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Brainy and the Beast
Robotics researcher Henry Travis uses his brain for just about everything, but once he meets Nick Shelton over the hood of his 1960 Mercedes 300, he's at a loss. How does he control his attraction to this brash, sexy mechanic?
Nick owns his own classic car garage, and he is more than willing to hit it with the brainy, seriously hot, Henry. What he doesn't need is the aggro that comes with feelings. But since his 14yo nephew, Grant, has come to live with him, he's been dealing with aggravation every day. And now his dad lives with him, too. A dad who doesn't mind commenting on Nick's lame parenting skills.
With Henry turning his crank in a big way, and Nick enjoying not being in charge for a change, things heat up pretty fast. They're actually dating, with dinner and everything, before he knows it. And the after-dinner drinks at Henry's gorgeous house have Nick wiping the sweat from his brow.
But Henry and Grant don't get along; Nick isn't sure he wants a relationship at all, and Nick's dad, Big Mike, has an opinion on everything.
How's a guy to have fun on the weekends - even during the week, for crying out loud - with all the family baggage hanging around?
Nick owns his own classic car garage, and he is more than willing to hit it with the brainy, seriously hot, Henry. What he doesn't need is the aggro that comes with feelings. But since his 14yo nephew, Grant, has come to live with him, he's been dealing with aggravation every day. And now his dad lives with him, too. A dad who doesn't mind commenting on Nick's lame parenting skills.
With Henry turning his crank in a big way, and Nick enjoying not being in charge for a change, things heat up pretty fast. They're actually dating, with dinner and everything, before he knows it. And the after-dinner drinks at Henry's gorgeous house have Nick wiping the sweat from his brow.
But Henry and Grant don't get along; Nick isn't sure he wants a relationship at all, and Nick's dad, Big Mike, has an opinion on everything.
How's a guy to have fun on the weekends - even during the week, for crying out loud - with all the family baggage hanging around?
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
6 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Cartwright
16 books112 followersJM Cartwright is the alter ego of a polished professional who works all the time. Well, maybe not all the time... but paying the mortgage and buying dog food keep JM pretty busy.
JM dreams of the Appalachians and someday sitting on the veranda overlooking 100 acres of paradise.
JM dreams of the Appalachians and someday sitting on the veranda overlooking 100 acres of paradise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 11, 2013
Great family drama. In my opinion it's even better than A Change of Tune. The writing feels more mature and the story is more consistent.
All the characters are very appealing especially hardworking, clueless, yet loveable garage owner Nick. His life has changed a lot in the past year or so. He's taken over the garage from his elderly father, he's become a reluctant father to his 14 year old nephew, and he's become obsessed with the handsome, sexy and extremely brainy scientist whose car he's working on. It takes Nick a lot of time to work all these relationships out. He's not the most self-aware guy around. But he has a huge heart and it's an absolute pleasure reading his story!
The relationship between rough and ready Nick and the buttoned-up genius Henry is very sexy. There's a mild D/s bent but their physical dynamic is a lot more complex and unpredictable than just that. Plenty of dirty talk which I love. The author gives plenty of time to Nick's relationship with his uncommunicative, resentful nephew, and his ailing father too. It's a much better portrayal of family than you usually get in an m/m romance.
I would recommend this story to everyone! ♥♥♥
All the characters are very appealing especially hardworking, clueless, yet loveable garage owner Nick. His life has changed a lot in the past year or so. He's taken over the garage from his elderly father, he's become a reluctant father to his 14 year old nephew, and he's become obsessed with the handsome, sexy and extremely brainy scientist whose car he's working on. It takes Nick a lot of time to work all these relationships out. He's not the most self-aware guy around. But he has a huge heart and it's an absolute pleasure reading his story!
The relationship between rough and ready Nick and the buttoned-up genius Henry is very sexy. There's a mild D/s bent but their physical dynamic is a lot more complex and unpredictable than just that. Plenty of dirty talk which I love. The author gives plenty of time to Nick's relationship with his uncommunicative, resentful nephew, and his ailing father too. It's a much better portrayal of family than you usually get in an m/m romance.
I would recommend this story to everyone! ♥♥♥
April 12, 2013
I'm not quite sure how to classify this one. A bit D/s, a bit erotica, kind of relationship light but not. I'm a bit all over the place with it. I enjoyed it and the sex scenes were especially hot and while I did like the characters I found myself not really knowing what to make of Henry. He's kind of a nerdy dom which was interesting but a bit odd.
Storyline:
Storyline:
May 16, 2013
I get the fact that there is a difference between real life and fantasy. I know that people who want to act out rape fantasies with their boyfriends don't actually want to be raped in a dark alley by a guy with missing teeth, bad body odor and a rusty knife. I get that exploring such fantasies in the form of fiction, whether it is non-con, dub-con or slave fic, is not actually reprehensible in and of itself. As long as there are ample warnings for those people who want to avoid those stories, either because it doesn't turn them on or far worse, it triggers horrible memories, there is no need to kink-shame people who do enjoy them.
What I am wondering after this particular book is if there is anybody out there who thinks playing with emotional abuse is sexy? Can we pour a bucket of love over that, like we do with most rape fiction, and make it all ok? Is there an equivalent of consent-by-erection in this case? Like, just because Nick has a thing for smart guys and is a bit subby in bed he deserves all the things that Henry does? Personally, I can't see past the flashing warning signs that go “Warning: Abusive Relationship coming up in 5...4...3...2...1....” to note if there is anything else going on in this story.
Most of my time reading this book was spent thinking of how much I hated Henry. I did about a dozen years in Academia in a couple of male dominated disciplines and I met so many Henries. Guys so convinced of their intellectual superiority they just ooze smarmy condescension and cannot even conceive of the possibility that the girl with the big rack might have a valid opinion. Like Henry does not want even to entertain the thought of accepting that there are things like kissing, swallowing and hair-pulling that Nick does not like. Henry knows best, even when he barely knows the guy, and gets really patronizing about it:
'Far from being intimidated, Henry looked amused. In fact, he actually tsk-tsked me.'
“Oh, Nicholas. You are something else.”
“It's a lovely chianti that will go quite nicely with my burger.” He lifted one shoulder, “You might even like it.”
To my great disappointment, Henry does not get taken down a peg or 7, but does, in fact, know best in the end. On the other hand, when Henry even thinks Nick is laughing at his taste in TV shows he gets all cold and distant. This is where I started yelling at Nick to GET OUT NOW. But the poor guy instead explains that no, no, he is not laughing at Henry, and he earns himself a reprieve. And while he realizes he is disturbed that [Henry's] reactions had bothered me so much he does not stop to think: “What if I was laughing at the stupid stuff you watch? How is that a valid reason for going all cold on me? Is that how you are going to react whenever I don't like something you like?” This is where I would have tossed the book if I had not had to finish it for this review. But, this was also still within the realm of the book being able to sell itself as a bit of a Dommy/subby fantasy if I looked at it sideways and squinted.
Good thing I had to finish it, I guess, or I would have missed the part where Henry goes from merely manipulative to downright nasty. Skip this spoiler if you're going to read the book.
If it wasn't clear from the title, this is a book about a smart guy and a blue collar guy. Catchy, yes, but also kind of telling in that it insinuates that Nick, who truly has a heart of gold but who is just a little rough around the edges, is considered the 'Beast' here and the one that has to somehow transform. We get pounded with how smart Henry is throughout the book. In fact, according to my word searches, there are close to a hundred references to how smart Henry is. It's a bit overkill, especially because his intelligence does little more than serve to convince himself that he must be right because he is smart. If anyone is to be considered a beast in this relationship, Henry has my vote.
For me, the best parts of this book were the extensive sections where Nick deals with his nephew and his dad. Grant the teenager was well done and so was Dad. If you're reading it for the sex, which, by the way, includes at least 4 separate dry humping sessions in the kitchen while the rest of the family is home, these family drama sections may seem really long to you. Since they were pretty much the only times in the book I wasn't fuming at Henry, they were a welcome reprieve to me. We see nothing of Henry's family or friends. Henry is the proverbial island. Which is probably just as well, because honestly, I can't see the guy with the classic car collection, the posh mansion and the fancy fish taking a mechanic along for work- and other social functions. No matter how much he claims to love him.
So there you have it. A book that pushed all the wrong buttons for me. If you have different buttons, it's probably not that bad.
What I am wondering after this particular book is if there is anybody out there who thinks playing with emotional abuse is sexy? Can we pour a bucket of love over that, like we do with most rape fiction, and make it all ok? Is there an equivalent of consent-by-erection in this case? Like, just because Nick has a thing for smart guys and is a bit subby in bed he deserves all the things that Henry does? Personally, I can't see past the flashing warning signs that go “Warning: Abusive Relationship coming up in 5...4...3...2...1....” to note if there is anything else going on in this story.
Most of my time reading this book was spent thinking of how much I hated Henry. I did about a dozen years in Academia in a couple of male dominated disciplines and I met so many Henries. Guys so convinced of their intellectual superiority they just ooze smarmy condescension and cannot even conceive of the possibility that the girl with the big rack might have a valid opinion. Like Henry does not want even to entertain the thought of accepting that there are things like kissing, swallowing and hair-pulling that Nick does not like. Henry knows best, even when he barely knows the guy, and gets really patronizing about it:
'Far from being intimidated, Henry looked amused. In fact, he actually tsk-tsked me.'
“Oh, Nicholas. You are something else.”
“It's a lovely chianti that will go quite nicely with my burger.” He lifted one shoulder, “You might even like it.”
To my great disappointment, Henry does not get taken down a peg or 7, but does, in fact, know best in the end. On the other hand, when Henry even thinks Nick is laughing at his taste in TV shows he gets all cold and distant. This is where I started yelling at Nick to GET OUT NOW. But the poor guy instead explains that no, no, he is not laughing at Henry, and he earns himself a reprieve. And while he realizes he is disturbed that [Henry's] reactions had bothered me so much he does not stop to think: “What if I was laughing at the stupid stuff you watch? How is that a valid reason for going all cold on me? Is that how you are going to react whenever I don't like something you like?” This is where I would have tossed the book if I had not had to finish it for this review. But, this was also still within the realm of the book being able to sell itself as a bit of a Dommy/subby fantasy if I looked at it sideways and squinted.
Good thing I had to finish it, I guess, or I would have missed the part where Henry goes from merely manipulative to downright nasty. Skip this spoiler if you're going to read the book.
If it wasn't clear from the title, this is a book about a smart guy and a blue collar guy. Catchy, yes, but also kind of telling in that it insinuates that Nick, who truly has a heart of gold but who is just a little rough around the edges, is considered the 'Beast' here and the one that has to somehow transform. We get pounded with how smart Henry is throughout the book. In fact, according to my word searches, there are close to a hundred references to how smart Henry is. It's a bit overkill, especially because his intelligence does little more than serve to convince himself that he must be right because he is smart. If anyone is to be considered a beast in this relationship, Henry has my vote.
For me, the best parts of this book were the extensive sections where Nick deals with his nephew and his dad. Grant the teenager was well done and so was Dad. If you're reading it for the sex, which, by the way, includes at least 4 separate dry humping sessions in the kitchen while the rest of the family is home, these family drama sections may seem really long to you. Since they were pretty much the only times in the book I wasn't fuming at Henry, they were a welcome reprieve to me. We see nothing of Henry's family or friends. Henry is the proverbial island. Which is probably just as well, because honestly, I can't see the guy with the classic car collection, the posh mansion and the fancy fish taking a mechanic along for work- and other social functions. No matter how much he claims to love him.
So there you have it. A book that pushed all the wrong buttons for me. If you have different buttons, it's probably not that bad.
April 13, 2013
Every single one of the five stars Ive given this book is based entirely on enjoyment factor. I love opposites attract stories and IMO its one of the best Ive read. Blue collar worker meets brainy stand offish scientist type and sparks fly. Add in a bratty 14 year old nephew with issues ( that granted, he is entitled to have due to circumstances), a lovely gruff, slightly interfering but wise dad and two bouncy cocker spaniels, mix it all together and sit back and enjoy.
Told entirely from Nicks point of view and told in the sort of self deprecating way that I admit always makes me laugh, I was totally engaged in the dynamics between him and Henry his ' Doc' . Both stubborn and a bit unbendy when it comes to admitting that the initial attraction is turning into something deeper. Nick especially as he has work and family problems always distracting him and of course the usual " I'm not really good enough" inner conflict that at times can and does bring on some eye rolling moments but in this type of romance there usually is! Didn't bother me at all but it might grate on some readers.
Last of all this is one HAWT story when it comes to the love scenes. Over the time I've been reading m/m I've been finding that as much as I love a good love scene they've started to become secondary to a good story and sometimes a bit repetitive but OMG does this book sizzle in the sex department! When Nick and Henry are getting their groove on, its cold fan worthy. A touch of D/s, some really sexy dirty talk and sizzling chemistry and I was fanning myself and remembering the thrill I used to get when I first starting reading this genre.
So.. Overall it was a very very enjoyable book for me and even if there were a few niggles they didn't impact enough for me to drop my rating which as I said is based on how much I loved the journey from beginning to end.. Including its very satisfying epilogue. I'm happy!
Told entirely from Nicks point of view and told in the sort of self deprecating way that I admit always makes me laugh, I was totally engaged in the dynamics between him and Henry his ' Doc' . Both stubborn and a bit unbendy when it comes to admitting that the initial attraction is turning into something deeper. Nick especially as he has work and family problems always distracting him and of course the usual " I'm not really good enough" inner conflict that at times can and does bring on some eye rolling moments but in this type of romance there usually is! Didn't bother me at all but it might grate on some readers.
Last of all this is one HAWT story when it comes to the love scenes. Over the time I've been reading m/m I've been finding that as much as I love a good love scene they've started to become secondary to a good story and sometimes a bit repetitive but OMG does this book sizzle in the sex department! When Nick and Henry are getting their groove on, its cold fan worthy. A touch of D/s, some really sexy dirty talk and sizzling chemistry and I was fanning myself and remembering the thrill I used to get when I first starting reading this genre.
So.. Overall it was a very very enjoyable book for me and even if there were a few niggles they didn't impact enough for me to drop my rating which as I said is based on how much I loved the journey from beginning to end.. Including its very satisfying epilogue. I'm happy!
April 11, 2013
This was a nice, pleasantly enjoyable read about opposites attracting. MC Nick, an auto mechanic, and MC Henry, a robotics researcher, find themselves on a date which leads to mind blowing sex, which leads to a relationship. The relationship is very one-sided for most of the book and anchored by the sex, but does level out towards the end. The one-sidedness did throw me off a bit and frustrated me enough to knock a star off, giving the book a 3 star rating. The reason for the final 4 star rating is because we get an epilogue, which I loved and put a nice big bow on top to make it all pretty and complete.
Yes, I can recommend this book to M/M romance fans. The sex was pretty fucking hot, with just enough D/s to label the book BDSM, but the author makes you wait a really long time for the emotional payoff. Some will say it is well worth the wait, but I grew frustrated.
Yes, I can recommend this book to M/M romance fans. The sex was pretty fucking hot, with just enough D/s to label the book BDSM, but the author makes you wait a really long time for the emotional payoff. Some will say it is well worth the wait, but I grew frustrated.
April 11, 2013
First, what I liked: The sex scenes are good. Very sensual, lots of dirty talk. Nice. Where the story falls flat for me is in the characterization. We have Nick's first-person narration, but I think it would have worked better from Henry's point of view. Henry comes across as stiff and formal, and by the end of the book, I didn't really know him any better than at the beginning. There's also quite a lot of family drama here (both Nick's family and the nephew's friend's family). In a more well-rounded story, I wouldn't have minded, but because I wanted more of the core relationship, I resented its presence.
April 13, 2013
2.5 stars
I am having a little trouble figuring out how to rate this book. The writing was good and the story was not bad but, besides the fact there were some characters and sub plots that were just kind of thrown in there and not really finished, which was kind of annoying. The biggest problem for me was that I just couldn't see Nick and Henry as a couple. Yeah, they had hot sex, but as far as a relationship, I didn't see it and that was the main issue I had.
I am having a little trouble figuring out how to rate this book. The writing was good and the story was not bad but, besides the fact there were some characters and sub plots that were just kind of thrown in there and not really finished, which was kind of annoying. The biggest problem for me was that I just couldn't see Nick and Henry as a couple. Yeah, they had hot sex, but as far as a relationship, I didn't see it and that was the main issue I had.
May 26, 2013
2.50 stars
March 11, 2014
This turned out to be really, really good. (For me. Other reviews pile hatred on it but that’s not how I read it. One of those things, I guess.)
All perspective is provided by an interesting first person narrator – who ever so slightly addresses the reader. Don’t get that too often with these kinds of books.
Nick is sweet; he is this story. And he carries it beautifully.
That’s not to say Henry is a mere shadow. On the contrary – although it takes a while for him to take shape through Nick’s eyes.
Maybe best of all about this story? Forget your usual stereotypes. I mean even this particular premise (brain meets brawn) comes with its own preconceptions, but you may as well throw them all out the window for this.
We don’t get a top and a bottom. Sure, Henry clearly has a deep dominant streak, but he in no way pushes for it. In particular he does not appear to take Nick’s compliance with anything for granted. He asks for permission. Pretty cool for a guy like him.
The sex is excellent too in that when it starts up it nicely breaks the mould by deliberately not doing what almost every other book does and instead focuses on the fact that pleasure comes in many forms. This actually keeps up throughout. I’m loving this.
In the end these guys are not their roles in the story. They’re just… people you get to know better as the story progresses. (What does it say about my reading habits that such a simple thing seems unusual?)
It certainly helps that the author has a solid grip on her characters and who they are.
So it turns out the main characters’ relationship is completely balanced - which surprised me because that’s not what I remember from the other books I read by this author years ago. I definitely have to re-read them.
Who knows how things may look to me now?
All perspective is provided by an interesting first person narrator – who ever so slightly addresses the reader. Don’t get that too often with these kinds of books.
Nick is sweet; he is this story. And he carries it beautifully.
That’s not to say Henry is a mere shadow. On the contrary – although it takes a while for him to take shape through Nick’s eyes.
Maybe best of all about this story? Forget your usual stereotypes. I mean even this particular premise (brain meets brawn) comes with its own preconceptions, but you may as well throw them all out the window for this.
We don’t get a top and a bottom. Sure, Henry clearly has a deep dominant streak, but he in no way pushes for it. In particular he does not appear to take Nick’s compliance with anything for granted. He asks for permission. Pretty cool for a guy like him.
The sex is excellent too in that when it starts up it nicely breaks the mould by deliberately not doing what almost every other book does and instead focuses on the fact that pleasure comes in many forms. This actually keeps up throughout. I’m loving this.
In the end these guys are not their roles in the story. They’re just… people you get to know better as the story progresses. (What does it say about my reading habits that such a simple thing seems unusual?)
It certainly helps that the author has a solid grip on her characters and who they are.
So it turns out the main characters’ relationship is completely balanced - which surprised me because that’s not what I remember from the other books I read by this author years ago. I definitely have to re-read them.
Who knows how things may look to me now?
April 11, 2013
Nick and Henry are almost polar opposities, although Henry's classic mercedes brings them together. I like how Henry is this fussy pedantic scientist, (Nick's family refer to him as 'the genius'). yet in bed, he is domineering and just a little but kinky!
Nick is trying hard to keep his family together, and has never considered love or commitment a possibility so it's actually quite funny to watch him stumble his way into this 'thing' with Henry. Seriously, he's an incoherent fool, except for when he does say something and then it's foot-in-mouth time.
I guess I was a little disappointing that we didn't wrap up Shawn's plotline a little more conclusively, but everything else about this narrative did it for me.
I will be rereading this one, for sure.
Nick is trying hard to keep his family together, and has never considered love or commitment a possibility so it's actually quite funny to watch him stumble his way into this 'thing' with Henry. Seriously, he's an incoherent fool, except for when he does say something and then it's foot-in-mouth time.
I guess I was a little disappointing that we didn't wrap up Shawn's plotline a little more conclusively, but everything else about this narrative did it for me.
I will be rereading this one, for sure.
July 11, 2013
I... really loved this novel!! It's in a way a typical opposites attract story, but the roles taken here aren't as cliché as is often the case in those.
Henry is the genius, a robotics researcher that makes a lot of money doing complicated brainy things. Nick is the mechanic, his biggest academic achievement is his High School Diploma, and he isn't always the quickest to pick up on all subtleties of a situation, so he can be a bit of an insensitive prick.
But Henry is also immature sometimes (and not always in a good way) and has a dominant streak, while Nick doesn't mind being ordered around a bit if it leads to great sex. What Nick just doesn't get are emotions. Not his, not Henry's, and definitely not Grant's, Nick's 14 years old nephew who's living with him, because Nick's sister thought a disappearing act would be an excellent idea. Thank all the Gods for Nick's Dad who has a lot more clue about what's going on than Nick and has no problem to jostle Nick in the right direction. Too bad that Nick doesn't like to be jostled all that much and that he's a stubborn mule. It'll be a lot of work to get all of them sorted out, but maybe, just maybe, this thing with Henry is actually worth doing that...
I really enjoyed the characters in this story - although Nick's cluelessness drove me to madness sometimes, I still liked him a lot! The sex scenes were hot - the chemistry between Nick and Henry was really something else.
I loved how the dynamics between Nick and Grant were portrayed here, it seemed realistic to me and several times I wanted to slug Nick and yell at him not to jump to conclusions. And Nick's dad was just awesome.
I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this story - it's the best by J.M. Cartwright I've read so far, no doubt. Recommended!
Henry is the genius, a robotics researcher that makes a lot of money doing complicated brainy things. Nick is the mechanic, his biggest academic achievement is his High School Diploma, and he isn't always the quickest to pick up on all subtleties of a situation, so he can be a bit of an insensitive prick.
But Henry is also immature sometimes (and not always in a good way) and has a dominant streak, while Nick doesn't mind being ordered around a bit if it leads to great sex. What Nick just doesn't get are emotions. Not his, not Henry's, and definitely not Grant's, Nick's 14 years old nephew who's living with him, because Nick's sister thought a disappearing act would be an excellent idea. Thank all the Gods for Nick's Dad who has a lot more clue about what's going on than Nick and has no problem to jostle Nick in the right direction. Too bad that Nick doesn't like to be jostled all that much and that he's a stubborn mule. It'll be a lot of work to get all of them sorted out, but maybe, just maybe, this thing with Henry is actually worth doing that...
I really enjoyed the characters in this story - although Nick's cluelessness drove me to madness sometimes, I still liked him a lot! The sex scenes were hot - the chemistry between Nick and Henry was really something else.
I loved how the dynamics between Nick and Grant were portrayed here, it seemed realistic to me and several times I wanted to slug Nick and yell at him not to jump to conclusions. And Nick's dad was just awesome.
I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this story - it's the best by J.M. Cartwright I've read so far, no doubt. Recommended!
May 29, 2013
So can I say that I honestly did not understand this book at all. Why were they even together? How were they compatible, besides sex? I HATED how Nick just talked about how smart Henry was. Yes, I get it. He's smart. Big whoop. NEXT! But, really, what did they talk about? Seems like they spent most of their time fighting over something stupid. Oh and what was up with Nick always being so tongue tied. Could he really not speak. Was he really a hormonal 16 year old trapped in a 36 year old body?
Grant, well, at first I thought he was an immature brat. Then, once the big fight at Jewel happened I finally got it. He was acting up for attention. He just wanted Uncle Nick to spend time with him. To notice him. Then, he actually became the 14 year old kid, in my eyes.
So, what happened with Shawn and her mom??? How can you leave it like that? That and the Hastings family were the best part about this book and the author left it open.
Is Henry living with them now? What about his fancy kitchen counter tops that he just HAD to have?
UGH! Overall, I was not impressed. Oh and having sex in the kitchen with Shawn in the living room, Grant upstairs in his room and his dad sleeping. REALLY?! Show some respect. Move it to your bedroom.
Grant, well, at first I thought he was an immature brat. Then, once the big fight at Jewel happened I finally got it. He was acting up for attention. He just wanted Uncle Nick to spend time with him. To notice him. Then, he actually became the 14 year old kid, in my eyes.
So, what happened with Shawn and her mom??? How can you leave it like that? That and the Hastings family were the best part about this book and the author left it open.
Is Henry living with them now? What about his fancy kitchen counter tops that he just HAD to have?
UGH! Overall, I was not impressed. Oh and having sex in the kitchen with Shawn in the living room, Grant upstairs in his room and his dad sleeping. REALLY?! Show some respect. Move it to your bedroom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2013
This book was not really what I had expected. It was really good and I loved reading it. There were some points where I wanted to punch Nick in the face, but after a while I realised that was just Nick and that he was too slow to figure things out at a normal pace. It was something I learned to live with.
Henry and Nick as a couple could give me some serious whiplash. I was not expecting some of the things to happen and they kept going back and forward. They were two extremes. One incredibly slow for more intellectual matters and the other for real life matters. It would annoy some people it did me for a while.
I loved the way J.M. Cartwright added the family drama in and incorporated the other family drama around it. Grant and Shawn were cute in this and the whole teenage angst thing was nicely written. I wasn't offended by the way teenagers were portrayed in this book, some have greatly offended me.
While reading this book I stopped to think if I would say everyone would love this book. The simple answer is no, this is one of those books for an acquired taste. If I had read this another day I might not have given it such a good review, but I did enjoy it today and had a couple of laughs.
Henry and Nick as a couple could give me some serious whiplash. I was not expecting some of the things to happen and they kept going back and forward. They were two extremes. One incredibly slow for more intellectual matters and the other for real life matters. It would annoy some people it did me for a while.
I loved the way J.M. Cartwright added the family drama in and incorporated the other family drama around it. Grant and Shawn were cute in this and the whole teenage angst thing was nicely written. I wasn't offended by the way teenagers were portrayed in this book, some have greatly offended me.
While reading this book I stopped to think if I would say everyone would love this book. The simple answer is no, this is one of those books for an acquired taste. If I had read this another day I might not have given it such a good review, but I did enjoy it today and had a couple of laughs.
September 26, 2014
Nick Shelton has a thing for smart guys so when Henry Travis, PhD brings his classic Mercedes to Nick's classic car automotive repair business for diagnosis, Nick's libido goes on high alert.
The feeling is apparently mutual as Nick seems to hit some buttons for Henry too, because when Henry's car is ready, it's Nick who gets the best deal with the sexy and dominant Henry.
Over time, Nick fumbles and bumbles his way into a relationship with Henry, though he's hard-pressed to believe that Henry could be interested in him, a lowly high school graduate. It's Henry who points out how intelligent Nick is in computerizing his business, and how wonderful he is for providing a home for both his father and his nephew, whose mother abandoned him.
The guys have multiple ups and downs, but they get slowly where they need to be, and by the end of the story, their HEA is assured. The story is more complex and interesting than this simple review reflects. I highly recommend it to those who love a geek and those who enjoy a simple romance for complicated people.
The feeling is apparently mutual as Nick seems to hit some buttons for Henry too, because when Henry's car is ready, it's Nick who gets the best deal with the sexy and dominant Henry.
Over time, Nick fumbles and bumbles his way into a relationship with Henry, though he's hard-pressed to believe that Henry could be interested in him, a lowly high school graduate. It's Henry who points out how intelligent Nick is in computerizing his business, and how wonderful he is for providing a home for both his father and his nephew, whose mother abandoned him.
The guys have multiple ups and downs, but they get slowly where they need to be, and by the end of the story, their HEA is assured. The story is more complex and interesting than this simple review reflects. I highly recommend it to those who love a geek and those who enjoy a simple romance for complicated people.
October 7, 2013
I usually enjoy a geek and a non-geek type story. I'm not sure if this one was just too long or if I started skimming out of boredom. There was something off about it. It is also one of those book's that the ending just sneaks up and slams the door in your face. So, I'm going to go wipe my bloody nose and move on to the next book.
October 7, 2018
More like 4.5 stars
I had this on my TBR for quite some time now and when I needed a book with children, this was it.
I have to say I liked it way more than I expected. Might be that I was in the right more for a story like this.
I had this on my TBR for quite some time now and when I needed a book with children, this was it.
I have to say I liked it way more than I expected. Might be that I was in the right more for a story like this.
April 12, 2013
It was a good read. Made me giggle in a few places, but the repeated "I'm dumb, not smart enough," etc. got a little annoying as the book went on.
Read
May 10, 2013I have to be sincere saying I picked this book for the title that seemed funny and for the assumption I was to read a quite ordinary romance balancing the blue collar lover with the white one. That is not actually what I got and the change was unexpected but good.
Nicholas “Nick” is a classic car mechanic, but that doesn’t mean he is some high-specialized guy with some geeky training; he inherited the garage from his father, and yes, he did some training, but he is basically a down-to-earth type, who loves to work with his hands and who has no issue at all with being gay… maybe the only trouble is that he is off the dating pool for too long he cares to admit. But recently his life got sidetracked by his sister leaving her teenager soon with him and his aging father coming to live with them, basically to take care of them but ending with the one being in need of care.
Through his job, Nick meets Henry, a super clever brainy scientist, not used to date, but like Nick not having an issue at all admitting he is gay; on the contrary, when he meets Nick he is the one doing the first move, something Nick wouldn’t dare due to their different social status. That was the nice novelty, while Nick is the blue collar man, he is not for that the “top” or the strongest in their relationship. Even if Henry is quiet and controlled, he is the one who has the upper hand, in and out the bedroom. But again, not in the ordinary way like the Master type, the one weighting his brain where his body cannot outwin the counterpart. Henry is stronger because he is more confident, more sure of who he is and what he wants.
I liked the little faults in Nick, how he was obviously not ready to take care of a teenager, how he wasn’t able to read him, but not in a mean way, simply for inexperience. Same apply to his way to approach a relationship, again doing a lot of mistakes. But instead of bringing him down to my eyes, that was exactly the reason why I liked it, a lot.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CAB1RF4/?...
Nicholas “Nick” is a classic car mechanic, but that doesn’t mean he is some high-specialized guy with some geeky training; he inherited the garage from his father, and yes, he did some training, but he is basically a down-to-earth type, who loves to work with his hands and who has no issue at all with being gay… maybe the only trouble is that he is off the dating pool for too long he cares to admit. But recently his life got sidetracked by his sister leaving her teenager soon with him and his aging father coming to live with them, basically to take care of them but ending with the one being in need of care.
Through his job, Nick meets Henry, a super clever brainy scientist, not used to date, but like Nick not having an issue at all admitting he is gay; on the contrary, when he meets Nick he is the one doing the first move, something Nick wouldn’t dare due to their different social status. That was the nice novelty, while Nick is the blue collar man, he is not for that the “top” or the strongest in their relationship. Even if Henry is quiet and controlled, he is the one who has the upper hand, in and out the bedroom. But again, not in the ordinary way like the Master type, the one weighting his brain where his body cannot outwin the counterpart. Henry is stronger because he is more confident, more sure of who he is and what he wants.
