Rating: 4🌈
Mega sports agent Arn Toras has been a minor staple of multiple stories, popping in to give advice, stand by his athletes, or be a fierce advocate for them when they or anything they might represent is attacked.
His appearances haven’t been long but Arn has always made a huge impact on every scene he’s in.
So it’s lovely that Locey decided to give such a strong and important character his own story.
Long known to be heterosexual and work obsessed, Arn has to undergo some major changes here in order for this story and a romance to be believable.
And in most aspects, it does.
Locey successfully builds onto a personality we are already familiar with. We meet Arn anew. Already incredibly powerful and successful, Arn is not slowing down. But his body , his lifestyle, and frankly his age, are trying too, along with his doctor.
We see a Arn who’s not trying to look to introspectively at the life he’s living, or more truthfully, not living. He’s let work preside over friends, and what family he’s got left. And it’s taking a role on his health.
Arn is realistic and someone we can relate to.
There’s always one more thing that needs to be done before you get to set down. If ever.
That one more thing is signing the next Hockey God, Anders Viklund, a young Swedish hockey player from a small fishing village. Arn is determined his agency will be the one to sign him.
That brings us to the next outstanding element of this story. Kullaka, Sweden. That’s the fishing village and hometown of the Viklund family.
I’m not sure if there’s a real village that Kullaka is a stand in for , but surely there must be. For this small charming place sings with life! From the quays with its bobbing fishing boats, to the castle at the top of the mountain, it’s Eel Festival, and the abbey, it’s a breathing, salty, laughter filled small town you are dying to walk or peddle through.
That includes the small B & B run by Mrs Maja, full of cats and clocks, Arn is forced to stay in as there’s a Eel Festival going on. A stay that becomes part of a life changing visit. This tiny house, full of ticking clocks, cats, and a merry wonderful woman is such a great element here. I loved it!
It’s just a starting point for a beginning of sea changes in Arn’s life. How he views himself and his life.
I would be close to saying I loved this story but the only aspect I’m hesitant about is the romance. Which is sort of a big issue.
Everyone and everything else here is outstanding. Foundation, characters, Arn, his personality and need for a change. Yes!
But the person who’s at the heart of that change? That for me is the weakest link here.
Anders Viklund is all young, blue eyes, gorgeous, sexy, competent hockey player. He loves his dad. He’s gay. He’s nice and kind.
Why don’t I feel like he’s got layers to him?
I never felt like there was a character there that would have had enough substance to have induced the sort of change that was pulled from Arn.
Maybe a “oh know, I think I’m bi” revelation. That would be realistic here. And yes it happens. Immediately. Get that. But the rest?
Anders’ father, Lucas, he was a solid, powerful figure and one that made a significant contribution and impact. More so than his son, in my opinion.
Locey writes beautifully. So many great secondary characters and the magnificent Arn. Along with the entire village of Kullaka.
I just wish Anders had been as good as the rest or as deserving.
A Color of Love is a wonderful series and this is one more terrific installment! Check it out! I’m recommending it.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 