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It's All Geek to Me
Jez is on a mission of to replace a tragically deceased comic book for his injured best mate, Tel. Venturing into the Hidden Asteroid bookstore in London—the temple of geekdom itself—Jez is bowled over by the guy behind the counter.
Rhys is the poster boy for hot tall, gorgeous, and totally cool. Jez is desperate to impress him, so he bluffs his way through comic book jargon . . . and then dashes back to the hospital to beg Tel to teach him how to speak Geek.
Tel’s happy to oblige, and Jez is over the moon when Rhys asks him out. He’s even more thrilled when they discover a shared love of rugby, something he won’t have to fake for Rhys. The question is, how long can Jez keep up the deception, and what will happen when Rhys realizes he’s going out with a Fake Geek Guy?
Rhys is the poster boy for hot tall, gorgeous, and totally cool. Jez is desperate to impress him, so he bluffs his way through comic book jargon . . . and then dashes back to the hospital to beg Tel to teach him how to speak Geek.
Tel’s happy to oblige, and Jez is over the moon when Rhys asks him out. He’s even more thrilled when they discover a shared love of rugby, something he won’t have to fake for Rhys. The question is, how long can Jez keep up the deception, and what will happen when Rhys realizes he’s going out with a Fake Geek Guy?
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2014
6 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Merrow
145 books1,327 followersJL Merrow is that rare beast, an English person who refuses to drink tea. She read Natural Sciences at Cambridge, where she learned many things, chief amongst which was that she never wanted to see the inside of a lab ever again. Her one regret is that she never mastered the ability of punting one-handed whilst holding a glass of champagne.
She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and the paranormal, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novella Muscling Through was a 2013 EPIC Award finalist, and her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy. Her novel Relief Valve is a finalist in the 2015 EPIC Awards.
JL Merrow is a member of the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.
Find JL Merrow online at: www.jlmerrow.com, on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jl.merrow
She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and the paranormal, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novella Muscling Through was a 2013 EPIC Award finalist, and her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy. Her novel Relief Valve is a finalist in the 2015 EPIC Awards.
JL Merrow is a member of the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.
Find JL Merrow online at: www.jlmerrow.com, on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jl.merrow
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
April 21, 2022
super short (i read the whole thing in, like, 35 minutes) and cute and a little bit silly but i liked it. 3.25 stars rounded down.
December 5, 2014
A cute, fluffy read for all Brit-speak lovers out there. I enjoyed the humor in this book best of all. It was all awkward sputtering and clumsy romance, which I found to be pretty endearing. I haven't read much by this author and this made me want to read more by her.
What didn't quite work for me was the way the main character, Jez, constantly put himself down. If the book was longer, than perhaps we could have gotten into Jez's issues and the self putdowns could have worked. However, in a book of this length, the low self-esteem was distracting and off putting.
Overall a nice, quick read.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
What didn't quite work for me was the way the main character, Jez, constantly put himself down. If the book was longer, than perhaps we could have gotten into Jez's issues and the self putdowns could have worked. However, in a book of this length, the low self-esteem was distracting and off putting.
Overall a nice, quick read.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
February 13, 2014
3.75*
Rhys is sexy and hot and a geek, what's poor Jez to do? Well, pesters is best friend Tel in to giving him geek lessons, obviously.
“Tel might not be the High Priest of Geek, but he was definitely some kind of acolyte at the Temple of Geekdom.”
This is a fast, cute and funny read. Jez just keeps digging himself in deeper, but he so wants Rhys to like him he can't seem to stop himself. I wish it had been longer and that the conflict/deception and its resolution had been more drawn out. But this is a great in-between quickie-light-pick-me-up-read.
“I’m not cool, Tel. I’m like the opposite of cool. If I was a supervillain, I’d be Antifreeze.”
It's told completely from Jez's POV, he's funny, self deprecating and trying so hard to impress.
“This was perfect.
Apart from the whole deceiving-him-into-thinking-we-liked-the-same-stuff thing, obviously.
Shit.”
But Rhys has a surprise for Jez.
Rhys is sexy and hot and a geek, what's poor Jez to do? Well, pesters is best friend Tel in to giving him geek lessons, obviously.
“Tel might not be the High Priest of Geek, but he was definitely some kind of acolyte at the Temple of Geekdom.”
This is a fast, cute and funny read. Jez just keeps digging himself in deeper, but he so wants Rhys to like him he can't seem to stop himself. I wish it had been longer and that the conflict/deception and its resolution had been more drawn out. But this is a great in-between quickie-light-pick-me-up-read.
“I’m not cool, Tel. I’m like the opposite of cool. If I was a supervillain, I’d be Antifreeze.”
It's told completely from Jez's POV, he's funny, self deprecating and trying so hard to impress.
“This was perfect.
Apart from the whole deceiving-him-into-thinking-we-liked-the-same-stuff thing, obviously.
Shit.”
But Rhys has a surprise for Jez.
Read
January 3, 2014This book owes its existence to two things: a friend's book signing, and an email from Riptide editor, Sarah Frantz.
When Saxon's Baneby Geoffrey Gudgion was launched in London's Forbidden Planet bookshop I knew at once I had to set a story there. So I pranced around taking about a hundred pictures on my phone, shoved them in a folder with the working title of "Temple of Geekdom" and put the project to one side while I finished up Relief Valve. A little while later I added some notes on characters I thought would work with the setting: a lovable boy-next-door type who's totally out of his depth in the comic-book world; and a tall, dark and handsome Goth type who's not nearly as intimidating as he looks; but it was all still firmly on the back burner. After all, I'd already started working on the next novel (Caught!, due out August 2014) and was knee-deep in rat traps and bow ties. Metaphorically speaking.
Then Sarah got in touch, asking if I had any spare stories lying around. Well, no - but I did have this idea for a story I'd like to write. So I dusted off my files and got scribbling... ;)
I hope readers will enjoy the results - I certainly had enormous fun writing it!
When Saxon's Baneby Geoffrey Gudgion was launched in London's Forbidden Planet bookshop I knew at once I had to set a story there. So I pranced around taking about a hundred pictures on my phone, shoved them in a folder with the working title of "Temple of Geekdom" and put the project to one side while I finished up Relief Valve. A little while later I added some notes on characters I thought would work with the setting: a lovable boy-next-door type who's totally out of his depth in the comic-book world; and a tall, dark and handsome Goth type who's not nearly as intimidating as he looks; but it was all still firmly on the back burner. After all, I'd already started working on the next novel (Caught!, due out August 2014) and was knee-deep in rat traps and bow ties. Metaphorically speaking.
Then Sarah got in touch, asking if I had any spare stories lying around. Well, no - but I did have this idea for a story I'd like to write. So I dusted off my files and got scribbling... ;)
I hope readers will enjoy the results - I certainly had enormous fun writing it!
February 5, 2014
Okay, what I thought this book was going to be about, and what it really was about were two very different animals. I thought the main character was going to learn about, and maybe enjoy the geek lifestyle. No, that is not what happens, he learns to lie about living and loving the lifestyle. This really pissed me off, I mean I do not see a relationship based on lies ever lasting.
I am also getting sick of this trend Merrow has with the manic main character. The main character is like a sugared up ankle biting yappy dog. He has a tendency of speaking his thoughts out loud when not meaning too, staring at people with his mouth hanging open in lust, and tripping over his own feet when offered a smile.
It's like Jude from Slam! all over again.
So yeah, this book just wasn't for me.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
I am also getting sick of this trend Merrow has with the manic main character. The main character is like a sugared up ankle biting yappy dog. He has a tendency of speaking his thoughts out loud when not meaning too, staring at people with his mouth hanging open in lust, and tripping over his own feet when offered a smile.
It's like Jude from Slam! all over again.
So yeah, this book just wasn't for me.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
February 11, 2014
Mohawks, sexy smiles, laughter, cuddles, snogging, and groping! KA-POW! This gem had it all.
”Hot Hawk’s lips curved into a slow smile. Oh, God. That was it—that was his superpower, right there. Seducto Smile. Bloody hell, it was fiendishly effective. I smiled back helplessly.”
Jez and Rhys, two lovable blokes, meet in the geeky land of comics. A land alive with superheroes and villains. But an assumption, a few head nods, and white lies, soon lead Jez into dangerous territory of deception and hurt. Can he stop pretending and reveal his true self without losing the guy of his dreams?
Merrow absolutely nails the feel and energy of the awkward and often humiliating “Gah!” moment when you spot someone you fancy. Someone you want to know, touch, and kiss! This quick, hilarious tale reminds me just how geeky we all can be when the guy you like turns around, looks right at you, and BOOM! Time stops. Words get stuck and all tangled up. Feet stumble. Eyes go starry. Haha…Rhys and Jez will charm you at first sight!
My only complaint is Jez’s constant comments about his looks. I appreciate the issue being addressed —men having low self-esteem about their body needs to be talked about more in life and fiction. But by the end of the story, I felt like it was mentioned on every page.
Merrow always makes me smile though. This was a sweet dose of geeky fun.
February 12, 2014
2.75
A cute British, British morsel of a read but found it a bit geek bashy even if done in good spirits. I did like Jez and Rhys together and the twist was a nice touch.
A cute British, British morsel of a read but found it a bit geek bashy even if done in good spirits. I did like Jez and Rhys together and the twist was a nice touch.
February 13, 2014
Humorous romance that's filled with stumbling, bumbling awkwardness, some English male bonding, and then some more bonding. Almost too light and fluffy for me. Cute, but Jez's self deprecation got annoying and the resolution was super quick because the conflict wasn't so conflicting.
February 8, 2014
A JL Merrow short story is always a guaranteed fun time…and I had a lot of fun with this one.
Jez is trying to cheer up his best friend Tel by replacing Tel’s comic book that was ruined in an accident that has him temporarily confined to a hospital bed. Tel knows all things from comic geekdom. And Jez? Well he’s only interested if it has been made into a movie. So when Jez enters the Hidden Asteroid book store and encounters the hunky Rhys working behind the counter, Jez pretends to know all about the world of comic books in hopes to impress Rhys with his shared obsession. Now he needs Tel’s help! What would Rhys do if he found out that he and Jez really don’t have anything in common? And what if Rhys has a few secrets of his own?
I swear, I laughed my fucking “arse” off reading this book! I loved Jez’s voice and snark. He was a bit insecure and considered himself plain and “cuddly”…how could I not adore him?! I mean, he was so opposite of cool he was “antifreeze”. (His words, not mine) And he never had any malicious intent with his deception…it was kinda cute to be honest. Rhys was a great character too, although I didn’t really get a chance to know him very well as the story is told only from Jez’s pov.
I did find that I didn’t “get” most of the comic references. Wasn’t sure if they were fictional, or too British, or my level of “geek” was just too low. The romance was a bit instant and we really didn’t get to see much of them getting to know each other. Hard to get all that in such a short story, but of course the short length makes it the perfect “in between book” since it will take only about an hour or so to read all the way through.
Recommended for when your in the mood for something quick and funny.
3.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
Jez is trying to cheer up his best friend Tel by replacing Tel’s comic book that was ruined in an accident that has him temporarily confined to a hospital bed. Tel knows all things from comic geekdom. And Jez? Well he’s only interested if it has been made into a movie. So when Jez enters the Hidden Asteroid book store and encounters the hunky Rhys working behind the counter, Jez pretends to know all about the world of comic books in hopes to impress Rhys with his shared obsession. Now he needs Tel’s help! What would Rhys do if he found out that he and Jez really don’t have anything in common? And what if Rhys has a few secrets of his own?
I swear, I laughed my fucking “arse” off reading this book! I loved Jez’s voice and snark. He was a bit insecure and considered himself plain and “cuddly”…how could I not adore him?! I mean, he was so opposite of cool he was “antifreeze”. (His words, not mine) And he never had any malicious intent with his deception…it was kinda cute to be honest. Rhys was a great character too, although I didn’t really get a chance to know him very well as the story is told only from Jez’s pov.
I did find that I didn’t “get” most of the comic references. Wasn’t sure if they were fictional, or too British, or my level of “geek” was just too low. The romance was a bit instant and we really didn’t get to see much of them getting to know each other. Hard to get all that in such a short story, but of course the short length makes it the perfect “in between book” since it will take only about an hour or so to read all the way through.
Recommended for when your in the mood for something quick and funny.
3.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
October 28, 2014
J.L. Merrow books are always a good time, and this one is no exception. Brainy lab chemist Jez tries to pass for a comic book geek to catch the tall, dark, and handsome Rhys he meets at a comic store. Jez is at the store to help out a good friend who's laid up in the hospital with both legs in a cast. But Jez desperately wants the hunk, so he pretends to be something he's not (namely: into comic books and all things geeky).
I giggled many times while reading this. Jez is adorable (although I wanted to kick his arse for thinking he was fat and mentioning this to Rhys as Rhys is taking off Jez's shirt for the first time. Way to kill the mood, man). Rhys is sweet and witty and....
I'm not sure I can come up with other adjectives, as this is a short story, and the characters weren't all that well developed. Is Rhys a student? How old are these guys? Will Jez's friend ever seduce the red-headed nurse at the hospital? And why is everyone so appalled that Jez is pretending to be something he's not? Surely, there are worse offenses than pretending to like comics when you prefer rugby one week into a relationship. (Incidentally, Rhys likes rugby too...all is not lost and not exactly as it seems.)
There's a theme: Be honest...with yourself and others. Yup. Nothing too deep, lots of comic book talk (which went right over my head), one sexy scene, and two cute boys.
I giggled many times while reading this. Jez is adorable (although I wanted to kick his arse for thinking he was fat and mentioning this to Rhys as Rhys is taking off Jez's shirt for the first time. Way to kill the mood, man). Rhys is sweet and witty and....
I'm not sure I can come up with other adjectives, as this is a short story, and the characters weren't all that well developed. Is Rhys a student? How old are these guys? Will Jez's friend ever seduce the red-headed nurse at the hospital? And why is everyone so appalled that Jez is pretending to be something he's not? Surely, there are worse offenses than pretending to like comics when you prefer rugby one week into a relationship. (Incidentally, Rhys likes rugby too...all is not lost and not exactly as it seems.)
There's a theme: Be honest...with yourself and others. Yup. Nothing too deep, lots of comic book talk (which went right over my head), one sexy scene, and two cute boys.
August 29, 2014
Cute, funny, and oh so awkward. I liked it even though I usually hate when people pretend to be something they aren't. I also enjoyed the twist at the end :)
Side note:
Jez's self deprecating comments about his looks got to be very tiresome.
Side note:
Jez's self deprecating comments about his looks got to be very tiresome.
December 21, 2014
Geeky, cheeky and so very cute! A short novella about Jez, pretending to like comic books to capture the attention of Rhys, the hot geek working at the comic book store. I enjoyed the Britishisms... I thought about it for a mo, I was on it like a car bonnet, and Oh, crap a rat :) Throw in some snogging and groping and you’ve got a winner! Loved it!
March 23, 2014
Mate, it was bloody BRILLIANT. I loved it.
February 10, 2014
3.5
This was a fun short story, very British (I love the British slang!!), and with the typical J.L. Merrow humour. If you want something quick, short, fun, easy, light, and perfectly happy to surf right along the surface instead of diving in deep, this is the read for you.
Which is exactly which I was looking for, so I've decided to round up to four stars this time.
The drawbacks? It was a little bit too over-the-top funny (as in trying-too-hard-and-a-little-bit-contrived funny). The constant quips back and forth made this entertaining, but it also kept the distance between characters and reader and hindered me in really feeling a connection with Jez and Rhys. And while I think sex is a very fun and often enough funny thing, the one-liners were a little bit too much there.
So, as I said, fun and funny and entertaining and deliciously superficial (and not trying to be anything else either). Exactly what I was hoping for despite my little nagging.
This was a fun short story, very British (I love the British slang!!), and with the typical J.L. Merrow humour. If you want something quick, short, fun, easy, light, and perfectly happy to surf right along the surface instead of diving in deep, this is the read for you.
Which is exactly which I was looking for, so I've decided to round up to four stars this time.
The drawbacks? It was a little bit too over-the-top funny (as in trying-too-hard-and-a-little-bit-contrived funny). The constant quips back and forth made this entertaining, but it also kept the distance between characters and reader and hindered me in really feeling a connection with Jez and Rhys. And while I think sex is a very fun and often enough funny thing, the one-liners were a little bit too much there.
So, as I said, fun and funny and entertaining and deliciously superficial (and not trying to be anything else either). Exactly what I was hoping for despite my little nagging.
February 18, 2014
I am a comic book fan so of course I really enjoyed this. I also enjoy the British feel that so many of JL Merrow's stories have and the humour. A nice read as all her books are.
July 24, 2016
3.5 stars
This was so funny. Crack me up! Damn, I love shorty like this. Although unfortunately the sex scene is not that hot. Because I was busy laughing at them. *lol*
Thank you, Van! :))
This was so funny. Crack me up! Damn, I love shorty like this. Although unfortunately the sex scene is not that hot. Because I was busy laughing at them. *lol*
Thank you, Van! :))
May 4, 2016
After his best friend, Tel, has an unfortunate run-in with a car, Jez is determined to replace the copy of Tel’s comic book that suffered an untimely demise. Well, maybe less determined and more cajoled into replacing the comic, but when your buddy is in traction it is probably best to try and be the better man. So off he goes to the Hidden Asteroid bookstore, in search of the third issue of The Amazing Translucio, Uncanny Secrets-–not that Jez has any clue who Translucio is, or why he should care about him, let alone any of his uncanny secrets. Except when he comes across Mr. Tall, Dark, and Geekily-Perfect manning the comic book store counter, he finds himself a lifelong devotee of The Amazing Translucio and the rest of his spandexed buddies. Or, at least so he professes. Ok…he lies through his teeth and out of his ass, but can you blame him?
So now Jez needs a crash course on all things geeky from his bestie, while trying desperately to convince his new crush that he is totally worth dating. But there is only so much he can bluff, so what will he do when his geek credentials get called into question? For a superhero, lies are old-hat, but for a lowly lab-assistant they might just be his downfall.
Oh this was just so much fun. I have said repeatedly how much I love Merrow’s English men, and this story was no exception. Jez is just so clueless and tad bit beaten down by his last ex’s assholic patheticness (is that a word, because it should really be a word), so he is so far out of his depths that is just downright hilarious. But he has such a great sense of humor, and it was a pleasure to go through this story with him.
I have, despite my sister’s best efforts, never really liked comics. I understand why other people like them, and I can love the aesthetics of the art…but they have never really clicked with me. I just…I like books, and pages and pages of words that become images in my head. Story stories, long stories, epicness that stretches over years as the series unfold…those are my loves. I just find something missing in comics. In this I am afraid I fail in my geek credentials. I just don’t get them. But watching Jez try and bluff his way through all this comic book geekiness was just great. I understand not getting something that someone you love adores, but trying desperately to find some connection there. Granted, Jez wanted in Rhys’s pants, and I most assuredly had no desire to be in my sister’s (though I think I may have stolen a pair of shoes…or three…over the years). Still, I know the bluffing game, and Jez pulls it off pretty well. I think. I honestly have no clue about comics…he could have said Batman was buggering the Nightcrawler while Magneto was arranging his collection of metal butt-plugs, and I wouldn’t have been any the wiser.
And when the truth came out… it was just so damn perfect. They so deserve each other. And I really liked that they tried to find some common ground outside of the comics. Not that I understand Rugby any more than I understand comics, but all that huddling and holding and pulling and pushing….yeah, sounds rather nice. I enjoyed Rhys’s sister, as well, and would have loved to have a longer story to play with these characters a bit more.
This was just a great, short, fun story and had everything I love about Merrow. Great English feel, lovely guys–who are not perfect–and a truly sweet romance. I recommend this book if you need a quick pick-me-up and quite a few giggles. So worth it.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
So now Jez needs a crash course on all things geeky from his bestie, while trying desperately to convince his new crush that he is totally worth dating. But there is only so much he can bluff, so what will he do when his geek credentials get called into question? For a superhero, lies are old-hat, but for a lowly lab-assistant they might just be his downfall.
Oh this was just so much fun. I have said repeatedly how much I love Merrow’s English men, and this story was no exception. Jez is just so clueless and tad bit beaten down by his last ex’s assholic patheticness (is that a word, because it should really be a word), so he is so far out of his depths that is just downright hilarious. But he has such a great sense of humor, and it was a pleasure to go through this story with him.
I have, despite my sister’s best efforts, never really liked comics. I understand why other people like them, and I can love the aesthetics of the art…but they have never really clicked with me. I just…I like books, and pages and pages of words that become images in my head. Story stories, long stories, epicness that stretches over years as the series unfold…those are my loves. I just find something missing in comics. In this I am afraid I fail in my geek credentials. I just don’t get them. But watching Jez try and bluff his way through all this comic book geekiness was just great. I understand not getting something that someone you love adores, but trying desperately to find some connection there. Granted, Jez wanted in Rhys’s pants, and I most assuredly had no desire to be in my sister’s (though I think I may have stolen a pair of shoes…or three…over the years). Still, I know the bluffing game, and Jez pulls it off pretty well. I think. I honestly have no clue about comics…he could have said Batman was buggering the Nightcrawler while Magneto was arranging his collection of metal butt-plugs, and I wouldn’t have been any the wiser.
And when the truth came out… it was just so damn perfect. They so deserve each other. And I really liked that they tried to find some common ground outside of the comics. Not that I understand Rugby any more than I understand comics, but all that huddling and holding and pulling and pushing….yeah, sounds rather nice. I enjoyed Rhys’s sister, as well, and would have loved to have a longer story to play with these characters a bit more.
This was just a great, short, fun story and had everything I love about Merrow. Great English feel, lovely guys–who are not perfect–and a truly sweet romance. I recommend this book if you need a quick pick-me-up and quite a few giggles. So worth it.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
August 7, 2016
You might already know this (if you read my reviews you should), but I’m a huge J.L. Merrow fan. So, when I saw this up on NetGalley – I just POUNCED on it. I didn’t even read the specifics or the blurb, I just hit that little request button like a woman possessed. And then I got it (yay!) and went to add it to my goodreads shelf, and saw two really meh reviews as the only feedback on it so far. I have to say that got me shaking a little in my figurative boots (us Swedes don’t really do the whole indoor shoe thing). But then I put on a brave face and squared my shoulders (not really) and went in anyway, hoping not to have to write my first scathing ARC review, for a story by one of my favorite authors no less. But yeah, no real need to worry. I can see how people with expectations of a genuine geek culture embracing love story might be slightly disappointed (or even a bit offended) by this. But since I didn’t really have any expectations on this, I also had no issues with it, and ended up actually liking the story quite a bit. This may have not been Pricks and Pragmatism level awesome, but it was still good.
The main character in this story was full of snarky wit and badly controlled word-vomits. I am a little skeptical of that particular, and in fiction very common, occurrence of people saying things out loud without realizing it… because, really? I have never encountered anyone in real life with that poor self-control. But it was a charming trait nevertheless. What was a bit grating about him though was his crazy low self-esteem and his constant “I’m so ugly” whining. It’s a very human thing, but after a while it got annoying. I also think he was a little full of shit when he said comics and “geek stuff” weren’t his thing at all, because hello Buffy and Marvel and I-don’t-even-remember-what-else references racing through his thoughts at any given moment. Typical thou-doth-protest-too-much characteristics right there. Anyway, short things short, he starts fancying a hot guy who works in a comic book store, and decides to attempt to fake his way into the hottie’s heart/pants – and that’s the entire plot. Pretty straightforward and simple, which is unsurprising given the length of the story. Quick, fun, and just a little dirty. All good stuff.
Another thing you should probably know about me is that I love puns – the worse they are, the better. And J.L. Merrow clearly knows where my happy spot is *ahem* – because she hits it over and over in this story, with its mix of terrible puns, witty one-liners and hard-to-understand Britishisms. That’s why I fell in love with her writing, and that’s why she’s an author I always get excited about reading something new from. I don’t always love her stories, but so far (*knock on wood*) I have at least always enjoyed reading them.
As with all short stories, I don’t think I can realistically say I’d ever buy this, simply because I don’t have that kind of economy and if I’m to spend my money on a book I’d want at least a few hours’ worth of reading for it. But if you ARE the kind of person who CAN spend money on a short story, I’m just gonna say that the one-liners alone might make this story worth the read for you. Well, at least if you’re anything like me. But also, you know – fangirl right here – so do keep a grain of salt handy.
I was provided a free ARC e-book of this story via NetGalley. A positive review was not promised in return.
The main character in this story was full of snarky wit and badly controlled word-vomits. I am a little skeptical of that particular, and in fiction very common, occurrence of people saying things out loud without realizing it… because, really? I have never encountered anyone in real life with that poor self-control. But it was a charming trait nevertheless. What was a bit grating about him though was his crazy low self-esteem and his constant “I’m so ugly” whining. It’s a very human thing, but after a while it got annoying. I also think he was a little full of shit when he said comics and “geek stuff” weren’t his thing at all, because hello Buffy and Marvel and I-don’t-even-remember-what-else references racing through his thoughts at any given moment. Typical thou-doth-protest-too-much characteristics right there. Anyway, short things short, he starts fancying a hot guy who works in a comic book store, and decides to attempt to fake his way into the hottie’s heart/pants – and that’s the entire plot. Pretty straightforward and simple, which is unsurprising given the length of the story. Quick, fun, and just a little dirty. All good stuff.
Another thing you should probably know about me is that I love puns – the worse they are, the better. And J.L. Merrow clearly knows where my happy spot is *ahem* – because she hits it over and over in this story, with its mix of terrible puns, witty one-liners and hard-to-understand Britishisms. That’s why I fell in love with her writing, and that’s why she’s an author I always get excited about reading something new from. I don’t always love her stories, but so far (*knock on wood*) I have at least always enjoyed reading them.
As with all short stories, I don’t think I can realistically say I’d ever buy this, simply because I don’t have that kind of economy and if I’m to spend my money on a book I’d want at least a few hours’ worth of reading for it. But if you ARE the kind of person who CAN spend money on a short story, I’m just gonna say that the one-liners alone might make this story worth the read for you. Well, at least if you’re anything like me. But also, you know – fangirl right here – so do keep a grain of salt handy.
I was provided a free ARC e-book of this story via NetGalley. A positive review was not promised in return.
February 10, 2014
Jez was only planning to get in and out of the comic book store to get his friend the comic book he lost. The last thing Jez expected was to find a handsome young man behind the counter. Especially one that flustered him by only sending a smile his way. He knows nothing about comic books or the 'geek' way, but he can't let the opportunity pass him by. He pretends to be into the scene to get Rhys' affections and later quizzes his friend about everything 'geek'.
With what little he could get his friend to share, he heads to the store once again in the hopes of landing himself a date with Rhys.
What follows is a sweet, funny story about two men discovering that appearances are not always what they seem but that once a connection has been established everything else can be worked out.
I loved this story. Not only because of the humor JL Merrow infused into the story but also because the characters felt so real. I loved Jez. Yes, he lied and pretended to be someone he wasn't but underneath it all he was a sweet, caring man who only wanted to connect to someone. Likewise, Rhys was adorable too. He was charming and treated Jez well, which Jez had lacked in his previous relationship.
I loved watching how flustered Jez became every time he was in Rhys' presence and how he went out of his way to impress him. But it was also nice to see him let go of some of his inhibitions too.
I think Jez and Rhys complemented each other. Not only did their share great chemistry, they also related to each other well. I enjoyed their camaraderie and playful banter and would love to see more of them in the future. *hint, hint*
All in all, a wonderful short story that left me with a smile on my face and wanting more.
*ARC copy provided by publisher through NetGalley
With what little he could get his friend to share, he heads to the store once again in the hopes of landing himself a date with Rhys.
What follows is a sweet, funny story about two men discovering that appearances are not always what they seem but that once a connection has been established everything else can be worked out.
I loved this story. Not only because of the humor JL Merrow infused into the story but also because the characters felt so real. I loved Jez. Yes, he lied and pretended to be someone he wasn't but underneath it all he was a sweet, caring man who only wanted to connect to someone. Likewise, Rhys was adorable too. He was charming and treated Jez well, which Jez had lacked in his previous relationship.
I loved watching how flustered Jez became every time he was in Rhys' presence and how he went out of his way to impress him. But it was also nice to see him let go of some of his inhibitions too.
I think Jez and Rhys complemented each other. Not only did their share great chemistry, they also related to each other well. I enjoyed their camaraderie and playful banter and would love to see more of them in the future. *hint, hint*
All in all, a wonderful short story that left me with a smile on my face and wanting more.
*ARC copy provided by publisher through NetGalley
September 13, 2016
3.5 stars
Cute, funny & sweet. Also, very British. Sometimes I'd have to read a line twice to understand but nothing major. The self-loathing that Jez had going on was a bit much but still a very enjoyable read.
Cute, funny & sweet. Also, very British. Sometimes I'd have to read a line twice to understand but nothing major. The self-loathing that Jez had going on was a bit much but still a very enjoyable read.
June 3, 2014
3.5 stars
A cute little story that had me laughing out loud quite often.
January 29, 2014
Jez and his desire to help a friend in need lands him inside of the Temple of the Geek, a comic book store. He discovers upon entry that there is a smoking hot geek that he must become better acquainted with. The problem is that Jez doesn’t speak geek, comic books are not his thing, and there is no way that this gorgeous man would ever give him a second glace.
There’s a very cute and fun premise behind It’s All Geek to Me. Sadly it feel short. I think much of that had to do with the length of this little short. In the end I needed more and possibly an additional point of view. The reason for the initial attraction on Jez’s part is there. Rhys and his attraction to Jez was somewhat of a blank. His lack of point of view left some holes for me.
There’s a very cute and fun premise behind It’s All Geek to Me. Sadly it feel short. I think much of that had to do with the length of this little short. In the end I needed more and possibly an additional point of view. The reason for the initial attraction on Jez’s part is there. Rhys and his attraction to Jez was somewhat of a blank. His lack of point of view left some holes for me.
April 15, 2015
This is one of those light-hearted stories to pick up when you have a few hours and want to feel good when you're done. Sometimes this kind of story can be better than a massage. :-)
In this one, Jez is trying to impress the very hot guy, Rhys, at the comic book store he goes to for a book for his best friend who's been in an accident. He doesn't learn until the end of the story that Rhys has been trying to impress him as well.
If you like cute, non-muscular, geeky guys, this one is for you. Be prepared for the Brit lingo though. I'm getting so good at it after reading this author and a few other favorites that it doesn't even phase me anymore. So, hmmm, it turns out that reading M/M is an educational experience. LOL.
Don't hesitate to pick this up.
In this one, Jez is trying to impress the very hot guy, Rhys, at the comic book store he goes to for a book for his best friend who's been in an accident. He doesn't learn until the end of the story that Rhys has been trying to impress him as well.
If you like cute, non-muscular, geeky guys, this one is for you. Be prepared for the Brit lingo though. I'm getting so good at it after reading this author and a few other favorites that it doesn't even phase me anymore. So, hmmm, it turns out that reading M/M is an educational experience. LOL.
Don't hesitate to pick this up.
August 20, 2015
On the surface this is a cute sweet novella with lots of humor. Dig a little deeper and you find a book with a message without being preachy. Too often we let others determine how we see ourselves and our self worth. Jez is brainy cute and has a great sense of humor, but he has a self imagine problem. His ex was the king of the put down and poor Jez bought it hook, line and sinker.
Jez meets Rhys who is totally hot and is working in a comic book store. Jez falls instantly in lust and is afraid to be himself. He fakes an interest in comic books and snags a date. Does Jez manage to escape his tangled web of deception, does he learn anything, and more importantly does he get a second date with Rhys? That would be telling... and what fun is there in that?
Jez meets Rhys who is totally hot and is working in a comic book store. Jez falls instantly in lust and is afraid to be himself. He fakes an interest in comic books and snags a date. Does Jez manage to escape his tangled web of deception, does he learn anything, and more importantly does he get a second date with Rhys? That would be telling... and what fun is there in that?
February 10, 2014
The only word to describe this was.......cute! So, so cute and sweet and funny and cute.
October 3, 2014
Cute quirky read.
Predictable outcome but fun while it lasted.
Predictable outcome but fun while it lasted.
February 10, 2014
Humour, spot-on characterisation and a little twist at the end... This is all I need in a short story.
February 26, 2014
Cute and fun, just a bit too short. I ended up wanting more when I finished the book. A lot more, if I'm honest.
May 23, 2014
I love JL Merrow, my favorite thing about her is that she writes likeable characters, those that will have you laughing or giggling from the start. The ones that you can't help but fall in love with, despite all their flaws and all the imperfections.
One of my all time favorite comfort reads is Muscling Through and as soon as I opened It's All Geek to Me I had the feeling that it was going to be the same type of book.
With no angst at all, just like that, no angst. Great characters but above all funny, smart and quirky.
Jez is completely lost in the comic book world but as a favor to his injured friend he find himself in a comic book store. Insert cute boy behind the counter and you have love at first sight. This is where Jez feels he has to learn how to speak “Geek” to approach the boy of his dreams.
Let me tell you, I laughed so hard. The boy has no clue at all. And even if you, the reader, have no idea either about what is going on in the geek fandom it’s still adorable and funny to read.
Rhys is the poster boy for coolness, another lost soul that is just in the wrong place at the wrong time. And you keep wondering if the boys are going to be able to go beyond those first impressions and dig just a little deeper.
They meet, they like each other, and contrary to their first impression of each other, they have more in common than they think.
I loved it. It was fabulous and I will reread it again in the future, I am sure of it.
Reviewed by Connie
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
One of my all time favorite comfort reads is Muscling Through and as soon as I opened It's All Geek to Me I had the feeling that it was going to be the same type of book.
With no angst at all, just like that, no angst. Great characters but above all funny, smart and quirky.
Jez is completely lost in the comic book world but as a favor to his injured friend he find himself in a comic book store. Insert cute boy behind the counter and you have love at first sight. This is where Jez feels he has to learn how to speak “Geek” to approach the boy of his dreams.
Let me tell you, I laughed so hard. The boy has no clue at all. And even if you, the reader, have no idea either about what is going on in the geek fandom it’s still adorable and funny to read.
Rhys is the poster boy for coolness, another lost soul that is just in the wrong place at the wrong time. And you keep wondering if the boys are going to be able to go beyond those first impressions and dig just a little deeper.
They meet, they like each other, and contrary to their first impression of each other, they have more in common than they think.
I loved it. It was fabulous and I will reread it again in the future, I am sure of it.
Reviewed by Connie
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
September 4, 2015
Reviewed first on www.prismbookalliance.com
I wanted a humorous read and that is what I got! As this is a short book I won’t go over the synopsis, which is in the blurb. This is a very English book, as was the last I reviewed, am I seeing a pattern? I loved that I recognised the locations in London, the correct tube lines to Harrow and Wembley and the shuffling out of a Saracens rugby match, where no one minds if two men hug. The humour around Jez’s deception, regarding his knowledge of the comic book world, is so funny as are his lessons with his hospitalised pal Tel. Even the shortening of their names was so like London, it made me smile. When I found out that Rhys’s sister was called ‘Angharad’ I nearly spat out my coffee (a common happenstance since I joined this blog site) though this joke would need some explaining to a lot of people. Don’t worry it is explained further on in the story. I loved Jez’s thoughts - he’s never quite sure if he’s kept in his head,
Rhys is the cool dude.
This quote reveals the only serious point in this story, the terrible self image and self esteem problem that Jez carries. His best friend, the rascally, straight Tel, tries to tell Jez that his cheating boyfriend had given him a warped self image, but it takes the lovable Rhys to start a real change. This is a short, sweet, humorous read.
I wanted a humorous read and that is what I got! As this is a short book I won’t go over the synopsis, which is in the blurb. This is a very English book, as was the last I reviewed, am I seeing a pattern? I loved that I recognised the locations in London, the correct tube lines to Harrow and Wembley and the shuffling out of a Saracens rugby match, where no one minds if two men hug. The humour around Jez’s deception, regarding his knowledge of the comic book world, is so funny as are his lessons with his hospitalised pal Tel. Even the shortening of their names was so like London, it made me smile. When I found out that Rhys’s sister was called ‘Angharad’ I nearly spat out my coffee (a common happenstance since I joined this blog site) though this joke would need some explaining to a lot of people. Don’t worry it is explained further on in the story. I loved Jez’s thoughts - he’s never quite sure if he’s kept in his head,
Or, Mangoes, as we experts like to call ’em. Shit. Manga. Thank God I hadn’t said that out loud.
Rhys is the cool dude.
Even his boot were cool, all straps and studs. Figured. My scuffed-up trainers tried to shuffle off unnoticed to hide in a corner.
This quote reveals the only serious point in this story, the terrible self image and self esteem problem that Jez carries. His best friend, the rascally, straight Tel, tries to tell Jez that his cheating boyfriend had given him a warped self image, but it takes the lovable Rhys to start a real change. This is a short, sweet, humorous read.
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