Review - A Heaven to Reach For by R. Cooper
A Heaven to Reach For
by R. Cooper
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Volume 1 of Infinite Grace
Posted in Book Reviews on 30 September, 2026
It’s the spring festival, but as one of the Duke’s guards, Owin is trying to not get too drunk since the Duke has plans early the next morning. Just because he’s not drinking doesn’t mean Owin intends to forego the debauchery that’s also common during the festival. When Owin joins his fellow guards in the pub, the conversation turns to that very subject, with special attention on Owin. It seems that, at one time or another, Owin has hooked up with all the guards. Despite his big brutish appearance, Owin’s colleagues seem to admire his gentleness as a lover. There’s one member of the retinue Owin hasn’t had, the little priest-mage Maschi. Owin has long been fascinated by the slightly built, stern-faced young man, who a couple of the other guards have somehow convinced to come to the pub.
This short novelette reminded me a lot of one of the author’s other stories, A Suitable Brat. Like that book, this one is mostly just a single scene featuring an older man who has pined for a younger man he has always felt was unattainable. While the mood of the story may be similar, this is an original tale set in a different world. The characters, in particular, are unique and distinct.
The story is told entirely from Owin’s point of view. He is described as a big man who has seen his fair share of fighting as part of the guards. His twice-broken nose, among other features, means Owin doesn’t think he’s much to look at, but judging by what his friends say about him, the man is something of a gentle giant.
We only know Moschi through Owin’s view of him. As a mage, or at least one in training, there’s a suggestion the young man wields magic, but only that. A suggestion. Moschi is described as a stern priest, yet he also seems to pay attention to everything Owin does.
“A Heaven to Reach For” is available from Smashwords.