I liked the little faults in Nick, how he was obviously not ready to take care of a teenager, how he wasn’t able to read him, but not in a mean way, simply for inexperience. Same apply to his way to approach a relationship, again doing a lot of mistakes. But instead of bringing him down to my eyes, that was exactly the reason why I liked it, a lot.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CAB1RF4/?...
April 12, 2013
What bugged me the most in this story was Nick's attitude toward himself and his intelligence. Nick is a smart, good hearted protagonist. Just because he wasn't the quickest tool in the shed it didn't mean that Nick was a fool. I hated that part the most.
Henry was mostly okay, I did like him, but his part wasn't really well developed. Sure here we have a light romance between Nick and Henry, but this storyline is mostly about Nick's family life with his Dad and nephew. I liked the story, but something was still wrong here, at least for me.
Henry was mostly okay, I did like him, but his part wasn't really well developed. Sure here we have a light romance between Nick and Henry, but this storyline is mostly about Nick's family life with his Dad and nephew. I liked the story, but something was still wrong here, at least for me.
March 13, 2014
Adorable. That's the best word to describe this book. Well, the book but not the smexing. That shit was hot! The "gotta have you now" kind of sex. Nick was clueless and a pain in the ass and Henry was a bit uptight but I could see these two making a go of it. Completely enjoyable.
April 12, 2013
This book started out great and it had a few funny parts. Nicholas was little quirky at times but it got boring and sometimes his POV got annoying. Doc's character on the other hand, needed more depth. This book was not to my taste but it was still marginally enjoyable.
April 12, 2013
3.75 stars
April 30, 2013
3.75 stars
An enjoyable read with no surprises. If you like this author and writing style, you'll enjoy this story as well.
An enjoyable read with no surprises. If you like this author and writing style, you'll enjoy this story as well.
abandoned
October 14, 2013I just got bored. and I didn't like any of the characters.
November 13, 2017
3.5* I would have liked this book so much more if Henry had been a little more developed--By the end, I still felt like he was a stranger.
March 28, 2024
This novel… is right up my ally. The story is a simple one: Nick, a mechanic who lives with his old father and the nephew he had to adopt, falls in love with Henry, who instead is basically a genius, working for the government in software and robotics research. Nick never had a relationship before, so he fumbles his way through his sexual meetings with Henry, not understanding that Henry is falling for him (or that he is falling for Henry).
Also, the story is told from Nick’s perspective (in first person) and much more enjoyable because of that, his voice is quick and funny, giving some light to the novel. Also, the plot is almost equally divided between the growth of the relationship between Nick and Henry, and the relationship between Nick and his nephew Grant, who has been abandoned by Nick’s sister.
The drama and the misunderstandings felt a bit forced, and I would have given this book five stars if not for some things that I will add under the cut, with the added warnings for some scenes. Another problem I had with this story is that… it is hard to write a super smart person, and Henry doesn’t come off as a genius, even if we are told by everyone and Nick that he is. Still, the love was quite cute, and Nick is a great protagonist.
Also, the story is told from Nick’s perspective (in first person) and much more enjoyable because of that, his voice is quick and funny, giving some light to the novel. Also, the plot is almost equally divided between the growth of the relationship between Nick and Henry, and the relationship between Nick and his nephew Grant, who has been abandoned by Nick’s sister.
The drama and the misunderstandings felt a bit forced, and I would have given this book five stars if not for some things that I will add under the cut, with the added warnings for some scenes. Another problem I had with this story is that… it is hard to write a super smart person, and Henry doesn’t come off as a genius, even if we are told by everyone and Nick that he is. Still, the love was quite cute, and Nick is a great protagonist.
March 17, 2025
More than 2 stars but less than 3
Not a bad story but nothing to really recommend it.
In some places things were pretty realistic, I liked hearing Nick talk to himself. The relationship between Nick and his nephew felt real but like they were only recently living together rather than two years along.
The biggest issue for me was the sex, far too much and I just don't like the kinky/sextalk stuff.
Not a bad story but nothing to really recommend it.
In some places things were pretty realistic, I liked hearing Nick talk to himself. The relationship between Nick and his nephew felt real but like they were only recently living together rather than two years along.
The biggest issue for me was the sex, far too much and I just don't like the kinky/sextalk stuff.
May 8, 2013
4.25 Stars. http://joyfullyjay.com/2013/05/review...
When Henry Travis, a brilliant robotics researcher, takes his beautiful classic Mercedes into Nick Shelton’s shop, he has no idea what he’s gotten himself into. The buttoned-up, fussy Henry is used to having things done a particular way, and within just a few minutes, he realizes Nick does not subscribe to the same philosophy. Nick’s great with cars and has even done a bang up job taking over his father’s classic car garage, but he’s more than a little clueless in many aspects of his life.
Nick lives with his aging father and his 14-year-old nephew, Grant, who was dropped off at his house by his sister, after she decided she no longer wanted a child. Nick knows nothing about raising a kid and even less about what to do in a relationship, so when things start to heat up with the genius, he can’t quite read the cues in order to figure out how to keep the man happy.
The two are a unique pair. Henry may be smart, but when it comes to real-world information, he’s still lacking. And he certainly cannot abide this gruff, unrefined man blowing apart his meticulously structured world, even if he’s extremely attracted to him. There’s more than meets the eye to both of these two, though. When Nick first meets Henry, he’s wearing a bow-tie, of all things, but Henry’s behavior in the bedroom is not at all consistent with Nick’s first impressions. And while Nick claims he’s not the smartest tool in the shed, he’s not giving himself enough credit. He runs a successful business and manages to keep up with Henry without any problems.
This novel is mostly an opposites attract story. It’s about two men who are seemingly so different, but who realize that, while it takes some serious communication to figure out the language the other is speaking, they can still be good for each other. And these two characters, Henry and Nick, are absolutely delightful. I cannot say how much I enjoyed them. They are each, in their own way, witty and funny and don’t take life too seriously. They care for each other and are fiercely protective of the people around them. Their repartee is charming, and their interaction with each other never failed to put a smile on my face.
The first 70% of this book was entertaining and sweet and so much fun, and I think J.M. Cartwright is an author with immense talent. Even the supporting characters, especially the nephew, Grant, and Nick’s father, are well-developed and, while each flawed in their own way, are so extremely likable. I would’ve given this book a higher grade if it didn’t go a little haywire the last third of the book.
One of the things I enjoyed the most about this story is that it didn’t need to rely on angst or conflict to engage the reader. It was captivating simply because they were well-written characters with interesting, fun dialogue. Then, the author felt it necessary to insert a bit of a baffling conflict. The focus, which should’ve stayed on Nick and Henry and their budding relationship, was moved another direction, and it ended up feeling unnecessary. Then, once the big issues arise, the book ended before anything is truly resolved. This story would’ve been much stronger without it. Generally, I like a little conflict with my romance, but in this case the story did not need it, and then when it did arise, it felt forced and unresolved.
ure to read something that was, in general, just a lot of fun. It made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion, and I was rooting throughout for this unconventional yet wonderful family. It even didn’t bug me that Nick was so utterly clueless, since it lead to many a fun conversation and even more hot make-up sex.
If you’re on the fence about this book, don’t hesitate to buy it. I can highly recommend it and will look forward to seeing what J.M. Cartwright produces in the future.
When Henry Travis, a brilliant robotics researcher, takes his beautiful classic Mercedes into Nick Shelton’s shop, he has no idea what he’s gotten himself into. The buttoned-up, fussy Henry is used to having things done a particular way, and within just a few minutes, he realizes Nick does not subscribe to the same philosophy. Nick’s great with cars and has even done a bang up job taking over his father’s classic car garage, but he’s more than a little clueless in many aspects of his life.
Nick lives with his aging father and his 14-year-old nephew, Grant, who was dropped off at his house by his sister, after she decided she no longer wanted a child. Nick knows nothing about raising a kid and even less about what to do in a relationship, so when things start to heat up with the genius, he can’t quite read the cues in order to figure out how to keep the man happy.
The two are a unique pair. Henry may be smart, but when it comes to real-world information, he’s still lacking. And he certainly cannot abide this gruff, unrefined man blowing apart his meticulously structured world, even if he’s extremely attracted to him. There’s more than meets the eye to both of these two, though. When Nick first meets Henry, he’s wearing a bow-tie, of all things, but Henry’s behavior in the bedroom is not at all consistent with Nick’s first impressions. And while Nick claims he’s not the smartest tool in the shed, he’s not giving himself enough credit. He runs a successful business and manages to keep up with Henry without any problems.
This novel is mostly an opposites attract story. It’s about two men who are seemingly so different, but who realize that, while it takes some serious communication to figure out the language the other is speaking, they can still be good for each other. And these two characters, Henry and Nick, are absolutely delightful. I cannot say how much I enjoyed them. They are each, in their own way, witty and funny and don’t take life too seriously. They care for each other and are fiercely protective of the people around them. Their repartee is charming, and their interaction with each other never failed to put a smile on my face.
The first 70% of this book was entertaining and sweet and so much fun, and I think J.M. Cartwright is an author with immense talent. Even the supporting characters, especially the nephew, Grant, and Nick’s father, are well-developed and, while each flawed in their own way, are so extremely likable. I would’ve given this book a higher grade if it didn’t go a little haywire the last third of the book.
One of the things I enjoyed the most about this story is that it didn’t need to rely on angst or conflict to engage the reader. It was captivating simply because they were well-written characters with interesting, fun dialogue. Then, the author felt it necessary to insert a bit of a baffling conflict. The focus, which should’ve stayed on Nick and Henry and their budding relationship, was moved another direction, and it ended up feeling unnecessary. Then, once the big issues arise, the book ended before anything is truly resolved. This story would’ve been much stronger without it. Generally, I like a little conflict with my romance, but in this case the story did not need it, and then when it did arise, it felt forced and unresolved.
ure to read something that was, in general, just a lot of fun. It made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion, and I was rooting throughout for this unconventional yet wonderful family. It even didn’t bug me that Nick was so utterly clueless, since it lead to many a fun conversation and even more hot make-up sex.
If you’re on the fence about this book, don’t hesitate to buy it. I can highly recommend it and will look forward to seeing what J.M. Cartwright produces in the future.
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