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Fifteen Shades of Gay
Andrew Reynolds is determined to stay in New York City as long as his sister Marie, a cancer patient, needs him. But despite his good looks and talent, Andrew hasn't managed to find work as an actor. With his bank account empty and his credit cards maxed, Andrew needs money fast. Gay escorts make a nice living, but there's one problem--Andrew isn't gay.
Ever since his early teens, when Andrew's father shocked everyone by coming out, Andrew has been uncomfortable around gay men. Pretending to be gay will be the role of a lifetime. From male/male dates to erotic toys, spankings and more extreme play, Andrew must satisfy his clients without revealing his usual tastes.
Andrew's first date with closeted politician Cormac Donovan ends in disaster. Yet with each successive booking, the attraction between them grows. As Andrew struggles with unexpected new feelings, Cormac puts his senatorial career in danger. And what began as a way for Andrew to earn money becomes a one-way ticket to heartbreak--or lasting love.
Ever since his early teens, when Andrew's father shocked everyone by coming out, Andrew has been uncomfortable around gay men. Pretending to be gay will be the role of a lifetime. From male/male dates to erotic toys, spankings and more extreme play, Andrew must satisfy his clients without revealing his usual tastes.
Andrew's first date with closeted politician Cormac Donovan ends in disaster. Yet with each successive booking, the attraction between them grows. As Andrew struggles with unexpected new feelings, Cormac puts his senatorial career in danger. And what began as a way for Andrew to earn money becomes a one-way ticket to heartbreak--or lasting love.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews
May 9, 2017
**Price drop again to $0.99 at Amazon US, 11/2/14**
~~~
Review from 1/3/13
This book totally blew me away. I had very low expectations based on the cover, title, and the fact that I got it for free on Amazon. Like basement level low expectations. I was shocked at how good it was.
I've read a number of "gay for pay" books recently. Out of all of them (Hot Head, Dex in Blue, Str8te Boys), this is my favorite. By far. I loved the character development, the depth of emotions that play out in this story, and the pacing.
The plot is based on a guy in his mid 20s who moved to NYC to try his luck at acting but finds himself sucked into the escort business to try to pay for his sister's cancer treatments. He is adverse to anything gay at first because his dad left his mom for Andrew's favorite teacher, another man, and left him emotionally scarred. As reluctant as he is at first, he becomes increasingly drawn to a particular client, a closeted politician named Cormac. Through the course of the book, he discovers truths about himself that he buried long ago.
What is nice about this book is that the side plots are just as enthralling as the main love story. There is his sister's ongoing battle with cancer, a BDSM story with another client, and relationship with his dad. The story ends up feeling real and fully fleshed out which I loved. And the steam factor! Hot damn! It did not disappoint.
I wish the author had done something different with the title (though the Fifty Shades trilogy does play a small role, referenced as "mommy porn" in the book) and styled the cover differently. There is no reason this book shouldn't have a bigger following.
~~~
Review from 1/3/13
This book totally blew me away. I had very low expectations based on the cover, title, and the fact that I got it for free on Amazon. Like basement level low expectations. I was shocked at how good it was.
I've read a number of "gay for pay" books recently. Out of all of them (Hot Head, Dex in Blue, Str8te Boys), this is my favorite. By far. I loved the character development, the depth of emotions that play out in this story, and the pacing.
The plot is based on a guy in his mid 20s who moved to NYC to try his luck at acting but finds himself sucked into the escort business to try to pay for his sister's cancer treatments. He is adverse to anything gay at first because his dad left his mom for Andrew's favorite teacher, another man, and left him emotionally scarred. As reluctant as he is at first, he becomes increasingly drawn to a particular client, a closeted politician named Cormac. Through the course of the book, he discovers truths about himself that he buried long ago.
What is nice about this book is that the side plots are just as enthralling as the main love story. There is his sister's ongoing battle with cancer, a BDSM story with another client, and relationship with his dad. The story ends up feeling real and fully fleshed out which I loved. And the steam factor! Hot damn! It did not disappoint.
I wish the author had done something different with the title (though the Fifty Shades trilogy does play a small role, referenced as "mommy porn" in the book) and styled the cover differently. There is no reason this book shouldn't have a bigger following.
February 18, 2013
Loved it... Review to come
July 17, 2014
What a bloody good book!
WHAT A BLOODY GOOD BOOK!
This is hands down one of the most intelligent, most moving, most realistic and yet also most fantastic books with an LGBT background I've read this year. And it rivals even the ones not of that genre.
At the same time I could take the author by her coat lapels and shake her till her teeth rattle. This book needs a better title (yes I get why and how and where, still needs a better title) and a much better cover as well.
I'm not even going to start describing what this book is about, because it's about life and love and death and everything which matters. Hugely intelligent, consummately erudite, delving deep into gay reality and US politics, this is so encompassing that it would be hard to describe.
What I do say is meant to warn off to those expecting a sweet soppy or smexy romance peopled with protagonists who are fantasy. That this book is not, even though it conforms to some of the rules. But mostly it is about real and realistic people.
WHAT A BLOODY GOOD BOOK!
This is hands down one of the most intelligent, most moving, most realistic and yet also most fantastic books with an LGBT background I've read this year. And it rivals even the ones not of that genre.
At the same time I could take the author by her coat lapels and shake her till her teeth rattle. This book needs a better title (yes I get why and how and where, still needs a better title) and a much better cover as well.
I'm not even going to start describing what this book is about, because it's about life and love and death and everything which matters. Hugely intelligent, consummately erudite, delving deep into gay reality and US politics, this is so encompassing that it would be hard to describe.
What I do say is meant to warn off to those expecting a sweet soppy or smexy romance peopled with protagonists who are fantasy. That this book is not, even though it conforms to some of the rules. But mostly it is about real and realistic people.
October 22, 2015
♥♥♥ 4 STARS ♥♥♥
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"Put your arms around me. No. Eyes closed," Andrew insisted. "That's it. Hold me tighter. Open your mouth, but don't do anything. Leave it to me."
Cormac's embrace was warm and hard. This time, Andrew kissed the other man even slower, exploring more deeply with his tongue.
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This book was so much better than I had initially thought it would be. The cover isn't that great, and the title, well... But the book was a real pleasant surprise. I didn't want to stop.
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"Cormac," Andrew said the other man's name slowly, caressing both syllables with his tongue. "Youre the only guy I like, when I want to see a man's face, it's yours. When I want to hear a man's voice, you're the only man who comes to mind..."
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Andrew Reynolds is a "straight" aspiring actor living in New York City. But finding work has been difficult for him. He urgently needs money to help his sick sister pay her medical bills, along with his own bills that are piling up. The only job he can seem to find, is the one thing he never saw himself doing... becoming a gay escort and pretending to be gay.
The whole book was told in Andrew's POV. I liked him a lot for the way he cared for his sister Marie. He was very encouraging and always trying to lift her spirit. He would read to her some "mommy porn" so that she could, for a few moments, forget she had cancer. That was really sweet to see. But he started off with a serious dislike for gay men, or a phobia really. It's all due to his upbringing involving his gay father. Andrew was repulsed with the idea of gay sex. Just because he will be an escort, does not mean he will be participating in any sexual acts. At least that's what he thought in the beginning.
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"You are perfect." Cormac spoke each word slowly, as if articulating something he'd sworn never to reveal. "Sometimes you lick your upper lip before you speak. Did you know that? I first noticed in the Irish bar. Makes me crazy."
"Really? Then lick it for me... slowly."
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Cormac Donovan is a closeted gay senator from California. When he visits New York, he hires a gay escort to keep him company. This is how he meets Andrew. He doesn't look for sex from an escort, just a night on the town. Andrew is nervous of his first official "date". He soon realizes there is nothing to fear, he really likes Cormac. The feeling is mutual. A friendship is formed between them.
I thought Cormac was a great guy from the start. I never had any creepy feelings about him. He seemed to genuinely care about Andrew and was always kind, concerned, sweet, and respectful. He always saw Andrew as a person, not a just as an "escort". My only wish would have been that he'd appear more in the book. I felt like we got so little of him and that there wasn't enough info on him to really get to know him like we did Andrew. Still, I liked what little glimpses we got. I couldn't wait for his return to New York so they could see each other again.
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“That’s what you’ve done for me, Marie. Protected me from the day I was born. Been my best friend, my confidante. Kept me alive when I wanted to die. I love you. Don’t ever say you never accomplished anything.
Your life matters. It matters to me.”
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The story had me hooked and all I wanted to do was keep on reading. I felt like with there being a character with cancer, it was written in a great realistic manner. It was sad for sure, to the point where I cried, but there was also some humour and happy moments that balanced it all out. As much as I really liked this book, it wasn't perfect. I thought that Andrew got over his vomit inducing fear of gay men rather quickly. I don't even understand how it really happened because it was just too fast. I know that Paresh helped him in his self discovery... but still, too fast. What I did like was that once Andrew accepted who he was, he didn't hold back anymore. He was lucky to share it with his sister Marie. What an amazing character she was.
There was plenty of steam in this book and some involving bdsm. It was hot for sure, but like I said before, I was highly anticipating any love scene with Cormac. Andrew helped Cormac (who was new to it all) discover his sexual side. It was AWESOME! I couldn't wait for ANY scene where they would interact. They were just perfect together. I was completely enthralled. I was so bloody happy when they became more.
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"I love you, Andrew."
"I love you, Cormac." Cormac's grin took his breath away.
"Then I have everything I'll ever need."
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The ending was a bit predictable but I still freaking LOVED it. I was so happy to see them together. The epilogue made me smile so big. It was great. Overall, the only thing I didn't like was that Andrew changed so fast in his ideas, and when he would work for Paresh and later on Sven. I just didn't really like them, well Paresh later on I liked a bit more, but Sven was a horrible man. Just like I didn't really like Andrew's gay father. Although, his partner Hugh was wonderful. I don't think I would really label this book a romance, even though there is a romance in this book. I feel like it was more about Andrew living his life and discovering things about himself that ended up making him a better person, while finding love in the process. I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Don't let the title or cover deter you from reading it. It might just surprise you. I recommend you give it a try.
February 1, 2013
I am shocked, people. Shocked.
I know what you're thinking.
You first saw the title and you thought:
Then you saw the cover and thought:
Now close your eyes, forget about what you saw and grab the book.
Cormac stared at him, his finely-boned face as hard and impassive as a statue of Julius Caesar. There was something ancient about the man, not Victorian or Elizabethan but older, old as civilization. Andrew, who often felt the world was too new and overwhelming for him to taste more than a raindrop in a single fleeting lifetime, suffered a twinge of admiration. Something in Cormac had been created to endure.
There is this man. Andrew.
He becomes a gay escort despite the fact that he's not gay. He does it to help his sister who has cancer. He would do anything to pay for her treatment, even confronting the one fear that scares him shitless.
Then there is this other man. Cormac.
He is a politician and a closet case. His political career has caged him into a life withdrawn, a true virgin in sex and the love he craves.
But they find each other through the first man's job and the result is beautiful and explosive.
Cormac helped Andrew to his feet. “That was…” He broke off. “Jeez. I’ve never felt anything like that in my life.”
Andrew tried not to laugh at the other man’s expression. Paresh had bragged that Andrew would see God before Paresh was done with him.
Andrew didn’t know if Cormac had visualized the Supreme Being, exactly, but he looked like he’d set eyes on Santa Claus, at the very least.
And the moments of Andrew with his sister are equally hilarious and gut-wrenching.
“That’s what you’ve done for me, Marie. Protected me from the day I was born. Been my best friend, my confidante. Kept me alive when I wanted to die. I love you. Don’t ever say you never accomplished anything.
Your life matters. It matters to me.”
“Why blow a hole in that image?”
Cormac’s smile was cold. “Because I wasn’t living up to my own press. I am a real [bleep] man. And real men don’t conceal who they are, or
who they love.”
“I love you,” Cormac said softly. “I can’t turn it off, that’s not how I’m wired. Sex isn’t enough for me. I want to marry you. Make a life with you.”
August 10, 2016
With this author, what you see is never what you get. So ignore the silly pen name: T. Baggins’ writing should be taken very seriously. And despite this book’s title, the story has actually very little to do with that other book. If the title is in any way off putting to you, rest assured. In Fifteen Shades of Gay (For Pay) you won’t find Red Rooms of Pain, lousy mommy porn and pom pom shaking inner goddesses that should have been killed with fire on the very first page.
Instead, you’ll join MC Andrew on his entertaining self-discovery journey from homophobic dude to popular gay escort. He’s one of those instantly likable guys. Amusingly awkward during his first gay-for-pay dates and charmingly cute in the explorations of his own sexuality. And as much as I dislike sugar-frosted Walt Disney tales, I just have this thing for gay for you (GFY) stories. GFY is not all there is to this book though. I found the story itself surprisingly touching. It has a depth that I hadn’t expected at all and deals with painful side-plots and dilemmas. When coming across side-characters that battle with cancer, I’m always a bit wary of them being used to lazily create emotional depth in a way that feels contrived. Such is not the case here. The author handles these tricky plotlines in, what seems to me, a honest and believable manner.
There are only a few things that I wish were done differently; for some reason, I’m not really keen on Baggins’ sex scenes. In Soulless (which appears to be written by a different author entirely BTW! These books are both great, but like night and day) I found them lacking and here, too, they were a bit lackluster. Other than that, I’d say that the pacing was a little off here and there (especially around the ‘breath play lecture’ I got momentarily bored) and the final pages could’ve been more swoon-worthy.
Some would say that Andrew’s transformation goes too fast to seem realistic. And yup, that Cormac guy does a few daredevil things that no closeted conservative politician would get away with unnoticed, but here’s what; I’m willing to suspend my disbelief as long as the writing is good and I get my fairy-like fix without too much cheese or melodrama. Thanks to Baggins’ steering away from the obvious clichés (like turning the gay-for-pay thing into a Pretty Woman script and making Andrew’s romance with the closeted politician into sappy a Cinderfella story), it was delivered with a cherry on top!
All in all, a damn satisfying book for such a silly cover and title! So if you have a weakness for GFY as well, know that you’re in for a treat (and a laugh and a tear) with Fifteen Shades of Gay (For Pay).
Instead, you’ll join MC Andrew on his entertaining self-discovery journey from homophobic dude to popular gay escort. He’s one of those instantly likable guys. Amusingly awkward during his first gay-for-pay dates and charmingly cute in the explorations of his own sexuality. And as much as I dislike sugar-frosted Walt Disney tales, I just have this thing for gay for you (GFY) stories. GFY is not all there is to this book though. I found the story itself surprisingly touching. It has a depth that I hadn’t expected at all and deals with painful side-plots and dilemmas. When coming across side-characters that battle with cancer, I’m always a bit wary of them being used to lazily create emotional depth in a way that feels contrived. Such is not the case here. The author handles these tricky plotlines in, what seems to me, a honest and believable manner.
There are only a few things that I wish were done differently; for some reason, I’m not really keen on Baggins’ sex scenes. In Soulless (which appears to be written by a different author entirely BTW! These books are both great, but like night and day) I found them lacking and here, too, they were a bit lackluster. Other than that, I’d say that the pacing was a little off here and there (especially around the ‘breath play lecture’ I got momentarily bored) and the final pages could’ve been more swoon-worthy.
Some would say that Andrew’s transformation goes too fast to seem realistic. And yup, that Cormac guy does a few daredevil things that no closeted conservative politician would get away with unnoticed, but here’s what; I’m willing to suspend my disbelief as long as the writing is good and I get my fairy-like fix without too much cheese or melodrama. Thanks to Baggins’ steering away from the obvious clichés (like turning the gay-for-pay thing into a Pretty Woman script and making Andrew’s romance with the closeted politician into sappy a Cinderfella story), it was delivered with a cherry on top!
All in all, a damn satisfying book for such a silly cover and title! So if you have a weakness for GFY as well, know that you’re in for a treat (and a laugh and a tear) with Fifteen Shades of Gay (For Pay).
September 7, 2014
3.5 stars
The title of this story almost guaranteed that I wouldn't read it; the coyish, whorish marketing play on that trashy piece of "mommy porn" made me slightly nauseous.
But I agreed to a buddy read with my peeps, MISH, JEN, and CORY, and I no longer loathe the title, as it makes more sense in the context of the book.
Andrew, a wannabe actor whose POV filters the story, is writing a book with the same title, a sort of book within a book. Andrew is pretending to be gay (for pay) in New York to help his sister, who's ill with cancer, and the book he's working on recounts his adventures.
Andrew fucks women, and he likes it. He also hates gay men; homosexuality makes him physically ill. He saw something when he was 14 and felt like his father betrayed him. And so now Andrew is a gay-hating straight man pretending to be gay in order to make money as a gay escort. Got it? Good.
What worked best in this book was Andrew's close relationship with his sister. I adored her and the way Andrew was with her. I wasn't expecting this storyline at all, but it worked very well and made me teary-eyed.
However, I definitely wanted more focus on Andrew's relationship with Cormac, the conservative politician running on the "traditional family values" platform, who is, of course, closeted.
Andrew and Cormac begin a friendship that leads to something more. Andrew's awakening to his homosexual desires wasn't particularly well done. It felt like a huge leap vs. a tentative exploration.
Most of the book also focused on Andrew and his gay escort adventures, not Andrew and Cormac. Andrew continues his escorting even as he's falling for Cormac. And this so did NOT work for me. Like, AT ALL.
The entire side story with Andrew and one of his clients, Paresh, took a really odd turn that was a bit of a WTF. There is steam, yes, but, again, I wanted more heat between Andrew and Cormac, not Andrew and the bizarre D/s setup he stumbles upon.
But the book was engaging and charming in its own way. Even though Cormac's hypocrisy made me want to scream, he came through in the end. I wanted more time with the MCs in the present, but the epilogue mollified me.
This book was very readable; I couldn't put it down. For that it gets the extra half-star.
The title of this story almost guaranteed that I wouldn't read it; the coyish, whorish marketing play on that trashy piece of "mommy porn" made me slightly nauseous.
But I agreed to a buddy read with my peeps, MISH, JEN, and CORY, and I no longer loathe the title, as it makes more sense in the context of the book.
Andrew, a wannabe actor whose POV filters the story, is writing a book with the same title, a sort of book within a book. Andrew is pretending to be gay (for pay) in New York to help his sister, who's ill with cancer, and the book he's working on recounts his adventures.
Andrew fucks women, and he likes it. He also hates gay men; homosexuality makes him physically ill. He saw something when he was 14 and felt like his father betrayed him. And so now Andrew is a gay-hating straight man pretending to be gay in order to make money as a gay escort. Got it? Good.
What worked best in this book was Andrew's close relationship with his sister. I adored her and the way Andrew was with her. I wasn't expecting this storyline at all, but it worked very well and made me teary-eyed.
However, I definitely wanted more focus on Andrew's relationship with Cormac, the conservative politician running on the "traditional family values" platform, who is, of course, closeted.
Andrew and Cormac begin a friendship that leads to something more. Andrew's awakening to his homosexual desires wasn't particularly well done. It felt like a huge leap vs. a tentative exploration.
Most of the book also focused on Andrew and his gay escort adventures, not Andrew and Cormac. Andrew continues his escorting even as he's falling for Cormac. And this so did NOT work for me. Like, AT ALL.
The entire side story with Andrew and one of his clients, Paresh, took a really odd turn that was a bit of a WTF. There is steam, yes, but, again, I wanted more heat between Andrew and Cormac, not Andrew and the bizarre D/s setup he stumbles upon.
But the book was engaging and charming in its own way. Even though Cormac's hypocrisy made me want to scream, he came through in the end. I wanted more time with the MCs in the present, but the epilogue mollified me.
This book was very readable; I couldn't put it down. For that it gets the extra half-star.
January 15, 2016
I've been dragging my feet on reading this one forever...
I don't know if it was the cover or the title or what exactly??
But...I wasn't eager to read it.
Whoa! That was a mistake.
It was deeper than I thought it would be.
It was more emotional than I thought it would be.
It was WAY better than I thought it was gonna be.
I loved the way Andrew and his sister Marie loved each other.
I loved how Carmac and Andrew fell for each other.
There was a lot to love here.
Trust me....it's a great read.
*4 why-didn't-I-read-it-before? stars*
I don't know if it was the cover or the title or what exactly??
But...I wasn't eager to read it.
Whoa! That was a mistake.
It was deeper than I thought it would be.
It was more emotional than I thought it would be.
It was WAY better than I thought it was gonna be.
I loved the way Andrew and his sister Marie loved each other.
I loved how Carmac and Andrew fell for each other.
There was a lot to love here.
Trust me....it's a great read.
*4 why-didn't-I-read-it-before? stars*
June 24, 2014
Cheesy cover and title aside...
I really enjoyed this one.
Andrew has moved to NYC to take care of his sister Marie, who has cancer. Andrew takes a job as a "gay for pay" in order to help Marie. Andrew is a gay escort. Only problem is, Andrew isn't gay. In fact, he hates all things gay. Or does he???
Andrew was scarred from his past....catching his dad with his male high school English teacher, who he had a crush on, will a do a number on you.
Andrew's first date is with a politician from California named Cormac. Cormac is deep in the closet. But despite their sexuality, Cormac and Andrew end up just liking each other.
Andrew starts to see other clients and take on other jobs, all while continuing to see Cormac when he is in town. Most prominent, being Paresh.
Now frankly, I just wanted Paresh to
And the whole thing with Sven...and the BDSM element.
I wish all that had been left out. I'm trying to think what it even added to the story. Other than to make me mad and annoy me!
Throughout this time, Cormac and Andrew continue to have fleeting moments together. Andrew continues to care for his sick sister. Andrew also comes to terms with his sexuality and is able to move on from the pains of his past.
I think my biggest complaint is I wanted more moments with Andrew and Cormac. I loved all of the parts in the book when they were together. It was obvious that Cormac meant something to Andrew and that his experiences with him were different than with the other clients.
I loved how Andrew stood up to Cormac and how in the end Cormac stood up for Andrew too and let his feelings be known.
This was really well done. The steam factor was pretty high and I even LOL several times throughout the book. I'd definitely recommend this one.
I really enjoyed this one.
Andrew has moved to NYC to take care of his sister Marie, who has cancer. Andrew takes a job as a "gay for pay" in order to help Marie. Andrew is a gay escort. Only problem is, Andrew isn't gay. In fact, he hates all things gay. Or does he???
Andrew was scarred from his past....catching his dad with his male high school English teacher, who he had a crush on, will a do a number on you.
Andrew's first date is with a politician from California named Cormac. Cormac is deep in the closet. But despite their sexuality, Cormac and Andrew end up just liking each other.
Andrew starts to see other clients and take on other jobs, all while continuing to see Cormac when he is in town. Most prominent, being Paresh.
Now frankly, I just wanted Paresh to
And the whole thing with Sven...and the BDSM element.
I wish all that had been left out. I'm trying to think what it even added to the story. Other than to make me mad and annoy me!
Throughout this time, Cormac and Andrew continue to have fleeting moments together. Andrew continues to care for his sick sister. Andrew also comes to terms with his sexuality and is able to move on from the pains of his past.
I think my biggest complaint is I wanted more moments with Andrew and Cormac. I loved all of the parts in the book when they were together. It was obvious that Cormac meant something to Andrew and that his experiences with him were different than with the other clients.
I loved how Andrew stood up to Cormac and how in the end Cormac stood up for Andrew too and let his feelings be known.
This was really well done. The steam factor was pretty high and I even LOL several times throughout the book. I'd definitely recommend this one.
April 18, 2013
What I love about this author is that she takes stories that in other hands would be simple, and trite and makes them wonderfully complex and human. I really loved the depth the author was able to bring to this story, the plot, and all the characters. Characters, and situations were never as simple as they first appear, and there is tremendous growth and change for more than just the principal cast. Don't let the title put you off this is truly a well told story.
February 24, 2013
3.6
This was good :-)
An easy, seamless read that requires some suspension of belief (like just how quickly Andrew acclimates to being gay) and requires that the reader not seek a linear narrative but accept, rather, that this works like a journal where the primary relationship isn't given as much predominance as it would be in other prostitution romances.
I enjoyed the characters, even the bad ones. They gave the story scope that held my attention. I also liked the separate journeys several of these characters undergo, though I felt that Andrew's issues with his father were hammered on a bit much, becoming somewhat redundant and a little didactic when used as exemplification to others about the dangers of closet dwelling. Of the other characters, Paresh's journey, his progress past misinformation on BDSM to awareness was the most gratifying.
The sibling relationship in this book was special to read, and the conversations moving, particularly in the end. Marie 's quest to understand what her life has meant was real and touching and added more dimension than I expected of this book.
So in all, I liked the multiplicity. I know some readers may have wanted more focus just on Cormac and Andew. But I felt that this books was written a s a more faithful portrait of Andrew's life.
My biggest critique of this book would be pacing. People take a little while for realisations to be absorbed. Andrew undergoes several of these. A little more hesitation would have gone a long way. Nonetheless, I enjoyed.
This was good :-)
An easy, seamless read that requires some suspension of belief (like just how quickly Andrew acclimates to being gay) and requires that the reader not seek a linear narrative but accept, rather, that this works like a journal where the primary relationship isn't given as much predominance as it would be in other prostitution romances.
I enjoyed the characters, even the bad ones. They gave the story scope that held my attention. I also liked the separate journeys several of these characters undergo, though I felt that Andrew's issues with his father were hammered on a bit much, becoming somewhat redundant and a little didactic when used as exemplification to others about the dangers of closet dwelling. Of the other characters, Paresh's journey, his progress past misinformation on BDSM to awareness was the most gratifying.
The sibling relationship in this book was special to read, and the conversations moving, particularly in the end. Marie 's quest to understand what her life has meant was real and touching and added more dimension than I expected of this book.
So in all, I liked the multiplicity. I know some readers may have wanted more focus just on Cormac and Andew. But I felt that this books was written a s a more faithful portrait of Andrew's life.
My biggest critique of this book would be pacing. People take a little while for realisations to be absorbed. Andrew undergoes several of these. A little more hesitation would have gone a long way. Nonetheless, I enjoyed.
July 6, 2020
Third time is not only the charm here but it is the consistent pattern. Every book I've read by this author has been outstanding! Remarkable characters who just leap off the page, enough depth to the goings on to keep you completely invested until the book is done, and what could be crippling emotion by any other author but which just nails the story here make this one of my most highly recommended reads of 2012. How fitting that it is the book I end the year on!
I loved Cormac and Andrew so much. They felt like everyday guys just struggling to figure themselves and the world out. Even the secondary characters all had richness and depth that helped to round the story out. When you throw in dialogue that can go from poignant to laugh out loud funny all the elements are here for a wonderful time and that's just what I had!
I loved Cormac and Andrew so much. They felt like everyday guys just struggling to figure themselves and the world out. Even the secondary characters all had richness and depth that helped to round the story out. When you throw in dialogue that can go from poignant to laugh out loud funny all the elements are here for a wonderful time and that's just what I had!
August 17, 2021
Wow, this book was much better than the title would suggest.
And the old book cover featuring two twinks that I'm seeing on Goodreads is completely misleading. Cormac was 30+, so yeah, not so much for that cover matching the story.
But in spite of both the title and that particular cover trying a bit too hard to titillate, the book had an actual *story*. And a good one at that.
Yeah, there was some sex, both paid and unpaid, but none of it actually felt all that sleazy or simply there to bump up the book's page count.
Andrew's story of him needing no small amount of cash to help his dying sister fight her cancer and the lengths that he went past his comfort zone (with surprising results, even for himself) was very compelling.
And when things do stray off of Andrew's usual beaten path, it was refreshing to see that we didn't get the entire "main character flips the fuck out and is a complete asshole douchebag to the person who truly cares about him" cliché' scene.
Although Andrew does at one point lose his shit on Cormac, I think he was justified in doing so. And not just to follow an [insert drama here] formula.
But we do get our HEA, so it's all good in the end.
4 stars. Highly recommended.
November 28, 2012
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
4.5 stars
I have to tell you… I did not expect the story I got when I started reading this. I'm not even sure what I expected really -- something funny/facetious?. To be honest, I tend to not expect much when I read a first time author, or at least an author I haven't heard of and I took a chance to review this when the author contacted me for review. Well, I'm really glad I did, because this turned out to be another book I loved that I hadn't heard anything about before reading that I've gotten this fall for review (the first was JC Lillis' awesome YA novel, How to Repair a Mechanical Heart).
Though the cover and title don't suggest much in the way of good plot and writing, the reference to the much argued about "mommy porn" book actually has a place in the story. Andrew has always been straight, and he's always been afraid of gay men. Of course, that all stems from finding his father in bed with his favorite teacher in school, and the subsequent trauma of the breakup of his family and his school life turning upside down. Bitten by the acting bug at a young age, Andrew doesn't find many opportunities in small town Kansas, but finds himself looking for work in New York City when his sister, who moved to the city for an adventure a few years prior, is diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Now Andrew finds himself a primary caregiver and looking for difficult to find work in a difficult economy. When the bills start to pile up, Andrew admits that he needs to find work, now -- and waiting for a well paying acting job just isn't smart when he has to consider his sister's care.
Andrew's neighbor is the proprietor of a stable of escorts and offers him a job. Sure, he's straight, but he's also an actor, and what better role than this could there be to test his chops? It might even help him get over his aversion to gay men. But he doesn't really know what he's getting into, and even though he's memorized the laws and isn't being pressured into sex for pay, he knows that that's where the extra (and big) money is. Could he do something like that? He's forced to face up to all his preconceived notions, his fears, his family history, and the possibility that his sexuality might be a lot more fluid than he ever allowed himself to consider as he goes out on job after job. And the worst, or maybe best, is a repeat customer: Cormac Donovan, a republican congressman from California who is nothing like he ever suspected.
Don't be mistaken, what might seem from the blurb a lighthearted tale is really quite a serious book that deals with several heavy issues. First and foremost is the extremely frank, honest and real look at what cancer does to a patient and the people around them, supporting them. I know firsthand what that is like from my mother, who cared for my grandmother as she died from cancer in our home. This book shows all sides of that, in a very frank and honest way. Very little of the details are spared, just as the bond grows stronger between the siblings and love and laughter are shown as well. But, take this as a warning for some who might be sensitive to the issue. I was very impressed with the level of dedication and emotion written about this, and it was the undercurrent that brought the rest of the story together.
Two parts of Andrew's life as an escort are shown in this book, that rarely, if ever, meet. First, are the few men that Andrew meets first at a pool party put on by a wealthy Indian man along with several of the other escorts. Paresh takes a particular "shine", shall we say, to Andrew who can't help but show his green colors. No matter how good of an actor Andrew thinks he is, it is obvious to most that he's new to his job and straight. But for Paresh, that is a turn on, and his repeat business (along with the other people and intense situations that come along with him), awaken Andrew to the sort of self-reflection that he needs the most. On the other hand is Cormac, the republican congressman who takes Andrew on dates, starts to fall in love with him and at the same time touts his party's line views of "Family Values." I liked that you could measure Andrew's real feelings, maybe even subconscious feelings, by how reactions to seeing Cormac on television, going along with the republican values that he uses to stay elected and as he says, do some good from the inside. But his feelings for Cormac are confusing, and they definitely have a real and possibly lasting relationship, if you take away the impossibility the outside world represents to them and their vast differences.
But really, what brought this story to a higher level for me was Andrew. He's a great character. He really considers himself and works through his feelings, which allows him to change. Part of that is done through writing his memoir, Fifteen Shades of Gay (for Pay). Though he finds it difficult to put certain things into word (like his sister's illness and his sexual experiences, he's still working through it in his head. So, along with the different aspects of his life that are woven into his narrative, we really get to his his reaction and thoughts with it, and they go quite deep. I felt like I got to know him really well, and even more than that, I liked him.
I definitely recommend this one. Don't let the title fool you! But be sure check out this book and give it a chance -- it is worth it.
4.5 stars
I have to tell you… I did not expect the story I got when I started reading this. I'm not even sure what I expected really -- something funny/facetious?. To be honest, I tend to not expect much when I read a first time author, or at least an author I haven't heard of and I took a chance to review this when the author contacted me for review. Well, I'm really glad I did, because this turned out to be another book I loved that I hadn't heard anything about before reading that I've gotten this fall for review (the first was JC Lillis' awesome YA novel, How to Repair a Mechanical Heart).
Though the cover and title don't suggest much in the way of good plot and writing, the reference to the much argued about "mommy porn" book actually has a place in the story. Andrew has always been straight, and he's always been afraid of gay men. Of course, that all stems from finding his father in bed with his favorite teacher in school, and the subsequent trauma of the breakup of his family and his school life turning upside down. Bitten by the acting bug at a young age, Andrew doesn't find many opportunities in small town Kansas, but finds himself looking for work in New York City when his sister, who moved to the city for an adventure a few years prior, is diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Now Andrew finds himself a primary caregiver and looking for difficult to find work in a difficult economy. When the bills start to pile up, Andrew admits that he needs to find work, now -- and waiting for a well paying acting job just isn't smart when he has to consider his sister's care.
Andrew's neighbor is the proprietor of a stable of escorts and offers him a job. Sure, he's straight, but he's also an actor, and what better role than this could there be to test his chops? It might even help him get over his aversion to gay men. But he doesn't really know what he's getting into, and even though he's memorized the laws and isn't being pressured into sex for pay, he knows that that's where the extra (and big) money is. Could he do something like that? He's forced to face up to all his preconceived notions, his fears, his family history, and the possibility that his sexuality might be a lot more fluid than he ever allowed himself to consider as he goes out on job after job. And the worst, or maybe best, is a repeat customer: Cormac Donovan, a republican congressman from California who is nothing like he ever suspected.
Don't be mistaken, what might seem from the blurb a lighthearted tale is really quite a serious book that deals with several heavy issues. First and foremost is the extremely frank, honest and real look at what cancer does to a patient and the people around them, supporting them. I know firsthand what that is like from my mother, who cared for my grandmother as she died from cancer in our home. This book shows all sides of that, in a very frank and honest way. Very little of the details are spared, just as the bond grows stronger between the siblings and love and laughter are shown as well. But, take this as a warning for some who might be sensitive to the issue. I was very impressed with the level of dedication and emotion written about this, and it was the undercurrent that brought the rest of the story together.
Two parts of Andrew's life as an escort are shown in this book, that rarely, if ever, meet. First, are the few men that Andrew meets first at a pool party put on by a wealthy Indian man along with several of the other escorts. Paresh takes a particular "shine", shall we say, to Andrew who can't help but show his green colors. No matter how good of an actor Andrew thinks he is, it is obvious to most that he's new to his job and straight. But for Paresh, that is a turn on, and his repeat business (along with the other people and intense situations that come along with him), awaken Andrew to the sort of self-reflection that he needs the most. On the other hand is Cormac, the republican congressman who takes Andrew on dates, starts to fall in love with him and at the same time touts his party's line views of "Family Values." I liked that you could measure Andrew's real feelings, maybe even subconscious feelings, by how reactions to seeing Cormac on television, going along with the republican values that he uses to stay elected and as he says, do some good from the inside. But his feelings for Cormac are confusing, and they definitely have a real and possibly lasting relationship, if you take away the impossibility the outside world represents to them and their vast differences.
But really, what brought this story to a higher level for me was Andrew. He's a great character. He really considers himself and works through his feelings, which allows him to change. Part of that is done through writing his memoir, Fifteen Shades of Gay (for Pay). Though he finds it difficult to put certain things into word (like his sister's illness and his sexual experiences, he's still working through it in his head. So, along with the different aspects of his life that are woven into his narrative, we really get to his his reaction and thoughts with it, and they go quite deep. I felt like I got to know him really well, and even more than that, I liked him.
I definitely recommend this one. Don't let the title fool you! But be sure check out this book and give it a chance -- it is worth it.
December 2, 2012
4.75 stars
This book is so much more than what its cover and title imply and it's unfortunate how I almost missed out on decent writing and memorable characters just 'cause I was expecting a gay spoof of - written in the same level of competence as - that book that shall not be named. Thankfully, I'm a huge GFY slut so the reluctance didn't last very long and boy am I glad I finally checked this baby out.
Andrew temporarily moved to NYC to take care of his sister who's been fighting cancer. His initial plan was to survive on acting gigs while in the city, but after having no luck getting something that pays, he reluctantly accepts an offer to work as a male escort. I'm saying reluctantly because the guy's a staunch defender of his heterosexuality and is pretty much afraid of gay people. In his job, he meets Cormac - a closeted politician, some interesting clients, yummy fellow escorts, and we get to share in Andrew's confusion with his gender preference, his devotion to his sister, his issues with his father, and his delicious baby steps into the world of buttsex and blowjobs.
The thing, though, is this book is not as lighthearted as one might think based on its blurb. I thought it was at first and was getting myself all geared up to just enjoy some superficial angst with lots and lots of chemistry-less sex, but that just shows you what I know, which is practically nothing.
Andrew is not just an airhead with a convenient excuse to whore himself out. He's actually a pretty confused guy who just needs a bit of push, a little bit of shove, and some serious penetration in order to realize some truths about himself. Truths that he could arguably live without, but are essential to him living his life the way it's supposed to be lived - honest, unashamed, and happy. If the way to those truths had to be painful, arousing, and/or touchingly heartbreaking, he - and in turn, we, as a reader - just needs to suck it up and make sure the Kindle stays dry in spite of the embarrassing snot and tears flowing perilously close to its screen. Especially since Cormac, the gay virgin closeted hottie of a politician, also has to face and own up to his own truths and the HEA might be sweet, but these boys had to work for it.
This is not saying that the story is an angst-fest the likes of which only witnessed in Amy Lane books. It's still pretty light despite its potential to be grittier - not that I'm complaining, mind. Andrew gives us a look at the life of a male escort with the naked waiter gigs and near-naked house cleaning jobs with a light hand on both humor and seediness. What I mean is he didn't make fun of the jobs too much that they felt like a shot from an R-rated sitcom nor did he infuse his stories with the expected seedy narrative complete with self-flaggelation. I'm ok with either, but it was nice to get something from the middle in this case.
He also had a chance to preach on gay rights, BDSM, and the meaning of life, but thankfully treated all with the same brush as he did the majority of his story - with a "This is what I think. I've made my position clear. I'm not gonna beat you over the head with it". It might not be much, and I like having a bit of a lecture in my romance novels, but the author showed restraint with the lecture and I appreciated it.
What I didn't appreciate much, though, is the skimping in the description of the setting. New York City, in most stories I've read, has always been treated as a beloved supporting character. Every detail is usually lovingly described. With this one, the story could have been set in any other big city and I wouldn't have noticed the difference. Sure, the other MC waxed poetic with his love for New York, but Andrew clearly doesn't feel much since he barely gives the city a glance. I wouldn't normally notice something like this, but I kept on forgetting where the book was set while reading and had to stop and think about it. That should not happen when the setting is NYC, IMO.
Other than that, though, this is a great book - light while still tackling heavy subjects; the author giving the subplots the seriousness they deserve but practicing admirable restraint when it comes to over dramatizing the angst. The love story felt real and showed a lot of chemistry between MCs. The supporting characters were memorable and not just there to fill the pages with rentboy candy.
A recommended read especially if you've read S.A. Reid before since I belatedly found out Reid and Baggins are the same person.
This book is so much more than what its cover and title imply and it's unfortunate how I almost missed out on decent writing and memorable characters just 'cause I was expecting a gay spoof of - written in the same level of competence as - that book that shall not be named. Thankfully, I'm a huge GFY slut so the reluctance didn't last very long and boy am I glad I finally checked this baby out.
Andrew temporarily moved to NYC to take care of his sister who's been fighting cancer. His initial plan was to survive on acting gigs while in the city, but after having no luck getting something that pays, he reluctantly accepts an offer to work as a male escort. I'm saying reluctantly because the guy's a staunch defender of his heterosexuality and is pretty much afraid of gay people. In his job, he meets Cormac - a closeted politician, some interesting clients, yummy fellow escorts, and we get to share in Andrew's confusion with his gender preference, his devotion to his sister, his issues with his father, and his delicious baby steps into the world of buttsex and blowjobs.
The thing, though, is this book is not as lighthearted as one might think based on its blurb. I thought it was at first and was getting myself all geared up to just enjoy some superficial angst with lots and lots of chemistry-less sex, but that just shows you what I know, which is practically nothing.
Andrew is not just an airhead with a convenient excuse to whore himself out. He's actually a pretty confused guy who just needs a bit of push, a little bit of shove, and some serious penetration in order to realize some truths about himself. Truths that he could arguably live without, but are essential to him living his life the way it's supposed to be lived - honest, unashamed, and happy. If the way to those truths had to be painful, arousing, and/or touchingly heartbreaking, he - and in turn, we, as a reader - just needs to suck it up and make sure the Kindle stays dry in spite of the embarrassing snot and tears flowing perilously close to its screen. Especially since Cormac, the gay virgin closeted hottie of a politician, also has to face and own up to his own truths and the HEA might be sweet, but these boys had to work for it.
This is not saying that the story is an angst-fest the likes of which only witnessed in Amy Lane books. It's still pretty light despite its potential to be grittier - not that I'm complaining, mind. Andrew gives us a look at the life of a male escort with the naked waiter gigs and near-naked house cleaning jobs with a light hand on both humor and seediness. What I mean is he didn't make fun of the jobs too much that they felt like a shot from an R-rated sitcom nor did he infuse his stories with the expected seedy narrative complete with self-flaggelation. I'm ok with either, but it was nice to get something from the middle in this case.
He also had a chance to preach on gay rights, BDSM, and the meaning of life, but thankfully treated all with the same brush as he did the majority of his story - with a "This is what I think. I've made my position clear. I'm not gonna beat you over the head with it". It might not be much, and I like having a bit of a lecture in my romance novels, but the author showed restraint with the lecture and I appreciated it.
What I didn't appreciate much, though, is the skimping in the description of the setting. New York City, in most stories I've read, has always been treated as a beloved supporting character. Every detail is usually lovingly described. With this one, the story could have been set in any other big city and I wouldn't have noticed the difference. Sure, the other MC waxed poetic with his love for New York, but Andrew clearly doesn't feel much since he barely gives the city a glance. I wouldn't normally notice something like this, but I kept on forgetting where the book was set while reading and had to stop and think about it. That should not happen when the setting is NYC, IMO.
Other than that, though, this is a great book - light while still tackling heavy subjects; the author giving the subplots the seriousness they deserve but practicing admirable restraint when it comes to over dramatizing the angst. The love story felt real and showed a lot of chemistry between MCs. The supporting characters were memorable and not just there to fill the pages with rentboy candy.
A recommended read especially if you've read S.A. Reid before since I belatedly found out Reid and Baggins are the same person.
March 1, 2013
Spot on review from Camille
Great story.
I had some minor niggles - see Camille - but overall it was an entertaining book with mature characters and a real-life feeling that I liked very much.
Great story.
I had some minor niggles - see Camille - but overall it was an entertaining book with mature characters and a real-life feeling that I liked very much.
February 9, 2013
To be honest I've never read the original phenomena that this book and many others have used to either spoof,or as this book has done, use the title in a roundabout way. I have no urge to read the originals, not my cup of tea at all, in fact hell will probably freeze over before I do - so normally I would have bypassed this without a second thought! Thank goodness I took time to read the reviews because this was a great story and one that I'll pick up to read again. Basically out of work actor Andrew, meets Cormac, gorgeous but closeted politician, when he has to resort to becoming a male escort ( gay for pay ) to help pay for his sister Marie's cancer treatments. Andrew has issues after his dad left them for a man when he was 14 and so his attitude to gays is not great, but he will do anything to help his sister who he loves and whose cancer is worsening, but of course there is a lot more to all this than meets the eye and not long into his and Cormacs ' relationship ' things begin to change and hidden feelings are brought to the surface ......
Once into the book it becomes clear why the author has picked the title and its a big part of the story so please don't let it put you off. This is not a spoof it is a very emotional story that incorporates some pretty serious subjects but it handles them all beautifully. It could have been a depressing novel because of its content but it is surprisingly upbeat and though at times bittersweet - especially the moments with Marie who despite her illness is a fabulous character - has a lovely HEA that left me slightly sad but mostly smiling and contented. The gay for pay side of it is interesting to say the least and Andrew and Cormacs blossoming romance - full of ups and downs but still very passionate and sensual - is just lovely because their chemistry and ST is pitched perfectly.
I'm so glad I didn't let this little gem pass me by. It's another keeper!
Once into the book it becomes clear why the author has picked the title and its a big part of the story so please don't let it put you off. This is not a spoof it is a very emotional story that incorporates some pretty serious subjects but it handles them all beautifully. It could have been a depressing novel because of its content but it is surprisingly upbeat and though at times bittersweet - especially the moments with Marie who despite her illness is a fabulous character - has a lovely HEA that left me slightly sad but mostly smiling and contented. The gay for pay side of it is interesting to say the least and Andrew and Cormacs blossoming romance - full of ups and downs but still very passionate and sensual - is just lovely because their chemistry and ST is pitched perfectly.
I'm so glad I didn't let this little gem pass me by. It's another keeper!
September 7, 2014
What do you get when you mix a deeply closeted politician with a male escort? True love, of course ;)
Let me start with Andrew's sister Marie. I really loved her. She was battling cancer throughout the entire book. Even though she was tired and sick, she still had a huge interest in Andrew's life and pushed him to see Cormac so she could get the sordid details lol. There was a true brother/sister bond and I liked that Andrew felt so open with her even when he was telling her things that made him vulnerable.
The part I really liked about this book is how it made me think. The situation between Andrew and Cormac less than ideal. I don't think I could have been a part of that relationship on either side. If I was Andrew it would have driven me crazy On the flip side, if I was Cormac
At first I really hated Paresh, but soon discovered that it was Sven that I hated and Paresh wasn't all that bad. He really redeemed himself in the end.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I felt connected to both of the main characters and thought the story moved quite nicely.
Thanks for the recommendation Garrett!! Thanks for the BR Mish, Dani, and Jen!
Let me start with Andrew's sister Marie. I really loved her. She was battling cancer throughout the entire book. Even though she was tired and sick, she still had a huge interest in Andrew's life and pushed him to see Cormac so she could get the sordid details lol. There was a true brother/sister bond and I liked that Andrew felt so open with her even when he was telling her things that made him vulnerable.
The part I really liked about this book is how it made me think. The situation between Andrew and Cormac less than ideal. I don't think I could have been a part of that relationship on either side. If I was Andrew it would have driven me crazy On the flip side, if I was Cormac
At first I really hated Paresh, but soon discovered that it was Sven that I hated and Paresh wasn't all that bad. He really redeemed himself in the end.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I felt connected to both of the main characters and thought the story moved quite nicely.
Thanks for the recommendation Garrett!! Thanks for the BR Mish, Dani, and Jen!
March 17, 2014
Don't let the title throw you. This is a charming, witty, tender romance that manages to incorporate the "gay-for-pay" theme in a decidedly non-lame way. Baggins avoids a lot of the potential traps here: excessive fantasy--treating the job of gay-escort as a Pretty Woman/porn movie fantasy gig; as a sentimental rent-boy tragedy; or as a relationship complication that must be gotten out of the way for the real love story. Instead she treats it like a job, something to pay the bills. Andrew's choices do not come off as martyrdom, more like a less-than-desirable acting part--similar to a running gig playing Barney at children's parties (or voicing talking vegetables in a fundamentalist Christian TV show.) It feels realistic and thus refreshing.
It helps that Marie and Andrew are really believable as siblings. Marie is not treated like a victim or a saint; she's not excessively noble in her suffering. Cancer is shown for the messy, miserable long-haul struggle it is. Marie's fight is deeply moving without ever playing for disease-or-the-week type sentiment. The entire family dynamic was especially well done--the dad's railing against MSG and junk food, Hugh's attempts at peace-making, mom's matter-of-fact stoicism. In fact, all the secondary characters are excellent here, without stereotypes or villains.
Obviously, the story hinges on the central relationship, which was wonderful. I loved Cormac and the relationship with Andrew was full of delicate touches and unexpected moments, as well as some great sex, (special points for one of the great first dates, and some of the best phone sex I've read). Again, Baggins avoids the melodramatic or maudlin potential here, and takes Cormac as he is-flawed, usually well-intentioned, but burdened with some ugly baggage.
All in all, I found the book surprising in the best way, avoiding the expected cliches and any hint of cheap exploitation or luridness, focusing instead on strongly drawn characters and achingly realistic struggles and relationships.
It helps that Marie and Andrew are really believable as siblings. Marie is not treated like a victim or a saint; she's not excessively noble in her suffering. Cancer is shown for the messy, miserable long-haul struggle it is. Marie's fight is deeply moving without ever playing for disease-or-the-week type sentiment. The entire family dynamic was especially well done--the dad's railing against MSG and junk food, Hugh's attempts at peace-making, mom's matter-of-fact stoicism. In fact, all the secondary characters are excellent here, without stereotypes or villains.
Obviously, the story hinges on the central relationship, which was wonderful. I loved Cormac and the relationship with Andrew was full of delicate touches and unexpected moments, as well as some great sex, (special points for one of the great first dates, and some of the best phone sex I've read). Again, Baggins avoids the melodramatic or maudlin potential here, and takes Cormac as he is-flawed, usually well-intentioned, but burdened with some ugly baggage.
All in all, I found the book surprising in the best way, avoiding the expected cliches and any hint of cheap exploitation or luridness, focusing instead on strongly drawn characters and achingly realistic struggles and relationships.
October 12, 2013
This book has more substance and emotion than the title might suggest. Andrew is an interesting main character - a young guy who is in New York primarily to support his sister in her battle against cancer, and who finds himself sliding fast down the slope of "escort service" in order to make ends meet. Pretty quickly he is juggling one client whom he likes personally, and others who provide the money he needs. And although he began the job as a straight boy doing gay for pay, Andrew fairly quickly discovers that he is not as turned off by men as he always assumed.
I liked some of the non-standard details about this book - the backstory of Andrew's father and its effect on him, the moral waffling of the closeted love interest, Cormac, and the situation with Andrew's sister. Family is at the emotional forefront of this story - both the ties that bind and the wounds that can be dealt by someone you care about. Cormac's matter-of-fact reactions to Andrew's job are unusual in romance, but felt real. There is some angst in this, from more than one source, but it's not a book that wallows in pain.
The characters have flaws. Cormac's willingness to compromise for his career, Andrew's willingness to do sleazy things for money and later what seems to be curiosity, make them imperfect and interesting. A book I'll put in my "To read again someday" list.
I liked some of the non-standard details about this book - the backstory of Andrew's father and its effect on him, the moral waffling of the closeted love interest, Cormac, and the situation with Andrew's sister. Family is at the emotional forefront of this story - both the ties that bind and the wounds that can be dealt by someone you care about. Cormac's matter-of-fact reactions to Andrew's job are unusual in romance, but felt real. There is some angst in this, from more than one source, but it's not a book that wallows in pain.
The characters have flaws. Cormac's willingness to compromise for his career, Andrew's willingness to do sleazy things for money and later what seems to be curiosity, make them imperfect and interesting. A book I'll put in my "To read again someday" list.
November 29, 2014
Honestly, I woud have never read this book if it weren't for Tiya's glowing review. From the goofy author pseudonym and the spoofish title, to the weird cover; I just couldn't take it seriously and had no real desire to go there. But I did. And I was pleasantly surprised. It had a depth I clearly wasn't expecting and dealt with some weighty issues with good grace. I had a few niggles, but then again, I always do. Specifically Ultimately, I enjoyed it quite a lot and wish I hadn't been so shallow and read it sooner.
March 20, 2014
The title is an abomination.
The words "mommy porn" are used too often (imo, just once is too often)
The author mistakenly places New York in New England
There were some niggling editorial issues.
Forget all that.
the romance? The romance is divine. The romance is lovely, passionate, sexy, brave, divine. I loved the story, i loved Andrew and Cormac, i hated Sven and found a grudging respect for Paresh by the end. This book was wonderful. Recommended.
The thing under the spoiler tag isn't really a spoiler, i promise. It just interrupted my flow.
The words "mommy porn" are used too often (imo, just once is too often)
The author mistakenly places New York in New England
There were some niggling editorial issues.
Forget all that.
the romance? The romance is divine. The romance is lovely, passionate, sexy, brave, divine. I loved the story, i loved Andrew and Cormac, i hated Sven and found a grudging respect for Paresh by the end. This book was wonderful. Recommended.
The thing under the spoiler tag isn't really a spoiler, i promise. It just interrupted my flow.
December 11, 2012
Such a good read! Don't let the title put you off. It's nothing like the other story when Andrew, a struggling actor, is reading it to his cancer-stricken sister. He's hard up for money and acting jobs aren't cutting it, so he becomes a gay-for-pay escort. He meets Cormac, a senator, as one of his first clients, and he's intrigued enough to want to become friends. It's an amazing story, well written in a simple manner that flows, yet the discussion is very deep at times. This is probably the best novel I've read all year.
February 20, 2013
This was a thoroughly enjoyable story of gay-for-pay. A simple premise, Andrew desperately needs money so accepts a job as a male escort, but told in a very engaging way with a strong focus on the characters.
Andrew, homophobic but with very specific reasons for being so, overcomes his aversion and discovers his sexuality at the same time as dealing with his terminally ill sister.
Marie's illness is portrayed very realistically and is an important part of the story. Andrew's relationship with Marie is wonderful, full of humour, love and support for each other.
"All we can do is find someone - one person - and throw everything into saving them. If we succeed, if we save that life, maybe that person will do the same. It's like paying it forward. Starting a chain reaction to save the world." Andrew's vision smeared. He hadn't realised he was crying until that moment, when everything went blurry and he had to sniff twice to continue speaking aloud. "That's what you've done for me, Marie. Protected me from the day I was born. Been my best friend, my confidante. Kept me alive when I wanted to die. I love you. Don't ever say you haven't accomplished anything. Your life matters. It matters to me."
Cormac, deeply closeted politician (and ) needs to reconcile his political views with his own personal feelings.
The story follows Andrew and Cormac's relationship, Marie's illness and some of Andrew's encounters with clients. Interestingly, the emotional elements of the book are handled beautifully and there is a strong sense of realism. However there are a few things that needed more explanation to fit comfortably with the story. For example This seemed too easy.
Lots of emotions and tears but Cormac and Andrew do find their HEA.
Andrew, homophobic but with very specific reasons for being so, overcomes his aversion and discovers his sexuality at the same time as dealing with his terminally ill sister.
Marie's illness is portrayed very realistically and is an important part of the story. Andrew's relationship with Marie is wonderful, full of humour, love and support for each other.
"All we can do is find someone - one person - and throw everything into saving them. If we succeed, if we save that life, maybe that person will do the same. It's like paying it forward. Starting a chain reaction to save the world." Andrew's vision smeared. He hadn't realised he was crying until that moment, when everything went blurry and he had to sniff twice to continue speaking aloud. "That's what you've done for me, Marie. Protected me from the day I was born. Been my best friend, my confidante. Kept me alive when I wanted to die. I love you. Don't ever say you haven't accomplished anything. Your life matters. It matters to me."
Cormac, deeply closeted politician (and ) needs to reconcile his political views with his own personal feelings.
The story follows Andrew and Cormac's relationship, Marie's illness and some of Andrew's encounters with clients. Interestingly, the emotional elements of the book are handled beautifully and there is a strong sense of realism. However there are a few things that needed more explanation to fit comfortably with the story. For example This seemed too easy.
Lots of emotions and tears but Cormac and Andrew do find their HEA.
December 28, 2012
Wow.
Just, wow.
There are two reviews of this book that nail it so succinctly I hardly dare put my two cents in.
It's an intelligent book, with all the markings of being written by a seasoned, professional, and extremely good author.
Such honesty and realism without any extraneous angst or drama added in.
Not saying I don't appreciate a good angsty drama, but this wasn't that kinda party.
This is a very "human" tale. Full of bare bones emotion and real situations handled in ways that real people do. Life, death, sexual orientation, politics, relationships, all covered here.
Cannot recommend highly enough!
p.s. the sex is sexy too, so yeah *win win*
Just, wow.
There are two reviews of this book that nail it so succinctly I hardly dare put my two cents in.
It's an intelligent book, with all the markings of being written by a seasoned, professional, and extremely good author.
Such honesty and realism without any extraneous angst or drama added in.
Not saying I don't appreciate a good angsty drama, but this wasn't that kinda party.
This is a very "human" tale. Full of bare bones emotion and real situations handled in ways that real people do. Life, death, sexual orientation, politics, relationships, all covered here.
Cannot recommend highly enough!
p.s. the sex is sexy too, so yeah *win win*
August 5, 2016
Even though I was apprehensive of the whole pretty-woman-esque theme going on (which I've read a few times before with less than satisfactory outcomes) I decided to give it a go since there were lots of stellar reviews about this book and I'm a big fan of the author's other book, Protection, so why not?
Unfortunately, this book didn't quite cut it for me mainly because of Andrew's character. He's an escort trying to pay for his sister's chemo. He's doing it for money but his intentions are noble. Commendable? Yes. So why does he settle for small gigs instead of hunting for bigger fish in the sea? He definitely has the looks and charm to land someone like, I dunno, Marc Jacobs? Someone he can milk for what they're worth to pay for his sister's cancer treatment. I mean, if you're selling yourself to save someone you love might as well go for broke right?!
It bothered me that Andrew never had any interaction with any of Cormac's relatives or friends aside from a few of Cormac's college buddies. It just seemed impersonal. Andrew's antagonistic attitude toward his parent's was also disturbing. I mean, his paren't weren't evil. They got divorced because his Dad cheated. They were flawed yes but they were never mean to Andrew so I don't get why he felt bitter towards his Dad and threw sarcastic remarks at his mom. He was close to his sister Marie, yes, but that's no reason to get on a high horse and say that you're better at taking care of your sister. That's just unfair.
I also wondered why so much focus was given to Andrew, even though the story's perspective is in the third person. It felt unbalanced for me. Perhaps if Cormac's voice was featured more, it would've offset Andrews vindictive and tiring thoughts. The writing was good with an exception of a few typos and I'm sure the story worked for a lot of other people but it just didn't work for me.
And is the title of the book a pun towards Fifty Shades of Grey? I mean, I've never read it but I was wondering if their stories were similiar.
December 31, 2015
Okay, confession first - I hate the title. In fact, it put me off reading the book for a while, which is idiotic because I know and love Ms Baggins' writing. Mea culpa. Of course this is not some simple parody but a well-paced and thoroughly enjoyable story in its own right, with all the unflinching realism that I have come to love and expect from this writer.
That doesn't mean she doesn't reference That Book, rather, Fifteen Shades is a cleverly-constructed criticism of the type of BDSM that all the mummy porn-ers seem to be falling over themselves to lap up. It's something I've heard lamented more than once by the real-life BDSMers I've conversed with, but never seen addressed in fiction before - the fact that (whisper it) there is such a thing as a bad Dom. That there is a line between consensual BDSM and abuse. That some games, when played by inexperienced practitioners, are downright dangerous.
But this isn't a BDSM story.
Andrew finds himself in NYC, caring for a sister with stage three cancer, failing to make it as an actor on, off, or off-off-off Broadway. When he's offered a job as an escort for wealthy gay men, he has little choice but to accept.
This isn't just another acting job, however. Andrew's got some serious hang-ups where gay men are concerned, his aversion almost a phobia. In order to cope on his first 'date' he gets blind drunk and finds himself vomiting all over the hotel bathroom of the Californian State Senator who's paid for his company. Luckily for Andrew, Cormac's a gentleman.
In fact, Cormac's got his own issues to deal with. Not least the fact that being gay doesn't exactly fit with being a Republican State Senator, elected on the party line of 'Defending Traditional Values'.
I loved these guys. As ever when Ms Baggins writes they're far from perfect, particularly in bed, but that makes such a refreshing change from the usual run of Olympic-standard sex that I've read over and over so the 1-2-3-lube trope becomes more turn-off than turn-on. And okay, maybe Andrew shrugs off his hang-ups pretty damn quick, but then sometimes all people need to do is be a little bit more honest with themselves. I'd have liked to have heard more about his father and his difficulty there, but I thought their final scene together was just lovely.
If I have a criticism, it's that I though the end was a little bit abrupt. I'm totally there on why Andrew reacted the way he did to What Cormac Did, and I totally get why he just retreated shortly thereafter. But in the last few scenes the narrative suddenly starts jumping through longer periods without me getting any real sense of why Andrew does what he does at the end. It was all a little bit...easy. But it's a small criticism because as I said before, I loved these guys. I wanted them to make it work. And yes, I may have cheered aloud when they did.
That doesn't mean she doesn't reference That Book, rather, Fifteen Shades is a cleverly-constructed criticism of the type of BDSM that all the mummy porn-ers seem to be falling over themselves to lap up. It's something I've heard lamented more than once by the real-life BDSMers I've conversed with, but never seen addressed in fiction before - the fact that (whisper it) there is such a thing as a bad Dom. That there is a line between consensual BDSM and abuse. That some games, when played by inexperienced practitioners, are downright dangerous.
But this isn't a BDSM story.
Andrew finds himself in NYC, caring for a sister with stage three cancer, failing to make it as an actor on, off, or off-off-off Broadway. When he's offered a job as an escort for wealthy gay men, he has little choice but to accept.
This isn't just another acting job, however. Andrew's got some serious hang-ups where gay men are concerned, his aversion almost a phobia. In order to cope on his first 'date' he gets blind drunk and finds himself vomiting all over the hotel bathroom of the Californian State Senator who's paid for his company. Luckily for Andrew, Cormac's a gentleman.
In fact, Cormac's got his own issues to deal with. Not least the fact that being gay doesn't exactly fit with being a Republican State Senator, elected on the party line of 'Defending Traditional Values'.
I loved these guys. As ever when Ms Baggins writes they're far from perfect, particularly in bed, but that makes such a refreshing change from the usual run of Olympic-standard sex that I've read over and over so the 1-2-3-lube trope becomes more turn-off than turn-on. And okay, maybe Andrew shrugs off his hang-ups pretty damn quick, but then sometimes all people need to do is be a little bit more honest with themselves. I'd have liked to have heard more about his father and his difficulty there, but I thought their final scene together was just lovely.
If I have a criticism, it's that I though the end was a little bit abrupt. I'm totally there on why Andrew reacted the way he did to What Cormac Did, and I totally get why he just retreated shortly thereafter. But in the last few scenes the narrative suddenly starts jumping through longer periods without me getting any real sense of why Andrew does what he does at the end. It was all a little bit...easy. But it's a small criticism because as I said before, I loved these guys. I wanted them to make it work. And yes, I may have cheered aloud when they did.
November 30, 2012
I should have known that anything written by T. Baggins ( formally known as SA Reid, Something Different and Protection) would be a moving piece of complex human relationships. I say this because the title, FIFTEEN SHADES OF GAY ( FOR PAY), almost stopped me from buying it. I assumed it was to be a parody of the runaway trilogy, FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, but with m/m relationships. The title does make sense after reading the book, but it is very misleading for those like myself who found the trilogy to be trite with non-sensical relationships and a female character who seemed TSTL.
The opposite of that is T. Baggin's story of Andrew who is a young actor trying to get a break into New York theater. Yet, his main purpose for moving to the big apple was to a support and help his older sister who is sick with cancer. Unable to find work with the bills piling up, Andrew resorts to becoming a male escort for other men, even though he claims he is straight. I haven't loved or enjoyed a character in a book like Andrew in a long time. He is warm, caring, humorous and confused as he wades through his past and present discovering more about himself and his relationships. T. Baggins is so talented in writing emotionally moving stories where the presence of every character, no matter how big or small, is felt that they become real for the reader. I highly recommend this book.
The opposite of that is T. Baggin's story of Andrew who is a young actor trying to get a break into New York theater. Yet, his main purpose for moving to the big apple was to a support and help his older sister who is sick with cancer. Unable to find work with the bills piling up, Andrew resorts to becoming a male escort for other men, even though he claims he is straight. I haven't loved or enjoyed a character in a book like Andrew in a long time. He is warm, caring, humorous and confused as he wades through his past and present discovering more about himself and his relationships. T. Baggins is so talented in writing emotionally moving stories where the presence of every character, no matter how big or small, is felt that they become real for the reader. I highly recommend this book.
November 19, 2014
Do *not* let the cheesy cover fool you! This book is a hidden gem! I absolutely loved it!!
Andrew is a struggling actor living in New York with his sister who has stage III cancer. Desperate for money, he agrees to be a “gay for pay” male escort. Andrew isn’t really gay, but trying to convince everyone else he is brings up some issues from his past. His first date is with Senator Cormac Donovan, a well closeted Republican from California. Unexpected feelings develop between them, but can Andrew have a relationship with someone so deep in the closet?
What a perfect book for my 400th on Goodreads! I will definitely look for more from this author!
Andrew is a struggling actor living in New York with his sister who has stage III cancer. Desperate for money, he agrees to be a “gay for pay” male escort. Andrew isn’t really gay, but trying to convince everyone else he is brings up some issues from his past. His first date is with Senator Cormac Donovan, a well closeted Republican from California. Unexpected feelings develop between them, but can Andrew have a relationship with someone so deep in the closet?
What a perfect book for my 400th on Goodreads! I will definitely look for more from this author!
April 20, 2017
Well, I am mad. I am mad that I have been slogging through mediocre romances when a gem like this is out there.
This book has no business being this good. It is a book about a straight guy (or he think he is straight at least) being paid to play a male escort for rich gay men. I was expecting cheesy and fun vignettes and misadventures. Nope. This book has depth, and engaging characters, and realistic relationships.
Thanks you to Steelwhisper for rating this book and putting it on my radar.
This book has no business being this good. It is a book about a straight guy (or he think he is straight at least) being paid to play a male escort for rich gay men. I was expecting cheesy and fun vignettes and misadventures. Nope. This book has depth, and engaging characters, and realistic relationships.
Thanks you to Steelwhisper for rating this book and putting it on my radar.
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