What do you think?
Rate this book
A New Man
Senior year of college is for studying, partying, and having fun before getting serious about life. Instead, Chad’s days are filled with headaches and exhaustion, and his fencing skills are getting worse with practice, not better. Then there’s his nonexistent love life, full of girls he’s shunted to the friend zone. Is he asexual? Gay?
Grad student Warren Douglas could be out clubbing, but his roommate is better company, even without kisses. He’s torn up watching Chad suffer, gobbling ibuprofen and coming home early on Friday nights. If Chad weren’t straight, Warren would keep him up past midnight. They’re great as friends. Benefits might answer Chad’s questions.
A brief encounter with lab rats reveals Chad’s illness—he needs surgery, STAT, and can’t rely on his dysfunctional parents for medical decisions. Warren’s both trustworthy and likely to get overruled—unless they’re married. “You can throw me back later,” Warren says, and he may throw himself back after his husband turns out moody and hard to get along with, no matter how much fun his new sex drive is. Surgery turns Chad into a new man, all right…
…but Warren fell in love with the old one.
Grad student Warren Douglas could be out clubbing, but his roommate is better company, even without kisses. He’s torn up watching Chad suffer, gobbling ibuprofen and coming home early on Friday nights. If Chad weren’t straight, Warren would keep him up past midnight. They’re great as friends. Benefits might answer Chad’s questions.
A brief encounter with lab rats reveals Chad’s illness—he needs surgery, STAT, and can’t rely on his dysfunctional parents for medical decisions. Warren’s both trustworthy and likely to get overruled—unless they’re married. “You can throw me back later,” Warren says, and he may throw himself back after his husband turns out moody and hard to get along with, no matter how much fun his new sex drive is. Surgery turns Chad into a new man, all right…
…but Warren fell in love with the old one.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2015
2 people are currently reading
698 people want to read
About the author
P.D. Singer
59 books172 followersP.D. Singer lived in Colorado with her slightly bemused husband, one young adult, and seventy-nine pounds of pets. She was a big believer in research, first-hand if possible, so the reader can be quite certain PD skied down a mountain face-first, had been stepped on by rodeo horses, acquired a potato burn or two, and rethought a novel that included sky-diving.
When not writing, playing her fiddle, or walking the sheddiest member of the family, she could be found with a book in hand.
When not writing, playing her fiddle, or walking the sheddiest member of the family, she could be found with a book in hand.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 2, 2015
3.5 Stars
This was an interesting book and it had my full attention most of the time. I’m not exactly sure what to think about the plot, it was different, but I’m not sure it’s entirely believable (at least some parts of it were questionable in my opinion); however I had a lot of issues with one of our main characters, Chad.
Chad is a college senior who’s suffering from debilitating migraines, is overweight and seems to easily gain weight and has difficulty getting aroused and maintaining erections. He puts every single girl he goes out with firmly in the friend zone, because he knows he won’t be able to become aroused or get hard. Chad is a great guy, nice and friendly, but he has huge self esteem problems because of his situation. His good friend and roommate Warren makes him feel comfortable, and when Warren questions Chad’s sexuality as an explanation for his failed romances with women, Chad gives it some serious thought and decides testing that theory is a great idea.
Now here’s the deal, I understand that Chad’s medical problems affect his ability to become aroused and he has virtually no sex drive, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have any chemistry towards anyone. So the fact that he experiments with Chad is not a big deal, but there was absolutely no talk of noticing Warren or checking him out, or feeling a form of attraction towards him. It’s hard for me to accept the fact that Chad realizes he’s gay just because he felt better having sex with Warren than he ever felt with anyone before. I believe it was more the fact that Warren doesn’t criticize him nor has any expectations of him that helped Chad become partially aroused during sex.
Chad’s diagnosis is prolactinoma, a tumor that grows close to the pituitary gland. Other than the migraines, Chad had pretty much all the symptoms associated with that tumor, so why doesn’t he mention any of those other symptoms to a doctor? We’re talking about a grown man for God’s sake, a 22 year old, you’d think he’d be more responsible concerning his own health. But that doesn’t seem to be the case because he goes undiagnosed for years. Plus, from what I’ve read, this condition is extremely rare in children/teenagers and when men develop it, it usually doesn’t happen until the 40’s or later in life. I’m not saying it’s not possible; it just makes it a bit questionable to me.
Once Chad gets a diagnosis and there’s a treatment plan in order, there’s talk about possible behavioral changes that will occur in Chad, caused by his body’s sudden ability to produce huge amounts of testosterone. That’s when we realize there are two Chads in this story: the pre-op Chad and the asshole post-op Chad. Talk about a personality makeover… the nice, friendly, loving Chad turns into an asshole that I couldn’t stand. To me, all the excuses for his new behavior are just that…EXCUSES! Yes, I understand that he’s going to be emotionally unstable for a while and that he’s going to get back his sex drive (X100), but let’s not forget we’re still dealing with an adult here who hasn’t magically transformed into a 15 year old brat. So I’m sorry to say I didn’t like Chad not even a little bit after his surgery, and I found the explanations for his new assholish behavior to be nothing more than worthless excuses. Also, his new discovery that he’s indeed attracted to girls and the fact that he now questions that he’s gay, support my initial thoughts that Warren was nothing more than a person Chad felt comfortable with.
Warren was great, he was a strong person who had a great amount of self respect for himself, which I appreciated. He tried to be understanding about Chad’s situation but he didn’t put up with being treated like crap and I loved him all the more for it. The reason for their marriage, I could take it or leave it. I’m not sure how that legal mumbo jumbo works because I haven’t looked into it, but I choose to believe there were other ways for Chad to have his wishes respected, especially since he is a legal adult.
There’s no cheating in this book, even though at one point all the facts seem to point in that direction. I liked Chad a lot better after he came back to his senses….which happened overnight. It reinforces my initial opinion that his behavior was not so easily justified by hormones, because if that was the case, he wouldn’t be able to gain control over it so fast. He became a decent person and treated Warren the way he deserved to be treated and I’m happy to say the ending made up for most of the things that bothered me.
This is a pretty good book, and please understand that my negative opinions have nothing to do with the quality of the writing. It was nicely written and I’ll definitely read more books by this author.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
This was an interesting book and it had my full attention most of the time. I’m not exactly sure what to think about the plot, it was different, but I’m not sure it’s entirely believable (at least some parts of it were questionable in my opinion); however I had a lot of issues with one of our main characters, Chad.
Chad is a college senior who’s suffering from debilitating migraines, is overweight and seems to easily gain weight and has difficulty getting aroused and maintaining erections. He puts every single girl he goes out with firmly in the friend zone, because he knows he won’t be able to become aroused or get hard. Chad is a great guy, nice and friendly, but he has huge self esteem problems because of his situation. His good friend and roommate Warren makes him feel comfortable, and when Warren questions Chad’s sexuality as an explanation for his failed romances with women, Chad gives it some serious thought and decides testing that theory is a great idea.
Now here’s the deal, I understand that Chad’s medical problems affect his ability to become aroused and he has virtually no sex drive, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have any chemistry towards anyone. So the fact that he experiments with Chad is not a big deal, but there was absolutely no talk of noticing Warren or checking him out, or feeling a form of attraction towards him. It’s hard for me to accept the fact that Chad realizes he’s gay just because he felt better having sex with Warren than he ever felt with anyone before. I believe it was more the fact that Warren doesn’t criticize him nor has any expectations of him that helped Chad become partially aroused during sex.
Chad’s diagnosis is prolactinoma, a tumor that grows close to the pituitary gland. Other than the migraines, Chad had pretty much all the symptoms associated with that tumor, so why doesn’t he mention any of those other symptoms to a doctor? We’re talking about a grown man for God’s sake, a 22 year old, you’d think he’d be more responsible concerning his own health. But that doesn’t seem to be the case because he goes undiagnosed for years. Plus, from what I’ve read, this condition is extremely rare in children/teenagers and when men develop it, it usually doesn’t happen until the 40’s or later in life. I’m not saying it’s not possible; it just makes it a bit questionable to me.
Once Chad gets a diagnosis and there’s a treatment plan in order, there’s talk about possible behavioral changes that will occur in Chad, caused by his body’s sudden ability to produce huge amounts of testosterone. That’s when we realize there are two Chads in this story: the pre-op Chad and the asshole post-op Chad. Talk about a personality makeover… the nice, friendly, loving Chad turns into an asshole that I couldn’t stand. To me, all the excuses for his new behavior are just that…EXCUSES! Yes, I understand that he’s going to be emotionally unstable for a while and that he’s going to get back his sex drive (X100), but let’s not forget we’re still dealing with an adult here who hasn’t magically transformed into a 15 year old brat. So I’m sorry to say I didn’t like Chad not even a little bit after his surgery, and I found the explanations for his new assholish behavior to be nothing more than worthless excuses. Also, his new discovery that he’s indeed attracted to girls and the fact that he now questions that he’s gay, support my initial thoughts that Warren was nothing more than a person Chad felt comfortable with.
Warren was great, he was a strong person who had a great amount of self respect for himself, which I appreciated. He tried to be understanding about Chad’s situation but he didn’t put up with being treated like crap and I loved him all the more for it. The reason for their marriage, I could take it or leave it. I’m not sure how that legal mumbo jumbo works because I haven’t looked into it, but I choose to believe there were other ways for Chad to have his wishes respected, especially since he is a legal adult.
There’s no cheating in this book, even though at one point all the facts seem to point in that direction. I liked Chad a lot better after he came back to his senses….which happened overnight. It reinforces my initial opinion that his behavior was not so easily justified by hormones, because if that was the case, he wouldn’t be able to gain control over it so fast. He became a decent person and treated Warren the way he deserved to be treated and I’m happy to say the ending made up for most of the things that bothered me.
This is a pretty good book, and please understand that my negative opinions have nothing to do with the quality of the writing. It was nicely written and I’ll definitely read more books by this author.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Read
February 27, 2015DNF AT 68%
"For the purposes of AURAL sex..."
REALLY? What IS aural sex? I'm guessing it's the sex where you can see auras?
No? Never mind.
It was boring but after this I'm just giving up!
"For the purposes of AURAL sex..."
REALLY? What IS aural sex? I'm guessing it's the sex where you can see auras?
No? Never mind.
It was boring but after this I'm just giving up!
February 9, 2015
I really really liked this book. I'm a huge fan of PD Singer's writing style. I adored Warren. Still kinda wanna throttle Chad haha. Overall a recommended read :)
February 19, 2015
3.5 stars
Very diffrent story, but all in all I enjoyed it. I think I read it in a few short hours.
I love short vacations and getting immersed in books that I dont expect to enjoy.
Very diffrent story, but all in all I enjoyed it. I think I read it in a few short hours.
I love short vacations and getting immersed in books that I dont expect to enjoy.
March 2, 2015
I am on a good streak with new to me authors this year. Once again, I am in love with a new author’s work and the way they tell a story. A New Man, caught my eye with the blurb and the mention of marriage as a means to an end. It made me curious enough and curiosity didn’t kill this redhead.
I am more than happy we get both POV’s in this story. It was needed and honestly, it’s something I like in my stories most of the time. With this, you really need to know both Warren and Chad; where they are coming from and where they want to go. We meet Warren first grading blue notebooks on a Friday night waiting for his roommate to get home from his date. We know straight away that Warren is gay, Chad is not and that Warren has a crush on Chad. If only Chad was gay, things would be great because the boys aren’t just roommate’s they are friends and get along rather well. It’s a good thing that after Chad gets home and laments his latest failure at dating the opposite sex that Warren tosses out a hypothesis at Chad who decides he wants to do some scientific data collection for confirmation.
I adore Chad. I have this thing for guys who talk to their dicks in books. Not in an arrogant way, but in a way that makes you laugh and actually “aww” a bit over it because it’s freaking adorable. Chad does it and it cracked me up and I knew I would love being in his head. But his head, while it explains a lot about where he has been and why he never quite had a connection to the girls he dated, Chads head is painful. Painful because they boy is constantly in pain with headaches, sinus pressure and just ugh. The boy hurts and it hurt me that he did.
Warren was my rock through this story as well as Chad’s. He was amazing and steadfast with his feelings and he doesn’t give up. He has integrity in his work, his friendships and his marriage. Ugh. The marriage. Sure, the blurb tells you that these two get married for medical reasons but I was not expecting what I got, at all. It was much more heartbreaking and sweet and just so… Warren and Chad, the whole deal , just so them and they gave me all the right feelings at all the right times. The author knows how to deliver the feels whether it’s the first kiss, data collection, legal documents and weddings and hospitals and just everything. All of it, all the emotions that I needed were present and made me so invested in the boys and their story.
The story has a lot of details from Chad’s fencing, to Warren’s lab research along with medical terms and procedures thrown in, and I am a reader who is thankful for that. Sure, I had to look up some of the fencing names or moves to get a good grasp on what was happening but just google men’s fencing and you’ll know that was not a hardship. Nope. But anyway, the details are there and thought at the forefront they may seem cumbersome, it’s needed when the diagnosis comes. It’s needed.
Warren and Chad are adorable. They are strong, smart, and sexy young men who have found someone they want to spend time with and end up married quickly. The way the boys handle everything, from the suggestion of marriage to the ceremony made me sigh and swoon. It was perfect and though things get rough when the new Chad starts to appear, it was worth all the angst presented.
Speaking of the angst, this story has it at times and what the angst brings is reality, as the story echoes marriage. Sure, Warren and Chad get married for medical reasons but the quick change in Chad IS marriage, just usually after a few or even ten plus years. It’s true what Chad’s mother said about everyone changing, you do change when you get married, it’s just heartbreaking to watch Chad change so drastically and hurt Warren the way he does. But the faith they have in one another, the promise that they made is what drives this story and what drives them.
A New Man is a charming romance with a unique twist. I enjoyed Warren and Chad getting married, though not the emergent reason, and the obstacles they have to overcome. The authors style is one that was easy to read and get lost in and I look forward reading more of her work.
I am more than happy we get both POV’s in this story. It was needed and honestly, it’s something I like in my stories most of the time. With this, you really need to know both Warren and Chad; where they are coming from and where they want to go. We meet Warren first grading blue notebooks on a Friday night waiting for his roommate to get home from his date. We know straight away that Warren is gay, Chad is not and that Warren has a crush on Chad. If only Chad was gay, things would be great because the boys aren’t just roommate’s they are friends and get along rather well. It’s a good thing that after Chad gets home and laments his latest failure at dating the opposite sex that Warren tosses out a hypothesis at Chad who decides he wants to do some scientific data collection for confirmation.
I adore Chad. I have this thing for guys who talk to their dicks in books. Not in an arrogant way, but in a way that makes you laugh and actually “aww” a bit over it because it’s freaking adorable. Chad does it and it cracked me up and I knew I would love being in his head. But his head, while it explains a lot about where he has been and why he never quite had a connection to the girls he dated, Chads head is painful. Painful because they boy is constantly in pain with headaches, sinus pressure and just ugh. The boy hurts and it hurt me that he did.
Warren was my rock through this story as well as Chad’s. He was amazing and steadfast with his feelings and he doesn’t give up. He has integrity in his work, his friendships and his marriage. Ugh. The marriage. Sure, the blurb tells you that these two get married for medical reasons but I was not expecting what I got, at all. It was much more heartbreaking and sweet and just so… Warren and Chad, the whole deal , just so them and they gave me all the right feelings at all the right times. The author knows how to deliver the feels whether it’s the first kiss, data collection, legal documents and weddings and hospitals and just everything. All of it, all the emotions that I needed were present and made me so invested in the boys and their story.
The story has a lot of details from Chad’s fencing, to Warren’s lab research along with medical terms and procedures thrown in, and I am a reader who is thankful for that. Sure, I had to look up some of the fencing names or moves to get a good grasp on what was happening but just google men’s fencing and you’ll know that was not a hardship. Nope. But anyway, the details are there and thought at the forefront they may seem cumbersome, it’s needed when the diagnosis comes. It’s needed.
Warren and Chad are adorable. They are strong, smart, and sexy young men who have found someone they want to spend time with and end up married quickly. The way the boys handle everything, from the suggestion of marriage to the ceremony made me sigh and swoon. It was perfect and though things get rough when the new Chad starts to appear, it was worth all the angst presented.
Speaking of the angst, this story has it at times and what the angst brings is reality, as the story echoes marriage. Sure, Warren and Chad get married for medical reasons but the quick change in Chad IS marriage, just usually after a few or even ten plus years. It’s true what Chad’s mother said about everyone changing, you do change when you get married, it’s just heartbreaking to watch Chad change so drastically and hurt Warren the way he does. But the faith they have in one another, the promise that they made is what drives this story and what drives them.
A New Man is a charming romance with a unique twist. I enjoyed Warren and Chad getting married, though not the emergent reason, and the obstacles they have to overcome. The authors style is one that was easy to read and get lost in and I look forward reading more of her work.
February 25, 2015
Chad is nice. Very nice. And he has headaches, double vision, a limp you-know-what, and a soft body. But mostly he's nice. And little does he know that there is a train wreck coming inside his head that is causing all of these symptoms, including the niceness. But the real horror is that it could do something worse than just kill him.
Warren is the ultimate good guy. He is a chemistry PhD candidate, Chad's roommate at a time when he thinks Chad is straight, but when he begins to suspect that Chad may be gay he gently makes a play for him. It doesn't matter to Warren that Chad has trouble getting a hard on or that his body betrays him in fencing and in sex. What he likes about Chad is that he is so nice.
Gabriella is a biologist who is doing experiments on rats and that leads her to an amazing and frightening discovery that will change Chad and Warren's lives.
Now on to the second half of the book, when Chad's Dr. Jekyll turns into, not Mr. Hyde, but something almost as dangerous, a hormonal teenager, zits and all. What is Warren to make of the temper tantrums, sexual experimentation, and self-absorption of this man who was his lover and now is a stranger?
A New Man is one of the best love stories I've ever read. The transformation of Chad's personality is brilliantly written. I'm not sure anyone less talented than Ms. Singer could have pulled this one off. This is genius stuff and I wish I could rate it higher than 10, because it is that wonderful. Everyone who loves romance should read this book. It's that good.
Warren is the ultimate good guy. He is a chemistry PhD candidate, Chad's roommate at a time when he thinks Chad is straight, but when he begins to suspect that Chad may be gay he gently makes a play for him. It doesn't matter to Warren that Chad has trouble getting a hard on or that his body betrays him in fencing and in sex. What he likes about Chad is that he is so nice.
Gabriella is a biologist who is doing experiments on rats and that leads her to an amazing and frightening discovery that will change Chad and Warren's lives.
Now on to the second half of the book, when Chad's Dr. Jekyll turns into, not Mr. Hyde, but something almost as dangerous, a hormonal teenager, zits and all. What is Warren to make of the temper tantrums, sexual experimentation, and self-absorption of this man who was his lover and now is a stranger?
A New Man is one of the best love stories I've ever read. The transformation of Chad's personality is brilliantly written. I'm not sure anyone less talented than Ms. Singer could have pulled this one off. This is genius stuff and I wish I could rate it higher than 10, because it is that wonderful. Everyone who loves romance should read this book. It's that good.
September 18, 2016
Wow..! I don't know how to review this book without giving away spoilers. Really great writing by PD Singer. It's also a more believable/convincing plot for a "fake marriage" than those written about needing to be married to inherit and stuff. I also like that it was probably almost halfway into the book before the medical drama began.
Great plot. Great pacing. Beautiful ending. Love the characters too! Warren is such an awesome guy and husband! I love that while he has Chad's best interest at heart, he isn't afraid to stick up for himself. I didn't love Chad so much but that's to be expected with his role in this story.
I want a novella about them after thirty years. *wink wink nudge nudge*
Great plot. Great pacing. Beautiful ending. Love the characters too! Warren is such an awesome guy and husband! I love that while he has Chad's best interest at heart, he isn't afraid to stick up for himself. I didn't love Chad so much but that's to be expected with his role in this story.
I want a novella about them after thirty years. *wink wink nudge nudge*
March 23, 2023
DNF @ 45%
Some reviewers have called this book odd and I related to that sentiment a lot. This book is odd and it's also a mess. The premise is great and it's filled with good ideas but the execution was pretty bad. It almost felt like the author was really distracted while working on this story. While they knew how they wanted the story to go, they weren't fully paying attention to it while working on it, which resulted in a messy, disjointed story that's badly written. There were gaping plot holes that resulted in many parts of the premise not making sense. The pacing alternated between being incredibly boring vs going so fast that the scenes read like outlines rather than completed scenes. Lastly, the romance was rushed, lacked chemistry and I didn't like either of the MCs.
First - the plot holes. Chad has been suffering from chronic headaches, unexplained weight gain, he's grown breasts, he has a low sex drive and erectile dysfunction despite being only 22 years old and he's having vision problems. Essentially, He's gone to many doctors but they've just told him to keep taking over-the-counter pain meds. This is BS. Based on my personal experience, when you go to a doctor with chronic headache symptoms and you're not doing any of the usual things that could be behind them (which Chad wasn't) then the doctor moves things forward and sends you to a specialist and gets more testing done. But we're supposed to believe that for 7 years, all of Chad's doctors did nothing to address his worsening headache situation, never mind the other symptoms, which clearly point at a much bigger problem.
Also - Chad barely eats anything (the guy often skips meals, he'll eat pieces of lettuce and a single yoghurt and call that a meal), yet we're supposed to believe he's putting on weight at a rate that makes him noticeably heavier than other fencers. There's no way that a guy who eats so little is constantly putting on weight, even if he has a hormone imbalance that encourages weight gain. Speaking of fencing - his former high school teammates used to call him Butterboy because of his supposed heaviness. But his current fencing teammate also calls him Butterboy, despite not having known him in high school and Chad obviously not having told him the nickname, which makes no sense. Speaking of plot holes related to Chad's body - he supposedly has grown breasts to the point where they're noticeable. Except...nobody notices them? He's a muscular guy and guys like that have defined pecs anyway that would show through a tight shirt. If he's grown breasts to the point where he's noticed then how on earth is nobody ever noticing them?
There's also the mess that's Chad's sexuality. So the guy has had a low libido for his entire life and this results in him thinking he's asexual. The tumor that's caused all sorts of hormone problems for him has apparently kept his sex drive so low that the guy feels no attraction towards anybody and he can't orgasm. Okay, fine. But the first time he and Warren have sexy times, Chad has no problem getting an erection and having an orgasm complete with ejaculation. Why? Because Warren introduces him to his prostate. So...it was never a hormone problem? It was just a lack of knowledge about his own body and being with inexperienced partners? But then Chad also decides he's gay after having that one sexual interaction with Warren, despite not being attracted to him. Apparently, after the surgery, Chad decides that he's not gay after all. The whole thing is a complete mess.
