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Ten Toes Down
It's so easy to be a bad boy when you no longer have to be good. Sebastian Behr used to be a good boy. Hot shot, high flying call centre executive, he had a little piece of respect, a huge paycheck, beautiful wife, high-end cars, and a big house. The only things left to get were a couple of nice kids and that happy coast to a comfortable retirement. Nothing was supposed to get in his way. Instead, his wife got a boyfriend, his job got downsized and he's taken in some new roommates. And now, with nothing else to do, it's all boobs, booze, and rejection letters. Sebastian knows what it takes to be good, but does he have what it really takes to be bad? Ever wonder what a man thinks when he picks a woman out of a crowd and convinces her to sleep with him? Ever wonder what he thinks about himself when he does it? Sebastian Behr can tell you. Riotously funny, refreshingly honest, and deceptively insightful, Ten Toes Down is a spirited personal odyssey that follows Sebastian Behr as he searches for his place in the world in the wake of an unexpected divorce, countless hangovers and endless available women. Venturing boldly into the heart of the contemporary male, Ten Toes Down wallows just long enough in the libidinous antics and bad boy manners of Sebastian’s post-divorce regression to deliver the reader a boisterous ride to the dirty side of town.
274 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2012
1 person is currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Asher Conrad
2 books1 followerNature sometimes conspires against mankind in her distribution of talents; such is the case with Asher Conrad. We are two, each with a distinct talent, and between us we make exactly one writer.
Brian is an American call center executive with an innate genius for story construction. Bettina, a Canadian, was gifted with the talent to translate ideas into narrative cohesion. Each is indispensible to the other.
Having met in the corporate world, we share neither domicile nor country, but using the tools of modern communication we overcome the barriers that distance once imposed.
We continue to write together, and are currently working on "Daddy Date Night", a novel that our mothers won't be embarrassed to read
Brian is an American call center executive with an innate genius for story construction. Bettina, a Canadian, was gifted with the talent to translate ideas into narrative cohesion. Each is indispensible to the other.
Having met in the corporate world, we share neither domicile nor country, but using the tools of modern communication we overcome the barriers that distance once imposed.
We continue to write together, and are currently working on "Daddy Date Night", a novel that our mothers won't be embarrassed to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 29, 2013
Free E-book available right now at Barnes & Noble, Sony Books and iBooks!
August 19, 2013
First of all, I love the title of this book and the cover perfectly illustrates the meaning. It speaks to my witty side and immediately drew my attention and curiosity to find out what was inside.
I am pleased to say I found a very captivating read. From beginning to end I wanted to know what would happen next in the life of Sebastian Behr. Considering this was not written in a typical romance story fashion, but rather, in the first person, which I usually don't like, I wish to be clear this is meant to be a huge compliment to Asher Conrad as a writer, as well as a strong encouragement for readers to purchase this book and give it a go.
I found Sebastian's adventures, his travails and how he chose to navigate these circumstances interesting and often times humorous to picture (not that I would want to be found in those same situations, but...) What I appreciated most about this book is that it was written with such brutal honesty about men from a man's point of view. I seriously think every young woman should read this, because we women like to believe the men we want are good guys. And well, while most can be, some men are not, or at least, not always. Sebastian himself, was a faithful husband who worked hard to give his wife a comfortable life and was looking forward to filling his house with children. A family man. A good guy. And then for reasons out of his control things went awry after which he reverted back to his pre-marriage frat boy ways. Not a good guy. Inside these pages you will find a honest, blunt, explicit, and somewhat sad story of the turmoil unexpected losses can bring to a man's well-being and self-esteem and how he reacts both inwardly and outwardly. Best of all, this is a story of how he finds his way back to becoming the man he has always aspired to be and back on track to the life goals he had set for himself. It's an interesting journey. Well worth the read.
*I received a copy of this book as a Goodreads contest winner.
I am pleased to say I found a very captivating read. From beginning to end I wanted to know what would happen next in the life of Sebastian Behr. Considering this was not written in a typical romance story fashion, but rather, in the first person, which I usually don't like, I wish to be clear this is meant to be a huge compliment to Asher Conrad as a writer, as well as a strong encouragement for readers to purchase this book and give it a go.
I found Sebastian's adventures, his travails and how he chose to navigate these circumstances interesting and often times humorous to picture (not that I would want to be found in those same situations, but...) What I appreciated most about this book is that it was written with such brutal honesty about men from a man's point of view. I seriously think every young woman should read this, because we women like to believe the men we want are good guys. And well, while most can be, some men are not, or at least, not always. Sebastian himself, was a faithful husband who worked hard to give his wife a comfortable life and was looking forward to filling his house with children. A family man. A good guy. And then for reasons out of his control things went awry after which he reverted back to his pre-marriage frat boy ways. Not a good guy. Inside these pages you will find a honest, blunt, explicit, and somewhat sad story of the turmoil unexpected losses can bring to a man's well-being and self-esteem and how he reacts both inwardly and outwardly. Best of all, this is a story of how he finds his way back to becoming the man he has always aspired to be and back on track to the life goals he had set for himself. It's an interesting journey. Well worth the read.
*I received a copy of this book as a Goodreads contest winner.
December 19, 2015
The only reason I finished this book was because I enjoyed how it was written. To me, the style and the execution were just so great that I had to read it til the end. I'm not sure why I wans't fully into this book from the beginning, but then I finally figured out what it is about this story that makes it so hard to get into.. It's not just cuz it's based around a dude. Stories about guys RARELY catch my attention, but it happens.. This story, it's just not happening. But it's written so well that I haven't been able to put it down. I figured it out! It's because it started at Sebastians 40th birthday where his life is noooot ok.. Then you read the story that starts earlier in his years and you begin to see his change and really root for him.. But something doesn't seem right. There's a nagging feeling in the back of your mind.. But what IS it? No idea. Then BAM! It hits you; you're reading the nineteenth chapter and realize it's because you know that he may be 39 and getting his shit together and it's endearing and makes you hopeful.. But what's that? Oh, right.. It's the beginning of the book where he wakes up in his truck with his shit completely NOT together. I'm investing my time and feelings and I can't see how he can fix it in time that's left on the book. Like is it going to end at the beginning, and end sucky for him, or is it going to get all cliche, and him and Bailey are going to end up together and have babies and get married and be so fucking happy in the last chapter? Because I KNOW he won't end up with Michelle again. I'd burn the book. Or my kindle since I have the internet version.
Then it ended.
4 Stars because after this, I'd read ANYTHING the author has written...
Then it ended.
4 Stars because after this, I'd read ANYTHING the author has written...
September 5, 2013
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Ten Toes Down is the male perspective of a relationship-gone-bad and how one individual reacts. Not always in the most responsible way...
The author combo (a male and female) added insight to what could have been a one-sided story. They were able to add humor to a terrible situation, as well as draw out feelings of compassion for all individuals involved. How many times do we look back on our past behaviors and regret things we've done? Hindsight is a wonderful gift, while time and self-reflection gave Sebastian the distance he needed to start his life over... hopefully as a more well-rounded individual. Pete and Sophie are the two well-adjusted people that give the reader hope for Sebastian and TJ and anyone else in a similar situation.
Sebastian's parting words to Bailey are a wake-up call to all of us; 'Everybody needs help when they hurt...'
The author combo (a male and female) added insight to what could have been a one-sided story. They were able to add humor to a terrible situation, as well as draw out feelings of compassion for all individuals involved. How many times do we look back on our past behaviors and regret things we've done? Hindsight is a wonderful gift, while time and self-reflection gave Sebastian the distance he needed to start his life over... hopefully as a more well-rounded individual. Pete and Sophie are the two well-adjusted people that give the reader hope for Sebastian and TJ and anyone else in a similar situation.
Sebastian's parting words to Bailey are a wake-up call to all of us; 'Everybody needs help when they hurt...'
February 21, 2016
This was a very enjoyable read. One could assume it to be a real life story of a call centre executive named Benjamin. It covers his life's rise and fall during America's recent economic downturn. Poor Ben seems to whore his life away with so many women after leaving his cheating wife.
In some ways it reminded me of a recent book I read called Dealing Flesh by Birgit Waldschmidt this tale has a female lead as a life story.
I find these type of books captivating because they exude a reality that you won't find in your run of the Mills and B--n love stories.
What I missed inTen Toes Down by Asher Conrad is: more visual character detail, hence 4 stars.
I got this from Author's, Birgit and Rachel Blade (Forty years to Rome and Back) and missed their descriptive narrative when reading this.
That point aside this is a full length life novel and so well edited it makes it a joy to read.
In some ways it reminded me of a recent book I read called Dealing Flesh by Birgit Waldschmidt this tale has a female lead as a life story.
I find these type of books captivating because they exude a reality that you won't find in your run of the Mills and B--n love stories.
What I missed inTen Toes Down by Asher Conrad is: more visual character detail, hence 4 stars.
I got this from Author's, Birgit and Rachel Blade (Forty years to Rome and Back) and missed their descriptive narrative when reading this.
That point aside this is a full length life novel and so well edited it makes it a joy to read.
August 10, 2013
*** ADULT CONTENT *** This title is NOT recommended for students who follow my reviews.***
Sebastian had a great job and a beautiful wife. But then it all came crashing down when he came home from a business trip to discover his wife had a man on the side. Not long after, he is laid off from his job because he was so good at what he did, he eliminated the reasons to keep him on. And thus begins Sebastian's downward spiral into excessive drinking, meaningless and sometimes deviant sexual behavior, and depression. Only when he hits rock bottom does he figure out what he really wants and how to get it.
I should have hated this book. But somehow, despite his unhealthy thoughts and behavior, I found Sebastian both wounded and likable. If you like real life fiction and can handle some reprehensible behavior, you'll like this book.
Sebastian had a great job and a beautiful wife. But then it all came crashing down when he came home from a business trip to discover his wife had a man on the side. Not long after, he is laid off from his job because he was so good at what he did, he eliminated the reasons to keep him on. And thus begins Sebastian's downward spiral into excessive drinking, meaningless and sometimes deviant sexual behavior, and depression. Only when he hits rock bottom does he figure out what he really wants and how to get it.
I should have hated this book. But somehow, despite his unhealthy thoughts and behavior, I found Sebastian both wounded and likable. If you like real life fiction and can handle some reprehensible behavior, you'll like this book.
June 11, 2013
Although I do not usually read fiction about bad boys doing dirty things, this book caught my attention. Instead of the usual chick lit male bashing over a break-up, this book focuses on the very real feelings of a man, and what divorce means to him.
What do you do when you no longer have anything to tie you down? No wife, no job, no self respect? Sebastian Behr takes us on a pretty wild (and entertaining) ride to discover just that.
Once you begin this book you'll have trouble putting it down. The antics of Sebastian and his "frat boy" friends are too good to miss.
What do you do when you no longer have anything to tie you down? No wife, no job, no self respect? Sebastian Behr takes us on a pretty wild (and entertaining) ride to discover just that.
Once you begin this book you'll have trouble putting it down. The antics of Sebastian and his "frat boy" friends are too good to miss.
January 8, 2014
it's like reading kinsella, but from a man's viewpoint. the novel portrays how a man deals with failure in terms of relationships and career. the writing could be improved, but it would be great to have a movie version of this book, as it is an easy and interesting read
February 28, 2014
The life and sufferings of being a douchebag. Well written, way to create sympathetic characters out of these manboys.
March 16, 2014
It was FREE, okay, so I read it! Made me glad that I am not in the dating world.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews