Outdated

by Michael War

A thirty-six year old IT professional and married for ten years, Greg knows he's not the young, hot and exciting stud he used to be. But he didn't think he was so outdated that he would come home to find his husband screwing a younger man on their living room sofa.

Stuck living with his ex, completely lost when it comes to the drastic changes of the dating landscape, it feels like he's going to be outdated and alone forever. The only bright spot in his life is Kellan, the hunky bear who frequently flirts with him. But even that is dampened by Kellan's mixed signals, leaving it unclear if he really wants Greg at all.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary

115 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2014

About the author

Michael War is a Freelance Writer from Texas whose imagination knows no bounds. He has been writing all his life, but has only written professionally for a short time. Aside from gay themed stories, Michael also enjoys writing poetry and screenplays. For any questions or comments, you can email him at michaelwar77@gmail.com

Reviews

[Anke · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, at least I finished it. And to think that I also finished my 2014 challenge with this book - oh well. The blurb was very interesting and stayed with me, so I was looking forward to reading this book. Sadly - the whole thing was disappointing. Greg was a doormat, there was cheating all around, no idea what either one of the MCs saw in each other. The story got me that aggravated - I started skimming only to not finding anything compelling along the way.
Yes, this was a disappointment. So, if you are looking for a book with un-lovable MCs, cheating, a harebrained storyline - well, you've found it.

[Chris, the Dalek King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Greg–-who is apparently auditioning for the roll of ‘world’s best doormat’–-found his husband boning a cute, but extremely ditzy, twink, and is understandably put out. So he throws them out. And then he lets them move back in. And then he starts sleeping with his ex. While his ex is still sleeping with the world most adorably clueless man on the planet. And all this is happening while he is mooning over Kellan, a guy from his work–-who may be straight, in the closet, or happily boning the entire gay population (on the sly). Who knows. Not, Greg, that’s for sure. But that is ok, because he might get back with ex–-who is happy to stick his dick in any man’s hole, as long as that hole is willing to pay his rent and take care of him like the man-child he is. It’s all very complicated.

Except it really isn’t.

This book isn’t bad. It was a very nice read…except that all the characters kept pissing me off. Greg for being such a doormat (seriously, dude, make them pick up their own dog shit), Kellan for this whole ‘let me jump back in the closet’ routine, and Tim for taking advantage of just about everyone so he can act like a teenager and still get laid at the same time. The only one who I actually liked (and it was rather weird that it was him that made me like the book) was Charlie-–the ditzy, if caring, twink that Tim is constantly boning in an attempt to retain his youth.

I think I just had a hard time getting past Greg’s willingness to let Tim walk all over him. And the fact that neither of them seemed to think it was a problem to have sex while Tim was dating Charlie, or Greg was trying to date Kellan, just set me on edge. I’ve never been in such a long term relationship, so I guess I don’t understand, really, the impulse to put up with that much shit because you love someone. Especially when they show no intent to return the favor.

And honestly after ten years of Tim’s shit, how did Greg no know that Tim was just using him?

It didn’t help that almost everyone in this book read nearly a decade (or two) younger than their actual age. Just something about the narration and dialogue felt off. It felt way too young for a guy in his thirties. I would have no problem believing that these guys are 25, but it is like their mental growth stuttered to a stop at that age, and then never really bothered to grow past that.

Just…it felt off, a lot of the times. And while it wasn’t something that would make me hate the book, it also made it a bit of a difficult read. And coupled with my desire to beat nearly everyone into the ground with a brick in hopes that they would either grow up, or move the hell on, made it not nearly as enjoyable as it could have been.

This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.

[Estarianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of those "plain meets hot" romances in which the moral of the story is that is you're not hot, it's probably because you don't try hard enough. Once you find a guy and he makes you feel good about yourself, you'll go to the gym you'll be a worthwhile human being.

The writing is average. There are quite a few extremely cliche lines that are used to poor effect. Some got kind of mixed up ("From that moment on, I had vowed to never again let a guy make me feel like I wasn’t worth living." Huh?) and some just made the eyes roll ("You don't know how long I have waited for this moment." This isn't an unrequited love story, Greg knows exactly how long they've known each other).

The entire story has an elephant in the living room, which is Greg's tendency to let people treat him badly. I kept expecting it to be addressed, but even when Greg's assertiveness is mentioned it seems to be applied to having a boyfriend who slept around on him, and not to the fact that he let said boyfriend walk all over him for months after (and never actually asked him to move out even when it was a ridiculous situation). It never really addresses at all the idea that Greg's needs matter, and Greg continues to convince himself that his feelings aren't worth mentioning even with Kellan (the new love interest). It's pretty pathetic.

In one scene, Kellan hurts Greg's feelings by telling him that they won't be able to see each other while Kellan's daughter is visiting, since telling her would be "too much." Greg leaves, but when Kellen begs him to come back Greg said "I was mad, but I didn't want to stay mad, so I went back. We never revisited the subject, which was probably for the best." That's pretty much the tone of the entire book.

And after the daughter's visit, during which Kellan actually ignored Greg when he saw him at a theater, Greg is thrilled to find out that Kellan loves him. So none of that stuff matters. Because we all know that once you're in love, it all just works out. Like it did with the guy who left him, right?

So, yeah.

[Kobie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is pretty bad. Motivations for the characters' ridiculous actions are thin. At 35% and thinking it's a DNF. Well, I finished this and no changes to my initial thoughts are needed.

[Janette · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Michael War knows how to get your attention. HOLY OPENING SCENE, BATMAN. I was completely sucked in and hooked before anyone could even get their clothes on. War's easy delivery and laid back style contributed to that for sure. It also took me no time at all to fall in love with Greg; he seems so genuine and real. He's pretty vulnerable, and despite the fact he makes some horrible choices, I found myself wanting to protect him. More than anything though, I just want him to find some happiness and security in who he is and what he wants.

Outdated is a perfect title, and it's something anyone who wouldn't consider himself a spring chicken can relate to. Maybe that's what resonated with me so much? I can totally imagine myself in his shoes, having to start over after dedicating a decade (or in my case, more) to one person. The prospect is utterly TERRIFYING. I'm not sure how he does it, but I will say it takes a pretty strong individual to get up and try again after being knocked down like that. I didn't expect that from him; I thought maybe his insecurity would cause him to take longer to get over Tim's infidelity. Turns out Greg's a lot stronger than anyone thinks, including himself.

I love how War tackles the realm of online dating with such raw honesty and candor. For Greg the concept isn't completely foreign, but as with all technology, it's evolved in the 10 years he was out of the dating scene. The options are vast, and he seems just a tiny bit uncomfortable. I think this is representative of how many people feel today - few want to admit they meet people online even if everyone is doing it. It goes against the classic ideal of romance to admit you never had a stars-in-your-eyes kind of connection. This ideology is definitely outdated - our vision of the perfect romantic encounter needs to grow and evolve right along with the ways we have those encounters. The truth is it's way easier to meet people online, especially to find someone who shares common interests. The downside is it's way easier to hide your flaws online, so you might wonder if you ever really know a person.

This story has all the best relationship drama - cheating, breakups, hook ups, new guys, best friends trying to steal new guys, and that's not even the half of it. War gives us Tim, hands down one of the easiest characters to dislike in a long time. He's the classic lying, cheating ex, and while he tried to redeem himself, a leopard doesn't change his spots. I had a hard time seeing what Greg ever saw in him, but whatever it was, I'm sure it was the result of being blinded by love.

I'm still not sure I've recovered from all the emotional whiplash Greg causes; it's definitely a roller coaster. There're numerous moments when I wanted to scream and yell at him for some of his choices, because let's face it, sometimes he's absolutely spineless. Through each experience, though, you can see him growing. By the end he's definitely more mature and better equipped to handle anything that comes his way. I was never happier to see someone master self-control. :)

Now let's talk about that ending. I mean, seriously? I NEED MORE. I'm satisfied with the way War wraps it up to an extent, but I feel a little cheated out of some of the details. I'm not above begging, but I hope it won't come to that. I'm off to see if there's a hint of a sequel anywhere. I feel like the next phase definitely has a story to tell...

This review can be found at www.3chicksafterdark.com.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just wasn't for me. I thought it was going to be something different. Boy was I wrong.

Wow... Greg the MC was a doormat.
He catches his boyfriend of 10 years with a much younger guy.
Kicks him out... 2 months later. The ex is back in the apt they shared as a couple with now his new boyfriend Charlie. And Greg just goes with it. Doesn't even put up a fight.
He even starts to sleep with the cheating ex again!!! Even though his ex is in a new relationship with the guy he cheated with him on.

Omg! I could not believe what I was reading! I mean really! Greg was such a week character! He just went along with whatever his ex said... It was ridiculous.

I finally thought when kellan entered the picture he was finally moving forward with his life. I was all for Kellan. He sounded like a true upstanding guy. A no bullsh*t guy. When he told Greg that he was new to being with a guy and that he didn't know exactly what to do in Gregs apartment. I assumed he meant... That he was a virgin when it comes to guys. I was really feeling Kellan then.

But... When they went to the gym.... And Adrian popped up.
I just couldn't stand Kellan after that. And just like Greg... I was just confused. Because he made it seem like he had never been with a guy at all. That was very deceitful. And very wrong. He should have been up front with his past. Greg was upfront with him since the beginning.
Then Kellans daughter comes... I was even more disappointed in Kellan. The whole movie situation was just wrong.
Greg's ex Tim kept coming and going in and out of Greg life whenever he felt like it. I throughout that was just plain weird. I wish Greg would have just take a stand for himself! And change the dame locks!!
Oh man... I wanted to like this book. But just couldn't. I hate weak characters and Greg was pretty weak.

*Copy provided via Netgalley*

[Aerin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outdated is a short, funny story about 36 year old IT professional Greg and his experiences with online dating after being out of the dating scene for 10 years. The book starts hilariously with Greg walking in on his boyfriend Tim having sex with a much younger guy, Charlie.

Greg, it's not what it looks like!

I didn't like Tim at all. He was an immature guy who had absolutely no respect for Greg. Not only has he cheated on him, but then he had the nerve to continue living in Greg's apartment and bring Charlie there as often as he could.

Greg was pretty much a doormat. Why would he allow Tim to get away with everything I simply can't understand. I wish Greg would grow a backbone and take charge of his life, kick the trash to the curb (aka Tim and Charlie) and stop letting himself be used.

My favorite character was actually Charlie. He was the young gun at 27, and he was as dumb as can be. When Greg accused Tim of being a cheater and a whore Charlie defended by saying

"That's not true" Charlie interrupted.
"He hasn't cheated on me once!"
"Well I'm glad he's been faithful to you, since he wasn't able to keep it in his pants while he was with me."
Charlie turned to Tim."Babe, you didn't tell me you cheated on Greg".

At times I felt like all the male characters in this book turned into teenage girls because of all the drama and that made for a very entertaining read.

Overall it was a low angst story, with interesting and unique characters. It's worth a shot.

***An ARC was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Outdated
Author: Michael War
Cover Artist: Aisha Akeju
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Reviewer: Jay
Genre: Contemporary
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay
Length: Novella
Heat Rating: 3 Flames
Book Rating: 3 Stars

You know that mat you put outside your door, well you might as well name it Greg. Outdated is short and funny about a mid-thirties IT professional who discovers his husband, Tim, screwing around with a much younger man, Charlie. Greg’s first reaction of kicking them out is about the only time he shows some backbone. However, this is short lived when he lets both of them back into his life and home. Meanwhile Greg is pining over the new guy at work Kellan.

What to say – Greg buddy grow a pair and get your life on track. All of the men in his life are using him in some fashion whether it be for money in the form of rent and food or dipping ones toes in the gay pool. This story consistently frustrated me watching Greg be used as that mentioned before doormat and allowing it to continue. The plot is slightly repetitious and it felt at times like I had already read that part. Though it all I did connect with Greg and wanted to protect him from himself and I have to admit that clueless Charlie was a hoot.

The story is aptly titled outdated with Greg having been out of the dating scene for a while and finding it difficult to jump back in. It is relevant to the times and shows how one can become complacent with their lives until they hear the line “Greg it’s not what it looks like”. All in all a quick read that contains humor and a whole lot of head shaking.

Review also at WoDF - Outdated

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.25 stars

As soon as I read the blurb I wanted to read this book. But… if a story’s goal is to evoke feelings, then this one hits the mark—in a negative way. Frustration had me all but pulling hairs out of my head as Greg kept making the same mistakes again and again. He was used as a doormat—plus a wallet, housekeeper, and occasional fuck-buddy. His waffling, told in first person from his point of view alone, made me repeatedly grit my teeth.

Sure, everybody’s been in his situation, caught in the limbo between an ex and a potential future partner, having feelings for both of them and not knowing which way to go. Did realizing that make me sympathetic to Greg’s emotional plight? Only at times, unfortunately. Greg just can’t seem to make a decision, and when he does, he doubts it, and then changes his mind. When this happens more than three times, the plot loses forward momentum. There’s a lot of repetition and rehashing things that have already been covered. At times I felt like I was reading the same scene, over and over, until I simply started skipping a line here, another there, and didn’t miss a thing.

In fact, this relatively short novella gives far too much room to Tim, the cheating boyfriend, and his dumber than a boot boy toy, Charlie. I assume they were used to show how indecisive Greg could be, his low self-esteem evident to anyone for miles around. But honestly, considering the length of the story, this could and should have been reduced.

Read Susan’s review in its entirety here.

[Susan Laine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars. As soon as I read the blurb I wanted to read this book. But… if a story’s goal is to evoke feelings, then this one hits the mark—in a negative way. Frustration had me all but pulling hairs out of my head as Greg kept making the same mistakes again and again. He was used as a doormat—plus a wallet, housekeeper, and occasional fuck-buddy. His waffling, told in first person from his point of view alone, made me repeatedly grit my teeth.

Sure, everybody’s been in his situation, caught in the limbo between an ex and a potential future partner, having feelings for both of them and not knowing which way to go. Did realizing that make me sympathetic to Greg’s emotional plight? Only at times, unfortunately. Greg just can’t seem to make a decision, and when he does, he doubts it, and then changes his mind. When this happens more than three times, the plot loses forward momentum. There’s a lot of repetition and rehashing things that have already been covered. At times I felt like I was reading the same scene, over and over, until I simply started skipping a line here, another there, and didn’t miss a thing.

In fact, this relatively short novella gives far too much room to Tim, the cheating boyfriend, and his dumber than a boot boy toy, Charlie. I assume they were used to show how indecisive Greg could be, his low self-esteem evident to anyone for miles around. But honestly, considering the length of the story, this could and should have been reduced.

Full review at Joyfully Jay

[Geoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talk about a pertinent novel. Outdated is a hilarious commentary on internet dating and what it’s like when you’ve been out of the game for a long time. I received a copy of this from the publisher in return for my honest opinion.

After the two main characters, Greg and Tim, split up, unceremoniously, Greg finds out just how much has changed in the dating world. There is such an endearing scene where Greg calls a friend and points at the chat room that he used to meet guys through and says “they’re all gone!” If you’re not aware of location-based dating, you’re either happily coupled, a technophobe or living under a rock! There are so many of them out there that I’m not going to link to them and their proliferation was exponential with the increase of smart phones!

Click here to continue reading on my blog The Oddness of Moving Things.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

You can find more reviews Mademoisellesnow Blog

This book was just so hard to finish. I did manage in the end though. I didn’t like the characters, couldn’t quite connect with Greg and felt that he was basically a doormat. The blurb and description of the book was really interesting but the actual story was quite disappointing.

[Ro · Rating 2 out of 5]

Greg was such a doormat and I would have had more respect for him being devastated at being cheated if he didn't start cheating WITH the dirtbag ex!! Charlie, though, deserves a book of his own, with someone else.

[Rachael Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this story. I do admit that I couldn't believe what a push over Greg was and I was frustrated by his actions. The characters weren't perfect but rather messy and real. This first book I have read by the author and I will be reading his other books.

[Dennie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate not finishing a book but I just couldn't finish it. :(

[Love Bytes Reviews]

This book was read and reviewed by Carissa for Love Bytes Reviews.