What do you think?
Rate this book
Tattoos #1
Tattoos & Teacups
As a teenager, Robert McKinnon left his native Scotland and moved to America. That was sixteen years ago, and Professor McKinnon has never quite settled in his new home or found his place this side of the pond. He might be prematurely old, but he has his cat, and his books, and that's all he needs.
Then Chris Ford explodes into Robert's life with a crash of cymbals. The younger man is the polar opposite of Robert's calm civility. Bright tattoos cover his skin, and he wears his hair in a Mohawk and plays drums for a rock band. But he's a shot of color in Robert's black-and-white world, and Robert turns out to be the one thing Chris can count on. Despite all the reasons it shouldn't work, somehow it does.
Even if Robert wasn't looking for love—especially not with someone nearly ten years his junior—he can't deny being with Chris is fun. But sometimes Chris's free-spirited nature leaves Robert feeling vulnerable. If they can't find a balance between tattoos and teacups, their relationship won't survive—and neither will Robert's new found lust for life.
Then Chris Ford explodes into Robert's life with a crash of cymbals. The younger man is the polar opposite of Robert's calm civility. Bright tattoos cover his skin, and he wears his hair in a Mohawk and plays drums for a rock band. But he's a shot of color in Robert's black-and-white world, and Robert turns out to be the one thing Chris can count on. Despite all the reasons it shouldn't work, somehow it does.
Even if Robert wasn't looking for love—especially not with someone nearly ten years his junior—he can't deny being with Chris is fun. But sometimes Chris's free-spirited nature leaves Robert feeling vulnerable. If they can't find a balance between tattoos and teacups, their relationship won't survive—and neither will Robert's new found lust for life.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2012
62 people are currently reading
2041 people want to read
About the author
Anna Martin
48 books478 followersAnna Martin is from a picturesque seaside village in the south west of England. After spending most of her childhood making up stories, she studied English Literature at university before attempting to turn her hand as a professional writer.
Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, she is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theatre (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), travelling, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.
Although her most recent work is in the LGBT romance genre, in the past Anna has worked on a variety of different projects including short stories, drabbles, flash fiction, fan fiction, plays for both children and adults, and poetry. She has written novels in the Teen or Young Adult genre, Romance and Fantasy novels.
Anna is, by her own admission, almost unhealthily obsessed with books. The library she has amassed is both large and diverse; "My favourite books," she says, "are 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee and 'Oryx and Crake' by Margaret Atwood." She also owns multiple copies of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park books and re-reads the Harry Potter novels with almost startling regularity.
Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, pre-reading and creative ass-kicking provided by her closest friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept any responsibility for anything Anna has written.
Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, she is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theatre (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), travelling, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.
Although her most recent work is in the LGBT romance genre, in the past Anna has worked on a variety of different projects including short stories, drabbles, flash fiction, fan fiction, plays for both children and adults, and poetry. She has written novels in the Teen or Young Adult genre, Romance and Fantasy novels.
Anna is, by her own admission, almost unhealthily obsessed with books. The library she has amassed is both large and diverse; "My favourite books," she says, "are 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee and 'Oryx and Crake' by Margaret Atwood." She also owns multiple copies of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park books and re-reads the Harry Potter novels with almost startling regularity.
Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, pre-reading and creative ass-kicking provided by her closest friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept any responsibility for anything Anna has written.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 410 reviews
October 10, 2013
What a lovely, lovely read! This book was like comfort food for me- it gave me that warm, ooey-gooey feeling inside. It was completely enjoyable.
"Tattoos and Teacups" was not exactly what I expected, for some reason. I thought this would be a opposites attract story where the two men are at odds all the time due to their differences and there is a lot of drama happening. This book is not like that at all. It is really a story about the complete romantic progression of the relationship between two seemingly very different men.
At first, Rob seems very staid and uptight and Chris is all punk rocker-y but I actually think that they end up being pretty similar kinds of men, at their core. They are two guys looking to meet someone special- they both are in a similar mind-frame throughout the relationship.
This book is very angst free but it is still incredibly interesting in a voyeuristic sort of way. I felt like I was a fly on the wall for their relationship. I fell in love with these two men as they fell in love with each other. I felt incredibly connected to these two guys and very invested in their relationship, which says a lot about the skills of the author. It was also very hot at times, which I didn't expect but totally LOVED.
My main complaint about this book, however, would be its sort of meandering style. I would go so far to say that it is almost plot-less. It didn't feel like it had much structure to it. Still, it was so enjoyable otherwise that this book easily gets 4 stars from me.
"Tattoos and Teacups" was not exactly what I expected, for some reason. I thought this would be a opposites attract story where the two men are at odds all the time due to their differences and there is a lot of drama happening. This book is not like that at all. It is really a story about the complete romantic progression of the relationship between two seemingly very different men.
At first, Rob seems very staid and uptight and Chris is all punk rocker-y but I actually think that they end up being pretty similar kinds of men, at their core. They are two guys looking to meet someone special- they both are in a similar mind-frame throughout the relationship.
This book is very angst free but it is still incredibly interesting in a voyeuristic sort of way. I felt like I was a fly on the wall for their relationship. I fell in love with these two men as they fell in love with each other. I felt incredibly connected to these two guys and very invested in their relationship, which says a lot about the skills of the author. It was also very hot at times, which I didn't expect but totally LOVED.
My main complaint about this book, however, would be its sort of meandering style. I would go so far to say that it is almost plot-less. It didn't feel like it had much structure to it. Still, it was so enjoyable otherwise that this book easily gets 4 stars from me.
September 28, 2015
This was the perfect Sunday feel-good read!
A hidden gem I found buried on my Kindle.
Another review I read said it best. I felt like a fly on the wall of Rob and Chris' relationship.
I felt everything right along with them.
Watching them fall in love...
...I had a smile on my face the whole time reading this one!
Low angst. Great steam.
*dreamy sigh*
Highly recommend!!!
August 20, 2020
4 Stars
Tattoos & Teacups is a simple yet deeply satisfying M/M story, providing a “slice of life” look at the blossoming romance between Robert, a serious-minded, Scottish born professor, and Chris, a slightly younger, fairly vivacious, tattoo-covered percussionist.
