What do you think?
Rate this book
Marketing Beef #1
Marketing Beef
Dear Author,
So, one day during lunch, I was walking and just happened to look up and saw this billboard. It cracked me up. But I didn’t think much of it; it made me laugh and thought that was it. Well, I saw another one the next week, and the week after that, and well, you get the picture. I was all, man, did the advertising world get a sense of humor all of a sudden? Then it hit me, all these billboards had one thing in common, these are my accounts in our ad agency. Obviously I wasn’t the one that were coming up with these one-liners because I’m not that oblivious, come on now, give me some credit! They were the accounts that I was handling the accounting for. Yes, I am an accountant for an ad agency. But I really keep to myself. I mean, I smile and say hi to people when they say good morning but I don’t go to bars after work to socialize if you get what I mean. I am a pretty happy guy, no drama really, but maybe a bit lonely. My last relationship ended in college and I get attached easily so there hasn’t been anyone for a very long time. Am I making too much out of these billboards? I thought I was until one day, I saw one that was directly addressed to me… it was quite clever because they managed to work my name on it and the ad was freaking hilarious but it was like a BIG HELLO. Those WERE for me but who? How are they getting away with them? Why do they want my attention? And really, WHO WOULD DO THAT FOR LITTLE OLE ME?
Photo Description:
Photo is an advertisement for an oversized hot dog smothered in mustard and hanging a bit over the side of its bun. To the right of it, in white-lettering are the words, “I’m stretched and ready. Let’s do this.” The ad continues, “New Footlong Quarter Pound Coney.”
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
So, one day during lunch, I was walking and just happened to look up and saw this billboard. It cracked me up. But I didn’t think much of it; it made me laugh and thought that was it. Well, I saw another one the next week, and the week after that, and well, you get the picture. I was all, man, did the advertising world get a sense of humor all of a sudden? Then it hit me, all these billboards had one thing in common, these are my accounts in our ad agency. Obviously I wasn’t the one that were coming up with these one-liners because I’m not that oblivious, come on now, give me some credit! They were the accounts that I was handling the accounting for. Yes, I am an accountant for an ad agency. But I really keep to myself. I mean, I smile and say hi to people when they say good morning but I don’t go to bars after work to socialize if you get what I mean. I am a pretty happy guy, no drama really, but maybe a bit lonely. My last relationship ended in college and I get attached easily so there hasn’t been anyone for a very long time. Am I making too much out of these billboards? I thought I was until one day, I saw one that was directly addressed to me… it was quite clever because they managed to work my name on it and the ad was freaking hilarious but it was like a BIG HELLO. Those WERE for me but who? How are they getting away with them? Why do they want my attention? And really, WHO WOULD DO THAT FOR LITTLE OLE ME?
Photo Description:
Photo is an advertisement for an oversized hot dog smothered in mustard and hanging a bit over the side of its bun. To the right of it, in white-lettering are the words, “I’m stretched and ready. Let’s do this.” The ad continues, “New Footlong Quarter Pound Coney.”
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
105 pages, ebook
First published July 24, 2014
223 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Rick Bettencourt
23 books90 followersRick Bettencourt writes LGBTQ+ fantasy with forbidden love, found family, and a dash of humor. His signature series, The Rise of the Normals, follows Diesel, a wolf-shifter who’d rather be “normal,” even if love—and the pack—complicate everything. Expect heart, humor, and claws.
With over 100,000 books sold, Rick is a former president of the Florida Writers Association and an active author coach and speaker. Readers can expect emotional, hopeful journeys with queer romance, loyalty under pressure, and a wink of mischief.
He lives in Florida with his husband and a very opinionated dog, but his New England roots still tug at him (and justify drinking iced coffee year-round). Diesel—the wolf-shifter who thinks he’s the star of everything—occasionally insists on editorial control. Follow Rick’s email list at RickBettencourt.com for new releases, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes peeks.
With over 100,000 books sold, Rick is a former president of the Florida Writers Association and an active author coach and speaker. Readers can expect emotional, hopeful journeys with queer romance, loyalty under pressure, and a wink of mischief.
