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Simple Man
Bestselling author Lydia Michaels wins the Rone Award for SIMPLE MAN, a spicy opposites-attract, single-dad romance!
When a tattooed musician becomes the guardian of a surprise baby, his life and heart are forever changed. Shane Martin has traded in late nights and fast women for midnight feedings and lullabies. All is well until Kate McAlester, a prissy, stuck-up social worker, is assigned to him.
Kate only sees a clueless, single dad unfit to be a parent, but Shane is determined to prove her wrong. The more he tries to impress the nosey social worker, the more volatile the situation gets and sparks fly.
Shane can’t decide whether to take Kate to bed or put her over his knee. But when life takes an unexpected hit, and his world gets turned upside down, Kate proves to be more of an ally than he realized.
This is not the life he wanted, but now it’s too late to go back. Shane must prove himself worthy to everyone who doubted him. He must prove he’s much more than a simple man.
When a tattooed musician becomes the guardian of a surprise baby, his life and heart are forever changed. Shane Martin has traded in late nights and fast women for midnight feedings and lullabies. All is well until Kate McAlester, a prissy, stuck-up social worker, is assigned to him.
Kate only sees a clueless, single dad unfit to be a parent, but Shane is determined to prove her wrong. The more he tries to impress the nosey social worker, the more volatile the situation gets and sparks fly.
Shane can’t decide whether to take Kate to bed or put her over his knee. But when life takes an unexpected hit, and his world gets turned upside down, Kate proves to be more of an ally than he realized.
This is not the life he wanted, but now it’s too late to go back. Shane must prove himself worthy to everyone who doubted him. He must prove he’s much more than a simple man.
244 pages, ebook
First published October 24, 2013
74 people are currently reading
931 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Michaels
182 books1,887 followersLydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
October 25, 2014
4.5 Simply Charming Stars! An uncomplicated story about what suddenly becomes a complicated life for hero with a huge heart when reality comes knocking at his door!
Shane's been through so much heartache, and now he’s been handed a precious gift that puts his life in perspective and he's determined to do whatever it takes to make a forever home for his nephew Logan.
Shane's unsure about the direction of his own life, he doesn’t see his worth, and he wonders how will he manage to take care of a baby. It kills him that he can't provide for his nephew the way he wants to, but he swallows his pride and does what needs to be done. He's the best kind of hero in every way that counts, and when he lets his heart lead him, it gives him the strength to do things he never imagined he was capable of. Of course, it helps that his friends have his back and they don't run and abandon him in his time of need. In their own way Shane's friends gave him the support and back-thumping he needed, it was comical, but also incredibly sweet, and absolutely lovely to read about.
Kate, the case worker, went above and beyond what her job called for. She believed in Shane, which gave him the confidence and push he needed to trust that he could do anything he set his mind too. It was beautiful to see these two go from cynical caseworker and wary guardian, to trusting friends, and ultimately lovers. Kate was the piece of the puzzle that was missing from Shane's life and they were perfect together.
There are heart-clenching and nail-biting moments that leads to a fitting and wonderful ending...have some tissues ready, you will need them.
There's something about the way Lydia Michaels writes, she brings a sense of realism to the story, and has an innate ability to engage a reader's emotions. I can't recommend this story enough, this was one of my favorite reads this year, and it will go on my 'comfort' read shelf. Simple Man is a book that definitely warrants to be re-read!
May 6, 2014
I really enjoyed this story of a man who finds his purpose in life when he becomes the guardian of his baby nephew. The story was sweet and funny, he fell in love with baby Logan and wanted to be a better man for him so he started to improve his life which previously consisted of him working construction and getting drunk with his friends. Unlike most romances, this book has a poor hero who lives in a trailer. He doesn't magically become rich, the heroine falls in love with who he is and not what he has. The romance took a back seat for me as the story was more about the hero and baby Logan. The story was told from the hero's POV which was also different than normal.
I recommend this sweet, moving story if you want to read something a little different and more realistic than most romances.
I recommend this sweet, moving story if you want to read something a little different and more realistic than most romances.
March 3, 2015
Overall rating: 3.75 stars!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimacy with om/ow:
HEA:
My review:
Shane Martin had a rough life. Losing his parents at the age of 17 and being left to care for his 11 year old sister wasn't easy. He was forced to drop out of school and get a job to make ends up but still ended up losing his parents' home. But he stuck it out and dealt with life. He was still very much a kid himself - his idea of fun was having his friends over to play video games, get drunk and smoke some pot. Total bachelor lifestyle. As his sister, Noel, got older, she started to change. She wasn't like him. She was smart and hung out with a completely different crowd - until she didn't and ended up pregnant. I have to say, when I met Noel in the prologue, I thought she was very much a selfish bitch, but I feel bad for what happened to her. When Noel comes to break up his party and demand money for an abortion, Shane and her get into a heated argument. He is trying to show her tough love, but ends up pushing her away and she disappears for 8 months. That is, until he gets a knock of his front door that changes his life forever.
This book is told solely from Shane's POV with a glimpse at Kate at the very end. This really is Shane's story of personal growth and holding on tight to those that you love. We don't even meet the heroine of the story, his case worker, Kate, until about 30% or so? I LOVED seeing Shane's changes in his life and how his priorities start to change drastically. He doesn't even bat an eye. He just does it because he loves Baby Shane/Logan and doesn't want to lose his only family that he has left. That is why his actions in regards to my spoiler above concerning intimate with om/ow just didn't fit into his character. I was literally just shocked. This would have been almost the perfect book if not for those two scenes. But I will say, I would have liked a little more background to Kate's character too. She was very one dementional in this book so to me, she came off as a bitch quite a bit. It was nice having the hero be the one who was very unsure and insecure when it came to Kate. I did enjoy that and I did enjoy his love for her. This story had great potential to be a 5 star read IMO.
Off to my next read :)
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimacy with om/ow:
HEA:
My review:
Shane Martin had a rough life. Losing his parents at the age of 17 and being left to care for his 11 year old sister wasn't easy. He was forced to drop out of school and get a job to make ends up but still ended up losing his parents' home. But he stuck it out and dealt with life. He was still very much a kid himself - his idea of fun was having his friends over to play video games, get drunk and smoke some pot. Total bachelor lifestyle. As his sister, Noel, got older, she started to change. She wasn't like him. She was smart and hung out with a completely different crowd - until she didn't and ended up pregnant. I have to say, when I met Noel in the prologue, I thought she was very much a selfish bitch, but I feel bad for what happened to her. When Noel comes to break up his party and demand money for an abortion, Shane and her get into a heated argument. He is trying to show her tough love, but ends up pushing her away and she disappears for 8 months. That is, until he gets a knock of his front door that changes his life forever.
This book is told solely from Shane's POV with a glimpse at Kate at the very end. This really is Shane's story of personal growth and holding on tight to those that you love. We don't even meet the heroine of the story, his case worker, Kate, until about 30% or so? I LOVED seeing Shane's changes in his life and how his priorities start to change drastically. He doesn't even bat an eye. He just does it because he loves Baby Shane/Logan and doesn't want to lose his only family that he has left. That is why his actions in regards to my spoiler above concerning intimate with om/ow just didn't fit into his character. I was literally just shocked. This would have been almost the perfect book if not for those two scenes. But I will say, I would have liked a little more background to Kate's character too. She was very one dementional in this book so to me, she came off as a bitch quite a bit. It was nice having the hero be the one who was very unsure and insecure when it came to Kate. I did enjoy that and I did enjoy his love for her. This story had great potential to be a 5 star read IMO.
Off to my next read :)
December 31, 2014
This was a nice surprise. I wasn't sure it would work for me at first because Shane's initial immaturity grated on my nerves a bit. However, it didn't take long for him to win me over, and by the end I was completely in love with him. Shane is quite possibly one of the best Heroes of a romance that I've ever read.
The best part of this novel was Shane's journey as he tried to navigate his world with this newfound child. I adored the relationship he developed with his nephew Logan. I also adored Shane's character growth, which I thought was extremely well done. I also appreciated the realism of Shane's financial circumstances. I thought that was handled with honesty and care.
The weakest part of the story was the romance. It took a while for me to warm up to Kate, the Heroine, and their relationship. It lacked depth for a large part of the story. I finally started to warm up to it, and their relationship began to feel deeper, during the last third of the book. However, that did not diminish my enjoyment.
In truth, the relationship with Kate, while important, really felt like just one piece of Shane's journey. Told solely from Shane's POV, this truly was Shane's story. And I loved it. I loved it so much that it has found a place on my re-read shelf.
A special thank you goes out to Jessica for recommending this story to me.
Final rating: 5 stars
The best part of this novel was Shane's journey as he tried to navigate his world with this newfound child. I adored the relationship he developed with his nephew Logan. I also adored Shane's character growth, which I thought was extremely well done. I also appreciated the realism of Shane's financial circumstances. I thought that was handled with honesty and care.
The weakest part of the story was the romance. It took a while for me to warm up to Kate, the Heroine, and their relationship. It lacked depth for a large part of the story. I finally started to warm up to it, and their relationship began to feel deeper, during the last third of the book. However, that did not diminish my enjoyment.
In truth, the relationship with Kate, while important, really felt like just one piece of Shane's journey. Told solely from Shane's POV, this truly was Shane's story. And I loved it. I loved it so much that it has found a place on my re-read shelf.
A special thank you goes out to Jessica for recommending this story to me.
Final rating: 5 stars
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March 29, 2014
03/22/2014 --
Overall Rating = 3.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 4 /5 = 4.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 4 Stars
Ending = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 2 Stars -- [$5.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild to Mod
244 pages
This is a solid 3.5 Star read for me. I saw another book by this author rated and reviewed well by a friend -- see review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....
She really liked this author's style, but the book was a bit spendy for me without having experience with the author. I looked through my pile and I had this one I thought I'd try. I'm really glad I did. I'm devouring this author right now. I really like how she does romance.
What did I like about this one?
1 -- This is a story you've heard before -- usually cutsie. An abandoned child is taken in by a hot male relative. The Hottie can't boil water, let alone take care of a baby and needs to be saved. Eventually some cute twenty something comes in and saves the day .. with a bit of comedy and smoochy kisses - right? Not this time. This story has grit. We have a sister in a jam. She goes to big bro who is in the middle of a weeknight party with his guys. They have words, she slams out and he never hears from her again. He looks and looks and looks. He finally discovers she has met with a horrific end and he is left with an infant. He lives in a nasty trailer in a dive trailer park. He has little or nothing to give but is determined to do for his sisters child. He is committed to doing the best he can. He really is a very simple man. I liked the grit in this one. These characters are regular people with loyalty toward one another.
2 -- The social worker has been burned in the past. She is trying really hard not to become involved with Shane, but he is working so hard. He really is trying to do the right thing and can't seem to get a break. Kate is exactly as you would imagine a harried, tired social worker doing what she can to take care of the kids she is entrusted with. She is trying to follow the rules of the system. She is trying not to get involved. In the end, Shane proves himself and she just can't stay away.
3 -- Shane keeps moving forward. At every turn, he is slapped down, but he gets up and keeps getting up. He pushes forward. He doesn't expect much and knows he will have to work hard for anything he does get. He has tenacity. He wants more for his nephew; Logan. In the end, he wants it for himself too. We've watched and know he deserves it. We are firmly in his corner.
4 -- This author SUCKS you in. There are minor bumps, but overall a very enjoyable read. She took something done time and again and made it her own. After reading a few more by her, I'm convinced I'll read anything by this author. She is consistently different .. in a VERY good way.
5 -- I love kids in a romance. Watching Shane and Kate bond as they became involved with Logan was just a joy to read. This interaction adds so much to a story, when done well. This one was excellent.
6 -- I loved the cover. You'd think this one would be about a rock star or something. Not at all. This guy can play guitar and sing. He does this for extra money at a few local clubs. He really is a very simple man.
What things could have been a bit better?
1 -- The price. For me this was a New to Me author and $6 is a bit spendy. I've read two others by her now and know the quality of her stories. I'd pay it, but still grimace. Someone who hasn't had the same experience, may not. That would be a shame.
2 -- The drama in the story was a bit clunky. Not sure why, but it just didn't flow well. It had me wondering about some of the "logic" of the story unfolding -- for me the kiss of death. Everything else worked so well -- all but the "suspense" component. Not sure exactly why.
I really only had a few minor issues - still important enough to mention when considering to spend and read or not.
BTW: This book was nominated by the 2014 In'Dtale Rone' Awards, the NA category. I had no idea when I selected the book to read. Best of luck to this author.
I would recommend this book to most anyone. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't like it. An enjoyable read and I'll probably find a way to read it again sometime.
Happy Reading!
Overall Rating = 3.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 4 /5 = 4.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 4 Stars
Ending = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 2 Stars -- [$5.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild to Mod
244 pages
This is a solid 3.5 Star read for me. I saw another book by this author rated and reviewed well by a friend -- see review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....
She really liked this author's style, but the book was a bit spendy for me without having experience with the author. I looked through my pile and I had this one I thought I'd try. I'm really glad I did. I'm devouring this author right now. I really like how she does romance.
What did I like about this one?
1 -- This is a story you've heard before -- usually cutsie. An abandoned child is taken in by a hot male relative. The Hottie can't boil water, let alone take care of a baby and needs to be saved. Eventually some cute twenty something comes in and saves the day .. with a bit of comedy and smoochy kisses - right? Not this time. This story has grit. We have a sister in a jam. She goes to big bro who is in the middle of a weeknight party with his guys. They have words, she slams out and he never hears from her again. He looks and looks and looks. He finally discovers she has met with a horrific end and he is left with an infant. He lives in a nasty trailer in a dive trailer park. He has little or nothing to give but is determined to do for his sisters child. He is committed to doing the best he can. He really is a very simple man. I liked the grit in this one. These characters are regular people with loyalty toward one another.
2 -- The social worker has been burned in the past. She is trying really hard not to become involved with Shane, but he is working so hard. He really is trying to do the right thing and can't seem to get a break. Kate is exactly as you would imagine a harried, tired social worker doing what she can to take care of the kids she is entrusted with. She is trying to follow the rules of the system. She is trying not to get involved. In the end, Shane proves himself and she just can't stay away.
3 -- Shane keeps moving forward. At every turn, he is slapped down, but he gets up and keeps getting up. He pushes forward. He doesn't expect much and knows he will have to work hard for anything he does get. He has tenacity. He wants more for his nephew; Logan. In the end, he wants it for himself too. We've watched and know he deserves it. We are firmly in his corner.
4 -- This author SUCKS you in. There are minor bumps, but overall a very enjoyable read. She took something done time and again and made it her own. After reading a few more by her, I'm convinced I'll read anything by this author. She is consistently different .. in a VERY good way.
5 -- I love kids in a romance. Watching Shane and Kate bond as they became involved with Logan was just a joy to read. This interaction adds so much to a story, when done well. This one was excellent.
6 -- I loved the cover. You'd think this one would be about a rock star or something. Not at all. This guy can play guitar and sing. He does this for extra money at a few local clubs. He really is a very simple man.
What things could have been a bit better?
1 -- The price. For me this was a New to Me author and $6 is a bit spendy. I've read two others by her now and know the quality of her stories. I'd pay it, but still grimace. Someone who hasn't had the same experience, may not. That would be a shame.
2 -- The drama in the story was a bit clunky. Not sure why, but it just didn't flow well. It had me wondering about some of the "logic" of the story unfolding -- for me the kiss of death. Everything else worked so well -- all but the "suspense" component. Not sure exactly why.
I really only had a few minor issues - still important enough to mention when considering to spend and read or not.
BTW: This book was nominated by the 2014 In'Dtale Rone' Awards, the NA category. I had no idea when I selected the book to read. Best of luck to this author.
I would recommend this book to most anyone. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't like it. An enjoyable read and I'll probably find a way to read it again sometime.
Happy Reading!
March 30, 2015
4 1/2 stars!
This was a re-read for me, and I loved this book even more the second time around!
Every once in a while a book comes along that is so refreshingly real that it is honestly like a breath of fresh air. Simple Man was that book for me. The hero is a struggling and down on his luck construction worker who lives in a trailer park, spends his weekends drinking and getting high, and finds it difficult make ends meet. His friends are all in the same boat, and unlike most heroes that you read about, honestly can believe that a man like Shane truly does exist.
Once Shane's past is revealed, his true character and ability to sacrifice himself for others is revealed and I fell for his character on the spot. I desperately wanted a happily ever after for him, but had no idea that Shane's HEA would come in the form of an infant.
The amount of heart that this book contains is difficult to quantify. When Shane unexpectedly becomes the guardian to a baby boy, the comedy of errors that ensues is priceless. With only his motley crew of friends to assist him, Shane plunges into parenthood with the same commitment and zest that he does with everything in his life, and again you fall for his character more with each page turn.
This is also a love story, and there is a very special case worker who, along with the reader, sees Shane's worth and also falls for this Simple Man who is honestly anything but.
Unforgettable read. A huge thanks to Karla Parks for her amazing review that led me straight to this book!
Here is the link to Karla's review.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This was a re-read for me, and I loved this book even more the second time around!
Every once in a while a book comes along that is so refreshingly real that it is honestly like a breath of fresh air. Simple Man was that book for me. The hero is a struggling and down on his luck construction worker who lives in a trailer park, spends his weekends drinking and getting high, and finds it difficult make ends meet. His friends are all in the same boat, and unlike most heroes that you read about, honestly can believe that a man like Shane truly does exist.
Once Shane's past is revealed, his true character and ability to sacrifice himself for others is revealed and I fell for his character on the spot. I desperately wanted a happily ever after for him, but had no idea that Shane's HEA would come in the form of an infant.
The amount of heart that this book contains is difficult to quantify. When Shane unexpectedly becomes the guardian to a baby boy, the comedy of errors that ensues is priceless. With only his motley crew of friends to assist him, Shane plunges into parenthood with the same commitment and zest that he does with everything in his life, and again you fall for his character more with each page turn.
This is also a love story, and there is a very special case worker who, along with the reader, sees Shane's worth and also falls for this Simple Man who is honestly anything but.
Unforgettable read. A huge thanks to Karla Parks for her amazing review that led me straight to this book!
Here is the link to Karla's review.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 1, 2016
*4.5 stars*
April 20, 2014
There is this guy, Shane, a simple man. He admits it to himself. He has his friends, Duce, Tucker and Sims. In the beginning of the book we learn that he's been on his own since his parents died in a train wreck 10 years before. His sister Noel is a few years younger than him. Shane is living in a trailer park since his late parents' house was foreclosed. Noel is out running around & the two are no longer close. Shane and Noel argue- Shane regrets it but Noel takes off & he can't find her.
The book is told from 3rd person POV- most of the time from Shane's inner thoughts. I liked that since guys usually don't say what's on their minds. Shane admits he's lonely. I loved that too, since I can't remember a guy in a book - or real life, admitting that! He's struggling financially, working construction when the weather permits.
**SPOILERS**
His life is soon turned upside down when he starts to take guardianship of Noel's infant son. I love the way Shane rearranges his entire life for baby Logan. He bonds right away with him but he has a lot to learn about taking care of a baby. He sees this as link with his sister Noel, who is misses terribly.
The second half of the book is a love story with a woman Shane never expected. I had a little trouble warming up to Kate, Shane's case worker. She does see him as a good guardian/father for the baby. They have chemistry but Shane is embarrassed by his financial situation and doesn't expect them to last. This is another switch for me--usually it's the woman that tries to measure up. There are funny moments-sometimes on the corny side. There were some very sad moments (at the beginning and also towards the end). Shane and his friends remind me of the guys in the movie "Knocked Up"- (kind of aimless at first) but much more realistic. I've read several of Lydia Michaels' books & I have to say her characters usually remind me of someone I know or could have known.
I highly recommend this book.
The book is told from 3rd person POV- most of the time from Shane's inner thoughts. I liked that since guys usually don't say what's on their minds. Shane admits he's lonely. I loved that too, since I can't remember a guy in a book - or real life, admitting that! He's struggling financially, working construction when the weather permits.
**SPOILERS**
His life is soon turned upside down when he starts to take guardianship of Noel's infant son. I love the way Shane rearranges his entire life for baby Logan. He bonds right away with him but he has a lot to learn about taking care of a baby. He sees this as link with his sister Noel, who is misses terribly.
The second half of the book is a love story with a woman Shane never expected. I had a little trouble warming up to Kate, Shane's case worker. She does see him as a good guardian/father for the baby. They have chemistry but Shane is embarrassed by his financial situation and doesn't expect them to last. This is another switch for me--usually it's the woman that tries to measure up. There are funny moments-sometimes on the corny side. There were some very sad moments (at the beginning and also towards the end). Shane and his friends remind me of the guys in the movie "Knocked Up"- (kind of aimless at first) but much more realistic. I've read several of Lydia Michaels' books & I have to say her characters usually remind me of someone I know or could have known.
I highly recommend this book.
May 10, 2014
4 1/2 stars (rounded up to 5 stars, because baby Logan won me over with his awesome belly flop dance)
February 12, 2015
4.5 stars
Sweet, realistic romance between a two very lovable characters. Loved both of them and baby Logan as well. I just felt that the marriage proposal was a little rushed in the end and they needed a little more time together to convince me they were truly, deeply in love, hence the 4 stars.
Thanks to Melissa and Dina for the recommendation!
Sweet, realistic romance between a two very lovable characters. Loved both of them and baby Logan as well. I just felt that the marriage proposal was a little rushed in the end and they needed a little more time together to convince me they were truly, deeply in love, hence the 4 stars.
Thanks to Melissa and Dina for the recommendation!
August 21, 2015
Very well done with a very different approach. Realistic, funny, and heartbreaking at times.
4.5 stars!
4.5 stars!
October 4, 2015
And here I thought this book would be fun and amusing.
Other than what he does for Logan, Shane is not a likable person. He's a sexist, slut-shaming, judgemental, homophobic douche.
He admits to being sexist. He feels that all women have an inherent gift with children, unlike men.
He iterates this same thought more than once.
He also slut-shames. He makes out with a woman, whose name is also Kate because WHY NOT, who he later just recalls as being "nothing but fake boobs and a blurred face." While he's with her, he also feels it's important to point out that her boobs are fake. Oh, and:
Because of course you're no longer "respectable" if you're like that fake-boobed and blurred face slut, "Kate the barfly" (yes, he actually refers to her like that).
Ohhh and!
Isn't he just a keeper???
What a sweetheart, right??
Oh, let's not forget he's homophobic, too!
The author showed us time and again how he and his friends are homophobic.
There's a part where he has flowers in his house...but, of course, flowers are either for women or gay men!
Some of his friends give him stuff to use. His problem with this stuff? It's pink. Because, of course, his male nephew can't have pink stuff! However, because the author wants to show how accepting and unhomophobic he is, he resigns himself to using the pink baby items because he can't afford to replace them! Later on, he also has an issue with his male nephew wearing a teddy bear t-shirt and his male nephew having a room with teddy bear stuff.
There's also a part in which Shane judges Kate's date, Blake. Kate's out with someone and he sees them...and what does he do? He sings passive-aggressive songs and then actually goes up to her table! She's not even going out with him at this point and he's just being jealous! He also judges Kate's date and later says:
Oh, and this is while he's blocking her exit and not letting her leave his home. What a dream!
When Kate tells him exactly what he is, he gets woe-is-me and acts the victim:
Wait...what? "I wanna live my life and not be judged for being who I am"????? Wasn't he JUST judging someone else for being who they are? He judges poor Blake just on his appearance, having barely spoken to him and only just learning his name.
Shane,
Idiot.
Shane is also insufferably elitest. He keeps making comments about how "cool" Kate is, how she's a "cool chick" because she likes stuff from the '80s. He and Kate are also too mega-cool because they buy VINTAGE '80s classic rock shirts, not the lame reproductions from Wal-mart! So cool!!
Not.
This author should be arrested for the mis- and over-use of cool in this book.
I got so sick of how the author kept throwing '80s stuff into the reader's face. It's like the author took everything that epitomizes the '80s and threw it into this novel. She made sure to mention The Breakfast Club and The Goonies. Anyone who doesn't know this is totally lame! The author also makes sure to mention that her totally cool leads are into totally cool music, like U2 and Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Beatles. They're also totally cool and wear VINTAGE band t-shirts. No knock-offs for these classic rock-loving cool cats.
The author even manages to stealthily throw in how Kate is "not like other girls" because she's WAY COOL and likes The Goonies and The Breakfast Club and listens to Madonna and other totally COOL classic rock bands.
Honestly, if these characters were as cool as the author wanted us to believe, she wouldn't need to keep telling us, she wouldn't need to bashing us over the head with '80s stuff in order to up their cool-factor.
Plus, who are Shane and Kate to judge anyone when it comes to stuff from the '80s? Shane and Kate are 27 and 25, respectively. This book was published in 2013. This means that both of them were born in the late '80s and aren't even '80s kids themselves. Kate and Shane are only try-hards. They're all vintage this, vintage that, singing U2 and The Beatles and Lynyrd Skynyrd and shit. They talk about The Goonies and Back to the Future and The Breakfast Club. Ugh. Like, stuff like that is cool in bits and pieces, but combined altogether? Them being twenty-somethings who only love stuff from the '80s and spout not liking Wal-mart reproductions? Try-hards. Uncool Try-hards.
This author also knows how to kill a joke. It was funny the first time when she described Logan's baby movements as dancing. And then she did it again. And then some more. She kept doing it and the joke lost its funny factor and was no longer amusing...the hundredth time she told it.
Other than being annoying, both of these characters are pretty stupid. They're both stupid as hell for not waiting until after he has custody to start messing around. Seriously, what idiots. Her job and the custody of his nephew is on the line...and having sex is more important to them? Ugh.
Also, Kate says she wants to keep the relationship a secret...but then goes out swimming together all family-like with Logan and Shane? Stay out the whole day, showing PDA in public...and then insists on keeping their relationship under wraps? Where is the sense...?! It's just unnecessary.
There's a constant threat of them being found out because he's vying for the custody of his nephew and she's his caseworker. It seemed the author was building up to the inevitable reveal of their relationship. And then it goes nowhere. They go out in public as a family, spends days and nights at one another's places...yet nothing happens and they're never in jeopardy. They're even standing in the courthouse together, sharing a kiss and saying I Love You!!
In this book, the eleventh hour conflict should've been Kate and Shane being found out. Instead, the author suddenly throws in Logan's birth father. The birth father isn't even that big of a deal because he doesn't want the kid anyway! It seems the author just threw Will in to make Shane look better as a parental figure. I would've preferred a fair battle rather than just making Will look terrible.
Also, Shane judges Will for not wanting to take care of a kid. What an idiot. Not everyone wants a child! It doesn't make them less just because of that! OH, and Shane keeps judging Will for just having gotten out of jail. And Shane is better...how? He's judging Will...while he, himself, lives in a trailer and doesn't have a steady job.
I guess I shouldn't be that surprised. Kate's characterization is another problem. The author wrote her so inconsistently, changing her and molding her to whatever situation she wanted. In the beginning, Kate's all prim and proper (which was always mentioned by Shane). Later, she's sitting around in his kitchen in underwear and a tank top and eating pizza and saying that she's a "man's wet dream." What?? And then later Shane remarks that she comes off confident no matter what...except she was shy and unsure of herself for quite a while. What?? What the hell? Ugh.
Oh, and the author uses a woman as a simple plot device. Shane's sister has a baby and Shane ends up with him...because the author just up and kills off said sister. The only mentions of the sister are simply to add to Shane's own angst, nothing more.
Other than what he does for Logan, Shane is not a likable person. He's a sexist, slut-shaming, judgemental, homophobic douche.
He admits to being sexist. He feels that all women have an inherent gift with children, unlike men.
But mostly she was qualified, because she was a girl. Sexist or not, girls had natural know-how when it came to babies.
He iterates this same thought more than once.
He also slut-shames. He makes out with a woman, whose name is also Kate because WHY NOT, who he later just recalls as being "nothing but fake boobs and a blurred face." While he's with her, he also feels it's important to point out that her boobs are fake. Oh, and:
Images of Kate his social worker filled his head. She’d never be caught making out with a musician she didn’t know behind a bar.
That’s because she’s stuck up. He mentally frowned at himself. No, it was because she was respectable.
Because of course you're no longer "respectable" if you're like that fake-boobed and blurred face slut, "Kate the barfly" (yes, he actually refers to her like that).
Ohhh and!
She was built like a real woman, not one of those bobble head, starving-to-death girls that may as well be boys with breasts.
Isn't he just a keeper???
Nice to see something other than a tramp stamp on a girl.
What a sweetheart, right??
Oh, let's not forget he's homophobic, too!
As he approached, her date was in the middle of some anecdote, probably about how gay he was, and she was smiling.
The author showed us time and again how he and his friends are homophobic.
There's a part where he has flowers in his house...but, of course, flowers are either for women or gay men!
“Dude, flowers? You okay?”
Shane’s face burned. “Shut up. I’m trying to make it nice around here.”
“Nice or gay? Why don’t you throw down some doilies while you’re at it?”
Some of his friends give him stuff to use. His problem with this stuff? It's pink. Because, of course, his male nephew can't have pink stuff! However, because the author wants to show how accepting and unhomophobic he is, he resigns himself to using the pink baby items because he can't afford to replace them! Later on, he also has an issue with his male nephew wearing a teddy bear t-shirt and his male nephew having a room with teddy bear stuff.
There's also a part in which Shane judges Kate's date, Blake. Kate's out with someone and he sees them...and what does he do? He sings passive-aggressive songs and then actually goes up to her table! She's not even going out with him at this point and he's just being jealous! He also judges Kate's date and later says:
“Was he everything you dreamed he’d be? I bet he was, in his designer polo with his parted hair. Let me guess, Ivy League graduate, probably majored in something dreadfully dull, but highly lucrative. He speaks at least one other language. Doesn’t like spicy food and only does it missionary—on Tuesdays—with his socks still on.”
Oh, and this is while he's blocking her exit and not letting her leave his home. What a dream!
When Kate tells him exactly what he is, he gets woe-is-me and acts the victim:
“I’m a simple man, Ms. McAlister. I don’t go around pretending to be someone I’m not. All I want is my own quiet piece of this world. You come here and look in my cabinets and think that’s enough to decide what kind of person I am, but you’re wrong. When I was younger I did a lot of dumb shit, but I never hurt anyone. I just wanna live my life and not be judged for being who I am.”
Wait...what? "I wanna live my life and not be judged for being who I am"????? Wasn't he JUST judging someone else for being who they are? He judges poor Blake just on his appearance, having barely spoken to him and only just learning his name.
Shane,
Idiot.
Shane is also insufferably elitest. He keeps making comments about how "cool" Kate is, how she's a "cool chick" because she likes stuff from the '80s. He and Kate are also too mega-cool because they buy VINTAGE '80s classic rock shirts, not the lame reproductions from Wal-mart! So cool!!
Not.
This author should be arrested for the mis- and over-use of cool in this book.
I got so sick of how the author kept throwing '80s stuff into the reader's face. It's like the author took everything that epitomizes the '80s and threw it into this novel. She made sure to mention The Breakfast Club and The Goonies. Anyone who doesn't know this is totally lame! The author also makes sure to mention that her totally cool leads are into totally cool music, like U2 and Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Beatles. They're also totally cool and wear VINTAGE band t-shirts. No knock-offs for these classic rock-loving cool cats.
The author even manages to stealthily throw in how Kate is "not like other girls" because she's WAY COOL and likes The Goonies and The Breakfast Club and listens to Madonna and other totally COOL classic rock bands.
Honestly, if these characters were as cool as the author wanted us to believe, she wouldn't need to keep telling us, she wouldn't need to bashing us over the head with '80s stuff in order to up their cool-factor.
Plus, who are Shane and Kate to judge anyone when it comes to stuff from the '80s? Shane and Kate are 27 and 25, respectively. This book was published in 2013. This means that both of them were born in the late '80s and aren't even '80s kids themselves. Kate and Shane are only try-hards. They're all vintage this, vintage that, singing U2 and The Beatles and Lynyrd Skynyrd and shit. They talk about The Goonies and Back to the Future and The Breakfast Club. Ugh. Like, stuff like that is cool in bits and pieces, but combined altogether? Them being twenty-somethings who only love stuff from the '80s and spout not liking Wal-mart reproductions? Try-hards. Uncool Try-hards.
This author also knows how to kill a joke. It was funny the first time when she described Logan's baby movements as dancing. And then she did it again. And then some more. She kept doing it and the joke lost its funny factor and was no longer amusing...the hundredth time she told it.
Other than being annoying, both of these characters are pretty stupid. They're both stupid as hell for not waiting until after he has custody to start messing around. Seriously, what idiots. Her job and the custody of his nephew is on the line...and having sex is more important to them? Ugh.
Also, Kate says she wants to keep the relationship a secret...but then goes out swimming together all family-like with Logan and Shane? Stay out the whole day, showing PDA in public...and then insists on keeping their relationship under wraps? Where is the sense...?! It's just unnecessary.
There's a constant threat of them being found out because he's vying for the custody of his nephew and she's his caseworker. It seemed the author was building up to the inevitable reveal of their relationship. And then it goes nowhere. They go out in public as a family, spends days and nights at one another's places...yet nothing happens and they're never in jeopardy. They're even standing in the courthouse together, sharing a kiss and saying I Love You!!
In this book, the eleventh hour conflict should've been Kate and Shane being found out. Instead, the author suddenly throws in Logan's birth father. The birth father isn't even that big of a deal because he doesn't want the kid anyway! It seems the author just threw Will in to make Shane look better as a parental figure. I would've preferred a fair battle rather than just making Will look terrible.
Also, Shane judges Will for not wanting to take care of a kid. What an idiot. Not everyone wants a child! It doesn't make them less just because of that! OH, and Shane keeps judging Will for just having gotten out of jail. And Shane is better...how? He's judging Will...while he, himself, lives in a trailer and doesn't have a steady job.
I guess I shouldn't be that surprised. Kate's characterization is another problem. The author wrote her so inconsistently, changing her and molding her to whatever situation she wanted. In the beginning, Kate's all prim and proper (which was always mentioned by Shane). Later, she's sitting around in his kitchen in underwear and a tank top and eating pizza and saying that she's a "man's wet dream." What?? And then later Shane remarks that she comes off confident no matter what...except she was shy and unsure of herself for quite a while. What?? What the hell? Ugh.
Oh, and the author uses a woman as a simple plot device. Shane's sister has a baby and Shane ends up with him...because the author just up and kills off said sister. The only mentions of the sister are simply to add to Shane's own angst, nothing more.
October 24, 2013
Another wonderful story from a great author. This story touched my heart and even brought me to tears. Shane is a real person you could see any day of the week, could be you or your next door neighbor. A story of a "simple man" who proves to be anything but. It makes you view the world we live in with less judgmental eyes. I cannot applaud this story enough as it could be so real for so many. Thank you Lydia Michaels for giving us "real" characters we can relate to. And thank you for a book written in the man's perspective!
June 25, 2016
This book was recommended to me by my good friend Trish a while ago. It sat and sat on my TBR, until recently I've been so disillusioned with new books that I've been looking for new authors (and maybe even older books) to shake things up a bit. I am very pleased to say that SIMPLE MAN was simply enjoyable.
First of all, cute baby alert! And more so than that, cute man with baby alert! The hero of this story, Shane, is a young struggling musician. His younger sister vanished a few months ago and now his world is completely changed after she's dead and her newborn baby is left in his care. The only thing he has to do? Prove to the stern social worker Kate that he has what it takes to raise this child.
Shane getting a crash course in adulthood was the most adorable thing ever. Him and his roommate dealing with baby poop, and feedings, and how he had the cutest relationship with his baby nephew just melted my heart. There's something about a sexy man with a baby that just .... gahhhhh .... and this book has that in spades. Baby Logan is adorable so prepare your ovaries. This story is told from the hero's POV and you will completely fall in love with the man, I tell you.
Kate was just an okay heroine for me. I think had I liked her more this would've been a 5 star read for me. I found her bitchy and prickly at times, which I'm sure is part of the fact that it's told from his POV for the most part and that's how she was coping with not getting involved with him and fighting their attraction. But it did stop me from totally liking her. I do really like that in the end she goes with her feelings and falls for the man who doesn't have money and can't provide her a life of luxury, or even the same standards she's used to being from a higher social class than she is.
But overall, I think this gives us more than just their romance. It's really Shane's story. About how he changed his life for his nephew. How he grew up quickly to take care of his only family. The thing that stands out about this story is the writing. I was so into this story, I felt all the emotions, I laughed and I cried. It all felt real! I will definitely be looking for more Lydia Michaels books in the future!
Favorite Quote:
“I’m a simple man, Ms. McAlister. I don’t go around pretending to be someone I’m not. All I want is my own quiet piece of this world. You come here and look in my cabinets and think that’s enough to decide what kind of person I am, but you’re wrong. When I was younger I did a lot of dumb shit, but I never hurt anyone. I just wanna live my life and not be judged for being who I am.”
Reviewed by Francesca
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March 23, 2014
This story is kind of chick-lit from a guys POV with a cute romance. Story starts off slow with Shane and his friends and I started to skim thinking this one was rather blah. Things pick up once Shane finds out his sister died and left a newborn for him to look after. Life in a trailer, working construction, playing gigs on the side and partying with his friends is all he knows. That is until baby Logan is put in his arms and his life gains purpose. Young Shane's world is turned upside down learning to take care of a baby. It's funny, real, sweet and tender. Poor guy is definitely out of his comfort zone and clueless trying to be a single dad juggling a baby and work. But Shane takes his responsibilities seriously and it's endearing watching him love and care for baby Logan. Some angst about 3/4ths through when Logan's biological father turns up. Kate as the love interest is Shane's strength and support as well as baby Logan's social services advocate. She struggles with her attraction for Shane but can't help but fall for him.
Very sweet, heartwarming story with a great HEA and a good dose of reference to music and movies from the eighties.
Very sweet, heartwarming story with a great HEA and a good dose of reference to music and movies from the eighties.
August 13, 2016
Simply awesome!!!!
This book had me laughing & crying, I loved it!
This book had me laughing & crying, I loved it!
June 9, 2018
There was so much to love about Simple Man. I have to admit, I didn’t think Shane stood much of a chance at being a father in the beginning. Raising himself since he was 17 and raising his sister, he just kind of lived in the moment and didn’t give much thought to the future. Just existing, spending his days working when there was work and his nights getting drunk with friends. There’s nothing like parenthood to bring you to your knees.
Losing his sister, his last living relative, was unbearable. And finding out he had an infant nephew was life changing. I loved watching Shane grow through his struggles. And boy, did he struggle. Lydia Michaels did not hold back. She let him experience it all. Sleepless nights, poop, puke, fevers, and fussiness. I loved watching Shane learn to cope with it all. And I especially loved seeing him change from viewing baby Logan as his nephew to viewing him as his son. I think I knew he would make it when he sold his game system to buy things for Logan.
I enjoyed the progression of Shane and Kate’s relationship too. Kate was judgmental at first and I didn’t blame her. In that occupation, I’m sure you see the worst of the worst. But as they spent time together and she saw him with Logan, she saw beyond the broke musician living in a trailer park. She saw the caring, driven man Shane was. Shane was the only one having a hard time seeing past his financial situation. I felt for him when he was embarrassed to use his food stamps. That was a real hit to his pride. But through Kate, Logan, and his hilarious friends, he learned it was okay to reach out for help.
The romance element was beyond beautiful. The intimate scenes were off the charts but the more tender scenes appealed to me even more. When Shane moved beyond wanting to impress Kate for the sake of the courts to wanting to impress her so that she’d see him as a better man was so touching.
I think what I love most about Lydia Michaels’ books is that they’re just so realistic. It’s easy to see myself in Shane and Kate’s world. These romances may not always be fun and they may not always be sweet. In fact, the realistic depictions of romance in these books will sometimes break your heart. You see the good, bad, and the ugly. The miscommunications, the tender moments, the frustrating fights. All the struggles people experience with the ones they love. Lydia Michaels makes you experience it all and she does it with humor, heart, and tenderness. If you can make it to the end of one of her books without tearing up, you’re not human.
Losing his sister, his last living relative, was unbearable. And finding out he had an infant nephew was life changing. I loved watching Shane grow through his struggles. And boy, did he struggle. Lydia Michaels did not hold back. She let him experience it all. Sleepless nights, poop, puke, fevers, and fussiness. I loved watching Shane learn to cope with it all. And I especially loved seeing him change from viewing baby Logan as his nephew to viewing him as his son. I think I knew he would make it when he sold his game system to buy things for Logan.
I enjoyed the progression of Shane and Kate’s relationship too. Kate was judgmental at first and I didn’t blame her. In that occupation, I’m sure you see the worst of the worst. But as they spent time together and she saw him with Logan, she saw beyond the broke musician living in a trailer park. She saw the caring, driven man Shane was. Shane was the only one having a hard time seeing past his financial situation. I felt for him when he was embarrassed to use his food stamps. That was a real hit to his pride. But through Kate, Logan, and his hilarious friends, he learned it was okay to reach out for help.
The romance element was beyond beautiful. The intimate scenes were off the charts but the more tender scenes appealed to me even more. When Shane moved beyond wanting to impress Kate for the sake of the courts to wanting to impress her so that she’d see him as a better man was so touching.
I think what I love most about Lydia Michaels’ books is that they’re just so realistic. It’s easy to see myself in Shane and Kate’s world. These romances may not always be fun and they may not always be sweet. In fact, the realistic depictions of romance in these books will sometimes break your heart. You see the good, bad, and the ugly. The miscommunications, the tender moments, the frustrating fights. All the struggles people experience with the ones they love. Lydia Michaels makes you experience it all and she does it with humor, heart, and tenderness. If you can make it to the end of one of her books without tearing up, you’re not human.
April 5, 2018
Rated 4.3 Realistic Stars
May 11, 2014
3.5 stars, a nice story.
The title says it all, this is a sweet story about a man who wanted a simple life. And I was glad to see he got it in the end. This felt less like a romance, more the male equivalent of chick-lit, of which I can handle the bare minimum. This book on the other hand brought out the shining characters, the diamond in the rough, the simplicity of the fruits of love and hardship. And I loved that. In fact, i was distracted by the sex scenes, and i flipped through them, quickly because there was very little real connection. Nothing was told from Kate's perspective, no one sentence or thought and I found it hard to see her as his partner. So, at the end, of my first boy-lit story, i loved it with the same sweet surprise for the novelty of the idea and sheer baby-love with which we all watched 3 men and a baby back in the 90s, or was it 80s? We were charmed then, i was charmed now.
The title says it all, this is a sweet story about a man who wanted a simple life. And I was glad to see he got it in the end. This felt less like a romance, more the male equivalent of chick-lit, of which I can handle the bare minimum. This book on the other hand brought out the shining characters, the diamond in the rough, the simplicity of the fruits of love and hardship. And I loved that. In fact, i was distracted by the sex scenes, and i flipped through them, quickly because there was very little real connection. Nothing was told from Kate's perspective, no one sentence or thought and I found it hard to see her as his partner. So, at the end, of my first boy-lit story, i loved it with the same sweet surprise for the novelty of the idea and sheer baby-love with which we all watched 3 men and a baby back in the 90s, or was it 80s? We were charmed then, i was charmed now.
May 20, 2014
I don't understand how they could take such a big risk with their livelihood (her career and his baby) just because they couldn't keep their hands away from each other for a couple months... It's not like they fell in love or wanted to get married or something- it was pure lust. That's where the story lost me and I dropped it (about 60% into it).
Sorry, even tho it was fun reading in the hero's POV, I can't accept the absurdity of what they did.
Also can I just add: usually when you read from only one persons POV you can still get a sense of the other persons thought process (as a reader) even when character who's POV your in is confused... But in this one I was doubley confused about the heroines feelings and actions- as a reader and as the hero, so I didn't connect with the heroine at all.
Sorry, even tho it was fun reading in the hero's POV, I can't accept the absurdity of what they did.
Also can I just add: usually when you read from only one persons POV you can still get a sense of the other persons thought process (as a reader) even when character who's POV your in is confused... But in this one I was doubley confused about the heroines feelings and actions- as a reader and as the hero, so I didn't connect with the heroine at all.
April 23, 2014
Freaking amazing!
This book is one of the best I've read lately. Shane, Duce.. Oh my gosh, Duce LOL Kate.. .. I *typically* stay well away from books featuring babies but I am really glad I gave this one a chance... Pretty much I'd only do that for Lydia Michaels LOL
It's a cliche, but I laughed, I cried, (laughed some more, cried again) and was totally satisfied with the story I read.
It was a nice change to read about real people, rather than people who have their sh !t together.
This book is one of the best I've read lately. Shane, Duce.. Oh my gosh, Duce LOL Kate.. .. I *typically* stay well away from books featuring babies but I am really glad I gave this one a chance... Pretty much I'd only do that for Lydia Michaels LOL
It's a cliche, but I laughed, I cried, (laughed some more, cried again) and was totally satisfied with the story I read.
It was a nice change to read about real people, rather than people who have their sh !t together.
April 3, 2020
I don't even know what to say about this book. Seriously, it's amazing!
I cried so much. In the end I had puffy eyes and smile plastered to my face like an idiot. I FREAKING LOVE THIS BOOK!
I just wish more people knew about this book. It's truly perfection.
Five stars and a place in my shelve of "To read- AGAIN" ;D
I cried so much. In the end I had puffy eyes and smile plastered to my face like an idiot. I FREAKING LOVE THIS BOOK!
I just wish more people knew about this book. It's truly perfection.
Five stars and a place in my shelve of "To read- AGAIN" ;D
September 10, 2016
Reread.
I just love this hero and the growth he showed to become a great father!
I just love this hero and the growth he showed to become a great father!
November 20, 2014
There is absolutely nothing simple about this simple man. He is extraordinary and I wish we all had our very own, personal Simple Man.
A beautiful book, a definite must read.
December 28, 2015
A little farfetched, but still kind of cute. A little more graphic than usual.
April 8, 2018
I came across this book when I was looking through a hidden gems list on GoodReads and it called to me. One should never ignore a book call. I’m so glad that I listened to the siren’s call of Simple Man. I liked this book. I really, really liked it. It’s an “I’m going to be rereading this book and check out her backlist” like.
Our hero is Shane Martin. His life style seems to be work hard during the week and party hearty on the weekends. His trailer home is the hang out for he and his friends. When his parents were killed while he was still very young, he took over guardianship of his younger sister but they have become somewhat estranged lately. So when she asks him for money for an abortion, he’s not encouraged to help her. She disappears after their argument and Shane has been unable to track her down.
He’s heartbroken when he learns that she died in an automobile accident and completely flummoxed when he learns his sister did not have an abortion and he’s been named guardian of her very young baby boy. This is a life changing event for Shane. It turns out his young nephew is the catalyst for Shane ‘growing up’.
The love interest, Katie McAlister, is the case worker assigned to him in assessing what kind of guardian he will be going forward. At first she’s very skeptical of Shane’s abilities but as time goes on she can see the changes in him and how hard he is trying to be responsible. And best of all, she sees the great love that Shane has. As time goes on she becomes more and more attracted to him but knows it would be crossing a like for anything to happen between them.
This is such a heart-warming, cuddly, smile worthy and at times laugh worthy story that I give it a huge thumbs up. I don’t see how any reader can’t help but rout and cheer Shane on. It’s the kind of book that if you are feeling off, will make you feel right again. Although I’ve only read it once so far, it’s the very definition of a comfort read – as well as a true hidden gem. The romance doesn’t really take centre stage but I was perfectly fine with this as Shane is such an endearing character all on his own. Although it’s been out for a few years now, I hope this treasure continues to be discovered.
Our hero is Shane Martin. His life style seems to be work hard during the week and party hearty on the weekends. His trailer home is the hang out for he and his friends. When his parents were killed while he was still very young, he took over guardianship of his younger sister but they have become somewhat estranged lately. So when she asks him for money for an abortion, he’s not encouraged to help her. She disappears after their argument and Shane has been unable to track her down.
He’s heartbroken when he learns that she died in an automobile accident and completely flummoxed when he learns his sister did not have an abortion and he’s been named guardian of her very young baby boy. This is a life changing event for Shane. It turns out his young nephew is the catalyst for Shane ‘growing up’.
The love interest, Katie McAlister, is the case worker assigned to him in assessing what kind of guardian he will be going forward. At first she’s very skeptical of Shane’s abilities but as time goes on she can see the changes in him and how hard he is trying to be responsible. And best of all, she sees the great love that Shane has. As time goes on she becomes more and more attracted to him but knows it would be crossing a like for anything to happen between them.
This is such a heart-warming, cuddly, smile worthy and at times laugh worthy story that I give it a huge thumbs up. I don’t see how any reader can’t help but rout and cheer Shane on. It’s the kind of book that if you are feeling off, will make you feel right again. Although I’ve only read it once so far, it’s the very definition of a comfort read – as well as a true hidden gem. The romance doesn’t really take centre stage but I was perfectly fine with this as Shane is such an endearing character all on his own. Although it’s been out for a few years now, I hope this treasure continues to be discovered.
September 7, 2018
My goodness, this book will hold a permanent spot in my heart and one that I will recommend until I am blue in the face. This book will have you experiencing every emotion and you won't want to put it down. This jumped into my top 3 books I've read in 2018 easily! Thank you Lydia Michaels for letting us fall in love with a Simple Man!
January 7, 2016
4.5 Simply Heart-wrenching stars
When I started the book, I did not know what I was in for. It started off very funny, there were times when I was laughing real hard at the ridiculousness of their jokes (I mean it in a good way), and then everything changed. Life changed. Shane changed.
What can I say about Shane, you ask?
He is one of those characters who accepted himself for what he was. He wanted in life only so much, that was enough for him to pass by, and when he had more responsibility he was hungry for only so much that was necessary for him to take care of those he loved. His simple statement to Kate says it all.
That line was when I knew, I loved Shane. There is hardly anything better than a man who stands up for those he loves. When life throws him a curve ball, instead of caving to it, Shane accepted it. He mourned his sister, and loved a child, he had no obligation to love as if he was his own flesh and blood.
When he saw baby Shane aka Logan, for the first time, it was so adorable how he fussed over breaking the little man. Shane was a bachelor, with the most stereotypical friends. But he turned his entire life around and made it into a warm blanket of security and love for Logan. He loved him fiercely and Logan loved him back just as fiercely.
Now you say Kate and Shane?
They were the perfect couple. It was very realistic, and their love was honest and compelling. They were both flawed, and both had a knack for self deprecation, but together, they brought out the best in each other. Unlike many books and characters, Kate gave Shane his shit back when he crossed his lines, and supported him when all he himself wanted to do was crumble. That is what love is, and they brought it out of each other.
Kate is a beautiful character. She understood the complexity in simplicity, and loved Shane for everything he was. Her concern and adoration for Logan was apparent from the very beginning of the book, and for those reasons alone, I ignored her bitchiness. All she wanted was the good for the kid. As someone in a 'higher' social status than Shane, she had all the opportunity to stick her nose out at him, but she never did. In the end she very rightfully describes her husband..
The moments when Shane lost Logan for the month, man I couldn't breathe. It felt like there was a weight sitting on my chest threatening to break me. And that is where I am compelled to give it up to the author, Lydia Michaels. Her writing was beautiful, and she wove a tale almost immortal in it's telling..
When I started the book, I did not know what I was in for. It started off very funny, there were times when I was laughing real hard at the ridiculousness of their jokes (I mean it in a good way), and then everything changed. Life changed. Shane changed.
What can I say about Shane, you ask?
He is one of those characters who accepted himself for what he was. He wanted in life only so much, that was enough for him to pass by, and when he had more responsibility he was hungry for only so much that was necessary for him to take care of those he loved. His simple statement to Kate says it all.
“I’m a simple man, Ms. McAlister. I don’t go around pretending to be someone I’m not. All I want is my own quiet piece of this world. You come here and look in my cabinets and think that’s enough to decide what kind of person I am, but you’re wrong. When I was younger I did a lot of dumb shit, but I never hurt anyone. I just wanna live my life and not be judged for being who I am.”
That line was when I knew, I loved Shane. There is hardly anything better than a man who stands up for those he loves. When life throws him a curve ball, instead of caving to it, Shane accepted it. He mourned his sister, and loved a child, he had no obligation to love as if he was his own flesh and blood.
When he saw baby Shane aka Logan, for the first time, it was so adorable how he fussed over breaking the little man. Shane was a bachelor, with the most stereotypical friends. But he turned his entire life around and made it into a warm blanket of security and love for Logan. He loved him fiercely and Logan loved him back just as fiercely.
Now you say Kate and Shane?
They were the perfect couple. It was very realistic, and their love was honest and compelling. They were both flawed, and both had a knack for self deprecation, but together, they brought out the best in each other. Unlike many books and characters, Kate gave Shane his shit back when he crossed his lines, and supported him when all he himself wanted to do was crumble. That is what love is, and they brought it out of each other.
Kate is a beautiful character. She understood the complexity in simplicity, and loved Shane for everything he was. Her concern and adoration for Logan was apparent from the very beginning of the book, and for those reasons alone, I ignored her bitchiness. All she wanted was the good for the kid. As someone in a 'higher' social status than Shane, she had all the opportunity to stick her nose out at him, but she never did. In the end she very rightfully describes her husband..
"It was never about the money for Shane, it was about feeling like he could provide for those he loved."
The moments when Shane lost Logan for the month, man I couldn't breathe. It felt like there was a weight sitting on my chest threatening to break me. And that is where I am compelled to give it up to the author, Lydia Michaels. Her writing was beautiful, and she wove a tale almost immortal in it's telling..
"They weren’t rich. They lived within their means, but as far as wealth went, they had everything they’d ever need."
May 12, 2014
Sweet Child O' Mine
This legendary song of Guns N Roses comes to mind when I was done with this book.
This book is about feeling complete, about fighting own battles & living up the expectations of ownself, to save one self from the demons to bask in the angelic smile of the one you love. It is not easy, trust me.
But then as Bryan Adams said
I've been waiting for so long
for something to arrive
for love to come along
now my dreams are coming true
through the good times & the bad
I'll be standing there by you
This is a story about a guy, Shane, who has lost everyone in his life. His father, his mother & later his kid sis too. One day when she left him he didn't realize 8 months later he'll have to father his nephew. But the way he turned around his life for him, it is the way one should always feel about kids.
He tries hard for his kid because he's the only one left for him to call his family. The plot twists & many thing happen but I don't wanna discuss because you've to read this to find that out.
May be sometimes the ppl who are struggling with their conscience ends up doing the good things rather than those who are constantly trying to prove 'emselves God. Sometimes God sends some angles for us to get out of the path of oblivion, what we need to have is a lil faith.
Love at its purest form, when you feel it in the eyes of a kid or an animal. All their heart pouring out coz they don't know trickery of words & you can feel it. I know I should be saying something about the book & plot but I can't help it. If I'm writing about a book it was a great read for me. Though I'd some special moments in this read also.
You'll llove it. It is a story of a simple man, with no games to play. Only his heart.
This legendary song of Guns N Roses comes to mind when I was done with this book.
This book is about feeling complete, about fighting own battles & living up the expectations of ownself, to save one self from the demons to bask in the angelic smile of the one you love. It is not easy, trust me.
But then as Bryan Adams said
I've been waiting for so long
for something to arrive
for love to come along
now my dreams are coming true
through the good times & the bad
I'll be standing there by you
This is a story about a guy, Shane, who has lost everyone in his life. His father, his mother & later his kid sis too. One day when she left him he didn't realize 8 months later he'll have to father his nephew. But the way he turned around his life for him, it is the way one should always feel about kids.
He tries hard for his kid because he's the only one left for him to call his family. The plot twists & many thing happen but I don't wanna discuss because you've to read this to find that out.
May be sometimes the ppl who are struggling with their conscience ends up doing the good things rather than those who are constantly trying to prove 'emselves God. Sometimes God sends some angles for us to get out of the path of oblivion, what we need to have is a lil faith.
Love at its purest form, when you feel it in the eyes of a kid or an animal. All their heart pouring out coz they don't know trickery of words & you can feel it. I know I should be saying something about the book & plot but I can't help it. If I'm writing about a book it was a great read for me. Though I'd some special moments in this read also.
You'll llove it. It is a story of a simple man, with no games to play. Only his heart.
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