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Mr. Average
Lucas Manetti has had sex with some very hot men, so why is it he can't get one average man out of his mind?
Lucas doesn't want attachments. He thinks life is much easier that way. Watching the way his mom suffered when his father was dying taught him that. But deep down, Lucas likes the idea of someone taking care of him, of coming home to the same person every night. Yeah, what Lucas really wants is love. So why is he settling for random quick sex in seedy bathrooms? Kyle has been taking care of Lucas's car forever. So for Lucas, it's a logical step to think of Kyle taking care of him. And he has so much that he can offer Kyle---whether Kyle wants it or not. So imagine Lucas's surprise when Kyle isn't particularly enamoured of Lucas's 'proposition'. Lucas thought his money would buy him anything. And then he realizes... boy, did he get it wrong. He's so busy reeling from the shock that he almost misses what---or who---has been waiting for him all this time.
Lucas doesn't want attachments. He thinks life is much easier that way. Watching the way his mom suffered when his father was dying taught him that. But deep down, Lucas likes the idea of someone taking care of him, of coming home to the same person every night. Yeah, what Lucas really wants is love. So why is he settling for random quick sex in seedy bathrooms? Kyle has been taking care of Lucas's car forever. So for Lucas, it's a logical step to think of Kyle taking care of him. And he has so much that he can offer Kyle---whether Kyle wants it or not. So imagine Lucas's surprise when Kyle isn't particularly enamoured of Lucas's 'proposition'. Lucas thought his money would buy him anything. And then he realizes... boy, did he get it wrong. He's so busy reeling from the shock that he almost misses what---or who---has been waiting for him all this time.
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2013
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 4, 2013
Well, I was trawling the MLR website trying to hurry the Kaje Harper/Kendall McKenna new books up...yes, I know, I'm hopeless....and came across this new collaboration by Parker Williams and his alter ego Will Parkinson. 3.5 stars
This is the story of a man who has everything but love in his life, he's looking for it and tries to buy someone's affection on the way… gets shot down (ha, ha) but that elusive something...well, I'll leave you to discover what happens, but I will say from the start that I did not like the main character Lucas at all. Nothing that was written about him made me even remotely interested in his future....he's a real snob, shallow, superficial, arrogant, presumptuous, a little creepy I think.....read his interaction with Kyle, and you'll hopefully see what I mean, just an all-round total 'dick' as far as I was concerned. I assume that Parker's intention was for us to like him more and start to feel sorry for him as the story went on...Hopefully other readers will warm to him....I didn't.
This is the story of a man who has everything but love in his life, he's looking for it and tries to buy someone's affection on the way… gets shot down (ha, ha) but that elusive something...well, I'll leave you to discover what happens, but I will say from the start that I did not like the main character Lucas at all. Nothing that was written about him made me even remotely interested in his future....he's a real snob, shallow, superficial, arrogant, presumptuous, a little creepy I think.....read his interaction with Kyle, and you'll hopefully see what I mean, just an all-round total 'dick' as far as I was concerned. I assume that Parker's intention was for us to like him more and start to feel sorry for him as the story went on...Hopefully other readers will warm to him....I didn't.
September 3, 2013
This is a story about a man who on the face of it has everything - great job, money, the car of most mens dreams and a lifestyle that allows him to live the life he's become accustomed to but his love life consists generally of one night hook ups and casual sex in back rooms and he decides he wants more.... .unfortunately the one thing he really wants, you can't buy with money or material things and its a hard lesson he learns when he tries to charm his ' Mr Average ' mechanic into a relationship, thinking he'll be so impressed with Lucas' up market lifestyle he'll gratefully fall into his arms and they'll live happily ever after. Doesn't quite go the way he plans........
Lucas is basically an arrogant snob and not the nicest guy in the bunch but personally I like stories about guys who aren't PC and actually I liked Lucas warts and all. Anti hero's tend to redeem very nicely! The first part of the book I wanted to slap him but then there's the clever twist that you won't be expecting, the story changes tack and so does Lucas. Mind you he doesn't miraculously change into the golden boy over night and I liked that because it felt more realistic but because of a lovely guy he finally owns up to his shortcomings and without giving too much away he gets his Mr Average who he realises is far from average after all! I loved the gradual change and the ending for me was satisfying and gave me the warm and fuzzies.
I really like Parkers style, his stories seem longer than they actually are and he packs a lot of story in that shorter length. I suppose some readers will find Lucas a love/hate character but personally I ended up loving him because arrogant arse or not, everyone deserves a chance at true love and basically I'm a big old softie! ;)
Lucas is basically an arrogant snob and not the nicest guy in the bunch but personally I like stories about guys who aren't PC and actually I liked Lucas warts and all. Anti hero's tend to redeem very nicely! The first part of the book I wanted to slap him but then there's the clever twist that you won't be expecting, the story changes tack and so does Lucas. Mind you he doesn't miraculously change into the golden boy over night and I liked that because it felt more realistic but because of a lovely guy he finally owns up to his shortcomings and without giving too much away he gets his Mr Average who he realises is far from average after all! I loved the gradual change and the ending for me was satisfying and gave me the warm and fuzzies.
I really like Parkers style, his stories seem longer than they actually are and he packs a lot of story in that shorter length. I suppose some readers will find Lucas a love/hate character but personally I ended up loving him because arrogant arse or not, everyone deserves a chance at true love and basically I'm a big old softie! ;)
September 7, 2013
Awww, I really liked this! I started out thinking Lucas would never redeem himself in my eyes, but he actually did and this ended up being a sweet, sappy, heartwarming story. Recommended for all hopeless M/M romantics who love a good HEA!
January 12, 2018
I was disappointed in this book. I love an average Joe plain hero. We get that but our point of view hero is a really snob. He grows but the romance is smashed together and rushed so we miss the joy that should be in a romance.
September 4, 2013
John you deserve a medal, but God I'm a sucker for reformed characters and a happy ending!
August 31, 2013
2,5 stars rounded up. It was a short story but I had such high hopes after reading 500 Miles from Parker Williams but this fast read did not live up to my expectations.
What can I say, I'm a fan of bad boys redeeming themselves. Lucas was an idiot, a self-centered and narsistic idiot. He was set up to hit the wal fast and hard and ended up rock bottom one night when he had to face that money can't buy love. Enter a gentle bartender John - our average Joe - to take care of him and show Lucas what he really needed.
The story was cute enough and amusing too. I just felt therer was a lot of tellig how things went and I didn't really make a connection with any of the characters. All went down fast forward without really stopping to enjoy the moment. I wanted Lucas' breakdown o be greater and his confusion bigger. And I wanted to learn more about this amazing John that made him see the light.
The car analogy was brilliant!
What can I say, I'm a fan of bad boys redeeming themselves. Lucas was an idiot, a self-centered and narsistic idiot. He was set up to hit the wal fast and hard and ended up rock bottom one night when he had to face that money can't buy love. Enter a gentle bartender John - our average Joe - to take care of him and show Lucas what he really needed.
The story was cute enough and amusing too. I just felt therer was a lot of tellig how things went and I didn't really make a connection with any of the characters. All went down fast forward without really stopping to enjoy the moment. I wanted Lucas' breakdown o be greater and his confusion bigger. And I wanted to learn more about this amazing John that made him see the light.
The car analogy was brilliant!
October 26, 2013
Please leave comments on my 5 sweet pea, Recommended Book review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
“You asked me what Jake can offer me that you can’t? It’s something he’s already given me, Mr. Manetti. It’s his heart.”
Snob, meet Compassion, and find out which makes you the happier man. That, in essence, is the theme of Mr. Average. Lucas is so accustomed to having everything he wants, and what he wants, or thinks he wants, is what he believes others will perceive as better than anyone else can have. In other words, Lucas is the worst kind of snob. I hated this character for about the first third or so of the book. He is not sympathetic at all. But then you are given a look inside the man and the shell cracks a little bit. All I can say is stick with the story, even while you are wanting to throw Lucas off the nearest cliff. It’s worth it to see it through to the end. I promise.
When Lucas decides that he wants his car’s mechanic, he doesn’t stop to think about what the mechanic himself might want. In fact, though, what Kyle the mechanic wants isn’t Lucas but the love offered without reservation by Kyle’s husband. Lucas doesn’t get it. All he wants, or thinks he wants, is hot sex, whenever and wherever he has the urge. And boy, does Parker Williams give him that sex! They should have a sale on fans where this book is sold.
It takes someone unexpected to teach Lucas what kindness that can lead to love looks like. I loved this story. We’ve all met someone who believes things and money are the measure of the man. In this case, we have a chance to see if that man can unlearn what he believes to be true and learn another way. Can Lucas do that? It’s a short story so it may not happen, but the reader is treated to the lesson anyway. Great story, told as only Parker Williams can tell it.
Short stories are notoriously difficult to write well. In just a few words the author has to offer the reader a beginning, a middle, and an end to a well-balanced story, with characters who have a backstory, a present, and a future. Parker Williams has the formula down pat. Parker never takes the easy route to love, never lets difficult lessons get in the way of a story. He tells it like it should be told. I can’t get enough of this author’s stories, and look forward to the next one eagerly.
“You asked me what Jake can offer me that you can’t? It’s something he’s already given me, Mr. Manetti. It’s his heart.”
Snob, meet Compassion, and find out which makes you the happier man. That, in essence, is the theme of Mr. Average. Lucas is so accustomed to having everything he wants, and what he wants, or thinks he wants, is what he believes others will perceive as better than anyone else can have. In other words, Lucas is the worst kind of snob. I hated this character for about the first third or so of the book. He is not sympathetic at all. But then you are given a look inside the man and the shell cracks a little bit. All I can say is stick with the story, even while you are wanting to throw Lucas off the nearest cliff. It’s worth it to see it through to the end. I promise.
When Lucas decides that he wants his car’s mechanic, he doesn’t stop to think about what the mechanic himself might want. In fact, though, what Kyle the mechanic wants isn’t Lucas but the love offered without reservation by Kyle’s husband. Lucas doesn’t get it. All he wants, or thinks he wants, is hot sex, whenever and wherever he has the urge. And boy, does Parker Williams give him that sex! They should have a sale on fans where this book is sold.
It takes someone unexpected to teach Lucas what kindness that can lead to love looks like. I loved this story. We’ve all met someone who believes things and money are the measure of the man. In this case, we have a chance to see if that man can unlearn what he believes to be true and learn another way. Can Lucas do that? It’s a short story so it may not happen, but the reader is treated to the lesson anyway. Great story, told as only Parker Williams can tell it.
Short stories are notoriously difficult to write well. In just a few words the author has to offer the reader a beginning, a middle, and an end to a well-balanced story, with characters who have a backstory, a present, and a future. Parker Williams has the formula down pat. Parker never takes the easy route to love, never lets difficult lessons get in the way of a story. He tells it like it should be told. I can’t get enough of this author’s stories, and look forward to the next one eagerly.
September 8, 2013
I love stories where the (anti)hero is a complete douche and an asshat—and then redeems himself. Well, rich and influential Lucas is all that, and more.
Lucas wants sex regularly, but with no strings attached. So he doesn’t think his plan through when he goes and suggests his favorite mechanic, Kyle, become his kept man, living in an apartment of Lucas’s choice, and be readily available for sex and maybe a hot meal every once in a while. As a total dope, he is absolutely mystified when Kyle gets angry and rejects him. But as Lucas gets drunk and is surprisingly taken care of by the bartender he previously treated like a dirt, he is even more mystified, but then finally he gets his epiphany.
The writing is good and the pace swift. The story’s told in third person, only from Lucas’s point of view. He’s never been in a relationship, so he really has no idea what he’s doing, and the writing conveys this brilliantly. He’s almost a virgin, so to speak. I really liked the way his character evolved during the story arc. And both Kyle and John are sweet guys. One will be a friend, the other a lover. Surprises ahead.
If you like stories where the hero evolves throughout the story, with sweet romance, humor and clash of personalities, this is the story for you. Recommended.
Lucas wants sex regularly, but with no strings attached. So he doesn’t think his plan through when he goes and suggests his favorite mechanic, Kyle, become his kept man, living in an apartment of Lucas’s choice, and be readily available for sex and maybe a hot meal every once in a while. As a total dope, he is absolutely mystified when Kyle gets angry and rejects him. But as Lucas gets drunk and is surprisingly taken care of by the bartender he previously treated like a dirt, he is even more mystified, but then finally he gets his epiphany.
The writing is good and the pace swift. The story’s told in third person, only from Lucas’s point of view. He’s never been in a relationship, so he really has no idea what he’s doing, and the writing conveys this brilliantly. He’s almost a virgin, so to speak. I really liked the way his character evolved during the story arc. And both Kyle and John are sweet guys. One will be a friend, the other a lover. Surprises ahead.
If you like stories where the hero evolves throughout the story, with sweet romance, humor and clash of personalities, this is the story for you. Recommended.
July 6, 2014
Lawyer Lucas Manetti has been playing the field for years, but now he thinks he might be ready to settle down. Kyle, the hot mechanic that works on his Lamborghini, seems like a perfect choice. Too bad Lucas’s money can’t buy everything…
I liked the premise of Mr. Average—a rich guy finding love with a regular guy. I wanted to like the main character as well, but I just couldn’t. First-person narrator Lucas came across as arrogant, cold, and sometimes wishy-washy. He has issues about love, and also about the socioeconomic status of his lovers and what that might say about him. His regular Joe love interest (not the guy I thought it would turn out to be) is kind and sweet to a fault, which made Lucas’s behavior all the more frustrating. Lucas does change a lot over the course of the book, but the story happened too fast for me to buy into the changes as much as I would have liked. I did enjoy the sweet ending, however, and the conversational writing style. There was so much potential here, even if it wasn’t quite my cup of tea. If I run across another of Mr. Williams’s books, I will certainly give it a try.
This book was reviewed by Cassie for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.
I liked the premise of Mr. Average—a rich guy finding love with a regular guy. I wanted to like the main character as well, but I just couldn’t. First-person narrator Lucas came across as arrogant, cold, and sometimes wishy-washy. He has issues about love, and also about the socioeconomic status of his lovers and what that might say about him. His regular Joe love interest (not the guy I thought it would turn out to be) is kind and sweet to a fault, which made Lucas’s behavior all the more frustrating. Lucas does change a lot over the course of the book, but the story happened too fast for me to buy into the changes as much as I would have liked. I did enjoy the sweet ending, however, and the conversational writing style. There was so much potential here, even if it wasn’t quite my cup of tea. If I run across another of Mr. Williams’s books, I will certainly give it a try.
This book was reviewed by Cassie for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.
September 4, 2013
Well I am coming to expect big things from Mr Williams. I love that his work is so different but with the same care and understanding of his charaters. This one is the story is about Lucas and I gotta be upfront about this, Lucas is NOT a likeable man at first, but if you can read through that it gives you a wonderful depth to the whole story, and its not too far so just do it.
And that is how I know to expect great things from this author because he has a way of taking an emminently unlikabe character and making us understand, like and desperatley want him to have a HEA. John and Lucas are normal average men with issues and I love that Parker can take us to the hope that there is someone like John out there for all of us. Someone who can look past the front we put up, to the scared, loving, wonderful person underneath.
Get it read it, suck up your insta-dislike and get to the Lucas that is injured, and in need of lovin' and you'll love it as much as I did..
And that is how I know to expect great things from this author because he has a way of taking an emminently unlikabe character and making us understand, like and desperatley want him to have a HEA. John and Lucas are normal average men with issues and I love that Parker can take us to the hope that there is someone like John out there for all of us. Someone who can look past the front we put up, to the scared, loving, wonderful person underneath.
Get it read it, suck up your insta-dislike and get to the Lucas that is injured, and in need of lovin' and you'll love it as much as I did..
September 21, 2013
I really enjoyed watching this story unfold, I only wish it would have been a little longer so the characters could be fleshed out a bit more and I could experience more of the transformation Lucas made. Parker Williams did manage to take a man that was a total jackass and change him into someone that earns the love of a good man and made it believable.
Highly recommend this book if you like short and sweet, with a little healing and some hot lovin’ mixed in.
You can read the rest of Jackie's review at The Novel Approach
Highly recommend this book if you like short and sweet, with a little healing and some hot lovin’ mixed in.
You can read the rest of Jackie's review at The Novel Approach
December 31, 2018
3.5 stars
OMG, the arrogance of Lucas just dripped off the first pages of the book. Rich, good looking, an attorney, Lucas comes to the conclusion that his life of one-night stands doesn't do it for him, and he plans to take on a steady boy-toy guy. His arrogance makes him blind.
He has to take a good hard look at himself, and his prejudicial feelings for "Mr. Average" compared to himself almost derails what is the best thing for him. Luckily, his "Mr. Average" is the kind of guy that has incredible insight and perception, and he helps Lucas figure out what is truly right for him.
OMG, the arrogance of Lucas just dripped off the first pages of the book. Rich, good looking, an attorney, Lucas comes to the conclusion that his life of one-night stands doesn't do it for him, and he plans to take on a steady boy-toy guy. His arrogance makes him blind.
He has to take a good hard look at himself, and his prejudicial feelings for "Mr. Average" compared to himself almost derails what is the best thing for him. Luckily, his "Mr. Average" is the kind of guy that has incredible insight and perception, and he helps Lucas figure out what is truly right for him.
September 4, 2013
I sat down and read this straight through. It hooked me from the beginning - I didn't like Lucas at all - I wanted to see him get knocked down a few pegs. The story develops at a great pace, Lucas learns some lessons and does some far overdue growing up. He becomes more relatable and you begin to root for him to make the right choices and earn the happiness he desires. I don't want to give away anything and spoil the story for anyone. I enjoyed reading this story, very romantic portions and the nookie was yummy.
January 5, 2014
Parker Williams writes an engaging story of how a shallow, pretentious, snobby man can find himself and redeem his life in this incredible short story, “Mr. Average.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale because I have known many people throughout my life that remind me of Lucus Manetti. I think you will enjoy his journey as he finds his purpose in a place that is so unexpected.
Well done Mr. Williams.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale because I have known many people throughout my life that remind me of Lucus Manetti. I think you will enjoy his journey as he finds his purpose in a place that is so unexpected.
Well done Mr. Williams.
December 15, 2014
2.5 stars rounded down. It was cute and sweet and steadfast towards the end, but I just didn't buy Lucas's in-the-blink-of-an-eye transformation from a spoiled, selfish, and demanding asshat whom I didn't like at all to a self-deprecating, insecure, and submissive guy who let John lead in everything. It made no sense and threw this story completely off.
July 31, 2014
Reread July/2004
How an ass became a human being - by finding that Mr. Average wasn't average at all. He was just perfect for him.
My only niggle with this story is that it should have been longer. I wanted more.
How an ass became a human being - by finding that Mr. Average wasn't average at all. He was just perfect for him.
My only niggle with this story is that it should have been longer. I wanted more.
October 24, 2014
3,5 stars
October 13, 2013
SUCH A WELL WRITTEN BOOK. I LOVED IT. LUCAS WANT SOMEONE TO CARE FOR HIM. HE WANTS A MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIP. A GOOD STORY TO SEE LUCAS ON HIS JOURNEY TO FIND TRUE LOVE, A MUST READ.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews