander’s interest.
He becomes a tour guide for the woeful group, protecting Josh from the cruelty of the others. They find a connection due to their troubles, and help each other see they can move on, together.
When the vacation is ending, Sander realizes he’s ready to move back to LA, where he has family, and Josh has to leave to be with his Dad, who has a stroke. But he wants Sander with him, and though it’s rushed, it’s right for them.
Beautiful Grecian setting, interesting characters, love to hate Josh’s ex and the nasty friends, but the sweet people who support Josh are great.
The premise is a bit odd, and some parts are far fetched, but they don’t detract from the goings on. Enjoyable jaunt to Crete.
I received this ARC for free, and am writing my honest review in appreciation. -
Joshua spent a few years dating a jerk. A cheating, selfish, two-faced jerk. When said two-faced, cheating jerk brings his new boyfriend/former sidepiece on the European trip that he’d been planning with their friends, Joshua desperately needs a break from the ex, the new boyfriend and their new friends. He finds himself drinking in a quaint little taverna and meeting the owner, a handsome older man named Lysander. Josh and Sander experience the beautiful phenomenon of “Instalove”.
Josh and Sander spend the rest of their days hanging out with Josh’s friends doing tourist-y things, working in the taverna, making love and solidifying their bond. When a medical emergency hits Josh’s father back in the States, will the plans that Josh and Sander made together fall apart or will Sander truly leave his life in Greece to make a new life with his younger, beautiful lover in America?
I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is honest and unpaid.
Under a Greek Twilight
Jax Stuart -
Joshua was actually very real-feeling to me. He was hurt, struggling, frustrated, sad, lonely amongst friends, yearning, and hopeful...all of his feelings were on the page and I believed them. What he found with Lysander was definitely story/movie magic that I play out in my head for myself but could never believe would happen to me. Lysander was a steady presence and I liked his honesty with both himself and Joshua. They really were a good match.
What detracted was the repeating drama with Lysander's ex. Ryan was a bit predictable so that was kind of expected, as was his fling-turned fiance-turned scorned lover... The unnecessary road blocks were manufactured angst that didn't really belong. There were other things that could have played that role just fine that were far more organic. But what really didn't belong at all was Ryan's ridiculously petty confrontation at their new job. It was out of left field, did nothing for the characters or the story, gave no kind of closure, and was just purely annoying.
Altogether this was a really cute story that I could see reading again, so long as I skip the cafeteria scece. Well, maybe just parts of it, because the players really showed their true colors and they were bright and beautiful. -
I enjoyed this story. Joshua breaks up with his cheating boyfriend and then ends up on vacation with him and his new boyfriend. Talk of uncomfortable. This story entertained me from the beginning since I can’t imagine doing such a thing. Joshua is the better guy and does his best so everyone, him, his ex, ex’s new boyfriend and friends on both sides try and enjoy the vacation but it’s pretty hard when the new boyfriend tries to make things uncomfortable and the friends are really split but then things change when Sander enters the story. Sander meets Joshua when Joshua is busy trying to drown his feelings. There is an instant attraction between the two but there is also an age gap plus Joshua’s friends worry that Joshua’s attraction is more a rebound than serious. This is a cute story that was to me a relaxing, enjoyable read. I love the characters. I think the author did an excellent job of putting all these characters together and the path the ex’s take flowed smoothly. This is just what I needed after reading a extra intense story.
