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Queen City Boys #1
This Charming Man
Will Seattle Make a Man of Him Yet?
On a night out in Seattle’s gay club scene, a chance encounter with an intriguing older man inspires Steven Frazier with visions of a more rewarding life. But when Steven abandons drugs and one-night stands, his loyal-but-venomous best friend won’t set him free without a fight. Must Steven sacrifice friendship—and forsake an unrequited love—to follow his dreams? As Steven’s horizons expand, his friends now include eclectic new arrivals, helping to keep his quest on track. Working to reinvent himself, Steven seeks to prove his worth, driven by exquisite longing for a charming man just out of his reach.
Both reflective and intensely sexy, This Charming Man is a novel about friendship, hope, and personal growth. This story captures the drama of coming into one’s own as an adult and creates a vibrant snapshot of Seattle in the early 1990s.
This book contains depictions of drug use, and emotional manipulation/abuse.
On a night out in Seattle’s gay club scene, a chance encounter with an intriguing older man inspires Steven Frazier with visions of a more rewarding life. But when Steven abandons drugs and one-night stands, his loyal-but-venomous best friend won’t set him free without a fight. Must Steven sacrifice friendship—and forsake an unrequited love—to follow his dreams? As Steven’s horizons expand, his friends now include eclectic new arrivals, helping to keep his quest on track. Working to reinvent himself, Steven seeks to prove his worth, driven by exquisite longing for a charming man just out of his reach.
Both reflective and intensely sexy, This Charming Man is a novel about friendship, hope, and personal growth. This story captures the drama of coming into one’s own as an adult and creates a vibrant snapshot of Seattle in the early 1990s.
This book contains depictions of drug use, and emotional manipulation/abuse.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2014
20 people are currently reading
762 people want to read
About the author
Ajax Bell
4 books45 followersA Seattle native, Ajax Bell writes queer fiction, including the Queen City Boys books, an interrelated series of standalone stories. Spanning four decades in Seattle, Queen City Boys tells the explicit adventures of an eclectic group of gay friends as they find their way through the ends and beginnings of their most important relationships.
According to Ajax the best thing in life is a perfect Pacific Northwest spring day spent on a sunny bench with a good book. Never a sea captain, but a background in library sciences and a lifetime of pencil pushing together left Ajax with a rich fantasy life and a compulsive need to write it down. No matter what the task, Ajax always has the right pair of shoes. One day Ajax hopes to own a genetically altered hippopotamus the size of a small dog.
According to Ajax the best thing in life is a perfect Pacific Northwest spring day spent on a sunny bench with a good book. Never a sea captain, but a background in library sciences and a lifetime of pencil pushing together left Ajax with a rich fantasy life and a compulsive need to write it down. No matter what the task, Ajax always has the right pair of shoes. One day Ajax hopes to own a genetically altered hippopotamus the size of a small dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 15, 2016
the first 30 percent of this was spectacularly good.
honestly, some of the most lovely and balanced and sensitive writing i've read in motherfucking ages.
so good i went into raptures on twitter for a couple hours.
and if the book had continued on in that way, i'd have rated it a five-star stunner.
alas! things kinda got out of hand.
the hero basically spends the rest of the book explaining the story to date to a friend, asking the friend's advice, and then promptly ignoring it.
...and then he'd do it all over again, the explaining, the advice-receiving, the advice-ignoring, exactly the same, with a different friend.
who'd tell him the same thing as everybody else.
magical negroes, lipstick lesbians, elder gays, hippies—didn't matter.
he'd never listen, shut his whole business down to focus on schoolwork or whatever, and then start the cycle all over again a few weeks later.
had to have been at least four times, and all the while the solution to his problems are patently obvious to everyone but him, and... yeah.
that got really frustrating.
but!
firstbookitis, i reckon.
a stronger hand at the content-editing tiller would have served this book very well.
but despite the repetitive and unproductive latter portion of the book, there are still minute advancements towards the resolution everyone and their mother wants for him—and when it finally arrives, it's lovely.
yeah.
so.
but man—that first third is worth a thousand episodes of I Hear What You're Saying But I'm Not Going To Do Anything About It Anyway.
seriously. give it a go.
ajax bell is one to watch.
honestly, some of the most lovely and balanced and sensitive writing i've read in motherfucking ages.
so good i went into raptures on twitter for a couple hours.
and if the book had continued on in that way, i'd have rated it a five-star stunner.
alas! things kinda got out of hand.
the hero basically spends the rest of the book explaining the story to date to a friend, asking the friend's advice, and then promptly ignoring it.
...and then he'd do it all over again, the explaining, the advice-receiving, the advice-ignoring, exactly the same, with a different friend.
who'd tell him the same thing as everybody else.
magical negroes, lipstick lesbians, elder gays, hippies—didn't matter.
he'd never listen, shut his whole business down to focus on schoolwork or whatever, and then start the cycle all over again a few weeks later.
had to have been at least four times, and all the while the solution to his problems are patently obvious to everyone but him, and... yeah.
that got really frustrating.
but!
firstbookitis, i reckon.
a stronger hand at the content-editing tiller would have served this book very well.
but despite the repetitive and unproductive latter portion of the book, there are still minute advancements towards the resolution everyone and their mother wants for him—and when it finally arrives, it's lovely.
yeah.
so.
but man—that first third is worth a thousand episodes of I Hear What You're Saying But I'm Not Going To Do Anything About It Anyway.
seriously. give it a go.
ajax bell is one to watch.
September 1, 2015
I was in the middle of writing a review about how much I loved this book and then lost it while looking for a gif. :/
Needless to say, I'm a bit annoyed.
Anyway, I LOVED THIS BOOK! Read it ASAP! You won't regret it.
Warnings: this is more LGBTQ lit than your typical m/m. There's quite a bit of drug use and casual sex not between the main love interests in the beginning, and a long wait for the love interests to get together (aka farrrr from insta-love) so if that bothers you I'd skip this one.
I'll write a better review when I'm not annoyed.
Needless to say, I'm a bit annoyed.
Anyway, I LOVED THIS BOOK! Read it ASAP! You won't regret it.
Warnings: this is more LGBTQ lit than your typical m/m. There's quite a bit of drug use and casual sex not between the main love interests in the beginning, and a long wait for the love interests to get together (aka farrrr from insta-love) so if that bothers you I'd skip this one.
I'll write a better review when I'm not annoyed.
October 27, 2015
This was a really interesting book, and one I enjoyed for its rich sense of setting. Though I've never been to Seattle, I was coming of age and discovering my own sense of self in the nineties, and there is a certain nostalgia to this story that really spoke to me. You can tell the author has a deep affection for both the city and the time in which the story was set. It's appealing, even charming.
There is also a definite sense of queerness--this is not a heteronormative story, this is not a story you would ever see in a heterosexual romance novel, and it's quite refreshing in that way. I don't know whether it's a story that will appeal to every reader, but it struck a nerve with me--in a good way.
When it comes to the writing and editing, it's clear this is an early work published by a small press or self-published. There are some editorial concerns, but they were not overwhelming. I had some issues with the French, but I don't know if this was due to the fact that Steven was French Canadian and my French is the from-France kind, but there were a few phrases that read "off."
Overall, a book I enjoyed and would recommend, particularly for people looking for coming of age type stories with a romantic subplot. Yes, subplot! Steven's personal coming of age journey is the main focus of this story, and while there is a HFN ending, I would not classify this book as a romance, but more as NA queer lit.
***sorry for the repost, I had typos to fix!***
There is also a definite sense of queerness--this is not a heteronormative story, this is not a story you would ever see in a heterosexual romance novel, and it's quite refreshing in that way. I don't know whether it's a story that will appeal to every reader, but it struck a nerve with me--in a good way.
When it comes to the writing and editing, it's clear this is an early work published by a small press or self-published. There are some editorial concerns, but they were not overwhelming. I had some issues with the French, but I don't know if this was due to the fact that Steven was French Canadian and my French is the from-France kind, but there were a few phrases that read "off."
Overall, a book I enjoyed and would recommend, particularly for people looking for coming of age type stories with a romantic subplot. Yes, subplot! Steven's personal coming of age journey is the main focus of this story, and while there is a HFN ending, I would not classify this book as a romance, but more as NA queer lit.
***sorry for the repost, I had typos to fix!***
Read
July 5, 2019Hurrah! I enjoyed this very much. I don’t want to make sweeping generalisations about the genre (genrelisations?) but if we accept m/m is a complicated spectrum of voices and agendas and presumed/preferred audiences … this felt consciously queer to me. And, yes, I’m aware this is an arbitrary and entirely subjective judgement.
It’s a coming-of-age story set in … um … somewhere in America … um … Seattle in the 90s? Omg, I’m rubbish. We follow our hero Steven as he grows from aimless party boy to a young man who has decided the sort of life he wants to live. As you can probably tell from my attempt to summarise the plot, most of the action is internal and emotional, but it broadly works. I mean, I could have done with slightly less “Steven talking to everyone about the same things over and over again” but I was sufficiently invested in him as a character that the occasional pace-slowing conversation didn’t trouble me too much.
Steven’s two main relationships are with John, an older man he has as crush on, and Adrian, his fabulous but bad-for-him best friend. Adrian is, well, we’ve all met this character, a few times in life, repeatedly in fiction: beautiful, stylish, shallow, promiscuous, cruel, wounded. Steven starts the book entangled with him, entranced and frustrated, at least half in love with him, while knowing deep down that Adrian will never be with him the way he wants. I feel kind of ambivalent about Adrian. I found him a more successful depiction of someone I was supposed to be attracted to than Mark Winters in The Lessons but I never felt as if I had any direct access to whatever it was that drew Steven to him beyond the generic appeal of someone who is like that. Basically it was like Steven was responding to a fictional archetype he understood to be tempting rather than something specific about Adrian. I mean, possibly that was the point but, in my experience, when we do get tangled up with someone bewitching but destructive it’s highly personal. Otherwise we’d get out of there much more quickly.
I was braced for Adriaan to die horribly at some point because characters like Aidan always die … but (spoiler) he didn’t! In fact, I found the novel generally balanced in its portrayal of queer life and choices. Drug-taking and partying and having casual sex is bad for Steven in the long-term because it interferes with what he wants to with his life and stops making him happy, but I never got the sense that was part of a broader commentary on the lifestyle. It wasn’t that buckling down, getting a degree and going steady with John was better per se. More that, as Steven figured out his life, it became what he wanted.
In fact, Steven has quite a lot of casual sex and, while sex with someone you love is portrayed as demonstrably different to sex with someone you don’t, I liked that casual sex had a place in the book. And while it wasn’t always completely healthy (like when Steven fucks Adrian in the first chapter) it never crossed the line into bad, abusive or wrong. There’s even some fulfilling friendsex in the middle that is good for both parties. This is actually pretty rare in romance and while it may cross the NOPE line for some readers … I appreciated it very much. Sex is many things. Can be about many things. I personally don’t like the idea that the only valid sex is love-of-life-HEA-sex.
As for the romance … it was … fine. It was nice. Gently kinky, which was a touch surprising since Steven-is-a-bit-of-a-sub kind of emerges slightly untethered towards the middle of the book. But the romance isn’t really the focus here. And mostly that’s okay—except John is a very distant figure sometimes. Their ‘big misunderstanding’ such as it is involves John not phoning Steven because of some shit he’s got going on in his head about not being ready for a potentially complicated relationship with a younger man. And this leads to them spending literally months apart and only gets explained via direct dialogue—which was both understandable, as a natural consequence of limited third person narration, and emotionally unsatisfying to me.
A Charming Man is a bit ragged in places—I wish the pacing was tighter, I’d have liked more emotional depth to Adrian and more access to John. But I loved the sense of place and time—I was teeny-tiny when this book is set, and I’ve never been to Seattle, so I have no idea if it’s authentic or not. But it felt like it had been written with love. Much like the book as a whole: queer and compassionate and unique in many ways.
PS – isn’t this cover pretty? Also A+ Smiths reference.
It’s a coming-of-age story set in … um … somewhere in America … um … Seattle in the 90s? Omg, I’m rubbish. We follow our hero Steven as he grows from aimless party boy to a young man who has decided the sort of life he wants to live. As you can probably tell from my attempt to summarise the plot, most of the action is internal and emotional, but it broadly works. I mean, I could have done with slightly less “Steven talking to everyone about the same things over and over again” but I was sufficiently invested in him as a character that the occasional pace-slowing conversation didn’t trouble me too much.
Steven’s two main relationships are with John, an older man he has as crush on, and Adrian, his fabulous but bad-for-him best friend. Adrian is, well, we’ve all met this character, a few times in life, repeatedly in fiction: beautiful, stylish, shallow, promiscuous, cruel, wounded. Steven starts the book entangled with him, entranced and frustrated, at least half in love with him, while knowing deep down that Adrian will never be with him the way he wants. I feel kind of ambivalent about Adrian. I found him a more successful depiction of someone I was supposed to be attracted to than Mark Winters in The Lessons but I never felt as if I had any direct access to whatever it was that drew Steven to him beyond the generic appeal of someone who is like that. Basically it was like Steven was responding to a fictional archetype he understood to be tempting rather than something specific about Adrian. I mean, possibly that was the point but, in my experience, when we do get tangled up with someone bewitching but destructive it’s highly personal. Otherwise we’d get out of there much more quickly.
I was braced for Adriaan to die horribly at some point because characters like Aidan always die … but (spoiler) he didn’t! In fact, I found the novel generally balanced in its portrayal of queer life and choices. Drug-taking and partying and having casual sex is bad for Steven in the long-term because it interferes with what he wants to with his life and stops making him happy, but I never got the sense that was part of a broader commentary on the lifestyle. It wasn’t that buckling down, getting a degree and going steady with John was better per se. More that, as Steven figured out his life, it became what he wanted.
In fact, Steven has quite a lot of casual sex and, while sex with someone you love is portrayed as demonstrably different to sex with someone you don’t, I liked that casual sex had a place in the book. And while it wasn’t always completely healthy (like when Steven fucks Adrian in the first chapter) it never crossed the line into bad, abusive or wrong. There’s even some fulfilling friendsex in the middle that is good for both parties. This is actually pretty rare in romance and while it may cross the NOPE line for some readers … I appreciated it very much. Sex is many things. Can be about many things. I personally don’t like the idea that the only valid sex is love-of-life-HEA-sex.
As for the romance … it was … fine. It was nice. Gently kinky, which was a touch surprising since Steven-is-a-bit-of-a-sub kind of emerges slightly untethered towards the middle of the book. But the romance isn’t really the focus here. And mostly that’s okay—except John is a very distant figure sometimes. Their ‘big misunderstanding’ such as it is involves John not phoning Steven because of some shit he’s got going on in his head about not being ready for a potentially complicated relationship with a younger man. And this leads to them spending literally months apart and only gets explained via direct dialogue—which was both understandable, as a natural consequence of limited third person narration, and emotionally unsatisfying to me.
A Charming Man is a bit ragged in places—I wish the pacing was tighter, I’d have liked more emotional depth to Adrian and more access to John. But I loved the sense of place and time—I was teeny-tiny when this book is set, and I’ve never been to Seattle, so I have no idea if it’s authentic or not. But it felt like it had been written with love. Much like the book as a whole: queer and compassionate and unique in many ways.
PS – isn’t this cover pretty? Also A+ Smiths reference.
September 24, 2016
Bueno, esta valoración me resulta muy difícil, porque me ha gustado mucho el estilo de la escritora, pero me he quedado con la sensación de que ha sido muy largo el viaje sólo para ver cómo Steven agarra coraje y hace lo que tiene que hacer.
¿Pérdida de tiempo? Para nada, se lee muy fluido y mi atención ha conseguido mantenerla, pero siento que se ha desperdiciado una buena oportunidad de hacer algo interesante, la primera parte con Steven y Adrian ha estado muy bien, su estilo de vida, sus relaciones, ahí había un punto de partida genial para llevar toda la trama por otros derroteros, una pena que todo se vea desdibujado en favor de un rollo pseudo Paulo Coelho (lo siento, cada vez que oigo hablar del universo conspirando y cosas así, me acuerdo de él xD) que nos lleva a un HEA con el objeto de deseo de Steven. He echado de menos algo de angst que moviera más la historia, y viniendo de mi, imaginaos.
Buenos secundarios que me animan a continuar con la serie y buenas escenas de sexo, cuando por fin culmina con John ha sido muy erótico, pero claro, lleva calentando el tema 3/4 de libro, así que no podía ser menos, jajajajajajajaja
No sé si recomendarlo o no, veo muy buenas valoraciones, así que, diría que sí, porque probablemente, una vez más seré yo y no el libro.
¿Pérdida de tiempo? Para nada, se lee muy fluido y mi atención ha conseguido mantenerla, pero siento que se ha desperdiciado una buena oportunidad de hacer algo interesante, la primera parte con Steven y Adrian ha estado muy bien, su estilo de vida, sus relaciones, ahí había un punto de partida genial para llevar toda la trama por otros derroteros, una pena que todo se vea desdibujado en favor de un rollo pseudo Paulo Coelho (lo siento, cada vez que oigo hablar del universo conspirando y cosas así, me acuerdo de él xD) que nos lleva a un HEA con el objeto de deseo de Steven. He echado de menos algo de angst que moviera más la historia, y viniendo de mi, imaginaos.
Buenos secundarios que me animan a continuar con la serie y buenas escenas de sexo, cuando por fin culmina con John ha sido muy erótico, pero claro, lleva calentando el tema 3/4 de libro, así que no podía ser menos, jajajajajajajaja
No sé si recomendarlo o no, veo muy buenas valoraciones, así que, diría que sí, porque probablemente, una vez más seré yo y no el libro.
February 3, 2016
4.5 stars
Fantastic read to start the New Year!! This didn't read like a typical book romance, but more like a real-life romance of a guy in his 20s. Steven and John just meet in brief spurts over a one-year period but this is a good thing as Steven needed time to develop on his own before starting a relationship with the older, more successful man. Steven was a wonderful, believable character. He was passionate about his school work and computers in general, but also loved languages. He also spent the year developing good relationships with true friends after breaking off his more toxic friendship. I loved watching this development because it made it so much easier to believe that John would have loved Steven and that they would truly have their HEA.
Fantastic read to start the New Year!! This didn't read like a typical book romance, but more like a real-life romance of a guy in his 20s. Steven and John just meet in brief spurts over a one-year period but this is a good thing as Steven needed time to develop on his own before starting a relationship with the older, more successful man. Steven was a wonderful, believable character. He was passionate about his school work and computers in general, but also loved languages. He also spent the year developing good relationships with true friends after breaking off his more toxic friendship. I loved watching this development because it made it so much easier to believe that John would have loved Steven and that they would truly have their HEA.
February 11, 2016
A lovely, very slow burn romance that is all about growth and character, full of the flavor of gay life in Seattle in the 1990s.
Steven begins the book as a student who has found a course of study he enjoys, but still spends more time out partying, hooking up and doing drugs than homework. He has a fairly toxic relationship with his narcissistic best friend Adrian. Steven's the kind of guy who yearns for more connection, a lover not just a fuck buddy, but he's been willing to settle for whatever he can get from Adrian - moments of conversation, casual sex when no one more interesting shows up, a superficial interest that is very self-involved, and lip service to how close they are.
Steven meets an older man, John, who shows an adult, mature interest in his ideas. And maybe in the rest of him? It's a subtle kind of attraction, but even imagining being with John gives Steven a dream of something better and more sustaining than poppers and coke and anonymous sex. There are just two problems. First, he's not sure if John really has any interest in him beyond politeness. And second, he has to figure out a way to move forward from his current life, hopefully without losing his friendship with Adrian.
There isn't much drama here, just a slowly developing young man finding himself, amid an array of interesting secondary characters. This book feels real - there are elements that are less the prettied-up style of M/M romance, and more the messiness of real life. There is casual drug use, sex as comfort and entertainment, and a guy who lacks self-confidence and should listen to his (good) friends more. It does become more romance as the story winds toward a satisfying ending.
Steven begins the book as a student who has found a course of study he enjoys, but still spends more time out partying, hooking up and doing drugs than homework. He has a fairly toxic relationship with his narcissistic best friend Adrian. Steven's the kind of guy who yearns for more connection, a lover not just a fuck buddy, but he's been willing to settle for whatever he can get from Adrian - moments of conversation, casual sex when no one more interesting shows up, a superficial interest that is very self-involved, and lip service to how close they are.
Steven meets an older man, John, who shows an adult, mature interest in his ideas. And maybe in the rest of him? It's a subtle kind of attraction, but even imagining being with John gives Steven a dream of something better and more sustaining than poppers and coke and anonymous sex. There are just two problems. First, he's not sure if John really has any interest in him beyond politeness. And second, he has to figure out a way to move forward from his current life, hopefully without losing his friendship with Adrian.
There isn't much drama here, just a slowly developing young man finding himself, amid an array of interesting secondary characters. This book feels real - there are elements that are less the prettied-up style of M/M romance, and more the messiness of real life. There is casual drug use, sex as comfort and entertainment, and a guy who lacks self-confidence and should listen to his (good) friends more. It does become more romance as the story winds toward a satisfying ending.
November 9, 2014
This charming book is chock full of interesting, lovable, and, at times, hate-able characters. First is Steven, the narrator and main protag, who has come to adulthood but hasn't really found his footing as an adult. For the past five years he's been happily lost in that place familiar to most readers--somewhere between dependant adolescence and independent adulthood. Sure, he's not living at home with his parents, but he's holding a retail job during the day and clubbing the night away with his fascinating-but-cruel best friend, Adrian, most nights. He's a typical Gen-Xer in that way, delaying adulthood and responsibilities, and prolonging the time between. Which, huh, speaking of Gen-Xers, he is one, since this story is set in 1991. And that realization has given me a whole new spin/outlook on Steven. Basically, if you're familiar with that Portlandia song "The Dream of the 90's is alive in Portland"? Well, that's the dream of the Gen-Xers, man, and Steven's living the dream. [reference: http://youtu.be/TZt-pOc3moc]
But somewhere beneath his shiny, glittering night club life, he's tiring of it all and he's growing up, wanting to find something meaningful in his life, something beyond coffee shops, bumps of coke, and his retail job at a fashionable clothing shop. He's wanting a career, a life, a true love, a home. And yet his current situation keeps sucking him back. It's easy to stay the same and hard to change--especially when his best friend, whom Steven is half in love with, seems very invested in keeping him stunted.
Speaking of Adrian, he is a scene-stealer in the best way. He's horrible and yet so compelling. If any reader has made it to adulthood without knowing (and being compelled by) someone like Adrian then you're a lucky dog. I've certainly known enough Adrians in my time to feel both drawn to his flame and an intense world-weary disgust with him. It's easy to see how he's manipulated Steven into being his emotional prop through the last five years, and how Steven has been his eager toy.
Enter Steven's motivation to change. One John Pieters, a charming older man (think Baby Boomer to Steven's Gen-X) who has life experience and drive. He's suffered through the 1980s horror of AIDS and clings with tight loyalty to his friends, demonstrating the kind of connection with his self-made family that Steven yearns for and doesn't get with Adrian. He's an adult in a way that Steven finds inspiring, arousing, and intimidating. Steven knows that a charming, handsome, older man must look at him and just see a wasteful club kid with nothing going for him.
While Steven does keep John in his mind as a motivator for the life changes he makes in the wake of meeting the man, it's clear that Steven's metamorphosis, his true coming-of-age, comes from within. John is the carrot that drives him, like a fantasy or a dream, but something so unattainable at first that it's only as Steven begins the process of changing that he realizes that maybe it's not so unattainable after all. At first his metamorphosis is about wanting to be the kind of man John would notice, but it isn't long before the satisfaction of change motivates him on its own.
I don't want to spoil too much, and a lot of the wonderfulness of this story is in the details and the way that Steven's character (and every character of the book) is so relatable and yet so identifiable as being tied to the time (1990s) and place (Seattle). You'll love Steven and want better for him, like a mother hen ghost, silently following him as a reader and rooting for him to make better choices and then cheering when he finally does.
Speaking of Seattle, the city during the 1990s is beautifully captured here and comes alive in the reader's mind. While I was not in Seattle in the 1990s, myself, I've been given to understand from other readers that the scenes and places discussed are real and recognizable to people who were there.
This Charming Man is a charming, lovely read. There are no difficult hoops to jump through to get into the book. The writing itself is sharp and straightforward. I've read it twice and loved it both times, and both times found a deeper connection to the story and the characters.
I think Gen-Xers will especially identify with this story but it's a great read for all lovers of gay fiction.
But somewhere beneath his shiny, glittering night club life, he's tiring of it all and he's growing up, wanting to find something meaningful in his life, something beyond coffee shops, bumps of coke, and his retail job at a fashionable clothing shop. He's wanting a career, a life, a true love, a home. And yet his current situation keeps sucking him back. It's easy to stay the same and hard to change--especially when his best friend, whom Steven is half in love with, seems very invested in keeping him stunted.
Speaking of Adrian, he is a scene-stealer in the best way. He's horrible and yet so compelling. If any reader has made it to adulthood without knowing (and being compelled by) someone like Adrian then you're a lucky dog. I've certainly known enough Adrians in my time to feel both drawn to his flame and an intense world-weary disgust with him. It's easy to see how he's manipulated Steven into being his emotional prop through the last five years, and how Steven has been his eager toy.
Enter Steven's motivation to change. One John Pieters, a charming older man (think Baby Boomer to Steven's Gen-X) who has life experience and drive. He's suffered through the 1980s horror of AIDS and clings with tight loyalty to his friends, demonstrating the kind of connection with his self-made family that Steven yearns for and doesn't get with Adrian. He's an adult in a way that Steven finds inspiring, arousing, and intimidating. Steven knows that a charming, handsome, older man must look at him and just see a wasteful club kid with nothing going for him.
While Steven does keep John in his mind as a motivator for the life changes he makes in the wake of meeting the man, it's clear that Steven's metamorphosis, his true coming-of-age, comes from within. John is the carrot that drives him, like a fantasy or a dream, but something so unattainable at first that it's only as Steven begins the process of changing that he realizes that maybe it's not so unattainable after all. At first his metamorphosis is about wanting to be the kind of man John would notice, but it isn't long before the satisfaction of change motivates him on its own.
I don't want to spoil too much, and a lot of the wonderfulness of this story is in the details and the way that Steven's character (and every character of the book) is so relatable and yet so identifiable as being tied to the time (1990s) and place (Seattle). You'll love Steven and want better for him, like a mother hen ghost, silently following him as a reader and rooting for him to make better choices and then cheering when he finally does.
Speaking of Seattle, the city during the 1990s is beautifully captured here and comes alive in the reader's mind. While I was not in Seattle in the 1990s, myself, I've been given to understand from other readers that the scenes and places discussed are real and recognizable to people who were there.
This Charming Man is a charming, lovely read. There are no difficult hoops to jump through to get into the book. The writing itself is sharp and straightforward. I've read it twice and loved it both times, and both times found a deeper connection to the story and the characters.
I think Gen-Xers will especially identify with this story but it's a great read for all lovers of gay fiction.
December 16, 2014
This Charming Man is about Steven’s battle against self-sabotage. He decides to stay away from drugs and destructive people not only to achieve something in life, but also to impress John. Don’t let the blurb fool you - this is not a romance. And the lack of chemistry between the MCs is proof of that.
This story could have been told in less than 300 pages. I was tempted to skip whole chapters because nothing ever happens. Steven’s life is uneventful. His friends are boring. John flirts with Steven sometimes, but there’s no sexual tension. When they finally kissed, (!), I was dozing off… I wouldn’t recommend this book and I have no interest in the rest of the series.
*ARC provided by Jugum Press via NetGalley.*
Want to read
April 29, 2018Today is author Ajax Bell's birthday. Per author: ALL of my books for FREE, my birthday gift to you! If you're inclined, a brief review on Amz or GR would be a welcome present for me. (Please share this gift with everyone you know!)
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00P5DE0KI
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00P5DE0KI
September 2, 2023
A person who was 25 in 1991 would be 52 in 2018. Wild how stories set in the 90s are historical fiction.
Anyway, this is amazing. One of the best slow burn stories I've ever read. The chemistry between Steven and John is beyond off the charts. The simple conversations between them were hotter than some sex scenes I've read.
But mostly, this is a book about personal growth. Steven's journey is really satisfying to watch and see him grow. He learns a lot and changes, but you can tell there was always that goodness inside him. People who prefer to see their romance leads get together early and stay that way, won't like this. Steven has several sexual partners throughout the book, but I at least, felt like they were all part of his journey.
Highly recommend.
Reread June 2023
Still so good, still highly recommend.
Anyway, this is amazing. One of the best slow burn stories I've ever read. The chemistry between Steven and John is beyond off the charts. The simple conversations between them were hotter than some sex scenes I've read.
But mostly, this is a book about personal growth. Steven's journey is really satisfying to watch and see him grow. He learns a lot and changes, but you can tell there was always that goodness inside him. People who prefer to see their romance leads get together early and stay that way, won't like this. Steven has several sexual partners throughout the book, but I at least, felt like they were all part of his journey.
Highly recommend.
Reread June 2023
Still so good, still highly recommend.
July 28, 2016
DNF'd at 81% I tried, I really did. But by 40% I knew it wasn't for me, at 60% I rationalized I had come this far & by 80% I just wasn't interested enough to see it through.
November 26, 2014
This Charming Man, Queen City Boys, Book One, Ajax Bell
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Gay and Lesbian, Romance
This isn’t a typical romance, the A meets B type, where they fall in love, something bad happens, cue sadness and then – hurrah, all’s resolved. No, its more a voyage of self discovery, with a possible romance emerging along the way.
Its set back in 1991 where the world was a different place. Steven is a likeable boy/man? I’m not sure how old he is, he’s a student but has taken time out before getting back into education. I think somewhere it mentions he’s 25, and that feels about right. In some ways he’s naive, he has a kind of innocence about him, a goodness that draws in people. Adrian seems to feel a need to protect him, and that’s how they first met, since then they’ve been best friends for the last six years. They share a flat with another gay man, Ryan. Adrian and Steven are typical Gay club princes, with Adrian making all the decisions, what they wear, where and when they go, and who they meet. It seems like Steven is there for a back up for Adrian, for a contrast in decor, a dark clothes dresser to make Adrian stand out all the brighter. He tells Steven it’s them against the world, and yet...once they’re out he drops him at will when someone who interests him comes along, coming back when he’s short of company. If anyone shows an interest in Steven though he subtly interferes, bringing Steven back close to him before anything can develop. He's a strange man, in many ways a real stereotype bitch queen guy. There’s a fragile brittleness about him, no-one seems to know about his background, or even what he does for money. He takes casual, low paid jobs, then leaves for the next and yet he’s never short on funds, and he’s generous with his clothes and his drugs to Steven.
Slowly he’s taken over Steven’s life, but recently he’s claimed some of it back, he’s now studying hard again, found a subject he loves and that interests him, computer science. Its an interesting choice, because looking back its just at the time when the Net was emerging, and PCs becoming used more in everyday life. Its hard to imagine now a life where everyone didn’t have pc’s, tablets, mobile phones, where we had to go to libraries for information, where records were on paper files, where for contact we had to write or phone people – its like a different world, and yet its only a couple of decades back....then out one night they bump into John in a club, and Steven is really, really attracted. Doesn't seem like John’s interested though, and he and Adrian carry on the same way for a while, clubbing, doing drugs, and keeping odd hours, but their lives keep on crossing, and Steven falls more and more heavily for him. Is John flirting with him though or is that just polite conversation? John’s older too, a successful businessman, and Steven wonders why he’d be interested in him, when with his looks and money he could have anyone. Poor Steven, in that way he’s not confident, and I can’t help wondering if much of that is the insidious messages he’s had from Adrian, that they need each other, that no-one else really understands them. Through work and school though Steven gradually acquires other friends. Those that know Adrian don’t like him, and he doesn’t like them – wondering if they’ll take Steven away maybe? Adrian is on the surface a nasty person, vindictive, cruel, bitchy and yet I wonder what’s beneath it – he’s one of those puzzles that make me wonder what he’s hiding under this exterior?
Slowly the meetings between John and Steven get more frequent, accidently most of the while, but Steven is still quiet, looking for clues and deconstructing every word John said once he’s left. His graduation is approaching, and he’s got to work out what will happen next, and whether he ought to do something drastic – for him anyway – and actually ask John out. His friends are encouraging but...poor Steven, I understood how he felt, that’s a huge step for him, what if John says no? Then all his dreams will be shattered, and by now months have passed, and he’s built an imaginary happy ever after for them. Should he take the plunge – or not....?
I have to say a word about the graduation party and Steven’s aunt – that made me laugh, I could just imagine Stevens’ horror at hearing that – brain bleach time...seems no one likes to think of older relatives having sex!
Stars: Five, a great read, one to savour and enjoy, to think about what’s happening and not rush through, but it’s not one I’d re read I think.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Gay and Lesbian, Romance
This isn’t a typical romance, the A meets B type, where they fall in love, something bad happens, cue sadness and then – hurrah, all’s resolved. No, its more a voyage of self discovery, with a possible romance emerging along the way.
Its set back in 1991 where the world was a different place. Steven is a likeable boy/man? I’m not sure how old he is, he’s a student but has taken time out before getting back into education. I think somewhere it mentions he’s 25, and that feels about right. In some ways he’s naive, he has a kind of innocence about him, a goodness that draws in people. Adrian seems to feel a need to protect him, and that’s how they first met, since then they’ve been best friends for the last six years. They share a flat with another gay man, Ryan. Adrian and Steven are typical Gay club princes, with Adrian making all the decisions, what they wear, where and when they go, and who they meet. It seems like Steven is there for a back up for Adrian, for a contrast in decor, a dark clothes dresser to make Adrian stand out all the brighter. He tells Steven it’s them against the world, and yet...once they’re out he drops him at will when someone who interests him comes along, coming back when he’s short of company. If anyone shows an interest in Steven though he subtly interferes, bringing Steven back close to him before anything can develop. He's a strange man, in many ways a real stereotype bitch queen guy. There’s a fragile brittleness about him, no-one seems to know about his background, or even what he does for money. He takes casual, low paid jobs, then leaves for the next and yet he’s never short on funds, and he’s generous with his clothes and his drugs to Steven.
Slowly he’s taken over Steven’s life, but recently he’s claimed some of it back, he’s now studying hard again, found a subject he loves and that interests him, computer science. Its an interesting choice, because looking back its just at the time when the Net was emerging, and PCs becoming used more in everyday life. Its hard to imagine now a life where everyone didn’t have pc’s, tablets, mobile phones, where we had to go to libraries for information, where records were on paper files, where for contact we had to write or phone people – its like a different world, and yet its only a couple of decades back....then out one night they bump into John in a club, and Steven is really, really attracted. Doesn't seem like John’s interested though, and he and Adrian carry on the same way for a while, clubbing, doing drugs, and keeping odd hours, but their lives keep on crossing, and Steven falls more and more heavily for him. Is John flirting with him though or is that just polite conversation? John’s older too, a successful businessman, and Steven wonders why he’d be interested in him, when with his looks and money he could have anyone. Poor Steven, in that way he’s not confident, and I can’t help wondering if much of that is the insidious messages he’s had from Adrian, that they need each other, that no-one else really understands them. Through work and school though Steven gradually acquires other friends. Those that know Adrian don’t like him, and he doesn’t like them – wondering if they’ll take Steven away maybe? Adrian is on the surface a nasty person, vindictive, cruel, bitchy and yet I wonder what’s beneath it – he’s one of those puzzles that make me wonder what he’s hiding under this exterior?
Slowly the meetings between John and Steven get more frequent, accidently most of the while, but Steven is still quiet, looking for clues and deconstructing every word John said once he’s left. His graduation is approaching, and he’s got to work out what will happen next, and whether he ought to do something drastic – for him anyway – and actually ask John out. His friends are encouraging but...poor Steven, I understood how he felt, that’s a huge step for him, what if John says no? Then all his dreams will be shattered, and by now months have passed, and he’s built an imaginary happy ever after for them. Should he take the plunge – or not....?
I have to say a word about the graduation party and Steven’s aunt – that made me laugh, I could just imagine Stevens’ horror at hearing that – brain bleach time...seems no one likes to think of older relatives having sex!
Stars: Five, a great read, one to savour and enjoy, to think about what’s happening and not rush through, but it’s not one I’d re read I think.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
January 1, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
What a really captivating book with many captivating characters. The book is broken into three parts and at times reads almost as three connecting stories as Steven changes and grows throughout his journey. And, that’s what this is, Steven’s journey. We first meet him high and taking drugs from strangers in a club restroom. I will easily admit that public restroom sex is one of my least favorite venues to read about. But, Bell sets the scene of the relationship between Adrian and Steven, the club, the drugs, the music, and the early 1990s, so that the setting in this case becomes secondary to the interaction taking place.
Adrian is beautiful, broken, and narcissistic and we do not get to learn nearly enough about him. He is that guy that depends on people for what they can give him and, after years of friendship, is incredibly cruel to Steven. After Steven meets John, a series of events has Steven finally seeing thorough Adrian and, although Steven is 25, this becomes his coming of age story.
This story is a slow build and a slow burn with the relationship between Steven and John. That’s not to say that a lot is not going on with Steven. We see people leave Steven’s life and others come in to it and we see him try to get his life on a track that he wants. This is not a typical romance as Steven and John only encounter each other at various times throughout the book, but the longing that Steven has for John is ever present. When we do see them together they flirt with that cryptic banter as they just click, but are not sure of how the other truly feels. There were times that the movement of the story line did slow down towards the middle, but once it picks up pace again it is addictive to see what happens to Steven next. And, when Steven and John do get together, the payoff is so worth it (so very worth it) as the guys are on fire together with so much of the emotion behind it.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
What a really captivating book with many captivating characters. The book is broken into three parts and at times reads almost as three connecting stories as Steven changes and grows throughout his journey. And, that’s what this is, Steven’s journey. We first meet him high and taking drugs from strangers in a club restroom. I will easily admit that public restroom sex is one of my least favorite venues to read about. But, Bell sets the scene of the relationship between Adrian and Steven, the club, the drugs, the music, and the early 1990s, so that the setting in this case becomes secondary to the interaction taking place.
Adrian is beautiful, broken, and narcissistic and we do not get to learn nearly enough about him. He is that guy that depends on people for what they can give him and, after years of friendship, is incredibly cruel to Steven. After Steven meets John, a series of events has Steven finally seeing thorough Adrian and, although Steven is 25, this becomes his coming of age story.
This story is a slow build and a slow burn with the relationship between Steven and John. That’s not to say that a lot is not going on with Steven. We see people leave Steven’s life and others come in to it and we see him try to get his life on a track that he wants. This is not a typical romance as Steven and John only encounter each other at various times throughout the book, but the longing that Steven has for John is ever present. When we do see them together they flirt with that cryptic banter as they just click, but are not sure of how the other truly feels. There were times that the movement of the story line did slow down towards the middle, but once it picks up pace again it is addictive to see what happens to Steven next. And, when Steven and John do get together, the payoff is so worth it (so very worth it) as the guys are on fire together with so much of the emotion behind it.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
August 5, 2018
I’ve had this charming book on my kindle for a whole year, I don’t know why I didn’t I read it sooner! Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. I loved it! For me, the long, slow build from meeting to friendship to love was very satisfying. This is definitely one that I could go to again as a comfort read, it was soft and sweet with enough edge to avoid being saccharine or fluffy.
November 9, 2014
To say this was a slow burn was an understatement. It was the slowest of the slow ... but by god was it good! The passion and tension built up perfectly throughout the book. It wasn't what I expected, much more about self discovery and building a solid foundation for yourself in love.
Really enjoyed it - full of slow-burn satisfaction :)
Really enjoyed it - full of slow-burn satisfaction :)
November 24, 2014
Well this was delightful! I loved Steven and his journey into adulthood. The angst wasn't over the top and didn't feel contrived and while this is the slowest burn to ever burn, I loved it because it allowed Steven to become a better, more whole person while standing on his own two feet. Can't wait for the next book! I'm hoping for Adrian but would love Ryan just as much.
December 18, 2014
Fantastic. I loved the slow burn on this one. Anticipation is everything, just like my review, which I will write once I have a spare moment. But seriously, fantastic. I can't wait to read more. Like, maybe Marcus needs his story? Or.....?
January 10, 2015
1.5 stars
I just can't. Honestly, I already wanted to put this down at 15% and go on with another book. But since I requested this title on netgalley and the publisher approved it. I don't wanna be rude by not finishing it and I can't just review it as it is. Because I never rate and review DNFed books.
"Do you believe in love at first sight?"
"Why? Did you fall in love with John when you first saw him? Or did you wait until you heard him speak French?"
"What? No. Ridiculous. I'm wondering if he fell in love with me. At first sight."
Our hero, Steven Frazier is a 25-year-old college student who acts like a 9-year-old girl whenever his crush is around. His infatuation over John throughout the book is seriously killing me. This may seem harsh but it made me want to punch him right in his face just to make him stop. I can't stand seeing this adult character does teenage stuff. Fantasizing John all day and night long and having this freaking huge crush problem which is I'm-just-me-and-he's-perfect thing. Please, stop doing that. It's not helping.
The slow burn romance is poorly handled. It is very unrealistic with the characters; John who is 44 and obviously old enough not to make the flirting and teasing long and of course, Steven who loves to hook up even with his friends. Urgh.
Everything is almost voice out, with them always talking that no one will seem to care about. Especially if there's no development to the conversation. And the other characters giving Steven the same advice all over again. That's tiresome, actually.
Lastly, it bothers me that being high or hooking up with your friends in the story delivered in a manner that it is okay and acceptable. I'm badly waiting for their realization that the things they did in the past were mistakes. But the story ends with them just laughing it off. What? No, I can't accept that. Not recommended at all.
Review is also available at TheBookishOgre
I just can't. Honestly, I already wanted to put this down at 15% and go on with another book. But since I requested this title on netgalley and the publisher approved it. I don't wanna be rude by not finishing it and I can't just review it as it is. Because I never rate and review DNFed books.
"Do you believe in love at first sight?"
"Why? Did you fall in love with John when you first saw him? Or did you wait until you heard him speak French?"
"What? No. Ridiculous. I'm wondering if he fell in love with me. At first sight."
Our hero, Steven Frazier is a 25-year-old college student who acts like a 9-year-old girl whenever his crush is around. His infatuation over John throughout the book is seriously killing me. This may seem harsh but it made me want to punch him right in his face just to make him stop. I can't stand seeing this adult character does teenage stuff. Fantasizing John all day and night long and having this freaking huge crush problem which is I'm-just-me-and-he's-perfect thing. Please, stop doing that. It's not helping.
The slow burn romance is poorly handled. It is very unrealistic with the characters; John who is 44 and obviously old enough not to make the flirting and teasing long and of course, Steven who loves to hook up even with his friends. Urgh.
Everything is almost voice out, with them always talking that no one will seem to care about. Especially if there's no development to the conversation. And the other characters giving Steven the same advice all over again. That's tiresome, actually.
Lastly, it bothers me that being high or hooking up with your friends in the story delivered in a manner that it is okay and acceptable. I'm badly waiting for their realization that the things they did in the past were mistakes. But the story ends with them just laughing it off. What? No, I can't accept that. Not recommended at all.
Review is also available at TheBookishOgre
August 25, 2015
72 of 75 for 2015. Let me state right off the bat that there is graphic male on male sex in this novel. In fact, some of the hottest sex I've read outside of outright pornography is included in the narrative. I must also say that the opening of this novel is so outside my comfort zone, that I almost closed the book and moved on. There is way too much drug and alcohol abuse in the gay community without reading books that seem to glorify that self-destructive activity. All that said, I am so glad I continued reading. Steven Frazier, the protagonist, is a brilliant young man, working his way through the University of Washington's Computer Science program in the early 1990s, but caught up in a relationship where he is always there for his "friend" Adrian, but from which he himself gets little but heartache. The story line leads us through the process of Steven freeing himself from his destructive friends and habits, and learning to value himself while going after what he really wants in life. A good description of gay life in the early 90s, especially with a fine take on that life in Seattle. Anyone who knew the Queen City in those days (already 25 years ago), will recognize landmarks, streets and the people who inhabit them. My advice, if you can deal with graphic sex, hold your nose through the opening of the book and watch Steven grow. I'm glad I did.
December 6, 2014
This book was a delightfully quick read. I honestly couldn't put it down and actually became annoyed when real life got in the way.This book was a flashback to my early teens during the nineties in the PNW. Steven is an appealing protagonist, young, vulnerable and desperately trying to find himself in a sea of drugs, flashy clubs and his manipulative best friend, Adrian. When Steven meets John, an older, attractive and more responsible man, he develops an instant crush. When Adrian becomes jealous, you instantly know all hell will break loose. I found myself desperately wanting Steven to succeed, whether it was in his relationships, his university classes, or his friendships. Will he? The only way to find out is to read this book.
August 8, 2016
3.5 stars.
My thoughts in short: Really, really enjoyed this one! I decided to deduce a star because the book also feature intimate relationships with men other than the real love interest I was very much invested in.
My thoughts in more than two sentences can be found HERE.
My thoughts in short: Really, really enjoyed this one! I decided to deduce a star because the book also feature intimate relationships with men other than the real love interest I was very much invested in.
My thoughts in more than two sentences can be found HERE.
May 18, 2015
I love a good slow burn romance and a nice pining protagonist.
January 6, 2020
3,5 ⭐️
This is the first M/M Erotic Romance I’ve read properly. Being drawn by it for its title while I searched through Amazon’s free books, I’m quite surprised of how much I’ve enjoyed.
Definitely not a masterpiece of writing, but the characters are quite convincing and I could relate to many situations although it’s set in the early 90’s Seattle. The situations I’m talking about are the ones a 20-something gay in a big city come through.
The sex parts, which where new to my reading felt as exciting as I was expecting. In my opinion, the plot took a little long to happen, and I wish John and Steven’s relationship would be more explored. Also the happy-endings is kind of blah, but that’s ok.
Although I liked the characters, you can see why this is no masterpiece as they are too shallow. It seems for me like some parts could’ve been better explored in the characters, especially because it’s not a short book. And often the situations and little conflicts felt repetitive.
To finish, I would for sure indicate this book for anyone wanting to divert from classics and to get a bit of the gay life and its sexy parts.
This is the first M/M Erotic Romance I’ve read properly. Being drawn by it for its title while I searched through Amazon’s free books, I’m quite surprised of how much I’ve enjoyed.
Definitely not a masterpiece of writing, but the characters are quite convincing and I could relate to many situations although it’s set in the early 90’s Seattle. The situations I’m talking about are the ones a 20-something gay in a big city come through.
The sex parts, which where new to my reading felt as exciting as I was expecting. In my opinion, the plot took a little long to happen, and I wish John and Steven’s relationship would be more explored. Also the happy-endings is kind of blah, but that’s ok.
Although I liked the characters, you can see why this is no masterpiece as they are too shallow. It seems for me like some parts could’ve been better explored in the characters, especially because it’s not a short book. And often the situations and little conflicts felt repetitive.
To finish, I would for sure indicate this book for anyone wanting to divert from classics and to get a bit of the gay life and its sexy parts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2015
For the first two-thirds of This Charming Man, I was certain it would be a five star read for me, but then the forward momentum of the drama ground to a halt and I wanted to throw my kindle against the wall. Fortunately, the very end (waaaay too close to the end) things were so wobbly-kneed amazing that I can still say I’m (mostly) satisfied with this book.
This story is set in the Seattle of the early nineties and focuses on one twenty five year old college student, Steven, who’s still caught up in the club kid world – encouraged by his flamboyant toxic fuck buddy, Adrian. To further complicate matters, Adrian also happens to be his roommate and best friend of six years. When Steven spies a devastatingly handsome older man at one of the club hangouts one night, Steven begins fantasizing endlessly about him. A chance meeting at a coffee shop only further fuels this attraction.
His mysterious crush, John, just happens to have hired his other close friend, Lisa. A bit too convenient, but I ran with it. Since the entire book is told only through Steven’s POV, a lot of info about John is parceled out in agonizingly slow bits. But overall, the feeling is that John is this suave, sophisticated, successful man. Both he and Steven speak French. They appreciate classic films and theatre. Steven is rather geeky smart and John appears to appreciate his intelligence. There’s such a great chemistry between these two, with teasing and double entendre. But therein was my biggest problem with this book.
Every time I thought something would happen between these two, finally happen, things would just sort of drift off. His friend Adrian, high and we can only assume, jealous - embarrasses the hell out of Steven by saying some horrible things to John about Steven. That ends the relationship between Adrian and Steven, and seemingly does with John as well. This is where things really took a left turn for me.
As beautifully written and at times laugh-out-loud funny as this book was, the whole (long) section of Steven’s devastation of losing John and Adrian and trying to pull himself up by his boot straps went on way too long for me. It was incredibly frustrating as a reader. It was great that Steven learned from his mistakes and soldiered on to make a better life for himself (in his mind then becoming better for John – which - I wanted, but yet – shouldn’t he have been doing it just for himself?) Steven told every single person he met from that moment on (and there were a lot of them) what had happened with him and Adrian, and conversely, with John. I also need to mention here the constant casual hook-ups that Steven had. They were a realistic addition to this story and it would’ve been laughable not to include them – these were young hot gay men hooking up at clubs – gonna happen. But for those readers who are uncomfortable with that - be warned. I wouldn’t have had a problem with it except for the fact that Steven had several sexual encounters in the book, but only two were with John at the very end.
Throughout the story, both before and after the ‘Adrian’ incident, there would be these incredibly detailed scenes of a non-date get together between Steven and John, with long conversations about their histories, likes, dislikes, computer science and God knows what else - I swear I thought I was going on these dates with them in real time. Again – great characters, great chemistry, but for me personally, it all took forever. On the plus side, when they do get together, it’s explosive and emotional and knee-weakening. Everything’s explained – the reasons for the waiting (took a year before – yes, a year – before they confessed all and even kissed for the first time), the reasons for the misunderstandings, etc.
The sex and emotion between these two was off the charts hot and incredible – which makes me so much more frustrated! I could’ve used half the book like this – not the last ten percent. We’re left with an HFN and if this book doesn’t have a sequel, I’ll have a meltdown. There was too much talk of making us all wait for ninety percent of the book and a year to find out the issues that John had about getting with Steven - only to never find out if the issues are worked out so that they get an HEA. Nope. Not good enough. Just sayin’.
This is difficult to rate for me because so much of it was so brilliantly written. There was hunor, genuine emotion and realism. I felt like I was there, the characters were clearly and well-drawn, there were great side characters (perhaps a few too many which slowed the pace in some sections) and I was rooting for Steven and John to get together. But I had to root too hard, it all went on too frustratingly long. Once I got what I wanted, it ended too soon. So unfortunately, as much as I thought this was going to be a 5 lizard claw read, I can only give it 4. Hopefully, we’ll see what happens to Steven and John next. Can I at least get an ‘I love you’ after all that angst?
Reviewed by Michele for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
This story is set in the Seattle of the early nineties and focuses on one twenty five year old college student, Steven, who’s still caught up in the club kid world – encouraged by his flamboyant toxic fuck buddy, Adrian. To further complicate matters, Adrian also happens to be his roommate and best friend of six years. When Steven spies a devastatingly handsome older man at one of the club hangouts one night, Steven begins fantasizing endlessly about him. A chance meeting at a coffee shop only further fuels this attraction.
His mysterious crush, John, just happens to have hired his other close friend, Lisa. A bit too convenient, but I ran with it. Since the entire book is told only through Steven’s POV, a lot of info about John is parceled out in agonizingly slow bits. But overall, the feeling is that John is this suave, sophisticated, successful man. Both he and Steven speak French. They appreciate classic films and theatre. Steven is rather geeky smart and John appears to appreciate his intelligence. There’s such a great chemistry between these two, with teasing and double entendre. But therein was my biggest problem with this book.
Every time I thought something would happen between these two, finally happen, things would just sort of drift off. His friend Adrian, high and we can only assume, jealous - embarrasses the hell out of Steven by saying some horrible things to John about Steven. That ends the relationship between Adrian and Steven, and seemingly does with John as well. This is where things really took a left turn for me.
As beautifully written and at times laugh-out-loud funny as this book was, the whole (long) section of Steven’s devastation of losing John and Adrian and trying to pull himself up by his boot straps went on way too long for me. It was incredibly frustrating as a reader. It was great that Steven learned from his mistakes and soldiered on to make a better life for himself (in his mind then becoming better for John – which - I wanted, but yet – shouldn’t he have been doing it just for himself?) Steven told every single person he met from that moment on (and there were a lot of them) what had happened with him and Adrian, and conversely, with John. I also need to mention here the constant casual hook-ups that Steven had. They were a realistic addition to this story and it would’ve been laughable not to include them – these were young hot gay men hooking up at clubs – gonna happen. But for those readers who are uncomfortable with that - be warned. I wouldn’t have had a problem with it except for the fact that Steven had several sexual encounters in the book, but only two were with John at the very end.
Throughout the story, both before and after the ‘Adrian’ incident, there would be these incredibly detailed scenes of a non-date get together between Steven and John, with long conversations about their histories, likes, dislikes, computer science and God knows what else - I swear I thought I was going on these dates with them in real time. Again – great characters, great chemistry, but for me personally, it all took forever. On the plus side, when they do get together, it’s explosive and emotional and knee-weakening. Everything’s explained – the reasons for the waiting (took a year before – yes, a year – before they confessed all and even kissed for the first time), the reasons for the misunderstandings, etc.
The sex and emotion between these two was off the charts hot and incredible – which makes me so much more frustrated! I could’ve used half the book like this – not the last ten percent. We’re left with an HFN and if this book doesn’t have a sequel, I’ll have a meltdown. There was too much talk of making us all wait for ninety percent of the book and a year to find out the issues that John had about getting with Steven - only to never find out if the issues are worked out so that they get an HEA. Nope. Not good enough. Just sayin’.
This is difficult to rate for me because so much of it was so brilliantly written. There was hunor, genuine emotion and realism. I felt like I was there, the characters were clearly and well-drawn, there were great side characters (perhaps a few too many which slowed the pace in some sections) and I was rooting for Steven and John to get together. But I had to root too hard, it all went on too frustratingly long. Once I got what I wanted, it ended too soon. So unfortunately, as much as I thought this was going to be a 5 lizard claw read, I can only give it 4. Hopefully, we’ll see what happens to Steven and John next. Can I at least get an ‘I love you’ after all that angst?
Reviewed by Michele for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
February 25, 2015
Steven Frazier is an openly gay college student in probably the most open minded city there is. He attends class during the day then parties with his friend Adrian at night. Their volatile relationship is the center of Steven's world in the beginning. You see, Steven is convinced that he's in love with Adrian, and Adrian uses those feelings as a way to hold sway over Steven. There is an occasional flirtatious smile that leads to something more, but most of the time Adrian is cruel and almost vindictive.
When Steven meets the much older, wiser, successful and definitely sexy John, everything starts to change. For the first time Steven truly wants to make something more for himself and his life, he wants to prove to John he is worth the risk to spite their age difference and Steven's past. Oh but Adrian can't loose his little toy, his puppy he leads along on a string. When Adrian realizes that Steven is willing to do whatever it takes to be with John, he effectively throws Steven under the bus, shares secrets with John that Steven didn't want anyone to know. It works alright, too well, not only does Steven loose John but he kicks Adrian out of his life as well. Some betrayals cannot be overlooked.
It takes Steven a while, a lot of soul searching and a few one night stands before he finally pulls his head out of his ass and goes after the one thing that made him feel safe, happy and made him feel like he could be someone, do something with his life, John. But is it all too little too late?
This story drew me in from the first chapter with Steven and Adrian at the club, in their element. But then Steven sees John, and though it isn't until a little later they actually meet again and go out the first time. From that night on Steven is starting to question the life he's leading, getting the ball rolling for changes he needs to make. Adrian does not make it easy, of course not, if Steven dates John and finishes school and gets a better job, where will that leave Adrian. Now about half way through the book the story tapered off, drastically. It became very melodramatic and while it was necessary for Steven to have to go through the setbacks he had to make him stronger, this section of the book could have been shortened by about fifty pages and still got the point across.
Oh but then there is the ending, the last 20% of the book was probably my favorite part. Steven has a long conversation with his best friend and with John. By now Steven has made new friends that aren't toxic, is almost done with college, found a new job oh, and he gets a second chance with John. His story definitely comes full circle in the end, so to spite the story dragging mid way through for entirely too long, the ending left me smiling. There were also several typos throughout that were bold enough to catch my attention.
Overall though, I'd still recommend this read. If you can overlook the occasional typo and the lull in the second half of the book, I think the introduction to this world, these guys of Queen City, will be worth while. It's sort of a coming of age story, figuring out who you are, what you want and what is important in life. There is the lustful side of Steven when he is with Adrian, the young horny gay guy exercising his rights to procreate with several one night stands, every man has to experiment, right? But then there is the pièce de résistance (oh yes, that is french!) when Steven and John finally come together. So well written to show the young, innocent traits of Steven coupled with the older, wiser and more dominate features John possess. Simply magnifique!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
When Steven meets the much older, wiser, successful and definitely sexy John, everything starts to change. For the first time Steven truly wants to make something more for himself and his life, he wants to prove to John he is worth the risk to spite their age difference and Steven's past. Oh but Adrian can't loose his little toy, his puppy he leads along on a string. When Adrian realizes that Steven is willing to do whatever it takes to be with John, he effectively throws Steven under the bus, shares secrets with John that Steven didn't want anyone to know. It works alright, too well, not only does Steven loose John but he kicks Adrian out of his life as well. Some betrayals cannot be overlooked.
It takes Steven a while, a lot of soul searching and a few one night stands before he finally pulls his head out of his ass and goes after the one thing that made him feel safe, happy and made him feel like he could be someone, do something with his life, John. But is it all too little too late?
This story drew me in from the first chapter with Steven and Adrian at the club, in their element. But then Steven sees John, and though it isn't until a little later they actually meet again and go out the first time. From that night on Steven is starting to question the life he's leading, getting the ball rolling for changes he needs to make. Adrian does not make it easy, of course not, if Steven dates John and finishes school and gets a better job, where will that leave Adrian. Now about half way through the book the story tapered off, drastically. It became very melodramatic and while it was necessary for Steven to have to go through the setbacks he had to make him stronger, this section of the book could have been shortened by about fifty pages and still got the point across.
Oh but then there is the ending, the last 20% of the book was probably my favorite part. Steven has a long conversation with his best friend and with John. By now Steven has made new friends that aren't toxic, is almost done with college, found a new job oh, and he gets a second chance with John. His story definitely comes full circle in the end, so to spite the story dragging mid way through for entirely too long, the ending left me smiling. There were also several typos throughout that were bold enough to catch my attention.
Overall though, I'd still recommend this read. If you can overlook the occasional typo and the lull in the second half of the book, I think the introduction to this world, these guys of Queen City, will be worth while. It's sort of a coming of age story, figuring out who you are, what you want and what is important in life. There is the lustful side of Steven when he is with Adrian, the young horny gay guy exercising his rights to procreate with several one night stands, every man has to experiment, right? But then there is the pièce de résistance (oh yes, that is french!) when Steven and John finally come together. So well written to show the young, innocent traits of Steven coupled with the older, wiser and more dominate features John possess. Simply magnifique!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
January 22, 2015
Blog Post: http://gaymediareviews.weebly.com/blo...
This Charming Man-Queen City Boys Book 1 by Ajax Bell!!!
In 1991 we find Steven deep in the Seattle club scene with his hot but destructive friend Adrian. They are the envy of everyone who knows them as they live the high club life like no one ever has. Now things will start to change for the guys as Steven meets the older businessman John. He introduces Steven to the future of huge possibilities and more importantly he becomes a motivation for Steven to leave the club scene behind and grow as a person. The party scene won't impress John as he has seen it all and now Steven has feelings for John but will the dreaded Adrian get in his way?
Adrian is a broken guy and uses people for what he can get out of them and lets be honest we all know this type of person. He has been friends with Steven for years and now that he might be replaced he starts acting quite cruel to Steven. I only wished we knew more about Adrian and his background. After a few things that happen, Steven is starting to finally see the real Adrian now that John has opened his eyes. Steven keeps reminding himself of John and he has become a huge motivation to keep pushing for the life he really desires. This is completely Stevens coming of age story as John motivates Steven but it's all Steven that actually is changing his for the better.
I really enjoyed this coming of age story as it was told in a very different style which was just simply brilliant. I loved how the author created the character of Steven and the journey she took us on of self discovery of the person that he was always meant to be. The other characters were so beautifully developed in such a way that added to the character of Steven. John's character was so important as he showed Steven what was waiting for him in a world of huge opportunities. The author captured 1991 in Seattle so beautifully that I for one would have loved to experience life back then. This novel...This Charming Man was a sweet and brilliantly written novel that I recommend for all readers.
"Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review."
Reviewed by Paul at Gay Media Reviews
This Charming Man-Queen City Boys Book 1 by Ajax Bell!!!
In 1991 we find Steven deep in the Seattle club scene with his hot but destructive friend Adrian. They are the envy of everyone who knows them as they live the high club life like no one ever has. Now things will start to change for the guys as Steven meets the older businessman John. He introduces Steven to the future of huge possibilities and more importantly he becomes a motivation for Steven to leave the club scene behind and grow as a person. The party scene won't impress John as he has seen it all and now Steven has feelings for John but will the dreaded Adrian get in his way?
Adrian is a broken guy and uses people for what he can get out of them and lets be honest we all know this type of person. He has been friends with Steven for years and now that he might be replaced he starts acting quite cruel to Steven. I only wished we knew more about Adrian and his background. After a few things that happen, Steven is starting to finally see the real Adrian now that John has opened his eyes. Steven keeps reminding himself of John and he has become a huge motivation to keep pushing for the life he really desires. This is completely Stevens coming of age story as John motivates Steven but it's all Steven that actually is changing his for the better.
I really enjoyed this coming of age story as it was told in a very different style which was just simply brilliant. I loved how the author created the character of Steven and the journey she took us on of self discovery of the person that he was always meant to be. The other characters were so beautifully developed in such a way that added to the character of Steven. John's character was so important as he showed Steven what was waiting for him in a world of huge opportunities. The author captured 1991 in Seattle so beautifully that I for one would have loved to experience life back then. This novel...This Charming Man was a sweet and brilliantly written novel that I recommend for all readers.
"Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review."
Reviewed by Paul at Gay Media Reviews
November 6, 2014
I loved this book. Steven is adrift, at a pivotal point in his life, and he seems on the verge of making wrong decisions. His best friend Adrian (horrible! I love him!) uses and subtly abuses him and diverts him from his studies with decadent nightlife adventures. It's on one such clubbing night that Steven first sees John, handsome and much older. Steven is interested, John politely friendly. Steven meets John again, as the friend of a friend, and he's still interested...but he doesn't know how to read John. And pretty Steven, who has never had to work to catch anyone's interest, discovers he's going to have to make an effort for John.
I hesitate to go say too much for fear of spoiling the story for readers. The relationship builds realistically. There's plenty of sex, but the love story is actually a slow burn. Both MCs are indeed charming men, and their flirtation is delightful. The secondary characters are interesting and well-drawn.
And, of course, I love the setting: The book takes place in Seattle in 1991. I am basically the same age as Steven, and that's my Seattle he lives in. I went to those nightclubs, those restaurants. MASSIVE NOSTALGIA. Even Adrian's awful friend Flip is an era-appropriate douchebag.
If you like sexy gingers, smart romance, Seattle, May/December relationships, bitchy best friends, computer science or espresso, you'll find something you love in this book. I loved it so much, and am looking forward to the next title in the Queen City Boys series.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I hesitate to go say too much for fear of spoiling the story for readers. The relationship builds realistically. There's plenty of sex, but the love story is actually a slow burn. Both MCs are indeed charming men, and their flirtation is delightful. The secondary characters are interesting and well-drawn.
And, of course, I love the setting: The book takes place in Seattle in 1991. I am basically the same age as Steven, and that's my Seattle he lives in. I went to those nightclubs, those restaurants. MASSIVE NOSTALGIA. Even Adrian's awful friend Flip is an era-appropriate douchebag.
If you like sexy gingers, smart romance, Seattle, May/December relationships, bitchy best friends, computer science or espresso, you'll find something you love in this book. I loved it so much, and am looking forward to the next title in the Queen City Boys series.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2016
Do I love reading because I savor the craft, the artful construction of sentences, the poetic beauty, the cadence, the mastery of vocabulary? If so, I have to say this book is a very solid five-star read. But my appreciation for those writing craft skills is not the primary reason I read. I enjoy reading because I love stories. I love being entertained, swept away, moved emotionally.
If you're a fan of stories that dive into the mind of the main character and reveal every minuscule detail of their thoughts and feelings, (heavy angst), then this is a must read. But if you like plot, a story where events actually happen, where there are surprises, twists, and turns... you're not going to find it here. One reviewer described this story as a slow burn. There are a zillion things to appreciate about the writing craft. You really do fall in love with the central character. But if you're like me, you want more to happen in the actual story.
Basically this is it: boy meets man and falls in love but is too timid to act on his feelings. He struggles with his obsession for a year and finally goes for it. They fall in love, have lots of sex and live happily ever after.
I'm going to rate the book four stars because it is so well written. For those who appreciate writing craft, this one's like savoring a tasty dessert. But it's not an exciting, page-turning story. If you don't like/appreciate angst you might be kind of bored.
If you're a fan of stories that dive into the mind of the main character and reveal every minuscule detail of their thoughts and feelings, (heavy angst), then this is a must read. But if you like plot, a story where events actually happen, where there are surprises, twists, and turns... you're not going to find it here. One reviewer described this story as a slow burn. There are a zillion things to appreciate about the writing craft. You really do fall in love with the central character. But if you're like me, you want more to happen in the actual story.
Basically this is it: boy meets man and falls in love but is too timid to act on his feelings. He struggles with his obsession for a year and finally goes for it. They fall in love, have lots of sex and live happily ever after.
I'm going to rate the book four stars because it is so well written. For those who appreciate writing craft, this one's like savoring a tasty dessert. But it's not an exciting, page-turning story. If you don't like/appreciate angst you might be kind of bored.
March 27, 2015
Ajax Bell is an exciting new voice in the world of m/m literature, with her debut novel This Charming Man a delightful blend of coming of age, nostalgia and romance. Set in early 90s Seattle, this book is one that isn’t afraid to create flawed characters, and as such the journey they take is much more rewarding.
Full review here: http://www.imwithgeek.com/books/revie...
Full review here: http://www.imwithgeek.com/books/revie...
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