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Featured Story: Red Running Shoes

Renee Stevens

Entry posted by Renee Stevens in Featured Stories

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Monday, Monday, Monday. What could we possibly have for you on a Monday? Oh yeah! We have a new featured story for you. This week, courtesy of Timothy M., we are taking a look at Red Running Shoes by aditus. Remember, if you're reading a story (or have read one) that you'd like to see featured in the blog, simply write a review and send it to me!

 


by


 

Reviewer: Timothy M


Status: Complete


Word Count: 72,095

 

Looking back over the featured story reviews I’ve done, I realize they tend to revolve around story content or characters which annoy or upset readers. Maybe this is because such stories make more of an impression, or maybe I just like ranting in reviews after I read chapters. ;) In any case, the subject of this review certainly fits the bill.

 

Indeed, Red Running Shoes may take the prize as the tale which has sparked the most intense reactions so far. It had readers leaving incensed reviews and arguing heatedly in the story discussion forum. Not everyone agreed with Aditus about the way the story ended, and there were plenty of shouting and :facepalm: at the characters during the unfolding of events.

 

I have to admit it took me a while to start reading RRS. I was put off by the story description outlining the main character of Jonah who is ‘quirky, irrational, impulsive, talks to Zach, his imaginary laptop friend, collects people who want to take care of him, and slightly possessive, manipulative boyfriends.’ Most of all the word irrational gave me severe doubts, but I decided to trust Aditus and my GA friends who seemed to enjoy the story. Did I regret this decision? No, I guess not... :unsure: in spite of all the :,( and :pissed:

 

Once I took the plunge, I was quickly caught up in the magic Aditus weaves. Jonah was betrayed and hurt by someone he loved and trusted, and his reaction was to run away to another city/country. As the story starts, he returns and tries to pick up his life. He longs for love but is scared of another broken heart. The author makes us engage ourselves in Jonah and the people around him, we hope the best and fear the worst, as we alternately laugh and curse over his antics.

 

There are some wonderful people in Jonas’ life but I think my favorite is the Sicilian hat maker and photographer who plays a crucial role in the story. In fact, the description of the landscape and the food in Sicily has me eager to go there on vacation. That reminds me: While reading the story please make sure to have your favorite snacks available, since Aditus’ detailed descriptions of delicious meals will probably make you crave food as well as wine or coffee.

 

If you like romance rollercoasters, RRS is worth trying. I guarantee all your emotions will be played upon. And the image of a dove tattoo will stay with you forever. :wub:

 

Category: Fiction Genres: Romance Tags: Adult, Friendship, Gay, Europe Rating: Mature

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Puppilull

Puppilull 18,786

Posted

This is such a great story! Jonah may be irrational, but aren't many of us when faced with emotional upheaval? People in this story are flawed and that makes me connect to them better. I like to read about real people, not a collection of ideals milling about.

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Aditus

Aditus 28,727

Posted

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'Did I regret this decision? No, I guess not...  :unsure: ' What do you mean by 'No, I guess not'? You've been Jonah's white knight! - in spite of all the  :,( and  :pissed:. 

I actually was surprised about the reactions RRS provoked. I had problems to answer the reviews and comments. I felt the need to defend Jonah, but I had to be careful not to reveal too much. Lit looked for dragon tattoos, she was so upset with me. Sometimes I go back to the story discussion thread just to revel, haha.

 

Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Tim. 

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Valkyrie

Valkyrie 109,912

Posted

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Great review, Tim.  RRS is one of my all-time favorite stories on this site.  Addy makes us run the gamut of emotions, but it's well worth the ride.  I adore Jonah, even if I did want to smack him upside the head a few times... ;)  I highly recommend this story to anyone who hasn't read it yet. 

  • Like 4
LitLover

LitLover 66,966

Posted

'Did I regret this decision? No, I guess not...  :unsure: ' What do you mean by 'No, I guess not'? You've been Jonah's white knight! - in spite of all the  :,( and  :pissed:. 

I actually was surprised about the reactions RRS provoked. I had problems to answer the reviews and comments. I felt the need to defend Jonah, but I had to be careful not to reveal too much. Lit looked for dragon tattoos, she was so upset with me. Sometimes I go back to the story discussion thread just to revel, haha.

 

Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Tim. 

 

Hey, they were awesome dragon tattoos!   :P (and I can see you cackling maniacally reading the story discussion now :rolleyes: )

  • Like 3
Cole Matthews

Cole Matthews 14,615

Posted

Red Running Shoes is a challenging story, but so much richer because of it.  Jonah is like most people.  He reacts to things instead of thinking about them.  That's one of the reasons I loved it so much.  His character developed so much with depth and quirks, it sucked you in.  Aditus did a marvelous job of making the reader emotionally dance on the end of marionette strings.  In the end, you feel like you know the characters so well, you want to pick up the phone and call Jonas and see what he's up to now!

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Timothy M.

Timothy M. 50,192

Posted

'Did I regret this decision? No, I guess not...  :unsure: ' What do you mean by 'No, I guess not'? You've been Jonah's white knight! - in spite of all the  :,( and  :pissed:. 

 

Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Tim. 

 

LOL, Aditus, the discussion about the story and who was to blame got so intense I worried about losing several GA friends. And I'm not sure I'll ever read RRS again without getting the same gut-wrenching feelings. :pinch:

 

I'm glad you liked the review in spite of that. :hug:

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Headstall

Headstall 306,101

Posted

Adi certainly put us through the wringer with this one. I have to say, the interaction between those of us on the thread was very entertaining as we all exhibited our angst. Kudos to Adi for doing that to us... there were a few times I wanted to chase him with a pitchfork... but in the end he gave us quite an experience. I still feel a little stress when I think of Jonah :) . I put my faith in Adi, and he ended up coming through... well done, sir... cheers... Gary....

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Lisa

Lisa 6,470

Posted

CONGRATULATIONS, ADDY!!!!!!!!

 

Congrats on being featured in the blog! :)  :)

 

RRS is very close to my heart, not only because I fell in love with most of the characters, but because it was this story that introduced me to Addy all those years ago. :)

 

He originally posted it on another site, so I was thrilled that he eventually decided to post it here. :)

 

RRS is an excellent story, and I highly recommend it for those who haven't read it yet.

 

Tim, this was yet another hella awesome review you wrote! Makes me want to read the story again! AND join the forum thread, which I RARELY ever do.

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Timothy M.

Timothy M. 50,192

Posted

Tim, this was yet another hella awesome review you wrote! Makes me want to read the story again! AND join the forum thread, which I RARELY ever do.

 

Awww, thank you, Lisa. :hug: If you do visit the story discussion topic, be prepared for some heated posting. :*)

  • Like 1
Defiance19

Defiance19 28,484

Posted

Great review Tim.. Red Running Shoes is an awesome read. An emotional roller coaster of a read for sure, but so, so worth it.. 

  • Like 3
Drew Espinosa

Drew Espinosa 143,120

Posted

Tim, you had me at "talking to Zach, his imaginary laptop friend" :lol: This is now a must read for me :D and I am certainly going to check out the forum after I'm done, just to see what all the fuss was about, lol.

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Timothy M.

Timothy M. 50,192

Posted

Tim, you had me at "talking to Zach, his imaginary laptop friend" :lol: This is now a must read for me :D and I am certainly going to check out the forum after I'm done, just to see what all the fuss was about, lol.

 

LOL, Drew, that's actually Aditus' story description, so nothing to do with me. But I'm glad this blog review made you aware of the story. Tell me when you're done with the forum, I'll be ready to give you a comforting  :hug:

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Aditus

Aditus 28,727

Posted

One of these days I'm going to write the hat maker's story just to see you suffer again...

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Valkyrie

Valkyrie 109,912

Posted

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One of these days I'm going to write the hat maker's story just to see you suffer again...

Yes, please!!

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Slytherin

Slytherin 24,192

Posted

I love Jonah ! He is a darling and I want the best for him.. Unfortunatly I can't stand Ren :unsure2: thats why I haven't read the entire story yet. Nobody messes with Jonah ! :angry: I love your writing, Addy and I am so happy that your story is featured :) I promise to read it now ! :hug:

  • Like 2
Timothy M.

Timothy M. 50,192

Posted

Unfortunatly I can't stand Ren :unsure2:

 

Yes ! :glomp: another Ren hater. :hug: Please do read and add to my ranting about the guy. :D

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Timothy M.

Timothy M. 50,192

Posted

One of these days I'm going to write the hat maker's story just to see you suffer again...

 

:blink::o:pinch::no:

unless you promise it will be a happy story :unsure:

Aditus

Aditus 28,727

Posted

:blink::o:pinch::no:

unless you promise it will be a happy story :unsure:

Did I ever write an unhappy story? I mean after all is said and done...

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Timothy M.

Timothy M. 50,192

Posted

Did I ever write an unhappy story? I mean after all is said and done...

 

Perhaps not a story without an HEA :unsure:

But there was plenty of unhappiness along the way. :,(

Slytherin

Slytherin 24,192

Posted

Yes ! :glomp: another Ren hater. :hug: Please do read and add to my ranting about the guy. :D

Hate is a strong word lol :P Might take a look, Tim :)  Jonah rules ! :hug:

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Valkyrie

Valkyrie 109,912

Posted

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Awww...poor Ren.  He may have made some mistakes along the way, but don't we all?  ;) 

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Timothy M.

Timothy M. 50,192

Posted

Hate is a strong word lol :P Might take a look, Tim :)  Jonah rules ! :hug:

 

Yeah, I know, but I couldn't think of a better term. Ren anti-fan? Ren blamer? :lol:

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Drew Espinosa

Drew Espinosa 143,120

Posted

What's the deal with Ren? :huh: Will he be a character that I'll dislike at first but come to love later on in the story? :)

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Valkyrie

Valkyrie 109,912

Posted

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What's the deal with Ren? :huh: Will he be a character that I'll dislike at first but come to love later on in the story? :)

Let's just say you'll be in one of two camps by the end of the story.  I don't want to say too much and give anything away.  Just start reading.  Like now.  lol 

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Timothy M.

Timothy M. 50,192

Posted

What's the deal with Ren? :huh: Will he be a character that I'll dislike at first but come to love later on in the story? :)

 

What Val said. ;) But he's not the only character you may change your mind about more than once... :X

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