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Shying Away #1
Sfuggente
Quinn Donahue va ogni volta con qualcuno di diverso, perciò quando Aaron Miller lo incontra in un bar gay di Vancouver, Aaron pensa di aver trovato il ragazzo giusto per perdere quell’indesiderata verginità. Quinn però ha apparentemente deciso di fare un’eccezione alla sua solita politica di letto. Sarà pure un impenitente esperto di avventure di una notte, ma non ha intenzione di deludere un ragazzo dolce come Aaron, dandogli una rovente notte, per poi lasciare le lenzuola mentre sono ancora calde.
Dopo che Quinn accetta il lavoro nella scuderia della famiglia di Aaron, Aaron scopre sia i demoni sia l’onestà che ispirano i frequenti rifiuti di Quinn e finisce per desiderarlo ancora di più. Ma Quinn ha deciso che Aaron non tornerà a casa con un uomo che non lo merita, così inizia a mandargli una serie di possibili candidati. Ci vorrà un forte atto di sacrificio per far capire ad Aaron cosa davvero tormenti Quinn e dovrà mantenere una salda presa sull’uomo dei suoi sogni per non lasciarselo sfuggire.
Dopo che Quinn accetta il lavoro nella scuderia della famiglia di Aaron, Aaron scopre sia i demoni sia l’onestà che ispirano i frequenti rifiuti di Quinn e finisce per desiderarlo ancora di più. Ma Quinn ha deciso che Aaron non tornerà a casa con un uomo che non lo merita, così inizia a mandargli una serie di possibili candidati. Ci vorrà un forte atto di sacrificio per far capire ad Aaron cosa davvero tormenti Quinn e dovrà mantenere una salda presa sull’uomo dei suoi sogni per non lasciarselo sfuggire.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2011
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April 30, 2013
4 stars.****Review completed April 30, 2013
Quinn is a regular guest at Candy's, a bar in a gay quarter in Vancouver. He is very busy drowning his pain and disorientation in hard liquor as well as no-strings-attached sex. The more the better is his credo. As it is, this attitude works pretty well until he meets a handsome, well-built, fair-skinned and very tall young man. It's Aaron.
They hook up and go to Aaron's place for some hot men lovin'. Though after a quick and steamy make-out session where Aaron gets off easily, everything goes down the drain when Aaron breaks the unexpected news to Quinn. He is a virgin. Quinn is stunned and comes off empty-handed.
Over the next days Aaron comes back to the bar and tries to convince Quinn that he is the right man for him. Aaron sure has a huge crush on Quinn. Quinn, however, is obstinate and brushes him off, because he told him that his first time should be with someone who cares about him. In fact, he should take it slow, get to know someone really well before hitting the sheets. Yeah, Quinn, who do you want to fool, huh? In secret Quinn wants to be that man, but at the same time he thinks that he is not good enough for pure Aaron.
Quinn's family owns a horse farm and they are in need of a new employee. Due to certain circumstances (no, I won't tell you), Quinn appears at the barn. Both Quinn and Aaron are very surprised to see each other again. Aaron's mother offers him the job and he accepts. Even though they're working together now, Quinn continues to give Aaron the cold shoulder. He is determined to steer him away from him into the arms of another man who really "deserves" Aaron. At the same time Aaron tries to get Quinn to socialize more. Over a couple of months these two men develop a platonic friendship.
Wendy, Aaron’s mother, in conversation with Quinn:
Quinn is driving an old, gorgeous bike.
The MCs are very likable and Quinn’s background is interesting. There’s a reason why he thought he wasn’t good enough for Aaron and why he drowned his pain in alcohol and meaningless sex. Simply put, Quinn was a ‘slut’. And his state of numbness worked pretty well until he met Aaron. Quinn tried very hard to chase him away but at the same time he longed to have Aaron in his life. Still, Quinn wasn’t able to discourage Aaron too much, and the kid *rolls eyes* accomplished to tear his walls down eventually. Hence, his tenacity paid off nicely.
I liked Aaron’s family. The young man grew up in a loving home and was very sheltered. He was sexually inexperienced, for sure, but otherwise I’d say he acted pretty mature for his age. His crush on Quinn was sweet, and he was always oh-so eager to learn and very willing to please him. Aaron is definitely very loyal and a good soul, and Quinn couldn’t have wished for a better man to have in his life and his heart.
If you loved Kate Sherwood’s Dark Horse series then you might as well give Shying Away a try. Granted, the first half was a little bit slow paced, but then it really picked up when Quinn and Aaron got together. After all I so wanted to see them together. And I really wanted to push Quinn over the edge and tell him to give Aaron a chance. Moreover I wanted Quinn to give himself a chance at being happy again. At this stage the story became much more engaging, the dialogue was better and I really loved their banter. I don't intend to give anything away regarding Quinn's problems. All I'd like to say is that I was slightly surprised that his "issues" were resolved that easily. I just expected…dunno…maybe more drama? Don't get me wrong. It wasn't a letdown in any way but I did anticipate the situation differently.
Now, let’s talk about sex. There’s not a lot in this story, however, what’s there is well-written and sexy, mostly hand jobs and blow jobs. Sweet and tender kissing as well as some really hot kissing. Getting off in the equipment shed was…nom noms…you get the gist (reminds me of the Dark Horse series). Jeff and Dan, anyone? These two have darn good chemistry! The “real” sex scene happens at the end of the story, and I gotta tell you it was so worth the wait. HOT! Also, I adored Quinn’s artsy yet run down loft where Aaron lost his virginity. Besides, who wouldn’t love such a stylish and huge shower (the only part of the place that'd been refurbished)?
What didn’t work for me
The overuse of the kid. It’s a mystery to me why an almost thirty-year old man would call a twenty-two year old kid.
Shying Away is a very solid, good and enjoyable read. It's sweet at times but not sappy sweet. The second half of the plot provides some good laughs as well. Since I've read Kate Sherwood's Dark Horse series I seem to be addicted to her books. It goes without saying that I really enjoy her 'voice'. In fact, she writes with ease and brings characters to life who you'd want to get to know in real life too. Dunno but I just can't help but fall for them. Her books are not perfect, for sure, but she is able to grab my attention, and I really do appreciate it that her stories are more than just sex. There's always a good plot and plenty of character development. Good combo. Read it.
Recommended to readers who would like to give the m-m genre a try.
Quinn is a regular guest at Candy's, a bar in a gay quarter in Vancouver. He is very busy drowning his pain and disorientation in hard liquor as well as no-strings-attached sex. The more the better is his credo. As it is, this attitude works pretty well until he meets a handsome, well-built, fair-skinned and very tall young man. It's Aaron.
"And this specific thing, you're looking for--any chance you've found it?" Quinn had to force himself to stop talking, to not babble about damn aardvarks or something, and he was rewarded, after an agonizing few seconds, with Aaron's slow nod.
"Yeah. I guess maybe I have." Aaron's quick grin showed straight white teeth. "Or I guess maybe it found me."
They hook up and go to Aaron's place for some hot men lovin'. Though after a quick and steamy make-out session where Aaron gets off easily, everything goes down the drain when Aaron breaks the unexpected news to Quinn. He is a virgin. Quinn is stunned and comes off empty-handed.
Over the next days Aaron comes back to the bar and tries to convince Quinn that he is the right man for him. Aaron sure has a huge crush on Quinn. Quinn, however, is obstinate and brushes him off, because he told him that his first time should be with someone who cares about him. In fact, he should take it slow, get to know someone really well before hitting the sheets. Yeah, Quinn, who do you want to fool, huh? In secret Quinn wants to be that man, but at the same time he thinks that he is not good enough for pure Aaron.
Quinn's family owns a horse farm and they are in need of a new employee. Due to certain circumstances (no, I won't tell you), Quinn appears at the barn. Both Quinn and Aaron are very surprised to see each other again. Aaron's mother offers him the job and he accepts. Even though they're working together now, Quinn continues to give Aaron the cold shoulder. He is determined to steer him away from him into the arms of another man who really "deserves" Aaron. At the same time Aaron tries to get Quinn to socialize more. Over a couple of months these two men develop a platonic friendship.
Aaron nodded. "Yeah. And I'm trying to get you to meet some people--to get to know them even though there's no chance of you getting laid. Some people have 'friends and acquaintances' as part of their social circle."
"I have friends…"
"Yeah? Who? And don't say Wade. Give me the name of somebody you socialize with who you don't have sex with."
Wendy, Aaron’s mother, in conversation with Quinn:
"No, ma'am, I'm working on it." Heels aside, Quinn was beginning to wonder if she was trying to send him a message about something more than the horse.
"I know you are. And, remember, he's gentle, but if it came down to it, he could hurt you a lot worse than you could ever hurt him." And maybe the hidden message wasn't intended, but if it was, she was getting a little too close to the truth.
"I know that--believe me. I'm being careful."
Quinn is driving an old, gorgeous bike.
“What are you wearing?”
“Aaron, this really isn’t the time for phone sex.”
“I’m serious man—are you dressed up?”
“Dress pants and a shirt. Don’t worry about it, Aaron, just wear whatever’s comfortable.”
“No tie?”
“Me? No, no tie. Why, are you wearing one?”
Aaron ripped the fabric from his neck and gleefully tossed it on the couch. “Nope.”
“Damn, too bad. Ties are sexy. They’re like—leashes.”
“And leashes are sexy?” Aaron looked at the tie doubtfully.
“Dude, you get turned on by oatmeal. Compared to that, fuck, yeah, leashes are hot. Now are you coming down or not?”
Quinn nodded slowly. “Yeah. Okay.” He nodded toward the hotel doors. “You ready for this?”
“I was born ready.”
“You were born backward—Danny told me.”
“Well, Danny wasn’t there, so he doesn’t know for sure. Maybe my kind of ‘ready’ looks like backward to the uneducated eye.”
“Sneaky.”
“Exactly.”
The MCs are very likable and Quinn’s background is interesting. There’s a reason why he thought he wasn’t good enough for Aaron and why he drowned his pain in alcohol and meaningless sex. Simply put, Quinn was a ‘slut’. And his state of numbness worked pretty well until he met Aaron. Quinn tried very hard to chase him away but at the same time he longed to have Aaron in his life. Still, Quinn wasn’t able to discourage Aaron too much, and the kid *rolls eyes* accomplished to tear his walls down eventually. Hence, his tenacity paid off nicely.
I liked Aaron’s family. The young man grew up in a loving home and was very sheltered. He was sexually inexperienced, for sure, but otherwise I’d say he acted pretty mature for his age. His crush on Quinn was sweet, and he was always oh-so eager to learn and very willing to please him. Aaron is definitely very loyal and a good soul, and Quinn couldn’t have wished for a better man to have in his life and his heart.
"It's not about me not wanting him. He just--he can do better. A lot better."
If you loved Kate Sherwood’s Dark Horse series then you might as well give Shying Away a try. Granted, the first half was a little bit slow paced, but then it really picked up when Quinn and Aaron got together. After all I so wanted to see them together. And I really wanted to push Quinn over the edge and tell him to give Aaron a chance. Moreover I wanted Quinn to give himself a chance at being happy again. At this stage the story became much more engaging, the dialogue was better and I really loved their banter. I don't intend to give anything away regarding Quinn's problems. All I'd like to say is that I was slightly surprised that his "issues" were resolved that easily. I just expected…dunno…maybe more drama? Don't get me wrong. It wasn't a letdown in any way but I did anticipate the situation differently.
Now, let’s talk about sex. There’s not a lot in this story, however, what’s there is well-written and sexy, mostly hand jobs and blow jobs. Sweet and tender kissing as well as some really hot kissing. Getting off in the equipment shed was…nom noms…you get the gist (reminds me of the Dark Horse series). Jeff and Dan, anyone? These two have darn good chemistry! The “real” sex scene happens at the end of the story, and I gotta tell you it was so worth the wait. HOT! Also, I adored Quinn’s artsy yet run down loft where Aaron lost his virginity. Besides, who wouldn’t love such a stylish and huge shower (the only part of the place that'd been refurbished)?
What didn’t work for me
The overuse of the kid. It’s a mystery to me why an almost thirty-year old man would call a twenty-two year old kid.
Shying Away is a very solid, good and enjoyable read. It's sweet at times but not sappy sweet. The second half of the plot provides some good laughs as well. Since I've read Kate Sherwood's Dark Horse series I seem to be addicted to her books. It goes without saying that I really enjoy her 'voice'. In fact, she writes with ease and brings characters to life who you'd want to get to know in real life too. Dunno but I just can't help but fall for them. Her books are not perfect, for sure, but she is able to grab my attention, and I really do appreciate it that her stories are more than just sex. There's always a good plot and plenty of character development. Good combo. Read it.
“Oatmeal is good for you—good for your heart. It says it right on the box.”
“You’re good for my heart. It says it right here.”
Quinn pointed to the smile on his face.
Recommended to readers who would like to give the m-m genre a try.
October 3, 2011
After reading all the other reviews, I was surprised that this ended up being a 5 star book. It just hit all the right buttons for me. I laughed, I got teary eyed, and I got that tingly feeling you get when you read a really good sex scene. That doesn't happen to me a lot anymore. I loved the characters, I loved the setting and the secondary characters, I loved that it wasn't insta-love and that the characters had to work through issues before they got together as a couple. It was a "slow burn" which I adore and Aaron's deflowering scene was beautiful. Virginal characters are a weakness of mine and how their first sexual experience is handled can either make or break a book for me.
Kate's writing style is so easy to read. Her dialogue sounds so natural and her use of humor is subtle but effective. It was wonderful watching Aaron become more confident and Quinn let his walls down. I thought the ending was a little abrupt and I wonder if Kate has a sequel planned. There's so much more story left to tell.
Kate's writing style is so easy to read. Her dialogue sounds so natural and her use of humor is subtle but effective. It was wonderful watching Aaron become more confident and Quinn let his walls down. I thought the ending was a little abrupt and I wonder if Kate has a sequel planned. There's so much more story left to tell.
May 25, 2011
2.5 stars
I’ve come to expect a lot of internal conflict and a slower pace from Sherwood’s stories and Shying Away fits that description very well. The characters spend most of the time with little to no reason for being apart other than emotional fear and chaos. The pace is pretty slow as the characters have no external conflict and the internal source drags out. This isn’t bad usually but since the characters can’t rely on sex scenes or sadly much sexual tension the story starts to drag. Once they get together things aren’t actually much better and eventually I became pretty bored as the story just kept going without any real interest.
The plot reminds me of classic m/f romances with the charismatic playboy running from a painful past (Quinn) who meets the innocent virgin that’s determined to have more than just sex (Aaron). Quinn may want Aaron but Quinn thinks he’s too jaded and likes his anonymous sex and alcohol too much to get involved with virginal Aaron. Aaron on the other hand wants Quinn and throws himself at Quinn at every opportunity. Add in Aaron’s family who are completely supportive of the relationship, a few dark secrets from Quinn’s past and the rest of the story is made up of introspection and mental musings.
Since the plot is so character driven, it’s important that the main men engage the reader and hold your interest. Both Quinn and Aaron are decently developed and stay true to their characterization for the most part. Unfortunately they just weren’t very exciting or fresh. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing at the start of the story but it does wear over the course as the same repetitive arguments are given time and time again. You start to wonder exactly why these two aren’t having sex yet, especially since Aaron’s family makes a point to continually throw the two men together and make their acceptance clear. The mental angst and inferiority complex only go so far and then the story definitely drags.
Unfortunately once the two men get together things don’t really pick up. Almost immediately there’s a twist with Quinn’s past and family thrown in to keep the emotional problems going. These add a slight bit of interest yet they’re easily resolved and unfortunately don’t add more complexity to Quinn’s personality. He has a lot of shame and guilt, not all of which makes sense and it’s pretty late in the story to add such dynamics. Especially considering they offer no new angles to the main romance either. They’re likely meant to give Quinn depth and offer the reasons for his dependence on anonymous hookups and alcohol but they really aren’t handled in such a way as to do that.
The writing and pacing is pretty typical of Sherwood stories – if you’ve read any other books you know internal angst tends to dominate – but the lack of any other focus really hurts the pacing here. There is very little sex, which again isn’t bad, but there is very little to break up the constant repetitive introspection and frankly, whining. There is an attempt to bring the setting to life with the day to day work on the horse farm but I never became engaged or very interested in it. The descriptions feel muted and forgettable instead of vivid and eye catching. Towards the end of the book when there are several sex scenes to show the happy ending for the couple, but I didn’t really care at that point and the story had already lost me.
Perhaps for another reader this story could really sing and satisfy. It’s not very innovative but often readers like the comfort in familiar tropes and themes. This is a very popular idea (the playboy and the virgin) so those that particularly like that idea may like this. Unfortunately it just didn’t work for me but I’ll still be looking for what else Sherwood does.
I’ve come to expect a lot of internal conflict and a slower pace from Sherwood’s stories and Shying Away fits that description very well. The characters spend most of the time with little to no reason for being apart other than emotional fear and chaos. The pace is pretty slow as the characters have no external conflict and the internal source drags out. This isn’t bad usually but since the characters can’t rely on sex scenes or sadly much sexual tension the story starts to drag. Once they get together things aren’t actually much better and eventually I became pretty bored as the story just kept going without any real interest.
The plot reminds me of classic m/f romances with the charismatic playboy running from a painful past (Quinn) who meets the innocent virgin that’s determined to have more than just sex (Aaron). Quinn may want Aaron but Quinn thinks he’s too jaded and likes his anonymous sex and alcohol too much to get involved with virginal Aaron. Aaron on the other hand wants Quinn and throws himself at Quinn at every opportunity. Add in Aaron’s family who are completely supportive of the relationship, a few dark secrets from Quinn’s past and the rest of the story is made up of introspection and mental musings.
Since the plot is so character driven, it’s important that the main men engage the reader and hold your interest. Both Quinn and Aaron are decently developed and stay true to their characterization for the most part. Unfortunately they just weren’t very exciting or fresh. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing at the start of the story but it does wear over the course as the same repetitive arguments are given time and time again. You start to wonder exactly why these two aren’t having sex yet, especially since Aaron’s family makes a point to continually throw the two men together and make their acceptance clear. The mental angst and inferiority complex only go so far and then the story definitely drags.
Unfortunately once the two men get together things don’t really pick up. Almost immediately there’s a twist with Quinn’s past and family thrown in to keep the emotional problems going. These add a slight bit of interest yet they’re easily resolved and unfortunately don’t add more complexity to Quinn’s personality. He has a lot of shame and guilt, not all of which makes sense and it’s pretty late in the story to add such dynamics. Especially considering they offer no new angles to the main romance either. They’re likely meant to give Quinn depth and offer the reasons for his dependence on anonymous hookups and alcohol but they really aren’t handled in such a way as to do that.
The writing and pacing is pretty typical of Sherwood stories – if you’ve read any other books you know internal angst tends to dominate – but the lack of any other focus really hurts the pacing here. There is very little sex, which again isn’t bad, but there is very little to break up the constant repetitive introspection and frankly, whining. There is an attempt to bring the setting to life with the day to day work on the horse farm but I never became engaged or very interested in it. The descriptions feel muted and forgettable instead of vivid and eye catching. Towards the end of the book when there are several sex scenes to show the happy ending for the couple, but I didn’t really care at that point and the story had already lost me.
Perhaps for another reader this story could really sing and satisfy. It’s not very innovative but often readers like the comfort in familiar tropes and themes. This is a very popular idea (the playboy and the virgin) so those that particularly like that idea may like this. Unfortunately it just didn’t work for me but I’ll still be looking for what else Sherwood does.
April 19, 2011
I loved this book. It was just so cute and sweet.
Quinn is a gentleman even if he was a bit of an asshole in the beginning. Aaron is stubborn and determined to have Quinn be his first and so decides to let Quinn figure out on his own that Aaron and Quinn would make a great couple. It just takes Aaron a little patience for Quinn to figure out he can confide in Aaron and realize an exclusive relationship isn't such a bad idea.
This is a slow romance and some people might get bored with that but I rather liked it. I thought it did justice to Quinn's feelings, the reasons behind his promiscuity, and why he thought he wasn't good enough for Aaron. Also, another reason I liked the slow romance was because there isn't any sex until the end which I was rather fond of. I think that's what gave the story the air of sweetness I felt.
I just wished there were more on them to show how Aaron and Quinn are coping now and how Quinn's relationship with his family is. I wanted an epilogue but right now I'm hoping for a sequel. ^_^
Overall, I quite enjoyed this one and I'm hoping for more of these two. Definitely recommended :D
Quinn is a gentleman even if he was a bit of an asshole in the beginning. Aaron is stubborn and determined to have Quinn be his first and so decides to let Quinn figure out on his own that Aaron and Quinn would make a great couple. It just takes Aaron a little patience for Quinn to figure out he can confide in Aaron and realize an exclusive relationship isn't such a bad idea.
This is a slow romance and some people might get bored with that but I rather liked it. I thought it did justice to Quinn's feelings, the reasons behind his promiscuity, and why he thought he wasn't good enough for Aaron. Also, another reason I liked the slow romance was because there isn't any sex until the end which I was rather fond of. I think that's what gave the story the air of sweetness I felt.
I just wished there were more on them to show how Aaron and Quinn are coping now and how Quinn's relationship with his family is. I wanted an epilogue but right now I'm hoping for a sequel. ^_^
Overall, I quite enjoyed this one and I'm hoping for more of these two. Definitely recommended :D
December 16, 2015
2.5 stars
I am such a sucker for a shy virgin and the slut finally finding true love with each other. But not like this.
Aaron was shy and indeed a gay virgin, but he had a girlfriend for 4 years, he was NOT A VIRGIN. So when it is mentioned a hundred times that he is a shy virgin, I just rolled my eyes.
And although I felt for Aaron and the way Quinn kept rejecting him, I wanted him to go find happiness with someone else. He should have stopped throwing himself at Quinn. Have some self-respect, dude.
I am such a sucker for a shy virgin and the slut finally finding true love with each other. But not like this.
Aaron was shy and indeed a gay virgin, but he had a girlfriend for 4 years, he was NOT A VIRGIN. So when it is mentioned a hundred times that he is a shy virgin, I just rolled my eyes.
And although I felt for Aaron and the way Quinn kept rejecting him, I wanted him to go find happiness with someone else. He should have stopped throwing himself at Quinn. Have some self-respect, dude.
November 7, 2011
This one is sweet and a little angsty and just a nice comfort read. Two great MC's and a supporting cast of real people, and horses (which for me is always a bonus.) This is one I'll go back to after something else that's too wrenching, to get centered again.
February 7, 2018
PROJECT LET RANDOM.ORG CHOOSE MY BOOK FROM ALL THE BOOKS I OWN AND READ IT REGARDLESS OF IF I WANT TO OR NOT!
BOOK 3
I barely liked this one which is a surprise since I’m such a huge fan of Kate Sherwood. It was sweet, with a few very serious scenes to carry the plot but overall nothing to rave about. Shying Away wasn’t shy about being mediocre...
Also, this cover, like what is this cover 😩 (guy in the back looks like he should be in a college advert).
BOOK 3
I barely liked this one which is a surprise since I’m such a huge fan of Kate Sherwood. It was sweet, with a few very serious scenes to carry the plot but overall nothing to rave about. Shying Away wasn’t shy about being mediocre...
Also, this cover, like what is this cover 😩 (guy in the back looks like he should be in a college advert).
June 16, 2017
Iba casi acabando cuando me di cuenta que lo había leido como J2 XD Nada del otro jueves, la verdad.
May 1, 2011
2.5 stars. It started off with a gay bar scene where Quinn, a jaded guy who takes home a different guy every night meets up with Aaron, who we later learn is a virgin. When Quinn learns this he abruptly leaves & decides that he's just not good enough to be Aaron's first time. Aaron disagrees. That's it. It goes back & forth like that throughout most of the novel. In between this, we abruptly shift to farm scenes(Aaron's family owns it), family drama from both Aaron's interfering family & Quinn's family, & we find out some stuff about Quinn's past. It's all fine but the story just drags after a while. The reasons that Quinn & Aaron don't get together begin to feel artificial. There's no real objection to the two of them getting together--from Anyone! But they just keep talking around each other for pages at a time. It's not terrible & some people appear to have enjoyed it. It was just OK for me.
August 5, 2011
Kate Sherwood has written a sweet story in this novel, with Quinn, a man living an empty life, and Aaron, a young man searching for the life he needs. Aaron manages to get under Quinn's guard and together they both have a chance for a real future. This is a HFN story, which for me, was not quite enough. Quinn is forced to come to terms with quite a few painful times in his past, and I would have liked to have a bit more of the happy times he would have with Aaron, just to balance the book a little more. Still, I enjoyed reading Shying Away.
May 11, 2013
3.2
It was good. Sweet. Fine.
It just didn't do that much for me. I didn't feel a significant amount of chemistry with the writing, with the characters, between the MCs, or with the narrative.
There's not much wrong with it though, so others may enjoy more than I did.
Audiobook: Robert Neiman's narration was nice :-)
It was good. Sweet. Fine.
It just didn't do that much for me. I didn't feel a significant amount of chemistry with the writing, with the characters, between the MCs, or with the narrative.
There's not much wrong with it though, so others may enjoy more than I did.
Audiobook: Robert Neiman's narration was nice :-)
May 24, 2020
I was not sure about a two-star or three-star rating. I loved the story but suddenly there was a big chunk of family drama that did not interest me and had nothing the do with the arc.
The narration was variable. Sometimes spot on and beautiful, and then suddenly there were mistakes.
The narration was variable. Sometimes spot on and beautiful, and then suddenly there were mistakes.
April 22, 2011
4.5 stars
I have been - pun entirely intended - shying away from this author's books, primarily because polyamorous relationships rarely work for me in fiction, so rarely, in fact, that I can count those which did on the fingers of one hand and not use them all. Ms. Sherwood seemed especially fond of those kind of stories and I wasn't willing to put my trust in, to me, unknown author. On the other hand, she got some glowing reviews, so when I've read the blurb for this book, I decided to pick it up. I'm glad I did.
This is a gentle, quiet and pretty straightforward story. Quinn, all-around-slut, and Aaron, 22-year-old virgin, meet in the club. Attraction happens, but when Quinn realizes that Aaron wants to lose his virginity to him, he both freaks out and decides to do the right thing and turns him down. For the rest of the book, we get to know the guys as they get to know each other, we get to learn about Quinn's past and see the evolution of their relationship.
There were at least a thousand ways this could have turned into a cliché, angst-fest story, but it didn't. Aaron could have easily become blushing, crying virgin and Quinn - a moody slut with the heart of gold. Oh, Aaron blushes, all right, but he also has strength, determination and backbone. He is willing to take advice from others and stand his ground when he believes the others are wrong. I was so glad that the author didn't mistake his inexperience with immaturity and annoying childishness, so common thing in romance. And, Quinn is moody, but he has the right to be and he never turns into self-pitying, sobbing, quivering mess. He's self-destructive, his self-esteem in some segments of life is low, but he is also trying to live his life to the best of his abilities and do the right thing. The evolution of their relationship from attraction to camaraderie and friendship to love was beautifully done. The progression seemed natural, all things considered, and it was very satisfying to read about.
There was a gentle humor in the story, between Quinn and Aaron as well between the protagonists and Aaron's family. It was not laugh-out-loud humor, but I found myself smiling and chuckling often. And, yes, there was angst, but it was never over-the-top. With Quinn's past as well as some traumatizing events in his present, the author could have chosen to milk the heart-wrenching moments. She didn't and I was very glad about it. She also decided to reveal Quinn's past throughout the book, giving you time to get to know Quinn in the present before you get explanations for his behavior. I found myself annoyed at him several times (you know you are invested in the character when you want to slap him ^^), only to have an "a-ha" moment pages away.
The book is not perfect by any means. I particularly had some problems with the description of Aaron's family. On one hand, they appear too perfect, too understanding. On the other hand, I couldn't understand the actions of Aaron's father. Maybe, it was because he was the least developed among Aaron's family members, with the least page time, but I couldn't understand his meddling and I found the explanation that he was a social worker and thus compelled to act - weak. If Quinn had been a child or a minor, I could have understood his worries. However, Quinn is 29 years old and therefore the man's actions seemed intrusive and, honestly, a bit stalker-ish. Yeah, his intentions were good, but you know what they say about good intentions.
All in all, this was a very satisfying read. It was engrossing from the beginning to the end. While I certainly wouldn't complain if Ms. Sherwood decides to give us a sequel, the book stands quite firmly on its own. Highly recommended.
I have been - pun entirely intended - shying away from this author's books, primarily because polyamorous relationships rarely work for me in fiction, so rarely, in fact, that I can count those which did on the fingers of one hand and not use them all. Ms. Sherwood seemed especially fond of those kind of stories and I wasn't willing to put my trust in, to me, unknown author. On the other hand, she got some glowing reviews, so when I've read the blurb for this book, I decided to pick it up. I'm glad I did.
This is a gentle, quiet and pretty straightforward story. Quinn, all-around-slut, and Aaron, 22-year-old virgin, meet in the club. Attraction happens, but when Quinn realizes that Aaron wants to lose his virginity to him, he both freaks out and decides to do the right thing and turns him down. For the rest of the book, we get to know the guys as they get to know each other, we get to learn about Quinn's past and see the evolution of their relationship.
There were at least a thousand ways this could have turned into a cliché, angst-fest story, but it didn't. Aaron could have easily become blushing, crying virgin and Quinn - a moody slut with the heart of gold. Oh, Aaron blushes, all right, but he also has strength, determination and backbone. He is willing to take advice from others and stand his ground when he believes the others are wrong. I was so glad that the author didn't mistake his inexperience with immaturity and annoying childishness, so common thing in romance. And, Quinn is moody, but he has the right to be and he never turns into self-pitying, sobbing, quivering mess. He's self-destructive, his self-esteem in some segments of life is low, but he is also trying to live his life to the best of his abilities and do the right thing. The evolution of their relationship from attraction to camaraderie and friendship to love was beautifully done. The progression seemed natural, all things considered, and it was very satisfying to read about.
There was a gentle humor in the story, between Quinn and Aaron as well between the protagonists and Aaron's family. It was not laugh-out-loud humor, but I found myself smiling and chuckling often. And, yes, there was angst, but it was never over-the-top. With Quinn's past as well as some traumatizing events in his present, the author could have chosen to milk the heart-wrenching moments. She didn't and I was very glad about it. She also decided to reveal Quinn's past throughout the book, giving you time to get to know Quinn in the present before you get explanations for his behavior. I found myself annoyed at him several times (you know you are invested in the character when you want to slap him ^^), only to have an "a-ha" moment pages away.
The book is not perfect by any means. I particularly had some problems with the description of Aaron's family. On one hand, they appear too perfect, too understanding. On the other hand, I couldn't understand the actions of Aaron's father. Maybe, it was because he was the least developed among Aaron's family members, with the least page time, but I couldn't understand his meddling and I found the explanation that he was a social worker and thus compelled to act - weak. If Quinn had been a child or a minor, I could have understood his worries. However, Quinn is 29 years old and therefore the man's actions seemed intrusive and, honestly, a bit stalker-ish. Yeah, his intentions were good, but you know what they say about good intentions.
All in all, this was a very satisfying read. It was engrossing from the beginning to the end. While I certainly wouldn't complain if Ms. Sherwood decides to give us a sequel, the book stands quite firmly on its own. Highly recommended.
November 24, 2011
It so happened I've read most of this book last night and was only left with thirty pages today. Last night I was full of impressions as well as frustrations and my review probably would have been overwhelming and wordy. Today I'm going to try and make it short.
With the beginning of the book, one of the first impressions I got was that Quinn was a di*k. He really wasn't good enough for Aaron and Aaron was an ultimate sweetheart who you just have to love and protect.
I didn't mind Quinn's attitude or his questionable actions, but I did mind the fact nothing was really happening for quite a while. I do enjoy sex in books, but If I can't have that I would appreciate at least a bit of sexual tension. Didn't find any of it in this book almost up until something like 70% of the story. The MCs were around each other, but the time kept passing and almost everything between them that might have helped with the development of the connection was told instead of shown.
Really, when I'm more interested in surfing the net for insignificant information while in the middle of a story, that can't be a very good sign.
Things do get better by the end of the book, and I did shed a tear or two once things got intense. I even admit the couple seemed too sweet for words once they finally got together. But it was hard to connect the men I first met individually to those they turned out to be once they became a couple. Overall, I would say this is more like a 3.5 read. Oh and Quinn didn't really stay a di*k in my eyes ;)
With the beginning of the book, one of the first impressions I got was that Quinn was a di*k. He really wasn't good enough for Aaron and Aaron was an ultimate sweetheart who you just have to love and protect.
I didn't mind Quinn's attitude or his questionable actions, but I did mind the fact nothing was really happening for quite a while. I do enjoy sex in books, but If I can't have that I would appreciate at least a bit of sexual tension. Didn't find any of it in this book almost up until something like 70% of the story. The MCs were around each other, but the time kept passing and almost everything between them that might have helped with the development of the connection was told instead of shown.
Really, when I'm more interested in surfing the net for insignificant information while in the middle of a story, that can't be a very good sign.
Things do get better by the end of the book, and I did shed a tear or two once things got intense. I even admit the couple seemed too sweet for words once they finally got together. But it was hard to connect the men I first met individually to those they turned out to be once they became a couple. Overall, I would say this is more like a 3.5 read. Oh and Quinn didn't really stay a di*k in my eyes ;)
April 25, 2011
I enjoy Kate Sherwood's writing and this book did not dissapoint. I enjoyed the way that this romance developed and the friendship that provided the foundation. Aaron's inexperience and overall happy spirit was just the nourishment that Quinn needed and their pairing was just sweet and enjoyable. This was one of those sweet, smiley reads.
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September 8, 2011I'm really pleased with this one. I feel like it's got a good mix of the heart and angst and drama from the Dark Horse series, with the tighter, more disciplined structure that I worked on for Lost Treasure and Trifecta. Plus hot boys! It's a win/win situation.
December 14, 2015
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this. I likedboth the MC's and I liked the "real" feel to the story. I'm honestly sad that it's done now.
Ps. I liked the audio as well. It helped make the story
I really enjoyed this. I likedboth the MC's and I liked the "real" feel to the story. I'm honestly sad that it's done now.
Ps. I liked the audio as well. It helped make the story
August 23, 2012
Audiobook
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July 2, 2017Ковбои, необъяснимое влечение и навоз. Много навоза.
*вздыхает*
*вздыхает*
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May 19, 2011I was a little worried starting this book since I was thinking that Quinn’s quest to find Aaron a good boyfriend, where good was not him, would have implied that for most of the story Quinn and Aaron would have been apart. But don’t worry, that is not the case and so the story worked for me even better.
When the reader is introduced to Quinn he is not that he is doing a really good impression, he is not only promiscuous but also trying his best to appear detached and uncaring; true, he is reflecting a bit the attitude of who is in front of him, and indeed as soon as he meets Aaron, the attitude changes a little: when Quinn finds out that Aaron is a 22 years old guy trying to loose his virginity to a stranger, Quinn self-proclaimed himself Aaron’s protector and love affair’s counsellor, and decides that, since he, or other men like him, are not good for Aaron, he would help him finding the right boyfriend.
For the matchmaking skill of a common friend, Quinn goes to work for Aaron’s family horse farm, and here the difference in upbringing between Quinn and Aaron, and the reason why they are also so different as adult, comes clear: Aaron has the full support of both his parents than big brother, not only that, they are pushing him towards Quinn. And truth be told, even if Quinn continues to brushing him off, Aaron is totally into Quinn and no other alternative seems to work.
There is a light dose of drama, nothing really big, and the average tone of the story is light and sweet romance; the relationship between them is, from the beginning, really good, with Quinn who is able to read Aaron’s hidden desires to find a soul mates and having a romance and not only sex. On this regard, Quinn was right to deny Aaron, to refuse to have a one night stand with him and to forbid him to have it with someone else. Even when they move to the sex, still the tone is more sweet romance than fully erotica.
Aaron is really naïve, but not in a bad way; he is simply born and rise in a loving family, and as such he is open to the world and has a friendly attitude towards everyone. I don’t know what could happen if he was really faced with the big bad world, maybe the strength he derives from his own family would help him to face the challenge, but in any case, that is not happening, and Aaron will obtain his true heart desires.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/161581938X/?...
When the reader is introduced to Quinn he is not that he is doing a really good impression, he is not only promiscuous but also trying his best to appear detached and uncaring; true, he is reflecting a bit the attitude of who is in front of him, and indeed as soon as he meets Aaron, the attitude changes a little: when Quinn finds out that Aaron is a 22 years old guy trying to loose his virginity to a stranger, Quinn self-proclaimed himself Aaron’s protector and love affair’s counsellor, and decides that, since he, or other men like him, are not good for Aaron, he would help him finding the right boyfriend.
For the matchmaking skill of a common friend, Quinn goes to work for Aaron’s family horse farm, and here the difference in upbringing between Quinn and Aaron, and the reason why they are also so different as adult, comes clear: Aaron has the full support of both his parents than big brother, not only that, they are pushing him towards Quinn. And truth be told, even if Quinn continues to brushing him off, Aaron is totally into Quinn and no other alternative seems to work.
There is a light dose of drama, nothing really big, and the average tone of the story is light and sweet romance; the relationship between them is, from the beginning, really good, with Quinn who is able to read Aaron’s hidden desires to find a soul mates and having a romance and not only sex. On this regard, Quinn was right to deny Aaron, to refuse to have a one night stand with him and to forbid him to have it with someone else. Even when they move to the sex, still the tone is more sweet romance than fully erotica.
Aaron is really naïve, but not in a bad way; he is simply born and rise in a loving family, and as such he is open to the world and has a friendly attitude towards everyone. I don’t know what could happen if he was really faced with the big bad world, maybe the strength he derives from his own family would help him to face the challenge, but in any case, that is not happening, and Aaron will obtain his true heart desires.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/161581938X/?...
March 23, 2012
09/12/2013
I'll come clean at once. I am working with DSP for the Italian translations of their books and I had to re-read this book at least 3 other times to help prepare the translation. The more I read it, the more I liked it, so I am bumping my rating up. Let me tell you that the first time I didn't really get all the clues the author was disseminating throughout the story, but on the re-read they caught me almost unaware and it became an incredible emotional read.
Quinn is damaged and he was the one who had me sniffling a bit, but I fell a little bit in love with Aaron, his stubborness and his emotional klutziness, that turned into a strenght and an endearing sincerity. I had to tell this.
First review, Marche 2012:
I thought I would like it more. I read the Dark Horse series by Kate Sherwood and I was really blown away by that book. Even if the writing was rough in places and the drama sometimes seemed a bit over the top - or maybe the protagonist was too drama-queenish sometimes - it packed a punch, it shook me and when I think about that series, I can feel the emotions creeping back on me.
The protagonists of this story are nice, Quinn has a sad background story, there are moments of tension, it's very moving in a couple of places, but I was never too concerned about the characters. The way Quinn's past is revealed is nice, because you get it page after page, but I couldn't feel the tension building, and for a book where the sexual tension should be cut with a knife, Aaron's waiting was romantic, but for me the sexual tension never reached it's peak. When Quinn was denying Aaron, it was there, but when it was just a trying to talk him out of it, it wasn't as compelling as I was expecting. The whole story was a page-turner though.
I think there was a bit of clutter around the edges. For example: Quinn has to testify against his aggressor, who appeared as a very sleazy character, but it seemed only a device to put Quinn back on the police radar. Aaron's hockey practice appeared and disappeared. Aaron's family played a big role at the beginning, but they disappeared at the end, when Quinn's family arrives and takes over. I don't know if this is because there might be a sequel, but it feels like it.
I'd recommend it if you're new to the m/m genre and if you don't like too much drama, but you enjoy emotions.
I'll come clean at once. I am working with DSP for the Italian translations of their books and I had to re-read this book at least 3 other times to help prepare the translation. The more I read it, the more I liked it, so I am bumping my rating up. Let me tell you that the first time I didn't really get all the clues the author was disseminating throughout the story, but on the re-read they caught me almost unaware and it became an incredible emotional read.
Quinn is damaged and he was the one who had me sniffling a bit, but I fell a little bit in love with Aaron, his stubborness and his emotional klutziness, that turned into a strenght and an endearing sincerity. I had to tell this.
First review, Marche 2012:
I thought I would like it more. I read the Dark Horse series by Kate Sherwood and I was really blown away by that book. Even if the writing was rough in places and the drama sometimes seemed a bit over the top - or maybe the protagonist was too drama-queenish sometimes - it packed a punch, it shook me and when I think about that series, I can feel the emotions creeping back on me.
The protagonists of this story are nice, Quinn has a sad background story, there are moments of tension, it's very moving in a couple of places, but I was never too concerned about the characters. The way Quinn's past is revealed is nice, because you get it page after page, but I couldn't feel the tension building, and for a book where the sexual tension should be cut with a knife, Aaron's waiting was romantic, but for me the sexual tension never reached it's peak. When Quinn was denying Aaron, it was there, but when it was just a trying to talk him out of it, it wasn't as compelling as I was expecting. The whole story was a page-turner though.
I think there was a bit of clutter around the edges. For example: Quinn has to testify against his aggressor, who appeared as a very sleazy character, but it seemed only a device to put Quinn back on the police radar. Aaron's hockey practice appeared and disappeared. Aaron's family played a big role at the beginning, but they disappeared at the end, when Quinn's family arrives and takes over. I don't know if this is because there might be a sequel, but it feels like it.
I'd recommend it if you're new to the m/m genre and if you don't like too much drama, but you enjoy emotions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2011
Two things made this book one that I'll remember and re-read in the future:
1. The masterful way the author developed the characters and story to achieve the only possible outcome. Quinn starts out refusing to be Aarons's first sexual experience because, in his opinion, it should happen with someone Aaron knows well and cares for. This person should also care for Aaron and be willing to have more than a one-night stand. The author then proceeds to make sure that Quinn and Aaron, slowly but surely and without either of them being aware of it, become exactly who they need to be for their HEA.
2. The final scene, when they "go all the way", was perfect. There is no other word that fits. Dreamy, but precise and realistic, sweet and hot, it had me there with them in mind and body. One of the best "first time" m/m romance scenes I've ever read. Perfect!
This is my first book by this author, but it certainly won't be the last.
1. The masterful way the author developed the characters and story to achieve the only possible outcome. Quinn starts out refusing to be Aarons's first sexual experience because, in his opinion, it should happen with someone Aaron knows well and cares for. This person should also care for Aaron and be willing to have more than a one-night stand. The author then proceeds to make sure that Quinn and Aaron, slowly but surely and without either of them being aware of it, become exactly who they need to be for their HEA.
2. The final scene, when they "go all the way", was perfect. There is no other word that fits. Dreamy, but precise and realistic, sweet and hot, it had me there with them in mind and body. One of the best "first time" m/m romance scenes I've ever read. Perfect!
This is my first book by this author, but it certainly won't be the last.
July 19, 2015
*** Note: I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review ***
Quinn is a pushing-30 boy-slut with a past that he's trying desperately to forget via a series of one night stands in Vancouver. Aaron is a virginal 22 year old farm boy from a rural horse farm that is looking to experience what he's been missing. When the two hook up neither gets what he expected but perhaps both get what they need despite their mutual convictions that they aren't really worth it.
Yes, this is a m/m erotic story but that's just the crust on this particularly wholesome pot pie of a story. Both guys are likeable and quickly charm the reader into caring about them and wanting to see them do more than just get their mutual horniness out of the way.
This tale is well worth the time and the emotional investment. Check it out.
Quinn is a pushing-30 boy-slut with a past that he's trying desperately to forget via a series of one night stands in Vancouver. Aaron is a virginal 22 year old farm boy from a rural horse farm that is looking to experience what he's been missing. When the two hook up neither gets what he expected but perhaps both get what they need despite their mutual convictions that they aren't really worth it.
Yes, this is a m/m erotic story but that's just the crust on this particularly wholesome pot pie of a story. Both guys are likeable and quickly charm the reader into caring about them and wanting to see them do more than just get their mutual horniness out of the way.
This tale is well worth the time and the emotional investment. Check it out.
November 5, 2011
3,5 stars
Quinn made the book for me.I really liked his slutty,insecure and troubled "I`m-so-not-worth-it" character.After a brief first encounter with Aaron the build-up was slow and believable with nice sexual tension but after finally coming together the story lost its "fire".
Quinn made the book for me.I really liked his slutty,insecure and troubled "I`m-so-not-worth-it" character.After a brief first encounter with Aaron the build-up was slow and believable with nice sexual tension but after finally coming together the story lost its "fire".
August 9, 2012
Audiobook edition (Robert Nieman).
This was an excellent listen. The narrator hit a perfect note for Quinn’s voice: cynical, self-deprecating, yet warm. His speaking style is engaging and soothing.
The novel starts with a simplistic premise: relationship virgin seeks experience, and jaded club boy has a peculiar moment of conscience—or something else—and gently rebuffs him. Quinn attempts to steer Aaron into other avenues for meeting “suitable” partners, with expected results, but this marks the end of the predictable M/M tropes in this one. Once Quinn admits he might want all Aaron is offering, the novel becomes deeper, more angsty and more complex.
The reveal of Quinn’s personal history and issues is slow and torturous, as he is a master at deflection, but the payoff is worth the wait, as is the ultimate consummation of his and Aaron’s relationship. Recommended.
July 9, 2013
3,5 stars.
Aaron is a twenty-two year old trying to find someone to help him get rid of his unwanted virginity. Quinn is an older and much more experienced guy who is hopping from one night stand to one night stand. Aaron doesn't know that Quinn is a tortured soul, who feels he is unworthy of being loved. So he pushes Aaron away.
Aaron decision to at least be friends with Quinn is really the beginning of their relationship. But Quinn is like a skittish horse, he is head-shy - something could spook him and he'd run.
There are twists and turns and ups and downs in this book. Kate Sherwood made the emotional connection real and believable. Although I like her Dark Horse series much better it was an enjoyable read.
January 21, 2014
I loved this book~ it was so sweet
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June 3, 2020Virgin dude gets a blow job from a guy, gets rejected, then pins over the guy like a love sick puppy with no backbone? Yeah not my thing. I know it does it for some people just not for me.
November 28, 2014
I skimmed... what can I say? Other than this was just one big cliché after another.
July 26, 2020
Una lectura casi para salir del bloqueo, ¿por qué 'casi'? Debido a que inicia siendo una lectura fresca, con sus partes divertidas. Pero a medida que avanzamos caemos en lo mismo, 'el no me quiere, yo quiero que me quiera'. Igual siguió siendo fácil de leer, pero hizo que no lo disfrutara tanto.
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