Also - I didn't like the message the author kept accidentally pushing that guys in their early 20s are supposed to be horn dogs who want to rut anything in sight and if they don't, there's something medically wrong with them. A lot of guys that age do fall into that category, but there are plenty who have low sex drives naturally or aren't that interested in sex overall and it doesn't automatically mean that there's something medically wrong with them. The author used Chad's low sex drive and his weight gain (which wasn't excessive) to make it seem as if he views himself as an alien among the rest of humanity - somebody who is so different and weird that he can't live a normal life. This made no sense! Lots of people have low sex drives and Chad wasn't anywhere close to being obese so I struggled to view these things as the catastrophes that the author was making them out to be. The headaches, vision problems and randomly growing additional body parts - sure those things are a big cause for concern. But the weight gain and low sex drive weren't.
Then there's everything related to the forced-marriage and medical problems. So after Chad's diagnosis, he immediately gets worried that his parents would go against his wishes and keep him on life support if the surgery goes wrong and he ends up being a vegetable. This is why he wants to marry Warren and the whole thing is full of plot holes too. Chad's parents don't appear on page at all, we don't know anything about them and Chad only briefly tells them about his illness and the surgery. They don't have any end-of-life discussions and there's no indication that Chad's concerns are valid enough that it would be a good idea for him to get married to a guy who he's been in a relationship with for A FEW DAYS. From Warren's side - the guy was basically a piece of cardboard. He's the perfect boyfriend who does and says everything a perfect boyfriend should, including happily agreeing to marry a guy who he's been in a relationship with for a few days. None of this made any sense.
Then there are the severe pacing problems. There were multiple long, boring scenes that were filled with way too many details about things that didn't matter. Like Warren's biologist friend going into excessive detail about how/why she's doing tests on her rats. Or Chad's fencing where each bout is described in detail but none of the fencing stuff is an important part of the plot. Or a detailed listing of the nicknames of Warren's fellow grad students that his chemistry prof gave them over the years. None of this stuff mattered to the overall plot and those scenes were boring. In contrast, the author going into extreme detail about cycling in Spokes and scuba diving in Diving Deep were great because those things played an important role in the story.
In contrast with these slow, boring scenes, there were important scenes that were written very poorly and rushed. For example, Chad's conversation with his parents where he tells them about his illness doesn't include Chad's parents' dialog. It doesn't even include most of Chad's dialog. Instead, it's done through telling instead of showing and Chad mentions off-hand that his parents' reaction wasn't as extreme as he feared. This was one of the most important scenes in the entire story because it was supposed to lay the foundation for the whole forced-marriage trope and it's done basically off-page and in such a rushed way? That made no sense.
I also disliked the romance and the MCs. As I mentioned previously, Warren doesn't have much of a personality and he's just the Perfect Boyfriend and Chad doesn't seem to feel anything more than friendship towards Warren. This meant they had zero chemistry and I didn't care about their romance. Never mind that they're together for only a few days before Chad's diagnosis and surgery and of course, their marriage. I constantly kept comparing this story to Spokes, which also had MCs get together early in the story and focused on how their relationship weathered intense situations. But in Spokes, the MC's romance was very well set up, there was no time wasted on things that didn't really matter (for example, both MCs know they're gay and have established, comfortable lives so there's no drama about any of that) and the romance progressed at an enjoyable, realistic pace that made me care about them as a couple. So when everything gets turned upside down, I was fully invested in their relationship and I believed how much they wanted to support each other. In this story, everything was so rushed and there was so much happening in a short span of time that I didn't care about any of it.
Also - I hate rats. They give me the literal creeps so the detailed descriptions of handling them and doing testing on them made me want to throw my phone across the room. And having a professor who chain smokes indoors, throws lit cigarette butts at students and has caused at least one chemistry fire by smoking in the chemistry lab in a book that was published in 2015 is absurd. That was yet another detail that felt like it was bizarre, out of place and nonsensical.
There's a very good story hiding in here and PD Singer is one of my favorite authors but this story was just a sad mess from start to finish. I didn't even get to the post-surgery part where Chad apparently goes through an entire personality change (which I would have hated anyway) but I had no desire to keep going.
Some reviewers have called this book odd and I related to that sentiment a lot. This book is odd and it's also a mess. The premise is great and it's filled with good ideas but the execution was pretty bad. It almost felt like the author was really distracted while working on this story. While they knew how they wanted the story to go, they weren't fully paying attention to it while working on it, which resulted in a messy, disjointed story that's badly written. There were gaping plot holes that resulted in many parts of the premise not making sense. The pacing alternated between being incredibly boring vs going so fast that the scenes read like outlines rather than completed scenes. Lastly, the romance was rushed, lacked chemistry and I didn't like either of the MCs.
First - the plot holes. Chad has been suffering from chronic headaches, unexplained weight gain, he's grown breasts, he has a low sex drive and erectile dysfunction despite being only 22 years old and he's having vision problems. Essentially, He's gone to many doctors but they've just told him to keep taking over-the-counter pain meds. This is BS. Based on my personal experience, when you go to a doctor with chronic headache symptoms and you're not doing any of the usual things that could be behind them (which Chad wasn't) then the doctor moves things forward and sends you to a specialist and gets more testing done. But we're supposed to believe that for 7 years, all of Chad's doctors did nothing to address his worsening headache situation, never mind the other symptoms, which clearly point at a much bigger problem.
Also - Chad barely eats anything (the guy often skips meals, he'll eat pieces of lettuce and a single yoghurt and call that a meal), yet we're supposed to believe he's putting on weight at a rate that makes him noticeably heavier than other fencers. There's no way that a guy who eats so little is constantly putting on weight, even if he has a hormone imbalance that encourages weight gain. Speaking of fencing - his former high school teammates used to call him Butterboy because of his supposed heaviness. But his current fencing teammate also calls him Butterboy, despite not having known him in high school and Chad obviously not having told him the nickname, which makes no sense. Speaking of plot holes related to Chad's body - he supposedly has grown breasts to the point where they're noticeable. Except...nobody notices them? He's a muscular guy and guys like that have defined pecs anyway that would show through a tight shirt. If he's grown breasts to the point where he's noticed then how on earth is nobody ever noticing them?
There's also the mess that's Chad's sexuality. So the guy has had a low libido for his entire life and this results in him thinking he's asexual. The tumor that's caused all sorts of hormone problems for him has apparently kept his sex drive so low that the guy feels no attraction towards anybody and he can't orgasm. Okay, fine. But the first time he and Warren have sexy times, Chad has no problem getting an erection and having an orgasm complete with ejaculation. Why? Because Warren introduces him to his prostate. So...it was never a hormone problem? It was just a lack of knowledge about his own body and being with inexperienced partners? But then Chad also decides he's gay after having that one sexual interaction with Warren, despite not being attracted to him. Apparently, after the surgery, Chad decides that he's not gay after all. The whole thing is a complete mess.
Also - I didn't like the message the author kept accidentally pushing that guys in their early 20s are supposed to be horn dogs who want to rut anything in sight and if they don't, there's something medically wrong with them. A lot of guys that age do fall into that category, but there are plenty who have low sex drives naturally or aren't that interested in sex overall and it doesn't automatically mean that there's something medically wrong with them. The author used Chad's low sex drive and his weight gain (which wasn't excessive) to make it seem as if he views himself as an alien among the rest of humanity - somebody who is so different and weird that he can't live a normal life. This made no sense! Lots of people have low sex drives and Chad wasn't anywhere close to being obese so I struggled to view these things as the catastrophes that the author was making them out to be. The headaches, vision problems and randomly growing additional body parts - sure those things are a big cause for concern. But the weight gain and low sex drive weren't.
Then there's everything related to the forced-marriage and medical problems. So after Chad's diagnosis, he immediately gets worried that his parents would go against his wishes and keep him on life support if the surgery goes wrong and he ends up being a vegetable. This is why he wants to marry Warren and the whole thing is full of plot holes too. Chad's parents don't appear on page at all, we don't know anything about them and Chad only briefly tells them about his illness and the surgery. They don't have any end-of-life discussions and there's no indication that Chad's concerns are valid enough that it would be a good idea for him to get married to a guy who he's been in a relationship with for A FEW DAYS. From Warren's side - the guy was basically a piece of cardboard. He's the perfect boyfriend who does and says everything a perfect boyfriend should, including happily agreeing to marry a guy who he's been in a relationship with for a few days. None of this made any sense.
Then there are the severe pacing problems. There were multiple long, boring scenes that were filled with way too many details about things that didn't matter. Like Warren's biologist friend going into excessive detail about how/why she's doing tests on her rats. Or Chad's fencing where each bout is described in detail but none of the fencing stuff is an important part of the plot. Or a detailed listing of the nicknames of Warren's fellow grad students that his chemistry prof gave them over the years. None of this stuff mattered to the overall plot and those scenes were boring. In contrast, the author going into extreme detail about cycling in Spokes and scuba diving in Diving Deep were great because those things played an important role in the story.
In contrast with these slow, boring scenes, there were important scenes that were written very poorly and rushed. For example, Chad's conversation with his parents where he tells them about his illness doesn't include Chad's parents' dialog. It doesn't even include most of Chad's dialog. Instead, it's done through telling instead of showing and Chad mentions off-hand that his parents' reaction wasn't as extreme as he feared. This was one of the most important scenes in the entire story because it was supposed to lay the foundation for the whole forced-marriage trope and it's done basically off-page and in such a rushed way? That made no sense.
I also disliked the romance and the MCs. As I mentioned previously, Warren doesn't have much of a personality and he's just the Perfect Boyfriend and Chad doesn't seem to feel anything more than friendship towards Warren. This meant they had zero chemistry and I didn't care about their romance. Never mind that they're together for only a few days before Chad's diagnosis and surgery and of course, their marriage. I constantly kept comparing this story to Spokes, which also had MCs get together early in the story and focused on how their relationship weathered intense situations. But in Spokes, the MC's romance was very well set up, there was no time wasted on things that didn't really matter (for example, both MCs know they're gay and have established, comfortable lives so there's no drama about any of that) and the romance progressed at an enjoyable, realistic pace that made me care about them as a couple. So when everything gets turned upside down, I was fully invested in their relationship and I believed how much they wanted to support each other. In this story, everything was so rushed and there was so much happening in a short span of time that I didn't care about any of it.
Also - I hate rats. They give me the literal creeps so the detailed descriptions of handling them and doing testing on them made me want to throw my phone across the room. And having a professor who chain smokes indoors, throws lit cigarette butts at students and has caused at least one chemistry fire by smoking in the chemistry lab in a book that was published in 2015 is absurd. That was yet another detail that felt like it was bizarre, out of place and nonsensical.
There's a very good story hiding in here and PD Singer is one of my favorite authors but this story was just a sad mess from start to finish. I didn't even get to the post-surgery part where Chad apparently goes through an entire personality change (which I would have hated anyway) but I had no desire to keep going.
February 20, 2015
Warren and Chad are roommates. Warren is gay and Chad is… well, Chad is having a lot of trouble defining himself.
Chad, since he was about 15, has been having debilitating headaches and some pretty debilitating erectile dysfunction. He doesn’t link the two, but instead worries about his “manliness”. He decides to conduct an experiment after his most recent female failure and his buddy Warren is happy to oblige.
Though it is far from perfect, Chad is definitely more aroused by Warren than any of the previous girlfriends he’s had and the two embark on an exploratory friends to lovers relationship.
But that isn’t all there is to be discovered. Chad’s headaches are getting worse and Warren and his friend convince Chad to go to the doctor to test a theory they have about the source of Chad’s problems.
It turns out Chad has a brain tumor and it is the probable source of all his physical ailments.
The surgery to remove the benign growth is tricky and there is a chance that Chad will be left a vegetable if it goes wrong. Knowing how his family feels about “pulling the plug”, Chad doesn’t want to be left in a vegetative state and he doesn’t trust his family to respect his wishes. To circumvent this, he and Warren sign all the appropriate Medical Health forms but also decide to get married so that Warren will really have his power of attorney.
Once the surgery has been successfully completed there a lot of changes Chad will go through. Essentially puberty, again. The question is – now that Chad is “a new man” will he still want to be with Warren. The other question is – will Warren still want to be with him?
**
What a unique book! PD Singer is nothing if not an amazing researcher. You can tell she must have done a bunch of serious investigating into this disease. It was fascinating!
There were times when I was certainly skeptical. Two college guys getting married for the sake of a power of attorney was definitely a little on the unrealistic side, but for the most part, the rest of the story seemed to fall within the realm of possibility.
I appreciated the “real” sex in this book, and that it wasn’t always hot and sweaty and joyous. There were some hardships the couple went through that just rang true and felt very authentic.
I was thoroughly captivated by this story and was waffling, right up til the end, right along with Warren on whether or not Chad would figure things out or was the whole relationship about to crumble before their eyes.
I really recommend this unique book and this fascinating look at a relationship.
Writing/Editing 5
Romance 4
Sex/Heat 4
Storyline 5
World Building/Characterizations 4
Overall 4.4 (rounded up to 4.5) of 5 hearts!
Chad, since he was about 15, has been having debilitating headaches and some pretty debilitating erectile dysfunction. He doesn’t link the two, but instead worries about his “manliness”. He decides to conduct an experiment after his most recent female failure and his buddy Warren is happy to oblige.
Though it is far from perfect, Chad is definitely more aroused by Warren than any of the previous girlfriends he’s had and the two embark on an exploratory friends to lovers relationship.
But that isn’t all there is to be discovered. Chad’s headaches are getting worse and Warren and his friend convince Chad to go to the doctor to test a theory they have about the source of Chad’s problems.
It turns out Chad has a brain tumor and it is the probable source of all his physical ailments.
The surgery to remove the benign growth is tricky and there is a chance that Chad will be left a vegetable if it goes wrong. Knowing how his family feels about “pulling the plug”, Chad doesn’t want to be left in a vegetative state and he doesn’t trust his family to respect his wishes. To circumvent this, he and Warren sign all the appropriate Medical Health forms but also decide to get married so that Warren will really have his power of attorney.
Once the surgery has been successfully completed there a lot of changes Chad will go through. Essentially puberty, again. The question is – now that Chad is “a new man” will he still want to be with Warren. The other question is – will Warren still want to be with him?
**
What a unique book! PD Singer is nothing if not an amazing researcher. You can tell she must have done a bunch of serious investigating into this disease. It was fascinating!
There were times when I was certainly skeptical. Two college guys getting married for the sake of a power of attorney was definitely a little on the unrealistic side, but for the most part, the rest of the story seemed to fall within the realm of possibility.
I appreciated the “real” sex in this book, and that it wasn’t always hot and sweaty and joyous. There were some hardships the couple went through that just rang true and felt very authentic.
I was thoroughly captivated by this story and was waffling, right up til the end, right along with Warren on whether or not Chad would figure things out or was the whole relationship about to crumble before their eyes.
I really recommend this unique book and this fascinating look at a relationship.
Writing/Editing 5
Romance 4
Sex/Heat 4
Storyline 5
World Building/Characterizations 4
Overall 4.4 (rounded up to 4.5) of 5 hearts!
October 28, 2017
4.5 Stars.
Phew. This is a great book with a wonderful premise which I don't want to spoil.
A wonderful friends to lovers and marriage of con but between lovers tropes.
Then, there is fencing, science, Colorado, body image, sexuality, and masculinity layered into a compelling romance between two super smart and kind heroes.
Really great!
Phew. This is a great book with a wonderful premise which I don't want to spoil.
A wonderful friends to lovers and marriage of con but between lovers tropes.
Then, there is fencing, science, Colorado, body image, sexuality, and masculinity layered into a compelling romance between two super smart and kind heroes.
Really great!
February 9, 2015
(Disclosure: I betaed this book.)
I adored the characters very much. Whenever I read Pd Singer I learn something new. This book was no different. Delicious sex scenes... It was fascinating to watch the relationship develop and change based on life circumstances.
I'd definitely recommend this book.
Hugs, Z. Allora
I adored the characters very much. Whenever I read Pd Singer I learn something new. This book was no different. Delicious sex scenes... It was fascinating to watch the relationship develop and change based on life circumstances.
I'd definitely recommend this book.
Hugs, Z. Allora
March 29, 2015
Full disclosure ahead – I betaed this book, but that’s not the reason why think it praiseworthy; I fell in love with this story for its own sake. Let me tell you why.
On the surface, this book tells a simple enough story. Warren and Chad have been roommates for years when one more frustrating experience with a girlfriend leads seemingly straight Chad to experimenting with gay Warren, who’s been crushing on him forever. It’s an experience that changes everything for Chad. For one, it makes Chad realize he might’ve been looking for love in all the wrong places, and for another, it’s the first time in Chad’s life that someone accepts him unconditionally, warts and all, so to speak. Because Chad has serious issues with his health and his body, and as a result, with his self-confidence too, which Warren helps him overcome one by one. Through Warren’s appreciation, Chad is almost to the point of accepting himself when something happens that changes Chad, irrevocably and forever – first his body, and then his character, or so it seems.
And that’s where the true beauty of this book begins. Because at this point, the story opens up like a flower, revealing layer upon layer of allegories, wisdom and sympathy. I love it when that happens, when a book makes me think, makes me ask: what if?; when while reading, my eyes are opened to a new aspect of the world, one that I never before thought to consider,
In a way, this book reminded me of The Ugly Duckling, that fairytale about an ugly duckling hated by all who becomes everybody’s darling once it turns into a swan. The difference is, in this story, the duckling is the lovable one and the swan is anything but. In fact, I hated post-transition Chad, hated what he’d become, how he treated Warren. The fascinating aspect here is what post-transition Chad became is the supposed “normal”. And this is also one of the questions this book floats: what is normal? Or more precisely, what is normal for a man? And how are others supposed to react to that “normal”—acquiescing? Confrontational? Reconciling or recuperating? The answer given is not unbiased, of course; this is a work of fiction, after all, and so it’s entitled to create some kind of best of all worlds-scenario, which, at the end of the day, will remain a utopia--I may wish otherwise all I want.
There’s a lot of medical and / or scientific detail in this book, but always worked into the narrative in a way as to be unobtrusive and intelligible. As another disclosure, I know my medicine pretty well, but I couldn’t find fault with the details. If anything, I found it entertaining to guess at Chad’s medical condition along the way; it felt almost like watching “Dr. House” to me.
If I had any issues with this book, then the fact that I found its pacing a little off; in my opinion, some things moved too slow, others happened almost in a rush. But that might be only me; in general, I found the writing skillful, and sometimes even brilliant.
Overall, if you’re in the mood for a fast paced, pleasant, light read, try something else, this book is not for you. But if you’re ready to sink into an artfully crafted story full of philosophical wisdom, permeated with heartfelt human kindness and imperturbable optimism, reach for this book, you can’t go wrong.
Reviewed for prism book alliance (r)
On the surface, this book tells a simple enough story. Warren and Chad have been roommates for years when one more frustrating experience with a girlfriend leads seemingly straight Chad to experimenting with gay Warren, who’s been crushing on him forever. It’s an experience that changes everything for Chad. For one, it makes Chad realize he might’ve been looking for love in all the wrong places, and for another, it’s the first time in Chad’s life that someone accepts him unconditionally, warts and all, so to speak. Because Chad has serious issues with his health and his body, and as a result, with his self-confidence too, which Warren helps him overcome one by one. Through Warren’s appreciation, Chad is almost to the point of accepting himself when something happens that changes Chad, irrevocably and forever – first his body, and then his character, or so it seems.
And that’s where the true beauty of this book begins. Because at this point, the story opens up like a flower, revealing layer upon layer of allegories, wisdom and sympathy. I love it when that happens, when a book makes me think, makes me ask: what if?; when while reading, my eyes are opened to a new aspect of the world, one that I never before thought to consider,
In a way, this book reminded me of The Ugly Duckling, that fairytale about an ugly duckling hated by all who becomes everybody’s darling once it turns into a swan. The difference is, in this story, the duckling is the lovable one and the swan is anything but. In fact, I hated post-transition Chad, hated what he’d become, how he treated Warren. The fascinating aspect here is what post-transition Chad became is the supposed “normal”. And this is also one of the questions this book floats: what is normal? Or more precisely, what is normal for a man? And how are others supposed to react to that “normal”—acquiescing? Confrontational? Reconciling or recuperating? The answer given is not unbiased, of course; this is a work of fiction, after all, and so it’s entitled to create some kind of best of all worlds-scenario, which, at the end of the day, will remain a utopia--I may wish otherwise all I want.
There’s a lot of medical and / or scientific detail in this book, but always worked into the narrative in a way as to be unobtrusive and intelligible. As another disclosure, I know my medicine pretty well, but I couldn’t find fault with the details. If anything, I found it entertaining to guess at Chad’s medical condition along the way; it felt almost like watching “Dr. House” to me.
If I had any issues with this book, then the fact that I found its pacing a little off; in my opinion, some things moved too slow, others happened almost in a rush. But that might be only me; in general, I found the writing skillful, and sometimes even brilliant.
Overall, if you’re in the mood for a fast paced, pleasant, light read, try something else, this book is not for you. But if you’re ready to sink into an artfully crafted story full of philosophical wisdom, permeated with heartfelt human kindness and imperturbable optimism, reach for this book, you can’t go wrong.
Reviewed for prism book alliance (r)
February 10, 2015
Original Blog Post: eARC Review: A New Man by P.D. Singer
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
This was such a great read and the juxtaposition between the old and the new Chad was so very interesting and his character so very well written. Just wow!
So this is a story in two parts basically. We have the romance that happened between Chad and Warren pre surgery and the one that happened post surgery. And the personalities of the two Chads is vastly different it was like reading about two different people.
So Chad had been involved in sports for such a long time but not because he craved it. He had to because his parents expected it of him and basically, he had to go into it to get into some sort of sports scholarship. Now on his final year, just as he is about to get what he worked so hard for, he suffers the headaches, the pains, the weakness and fatigue and worse, he is losing in his chosen sport. It does not help that he is accused of gaining weight and teased for it. He hardly eats but still he is gaining. Then he is getting attracted to his roommate. And he is not gay.
Warren is falling for his straight roommate and it does not help he is such a great guy. When he gets kissed by Chad, he just falls flat on his face in love. Watching Chad suffer made him protective of the guy. Watching Chad go through the shock of learning he had a tumor, his protective mode went on overdrive.
The two men support each other, they decide on things they never thought to do at this early stage in their relationship. All looks rosy after the surgery. When the recovery begins and the expected post surgical changes happen, now that was something they were not prepared for. Chad changes, and not for the better. He is an adolescent in an adult's body and it is ugly. How much longer can Warren hold on to the man he loved when that man is no longer with him?
There were moments that made me cry for Warren and hate Chad but then, in the next instance, I felt for Chad and hated Warren. The changes in their relationship post surgery is when the true story begins and it was such a revealing read. The painful moments each experienced was very touching and frustrating all at the same time which made this a really, really fast read.
Note: ARC provided for blog tour. Related Link: Extended Book Blast, Excerpt & #Giveaway: A New Man by PD Singer
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
This was such a great read and the juxtaposition between the old and the new Chad was so very interesting and his character so very well written. Just wow!
So this is a story in two parts basically. We have the romance that happened between Chad and Warren pre surgery and the one that happened post surgery. And the personalities of the two Chads is vastly different it was like reading about two different people.
So Chad had been involved in sports for such a long time but not because he craved it. He had to because his parents expected it of him and basically, he had to go into it to get into some sort of sports scholarship. Now on his final year, just as he is about to get what he worked so hard for, he suffers the headaches, the pains, the weakness and fatigue and worse, he is losing in his chosen sport. It does not help that he is accused of gaining weight and teased for it. He hardly eats but still he is gaining. Then he is getting attracted to his roommate. And he is not gay.
Warren is falling for his straight roommate and it does not help he is such a great guy. When he gets kissed by Chad, he just falls flat on his face in love. Watching Chad suffer made him protective of the guy. Watching Chad go through the shock of learning he had a tumor, his protective mode went on overdrive.
The two men support each other, they decide on things they never thought to do at this early stage in their relationship. All looks rosy after the surgery. When the recovery begins and the expected post surgical changes happen, now that was something they were not prepared for. Chad changes, and not for the better. He is an adolescent in an adult's body and it is ugly. How much longer can Warren hold on to the man he loved when that man is no longer with him?
There were moments that made me cry for Warren and hate Chad but then, in the next instance, I felt for Chad and hated Warren. The changes in their relationship post surgery is when the true story begins and it was such a revealing read. The painful moments each experienced was very touching and frustrating all at the same time which made this a really, really fast read.
Note: ARC provided for blog tour. Related Link: Extended Book Blast, Excerpt & #Giveaway: A New Man by PD Singer
February 16, 2015
5 Amazing Stars
**This book was provided to me by the author/publisher via pride promotions in exchange for an honest review**
Warren used to be the party boy, but gave it up for more enjoyable nights, spent at home in the company of his straight roommate, Chad.
Chad has suffered horrible headaches due to his sinuses for years. He pops Ibuprofen and Antihistamines like they are going out of style, not that it really relieves the pressure or pain in his head.
After Chad suffers another failed date with a girl, Warren offers him a chance to experiment. The two don't take long to enter into a relationship and things are going well, but after Warren's BFF, Gabrielle performs a lab experiment on Chad, they are faced with horrible news. Chad doesn't want his parents to be in control of his medical care, so he asked Warren to do it. They decide to get married to ensure that Warren faces no loopholes and Chad's parents don't try to override any decisions he may make.
After the surgery, Chad changes, and not for the better. Can these men survive in this new and fragile relationship?
This was a powerful book, that dealt with what has the potential to be a devastating illness. This story broke my heart. To see these young men so happy together, and then to be faced with the devastating news of Chad's illness.
This author made me feel. I felt the passion and love between Warren and Chad. I also felt the anger, hurt, heartache and helplessness. I wanted to reach out and hold them, and at times I also wanted to scream and shake them. This book flowed well and was nicely paced. It held me captivated from page one, often looking at the clock at work to see how much longer I had before I could get back home to Warren and Chad.
This was such a beautiful story, but even though it deals with such a serious issue, fear not, you will laugh as well. The scenes between Warren, Gabrielle and her lab rats added a much needed humor and lightness to this story, and I found myself laughing out loud. This is my first book by this author, but will definitely not be my last.
My only problem with this book at times, was that I confused as to who's POV I was reading. I had to re-read things to try to figure out who was talking during some of the conversations, and sometimes I wasn't sure if the characters were talking or if it was inner dialogue I was reading. Even with these flaws, it wasn't enough to take away any stars. I highly recommend it!
**This book was provided to me by the author/publisher via pride promotions in exchange for an honest review**
Warren used to be the party boy, but gave it up for more enjoyable nights, spent at home in the company of his straight roommate, Chad.
Chad has suffered horrible headaches due to his sinuses for years. He pops Ibuprofen and Antihistamines like they are going out of style, not that it really relieves the pressure or pain in his head.
After Chad suffers another failed date with a girl, Warren offers him a chance to experiment. The two don't take long to enter into a relationship and things are going well, but after Warren's BFF, Gabrielle performs a lab experiment on Chad, they are faced with horrible news. Chad doesn't want his parents to be in control of his medical care, so he asked Warren to do it. They decide to get married to ensure that Warren faces no loopholes and Chad's parents don't try to override any decisions he may make.
After the surgery, Chad changes, and not for the better. Can these men survive in this new and fragile relationship?
This was a powerful book, that dealt with what has the potential to be a devastating illness. This story broke my heart. To see these young men so happy together, and then to be faced with the devastating news of Chad's illness.
This author made me feel. I felt the passion and love between Warren and Chad. I also felt the anger, hurt, heartache and helplessness. I wanted to reach out and hold them, and at times I also wanted to scream and shake them. This book flowed well and was nicely paced. It held me captivated from page one, often looking at the clock at work to see how much longer I had before I could get back home to Warren and Chad.
This was such a beautiful story, but even though it deals with such a serious issue, fear not, you will laugh as well. The scenes between Warren, Gabrielle and her lab rats added a much needed humor and lightness to this story, and I found myself laughing out loud. This is my first book by this author, but will definitely not be my last.
My only problem with this book at times, was that I confused as to who's POV I was reading. I had to re-read things to try to figure out who was talking during some of the conversations, and sometimes I wasn't sure if the characters were talking or if it was inner dialogue I was reading. Even with these flaws, it wasn't enough to take away any stars. I highly recommend it!
March 12, 2015
I'm not sure what made me read this. I like the fantasy of a book, somewhere to escape, suspend your belief and loose yourself. So, the blurb on this just seemed "too real"....but the marriage of best friends, not for love, money or status - but so that the wishes of one could be overseen by the other...it grabbed me and I needed to read it.
Warren, was just sweet, caring, warm-comfy-security blanket of a geeky-science man - God-bless him!! He also had the patience of Job. Chad was insecure, about his body, his sexuality, constantly in pain from headaches and living in "friend zones", who after surgery, turned into a raging hormonal "15 year old" that seriously needed his arse kicking!
You are told in the blurb that Chad is ill and needs surgery, so I thought I would be prepared, but it was still a nail-biting moment when he was diagnosed. When they got married, it was sweet and tender and heart-felt. The real punishing part of this story starts with Chad's recovery. The testosterone fairy "punched" him hard - he was angry, full of hurt, lashing out with cruel words, changes of personality at such a rapid pace, but real emotional moments as some of the inner dialogue just pulled your heart strings - it must be so frightening to suddenly not to know yourself! And Warren, sat and accepted all the positives, negatives and urges that Chad threw at him...until it was one step too far....!
The side characters filled the story well, Gabrielle and her lab rats added much needed banter and humour! Chad's Dad not so much....effing arse....
At times the story felt a little jumpy, the pace didn't always seem in sync. Sometimes it wandered off into science talk and experiments and if you want to know anything about Fencing/Finta in tempo/parry/the correct position of your foil, then this will be right up street. Saying that, I did give a huge whoop at the last exhibition fight - go Chad!!
It finished with an epilogue and a fluffy sweet HEA, which left me with the warm and fuzzies. So overall, it was a journey well worth reading. Recommended.
Warren, was just sweet, caring, warm-comfy-security blanket of a geeky-science man - God-bless him!! He also had the patience of Job. Chad was insecure, about his body, his sexuality, constantly in pain from headaches and living in "friend zones", who after surgery, turned into a raging hormonal "15 year old" that seriously needed his arse kicking!
You are told in the blurb that Chad is ill and needs surgery, so I thought I would be prepared, but it was still a nail-biting moment when he was diagnosed. When they got married, it was sweet and tender and heart-felt. The real punishing part of this story starts with Chad's recovery. The testosterone fairy "punched" him hard - he was angry, full of hurt, lashing out with cruel words, changes of personality at such a rapid pace, but real emotional moments as some of the inner dialogue just pulled your heart strings - it must be so frightening to suddenly not to know yourself! And Warren, sat and accepted all the positives, negatives and urges that Chad threw at him...until it was one step too far....!
The side characters filled the story well, Gabrielle and her lab rats added much needed banter and humour! Chad's Dad not so much....effing arse....
At times the story felt a little jumpy, the pace didn't always seem in sync. Sometimes it wandered off into science talk and experiments and if you want to know anything about Fencing/Finta in tempo/parry/the correct position of your foil, then this will be right up street. Saying that, I did give a huge whoop at the last exhibition fight - go Chad!!
It finished with an epilogue and a fluffy sweet HEA, which left me with the warm and fuzzies. So overall, it was a journey well worth reading. Recommended.
March 6, 2015
3.5 stars, or maybe more like 3.75?? I don't know how to react to this book. It was definitely not the book I expected- it was a lot darker and angrier than I'd thought it would be. The medical stuff was well-written, and I was rooting for them both at the end, but the whole book felt so rushed. They rushed to get together, there was a rush toward resolution, and there was so much packed in there. Chemistry! Fencing! Rats! Medical drama! Family drama! Body issues! It was all well done, but it needed to be paced better.
March 19, 2015
Emotional, sweet, and eye-opening. I really liked the MCs and their romance was something to feel pain over and root for.
February 28, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
This was a highly enjoyable story, due to the talented writing of PD Singer and to the unique source of conflict experienced by Warren and Chad. This review put me in a bit of a quandary. As much as I enjoyed the story, some elements felt a bit too convenient, and at times I felt the story focused a bit too much on inconsequential matters. Overall, it was an entertaining and gripping emotional journey.
Warren is a chemistry grad student. He is an out and proud gay man. Six months prior, Warren welcomed Chad, a senior college student as his new roommate. Somehow, the longer Chad was in his life, the less Warren seemed to be going to the clubs. I loved Warren immediately. He came across as a truly genuine, kind, loyal, likeable guy. Chad was a conundrum. Not just to me, the reader, but to the women he dated, to Warren, and most of all… to himself.
Chad is a decent guy. He’s on the university fencing team. He eats super healthy in an effort to combat his pudginess, his headaches, and his increasing sinus issues. Chad dates a lot. In fact, it seems Chad has dated many women, but never beyond a first date. Warren wonders if perhaps Chad’s reluctance to do more than kiss the women could have something to do with his sexuality. Maybe Chad is gay too?
Warren and Chad actually converse about this, and being science geeks, they decide gathering data is in order. Warren is all too happy to help. He’s had an interest in Chad for a while. Their initial “experiments” lead to some mixed, yet interesting results. No, this is not an “I’ll make you see you can be gay for me” story. Far from it. Warren is no macho super stud… he is genuinely interested in Chad, and wants to help him find himself. Warren was so amazingly patient and wonderful to Chad, especially when Chad revealed his major issue. Seems Chad was unable to get an erection and had been that way for years. The scenes of the guys working through this really made me smile, and were also quite erotic. OK… hot! Chad’s libido doesn’t do an instant turn around with Warren, yet he is definitely turned on more so than with any of the women he dated and he finds out his plumbing still works. Warren tells Chad he is interested in him, that he is more than his erection. Sigh. Chad is continually plagued by worsening headaches. They mess with his studies, his new relationship with Warren, and with his fencing tournament matches.
At this point it became clear to me that something is obviously “wrong” with Chad. He’s an athlete, he’s eating well yet he’s still pudgy, he’s 22 but has litle sex drive. Warren did recognize this, but it was shadowed by the question of Chad’s sexuality. I got a bit frustrated with the health aspect here. Chad was not a stupid guy. He’d had most of his symptoms for years, the headaches were more recent and getting worse, yet he was only taking ibuprofen for extreme headaches? Did no one including his fencing team coach think specialty medical intervention might be in order? Chad merely continued to pop ibuprofen… grrr!
Enter Gabrielle, Warren’s good friend and fellow lab guru. She conveniently is doing a hormone study using rats. The rats also prove to be the catalyst for some great humor in the story. On a hunch one day while Warren and Chad are visiting her lab, she takes blood samples from them to use alongside those of the rats. Gabrielle makes a huge discovery – Warren has off the chart levels of prolactin. This explains all of his symptoms. Chad’s world, and Warren’s along with it, goes tilt. This is where I had to take a big “it is fiction” breath. Gabrielle happened to be doing research specific to what was wrong with Chad. She also was able to get Chad in immediately with a doctor who diagnosed him. The doctor was then able to get him in for surgery without any wait time. Chad had a prolactinoma. In a nutshell, this pituitary tumor was causing all of Chad’s symptoms, and if removed successfully, would resolve them, including getting his testosterone back to normal levels. Have I said I love Warren? Because yes… Warren. Such a rock. He dropped everything to help Chad, to be by his side, to help smooth things over with his family, to BE his family. At this point the guys were still in a fledgling relationship and they now had life or death decisions to make. Deciding to get married so Warren would have legal power of attorney for Chad’s medical care was a decision that made sense given Chad’s negative family history. The guys were obviously in love with each other at this point, but Warren wouldn’t look that in the eye, he just wanted Chad to make it through the surgery and to recover fully. There was definitely plenty of tension and emotional moments for the guys to work through, including drama (Chad’s dad being a total jerk) from Chad’s parents. This all made for some compelling reading.
The time following Chad’s surgery was a rollercoaster. The guys had been warned that Chad’s testosterone increases would lead to mood swings, possible sexually aggressive behavior, and almost make him seem like a 15 year old boy… oh yay! But yeah, this is pretty much what happened, with lots of sex, some adult size tantrums, snotty behavior, hurtful behavior aimed at Warren, and nasty words thrown in. Again, Warren was very patient, even when pushed to the limit mentally and physically he was able to reach down and find more patience and love for Chad. I found him to be both selfless and selfish in Chad’s surgery and recovery. He had prevented Chad from saying “love” prior to the surgery. He didn’t want Chad to feel beholden to him if he felt differently once recovered from the surgery and effects of the tumor. It kinda made me roll my eyes. Saying “I Love You” doesn’t have to be an end all, or lead to something particular, or mean that you have expectations. It means you are vulnerable enough to have said it. Period. Maybe if Warren had allowed Chad to say it, Chad would have felt more secure in their relationship rather than somewhat desperate. Confidence in relationships was not Chad’s strong suit. Gabrielle seemed a bit under- utilized in the story. She did come in again in a key scene near the end, but I wish Warren had had more consistent help dealing with being Chad’s caregiver during the emotional topsy turvy rough road to his recovery. I was also a bit skeptical – albeit grateful! – with the positive sudden turn- around in Chad’s behavior. But thank goodness he recognized he was being an ass and turned it around!
I want to mention the fencing again. It was a very important aspect of Chad’s life. Sports in books is always of interest to me, and I applaud the use of fencing as an important element in Chad’s story… it was nice to see a less visible sport utilized in a story. On the flip side for me, at times the details and length of the fencing scenes bogged down the flow of reading.
The use of a medical issue of this type was a brilliant set up. It allowed for a strong emotional bond to build between Warren and Chad both separate from and within their sexual encounters. Then it provided a captivating source of conflict as they dealt with it head on, then worked through the emotional aftermath of pain and healing to acknowledge their love. This build to romance was wonderful. The intimacy the two built was beautifully portrayed. I must say…getting two wedding ceremonies was pretty cool. Both were very, telling.. and very touching ;-) ♥
This was a highly enjoyable story, due to the talented writing of PD Singer and to the unique source of conflict experienced by Warren and Chad. This review put me in a bit of a quandary. As much as I enjoyed the story, some elements felt a bit too convenient, and at times I felt the story focused a bit too much on inconsequential matters. Overall, it was an entertaining and gripping emotional journey.
Warren is a chemistry grad student. He is an out and proud gay man. Six months prior, Warren welcomed Chad, a senior college student as his new roommate. Somehow, the longer Chad was in his life, the less Warren seemed to be going to the clubs. I loved Warren immediately. He came across as a truly genuine, kind, loyal, likeable guy. Chad was a conundrum. Not just to me, the reader, but to the women he dated, to Warren, and most of all… to himself.
Chad is a decent guy. He’s on the university fencing team. He eats super healthy in an effort to combat his pudginess, his headaches, and his increasing sinus issues. Chad dates a lot. In fact, it seems Chad has dated many women, but never beyond a first date. Warren wonders if perhaps Chad’s reluctance to do more than kiss the women could have something to do with his sexuality. Maybe Chad is gay too?
Warren and Chad actually converse about this, and being science geeks, they decide gathering data is in order. Warren is all too happy to help. He’s had an interest in Chad for a while. Their initial “experiments” lead to some mixed, yet interesting results. No, this is not an “I’ll make you see you can be gay for me” story. Far from it. Warren is no macho super stud… he is genuinely interested in Chad, and wants to help him find himself. Warren was so amazingly patient and wonderful to Chad, especially when Chad revealed his major issue. Seems Chad was unable to get an erection and had been that way for years. The scenes of the guys working through this really made me smile, and were also quite erotic. OK… hot! Chad’s libido doesn’t do an instant turn around with Warren, yet he is definitely turned on more so than with any of the women he dated and he finds out his plumbing still works. Warren tells Chad he is interested in him, that he is more than his erection. Sigh. Chad is continually plagued by worsening headaches. They mess with his studies, his new relationship with Warren, and with his fencing tournament matches.
At this point it became clear to me that something is obviously “wrong” with Chad. He’s an athlete, he’s eating well yet he’s still pudgy, he’s 22 but has litle sex drive. Warren did recognize this, but it was shadowed by the question of Chad’s sexuality. I got a bit frustrated with the health aspect here. Chad was not a stupid guy. He’d had most of his symptoms for years, the headaches were more recent and getting worse, yet he was only taking ibuprofen for extreme headaches? Did no one including his fencing team coach think specialty medical intervention might be in order? Chad merely continued to pop ibuprofen… grrr!
Enter Gabrielle, Warren’s good friend and fellow lab guru. She conveniently is doing a hormone study using rats. The rats also prove to be the catalyst for some great humor in the story. On a hunch one day while Warren and Chad are visiting her lab, she takes blood samples from them to use alongside those of the rats. Gabrielle makes a huge discovery – Warren has off the chart levels of prolactin. This explains all of his symptoms. Chad’s world, and Warren’s along with it, goes tilt. This is where I had to take a big “it is fiction” breath. Gabrielle happened to be doing research specific to what was wrong with Chad. She also was able to get Chad in immediately with a doctor who diagnosed him. The doctor was then able to get him in for surgery without any wait time. Chad had a prolactinoma. In a nutshell, this pituitary tumor was causing all of Chad’s symptoms, and if removed successfully, would resolve them, including getting his testosterone back to normal levels. Have I said I love Warren? Because yes… Warren. Such a rock. He dropped everything to help Chad, to be by his side, to help smooth things over with his family, to BE his family. At this point the guys were still in a fledgling relationship and they now had life or death decisions to make. Deciding to get married so Warren would have legal power of attorney for Chad’s medical care was a decision that made sense given Chad’s negative family history. The guys were obviously in love with each other at this point, but Warren wouldn’t look that in the eye, he just wanted Chad to make it through the surgery and to recover fully. There was definitely plenty of tension and emotional moments for the guys to work through, including drama (Chad’s dad being a total jerk) from Chad’s parents. This all made for some compelling reading.
The time following Chad’s surgery was a rollercoaster. The guys had been warned that Chad’s testosterone increases would lead to mood swings, possible sexually aggressive behavior, and almost make him seem like a 15 year old boy… oh yay! But yeah, this is pretty much what happened, with lots of sex, some adult size tantrums, snotty behavior, hurtful behavior aimed at Warren, and nasty words thrown in. Again, Warren was very patient, even when pushed to the limit mentally and physically he was able to reach down and find more patience and love for Chad. I found him to be both selfless and selfish in Chad’s surgery and recovery. He had prevented Chad from saying “love” prior to the surgery. He didn’t want Chad to feel beholden to him if he felt differently once recovered from the surgery and effects of the tumor. It kinda made me roll my eyes. Saying “I Love You” doesn’t have to be an end all, or lead to something particular, or mean that you have expectations. It means you are vulnerable enough to have said it. Period. Maybe if Warren had allowed Chad to say it, Chad would have felt more secure in their relationship rather than somewhat desperate. Confidence in relationships was not Chad’s strong suit. Gabrielle seemed a bit under- utilized in the story. She did come in again in a key scene near the end, but I wish Warren had had more consistent help dealing with being Chad’s caregiver during the emotional topsy turvy rough road to his recovery. I was also a bit skeptical – albeit grateful! – with the positive sudden turn- around in Chad’s behavior. But thank goodness he recognized he was being an ass and turned it around!
I want to mention the fencing again. It was a very important aspect of Chad’s life. Sports in books is always of interest to me, and I applaud the use of fencing as an important element in Chad’s story… it was nice to see a less visible sport utilized in a story. On the flip side for me, at times the details and length of the fencing scenes bogged down the flow of reading.
The use of a medical issue of this type was a brilliant set up. It allowed for a strong emotional bond to build between Warren and Chad both separate from and within their sexual encounters. Then it provided a captivating source of conflict as they dealt with it head on, then worked through the emotional aftermath of pain and healing to acknowledge their love. This build to romance was wonderful. The intimacy the two built was beautifully portrayed. I must say…getting two wedding ceremonies was pretty cool. Both were very, telling.. and very touching ;-) ♥
December 15, 2018
Had this in my kindle for ages but never opened it because that cover looks too soppy for me. Happily, it’s better than the cover. I liked the science labs, fencing details and one hero’s emotional maturity (although he felt a little old for 25.) Also, it was cool to learn about how brain tumors can affect hormones, etc.
That said, the other hero is the definition of YA. And while I love me a marriage of convenience, I felt like he was too young in years, experience and maturity for it, even before he turned into a puberty-monster.
Also, I wasn’t comfortable with the amount of penetrative sex that one character basically put up with instead of setting clear boundaries about how much sex he wanted. Anytime a partner puts up with something, instead of actively wanting it, makes me really uneasy.
That said, the other hero is the definition of YA. And while I love me a marriage of convenience, I felt like he was too young in years, experience and maturity for it, even before he turned into a puberty-monster.
Also, I wasn’t comfortable with the amount of penetrative sex that one character basically put up with instead of setting clear boundaries about how much sex he wanted. Anytime a partner puts up with something, instead of actively wanting it, makes me really uneasy.
February 16, 2015
“You are part of a puzzle in someone's life. You may never know where you fit. But, someone's life may never be complete without you in it.” ~ unknown
Warren is secretly in love with his roommate, Chad, but since Chad is straight, he tries not to think about it; being best friends will just have to do. When Chad confides in Warren, telling him about his lack of sexual response to the women he's dated, Warren suggests that a girl may not be who he's looking for. Chad's replies: “Uh. You’re a scientist.... I need some data.” , then proceeds to kiss Warren. Warren tells Chad that he doesn't want to be just a friend anymore, or just an experiment, but if that's not possible, then he needs to know immediately. The vague answer Chad gives him doesn't say yes, but it doesn't say no.
Warren is a great guy, considerate, and nurturing. When Chad kisses him, his mind races ahead, trying to figure out the new development in their relationship. To “obtain more data”, he and Chad spend more time experimenting and slowly, Chad confides in Warren because he trusts him. Chad tells Warren that between the headaches, weight gain, regardless of what he does to prevent it, and, worst of all, his lack of erections, he's miserable and unhappy. Warren is wonderful about it and starts immediately thinking of ways around this predicament. He doesn't want his friend, now lover, to hurt all the time and feel so hopeless.
Chad's condition is getting worse and affecting his health and his sanity. Warren doesn't know what to do, but feels he has to do something. When they inadvertently discover what may be the root of all Chad's problems, they are relieved, but frightened. It turns out that Chad needs surgery and it can change his life for the better, or it might make matters worse. Although it will clear up his physical problems, it may change his personality as well. Chad may no longer be attracted to Warren. Even knowing this, Warren encourages Chad to have the surgery because he wants his friend to feel better allowing him to have a better quality of life. Since Chad trusts Warren and no one else, he wants Warren to make any and all medical decisions for him. There's only one way Warren can do that Selfless as ever and very much in love, Warren suggests that they get married so he can help Chad, with the stipulation that if it doesn't work out, Chad can have a divorce.
This is a well-written story and contains some enlightening medical topics concerning types of tests, how a tumor can affect a person's personality, in addition to its sometimes physical effects. I loved Warren. Everyone should have such a caring, loving person in their lives. Sometimes I thought he was a little too caring, but I became deeply emotionally involved with him and sympathetic to his plight. I tried to like Chad, but I was left with more questions about him than answers. I didn't understand why he would go so long without treatment, but I also saw that he was in denial about a lot of things in his life, not just his health. Warren loved him and Chad seriously needed someone like Warren in his life, so I was hoping for a happy ending for them. You may like this book if you enjoy physiological and psychological topics, humor thrown in along with seriousness, and, of course, a happy ending. Thanks, P.D., for introducing me to Warren and Chad.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Warren is secretly in love with his roommate, Chad, but since Chad is straight, he tries not to think about it; being best friends will just have to do. When Chad confides in Warren, telling him about his lack of sexual response to the women he's dated, Warren suggests that a girl may not be who he's looking for. Chad's replies: “Uh. You’re a scientist.... I need some data.” , then proceeds to kiss Warren. Warren tells Chad that he doesn't want to be just a friend anymore, or just an experiment, but if that's not possible, then he needs to know immediately. The vague answer Chad gives him doesn't say yes, but it doesn't say no.
Warren is a great guy, considerate, and nurturing. When Chad kisses him, his mind races ahead, trying to figure out the new development in their relationship. To “obtain more data”, he and Chad spend more time experimenting and slowly, Chad confides in Warren because he trusts him. Chad tells Warren that between the headaches, weight gain, regardless of what he does to prevent it, and, worst of all, his lack of erections, he's miserable and unhappy. Warren is wonderful about it and starts immediately thinking of ways around this predicament. He doesn't want his friend, now lover, to hurt all the time and feel so hopeless.
Chad's condition is getting worse and affecting his health and his sanity. Warren doesn't know what to do, but feels he has to do something. When they inadvertently discover what may be the root of all Chad's problems, they are relieved, but frightened. It turns out that Chad needs surgery and it can change his life for the better, or it might make matters worse. Although it will clear up his physical problems, it may change his personality as well. Chad may no longer be attracted to Warren. Even knowing this, Warren encourages Chad to have the surgery because he wants his friend to feel better allowing him to have a better quality of life. Since Chad trusts Warren and no one else, he wants Warren to make any and all medical decisions for him. There's only one way Warren can do that Selfless as ever and very much in love, Warren suggests that they get married so he can help Chad, with the stipulation that if it doesn't work out, Chad can have a divorce.
This is a well-written story and contains some enlightening medical topics concerning types of tests, how a tumor can affect a person's personality, in addition to its sometimes physical effects. I loved Warren. Everyone should have such a caring, loving person in their lives. Sometimes I thought he was a little too caring, but I became deeply emotionally involved with him and sympathetic to his plight. I tried to like Chad, but I was left with more questions about him than answers. I didn't understand why he would go so long without treatment, but I also saw that he was in denial about a lot of things in his life, not just his health. Warren loved him and Chad seriously needed someone like Warren in his life, so I was hoping for a happy ending for them. You may like this book if you enjoy physiological and psychological topics, humor thrown in along with seriousness, and, of course, a happy ending. Thanks, P.D., for introducing me to Warren and Chad.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 1, 2015
3.5 STARS
REVIEWED BY DENNIS
Warren is a starving grad student not only having to deal with the stress of his professor, Dr. Homer Schofield, but also having to deal with his attraction to his straight roommate, Chad. Ever since Chad became Warren’s roommate his party life ended and he became a crushing homebody, with dreams of love running through his head.
Chad is in his senior year of college with a scholarship in fencing. Not only is he having to deal with his fencing master, Daniel Orlov, but also he has to deal with his fencing rival and bully Andre. Chad grew up swimming and was very good at it but once he starting getting chubby around the midsection he changed sports, found the fencing uniform would cover his belly and excelled at the sport, until headaches and constant exhaustion plagued him. Dating is a whole other story with Chad, always feeling uncomfortable with his looks; he would friend zone himself with the girls he dated before it could go any further, causing him to second guess his sexuality. So to help with this he enlisted Warren to collect a little sexual research data, and of course Warren was too happy to help.
Choosing a book from P.D. Singer to review, I got excited because I have read other books from her and fell in love with them. With “A New Man” I didn’t fall in love. I’m not saying that I didn’t like or enjoy it, I just didn’t fall in love with it. There were a few things that would take me out of their world and bring me back to reality. What pulled me out of the book was a few times when the story went from one scene to another without a clean transfer, leaving me having to go back to reread the last sentence to make sure I was reading right. The other thing was sometimes the characters would go off on a tangent with their inner thoughts that would leave me confused as to what they were talking about.
Now with that said, Warren, Chad and the others characters were well thought out and the story was enjoyable for the most part. You felt the turmoil Chad is going through and were happy that he had Warren to be there for him and with him through it all. Warren loves Chad, belly and all and makes sure to let Chad know that he is beautiful just the way he is.
Without giving too many spoilers, Chad has to have a surgery, and post-surgery his appearance as well as his personality goes through changes that should have happened when he was much younger during puberty. He becomes an obnoxious teenager and pushes the limits as any teenager would do. He pushes Warren to his limits of putting up with his bullshit, to the point of comparing Chad to his asshole father. Without giving too much away Chad makes a big mistake and Warren is fed up with Chad’s actions and tired of all his excuses and gives Chad his walking papers. Does Chad go along with Warren or is what they have worth fighting for and working out? If you want to find out if they can work through the tough times and make their relationship work, you’ll have to read the book.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
REVIEWED BY DENNIS
Warren is a starving grad student not only having to deal with the stress of his professor, Dr. Homer Schofield, but also having to deal with his attraction to his straight roommate, Chad. Ever since Chad became Warren’s roommate his party life ended and he became a crushing homebody, with dreams of love running through his head.
Chad is in his senior year of college with a scholarship in fencing. Not only is he having to deal with his fencing master, Daniel Orlov, but also he has to deal with his fencing rival and bully Andre. Chad grew up swimming and was very good at it but once he starting getting chubby around the midsection he changed sports, found the fencing uniform would cover his belly and excelled at the sport, until headaches and constant exhaustion plagued him. Dating is a whole other story with Chad, always feeling uncomfortable with his looks; he would friend zone himself with the girls he dated before it could go any further, causing him to second guess his sexuality. So to help with this he enlisted Warren to collect a little sexual research data, and of course Warren was too happy to help.
Choosing a book from P.D. Singer to review, I got excited because I have read other books from her and fell in love with them. With “A New Man” I didn’t fall in love. I’m not saying that I didn’t like or enjoy it, I just didn’t fall in love with it. There were a few things that would take me out of their world and bring me back to reality. What pulled me out of the book was a few times when the story went from one scene to another without a clean transfer, leaving me having to go back to reread the last sentence to make sure I was reading right. The other thing was sometimes the characters would go off on a tangent with their inner thoughts that would leave me confused as to what they were talking about.
Now with that said, Warren, Chad and the others characters were well thought out and the story was enjoyable for the most part. You felt the turmoil Chad is going through and were happy that he had Warren to be there for him and with him through it all. Warren loves Chad, belly and all and makes sure to let Chad know that he is beautiful just the way he is.
Without giving too many spoilers, Chad has to have a surgery, and post-surgery his appearance as well as his personality goes through changes that should have happened when he was much younger during puberty. He becomes an obnoxious teenager and pushes the limits as any teenager would do. He pushes Warren to his limits of putting up with his bullshit, to the point of comparing Chad to his asshole father. Without giving too much away Chad makes a big mistake and Warren is fed up with Chad’s actions and tired of all his excuses and gives Chad his walking papers. Does Chad go along with Warren or is what they have worth fighting for and working out? If you want to find out if they can work through the tough times and make their relationship work, you’ll have to read the book.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
March 21, 2015
A New Man is a very interesting, well-written read. It’s obvious that the author put a lot of thought and research into crafting this story – there is nothing ‘typical’ about this plot. And I must warn you - Thar be angst ahead - so strap yourselves in for the ride!
When we first meet Warren and Chad, they’re good friends and college roommates. Chad is a sweet, erection challenged guy with weight problems and even more problems with the fencing he so loves to indulge in. He doesn’t get into romantic entanglements with women because, well, he doesn’t want the humiliation of being found out. Chad also suffers from blindingly painful migraines.
Warren is a medical student who not only cares about Chad as a friend, but wishes for so much more. As the story progresses and they discuss Chad’s problems, Warren suggests that Chad might be gay and that’s why he can’t get it up. From there you can guess what happens – sure enough, Chad and Warren begin a sexually satisfying relationship and Chad assumes he must be gay after all.
When the reasons behind Chad’s migraines finally gets diagnosed (won’t spoiler this – but it’s a rare condition) Warren and Chad get married so that Chad can have someone be able to make medical decisions in case Chad become befuddled due to the surgery he needs. Chad doesn’t trust his parents, but he trusts his best friend and new lover. The story really takes off at this point because just when you think everything’s going to play out that they decide married life is perfect and dance off into the sunset together – Chad’s surgery drastically changes his personality.
Some readers may find Chad’s abrupt Jekyll/Hyde transformation too much to swallow (sorry – wasn’t trying for a pun there!), but who knows? This isn’t exactly a well-known condition that this guy has and maybe he’s been repressing his feelings for a long time and the side effects of the surgery released them tenfold. I struggled with it somewhat, but overall, I went with it. Warren did too, and showed an amazing amount of care and consideration toward Chad’s transformation from sweet to super sour.
I need happy endings for my books, and I’m relieved that the angst portion of this romance didn’t devolve into something painful and broken. The realization of what and how much they mean to each other was written to perfection. Overall, I really enjoyed this author’s writing, the unique storyline and Warren and Chad’s HEA. I give A New Man 4 Stars.
Reviewed by Michele for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
**Copy provided for review**
When we first meet Warren and Chad, they’re good friends and college roommates. Chad is a sweet, erection challenged guy with weight problems and even more problems with the fencing he so loves to indulge in. He doesn’t get into romantic entanglements with women because, well, he doesn’t want the humiliation of being found out. Chad also suffers from blindingly painful migraines.
Warren is a medical student who not only cares about Chad as a friend, but wishes for so much more. As the story progresses and they discuss Chad’s problems, Warren suggests that Chad might be gay and that’s why he can’t get it up. From there you can guess what happens – sure enough, Chad and Warren begin a sexually satisfying relationship and Chad assumes he must be gay after all.
When the reasons behind Chad’s migraines finally gets diagnosed (won’t spoiler this – but it’s a rare condition) Warren and Chad get married so that Chad can have someone be able to make medical decisions in case Chad become befuddled due to the surgery he needs. Chad doesn’t trust his parents, but he trusts his best friend and new lover. The story really takes off at this point because just when you think everything’s going to play out that they decide married life is perfect and dance off into the sunset together – Chad’s surgery drastically changes his personality.
Some readers may find Chad’s abrupt Jekyll/Hyde transformation too much to swallow (sorry – wasn’t trying for a pun there!), but who knows? This isn’t exactly a well-known condition that this guy has and maybe he’s been repressing his feelings for a long time and the side effects of the surgery released them tenfold. I struggled with it somewhat, but overall, I went with it. Warren did too, and showed an amazing amount of care and consideration toward Chad’s transformation from sweet to super sour.
I need happy endings for my books, and I’m relieved that the angst portion of this romance didn’t devolve into something painful and broken. The realization of what and how much they mean to each other was written to perfection. Overall, I really enjoyed this author’s writing, the unique storyline and Warren and Chad’s HEA. I give A New Man 4 Stars.
Reviewed by Michele for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
**Copy provided for review**
February 19, 2015
Copy provided by InkedRainbowReviews.
5 Gut-wrenching Brilliant Stars
This is the journey of Warren and Chad as they meet, and then go through a medical issue. I jumped on this one. I wanted to read something that would get in my heart and my gut, and this author did not disappoint.
Warren is a Grad student. Chad is a student at the same University and also Warren's roommate. Chad has put many women in to the "friend zone" and one night he explores the scientific possibility that he might be gay. Warren is a willing recipient of said "data research".... Being in the scientific field doesn't hurt the dynamic chemistry between the roommates. Warren and Chad's banter was entertaining and they made me laugh out loud and cry in the next line. I felt the emotions, the intensity, the sincerity through the pages. I loved the knowledge this author had over the medical issue. I was thoroughly impressed. The secondary characters were sometimes harsh but life isn't all peaches and cream, it added a realistic value to the story. If you haven't read this author before, you won't be disappointed. It is a journey full of heart-felt situations and very realistic situations. You will smile through tears!!
5 Gut-wrenching Brilliant Stars
This is the journey of Warren and Chad as they meet, and then go through a medical issue. I jumped on this one. I wanted to read something that would get in my heart and my gut, and this author did not disappoint.
Warren is a Grad student. Chad is a student at the same University and also Warren's roommate. Chad has put many women in to the "friend zone" and one night he explores the scientific possibility that he might be gay. Warren is a willing recipient of said "data research".... Being in the scientific field doesn't hurt the dynamic chemistry between the roommates. Warren and Chad's banter was entertaining and they made me laugh out loud and cry in the next line. I felt the emotions, the intensity, the sincerity through the pages. I loved the knowledge this author had over the medical issue. I was thoroughly impressed. The secondary characters were sometimes harsh but life isn't all peaches and cream, it added a realistic value to the story. If you haven't read this author before, you won't be disappointed. It is a journey full of heart-felt situations and very realistic situations. You will smile through tears!!
March 8, 2015
Rating: 5 Gut-wrenching Brilliant Stars
This is the journey of Warren and Chad as they meet, and then go through a medical issue. I jumped on this one. I wanted to read something that would get in my heart and my gut, and this author did not disappoint.
Warren is a Grad student. Chad is a student at the same University and also Warren's roommate. Chad has put many women in to the "friend zone" and one night he explores the scientific possibility that he might be gay. Warren is a willing recipient of said "data research".... Being in the scientific field doesn't hurt the dynamic chemistry between the roommates. Warren and Chad's banter was entertaining and they made me laugh out loud and cry in the next line. I felt the emotions, the intensity, the sincerity through the pages. I loved the knowledge this author had over the medical issue. I was thoroughly impressed. The secondary characters were sometimes harsh but life isn't all peaches and cream, it added a realistic value to the story. If you haven't read this author before, you won't be disappointed. It is a journey full of heart-felt situations and very realistic situations. You will smile through tears!!
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Kimberley
This is the journey of Warren and Chad as they meet, and then go through a medical issue. I jumped on this one. I wanted to read something that would get in my heart and my gut, and this author did not disappoint.
Warren is a Grad student. Chad is a student at the same University and also Warren's roommate. Chad has put many women in to the "friend zone" and one night he explores the scientific possibility that he might be gay. Warren is a willing recipient of said "data research".... Being in the scientific field doesn't hurt the dynamic chemistry between the roommates. Warren and Chad's banter was entertaining and they made me laugh out loud and cry in the next line. I felt the emotions, the intensity, the sincerity through the pages. I loved the knowledge this author had over the medical issue. I was thoroughly impressed. The secondary characters were sometimes harsh but life isn't all peaches and cream, it added a realistic value to the story. If you haven't read this author before, you won't be disappointed. It is a journey full of heart-felt situations and very realistic situations. You will smile through tears!!
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Kimberley
March 16, 2015
Full review on my blog found here: http://buff.ly/1Gikrw3
To say A New Man packed an emotional punch would be an understatement. From the blurb I knew this book wouldn't be a chocolate box love story, partly due to Chad’s illness but also because of what Warren was willing to risk and lose. Yet I wasn’t prepared for the book to actually make me cry and think about some of the issues raised. P.D. Singer did a fantastic job of portraying topics such as illness, coming of age, alcoholism and infidelity without relaying on melodrama.
I loved the pace of this book, as readers we were allowed to get to know Warren and Chad as friends and lovers before introducing the main obstacles of the story. Also can I just say how refreshing it is too have a college/university based story that doesn’t revolve around football?
To say A New Man packed an emotional punch would be an understatement. From the blurb I knew this book wouldn't be a chocolate box love story, partly due to Chad’s illness but also because of what Warren was willing to risk and lose. Yet I wasn’t prepared for the book to actually make me cry and think about some of the issues raised. P.D. Singer did a fantastic job of portraying topics such as illness, coming of age, alcoholism and infidelity without relaying on melodrama.
I loved the pace of this book, as readers we were allowed to get to know Warren and Chad as friends and lovers before introducing the main obstacles of the story. Also can I just say how refreshing it is too have a college/university based story that doesn’t revolve around football?
March 25, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
This book was really good and heartbreaking at the same time. It gave an interesting look into how many different ways we can love someone and how much change will break the love. There were times I wanted to smack Chad because he was being a bullheaded jerk. At the same time, he was entitled to his feelings, even if they were slightly over the top because of his circumstances. My heart broke with both of them when Warren showed Chad the papers he filled out. The end though, oh man the end was beautiful. I’m so glad the ending was happy. So super happy. I’d love to read more from these two but the ending was so good I’d be alright if it never happened.
Four and a half stars!
This book was really good and heartbreaking at the same time. It gave an interesting look into how many different ways we can love someone and how much change will break the love. There were times I wanted to smack Chad because he was being a bullheaded jerk. At the same time, he was entitled to his feelings, even if they were slightly over the top because of his circumstances. My heart broke with both of them when Warren showed Chad the papers he filled out. The end though, oh man the end was beautiful. I’m so glad the ending was happy. So super happy. I’d love to read more from these two but the ending was so good I’d be alright if it never happened.
December 29, 2015
A very great book with amazing characters. I loved that Chad had to have scientific facts when considering whether or not he was gay. Him and Warren were so loving and funny together, they just clicked. I felt bad for Chad to have to go through so much pain before someone accidentally stumbled on his condition, but lordy was he a freaking handful after the surgery. I'm surprised Warren stayed with him as long as he did. This book had my full attention from start to finish. I actually forgot about my real life while reading this, I was so enamored with the characters and their journey with each other. Great book!!
March 13, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive A New Man by P.D. Singer recently. I was intrigued by the premise of a man afflicted with a type of tumor unknown to me and how he and his partner dealt with it. The MCs were wonderful characters that felt very realistic. Both exhibited a lot of strength in a situation that anyone would find daunting. They were not angels, but were jerks at times, so much so that one character came up with a word to let his ill partner know he was off the rails. The academic setting was familiar to me, as I too have a PhD, so that added to my enjoyment. While I’ve liked the author’s mountain books, I loved this one! A great read.
January 24, 2016
I'm sorry, I had so high hopes for this book.
But it pretty much got ruined for me in the first 15 % . I just don't get it. There's no reason and no fore-story to make it plausible why the guys would even start fooling around, let alone enter into a relationship.
Add to that the storytelling that seemed, to me at least, heavy handed and rather constructed as opposed to flowing naturally... well, the only thing that made me finish the book at all wad that I wanted to know if Chad was going to be okay.
I got through it but I'll probably not read it again. Maybe other titles of this author ate more my speed.
But it pretty much got ruined for me in the first 15 % . I just don't get it. There's no reason and no fore-story to make it plausible why the guys would even start fooling around, let alone enter into a relationship.
Add to that the storytelling that seemed, to me at least, heavy handed and rather constructed as opposed to flowing naturally... well, the only thing that made me finish the book at all wad that I wanted to know if Chad was going to be okay.
I got through it but I'll probably not read it again. Maybe other titles of this author ate more my speed.
March 20, 2016
This book was about challenges and love and self discovery. I still say Warren's a saint and Chad's lucky to have Warren. I get the hormone inbalance and all but I still wanted to punch him....
I don't want to dissect a book though, some are better than others and it all depends on HOW I want to feel when I read. So for this book it was good not to light and not full of angst, didn't want to make me cry but I also didn't laugh to much. It was an enjoyable read the characters were well rounded but not to complexe. This is a book to read if you want light reading on the beach that leaves you feeling warm inside, a nice little buzz.
I don't want to dissect a book though, some are better than others and it all depends on HOW I want to feel when I read. So for this book it was good not to light and not full of angst, didn't want to make me cry but I also didn't laugh to much. It was an enjoyable read the characters were well rounded but not to complexe. This is a book to read if you want light reading on the beach that leaves you feeling warm inside, a nice little buzz.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews