Barbies and Beaches

By Asta Idonea

For the first time ever, Shane is not looking forward to the annual Boxing Day barbeque at Matty’s house. He recently divorced, none of his friends know what to say to him now, and Shane is tired of the pity and awkwardness. Things take a turn, however, when he meets Matty’s English cousin. Neil is struggling with the Australian heat, having left the UK after a bad breakup. When Shane suggests the two of them head to a secluded beach to cool off, the growing intimacy between them might make both reassess their current situation.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar "Warmest Wishes."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
• Release date: Dec 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781644050408

Asta Idonea

Asta Idonea (aka Nicki J Markus) was born in England but now lives in Adelaide, South Australia. She has loved both reading and writing from a young age and is also a keen linguist, having studied several foreign languages. Asta launched her writing career in 2011 and divides her efforts not only between MM and MF works, but also between traditional and indie publishing. Her works span the genres from paranormal to historical and from contemporary to fantasy. It just depends what story and which characters spring into her mind! As a day job, Asta works as a freelance editor and proofreader, and in her spare time she enjoys music, theater, cinema, photography, crafts, and sketching. She also loves history, folklore and mythology, pen-palling, and travel, all of which have provided plenty of inspiration for her writing. Website: www.nickijmarkus.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/NickiJMarkus Twitter: @NickiJMarkus Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/4567057.Nicki_J_Markus LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicolamarkus Instagram: www.instagram.com/nickijmarkus YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/aleera21

Book preview

Table of Contents

Blurb

Text

About the Author

By Asta Idonea

Visit Dreamspinner Press

Copyright Page

Barbies and Beaches

By Asta Idonea

For the first time ever, Shane is not looking forward to the annual Boxing Day barbecue at Matty’s house. He recently divorced, none of his friends know what to say to him now, and Shane is tired of the pity and awkwardness. Things take a turn, however, when he meets Matty’s English cousin. Neil is struggling with the Australian heat, having left the UK after a bad breakup. When Shane suggests the two of them head to a secluded beach to cool off, the growing intimacy between them might make both reassess their current situation.

SHANE HEFTED the carton of beer onto his shoulder and attempted to shut the boot. As usual, the busted locking mechanism resisted. He tried twice more before swearing loudly, setting the beer on the ground, and using both hands to slam the blasted thing into submission. Like so many aspects of his life, his car was in sore need of an overhaul, but he couldn’t afford anything save urgent repairs at present. All his spare cash went toward paying off the divorce settlement. Whenever he thought of that final figure owed, the words blood and stone came to mind. He’d had to take out a small loan to cover it, pushing back his plans to get out of the rental circus and buy his own place. Life sucked.

He picked up the beer again and stepped toward the curb. As he did, his thong slipped, coming clear off his foot and nearly sending him into a pavement face-plant. Thankfully, his balance had always been good, and a few hops helped him remain upright until he could get