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The Epic Love Story of Doug and Stephen
A comedy about a bisexual mechanic turned model who aims to get the man of his dreams and save the world as soon as he finishes smoking this joint. R for language and implied sex. No DRM.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2011
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539 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Z. Lewis
4 books33 followersHi. Thank you for taking the time to read my shit. I hope you like it, but if you don't that's okay too. I have a list of all my publications at valerielewis.net. I also put The Epic Love Story of Doug and Stephen there for free in a few different formats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
February 25, 2016
Promising.
Displays a charming flair for language and humor, but marred by minor excesses and a tiny bit of repetition.
As a character Doug is too stupid to be at all believable; Stephen never quite vulnerable enough to make putting up with his constantly disagreeable behavior worth it.
Compare to J.L. Merrow's Muscling Through, which employs nearly the same setup to make nearly the same point—but with far more subtlety and restraint.
A little less of the stupid here, a little more of the vulnerable there, and I'd have been thrilled with this.
Instead, I was taken out of the story, waiting for the button to reappear.
The frequent switches between Doug's former life and his new one were lovely and illuminating, but repetitive, and while they added a lyrical quality to his life that he himself could never articulate, there were too many that were too similar, beautifully juxtaposed as they were.
I suppose I could summarize my feelings this way: too much here, too little there, and the balance of a very promising work was off from the beginning. It needed an editor, basically—someone to say "no, dial it back here."
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future, though. The talent is undeniable, as is the craft applied to the text. I just wish the tone hadn't gotten away from her so many times.
Also:
Bonus points for the incidental drug use. There is typically no need to get hysterical over a joint or a couple bumps of coke, and as a former, future, and enthusiastic abuser of anything from sugar to sangria, I appreciated the sangfroid feel of those scenes.
Displays a charming flair for language and humor, but marred by minor excesses and a tiny bit of repetition.
As a character Doug is too stupid to be at all believable; Stephen never quite vulnerable enough to make putting up with his constantly disagreeable behavior worth it.
Compare to J.L. Merrow's Muscling Through, which employs nearly the same setup to make nearly the same point—but with far more subtlety and restraint.
A little less of the stupid here, a little more of the vulnerable there, and I'd have been thrilled with this.
Instead, I was taken out of the story, waiting for the button to reappear.
The frequent switches between Doug's former life and his new one were lovely and illuminating, but repetitive, and while they added a lyrical quality to his life that he himself could never articulate, there were too many that were too similar, beautifully juxtaposed as they were.
I suppose I could summarize my feelings this way: too much here, too little there, and the balance of a very promising work was off from the beginning. It needed an editor, basically—someone to say "no, dial it back here."
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future, though. The talent is undeniable, as is the craft applied to the text. I just wish the tone hadn't gotten away from her so many times.
Also:
Bonus points for the incidental drug use. There is typically no need to get hysterical over a joint or a couple bumps of coke, and as a former, future, and enthusiastic abuser of anything from sugar to sangria, I appreciated the sangfroid feel of those scenes.
February 7, 2017
This story was equal parts awesome and spastic.
It took me a very long time to warm up to Stephen, who was cold, negative, bitchy and the most terminally unhappy person you'd never hope to meet in real life.
But Doug. Sweet Jesus, Doug made me laugh and smile so hard. He was such a breath of fresh air and a complete whirlwind of feel-good emotions on every single page. No, he'll never be the smartest person in the room, but he'd be the one you'd remember most, in the best possible way.
"I'll have pie with you right now, for a period of no longer than forty-five minutes. But in return, you will promise to stop calling my house and hanging up."
"For how long?" Doug asked.
Stephen looked at his watch. "I'm leaving at five thirty."
"No, I mean for how long do I have to stop calling your house and hanging up?"
Stephen paused. "Forever."
"That's not fair. How about until Wednesday?""
It was strange, but I never really questioned why Doug, who'd always preferred women, was suddenly head over heels for the gruff and scary Stephen. Much like Doug himself, it just was and didn't require much scrutiny.
I also especially enjoyed the side characters in the story. Wilson, Doug's pot dealer. Alex, Doug's flaming photographer at the magazine. Even Albertus, the homeless accountant, who helped bring down the big, bad corporation. They all just really worked here to support the story and make it feel more complete.
My only complaints regarding this highly-entertaining story were the fade-to-black sex scenes, the difficulty tracking some of Doug's frequent flashbacks and the rather abrupt ending, but in the grand scheme of things, those turned out to be minor niggles for me.
Overall, this story was a complete hoot and I'd highly recommend this *FREE* read, with it coming in at around 4.25 stars.
NOTE: If you're still not quite sold, be sure to read my 'Reading Progress' comments below. Those quotes from the book were freaking hilarious.
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I got the story for free with my Kindle Unlimited membership, but the author said she also has it for free on her website.
March 8, 2016
4.5 stars
The Epic Love Story of Doug and Stephen is a PG romance about a Forrest Gump-esq male model who falls in love and lust with a smart, bitter man while working at a gay magazine in NYC. The male model, Doug, has never been with a guy before but without thinking or analyzing his desires, realizes that he has the hots for Stephen and lunges right in.
Doug is simple-minded, sweet, and inexplicably hilarious. The book had me laughing out loud in parts, and 100% kept my interest. This is not your average romance book, if it can even be classified as a romance; it is much smarter and much quirkier than that. I have a serious thing for m-m romances and this did not disappoint. Though it is totally clean (no sex details here!) it is a off-beat, funny read that shouldn't be missed.
The Epic Love Story of Doug and Stephen is a PG romance about a Forrest Gump-esq male model who falls in love and lust with a smart, bitter man while working at a gay magazine in NYC. The male model, Doug, has never been with a guy before but without thinking or analyzing his desires, realizes that he has the hots for Stephen and lunges right in.
Doug is simple-minded, sweet, and inexplicably hilarious. The book had me laughing out loud in parts, and 100% kept my interest. This is not your average romance book, if it can even be classified as a romance; it is much smarter and much quirkier than that. I have a serious thing for m-m romances and this did not disappoint. Though it is totally clean (no sex details here!) it is a off-beat, funny read that shouldn't be missed.
November 20, 2014
This is the strangely poignant, very funny, and ultimately uplifting love story of Doug, a simple-minded and big-hearted male model and Stephen, the aloof and hostile object of his affections. Stephen is bitter and depressed about the disappointing way his life has turned out. He has succeeded in rebuffing any overtures of friendship until Doug gets a job at his workplace and decides that Stephen is the man for him.
This book takes all the serious issues of sexuality, acceptance, friendship, success and failure, mixes it with some very clever and laugh out loud humour, and adds a quirky love story, to make one of the most enjoyable m/m stories I've ever read. I haven't laughed so much while reading since I can't remember when. Doug's disarming and absurd non sequiturs in the face of Stephen's often cruel remarks are priceless. He moves into Stephen's life and takes over, on the way teaching Stephen about what is really important. I loved all of the characters (Mom, the staff at the paper, the strays that follow Doug home) and now that I've finished the book I miss them. I loved all the little stories from Doug's past. I loved Stephen's painful return to the world and how they all band together to bring down the evil corporation. But most of all I loved Doug. I wish he was real. Highly recommended!
This book takes all the serious issues of sexuality, acceptance, friendship, success and failure, mixes it with some very clever and laugh out loud humour, and adds a quirky love story, to make one of the most enjoyable m/m stories I've ever read. I haven't laughed so much while reading since I can't remember when. Doug's disarming and absurd non sequiturs in the face of Stephen's often cruel remarks are priceless. He moves into Stephen's life and takes over, on the way teaching Stephen about what is really important. I loved all of the characters (Mom, the staff at the paper, the strays that follow Doug home) and now that I've finished the book I miss them. I loved all the little stories from Doug's past. I loved Stephen's painful return to the world and how they all band together to bring down the evil corporation. But most of all I loved Doug. I wish he was real. Highly recommended!
September 25, 2014
3.5 stars
Quite possibly the SINGLE funniest book I've read in a very long time. I often giggle internally at books and then write "LOL". But it's not really a true LOL. This book...LOL's ALL over the place. I was on an AIRPLANE...emitting sound like a lunatic at some parts...a symphony of chortles, giggles, guffaws, and barks. It is HILARIOUS.
Doug is a model working for a queer lifestyle magazine. He was a former mechanic, a straight, undiscerning, active lover, and umm...not so smart. Stephen is an editor at the magazine, bristly (at best), angry, mean, hates people, hates Doug. Doug suddenly decides he's in love with Stephen, which then makes him bisexual, and despite all Stephen's efforts to ward him off, he's adament they are meant to be together. Oh yeah...and a whole lot of marijuana.
It sounds like an awfully sterotypically m/m premise...the kitchen sink of sorts. And it is...it feels a bit satirical of everything you find in m/m books today. It's not subtle...over the top in everything. And it worked...for a bit.
All that being said, the book was too long, too drawn out, too unedited, too overdone. And that's the biggest crying shame of all...because it's HYSTERICAL. It's also doggone sweet at times. It's also surprisingly charming....but again, just too much. The characters eventually crossed the line into caricatures of themselves and the story lost it's fun.
Too many flashbacks to Doug's past that didn't always work when trying to connect it to the present day. Too little plot. And what may be to the dismay of some, everything sexual is off-page. (though some of the kisses were so charming and sweet, I swooned)
So, I'm conflicted. It's one of those highest highs, fairly low lows books. It had the potential for GREATNESS, real flashes of it, actually. But when all the dust settled, and the last page turned, it ended up a somewhat memorable and fairly enjoyable book with some of my favorite zany lines.
I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, no-brainer read...
June 25, 2012
My review in one word: Hilarious!
So there's the plot. Doug works at a gay magazine. Doug decides that he is gay for Stephen. Doug sets out to get Stephen. There is also some stuff going on with an investigation into an evil multi-national, but they could have spent the entire book watching the grass grow and I still would have read it. Because it's HILARIOUS.
Doug is sweet, dumb, and I was in love with him the moment he picked up a button off the floor and put it in his mouth. Because, you know, that's what you do. I also loved his single-minded (simple-minded?) determination to be with Stephen.
"I think we could probably be soul mates if you could get over yourself and just sleep with me already, and also be less evil." He gave Stephen a wide smile.
Oh yeah, Stephen is evil. Well, not really, but Doug annoys the hell out of him...mainly because nothing ever annoys the hell out of Doug. Stephen works hard. Stephen campaigns for gay rights. Stephen is committed, and dedicated, and angry about injustice. And Doug swallows buttons.
You're not even gay, are you," Stephen said, more a statement than a question.
"I could be," Doug said with a shrug. "That one time everyone from work went out for drinks, you said I seemed artistic."
"No, I said you seemed autistic."
But just because it's funny doesn't mean it's not surprisingly touching. The flashbacks to the guys' pasts are wonderful, and flesh out what might otherwise just be snarky bickering.
I loved both Doug and Stephen, but a special mention also has to go to Wilson, Doug's drug dealer.
"I am a drug dealer," he explained. "The answer to all your questions will be: drugs."
Read this book. It will make you laugh.
So there's the plot. Doug works at a gay magazine. Doug decides that he is gay for Stephen. Doug sets out to get Stephen. There is also some stuff going on with an investigation into an evil multi-national, but they could have spent the entire book watching the grass grow and I still would have read it. Because it's HILARIOUS.
Doug is sweet, dumb, and I was in love with him the moment he picked up a button off the floor and put it in his mouth. Because, you know, that's what you do. I also loved his single-minded (simple-minded?) determination to be with Stephen.
"I think we could probably be soul mates if you could get over yourself and just sleep with me already, and also be less evil." He gave Stephen a wide smile.
Oh yeah, Stephen is evil. Well, not really, but Doug annoys the hell out of him...mainly because nothing ever annoys the hell out of Doug. Stephen works hard. Stephen campaigns for gay rights. Stephen is committed, and dedicated, and angry about injustice. And Doug swallows buttons.
You're not even gay, are you," Stephen said, more a statement than a question.
"I could be," Doug said with a shrug. "That one time everyone from work went out for drinks, you said I seemed artistic."
"No, I said you seemed autistic."
But just because it's funny doesn't mean it's not surprisingly touching. The flashbacks to the guys' pasts are wonderful, and flesh out what might otherwise just be snarky bickering.
I loved both Doug and Stephen, but a special mention also has to go to Wilson, Doug's drug dealer.
"I am a drug dealer," he explained. "The answer to all your questions will be: drugs."
Read this book. It will make you laugh.
March 16, 2014
The blurb is all wrong.
Gives zero clue as to what you're really in for. More like not-the-brightest-bulb-in-the-pack model goes GFY over his magazine editor. It is FUNNY. It is SNARKY. It tries too hard sometimes and feels forced--really you can't have a zinger every other line, build up is necessary. Other than that this is entertaining.
Stephen is one of those individuals who cloaks himself in disdain to avoid rejection.
Doug is simple, but his intuition is absolutely brilliant. He may test intellectually as an idiot, but he is gifted at seeing things others deem less valuable.
Honestly, this book writing-wise rates closer to a 3-3.5, but I laughed so hard that I have to give at minimum a 4. I have so many favorite lines or interactions that it is hard to pick just one, but for personal reasons I choose:
Gives zero clue as to what you're really in for. More like not-the-brightest-bulb-in-the-pack model goes GFY over his magazine editor. It is FUNNY. It is SNARKY. It tries too hard sometimes and feels forced--really you can't have a zinger every other line, build up is necessary. Other than that this is entertaining.
Stephen is one of those individuals who cloaks himself in disdain to avoid rejection.
Doug is simple, but his intuition is absolutely brilliant. He may test intellectually as an idiot, but he is gifted at seeing things others deem less valuable.
Honestly, this book writing-wise rates closer to a 3-3.5, but I laughed so hard that I have to give at minimum a 4. I have so many favorite lines or interactions that it is hard to pick just one, but for personal reasons I choose:
"You can't just exist on coffee and evil, you know."
ETA: I LOVED this one, too:
"Go have sex with everyone on Earth, you fickle, vapid slut.”
Doug craned his neck forward, meeting Stephen’s glare. “You need a nap.”
July 12, 2011
Like reading a bisexual male model version of Forrest Gump. That's the feeling you'd get when you're reading this story.
Douglas is a male model with big heart but limited understanding of how the world surrounding him works. He used to be a mechanic in Indiana, but he moved to New York, became a part-time model, and was hired to be 'model in residence' by The Flame, a gay magazine. Since the beginning, Doug had been attracted to Stephen, the senior editor. He even professed his love to him. But Stephen was a cold heart person who 'enjoyed' being in depression. He also hated many things. Like People. Or Corporate America. His boss and co-workers. Stranger who tries to talk to him in Subway. Anybody who goes to Columbia U, because he was not accepted there. He was very rude, especially to Doug. Stephen didn't believe Doug is gay. Or even a bisexual.
But Doug was relentless. He kept trying to make Stephen his boyfriend. When that didn't happen, he simply tried to befriend Stephen. Not surprising, Stephen kept rejecting him. It's only half into the story that Stephen started to accept Doug around. It doesn't mean they were in a relationship, though.
Stephen was not happy at work. Eventhough he was a senior editor, his ideas were often rejected by his boss. When the magazine was preparing its 10th anniversary edition, he was initially given only one page--which made Stephen even more depressed. Good thing Doug was around. He would help Stephen getting what he deserved.
This is a really funny and touching story. Both men have their flaws, but you cannot help but love Doug. No matter how rude Stephen is to him, he doesn't seem to mind. Most of the time, it's because Doug actually doesn't understand what Stephen is saying. He also often doesn't realize that people are laughing at him, not with him. Doug is very content about himself. Perhaps because he also regularly smokes weed.
The supporting characters are also interesting. The drug dealers, the gay photographer, and Doug's mother--a church lady who is happy to learn her son turn gay so she could join a new club.
I agree with one of the reviewers I read: make sure you are prepared to explain to other people if you are reading this in public. They would ask you why you are laughing out loud.
Douglas is a male model with big heart but limited understanding of how the world surrounding him works. He used to be a mechanic in Indiana, but he moved to New York, became a part-time model, and was hired to be 'model in residence' by The Flame, a gay magazine. Since the beginning, Doug had been attracted to Stephen, the senior editor. He even professed his love to him. But Stephen was a cold heart person who 'enjoyed' being in depression. He also hated many things. Like People. Or Corporate America. His boss and co-workers. Stranger who tries to talk to him in Subway. Anybody who goes to Columbia U, because he was not accepted there. He was very rude, especially to Doug. Stephen didn't believe Doug is gay. Or even a bisexual.
But Doug was relentless. He kept trying to make Stephen his boyfriend. When that didn't happen, he simply tried to befriend Stephen. Not surprising, Stephen kept rejecting him. It's only half into the story that Stephen started to accept Doug around. It doesn't mean they were in a relationship, though.
Stephen was not happy at work. Eventhough he was a senior editor, his ideas were often rejected by his boss. When the magazine was preparing its 10th anniversary edition, he was initially given only one page--which made Stephen even more depressed. Good thing Doug was around. He would help Stephen getting what he deserved.
This is a really funny and touching story. Both men have their flaws, but you cannot help but love Doug. No matter how rude Stephen is to him, he doesn't seem to mind. Most of the time, it's because Doug actually doesn't understand what Stephen is saying. He also often doesn't realize that people are laughing at him, not with him. Doug is very content about himself. Perhaps because he also regularly smokes weed.
The supporting characters are also interesting. The drug dealers, the gay photographer, and Doug's mother--a church lady who is happy to learn her son turn gay so she could join a new club.
I agree with one of the reviewers I read: make sure you are prepared to explain to other people if you are reading this in public. They would ask you why you are laughing out loud.
March 22, 2012
Doug is straight, not too bright, and a former mechanic who's now a male model on staff at a gay magazine in New York City, where he decides he's gay for miserable and sort of scary editor Stephen. This romance manages to be funny, touching, and memorable.
April 9, 2012
This was super funny. That's the only reason I finished it.
I hated all the flash backs they seemed pretty pointless and where mostly just Doug remembering lots and lots of sex with girls. It was disappointing the mf sex was more described a d 30 times more numerous than the brief glimpses of anything gay. I won't even classify this as mm.
The ending was it just kind of ends, but honestly if there is more I wouldn't care enough to go read it.
Hated the drug use. This book is very drug detailed and I hated all of that
Stephan is a pretentious asshole and his pov bored me while Doug is just an idiot. If he wouldn't have always been doing drugs he could have been idiotically charming.
Two stars for being funny. Even though it was extremely inconsistent with Doug's character, he got more stupid anytime a joke needed to be made at his expense. The whole thing was pretty ridiculous
I hated all the flash backs they seemed pretty pointless and where mostly just Doug remembering lots and lots of sex with girls. It was disappointing the mf sex was more described a d 30 times more numerous than the brief glimpses of anything gay. I won't even classify this as mm.
The ending was it just kind of ends, but honestly if there is more I wouldn't care enough to go read it.
Hated the drug use. This book is very drug detailed and I hated all of that
Stephan is a pretentious asshole and his pov bored me while Doug is just an idiot. If he wouldn't have always been doing drugs he could have been idiotically charming.
Two stars for being funny. Even though it was extremely inconsistent with Doug's character, he got more stupid anytime a joke needed to be made at his expense. The whole thing was pretty ridiculous
March 30, 2012
It's funny how my reaction to this book sort of mirrored Stephen's reaction to Doug. In the beginning all I could think was that there's a difference between funny and ridiculous and this book was the latter. Most of the jokes seemed dumb, a few laughs but more in the 'broken clock is right twice a day' way.
But as the story went on, its charms became more obvious and I found myself laughing out loud more and more. Until finally, like Stephen, I had completely lost sight of what I supposedly hated. I had some personal, life-reflecting moments with this book and slowly became completely smitten with it until the end when I didn't want it to end~
This book is CUTE. Although Stephen's misanthrope routine beggars belief and Doug's stupidity makes the writing in the beginning feel forced. It is-- actually-- hilarious, sweet, with rich well-developed characters. But it's a different type of humor. It's a kind of long-game style humor. The punch lines take whole pages to develop and subtly intertwine with each other over the course of the story. Things just get sweeter and funnier the further you get into it, but you won't be able to highlight favorite quotes that still make sense out of context. This book is filled with just-had-to-be-there kind of laughs, and it really was just a pleasure to read :)
Although romance fans will be disappointed by lack of sex scenes, I think it worked well for this story. Plus, it's 99 cents. Definitely worth the buy, definitely worth the read :D
But as the story went on, its charms became more obvious and I found myself laughing out loud more and more. Until finally, like Stephen, I had completely lost sight of what I supposedly hated. I had some personal, life-reflecting moments with this book and slowly became completely smitten with it until the end when I didn't want it to end~
This book is CUTE. Although Stephen's misanthrope routine beggars belief and Doug's stupidity makes the writing in the beginning feel forced. It is-- actually-- hilarious, sweet, with rich well-developed characters. But it's a different type of humor. It's a kind of long-game style humor. The punch lines take whole pages to develop and subtly intertwine with each other over the course of the story. Things just get sweeter and funnier the further you get into it, but you won't be able to highlight favorite quotes that still make sense out of context. This book is filled with just-had-to-be-there kind of laughs, and it really was just a pleasure to read :)
Although romance fans will be disappointed by lack of sex scenes, I think it worked well for this story. Plus, it's 99 cents. Definitely worth the buy, definitely worth the read :D
June 16, 2012
Wonderfully, wonderfully perfect....until what felt like a slap-dash ending. I reached the final page on my Kindle thinking...wait. There HAS to be more, right? That couldn't be the end, RIGHT?!?!?! But alas it was, and it unfortunately bummed me out. What could have been an awesome HEA with fireworks bursting in the sky instead turned out to be a...uh. Wait. That's it? It felt very HFN, which I suppose is okay, but it didn't fit with the rest of the book. However, Doug is a character not to be missed. As a matter of fact, he should be treasured.
September 7, 2012
3.5-4 stars. Think of the most extreme opposites attract story you know of. Then dial it up a notch. That's what this story ended up being.
It's not that Doug, the male model main character, is not the brightest crayon in the box; rather, it's like Doug is the BLACK crayon. Seriously. Now try pairing him up with Stephen, the uber-intellectual (and he's so uber-aware of that fact) editor at the magazine at which Doug somehow and miraculously landed a job (hint: Doug has to model clothes - usually naked - as part of his column every week). Disaster in the making, right?
And you'd be right in thinking that. Stephen is soooooooooooooo mean to Doug in the beginning and throughout a lot of the story. I cringed at some of the mean things he said to poor Doug. But the charm of this story is the baby steps that Stephen takes - usually subconsciously - that show his growing tolerance and then affection for Doug and his less-than-brilliant ways.
Doug's kind of...well, dumb. But he's also so sweet, kind-hearted and harmless that instead of finding him frustrating, I just giggled (out loud...on the subway) when he did or said zany things.
This book will make you laugh out loud, and...BEST OF ALL...it's free. :)
One thing to note, though, is that it's fade-to-black/closed door, so yeah...no sexytimes. *pouts*
It's not that Doug, the male model main character, is not the brightest crayon in the box; rather, it's like Doug is the BLACK crayon. Seriously. Now try pairing him up with Stephen, the uber-intellectual (and he's so uber-aware of that fact) editor at the magazine at which Doug somehow and miraculously landed a job (hint: Doug has to model clothes - usually naked - as part of his column every week). Disaster in the making, right?
And you'd be right in thinking that. Stephen is soooooooooooooo mean to Doug in the beginning and throughout a lot of the story. I cringed at some of the mean things he said to poor Doug. But the charm of this story is the baby steps that Stephen takes - usually subconsciously - that show his growing tolerance and then affection for Doug and his less-than-brilliant ways.
Doug's kind of...well, dumb. But he's also so sweet, kind-hearted and harmless that instead of finding him frustrating, I just giggled (out loud...on the subway) when he did or said zany things.
This book will make you laugh out loud, and...BEST OF ALL...it's free. :)
One thing to note, though, is that it's fade-to-black/closed door, so yeah...no sexytimes. *pouts*
February 15, 2019
This is a funny book, there is no denying that but it was kind of too funny for me to be really enjoyable. In many respects this is a marriage between a farce and a romance and sometimes that worked and sometimes it didn't, hence three stars. If you like that kind of thing I recommend The Dreyfus Affair: A Love Story, which is farcial and funny but I also really like the characters.
Both characters in this book are in their own ways TSTL. Stephen has lodged his head too firmly up his own arse to be believable and Doug really is so, so incredibly oblivious of what is going on around him that it's equally unbelievable. The book is saved by some unexpectedly tender moments and Doug's strange emotional intelligence, so yeah, in that way it's not terrible and I giggled a few times. Still, I don't see a reread in the cards and I don't feel the burning desire to check out the author's back-catalogue, though she is undeniably smart and funny. Only, in this instance, maybe a little bit too much so.
Both characters in this book are in their own ways TSTL. Stephen has lodged his head too firmly up his own arse to be believable and Doug really is so, so incredibly oblivious of what is going on around him that it's equally unbelievable. The book is saved by some unexpectedly tender moments and Doug's strange emotional intelligence, so yeah, in that way it's not terrible and I giggled a few times. Still, I don't see a reread in the cards and I don't feel the burning desire to check out the author's back-catalogue, though she is undeniably smart and funny. Only, in this instance, maybe a little bit too much so.
April 21, 2012
I must thank MandyM for this one. This story is one enjoyable journey. Doug and Stephen are a case of opposite attract.
I love how endearing and determined Doug is, when he decides that the grouchy Stephen is the love of his life. Doug is not really smart. He's a male model, he can't write to save his life, but he has such a positive outlook about life and people in general. He makes friends with a weed dealer and homeless guy. Doug is a simple man, but in his simplicity, he can even get under Stephen's skin.
Stephen, on the other hand, hates everything and anyone. He's bitter, depressed, and thinks he's underappreciated. He's such a mean person, I think he has his compadre in Ebenezer Scrooge. I keep expecting Stephen to blurt out "Buh, Humbug!" XD. But in that sense, it's such a delight to see how Doug is able to 'connect' Stephen to the world. How Doug is the only one that can make Stephen laughs out loud, so freely. How even if Stephen never really tells Doug how he feels, I can see the change in Stephen -- like when he tells the story of his past to Doug.
The story contains of three parts. The first part is basically from Doug's perspective and his determination. The second part is from Stephen's, as we see him trying to push away Doug, but cannot fight Doug's relentlessness. The third part, is about Stephen (and Doug's help) to bring down an international company and their scheme of insurance. I love how Doug, in his own way, actually does A LOT to help Stephen :). He's just adorable *sigh*.
I do have complaints, though. I still don't really understand the fall out that Stephen has with his family and his brother. I don't get his bitterness in that sense. Also, the writing that describes how these two characters thinking about the past, in the middle of the present time, is distracting.
But in overall, it's a genuine satisfactory story. And well, it is indeed kind of epic :). And I will close this opinion with my favorite passage of the story
"Well, yeah, but also, it’s like everything you go through makes you who you are. Everything that you hate and regret made you who you are right now, and you're a pretty cool person, Stephen, ‘cause I'm in love with you, and I never been in love with anyone else before."
I love how endearing and determined Doug is, when he decides that the grouchy Stephen is the love of his life. Doug is not really smart. He's a male model, he can't write to save his life, but he has such a positive outlook about life and people in general. He makes friends with a weed dealer and homeless guy. Doug is a simple man, but in his simplicity, he can even get under Stephen's skin.
Stephen, on the other hand, hates everything and anyone. He's bitter, depressed, and thinks he's underappreciated. He's such a mean person, I think he has his compadre in Ebenezer Scrooge. I keep expecting Stephen to blurt out "Buh, Humbug!" XD. But in that sense, it's such a delight to see how Doug is able to 'connect' Stephen to the world. How Doug is the only one that can make Stephen laughs out loud, so freely. How even if Stephen never really tells Doug how he feels, I can see the change in Stephen -- like when he tells the story of his past to Doug.
The story contains of three parts. The first part is basically from Doug's perspective and his determination. The second part is from Stephen's, as we see him trying to push away Doug, but cannot fight Doug's relentlessness. The third part, is about Stephen (and Doug's help) to bring down an international company and their scheme of insurance. I love how Doug, in his own way, actually does A LOT to help Stephen :). He's just adorable *sigh*.
I do have complaints, though. I still don't really understand the fall out that Stephen has with his family and his brother. I don't get his bitterness in that sense. Also, the writing that describes how these two characters thinking about the past, in the middle of the present time, is distracting.
But in overall, it's a genuine satisfactory story. And well, it is indeed kind of epic :). And I will close this opinion with my favorite passage of the story
"Well, yeah, but also, it’s like everything you go through makes you who you are. Everything that you hate and regret made you who you are right now, and you're a pretty cool person, Stephen, ‘cause I'm in love with you, and I never been in love with anyone else before."
March 26, 2013
I have yet to be able to read this from start to end because every time I try I keep laughing and laughing and laughing until my jaw hurts because I'm just not used to smiling, much less laughing, and this is cruel and unusual punishment indeed.
I love Doug, who is a complete idiot but you can't help loving him because he's like a dog. Not the kind that sleeps with your best friend; the one who gambols around you, hoping you'll give it treats and rub its belly.
I love Stephen too, who can only be described by a picture
And this is their love story, where every page is completely hilarious provided you go in with your belief on pause and just take a ride on the humor coaster.
It's fantastic. And free. Easily the most amusing MM book I've read, ever, and I can't even fault some errors and awkward narrative, because nothing that makes me laugh so much can possibly be bad.
And just because, I'm going to leave you with a quote:
and
I love Doug, who is a complete idiot but you can't help loving him because he's like a dog. Not the kind that sleeps with your best friend; the one who gambols around you, hoping you'll give it treats and rub its belly.
I love Stephen too, who can only be described by a picture
And this is their love story, where every page is completely hilarious provided you go in with your belief on pause and just take a ride on the humor coaster.
It's fantastic. And free. Easily the most amusing MM book I've read, ever, and I can't even fault some errors and awkward narrative, because nothing that makes me laugh so much can possibly be bad.
And just because, I'm going to leave you with a quote:
"When I was a kid they (air raid sirens) were used for tornadoes. So when you hear the siren, you had to go to your basement and listen to the radio until the tornado passed. But then they started turning them on for severe thunderstorms too. And even though severe thunderstorms were, you know, severe, they weren't gonna rip the roof off your house like a tornado would. So you'd just be sitting around, and then you'd hear the air sirens, and it was like: Okay, either it's a tornado, or just a storm. Either you need to panic and hide, or everything's fine."
and
"I am a drug dealer," he explained. "The answer to all your questions will be : drugs."
August 30, 2012
The Epic Love Story of Doug and Stephen is a comedic journey of a ...ummm.... Intelligence-challenged model and a brainiac writer, who slowly transition from a love-hate (as in, one loves, one hates) relationship to a love-love romance. It is written in a very down-to-earth voice that makes the reader feel like someone is telling them the origins of their relationship. It has gotten a lot of great reviews, and I can certainly understand why - the style or tone of writing is original, there aren't really any overdone devices or tropes, and there is a lot of characterization. And while Doug certainly represents the dumb model stereotype, he often stumbles onto some deep thoughts.
Unfortunately, I cannot share in the praise offered by many other reviewers, and I struggle to explain why. First, the humor fell flat to me, and it frequently felt forced. What at first was unique and enjoyable, soon began to grate on my nerves. I also struggle to understand what is "epic" (was that tongue in cheek?) about this, other than the fact it seemed long and rambly.
I'm a get to the point kind of girl. While I LOVE a story that contains strong characterization, I often asked myself "why should I care" in several scenes.
So, maybe I just don't enjoy this type of humor, and maybe I just should have ensured I had larger blocks of time available to immerse myself in the story (and thereby the 'long' jokes). I didn't. So... I really just skimmed most of the book. By the time any plot came into view, I just didn't care any more, and it felt tacked in. Sorry, but I think I just missed the punch line.
Unfortunately, I cannot share in the praise offered by many other reviewers, and I struggle to explain why. First, the humor fell flat to me, and it frequently felt forced. What at first was unique and enjoyable, soon began to grate on my nerves. I also struggle to understand what is "epic" (was that tongue in cheek?) about this, other than the fact it seemed long and rambly.
I'm a get to the point kind of girl. While I LOVE a story that contains strong characterization, I often asked myself "why should I care" in several scenes.
So, maybe I just don't enjoy this type of humor, and maybe I just should have ensured I had larger blocks of time available to immerse myself in the story (and thereby the 'long' jokes). I didn't. So... I really just skimmed most of the book. By the time any plot came into view, I just didn't care any more, and it felt tacked in. Sorry, but I think I just missed the punch line.
April 17, 2012
I don't know if I have ever laughed so hard while reading a book as I did with this one. It started at 1 or 2% (on my Kindle) with Doug's conversation with his mother on the phone and it continued throughout the entire story. I could never write a review that could do this book justice. I literally laughed the entire time I was reading it. It was brilliant. Doug is so simple. No book smarts at all. Naive. Totally clueless. He was perfect. Stephen is such an ass. After reading some of the other reviews I thought I would get frustrated with Stephen and the way he talked down to Doug. And I did.... a couple of times..... but Doug took it all in stride and let everything roll right off of him. Of course Doug didn't get most of what Stephen was saying so that helped as far as my being able to overlook the nasty comments. My favorite part of the entire story had to be when they were in Doug's car and Doug was dedicating songs to Stephen. OMG..... I laughed so hard I had tears running down my face. There were way too many funny parts to name.
This is probably one of the most entertaining stories I have ever read. I fell in love with Doug (and his crazy mother). I grew to love Stephen. The secondary characters were a blast... from the drug dealer to the homeless man to the photographer (Alex).
This one will be read again and again.... every time I need comic relief. I can't wait to read more by this author. This one is definitely one of my new all time faves.
This is probably one of the most entertaining stories I have ever read. I fell in love with Doug (and his crazy mother). I grew to love Stephen. The secondary characters were a blast... from the drug dealer to the homeless man to the photographer (Alex).
This one will be read again and again.... every time I need comic relief. I can't wait to read more by this author. This one is definitely one of my new all time faves.
June 12, 2012
This book was seriously adorable. It's about this wildly improbable romance between a delightfully dim-witted model and a snarky journalist. It's not my usual fare, I get nervous when characters are described as "simple-minded", but Doug (the idiot) is so charmingly stupid and big-hearted that I'd forgive him anything. Also, his, er, slowness carries most of the comedy. And comedy it is, I thought it was hilarious; as my frequent snorts of laughter can attest to. It was a fun, light read.
December 31, 2011
This book provided so many laughs. It's one of those stories that you will either love or hate. Doug is absolutely adorable and easy to love even when you can't understand how he manages to function in today's world, while at the same time wishing YOU could function the way he does in this world. He's a perfect partner for Stephen. Fun read!
July 14, 2012
One of the funniest books I have ever read. I honestly don't know how Doug survived on his own, he is that stupid. He's also the sweetest thing ever! Stephen was snarky and bitter and I loved him too. The only thing that kept this from a 5 star rating was the complete lack of sex. If a formerly straight guy is having gay sex for the first time, I want to read about!! Definitely a fun read.
February 21, 2016
This one was hilarious from start to finish and had me laughing out loud often.
Nov 1, 2014 not as good as I remember but still a fun read.
Nov 1, 2014 not as good as I remember but still a fun read.
March 15, 2014
This is such a great book I am so excited
After the first to chapter I really wanna share this with all my friends who doesn't Know about this Treasure.
I just couldn't hold myself from showing off my Doug
A comedy about a bisexual mechanic turned model,Doug who aims to get the man of his dreams Stephen who has rock instead of a heart and generally hates everything and everybeing in this world.
So this is the Hateful Stephen.
So as Doug's mother once said with patience everything could be won he tries and tries real hard to win the man of his dream. With his weed filled brain and a big heart he pursues his goal and cracks the coldest heart and wins Stephen.And I am like
It was a well written humorous book and the author did a fantastic job.Some glimpses in Doug's past life was really nice but I didn't enjoy reading about Stephen much and that's the only part in the book I felt it was a drag.Another thing that disappointing was Stephen's reciprocation skill toward Doug's love.(I know Stephen was a hard hearted evil being a true SOB but was it really very difficult for him to say I love you, atleast at the end of the story and specially after the way Doug helped him through out the story.
I Hate You Stephen.
All in all I loved this book specially Doug and his acrobats,it was absolutely hilarious and ROFL
Recommended to everyone.
After the first to chapter I really wanna share this with all my friends who doesn't Know about this Treasure.
I just couldn't hold myself from showing off my Doug
A comedy about a bisexual mechanic turned model,Doug who aims to get the man of his dreams Stephen who has rock instead of a heart and generally hates everything and everybeing in this world.
So this is the Hateful Stephen.
So as Doug's mother once said with patience everything could be won he tries and tries real hard to win the man of his dream. With his weed filled brain and a big heart he pursues his goal and cracks the coldest heart and wins Stephen.And I am like
It was a well written humorous book and the author did a fantastic job.Some glimpses in Doug's past life was really nice but I didn't enjoy reading about Stephen much and that's the only part in the book I felt it was a drag.Another thing that disappointing was Stephen's reciprocation skill toward Doug's love.(I know Stephen was a hard hearted evil being a true SOB but was it really very difficult for him to say I love you, atleast at the end of the story and specially after the way Doug helped him through out the story.
I Hate You Stephen.
All in all I loved this book specially Doug and his acrobats,it was absolutely hilarious and ROFL
Recommended to everyone.
Read
March 26, 2012The book is laugh-out-loud funny and for the most part gets New York exactly right. And I don't know what this says about me, but I found myself really identifying with Stephen. The pacing is a little uneven and you sometimes have to suspend your disbelief where Doug is concerned, but for the most part, it was a fun read.
February 5, 2014
Dammit, this wasn't for me.
I could see where it was funny, sweet and somewhat clever but, no. Not for me :(
I could see where it was funny, sweet and somewhat clever but, no. Not for me :(
Read
October 23, 2019Honestly, I feel like if you go into this book expecting it to be like a normal book, you may very well be disappointed. When you go into a book, there are some basic expectations that you've built over the years while reading, and I feel like this book didn't so much fail to meet those expectations as toss them out the window while cackling.
The MCs of this book are just, well, low key bad people. Both of them. Doug feels like less of a bad person because he's standing less to Stephan (violent, purposefully mean, overly self-pitying, intentionally pessimistic) because Doug has some positive qualities but he too is a bad person (stalking, harassing, not respecting boundaries). They aren't horrifically evil (they don't kill anyone, they don't destroy anyone's life, etc), but they're still just...bad. It feels so weird to read a book where I don't identify with the characters or empathize with them. And the book still technically falls into the categories I ticked off (it's still a romance, for example), but it's so weird because it feels like it should fall into a category all its own, a category it makes for itself. Here is a book about two bad people who don't get better who nevertheless learn to love each other.
Honestly, it's an incredibly unique book and I'm not sure how to rate it.
The MCs of this book are just, well, low key bad people. Both of them. Doug feels like less of a bad person because he's standing less to Stephan (violent, purposefully mean, overly self-pitying, intentionally pessimistic) because Doug has some positive qualities but he too is a bad person (stalking, harassing, not respecting boundaries). They aren't horrifically evil (they don't kill anyone, they don't destroy anyone's life, etc), but they're still just...bad. It feels so weird to read a book where I don't identify with the characters or empathize with them. And the book still technically falls into the categories I ticked off (it's still a romance, for example), but it's so weird because it feels like it should fall into a category all its own, a category it makes for itself. Here is a book about two bad people who don't get better who nevertheless learn to love each other.
Honestly, it's an incredibly unique book and I'm not sure how to rate it.
January 6, 2014
This is a quirky, random, funny book with rather endearing, if not offbeat, characters. Therefore, I enjoyed the writing immensely.
Doug is thicker than a two inch T-bone, he's pretty, models, and makes Derek Zoolander seem like Einstein in comparison (sorry Doug, much love to you). In Doug’s defence, he does do justice to the axiom that thinking is overrated. He also sees the silver lining around things, sees the good in people, even ‘long-suffering Stephen.’ Oddly, he also listens, and at the most important moments does or says something profound, he doesn’t know it, it just happens. After hearing Stephen say how hurt he's been by being called "a friend" by his ex partner, Phil, to Phil's parents, Doug simply rang his mum, introduced Stephen as his boyfiriend and they had a nice converstation. It was rather beautiful. Stephen had an actual moment of rare and genuine affection and appreciation for Doug -
"Thank you," Stephen repeated. "For being proud of me."
To get full impact you need to read the book. It's like that, there are so many wonderful words and potential quotes, but they are long, and you just can't do them justice in a review.
Stephen is the king of ‘misery loves company.’ He’s convinced he has some depressive disorder, sees the worst case scenario in everything. Hates everyone, himself included. He threatens people dryly with muderer and punching. He is an assistant editor at a Gay magazine, The Flame, yet gets to write fluff about cats in orange swimsuits (I made that up, but that’s the gist of it). He feels the injustice of being a persecuted minority, Stephen's a none-to-happy gay. He loves to read books that pay homage to his suffering and justifies the worst in people and the world. But he’s been hurt, he’s a sensitive soul underneath all his bitter words and thoughts, so he takes absolutely everything to heart.
Doug decides he's going to be gay for Stephen, and boy does he follow through on it. No matter how much Stephen puts him down, snarks at him or carries on, Doug, God bless his innability to hear what's being said, just hangs on in there. I mean they share a deep love of Detective Logan from Law and Order. I'm with them, what more could one want? Oh yes, there's also intrigue in the book, a corporate scam to investigate, but Doug, Stephen, and other characters are really the heart of this book.
Both Doug and Stephen, in particular, are the primary medium for light yet sure social commentary. This is not to say the cast of secondary characters aren't, they most definitely are - inclduing homeless people, a drug dealer, drug buyers, corporate baddies, a photographer, family members and remembered friends.
I loved the observation about the corporate world - one guy is well educated, smart, works hard, but there’s no recognition. Another is pretty to look at, none too smart, incapable of putting more than “the top is itchy” into his, supposed, column that other people stretch out for him, and gets paid for it – welcome to the perplexing world of business.
While this is an extremes-in-character piece of writing, it’s a pretty good satire on life, work, a shitty healthcare system, the lemming mentality; and that being middle class and smart doesn't often equate to being happy or right. And it's all done in a humorous way.
My only criticisms would be that the book got a bit bogged down in New York at times, and the ending did the book no favours at all. It literally just stopped.
This is a hard book to classify. It's LGBT at heart, but it's not your stock standard romance, just for the record. What it is, is a good piece of writing. Valerie Z Lewis should be proud of what she has achieved with The Epic Love Story of Doug and Stephen. Her observations of people and life are sharp, her general writing witty and clever. If you like quirky and unusual, with interesting characters, then I highly recommend Doug and Stephen.
Review also at On Top Down Under Book Reviews - http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
Doug is thicker than a two inch T-bone, he's pretty, models, and makes Derek Zoolander seem like Einstein in comparison (sorry Doug, much love to you). In Doug’s defence, he does do justice to the axiom that thinking is overrated. He also sees the silver lining around things, sees the good in people, even ‘long-suffering Stephen.’ Oddly, he also listens, and at the most important moments does or says something profound, he doesn’t know it, it just happens. After hearing Stephen say how hurt he's been by being called "a friend" by his ex partner, Phil, to Phil's parents, Doug simply rang his mum, introduced Stephen as his boyfiriend and they had a nice converstation. It was rather beautiful. Stephen had an actual moment of rare and genuine affection and appreciation for Doug -
"Thank you," Stephen repeated. "For being proud of me."
To get full impact you need to read the book. It's like that, there are so many wonderful words and potential quotes, but they are long, and you just can't do them justice in a review.
Stephen is the king of ‘misery loves company.’ He’s convinced he has some depressive disorder, sees the worst case scenario in everything. Hates everyone, himself included. He threatens people dryly with muderer and punching. He is an assistant editor at a Gay magazine, The Flame, yet gets to write fluff about cats in orange swimsuits (I made that up, but that’s the gist of it). He feels the injustice of being a persecuted minority, Stephen's a none-to-happy gay. He loves to read books that pay homage to his suffering and justifies the worst in people and the world. But he’s been hurt, he’s a sensitive soul underneath all his bitter words and thoughts, so he takes absolutely everything to heart.
Doug decides he's going to be gay for Stephen, and boy does he follow through on it. No matter how much Stephen puts him down, snarks at him or carries on, Doug, God bless his innability to hear what's being said, just hangs on in there. I mean they share a deep love of Detective Logan from Law and Order. I'm with them, what more could one want? Oh yes, there's also intrigue in the book, a corporate scam to investigate, but Doug, Stephen, and other characters are really the heart of this book.
Both Doug and Stephen, in particular, are the primary medium for light yet sure social commentary. This is not to say the cast of secondary characters aren't, they most definitely are - inclduing homeless people, a drug dealer, drug buyers, corporate baddies, a photographer, family members and remembered friends.
I loved the observation about the corporate world - one guy is well educated, smart, works hard, but there’s no recognition. Another is pretty to look at, none too smart, incapable of putting more than “the top is itchy” into his, supposed, column that other people stretch out for him, and gets paid for it – welcome to the perplexing world of business.
While this is an extremes-in-character piece of writing, it’s a pretty good satire on life, work, a shitty healthcare system, the lemming mentality; and that being middle class and smart doesn't often equate to being happy or right. And it's all done in a humorous way.
My only criticisms would be that the book got a bit bogged down in New York at times, and the ending did the book no favours at all. It literally just stopped.
This is a hard book to classify. It's LGBT at heart, but it's not your stock standard romance, just for the record. What it is, is a good piece of writing. Valerie Z Lewis should be proud of what she has achieved with The Epic Love Story of Doug and Stephen. Her observations of people and life are sharp, her general writing witty and clever. If you like quirky and unusual, with interesting characters, then I highly recommend Doug and Stephen.
Review also at On Top Down Under Book Reviews - http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
March 27, 2012
This is a solid 3.5 stars for me. There were things I liked and things I didn't, and some things I like and didn't like at the same time.
Doug is cute and sweet and hilarious at times. He is also seemingly dumb as a brick, made out as a brainless model with good looks being his only real skill, though perhaps this is due, in part, to smoking weed daily for most of his adult life. I had a difficult time seeing any real depth to his character. He was so flighty all the time, but every once in a while, would come out with something profound.
Stephen is a miserable gay man who spends his time being depressed about this life and finding enjoyment in taking it out on other people. He is constantly belittling Doug and trying to push him away, though this only makes Doug push back harder. He has his moments where a little bit of sweetness shine through, but not enough to wipe away the many horrible remarks he makes in just about every communication he has with Doug.
So, the two of them together kind of works, because they even each other out, but I was constantly trying to picture them having an actual relationship. Stephen is Doug's first gay relationship (he decides he wants to be gay with Stephen), yet we never really see anything about them being together sexually. We are told they had sex, but those few times had me checking back and rereading to see if I had missed something.
One thing that continually distracted me from the story was the many flashbacks into their childhood memories. At first, I thought this was a good thing, that maybe it would show the reasons behind some of their behavior, but most of them seemed totally unrelated to the story and were just taking up space.
There were a few interesting side characters to enjoy in this as well. Wilson (Doug's best friend and drug supplier) is a funny and colorful individual. Alex seemed interesting, though he is in the background for most of the book. Albertus and his dead fish had me wishing for more of his story, and Doug's mom is a funny old sweetheart.
So, I enjoyed this, I laughed a lot, even though I kept getting distracted and lost along the way, and would probably enjoy another book with more about the characters and where life has taken them since the rather abrupt end of this story.
Doug is cute and sweet and hilarious at times. He is also seemingly dumb as a brick, made out as a brainless model with good looks being his only real skill, though perhaps this is due, in part, to smoking weed daily for most of his adult life. I had a difficult time seeing any real depth to his character. He was so flighty all the time, but every once in a while, would come out with something profound.
Stephen is a miserable gay man who spends his time being depressed about this life and finding enjoyment in taking it out on other people. He is constantly belittling Doug and trying to push him away, though this only makes Doug push back harder. He has his moments where a little bit of sweetness shine through, but not enough to wipe away the many horrible remarks he makes in just about every communication he has with Doug.
So, the two of them together kind of works, because they even each other out, but I was constantly trying to picture them having an actual relationship. Stephen is Doug's first gay relationship (he decides he wants to be gay with Stephen), yet we never really see anything about them being together sexually. We are told they had sex, but those few times had me checking back and rereading to see if I had missed something.
One thing that continually distracted me from the story was the many flashbacks into their childhood memories. At first, I thought this was a good thing, that maybe it would show the reasons behind some of their behavior, but most of them seemed totally unrelated to the story and were just taking up space.
There were a few interesting side characters to enjoy in this as well. Wilson (Doug's best friend and drug supplier) is a funny and colorful individual. Alex seemed interesting, though he is in the background for most of the book. Albertus and his dead fish had me wishing for more of his story, and Doug's mom is a funny old sweetheart.
So, I enjoyed this, I laughed a lot, even though I kept getting distracted and lost along the way, and would probably enjoy another book with more about the characters and where life has taken them since the rather abrupt end of this story.
September 30, 2012
This is really funny. Like, seriously hilarious. I was shaking with laughter and if I had just focused on that, I would have enjoyed this more than I did. I was expecting at least a bit of romance, though, and it was disappointing mostly due to the royal asshole slash douchebag that was Stephen. I understood the rude comebacks and appreciated how funny they were, but I was hoping for a bit of kindness towards Doug somewhere at least later in the story and I don't think Stephen delivered. He's also a pretentious dick who has everything and still can't find any joy in it and, living in a developing country, I have limited patience with MCs like this. I can get it, though, being a bit like that as well - depressed just for the sake of being depressed sometimes and generally hating people - but doesn't mean I appreciate it being his theme the entire book. At least, not towards Doug.
Doug was awesome, though, despite the limited working brain cells since most of the others have probably been fried what with so much weed, and I alternately adored and got impatient with his uber optimism.
But good Lord, the flashbacks. This was like After Ben all over again. There were too many reminiscences that were interesting, but not all essential to the story, IMO. Also, no sexy times. None on page, anyway. That was disappointing.
I did love Alex, though. He's someone I could imagine having a few drinks with while trash talking Stephen and salivating over Doug.
So overall, a hilarious read with an unconvincing romance due to an unkind MC and too many flashbacks but not enough sexy times that could show at least some chemistry between the MCs in that department.
Thanks to Audrey for the rec! I'm shipping Doug and Alex, though. :)
Doug was awesome, though, despite the limited working brain cells since most of the others have probably been fried what with so much weed, and I alternately adored and got impatient with his uber optimism.
But good Lord, the flashbacks. This was like After Ben all over again. There were too many reminiscences that were interesting, but not all essential to the story, IMO. Also, no sexy times. None on page, anyway. That was disappointing.
I did love Alex, though. He's someone I could imagine having a few drinks with while trash talking Stephen and salivating over Doug.
So overall, a hilarious read with an unconvincing romance due to an unkind MC and too many flashbacks but not enough sexy times that could show at least some chemistry between the MCs in that department.
Thanks to Audrey for the rec! I'm shipping Doug and Alex, though. :)
November 10, 2011
The Epic Love Story of Doug and Stephan was an odd book. I paid 99 cents for it on Amazon so I wasn't sure what I was getting but I am pleasantly suprised. I genuinely enjoyed the story.
There are two main character, Doug and Stephan. Doug is in love with Stephan but thinks he's a bit evil and Stephan hates Doug and tells him repeatedly.
Doug is an idiot. Literally. He has no common sense, he doesn't understand half the english vocabulary and he lives a very simple life. BUT...Doug is also very compassionate, loving and tells you his open opinion. Doug was hilarious throughout the book. There were times he was pretty dumb and the stuff he did was a bit unbelievable, but if you keep an open mind a lot of his escapades are very funny.
Stephan is a very sad person. He hates everyone and everything. He is gay and writes articles critiquing anything anti-gay related. Stephan doesn't know how to love people and has only been in two relationships. He doesn't have have regular sex, he hates his job...oh and did I mention he really HATES Doug.
Doug latched onto Stephan and their love/hate relationship turns unto something real. The only complaints I have are the ending was a little abrupt, I wanted more of them, and that there are a few scenes that were a little over the top fictitious.
There are two main character, Doug and Stephan. Doug is in love with Stephan but thinks he's a bit evil and Stephan hates Doug and tells him repeatedly.
Doug is an idiot. Literally. He has no common sense, he doesn't understand half the english vocabulary and he lives a very simple life. BUT...Doug is also very compassionate, loving and tells you his open opinion. Doug was hilarious throughout the book. There were times he was pretty dumb and the stuff he did was a bit unbelievable, but if you keep an open mind a lot of his escapades are very funny.
Stephan is a very sad person. He hates everyone and everything. He is gay and writes articles critiquing anything anti-gay related. Stephan doesn't know how to love people and has only been in two relationships. He doesn't have have regular sex, he hates his job...oh and did I mention he really HATES Doug.
Doug latched onto Stephan and their love/hate relationship turns unto something real. The only complaints I have are the ending was a little abrupt, I wanted more of them, and that there are a few scenes that were a little over the top fictitious.
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