What do you think?
Rate this book
Housekeeping
When Nicky Hauser walks in on his restaurant-owner boyfriend having sex with a waiter, Nicky loses his lover, his job, and his home all in one night. Although he’s nearly thirty, he’s never settled on a true career, and he has nothing to show for his years with Tom. Depressed and unable to find work, Nicky ends up couch-surfing with friends until he lands a house-sitting gig for a wealthy family.
When Nicky’s clients discover that he loves to clean, demand for his services skyrockets. Word of mouth leads him to Spencer Cartwright, a busy computer consultant and a slob. Spencer and his wife divorced when he came out, but he’s never found the time or courage to settle down with a man. As Nicky sets Spencer’s house to rights, the two men find friendship. But Nicky’s past experiences make him wary of risking everything on love.
When Nicky’s clients discover that he loves to clean, demand for his services skyrockets. Word of mouth leads him to Spencer Cartwright, a busy computer consultant and a slob. Spencer and his wife divorced when he came out, but he’s never found the time or courage to settle down with a man. As Nicky sets Spencer’s house to rights, the two men find friendship. But Nicky’s past experiences make him wary of risking everything on love.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2013
11 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Kim Fielding
175 books1,304 followersKim Fielding lives in Oregon and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phone booth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out assistance to her family. Her favorite word to describe herself is "eclectic" and she finally got that seventh tattoo.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
November 12, 2013
NICKY HAUSER’S life fell apart on a Tuesday.
I really liked the opening ... what a way to hook me up! While what happened to Nicky might be one of the common plots in contemporary romance (Nicky walked in his boyfriend banging his employee) but I still found this story satisfactory due to several factors.
It was nice to have a character whose life wasn't perfectly mapped out. Nicky felt that he didn't have the necessary talent or education to get the good job. In his own words ... "had had interests, but none of them were marketable" – for me that struck very nicely. I always enjoy characters with day-to-day issue, who struggle with how to 'be' in his life, you know?
I also loved that Nicky was one of the 'blue collar' guys. I enjoyed the whole idea that Nicky had house-sitting as a job and realized that he was good in keeping things clean and proper. I was really happy that Nicky found someone who appreciated that. Spencer might be a little 'bland' because he didn't really have something that stood out in the whole story (oh, except that he was really, a messy guy *grin*). But Spencer was nice and dependable and nothing wrong with that.
There wasn't any instant love ... Nicky might met Spencer early (not long after he left his cheating boyfriend, in one of those "chance-meet-at-coffee-shop" moments, though they didn't even tell each others names) but the actual relationship didn't happen until the end. Their first kiss didn't even happen until 75%! In the span of the story, it took roughly a year before Nicky finally 'accepted' Spencer. Instead they became friends first and help each other out (Nicky with housekeeping, Spencer with Nicky's study).
So the whole story was all about Nicky learning to get back on his feet again (after losing his boyfriend, his job, and his place to stay), learning that cleaning house was still a good job, learning that he had great friends who were willing to help and to commiserate with him when needed, and learning about the true meaning behind the word "home".
It was a very lovely read – albeit quite short – but still a great one for me.
I really liked the opening ... what a way to hook me up! While what happened to Nicky might be one of the common plots in contemporary romance (Nicky walked in his boyfriend banging his employee) but I still found this story satisfactory due to several factors.
It was nice to have a character whose life wasn't perfectly mapped out. Nicky felt that he didn't have the necessary talent or education to get the good job. In his own words ... "had had interests, but none of them were marketable" – for me that struck very nicely. I always enjoy characters with day-to-day issue, who struggle with how to 'be' in his life, you know?
I also loved that Nicky was one of the 'blue collar' guys. I enjoyed the whole idea that Nicky had house-sitting as a job and realized that he was good in keeping things clean and proper. I was really happy that Nicky found someone who appreciated that. Spencer might be a little 'bland' because he didn't really have something that stood out in the whole story (oh, except that he was really, a messy guy *grin*). But Spencer was nice and dependable and nothing wrong with that.
There wasn't any instant love ... Nicky might met Spencer early (not long after he left his cheating boyfriend, in one of those "chance-meet-at-coffee-shop" moments, though they didn't even tell each others names) but the actual relationship didn't happen until the end. Their first kiss didn't even happen until 75%! In the span of the story, it took roughly a year before Nicky finally 'accepted' Spencer. Instead they became friends first and help each other out (Nicky with housekeeping, Spencer with Nicky's study).
So the whole story was all about Nicky learning to get back on his feet again (after losing his boyfriend, his job, and his place to stay), learning that cleaning house was still a good job, learning that he had great friends who were willing to help and to commiserate with him when needed, and learning about the true meaning behind the word "home".
It was a very lovely read – albeit quite short – but still a great one for me.
November 12, 2013
“NICKY HAUSER’S life fell apart on a Tuesday.”
That's the first sentence in this book and of course it had me hooked.
It was Nicky's 29th birthday, and this was not the best start to his new year of life. His asshat boyfriend is not only cheating, he is his boss (not that he actually paid him) and it's his house Nicky was living in. So now he's without a home, a job or a clear path to his future.
“He wasn’t a kid anymore, dammit. His life should be heading somewhere—and he should have someone at his side for the journey."
Nicky is a great guy, he has wonderful friends and an accepting family, but he's not in a good place in his life at the moment. He feels like he should be settled, in a career and a stable relationship, but he has none of those things. "But maybe even more than that, he missed the stability and comfort of a real home, of having someone to call his own.
Not that he’d ever really had those last things."
He is staying with friends and when the opportunity to house-sit comes up, one thing leads to another and he ends up living with Spencer.
This story is told from Nicky's POV and even if I always wish for the other MCs view of things, I still got a really good feel for who Spencer is.
Spencer is a slob, which is a good thing, since that's why he needs Nicky in the first place.
He works a lot and is successful, but he's lonely.
That's one of the things I loved most about this story, at first glance Spencer was the 'lucky' one, he's successful has a thriving career and a big house and an expensive car. But he's alone, only his sister is still talking to him, no social life, no friends, no love in his life. Nicky, at first glance has nothing. No career, no possession, no home and an unreliable heap of a car. But he has good friends, he knows he has a family that will always welcome him and he's loved.
This is a novella but it didn't feel rushed, I saw Nicky finding and achieving goals, having a place to call home. I saw Spencer and Nicky spending time together, getting to know each other. Spencer finally feeling more comfortable and coming out of his shell and out of his office. I loved that they had so much to offer the other, to make the house a real home.
“I’d give up the damn house before I’d give you up. I’d give up my job, all my electronics shit, my car. I’d shred my fancy college degrees. I’d give every penny I own before I’d let you go. Do you feel the same way?”
*sigh* This is a sweet and romantic story that left me smiling and happy. I just wanted to give everybody great big hugs by the end of it.
Want to read
November 2, 2013
Hear that?
I really want to read this. :P
November 13, 2013
A sweet, low key romance about a man finding himself and finding love along the way.
November 7, 2014
Not much happens in this cute story about finding love, but it's an enjoyable read. Not a lot of action, not a lot of angst, and no on page sex, just a sweet romance.
January 24, 2014
Rating: 3.5 stars (I really wish GR would allow 1/2 star ratings!)
Do you know what I hated being asked, growing up?
"What do you want to be/do?"
Honestly? In the third grade, I thought I wanted to be a writer. In the sixth grade, I wanted to be an astronomer. When I was asked in high school, my answer became an "I dunno" (I didn't want to do writing and astronomy as a career). Then I was told, "you should do something you LIKE/LOVE." Okay, well, I like reading books. I like watching television. I like playing video games. I like hanging out with friends.
You see where I'm going with this? There's a LOT of things I like/love, but Nicky said it best:
"Nicky had interests, but none of them were marketable."
So I'll be truthfully honest. I really didn't know what I wanted to be in the third grade, nor the sixth grade, not even during high school. And even though I finished college and am on my way to starting a career in a specialized field, I will be honest: I don't know what I want to do/be for the rest of my life.
And I think for everyone who is in this same boat, you can (on some level), connect with 29 year old Nicky. Nicky who got an eyeful of "cheating boyfriend" after celebrating his birthday. Nicky, who worked at said boyfriend's restaurant, and has no marketable skills.
Nicky, who is now unemployed, homeless, and single.
But that's okay, because this is a fairly sweet/fluffy and non-angsty novella about love and realizing what's important. It's the kind of read when you just want to connect with a character (Nicky!) without all that DRAMA. And hell, I would even almost call it a modern day (non-fantasy) fairytale (with no on-page sex between our wonderful couple).
So yeah, read away!
Do you know what I hated being asked, growing up?
"What do you want to be/do?"
Honestly? In the third grade, I thought I wanted to be a writer. In the sixth grade, I wanted to be an astronomer. When I was asked in high school, my answer became an "I dunno" (I didn't want to do writing and astronomy as a career). Then I was told, "you should do something you LIKE/LOVE." Okay, well, I like reading books. I like watching television. I like playing video games. I like hanging out with friends.
You see where I'm going with this? There's a LOT of things I like/love, but Nicky said it best:
"Nicky had interests, but none of them were marketable."
So I'll be truthfully honest. I really didn't know what I wanted to be in the third grade, nor the sixth grade, not even during high school. And even though I finished college and am on my way to starting a career in a specialized field, I will be honest: I don't know what I want to do/be for the rest of my life.
And I think for everyone who is in this same boat, you can (on some level), connect with 29 year old Nicky. Nicky who got an eyeful of "cheating boyfriend" after celebrating his birthday. Nicky, who worked at said boyfriend's restaurant, and has no marketable skills.
Nicky, who is now unemployed, homeless, and single.
But that's okay, because this is a fairly sweet/fluffy and non-angsty novella about love and realizing what's important. It's the kind of read when you just want to connect with a character (Nicky!) without all that DRAMA. And hell, I would even almost call it a modern day (non-fantasy) fairytale (with no on-page sex between our wonderful couple).
So yeah, read away!
January 2, 2016
This was a very sweet and romantic story. This is a boot scene only romance, so if you are looking for super smex-capades you will want to look elsewhere.
August 11, 2014
What a sweet little story! Housekeeping is the story of, Nicky, a man who lost everything in one day. His job, his home, and his lover. Afterwards, he accidentally becomes a house sitter and from there becomes a housekeeper for one of his clients, Spencer.
I really enjoyed this book. It's a sweet, low angst, feel good story. It's also friends to lovers. Hmm, I'm not so sure I'd classify this one as a "romance" book though. I more considered it a slice of life story. This book is about Nicky getting back on his feet and figuring out his life, but finds love along the way. It's also about friendships and loyalty. My only complaint is that I wish it'd been longer. I wish we'd had more time with Nicky and Spencer as a couple.
Overall, it was quite lovely. It was my first Kim Fielding book but not my last. 4 Stars.
November 22, 2013
A delightful little romance.
I loved this one from start to finish. Spencer and Nicky were perfect. I loved the slow build from friends to falling in love. In fact the dinner scene where Nicky finally admits to himself he is in love is one of my favorites.
The only thing that could of made this better for me would have been seeing the jackass Ex get a little just deserts lol.
Another major plus for me was the focus on the emotional side rather than the physical.
I loved this one from start to finish. Spencer and Nicky were perfect. I loved the slow build from friends to falling in love. In fact the dinner scene where Nicky finally admits to himself he is in love is one of my favorites.
The only thing that could of made this better for me would have been seeing the jackass Ex get a little just deserts lol.
Another major plus for me was the focus on the emotional side rather than the physical.
November 15, 2013
Cute, but totally lacking in any sort of smut. Seriously I would have taken some heavy petting, and a boot scene. I liked it, but the end was a little too much like a sitcom where our hero learned a valuable lesson.
September 1, 2016
*3.5 stars*
Good, light contemporary story about an aimless man finding purpose as a housekeeper for a newly out divorcee.
The story was easy listening. Sweet, no sex on page (drat!), and tender, I enjoyed this novella. However, I had some minor issues. First of all, I thought that the content was too heavy on the buildup to the relationship and less on the delivery. Almost the entirety of the story is the lead up to Nicky and Spencer getting together. There is a lot of focus on Nicky's breakup with Tom, which would have been great except for the fact that it made the back 1/2 of the story feel rushed and underdeveloped in comparison. I liked Nicky and Spencer together and I would have loved to read more about them and their dynamic. I also wanted to know more about Spencer, who remained somewhat of a mystery to me.
In terms of the narration, I thought it was just okay. I really like K.C. Kelly, but I'll admit he was an awkward fit for this story. His voice is too old and he had too little vocal differentiation between all the characters. He is a better match for stories with more mature MCs or something more soulful, with his deep, resonating voice. I would have liked someone more fresh who could have matched Nicky's personality better.
All in all, a decent listen and a nice way to pass the time.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
November 27, 2013
4.0 Stars
Wow. This book is yet another testament to why Kim Fielding remains one of my most favorite authors. Nicky's world is shattered by his cheating boyfriend. Leaving the loser puts Nicky out of a job and a home. Despite being nearly thirty, Nicky realizes he has no career and nothing to show for the years he worked in his ex's restaurant. He couch-surfs with friends until landing a job house-sitting. Nicky's love of cleaning soon makes him popular and the demand for his services skyrockets. Eventually, Nicky ends up house-sitting for Spencer Cartwright. Spencer - recently divorced and newly out - is a total slob. Nicky goes from being a house-sitter to Spencer's roommate and friend. His past, however, makes him hesitant to trust again. Spencer wants a long-term relationship with Nicky but must first overcome the demons from Nicky's past.
I really liked this story. The writing was tight, the dialogue fresh, and the story moved at a good clip. I enjoyed both Nicky and Spencer and loved watching their slow burn. My one gripe? I wish the book was longer. I wouldn't mind revisiting with this engaging couple.
Bottom line: Not enough of a good thing.
Wow. This book is yet another testament to why Kim Fielding remains one of my most favorite authors. Nicky's world is shattered by his cheating boyfriend. Leaving the loser puts Nicky out of a job and a home. Despite being nearly thirty, Nicky realizes he has no career and nothing to show for the years he worked in his ex's restaurant. He couch-surfs with friends until landing a job house-sitting. Nicky's love of cleaning soon makes him popular and the demand for his services skyrockets. Eventually, Nicky ends up house-sitting for Spencer Cartwright. Spencer - recently divorced and newly out - is a total slob. Nicky goes from being a house-sitter to Spencer's roommate and friend. His past, however, makes him hesitant to trust again. Spencer wants a long-term relationship with Nicky but must first overcome the demons from Nicky's past.
I really liked this story. The writing was tight, the dialogue fresh, and the story moved at a good clip. I enjoyed both Nicky and Spencer and loved watching their slow burn. My one gripe? I wish the book was longer. I wouldn't mind revisiting with this engaging couple.
Bottom line: Not enough of a good thing.
November 23, 2013
More like 4.5 stars
This was a joy to read! Fun, feel-good, easy-going, well-rounded, yes I really liked it:) Gimme more please!
This was a joy to read! Fun, feel-good, easy-going, well-rounded, yes I really liked it:) Gimme more please!
April 20, 2015
(Audiobook Review) Cute story about finding love and realizing your home isn't a place, it's a feeling you get when surrounded by those you love. Not my favorite by Fielding, but an enjoyable read. Narrator was okay, I thought his voice sounded a little old for the characters he was reading.
November 15, 2013
Sweet and cute and fluffy. Just what I needed. Sadly, sexy times were only hinted at. Full review on Booklikes.
November 14, 2013
This was such a lovely, adorable little story. It's a comfort read through and through, and it was absolutely perfect for putting a smile back on my face. I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down until I was finished. I fell in love with Nicky and Spencer. At the beginning, I was completely heartbroken for Nicky. I wanted to give him a massive hug. Tom was such an arsehole, and then he tries to use the "but it didn't mean anything" excuse and I'm pretty sure I yelled, and was all like "WHATTTT THE FRACKING HELL." And then I calmed down, I promise ;) But then Spencer came along, and he was just such a sweetheart. Even if he was possibly the messiest person on Earth. Nicky and Spencer were so cute together, even when they were just friends. I loved Nicky's moment of clarity when they were having Thanksgiving dinner. I was all teary eyed!
So yeah, this was the most perfect comfort read - something short and sweet to read in an evening when you're looking for something cute to put a smile on your face. I just wish there was more (yes, I know I always say that!) because I didn't want Nicky and Spencer's story to end. So so cute!
So yeah, this was the most perfect comfort read - something short and sweet to read in an evening when you're looking for something cute to put a smile on your face. I just wish there was more (yes, I know I always say that!) because I didn't want Nicky and Spencer's story to end. So so cute!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2017
An einem schicksalshaften Abend verliert Nicky Hauser alles. Seinen Job, seine Unterkunft und seinen Lover. Letzterer ist auch noch sein Boss. Und ihn erwischt er in einer unmissverständlichen Situation mit einem anderen Mitarbeiter. Nicky verlässt Hals über Kopf sein altes Leben und endet als Mitbewohner wohlmeinender Freunde. Allerdings ist diese Situation mehr als unangenehm, doch es ist schwer einen Job zu finden wenn man nicht wirklich etwas gelernt hat.
Aber Nicky putzt gern und gründlich. Und so gelingt es ihm einen Job als Housesitter zu ergattern und macht dort Eindruck. So sehr, dass er immer wieder solche Jobangebote bekommt und natürlich auch annimmt. Da verschlägt es ihn zu Spencer Cartwright. Und dieser ist ein Messie und Chaot wie er im Buche steht. Nicky nimmt die Herausforderung jedoch an und es gelingt ihm das völlig vermüllte Hause während Spencer's Abwesenheit.
Spencer ist hellauf begeistert und bietet Nicky einen Vollzeitjob an. Leisten kann er sich das und Spencer hat auch Mitleid mit Nicky, der sich schon wieder auf dem Sofa bei Freunden nächtigen sieht, bis er den nächsten Job antreten kann. Nicky nimmt an und zieht auch gleich klare Grenzen. So entsteht eine ungewöhnliche Wohngemeinschaft, aus der sich schon sehr bald eine Freundschaft zwischen den zwei unterschiedlichen Männern entsteht.
Housekeeping ist leider sehr kurz und die Geschichte hätte wirklich das Potential für mehr gehabt. Trotzdem hat mir die Story sehr gut gefallen. Man hat natürlich Mitleid mit Nicky, der nach dem Ende seiner Beziehung irgendwie planlos durchs Leben stolpert. Gleichzeitig fragt man sich schon, wieso man sich in solche Abhängigkeiten begeben kann! Doch Nicky lernt ja dazu und stellt klar, dass er sich nicht noch einmal so enden will.
Allerdings fällt es ihm zusehends schwer Spencer zu widerstehen. Denn aus der Freundschaft könnte sich mehr entwickeln und das Interesse ist bei Spencer wie auch Nicky vorhanden. Spencer respektiert Nicky's verhaltene Reaktion, auch wenn sie ihn verletzt. Doch Spencer bleibt geduldig und abwartend.
Aber Nicky putzt gern und gründlich. Und so gelingt es ihm einen Job als Housesitter zu ergattern und macht dort Eindruck. So sehr, dass er immer wieder solche Jobangebote bekommt und natürlich auch annimmt. Da verschlägt es ihn zu Spencer Cartwright. Und dieser ist ein Messie und Chaot wie er im Buche steht. Nicky nimmt die Herausforderung jedoch an und es gelingt ihm das völlig vermüllte Hause während Spencer's Abwesenheit.
Spencer ist hellauf begeistert und bietet Nicky einen Vollzeitjob an. Leisten kann er sich das und Spencer hat auch Mitleid mit Nicky, der sich schon wieder auf dem Sofa bei Freunden nächtigen sieht, bis er den nächsten Job antreten kann. Nicky nimmt an und zieht auch gleich klare Grenzen. So entsteht eine ungewöhnliche Wohngemeinschaft, aus der sich schon sehr bald eine Freundschaft zwischen den zwei unterschiedlichen Männern entsteht.
Housekeeping ist leider sehr kurz und die Geschichte hätte wirklich das Potential für mehr gehabt. Trotzdem hat mir die Story sehr gut gefallen. Man hat natürlich Mitleid mit Nicky, der nach dem Ende seiner Beziehung irgendwie planlos durchs Leben stolpert. Gleichzeitig fragt man sich schon, wieso man sich in solche Abhängigkeiten begeben kann! Doch Nicky lernt ja dazu und stellt klar, dass er sich nicht noch einmal so enden will.
Allerdings fällt es ihm zusehends schwer Spencer zu widerstehen. Denn aus der Freundschaft könnte sich mehr entwickeln und das Interesse ist bei Spencer wie auch Nicky vorhanden. Spencer respektiert Nicky's verhaltene Reaktion, auch wenn sie ihn verletzt. Doch Spencer bleibt geduldig und abwartend.
December 14, 2014
Very enjoyable, sweet story. Homeless neat-freak, cleaning dynamo finds his calling house sitting and surprising his clients with sparkling clean homes when they return. You get lots of referrals that way, lol. Loved this plot. That's Nicky in a nutshell after he broke up with a cheating boyfriend. One final house sitting has him getting to know unattached (and lonely) Spencer, who has divorced his wife when he came out as gay.
Loved the slow build for these two, so organic. Simple as it was, I really enjoyed it.
Loved the slow build for these two, so organic. Simple as it was, I really enjoyed it.
November 13, 2013
4.5 stars
Sweet, romantic novella with enough economic realism in it. I like that the MC doesn't fall into "Woe me" for long.
It lost half star because of
Sweet, romantic novella with enough economic realism in it. I like that the MC doesn't fall into "Woe me" for long.
It lost half star because of
December 7, 2017
Aww...It was adorable and sweet and fluffy.
Just what I need after several disappointed books earlier.
I think being a housekeeper isn't so bad, add a bonus part, getting a new boyfriend !
Nice, quick read. I liked it, a lot :)
Just what I need after several disappointed books earlier.
I think being a housekeeper isn't so bad, add a bonus part, getting a new boyfriend !
Nice, quick read. I liked it, a lot :)
November 13, 2013
I love Kim's writing and this was a sweet, quick, romantic read, just right for a super cold winter afternoon. Thank you, Kim!
October 17, 2023
Cute and sweet and that original bf is a douche! Luckily, Spencer the slob is so much better.
May 9, 2021
After finding his boyfriend cheating, Nicky takes up a job house-sitting for rich people. He's a great cleaner and as word quickly gets around, he's in high demand; now he doesn't have to sleep of his friends couch anymore.
Then he lands a job as a live-in housekeeper for Spencer. They have great chemistry and it soon becomes clear that there's potential there for something more. However, Nicky's ex has left him with some trust issues. He was also his boss so Nicky doesn't want history to repeat itself.
A lot of this novella focuses on Nicky's break up with his ex and then with the build up of Nicky and Spencer's relationship. It was great to read, but it left the ending feeling rushed. I would have liked the nevella to be more even, giving us more of Nicky and Spencer actually as a couple.
Then he lands a job as a live-in housekeeper for Spencer. They have great chemistry and it soon becomes clear that there's potential there for something more. However, Nicky's ex has left him with some trust issues. He was also his boss so Nicky doesn't want history to repeat itself.
A lot of this novella focuses on Nicky's break up with his ex and then with the build up of Nicky and Spencer's relationship. It was great to read, but it left the ending feeling rushed. I would have liked the nevella to be more even, giving us more of Nicky and Spencer actually as a couple.
November 5, 2022
I think a bit too much of Nicky & Spencer’s romance happened off page for this to be anything better than “good”, but it was enjoyable and KC Kelly did a great job with the narration.
Read
October 11, 2016Даже оценку ставить не буду. Забыть скорее!
December 24, 2014
Note: This audiobook was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
This is a nice little short story done on audiobook. Perfect for a short trip or listening during exercise, the author did a great job of sketching a complete story in only a few words. The narration was very good as well, so I really became engaged with MC’s Nicky Hauser and Spencer Cartwright and was rooting for them to finally get together and move toward their HEA.
As the story opens, Nicky finds his lover having sex with a waiter during the afternoon break at his restaurant. This destroys Nicky’s hopes for a future with this man and since they worked and lived together, Nicky loses his home, his lover and his job all at once. He finds himself couch-surfing and that evolves slowly into a full time housesitting job since he does such a great job cleaning the places he’s staying in that he gets to be in high demand. One such job lands him in the home of Spencer Cartwright, a businessman who lives alone and is an absolute pig. His place is a wreck when he leaves but when he comes home to find it spotless, he’s so impressed that he offers Nicky room and board to keep the place clean full time.
It’s a win:win situation for Nicky who enjoys cleaning since it also gives him time to do some other part time work and go back to school. Slowly, he and Spencer become friends and when Spencer offers to help tutor him in his part time college math course, the two grow even closer. But Nicky is not looking for a relationship. He’s afraid of being hurt again and would rather just remain friends with Spencer despite the vibes he sometimes gets from the man. It takes friends stepping in to help Nicky see what’s in front of his face for Nicky to finally grab the brass ring and go for his Happily Ever After.
This is a sweet M/M romance that I’d recommend to lovers of the genre who like a quick mood-lifter now and then.
This is a nice little short story done on audiobook. Perfect for a short trip or listening during exercise, the author did a great job of sketching a complete story in only a few words. The narration was very good as well, so I really became engaged with MC’s Nicky Hauser and Spencer Cartwright and was rooting for them to finally get together and move toward their HEA.
As the story opens, Nicky finds his lover having sex with a waiter during the afternoon break at his restaurant. This destroys Nicky’s hopes for a future with this man and since they worked and lived together, Nicky loses his home, his lover and his job all at once. He finds himself couch-surfing and that evolves slowly into a full time housesitting job since he does such a great job cleaning the places he’s staying in that he gets to be in high demand. One such job lands him in the home of Spencer Cartwright, a businessman who lives alone and is an absolute pig. His place is a wreck when he leaves but when he comes home to find it spotless, he’s so impressed that he offers Nicky room and board to keep the place clean full time.
It’s a win:win situation for Nicky who enjoys cleaning since it also gives him time to do some other part time work and go back to school. Slowly, he and Spencer become friends and when Spencer offers to help tutor him in his part time college math course, the two grow even closer. But Nicky is not looking for a relationship. He’s afraid of being hurt again and would rather just remain friends with Spencer despite the vibes he sometimes gets from the man. It takes friends stepping in to help Nicky see what’s in front of his face for Nicky to finally grab the brass ring and go for his Happily Ever After.
This is a sweet M/M romance that I’d recommend to lovers of the genre who like a quick mood-lifter now and then.
August 11, 2014
3.5
This is a sweet, goodnatured story about one of Fielding's favorite themes--cleaning as healing. It's impossible not to like both leads and feel good about their slow-burn romance. As stories go this is on the far end of low-key for me, as in almost too low-conflict. It's relaxing and realistic, since most couples I've known in my life managed to come together without attempted kidnappings, destined mate instincts, or life-n-death hijinks. But combined with the almost total absence of on-page sex, that relaxation risks slipping over into a contented doze. Still, it's the middle of summer now and the book perfectly suits a mild, sunny day. Moreover, Fielding is to be admired for her fearless resistance of cheap thrills and gratuitous angst-fests in bringing together two sweet, lovable guys.
This is a sweet, goodnatured story about one of Fielding's favorite themes--cleaning as healing. It's impossible not to like both leads and feel good about their slow-burn romance. As stories go this is on the far end of low-key for me, as in almost too low-conflict. It's relaxing and realistic, since most couples I've known in my life managed to come together without attempted kidnappings, destined mate instincts, or life-n-death hijinks. But combined with the almost total absence of on-page sex, that relaxation risks slipping over into a contented doze. Still, it's the middle of summer now and the book perfectly suits a mild, sunny day. Moreover, Fielding is to be admired for her fearless resistance of cheap thrills and gratuitous angst-fests in bringing together two sweet, lovable guys.
January 2, 2016
A sweet and short novella with just a hint of romance.
After Nicky Hauser catches his lover with someone else he loses his home, job and lover all at once so begins the couch surfing at his friend's homes. This leads to some house-sitting jobs where Nicky's penchant for housecleaning gains him some notoriety and eventually brings him to the attention of Spencer Cartwright who hires him as a live in housekeeper.
They eventually get to know each and fall in love, which is sweet, but would have been sweeter if more of their interactions could have happened on page. Also sexy times at the end are totally off page too. *boo hiss!*
Told entirely from Nicky's POV I would have liked a little more page time to connect with Spencer. But that's the nature of the game with such a short story sometimes.
Bottom line: It's cute, sweet and there's nothing much to complain about.
After Nicky Hauser catches his lover with someone else he loses his home, job and lover all at once so begins the couch surfing at his friend's homes. This leads to some house-sitting jobs where Nicky's penchant for housecleaning gains him some notoriety and eventually brings him to the attention of Spencer Cartwright who hires him as a live in housekeeper.
They eventually get to know each and fall in love, which is sweet, but would have been sweeter if more of their interactions could have happened on page. Also sexy times at the end are totally off page too. *boo hiss!*
Told entirely from Nicky's POV I would have liked a little more page time to connect with Spencer. But that's the nature of the game with such a short story sometimes.
Bottom line: It's cute, sweet and there's nothing much to complain about.
November 28, 2013
Read on 11-26-13
There really isn't anything I can say except read this. This was SO good. I loved Nicky. I loved how he was "real". Would have been a 5 star read from me if I got inside of Spencer's head.
Psst...there's no sex in this book and I LOVED it!
Overall, great little love story about a man truly learning the meaning of "home".
There really isn't anything I can say except read this. This was SO good. I loved Nicky. I loved how he was "real". Would have been a 5 star read from me if I got inside of Spencer's head.
Psst...there's no sex in this book and I LOVED it!
Overall, great little love story about a man truly learning the meaning of "home".
November 26, 2013
A cute little story that made me feel guilty for what a mess my house is. Can I get me a guy like that? Who won't be grossed out? Not much angst but if you're in the mood for a light contemporary it's fun. I wondered if it is part of a series as another couple figure prominently in the story, but it doesn't show that it is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews