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An Englishmen Story
Callum Walker is feeling listless in his life in London. When his job takes him to Canada to install communications software for a new sports arena, he’s glad for a change of scenery.
During his stay, he befriends Noah Lukas, the strikingly handsome star player of the Toronto Bobcats professional hockey team. Callum knows nothing will ever come of it, but he can’t stop his attraction. As their bond grows, Callum learns more about – and falls more for—Noah through his sensitive and humble interactions with fans, his gentlemanly reaction to flirtations from arena staff, and his frank apprehension over his impending retirement. Their friendship evolves from workout partners to confidants, and then to even more. But Callum’s time in Canada is limited, and circumstances may divide him from a love he wasn’t looking for.
Callum Walker is feeling listless in his life in London. When his job takes him to Canada to install communications software for a new sports arena, he’s glad for a change of scenery.
During his stay, he befriends Noah Lukas, the strikingly handsome star player of the Toronto Bobcats professional hockey team. Callum knows nothing will ever come of it, but he can’t stop his attraction. As their bond grows, Callum learns more about – and falls more for—Noah through his sensitive and humble interactions with fans, his gentlemanly reaction to flirtations from arena staff, and his frank apprehension over his impending retirement. Their friendship evolves from workout partners to confidants, and then to even more. But Callum’s time in Canada is limited, and circumstances may divide him from a love he wasn’t looking for.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
April 10, 2013
Technicality warning:
The timeline was not linear. Each chapter was opened with "present" time (somewhere in 2014) and it was within a single day, as Callum waiting for something (we knew later that it was a phone call). Then it would jump back to "past" time when he met and built relationship with Noah. It was a bit confusing for me at first; didn't realize it until about 30%.
The relationship was okay. I wasn't fond with the HFN, actually, but it wasn't too bad. That wasn't the reason for my 2-stars-category rating, though...
The reason?
I know it was free -- and I usually give leeways to free story. BUT, I am just so very tired of women's portrayal on MM romance. And Amy here was the SINGLE villain, and the MCs were calling her man-eater and bitch. Yep, not winning points from me there.
Give me good, rational, positive female characters, please. Trust me, authors. They exist!!
The timeline was not linear. Each chapter was opened with "present" time (somewhere in 2014) and it was within a single day, as Callum waiting for something (we knew later that it was a phone call). Then it would jump back to "past" time when he met and built relationship with Noah. It was a bit confusing for me at first; didn't realize it until about 30%.
The relationship was okay. I wasn't fond with the HFN, actually, but it wasn't too bad. That wasn't the reason for my 2-stars-category rating, though...
The reason?
I know it was free -- and I usually give leeways to free story. BUT, I am just so very tired of women's portrayal on MM romance. And Amy here was the SINGLE villain, and the MCs were calling her man-eater and bitch. Yep, not winning points from me there.
Give me good, rational, positive female characters, please. Trust me, authors. They exist!!
April 15, 2013
4.5 very big stars, rounded up...
I am a sucker for stories where the underdog ends up with the jock. Especially if said jock isn't a total alpha jackass.
Callum is in Toronto working on installing the software for a new arena. He meets Noah in the gym there, and starts a friendship based on a mutual sense of humor and likes. Noah is a professional hockey player and a genuinely nice guy. Callum hesitates to tell him he's gay, assuming it would make a difference in their friendship. And since he's only in Toronto for 12 weeks, he doesn't see the point.
Each chapter in the book starts in the present, and the backstory of Callum's time is told in retrospect. It had me wondering, what phone call was so damned important? Then I started to put the pieces together and loved it.
I really liked the way Callum and Noah's relationship developed. It was slow and organic, almost sweet.
The only thing I knocked the story for, and it is a little minor to me, is I took off half a star but it is strictly a Tom thing.
Great job, and I can't wait to read the other two books.
I am a sucker for stories where the underdog ends up with the jock. Especially if said jock isn't a total alpha jackass.
Callum is in Toronto working on installing the software for a new arena. He meets Noah in the gym there, and starts a friendship based on a mutual sense of humor and likes. Noah is a professional hockey player and a genuinely nice guy. Callum hesitates to tell him he's gay, assuming it would make a difference in their friendship. And since he's only in Toronto for 12 weeks, he doesn't see the point.
Each chapter in the book starts in the present, and the backstory of Callum's time is told in retrospect. It had me wondering, what phone call was so damned important? Then I started to put the pieces together and loved it.
I really liked the way Callum and Noah's relationship developed. It was slow and organic, almost sweet.
The only thing I knocked the story for, and it is a little minor to me, is I took off half a star but it is strictly a Tom thing.
Great job, and I can't wait to read the other two books.
April 24, 2013
Excellent freebie from DSP...I'm all for these sporty types....not jocks usually, they're too full of themselves, but the quiet ones, they're the ones you have to watch... 4.5 stars
Callum is an English software genius, who having installed the stuff in Wembley stadium, has been asked to oversee all of the complicated stuff being installed at the new Toronto Bobcats arena in surprise, surprise, Toronto, but he's only there for 12 weeks. The Toronto Bobcats are a decent hockey team
, Callum of course knows absolutely nothing about ice hockey (not many of us Brits do), but as he's on his own, strange country, no friends 
, decides to spend most of his time in the gym getting fit
, and discovers that a very good looking guy turns up in the gym around the same time every day that he does. He figures the guy must be a personal trainer, he has women swarming all over him, so bummer, he's not even remotely gay!! However, when Callum is having trouble with the weights one day[image error], mystery man comes over to help him and introduces himself as Noah, star player for the Toronto Bobcats. They become friends, and neither is aware at that stage that the other is gay...even hanging out sometimes other than at the gym.Of course, there are women (well, one) in this story, and her name is Amy...take a note of it, cos she figures quite prominently towards the end; however, at this stage she's just an annoying little harpy
who won't leave Noah alone cos she fancies him (and thinks it's returned...dream on girly!!), and won't leave Callum alone cos she's been given the job as liaison/project manager between the workforce and the top boss man, and one of the other guys on the project is supposedly giving her trouble...he can't do his job properly, and she keeps asking Callum to check his work....Anyway, that's all I'm saying for now. I really liked how the story came together, and I especially loved the reason that Callum named his dog Kodak, ah bless
. Some people might find the present/past tense switching off-putting, but it didn't affect what I thought of the book, and I'm looking forward to the 2 follow-ups. Many thanks Ben!!
April 17, 2013
Nope. This did not do it for me. Not at all. First of all, it was slow. Then it got slower. Then it slowed down further, and truly, this is when all the things that science-fiction has taught me should have made the action either come to a complete standstill, or start moving backwards. In time.
The backdrop of Toronto, that beautiful, wonderful city, was not used at all. The whole setting felt flat and one-dimensional, with the hockey thrown in just because. "Well, it's Canada, right? Gotta have some hockey."
I did not connect with the boys at all, they were cardboard push-overs both of them. The Hell, Callum? You could have told that woman to take a hike fifteen times, yet, still, you let her walk all over you. Who DOES that???
I was also saddened because there just had to be this insane, moronic woman in the story, too. Can we please have an M/M-story without women being portrayed as Evil Vagina Witches?
God, I'm so sick of it.
What happened to all us women who are actively supportive of your m/m-relationships? You know, the ones out there in Real Life who actually help you? Could we please be portrayed once in a while, too? (Yes, and before you go all up in my face, that means f/f too, and any other sexual/relationship-constellation you may be in. You're in love, good. I'm all for it. Love is love).
That said, the story took me from nowhere to nowhere. In a non-linear fashion, which can be really good in the hands of a skilled wordsmith. This was not one of those times. And the end?
Just made me want to bang my head into the nearest wall.
I can safely say this was not my favorite book. I'm VERY happy to say it was a freebie from Dreamspinner Press.
***
I was NOT asked to read this book by anyone, it was free from the publisher, and nobody asked me for a review in exchange. If you are the kind of person who likes to troll one-star reviews, well, what can I say? This is MY opinion. Bugger off. Go have your OWN opinion over there in your own space.
The backdrop of Toronto, that beautiful, wonderful city, was not used at all. The whole setting felt flat and one-dimensional, with the hockey thrown in just because. "Well, it's Canada, right? Gotta have some hockey."
I did not connect with the boys at all, they were cardboard push-overs both of them. The Hell, Callum? You could have told that woman to take a hike fifteen times, yet, still, you let her walk all over you. Who DOES that???
I was also saddened because there just had to be this insane, moronic woman in the story, too. Can we please have an M/M-story without women being portrayed as Evil Vagina Witches?
God, I'm so sick of it.
What happened to all us women who are actively supportive of your m/m-relationships? You know, the ones out there in Real Life who actually help you? Could we please be portrayed once in a while, too? (Yes, and before you go all up in my face, that means f/f too, and any other sexual/relationship-constellation you may be in. You're in love, good. I'm all for it. Love is love).
That said, the story took me from nowhere to nowhere. In a non-linear fashion, which can be really good in the hands of a skilled wordsmith. This was not one of those times. And the end?
Just made me want to bang my head into the nearest wall.
I can safely say this was not my favorite book. I'm VERY happy to say it was a freebie from Dreamspinner Press.
***
I was NOT asked to read this book by anyone, it was free from the publisher, and nobody asked me for a review in exchange. If you are the kind of person who likes to troll one-star reviews, well, what can I say? This is MY opinion. Bugger off. Go have your OWN opinion over there in your own space.
May 6, 2013
Curious and charming. Memory flashes. Restless wait.
I was instantly captivated, I fell hard for Callum and Noah, and I had a serious case of ‘needta know now'. I honestly couldn't stop reading until I knew why the world was tipping over this imminent phone call.
Personally, I found the pacing fun. I enjoyed the brief play-by-play of the present day followed by reminiscing memories of the last few months.
Callum
British computer whiz, Callum, is pacing the day away waiting for some important news. As he waits for the phone to ring he recollects what brought him to this nail-biting day. We travel back with him to the Canadian jaunt he took for business a few months ago. He had the urge to burn some energy at the gym during his stay and soon it became a burning addiction. Eager for a glimpse of his lustful crush, he plans his day around the most likely time to get his fix of the mouth-watering eye candy. What he doesn't know is the candy is sweeter and more enchanting than his wildest dreams.
Noah
Noah may be a hockey star drilled to be aggressive and tough, but underneath his ice game face he has a gracious and tender heart. He may be firmly in the closet, but he can’t stop his attraction to Callum. From friends to lovers he struggles to find stable ground with his desire to be with a proud and 'out' gay man. With his contract nearing completion he doesn't know what his future holds but more importantly, who.
It was a quick yet satisfying read. I found the humor witty and the build of their relationship fitting for the timeline.
I found myself misty eyed barely a few pages in, giggling mid-way, and furiously screaming a 'oh no she didn't' nearing the end.
The poem was definitely my favorite part. I wasn't 100% thrilled with the conclusion, but the final sentence was perfect. I found the writing refreshing and can’t wait to read more of Ryder’s work, and if any future books gift us with a sneak peek of Noah and Callum you can count me in!
*4.5 marvelously-magnetic stars*
I was instantly captivated, I fell hard for Callum and Noah, and I had a serious case of ‘needta know now'. I honestly couldn't stop reading until I knew why the world was tipping over this imminent phone call.
Personally, I found the pacing fun. I enjoyed the brief play-by-play of the present day followed by reminiscing memories of the last few months.
Callum
British computer whiz, Callum, is pacing the day away waiting for some important news. As he waits for the phone to ring he recollects what brought him to this nail-biting day. We travel back with him to the Canadian jaunt he took for business a few months ago. He had the urge to burn some energy at the gym during his stay and soon it became a burning addiction. Eager for a glimpse of his lustful crush, he plans his day around the most likely time to get his fix of the mouth-watering eye candy. What he doesn't know is the candy is sweeter and more enchanting than his wildest dreams.
Noah
Noah may be a hockey star drilled to be aggressive and tough, but underneath his ice game face he has a gracious and tender heart. He may be firmly in the closet, but he can’t stop his attraction to Callum. From friends to lovers he struggles to find stable ground with his desire to be with a proud and 'out' gay man. With his contract nearing completion he doesn't know what his future holds but more importantly, who.
It was a quick yet satisfying read. I found the humor witty and the build of their relationship fitting for the timeline.
I found myself misty eyed barely a few pages in, giggling mid-way, and furiously screaming a 'oh no she didn't' nearing the end.
The poem was definitely my favorite part. I wasn't 100% thrilled with the conclusion, but the final sentence was perfect. I found the writing refreshing and can’t wait to read more of Ryder’s work, and if any future books gift us with a sneak peek of Noah and Callum you can count me in!
*4.5 marvelously-magnetic stars*
December 9, 2015
I'd never heard of this author before, and I had this book on my Kindle, unsure where I got it. I see from other reviews that it was a freebie so I must've downloaded it at some point. Wow, I'm sure glad I did. What a terrific story, well written and edited, relatable and interesting characters, and a truly touching love story.
I don't see why so many readers complain about the fact that the nemesis in the story was a woman. Can't a story have a female villain just as easily as a male. That's not to say that there is any kind of insinuation that all women are bitches or incompetent or evil. Following that kind of logic, we could say the same about gay characters and gripe every time one of them is portrayed negatively. Fact of the matter is that villains, like heroes (or heroines) come in all sexual orientations, genders, etc.
If there was anything at all disappointing to me, it was the rather abrupt ending. I kind of hope that this short free read is just a precursor to a longer novel featuring these characters. I'd love to see a story about Noah as the first openly gay pro hockey player.
As for the nonlinear plot, I liked it. It's kind of odd how reviewers and readers bitch when it is a boring chronological plot and then bitch even louder when it's not. Just my opinion.
I don't see why so many readers complain about the fact that the nemesis in the story was a woman. Can't a story have a female villain just as easily as a male. That's not to say that there is any kind of insinuation that all women are bitches or incompetent or evil. Following that kind of logic, we could say the same about gay characters and gripe every time one of them is portrayed negatively. Fact of the matter is that villains, like heroes (or heroines) come in all sexual orientations, genders, etc.
If there was anything at all disappointing to me, it was the rather abrupt ending. I kind of hope that this short free read is just a precursor to a longer novel featuring these characters. I'd love to see a story about Noah as the first openly gay pro hockey player.
As for the nonlinear plot, I liked it. It's kind of odd how reviewers and readers bitch when it is a boring chronological plot and then bitch even louder when it's not. Just my opinion.
April 14, 2013
This is not a bad story but it isn't a very good one either. My love for sports and mm are rarely a good match. Noah is a hockey player for a team in Toronto. Callum is from England and has come to Toronto to work on some IT software for the Bobcats new stadium.
The setting was one-dimensional, whilst I understand some readers are negative about the facts about sports, that doesn't mean one ignores the whole element their book is based on. There was next to nothing about ice-hockey here. The setting may as well been a mid-Western for all it mattered.
The story was about the relationship - the ice-hockey was just the much needed plot device. As a reader this annoys me to no extent. The fact an element is only added to make the characters face a little difficulty before they puke out their 'I love yous'.
There was nothing interesting about Noah or Callum at all, and we can also welcome back the 'horrible female character in mm stories' because that never gets old. God forbid we have a woman in mm fiction that isn't insane and a bitch.
The end just made me want to smack something and that's all I'll say. Dreamspinner offered this book for free for some reason. It was pretty lackluster and a forgettable read - but a quick one regardless.
The setting was one-dimensional, whilst I understand some readers are negative about the facts about sports, that doesn't mean one ignores the whole element their book is based on. There was next to nothing about ice-hockey here. The setting may as well been a mid-Western for all it mattered.
The story was about the relationship - the ice-hockey was just the much needed plot device. As a reader this annoys me to no extent. The fact an element is only added to make the characters face a little difficulty before they puke out their 'I love yous'.
There was nothing interesting about Noah or Callum at all, and we can also welcome back the 'horrible female character in mm stories' because that never gets old. God forbid we have a woman in mm fiction that isn't insane and a bitch.
The end just made me want to smack something and that's all I'll say. Dreamspinner offered this book for free for some reason. It was pretty lackluster and a forgettable read - but a quick one regardless.
March 3, 2014
A cut above the average m/m foolishness, with a realistic conclusion as hopeful as it is wistful.
Happily, the final conflict is now almost—but not quite yet—out of date.
Well-done, despite a cartoonish antagonist and slightly underplayed sex scenes.
I about died with the doofy poem; I should be so lucky.
Happily, the final conflict is now almost—but not quite yet—out of date.
Well-done, despite a cartoonish antagonist and slightly underplayed sex scenes.
I about died with the doofy poem; I should be so lucky.
April 15, 2013
The structure of the story didn't bother me all that much, and I kind of liked finding out how they got together in that way. I just thought the story fell kind of flat. I didn't have much connection to the characters, nor did I think all that much of their bond. The secondary characters felt even thinner, and the villains were pathetically obvious, and lacking in any substance. (Oh look it's the evil, jealous, woman, again!) I thought the resolution was unsatisfactory, and I really didn't like Noah's decision. It felt like he made the worst choice possible. I didn't mind that it wasn't happily ever after I just wished that he had made a better choice for himself, and his lover.
June 14, 2013
Technically, sufficiently well-written.
Creatively, flat on the page.
Not bad. Just not good enough to scale the boredom wall I've hit recently.
Creatively, flat on the page.
Not bad. Just not good enough to scale the boredom wall I've hit recently.
January 10, 2015
The story Noah is told in third person through the eyes of Callum Walker. Noah Lukas, is Callum’s love interest and Noah is a hockey player.
April 16, 2013
I hate being the sort of person that whinges for half star ratings--I mean suck it up and decide, right?
Well the last line is so perfect that it nailed the score. The story itself is a fun twist on "two ships in the night" meets sports theme. The guys are lovable, the chick's mental, and Noah and Callum negotiate their relationship successfully.
Well the last line is so perfect that it nailed the score. The story itself is a fun twist on "two ships in the night" meets sports theme. The guys are lovable, the chick's mental, and Noah and Callum negotiate their relationship successfully.
June 12, 2013
I was left feeling mildly apathetic about this book. I didn’t dislike it, but I wasn’t overflowing with feelings of like either. It had some really good moments. I thought parts of it were fun and cute. And some parts were bland.
Callum is installing software at a new stadium, Noah is a professional hockey player, and the two meet at the gym. They eventually become friends. I feel like I didn’t really get to know much about the characters. I completely missed any chemistry that existed between them. I just didn’t get it. I think this is due to the way the story is structured. It jumps past little chunks of their relationship. They meet and become friends. There is no sexual tension. Sure, Callum wants to climb into Noah’s jock strap and roll around a little, but Noah just seems friendly. Then, quite abruptly, they’re together. A few weeks pass in a paragraph and they are in love. And I was all like…wait. What? When the hell did that happen?
Anyway, I enjoyed some chapters. Noah and Callum were really cute together at times and I couldn’t stop smiling. But then they would get painfully boring or hysterically corny. The sex was minimal. Which is fine, the story didn’t need it. Big however, if there is going to be sex I personally prefer dirty little details. Alluding to things just annoys me. Keep your vagueness, it has no business here!
Noah and Callum’s relationship was refreshingly realistic. I’m not sure if that translates into boring, but I do like where the book left off. I think the reason it felt a bit bland at times is because something was just missing. The relationship isn’t given enough time to play out on page.
Outside of their relationship, the issues they had to deal with were just. I don’t know. So, there was Amy. She starts out nice. And then about half way through she’s all...
And I could deal with that because at least something was happening aside from weight lifting. Then she abruptly turns into a villain towards the end. Too many things happen abruptly and randomly in this book. There’s no developing time, and it creates too many “what the hell?!” moments.
Moving on. There are weird unnecessary timeline switches. The beginning of each chapter is in the present (which is actually a little in the future), while most of the story takes place when Noah and Callum first meet. These aren’t confusing but they are so boring. I skimmed most of them because, apart from the last one, there isn’t much relevant information provided.
While I did enjoy Noah, I also found it lacking. The writing was great, there were funny moments, the characters were adorable and their relationship realistic. But I’m left with mixed feelings because despite all that I was bored for a good portion of the book.
2.5 Stars
The Morning After Romance
Callum is installing software at a new stadium, Noah is a professional hockey player, and the two meet at the gym. They eventually become friends. I feel like I didn’t really get to know much about the characters. I completely missed any chemistry that existed between them. I just didn’t get it. I think this is due to the way the story is structured. It jumps past little chunks of their relationship. They meet and become friends. There is no sexual tension. Sure, Callum wants to climb into Noah’s jock strap and roll around a little, but Noah just seems friendly. Then, quite abruptly, they’re together. A few weeks pass in a paragraph and they are in love. And I was all like…wait. What? When the hell did that happen?
Anyway, I enjoyed some chapters. Noah and Callum were really cute together at times and I couldn’t stop smiling. But then they would get painfully boring or hysterically corny. The sex was minimal. Which is fine, the story didn’t need it. Big however, if there is going to be sex I personally prefer dirty little details. Alluding to things just annoys me. Keep your vagueness, it has no business here!
Noah and Callum’s relationship was refreshingly realistic. I’m not sure if that translates into boring, but I do like where the book left off. I think the reason it felt a bit bland at times is because something was just missing. The relationship isn’t given enough time to play out on page.
Outside of their relationship, the issues they had to deal with were just. I don’t know. So, there was Amy. She starts out nice. And then about half way through she’s all...
And I could deal with that because at least something was happening aside from weight lifting. Then she abruptly turns into a villain towards the end. Too many things happen abruptly and randomly in this book. There’s no developing time, and it creates too many “what the hell?!” moments.
Moving on. There are weird unnecessary timeline switches. The beginning of each chapter is in the present (which is actually a little in the future), while most of the story takes place when Noah and Callum first meet. These aren’t confusing but they are so boring. I skimmed most of them because, apart from the last one, there isn’t much relevant information provided.
While I did enjoy Noah, I also found it lacking. The writing was great, there were funny moments, the characters were adorable and their relationship realistic. But I’m left with mixed feelings because despite all that I was bored for a good portion of the book.
2.5 Stars
The Morning After Romance
April 10, 2013
Nice short read. Once again, the only woman in the story was an eeeevul raving beyotch, but I did like Callum & Noah. Hockey! Yay!
ETA: Almost forgot to mention the no condoms or lube. I was very WTF about that esp for 2 guys on opposite sides of the ocean that just met.
ETA (AGAIN!): OOPS! Story is set in the future when there is an HIV vaccine so no need for condoms. My bad.
ETA: Almost forgot to mention the no condoms or lube. I was very WTF about that esp for 2 guys on opposite sides of the ocean that just met.
ETA (AGAIN!): OOPS! Story is set in the future when there is an HIV vaccine so no need for condoms. My bad.
May 31, 2013
Begin with Ami's review, add a predictable story with too many unnecessary details and you get two stars. I got it for free, but I don't feel like giving a higher rating because of that.
May 1, 2013
3.5 stars.
This was a nice quick read. Would read the next one to see more about how the HFN ending further develops.
This was a nice quick read. Would read the next one to see more about how the HFN ending further develops.
November 13, 2013
2.5 stars The last impression you want to leave your reader with is probably not an eye roll. "We can't go to Vegas... I've spent all my luck finding you." Barf!
Ok so the bare bones of this story, I liked. Because of the length of the book, the relationship got pretty serious pretty quick. But I'm ok with that. I liked their interactions and the basic plot. The things that pulled me out of the story and brought the rating down:
1) Amy - if you've read this, that's all I need to say. If not, let me explain. She is horrible. In every possible way a human can suck, she sucks harder. Typical shitty female character in a M/M Romance? Fine. But chose one way for her to suck, not every way! . Ridiculous. (And, of course, there's one innocuous phone call from his mother to ensure we know what a bitch she is (how dare as invite him to dinner), lest we mistakenly think there are some decent women in the world. Silly me)
2) Sometimes fakey sounding writing/dialogue.
3) Unnecessary time jumps - I liked the first chapter and therefore was a little disappointed when we jumped back in time, but quickly got into the history. But then at the beginning of every chapter it jumps to the present for no apparent reason than to let us know that, "yes, Callum is still waiting for that phone call" and to let us know what mundane daily activity he is now participating in. We really only needed to see the present time at the very beginning and the very end. To be honest, I skipped the middle ones and did not miss a thing.
Free from Dreamspinner Press on 5/30/13!
Ok so the bare bones of this story, I liked. Because of the length of the book, the relationship got pretty serious pretty quick. But I'm ok with that. I liked their interactions and the basic plot. The things that pulled me out of the story and brought the rating down:
1) Amy - if you've read this, that's all I need to say. If not, let me explain. She is horrible. In every possible way a human can suck, she sucks harder. Typical shitty female character in a M/M Romance? Fine. But chose one way for her to suck, not every way! . Ridiculous. (And, of course, there's one innocuous phone call from his mother to ensure we know what a bitch she is (how dare as invite him to dinner), lest we mistakenly think there are some decent women in the world. Silly me)
2) Sometimes fakey sounding writing/dialogue.
3) Unnecessary time jumps - I liked the first chapter and therefore was a little disappointed when we jumped back in time, but quickly got into the history. But then at the beginning of every chapter it jumps to the present for no apparent reason than to let us know that, "yes, Callum is still waiting for that phone call" and to let us know what mundane daily activity he is now participating in. We really only needed to see the present time at the very beginning and the very end. To be honest, I skipped the middle ones and did not miss a thing.
Free from Dreamspinner Press on 5/30/13!
April 10, 2013
Let's start with the writing style: Every chapter started with the now (which was in fact in the future, don't know why), some paragraphs about what the protagonist was doing waiting for something. A short view to the index cleared that - he was waiting for a call. Then it moved on to 4 months earlier, where he had to do a job in Toronto and there meeting Noah. The story unfolded and until some point it was a really engaging story. But slowly the woman in the story got more and more aggravating, infatuated with Noah and trying to manipulate Callum to help with problems at work. More and more she was portrayed as scheming, but harebrained and obviously only there to create drama for the storyline. In the end Callum was the know-it-all, not only besting Amy, but getting the whole project done and even provide Noah with more hockey-time. What a man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2013
I love hockey. I love m/m romance. Put the two together and I’m psyched! Add a good plot to the mix and I’m in heaven. Ben Ryder has delivered a hat trick with Noah. This story is told from Callum’s POV, in an interesting mix of flashbacks. The book opens with Callum slightly stressed about something. We don’t know what, but it’s important and he’s trying to waste time. As he goes through this one day in London we get flashbacks to his time in Toronto. I liked the way this flows. It seems natural that he would remember meeting and getting to know Noah. I love Callum and Noah! They are both so fun and engaging.
For what it’s worth, this story doesn’t delve into the game of hockey all that much, so if you’re not familiar with it, you shouldn’t feel lost at any point.
I hope we get to see Noah and Callum again. They have captured a piece of my heart and I don’t want to lose touch.
For what it’s worth, this story doesn’t delve into the game of hockey all that much, so if you’re not familiar with it, you shouldn’t feel lost at any point.
I hope we get to see Noah and Callum again. They have captured a piece of my heart and I don’t want to lose touch.
June 13, 2013
I enjoyed this story much more than I expected to. I admit I peeked at a few reviews before I started so I thought it might not be something I would enjoy, but I really enjoyed both the pace and the storyline.
The switch back and forth to Callum waiting in London for Noah's news from Toronto was a nice touch. And I liked the ending. It was much more realistic than I expected. The author didn't take the easy path with a simple sweet HEA that wouldn't have really fit. It's rare that I enjoy a HFN story, but I think I'd classify this one that way and it fit this storyline very well.
This is a good read for a lazy afternoon or a day at the beach on vacation, or just a day when you need a sweet "feel good" story.
The switch back and forth to Callum waiting in London for Noah's news from Toronto was a nice touch. And I liked the ending. It was much more realistic than I expected. The author didn't take the easy path with a simple sweet HEA that wouldn't have really fit. It's rare that I enjoy a HFN story, but I think I'd classify this one that way and it fit this storyline very well.
This is a good read for a lazy afternoon or a day at the beach on vacation, or just a day when you need a sweet "feel good" story.
September 30, 2013
Very nice free short, that is actually quite a decent length. Nothing majorly exciting but the romance is sweet and there's a bit of added angst with the addition of a scheming female and Noah the hockey star having to make choices around his status as a star not wanting to out himself. Callum is a lovely character and it was really nice to see him get his man
Lost a star because the timeline is a bit confusing at times and I didn't agree with the choice they made at the end but apart from that very good for a free read.
Lost a star because the timeline is a bit confusing at times and I didn't agree with the choice they made at the end but apart from that very good for a free read.
April 15, 2013
Plot is a bit predictable, but with likeable main characters and very well-written. Stories with a mix of present day and flashbacks tend to be confusing, not so in this case. Very well done.
Two things I would wish for: that the work be prophetic in the matter of the HIV vaccine, and that the story would have been a bit longer, maybe with an epilogue to give us a glimpse of the guys a couple of years in the future.
Recommended for fans of light contemporary m/m romance.
Two things I would wish for: that the work be prophetic in the matter of the HIV vaccine, and that the story would have been a bit longer, maybe with an epilogue to give us a glimpse of the guys a couple of years in the future.
Recommended for fans of light contemporary m/m romance.
September 10, 2013
A nice short novella about two guys falling in love.
It had some sweetness and was nice thought out.
I liked the writing, it had a good flow and even the structure with the flashbacks worked. The main character Collum could have been a little more fleshed out, I found him interesting, but I didn't learn enough about him.
Still, for a rather short novel it was well composed. An enjoyable read.
It had some sweetness and was nice thought out.
I liked the writing, it had a good flow and even the structure with the flashbacks worked. The main character Collum could have been a little more fleshed out, I found him interesting, but I didn't learn enough about him.
Still, for a rather short novel it was well composed. An enjoyable read.
May 27, 2013
Tell me we're not done with Callum and Noah?? Really enjoyed this one and looking forward to Ben Ryder's other books.
May 10, 2013
This was going OK and I was even liking it a bit until... Yeah until Amy turned out to be the real ugly b1tchy villain. Seriously authors? You can't build readership by insulting them this way.
January 28, 2018
Working It Out!
Who doesn't wish they could meet a hot professional athlete at the gym who's immediately into them?
Okay. Fine. I don't go to the gym. If I did though? I'd want a hot gym bunny to want to snuggle with me while I tried to do as little as possible while still actively being at the gym.
Callum tickled me from the beginning since he's that guy who pretty much doesn't see the forest for the trees. He's aware of his work, getting things done, and certain he can't quite blame work for his complete lack of a romantic life. I loved him mistaking Noah for a personal trainer; Callum getting trapped under the weights because he's got too good a view up Noah's shorts? Yeah. Dude, I feel that pain.
Noah surprised me a lot as he wasn't nearly as much of a closeted jock as I expected. He was in the closet because he loved playing hockey, not because he was ashamed. He got upset at the idea of being exposed because he felt it made what he had with Callum seem dirty and sordid instead of the happy, loving relationship he knew they'd found together. I couldn't have loved him more for that.
I also admit I liked seeing the scheming woman get what was coming to her courtesy of Callum being a freaking genius.
Some stories can't end with a perfect happy-ever-after; I'm really glad Ben Ryder chose to leave Callum and Noah on a happy-for-now note with the promise of happy-ever-after in the future. It was more realistic as well as hopelessly sweet on Callum's part as he understood how much hockey meant to Noah. I'd recommend Noah to anyone looking for a realistic meet-cute between a techie and a jock. It's a real fun time I know I'm going to revisit in the future.
Who doesn't wish they could meet a hot professional athlete at the gym who's immediately into them?
Okay. Fine. I don't go to the gym. If I did though? I'd want a hot gym bunny to want to snuggle with me while I tried to do as little as possible while still actively being at the gym.
Callum tickled me from the beginning since he's that guy who pretty much doesn't see the forest for the trees. He's aware of his work, getting things done, and certain he can't quite blame work for his complete lack of a romantic life. I loved him mistaking Noah for a personal trainer; Callum getting trapped under the weights because he's got too good a view up Noah's shorts? Yeah. Dude, I feel that pain.
Noah surprised me a lot as he wasn't nearly as much of a closeted jock as I expected. He was in the closet because he loved playing hockey, not because he was ashamed. He got upset at the idea of being exposed because he felt it made what he had with Callum seem dirty and sordid instead of the happy, loving relationship he knew they'd found together. I couldn't have loved him more for that.
I also admit I liked seeing the scheming woman get what was coming to her courtesy of Callum being a freaking genius.
Some stories can't end with a perfect happy-ever-after; I'm really glad Ben Ryder chose to leave Callum and Noah on a happy-for-now note with the promise of happy-ever-after in the future. It was more realistic as well as hopelessly sweet on Callum's part as he understood how much hockey meant to Noah. I'd recommend Noah to anyone looking for a realistic meet-cute between a techie and a jock. It's a real fun time I know I'm going to revisit in the future.
February 11, 2023
Does the UK have
8th grade? Cuz it's that level
writing and romance.
8th grade? Cuz it's that level
writing and romance.
April 9, 2013
3.5 stars
I really wanted to love this book but sadly I was only in like with it. I’m a huge fan of sports themed books so I just had to snatch this one up.
The story bounces back and forth between present day and 16 weeks before when Callum gets to Canada for the job. We learn Callum is sad about something and the change of scenery might just be what he needs. He’s focused on his job until he sees a gorgeous hunk of a man being chatted up by everybody in the gym. Callum doesn’t realize that Noah is a hockey star for the Bobcats because he doesn’t follow sports but he knows he’s very attracted to him. Thinking he can’t possibly be into men he admires from a far until Noah comes to his rescue in the gym. The two form what Callum thinks is a friendship until he comes out to Noah in an attempt to be as honest as Noah has been with him. Only to find out Noah knows he’s gay and he wants Callum. The two strike up an affair but Noah is a pro athlete and firmly in the closet. Callum doesn’t care he just wants to explore what he’s found with Noah. Their time is limited because soon Callum will be off to his next job and Noah will be traveling with his team. Is there any way a famous closeted hockey player and an out guy who travels for a living can make it work?
Okay, this story had some potential but in the end it felt rushed and things skimmed over. I wish the author would have let us see a little more of the guy’s relationship building and less time with Noah walking around London worrying about a phone call. I just never got deep enough into the couple to become invested. I think Amy’s character was kind of over the top but she was a witch with “b” for sure so I guess she played her part. I wasn’t at all happy with the ending. If I knew there was another book in the works I might feel differently but as it is its just left open and unsatisfying. I’m a little bummed I didn’t love this book. If the author writes a sequel I will read it because I liked the characters and their story had potential.
Review can also be found at http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
I really wanted to love this book but sadly I was only in like with it. I’m a huge fan of sports themed books so I just had to snatch this one up.
The story bounces back and forth between present day and 16 weeks before when Callum gets to Canada for the job. We learn Callum is sad about something and the change of scenery might just be what he needs. He’s focused on his job until he sees a gorgeous hunk of a man being chatted up by everybody in the gym. Callum doesn’t realize that Noah is a hockey star for the Bobcats because he doesn’t follow sports but he knows he’s very attracted to him. Thinking he can’t possibly be into men he admires from a far until Noah comes to his rescue in the gym. The two form what Callum thinks is a friendship until he comes out to Noah in an attempt to be as honest as Noah has been with him. Only to find out Noah knows he’s gay and he wants Callum. The two strike up an affair but Noah is a pro athlete and firmly in the closet. Callum doesn’t care he just wants to explore what he’s found with Noah. Their time is limited because soon Callum will be off to his next job and Noah will be traveling with his team. Is there any way a famous closeted hockey player and an out guy who travels for a living can make it work?
Okay, this story had some potential but in the end it felt rushed and things skimmed over. I wish the author would have let us see a little more of the guy’s relationship building and less time with Noah walking around London worrying about a phone call. I just never got deep enough into the couple to become invested. I think Amy’s character was kind of over the top but she was a witch with “b” for sure so I guess she played her part. I wasn’t at all happy with the ending. If I knew there was another book in the works I might feel differently but as it is its just left open and unsatisfying. I’m a little bummed I didn’t love this book. If the author writes a sequel I will read it because I liked the characters and their story had potential.
Review can also be found at http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
May 23, 2013
Ben Ryder's characterization is the real reason this story has stuck with me for so long. Callum and Noah felt real, even Amy felt real to me; some readers are angry/annoyed with the reveal of Amy's true colors, but I didn't find it all that far-fetched or offensive. I didn't even find the "reveal" all that shocking, because Ryder did a great job of hinting at Amy's being nothing more than a selfish opportunist throughout the story. I really just wish this was a full-length piece, because having some more time to develop these characters would've served them even better.
I also liked that it's not a cookie-cutter M/M romance. It's got an out-of-the-ordinary structure, which takes a few chapters to grasp and understand, and it's not a total HEA. It adds even further to the reality of the story, because in this situation, there really wouldn't be an easy HEA. The story also surrounds a hot-button issue for the LGBT community right now: being out in professional sports. There's a little more at stake in Noah; it's not just a romance or erotica. It's commenting on a something very real and very timely in addition to being both of these things.
In other words, the things about Noah that other readers picked out as flaws are the reasons I enjoyed it so much.
I also liked that it's not a cookie-cutter M/M romance. It's got an out-of-the-ordinary structure, which takes a few chapters to grasp and understand, and it's not a total HEA. It adds even further to the reality of the story, because in this situation, there really wouldn't be an easy HEA. The story also surrounds a hot-button issue for the LGBT community right now: being out in professional sports. There's a little more at stake in Noah; it's not just a romance or erotica. It's commenting on a something very real and very timely in addition to being both of these things.
In other words, the things about Noah that other readers picked out as flaws are the reasons I enjoyed it so much.
November 28, 2014
I could have done without the time in London and waiting for that fucking phone call, so not necessary. Another fucking Amy that I couldn't stand. This one comes in second to that bitch from Gone Girl. What I loved best about this book was that Callum, although nice to a point, stood his ground with Amy. I loved that!!!
The relationship with Callum and Noah was ah'ight. Where were the condoms?
Overall I liked this story and that damn Amy had my blood boiling. LOL
The relationship with Callum and Noah was ah'ight. Where were the condoms?
Overall I liked this story and that damn Amy had my blood boiling. LOL
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