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Owen & Nathan #2

The Marrying Kind

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Nathan wants to put a ring on it, but is Owen the marrying kind?

Two years on from their first date, Owen and Nathan are living together and life is good—except they’re not on the same page about marriage.

A traditionalist at heart, Nathan wants it all: the wedding, the vows, and a pair of matching rings. Owen, on the other hand, believes marriage is old-fashioned and unnecessary. They don’t need a wedding to prove their commitment to each other. Love should be enough on its own.

All it takes is one moment of weakness on a night out to force the issue. Owen finds himself engaged after a half-drunk proposal, and Nathan’s enthusiasm sweeps him along. But as the big day approaches, the mounting tension finally combusts.

If he’s going to save their relationship, Owen will need to decide once and for all if he’s truly the marrying kind.

136 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 17, 2015

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About the author

Jay Northcote

55 books1,655 followers
I don't hang out on Goodreads much, so if you'd like to connect with me then Twitter, Facebook or an email is usually best :) All my contact details are on my website.

Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.

Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~.
3,652 reviews1,211 followers
April 5, 2015
~4.5~

If you read

The Dating Game (Owen & Nathan, #1) by Jay Northcote

this sequel is a MUST READ.

If you didn't read The Dating Game, why the hell not?



Owen and Nathan are going strong two years after their eventful five dates.

Owen's friend Simon is marrying his boyfriend Jack, but Owen doesn't think couples need a piece of paper to validate their relationship.

I have no idea how Owen can resist the cuteness that is Simon and Jack wearing matching T-shirts and antlers on their stag do ... but I digress.

Nathan wants it all with Owen, but he's not willing to push his boyfriend.

Then in a sentimental, slightly drunk moment, Owen proposes. Sort of.

Established couple stories aren't my favorite, but we didn't get enough of Owen and Nathan, so I was happy to revisit with them.

I really appreciated that no undue angst was thrown into the story. There is conflict, yes, and Owen says something quite hurtful to Nathan, but that's real life. Couples fight, but if they put each other first, the conflict just makes their relationship stronger.

I enjoyed the side story about Owen's little sister Megan, and Owen's mom is all kinds of awesome, too.

The Marrying Kind made me happy.



With her typical blend of wit, humour, and sweetness, Northcote paints a picture of two men very much in love on the cusp of a magical new beginning in their relationship.

Sometimes the road is bumpy, but the best HEAs require a bit of work. And lots of sex.

"What if we get caught? It's not like in a nightclub. I mean ... my dad could walk in, for fuck's sake."

"It's proper posh toilets here, not rickety cubicles .... "

"I can't believe you've already checked out the hotel toilets with a view to blowing me in them. Jesus."

"I know, right?" Owen grinned.

Damn right, Owen; damn right.
Profile Image for ✦❋Arianna✦❋.
790 reviews2,556 followers
April 19, 2015
3.5 Stars!

“The Marrying Kind” is the sequel to “The Dating Game" and it continues Owen and Nathan’s story. Owen and Nathan are dating for two years. They are good together, they love each other and living together for an year. Both are content with their relationship status, but this is about to change for Nathan at their friends Simon and Jack’s wedding when he realizes he wants the whole package deal. While Nathan believes in marriage, Owen thinks he doesn’t need a piece of paper to validate their relationship.

Nathan knows Owen loves him and he also knows what his man thinks about marriage. He doesn’t even brings up the subject because he’s afraid, knowing very well what Owen’s answer would be. Owen could easily imagine growing up with his partner and he wants that, but he’s never imagined a wedding, but one night, when Owen, who’s a little drunk proposes.

I really enjoyed this one! It was great to see the two man who are in love more than ever and it was great to meet again their two friends Simon and Jack. While the prequel was more sweet and light, "The Marrying Kind" was more angsty, real and serious in some way, which I really liked. It made the story more interesting to say the least. It wasn’t a heavy angst, which it worked for me very well.
I liked how they communicated with each other (at least until some point) and with their families as well. The side characters were entertaining and I liked them all, especially Owen’s mother who was awesome.

I have to say that I really loved the second proposal, the ‘real’ one in my eyes. Very sweet and original. Good job, Owen! Good Job!

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, easy to read , with likeable characters, great romance and just a little angst!
Profile Image for *J* Too Many Books Too Little Time.
1,921 reviews3,724 followers
April 20, 2015
3.5 Stars!

Well that was friggin' adorable...



A definite must read for those that enjoyed the Dating Game.

I enjoyed catching up with Nathan and Owen.

Nathan wasn't always thinking with his head....well maybe he was, just not the right head.



You can imagine where the conflict in this one comes from....what with different views on marriage and all. But nothing was overdone and drawn out.

Overall this one was moderately steamy and slightly predictable, but a sweet and enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Sheri.
1,418 reviews200 followers
October 24, 2015
Owen and Nathan’s story was not complete after The Dating Game and I don’t know about you, but I was over the moon. The beginning of their relationship was sweet, soft, silly and did I mention sweet? Both had crushed on the other during their college years but it was only a late-night fantasy. However fate wasn’t finished with them quite yet and their paths crossed once more. This time they become tangled and twisted and neither wished to become free.

Fast forward two years and the boys are still truly, madly, and deeply in love.

Their best mates, Simon and Jack are tying the knot and you know how it goes….one wedding domino tends to knock over another. Nathan wistfully daydreams about his marriage to Owen but if his subtle hints weren’t enough, Owen spells it out for him….no marriage nonsense for him. Although he never envisioned himself a one-man-man, (wrong!) can his beloved Nathan change his tune again. Can he flip the self-proclaimed ‘not the marrying kind’ of guy? That is indeed the question.

Liquid courage or liquid stupidity fuels a half-hearted proposal from Owen one drunken evening and Nathan covets it enough to hang onto it. The next morning is extremely sobering, but Owen isn’t foolish enough to try and take the words back. Sadly, the reality of the imposing wedding starts to snuff out their flame. It becomes suffocating and threatens to fracture the solid bond they have.

What is it that Beyoncé says? “You shoulda put a ring on it?” Yeah, that’s it. Owen can’t help but wonder if maybe he should NOT have. Truth of the matter is, he never actually did. Despite Nathan’s desire for a bit of bling on his glaringly empty hand, he doesn’t push the matter. He knows which battles to fight and which should be cast aside. He navigates the argument minefield quite gallantly for some time.

And then….life happens.

Real, honest-to-goodness life slams into their blissful (when not discussing the bloody wedding) lives. Suddenly their entire worlds begin to crumble and both men are clueless as to any type of magical fix. Will their wedding kick start a tailspin? It may be over before it begins.
I enjoy Jay’s writing immensely. I truly adore the Owen and Nathan. Yet…I felt certain scenes that should have been grand and impressive were in fact anticlimactic. It’s a rare feat if I don’t shed a tear during declarations and ‘forevers’ and my Kleenex was regretfully dry. Perhaps I was asking for too much, but I craved a bit more dazzle during the final moments.
Regardless, it was still a fabulous read and if you were amused with their antics in The Dating Game, you’re going to want to check this one out.


*4 will-you-be-mine? stars*

Profile Image for Jay Northcote.
Author 55 books1,655 followers
Read
October 27, 2015
This is a sequel to The Dating Game. It continues Owen and Nathan's story, so I recommend you read The Dating Game first.

Edited to add: I have no firm plans for more stories about Owen and Nathan. The Marrying Kind has a definite happy ending, so please consider their story complete for now.
Profile Image for * A Reader Obsessed *.
2,741 reviews586 followers
June 10, 2017
3.5 Stars

This book is predictable, but truly that didn't matter at all!

You know Owen's gonna freak out the second he spontaneously, on a whim, asks Nathan to marry him.
You know the insecurity, tension, and anxiety is going to build and build.
You know there's going to be a horrible fight.

And of course, you know it all works out beautifully in the end.

I dub this another classic Northcote - minimal angst that's always sweet and definitely sexy. If that's what you're looking for, you won't be disappointed. I promise.
Profile Image for Lori.
Author 2 books101 followers
April 22, 2015
I know when I pick up a Jay Northcote story I'm going to enjoy it. I have to admit though, I was a teeny tiny bit apprehensive about reading this one. I love the thrill of characters first falling in love and think it takes real skill to write about established couples. Not that I think Jay doesn't have that skill, but...well, you know when you pick up a sequel and it's not quite all that? I was worried...I shouldn't have been though!

I loved reading the story of Owen and Nathan's continuing romance and the next steps towards marriage. I have to admit that some of it resonated so clearly with myself and my husband when we got married, he really is not one for weddings at all. All that fuss and money - not his scene. (We ended up getting married just the two of us in Austria and it was beautiful and romantic and I loved every second of it)). So I could understand Owen's feelings, as well as Nathan's.

I loved the fact that, despite their different worries, it was so clear throughout this story that they were still very much in love with each other. THAT is marriage. Different feelings but eventually working together to make it work. In fact this was what really resonated with me. The love I felt these two shared. I also liked the fact that Jay Northcote didn't resort to a big misunderstanding and go down that route. Okay, there were arguments - that's a part of life. There was ways things could have been resolved more easily...if we lived in a perfect world and I'm glad even this book world isn't perfect because it is real. And the reality is that love wins.

Somewhere about 70% my heart stopped for one icy minute. I wasn't sure, couldn't quite say how things would end...

But despite that (because of that?) I truly enjoyed this book. Nathan and Owen will stay with me for a while because at the end of the day they love each other and I love love. Another winner from this author, for me anyway.

A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
Review previously at BMBR.
Profile Image for Adam.
611 reviews375 followers
August 14, 2015
S'okay.
description

I think the main reason I didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would was that I was having trouble remembering Owen and Nathan's story in The Dating Game. Book 1 was a fairly light and short romance, so I guess it just didn't stick. I did end up going back to the previous book to skim through to remind myself what had happened, but I just couldn't connect to either Owen or Nathan in this sequel.

I also wasn't a big fan of the contrived angst. Between the work problems, the family drama, and a couple of other things, I thought it was too much for such a short story. I would have preferred a fluffy read like book 1.

Overall, this was an okay read. I was happy with the end when Nathan and Owen finally get their HEA, but I could have done without the unnecessary side-drama.
Profile Image for Meags.
2,519 reviews705 followers
December 6, 2016
3.5 Stars

I just find something really comforting about Northcote's stories. The characters are always likeable, the relationships are always sweet and romantic, and the smex is always top quality. His stories always have just the right amount of angst to keep things interesting, but not so much that it stresses me out. All of which creates a really enjoyable reading experience.

I liked revisiting Owen and Nathan a few years down the line from the events of The Dating Game. Their relationship has its ups and downs but what's never in question is the love these two have for one another. Their relationship issues were realistic, and it was great to see them overcome their personal hang-ups and embrace their deserved HEA!
Profile Image for Renée.
1,190 reviews426 followers
April 18, 2015
3.5 stars. This was a cute, follow-up 2 years later for Owen and Nathan. And it's all about the should we/shouldn't we of getting married......or not.

It's very difficult to write established couples and still inject the umph we get of watching a new couple find their sea legs. I enjoyed the writing because it's Northcote.

I could've done without the tired

This was still a good follow-up, and I'm glad I got to see Owen and Nathan again.
Profile Image for Aeren.
510 reviews29 followers
September 28, 2016
Awwww 3.75, en serio que con esta autora a veces me llevo sorpresas y no buenas, pero borda este tipo de insta-novela con cero angst y muchos sentimientos. Owen hijo, que tontillo eres, pero qué monos los dos! dulce y perfecta para tomar con un buen cafe.
Profile Image for Sara .
1,547 reviews154 followers
April 16, 2015
It’s no secret that I adore the Jay’s boys and getting more of these specific boys after I fell hard for them was a special treat. When I read the words; Nathan, Owen and Wedding, I was ready and then I saw that cover and well, let’s just say that ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man” plays in my head each time I see it. RAWR to men in suits… mmm hmm.

So, knowing how Nathan and Owen came to be boyfriends makes this story so enjoyable. I loved the dates they set up and how Owen finds out Nathan is not straight as he though in Uni and how they fall into one another. The first book was lovely and this one, this as I said, is a treat.

I love that the book starts at Simon and Jack’s stag party. Those two were so much fun and great supporters of Nathan and Owen, I was thrilled to see them wedded. Now, with wedded bliss around them and Nathan being the romantic bloke, he wants the whole package deal when it comes to his future with Owen, but Owen has seen marriages fail and fall apart and he sees no reason why they would need a piece of paper to show their commitment.

This resonated with me as that was pretty much my husband and I; though it was me not wanting to get married or change my name etc. and he was the old fashioned romantic who wanted it all. Relationships are all about compromise, even when you give a little, yet if your doubts keep talking in your ear like a pudgy cherub on your shoulder, things can go south and get messy.
That’s the risk you take when you marry someone. But does that mean that none of us should even try? I think it’s worth taking the chance on that happy ever after…

The story focused for me on the realism of a relationship and its progression. You don’t become one with someone when you partner up or even marry, you just spend the rest of your life living with another person constantly in your space and let’s face it, your face. Though the boys have been living together for a year, the change in even a Facebook status for Owen has him questioning everything he put in motion. It was sweet to see him open up to the idea of marriage and how much making Nathan happy, made Owen happy but his constant worry of not being enough hurt my heart. We know he loves Nathan and Nathan loves him but his doubts… ugh. They put a bit of angst in this book I wasn’t prepared for and wanted to give Owen an Italian mothers’ love tap to the back of the head. Owen and marriage, I swear I heard Benedict's speech from Much Ado About Nothing by Shakespeare in my head with that boy, When I said I would die a bachelor, I did not think I should live, till I were married. That boy... I tell you.

Anyhoo… these boys have a lot on their plates and even when they hit a few bumps along the way, I loved being a part of their wedding planning, meeting families and dealing with Megan. The squabbles are true to life and the sex with these two, is never lacking in the heat. Nope, not at all. There is some yummy dirty talk between them and I loved and grinned like a fool at Owen deciding was romance was about… goodness.

If you read The Dating Game, you will definitely want to read these and catch up with the boys. The proposal… le sigh. Was totally worth all of it. Just saying.

***ARC provided by the author for an honest review***
Profile Image for Morgan  Skye.
2,775 reviews28 followers
August 6, 2015
Just as we always suspected, it’s not always shiny-happy-dove-filled-moments when our MCs happy endings arrive. Such is the case with Owen and Nathan.

They are a typical couple who argue over the remote and the dishes, don’t always have super-star sex but really, really love one another.

When their friends get married it sets Nathan to thinking about his own wedding – to Owen. Owen, on the other hand, doesn’t have a great role model for marriage and isn’t quite ready to see himself march down the aisle.

However, in trying to make Nathan happy (so he thinks) he asks Nathan to marry him one night in a drunken bit of brashness and then lives to regret it over the coming months.

The dissonance between his actions and his feelings are felt by Nathan and the two grow apart – fortunately they realize the problem before it gets catastrophic and we do see the pair with their HEA, after all.

**

This was a very sweet, fun, more realistic look at love through the eyes of an established couple.

I loved how Jay Northcote managed to put in some of life’s realism into the fairy-tale romance. Owen’s job, his family, Nathan’s expectations… these are all things real couples have to manage, and sometimes love isn’t all you need.

If you enjoyed Dating Game you will want to read this and if you haven’t read Dating Game – you should!

4.5 of 5 hearts
Profile Image for Gigi.
2,159 reviews1,078 followers
Did Not Finish
April 17, 2015
Nope. I stopped at 50% as their relationship started falling apart because of Owen not "believing" in marriage. Yes, yes, I know everything would be resolved and they'd get a lovely HEA, but since I didn't really connect with the two men in book one, I cut my losses and let this one go.

Will not be rating.
Profile Image for Isabel.
562 reviews106 followers
April 18, 2015
Nice and sweet :) I would like to see them with children... will there be a third one? I hope so!
Profile Image for Funzee Shu.
932 reviews107 followers
October 2, 2015

*** 4 Sweet-jelly-O-ring-stars ***

description
Gosh, the guy in the cover really make me crazy ! I'm wondering who the model name is...

Note : this review may contain some spoiler ! So, read it on your own risk ;)


Nathan wants to put a ring on it, but is Owen the marrying kind?


That's was my BIG question too when I know about this book.

Seriously ? Owen ? Marriage ?
Nah !


oOo

After two years dating and lived together, now Nathan and Owen are lovers, and their relationship was everything that Owen hadn’t been able to imagine having until he found it with Nathan.

Nathan know that Owen love him so much and want their relationship to be last forever, he have no doubt about it. But marriage definitely not a thing for Owen. So, even Nathan want to put a ring on Owen's finger so badly, he never push Owen to marry him.

Until one day, drunk Owen accidentally proposed Nathan after Simon & Jack wedding party.

Everything seems to be okay at first, they start to make a plan on their wedding, but then the conflicts begin....

Owen really want it to be working too, but he has issue with the marrying thing. He want Nathan to be happy, but still, he didn't think the marriage is important as long as they love each other, right ?

With the wedding day approaching so fast, Owen started to panic. Stressed and have his mood swinging uncontrollably and finally...it hurt Nathan so badly.

What Owen want to do is to make Nathan happy, but then what he did was hurt him in worst way.

Owen want to fix things up with Nathan, he want Nathan to apologies his stupidity, he want to give what Nathan deserve to have, a proper propose when things calm down.

But then something happen to Nathan.
Owen world turned upside down in a split second.

Owen then realised that he didn't want to spent another more day without being with Nathan.

He finally see how his life would go...years from now...
Cuz what he wanted for sure now  is to be with Nathan for the rest of his life without anymore doubts.

So, now he must do something to fix all messed up he made, and bring back Nathan to his arms.
And he'll do anything to make it happen, even if it means do things he never think he'll do in his life....

description

I love reading Jay's book because it always fun & romantic without being too cheesy. I like sweet romance, but not that diabetic-sweet-kinda-story, and Jay's book suit my taste in good way.

Oh, and Jay, I think you should ended their story here, no more sequel, please...cuz the ending is perfect !

description

"Owen, I love you. I love you for your loyalty, your kindness, your humour, and your zest for life. I want to be with you forever."

"I love you, Nathan Salter, and I want to grow old with you."


description

Note :

Nope, they not Owen or Nathan, this lovely couple name is Alan and Tony.
I accidentally found their pictures when I search picture about gay wedding for this review. This is one of their beautiful pre-wedding pictures. And it warmed my heart. Then I think, if Nathan and Owen will do their pre-wed picture, it would gonna be like this !


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !
Profile Image for Jewel.
1,957 reviews285 followers
May 10, 2015
I love me some Nathan and Owen. In this continuation of their story, weddings are in the air. Nathan would love to get married. He wants the ceremony and celebration and for everyone to know that he and Owen are committed and a family.

Owen, however, is very skittish of marriage. He's scared that he will do end up hurting Nathan. He's committed, there is no doubt, but fear can be a bastard. But somewhere, on at least a subconscious level, Owen wants to marry Nathan, because one night, after being out with friends and they'd both had a few drinks, Owen sort of proposes. So they've a wedding to plan.

The next few months are tough on Owen. He doesn't want to let on that he's terrified of getting married, so instead of talking it all out with Nathan, he just tries to avoid it all. Well, that goes predictably enough with an eventual fight and things get said and then Owen realized that it wasn't marriage he was scared of. He was scared of himself.

Owen managed to get himself so tightly wound that I'm surprised he didn't snap sooner. Nathan should have insisted on talking about whatever was bothering Owen, instead of assuming that it was all job stress (completely understandable that he thought that, but he probably should have prodded a bit more).



But worry not, our boys figure things out and they get their wedding, after all. And, a celebratory blowjob in the restroom of the hotel the reception was in. Go Owen & Nathan!
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,434 reviews402 followers
April 22, 2015

Owen is actually very sweet and cute with his proposal.
If you can count a drunk proposal as a proper proposal.
But, Owen did and said what's on his mind and that's very adorable, considering he's never the one who's into marriage.

This is a final book of Owen and Nathan, I hope. The ending is perfect, and let them taste their HEA. They deserved it.

Jay Northcote did it again, with her comfort story, lovable couple and made me sigh after the ending.

Recommended!
Profile Image for Kade Boehme.
Author 36 books1,043 followers
April 17, 2015
Sweet. Good to see the guys again. Loved the first book. Sad to say I was miffed w Nathan by the middle of the book and felt like, even tho his own mouth got him into it, Owen was kinda arm-twisted into marriage. I get a little bent out of shape when people shove marriage in couples/each others' faces. Would hav felt more romantic for them to go against the grain and say "fuck it, we'll do our own thing." All in a it was a decent read but my back was up for some of it.
Profile Image for Pjm12.
2,043 reviews41 followers
April 17, 2015
So, I didn't even know this was coming out. Haven't had much luck with my choices lately (except for Sterek!), and so bought this and read it in one sitting (bad girl, should be working on assignment)...

Anyway, it's a great combination of sexy and angsty, with a sideline of family drama, and a suspenseful end, which frankly, is just what Owen needed to get his head out of his butt!!

Great read.
Profile Image for Keveen.
136 reviews8 followers
July 23, 2015
4.5 STARS

I missed Owen and Nathan and this book gave me so much feels.



So happy for them. Loved this follow up so much.
Profile Image for Elyxyz.
Author 7 books54 followers
August 13, 2022
Dopo aver apprezzato il primo volume con questi due protagonisti, scoprire che esisteva un seguito è stata una bella sorpresa e devo dire che la lettura è stata davvero piacevole.
Quindi vi consiglio di cominciare da quel volume, per poi gustarvi questo.
Ritroviamo Owen e Nathan dopo due anni e sono più innamorati che mai e felicissimi della loro convivenza; la coppia ci regala un sacco di momenti romantici e davvero molto hot, scanditi per tutto il volume, ma non è tutto rose e fiori, perché ci sono problemi lavorativi ed economici che guastano un po’ la loro serenità… e un matrimonio a cui sono invitati che riapre una crepa fra loro: Nathan vorrebbe ufficializzare la loro unione prima o poi, ma Owen è allergico ai matrimoni, che considera superflui, antiquati e uno spreco di soldi: lui ama il suo ragazzo con tutto il cuore, a cosa serve un anello e uno stupido foglio di carta intestata? Di sicuro non aggiunge valore al suo amore che è tutto per Nathan.
Una serie di circostanze ad alto tasso alcolico e una botta di impulsività fanno uscire a Owen la peggior proposta del mondo, ma è sempre meglio di nulla e i due iniziano i preparativi, mentre una serie di nuvoloni si addensano sopra di loro… Fino a che un grosso scossone non rimetterà tutto in discussione… ma non vi rimane che leggerlo, per scoprire che guai devono affrontare i nostri eroi!
Dal canto mio, mi sono trovata subito in sintonia con Nathan e ammetto di aver faticato a capire le ragioni di Owen, almeno all’inizio. Man mano che le pagine passavano e lui si è aperto e confidato, ho capito i dubbi e le paure che nascondeva ben in profondità e negava anche a se stesso.
L’amore fra loro c’è, ed è forte, ma anche i sentimenti più forti possono evaporare contro determinati problemi.
Se la prima parte è più “tranquilla” e scorre senza intoppi, la seconda parte del libro è molto più movimentata e ricca di imprevisti, e rimette nella giusta prospettiva le priorità della vita… ma a volte ci vuole un bello scossone, no?
Io mi ritengo soddisfatta di questa trama e dell’evoluzione dei personaggi, quindi non mi resta che consigliarvene la lettura.
Recensione su copia ARC.
Profile Image for Mihaela.
292 reviews63 followers
April 22, 2015
Originally posted on http://mikkysworldofbooks.blogspot.fr...

How long does it take to fall in love?

For Owen and Nathan it took five dates. Now, two years have passed and seeing their best friends tie the knot makes Nathan realize he wants … more.

The problem is that Owen doesn’t do marriage. He doesn’t think he is ready to be tied down in that kind of way.

He loves Nathan so very much, but marriage doesn’t make part of his plans.

One drunken night and he finds himself engaged.

It’s the first time we see another part of Owen. He ceases to be that guy always sure of himself and his insecurities are taking their toll.

Amid marriage plans, family problems and day to day life, Nathan and Owen’s relationship it’s changing and, perhaps, not in a good way.

The pressure is rising and, when it will reach breaking point, it will either make them stronger than ever, or tear them completely apart.

Another sweet, romantic, captivating novel but this is nothing new. Jay’s stories have an addictive effect and once you start reading, it’s difficult to put them down.

Loved it!

Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Wandering Reader.
195 reviews42 followers
April 22, 2015
A very nice follow up to The Dating Game.

The tone of the narrative and voices of the characters are consistent with that of the first book and the story just as sweet. Lots of hot smexy times as well (Owen hasn't changed one bit).
Profile Image for Tess.
2,232 reviews26 followers
April 19, 2015
An enjoyable continuation of Nathan and Owen's story where they get their true HEA!
Profile Image for Annie ~ Queer Books Unbound.
363 reviews54 followers
April 17, 2015
What it's about:
Nathan wants to put a ring on it, but is Owen the marrying kind?

Two years on from their first date, Owen and Nathan are living together and life is good—except they’re not on the same page about marriage.
A traditionalist at heart, Nathan wants it all: the wedding, the vows, and a pair of matching rings. Owen, on the other hand, believes marriage is old-fashioned and unnecessary. They don’t need a wedding to prove their commitment to each other. Love should be enough on its own.
All it takes is one moment of weakness on a night out to force the issue. Owen finds himself engaged after a half-drunk proposal, and Nathan’s enthusiasm sweeps him along. But as the big day approaches, the mounting tension finally combusts.
If he’s going to save their relationship, Owen will need to decide once and for all if he’s truly the marrying kind.


My thoughts:

I was so happy when Jay Northcote announced that there was going to be a sequel to Owen and Nathan's story. And I absolutely fell in love with the cover when she revealed it. (Isn't it seriously hot? *g*) And after reading The Marrying Kind (almost) in one sitting I can say: I LOVED IT SO MUCH. It was all I had hoped for and more.

Jay Northcote manages it everytime again to just "grab me" and carry me off to other places. This book was not different. We already know Nathan and Owen from the first book The Dating Game, so it was amazing to visit them again and see how they were doing.

I really like that Jay keeps the issues in their relationship real, it never feels like it's made up.
Even though Owen and Nathan have been together for about two years and went through a lot while they were getting to know each other and falling in love, they still are a typical couple who argue over such mundane things like doing the dishes etc.
The reader still always knows that they truly love one another and there wasn't a second I doubted their feelings for each other.

Of course there was a bit of drama at the end, a little bit of suspense and some real life problems which had nothing to do with their relationship, but Jay managed it to keep it still light and romantic.
There were a few times I wanted to shake one of the boys to "wake them up", but at the same time Jay Northcote made me want to cuddle and tell both of them everything would be alright.
And by the end of the book Jay had me turned into a giant puddle of "awws" and love on the floor.

What I especially loved was that as a reader, you just can't help falling even more in love with Owen and Nathan than you already did in The Dating Game.

So without giving anything away I'll just recommend you to read this book. You won't regret it. :)

Also note that this is the sequel to The Dating Game and it continues Owen and Nathan's story, so you should read The Dating Game first.
Profile Image for Angelo.
49 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2015
OK, if you ever read my reviews, you can figure out two things:

1. I am loyal to an author who touches me once
2. I LOVE sequels/series

This book fits in on both levels. I have been a fan of Jay Northcote since her debut. Not saying I would follow blindly, because I won't, but I still read anything this woman puts out....and she has been fairly prolific. More importantly, she has been consistent. Jay turns out quality reads with a combination of great characters, great plot, and wonderful dialogue; all without being repetitive. The Marrying Kind is no exception.

Who could not fall in love with Nathan and Owen?? Other reviews seem to pick a favorite, and I am no exception. I fell for Nathan in The Dating Game (the first of the two books) and still feel that way....and Owen ain't bad either. What I like most about her work is that you get just the right amount of angst, preceded by, and followed by a great romance story. The Marrying Kind fits the bill.

As a lover of series and sequels, I will admit that it is tough to give a second go around to the same characters in this genre, but the author definitely succeeds. As we pick up the tail in this book, Nathan and Owen are in love and established as a couple happily living together. Now that marriage is legal, and their friends are getting hitched, Nathan wants the same happiness. Owen feels they already have it, but because he loves Nathan and wants him to be happy (and with a little help from alcohol) Owen proposes. Nathan accepts, and a great story is born. What I love the most is that throughout the novel, the love of the two main characters is never in doubt. It is more of a story of what real love actually is: compromise and making sure the person you love is happy. There is some bickering, a lost job, family upheaval, self doubt, but through it all, love is never questioned. That is beautiful and makes for a great story.

Special mention goes out to supporting characters.....Northcote has a knack for writing them. Owen's mother and sister are exceptionally well done. So if you want a great read with the right amount of love, angst, (awesome sex), and great characters, READ THIS! I think it is best to start with the first book, but you really don't have to. Legalized same sex marriage is a great new background for M/M romance, and I am thrilled with this wonderful take on it!
Profile Image for Veronica of V's Reads.
1,528 reviews44 followers
April 22, 2015
This review was written for Joyfully Jay reviews.

This is the second book in Jay Northcote’s Owen & Nathan series. It can be read as a standalone.

Owen and Nathan have been in a stable committed relationship for two years. They are in love and wish to spend their lives together. Nathan wants a marriage; his parents and brother all have successful marriages and he has had good examples. Owen’s father cheated and then left his mother to raise their five kids. He’s never felt close to his dad, and the relationship has become more strained since Owen came out. Owen’s been vocal about his objection to marriage, but he sees his best friend get married, and he’s a bit sentimental, and drunk(ish), and proposes to Nathan.

Nathan isn’t sure if Owen’s proposal is real, but the next morning’s discussion proves it to be true. They sit on it for a week, then decide to share their engagement with their families. The wedding plans begin, and Owen’s job is in question. With all the money stress, Owen’s feet turn to ice. Will he be able to go through with it, or ruin his relationship with Nathan?

Like the previous book in this series, the story clips along with alternating point of view. Privately, both Owen and Nathan are struggling with the wedding plans, and each other. Owen’s job stress felt very real, and I could really understand his reluctance to spending gobs of cash on a single day’s event. Watching him pull back from Nathan was difficult. Nathan is so open, he’s just shattered by Owen’s hesitance, and that was palpable.

The books moves quickly through the planning months, and I liked how close we got to Owen’s family. His mother and youngest sister play a big role in the turning point for Owen, and they were so down-to-Earth, I adored them. The side conflicts of this story were also very engaging. Owen’s job situation, the wedding tension, homophobic issues within Owen’s family, and Monroe-bagging mishaps all rounded out the narrative. Nathan’s response to Owen’s pre-wedding explosion seemed in character, and reasonable, I was glad to see a solid resolution to the wedding question—so romantic.
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