The story of Robert and Chris’s love is sweet, sexy and romantic, with very little in the way of external drama and angst. (Some readers have been bored by this, according to some of the reviews, while others, like myself, delighted in cozying up to this modest but undoubtedly beautifully written story.)
I enjoyed myself here, reading quickly and eagerly, always with a sense of peace and contentment, which is a feeling greatly appreciated during this crazy year we’re having. My only remorse is that it took me so very long to decide to read this story—which was sitting bought but unread on my Kindle for over 5 years. *hangs head in shame*
Tattoos & Teacups is a simple yet deeply satisfying M/M story, providing a “slice of life” look at the blossoming romance between Robert, a serious-minded, Scottish born professor, and Chris, a slightly younger, fairly vivacious, tattoo-covered percussionist.
The story of Robert and Chris’s love is sweet, sexy and romantic, with very little in the way of external drama and angst. (Some readers have been bored by this, according to some of the reviews, while others, like myself, delighted in cozying up to this modest but undoubtedly beautifully written story.)
I enjoyed myself here, reading quickly and eagerly, always with a sense of peace and contentment, which is a feeling greatly appreciated during this crazy year we’re having. My only remorse is that it took me so very long to decide to read this story—which was sitting bought but unread on my Kindle for over 5 years. *hangs head in shame*
February 13, 2013
This is a lovely, sweet, opposites-attract story about Robert, a college professor with a fondness for Kipling's poetry, and Chris, a tattooed drummer almost a decade younger. For most of the book, the relationship progresses fairly smoothly, with just enough events and issues to give it some ups and downs, but no big dramatic moments of angst. The biggest stumbling block to happiness happens slowly and not unexpectedly, like the inexorable approach of a freight train. You can see damage coming but there doesn't seem to be a good way around it. This story feels very true to life. Robert as the POV character has just a touch of analytical detachment that keeps this book from wallowing in the emotions, but gives it a shy sense of wonder in the moments of joy.
ETA: On a reread, still a sweet, enjoyable story.
ETA: On a reread, still a sweet, enjoyable story.
July 8, 2012
3.5 stars
The best way to describe this book is a gentle slow tender romance with a wonderful relationship where you get to know and feel how Robert and Chris change, the differences which could be a complication are turned into an interesting dynamic, they click and the age gap is perfect for both of them. Robert keeps Chris grounded and Chris provides excitement to Robert's otherwise dull existence. A lovely romance where you want to see them have it all a home and family because they are committed to making it work. Adorable MC's and they have a lot a fun in and out of bed which was very sexy. Recommended!
The best way to describe this book is a gentle slow tender romance with a wonderful relationship where you get to know and feel how Robert and Chris change, the differences which could be a complication are turned into an interesting dynamic, they click and the age gap is perfect for both of them. Robert keeps Chris grounded and Chris provides excitement to Robert's otherwise dull existence. A lovely romance where you want to see them have it all a home and family because they are committed to making it work. Adorable MC's and they have a lot a fun in and out of bed which was very sexy. Recommended!
January 29, 2015
23-year-old tattooed percussionist and 32-year-old Literature teacher.
I enjoyed the book pretty much. At the end.
To be honest, I thought I would DNF this book. The first half is very inconstant and I couldn’t feel that pull to go on with the characters and their lives. It was nice but not mesmerizing.
And the sense of time is very wrong. It gives the impression of isolated episodes with several months in between, so I had a feeling I was reading a long-term relationship instead of a causal one that lasts only a little time. I think that’s because they were very new to each other one second and in the next one they were talking like if they knew each other for ages, but not that kind of way in which you feel them as soul mates but like actual years. For instance, when Chris wants to meet Rob’s daughter and Rob feels guilty because he hasn’t talked about Chris to his ex. It felt like if he had spent lots of Sundays with his daughter while being with Chris. But then I was surprised when Chris asks Rob to go with him to a tattoo shop and the tattoo artist asks them how long they have been together and they answer “A month”. That really shocked me, it was the relativity theory at its best.
There is a confusion of terms in one moment of the book. They are talking about a character having been treated of cancer only with surgery and chemotherapy, and two pages later the same character says he has been operated on and then only had radiotherapy. It’s not the same thing, and in the way it was told, it seemed that person only received one kind of therapy and not both. Very obvious mistake.
I want to add I don't get why some supporting characters are in the book, they come into scene once and suddenly they magically disappear. I couldn't understand the point of them getting into the story to begin with.
I also missed some Chris's POV.
But then the second half came. And it was sooooo gooood! It improved a lot and I couldn’t quit. I was off-guard when it happened but after a certain point their relationship was more mature and more charming. It was like reading a different book altogether, and it was for the best. I prefer a book going from lowest to highest than the opposite but I still can't deny the first pages were difficult to endure. Apart from that there is a turn I liked a lot and make some kind of difference from the typical love story. Sometimes there are more important things than love, like maturity and dreams, and you have to try them instead of heading for the one we expect. It was very real and honest, a good point.
Oh, and please, very few times I like a kid that much but here it was just a “momento Nescafé”.
So, yes, I was worth it. Not mind-blowing, but still.
I enjoyed the book pretty much. At the end.
To be honest, I thought I would DNF this book. The first half is very inconstant and I couldn’t feel that pull to go on with the characters and their lives. It was nice but not mesmerizing.
And the sense of time is very wrong. It gives the impression of isolated episodes with several months in between, so I had a feeling I was reading a long-term relationship instead of a causal one that lasts only a little time. I think that’s because they were very new to each other one second and in the next one they were talking like if they knew each other for ages, but not that kind of way in which you feel them as soul mates but like actual years. For instance, when Chris wants to meet Rob’s daughter and Rob feels guilty because he hasn’t talked about Chris to his ex. It felt like if he had spent lots of Sundays with his daughter while being with Chris. But then I was surprised when Chris asks Rob to go with him to a tattoo shop and the tattoo artist asks them how long they have been together and they answer “A month”. That really shocked me, it was the relativity theory at its best.
There is a confusion of terms in one moment of the book. They are talking about a character having been treated of cancer only with surgery and chemotherapy, and two pages later the same character says he has been operated on and then only had radiotherapy. It’s not the same thing, and in the way it was told, it seemed that person only received one kind of therapy and not both. Very obvious mistake.
I want to add I don't get why some supporting characters are in the book, they come into scene once and suddenly they magically disappear. I couldn't understand the point of them getting into the story to begin with.
I also missed some Chris's POV.
But then the second half came. And it was sooooo gooood! It improved a lot and I couldn’t quit. I was off-guard when it happened but after a certain point their relationship was more mature and more charming. It was like reading a different book altogether, and it was for the best. I prefer a book going from lowest to highest than the opposite but I still can't deny the first pages were difficult to endure. Apart from that there is a turn I liked a lot and make some kind of difference from the typical love story. Sometimes there are more important things than love, like maturity and dreams, and you have to try them instead of heading for the one we expect. It was very real and honest, a good point.
Oh, and please, very few times I like a kid that much but here it was just a “momento Nescafé”.
“Uncle Chris is gay,” Cassie tells the realtor with relish.
“Really,” Jessica says, a polite but amused expression plastered on her face.
“Cassie, shut up,” Chloe whispers furiously from behind us, but she is ignored.
“Mhmm,” Cassie says. “That means he doesn’t like girls. He likes boys instead. My mommy says that’s okay, though. You can like whoever you want to like.”
“Is that so”.
“Yes. So when I grow up, I’m going to marry a penguin.”
So, yes, I was worth it. Not mind-blowing, but still.
February 4, 2017
4 Stars
Tattoos and Teacups is a very sweet story about the power of opposites attracting and choosing not to settle for the life you have, but deciding take some risks and hopefully living life you want.
Robert is a 32yr old English literature professor, (not to be confused with Gerard Butler his much older doppelgänger, even if they are both Scottish heartthrobs) who has settled into the life of a much older man and is completely comfortable in his regimented days. He has accepted the fact that he will never find love, if that is in fact a real thing. He prides himself on his professional life and the accomplishments he's earned, even if he may be lonely.
Chris is a beautifully alive 23yr old percussionist, not simply a drummer, who is confident and self assured. Chris finds himself in Boston, on a short month or two break from a cross country van tour with his band, recharging before continuing on out West.
They have a chance meeting in one of Robert's favorite pubs, where he has had a few too many pints and his Scottish accent has gotten noticeable thicker...Chris can't help but mistake him for the dreaded Butler. Robert doubts he has anything to offer the gorgeous younger man, can't possibly believe he would ever be interested in the older professor, but Robert decides to take a chance and uses the number Chris left for him.
My good friend J said it best, it was like being a fly on the wall watching this couple fall in love...and as unlikely a pair as they were...fall they did.
It was a bit quick, but sometimes love happens quickly, it felt genuine. The real story here was what happens next. Life comes calling and tough choices have to be made. Sometimes when you love someone you have to put yourself aside, then figure out what comes next for you.
I was surprised more than once whilst reading this, which is always a treat.
This couple shows real vulnerability coupled with all the hot and steamy sex, you get the full view of who they are.
All in all a good, low angst enjoyable read.
Tattoos and Teacups is a very sweet story about the power of opposites attracting and choosing not to settle for the life you have, but deciding take some risks and hopefully living life you want.
Robert is a 32yr old English literature professor, (not to be confused with Gerard Butler his much older doppelgänger, even if they are both Scottish heartthrobs) who has settled into the life of a much older man and is completely comfortable in his regimented days. He has accepted the fact that he will never find love, if that is in fact a real thing. He prides himself on his professional life and the accomplishments he's earned, even if he may be lonely.
Chris is a beautifully alive 23yr old percussionist, not simply a drummer, who is confident and self assured. Chris finds himself in Boston, on a short month or two break from a cross country van tour with his band, recharging before continuing on out West.
They have a chance meeting in one of Robert's favorite pubs, where he has had a few too many pints and his Scottish accent has gotten noticeable thicker...Chris can't help but mistake him for the dreaded Butler. Robert doubts he has anything to offer the gorgeous younger man, can't possibly believe he would ever be interested in the older professor, but Robert decides to take a chance and uses the number Chris left for him.
My good friend J said it best, it was like being a fly on the wall watching this couple fall in love...and as unlikely a pair as they were...fall they did.
It was a bit quick, but sometimes love happens quickly, it felt genuine. The real story here was what happens next. Life comes calling and tough choices have to be made. Sometimes when you love someone you have to put yourself aside, then figure out what comes next for you.
I was surprised more than once whilst reading this, which is always a treat.
This couple shows real vulnerability coupled with all the hot and steamy sex, you get the full view of who they are.
All in all a good, low angst enjoyable read.
July 7, 2012
A warm and sexy story about two very different guys falling in love. Buttoned-up college professor Robert McKinnon meets extroverted percussionist Chris at a bar and the rest is history. The whole focus of the story is Robert and Chris's journey to love. There is not a lot of angst along the way (although one very poignant period) and the secondary characters are just gentle accessories to the men's relationship. For a tender story the sex is surprisingly hot. The book is divided into three parts, Part One, The Intermission, and Part Two. The author changes the tenses for the latter two which I found an interesting and effective way of creating mood and tension. Even though the premise is a common stereotype in m/m romance, the story is told in a natural, cliché-free way. I think most people would enjoy this book. Recommended.
February 18, 2023
Reread 2023
Still wonderful and underrated.
Still wonderful and underrated.
July 10, 2012
3.5 stars
What works for me:
+ The professor and the percussionist -- I do enjoy their being an opposite attract. The age gap works, although when I read the blurb, I somehow think that the gap will be wider, or that Robert will be in the late 30's or early 40's.
+ The story is pretty 'clean' -- no cheating ex, no heavy angst, no overabudant drama, no bitchy ex-wife. Which is nice. Plus, there are actually things that happen OUTSIDE the bedroom. Including the men connecting with Robert's daughter and extended family, watching Chris's performance, etc.
+ The cat. Any story with a cat wins my heart ^_^
What doesn't work for me:
+ The sorta kinky sex thing. . I'm not a prude, but I just feel like it's jumping out of nowhere, in a story that feels 'clean' from the beginning.
+ Although the relationship does feel like it is built slowly, I realize that everything happens in pretty much short time-span (they look like they've been together 'forever' after just a month), and it colors my judgment a bit. For contemporary story, I always like it if they take more time (in comparison with romantic suspense, for example).
What makes me scratch my head in confusion:
+ The best friend, Adam, is suddenly missing. Where the HECK is he? After Robert meets Chris, Adam disappears, and seems to be replaced by Robert's daughter and extended family. It's just weird for me. Especially since Adam is quite interesting (oh, and since he is supposedly Robert's best friend, he could console Robert during the "Intermission" part, right?). Oh, one more thing, Adam is written as Alex, in the last mentioning of him. What's up with that?
What I expect more:
+ Besides the missing best friend, I also notice that Robert's "class activity" seems to be missing as well. Since he is the narrator, and he is the professor, I wish there are more scenes in the classroom.
My favorite quote
From three year-old Cassie
"Uncle Chris is gay," Cassie tells the realtor with relish ... "That means he doesn’t like girls. He likes boys instead. My mommy says that's okay, though. You can like whoever you want to like ..... So when I grow up, I’m going to marry a penguin"
What works for me:
+ The professor and the percussionist -- I do enjoy their being an opposite attract. The age gap works, although when I read the blurb, I somehow think that the gap will be wider, or that Robert will be in the late 30's or early 40's.
+ The story is pretty 'clean' -- no cheating ex, no heavy angst, no overabudant drama, no bitchy ex-wife. Which is nice. Plus, there are actually things that happen OUTSIDE the bedroom. Including the men connecting with Robert's daughter and extended family, watching Chris's performance, etc.
+ The cat. Any story with a cat wins my heart ^_^
What doesn't work for me:
+ The sorta kinky sex thing. . I'm not a prude, but I just feel like it's jumping out of nowhere, in a story that feels 'clean' from the beginning.
+ Although the relationship does feel like it is built slowly, I realize that everything happens in pretty much short time-span (they look like they've been together 'forever' after just a month), and it colors my judgment a bit. For contemporary story, I always like it if they take more time (in comparison with romantic suspense, for example).
What makes me scratch my head in confusion:
+ The best friend, Adam, is suddenly missing. Where the HECK is he? After Robert meets Chris, Adam disappears, and seems to be replaced by Robert's daughter and extended family. It's just weird for me. Especially since Adam is quite interesting (oh, and since he is supposedly Robert's best friend, he could console Robert during the "Intermission" part, right?). Oh, one more thing, Adam is written as Alex, in the last mentioning of him. What's up with that?
What I expect more:
+ Besides the missing best friend, I also notice that Robert's "class activity" seems to be missing as well. Since he is the narrator, and he is the professor, I wish there are more scenes in the classroom.
My favorite quote
From three year-old Cassie
"Uncle Chris is gay," Cassie tells the realtor with relish ... "That means he doesn’t like girls. He likes boys instead. My mommy says that's okay, though. You can like whoever you want to like ..... So when I grow up, I’m going to marry a penguin"
November 16, 2014
I do love a cup of good tea. It usually puts me in that warm happy place. In fact I went to go make a cup before finishing this review. (LOL) And "Tattoos and Teacups" it's just like a cup of great tea - comforting, plus leaves you all warm and yummy inside.
Robert is a 32 year old, Scottish, English professor who has a lead a very staid life. He is a father of a 14 year old survived testicular cancer and just never got it right in the love department.
Enter - Chris - 23, tattooed with a dirty and wicked mouth (he puts it to great use, BTW ;P) and a percussionist. He's the wild child to Robert's studious geek.
This opposites attract romance (though they might be opposite at first or second glance- getting to know them as the book progressed- eh, not so much) was an easy, light and breezy read. The sex was hot, their love believable (though I actually bought it more once they spent time apart). There was no unnecessary drama, just a romance with well-fleshed out characters. I kind of didn't want the book to end - a sign of a well thought out story. Though there was no major drama or paranormal creepers or rough and dirty tumbling, this story was pretty tops.
What kept me from rating it five stars? *scratches head* I don't know.
Drinking a hot cup of tea never changed my life and neither did this story. It left me mellow and quietly satisfied.
But I will be reading more from this author - I really liked the characters down to the kids.
Robert is a 32 year old, Scottish, English professor who has a lead a very staid life. He is a father of a 14 year old survived testicular cancer and just never got it right in the love department.
Enter - Chris - 23, tattooed with a dirty and wicked mouth (he puts it to great use, BTW ;P) and a percussionist. He's the wild child to Robert's studious geek.
This opposites attract romance (though they might be opposite at first or second glance- getting to know them as the book progressed- eh, not so much) was an easy, light and breezy read. The sex was hot, their love believable (though I actually bought it more once they spent time apart). There was no unnecessary drama, just a romance with well-fleshed out characters. I kind of didn't want the book to end - a sign of a well thought out story. Though there was no major drama or paranormal creepers or rough and dirty tumbling, this story was pretty tops.
What kept me from rating it five stars? *scratches head* I don't know.
Drinking a hot cup of tea never changed my life and neither did this story. It left me mellow and quietly satisfied.
But I will be reading more from this author - I really liked the characters down to the kids.
February 17, 2023
Tattoos & Teacups is a beautifully written book with a gorgeous story. The romance is told from Rob's point of view and this is actually my only criticism. I would have found it incredibly nice to dive into Chris's thoughts every now and then.
I think to really appreciate this story you have to be in the right mood. You will have to get involved in a slowly unfolding relationship that is not really slow burn, but rather slow.
Despite my more primal urges begging me to ask him to stay, I had some old romantic notion of wooing this man. I wanted to date him, to do things properly. It would be too easy to take advantage of the spark between us and act on it, letting it ignite a fire that could too quickly, and too easily, burn out. 😊
So it's not a wild adventure, but it's by no means boring. For me, such stories are rather difficult, because my job requires my brain to work super fast and therefore I usually read books that are told super fast. That is not the case here. But the writing style is wonderful, so it was easy for me to stay tuned.
You should be prepared for some inner monologues, which can be quite long, I had to stop myself a bit to avoid skipping too much. But Rob's babbling is quite interesting and I like his life attitude and dry sense of humor.
I’d labelled myself unlovable, a static, stoic bachelor. 🤣
And well, he's Scottish, what's not to love.
I taught him the pleasures of breakfast tea. One week he made me a “proper” American breakfast with eggs and bacon and blueberry pancakes. The next week it was my turn, and I made him a traditional Scottish fry-up. The following week, we argued over whose was the best. Then agreed to disagree, and made toast. Toast was one of the few things we could readily agree on—he still grouched about the tea. 🤩
Chris is in many ways the opposite, but they also fit together perfectly again because they complement each other.
Never before had I been this close to having something with someone. Chris was so different to me, in every possible way. And despite the handful of relationships I’d had before, Chris was different from all of them too. 💜
He brings Rob out of his shell and Rob brings him so much warmth, something he doesn't know and it's just a dream.
In terms of sex ... there is a lot of sex. But here too I would say the scenes are slightly "slow" ... hmm ... not boring by any means, slightly steamy, intense on an emotional level with a nice bouquet of variations with only small kinks.
Our eyes are locked together, and I need that, I need to keep a close watch on him because God knows I love him. He seems to understand that even though I’d count having sex in my office as slightly kinky, that doesn’t mean I won’t make sure I’m making love to him. 😍
There is logically a little bit of drama, but only a little and the tear-filled pages were thankfully quite short. Anything else would not be sensible in this book.
Well, and there is fun inside as well.
“You owe me an hour-long rim job while I eat ice cream and watch Gossip Girl with no sarcasm.” 😋
And the love feels sooooo deep.
He made tea in a pot. My heart skips again. If he keeps doing things like this, then I’m going to end up in the emergency room having a heart attack. 😳
I think to really appreciate this story you have to be in the right mood. You will have to get involved in a slowly unfolding relationship that is not really slow burn, but rather slow.
Despite my more primal urges begging me to ask him to stay, I had some old romantic notion of wooing this man. I wanted to date him, to do things properly. It would be too easy to take advantage of the spark between us and act on it, letting it ignite a fire that could too quickly, and too easily, burn out. 😊
So it's not a wild adventure, but it's by no means boring. For me, such stories are rather difficult, because my job requires my brain to work super fast and therefore I usually read books that are told super fast. That is not the case here. But the writing style is wonderful, so it was easy for me to stay tuned.
You should be prepared for some inner monologues, which can be quite long, I had to stop myself a bit to avoid skipping too much. But Rob's babbling is quite interesting and I like his life attitude and dry sense of humor.
I’d labelled myself unlovable, a static, stoic bachelor. 🤣
And well, he's Scottish, what's not to love.
I taught him the pleasures of breakfast tea. One week he made me a “proper” American breakfast with eggs and bacon and blueberry pancakes. The next week it was my turn, and I made him a traditional Scottish fry-up. The following week, we argued over whose was the best. Then agreed to disagree, and made toast. Toast was one of the few things we could readily agree on—he still grouched about the tea. 🤩
Chris is in many ways the opposite, but they also fit together perfectly again because they complement each other.
Never before had I been this close to having something with someone. Chris was so different to me, in every possible way. And despite the handful of relationships I’d had before, Chris was different from all of them too. 💜
He brings Rob out of his shell and Rob brings him so much warmth, something he doesn't know and it's just a dream.
In terms of sex ... there is a lot of sex. But here too I would say the scenes are slightly "slow" ... hmm ... not boring by any means, slightly steamy, intense on an emotional level with a nice bouquet of variations with only small kinks.
Our eyes are locked together, and I need that, I need to keep a close watch on him because God knows I love him. He seems to understand that even though I’d count having sex in my office as slightly kinky, that doesn’t mean I won’t make sure I’m making love to him. 😍
There is logically a little bit of drama, but only a little and the tear-filled pages were thankfully quite short. Anything else would not be sensible in this book.
Well, and there is fun inside as well.
“You owe me an hour-long rim job while I eat ice cream and watch Gossip Girl with no sarcasm.” 😋
And the love feels sooooo deep.
He made tea in a pot. My heart skips again. If he keeps doing things like this, then I’m going to end up in the emergency room having a heart attack. 😳
September 14, 2023
3 stars.
This was sadly not as amazing as I had hoped. It was an ok read, with some sweet moments like this:
"I watched, all attempts at surreptitiousness failing miserably as he stripped out of his leather motorcycle jacket and boots, hanging the former on the coat hook and setting the latter down next to the door. Neatly. I was in love."
BUT.
I didn't like Robert that much and so many things didn't make sense. And I didn't feel real chemistry, the writing style felt abrupt and nit very smooth.
Robert was awkward and insecure and in theory I should have liked him, but at the same time he was patronizing and deceited (mostly with Chris) and cold/unfeeling with Chloe. This combination didn't feel genuine to me.
There were also many inconsistensies with Robert's character. He initially was portrayed as someone who due to family and circumstances hadn't explored his sexuality with men, later on he declares he loves sex and apparently had been in a relationship for years, even lived together with that ex.
Similar contradictions occured regarding his relationship with his 14 year old daughter Chloe. Initially she wasn't even mentioned for weeks, then Robert admitted she resented him because he had been a mostly absent father, but later on he claimed she was the most important thing in his life and he was with her every other weekend, and that he thankfully had been involved every step/in every decision since her birth?!?
Another thing I couldn't get my head around: when Chris went on tour, he and Robert acted as if Chris was moving to another planet or dying, and wasn't just on tour in the US (they lived in Boston). They didn't talk how their relationship would progress, but were both devastated. Then they never even exchanged text messages or talked on the phone, for months? And even Robert tried to move on? (he didn't, thankfully). When after months of zero contact Chris stands on Robert's doorstep, they spend the night sleeping and NOT TALKING just sleeping? And then decide they next day to live together from now on?
This all just felt so disconnected from real life.
This was sadly not as amazing as I had hoped. It was an ok read, with some sweet moments like this:
"I watched, all attempts at surreptitiousness failing miserably as he stripped out of his leather motorcycle jacket and boots, hanging the former on the coat hook and setting the latter down next to the door. Neatly. I was in love."
BUT.
I didn't like Robert that much and so many things didn't make sense. And I didn't feel real chemistry, the writing style felt abrupt and nit very smooth.
Robert was awkward and insecure and in theory I should have liked him, but at the same time he was patronizing and deceited (mostly with Chris) and cold/unfeeling with Chloe. This combination didn't feel genuine to me.
There were also many inconsistensies with Robert's character. He initially was portrayed as someone who due to family and circumstances hadn't explored his sexuality with men, later on he declares he loves sex and apparently had been in a relationship for years, even lived together with that ex.
Similar contradictions occured regarding his relationship with his 14 year old daughter Chloe. Initially she wasn't even mentioned for weeks, then Robert admitted she resented him because he had been a mostly absent father, but later on he claimed she was the most important thing in his life and he was with her every other weekend, and that he thankfully had been involved every step/in every decision since her birth?!?
Another thing I couldn't get my head around: when Chris went on tour, he and Robert acted as if Chris was moving to another planet or dying, and wasn't just on tour in the US (they lived in Boston). They didn't talk how their relationship would progress, but were both devastated. Then they never even exchanged text messages or talked on the phone, for months? And even Robert tried to move on? (he didn't, thankfully). When after months of zero contact Chris stands on Robert's doorstep, they spend the night sleeping and NOT TALKING just sleeping? And then decide they next day to live together from now on?
This all just felt so disconnected from real life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2017
I loved this story. It is truly just a story of two seemingly very different people meeting and falling in love. There's no twisty plot line or real big dramas. It's just a story of two men blending their lives together. It could've been boring but it wasn't. I adored both of these men and enjoyed watching the gradual changes they made in themselves for the better. These were two people that were so much better together. In the beginning I have to say that I thought Chris would be my favorite but really it was Rob that stole the show for me.
It lost a star for its VERY abrupt ending. It just ended. They were in a good place and I didn't doubt they'd stay together but it almost seemed like it happened in the middle of a conversation for me. Luckily there's a second Christmas story that did give me a glimpse into their future which I also adored. I want more of these two though.
It lost a star for its VERY abrupt ending. It just ended. They were in a good place and I didn't doubt they'd stay together but it almost seemed like it happened in the middle of a conversation for me. Luckily there's a second Christmas story that did give me a glimpse into their future which I also adored. I want more of these two though.
July 19, 2012
4.5
What an absolutely charming romance. I loved it. Such a gorgeous cover as well.
This is definitely a case of opposites attracting and a slow burn romance. It's a story about a 32 year old professor and a 23 year old musician and the journey they make together to find out what they are to each other. It's wonderful and I couldn't put it down. It's funny and touching and sexy.
I laughed so many times reading this book but there were also a few places that choked me up a bit. This is a simple story, just two guys learning their way around each other and simple works so well here.
Such natural dialogue here and the narration by Robert the professor really adds to this story's charm. I can't recommend this enough.
What an absolutely charming romance. I loved it. Such a gorgeous cover as well.
This is definitely a case of opposites attracting and a slow burn romance. It's a story about a 32 year old professor and a 23 year old musician and the journey they make together to find out what they are to each other. It's wonderful and I couldn't put it down. It's funny and touching and sexy.
I laughed so many times reading this book but there were also a few places that choked me up a bit. This is a simple story, just two guys learning their way around each other and simple works so well here.
Such natural dialogue here and the narration by Robert the professor really adds to this story's charm. I can't recommend this enough.
July 15, 2013
3.5 Stars, Because I'm turning over a new leaf and I've been inspired to be more forgiving. See how nice I can be GR friends :)
I do love an opposites attract story. Just like the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean, Robert and Chris are very clearly defined by their differences, and yet they blend so well with just a few white ruffles in the wake. < -- No eye rolls please, I’m feeling sentimental okay.
Robert Andrew McKinnon and Chris Ford couldn’t be more different. Robert is older than Chris (but not too old) a boring conventional academic professor who happens to looks a bit like Gerhard Butler and sports a Scottish accent (nice … right? Well, just the looking like Gerhard Butler and the accent thing, not so much the mouldy prof thing ) So Professor McKinnon is a bit set in his ways; he likes his cuppa tea, drives his ancient car, wears his ‘dull-as-dishwater’ wardrobe and lives his (kind of) predictable existence.
Enter Chris, and Rob’s orderly life really does go BOOM! Chris is a carefree travelling musician; talented, intimidating, cocky, cool, and so confidently full of life. Plus, he’s gorgeously adorned in tattoos.
What starts out as something casual, grows into something more and then something special that neither character has experienced before. Ever. There is a whole heap of insecurities on both sides for these guys to overcome, not to mention that Chris isn’t actually going to be sticking around for long. So what happens when it’s time to move on? What happens when the person you’ve met has given you the confidence to be a new man, (not just because you’ve had a makeover) and then they walk away?
There are a few really sweet moments in this book, some really witty moments and a couple really funny-as-fuck moments too. The sex is … satisfying. Extremely satisfying, in fact I found it borderline erotic. Did I believe in this miss matched attraction? Yes, yes I did. Chris sold me when he says this …
It’s moments like that, that sells this book for me. Sharp, witty and sweet all at once.
The main complaint, because I always have one; is the voice of the story. You see, its Professor Robert McKinnon’s voice and he is as dull as his wardrobe. His narration is filled with non-relevant ramblings and boring everyday shite that I really couldn’t care about. The story tends to take these sharp left turns into snoozeville with descriptions of shopping trips, furniture arrangements, house hunting, wardrobe detail etc etc … I had to shake myself awake a few times.
The story would have benefitted from Chris’s perspective and perhaps the author could have thrown us a bone to chew on while we waited for the climax, and not include it in the climax.
But, you know what? I think I like this author, she is new to me and I won’t overlook her. How can I, with such gorgeous covers? Recommended for a sweet, slow, and sometimes humorous romance.
I do love an opposites attract story. Just like the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean, Robert and Chris are very clearly defined by their differences, and yet they blend so well with just a few white ruffles in the wake. < -- No eye rolls please, I’m feeling sentimental okay.
Robert Andrew McKinnon and Chris Ford couldn’t be more different. Robert is older than Chris (but not too old) a boring conventional academic professor who happens to looks a bit like Gerhard Butler and sports a Scottish accent (nice … right? Well, just the looking like Gerhard Butler and the accent thing, not so much the mouldy prof thing ) So Professor McKinnon is a bit set in his ways; he likes his cuppa tea, drives his ancient car, wears his ‘dull-as-dishwater’ wardrobe and lives his (kind of) predictable existence.
“I’d labeled myself unlovable, a static, stoic bachelor, and myself and Flea, my scruffy cat, were doing quite well on our own, thank you very much. And then? Boom.”
Enter Chris, and Rob’s orderly life really does go BOOM! Chris is a carefree travelling musician; talented, intimidating, cocky, cool, and so confidently full of life. Plus, he’s gorgeously adorned in tattoos.
What starts out as something casual, grows into something more and then something special that neither character has experienced before. Ever. There is a whole heap of insecurities on both sides for these guys to overcome, not to mention that Chris isn’t actually going to be sticking around for long. So what happens when it’s time to move on? What happens when the person you’ve met has given you the confidence to be a new man, (not just because you’ve had a makeover) and then they walk away?
There are a few really sweet moments in this book, some really witty moments and a couple really funny-as-fuck moments too. The sex is … satisfying. Extremely satisfying, in fact I found it borderline erotic. Did I believe in this miss matched attraction? Yes, yes I did. Chris sold me when he says this …
“Rob, you’re amazing. You’re possibly the most amazing man I have ever met, and certainly the most amazing man I have ever dated. You are sweet and kind and loving and funny and so adorable, and the sex could be absolutely fucking terrible.”- lol.
It’s moments like that, that sells this book for me. Sharp, witty and sweet all at once.
The main complaint, because I always have one; is the voice of the story. You see, its Professor Robert McKinnon’s voice and he is as dull as his wardrobe. His narration is filled with non-relevant ramblings and boring everyday shite that I really couldn’t care about. The story tends to take these sharp left turns into snoozeville with descriptions of shopping trips, furniture arrangements, house hunting, wardrobe detail etc etc … I had to shake myself awake a few times.
The story would have benefitted from Chris’s perspective and perhaps the author could have thrown us a bone to chew on while we waited for the climax, and not include it in the climax.
But, you know what? I think I like this author, she is new to me and I won’t overlook her. How can I, with such gorgeous covers? Recommended for a sweet, slow, and sometimes humorous romance.
July 7, 2016
2,5 y redondeo a 3 no sé muy bien por qué, quizás es porque aún no he decidido si este libro merece o no la pena y el "bitchy mode" lo tengo hoy desconectado...
En la escena del tatuaje, cuando uno de los personajes dice cuánto tiempo llevan juntos... ahí me quedé "muerta matá", ¿qué leches había estado leyendo yo???? Desde luego lo que la Sra. Martin transmite por la manera que tienen sus personajes de interactuar entre ellos y con sus familias, y por como está narrado, no te lleva a pensar en ese horizonte temporal... ¿instaWHATTTTTT?
Por lo demás otra historia más de: te conozco, nos enrollamos, nos distanciamos, nos reencontramos y HEA. Al margen de eso, NADA (algo más de profundidad emocional y el POV de Chris hubieran ayudado), y es la quinta que leo, seguida, hartazgo mayúsculo... Has pagado el pato Tattos & Teacups, lo siento
Alguno más de la autora caerá, el estilo no me disgusta.
En la escena del tatuaje, cuando uno de los personajes dice cuánto tiempo llevan juntos... ahí me quedé "muerta matá", ¿qué leches había estado leyendo yo???? Desde luego lo que la Sra. Martin transmite por la manera que tienen sus personajes de interactuar entre ellos y con sus familias, y por como está narrado, no te lleva a pensar en ese horizonte temporal... ¿instaWHATTTTTT?
Por lo demás otra historia más de: te conozco, nos enrollamos, nos distanciamos, nos reencontramos y HEA. Al margen de eso, NADA (algo más de profundidad emocional y el POV de Chris hubieran ayudado), y es la quinta que leo, seguida, hartazgo mayúsculo... Has pagado el pato Tattos & Teacups, lo siento
Alguno más de la autora caerá, el estilo no me disgusta.
March 20, 2013
This book had no vampire's, werewolves or police chases. It was just a story about two regular guys getting to know each other and us getting to watch them fall in love. It was really a sweet book and I loved getting to know Robert and Chris and their families. This book took it's time with them even though I love me some insta love this wasn't one, maybe insta attraction but they took their time so this is a book for the people who don't care for the insta:-) I really enjoyed it!
May 9, 2020
Reread
May 4, 2017
***3 Stars***
This was so damn cute! As has been said in lots of reviews, this story truly feels like you're a fly on the wall watching Robert and Chris fall in love.
"To dashingly handsome Scotsmen and their sublime taste in men."
"And to rather beautiful young percussionists who know how to flatter."
There was such a natural evolution in Chris and Robert's relationship. You get the initial meeting and all the nerves and hesitancy in those first few interactions afterwards...and the butterflies in your stomach of the days that follow. The second guessing in navigating the beginning of a new relationship that you just know has the possibility of changing your life. The desire and yearning of those first kisses and touches and so much more. The satisfaction of great sex that's both passionate and intimate and fun.
However, what kept me from rating this higher was the writing and editing. The pacing is quite choppy here. There were times where the story dragged for me. But, my biggest complaint is the sloppiness of the time-frame of the story. It jumps months ahead and then Robert mentions they've only been dating a month....Robert will recall their time together that takes place over the course of a few weekends, and then in the next sentence its only been a couple of days.
Along these same lines, the transitions are very uneven from scene to scene. One second you're in the living room and next they're lying in bed....or they're in the car and then all of a sudden their somewhere else. Also, there were a few inconsistencies in the story. Robert, who's survived testicular cancer (this isn't a spoiler) says that he had chemotherapy and then a few paragraphs later he says that he only had to do radiation. Or, they're having a conversation while standing and in the next sentence they're getting up from the couch.
Don't get me wrong...the characters and story are great! Both men were endearing and very sweet, but the writing and editing needed a thorough look by a beta reader or editor. I think this may have been the author's first book, or one of her first, so I'm hoping she's got some more people looking over her work.
Even with my issues, this is a sweet book that I would recommend to anyone looking for a low angst, heartwarming and endearing story about the butterflies of falling in love.
July 17, 2023
Lovely, slow, meandering plot. Not slow burn, rather, slow in pace. Simply observing the MCs as they grow. This book was all the more impactful because it was single POV but I was absolutely itching to get into Chris’s head! I wish the follow up part had been in his POV I would have loved to see Rob through his eyes. I enjoyed how real and genuine these characters felt with natural dialogue. There was no OTT drama or big declarations. It was understated with genuine poor communication that didn’t feel fabricated for the sake of it. I’m a huge sucker for Scottish characters and nerds so I was easily sold here and the other MC being a tattooed musician certainly didn’t hurt.
Some may find this boring but I liked the cozy, quiet vibe. I quite enjoyed having Rob’s POV in the club scene and how that was handled, it was such a change from how these scenes normally carry out in these books. I was expecting Elias and Adam to re-appear at some point. The kids were realistic.
Some may find this boring but I liked the cozy, quiet vibe. I quite enjoyed having Rob’s POV in the club scene and how that was handled, it was such a change from how these scenes normally carry out in these books. I was expecting Elias and Adam to re-appear at some point. The kids were realistic.
January 28, 2014
This book and I didn't start out on the greatest terms. I don't know if I just wasn't in the mood or what but everything annoyed me. I made myself stop reading shortly after I started and picked it up the next day...what a difference a night makes. After I picked this back up I didn't wanna put it down!!
I've decided to edit my rating from 4 stars to 5 because had I not been annoyed before I started this book it would have totally made my 5 star list!
These guys were a pleasure to get to know. Robert was the 'older' man and Chris was the 'younger' guy :) Besides the kitchen scene these guys had a wonderful slow burn type build up in their relationship. All the while these two were spending time with each other they were becoming better (for lack of a better word) men but not just to please each other it was truly a positive for themselves.
Chris when he knocked on that door drenched from head to toe, my heart swooned and it felt perfect!
December 2, 2014
DNF 32%
Not even for bingo. Maybe if it were shorter, but this is clumsy writing and Rob spends way too much time thinking about things that have nothing to do with what he's doing. And trust me, while having sex for the first time in years I don't think he's going to be reminiscing about past indiscretions.
Not even for bingo. Maybe if it were shorter, but this is clumsy writing and Rob spends way too much time thinking about things that have nothing to do with what he's doing. And trust me, while having sex for the first time in years I don't think he's going to be reminiscing about past indiscretions.
July 7, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It was a slow, lovely story of how Robert and Chris found themselves in love. I think some readers might find this boring as it is not filled with high angst or douchy characters. Rest assured I found it worth the read.
October 11, 2015
Love like hot chocolate on a winter day, just sitting in bed drinking and reading that is what this book is for me..
More review to come,.... can't think much more... still lost in the hazy fog that I just read a book about these two.
More review to come,.... can't think much more... still lost in the hazy fog that I just read a book about these two.
November 18, 2015
Looking back over my comments I'm not sure why I ever thought I'd get back to reading this.
Life is too short to finish a book that is just going to piss me off.
Life is too short to finish a book that is just going to piss me off.
July 8, 2012
So we've got a professor and a musician...yup completely works for me, then you have a slowly developing love story...yup still works for me, then you have amazingly endearing characters (including secondary)...yup still working for me, then you have a HEA...yup completely worked for me! Oh and did I mention a Scottish accent that sneaks out sometimes :D
July 7, 2012
What can I say... I really do love this book. It's very intimate and warm, in some ways, and the main character, Robert, is just... I want to hug him. A lot.
I love the way Robert clings to his "britishness" and how he is so old before his time, yet he manages to be brave enough to open himself to Chris.
I like the fact that not everything is explained to pieces and while Robert can be emotional and romantic, he's still a man who doesn't analyze everything to bits. There's something very... European about Robert, and I like that.
What seems like a funny thing to mention to me, is that there are no female villains in this book. There are several female secondary characters, but none of them are mean. Too often in M/M-fiction the women are the villains or at least total bitches, or there to die and leave their kid/s to the male MC. Not in this book.
All in all, there are a lot of books that try to please people, usually way too many people at the same time. This one has integrity. It's a lovely book about two very different men who may not be that different at all...
I love the way Robert clings to his "britishness" and how he is so old before his time, yet he manages to be brave enough to open himself to Chris.
I like the fact that not everything is explained to pieces and while Robert can be emotional and romantic, he's still a man who doesn't analyze everything to bits. There's something very... European about Robert, and I like that.
What seems like a funny thing to mention to me, is that there are no female villains in this book. There are several female secondary characters, but none of them are mean. Too often in M/M-fiction the women are the villains or at least total bitches, or there to die and leave their kid/s to the male MC. Not in this book.
All in all, there are a lot of books that try to please people, usually way too many people at the same time. This one has integrity. It's a lovely book about two very different men who may not be that different at all...
January 28, 2014
That. Was. Beautiful. I loved every single page of that book. Well, I didn't love feeling sad but it was very short lived and it had to happen and it was done brilliantly because I felt wrecked! Oh and this I didn't love...Robert, just so you know, 32 is not OLD! Anyway. That was just a fantastic romantic read and I am shocked at how much I truly loved it. I claim to be bored without a bit of angst or drama or whatever but with this book, well, I loved every single page and never once was wondering when something would happen. I remained calm, I was never bored and I just found the story so freaking beautiful. I don't know what else to say. This was just a great story about falling in love. Really falling in love. Rob + Chris forever :) Read.
November 22, 2012
Loved loved loved this!!!
While I wouldn't exactly call this extraordinary or anything, I really loved everything about it. I started reading it around midnight and didn't put it down until I was finished and the sun was coming up. I loved the characters and it was just so perfectly adorable with very little angst.
4.5 Stars because of bit of repetitiveness and a few timeline mishaps.
While I wouldn't exactly call this extraordinary or anything, I really loved everything about it. I started reading it around midnight and didn't put it down until I was finished and the sun was coming up. I loved the characters and it was just so perfectly adorable with very little angst.
4.5 Stars because of bit of repetitiveness and a few timeline mishaps.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 410 reviews