Glyn Soitiño

'Spell the Coffee' is a really cute story about magic, unforeseen consequences, and love spells that aren't really what an uneducated layperson might expect. Ash, the owner of a shop that sells Herbal Remedies, some of which are infused with a bit of magic, has an alarming lack of self-confidence for which there apparently is no magical cure. Gary, his shopkeeper, is very attracted to him but believes his feelings aren’t returned. Both of them are lonely and desperate enough to make some mistakes that made me think they'd never "get it" and manage to at least go on a date.

Ash is a great guy, but he works too much and thinks too little of himself. When I found out what, or rather who, did that to him, I was really angry at that person. What a cruel thing to do! And Ash was probably never the most confident guy in the first place, so now he is lost. His sister, who helps out in the shop, tries to encourage him, but his insecurities run too deep. He needs more of a jolt to wake up and do something about this situation with him admiring Gary from the sidelines, and he sure gets it – but in an entirely unsuspected way.

Gary is clearly desperate for Ash's attention as more than his boss. He is ready to give up, thinking that Ash just isn't interested, when a magical potion called "Who Do You Love" seems to offer the solution. That's when Ash's coffee gets spelled, and that's also when the story takes a somewhat unexpected turn. Ultimately, this helps them figure it out, but it sure isn’t easy!

If you like stories with two adorable men who just can’t seem to figure out they belong together, if you enjoy reading about magical potions and how they might influence our lives if they existed, and if you're looking for an entertaining, sweet read with just a touch of angst, the you will probably like this short story.
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A nice, short read, this story focuses on Ethan's issues with being in human form.

He's been on the run for two years and isn't sure he can ever have a normal life. When Luke comes to the dog refuge and adopts him, that changes. Dealing with a slightly crazed ex-lover of Luke's brings the two closer together and Ethan has to decide what he really wants.

I liked that the focus was more on Ethan's issues than on the shifting and his dual nature. He is definitely a man in his thinking, even when he is in dog form. Nicely different from many other shifter stories I've read.… (mehr)