He lives in Florida with his husband and a very opinionated dog, but his New England roots still tug at him (and justify drinking iced coffee year-round). Diesel—the wolf-shifter who thinks he’s the star of everything—occasionally insists on editorial control. Follow Rick’s email list at RickBettencourt.com for new releases, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes peeks.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
July 24, 2014
One ridiculously buff and shy accountant and one smart-mouthed ad ex in a sweet and humorous love story.
Evan has made an art of sublimating. The work--his body. Painfully shy with a fear of discovery of something that never should have been slighted.
Dillon is the guns ablazing ad ex with a little something special up his sleeve. So, I loved the guys, but bits of the story itself didn't appeal to me. There are some big coincidences that pushed the realm of believable Also the conclusion sort of lost momentum and flopped around like a fish on the dock. Would have been happier if it ended 15% sooner and never had the tailing off.
Overall, sweet and funny.
Favorite quote:
Evan has made an art of sublimating. The work--his body. Painfully shy with a fear of discovery of something that never should have been slighted.
Dillon is the guns ablazing ad ex with a little something special up his sleeve. So, I loved the guys, but bits of the story itself didn't appeal to me. There are some big coincidences that pushed the realm of believable Also the conclusion sort of lost momentum and flopped around like a fish on the dock. Would have been happier if it ended 15% sooner and never had the tailing off.
Overall, sweet and funny.
Favorite quote:
My God. You’re apt to have a hawk come down and perch on that thing.
August 4, 2014
2.5 stars
I liked the first half of this book more than the second half. Once Evan and Dillon started seeing each other, the chemistry didn’t leap off the page. The first sex scene was summarized in two sentences, and in general the steam was lacking. The financial scandal aspect of the story was too undeveloped to be believable.
Battencourt is a strong writer. Some of the dialogue was quite funny and the story had a lovely ending, but the MCs didn’t feel like complex characters, and there was too much telling vs. showing.
Other elements, including the side plots with Evan’s ex and Evan’s neighbor, were underdeveloped and took away from the story rather than adding to it.
I liked the first half of this book more than the second half. Once Evan and Dillon started seeing each other, the chemistry didn’t leap off the page. The first sex scene was summarized in two sentences, and in general the steam was lacking. The financial scandal aspect of the story was too undeveloped to be believable.
Battencourt is a strong writer. Some of the dialogue was quite funny and the story had a lovely ending, but the MCs didn’t feel like complex characters, and there was too much telling vs. showing.
Other elements, including the side plots with Evan’s ex and Evan’s neighbor, were underdeveloped and took away from the story rather than adding to it.
dnf
June 26, 2015This starts off a cute little story but the writing style didn't quite work for me - though I will point out the prompter requested EPISTOLARY (with caps) so in that respect the author was following the prompt; it's purely a matter of taste that I'd have preferred less internalising and more interaction.
The dialogue felt scripted and to be honest I didn't understand the big scandal - but then it's my husband that's studied accountancy not me!
I read to a point where the couple were getting together and their business future appeared sorted; the other plots didn't engage me enough to continue from there and the billboard humour didn't make a big impression on me.
As far as I got it was a nice enough read.
The dialogue felt scripted and to be honest I didn't understand the big scandal - but then it's my husband that's studied accountancy not me!
I read to a point where the couple were getting together and their business future appeared sorted; the other plots didn't engage me enough to continue from there and the billboard humour didn't make a big impression on me.
As far as I got it was a nice enough read.
February 12, 2018
The first thought that popped into my head when I'm 3% in is that this is boring. This book was all over the place. There was zero chemistry between Evan and Dillon. I was at least hoping to get some funny dialogue with the billboards but that fell flat. What the fuck does "don't let your meat loaf" mean???
Don't even get me started on the stupid ass plot with the Ponzi scheme. What was the purpose of that? So Evan would be unemployed and can now take a trip with Dillon? At times I got the impression Evan was in on the scheme.
If I had to describe the plot of this book to a friend I wouldn't even know how to begin.
Don't even get me started on the stupid ass plot with the Ponzi scheme. What was the purpose of that? So Evan would be unemployed and can now take a trip with Dillon? At times I got the impression Evan was in on the scheme.
If I had to describe the plot of this book to a friend I wouldn't even know how to begin.
April 16, 2018
Marketing Beef
Rick Bettencourt
Republished by the author, 2017
Four stars
A sweet gay romance, this winsome little book follows the fate of a thirty-ish accountant for a marketing firm in Massachusetts. Although we never learn why Evan McCormick’s middle name is Capri (wouldn’t you want to know?), we do know that, in spite of his looks, Evan hasn’t had a boyfriend in seven years, since he and his college boyfriend Gary split up. Evan focuses most of his energy on husbanding his financial resources and punishing his body with exercise in lieu of other sorts of physical pleasure. He seems to be the opposite of many young gay men, for whom maxed-out credit cards and self-indulgent pleasure take the fore.
But Evan isn’t a prude or a prig. He can take pride in the fact that his self-denial has resulted in a comfortable home and a healthy nest egg. He also knows that he’s missing out. He’s lonely, but he has his priorities.
And then he meets Dillon Deiss.
There is no real plot beyond the story of Evan and Dillon’s shy courtship, and the various mundane adventures they have on their way forward together. This is not a criticism; I’m merely noting that Bettencourt manages to take a very basic premise and craft it into something both funny and surprisingly heartfelt. Evan seems to understand the negative aspects of his situation, and he also understands why he clings to it. He knows that he’s attractive, but he doesn’t fully believe it. He knows he wants emotional engagement, but he doesn’t really know what that’s like—only that his college fling was not the real thing. Evan’s story also seems to be a reminder that the stereotype of the 20th-century young gay urban professional is neither accurate nor ideal.
I love that a gay man has written such an unabashed romance, and not one that is a fantasy about sex (although that’s here, in a pleasantly restrained degree). It is a fantasy that, in some ways, many of us share, regardless of our generation.
Rick Bettencourt
Republished by the author, 2017
Four stars
A sweet gay romance, this winsome little book follows the fate of a thirty-ish accountant for a marketing firm in Massachusetts. Although we never learn why Evan McCormick’s middle name is Capri (wouldn’t you want to know?), we do know that, in spite of his looks, Evan hasn’t had a boyfriend in seven years, since he and his college boyfriend Gary split up. Evan focuses most of his energy on husbanding his financial resources and punishing his body with exercise in lieu of other sorts of physical pleasure. He seems to be the opposite of many young gay men, for whom maxed-out credit cards and self-indulgent pleasure take the fore.
But Evan isn’t a prude or a prig. He can take pride in the fact that his self-denial has resulted in a comfortable home and a healthy nest egg. He also knows that he’s missing out. He’s lonely, but he has his priorities.
And then he meets Dillon Deiss.
There is no real plot beyond the story of Evan and Dillon’s shy courtship, and the various mundane adventures they have on their way forward together. This is not a criticism; I’m merely noting that Bettencourt manages to take a very basic premise and craft it into something both funny and surprisingly heartfelt. Evan seems to understand the negative aspects of his situation, and he also understands why he clings to it. He knows that he’s attractive, but he doesn’t fully believe it. He knows he wants emotional engagement, but he doesn’t really know what that’s like—only that his college fling was not the real thing. Evan’s story also seems to be a reminder that the stereotype of the 20th-century young gay urban professional is neither accurate nor ideal.
I love that a gay man has written such an unabashed romance, and not one that is a fantasy about sex (although that’s here, in a pleasantly restrained degree). It is a fantasy that, in some ways, many of us share, regardless of our generation.
August 3, 2014
I really enjoyed this one! Very interesting picture and prompt, and I really liked the author's take on it. Such a great little story, and many thanks to the author for participating in the Love's Landscapes event :D
March 19, 2015
Not for Me This is one of those odd reads where everyone I respect loves a book and for some reason it didn't resonate with me. Everyone who read loved it but me. I feel like I missed something...sad.
July 24, 2014
Even though I read the story tags and the content warning that this was going to be a slow burning romance, it's not the story I thought it was going to be.
There's a lot of humor in it and Evan's inner thoughts alone are funny and awkward. Top that off with a man, Dillon, who words clearly fail, and it's pretty entertaining to witness.
This was well written, but around the half way mark on, there were times where the sentences within the paragraph didn't flow smoothly, and ending up reading in a telling manner rather than a showing one.
There were some things that personally bugged me Also, I thought that when I read the warning about being patient for sex that I would have to (gladly) wait longer. I found it to be quickly introduced into their relationship (first date) and while it wasn't explicit, I was hoping for more of a developed relationship between the two before that happened. Especially since Evan gave the impression to the reader that he didn't just dive into a relationship/hookup, having once thought more of a relationship he was in than what actually was.
There were some very sweet and tender moments throughout this story and overall I'd say it was really cute. Evan was adorable, shy and I fell in love with his narration. It was definitely entertaining and the writing was good enough that my interest in this author's other works has been piqued.
Thanks to the author for their time and participation in this event.
There's a lot of humor in it and Evan's inner thoughts alone are funny and awkward. Top that off with a man, Dillon, who words clearly fail, and it's pretty entertaining to witness.
This was well written, but around the half way mark on, there were times where the sentences within the paragraph didn't flow smoothly, and ending up reading in a telling manner rather than a showing one.
There were some things that personally bugged me Also, I thought that when I read the warning about being patient for sex that I would have to (gladly) wait longer. I found it to be quickly introduced into their relationship (first date) and while it wasn't explicit, I was hoping for more of a developed relationship between the two before that happened. Especially since Evan gave the impression to the reader that he didn't just dive into a relationship/hookup, having once thought more of a relationship he was in than what actually was.
There were some very sweet and tender moments throughout this story and overall I'd say it was really cute. Evan was adorable, shy and I fell in love with his narration. It was definitely entertaining and the writing was good enough that my interest in this author's other works has been piqued.
Thanks to the author for their time and participation in this event.
April 17, 2021
Read for a group challenge and I think this one was a freebie I picked up along the way. Can’t remember, either way it was on my kindle. It was short, sweet and simple.
I did like both characters. There were some funny moments, but others were just awkward and the whole money scheme fight was a little pathetic. It was a shame how easily Dillon got played. The thought of Evan keeping a spreadsheet of how many times he jerks off was a little bizarre.
It felt like the main point of the story was for Evan to feel comfortable with his top off, because he does mention it a lot. The wine stained birthmark. I’m glad Dillon got through to him.
I did like both characters. There were some funny moments, but others were just awkward and the whole money scheme fight was a little pathetic. It was a shame how easily Dillon got played. The thought of Evan keeping a spreadsheet of how many times he jerks off was a little bizarre.
It felt like the main point of the story was for Evan to feel comfortable with his top off, because he does mention it a lot. The wine stained birthmark. I’m glad Dillon got through to him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2015
It is my second book by Rick Bettencourt.
This was a very sweet story, with a lot of love (but not mushy-impossible-to-digest love), a bunch of great sex scenes and a big amount of humour.
So, this is the story of Evan, accountant in a firm which has some money problems, control freak (he keeps a journal writing what he eats, how many push-ups or other work-out activity he makes, even how many masturbation sessions he has !lol) and single for 7 years...
Not so funny would you think ? oh, he has a strong sense of humour ! He relates himself as a bunch of bonobos which are "gayer than the Village People" : " By the time I had nearly finished my coffee, I felt more bonobo than human. Maybe I just need to have sex more often" ! And, he is strongly ashamed of a birthmark he has on his chest.
He meets Dillon, beautiful, sexy, hot... oh my ! I want to marry him. He's sweet with Evan, and smart and... *moans loudly*
I would like to quote some funny/beautiful things I loved :
- I love the innuendo there : "You have one ?" he asked. I coughed and quickly rewound the memory banks to recall his question : something about everyone having a Kindle or a Nook. "I do," I said, "but I don't use it often." "Is it full-size ?" he asked holding out his hand in measurement. I blinked. "It's decent." He nodded. "You'll have to show me someday".
-"The next thing I knew I was on top of him, fucking like I was in a remake of Brodeback Mountain". They were camping...
-"He was probably in his mid-to-southern New Hampshirelate forties"
- (about a hard-on) "My God. You're apt to have a hawk come down and perch on that thing" *chuckle*
- "Jesus Christ, it's like glue," I chuckled. "What the hell do you eat ? You shoot cement."
Well, I could go on and on with everything that made me smile or laugh very hard.
It's a very good book. I loved it. And the end ??? Oh my, the sweetest thing to do :D
Enjoy !
This was a very sweet story, with a lot of love (but not mushy-impossible-to-digest love), a bunch of great sex scenes and a big amount of humour.
So, this is the story of Evan, accountant in a firm which has some money problems, control freak (he keeps a journal writing what he eats, how many push-ups or other work-out activity he makes, even how many masturbation sessions he has !lol) and single for 7 years...
Not so funny would you think ? oh, he has a strong sense of humour ! He relates himself as a bunch of bonobos which are "gayer than the Village People" : " By the time I had nearly finished my coffee, I felt more bonobo than human. Maybe I just need to have sex more often" ! And, he is strongly ashamed of a birthmark he has on his chest.
He meets Dillon, beautiful, sexy, hot... oh my ! I want to marry him. He's sweet with Evan, and smart and... *moans loudly*
I would like to quote some funny/beautiful things I loved :
- I love the innuendo there : "You have one ?" he asked. I coughed and quickly rewound the memory banks to recall his question : something about everyone having a Kindle or a Nook. "I do," I said, "but I don't use it often." "Is it full-size ?" he asked holding out his hand in measurement. I blinked. "It's decent." He nodded. "You'll have to show me someday".
-"The next thing I knew I was on top of him, fucking like I was in a remake of Brodeback Mountain". They were camping...
-"He was probably in his mid-to-southern New Hampshirelate forties"
- (about a hard-on) "My God. You're apt to have a hawk come down and perch on that thing" *chuckle*
- "Jesus Christ, it's like glue," I chuckled. "What the hell do you eat ? You shoot cement."
Well, I could go on and on with everything that made me smile or laugh very hard.
It's a very good book. I loved it. And the end ??? Oh my, the sweetest thing to do :D
Enjoy !
September 2, 2018
A lot of weirdness in this one, but it was readable and I liked the MCs for the most part. Much of this read like an elaborate outline, since a lot of stuff happens off page that they summarize later. This contributes to the weirdness factor because it's hard to see how a lot of the things that are brought up or happen are in any way connected to each other. Then you get to the end and it makes sense, or at least most of it does. I did get a couple of chuckles out of it and the beef ads were funny,
There was little chemistry between the MCs, and due to the outline factor the one sex scene felt like an instruction manual so I skipped most of it. Then there are a couple of time jumps at the very end to get to the HEA.
Not a whole lot of substance here, but if you're in need of a breezy read for a lazy day, this could fit that bill.
There was little chemistry between the MCs, and due to the outline factor the one sex scene felt like an instruction manual so I skipped most of it. Then there are a couple of time jumps at the very end to get to the HEA.
Not a whole lot of substance here, but if you're in need of a breezy read for a lazy day, this could fit that bill.
September 2, 2014
The beginning was fun and quirky and odd and then it kept going and going and I kind of paused and looked at my progress like damn, not even half-way yet?
And then something happened and it started devolving and Pike was introduced and these other people were there and I have no idea why they were there; they just were and it was confusing and I kind of floated through the latter part, eyes glazed over and only partially comprehending the progression of things.
All in all, an okay story, but the latter part seemed like it could have done with more time for the author to work through :/
I'm starting to think I need a "lost potential" shelf...
Edit:
Ah. Seems I'm not the only one who was less than enthusiastic about the latter half. Que lastima.
And then something happened and it started devolving and Pike was introduced and these other people were there and I have no idea why they were there; they just were and it was confusing and I kind of floated through the latter part, eyes glazed over and only partially comprehending the progression of things.
All in all, an okay story, but the latter part seemed like it could have done with more time for the author to work through :/
I'm starting to think I need a "lost potential" shelf...
Edit:
Ah. Seems I'm not the only one who was less than enthusiastic about the latter half. Que lastima.
February 2, 2015
This book was all over the place. The best thing about it is the cover.
The first half was cute, quirky and funny. The second half...I don't even know how to describe it....
What happens at the company...why? What was the point in that?
Characters are introduced and I have no idea why.
It's odd to say the least.
The billboards were, frankly, rubbish.
Some reviews said it was funny but nothing made me laugh and I was disappointed in the sex scenes. There weren't any.
Evan seemed nice enough, awkward and sweet. I thought Dillon came across a bit iffy and for a while I was convinced he was in on the scheming. I didn't feel any chemistry at all between them.
Overall I'm confused. Mainly about why I bothered to finish reading it.
The first half was cute, quirky and funny. The second half...I don't even know how to describe it....
What happens at the company...why? What was the point in that?
Characters are introduced and I have no idea why.
It's odd to say the least.
The billboards were, frankly, rubbish.
Some reviews said it was funny but nothing made me laugh and I was disappointed in the sex scenes. There weren't any.
Evan seemed nice enough, awkward and sweet. I thought Dillon came across a bit iffy and for a while I was convinced he was in on the scheming. I didn't feel any chemistry at all between them.
Overall I'm confused. Mainly about why I bothered to finish reading it.
July 26, 2015
What a strange story. It doesn't quite match up with the description listed by GoodReads, which seems to stress the role of the messages in the billboards. This book feels very unfocused, like a book that couldn't decide what it wanted to be - funny? angsty? mysterious? It's a bit of all three, but not enough to be explored in depth in any way. The sex scenes are often too abrupt, as are the introductions of the various characters. I did like the first chapters focusing solely on Evan, but then the book just sort of unraveled and ended up being not that great.
August 5, 2014
Really sweet story, Evan reminds me (physically) of a Ned Flanders type, ridiculous fit under a flannel shirt. He's buttoned up, Dillon is less so.
Its nice and fluffy, a little bit show + tell - but overall enjoyable and satisfying.
Its nice and fluffy, a little bit show + tell - but overall enjoyable and satisfying.
January 29, 2015
I didn't hate this book & I didn't love this book. The first half was cute & made me smile. The drama in the second half just seemed forced.
**note** this book needed dirty sex scenes. Very bland but I'm a pervert so... I could be wrong.
**note** this book needed dirty sex scenes. Very bland but I'm a pervert so... I could be wrong.
August 25, 2014
There was a sweet story in there. You just have to get past all the meandering sub-plots to see it.
January 20, 2015
Short and sweet. The advertising billboards make me laugh out loud. A new author to me. I would try another of his books.
December 19, 2014
2,5 stars
Read
June 6, 2020I was expecting more tension, closer to enemies-to-lovers -- characters who had a "beef" with each other, in other words. Instead we have two pleasant enough guys who are attracted from the start. There are no real impediments to their relationship other than the small realistic issues any new couple will likely have. An insecurity here, a misunderstanding there. It was fine, but nothing to write home about.
October 18, 2017
I thought the sequel sounded good so I read this, with low expectations... a comedy it was not. The beginning was ok... the best parts were the specific Massachusetts references :-p. I will check out the sequel but if it seems poorly written I may DNF that... we shall see!
June 1, 2025
This is basically a series of unfortunate events blended in with a budding romance. It's a shortish story but a very interesting one, with dips and trails and love and doubt. I totally enjoyed it.
September 9, 2014
Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love's Landscapes event. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!
2.5 stars Mostly 3 star reviews, but a lot of so-so comments, so I was hesitant. Overall, I agree with the reviews that the first half was better than the second. The problem is that it took on too much. The prompt of an advertiser secretly crushing on a guy in his office and setting up those fun and sexy billboards, was a good idea. But that side plot was totally unnecessary and did not bring anything to the plot or character development.
I felt there were some red herrings that were annoying, like and and . And the little fight between Evan and Dillon for drama was just stupid
And then just small structural stuff. For example, ending on the billboard was sweet and brought everything full circle. But then there is a totally random and unnecessary epilogue that brings nothing new and the whole story ends with him not worrying about his birthmark. ?? Yes, the birthmark was an issue for Evan, but it wasn't enough of an issues relative to the plot to end on that.
November 1, 2014
I was looking forward to reading this and I was left a little bit disappointed. For me, it was the writing style. It just didn’t flow smoothly, especially the second half of the story until the end. But put that to the side, I thought it was a cute story. We have two guys who are crushing on each other and the relationship doesn’t start off right away, you have to wait. But even as it starts off, they still have a ways to go. Evan is a quiet guy who has a huge insecurity over his large birthmark over his chest. Then we have Dillon who isn’t very great at saying exactly what he means. Then we throw in the billboard ads, and the further we go, the more it is that they are aimed towards Evan.
Then if that isn’t enough, There is/was a huge scandal that brought down Dillon and Evan’s workplace. A scandal that isn’t just their business, but many others from all over. But there is one mastermind behind it all and it is a bit surprising to find out who it is in the end.
Then if that isn’t enough, There is/was a huge scandal that brought down Dillon and Evan’s workplace. A scandal that isn’t just their business, but many others from all over. But there is one mastermind behind it all and it is a bit surprising to find out who it is in the end.
February 8, 2015
ENTERTAINING AND LOVEABLE!!!
This story was extremely entertaining and fun. The relationship between Evan and Dillon is a true definition of opposites attract. Evan is very introverted, sweet but uncomfortable with small talk and crowds. Where Dillon is outgoing, confident and seems to adapt to any situation. This is a short story so this fascinating, wonderfully written story moves quickly. There is an underlying hint of a mystery that continues throughout. This is a terrifically written story about two very strong lovable men. Don't miss this absolutely incredible short story. I will be anxiously looking for and following this author in the future. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!
This story was extremely entertaining and fun. The relationship between Evan and Dillon is a true definition of opposites attract. Evan is very introverted, sweet but uncomfortable with small talk and crowds. Where Dillon is outgoing, confident and seems to adapt to any situation. This is a short story so this fascinating, wonderfully written story moves quickly. There is an underlying hint of a mystery that continues throughout. This is a terrifically written story about two very strong lovable men. Don't miss this absolutely incredible short story. I will be anxiously looking for and following this author in the future. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!
January 19, 2016
This book left me so confused. The characters didn't seem like a good match for each other, and there were a lot of tertiary characters for a novella of this size. But the weirdest bit was my failure to realize the use of the billboards as a plot device because...who does that? What a strange way to flirt with/proposition someone. I know this was a free story submission, but I've never before overlooked the entire plot of a work because it was odd/opaquely written/I'm just that dim. Such a strange experience.
May 28, 2016
A funny book with events I didn't expected... the idea with the two boys working in an ad company, with Evan being an attendant isn't something new but the way it was described made a funny story.
I liked some parts a lot for example Evan reading the biology book and the part of the bonobo apes xDD
I felt still something was missing but can't point a finger to it so I give 4 out of 5 stars...
I liked some parts a lot for example Evan reading the biology book and the part of the bonobo apes xDD
I felt still something was missing but can't point a finger to it so I give 4 out of 5 stars...
January 31, 2015
Short novella read. This had potential, first half had a lot going for it and then it sort of fizzled out in the second half...too much of too little in characters and plot.....leaving me with one too many questions to why...who....what??? Am still puzzling over the significance of the bill-boards!!! Overall, disappointed with the read.
February 17, 2015
The only problem I had with this...
...was that I wanted another hundred pages. Though I must admit that I loved the way the author played out the cascade of events after the "solving of the crime." Each event falls into place like a tumbler, the end turning the key, and then an epilogue that just gives you a peek behind the door at what their story holds in store.
...was that I wanted another hundred pages. Though I must admit that I loved the way the author played out the cascade of events after the "solving of the crime." Each event falls into place like a tumbler, the end turning the key, and then an epilogue that just gives you a peek behind the door at what their story holds in store.
August 5, 2015
Ok, this book was really bad. It felt really juvenile and rushed. I tried to like it but it was boring as all get out. There were no details about the interaction from the lovers and not a lot of info on the "bad" guy. It just felt like a high schooler wrote it and it failed miserably. Would not recommend this to anyone I know.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews