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Grown-Up
It’s time for Austin Beier to grow up. His car is falling apart, his roommates are less than ideal, and he’s just been fired for the umpteenth time. His love life hasn’t evolved past bathroom hookups at his favorite clubs. Forced to borrow money from his father yet again, Austin is walloped by an epiphany—he needs someone to mentor him into maturity. And who better to teach him how to be an adult than Ben, his father’s office manager? Cute in a nerdy sort of way and only a few years older than Austin, Ben is a master of organization and responsibility. But as he gets to know Ben better, Austin learns that whether you’re eight or twenty-eight, growing up is never easy.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2015
About the author
Kim Fielding
183 books1,308 followersKim Fielding lives in Oregon and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phone booth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out assistance to her family. Her favorite word to describe herself is "eclectic" and she finally got that seventh tattoo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 12, 2015
I don't understand why the man on the cover seems to be climbing out of a shell? Perhaps it's symbolic of his metamorphosis, but then wouldn't it be a cocoon?
The cover aside, Grown-Up is an easy, mostly fluffy read about two very different men.
Austin is carefree and a bit of a screwup. He parties every night and is persistently late for work. He spends his money on hot clothes and has random hookups in club bathrooms. He has roommates who steal his food and has to borrow money from his ever-patient but slightly weary dad.
Ben is Austin's dad's right-hand man at work. Austin's dad, Sam, makes custom furniture, and Ben is the accountant/office manager.
Ben, who at 32 is only three years older than Austin, is a real grown-up. He owns his own house and a nice car, and goes to bed on time.
Ben is also incredibly lonely, and Austin takes advantage of Ben's generous nature. Austin wants Ben to "teach" him how to be a responsible adult.
Austin was hella annoying. Seriously. He acted like a teenager, and I wanted to shake him.
Ben, on the other hands, I LOVED, and I did not appreciate Austin pushing Ben, although Ben was also culpable in the miscommunication that took place at the end (and it was a doozy, let me tell ya).
Ben needs someone to lighten the mood, and Austin desperately needs someone responsible and steady.
Austin's dad, Sam, is Dad of the Year for sure. I liked getting a glimpse of his story.
This is a novella, and because Fielding's writing flows so well, you blink, and the story is over.
I would have liked more steam (there's only one steamy scene) and an epilogue. The ending is a HEA, but the book ended a bit too abruptly for me.
I recommend this one for a cute read when you've overdosed on angst and pain.
Your regular programming has been interrupted to bring you this very important announcement:
NEW KIM FIELDING coming up in March!
The cover aside, Grown-Up is an easy, mostly fluffy read about two very different men.
Austin is carefree and a bit of a screwup. He parties every night and is persistently late for work. He spends his money on hot clothes and has random hookups in club bathrooms. He has roommates who steal his food and has to borrow money from his ever-patient but slightly weary dad.
Ben is Austin's dad's right-hand man at work. Austin's dad, Sam, makes custom furniture, and Ben is the accountant/office manager.
Ben, who at 32 is only three years older than Austin, is a real grown-up. He owns his own house and a nice car, and goes to bed on time.
Ben is also incredibly lonely, and Austin takes advantage of Ben's generous nature. Austin wants Ben to "teach" him how to be a responsible adult.
Austin was hella annoying. Seriously. He acted like a teenager, and I wanted to shake him.
Ben, on the other hands, I LOVED, and I did not appreciate Austin pushing Ben, although Ben was also culpable in the miscommunication that took place at the end (and it was a doozy, let me tell ya).
Ben needs someone to lighten the mood, and Austin desperately needs someone responsible and steady.
Austin's dad, Sam, is Dad of the Year for sure. I liked getting a glimpse of his story.
This is a novella, and because Fielding's writing flows so well, you blink, and the story is over.
I would have liked more steam (there's only one steamy scene) and an epilogue. The ending is a HEA, but the book ended a bit too abruptly for me.
I recommend this one for a cute read when you've overdosed on angst and pain.
Your regular programming has been interrupted to bring you this very important announcement:
NEW KIM FIELDING coming up in March!
March 16, 2015
So I was riding right along, really enjoying this book, thinking it was gonna turn into one of those feel-good ones that I'd keep around and reread on a rainy day.
Austin can't keep a job. He can't say no to partying and drinking. He waits until he's out of money to worry about being...out of money. But he's smart. And he has instincts. And he's sweet. So, tired of disappointing those around him (especially his dad), he calls on his dad's long-time employee, dependable Ben. Ben has a rough history of his own that forced him to be the straight-laced, clean-cut GROWN UP he is today. He's the perfect guy to help Austin.
And suddenly there are sparks. And there's the "now I'll help you have some fun in return" angle. And there's the predictable eventual attraction.
The opposites attract angle I adore. And though Austin is kind of a screw-up, he's not a jerk about it and I actually liked him. And there's not really anyone offensive in this book at all...his dad is awesome, his boss is awesome, his romantic counterpart is awesome, and even his roommates who were kinda deadbeats were still a little awesome.
It was all pretty standard, but written with the quality you can depend on from Kim Fielding. And then suddenly everything wraps up in 2 pages. Ok, that might be an exaggeration. But it felt like it all just found it's way to conclusion so quickly. Like the author had a deadline so just submitted the end of the story in an outline form...or just gave up on letting it work it's way out. And though I knew it would be predictable, I didn't think it would be so abrupt.
Alas, strong start, quick finish, so-so book.
***that cover, tho...yowza***
March 18, 2015
This was a fun and light read from Kim Fielding. The plot is too predictable though and the ending was just so rushed that I really didn't get to feel that it's a HEA but still I enjoyed it. I can imagine the story becoming a romcom movie.
-Kim, I love your books but you've gotta work on your covers. Man! This one is really bad!
-Kim, I love your books but you've gotta work on your covers. Man! This one is really bad!
March 21, 2015
3.5
This is the second Fielding cover that I've noticed be based off a painting with this particular one being Botticelli's Birth of Venus. We see Austin as Venus at his moment of rebirth from party boy to grown-up with Ben as one of the Horae privileged with waiting to clothe him and begin his transformation to maturity. It's an interesting reinterpretation of an iconic image. Or my analysis of it anyway. :D
This was a sweet story but for me it needed to be longer with more interaction between Austin and Ben. I loved the time that they were together but then there were time jumps when they spent little to no time together at all. This was a short story and Ben's background was so troubled and angsty I would have loved to have spent some time in his head.
I enjoyed reading about Austin's need to grow up and be more responsible and how he sought out Ben to help him with his plan. Nice chemistry and I enjoyed the family dynamics at play here. I liked this one.
This is the second Fielding cover that I've noticed be based off a painting with this particular one being Botticelli's Birth of Venus. We see Austin as Venus at his moment of rebirth from party boy to grown-up with Ben as one of the Horae privileged with waiting to clothe him and begin his transformation to maturity. It's an interesting reinterpretation of an iconic image. Or my analysis of it anyway. :D
This was a sweet story but for me it needed to be longer with more interaction between Austin and Ben. I loved the time that they were together but then there were time jumps when they spent little to no time together at all. This was a short story and Ben's background was so troubled and angsty I would have loved to have spent some time in his head.
I enjoyed reading about Austin's need to grow up and be more responsible and how he sought out Ben to help him with his plan. Nice chemistry and I enjoyed the family dynamics at play here. I liked this one.
October 23, 2023
I have a number of ARCs right now, three of which focus on extraordinarily painful and terrible historical issues.
In non-ARC fiction, I'm reading Wendy Palmer's Six Feet of Ridiculous, which although it's not in a league with the ARCs in question, is nevertheless as nerve-racking as a fantasy novel needs to be.
Kim Fielding, thank you for providing just the break I needed.
In non-ARC fiction, I'm reading Wendy Palmer's Six Feet of Ridiculous, which although it's not in a league with the ARCs in question, is nevertheless as nerve-racking as a fantasy novel needs to be.
Kim Fielding, thank you for providing just the break I needed.
March 18, 2015
3.5 stars
At 29 years old, Austin still likes to party hard, can't keep a permanent job, can't wake up early in the morning (his lateness is one of the reasons that he can't keep his jobs), don't know how to do laundry right, and sometimes must resort to ask for financial help from dear old Dad. While Ben, Austin's father right hand man, is only three years older than Austin, but is more solid and financially secure. Although Ben is also lonely, don't have many friends, and don't have enough adventures to color his life. So Austin asks Ben to help him to be a grown-up ... and later realizes that he wants Ben more than just a life mentor.
As always, Kim Fielding's writing is comfortable. This is a lovely opposite-attract type of story. Despite his somewhat less than mature way of life, Austin is pretty likeable. Yes, I admit, there were times that I wanted to throttle him, especially when he screws up yet again -- but Austin is actually "people smart", his supervisors like him (except for his tardiness) and he has good creative ideas. So he's not total failure. I also like Ben ... maybe because he feels closer to me as a character (I also don't like to stay up late, or go out to parties, or eat out at new/trendy/popular restaurants -- I'm pretty much boring girl *lol*).
So yes, I was loving how Austin and Ben's relationship progresses. I loved the way Austin steadily learned to be more responsible and dependable. I sure did love Austin's father as well.
Unfortunately, the ending feels WAY too rushed for my liking. This is a kind of story in which I want a good, satisfying, happy-ending closure for both men because I was invested with their life from the get-go. So the way that everything concluded in such manner -- what, barely 2 pages?? -- made me pout hard in frustration.
PS: With all due respect for the author and the cover artist ... this cover is horrible!
At 29 years old, Austin still likes to party hard, can't keep a permanent job, can't wake up early in the morning (his lateness is one of the reasons that he can't keep his jobs), don't know how to do laundry right, and sometimes must resort to ask for financial help from dear old Dad. While Ben, Austin's father right hand man, is only three years older than Austin, but is more solid and financially secure. Although Ben is also lonely, don't have many friends, and don't have enough adventures to color his life. So Austin asks Ben to help him to be a grown-up ... and later realizes that he wants Ben more than just a life mentor.
As always, Kim Fielding's writing is comfortable. This is a lovely opposite-attract type of story. Despite his somewhat less than mature way of life, Austin is pretty likeable. Yes, I admit, there were times that I wanted to throttle him, especially when he screws up yet again -- but Austin is actually "people smart", his supervisors like him (except for his tardiness) and he has good creative ideas. So he's not total failure. I also like Ben ... maybe because he feels closer to me as a character (I also don't like to stay up late, or go out to parties, or eat out at new/trendy/popular restaurants -- I'm pretty much boring girl *lol*).
So yes, I was loving how Austin and Ben's relationship progresses. I loved the way Austin steadily learned to be more responsible and dependable. I sure did love Austin's father as well.
Unfortunately, the ending feels WAY too rushed for my liking. This is a kind of story in which I want a good, satisfying, happy-ending closure for both men because I was invested with their life from the get-go. So the way that everything concluded in such manner -- what, barely 2 pages?? -- made me pout hard in frustration.
PS: With all due respect for the author and the cover artist ... this cover is horrible!
March 31, 2015
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Austin Beier isn’t surprised to lose his job when he arrives late to work yet again. After all, this is his pattern. He’d rather be out partying with his friends late at night than stay in and get a good night’s sleep so that he wouldn’t oversleep in the morning. But it’s not even that much fun to go out partying anymore. One night stands or even backroom sex isn’t what it was when he was younger and not having enough money to pay the rent on the dump he lives in with two other guys is pretty pitiful.
He seeks out his dad who owns a furniture-making company to ask for a loan and it’s there that he sees his father’s office manager in a completely different light for the first time. He finally views Ben not as the handsome geek with the glasses, but rather as a man who has his act together and knows how to be responsible, and maybe he’d be willing to help Austin grow up. When he proposes that Ben help him, at first Ben hesitates, then reluctantly agrees.
Austin does not fully commit to the list that he makes with Ben immediately—the list of life changes to be made—but when he starts to see some of the consequences of his childish behavior and then when he starts to get praise from his dad and from his new employer once he begins to act on his promises of growing up—principally by being on time—a whole new world opens up for him. Epiphany after epiphany come to him and he starts to see Ben as a person of value, a man he’d like to have a relationship with, but he screws up badly on the chance he takes to give Ben a night to remember.
As the blurb states, it’s never easy to grow up. But as we learn in this story, it’s never too late either. I really enjoyed this sweet story. It was well-paced, had good character development, subtle life lessons, and a delightful insider’s view on one young man’s journey to maturity—and to his HEA.
Austin Beier isn’t surprised to lose his job when he arrives late to work yet again. After all, this is his pattern. He’d rather be out partying with his friends late at night than stay in and get a good night’s sleep so that he wouldn’t oversleep in the morning. But it’s not even that much fun to go out partying anymore. One night stands or even backroom sex isn’t what it was when he was younger and not having enough money to pay the rent on the dump he lives in with two other guys is pretty pitiful.
He seeks out his dad who owns a furniture-making company to ask for a loan and it’s there that he sees his father’s office manager in a completely different light for the first time. He finally views Ben not as the handsome geek with the glasses, but rather as a man who has his act together and knows how to be responsible, and maybe he’d be willing to help Austin grow up. When he proposes that Ben help him, at first Ben hesitates, then reluctantly agrees.
Austin does not fully commit to the list that he makes with Ben immediately—the list of life changes to be made—but when he starts to see some of the consequences of his childish behavior and then when he starts to get praise from his dad and from his new employer once he begins to act on his promises of growing up—principally by being on time—a whole new world opens up for him. Epiphany after epiphany come to him and he starts to see Ben as a person of value, a man he’d like to have a relationship with, but he screws up badly on the chance he takes to give Ben a night to remember.
As the blurb states, it’s never easy to grow up. But as we learn in this story, it’s never too late either. I really enjoyed this sweet story. It was well-paced, had good character development, subtle life lessons, and a delightful insider’s view on one young man’s journey to maturity—and to his HEA.
March 23, 2015
This is such a funny, cute, and yet very thoughtful and romantic story, I don’t even know where to start. I’ll admit the title made me curious, and reading the blurb had me smiling. But then, as I got into the story of poor Austin trying to figure out how to grow up (at the age of twenty-eight, no less!), I was impressed by the lighthearted tone that still managed to communicate a rather serious situation. Well, not nuclear-war or apocalypse kind of serious, but personal-issue kind of serious. And as the story progressed, and I got to know Austin better, I really felt for him – and Ben! But I also kept smiling and uttered quite a few “awwws” by the end of it. Absolutely wonderful!
Austin is, um, I would probably call him a “late developer”. Not in the sense of his sexuality, knowing how to find a good party, or what to do to find a hookup for the night. No, Austin’s issues focus on figuring out how not to mess up his life. Consistency, work ethics, or dedication to the same person for more than a few days are not things he is good at. When I made his acquaintance in the first chapter, I thought he might be a college student, maybe twenty, trying to deal with being away from home for the first time. Then it emerged he is twenty-eight, and while he is a great guy who knows how to have fun, he has no plan for his life, not even a decent car to his name, and friends who don’t exactly sound supportive.
When Austin realizes that he will have to grow up if he wants to stop having to borrow money from his father, he knows he needs a plan. And a mentor with a lot of patience. Ben, his father’s thirty-two-year-old office manager, is just the guy, and Austin and he embark on an adventure into “teach me what I need to know” that may begin with Austin learning how to be more adult about his life, but it doesn’t stop there. I loved how both men learn from each other, and how even the drama that emerges when Austin realizes he wants Ben to be more than a mentor ends up teaching them both a valuable lesson.
If you like stories with a lot of humor that still carry a seriously hopeful message about the value of responsibility, if you find out more about two men who seem to be total opposites, and if you’re looking for a sweet, funny, and cute romance between guys who need and deserve each other, but take a while to get the message, then you will probably like this novella as much as I do. I totally adore it!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Austin is, um, I would probably call him a “late developer”. Not in the sense of his sexuality, knowing how to find a good party, or what to do to find a hookup for the night. No, Austin’s issues focus on figuring out how not to mess up his life. Consistency, work ethics, or dedication to the same person for more than a few days are not things he is good at. When I made his acquaintance in the first chapter, I thought he might be a college student, maybe twenty, trying to deal with being away from home for the first time. Then it emerged he is twenty-eight, and while he is a great guy who knows how to have fun, he has no plan for his life, not even a decent car to his name, and friends who don’t exactly sound supportive.
When Austin realizes that he will have to grow up if he wants to stop having to borrow money from his father, he knows he needs a plan. And a mentor with a lot of patience. Ben, his father’s thirty-two-year-old office manager, is just the guy, and Austin and he embark on an adventure into “teach me what I need to know” that may begin with Austin learning how to be more adult about his life, but it doesn’t stop there. I loved how both men learn from each other, and how even the drama that emerges when Austin realizes he wants Ben to be more than a mentor ends up teaching them both a valuable lesson.
If you like stories with a lot of humor that still carry a seriously hopeful message about the value of responsibility, if you find out more about two men who seem to be total opposites, and if you’re looking for a sweet, funny, and cute romance between guys who need and deserve each other, but take a while to get the message, then you will probably like this novella as much as I do. I totally adore it!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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April 29, 2020Cute novella about an irresponsible (but not bad-hearted) party boy who asks his father's hard-working and somewhat uptight office manager for guidelines on how to adult after realizing just how immature he's being. Obviously we know where this relationship is going (there are only two main characters) but it's a lot of fun seeing them get there.
November 8, 2015
2.5 stars
What I expected with such a bad cover and terrible title: A slapstick kind of story.
What I was hoping for: A sweet romance despite of such an awful first impression.
What I actually got: Great, not a forced humorous book! It starts off good… Let’s see how it goes.. Well, the MC is likable, if yet a little stupid. Oh wait, he gets even more stupider. So, there is supposed to be attraction between Austin and Ben? Ben, who is so one dimensional, I am surprised he is even in the book.
Okay, now I really don’t feel it. Wait, there is some stupid angst thrown in at the end because these guys decide they need to talk even less with each other than they already did. Oh My God, that is the end?? If would have been more realistic of there was a unicorn parade in the background.
Conclusion: terrible title/cover, promising start, story went downhill after the first 10 pages, the ending was way too lovey dovey.
Glad it wasn’t that long.
What I expected with such a bad cover and terrible title: A slapstick kind of story.
What I was hoping for: A sweet romance despite of such an awful first impression.
What I actually got: Great, not a forced humorous book! It starts off good… Let’s see how it goes.. Well, the MC is likable, if yet a little stupid. Oh wait, he gets even more stupider. So, there is supposed to be attraction between Austin and Ben? Ben, who is so one dimensional, I am surprised he is even in the book.
Okay, now I really don’t feel it. Wait, there is some stupid angst thrown in at the end because these guys decide they need to talk even less with each other than they already did. Oh My God, that is the end?? If would have been more realistic of there was a unicorn parade in the background.
Conclusion: terrible title/cover, promising start, story went downhill after the first 10 pages, the ending was way too lovey dovey.
Glad it wasn’t that long.
March 24, 2015
Sweet.
May 7, 2015
4.0 solid stars despite the cover
My first thought:
My first thought:
Holy mo---- ... Kim Fielding has a new book! *happy dance*My second thought:
What's up with the clam shell on the cover?My final thought:
Oh, f*ck it. It's Kim Fielding. It's going to rock.
Wow. That was awesome! (Duh, it's Kim Fielding.) But the ending was too abrupt.Bottom line: Epilogue anyone?
April 11, 2015
3.5 stars - Delightful story of a young man who realizes he's not living a very mature life, what with having to borrow money off his dad to pay bills and getting fired on a regular basis from low paying jobs, not to mention a sex life of one-night stands. Lucky for him he finds someone to mentor him in a man who works for his father. Ben reluctantly takes on the job of helping Austin lead a responsible, grown-up life.
The story was sweet with fairly low angst. Simply a very nice, quick read.
The story was sweet with fairly low angst. Simply a very nice, quick read.
May 4, 2016
Well, that was exactly what I was needing to read. This was a really lovely, sweet story. And pretty much everything I’ve come to expect from Kim Fielding. My eyes may have even got a bit misty there near the end.
If there is one thing I understand, it is the sudden realization that you can’t put off growing up any longer. And seeing as I am currently riding 28 years, this was a bit close to home. In a good way, mostly.
My life may be nothing like Austin’s, but I totally get that horrible feeling when you realize that you have to actually start taking control of your life. Though, my string of lost jobs has less to do with punctuality (and late nights at dance clubs) than it does with my general loathing of human beings. Which, go figure, is a bit of a drawback in most jobs. Though I do wish I had someone like Ben to life-coach me into adulthood (wouldn’t say no to a bit of lovin’, either, to be honest).
Every page of this book was just lovely. The characters were great-–I especially loved Sam, Austin’s dad-–and Austin’s journey from man-child into adulthood was realistic without getting maudlin. Which is good for me, because this is not a week for any more angst.
I pretty much adore anything that Fielding writes, and this one is no exception. It was a great story and I’m glad I got the chance to read it. It really brightened up what was turning out to be a pretty depressing week.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
If there is one thing I understand, it is the sudden realization that you can’t put off growing up any longer. And seeing as I am currently riding 28 years, this was a bit close to home. In a good way, mostly.
My life may be nothing like Austin’s, but I totally get that horrible feeling when you realize that you have to actually start taking control of your life. Though, my string of lost jobs has less to do with punctuality (and late nights at dance clubs) than it does with my general loathing of human beings. Which, go figure, is a bit of a drawback in most jobs. Though I do wish I had someone like Ben to life-coach me into adulthood (wouldn’t say no to a bit of lovin’, either, to be honest).
Every page of this book was just lovely. The characters were great-–I especially loved Sam, Austin’s dad-–and Austin’s journey from man-child into adulthood was realistic without getting maudlin. Which is good for me, because this is not a week for any more angst.
I pretty much adore anything that Fielding writes, and this one is no exception. It was a great story and I’m glad I got the chance to read it. It really brightened up what was turning out to be a pretty depressing week.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
March 19, 2015
Cute, fun little story of a 28-year old that needs to grow-up and his "mentor", a responsible, organized 31-year old who's never had a chance to be young and carefree. Very sweet! Perfect if you're looking for a light, easy read to wile away a few hours.
April 14, 2015
3.3 stars. A cute shorter story, where the romantic relationship would have benefited from a bit more depth and development.
December 21, 2015
Really likeable characters who showed some good changes throughout. I do agree with many other reviewers that the ending came way too fast. It was a HEA, but not satisfying enough.
February 13, 2016
Entertaining, amusing and at times rough story about growing up or finding oneself.
April 19, 2021
Kim Fielding writes a better short story than most write a novel. She gets a complete story in no matter the length...great characters who do interesting things in a complete universe. (Don't be confused by the cover...this does not have fantasy elements.)
September 20, 2020
Cute makeover story told from the POV of the guy who decides to get his act together. Romance is a bit incidental and narrator is not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but eventually figures himself (and some other things) out.
August 27, 2022
3.5 stars
June 28, 2025
Alright as a good little page turner.
March 29, 2015
Austin is 29 going on 19. He’s never finished college, loses more jobs than he keeps, lives in a hovel with roommates who have also never grown up and he’s currently almost late for rent.
Austin goes to his dad for money – again- and notices for the first time that the long time assistant who works for his dad, Ben, is about Austin’s age, but he’s a GROWN UP.
After a series of epiphanies, Austin asks Ben to mentor him in the ways of adulthood. Ben reluctantly agrees and together they map out a strategy of mature action for Austin to undertake.
What happens in relatively short time (really the boy just needed to quit clubbing and do some damn laundry) is that not only is Austin holding down a job, he’s re-evaluating his life and starting to make some future thinking goals. The other side effect is that he’s made his first “grown up” friend in Ben.
After celebrating his new gainfully employed status, Austin offers to give Ben some of that missing childhood he’s never had by taking him out to a club. There they realize that besides being friends they might be more.
Of course, it can’t be that easy. We’ve got some more growing up to do – on both sides of the relationship – but we do end up with a pretty solid HEA and a giant smile on our faces.
**
I adore Kim Fielding. Her books are always awesome. Sometimes thought provoking. Terribly sweet and always heart-warming.
She is a master at character development and pacing, so though I always wish the story was longer, I can’t fault her for leaving anything out or skimming over any important details. They’re just so good I want more!
In this case I wish we’d had a bit more after the couple cements itself as a couple, though it is ooey gooey sweet and adorable, I wish we could have seen them for at least one final scene living in domestic bliss.
There was not a lot of smexy times in the story, but what we get was awesome.
I highly recommend this book and this author.
5 of 5 hearts
PS I’m not sure what the deal is with the cover – but it doesn’t do the story justice.
Austin goes to his dad for money – again- and notices for the first time that the long time assistant who works for his dad, Ben, is about Austin’s age, but he’s a GROWN UP.
After a series of epiphanies, Austin asks Ben to mentor him in the ways of adulthood. Ben reluctantly agrees and together they map out a strategy of mature action for Austin to undertake.
What happens in relatively short time (really the boy just needed to quit clubbing and do some damn laundry) is that not only is Austin holding down a job, he’s re-evaluating his life and starting to make some future thinking goals. The other side effect is that he’s made his first “grown up” friend in Ben.
After celebrating his new gainfully employed status, Austin offers to give Ben some of that missing childhood he’s never had by taking him out to a club. There they realize that besides being friends they might be more.
Of course, it can’t be that easy. We’ve got some more growing up to do – on both sides of the relationship – but we do end up with a pretty solid HEA and a giant smile on our faces.
**
I adore Kim Fielding. Her books are always awesome. Sometimes thought provoking. Terribly sweet and always heart-warming.
She is a master at character development and pacing, so though I always wish the story was longer, I can’t fault her for leaving anything out or skimming over any important details. They’re just so good I want more!
In this case I wish we’d had a bit more after the couple cements itself as a couple, though it is ooey gooey sweet and adorable, I wish we could have seen them for at least one final scene living in domestic bliss.
There was not a lot of smexy times in the story, but what we get was awesome.
I highly recommend this book and this author.
5 of 5 hearts
PS I’m not sure what the deal is with the cover – but it doesn’t do the story justice.
May 16, 2015
Kim Fielding is one of my go-to-authors when I'm in need of a comfort-read. This title has been on my mind a while, but it wasn't until last night (after I had finished a quite scary novel with a zombie apocalypse theme) that I loaded it on my reader and started reading.
The advantage with novellas (and also their disadvantage) is that they are quick reads. I was easily drawn into the story about Austin who at the age of almost 29 is having a difficult time to adjust his living habits to a more grown-up manner. When he's lost his job one time too many and has to come see his father to make his rent that month he notices Ben, the accountant at Austin's father's company, and subsequently asks him to help him out.
As always this story made me feel good, both while as was reading it and after it was finished. It's only what I've come to expect from a Fielding story - only exception ever is The Tin Box. The characters are more than likable, both of them are vulnerable, but mostly at different times, and the most important supporting character, Austin's father, is a kind and wonderful man.
Just what I needed at this time.
The advantage with novellas (and also their disadvantage) is that they are quick reads. I was easily drawn into the story about Austin who at the age of almost 29 is having a difficult time to adjust his living habits to a more grown-up manner. When he's lost his job one time too many and has to come see his father to make his rent that month he notices Ben, the accountant at Austin's father's company, and subsequently asks him to help him out.
As always this story made me feel good, both while as was reading it and after it was finished. It's only what I've come to expect from a Fielding story - only exception ever is The Tin Box. The characters are more than likable, both of them are vulnerable, but mostly at different times, and the most important supporting character, Austin's father, is a kind and wonderful man.
Just what I needed at this time.
June 4, 2016
I enjoyed this story, don't get me wrong, but I had a hard time buying the love between the two MC's. The two guys barely knew each other! They had like two lunches together and one night out and suddenly they're so in love they're moving in together and talking about getting married? *shrug* I just wonder why Kim didn't make this story longer so she could have developed the relationship better? This just seemed like one that really needed more development and unless there was a particular reason she wanted to keep it so short it just seemed a bit.... not complete. Maybe a deadline?
Anyway, it was very cute and I really enjoyed the story, so I'm not too mad about it
Anyway, it was very cute and I really enjoyed the story, so I'm not too mad about it
April 4, 2015
(+) I could relate with the story since I've been dealing with people like Austin. The inconsistencies of a person like him was written well.
(+) Austin & Ben got the spark, which is the most important factor for me.
(+/-) I like the other characters especially Sam. I wished Bill appeared though. He really should have a few lines.
(-) Almost gave a perfect rating but the story was just too short. It needs more pages and pages and pages.
Highly recommended for people looking for a fun, light & short read.
(+) Austin & Ben got the spark, which is the most important factor for me.
(+/-) I like the other characters especially Sam. I wished Bill appeared though. He really should have a few lines.
(-) Almost gave a perfect rating but the story was just too short. It needs more pages and pages and pages.
Highly recommended for people looking for a fun, light & short read.
January 2, 2016
Low angst love story for Ben and Austin. Austin needs to grow up and uses Ben, who's the most responsible person around his age he knows to get pointers, and, of course, learns how special, wonderful and real Ben is in the process.
Some minor miscommunication issues, but not enough to throw the book across the room.
Some minor miscommunication issues, but not enough to throw the book across the room.
March 19, 2015
I think the cover is a nod to Botticelli's Birth of Venus painting. It's kinda cool but not one my favorite covers.
Still this book is a quick, feel good HEA read. I enjoyed it, but I'll read anything by Kim Fielding because she rocks!!
Also, the bear bar? Brilliant!
Still this book is a quick, feel good HEA read. I enjoyed it, but I'll read anything by Kim Fielding because she rocks!!
Also, the bear bar? Brilliant!
March 19, 2015
3.5 stars. A well written, sweet comedy but somehow, unusually for Kim Fielding, the emotional side of things fell a little flat. Ben's vulnerabilities could have created a little more angst and Austin went from screw up to grown up with far too much ease.
May 13, 2015
I loved this book!! It's airy and lighthearted! So much fun to read. I loved Ben and Austin. I even loved one of Austin's roommates. Let's just say Austin has the most awesome dad too. The one thing he doesn't have is maturity but Ben does. I highly recommend this book! Really, read it!
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