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Why I Love... #1
Why I Love Geeks
Chuck Davidson’s a homicide detective in Boston, and it’s put a damper on his relationships. It’s hard to find a guy who will put up with his crazy hours. Plus, Chuck has an aversion to modern technology. He likes sports, beer, and classic cars instead. How is he to know that planning the impending death of his newest phone will bring him in contact with a cute geek who just might have a thing for rugged, "slightly out of touch with the newest gadgets" older men?
Herbert Pommerest has never been on a date or even kissed a man before. Oh, he knows he’s gay. He did all the experiments to ensure it was true, didn’t just go through a rebellious phase or a knee-jerk reaction because women scared him to death. For Herb, it’s easy to hide himself behind his research and daydream about what having a boyfriend would be like. But saving an expensive phone from an early demise brings him in contact with a street-wise mature detective. Suddenly Herb wishes he knew how to flirt because he’d love to take some lessons of the sensual kind from the sexy Chuck Davidson.
Can a geek and a detective find common ground between their vastly different worlds before one of Chuck’s cases threatens to put Herb in danger from a ruthless killer?
Gay / Contemporary / Romantic Comedy / Suspense / Thriller / Mystery / Detective / Action / Adventure
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2011
14 people are currently reading
573 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Chase
161 books892 followersThere is beauty in every kind of love, so why not live a life without boundaries? Experiencing everything the world offers fascinates me and writing about the things that make each of us unique is how I share those insights. I live in the Midwest with a wonderful partner of thirteen years. When not writing, I’m watching movies, reading and living life to the fullest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
December 4, 2013
Cover - basic. Not at all how I would picture Herb, though.
MC's - Herb, a 20-something-year-old biochemist. Chuck, a NYC homicide detective. 3rd person POV alternates between them.
I think this book was supposed to be funny. Humor is so very subjective, though, and this did not hit my funny bone.
Herb was cute at first. He's a super-smart scientist (as he constantly tells us), finished a couple of PhD's at a young age, is nerdy and has no internal filters so says anything and everything that's on his mind. He's never dated anyone and has no friends (surprise). His constant nattering - both aloud and in his head - quickly became wearing. Chuck seems to like him though; he loves that Herb says whatever's on his mind; no surprises and all that.
Chuck's large and involved family was also supposed to be funny, I think. I mostly found them annoying, especially Chuck's sister Jessie, who happens to work with Herb.
The characters seem superficial, all fast talk and moves, with little depth.
Things that bugged me: The detective and the scientist making out while the crime scene is being processed? No. Just, no.
Editing: missing words, misspellings ("blow a casket", for example) or repeated phrases. Continuity - saying that Herb's bedroom wasn't hard to find in the small space, but Chuck had spent the night at Herb's already, so it doesn't really make sense that he'd be concerned about finding it.
How could a man of such scientific education not know about his prostate? He says he didn't know there was a spot inside him like that. Two pages later, he says he knew the prostate was suppose [sic] to make sex between guys pleasurable. Plus he's read books and watched porn.
Chuck and his partner get a break in the case and decide they're too tired to properly pursue it?? So they call it a day and come back to it tomorrow??
The scientific process (regarding the mysterious serum they work on): “I’m not sure how much we need for me... I doubled what we gave the dog.” Does this sound like the working of a serious scientist?
So, big Russian kidnappers can just drag their victim down a city street? I guess anything's possible in New York.
The sex was fun, generally speaking, and I wanted to like these guys because they were so earnest. But there wasn't any conflict in the relationship, and the case Chuck gets involved in seemed quite silly and over the top. All in all, mostly a miss for me.
MC's - Herb, a 20-something-year-old biochemist. Chuck, a NYC homicide detective. 3rd person POV alternates between them.
I think this book was supposed to be funny. Humor is so very subjective, though, and this did not hit my funny bone.
Herb was cute at first. He's a super-smart scientist (as he constantly tells us), finished a couple of PhD's at a young age, is nerdy and has no internal filters so says anything and everything that's on his mind. He's never dated anyone and has no friends (surprise). His constant nattering - both aloud and in his head - quickly became wearing. Chuck seems to like him though; he loves that Herb says whatever's on his mind; no surprises and all that.
Chuck's large and involved family was also supposed to be funny, I think. I mostly found them annoying, especially Chuck's sister Jessie, who happens to work with Herb.
The characters seem superficial, all fast talk and moves, with little depth.
Things that bugged me: The detective and the scientist making out while the crime scene is being processed? No. Just, no.
Editing: missing words, misspellings ("blow a casket", for example) or repeated phrases. Continuity - saying that Herb's bedroom wasn't hard to find in the small space, but Chuck had spent the night at Herb's already, so it doesn't really make sense that he'd be concerned about finding it.
How could a man of such scientific education not know about his prostate? He says he didn't know there was a spot inside him like that. Two pages later, he says he knew the prostate was suppose [sic] to make sex between guys pleasurable. Plus he's read books and watched porn.
Chuck and his partner get a break in the case and decide they're too tired to properly pursue it?? So they call it a day and come back to it tomorrow??
The scientific process (regarding the mysterious serum they work on): “I’m not sure how much we need for me... I doubled what we gave the dog.” Does this sound like the working of a serious scientist?
So, big Russian kidnappers can just drag their victim down a city street? I guess anything's possible in New York.
The sex was fun, generally speaking, and I wanted to like these guys because they were so earnest. But there wasn't any conflict in the relationship, and the case Chuck gets involved in seemed quite silly and over the top. All in all, mostly a miss for me.
December 4, 2013
I wanted to like this story. You have the big, manly, technophobe cop. You have the cute, twinky geek boy who saves him. You're all set up for a police procedural rom com, and then the plot takes a left turn into borderline Sci Fi territory and then later a left turn into spy fiction.
Herb (the geek) went from being cutely enthusiastically talkative to having annoying diarrhea of the mouth. He "researched" sex, but didn't know if you were locked into top/bottom roles.
There were copious editing errors, with odd word substitutions and some very odd sentences. We're all human, I could excuse one, maybe two. But with the price you're asking me to pay for this, I'd expect none. If it was a deliberate choice to try and show the "geek" character's lack of social awareness, then the other characters in the scene should have commented on it, which they did not, which leads me to believe it's an editing error.
I actually kept hoping the plot would taken another sudden turn and focus on the military brother or the science company CEO & Security guy, cause Chuck and Herb sure weren't doing it for me. I kept wanting them to shut up and get on with the plot, because as much as I didn't like the plot, it was less annoying than them talking.
And lets talk price. I paid $5.60 (e-book) for the privilege of reading this. Per Amazon.com, it's just over 150 pages for the paperback version, and a little over 50,000 words. Lets compare that with Death Du Jour by Kathy Reichs, which sells for $7.99 (paperback or Kindle) and has a paperback length of 480 pages.
Now, Kathy Reichs' books may not be everyone's cup of tea, but when you do the math, you're paying twice as much per page for Miss Chase's work, for something a third of the length and very poorly edited. And in my opinion, a fifth as well written.
Bottom line: read this for free on Ms. Chase's blog, or better yet, read something else.
Herb (the geek) went from being cutely enthusiastically talkative to having annoying diarrhea of the mouth. He "researched" sex, but didn't know if you were locked into top/bottom roles.
There were copious editing errors, with odd word substitutions and some very odd sentences. We're all human, I could excuse one, maybe two. But with the price you're asking me to pay for this, I'd expect none. If it was a deliberate choice to try and show the "geek" character's lack of social awareness, then the other characters in the scene should have commented on it, which they did not, which leads me to believe it's an editing error.
I actually kept hoping the plot would taken another sudden turn and focus on the military brother or the science company CEO & Security guy, cause Chuck and Herb sure weren't doing it for me. I kept wanting them to shut up and get on with the plot, because as much as I didn't like the plot, it was less annoying than them talking.
And lets talk price. I paid $5.60 (e-book) for the privilege of reading this. Per Amazon.com, it's just over 150 pages for the paperback version, and a little over 50,000 words. Lets compare that with Death Du Jour by Kathy Reichs, which sells for $7.99 (paperback or Kindle) and has a paperback length of 480 pages.
Now, Kathy Reichs' books may not be everyone's cup of tea, but when you do the math, you're paying twice as much per page for Miss Chase's work, for something a third of the length and very poorly edited. And in my opinion, a fifth as well written.
Bottom line: read this for free on Ms. Chase's blog, or better yet, read something else.
October 30, 2016
Overall it was cute, but in a somewhat awkward way. It was very heavy on the insta-love between Herb and Chuck, but I can't say that I felt like the romance was really supported.
Told from both Chuck and Herb's POV, this is a sweet romance with some mystery, a lot of sexy times, some humor and a lot of awkward cuteness.
I kept trying to figure out how old Chuck is - Herb is twenty-seven but has the emotionally maturity of a thirteen year old, but maybe not even that old, because even teenagers develop a filter to not openly talk about sex so much in front of parents, family, bosses, and colleagues. I just wished I knew the age gap between them.
I did like the fact that Chuck bemoaned having a partner who understood his job would mean sometimes having to run out in the middle of the night, or getting called in on holidays and birthdays, but Herb just plainly didn't have a problem with it, and with Herb's odd hours and his penchant for getting lost in his work it seemed like they'd work out in the long run in that respect.
Overall, the mystery was okay, I loved the family interactions, how well Chuck and his police partner Petrovic got along, and I'm looking forward to getting little brother John's story.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Why I Love Geeks (Why I Love... #1) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Told from both Chuck and Herb's POV, this is a sweet romance with some mystery, a lot of sexy times, some humor and a lot of awkward cuteness.
I kept trying to figure out how old Chuck is - Herb is twenty-seven but has the emotionally maturity of a thirteen year old, but maybe not even that old, because even teenagers develop a filter to not openly talk about sex so much in front of parents, family, bosses, and colleagues. I just wished I knew the age gap between them.
I did like the fact that Chuck bemoaned having a partner who understood his job would mean sometimes having to run out in the middle of the night, or getting called in on holidays and birthdays, but Herb just plainly didn't have a problem with it, and with Herb's odd hours and his penchant for getting lost in his work it seemed like they'd work out in the long run in that respect.
Overall, the mystery was okay, I loved the family interactions, how well Chuck and his police partner Petrovic got along, and I'm looking forward to getting little brother John's story.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Why I Love Geeks (Why I Love... #1) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
December 4, 2013
The plot wasn't horrible, but the editing was a mess. Swapped names, confusing sentence structure and many, many typos.
The sentence that made me close the book and take a break? - "Chuck is going to fucking blow a casket when he finds out we did this.”
Or how about - "Mr. Burke seems nice for a guy with average intelligent.”
This book is about socially inept scientists. For all I know, these, and many others were not editing mistakes, they were the author's choice to illuminate her character's lack of connection to the 'real world'. I doubt it, but given that this book was published this way, I have to assume someone 'meant it'.
Just plain frustrating.
The sentence that made me close the book and take a break? - "Chuck is going to fucking blow a casket when he finds out we did this.”
Or how about - "Mr. Burke seems nice for a guy with average intelligent.”
This book is about socially inept scientists. For all I know, these, and many others were not editing mistakes, they were the author's choice to illuminate her character's lack of connection to the 'real world'. I doubt it, but given that this book was published this way, I have to assume someone 'meant it'.
Just plain frustrating.
January 15, 2020
The blurb for "Why I Love Geeks" piqued my interest and I like how the book starts with a meet-cute between third-generation NYC detective Chuck and geeky super scientist Herb. Chuck is the oldest of a large loud family while Herb grew up in boarding schools with no friends. Herb charmingly has no filter, basically saying whatever comes to mind, and Chuck and Herb fall into insta-love as fast as Herb can ask:
"Why I Love Geeks" is the first book in T.A. Chase's "Why I Love ..." series and the last two chapters of the book felt like they were added solely to set up the 2nd book in the series. Also the introduction of Burke and McKinley (MCs in the 3rd book) seemed forced and slowed the story down. For me, there was not enough depth in this book to offset the convoluted murder plot and the lightly fleshed out characters. And the final nail in the coffin was Herb's no-filter ramblings, which after the first 3-4 exchanges became very distracting. 2.5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
God, can we be naked… like now? I want to feel you against my skin. I bet you’ll be hot and rough just like a guy should. I don’t have a lot of hair, but I bet you do. I want to feel it. I want to suck your cock. I want to swallow your come to see what it tastes like. Will it be salty or bitter or both?Fast on the heels of their meeting and a pretty steamy sexual attraction, there is a murder and the plot quickly incorporates spies, secret formulas, Russian mobsters, abductions, Chinese gangsters and the KGB. Herb's no-filter rambling quickly becomes less and less charming as almost everything out of his mouth is related to sex. (Herb is supposedly 27, but reads like a horny 14-year-old.) And while the story gives us Herb and Chuck's POV, there is little character development.
"Why I Love Geeks" is the first book in T.A. Chase's "Why I Love ..." series and the last two chapters of the book felt like they were added solely to set up the 2nd book in the series. Also the introduction of Burke and McKinley (MCs in the 3rd book) seemed forced and slowed the story down. For me, there was not enough depth in this book to offset the convoluted murder plot and the lightly fleshed out characters. And the final nail in the coffin was Herb's no-filter ramblings, which after the first 3-4 exchanges became very distracting. 2.5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
October 3, 2015
Yeah, I hadn't read this. I loved it. It would have been five stars except there were so many errors in police procedure, research experiment procedure, even bad guy procedure that I could suspend my disbelief (and forget the research the dead guy did...)
Review maybe coming some day.
12/12/13: Okay, when I went to review this book, I couldn't remember what it was about let alone whether I liked it. It was only a week or two later! Less than a month and a half after that, I decided I needed to rate it so I went through the synopsis and the reviews and the first few pages of the book. I still have absolutely no recollection of the story. That is not a good sign. I'm at the point where I'm wondering if I really even read it. That does not make for a high rating.
I'm rating it two stars because Jeanette helped me figure it out.
Review maybe coming some day.
12/12/13: Okay, when I went to review this book, I couldn't remember what it was about let alone whether I liked it. It was only a week or two later! Less than a month and a half after that, I decided I needed to rate it so I went through the synopsis and the reviews and the first few pages of the book. I still have absolutely no recollection of the story. That is not a good sign. I'm at the point where I'm wondering if I really even read it. That does not make for a high rating.
I'm rating it two stars because Jeanette helped me figure it out.
December 4, 2013
I read this while it was being posted as her weekly blog story, and it's one of my favorites! I love Herb and Chuck and how great they are together. I love Herb's complete lack of tact and nonstop motor mouth, and Chuck's complete lack of knowledge about technology like cell phones. It was a light, fun, sweet read and I'm glad to have the whole story to re-read and enjoy!
As for those who think the plot is ridiculous, who's to say that this book has to be set in our reality? I dunno, I guess I accepted it because stories can still be very much modern-day contemporary but with something that makes it sci-fi/paranormal/etc. Anyway, I enjoyed it and am enjoying the sequel she's working on as her blog story right now.
As for those who think the plot is ridiculous, who's to say that this book has to be set in our reality? I dunno, I guess I accepted it because stories can still be very much modern-day contemporary but with something that makes it sci-fi/paranormal/etc. Anyway, I enjoyed it and am enjoying the sequel she's working on as her blog story right now.
December 4, 2017
This book was nothing short of a cuddle fest. Chuck Davidson is a hardened and withdrawn homicide detective who believes that his line of work and dedication to his job makes him unlovable.
Biochemist Herbert Pommerset is exactly his opposite. With a giant ego and a mouth that just can’t stop running, Herb believes that finding love is unlikely. But when he meets Davidson on the sidewalk about to chuck his cellphone under a moving bus, he can’t help but step in to help the guy. He thoroughly embarrasses himself by telling Chuck exactly how hot he really is while teaching him how to check his voicemail and then taking off in the opposite direction.
Enter matchmaker Jessie, Herb’s work associate who can’t seem to stop raving about how perfect he and her brother would be together. After not much convincing and a promise of Oreos and Twinkies, Herb agrees to attend a family dinner and meet her brother, Chuck from the sidewalk.
Herb is awkward and socially inept in all of the cutest ways. He doesn’t know what to say so he just says it all, including the awfully embarrassing and sometimes dirty thoughts that constantly run through his brain. Despite his lack of filter, Chuck finds Herb adorable and a relief to be around because he doesn’t have to constantly worry about how Herb feels.
These two were perfect for each other. Herb would happily be in bed or under Chuck every moment of the day if given the opportunity, and he’s not shy about expressing it (even in public). They were a surprising but very fitting match.
At times, Herb’s inability to just shut up did get annoying, but not as much as I thought it would when I first started reading. He was mostly just endearing. Chuck was that tall, dark, and handsome guy that was a little quiet until his inner Alpha male came out around Herb, and then it was a no-holds-barred free-for-all.
This book was light and refreshing, albeit a little unrealistic in the end. I would almost label this paranormal were it not for the scientific focus on some parts. Herb and Chuck were adorable and I would definitely recommend this novel if you’re looking for a little laughing and smiling.
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
Biochemist Herbert Pommerset is exactly his opposite. With a giant ego and a mouth that just can’t stop running, Herb believes that finding love is unlikely. But when he meets Davidson on the sidewalk about to chuck his cellphone under a moving bus, he can’t help but step in to help the guy. He thoroughly embarrasses himself by telling Chuck exactly how hot he really is while teaching him how to check his voicemail and then taking off in the opposite direction.
Enter matchmaker Jessie, Herb’s work associate who can’t seem to stop raving about how perfect he and her brother would be together. After not much convincing and a promise of Oreos and Twinkies, Herb agrees to attend a family dinner and meet her brother, Chuck from the sidewalk.
Herb is awkward and socially inept in all of the cutest ways. He doesn’t know what to say so he just says it all, including the awfully embarrassing and sometimes dirty thoughts that constantly run through his brain. Despite his lack of filter, Chuck finds Herb adorable and a relief to be around because he doesn’t have to constantly worry about how Herb feels.
These two were perfect for each other. Herb would happily be in bed or under Chuck every moment of the day if given the opportunity, and he’s not shy about expressing it (even in public). They were a surprising but very fitting match.
At times, Herb’s inability to just shut up did get annoying, but not as much as I thought it would when I first started reading. He was mostly just endearing. Chuck was that tall, dark, and handsome guy that was a little quiet until his inner Alpha male came out around Herb, and then it was a no-holds-barred free-for-all.
This book was light and refreshing, albeit a little unrealistic in the end. I would almost label this paranormal were it not for the scientific focus on some parts. Herb and Chuck were adorable and I would definitely recommend this novel if you’re looking for a little laughing and smiling.
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
November 8, 2016
How to describe this? Put aside all beliefs, suspend reality and you might like this. I actively tried not to take this seriously, so I can at least give it 2 stars.
There are various loopholes in the story, both character and plot wise but it would take too long to list them. As I said, I'm trying not to take this seriously. So 1.5 stars rating, because I did like Herb at first and overall 2 stars because I'm feeling generous today.
There are various loopholes in the story, both character and plot wise but it would take too long to list them. As I said, I'm trying not to take this seriously. So 1.5 stars rating, because I did like Herb at first and overall 2 stars because I'm feeling generous today.
January 21, 2023
I fell, hard and fast, for Herb, the minute I met him. Then again, I've got a thing for techno geeks. He's just so stinking adorable with how he just says everything that pops into his head. On the opposite side of the spectrum, I was equally fascinated with Chuck, the older homicide detective, who works too much, and can't work basic technology. As far as I was concerned, this was a match made in heaven, and that opinion was formed within two seconds of seeing them talking. They were perfect for each other, and were exactly what the other needed. Now, I just had to hope they got there.
Herb is a scientist, an only child, who, apparently, had parents who didn't interact with him, and, in fact, sent him to boarding school. Herb is the kid who skipped grades, and graduated at a very young age. He has no understanding of family dynamics, or friend dynamics, for that matter. He is twenty-five and has never had a friend, much less an intimate relationship of any kind. Chuck, on the other hand, is the oldest of seven kids, and a homicide detective, following in his dad and granddad's footsteps. Chuck's family reminded me of my own loud and boisterous crowd, so it was a comfort to watch them interact. There was something about Chuck that just screamed safety, and I didn't blame Herb one bit for wanting to be in his arms and protected.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Herb is a scientist, an only child, who, apparently, had parents who didn't interact with him, and, in fact, sent him to boarding school. Herb is the kid who skipped grades, and graduated at a very young age. He has no understanding of family dynamics, or friend dynamics, for that matter. He is twenty-five and has never had a friend, much less an intimate relationship of any kind. Chuck, on the other hand, is the oldest of seven kids, and a homicide detective, following in his dad and granddad's footsteps. Chuck's family reminded me of my own loud and boisterous crowd, so it was a comfort to watch them interact. There was something about Chuck that just screamed safety, and I didn't blame Herb one bit for wanting to be in his arms and protected.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
September 27, 2022
Not many authors can get away with naming one of their heroes Herbert. T.A., I think probably gets away with lots of things other writers wouldn't, including allowing said hero a severe case of verbal diarrhea, terminal naivete, and lethal adorable-ness. All this is balanced, of course, buy the other hero, who, in his own right, suffered from the definitive case of "me-Tarzan" alpha syndrome.
And yet, I still liked this book an awful lot, because it was an uncomplicated, sweet, and straightforward look at two men not afraid of being gay, not worried about their fit in the world, not worried about anything, really, except each other. And really? Sometimes, a read should just be nice, clean, and satisfying, you know?
And yet, I still liked this book an awful lot, because it was an uncomplicated, sweet, and straightforward look at two men not afraid of being gay, not worried about their fit in the world, not worried about anything, really, except each other. And really? Sometimes, a read should just be nice, clean, and satisfying, you know?
August 29, 2012
2.5 pushed to a 3 because I really liked the beginning.
When I started reading this I was in the mood for a light hearted romance with a geeky type of guy, and for the first few pages that’s exactly what I got. Herb was perfect as the book smart but oblivious to life kinda guy and Chuck was the perfect foil, being a strong street smart cop.
Sadly after a few chapters this book took a turn into a "Carry on" style comedy I wasn't in the mood for. The plot got more and more ridiculous and the sex was the typical over the top padded out kind that I really don’t like.
Overall if you’re in the mood for a silly comedy with a geeky guy this might work for you, sadly it didn’t quite work for me.
When I started reading this I was in the mood for a light hearted romance with a geeky type of guy, and for the first few pages that’s exactly what I got. Herb was perfect as the book smart but oblivious to life kinda guy and Chuck was the perfect foil, being a strong street smart cop.
Sadly after a few chapters this book took a turn into a "Carry on" style comedy I wasn't in the mood for. The plot got more and more ridiculous and the sex was the typical over the top padded out kind that I really don’t like.
Overall if you’re in the mood for a silly comedy with a geeky guy this might work for you, sadly it didn’t quite work for me.
February 3, 2017
3.5 stars
This book was cute, BUT do people like Herb really exist? I guess he was supposed to be charming in a clueless kind of way, but I thought he was kind of annoying. The story was good and I liked the relationship development, I just think Herb was a little too OTT.
This book was cute, BUT do people like Herb really exist? I guess he was supposed to be charming in a clueless kind of way, but I thought he was kind of annoying. The story was good and I liked the relationship development, I just think Herb was a little too OTT.
Read
December 4, 2013Even if one of the main characters is a police detective and the other is a biochemist involved in an international affair, Why I Love Geeks is really mostly a comedy. Herbert, a little, naïve and cute geek is the parody of everything you believe a geek should be, smart on books, but totally unprepared to real life, so much that sometime you wonder how he managed to arrive to his age without someone bursting his bubble. But as I said, he is cute, so probably people have no courage to be bad with him.
Chuck is a big, bad police detective… or maybe not. Actually Chuck is big, but he is not bad, he is kind-hearted and respectful of old family values, and being kind with innocent and cute boys is probably one of such value. When he meets Herb, and after a good coincidence, he is paired to him by his matchmaking sister, Chuck knows he has met the man of his life. Now the only problem they have is that, once Herb starts to really “live”, he is also open to all dangers outside his bubble, and Chuck needs to protect him to all of them.
The strength of this novel is Herb; the author pushes so much with him, but at the same time Herb is not a false, he is simply, totally without barriers, mentally, bodily and verbally. As the people around him, the reader will wonder if he does and says things with a purpose or simply since they are the first things passing his mind, and in the end, you will realize that yes, it’s the second; plotting something is already a level of sophistication that totally escapes someone like Herb. Herb has no false bone in him.
While Herb can be at some level irritating, Chuck is so good boy that he never once falters in his love for him, and he loves everything of Herb, geekiness included, moreover, geekiness more than everything.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1611249694/?...
Chuck is a big, bad police detective… or maybe not. Actually Chuck is big, but he is not bad, he is kind-hearted and respectful of old family values, and being kind with innocent and cute boys is probably one of such value. When he meets Herb, and after a good coincidence, he is paired to him by his matchmaking sister, Chuck knows he has met the man of his life. Now the only problem they have is that, once Herb starts to really “live”, he is also open to all dangers outside his bubble, and Chuck needs to protect him to all of them.
The strength of this novel is Herb; the author pushes so much with him, but at the same time Herb is not a false, he is simply, totally without barriers, mentally, bodily and verbally. As the people around him, the reader will wonder if he does and says things with a purpose or simply since they are the first things passing his mind, and in the end, you will realize that yes, it’s the second; plotting something is already a level of sophistication that totally escapes someone like Herb. Herb has no false bone in him.
While Herb can be at some level irritating, Chuck is so good boy that he never once falters in his love for him, and he loves everything of Herb, geekiness included, moreover, geekiness more than everything.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1611249694/?...
June 29, 2014
I absolutely loved this book! Herb and Chuck were just what I needed after a run of intense, angst-filled books. Herb's lack of filter was hilarious and romance was both sweet and hot. Chuck was a perfect blend of alpha male, romantic, and family man. I would kill for a man like him! The side plot of murder and crazy science fit right in and I loved Chuck's family and partner. I would love to read Burke and McKinley's story and I am definitely going to be reading the second book about Chuck's brother, John. 4 fun-filled, hot stars!
August 8, 2017
3.5 Stars!
This is a really fun book which is exactly what I wanted! Yea!
Chuck and Herb are awful hero names and that makes it so funny. Herb is chatty, socially awkward, virgin, geek genius. So, yeah! Love it. He is funny and sweet.
Chuck is really nice and really hot and a detective.
There a great deal of mayhem, secondary love story, a great family, and fun romance.
The books gets a bit manic and Chuck character could be more develop and there could be more emotionial connection but I had a blast reading this romp.
This is a really fun book which is exactly what I wanted! Yea!
Chuck and Herb are awful hero names and that makes it so funny. Herb is chatty, socially awkward, virgin, geek genius. So, yeah! Love it. He is funny and sweet.
Chuck is really nice and really hot and a detective.
There a great deal of mayhem, secondary love story, a great family, and fun romance.
The books gets a bit manic and Chuck character could be more develop and there could be more emotionial connection but I had a blast reading this romp.
September 21, 2012
Strives too hard to be funny and it isn't. Herb's rambling is cute and there is some chemistry between him and Chuck but Chuck's calling Herb "little one" is paternalistic and not sexy. Added to which, the dialogue's stilted and unreal...in fact, most of the writing rings untrue, such as the cse and the jargon being used to describe it. Laughable...except not, it's just ridiculous. So, no, this one is a no go.
January 30, 2011
I read this as a blog story and I'm still going to buy the ebook when it comes out. I love Herb. There were many moments of out loud laughter during Herb's monologues. And Chuck is a sexy, sexy man. The two of them together made for some great reading.
February 26, 2016
After reading the blurb, I was really happy and doing the happy dance. A geek and a detective. What’s not to love? Well, actually a lot.
Chuck is a really nice guy. I liked him a lot. But he’s not developing at all. At the end he’s still the same nice Chuck we met at the beginning. Though I wouldn’t praise him for his detective skills.
Herb. Oh this isn’t easy. He’s --- ANNOYING! Really! How many times can one character say he’s smart and clever and the most intelligent being on earth??? A lot of times it seems.
I liked him at first; his way of speaking without thinking is cute. He’s also a nice guy for the first 20 %, but when he becomes annoying. All he talks about is sex. Sex in the office, sex with Chuck, sex with Chuck at home. The sex life of his boss and head of security. Or better their none existing sex life. The tension between his friend and Chucks colleague.
Herb isn’t developing at all, other than not acting like an adult for the rest of the book but regressing into a horny teenager. To think he’s supposed to be a scientist. But well, what self-respecting scientist would test a potentially poisonous drug on himself? To make it even worse, to test a drug without knowing the specific none threatening dosage for a human…
Seriously???
Well, the mystery plot. I’m not sure if it could actually be called a plot. Mystery, yes! Because the plot was mysteriously none existent and had holes like Swiss cheese.
Chuck is a really nice guy. I liked him a lot. But he’s not developing at all. At the end he’s still the same nice Chuck we met at the beginning. Though I wouldn’t praise him for his detective skills.
Herb. Oh this isn’t easy. He’s --- ANNOYING! Really! How many times can one character say he’s smart and clever and the most intelligent being on earth??? A lot of times it seems.
I liked him at first; his way of speaking without thinking is cute. He’s also a nice guy for the first 20 %, but when he becomes annoying. All he talks about is sex. Sex in the office, sex with Chuck, sex with Chuck at home. The sex life of his boss and head of security. Or better their none existing sex life. The tension between his friend and Chucks colleague.
Herb isn’t developing at all, other than not acting like an adult for the rest of the book but regressing into a horny teenager. To think he’s supposed to be a scientist. But well, what self-respecting scientist would test a potentially poisonous drug on himself? To make it even worse, to test a drug without knowing the specific none threatening dosage for a human…
Seriously???
Well, the mystery plot. I’m not sure if it could actually be called a plot. Mystery, yes! Because the plot was mysteriously none existent and had holes like Swiss cheese.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2013
I liked this, but I didn't think it was great. I could have dealt with less of the mystery and more with their relationship. Like Chuck kept saying, it takes a strong person to deal with a homicide detectives hours. Always leaving in the middle of the night, getting called in on holidays, missing birthday parties, etc. It takes a toll on a relationship. However, with Herb working long hours too, it just might work out. I guess I would have liked to have seen this story take a different turn than it did.
How old was Chuck? They never said or even hinted other than being the oldest brother. How old was Jessie--same age as Herb?? Herb was 25, but had a maturity of a 10 year old. I don't care how much stuff you have in your head, you have to know it's highly inappropriate to talk about sex in front of your boss, colleagues, your boyfriend's partner, and his FAMILY! Just wanted to know what the age gap was between them.
Like I said, I liked it, but it wasn't great. I was hoping for a different story line. Maybe more family dinners with Chuck and possibly meeting Herb's negligent parents.
How old was Chuck? They never said or even hinted other than being the oldest brother. How old was Jessie--same age as Herb?? Herb was 25, but had a maturity of a 10 year old. I don't care how much stuff you have in your head, you have to know it's highly inappropriate to talk about sex in front of your boss, colleagues, your boyfriend's partner, and his FAMILY! Just wanted to know what the age gap was between them.
Like I said, I liked it, but it wasn't great. I was hoping for a different story line. Maybe more family dinners with Chuck and possibly meeting Herb's negligent parents.
November 9, 2017
Being the smartest and genius apparently didn't make a 27 years old Herb mature. He's more like a 17 years old, act and sounds.
At first, it was cute but the no filter mouth, and this naive personality bored me easily. I think he's the most annoying motormouth innocent MC I have ever 'met'. And as for an 'innocent' person, he surely a most horny one. Speaking of double standard. Or incostitency? No idea.
I also annoyed of their PDA all the time, at work, in front of Herb's boss, at work, while working, I found it too unprofessional and irrittaed me to tears.
I worked in Compliance departement once, and that kind of attitude is not allowed ffs!
If not for the mystery, I have no idea how to rate this book, because, Chuck and Herb are the most annoyingly horny all the time couple in books.
Oh, not to mention the love at first sight thing. And making out at Chuck's parent's family dinner.
I read the 2nd edition ARC of this book, provided by Dreamspinner press. No high rating required.
At first, it was cute but the no filter mouth, and this naive personality bored me easily. I think he's the most annoying motormouth innocent MC I have ever 'met'. And as for an 'innocent' person, he surely a most horny one. Speaking of double standard. Or incostitency? No idea.
I also annoyed of their PDA all the time, at work, in front of Herb's boss, at work, while working, I found it too unprofessional and irrittaed me to tears.
I worked in Compliance departement once, and that kind of attitude is not allowed ffs!
If not for the mystery, I have no idea how to rate this book, because, Chuck and Herb are the most annoyingly horny all the time couple in books.
Oh, not to mention the love at first sight thing. And making out at Chuck's parent's family dinner.
I read the 2nd edition ARC of this book, provided by Dreamspinner press. No high rating required.
dnf-wtf
July 10, 2022@20% - good christ, Herb is annoying. I hope he calms down a bit. And Chuck is getting on my nerves because he thinks Herb is cute and not annoying at all.
@53% - I'm giving up. Herb has not gotten any better. He may be a super-smart scientist, but he has the mental maturity of a 12 year old.
I guess I wont rate this one since its going on the DNF pile.
@53% - I'm giving up. Herb has not gotten any better. He may be a super-smart scientist, but he has the mental maturity of a 12 year old.
I guess I wont rate this one since its going on the DNF pile.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2011
free read on TA Chase blog: 2 stars
The plot was really really weak, sometimes even unbelievable (so not to say ridiculous). I won't comment the science part... I just hope the author did more research before publishing this title.
The plot was really really weak, sometimes even unbelievable (so not to say ridiculous). I won't comment the science part... I just hope the author did more research before publishing this title.
August 29, 2015
Seriously cute and adorable with some pretty funny moments. Herb is a darling and Chuck is a sweetheart under his gruff exterior. Fun read and light escapism
August 7, 2016
Okay, I’m pretty sure this is the best book I’ve ever read by this author. It was great fun.
This is a really cute take on the absent-minded, socially awkward intellectual.
He really is adorable. Because you know he will do just that.
Herb and Chuck are mind-blowingly cute together, and oh, there’s glorious, glorious versatility! And for the best of reasons, too. :3 Yeah. The central relationship completely works for me in every way.
Some things are not really consistent. Mostly in speech or thought referring to something we already know to be different. Small things. (Like Herb saying he’s never given his key to anyone, not even a friend. When he spent a lot of time pointing out he never had friends.)
Some of this can be explained away, but some can’t, and either way it creates confusing moments where I have to stop to figure out which of the contradicting information is supposed to be the valid one. I do remember this from other books by this author, though – a certain inattention to continuity.
Further examples include the fact that Herb apparently buys condoms twice. Which sounds reasonable until you notice he mentions it both times like it was the first.
Or that Herb and Jessie “only just met the other day”; two weeks later he refers to her having become a good friend over the months since they first met.
Except everyone already does. I’d be assuming it might be standard procedure to pre-emptively use the title but if you look at the phrasing up there, it’s apparently not supposed to be.
Then there are moments when the characters themselves seem to have a no-brain moment.
Probably because you’re looking in the hook-up clubs. Logic – apply it sometime, girl.
Also, psst, Mr Super Smart Scientist. Turning lead into gold is not only possible, it has already been done. You really should know this, given how smart and educated you are – particular in matters of chemistry.
It seems easier to deal with all the nonsensical bits because this is not a particularly serious story to begin with. It’s just very cute and funny.
The writing’s not perfect and the editing missed a few huge bits but that really does not seem terribly important in the face of my enjoyment.
Oh, just because it recently came up in a discussion. One of the mistakes that irritate me is using “in the worse way” for “in the worst way”, or even “worse” for “worst” in general. Amazingly common, that one. It ties in with “I could care less” and “I’d just assume not do that”.
I think this is where not being a native speaker provides an advantage, since you have to apply a measure of logic to phrases to remember their meaning. That's how it works for me, anyway.
And on that thought I am gone. <3
This is a really cute take on the absent-minded, socially awkward intellectual.
What an odd question. Why did it matter where he and Chuck were? It wasn’t like Chuck dragged him in here and forced himself on him. Herb blinked, the image of being bent over his desk while Chuck fucked him superimposed itself over the actual sight before him. Christ, that would be awesome. He might have to discuss an event like that with Chuck later.
He really is adorable. Because you know he will do just that.
Herb and Chuck are mind-blowingly cute together, and oh, there’s glorious, glorious versatility! And for the best of reasons, too. :3 Yeah. The central relationship completely works for me in every way.
Some things are not really consistent. Mostly in speech or thought referring to something we already know to be different. Small things. (Like Herb saying he’s never given his key to anyone, not even a friend. When he spent a lot of time pointing out he never had friends.)
Some of this can be explained away, but some can’t, and either way it creates confusing moments where I have to stop to figure out which of the contradicting information is supposed to be the valid one. I do remember this from other books by this author, though – a certain inattention to continuity.
Further examples include the fact that Herb apparently buys condoms twice. Which sounds reasonable until you notice he mentions it both times like it was the first.
Or that Herb and Jessie “only just met the other day”; two weeks later he refers to her having become a good friend over the months since they first met.
She still had to finish her doctorate, but Herb knew it wouldn’t be long until people would be calling her Dr. Jessie Davidson.
Except everyone already does. I’d be assuming it might be standard procedure to pre-emptively use the title but if you look at the phrasing up there, it’s apparently not supposed to be.
Then there are moments when the characters themselves seem to have a no-brain moment.
“Great. How do you find some cute guy to help you while I search the clubs every weekend and can’t find one damn guy who isn’t interested in one-night stands or is married and looking to cheat?”
Probably because you’re looking in the hook-up clubs. Logic – apply it sometime, girl.
Also, psst, Mr Super Smart Scientist. Turning lead into gold is not only possible, it has already been done. You really should know this, given how smart and educated you are – particular in matters of chemistry.
It seems easier to deal with all the nonsensical bits because this is not a particularly serious story to begin with. It’s just very cute and funny.
The writing’s not perfect and the editing missed a few huge bits but that really does not seem terribly important in the face of my enjoyment.
Oh, just because it recently came up in a discussion. One of the mistakes that irritate me is using “in the worse way” for “in the worst way”, or even “worse” for “worst” in general. Amazingly common, that one. It ties in with “I could care less” and “I’d just assume not do that”.
I think this is where not being a native speaker provides an advantage, since you have to apply a measure of logic to phrases to remember their meaning. That's how it works for me, anyway.
And on that thought I am gone. <3
November 18, 2016
***3.75 Stars***
Why I love Geeks is a cute, funny story. We open to Chuck getting ready to toss his cellphone into traffic because he can’t figure out how to work it and Herb being the technical hero that stops the murder lol.
Herb. He was by far the best character in this book. He’s a rambler, babbler, no filtered, geeky genius. This virginal biochemist steals the entire story. He’s was so fabulous that anytime he wasn’t on page I felt his absence. Not to say that Chuck wasn’t great but he wasn’t Herb… No one is Herb!
Chuck being a cop and Herb being a biochemist you’d think these two would collide on a professional level but of course that wasn’t the case. When a scientist that works with Herb is murdered everything goes to Hell. It was a little bit of suspense in this cute love story.
There were a few things that I wasn’t in love with. I don’t mind endearments but I felt like Chuck said “honey” way too much in this story. It was way overused. I loved how he loved Herb and that he and his family gave him a love he never had. HUGE love for that.
The other issue I had was the believability of this serum. I don’t want to give anything away because it’s a part of the story that’s important. But what started as a romcom with the possibility of keeping Herb safe from a killer, turned into a story about spies, KGB, Chinese, and the FBI. On its own it would have been an awesome action story but the two sides of this story just didn’t connect for me and because of that I had moments of detachment.
Herb is the main reason I really enjoyed this story and I could read him all day. The plot was just disjointed to me and I felt perhaps the author didn’t know if she wanted to write a suspenseful mystery with mad science or a love story. Not that you can’t have both but it has to mesh and balance and this just didn’t for me.
It is a fun read though so if you like that then give it a go.
Why I love Geeks is a cute, funny story. We open to Chuck getting ready to toss his cellphone into traffic because he can’t figure out how to work it and Herb being the technical hero that stops the murder lol.
Herb. He was by far the best character in this book. He’s a rambler, babbler, no filtered, geeky genius. This virginal biochemist steals the entire story. He’s was so fabulous that anytime he wasn’t on page I felt his absence. Not to say that Chuck wasn’t great but he wasn’t Herb… No one is Herb!
Chuck being a cop and Herb being a biochemist you’d think these two would collide on a professional level but of course that wasn’t the case. When a scientist that works with Herb is murdered everything goes to Hell. It was a little bit of suspense in this cute love story.
There were a few things that I wasn’t in love with. I don’t mind endearments but I felt like Chuck said “honey” way too much in this story. It was way overused. I loved how he loved Herb and that he and his family gave him a love he never had. HUGE love for that.
The other issue I had was the believability of this serum. I don’t want to give anything away because it’s a part of the story that’s important. But what started as a romcom with the possibility of keeping Herb safe from a killer, turned into a story about spies, KGB, Chinese, and the FBI. On its own it would have been an awesome action story but the two sides of this story just didn’t connect for me and because of that I had moments of detachment.
Herb is the main reason I really enjoyed this story and I could read him all day. The plot was just disjointed to me and I felt perhaps the author didn’t know if she wanted to write a suspenseful mystery with mad science or a love story. Not that you can’t have both but it has to mesh and balance and this just didn’t for me.
It is a fun read though so if you like that then give it a go.
November 21, 2016
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This was a wonderfully sweet story. Herb and Chuck are both adorable in their own ways. Herb has never has a date and has a severe case of verbal diarrhea, that can be a bit intrusive and absolutely hilarious. Chuck is a bit jaded by his life as a homicide detective, but has never had someone who wanted to stay around once they found out how much his job can take him away.
They are both attracted to each other when they initially meet; however they don’t exchange names in their short interaction, but it takes some interference and planning from Chuck’s sister, Jesse, who happens to work with Chuck. A nice coincidence, don’t you think. When she gets them face to face again it is impossible to deny their chemistry. When Chuck’s job brings him to the lab that Herb and Jesse work at he is willing to pull out all the stops to protect them.
Herb is so adorably sweet and continues to just hope that Chuck may want him for more than one night. He needs a bit of grounding and reassurance, but is willing to jump head first into his first (and hopefully only) relationship. Chuck has a bit of trouble understanding his immediate feelings for Herb, but doesn’t let that stand in the way of making it work. They are both so different, but still a bit broken and lonely on the inside that they connect perfectly, maybe a little too perfect at times, but that is okay with me.
Cover art by Anne Cain is wonderful and gives us a great visuals of the characters.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This was a wonderfully sweet story. Herb and Chuck are both adorable in their own ways. Herb has never has a date and has a severe case of verbal diarrhea, that can be a bit intrusive and absolutely hilarious. Chuck is a bit jaded by his life as a homicide detective, but has never had someone who wanted to stay around once they found out how much his job can take him away.
They are both attracted to each other when they initially meet; however they don’t exchange names in their short interaction, but it takes some interference and planning from Chuck’s sister, Jesse, who happens to work with Chuck. A nice coincidence, don’t you think. When she gets them face to face again it is impossible to deny their chemistry. When Chuck’s job brings him to the lab that Herb and Jesse work at he is willing to pull out all the stops to protect them.
Herb is so adorably sweet and continues to just hope that Chuck may want him for more than one night. He needs a bit of grounding and reassurance, but is willing to jump head first into his first (and hopefully only) relationship. Chuck has a bit of trouble understanding his immediate feelings for Herb, but doesn’t let that stand in the way of making it work. They are both so different, but still a bit broken and lonely on the inside that they connect perfectly, maybe a little too perfect at times, but that is okay with me.
Cover art by Anne Cain is wonderful and gives us a great visuals of the characters.
February 18, 2018
You can't help but fall in love with Herb the insanely intelligent yet somewhat naive geek who has absolutely no internal filter. Chuck, the hot and sexy tough guy detective fell for him hard and fast. This is a sweet and sexy romance with an interesting murder/mystery investigation that pulls both men into the fray. Looking forward to book 2!
April 17, 2013
** I originally posted this review 4/3/11**
I'm a big fan of T.A. Chase and this new story certainly didn't disappoint. It was a fun read with quirky characters who engaged you right from the start. In this story, the author threw in a bit of intrigue into the mix - which overall worked well. I truly liked Herb - the hapless scientist whose quirks were funny and really endearing. Chuck - is a no nonsense detective who wasn't the typical bad-ass cop. He's a good man with a great family - and the Author set the stage for a sequel to feature Chuck's brother John. The chemistry between Herb and Chuck is wonderful. The reader isn't overwhelmed by chapter after chapter of sex - author got the ratio just right. The story is a respectable length with a Kindle count of 2064. Based on my enjoyment of this book - I will be watching out for the next book which I can only hope is in the works for John.
I'm a big fan of T.A. Chase and this new story certainly didn't disappoint. It was a fun read with quirky characters who engaged you right from the start. In this story, the author threw in a bit of intrigue into the mix - which overall worked well. I truly liked Herb - the hapless scientist whose quirks were funny and really endearing. Chuck - is a no nonsense detective who wasn't the typical bad-ass cop. He's a good man with a great family - and the Author set the stage for a sequel to feature Chuck's brother John. The chemistry between Herb and Chuck is wonderful. The reader isn't overwhelmed by chapter after chapter of sex - author got the ratio just right. The story is a respectable length with a Kindle count of 2064. Based on my enjoyment of this book - I will be watching out for the next book which I can only hope is in the works for John.
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