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Stripped Expectations
Hunky Mark is unemployed, penniless and living off the help of his friends. His life orbits around sex encounters that leave him with a bitter aftertaste. He went from skinny tall guy to hunk in a few years, after promising himself not to let anyone beat him again. But Mark still struggles with his self-image because underneath all of his muscles he still feels like a clumsy teenager.
His life starts to change when a stranger approaches Mark offering him a job as a stripper. Mark immediately dismisses it as another lame attempt at getting him laid. But his desperate need for money makes him think twice. He ends up surrounded by gorgeous men, his first true love and a past that just refuses to go away.
WARNING: This book contains explicit scenes of consensual sex between men as well as some graphic language. It is intended for a mature, adult audience.
His life starts to change when a stranger approaches Mark offering him a job as a stripper. Mark immediately dismisses it as another lame attempt at getting him laid. But his desperate need for money makes him think twice. He ends up surrounded by gorgeous men, his first true love and a past that just refuses to go away.
WARNING: This book contains explicit scenes of consensual sex between men as well as some graphic language. It is intended for a mature, adult audience.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2015
5 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
James Lee Hard
12 books102 followersJames spends most of his time looking at his computer screen, trying to summon the magical words that make the ingredients for a great story. He dreams about being able to move people and becoming a great writer one day.
He writes contemporary gay romance and erotica but he wants to write about much more. His mind is filled with sci-fi gadgets, swords, wizards and dragons and he has trouble trying to choose one theme. Maybe one day we’ll read something starring sinewy heroes battling giant dragons in tight pants. But the romance will always be there. And the abs. And the happy endings – James is a sucker for them.
James draws inspiration from everyday life, books, movies, songs, pictures and much more. Almost everything can ignite his desire to write but not all will end up on his stories.
James is an indie author who relies on friends and a growing base of lovely beta readers to help him with his stories, ensuring that each book is better than the previous one.
He writes contemporary gay romance and erotica but he wants to write about much more. His mind is filled with sci-fi gadgets, swords, wizards and dragons and he has trouble trying to choose one theme. Maybe one day we’ll read something starring sinewy heroes battling giant dragons in tight pants. But the romance will always be there. And the abs. And the happy endings – James is a sucker for them.
James draws inspiration from everyday life, books, movies, songs, pictures and much more. Almost everything can ignite his desire to write but not all will end up on his stories.
James is an indie author who relies on friends and a growing base of lovely beta readers to help him with his stories, ensuring that each book is better than the previous one.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 10, 2015
One star for the detachable dick. Review posted April 3, 2015
He unbuttoned his pants and took his dick off, slapping him on the guy's butt.
Poor guy. I hope this horrible trauma isn't incurable. Hmm…he actually kept a stiff upper lip (pun intended).
Stripped Expectations is a rather short read. Unfortunately it didn't evoke one iota of emotion from me except annoyance. The story reads like a stilted procedure. Once again the main protagonist is so damn gorgeous, handsome, beautiful or what-the-f@ck-ever, displaying an ocean of muscles. It's the usual: lots of mindless body appreciation, boring plot, awkward and lame striptease and shallow characters. I didn't even like the smexy times. Also, the overinflated drama (shouting, fighting, angry outbursts and name calling) wasn't my cuppa and the meager attempt at throwing in some homophobic issues didn't do it for me at all. Oh, and let's not forget the sap and cheese galore during the final 20%. I'm sorry to say that Stripped Expectations is a total failure all along the line.
Quotes:
Mark removed his briefs and saw Mathew's dick, throbbing with passion.
He walked with a cat-like pace into the bathroom, the contour of his muscles making wave movements under the skin.
He grabbed his dick with a renovated lust and rubbed it harder.
I feel the urge to renovate my flat. Thank you.
A bit skinny, maybe, but muscular.
*confuzzled*
How can a skinny man be muscular?
He looked beautiful. His squarish face, strong jaw, perfect eyebrows and smile were all dreamy.
Mark looked at himself, seeing nothing but an ocean of muscles.
I hope he's not going to drown in that ocean.
"Yes, I remember," he said, immediately plunging his face into the coffee mug.
Hmm…I wouldn't want to plunge my face into a mug.
Due to the grammar issues, the book is in dire need of better editing/proofreading:
The only empty cabinet available was next to a guy bent over, applying baby oil in his legs.
That would be 'apply on' not 'in'.
She was blushed but at the same time…
He was slightly blushed…
Jason was a bit blushed and seemed turned on.
I quote a friend of mine:
The verb "to blush" is an intransitive verb (it doesn't take an object); e.g., "she blushed" (nothing else is needed; the sentence works as it is). In English, intransitive verbs can't be passivized. Though they sometimes can take a complement. E.g., 'She blushed with shame'.
But anyway. "Blushed" is the past tense of the verb, not an adjective or an adverb. My guess would be that the author meant "flushed". "Flushed" can take an object, and it can also work as an adjective, which seems to be what the author intended here.
Thanks for the explanation. No offense but I doubt that was the author's intention. The main protagonist blushed a lot; Mark's face even turned a deep shade of red. Or, I quote: Mark's ears were now burning.
The repetitiveness (keep in mind it's a short read):
99 x smile, smiled, smiling, smiles
34 x chuckled, chuckle
More examples for your perusal (I quote word for word):
The king sized bed had a fluffy comforter were you could sleep forever.
"You know I didn't meant it like that…"
…appeared to be on his forties, with a perfectly trimmed...
Mark jump up from the bench and the world spun around him again. A stream of tears started to build up in his eyes, ready to explode.
(…) He stayed in the couch all day looking at the window and barely spoke with me.
"You have to eat something. Otherwise will get sick. Please?"
(…), but I guess I wasn't thinking clearly after seeing you in that stage.
The dude performed on stage.
(…) he didn't even now why he had said it.
Another one has bitten the dust. My pile of of bad books is growing relentlessly. Movin' on...
He unbuttoned his pants and took his dick off, slapping him on the guy's butt.
Poor guy. I hope this horrible trauma isn't incurable. Hmm…he actually kept a stiff upper lip (pun intended).
Stripped Expectations is a rather short read. Unfortunately it didn't evoke one iota of emotion from me except annoyance. The story reads like a stilted procedure. Once again the main protagonist is so damn gorgeous, handsome, beautiful or what-the-f@ck-ever, displaying an ocean of muscles. It's the usual: lots of mindless body appreciation, boring plot, awkward and lame striptease and shallow characters. I didn't even like the smexy times. Also, the overinflated drama (shouting, fighting, angry outbursts and name calling) wasn't my cuppa and the meager attempt at throwing in some homophobic issues didn't do it for me at all. Oh, and let's not forget the sap and cheese galore during the final 20%. I'm sorry to say that Stripped Expectations is a total failure all along the line.
Quotes:
Mark removed his briefs and saw Mathew's dick, throbbing with passion.
He walked with a cat-like pace into the bathroom, the contour of his muscles making wave movements under the skin.
He grabbed his dick with a renovated lust and rubbed it harder.
I feel the urge to renovate my flat. Thank you.
A bit skinny, maybe, but muscular.
*confuzzled*
How can a skinny man be muscular?
He looked beautiful. His squarish face, strong jaw, perfect eyebrows and smile were all dreamy.
Mark looked at himself, seeing nothing but an ocean of muscles.
I hope he's not going to drown in that ocean.
"Yes, I remember," he said, immediately plunging his face into the coffee mug.
Hmm…I wouldn't want to plunge my face into a mug.
Due to the grammar issues, the book is in dire need of better editing/proofreading:
The only empty cabinet available was next to a guy bent over, applying baby oil in his legs.
That would be 'apply on' not 'in'.
She was blushed but at the same time…
He was slightly blushed…
Jason was a bit blushed and seemed turned on.
I quote a friend of mine:
The verb "to blush" is an intransitive verb (it doesn't take an object); e.g., "she blushed" (nothing else is needed; the sentence works as it is). In English, intransitive verbs can't be passivized. Though they sometimes can take a complement. E.g., 'She blushed with shame'.
But anyway. "Blushed" is the past tense of the verb, not an adjective or an adverb. My guess would be that the author meant "flushed". "Flushed" can take an object, and it can also work as an adjective, which seems to be what the author intended here.
Thanks for the explanation. No offense but I doubt that was the author's intention. The main protagonist blushed a lot; Mark's face even turned a deep shade of red. Or, I quote: Mark's ears were now burning.
The repetitiveness (keep in mind it's a short read):
99 x smile, smiled, smiling, smiles
34 x chuckled, chuckle
More examples for your perusal (I quote word for word):
The king sized bed had a fluffy comforter were you could sleep forever.
"You know I didn't meant it like that…"
…appeared to be on his forties, with a perfectly trimmed...
Mark jump up from the bench and the world spun around him again. A stream of tears started to build up in his eyes, ready to explode.
(…) He stayed in the couch all day looking at the window and barely spoke with me.
"You have to eat something. Otherwise will get sick. Please?"
(…), but I guess I wasn't thinking clearly after seeing you in that stage.
The dude performed on stage.
(…) he didn't even now why he had said it.
Another one has bitten the dust. My pile of of bad books is growing relentlessly. Movin' on...
May 7, 2015
What a wonderful debut novel! This book has me hungry for more sweet and sexy romance by James Lee Hard! If you're a fan of M/M romances, then this is for you. If you've never tried it before, now is the time. Stripped Expectations is the perfect first foray into M/M reading.
Mark is an extremely attractive man filled with insecurities on the inside. Being impossibly gorgeous isn't all it's cracked up to be. He's tired of other men only looking at his outward appearances instead of what's on the inside. The author does an excellent job of conveying Mark's insecurities through his writing and my heart broke for him. Deep down, it's simple: he just wants to be loved for who he is, not what he looks like.
Mark's best friends are Oliver and Jason. They cracked me up! The humor they brought to the story was the perfect balance to the intense emotional aspects. You really get to know them during the book and see just how much they love their friend. The relationship the three friends share is one I'm envious of. They are there for one another no matter what and nothing will ever change that. Those kinds of friends are few and far between.
Matthew is a mysterious stranger whom James comes to know and eventually love. Their relationship was endearing and sexually exciting too. (yes, there is hot sex, but that's not the main focus of the novel.)
The plot line is unique and I won't ruin it here. I'm from a part of the country where I'm surrounded by ultra-conservatives and same sex relationships are either hidden around here or they move to more accepted areas. This book gave me a glimpse into a world I haven't experienced before. My heart went out to Mark, who was bullied and ridiculed for his sexual orientation all throughout his life. I can't even imagine how difficult that is, and it isn't just a story in a book. That's real life, for too many people.
If you give this book a chance you'll see that you forget that it's an M/M romance...it's simply a heartfelt love story, and the gender of the characters and who they choose to love is irrelevant to the feelings in their hearts and towards one another.
Mark is an extremely attractive man filled with insecurities on the inside. Being impossibly gorgeous isn't all it's cracked up to be. He's tired of other men only looking at his outward appearances instead of what's on the inside. The author does an excellent job of conveying Mark's insecurities through his writing and my heart broke for him. Deep down, it's simple: he just wants to be loved for who he is, not what he looks like.
Mark's best friends are Oliver and Jason. They cracked me up! The humor they brought to the story was the perfect balance to the intense emotional aspects. You really get to know them during the book and see just how much they love their friend. The relationship the three friends share is one I'm envious of. They are there for one another no matter what and nothing will ever change that. Those kinds of friends are few and far between.
Matthew is a mysterious stranger whom James comes to know and eventually love. Their relationship was endearing and sexually exciting too. (yes, there is hot sex, but that's not the main focus of the novel.)
The plot line is unique and I won't ruin it here. I'm from a part of the country where I'm surrounded by ultra-conservatives and same sex relationships are either hidden around here or they move to more accepted areas. This book gave me a glimpse into a world I haven't experienced before. My heart went out to Mark, who was bullied and ridiculed for his sexual orientation all throughout his life. I can't even imagine how difficult that is, and it isn't just a story in a book. That's real life, for too many people.
If you give this book a chance you'll see that you forget that it's an M/M romance...it's simply a heartfelt love story, and the gender of the characters and who they choose to love is irrelevant to the feelings in their hearts and towards one another.
April 25, 2015
Fun, frothy, and yet earthy too!
Here’s an enjoyable story, a slice of life about a gay man and his friends, and yet one which goes deeper than a g-string on a well-muscled butt.
Mark is a ruggedly handsome man who’s worked hard to become as buff as possible, a determined reaction to an early beating from a homophobe in high school. His friends Jason and Oliver are close, and all three of them seem to be searching for more than the casual sex they all indulge in almost as a way of life.
At first reluctant to be a stripper, Mark is driven to it by a need for money. He finds he’s very good at it … so good, in fact, that his stage act causes the conflict, the very drama of the story.
I will not give away the plot. Suffice it to say that happy endings really ARE what they’re cracked up to be!
I enjoyed this novella very much. The main characters are likable, the story has a nice flow, the sex is very male-oriented and raw. It has a frothy lightness to it, and at the same time a kind of earthy reality.
I definitely look forward to more from James Lee Hard. I also commend the author for painstakingly going back over and re-editing his book. Most first-time writers never take the time to polish a diamond in the rough.For that reason, I upped my rating from a 4 to a 5. Let's hear it for good editing!
Here’s an enjoyable story, a slice of life about a gay man and his friends, and yet one which goes deeper than a g-string on a well-muscled butt.
Mark is a ruggedly handsome man who’s worked hard to become as buff as possible, a determined reaction to an early beating from a homophobe in high school. His friends Jason and Oliver are close, and all three of them seem to be searching for more than the casual sex they all indulge in almost as a way of life.
At first reluctant to be a stripper, Mark is driven to it by a need for money. He finds he’s very good at it … so good, in fact, that his stage act causes the conflict, the very drama of the story.
I will not give away the plot. Suffice it to say that happy endings really ARE what they’re cracked up to be!
I enjoyed this novella very much. The main characters are likable, the story has a nice flow, the sex is very male-oriented and raw. It has a frothy lightness to it, and at the same time a kind of earthy reality.
I definitely look forward to more from James Lee Hard. I also commend the author for painstakingly going back over and re-editing his book. Most first-time writers never take the time to polish a diamond in the rough.For that reason, I upped my rating from a 4 to a 5. Let's hear it for good editing!
December 15, 2015
Why did I like this story?
It's fresh, moves at a reasonable pace and held my attention - I read it in one sitting - approx. 118 pages - (rare for me). It's a good story which is grounded.
James didn't deliver a one-hander which would have been far easier - the heat level fell between three and four flames (using All Romance eBooks scale).
I liked Mark - the main character - he was drawn pretty well. I was rooting for him to succeed.
I like the masculine style; it isn't fussy or overly sentimental.
Why did I not rate it higher?
The ending was a little rushed; and would have preferred the last scene to have been much hotter.
I felt I needed to know what happened to Thomas - we get a hint at his issues but no resolution.
I would have liked to have seen a flashback to the High School days; a scene between Mark and Thomas when they were at school would have bridged the elements of the story more effectively for me.
I didn't warm to Mathew and thought he was a bit flakey. He fell somewhere between the knight in shining armour and the sugar daddy - there was the possibility of much more complex character - and a more complex relationship between him and Mark - and the story would have benefited from that being explored further.
It was a very enjoyable read and I hope the first of many from James Lee Hard.
Alp
12th April 2015
It's fresh, moves at a reasonable pace and held my attention - I read it in one sitting - approx. 118 pages - (rare for me). It's a good story which is grounded.
James didn't deliver a one-hander which would have been far easier - the heat level fell between three and four flames (using All Romance eBooks scale).
I liked Mark - the main character - he was drawn pretty well. I was rooting for him to succeed.
I like the masculine style; it isn't fussy or overly sentimental.
Why did I not rate it higher?
The ending was a little rushed; and would have preferred the last scene to have been much hotter.
I felt I needed to know what happened to Thomas - we get a hint at his issues but no resolution.
I would have liked to have seen a flashback to the High School days; a scene between Mark and Thomas when they were at school would have bridged the elements of the story more effectively for me.
I didn't warm to Mathew and thought he was a bit flakey. He fell somewhere between the knight in shining armour and the sugar daddy - there was the possibility of much more complex character - and a more complex relationship between him and Mark - and the story would have benefited from that being explored further.
It was a very enjoyable read and I hope the first of many from James Lee Hard.
Alp
12th April 2015
April 11, 2015
I love it when a book makes me feel a gamut of emotions and this book was no exception. I had "awww" moments and moments where I wanted to bash someone's head in. This is my kind of book.
I loved Mark and how he went from such an insecure man to one who was proud of all he'd accomplished and could still accomplish. I also do love how, in the midst of all his insecurities, he was still able to step out of his comfort zones (yes zones).
His friends, Oliver and Jason, goodness gracious, were so lovely and supportive; the kinds of friends you'd wish for yourself. Those who'd lift you up when you're down and keep cheering you on when things are going well for you.
There were lots of "laugh out loud" moments in this book, as well as "OMG" and "WTF" moments. This book was such an enjoyable read for me and I'm, for one, glad I took a chance on this new author.
I believe my favorite part of the book is that it doesn't read as a "gay" book. Instead, it reads as a book about two people, who happen to be men, navigating this wonderful and scary thing called love/relationship.
Mr James, I loved all my feels while reading this book and the fact that you've got me feeling empathy for the villain is a worthy feat.
Congrats on a wonderful debut!
I loved Mark and how he went from such an insecure man to one who was proud of all he'd accomplished and could still accomplish. I also do love how, in the midst of all his insecurities, he was still able to step out of his comfort zones (yes zones).
His friends, Oliver and Jason, goodness gracious, were so lovely and supportive; the kinds of friends you'd wish for yourself. Those who'd lift you up when you're down and keep cheering you on when things are going well for you.
There were lots of "laugh out loud" moments in this book, as well as "OMG" and "WTF" moments. This book was such an enjoyable read for me and I'm, for one, glad I took a chance on this new author.
I believe my favorite part of the book is that it doesn't read as a "gay" book. Instead, it reads as a book about two people, who happen to be men, navigating this wonderful and scary thing called love/relationship.
Mr James, I loved all my feels while reading this book and the fact that you've got me feeling empathy for the villain is a worthy feat.
Congrats on a wonderful debut!
May 18, 2015
3 stars
I don’t normally leave a review with a 3 star rating but there’s been much deliberation among reviewers about this and why authors feel a rating of 3 is not a good thing. A 3 star review is still a decent enough rating for a book in my opinion so have decided that from here on out no matter what my rating I will be reviewing.
This is James’ debut story and unfortunately it fell short of a really good read for a few reasons. M/M is among my favourite reads and I found that this just didn’t compare to some of the better authors out there that write M/M. Don’t get me wrong there is a promise here and I felt it had the potential to be so much better. There’s a half decent plot line that wasn’t quite developed enough for me, I think this could have comfortably been novel length instead of a short story had the author teased out and organised his plot, pov’s and characters a little better. Initially this starts and remains as one pov for much of the book then it takes a swing and we then get dual pov at about 75 to 80%. I didn’t understand this whatsoever and I really think it was a huge mistake. We only get a little of the dual pov but it’s enough to knock it off kilter. It should have been one pov or dual pov throughout. It really didn’t make any sense or fit, I understood why the dual pov happened as it served to show how Matthew was feeling, his shock etc but no, it wasn’t working.
Onto James’ writing, I liked it in places but not so much others. It felt somewhat childish now and again and didn’t do the themes any justice. The author tried to convey deep prejudices throughout this book but didn’t quite manage to pull it off through his use of language and dare I say the actions of his characters at times. I’m not a huge fan of the clichéd “gay” when it comes to M/M and this had so many clichés running through it that it was sometimes painful. However James does make some very valid observations about peoples prejudices and they were constant themes in the book. Another thing that I noted and found frustrating were scene jumps, it’s difficult to explain but I found myself reading a scene and then I was suddenly launched into another scene straight away with no lead in. It’s quite hard to keep on track when something is written that way; it disturbs the continuity of the story for me.
Character development is a huge thing and I love when an author can nail a character and make me fall for them. I didn’t here and I missed that emotional connection to the characters, whether main or secondary. I really would have loved to have gotten to know Matthew more, the little snippet wasn’t enough. Often times Mark comes across as a child in a man’s body, and he seemed to have quite a shallow personality at times.
Stripped Expectations is a really good start for a debut I have to say and despite the little things that I found not to my liking I will still go on and read James’ next short story (recently released) as I love to see an author grow and develop. This author shows promise and I’m really glad I found this book.
I don’t normally leave a review with a 3 star rating but there’s been much deliberation among reviewers about this and why authors feel a rating of 3 is not a good thing. A 3 star review is still a decent enough rating for a book in my opinion so have decided that from here on out no matter what my rating I will be reviewing.
This is James’ debut story and unfortunately it fell short of a really good read for a few reasons. M/M is among my favourite reads and I found that this just didn’t compare to some of the better authors out there that write M/M. Don’t get me wrong there is a promise here and I felt it had the potential to be so much better. There’s a half decent plot line that wasn’t quite developed enough for me, I think this could have comfortably been novel length instead of a short story had the author teased out and organised his plot, pov’s and characters a little better. Initially this starts and remains as one pov for much of the book then it takes a swing and we then get dual pov at about 75 to 80%. I didn’t understand this whatsoever and I really think it was a huge mistake. We only get a little of the dual pov but it’s enough to knock it off kilter. It should have been one pov or dual pov throughout. It really didn’t make any sense or fit, I understood why the dual pov happened as it served to show how Matthew was feeling, his shock etc but no, it wasn’t working.
Onto James’ writing, I liked it in places but not so much others. It felt somewhat childish now and again and didn’t do the themes any justice. The author tried to convey deep prejudices throughout this book but didn’t quite manage to pull it off through his use of language and dare I say the actions of his characters at times. I’m not a huge fan of the clichéd “gay” when it comes to M/M and this had so many clichés running through it that it was sometimes painful. However James does make some very valid observations about peoples prejudices and they were constant themes in the book. Another thing that I noted and found frustrating were scene jumps, it’s difficult to explain but I found myself reading a scene and then I was suddenly launched into another scene straight away with no lead in. It’s quite hard to keep on track when something is written that way; it disturbs the continuity of the story for me.
Character development is a huge thing and I love when an author can nail a character and make me fall for them. I didn’t here and I missed that emotional connection to the characters, whether main or secondary. I really would have loved to have gotten to know Matthew more, the little snippet wasn’t enough. Often times Mark comes across as a child in a man’s body, and he seemed to have quite a shallow personality at times.
Stripped Expectations is a really good start for a debut I have to say and despite the little things that I found not to my liking I will still go on and read James’ next short story (recently released) as I love to see an author grow and develop. This author shows promise and I’m really glad I found this book.
May 17, 2015
For being James Lee Hard's debut novel, he has done an amazing job. The story line was strong, emotional, and full of love. The characters were well developed showing the bond of best friends and the love of a devoted boyfriend. Mark was going through a hard time financially, being unemployed, and his own self-esteem was waning. His close friends, Jason and Oliver, were there for Mark encouraging him every step of the way. Mark met a man, Scott, who was an owner of a male strip club, that thought Mark would be a perfect stripper due to his muscular build and gorgeous body. Mark struggled with this offer for the job, but eventually was persuaded to go to the club and perform at the amateur stripper show. The responses he got seemed to make him decide to try it. The money was great and it wasn't that difficult to do. Before he starts he meets a man at the coffee shop, Matthew, and the attraction between the two is strong. After he starts his job, he finds his old crush/nemesis from high school works at the same club causing multiple problems....The story only gets better as events happen, even after Matthew finds out what Mark does for a living. This is such a sweet, loving story and if anyone says there rarely is a happily ever after, they are wrong. Strong loving friendships and relationships just can't get any better. This is a great read. It is a short story, but very gripping. Loved the main characters and the lives they have made for each other. Don't miss it! Life can't get much better than this.
June 16, 2015
What an awesome debut of this great new author!
The writing is easy so you are drawn into the flow of the story instantly. Once in the story and you've met the characters, you don't want to stop till you finished this great book.
The characters are lovely and you will nearly fall for them the moment you meet them, especially Mark. This big teddy bear, you just want to cuddle and hold him all day long and never let go. Big, muscular and very sexy and handsome on the outside, Mark still struggles with his insecurities back from his past. That's one of the reasons you really have to love him! Not really trusting someone that much to be in a relationship, he prefers the anonymous one night stand to avoid getting hurt again. When being broke and out of money leads him to new paths and straight to a job into a strip club, things are getting really interesting! Besides fighting his insecurities and the evil bad a$$ of his past that once returns, Mark even finds a chance to really fall in love and give his life a new twist. But will it all turn out well? Evil is always around the next corner.....
This book really has it all! Some sexy guys, steaming scenes, some friends you would die for, a lot of feelings and a really lovely storyline. It's a quick read but so damn worth it, believe me! As a debut it's amazing, and I think this lovely new author has the potential to raise the bar with every step and next book. I can't wait to read more of James Lee Hard!!
The writing is easy so you are drawn into the flow of the story instantly. Once in the story and you've met the characters, you don't want to stop till you finished this great book.
The characters are lovely and you will nearly fall for them the moment you meet them, especially Mark. This big teddy bear, you just want to cuddle and hold him all day long and never let go. Big, muscular and very sexy and handsome on the outside, Mark still struggles with his insecurities back from his past. That's one of the reasons you really have to love him! Not really trusting someone that much to be in a relationship, he prefers the anonymous one night stand to avoid getting hurt again. When being broke and out of money leads him to new paths and straight to a job into a strip club, things are getting really interesting! Besides fighting his insecurities and the evil bad a$$ of his past that once returns, Mark even finds a chance to really fall in love and give his life a new twist. But will it all turn out well? Evil is always around the next corner.....
This book really has it all! Some sexy guys, steaming scenes, some friends you would die for, a lot of feelings and a really lovely storyline. It's a quick read but so damn worth it, believe me! As a debut it's amazing, and I think this lovely new author has the potential to raise the bar with every step and next book. I can't wait to read more of James Lee Hard!!
May 7, 2015
As some other people have pointed out, Stripped Expectations is an amazing and fantastic debut novel from James Lee Hard.
The pace of the story is always right, all the action and events that this narrative has are brought in perfect rhythm.
Even though that the readers aren't probably fit to strip, Mark is a relatable character, his feelings, insecurities and goals are so human that is very easy to feel empathy for.
And his friends are really funny and they kind of play the Devil vs Angel/God vs Evil on Mark's shoulder, always with a clever humour to it and without being ever monochromatic about life's complexity.
The story kept me addicted to it and I'm only sorry that it finished almost too early. I wanted more. I want more. "MOAR" :)
To sum it up, this is a great book and an excellent debut for James. It sets the bar high for the next one, but reading this, makes me believe that next one will be even better.
Congratulations James!
The pace of the story is always right, all the action and events that this narrative has are brought in perfect rhythm.
Even though that the readers aren't probably fit to strip, Mark is a relatable character, his feelings, insecurities and goals are so human that is very easy to feel empathy for.
And his friends are really funny and they kind of play the Devil vs Angel/God vs Evil on Mark's shoulder, always with a clever humour to it and without being ever monochromatic about life's complexity.
The story kept me addicted to it and I'm only sorry that it finished almost too early. I wanted more. I want more. "MOAR" :)
To sum it up, this is a great book and an excellent debut for James. It sets the bar high for the next one, but reading this, makes me believe that next one will be even better.
Congratulations James!
April 27, 2015
Not sure what I read here, but in no way, shape or form was it the same book as the other reviewers...maybe mine got switched in the ether as it was winging its way to my kindle.....???
This is a short novella read and didn't move me in any way, apart from praying for a quick finish. I struggled with the MC's, the plot, the repetitiveness of some words.... "chuckle"...just stop it!!! Even the last cheesy quarter of the book failed to make my unicorn sparkle....
Sadly, no slap-happy here....
This is a short novella read and didn't move me in any way, apart from praying for a quick finish. I struggled with the MC's, the plot, the repetitiveness of some words.... "chuckle"...just stop it!!! Even the last cheesy quarter of the book failed to make my unicorn sparkle....
Sadly, no slap-happy here....
July 16, 2017
Hot
Stioryline could have a little more explanation involving Thomas in the early years, but ends with romance and a happy ending.
Stioryline could have a little more explanation involving Thomas in the early years, but ends with romance and a happy ending.
August 13, 2015
Great debut
Stripped Expectations is James's debut book and what a book it is. Fantastic. I'm usually a little nervous about a new Author but James took away my nervousness. He wrote an excellent book.
Some highlights from Stripped.
You have Mark. Mark has insecurities, good looks, and a fantastic body. He's tired of other men only looking at his outward appearances instead of what's on the inside. Mark just wants to be loved for the person he is on the inside, not the outside.
Oliver and Jason are best friends of Marks. They are very supportive of Mark.
Jason and Mark go to a bar where a man came up to Mark and said he had a beautiful body and he would be perfect for his show. He owned a strip club. Mark told the man he wasn't interested. The man left his card. Reluctant to be a stripper, Mark is driven to it by a need for money. He has been unemployed for four months. He's borrowed enough money from his friend Oliver. With lots of encouragement from his friends, Mark decides to try it out. Mark and his friends go to the Mustang, the strip club, one night to check it out. The owner, Scott, talks to Mark and tells him about amateur night. Also while they were there Mark runs into Thomas. Thomas from high school.
To learn what happens to Mark and Thomas you must buy the book. You won't regret it. This book has romance, mystery and humor.
Find out about Mark's friends. You'll be surprised who they get hooked up with.
This is a must read. I give this book 5 stars. Excellent book James Lee Hard. Looking forward to many more.
Stripped Expectations is James's debut book and what a book it is. Fantastic. I'm usually a little nervous about a new Author but James took away my nervousness. He wrote an excellent book.
Some highlights from Stripped.
You have Mark. Mark has insecurities, good looks, and a fantastic body. He's tired of other men only looking at his outward appearances instead of what's on the inside. Mark just wants to be loved for the person he is on the inside, not the outside.
Oliver and Jason are best friends of Marks. They are very supportive of Mark.
Jason and Mark go to a bar where a man came up to Mark and said he had a beautiful body and he would be perfect for his show. He owned a strip club. Mark told the man he wasn't interested. The man left his card. Reluctant to be a stripper, Mark is driven to it by a need for money. He has been unemployed for four months. He's borrowed enough money from his friend Oliver. With lots of encouragement from his friends, Mark decides to try it out. Mark and his friends go to the Mustang, the strip club, one night to check it out. The owner, Scott, talks to Mark and tells him about amateur night. Also while they were there Mark runs into Thomas. Thomas from high school.
To learn what happens to Mark and Thomas you must buy the book. You won't regret it. This book has romance, mystery and humor.
Find out about Mark's friends. You'll be surprised who they get hooked up with.
This is a must read. I give this book 5 stars. Excellent book James Lee Hard. Looking forward to many more.
August 14, 2015
Now I seem to be reading James Lee Hard's books back to front but after reading Becoming Jake I was pretty eager for more of his work.
This is a great debut novel full of great characters...Mark, a guy who has lost his job and struggling with his identity, and by that I don't mean his sexuality but the way he feels people perceive him and how he actually acts.
Mark with some quite humerous assistance from his pals, Jason & Oliver decides on a way to earn money which was pretty funny in the early stages but when he meets someone how will it play out and will he be able to have both his job and his lover?
Matthew, I thought he was a great character, smart, sexy and sweet...he was a real keeper but he kind of flew under the radar a bit and then Boom he arrived!
I enjoyed James's style of writing which was expressive and consistent...it made it easy to picture each scenario and was well edited throughout.There also seems to be underlying messages within his books that makes you stop and think about how judgemental we can be as a race...we should treat each other as we would wish to be treated....
So in conclusion this book had all you need...great down to earth characters...a baddie who quite frankly was an ignorant a..e ..and a really hot self pleasuring scene amongst others...oh yeah and a hot shower scene too oh and............no I won't tell you anymore cause when you buy it you'll find out for yourself.
Well played James...well played...
This is a great debut novel full of great characters...Mark, a guy who has lost his job and struggling with his identity, and by that I don't mean his sexuality but the way he feels people perceive him and how he actually acts.
Mark with some quite humerous assistance from his pals, Jason & Oliver decides on a way to earn money which was pretty funny in the early stages but when he meets someone how will it play out and will he be able to have both his job and his lover?
Matthew, I thought he was a great character, smart, sexy and sweet...he was a real keeper but he kind of flew under the radar a bit and then Boom he arrived!
I enjoyed James's style of writing which was expressive and consistent...it made it easy to picture each scenario and was well edited throughout.There also seems to be underlying messages within his books that makes you stop and think about how judgemental we can be as a race...we should treat each other as we would wish to be treated....
So in conclusion this book had all you need...great down to earth characters...a baddie who quite frankly was an ignorant a..e ..and a really hot self pleasuring scene amongst others...oh yeah and a hot shower scene too oh and............no I won't tell you anymore cause when you buy it you'll find out for yourself.
Well played James...well played...
August 6, 2015
That was a great quick, hot sexy read!
Just loved Oliver Jason and Mark such great friends.
In between jobs, Mark decided after debating about it, to get himself a job, as a stripper.
He goes along to have a look; well dragged there by his friends! but he eventually gives it a go. Not before an old blast from his past shows up, and tries to bully Mark into not taking the job.
At the same time as his new job, Mark also meets himself a new love interest, things are going swimmingly when Marks, love Interest Mathew finds out what job Mark does. He is told some horrible things about Mark and chooses to believe the hearsay.
It causes a rift and after a soul searching, depressing weekend Marks friends take charge.
Thank goodness Mathew sees sense and goes to apologize to Mark, resulting in a fabulous Happy Ever After.
Great characters, fun story line with a splattering of intrigue thrown in, definitely keeps you turning the pages.
Just loved Oliver Jason and Mark such great friends.
In between jobs, Mark decided after debating about it, to get himself a job, as a stripper.
He goes along to have a look; well dragged there by his friends! but he eventually gives it a go. Not before an old blast from his past shows up, and tries to bully Mark into not taking the job.
At the same time as his new job, Mark also meets himself a new love interest, things are going swimmingly when Marks, love Interest Mathew finds out what job Mark does. He is told some horrible things about Mark and chooses to believe the hearsay.
It causes a rift and after a soul searching, depressing weekend Marks friends take charge.
Thank goodness Mathew sees sense and goes to apologize to Mark, resulting in a fabulous Happy Ever After.
Great characters, fun story line with a splattering of intrigue thrown in, definitely keeps you turning the pages.
November 16, 2015
I loved reading this book! It was the perfect mix of heat and humor. The pacing was wonderful, JLH didn't waste time on useless info that normally clogs up the flow of a story.
The sex scenes were perfect, realistic, and enjoyable to read.
Mark, the main character, goes through a huge change in his esteem in this book and has an awesome support system in his friends, Jason and Oliver.
I don't write reviews with spoilers, so all I will say is that if you are a fan of gay erotica, books with great humor, and a story that is never boring, then you NEED to get this book.
Bravo, Mr. JLH! I look forward to the next book of yours on my reading list :)
The sex scenes were perfect, realistic, and enjoyable to read.
Mark, the main character, goes through a huge change in his esteem in this book and has an awesome support system in his friends, Jason and Oliver.
I don't write reviews with spoilers, so all I will say is that if you are a fan of gay erotica, books with great humor, and a story that is never boring, then you NEED to get this book.
Bravo, Mr. JLH! I look forward to the next book of yours on my reading list :)
August 19, 2016
Loved this story
What a great little love story. Love Mark and Matthew and am very happy for them. Loved the shy guy turned stripper and the boyfriend finding out. And of course the bully Thomas.
But what I loved best was the friendships with Jason and Oliver. Good solid friends are hard to find and these 3 really care and love one another. I loved their bantering, compassion and the their genuine love for one another.
Jason was my favorite and I hope we get to hear about his HEA and his princess wedding. Lmao
What a great little love story. Love Mark and Matthew and am very happy for them. Loved the shy guy turned stripper and the boyfriend finding out. And of course the bully Thomas.
But what I loved best was the friendships with Jason and Oliver. Good solid friends are hard to find and these 3 really care and love one another. I loved their bantering, compassion and the their genuine love for one another.
Jason was my favorite and I hope we get to hear about his HEA and his princess wedding. Lmao
June 11, 2015
A really good debut novel; from James and as I love to read M/M I really enjoyed this book. A great story, with likeable characters, and good sex scene's that I personally think could have been more developed and longer , but apart from that i couldn't put it down. i shall look forward to more books from this author in the future
July 23, 2015
I loved the idea that the author did not go all alpha with his characters, they were just 3 "gay" men finding/looking for love. I am a huge fan of the M/M genre & so far all the books I've read were your typical well built men not knowing their feelings or at least 1 hiding their "gay"ness. This story gave us 3 characters that did not hide who/what they were.
April 18, 2016
Totally enjoyable!
Loved the story of Mark! Although this was a short story, James Lee Hard was great in establishing Mark as in what his experiences were and how he defined his world. His friends were great and taught him not to make assumptions about people. OMG, the first time he stripped professionally had me doubled over in laughter! Very enjoyable!
Loved the story of Mark! Although this was a short story, James Lee Hard was great in establishing Mark as in what his experiences were and how he defined his world. His friends were great and taught him not to make assumptions about people. OMG, the first time he stripped professionally had me doubled over in laughter! Very enjoyable!
November 10, 2015
M/M romance from Kindle unlimited. Story of an out of work gay man who finally takes a stripper job with support from his friends. Mark finally meets someone special and is afraid to tell him about his job.
November 19, 2015
So...
The premise is good.
The plot is good.
I really liked Mark, Mathew, Jason and Oliver.
The fainting scene was a little over the top.
The whole ending with Thomas felt a little contrived.
Loved the HEA's!
The premise is good.
The plot is good.
I really liked Mark, Mathew, Jason and Oliver.
The fainting scene was a little over the top.
The whole ending with Thomas felt a little contrived.
Loved the HEA's!
November 1, 2016
Average
I feel like I'm reading a different book to the rest of the reviewers. The writing is just awful - honestly it's like a 12 year old wrote it. And the storyline is poor and characters bland. I could barely bring myself to finish it.
I feel like I'm reading a different book to the rest of the reviewers. The writing is just awful - honestly it's like a 12 year old wrote it. And the storyline is poor and characters bland. I could barely bring myself to finish it.
July 13, 2015
will love to read more from this authour
December 30, 2021
Were the only ones rating this book his friends? I accidentally read another book of his, because I totally forgot about this travesty. It was worse than this, if possible.
August 3, 2015
The first chapter was one giant infodump, written in a style that doesn't appeal to me at all.
June 19, 2016
Sorry I don't know, it was very rushed and well..I just couldn't get into it. 
September 10, 2016
It was a shame that the writing was more like a summary of a novel than an actual novel, because the plot elements could have made for a really good story
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