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Pen Name - Doctor Chicken
Sometimes Stratford Dale feels like Doctor Chicken consumes his life. It s his pen name for a series of wildly popular children s books. They were his brainchild; he meant for them to be a way to pay his many bills while he pursued his dream of publishing graphic novels. But the Doctor Chicken contract was a raw deal. Instead, he churns out book after book for a pittance, leaving him broke and no closer to his dreams.
Stratford s dreams of love have fared no better, but he s still trying. After yet another disastrous date, he s intrigued by a man going into a cooking class so he takes the class too. Vinnie Giani is a successful, self-made man who is charmed by Stratford s bow ties, sharp humor, and clumsiness which leads to an opportunity to take Stratford in for stitches. Vinnie is, above all, responsible, having taken on the care of his mother and sisters from a young age. Perhaps it s natural when he begins to treat Stratford more as a child who needs a parent than as an equal partner. But when Vinnie tries to fix Stratford s career woes including the Doctor Chicken problem and ends up making the situation worse, their fledgling relationship may not withstand the the strain created by blame and lies.
Stratford s dreams of love have fared no better, but he s still trying. After yet another disastrous date, he s intrigued by a man going into a cooking class so he takes the class too. Vinnie Giani is a successful, self-made man who is charmed by Stratford s bow ties, sharp humor, and clumsiness which leads to an opportunity to take Stratford in for stitches. Vinnie is, above all, responsible, having taken on the care of his mother and sisters from a young age. Perhaps it s natural when he begins to treat Stratford more as a child who needs a parent than as an equal partner. But when Vinnie tries to fix Stratford s career woes including the Doctor Chicken problem and ends up making the situation worse, their fledgling relationship may not withstand the the strain created by blame and lies.
200 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2013
6 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 20, 2013
4.25*
Ok, I'll admit it. I saw the title of this book and had to read it, I mean seriously 'Pen Name-Doctor Chicken' ? It made me smile, so I had high hopes the book would too.
I was not disappointed.
The blurb is pretty accurate, Stratford is overworked, underpaid and totally taken advantage of at work. His dating life is disastrous and embarrassing, but entertaining, at least for those reading about it.
Stratford's first sighting of Vinnie ends in his usual clumsiness and his first personal encounter with the man ends even worse. Still, both men are smitten immediately.
Stratford was kicked out at 19 and still has issues stemming from that, he desperately wants a partner, a lover, someone to rely on and be with, but he is also very much afraid of rejection and that influences how he deals with people. He avoids conflict at almost all costs and doesn't stand up for himself when he should.
“He didn’t need a knight in shining armor to save him, but maybe a sexy Italian knight to stand next to him and prop him up might be just the thing.”
Vinnie has been a father figure for his three younger sisters and main breadwinner for his family since his father's death when he was just out of high school. This has influenced him just as much as Stratford's history has. Vinnie is a caretaker at heart but also a business owner and a very wealthy self made man. He's used to taking charge and taking care of people.
I loved Stratford, for all his clumsiness and meekness in the face of some real asshats, he's also funny, sexy and independent. He has a Doctor Who fascination and I'm looking at those bow ties in a whole new light now. He might not stand up for himself at work, but he's not a pushover in all aspects of his life.
Vinnie is so sweet, such a good guy and I love how he wants to help and take care of Stratford.
Even if he doesn't quite go about it the right way. I really loved this happy read, watching two great guys get their much deserved chance at love.
It was a sweet and funny story, there are some scenes that actually had me laughing out loud. The book was easy and cute, I read it straight through and was sad when it ended.
I would jump at a chance to catch up with them down the road. See where Stratford is in his career. How is the compromising going between these Vinnie and Stratford? How many bow ties find other more creative uses? And a little payback for the evil bosses wouldn't hurt either.
April 5, 2014
3.5 stars
This was a cute, no angst, opposites attract story. Stratford is struggling financially, staying at a job he hates just so he can pay off his debt. Vinnie is a self-made successful businessman, who has spent years caring for his mother and sister's, while putting his own happiness on the back burner. It's lust at first sight for the two men, and Stratford believes he has finally met the man of his dreams, but is still struggling to believe he deserves him.
The opening disasterous first date scene had me laughing out loud and Stratford and Vinnie are an adorable couple. I felt it ended a bit abruptly and would have liked to see a little more resolution of Stratford's story, but overall it was a quick, enjoyable read.
This was a cute, no angst, opposites attract story. Stratford is struggling financially, staying at a job he hates just so he can pay off his debt. Vinnie is a self-made successful businessman, who has spent years caring for his mother and sister's, while putting his own happiness on the back burner. It's lust at first sight for the two men, and Stratford believes he has finally met the man of his dreams, but is still struggling to believe he deserves him.
The opening disasterous first date scene had me laughing out loud and Stratford and Vinnie are an adorable couple. I felt it ended a bit abruptly and would have liked to see a little more resolution of Stratford's story, but overall it was a quick, enjoyable read.
February 15, 2014
I really wanted to like this one.
I found the start of this one hilarious and even though I liked the characters initially the gloss wore off the more I read the story.
Stratford ended up being too much the martyr for far too long and Vinnie overstepped boundaries in a huge, huge way. Even with the ending I found Vinnie's gift to be over the top and inappropriate after everything that happened.
I was rooting for this one hard but it just fell flat for me.
I found the start of this one hilarious and even though I liked the characters initially the gloss wore off the more I read the story.
Stratford ended up being too much the martyr for far too long and Vinnie overstepped boundaries in a huge, huge way. Even with the ending I found Vinnie's gift to be over the top and inappropriate after everything that happened.
I was rooting for this one hard but it just fell flat for me.
January 14, 2014
Stratford Dale is not very happy. He’s working his butt off ewriting popular children’s books under the pen name Doctor Chicken but he’s getting paid barely anything for it. On top of that, he has the worst luck in finding a guy to call his own especially when all the guys who are interested only want him for sex. Vinnie Giani changes all that when they meet at a cooking class and Vinnie pulls out his rusty romantic charms and tries to woe Stratford into something of a relationship. Both men are clueless on just what that means but one thing has been made clear… keeping secrets is never good. Will their omissions cause their fledgling relationship to fall apart before it ever actually starts?
Stratford is that cute mix of awkward and geeky. He loves to wear bow ties and has the tendency to be very clumsy at the worst possible moments. He’s straight up adorable and I loved every minute of his awkwardness. Vinnie is the exact opposite in that he’s charming and sexy. I loved that Vinnie loved all of who Stratford is and even goes to great lengths to explore his likes, such as starting to watch Stratford’s favorite show, Doctor Who, just because he knew Stratford loves it.
Seriously, the two together are just all kinds of sweetness. They balance each other out but also have a lot of issues they have to work through. At times, Vinnie seems lost and Stratford is there to guide him through things. At other times, Stratford needs the guidance. The whole story is about them working through their problems and trying at something new. Stratford is insecure, afraid of rejection and hates confrontation but Vinnie does what he can to help Stratford through that. Vinnie has a tendency to try and fix things, which causes them both some problems. The story is a nice mix of exploring their feelings, wants and dreams and trying to walk on eggshells around those issues.
While this was a fun and easy story, I admit one of my biggest problems was the way Stratford could never just say enough is enough. He has major rejection issues not to mention he doesn’t like confrontation so that means he will do anything to avoid anything negative… this means he lets things play out well past when they should, which equates to him getting walked all over. I loved that he was so damaged in this way but it also got on my nerves that he couldn’t stand up for himself. There were also a few scenes where it seemed that Stratford and Vinnie did a character role reversal (Vinnie started acting like Stratford, Stratford started acting like Vinnie, etc.). They weren’t that big a deal for me but the transition into that wasn’t very smooth.
In the end, I really did enjoy it. It’s a pleasant read and while Stratford was frustrating a time or two, I did love Stratford and Vinnie and the tentative way they go about their relationship. The ending was a little abrupt but I still liked where they ended up. If you’ve liked KC Burn’s other books, you’ll no doubt like this one as well :)
This review can be found at The Blogger Girls review site.
Stratford is that cute mix of awkward and geeky. He loves to wear bow ties and has the tendency to be very clumsy at the worst possible moments. He’s straight up adorable and I loved every minute of his awkwardness. Vinnie is the exact opposite in that he’s charming and sexy. I loved that Vinnie loved all of who Stratford is and even goes to great lengths to explore his likes, such as starting to watch Stratford’s favorite show, Doctor Who, just because he knew Stratford loves it.
Seriously, the two together are just all kinds of sweetness. They balance each other out but also have a lot of issues they have to work through. At times, Vinnie seems lost and Stratford is there to guide him through things. At other times, Stratford needs the guidance. The whole story is about them working through their problems and trying at something new. Stratford is insecure, afraid of rejection and hates confrontation but Vinnie does what he can to help Stratford through that. Vinnie has a tendency to try and fix things, which causes them both some problems. The story is a nice mix of exploring their feelings, wants and dreams and trying to walk on eggshells around those issues.
While this was a fun and easy story, I admit one of my biggest problems was the way Stratford could never just say enough is enough. He has major rejection issues not to mention he doesn’t like confrontation so that means he will do anything to avoid anything negative… this means he lets things play out well past when they should, which equates to him getting walked all over. I loved that he was so damaged in this way but it also got on my nerves that he couldn’t stand up for himself. There were also a few scenes where it seemed that Stratford and Vinnie did a character role reversal (Vinnie started acting like Stratford, Stratford started acting like Vinnie, etc.). They weren’t that big a deal for me but the transition into that wasn’t very smooth.
In the end, I really did enjoy it. It’s a pleasant read and while Stratford was frustrating a time or two, I did love Stratford and Vinnie and the tentative way they go about their relationship. The ending was a little abrupt but I still liked where they ended up. If you’ve liked KC Burn’s other books, you’ll no doubt like this one as well :)
This review can be found at The Blogger Girls review site.
April 26, 2014
This week is “KC Burn Week” at TBG, and for my book, I chose to read Pen Name – Doctor Chicken. It’s been on my TBR list for a while and when Nikyta swore I would love it, I believed her.
OhMyGod! I loved so many things about this book!!
Its hilarious! OMG I laughed so much throughout the entire book! The opening scene and the whole discussion involved…priceless. And the underwear scene had me rolling! So did most of the story.
Its adorable! And totally smile inducing. How could anyone not love Stratford and Vinnie together? Gah! Still smiling over here.
Its sweet! Is that the same as adorable? Nah! There isn’t much angst, but a few secrets cause a bit of trouble…but not for long. There’s totally a sweet HEA.
Its a little silly! Poor Stratford, nothing ever works out right for him…until he meets Vinnie. Of course he still has a few incidences, but Vinnie is there to help him through it this time.
Its sexy! Who says sex has to include anal? These guys certainly know how to smex it up without having to “go-all-the-way”, but when they finally do, it actually means something.
Its insta-love! Okay, I’m not fan of insta-love, but in this case, I didn’t even care!
4.5 stars because it hit that perfect spot when I needed it. I’m holding back that final half star because I wanted more. More Stratford and Vinnie!! Does that make me too greedy?
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
OhMyGod! I loved so many things about this book!!
Its hilarious! OMG I laughed so much throughout the entire book! The opening scene and the whole discussion involved…priceless. And the underwear scene had me rolling! So did most of the story.
Its adorable! And totally smile inducing. How could anyone not love Stratford and Vinnie together? Gah! Still smiling over here.
Its sweet! Is that the same as adorable? Nah! There isn’t much angst, but a few secrets cause a bit of trouble…but not for long. There’s totally a sweet HEA.
Its a little silly! Poor Stratford, nothing ever works out right for him…until he meets Vinnie. Of course he still has a few incidences, but Vinnie is there to help him through it this time.
Its sexy! Who says sex has to include anal? These guys certainly know how to smex it up without having to “go-all-the-way”, but when they finally do, it actually means something.
Its insta-love! Okay, I’m not fan of insta-love, but in this case, I didn’t even care!
4.5 stars because it hit that perfect spot when I needed it. I’m holding back that final half star because I wanted more. More Stratford and Vinnie!! Does that make me too greedy?
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
August 9, 2016
I reeally enjoyed this. Stratford's prickliness and cowardice makes him flawed and real. Maybe the boyfriend who ran off with his money was one drama too far, but that helped explain his twitchiness even more. So there's a bit of detail here, with both boys' backstories having significance to their current situation.
Vinnie is all in from the get go, and his mistakes are glaringly obvious but totally understandable. I loved the gentle tongue lashing his mum gives him near the end.
Let's talk about the end. Yes it didn't linger, but I think we will get more of this pairing. Stratford's determination to make his own way is consistent with his character and a little bit admirable really. Will we see the dreadful Barry redeemed, or get his long overdue comeuppance? Will easily-led twink, Trey feature? Is it bad that I hope not?
Anyway, I liked both boys and really wanted them to find their way. So this left me satisfied. Happy to come back for more.
Vinnie is all in from the get go, and his mistakes are glaringly obvious but totally understandable. I loved the gentle tongue lashing his mum gives him near the end.
Let's talk about the end. Yes it didn't linger, but I think we will get more of this pairing. Stratford's determination to make his own way is consistent with his character and a little bit admirable really. Will we see the dreadful Barry redeemed, or get his long overdue comeuppance? Will easily-led twink, Trey feature? Is it bad that I hope not?
Anyway, I liked both boys and really wanted them to find their way. So this left me satisfied. Happy to come back for more.
November 26, 2013
I usually really enjoy stories where characters face everyday 'real-life' problems, like jobs, etc. This one started that way, but halfway I realized I didn't really like Stradford so the rating is just so so. Yeah, I know he has problems, but it seems a bit forced and inconsistent.
The ending is very abrupt, given the length of the story.
I guess the author was alluding to Chicken Little story. Note that one version of that story doesn't have happy ending, as the whole group was eaten by the fox.
The ending is very abrupt, given the length of the story.
I guess the author was alluding to Chicken Little story. Note that one version of that story doesn't have happy ending, as the whole group was eaten by the fox.
November 28, 2013
"There was a certain romantic touch to the butt plug discussion over shrimp, devolving into a dessert discussion on whether silicone, rubber, or glass was preferable for dildos."
OMG I haven't laughed that hard over the description of a first date in my entire life. Since this is my first experience with a KC Burn story, I'm pretty sure I'll be reading a lot more of hers in the future. I really empathized with Stratford when he finally gets away from Creepy Guy only to find he'd missed his bus and has to walk home in the cold and the wind. Oh, been there done that. So, when he sees the warm glow coming from the windows of the community center he can't help but stop to peek inside and watch the cooking class. When he sees the hottest guy imaginable, well, Stratford just has to keep watching trying to figure the guy out, until the guy turns and catches him looking. Oops! Vinnie knows how to cook, he grew up early taking care of his mom and sisters, but he only knows how to cook Italian. The community center's around the world cooking class appealed to him so he could learn a little variety. I mean, who knows? Now that the company's successful, maybe Vinnie has time to actually have a boyfriend. Not that he's got a clue how to go about finding one.
Stratford with his bow ties, clumsiness, witty sense of humor, skittishness, and hopeless romantic just did it for me. I wanted to wrap him up and protect him. Luckily, so did Vinnie. Vinnie who has spent the past fifteen years growing a business while taking care of his mom and little sisters is the ultimate protector and I fell for him, too. Of course the fact that Vinnie is so used to taking care of the people he loves, and he has no experience with relationships, makes him endearing and lovable but also gets him and Stratford, both, into trouble. Not bad trouble, just the kind that can happen until you're willing to open up and be completely honest with the other person.
I adored this story. The writing is wonderful, the characters are warm, and very lovable, and the relationship vulnerabilities are true to real life. I'm so glad I read this and can't wait to read more by this author.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
OMG I haven't laughed that hard over the description of a first date in my entire life. Since this is my first experience with a KC Burn story, I'm pretty sure I'll be reading a lot more of hers in the future. I really empathized with Stratford when he finally gets away from Creepy Guy only to find he'd missed his bus and has to walk home in the cold and the wind. Oh, been there done that. So, when he sees the warm glow coming from the windows of the community center he can't help but stop to peek inside and watch the cooking class. When he sees the hottest guy imaginable, well, Stratford just has to keep watching trying to figure the guy out, until the guy turns and catches him looking. Oops! Vinnie knows how to cook, he grew up early taking care of his mom and sisters, but he only knows how to cook Italian. The community center's around the world cooking class appealed to him so he could learn a little variety. I mean, who knows? Now that the company's successful, maybe Vinnie has time to actually have a boyfriend. Not that he's got a clue how to go about finding one.
Stratford with his bow ties, clumsiness, witty sense of humor, skittishness, and hopeless romantic just did it for me. I wanted to wrap him up and protect him. Luckily, so did Vinnie. Vinnie who has spent the past fifteen years growing a business while taking care of his mom and little sisters is the ultimate protector and I fell for him, too. Of course the fact that Vinnie is so used to taking care of the people he loves, and he has no experience with relationships, makes him endearing and lovable but also gets him and Stratford, both, into trouble. Not bad trouble, just the kind that can happen until you're willing to open up and be completely honest with the other person.
I adored this story. The writing is wonderful, the characters are warm, and very lovable, and the relationship vulnerabilities are true to real life. I'm so glad I read this and can't wait to read more by this author.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 14, 2014
A nice one, but it didn't wow me. It had some nice things going on, like Stratford's view on sex - which I liked and found quite realistic - at least it sounded that way to me.
It was a more or less drama-free love story.
And I liked Stratford. I would have liked him even more with a little more spine and guts. His job problems were a little overdone imho - his boss and malicious colleague seemed like fairytale villains to make him the damsel in distress...
Vince was too stereotype for me - although a nice character as well.
So it was overall nice.
It was a more or less drama-free love story.
And I liked Stratford. I would have liked him even more with a little more spine and guts. His job problems were a little overdone imho - his boss and malicious colleague seemed like fairytale villains to make him the damsel in distress...
Vince was too stereotype for me - although a nice character as well.
So it was overall nice.
August 6, 2016
Tepid, lackluster. Meh. This book took me a long time to finish because I didn't find much to love OR hate about it. The writing felt immature to me throughout, and I'm not talking about SPAG here. Alas, SPAG's much more easily fixed. I'm talking about threads left dangling and directly contradictory statements within a single paragraph, that type of thing.
Considering the title of the book and how much of Stratford's personal conflict came from his sucky job, how how HOW could any author think that having him get fired OFF SCREEN would be a good idea? The poor man doesn't even get to tell off his horrible boss, or dump coffee all over his taunting co-worker. Nor do we get the scene that prompts the firing - Vinnie sticking his nose in where it doesn't belong. Sure, you could skip all that and catch the reader up in a few paragraphs (as this author does) but WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO? Ideally, I'd like to have seen the suits regret their decision and grovel to get Stratford back. Wish fulfillment, baby. It's what's for breakfast.
Towards the very end, Vinnie really turns into an incredible ass - treating Stratford like a child, which was superficially addressed, but also telling his mother that she needs to wait to start living if he has to. UM EXCUSE YOU YOU UNGRATEFUL FUCK. My mom was widowed at 40 and raised three kids on her own and didn't remarry until she was in her sixties and yeah I did not take the news very well at all and EVEN I WANTED TO PUNCH VINNIE. You don't speak to your mother like that.
If Vinnie had started out a petulant, hypocritical brat and we got to see him figuring out what was so wrong about his behavior and striving to do better, then we would've been getting somewhere. Instead, we see Vinnie being generally kind and decent (other than keeping his affluence to himself instead of informing Stratford) for most of the book; then he becomes a whirling dervish of douchebaggery, he gets yelled at, he promises to do better THE END. Not exactly satisfying to me as a reader.
Female character referred to as "bimbo." Drink. Two pages later, another female character. "Virago." DRINK. And I don't appreciate a cat just one pound heavier than my two healthy, active kitties being called a tub of lard. Yuck. It's a flashback-inducing hate-filled term. Only villains should be using it, ever. Obviously.
Finally, I'm getting a little tired of geek characterization = beta hero who watches Doctor Who. An official membership card granting you entrance to the geek clubhouse doesn't come with your Doctor Who DVDs, last time I checked. The entrance requirements are a little more rigorous than that. And nope, wearing a bowtie because you're crushing on Eleven won't automagically get you in, either.
Considering the title of the book and how much of Stratford's personal conflict came from his sucky job, how how HOW could any author think that having him get fired OFF SCREEN would be a good idea? The poor man doesn't even get to tell off his horrible boss, or dump coffee all over his taunting co-worker. Nor do we get the scene that prompts the firing - Vinnie sticking his nose in where it doesn't belong. Sure, you could skip all that and catch the reader up in a few paragraphs (as this author does) but WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO? Ideally, I'd like to have seen the suits regret their decision and grovel to get Stratford back. Wish fulfillment, baby. It's what's for breakfast.
Towards the very end, Vinnie really turns into an incredible ass - treating Stratford like a child, which was superficially addressed, but also telling his mother that she needs to wait to start living if he has to. UM EXCUSE YOU YOU UNGRATEFUL FUCK. My mom was widowed at 40 and raised three kids on her own and didn't remarry until she was in her sixties and yeah I did not take the news very well at all and EVEN I WANTED TO PUNCH VINNIE. You don't speak to your mother like that.
If Vinnie had started out a petulant, hypocritical brat and we got to see him figuring out what was so wrong about his behavior and striving to do better, then we would've been getting somewhere. Instead, we see Vinnie being generally kind and decent (other than keeping his affluence to himself instead of informing Stratford) for most of the book; then he becomes a whirling dervish of douchebaggery, he gets yelled at, he promises to do better THE END. Not exactly satisfying to me as a reader.
Female character referred to as "bimbo." Drink. Two pages later, another female character. "Virago." DRINK. And I don't appreciate a cat just one pound heavier than my two healthy, active kitties being called a tub of lard. Yuck. It's a flashback-inducing hate-filled term. Only villains should be using it, ever. Obviously.
Finally, I'm getting a little tired of geek characterization = beta hero who watches Doctor Who. An official membership card granting you entrance to the geek clubhouse doesn't come with your Doctor Who DVDs, last time I checked. The entrance requirements are a little more rigorous than that. And nope, wearing a bowtie because you're crushing on Eleven won't automagically get you in, either.
November 28, 2013
Didn't hate it. It had it's sweet moments. Liked Stratford and his bow ties. Adorbs.
Vincent/Vince/Vinnie... At times he was daddy, times he was kinda creepy. Like going thru stuff while I'm in the shower. Nah.
Urge and the Abby connection. No effing way. Not a guy I've only been dating two wks. I'd've been like "ewww friend cooties! Be gone!" And yes I've done it to guys before so I think I was cringing over that for the last part of the story.
The ending. Felt like there should hav been an epilogue. It just ... Ended. I guess HFN? Too much unresolved. Ugh. But I really didn't dislike this one, I just didn't love it.
Vincent/Vince/Vinnie... At times he was daddy, times he was kinda creepy. Like going thru stuff while I'm in the shower. Nah.
Urge and the Abby connection. No effing way. Not a guy I've only been dating two wks. I'd've been like "ewww friend cooties! Be gone!" And yes I've done it to guys before so I think I was cringing over that for the last part of the story.
The ending. Felt like there should hav been an epilogue. It just ... Ended. I guess HFN? Too much unresolved. Ugh. But I really didn't dislike this one, I just didn't love it.
December 17, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a sweet story of two men who are looking for something real, someone to share their life. While both men have been dealt some tough breaks they are both hopeful that there is someone out there for them. After an adorable meet, and a trip to urgent care, the attraction is immediate and intense. Vinnie's need to romance and take care of Stratford and Stratford's inability to stand up for himself throw a little wrench in the works, but the sweetness of these two men prevails in the end.
January 9, 2014
I have to say this was a great opposites attract story. Vinnie is a strong, secure wealthy man that holds family close to him. Stratford is a struggling graphic artist who has no real family and is living from paycheck to paycheck. I liked how these two men found their way to one another even when it seemed like everything was fighting them the entire way.
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
November 30, 2013
3.1 stars. Sometimes sweet romance yet an often frustrating story and protagonist... I liked the mundane themes of the plot, though I wished things had been portrayed more consistently or in a less frustrating manner... The ending felt too rushed, leaving some crucial dynamics of the couple only partially resolved.
December 19, 2013
I enjoyed this read. This author writes solid stories that seem very real to me.
Oh Stratford.. He's a good guy and unfortunately people take advantage of that.... Gah!! I found myself yelling at him in my head..... and then I wanted to shake him hard and rattle some sense into him. Thank god he had the sexy, suave and confident Vinnie to help him see the light.
Oh Stratford.. He's a good guy and unfortunately people take advantage of that.... Gah!! I found myself yelling at him in my head..... and then I wanted to shake him hard and rattle some sense into him. Thank god he had the sexy, suave and confident Vinnie to help him see the light.
February 21, 2016
Cute. I wish Stratford had grown a bit in the course of the book. He's so passive and non-confrontational that I had a hard time respecting him as a character. 3.5 stars.
October 2, 2024
유 Stratford Dale
유 Vinnie Giani
Read 3 Aug 2014
유 Vinnie Giani
Read 3 Aug 2014
April 2, 2019
As you would guess from the name this was a rather humourous love story. It was also very romantic with a great connection between the two leads! I had recently read a short that had two characters going on disastrous dates but still ending up liking each other that I was really disappointed in because I found that the characters had no real connection. This book took that idea, made a whole novel, and really brought both the humour and the connection to life! I fell in love with both Stratford and Vinnie, their little trials and tribulations, the lies they told and the ways it came out, and their secret hopes for finding 'the one' in each other. Absolutely wonderful!
My only complaint was the slightly abrupt ending to the book. The problem stated in the book blurb- of Vinnie going to far and causing trouble at work for Stratford- doesn't happen until almost the end. This is a big overstep of boundaries and I am glad that that is made quite clear. However, it is pretty much the end of the book then! I wanted to see a little bit more out of this pair, though there is something to be said for keeping that closing short and sweet.
My only complaint was the slightly abrupt ending to the book. The problem stated in the book blurb- of Vinnie going to far and causing trouble at work for Stratford- doesn't happen until almost the end. This is a big overstep of boundaries and I am glad that that is made quite clear. However, it is pretty much the end of the book then! I wanted to see a little bit more out of this pair, though there is something to be said for keeping that closing short and sweet.
January 14, 2025
I owned this for over 10 years! Thankfully, it came up in my Sweep the Shelves challenge and it was well worth the wait. A cartoonist and a businessman meet at cooking class and the rest is attraction, romance, misunderstanding, workplace abuse, anxiety, reunited, and a happy ever after that is well worth the read.
Great characters, great story. Just what I needed to swing my mood meter upward. :D
Great characters, great story. Just what I needed to swing my mood meter upward. :D
December 5, 2025
This was a sweet story. Both men have a lot going on in their lives. Vinni has been busy taking care of his family and guarding his heart. Stratford has been taking care of himself for a while. There is some conflict when Vinni tries to hard to help. I love the fact that despite problems they were able to work things out. #CMCon26
April 1, 2021
Ich hätte doch gern gewusst wie der ehemalige Arbeitgeber den Verlust seines wichtigsten Markenzeichen verarbeitet
January 11, 2025
3.5 stars - I liked these two. It was a sweet story with some humour and sexy times. I felt it ended rather abruptly though.
November 29, 2013
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
Pen Name - Doctor Chicken is a title that grabs attention. The blurb pretty much closed the deal for me and I sat down to enjoy what I hoped would be a happily ever after light read. What I got instead was exactly what the blurb tells us, and then it ends with a happily for now. Not even a contented for now.
I honestly did not know what to do with this. There were times I just put this down as the plot would go smoothly one point, go off the tracks at another, get back on the track and so on.
Let me state first what gave me some problems.
Stratford is as prickly as a sea urchin. Coupled with his fierce sense of independence and indecisiveness, he was quite a hard character to like.
I did not know what to do with Vinnie as a character. On one hand he's a really great, loving, supportive guy on the other, he is manipulative and at the most ridiculous times, domineering. His character was not so well developed, I know his being a loving and supportive brother and son was well written, but his business side was left a bit - off. The lack of information left me a tad lost on what to think about this man. For someone who was portrayed as pretty astute, he sure missed a lot of signs and messed up a bit, especially that last bit.
There was a bit of focus on two minor characters who were simply mean to Stratford but they disappeared into the plot. Then there was another important aspect: the job as Doctor Chicken. Last chapter opens and he loses his job. That is it. No elaboration, nothing.
The redeeming factors were there, as this is a very nice romance on the cheesy and uber-morantic side. Vinnie did the best he could do to 'win' this intriguing man he had first spotted staring into that cooking class he had been attending. Stratford came from a traumatic past from being a spoiled only child to a homeless kid kicked out of his home by his religiously fanatic parents. He made it on his own, is a survivor but he is very, very insecure. When he meets Vinnie, the doubts are there always at the back of his mind which does not do anything to positively contribute to their fledgeling relationship.
Obviously there are a lot of good things that could have gone good with this story, my personal view is that the unresolved issues within the plot left too many holes for me to truly appreciate this story. For a light read, it is okay, if you like happily for now endings.
I just wish, well you know what I mean.
Pen Name - Doctor Chicken is a title that grabs attention. The blurb pretty much closed the deal for me and I sat down to enjoy what I hoped would be a happily ever after light read. What I got instead was exactly what the blurb tells us, and then it ends with a happily for now. Not even a contented for now.
I honestly did not know what to do with this. There were times I just put this down as the plot would go smoothly one point, go off the tracks at another, get back on the track and so on.
Let me state first what gave me some problems.
Stratford is as prickly as a sea urchin. Coupled with his fierce sense of independence and indecisiveness, he was quite a hard character to like.
I did not know what to do with Vinnie as a character. On one hand he's a really great, loving, supportive guy on the other, he is manipulative and at the most ridiculous times, domineering. His character was not so well developed, I know his being a loving and supportive brother and son was well written, but his business side was left a bit - off. The lack of information left me a tad lost on what to think about this man. For someone who was portrayed as pretty astute, he sure missed a lot of signs and messed up a bit, especially that last bit.
There was a bit of focus on two minor characters who were simply mean to Stratford but they disappeared into the plot. Then there was another important aspect: the job as Doctor Chicken. Last chapter opens and he loses his job. That is it. No elaboration, nothing.
The redeeming factors were there, as this is a very nice romance on the cheesy and uber-morantic side. Vinnie did the best he could do to 'win' this intriguing man he had first spotted staring into that cooking class he had been attending. Stratford came from a traumatic past from being a spoiled only child to a homeless kid kicked out of his home by his religiously fanatic parents. He made it on his own, is a survivor but he is very, very insecure. When he meets Vinnie, the doubts are there always at the back of his mind which does not do anything to positively contribute to their fledgeling relationship.
Obviously there are a lot of good things that could have gone good with this story, my personal view is that the unresolved issues within the plot left too many holes for me to truly appreciate this story. For a light read, it is okay, if you like happily for now endings.
I just wish, well you know what I mean.
May 30, 2014
With a name like Pen Name - Doctor Chicken I figured this would be a pretty cute read and I was right, although there was also a bit of angst as well!
Stratford’s (and yes I totally love this name!) life is not going the way he’d hoped. Not only is his job sucking the life and creativity out of him it’s also keeping him on the edge of poverty. Stuck churning out children’s books, and more, on demand with little pay keeps him from his graphic novel dreams. If his pitiful finances and horrid apartment aren’t enough, his attempts at finding love leads to one of the most cringe worthy and awkward dates possible. It’s both depressing, hilarious, and sadly not as shocking as one expects. When Stratford meets Vinnie at least his love life starts turning around.
Vinnie has been the man of the house for years after the death of his father, helping raise his sisters and taking over the family business, but his life has been on hold, a.k.a. he still lives with his mother. With his sisters all but grown it’s time for Vinnie to start his own life, which he does by joining a cooking class, where he will soon meet Stratford. As their relationship progresses Stratford starts opening up, but Vinnie has been keeping a secret that skittish, gun-shy Stratford won’t appreciate, especially after Vinnie tries to “fix” Stratford’s life.
This story isn’t full of explicit sex but it is cute and funny. Toward the end I felt like there was more telling than showing but overall it’s a nice light read. The date will have you peeing your pants with laughter and a very awkward hero will make you smile. If you like a sexy alpha man that is used to taking care of people and a cutie that doesn’t know his own worth this book will suit you nicely.
Reviewed by Jules
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
Stratford’s (and yes I totally love this name!) life is not going the way he’d hoped. Not only is his job sucking the life and creativity out of him it’s also keeping him on the edge of poverty. Stuck churning out children’s books, and more, on demand with little pay keeps him from his graphic novel dreams. If his pitiful finances and horrid apartment aren’t enough, his attempts at finding love leads to one of the most cringe worthy and awkward dates possible. It’s both depressing, hilarious, and sadly not as shocking as one expects. When Stratford meets Vinnie at least his love life starts turning around.
Vinnie has been the man of the house for years after the death of his father, helping raise his sisters and taking over the family business, but his life has been on hold, a.k.a. he still lives with his mother. With his sisters all but grown it’s time for Vinnie to start his own life, which he does by joining a cooking class, where he will soon meet Stratford. As their relationship progresses Stratford starts opening up, but Vinnie has been keeping a secret that skittish, gun-shy Stratford won’t appreciate, especially after Vinnie tries to “fix” Stratford’s life.
This story isn’t full of explicit sex but it is cute and funny. Toward the end I felt like there was more telling than showing but overall it’s a nice light read. The date will have you peeing your pants with laughter and a very awkward hero will make you smile. If you like a sexy alpha man that is used to taking care of people and a cutie that doesn’t know his own worth this book will suit you nicely.
Reviewed by Jules
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
February 19, 2014
4.5 stars
"Pen Name - Doctor Chicken" by KC Burn is a yummy m/m contemporary erotic romance that showcases Stratford Dale and Vincent (Vinnie) Giani who are both relatively shy and somewhat inexperienced about the dating scene. A series of mishaps embarrass Stratford which only endears him to Vinnie but their blossoming relationship is handicapped by their failure to be completely honest with one another. They will have to decide if each can be what the other man needs.
I enjoyed the interaction between these two males and the fact that they were both tentative in their approach to dating yet willing to step outside of their comfort zone once they found someone worth fighting for. The humor and warmth that each displays makes this a heartwarming yet lighthearted romance that still addresses serious issues such as exploitation, workplace harassment, and rejection by those who should be part of your support structure. Being a person who can trip over my own feet, I sympathize with poor Stratford’s mishaps and I thought that both of these guys are people who I would love to have as friends and felt that the author did a great job of creating an entertaining story but, I think the major conflict was forced and the end was less than satisfactory and abrupt and I would have preferred a more detailed resolution so I really hope there is another story that will pick up where this one ends.
A copy of this title was provided to me for an honest review
(submitted to Night Owl Reviews)
"Pen Name - Doctor Chicken" by KC Burn is a yummy m/m contemporary erotic romance that showcases Stratford Dale and Vincent (Vinnie) Giani who are both relatively shy and somewhat inexperienced about the dating scene. A series of mishaps embarrass Stratford which only endears him to Vinnie but their blossoming relationship is handicapped by their failure to be completely honest with one another. They will have to decide if each can be what the other man needs.
I enjoyed the interaction between these two males and the fact that they were both tentative in their approach to dating yet willing to step outside of their comfort zone once they found someone worth fighting for. The humor and warmth that each displays makes this a heartwarming yet lighthearted romance that still addresses serious issues such as exploitation, workplace harassment, and rejection by those who should be part of your support structure. Being a person who can trip over my own feet, I sympathize with poor Stratford’s mishaps and I thought that both of these guys are people who I would love to have as friends and felt that the author did a great job of creating an entertaining story but, I think the major conflict was forced and the end was less than satisfactory and abrupt and I would have preferred a more detailed resolution so I really hope there is another story that will pick up where this one ends.
A copy of this title was provided to me for an honest review
(submitted to Night Owl Reviews)
December 12, 2013
I was looking for something with a bit of humor in it and this one looked to have good potential. I think the first part of the book was good, but it had a little too much of them thinking about their relationship. If a book goes too long without some sort of dialogue, or at least something happening then I tend to lose interest. I started skimming towards the end. I think it just needed more things to happen as opposed to them thinking it or talking about past experiences.
And it would have helped if more things got resolved. The issues with Stratford and his coworkers was totally left up in the air. His job is totally up in the air. And their relationship basically starts over. So, in the end, it left me not really satisfied.
But, it did have some laugh-out-loud moments and good potential.
And it would have helped if more things got resolved. The issues with Stratford and his coworkers was totally left up in the air. His job is totally up in the air. And their relationship basically starts over. So, in the end, it left me not really satisfied.
But, it did have some laugh-out-loud moments and good potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2014
I loved everything about this story, especially both characters Stratford and Vinnie. They were both lovable, huggable characters. Stratford, little shy, smart and funny, but a little clumsy. Vinnie is the alpha male, but he's the tender kind. He'd wants to shelter and take care of you. His looks are deceiving. Both of them together just made me happy sigh.
The plot and flow were good. There was a little of everything, drama, snark, humor, smexytimes so it was easy for me to sit back and enjoy. I was really sad when I realized I was at the end and there was no more! This will definitely go into my re-reading pile!
The plot and flow were good. There was a little of everything, drama, snark, humor, smexytimes so it was easy for me to sit back and enjoy. I was really sad when I realized I was at the end and there was no more! This will definitely go into my re-reading pile!
February 20, 2016
I enjoyed this very much. Slightly disappointed about the ending, it was like a cliffhanger. There was so much more to Stratford and Vinnie's story that could've been added as an epilogue. You could've rounded the conclusion of Vinnie's moms introducing her new man to him along with getting to know Stratford. Even, telling how Stratford was hired to a new company after the holidays and they moved in there new house the New Year. But it just felt so incomplete with the conclusion. But I thought the jest of the story was well coordinated. I actually wouldn't of mind Stratford getting a good dig in on Barry and Trey the day he was fired. I would've liked that read lol!!
February 9, 2017
I did enjoy this story, found it quite amusing, with some great comic moments. I would rate at a good strong 4.5* with enough enjoyment to get the bump up!
I did have some disquiet over Stratford coming over a bit too ' femalish' at times and I think some readers will focus in on this a lot. However, I did enjoy Vinnie and Stratford together, just accepting the story and not doing too much of the compare to reality.
I did have some disquiet over Stratford coming over a bit too ' femalish' at times and I think some readers will focus in on this a lot. However, I did enjoy Vinnie and Stratford together, just accepting the story and not doing too much of the compare to reality.
September 21, 2022
Me encantaron ambos personajes. Me ha parecido un libro tierno y divertido. Me gustaron mucho las escenas de sexo; últimamente me resultan aburridas y repetitivas, pero en este libro me encantaron, las escenas en sí, los momentos en que suceden, la química entre los personajes.
Me hubiera gustado una final un poco más extendido y detallado, y no me importaría nada una segunda parte.
Me hubiera gustado una final un poco más extendido y detallado, y no me importaría nada una segunda parte.
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