What do you think?
Rate this book
Upgrade
What does the man who has almost everything want? Brilliant, self-made multi-millionaire Brent Schoenfeld yearns to be attractive. He's tired of his solitary existence which he blames on his bland appearance. He wants women to want him. Skeptical but verging on desperate, he undergoes a mysterious procedure which promises to transform him into the object of every woman's a decision that will change his life
forever.
One million dollars later, Brent sees no difference in his outward appearance. Yet beautiful women are fawning over him and even competing for his attention. After decades of self-loathing, the temptation for physical validation is too great, and Brent begins a sexual juggling act with cataclysmic consequences.
Beware your heart's desire.
forever.
One million dollars later, Brent sees no difference in his outward appearance. Yet beautiful women are fawning over him and even competing for his attention. After decades of self-loathing, the temptation for physical validation is too great, and Brent begins a sexual juggling act with cataclysmic consequences.
Beware your heart's desire.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2010
2 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 10, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book. It's well-edited and flows along really smoothly. It's also fun. The idea is novel and you dive into the story pretty swiftly. Here you have Mr Average Geeky Guy who would love to be Brad Pitt. The idea is: what would you wish for? And if you get your wish will it make you happy? Surrounded by what you wish for, what option would you choose? Imagine a box of chocolates, all tantalising and yummy... this book is like that. The female characters are all different and well developed (some more than others!!). Everyone is an individual - some have agendas, some don't. Brent is a curious character. Watching him deal with his new-found confidence is cool. What would you do in his position? Would you take advantage? Would you be nice? Would you stay the same? I also loved the ending. A well-written, fun, interesting and original read. I recommend it.
November 6, 2015
Upgrade by Stephen Hise is an enticing read. Was curious from the start.
Brent Schoenfeld felt invisible to women. It was a feeling that never escaped him. He longed for more but continued to be disappointed. Now with a successful business he wanted even more. He wanted to be made beautiful and there was no stopping him.
I liked that this story was told from a guys point of view. We don't usually get to see this side but certainly us girls are not the only ones with these kinds of insecurities. I found this to be an interesting topic that was both intriguing and entertaining.
Would happiness be found by being attractive? That is a good question and makes a compelling storyline.
Quote ~
How quickly he'd adapted to being one of the beautiful people, how quickly he'd gladly joined the ranks of the aesthetic aristocracy in sneering down his nose at the less fortunate."
Brent Schoenfeld felt invisible to women. It was a feeling that never escaped him. He longed for more but continued to be disappointed. Now with a successful business he wanted even more. He wanted to be made beautiful and there was no stopping him.
I liked that this story was told from a guys point of view. We don't usually get to see this side but certainly us girls are not the only ones with these kinds of insecurities. I found this to be an interesting topic that was both intriguing and entertaining.
Would happiness be found by being attractive? That is a good question and makes a compelling storyline.
Quote ~
How quickly he'd adapted to being one of the beautiful people, how quickly he'd gladly joined the ranks of the aesthetic aristocracy in sneering down his nose at the less fortunate."
May 5, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Upgrade by Stephen Hise. Having previously heard about the science behind it, this book provided an interesting perspective and storyline regarding that science. I found the male POV in this book intriguing and appreciated his take of the human psyche and relationships. Great twisted ending!
February 22, 2012
I give Stephen Hise's Upgrade a 4.5 Star Review!
This e-book came to me as a freebie, and along with many others I received around the same time, I filed it under "read and review soon," then forgot about it. I tend to do that; forget everything all the time. Lucky for me, I made that list for just that reason, so I can check it occasionally and read a couple of them while I'm at it. I am soooo glad I finally did!
Upgrade begins with a man who has it all; social status, money, brains … oh, but wait! He's not good-looking by any measure. As he does every day, Brent Schoenfeld gazes out his second-floor office window to watch all the people milling around at lunchtime on the sidewalks. And, as he does every day, he notices the most beautiful woman he's ever seen; a stunning blond with sexy legs wearing a tasteful, yet enticing red dress. If only... He'll never be so lucky.
Out of desperation to be noticed and maybe even turn a few heads, Brent goes to a doctor who promises a procedure that will be life-changing. No scalpel, sutures, recovery; sounds like the perfect way to become attractive. The doctor explains how everything will work, and how beauty such as the kind he is seeking is merely a state of mind, so to speak. He goes on the describe how a tweaking of asymmetries in the face can trick one's mind into seeing a person in a wholly different way.
Of course, Brent begins to rethink his decision; he is paying this overly confidant doctor a million dollars, after all. The entire thing just doesn't sound like it'll actually 'change' anything, therefore, how will it make a difference? How will he ever be one of the desired people he's always longed to be? Brent decides to give himself over to the slightest chance. It couldn't make things worse, could it?
After women obviously begin to notice and even flirt with Brent, he figures his cool million was a wise investment. He had left the doctor's office extremely skeptical when he awoke from the procedure, only to see himself in the mirror exactly the same as he had been beforehand. The good doctor assured him there would be significant changes in his life, and that people would see him as attractive now. He was right.
The whole dating scene is new to him, since he'd never been a good-looking man, so he does what every other red-blooded man would; he goes out. A lot. He even does a few one-night stands enjoying this new lifestyle, and how women are falling all over themselves just to spend a little time with him. As for that hot-blond? He even ends up spending time with her, and couldn't have been more happy.
You know how they say power can ruin people? Well, it can, and does. I'm not giving away any more of Stephen Hise's fabulous story, because you need to get yourself a copy and read it. I was shocked at the ending! I've read many books that end in a great cliffhanger, or just a well thought out ending, but this one will blow your mind!
Upgrade isn't a terribly long read, but the impact it's had on me is immense! Stephen Hise is one of the most articulate writers I've ever had to opportunity of reading, so pay attention or you might not understand some of the doctor speak. I found myself thinking he could be right, and wow! The brain truly does work in bizarre ways!
While you're online buying a copy of Upgrade, you should also swing by http://www.indiesunlimited.com/ a very informative website where Stephen is a full-time contributor. All the people there do a wonderful job keeping the site going with posts that I've found to be insightful and helpful.
This e-book came to me as a freebie, and along with many others I received around the same time, I filed it under "read and review soon," then forgot about it. I tend to do that; forget everything all the time. Lucky for me, I made that list for just that reason, so I can check it occasionally and read a couple of them while I'm at it. I am soooo glad I finally did!
Upgrade begins with a man who has it all; social status, money, brains … oh, but wait! He's not good-looking by any measure. As he does every day, Brent Schoenfeld gazes out his second-floor office window to watch all the people milling around at lunchtime on the sidewalks. And, as he does every day, he notices the most beautiful woman he's ever seen; a stunning blond with sexy legs wearing a tasteful, yet enticing red dress. If only... He'll never be so lucky.
Out of desperation to be noticed and maybe even turn a few heads, Brent goes to a doctor who promises a procedure that will be life-changing. No scalpel, sutures, recovery; sounds like the perfect way to become attractive. The doctor explains how everything will work, and how beauty such as the kind he is seeking is merely a state of mind, so to speak. He goes on the describe how a tweaking of asymmetries in the face can trick one's mind into seeing a person in a wholly different way.
Of course, Brent begins to rethink his decision; he is paying this overly confidant doctor a million dollars, after all. The entire thing just doesn't sound like it'll actually 'change' anything, therefore, how will it make a difference? How will he ever be one of the desired people he's always longed to be? Brent decides to give himself over to the slightest chance. It couldn't make things worse, could it?
After women obviously begin to notice and even flirt with Brent, he figures his cool million was a wise investment. He had left the doctor's office extremely skeptical when he awoke from the procedure, only to see himself in the mirror exactly the same as he had been beforehand. The good doctor assured him there would be significant changes in his life, and that people would see him as attractive now. He was right.
The whole dating scene is new to him, since he'd never been a good-looking man, so he does what every other red-blooded man would; he goes out. A lot. He even does a few one-night stands enjoying this new lifestyle, and how women are falling all over themselves just to spend a little time with him. As for that hot-blond? He even ends up spending time with her, and couldn't have been more happy.
You know how they say power can ruin people? Well, it can, and does. I'm not giving away any more of Stephen Hise's fabulous story, because you need to get yourself a copy and read it. I was shocked at the ending! I've read many books that end in a great cliffhanger, or just a well thought out ending, but this one will blow your mind!
Upgrade isn't a terribly long read, but the impact it's had on me is immense! Stephen Hise is one of the most articulate writers I've ever had to opportunity of reading, so pay attention or you might not understand some of the doctor speak. I found myself thinking he could be right, and wow! The brain truly does work in bizarre ways!
While you're online buying a copy of Upgrade, you should also swing by http://www.indiesunlimited.com/ a very informative website where Stephen is a full-time contributor. All the people there do a wonderful job keeping the site going with posts that I've found to be insightful and helpful.
December 7, 2011
I’ll admit I had no idea what I was getting into when I started reading Upgrade. I’d read a few of Stephen Hise’s blogs and found his wit and writing ability both impressive and refreshing. I wanted to see what his book was about. From all the buzz, I thought it was going to be a futuristic psychological thriller – and I wasn’t far off.
Stephen Hise has written a piece of work that amazes me. I’m a very picky reader – one who gets easily bored and skips over bits and pieces and paragraphs, and sometimes even pages. I read every word of Upgrade. Not only did I read every word, each page turned nearly on its own, beckoning me with the tease of knowing something was going to happen – something that I didn’t see coming. And it was right about that.
Upgrade’s theme reminded me of Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray” as it’s about a man whose good looks undermine his good nature. It reminded me of “The Sixth Sense” because the end slaps you in the face and sends your mind reeling back over the rest of the book to check and see where you should have picked up on the clues. They are there. You’re just so wrapped up in the story that you didn’t see them.
Hise’s talent for writing sensual scenes is evident. The pace of his writing is fluid and carries the reader along nicely. His style is almost minimalistic – but in a good sense. It’s not burdened with lots of description and it doesn’t need it. Something about Upgrade draws you to focus on the characters whilst the scenes somehow set themselves.
Some folks are going to expect ‘psychological thriller’ to include a lot of action. Upgrade’s not that kind of book. It’s got a “Twilight Zone” kind of feel to it, but you don’t realize that while you’re reading it. Frankly, I could see Upgrade becoming a series which follows different people and how they deal with the interesting cosmetic ‘reprogramming’ procedure that is the foundation of this book.
Upgrade wasn’t what I was expecting, yet was more than I expected at the same time. How is that possible? You’ll have to read it to find out. I give it five stars.
Stephen Hise has written a piece of work that amazes me. I’m a very picky reader – one who gets easily bored and skips over bits and pieces and paragraphs, and sometimes even pages. I read every word of Upgrade. Not only did I read every word, each page turned nearly on its own, beckoning me with the tease of knowing something was going to happen – something that I didn’t see coming. And it was right about that.
Upgrade’s theme reminded me of Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray” as it’s about a man whose good looks undermine his good nature. It reminded me of “The Sixth Sense” because the end slaps you in the face and sends your mind reeling back over the rest of the book to check and see where you should have picked up on the clues. They are there. You’re just so wrapped up in the story that you didn’t see them.
Hise’s talent for writing sensual scenes is evident. The pace of his writing is fluid and carries the reader along nicely. His style is almost minimalistic – but in a good sense. It’s not burdened with lots of description and it doesn’t need it. Something about Upgrade draws you to focus on the characters whilst the scenes somehow set themselves.
Some folks are going to expect ‘psychological thriller’ to include a lot of action. Upgrade’s not that kind of book. It’s got a “Twilight Zone” kind of feel to it, but you don’t realize that while you’re reading it. Frankly, I could see Upgrade becoming a series which follows different people and how they deal with the interesting cosmetic ‘reprogramming’ procedure that is the foundation of this book.
Upgrade wasn’t what I was expecting, yet was more than I expected at the same time. How is that possible? You’ll have to read it to find out. I give it five stars.
January 1, 2015
Overall I enjoyed this book. It could almost be considered a thriller, but not in the conventional sense. It gave me a similar feeling to watching Breaking Bad. Here's someone making terrible decisions, but for reasons I could easily sympathize with.
Brent wasn't a particularly likable character, but I couldn't help feeling bad for him, even though he seemed to have everything a man could possibly want. The story revolved around too much of a good thing being less than good, and that idea was explored very effectively here. This made for a very tense story, and kept me hooked until the end.
There was a lot of emphasis on the physical, the outfits women wore, attraction and arousal, but it was never vulgar or downright erotic. The story was tastefully written, never crass. Sometimes I found myself eyerolling at how Brent would leer, and prod his dates to dress more provocatively, but this was done to illustrate the value of inward beauty. Having a procedure done to fix an ugly face won't make you beautiful if you're still ugly on the inside.
Entertaining, sensual, suspenseful, this was as much a fable or cautionary tale as anything. It reminded me of a Twilight Zone episode. Read it, and if you go in with the right mindset, you'll have a great time. The writing was very well done, with three dimensional characters, mature prose, a good flow and pacing, and an interesting story.
My only complaint was with a less than satisfying ending, and the fact that the main premise of the book wasn't explored and developed as much as I would have liked. Only a few pages were spent on Brent's character preceding his procedure, and within just a few chapters you could almost forget that he ever had any work done. After a while it was just a story about an extremely attractive multi - millionaire looking for love but going down a path of self-destruction while rationalizing and justifying the whole way. Either way, it was still enormously entertaining and well written, so there you go.
Brent wasn't a particularly likable character, but I couldn't help feeling bad for him, even though he seemed to have everything a man could possibly want. The story revolved around too much of a good thing being less than good, and that idea was explored very effectively here. This made for a very tense story, and kept me hooked until the end.
There was a lot of emphasis on the physical, the outfits women wore, attraction and arousal, but it was never vulgar or downright erotic. The story was tastefully written, never crass. Sometimes I found myself eyerolling at how Brent would leer, and prod his dates to dress more provocatively, but this was done to illustrate the value of inward beauty. Having a procedure done to fix an ugly face won't make you beautiful if you're still ugly on the inside.
Entertaining, sensual, suspenseful, this was as much a fable or cautionary tale as anything. It reminded me of a Twilight Zone episode. Read it, and if you go in with the right mindset, you'll have a great time. The writing was very well done, with three dimensional characters, mature prose, a good flow and pacing, and an interesting story.
My only complaint was with a less than satisfying ending, and the fact that the main premise of the book wasn't explored and developed as much as I would have liked. Only a few pages were spent on Brent's character preceding his procedure, and within just a few chapters you could almost forget that he ever had any work done. After a while it was just a story about an extremely attractive multi - millionaire looking for love but going down a path of self-destruction while rationalizing and justifying the whole way. Either way, it was still enormously entertaining and well written, so there you go.
August 5, 2012
Stephen Hise's Upgrade is an entertaining page-turner that will leave you stunned(in a good way) as you finish the final page.
Upgrade focuses on Brent, a very successful, intelligent, and wealthy man who seemingly has it all. However, he finds himself ignored by women because of his looks, and because of this, he is not happy. After an expensive, non-invasive medical procedure, Brent is suddenly attracting women who would have never given him the time of day before. Though he still sees his old self in the mirror, the procedure has made him attractive to women. With a new sense of confidence and freedom, Brent finds himself trying to find a delicate balance between the women he has drawn to him. He soon learns exactly why they say to be careful what you wish for.
It's hard to say more about the plot without giving away too much, but Hise does an amazing job of conveying the psychological ramifications of Brent going from unattractive to the object of women's desire. We see Brent as he basks in the enjoyment of his new "power" only to discover that there are also major drawbacks to deal with.
The plot is unique and engaging. The characters each have a distinct personality and feel. The twist at the end is nothing short of brilliant. The story is well-written and edited. Stephen Hise has a distinctive writing style that leads to a story that flows well and keeps you turning(or clicking) through the pages.
Upgrade is a fairly quick read and will keep you captivated from beginning to end. I definitely recommend it!
Upgrade focuses on Brent, a very successful, intelligent, and wealthy man who seemingly has it all. However, he finds himself ignored by women because of his looks, and because of this, he is not happy. After an expensive, non-invasive medical procedure, Brent is suddenly attracting women who would have never given him the time of day before. Though he still sees his old self in the mirror, the procedure has made him attractive to women. With a new sense of confidence and freedom, Brent finds himself trying to find a delicate balance between the women he has drawn to him. He soon learns exactly why they say to be careful what you wish for.
It's hard to say more about the plot without giving away too much, but Hise does an amazing job of conveying the psychological ramifications of Brent going from unattractive to the object of women's desire. We see Brent as he basks in the enjoyment of his new "power" only to discover that there are also major drawbacks to deal with.
The plot is unique and engaging. The characters each have a distinct personality and feel. The twist at the end is nothing short of brilliant. The story is well-written and edited. Stephen Hise has a distinctive writing style that leads to a story that flows well and keeps you turning(or clicking) through the pages.
Upgrade is a fairly quick read and will keep you captivated from beginning to end. I definitely recommend it!
March 22, 2013
What's the one thing every guy wants? To have beautiful women fall all over themselves to be with him, that's what. And that's the subject of Stephen Hise's Upgrade.
Brent Schoenfeld is a brilliant businessman, extremely smart, and richer than Croesus, but he's a schlump -- an average-looking guy who no woman would look at twice if he wasn't sitting on a pile of cash. Every day, Schoenfeld looks out the window of his office and drools over the women he sees on the sidewalk. There's one woman in particular who takes his breath away every time he sees her. But he knows she would have no reason to look twice at him, and the knowledge eats away at him.
Finally, he pays a doctor to perform an experimental procedure on his sex appeal. It's hideously expensive, but he pays every penny. And it works! Suddenly women are falling all over him. Instead of spending every night at the office, or watching TV at home, he's getting more action than he knows what to do with. And he works hard to gain the notice of that hot woman he fell for while watching her from his office window.
From there, as you might expect, things get complicated in a hurry. And the ending provides a nice twist that I didn't see coming.
There were a couple of spots when the point of view changed from third person limited (focused on Brent) to third person omniscient (what I like to call the "little did he know..." voice). That took me out of the story a little. But overall, Upgrade was great fun to read.
Brent Schoenfeld is a brilliant businessman, extremely smart, and richer than Croesus, but he's a schlump -- an average-looking guy who no woman would look at twice if he wasn't sitting on a pile of cash. Every day, Schoenfeld looks out the window of his office and drools over the women he sees on the sidewalk. There's one woman in particular who takes his breath away every time he sees her. But he knows she would have no reason to look twice at him, and the knowledge eats away at him.
Finally, he pays a doctor to perform an experimental procedure on his sex appeal. It's hideously expensive, but he pays every penny. And it works! Suddenly women are falling all over him. Instead of spending every night at the office, or watching TV at home, he's getting more action than he knows what to do with. And he works hard to gain the notice of that hot woman he fell for while watching her from his office window.
From there, as you might expect, things get complicated in a hurry. And the ending provides a nice twist that I didn't see coming.
There were a couple of spots when the point of view changed from third person limited (focused on Brent) to third person omniscient (what I like to call the "little did he know..." voice). That took me out of the story a little. But overall, Upgrade was great fun to read.
May 30, 2011
I do love books that leave you open-mouthed at the end – this was certainly one of them. It is very well written and the author deftly manages to portray the main character, Brent, as a slightly pathetic figure; very rich and successful but lacking in the looks department, so much so he is prepared to undergo an irreversible process to make people or, more importantly, the female of the species, notice him. He is not a likeable character at first because he wants to become attractive to women merely, it seems, for sex. However, as the story continues you warm to him as he tries to focus on doing the right thing by the woman he loves and you almost start to feel your sympathy cords being tugged. The nearer I got to end the more I realised I had really no idea how a satisfying (for a reader) conclusion was going to be reached. I knew from some reviews that there was a surprise ending, and with only 10% to go, I smugly thought I had guessed it. In fact, I only half guessed it. What I hadn’t predicted left me speechless.
I liked Stephen’s style – I found it sophisticated, and easy-flowing and I had a laugh-out-loud moment when he used a very analogical adjective which was perfect for the situation being described – ‘Clintonian’. It was brilliantly apt!
There was certainly a very serious moral to this excellent story – be very, very careful what you wish for.
I liked Stephen’s style – I found it sophisticated, and easy-flowing and I had a laugh-out-loud moment when he used a very analogical adjective which was perfect for the situation being described – ‘Clintonian’. It was brilliantly apt!
There was certainly a very serious moral to this excellent story – be very, very careful what you wish for.
October 15, 2011
Stephen's debut novel, Upgrade, is a well-written, well-formatted book with an ending that was a total surprise. The main character, Brent, is a lonely millionaire who makes a medical change to his life; one he feels will make him more attractive to the opposite sex. So after the change, he not only attracts one, but three; one of whom he grows more attracted to than the other two, but can't decide what to do with the them and his relationship with them. Stephen has a way of getting into the head of his female characters, making them believable, likable, or hatable, but you can definitely remember them. I look forward to reading more books from this author and give it 4.5 stars.
May 15, 2011
This book is a twisting tale of a rich man with the money but not the looks to attract the beautiful people. He underwent a modern procedure that changes his attraction level and now all the beautiful girls are after him like a delicious candy,rare find,yet he is stepping into the land of no concious and no remorse. Will it backfire or end happily after. Need to read to the shocking ending to find out.
January 2, 2012
This book (for me) is hard to review without giving away any of the story. This is one of those books that draws you in and before you know it, has you caring about all the characters, not just the main one. The author doesn't clutter the story with inconsequential characters or words. If you're looking for a well written book this one's for you.
Mr. Hise has a talent worth his weight in gold and has a twisted Twilight Zone quality to his writing.
Mr. Hise has a talent worth his weight in gold and has a twisted Twilight Zone quality to his writing.
June 5, 2012
This book had SUCH promise. I was intrigued clear up and until the last 5 pages or so! Related well to the main character, his assistant was amazing and the wife he picked quite believable. ButI try think the author went looking for the shocking surprise ending that anyone could see coming miles away....
December 22, 2013
A suspenseful story with a surprise ending. I had a few theories as to how the story would play out and I was partly right but still shocked at the end. A riveting read.
October 17, 2016
I enjoyed it. Read until 2h00 in the morning. This book played like a movie to me. Now the problem is what to read next and where to get a similar book.
April 1, 2013
I wish I could give it 0 stars, I was actually angry at the author for wasting so much of my time!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews