What do you think?
Rate this book
Shawn's Law
Shawn is single, twenty-nine, the full-time carer of his Alzheimer’s-stricken mother, and a frequent victim of Murphy’s Law—although his family calls it Shawn’s Law. Other than caring for mum, his day consists of painting nude men and spying on the guy who walks his dogs along the street every day at four o’clock. When Shawn takes a spectacular fall on his front steps, who is there to witness it other than the man of his dreams?
Harley doesn’t believe in Shawn’s Law—but he soon changes his mind.
The two men make it through a memorable first date and Shawn’s sexual insecurities to begin a relationship stumbling toward love. But when Shawn’s Law causes Harley to be injured, Shawn is determined to save Harley’s life the only way he knows how—by breaking up with him. Not once, but twice. Throw in a serial killer ex-boyfriend, several deadly Australian animals, two dogs called Bennie, a mother who forgets to wear clothes, an unforgiving Town Council, and a strawberry-flavored condom dolly, and Shawn’s Law is one for the books.
Harley doesn’t believe in Shawn’s Law—but he soon changes his mind.
The two men make it through a memorable first date and Shawn’s sexual insecurities to begin a relationship stumbling toward love. But when Shawn’s Law causes Harley to be injured, Shawn is determined to save Harley’s life the only way he knows how—by breaking up with him. Not once, but twice. Throw in a serial killer ex-boyfriend, several deadly Australian animals, two dogs called Bennie, a mother who forgets to wear clothes, an unforgiving Town Council, and a strawberry-flavored condom dolly, and Shawn’s Law is one for the books.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2015
21 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
Renae Kaye
30 books877 followersRenae Kaye is a lover and hoarder of books who thinks libraries are devilish places because they make you give the books back. She consumed her first adult romance book at the tender age of thirteen and hasn’t stopped since. After years – and thousands of stories! – of not having book characters do what she wants, she decided she would write her own novel and found the characters still didn’t do what she wanted. She believes that the world is too complicated for her, so she loses herself in stories. The only thing that keeps her going are her children who are the delight of her life.
Renae lives in Perth, Western Australia. She is a survivor of being the youngest in a large family and believes that laughter (and a good book) can cure anything. Which is why it's a pity laughter is sometimes scarce on the ground.
You can contact her at renaekaye@iinet.net.au.
Renae lives in Perth, Western Australia. She is a survivor of being the youngest in a large family and believes that laughter (and a good book) can cure anything. Which is why it's a pity laughter is sometimes scarce on the ground.
You can contact her at renaekaye@iinet.net.au.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
May 23, 2016
Shawn, a short, curvy man (see status update), finds something to do in his garden at 4 p.m. every day. That's when Hippy-Hotpants, with his long white boy plait, walks by with his dogs.
Shawn is lusting after said Hippy-Hotpants, so he sticks his arse out in the air and continues to replant strawberry bushes.
This book feels very much like slapstick, and that is most definitely not my humour. I prefer dry and ironic.
I still giggled many times, but some of Shawn's actions and accidents were over the top.
Shawn, prone to calamities, is a victim of Shawn's Law, which is like Murphy's Law. ON STEROIDS.
He's always setting things on fire, stabbing his toe, tripping, breaking things, walking into an ant's nest, picking up a dangerous octopus, getting attacked by birds, talking to serial killers on the phone (oh, YES, Shawn's ex was a serial killer who ATE gay men), and so on.
He is on a first-name basis with every nurse, doctor, and EMT within a 50-mile radius.
All I can say is: Thank the gods Shawn lives in Australia, which has universal healthcare. He would be so fucked if he lived in the States.
To make matters worse, Shawn's mum has Alzheimer, so she's quite prone to accidents too. Shawn, who is a commissioned part-time artist, is his mum's main caretaker and doesn't have much free time, which Hippy-Hotpants, an environmentalist whose real name is Harvey, bemoans.
Shawn's mum is portrayed as being infantile, prone to running around naked under the sprinklers, and making ballloon babies out of strawberry-flavored condoms. I fully admit this made me cringe. Alzheimer disease isn't funny.
The book is told from alternating first-person POVs, Shawn's in the present as the two men meet and begin a relationship, and Harvey's looking back on their many, uh, adventures.
If you read Amy Lane's Shiny!, the structure will feel familiar. We know by chapter 3 that there is a HEA, and the remainder of the book fills us in on the details.
I can't say I connected with either MC. Shawn is naive and childish. His profanity of choice includes words like fudge, sugar cookies, cheese with pancakes, and darn.
He worries that because he hasn't had anal sex for so long his anus and prostate have shriveled up and died.
Hey, it could happen.
Harvey is a bit self-righteous and a tad au naturel for my tastes, but he is patient and really into Shawn. Harvey freeballs it at all times. He loves to fondle Shawn's meaty arse, but Shawn keeps breaking up with Harvey.
Because. He doesn't want Harvey to die.
This is a Renae Kaye book, so it's cute and well-written, and has a certain charm, even if the slapstick humour didn't fully appeal to ME (but it might certainly appeal to you!).
If you like outrageous comedy based on improbable situations with plenty of sweetness, I recommend this book.
Shawn's Law is unlike Kaye's other books. It's not my favorite, but kudos to the author for her creativity and range. Closer to 2.5 stars, rounded up.
*********************************************************
If this were not a Ranae Kaye book, I'd go all fed-up Tony Soprano on its ass.
Because that blurb? Sounds a bit cray-cray, no?
But it's Ranae Kaye, people.
So I'm all:
Shawn is lusting after said Hippy-Hotpants, so he sticks his arse out in the air and continues to replant strawberry bushes.
This book feels very much like slapstick, and that is most definitely not my humour. I prefer dry and ironic.
I still giggled many times, but some of Shawn's actions and accidents were over the top.
Shawn, prone to calamities, is a victim of Shawn's Law, which is like Murphy's Law. ON STEROIDS.
He's always setting things on fire, stabbing his toe, tripping, breaking things, walking into an ant's nest, picking up a dangerous octopus, getting attacked by birds, talking to serial killers on the phone (oh, YES, Shawn's ex was a serial killer who ATE gay men), and so on.
He is on a first-name basis with every nurse, doctor, and EMT within a 50-mile radius.
All I can say is: Thank the gods Shawn lives in Australia, which has universal healthcare. He would be so fucked if he lived in the States.
To make matters worse, Shawn's mum has Alzheimer, so she's quite prone to accidents too. Shawn, who is a commissioned part-time artist, is his mum's main caretaker and doesn't have much free time, which Hippy-Hotpants, an environmentalist whose real name is Harvey, bemoans.
Shawn's mum is portrayed as being infantile, prone to running around naked under the sprinklers, and making ballloon babies out of strawberry-flavored condoms. I fully admit this made me cringe. Alzheimer disease isn't funny.
The book is told from alternating first-person POVs, Shawn's in the present as the two men meet and begin a relationship, and Harvey's looking back on their many, uh, adventures.
If you read Amy Lane's Shiny!, the structure will feel familiar. We know by chapter 3 that there is a HEA, and the remainder of the book fills us in on the details.
I can't say I connected with either MC. Shawn is naive and childish. His profanity of choice includes words like fudge, sugar cookies, cheese with pancakes, and darn.
He worries that because he hasn't had anal sex for so long his anus and prostate have shriveled up and died.
Hey, it could happen.
Harvey is a bit self-righteous and a tad au naturel for my tastes, but he is patient and really into Shawn. Harvey freeballs it at all times. He loves to fondle Shawn's meaty arse, but Shawn keeps breaking up with Harvey.
Because. He doesn't want Harvey to die.
This is a Renae Kaye book, so it's cute and well-written, and has a certain charm, even if the slapstick humour didn't fully appeal to ME (but it might certainly appeal to you!).
If you like outrageous comedy based on improbable situations with plenty of sweetness, I recommend this book.
Shawn's Law is unlike Kaye's other books. It's not my favorite, but kudos to the author for her creativity and range. Closer to 2.5 stars, rounded up.
*********************************************************
If this were not a Ranae Kaye book, I'd go all fed-up Tony Soprano on its ass.
Because that blurb? Sounds a bit cray-cray, no?
But it's Ranae Kaye, people.
So I'm all:
September 1, 2016
*DNF at 60%*
This audiobook just irritated me! Like REALLY irritated me!
I think, I mean I KNOW, that this book was supposed to be funny. What was funny for me was an American reading this book that was so obviously supposed to be read by an Australian. The words "arse" and "mum" just sound ridiculous with the average American accent.
To boot, I didn't like how the narrator read both characters in almost exactly the same voice. It was irritating, as was the switch back and forth from what was happening in the present to the other MC reflecting back on those moments from the future... weird.
The humor was supposed to be OTT, but it just didn't work for me. The jokes didn't land and the chemistry between the two MCs wasn't there.
While I didn't hate it, I certainly didn't want to spend anymore time listening to it, which isn't a good thing...
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
March 6, 2015
3.5 stars
Gawwww...I really adore Renae Kaye's books. There's sweetness and quirkiness and sometimes a tad bit of emotion. And Shawn's Law fits the bill.
Shawn is an adorably charming, shy, honorable young man...full-time caregiver for his mother with Alzheimers...and perpetually stricken with bad luck. Not just your run-of-the-mill bad luck...but the kind where not only anything that can go wrong will go wrong, but it will go wrong epically, often painfully, and will steal a few hearts along the way.
Shawn has a huge crush on his neighbor who walks his dogs past Shawn's house everyday at 4pm. Shawn does whatever he can to catch a glimpse of "Hippy Hotpants" during this walk-by. And one day, Shawn's Law happens to land Shawn flat on his back in his front yard, looking up into his neighbor's concerned face. Turns out, said neighbor has been into Shawn all along.
Hippy Hotpants, who we later come to know as Harley, is so lovable. He's kind...I loved that kindness. And he's patient with Shawn. And he draws Shawn out of the small shell of a life he's tried to hide in. I wanted to hug the both of them and just squeeze tight and shower them with affection as they made their way through the sometimes-awkward-oftentimes-adorable growth of their relationship.
And that's when the book kinda threw me for a loop and went off track a bit. There were some misunderstandings, a long string of one-sided blow jobs used as a sort of currency in the relationship, and what I originally found so sweet about Shawn turned slightly annoying and unkind even.
Luckily, the author was able to bring me back around and all's well that ends well, I suppose.
All in all, I liked this, as I knew I would...Renae Kaye and all, and plenty of her signature humor and charm. I probably would have loved it even, if Shawn's unintentional but undeniable cruel streak hadn't reared it's ugly head. *growl*
March 9, 2015
★★★★3.5 STARS★★★★
Read
March 10, 2015
DNF 23%
I'm a huge Renae Kaye fan but this was too over the top for me. Slap stick comedy is not my thing but hey it could be yours. Still have crazy love for this author as I have loved all her other books and this one wasn't bad- just wasn't for me.
April 17, 2015
4.5 stars!
Shawn’s Law is the fourth Renae Kaye book I’ve read. I fell in love with her books after reading The Shearing Gun last year and I always look forward to her new releases. Shawn’s Law is no different. I really, really enjoyed this book and it’s a very strong 4.5 star read for me. Not my favorite from her, but still a book I will happily read again.
I love Shawn. He’s a great guy who is a victim of Shawn’s Law, which is like Murphy’s Law but a million times crazier. Some of the stuff that happened to him made me laugh so hard. He’s like a walking disaster, which is funny to read about. And he’s had such rotten luck with his love life. But he’s also a really caring, patient person who looks after his mum who has Alzheimer’s and never really complains about it or gets angry about the way things have turned out.
Then you have Harley, or as Shawn called him in the beginning, Hippy-Hotpants. I love Harley, too. He wanted Shawn the moment he saw him but held back until he couldn’t any more. He had no idea what he was getting himself into, but he was there for Shawn and I could tell he really did love him.
I really liked the two of them together, even if they could be frustrating at times. There were a couple of times, especially towards the end, where I was really shaking my head. I think it was to be expected, though, since Shawn had some issues with himself and then with the whole Shawn’s Law things, I imagine it could get very frustrating to be with someone like that. But the two of them together were so sweet, and they did really care about each other.
This book is so funny. It’s hard not to laugh at some of the things that happen to Shawn. I mean, I don’t know anyone, even myself, who can get into situations like that. It’s crazy and so much fun and it had me laughing most of the time while I was reading it. Even the very last page.
The Alzheimer’s part of this book hit close to home for me, having seen my nanny (grandmother) suffer with it and also having a great-uncle, who lives in the States, currently suffering with it. I think it made me feel really attached to Estelle. It also prepared me for the ending. So while this book was hilarious and I laughed my ass off, there was also a bit of an emotional attachment for me, too.
Shawn’s Law is definitely a book I will read again, like many of Renae Kaye’s books. It’s such a good book and I cannot recommend it enough if you want a good laugh. And it has left me even more excited for her next book.
A copy of this book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Shawn’s Law is the fourth Renae Kaye book I’ve read. I fell in love with her books after reading The Shearing Gun last year and I always look forward to her new releases. Shawn’s Law is no different. I really, really enjoyed this book and it’s a very strong 4.5 star read for me. Not my favorite from her, but still a book I will happily read again.
I love Shawn. He’s a great guy who is a victim of Shawn’s Law, which is like Murphy’s Law but a million times crazier. Some of the stuff that happened to him made me laugh so hard. He’s like a walking disaster, which is funny to read about. And he’s had such rotten luck with his love life. But he’s also a really caring, patient person who looks after his mum who has Alzheimer’s and never really complains about it or gets angry about the way things have turned out.
Then you have Harley, or as Shawn called him in the beginning, Hippy-Hotpants. I love Harley, too. He wanted Shawn the moment he saw him but held back until he couldn’t any more. He had no idea what he was getting himself into, but he was there for Shawn and I could tell he really did love him.
I really liked the two of them together, even if they could be frustrating at times. There were a couple of times, especially towards the end, where I was really shaking my head. I think it was to be expected, though, since Shawn had some issues with himself and then with the whole Shawn’s Law things, I imagine it could get very frustrating to be with someone like that. But the two of them together were so sweet, and they did really care about each other.
This book is so funny. It’s hard not to laugh at some of the things that happen to Shawn. I mean, I don’t know anyone, even myself, who can get into situations like that. It’s crazy and so much fun and it had me laughing most of the time while I was reading it. Even the very last page.
The Alzheimer’s part of this book hit close to home for me, having seen my nanny (grandmother) suffer with it and also having a great-uncle, who lives in the States, currently suffering with it. I think it made me feel really attached to Estelle. It also prepared me for the ending. So while this book was hilarious and I laughed my ass off, there was also a bit of an emotional attachment for me, too.
Shawn’s Law is definitely a book I will read again, like many of Renae Kaye’s books. It’s such a good book and I cannot recommend it enough if you want a good laugh. And it has left me even more excited for her next book.
A copy of this book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
dnf
April 6, 2015DNF at 39%. This is just not working for me. I don't feel connected to the story at all. Moving on...
January 2, 2016
This was not my cup of tea.
Shawn's poor self image was quite grating after a while. He could also be incredibly stupid at times. Just one example:
The POV was really strange to me. Shawn's POV takes place in the present, but Harley's take place in the future, remembering the past. It was weird.
The constant slap-stick, accidents, and self-deprecation were off putting after a while. But mostly? I hate, hate, hate when characters break up in some self-sacrificing gesture. It's stupid, and, in this one, it was redundant and unnecessary.
Ultimately I was disappointed in the character development and story.
OH! And that cover? Ugh. Just...no. So, so bad.
See Susan's review for a far more eloquent explanation. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I would recommend any other Renae Kaye book other than this one to new readers (Especially The Shearing Gun). Renae's stories are absolutely wonderful...usually.
Shawn's poor self image was quite grating after a while. He could also be incredibly stupid at times. Just one example:
The POV was really strange to me. Shawn's POV takes place in the present, but Harley's take place in the future, remembering the past. It was weird.
The constant slap-stick, accidents, and self-deprecation were off putting after a while. But mostly? I hate, hate, hate when characters break up in some self-sacrificing gesture. It's stupid, and, in this one, it was redundant and unnecessary.
Ultimately I was disappointed in the character development and story.
OH! And that cover? Ugh. Just...no. So, so bad.
See Susan's review for a far more eloquent explanation. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I would recommend any other Renae Kaye book other than this one to new readers (Especially The Shearing Gun). Renae's stories are absolutely wonderful...usually.
March 13, 2015
ROTFLMAO! This was sooooooooooooooooooooooooo my type of humor! I think I laughed thru the whole book and if i wasn't laughing I still had the silly smile on my face.
Shawn in his own eyes is NOT the perfect man. I found him to be endearing, sweet, a little goofy and totally adorable....with a sexy side too boot. Harley AKA Hippy-Hotpants is a sexy laid back go with the flow chill guy with a lot of passion who fights for what he believes in.
All the hysterics I think were balanced out with the sexy times, the loving moments, the heartfelt memories. These two guys fit together in just the right way. :)
Shawn in his own eyes is NOT the perfect man. I found him to be endearing, sweet, a little goofy and totally adorable....with a sexy side too boot. Harley AKA Hippy-Hotpants is a sexy laid back go with the flow chill guy with a lot of passion who fights for what he believes in.
All the hysterics I think were balanced out with the sexy times, the loving moments, the heartfelt memories. These two guys fit together in just the right way. :)
March 8, 2015
2.5 stars
I think this book will appeal to a lot of people. This book is filled with humor, so I have a feeling a lot of my friends will love this. Just not me.
The first Renae Kaye book where I didn’t like the characters. Don’t get me wrong, they weren’t horrible. Shawn was adorable at times and Harley was not that bad.
I just really got fed up with Shawn’s insecurities and all the accidents happening to him.
But what bothered me the most was how Harley and Shawn were together. There were too many weird supposedly funny things between them for me to feel the attraction. Like Shawn and his stupid thoughts about virginity growing back (hello, you’re a guy, there is nothing to grow back!). And Shawn’s refusal to meet Harley’s dad.
"Don’t you want to meet my dad?” I forced the lump down so I could reply. “Not while he supports Satan.”
“What?” I could see Harley’s shock and confusion. “I refuse to step one single foot inside the boundary of the City of Subiaco. They are vile and money-grubbing whores. And if your dad works at the markets, then he’s supporting their deeds, and I have no wish to associate myself with such a person.
That is not funny, that is ridiculous.
And why on earth are both of them fine with the fact that Shawn blames Harley for this and Harley spends weeks giving Shawn blowjobs to get nothing in return?? Like it is a thing he must do for Shawn to make up for his dad working where he works.
And of course there was the big Yeah, I never like that kind of thing.
So, not a bad book, just not the book for me.
And I'm so glad I'm not alone. See Belen's review as well.
I think this book will appeal to a lot of people. This book is filled with humor, so I have a feeling a lot of my friends will love this. Just not me.
The first Renae Kaye book where I didn’t like the characters. Don’t get me wrong, they weren’t horrible. Shawn was adorable at times and Harley was not that bad.
I just really got fed up with Shawn’s insecurities and all the accidents happening to him.
But what bothered me the most was how Harley and Shawn were together. There were too many weird supposedly funny things between them for me to feel the attraction. Like Shawn and his stupid thoughts about virginity growing back (hello, you’re a guy, there is nothing to grow back!). And Shawn’s refusal to meet Harley’s dad.
"Don’t you want to meet my dad?” I forced the lump down so I could reply. “Not while he supports Satan.”
“What?” I could see Harley’s shock and confusion. “I refuse to step one single foot inside the boundary of the City of Subiaco. They are vile and money-grubbing whores. And if your dad works at the markets, then he’s supporting their deeds, and I have no wish to associate myself with such a person.
That is not funny, that is ridiculous.
And why on earth are both of them fine with the fact that Shawn blames Harley for this and Harley spends weeks giving Shawn blowjobs to get nothing in return?? Like it is a thing he must do for Shawn to make up for his dad working where he works.
And of course there was the big Yeah, I never like that kind of thing.
So, not a bad book, just not the book for me.
And I'm so glad I'm not alone. See Belen's review as well.
dnf
March 9, 2015DNF at 20%. No rating because I did not finish it.
I love books with a little fun here and there... and I love really funny books... but this one is a hardcore slapstick comedy.
Too much is just too much... one more silly joke and I would have thrown my poor kindle against the wall.
I'm sorry... but no!
March 10, 2015
So apparently there is Renae Kaye book I don't love. I liked it and I enjoyed reading it but I didn't love it like her previous work.
There were some things that just didn't work for me. I do think I'm the problem here though and I'll explain why.
I found Shawn's proclivity to accidents way over the top. I mean he was always getting hurt in some impossible way, but then again this was what the author wanted to do right? Use the impossibility and the ridiculousness of the situation to make it funny. Yeah that didn't work for me.I got tired of Shawn's law pretty fast.
Shawn was constantly doubting Harley's interest in him and that insecurity got repetitive as well. But then again, that is petty much understandable because Harley was gorgeous and Shawn was ...well Shawn.
Alzheimer's disease is a really sore subject for me. My late grandma who was like a second mother to me was a patient. So when I read phrases like
“My mother is having a quiet day, so she should just sit there. But if she removes her clothes, please compliment her on her looks and then help her to dress again. Don’t let her near the knives. She likes to stab people.”
over and over, that were meant to be funny, I cringed and sighed and clutched my kindle. I know pretty well that these patients tend to be agressive sometimes but still, I could not laugh with a situation that was real life for me and it sucked.
Again, the subject is sore for ME and I'm not implying IN ANY WAY that the author makes fun of it.Not at all.Shawn was a sweetheart and took great care of his mom and was so heartbreakingly sad when she was getting worse.
Shawn's attempts to replace swear words with other words was adorable.
So I liked the writing a lot and I did laugh many times because ...Renae Kaye...
Overall, these issues aside, it was a pretty enjoyable read
There were some things that just didn't work for me. I do think I'm the problem here though and I'll explain why.
I found Shawn's proclivity to accidents way over the top. I mean he was always getting hurt in some impossible way, but then again this was what the author wanted to do right? Use the impossibility and the ridiculousness of the situation to make it funny. Yeah that didn't work for me.I got tired of Shawn's law pretty fast.
Shawn was constantly doubting Harley's interest in him and that insecurity got repetitive as well. But then again, that is petty much understandable because Harley was gorgeous and Shawn was ...well Shawn.
Alzheimer's disease is a really sore subject for me. My late grandma who was like a second mother to me was a patient. So when I read phrases like
“My mother is having a quiet day, so she should just sit there. But if she removes her clothes, please compliment her on her looks and then help her to dress again. Don’t let her near the knives. She likes to stab people.”
over and over, that were meant to be funny, I cringed and sighed and clutched my kindle. I know pretty well that these patients tend to be agressive sometimes but still, I could not laugh with a situation that was real life for me and it sucked.
Again, the subject is sore for ME and I'm not implying IN ANY WAY that the author makes fun of it.Not at all.Shawn was a sweetheart and took great care of his mom and was so heartbreakingly sad when she was getting worse.
Shawn's attempts to replace swear words with other words was adorable.
So I liked the writing a lot and I did laugh many times because ...Renae Kaye...
Overall, these issues aside, it was a pretty enjoyable read
Read
March 26, 2015DNF'd this book but I'm sure I'll pick up the next story they write. This one though? Didn't like it. At all.
March 6, 2015
**4.5stars rounded up**
Shawn O'Hara is an enigma. Poster boy for the meaning of 'Murphy's Law', I don't think that who ever Murphy was, he ever had as much go wrong (as could go wrong) to him, than what befalls Shawn in this book! OMG! Talk about a trouble magnet! Misfortune follows him around like he's got it on a lead, and he's on first name terms with all the staff at the local hospital, where he practically has a bed waiting just for him, because he's never far away from some medical catastrophe or another.
Move over Murphy...Shawn's in town!
Renae Kaye has done it again. Made me fall in love with her storytelling, primarily because of Shawn and Harley who in the words of Renae Kaye I had a real 'Pash' for, and the farcical antics she put them through. It's the sort of tongue in cheek humour with comedic situations that would befit a sit com. You know that in reality nothing quite so exaggerated would ever really happen the way it does in the story, because it's more a caricature of real life, but among all the mad cap capers and larger than life supporting characters, there are still recognizable aspects you can relate to beneath all the shenanigans, just that in real life they're more muted. Take the fact that Renae brings in a character with Altzheimer's; Shawn's beloved mum.
Yes, the comedy bounces off that and some of the laugh out loud moments result from his mums actions but by accepting the type of situational humour for what it is, I never felt it was done in a way that belittled or made fun of the illness. The poignancy of it all was always underlying so I never had any doubt in my mind that given the option, Shawn would have walked over hot coals for his mother before he'd let anyone else take care of her. His devotion is given purely out of love, not obligation, and despite missing the mum who had always loved and cared for him, now lost to Altzheimers, he just took everything in his stride...never losing patience or his temper; just another of his personality traits that made him as kookily lovable as he is. And Harley's interactions with her are also sweet and tender but never sugary or condescending. The things that happen to Shawn run into the absurd, but it's funny absurd and of course it all adds in to the eccentricity of the plot and the quirkiness of his and Harley's relationship, which in itself is sexy, funny, wacky, winsome and charming because they are such endearing, off the wall characters.
The clutzy way he meets 'Hippy Hotpants' as he calls Harley before he gets to know the hottie he lusts over daily, shows you exactly what the tone of story is going to be and from that moment on I had a stupid grin on my face that stayed there more or less till the last page.
For rest of review follow Link: http://bit.ly/1CJgouk
Shawn O'Hara is an enigma. Poster boy for the meaning of 'Murphy's Law', I don't think that who ever Murphy was, he ever had as much go wrong (as could go wrong) to him, than what befalls Shawn in this book! OMG! Talk about a trouble magnet! Misfortune follows him around like he's got it on a lead, and he's on first name terms with all the staff at the local hospital, where he practically has a bed waiting just for him, because he's never far away from some medical catastrophe or another.
Move over Murphy...Shawn's in town!
Renae Kaye has done it again. Made me fall in love with her storytelling, primarily because of Shawn and Harley who in the words of Renae Kaye I had a real 'Pash' for, and the farcical antics she put them through. It's the sort of tongue in cheek humour with comedic situations that would befit a sit com. You know that in reality nothing quite so exaggerated would ever really happen the way it does in the story, because it's more a caricature of real life, but among all the mad cap capers and larger than life supporting characters, there are still recognizable aspects you can relate to beneath all the shenanigans, just that in real life they're more muted. Take the fact that Renae brings in a character with Altzheimer's; Shawn's beloved mum.
Yes, the comedy bounces off that and some of the laugh out loud moments result from his mums actions but by accepting the type of situational humour for what it is, I never felt it was done in a way that belittled or made fun of the illness. The poignancy of it all was always underlying so I never had any doubt in my mind that given the option, Shawn would have walked over hot coals for his mother before he'd let anyone else take care of her. His devotion is given purely out of love, not obligation, and despite missing the mum who had always loved and cared for him, now lost to Altzheimers, he just took everything in his stride...never losing patience or his temper; just another of his personality traits that made him as kookily lovable as he is. And Harley's interactions with her are also sweet and tender but never sugary or condescending. The things that happen to Shawn run into the absurd, but it's funny absurd and of course it all adds in to the eccentricity of the plot and the quirkiness of his and Harley's relationship, which in itself is sexy, funny, wacky, winsome and charming because they are such endearing, off the wall characters.
The clutzy way he meets 'Hippy Hotpants' as he calls Harley before he gets to know the hottie he lusts over daily, shows you exactly what the tone of story is going to be and from that moment on I had a stupid grin on my face that stayed there more or less till the last page.
For rest of review follow Link: http://bit.ly/1CJgouk
April 15, 2015
I loved it! Not a note wrong. Funny and awesome.
March 16, 2015
I knew just by the cover that this book would probably be silly and not my cup of tea. Someone was raving that it was the funniest book they'd read and the best by Renae Kaye so I decided to read it sooner rather than later.
I'm 3% in and the book isn't grabbing my attention. I didn't like how the story was told. I don't think anyone can be that unfortunate and clumsy. This book was so not funny at all. And I found it a tad distasteful that Shawn's mom had Alzheimer's and was used as a plot device.
I really didn't care about Shawn or Harley and did major skimming. This book sucked ass and not in a good way.
I'm 3% in and the book isn't grabbing my attention. I didn't like how the story was told. I don't think anyone can be that unfortunate and clumsy. This book was so not funny at all. And I found it a tad distasteful that Shawn's mom had Alzheimer's and was used as a plot device.
I really didn't care about Shawn or Harley and did major skimming. This book sucked ass and not in a good way.
April 2, 2015
I don't know, all my GR friends seemed to love this one, but I was a bit let down. Sure, it was funny, and it was sweet, but after awhile, Shawn's Law (his own brand of luck) started to wear me down. Or really, more Shawn's sad sack, no good for you attitude wore me down. It was cute, and I did like the characters, I guess I was just expecting more. Not sure what, just more.
Slight spoiler so
Slight spoiler so
March 26, 2023
I read 25% and have to stop now.
I get that Sawn is accident prone but I want something more than that. The joke is getting old and I want a story about love. Not a listing of set backs.
Second to that, the story is told in past tense, interupted in present tense when the character interupts his story to talk to the reader.
Follow my reviews at https://hemmelm.blogspot.com/
I get that Sawn is accident prone but I want something more than that. The joke is getting old and I want a story about love. Not a listing of set backs.
Second to that, the story is told in past tense, interupted in present tense when the character interupts his story to talk to the reader.
Follow my reviews at https://hemmelm.blogspot.com/
July 10, 2021
Audiobook review4,5 stars
This book is just hilarious. I found myself being frequently gawked at when I was grocery shopping – apparently one is not allowed to snicker or laugh for (to them) no apparent reason. But I didn’t care one bit. I went on listening and laughing at everything this book dished out.
Each and every one of us has at one point or another been plagued by bad luck and mishaps. We know what it’s like to miss a step and take a tumble or have that “hey look at that” moment only to realise that poking that interesting thing might not have been such a good idea after all…
Only for Shawn, all that doesn’t happen once in a while, it’s every day. He really has the worst luck. If something has the remote possibility to go wrong, it does. And it usually ends up with Shawn in the ER. To the point where he knows the nurses and doctors by name and invites them all to his housewarming parties – you know, so they all know where he lives for the next time he needs an ambulance ride to the hospital. Add in an Alzheimer ridden mother with a tendency to shed her clothes and you are in for an insane ride.
Casey Hunter was a great choice of narrator for this book. While he didn't have the aussie accent (easily forgiven in my book), he performed this book with a lot of feeling. He brought it to life. The only thing I wished for was more of a difference in the voices for Shawn and Harley, but you can’t always get everything, and at the end of the day I really did have a great time listening to this book.
This book is over the top and ridiculous at times, but it worked for me. I had a blast from the first to the last word. And it is definitely a book to pick up when you want something fun and happy in your life and I know that I will happily listen to it over and over.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
April 12, 2015
I loved this book, it was funny, sad, sexy and romantic - there's not much more to stay, the story was well written, the characters grew with the story and by the end I didn't want it to finish.
Shawn and Harley have a lovely relationship and story, and the parallel story of Shawn and his mum is touching and moving, and something lots of us will impacted by.
This was the first book by Renae Kaye that I have read and I'm really looking forward to reading another book by her.
Shawn and Harley have a lovely relationship and story, and the parallel story of Shawn and his mum is touching and moving, and something lots of us will impacted by.
This was the first book by Renae Kaye that I have read and I'm really looking forward to reading another book by her.
March 25, 2015
2/25/15:
It's Renae Kaye, people. Added it.
3/6/15 Update:
It's Renae Kaye, people. Loved it.
Well, except for the 85% mark ... why did Harley owe Shawn an apology? What the f*ck ever. But Renae Kaye made it okay in the end. So ... 4.5 stars (4.0)
Bottom line: Read it!
It's Renae Kaye, people. Added it.
3/6/15 Update:
It's Renae Kaye, people. Loved it.
Well, except for the 85% mark ... why did Harley owe Shawn an apology? What the f*ck ever. But Renae Kaye made it okay in the end. So ... 4.5 stars (4.0)
Bottom line: Read it!
January 6, 2023
Very great book. Shawn O'hara, makes my accident prone ways seem like I am as coordinated as an Olympic gymnast. Great love story. Be Aware that it is a two POV story and that they speak from different time frames. Harley Lawson also known as Hippy hot pants is charmed by Shawn.
March 9, 2015
This was a fun romp, overall.
Shawn suffers from what he considers "Shawn's Law", which is like Murphy's Law but worse. Much worse. Pretty much anything that can go wrong, does. So Shawn has decided that living with and taking care of his mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's is enough, and has become practically a hermit. He paints on commission, but he doesn't really venture out much.
Enter Hippy Hotpants, the neighbor from up the street, who walks his dogs by Shawn's house every afternoon. Which Shawn has not timed, or anything. No, Sirree.
Harley, aka Hippy Hotpants, is intrigued by this neighbor, specifically the bubble butt he sees raised up in the air when Shawn busies himself planting strawberries (and not spying on the dude he's lusting after). He's environmentally conscious and spends time traveling the world fighting injustices where he sees them.
Shawn's Law strikes, and the two finally meet.
This book is giggly fun, like a slapstick comedy, and if you don't engage your brain too much, it provides a wonderful way to spend a few hours, laughing and giggling and smiling at Shawn's and Harley's road to bliss.
Until you do engage your brain and see the issues that are hidden within. The way Alzheimer's was portrayed here seemed somewhat disrespectful. There's much more to that disease than undressing and dancing naked in the sprinklers, and much more than thinking a condom is a balloon doll. The very real strain this terrible disease can put on a family is only touched upon. Shawn describing himself as somewhat pudgy and doubting that someone like Harley could actually want him was also a bit thick, but somewhat understandable.
Their budding relationship is of course plagued by Shawn's Law at every turn, and it takes a while before the two men get a chance to really spend quality time together.
What drove me batty, and this is the main reason why this book didn't reach more than 3.5 stars, is that the two don't communicate properly, and that I couldn't understand why two grown men would have such trouble talking to each other about things that actually matter. Sure, toward the end it's somewhat explained, but for most of the book Shawn whines about his bad luck, dumps Harley, is miserable without Harley, but doesn't open his mouth and talk to the man.
Harley, whom we only see through Shawn's eyes, seemed to be a good guy, wanting to be with Shawn, but is being deterred by Shawn's Law and Shawn's stupidity. Not knowing what creatures in your extended backyard you should stay away from is pretty stupid. If you're prone to accidental mishaps, you should be informed about bull ants and the hills they build, and pretty spotted octopuses hiding under rocks.
I could see where the author tried to turn Shawn's Law into something positive, and I was reminded that there's always two sides to a story. It also brought out the fact that one can always look at a situation as the glass half-empty or the glass half-full.
The writing flows well and evenly, without any lulls in the plot progression, and Renae Kaye's particular brand of humor shines through it all.
I enjoyed reading this, and I think you will too.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
Shawn suffers from what he considers "Shawn's Law", which is like Murphy's Law but worse. Much worse. Pretty much anything that can go wrong, does. So Shawn has decided that living with and taking care of his mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's is enough, and has become practically a hermit. He paints on commission, but he doesn't really venture out much.
Enter Hippy Hotpants, the neighbor from up the street, who walks his dogs by Shawn's house every afternoon. Which Shawn has not timed, or anything. No, Sirree.
Harley, aka Hippy Hotpants, is intrigued by this neighbor, specifically the bubble butt he sees raised up in the air when Shawn busies himself planting strawberries (and not spying on the dude he's lusting after). He's environmentally conscious and spends time traveling the world fighting injustices where he sees them.
Shawn's Law strikes, and the two finally meet.
This book is giggly fun, like a slapstick comedy, and if you don't engage your brain too much, it provides a wonderful way to spend a few hours, laughing and giggling and smiling at Shawn's and Harley's road to bliss.
Until you do engage your brain and see the issues that are hidden within. The way Alzheimer's was portrayed here seemed somewhat disrespectful. There's much more to that disease than undressing and dancing naked in the sprinklers, and much more than thinking a condom is a balloon doll. The very real strain this terrible disease can put on a family is only touched upon. Shawn describing himself as somewhat pudgy and doubting that someone like Harley could actually want him was also a bit thick, but somewhat understandable.
Their budding relationship is of course plagued by Shawn's Law at every turn, and it takes a while before the two men get a chance to really spend quality time together.
What drove me batty, and this is the main reason why this book didn't reach more than 3.5 stars, is that the two don't communicate properly, and that I couldn't understand why two grown men would have such trouble talking to each other about things that actually matter. Sure, toward the end it's somewhat explained, but for most of the book Shawn whines about his bad luck, dumps Harley, is miserable without Harley, but doesn't open his mouth and talk to the man.
Harley, whom we only see through Shawn's eyes, seemed to be a good guy, wanting to be with Shawn, but is being deterred by Shawn's Law and Shawn's stupidity. Not knowing what creatures in your extended backyard you should stay away from is pretty stupid. If you're prone to accidental mishaps, you should be informed about bull ants and the hills they build, and pretty spotted octopuses hiding under rocks.
I could see where the author tried to turn Shawn's Law into something positive, and I was reminded that there's always two sides to a story. It also brought out the fact that one can always look at a situation as the glass half-empty or the glass half-full.
The writing flows well and evenly, without any lulls in the plot progression, and Renae Kaye's particular brand of humor shines through it all.
I enjoyed reading this, and I think you will too.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
November 8, 2017
You know when a guy looks like this ...
Falling head over heels for some guy like this...
It's like...whooooaaa...what a dream comes true!!
It's going to be doubts every where, including this guy, Shawn...
Who's at the same time, falling hard for Harley, the cutest handsome guy in the neighborhood.
While Shawn questioning about "why" did Harley liked him, and thousands of whys and Harley told him so many times that Shawn is not fat, he's curvy, and and Shawn insisted that hes tabby, not curvy, curvy is for woman, tabby is for man.
I mean, Harley , the guy really is sexually attracted to Shawn's anatomy, especially his 'meaty butt', that always succeed of making Harley horny..LOL
And the sex was freakin' hot! Harley is really into Shawn!
but Shawn and his insecurity irritate me a little bit, he always thinks that he's a jinx and keep on avoiding and breaking up with Harley, because he's afraid Harley would die because of him.
This is not my favorite, but just because...this is Renae Kaye, I'm still dancing happily!!
I had a good time reading this, match my bitchy grumpy mood for a whole week. Shawn and Harley, entertained me !
Falling head over heels for some guy like this...
It's like...whooooaaa...what a dream comes true!!
It's going to be doubts every where, including this guy, Shawn...
Who's at the same time, falling hard for Harley, the cutest handsome guy in the neighborhood.
While Shawn questioning about "why" did Harley liked him, and thousands of whys and Harley told him so many times that Shawn is not fat, he's curvy, and and Shawn insisted that hes tabby, not curvy, curvy is for woman, tabby is for man.
I mean, Harley , the guy really is sexually attracted to Shawn's anatomy, especially his 'meaty butt', that always succeed of making Harley horny..LOL
And the sex was freakin' hot! Harley is really into Shawn!
but Shawn and his insecurity irritate me a little bit, he always thinks that he's a jinx and keep on avoiding and breaking up with Harley, because he's afraid Harley would die because of him.
This is not my favorite, but just because...this is Renae Kaye, I'm still dancing happily!!
I had a good time reading this, match my bitchy grumpy mood for a whole week. Shawn and Harley, entertained me !
March 12, 2015
★★★★☆½
I love slapstick (two of my favorite movies are What's Up Doc and Foul Play) and I haven't laughed so much since I read Too Stupid to Live
. I slotted this in between two dark books which helped too.
Shawn is afflicted by Shawn's Law which is derived from Murphy's Law. He is the full-time caretaker of his mother who has early-onset Alzheimer's and has his hands full with keeping her dressed and not wandering off. He knows plenty of emergency care workers with as many scrapes as he gets into. He's been making eyes at the cute guy walking his dogs at 4:00 p.m. forever and finally gets the chance to meet him in a spectacular way.
Harley is a save-the-earth guy who's just as enamored of Shawn and fits right into the crazy patchwork that's Shawn's life. Well worth the nickname 'Hippy Hotpants' that Shawn christened before they officially meet.
It's over-the-top but I laughed out loud many times (I read this at lunch on the patio at work and couldn't keep the giggles quiet).
But it has its serious side too of how Shawn deals with his mother's deteriorating health without losing his mind or identity and conserving his mother's dignity.
If you need a feel-good story - I highly recommend.
I love slapstick (two of my favorite movies are What's Up Doc and Foul Play) and I haven't laughed so much since I read Too Stupid to Live
. I slotted this in between two dark books which helped too.Shawn is afflicted by Shawn's Law which is derived from Murphy's Law. He is the full-time caretaker of his mother who has early-onset Alzheimer's and has his hands full with keeping her dressed and not wandering off. He knows plenty of emergency care workers with as many scrapes as he gets into. He's been making eyes at the cute guy walking his dogs at 4:00 p.m. forever and finally gets the chance to meet him in a spectacular way.
Harley is a save-the-earth guy who's just as enamored of Shawn and fits right into the crazy patchwork that's Shawn's life. Well worth the nickname 'Hippy Hotpants' that Shawn christened before they officially meet.
It's over-the-top but I laughed out loud many times (I read this at lunch on the patio at work and couldn't keep the giggles quiet).
But it has its serious side too of how Shawn deals with his mother's deteriorating health without losing his mind or identity and conserving his mother's dignity.
If you need a feel-good story - I highly recommend.
dnf
May 1, 2015Although the blurb sounds OTT I think I'll give it a try :)
May 1, 2015.
Made it up to 20% and now I'll join all the people who DNF'd this. It started better than I thought, but more and more it got too much. Yes, slapstick was what came to my mind as well. And sadly, my mood isn't right for that. So, sorry book, but that's it.
May 1, 2015.
Made it up to 20% and now I'll join all the people who DNF'd this. It started better than I thought, but more and more it got too much. Yes, slapstick was what came to my mind as well. And sadly, my mood isn't right for that. So, sorry book, but that's it.
May 18, 2019
Okay, another one. WTF? I listen to a book set in Australia, with Australian characters, written by an Australian author...I expect to hear a narrator with an Australian accent. Or at least an attempted one. May need to go on the re-read shelf, too.
March 30, 2015
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Shawn’s Law is synonymous with Murphy’s Law. In this case, Shawn and anyone in his vicinity are likely to witness any and all possibilities of things going wrong. He’s a sweet young gay man who is the principal caretaker for his mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s, but he’s on a first name basis with the local paramedics and hospital staff—the result of his many, varied, and bizarre accidents. Does he try to get in trouble deliberately? No. But does trouble seek him out? Yes! At least, that’s his take on it. His sister, Lisa, tries to point out that if those bizarre accidents and incidents hadn’t happened, the other people involved—his mother, his sister, and pedestrians on the street—would have been hurt worse or even killed. He just can’t grasp the same positivity, though.
Shawn is twenty-nine and single without much hope of a permanent boyfriend or partner. He has such rotten luck with men that his last boyfriend was arrested as a serial killer while they were on their second date, and he hasn’t been with anyone since then. He does have a secret crush, though. Hippy-Hotpants is the guy who walks his dogs down the street past Shawn’s house every day at 4 p.m. and Shawn goes out of his way to find something to do in the front yard every day—until the day he trips and falls right in front of the man. From his perspective, he’s mortified, but from Harley’s perspective, he’s thrilled to have the chance to encounter the cute guy with the bubble-butt that he’s been trying to find a way to meet. Harley is, of course, Hippy-Hotpants and he takes advantage of the opportunity to get involved in Shawn’s life.
Their relationship starts slowly, mostly because Shawn’s commitment is first and foremost to his mother’s care, but also because Shawn just doesn’t believe a hot guy like Harley could possibly find him attractive and he keeps shying away from Harley. Add in a few incidents/accidents and trips to the ER, and the roadblocks to anything long term for them sometimes seem insurmountable.
The story is told from Harley’s POV looking back on the events that happened alternating with Shawn’s POV in real time, or at least it appears to be that way. I found it a bit confusing at first, but it was evident by Harley’s comments that the two were together. In a way, that was a bit of a spoiler for me. Even though this is M/M romance and we would hope for the HEA, it did make me uncomfortable—almost as if I flipped to the last page of the book before finishing the heart of the story.
Over time, as the two start to form a relationship, Harley begins to understand why Shawn’s family calls it “Shawn’s Law” and he gets more than enough opportunity to experience it firsthand. Unfortunately, when he’s hurt due to what Shawn believes is Shawn’s fault, Shawn breaks up with him to keep him safe. Though they eventually get together again, there’s another major incident in which Harley loses his temper with Shawn, followed by Shawn’s irritation over the fact that Harley’s father is working in a town that Shawn is boycotting. Shawn decides that there’s no way he’ll meet Harley’s dad as long as he’s working in that town, so Harley goes out of his way to try to relocate his father’s business. I found both men’s behaviors in this situation more than odd. Shawn was acting like a spoiled brat, an action that didn’t seem to fit with the personality we were getting to know in the earlier pages of the book, and Harley not only giving in to Shawn’s pout but then taking steps to get his father relocated seemed a bit farfetched.
Around that time, when the serial killer former boyfriend contacts Shawn, and Harley answers the phone, Shawn takes advantage of Harley’s jealousy to break up with him again. This is another area that was a bit confusing when it happened, because it came out of the blue. As far as readers were concerned Rory was just the name of the guy Shawn had dated two years before on the night he was arrested for murder, and we would assume that he wouldn’t be able to call Shawn from prison. The phone call was included in the story just for the breakup, and seemed contrived. Perhaps if readers had been given a bit more detail about how, when, and why Shawn started to allow Rory to call him, or if we knew in advance that he was taking calls from Rory, it wouldn’t have been as out of place.
There were other issues that struck me as odd as well. After Harley and Shawn had broken up for the second time, Shawn is severely injured and is in the hospital. Harley accidentally discovers this when he goes to the hospital to visit someone else, but he’s not allowed to visit Shawn and is kicked out of Shawn’s room by all of Shawn’s nurse and paramedic friends. He not only accepts this, but then, during the next few weeks when Shawn really does need his help, Harley is suddenly not available because he’s traveling to Burma, China and India, fighting for human rights causes. Considering that he had been hanging out walking his dog past Shawn’s house for weeks, then dating Shawn for more weeks, why is he suddenly traveling all over the world during the weeks that Shawn could have really used his help?
I feel like my thoughts are disorganized as I do this review, and I think it’s because I felt that way about the story. It just seemed scattered with several bizarre secondary plot lines that didn’t fit well. It almost feels like two separate authors wrote the story and then tried to mesh it together. I know that’s not true, but it’s the best way I can describe how I feel about the story.
So, although I enjoyed some of the humor in the story and appreciated Shawn’s caretaking relationship with his mother, there were too many other odd circumstances to make me feel like this is a book that I’d highly recommend. I would, however, likely recommend it to fans of Renae Kaye, because there’s a lot they may like about the story, and I’d also recommend it to those who enjoy their MC being a bit of a klutz with some rather strange circumstances complicating his life, but that’s about it.
Shawn’s Law is synonymous with Murphy’s Law. In this case, Shawn and anyone in his vicinity are likely to witness any and all possibilities of things going wrong. He’s a sweet young gay man who is the principal caretaker for his mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s, but he’s on a first name basis with the local paramedics and hospital staff—the result of his many, varied, and bizarre accidents. Does he try to get in trouble deliberately? No. But does trouble seek him out? Yes! At least, that’s his take on it. His sister, Lisa, tries to point out that if those bizarre accidents and incidents hadn’t happened, the other people involved—his mother, his sister, and pedestrians on the street—would have been hurt worse or even killed. He just can’t grasp the same positivity, though.
Shawn is twenty-nine and single without much hope of a permanent boyfriend or partner. He has such rotten luck with men that his last boyfriend was arrested as a serial killer while they were on their second date, and he hasn’t been with anyone since then. He does have a secret crush, though. Hippy-Hotpants is the guy who walks his dogs down the street past Shawn’s house every day at 4 p.m. and Shawn goes out of his way to find something to do in the front yard every day—until the day he trips and falls right in front of the man. From his perspective, he’s mortified, but from Harley’s perspective, he’s thrilled to have the chance to encounter the cute guy with the bubble-butt that he’s been trying to find a way to meet. Harley is, of course, Hippy-Hotpants and he takes advantage of the opportunity to get involved in Shawn’s life.
Their relationship starts slowly, mostly because Shawn’s commitment is first and foremost to his mother’s care, but also because Shawn just doesn’t believe a hot guy like Harley could possibly find him attractive and he keeps shying away from Harley. Add in a few incidents/accidents and trips to the ER, and the roadblocks to anything long term for them sometimes seem insurmountable.
The story is told from Harley’s POV looking back on the events that happened alternating with Shawn’s POV in real time, or at least it appears to be that way. I found it a bit confusing at first, but it was evident by Harley’s comments that the two were together. In a way, that was a bit of a spoiler for me. Even though this is M/M romance and we would hope for the HEA, it did make me uncomfortable—almost as if I flipped to the last page of the book before finishing the heart of the story.
Over time, as the two start to form a relationship, Harley begins to understand why Shawn’s family calls it “Shawn’s Law” and he gets more than enough opportunity to experience it firsthand. Unfortunately, when he’s hurt due to what Shawn believes is Shawn’s fault, Shawn breaks up with him to keep him safe. Though they eventually get together again, there’s another major incident in which Harley loses his temper with Shawn, followed by Shawn’s irritation over the fact that Harley’s father is working in a town that Shawn is boycotting. Shawn decides that there’s no way he’ll meet Harley’s dad as long as he’s working in that town, so Harley goes out of his way to try to relocate his father’s business. I found both men’s behaviors in this situation more than odd. Shawn was acting like a spoiled brat, an action that didn’t seem to fit with the personality we were getting to know in the earlier pages of the book, and Harley not only giving in to Shawn’s pout but then taking steps to get his father relocated seemed a bit farfetched.
Around that time, when the serial killer former boyfriend contacts Shawn, and Harley answers the phone, Shawn takes advantage of Harley’s jealousy to break up with him again. This is another area that was a bit confusing when it happened, because it came out of the blue. As far as readers were concerned Rory was just the name of the guy Shawn had dated two years before on the night he was arrested for murder, and we would assume that he wouldn’t be able to call Shawn from prison. The phone call was included in the story just for the breakup, and seemed contrived. Perhaps if readers had been given a bit more detail about how, when, and why Shawn started to allow Rory to call him, or if we knew in advance that he was taking calls from Rory, it wouldn’t have been as out of place.
There were other issues that struck me as odd as well. After Harley and Shawn had broken up for the second time, Shawn is severely injured and is in the hospital. Harley accidentally discovers this when he goes to the hospital to visit someone else, but he’s not allowed to visit Shawn and is kicked out of Shawn’s room by all of Shawn’s nurse and paramedic friends. He not only accepts this, but then, during the next few weeks when Shawn really does need his help, Harley is suddenly not available because he’s traveling to Burma, China and India, fighting for human rights causes. Considering that he had been hanging out walking his dog past Shawn’s house for weeks, then dating Shawn for more weeks, why is he suddenly traveling all over the world during the weeks that Shawn could have really used his help?
I feel like my thoughts are disorganized as I do this review, and I think it’s because I felt that way about the story. It just seemed scattered with several bizarre secondary plot lines that didn’t fit well. It almost feels like two separate authors wrote the story and then tried to mesh it together. I know that’s not true, but it’s the best way I can describe how I feel about the story.
So, although I enjoyed some of the humor in the story and appreciated Shawn’s caretaking relationship with his mother, there were too many other odd circumstances to make me feel like this is a book that I’d highly recommend. I would, however, likely recommend it to fans of Renae Kaye, because there’s a lot they may like about the story, and I’d also recommend it to those who enjoy their MC being a bit of a klutz with some rather strange circumstances complicating his life, but that’s about it.
March 7, 2015
This book is going straight onto my 5 star + shelf.
Its a brilliant book.
Shawn has his own law. A bit like Murphy's law but only called Shawn's Law. If it can go wrong it will.
Shawn has a difficult life. He lives with his mum who has Alzeheimers but every day at 4 he has to be outside to see Hippy Hotpants, the hot guy from down the street that he lusts after.
I started laughing from the first pages and didnt stop until the last. From geese to reef sharks and octopuss, Shawn meets them all.
If you dont read this book, there is seriously something wrong with you.
I cant recommend it highly enough. Youll start it and wont put it down until the very last page.
Just remember the kleenex as you will be laughing so hard tears will be streaming down your face.
Its a brilliant book.
Shawn has his own law. A bit like Murphy's law but only called Shawn's Law. If it can go wrong it will.
Shawn has a difficult life. He lives with his mum who has Alzeheimers but every day at 4 he has to be outside to see Hippy Hotpants, the hot guy from down the street that he lusts after.
I started laughing from the first pages and didnt stop until the last. From geese to reef sharks and octopuss, Shawn meets them all.
If you dont read this book, there is seriously something wrong with you.
I cant recommend it highly enough. Youll start it and wont put it down until the very last page.
Just remember the kleenex as you will be laughing so hard tears will be streaming down your face.
April 9, 2015
I tried to like it, I really did. But oh my god, Shawn's constant harping on how he's a bad boyfriend and how he's going to get people next to him killed, and yada yada yada. It got way too repetitious and boring. And the way he kept breaking up with Hippy Hotpants "for his own good" was-well, it just wasn't for me. I don't want to go into a whole rant thing, but I really wasn't all that thrilled with this book. Hopefully Renae's next one will be back up to par.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews