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Take A Gamble
Each Friday night, a mysterious man enters Blackjack’s Bar, orders the same drink, and sits in the same seat in the furthest corner. His presence is a welcome sight for Isaac Anderson, a regular bartender at Blackjack's. There's just something mysterious and intriguing about Caleb Miller that Isaac can’t ignore. Perhaps it's his pale and sickly appearance, or the smart way in which he dresses. Isaac just can’t put his finger on what makes this man so different. Another thing he can’t do is stop staring at this fascinating, special person. Encouraged to take a gamble and to get to know this quiet stranger, Isaac invites Caleb to watch a rock band with him. All seems to be well, until Caleb suddenly makes a mad dash for the door.
Caleb doesn’t know what to think when Isaac Anderson pursues him that night. A lifetime of rejection has taught him to expect the worst, but the attractive and warm bartender’s response to him confuses him. Isaac sees him at his worst, and Caleb is prepared to protect himself from judgment and heartache. He is shocked when he is instead given kindness and compassion. As Isaac continues to reach out to him, Caleb struggles with the choice to trust the new man in his life. Even if Isaac wants to build a relationship with Caleb, there are other people in their lives who would be happier if they stayed apart. And even if he allows Isaac into his heart, it still may not be enough for Caleb to learn to accept himself.
Anger, judgment, distrust, and violence all threaten Isaac and Caleb’s newfound love. Their relationship faces too many challenges for either man to overcome on his own. Will taking a gamble pay off, or do they both stand to lose everything?
Caleb doesn’t know what to think when Isaac Anderson pursues him that night. A lifetime of rejection has taught him to expect the worst, but the attractive and warm bartender’s response to him confuses him. Isaac sees him at his worst, and Caleb is prepared to protect himself from judgment and heartache. He is shocked when he is instead given kindness and compassion. As Isaac continues to reach out to him, Caleb struggles with the choice to trust the new man in his life. Even if Isaac wants to build a relationship with Caleb, there are other people in their lives who would be happier if they stayed apart. And even if he allows Isaac into his heart, it still may not be enough for Caleb to learn to accept himself.
Anger, judgment, distrust, and violence all threaten Isaac and Caleb’s newfound love. Their relationship faces too many challenges for either man to overcome on his own. Will taking a gamble pay off, or do they both stand to lose everything?
- GenresM M Romance
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2013
About the author
N. Wood
10 books19 followersN. Wood is a budding young author living in Cornwall, United Kingdom. She first developed an interest in writing at the age of nine when her poetry was first published. Since then, she has moved onto writing both short stories and novels focusing on gay romantic themes.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 4, 2013
3.5*
Ok, I admit it, I read the blurb and the excerpt, and thought Caleb was a vampire.
What can I say? I read a lot of paranormal and that's where my brain went.
I can safely say Caleb is most certainly not a vampire, nor a werewolf..or anything else except a gifted musician, a teacher, and a man with a chronic disorder.
He is very shy, he comes into the bar and follows the same routine each time and Isaac Anderson, Neo to his friends has started to become a little obsessed by him.
When his boss Jack finally gives him the push he needs to go and talk to Caleb it doesn't end quite like Isaac was hoping it would.
The story is told from Isaac's point of view, which helped me see the attraction and affection he felt for Caleb, because on his own Caleb's personality doesn't come across as much as I'd have liked, his shyness and fear of what others will think of him keeps him a little aloof, at least for the majority of the book. He is very shy and due to his illness and his parents who were cold to him growing up and disowned him when he came out, he believes no one is going to find him attractive or stay interested in him once they find out what he has.
I appreciated the author using a condition that isn't seen often in romance novels, and
I was impressed by Isaac's interest in finding out all there is to know about it and how to be helpful in the future. He didn't once even contemplate that Caleb might not be worth it, he was so enamored with Caleb that even with his sometimes brash and chilly behavior towards Isaac, he didn't give up on him.
Caleb and Isaac were both lonely, Isaac was a product of the foster care system most of his life and I think was just looking for someone to call his own and of course Caleb was so reserved it wasn't surprising he hadn't found a partner. There is very little sex in this story, one scene and that's not until about 80%.
It was a sweet story and fans of stories with a main character with disabilities in them are sure to appreciate Caleb and Isaac's story.
Ok, I admit it, I read the blurb and the excerpt, and thought Caleb was a vampire.
What can I say? I read a lot of paranormal and that's where my brain went.
I can safely say Caleb is most certainly not a vampire, nor a werewolf..or anything else except a gifted musician, a teacher, and a man with a chronic disorder.
He is very shy, he comes into the bar and follows the same routine each time and Isaac Anderson, Neo to his friends has started to become a little obsessed by him.
When his boss Jack finally gives him the push he needs to go and talk to Caleb it doesn't end quite like Isaac was hoping it would.
The story is told from Isaac's point of view, which helped me see the attraction and affection he felt for Caleb, because on his own Caleb's personality doesn't come across as much as I'd have liked, his shyness and fear of what others will think of him keeps him a little aloof, at least for the majority of the book. He is very shy and due to his illness and his parents who were cold to him growing up and disowned him when he came out, he believes no one is going to find him attractive or stay interested in him once they find out what he has.
I appreciated the author using a condition that isn't seen often in romance novels, and
I was impressed by Isaac's interest in finding out all there is to know about it and how to be helpful in the future. He didn't once even contemplate that Caleb might not be worth it, he was so enamored with Caleb that even with his sometimes brash and chilly behavior towards Isaac, he didn't give up on him.
Caleb and Isaac were both lonely, Isaac was a product of the foster care system most of his life and I think was just looking for someone to call his own and of course Caleb was so reserved it wasn't surprising he hadn't found a partner. There is very little sex in this story, one scene and that's not until about 80%.
It was a sweet story and fans of stories with a main character with disabilities in them are sure to appreciate Caleb and Isaac's story.
July 22, 2013
The book is listed as out of print on GR. Considering it was just published recently a few months ago, I’m not sure why. Perhaps there’s some scandal I don’t know about but in case it’s just something random or benign, here’s what I thought about it. N. Woods is a new author to me and I choose this novella due to shorter length, new author, and a seemingly fun premise. I like the offbeat vibe of the story but I never connected to the characters or their romance. They seem nice but the problems brought up are way too easily solved and the couple doesn’t really become a couple until they have sex at the end of the story. I took a break around the halfway mark and it took me almost a week to want to finish the novella, despite the easy reading.
Isaac is a bartender at a bar that Caleb frequents on Friday nights. After two months of watching Caleb every week, Isaac finally gets up the nerve to hit on him. However, Caleb runs off shortly. Eventually the two have a first date, which ends in Caleb having an epileptic seizure. Despite his fear, Isaac is determined not to let that get in the way of their budding romance. Caleb isn’t so sure it’s that easy.
The premise is familiar with Isaac an aggressive pursuer that lets nothing stand in his way while Caleb is hesitant, this time due to his medical condition. Isaac must convince Caleb that he’s worthwhile and his epilepsy isn’t an issue. I found the story predictable and quaint but not necessarily bad. It’s a little staid and boring but I liked the unusual use of epilepsy. While it was used nicely in the story, I also thought it was a little too easily solved. Isaac learns everything he needs to know from watching you-tube videos. I’m sure it’s a helpful tool but I found it hard to believe he didn’t actually seek some professional guidance. I also found his support of Caleb touching but also slightly overwhelming and overbearing.
Isaac came across as too flat and easy for me. He’s tenacious in going after Caleb because he thinks Caleb is cute but there didn’t seem to be a strong connection between the men. It takes 150 pages (out of 180) for the two men to finally sleep together and at that point, very little romantic interaction had happened. The two seemed to fall in love because they were having good sex. I never felt any real spark between Caleb and Isaac. It’s almost as if Isaac didn’t want to be alone and Caleb thought no one would ever want him – so why not be together.
The writing is easy to read but it had small problems that serve to agitate me. For example Isaac had the nickname Neo, cute and a funny reference, but it never had much of a memorable impact. The nickname is used so infrequently I forgot about it easily. Also Isaac called his dick “Isaac Junior” which never failed to irritate me. It made me think of Isaac as an immature teen just learning what his equipment could do. There is surprisingly little dialogue as Isaac, the narrator, would prefer to tell about the events in his thoughts and explain everything to the reader. I got tired of this and it bored me sadly.
Although this author is new to me, the style definitely doesn’t appeal or suit me as a reader. The book is ok, not great, but not terrible either. I found it bland and inoffensive and I forgot the characters almost immediately after finishing. I wouldn’t recommend it as I know there are much better offerings out there.
Isaac is a bartender at a bar that Caleb frequents on Friday nights. After two months of watching Caleb every week, Isaac finally gets up the nerve to hit on him. However, Caleb runs off shortly. Eventually the two have a first date, which ends in Caleb having an epileptic seizure. Despite his fear, Isaac is determined not to let that get in the way of their budding romance. Caleb isn’t so sure it’s that easy.
The premise is familiar with Isaac an aggressive pursuer that lets nothing stand in his way while Caleb is hesitant, this time due to his medical condition. Isaac must convince Caleb that he’s worthwhile and his epilepsy isn’t an issue. I found the story predictable and quaint but not necessarily bad. It’s a little staid and boring but I liked the unusual use of epilepsy. While it was used nicely in the story, I also thought it was a little too easily solved. Isaac learns everything he needs to know from watching you-tube videos. I’m sure it’s a helpful tool but I found it hard to believe he didn’t actually seek some professional guidance. I also found his support of Caleb touching but also slightly overwhelming and overbearing.
Isaac came across as too flat and easy for me. He’s tenacious in going after Caleb because he thinks Caleb is cute but there didn’t seem to be a strong connection between the men. It takes 150 pages (out of 180) for the two men to finally sleep together and at that point, very little romantic interaction had happened. The two seemed to fall in love because they were having good sex. I never felt any real spark between Caleb and Isaac. It’s almost as if Isaac didn’t want to be alone and Caleb thought no one would ever want him – so why not be together.
The writing is easy to read but it had small problems that serve to agitate me. For example Isaac had the nickname Neo, cute and a funny reference, but it never had much of a memorable impact. The nickname is used so infrequently I forgot about it easily. Also Isaac called his dick “Isaac Junior” which never failed to irritate me. It made me think of Isaac as an immature teen just learning what his equipment could do. There is surprisingly little dialogue as Isaac, the narrator, would prefer to tell about the events in his thoughts and explain everything to the reader. I got tired of this and it bored me sadly.
Although this author is new to me, the style definitely doesn’t appeal or suit me as a reader. The book is ok, not great, but not terrible either. I found it bland and inoffensive and I forgot the characters almost immediately after finishing. I wouldn’t recommend it as I know there are much better offerings out there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2013
I had the pleasure to read this before Silver took it on, and all I can say is how much I loved it. I cannot wait to read this again, it really is a wonderful read.
Both characters are brilliant, and I couldn't wait to see what Caleb was hiding.
Highly recommended
Both characters are brilliant, and I couldn't wait to see what Caleb was hiding.
Highly recommended
April 6, 2013
3.5. I liked issac a lot. He is caring and open, facing things rather than backing off (such as finding how he can best help Caleb). Caleb is a little more difficult. He is colder appearing and harder to get to know.
April 19, 2013
*I received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review*
Now, I know the author personally, but that won't affect my review. Simply because I loved it! I'm not a big reader of gay literature but I do dabble, especially when written by friends.
I LOVED Isaac's character and the way he refused to give up on Caleb. This man was determined to show Caleb that not everyone was scared and would run away at the slightest thing and I commend N. Wood for writing a character like that.
Caleb took a while to like because of how closed off he was to the world, which is understandable once his history is revealed. Illness, being hurt by those who are supposed to love and support him. I'd be hesitant to trust people.
The pace of the story works well for the length of the book. It never feels rushed as some can do, especially when the relationship between Isaac and Caleb is developing.
Its obvious that a certain amount of research has gone into the story with the illness it includes, almost a character of it's very own. Wood deals with it with sensitivity and respect. It also shows that she knows the area it's set very well. I have family in Cornwall and could easily picture some of the places mentioned in the narrative which is great.
I'll definitely read more from N. Wood
To read this and more reviews, go to my blog http://michbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Now, I know the author personally, but that won't affect my review. Simply because I loved it! I'm not a big reader of gay literature but I do dabble, especially when written by friends.
I LOVED Isaac's character and the way he refused to give up on Caleb. This man was determined to show Caleb that not everyone was scared and would run away at the slightest thing and I commend N. Wood for writing a character like that.
Caleb took a while to like because of how closed off he was to the world, which is understandable once his history is revealed. Illness, being hurt by those who are supposed to love and support him. I'd be hesitant to trust people.
The pace of the story works well for the length of the book. It never feels rushed as some can do, especially when the relationship between Isaac and Caleb is developing.
Its obvious that a certain amount of research has gone into the story with the illness it includes, almost a character of it's very own. Wood deals with it with sensitivity and respect. It also shows that she knows the area it's set very well. I have family in Cornwall and could easily picture some of the places mentioned in the narrative which is great.
I'll definitely read more from N. Wood
To read this and more reviews, go to my blog http://michbookreviews.wordpress.com/
April 23, 2013
I love this book! Without spoiling the little mystery of why Caleb acts so different, I will tell you, I was completely wrong . Once I found out what his issue was, I loved the book even more
Isaac is so patient and understanding. Why can't I find a guy like him? Definitely a must read!
Isaac is so patient and understanding. Why can't I find a guy like him? Definitely a must read!
November 27, 2013
I enjoyed it so much.
The epilepsy tag suggested trouble but to my surprise the book is actually optimistic and abundant with wonderful emotions. A very welcome surprise for me.
Again, I loved Nat's style. She's talented, that's it.
xxx
Dora
The epilepsy tag suggested trouble but to my surprise the book is actually optimistic and abundant with wonderful emotions. A very welcome surprise for me.
Again, I loved Nat's style. She's talented, that's it.
xxx
Dora
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2013
I enjoyed it so much.
The epilepsy tag suggested trouble but to my surprise the book is actually optimistic and abundant with wonderful emotions. A very welcome surprise for me.
Again, I loved Nat's style. She's talented, that's it.
xxx
Dora
The epilepsy tag suggested trouble but to my surprise the book is actually optimistic and abundant with wonderful emotions. A very welcome surprise for me.
Again, I loved Nat's style. She's talented, that's it.
xxx
Dora
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2013
I loved everything about this story.
October 31, 2013
I'm not usually comfortable with m/m romances, but this one is so well written, it was impossible to feel uncomfortable with it... Very well written.
April 9, 2013
I Loved this book,
Caleb is soo cute - after he overcome his shyness and worry, he's a lovely guy to read about... Isaac also is a very loving guy and I loved to see how their relationship progressed.
just some minor details that got on me...
1) There's no gambling / bets involved on jumping horses competition - the bets are made in horse racing - I have a horse and I use to compete for more than 11 years - I never saw a horse breaking his leg during any competition - I also love animals and would never risk my baby's health - unfortunatelly accidents happen but it's not often (as says the book) that a horse breaks it's leg jumping - THIS IS VERY RARE...
2) Another issue that bothers me every time... Why anyone would think naming a cock is sexy? Come on!!!! When you say little Isaac want to play... for me there'll appear a little boy from out of somewhere... Please!!! this is not sexy at all...
This always reminds me of that movie "how to loose a guy in 10 days" - she named his cock PRINCESS SOPHIA... So, irccc.... Not sexy at all... It actually breaks entirely the mood....
Caleb is soo cute - after he overcome his shyness and worry, he's a lovely guy to read about... Isaac also is a very loving guy and I loved to see how their relationship progressed.
just some minor details that got on me...
1) There's no gambling / bets involved on jumping horses competition - the bets are made in horse racing - I have a horse and I use to compete for more than 11 years - I never saw a horse breaking his leg during any competition - I also love animals and would never risk my baby's health - unfortunatelly accidents happen but it's not often (as says the book) that a horse breaks it's leg jumping - THIS IS VERY RARE...
2) Another issue that bothers me every time... Why anyone would think naming a cock is sexy? Come on!!!! When you say little Isaac want to play... for me there'll appear a little boy from out of somewhere... Please!!! this is not sexy at all...
This always reminds me of that movie "how to loose a guy in 10 days" - she named his cock PRINCESS SOPHIA... So, irccc.... Not sexy at all... It actually breaks entirely the mood....
January 31, 2014
I don’t usually enjoy M/M stories but the way this one was written is wonderful. It gives you the whole picture of how complicated and difficulties the relationship has to deal with, without making it way too graphic. Both Caleb and Isaac are characters that you can easily fall in love with. Isaac’s concerned and caring nature is so absolutely sweet. Another thing about Isaac that I like is the fact he is passionate about those he cares about. Nothing is going to hold him back, from defending those he needs to defend. Caleb is one of those characters you want to hug, cuddle and protect. The things he’s suffered and has had to deal with throughout his life is so heart wrenching.
Like I said even though I wouldn’t normally read a M/M story, I was completely in love with this one. I hope you take the time to go out and buy it… Happy Reading… Adri
January 22, 2015
More 3.5 but rounded up due to pure sweetness. It was a bit insta-love and commitment but still a good read. The mystery of what's wrong with Caleb was driving me nutso in the beginning but I like that the author brought a difficult medical condition into the story. And I absolutely adored how Isaac treated Caleb. Sweetest guy ever. Nothing terribly deep, no angst, just a little sex. Quick read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews