Dave Blanchard likes his quiet life and his quiet web-design business that mostly keeps him at home. Well, all except for the loneliness he feels. He wants to find someone who can be a partner in his life instead of a one night stand. But being gay and seven feet tall doesn’t make that particularly easy. When an online date turns into a no show Dave all but gives up. Then he runs into an old friend from his past, Micah Black. Dave has always had a crush on Micah, but Dave’s shy nature and Micah’s unwavering friendship makes it hard for Dave to tell him how he feels. Can Dave overcome his own shortcomings to find what he’s always wanted?

Who can’t identify with Dave? Of course not too many people can know what its like to be as tall as Dave, but we all have our little quirks. The fact that Micah doesn’t really see Dave the way Dave sees himself only makes Precious Ache that much better. The slow burning relationship that Dave and Micah build over the course of the story, drawing out both character’s personalities while also telling the story well, only goes to show the level of Amanda Young’s tremendous talent. Precious Ache is a touching novella that should not be missed.

Reviewed by: April