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Second-Story Man
Offering a would-be thief a second chance is risky—especially when he could steal your heart.
Carlos had it a good-paying construction job, a truck, a rental house and his girl. Then he lost his job and everything else along with it. Desperate, he turns to crime—only to fail in his first attempt when he accidentally climbs into the wrong window. Carlos has to rethink his life when his victim becomes his only friend.
Michael has lost too many times in love. Prince Charming won’t be knocking at his door, with its do-not-disturb sign permanently in place, when fate finds Carlos climbing into his window. Michael’s compassion for this down-and-out lost soul turns to friendship. But Michael can’t allow things to go any further and still feel safe from heartbreak.
There are no accidents, and the second-story man discovers that in life and love there can be a second story.
Carlos had it a good-paying construction job, a truck, a rental house and his girl. Then he lost his job and everything else along with it. Desperate, he turns to crime—only to fail in his first attempt when he accidentally climbs into the wrong window. Carlos has to rethink his life when his victim becomes his only friend.
Michael has lost too many times in love. Prince Charming won’t be knocking at his door, with its do-not-disturb sign permanently in place, when fate finds Carlos climbing into his window. Michael’s compassion for this down-and-out lost soul turns to friendship. But Michael can’t allow things to go any further and still feel safe from heartbreak.
There are no accidents, and the second-story man discovers that in life and love there can be a second story.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2015
2 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 19, 2015
I was a little bit astonished to learn this is a debut novel. The writing is so good. I connected with the characters, enjoyed the situations they found themselves in, and I even fell in love with Carlos before it was over, when I honestly didn't think I would. The sexual tension lasted so long before anything happened I was ready to start slapping the characters upside the head to get them in bed, but happily, they finally did it on their own. I'm not griping. That slow build-up to passion is great in a story. If this is the way Mr. Rowe comes out of the gate on a writing career, it should prove really interesting to see what he comes up with next. This is one of the few books I've pretty much read in one sitting. I don't do that much. It takes a special kind of story to keep me turning pages all day. By the way, Paul Richmond's cover art is sexy and perfect for the story. I enjoyed this one a lot.
December 9, 2015
I get asked to read debut novels all the time, and I'll be honest, I usually grimace. It's an awkward situation when you're not thrilled with the book and have to deliver an honest opinion which might not be what the author wants to hear. In this case, however, I was beyond pleasantly surprised. This story captured my heart, and the deeper I got into the story, the more invested I became.
As has been stated in several other reviews, the strength of the narrative is the layered characterization. With both main characters, there is a believable arc, where they at first appear to be a certain way but as you get to know them better they seem to change. In truth, it's like peeling an onion, and we're seeing who they really are on the inside.
Though the story eventually depicts some graphic sex, the gradual GFY plot is a slow build. A platonic relationship develops between the "straight" and gay main characters, then blossoms into a romance. As with most GFY stories, it clearly can be argued that the straight character was never truly straight to begin with, and I think the author demonstrates that quite clearly.
I wonder how well this book would be received had the author chosen to tell the story from Michael's POV rather than Carlos'. In my view, Michael was the sympathetic character, and though at first it appeared Carlos was the one in need of a savior, ultimately Carlos rescues Michael. I guess you could say they rescued each other, and perhaps this is what makes the story so special. It definitely contains two heroes, though each of them is noticeably flawed.
If you visit the author's website, you'll find a detailed map which depicts the setting of the story, and it's obvious the author devoted a lot of time and thought to the world building. You don't really consider world building and setting to be so important in a contemporary story, but I think when you read a story such as this, where the details are described so vividly, it is easy to appreciate the skill and effort involved.
I'm fairly transparent about what I like and make no pretense about how I personally judge and rate my books. I'm an emotional reader and cherish the stories that touch my heart and move me. This is one of those stories. Some of the plot is tough, I won't lie. Forced separation plots always tear me up, but the final outcome is worth all the angst.
Definitely one of the best from this year.
As has been stated in several other reviews, the strength of the narrative is the layered characterization. With both main characters, there is a believable arc, where they at first appear to be a certain way but as you get to know them better they seem to change. In truth, it's like peeling an onion, and we're seeing who they really are on the inside.
Though the story eventually depicts some graphic sex, the gradual GFY plot is a slow build. A platonic relationship develops between the "straight" and gay main characters, then blossoms into a romance. As with most GFY stories, it clearly can be argued that the straight character was never truly straight to begin with, and I think the author demonstrates that quite clearly.
I wonder how well this book would be received had the author chosen to tell the story from Michael's POV rather than Carlos'. In my view, Michael was the sympathetic character, and though at first it appeared Carlos was the one in need of a savior, ultimately Carlos rescues Michael. I guess you could say they rescued each other, and perhaps this is what makes the story so special. It definitely contains two heroes, though each of them is noticeably flawed.
If you visit the author's website, you'll find a detailed map which depicts the setting of the story, and it's obvious the author devoted a lot of time and thought to the world building. You don't really consider world building and setting to be so important in a contemporary story, but I think when you read a story such as this, where the details are described so vividly, it is easy to appreciate the skill and effort involved.
I'm fairly transparent about what I like and make no pretense about how I personally judge and rate my books. I'm an emotional reader and cherish the stories that touch my heart and move me. This is one of those stories. Some of the plot is tough, I won't lie. Forced separation plots always tear me up, but the final outcome is worth all the angst.
Definitely one of the best from this year.
October 6, 2015
4.5 stars.
What an excellent debut novel. Very well-written, with good pacing and wonderfully fleshed out characters.
Carlos is down on his luck. Out of work for a year, barely surviving on his unemployment benefits, he's lost his home, his truck and his girlfriend. While this may sound like a bad country song on the surface, there's also the question of whether Carlos is as straight as he proclaims to be.
Abused for years by his drunken father and mother, Carlos only knows that he has to be a manly man if he has any hope of gaining his father's love. Everything he does - getting a manly job in construction, quickly rising to foreman, getting himself the hottest girl around - still doesn't get him what he wants the most.
At the end of his rope, and short the exorbitant "rent" he pays his so-called friend Hector to sleep on Hector's flea-infested couch, Carlos spots an open window on the 2nd floor of a hotel.
Desperate, he climbs in, intent to steal the shiny laptop he sees on the table to pawn and get some cash for Hector.
Except the room's occupant isn't as asleep as Carlos thinks, and Carlos finds himself at the receiving end of a baseball bat. When he wakes up, the stranger in the room introduces himself and tells him he has a concussion. While Carlos recuperates in Michael's bed, they first argue a lot, obviously, but after a couple of days, some confessions on Carlos' side, and a tentative truce, Michael offers Carlos room and board in exchange for cooking and cleaning for him, with the understanding that Carlos is there as his guest and won't get a key to the room.
Bristling, Carlos walks out. Once he realizes that he has no place else to go, because his girlfriend and his buddy Hector have been cheating on him for a while, he returns to Michael and accepts the offer.
Of course, Carlos is still straight. And Michael is not.
Right.
I loved not only how the romance unfolded slowly, but how Carlos blossoms in the relationship. I loved how Carlos gets really through to Michael, how he helps him conquer his demons, how he sees beyond Michael's mask, how he jumps in with both feet when he realizes that what he's feeling is more than simple gratitude, and maybe he's not so straight after all, including mutual wanking sessions and kissing and much more. I loved how he pushed Michael's rigidity but also backed off when he instinctively knew when to stop pushing. I loved how Michael also started to loosen up. There's much between the lines, too, even if Carlos doesn't always get it - this reader did.
This was a fabulous book. I was pulled into the story from the start, rooting for both MCs. Even after Michael can't quite seem to get his head out of his ass, and I ranted at him, I loved how Carlos kept being determined to get what he wanted and went after it.
Considering this was a debut novel, I'm simply blown away at how well this was done. Both men were not perfect, but certainly perfect for each other. And Carlos' determination really made him stand out. The author did a fantastic job of creating not only his two main characters, but also a supporting cast that was equally well done, right down to not being what they initially seemed.
Both Carlos and Michael learn a lot in this book - not only about each other, but also about themselves.
Engrossing from start to finish, I would highly recommend this book.
Please write another, Mr. Rowe.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
What an excellent debut novel. Very well-written, with good pacing and wonderfully fleshed out characters.
Carlos is down on his luck. Out of work for a year, barely surviving on his unemployment benefits, he's lost his home, his truck and his girlfriend. While this may sound like a bad country song on the surface, there's also the question of whether Carlos is as straight as he proclaims to be.
Abused for years by his drunken father and mother, Carlos only knows that he has to be a manly man if he has any hope of gaining his father's love. Everything he does - getting a manly job in construction, quickly rising to foreman, getting himself the hottest girl around - still doesn't get him what he wants the most.
At the end of his rope, and short the exorbitant "rent" he pays his so-called friend Hector to sleep on Hector's flea-infested couch, Carlos spots an open window on the 2nd floor of a hotel.
Desperate, he climbs in, intent to steal the shiny laptop he sees on the table to pawn and get some cash for Hector.
Except the room's occupant isn't as asleep as Carlos thinks, and Carlos finds himself at the receiving end of a baseball bat. When he wakes up, the stranger in the room introduces himself and tells him he has a concussion. While Carlos recuperates in Michael's bed, they first argue a lot, obviously, but after a couple of days, some confessions on Carlos' side, and a tentative truce, Michael offers Carlos room and board in exchange for cooking and cleaning for him, with the understanding that Carlos is there as his guest and won't get a key to the room.
Bristling, Carlos walks out. Once he realizes that he has no place else to go, because his girlfriend and his buddy Hector have been cheating on him for a while, he returns to Michael and accepts the offer.
Of course, Carlos is still straight. And Michael is not.
Right.
I loved not only how the romance unfolded slowly, but how Carlos blossoms in the relationship. I loved how Carlos gets really through to Michael, how he helps him conquer his demons, how he sees beyond Michael's mask, how he jumps in with both feet when he realizes that what he's feeling is more than simple gratitude, and maybe he's not so straight after all, including mutual wanking sessions and kissing and much more. I loved how he pushed Michael's rigidity but also backed off when he instinctively knew when to stop pushing. I loved how Michael also started to loosen up. There's much between the lines, too, even if Carlos doesn't always get it - this reader did.
This was a fabulous book. I was pulled into the story from the start, rooting for both MCs. Even after Michael can't quite seem to get his head out of his ass, and I ranted at him, I loved how Carlos kept being determined to get what he wanted and went after it.
Considering this was a debut novel, I'm simply blown away at how well this was done. Both men were not perfect, but certainly perfect for each other. And Carlos' determination really made him stand out. The author did a fantastic job of creating not only his two main characters, but also a supporting cast that was equally well done, right down to not being what they initially seemed.
Both Carlos and Michael learn a lot in this book - not only about each other, but also about themselves.
Engrossing from start to finish, I would highly recommend this book.
Please write another, Mr. Rowe.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
October 6, 2016
Where to start?! No seriously, where do I start?!?
This book was SUCH a nice surprise.
Robert P. Rowe has a new book coming out soon: The Outfielders but I haven't come across Mr. Rowe before, so after some googling and a sample of this book, SSM became an instant one-click buy.
Carlos is down, WAAAAY down on his luck! He lost his job, his truck, his house and his girlfriend in the economic crash. He has slept on a 'friend's' dog's couch for $500 a month, but when he was one day late with rent he was kicked out. His family is SHIT, so he can't really get help there.
Carlos has no place to go and he's desperate!
When he's wandering around one night he sees an open window, and because he's desperate he decides to rob the place. He climbs in and sees a guy in bed, but he decides to continue with his plan. What he doesn't see is the baseball bat to his head, and when he wakes up Michael has undressed him, and is trying to take care of him, since he has a concussion.
When Carlos is feeling better, Michael offers him a 'helping hand', but since Michael is a 'faggot (*phew* that word was used a lot in the beginning, and that was quite rough to read) Carlos has no interest in taking the offer.
Circumstances however, lead Carlos back to Michael, and soon these two have an arrangement. Carlos can live at Michael's place for free, until he has a job and he's on his feet again.
Michael is WAY set in his ways, and he has a LOT of rules, that Carlos has to adhere to. Carlos, being Carlos though, is pushing and rearranging and 'forcing' Michael to get out more.
These two are very different people, but they fit. And slowly but surely they are helping each other get back up again. Carlos from his abusive parents and his loss of self-esteem after he lost everything and Michael from a gay bashing and his disastrous previous relationships (ex-boyfriends and his parents).
This book was long, but it fit so well with the journey these two are on. And the characters surrounding them in the wee town, were GREAT. They provided an awesome backdrop for the story.
We only get Carlos's POV, but that didn't bother me, since his head was a FABULOUS place to be. Seriously I was laughing a lot; he had so many great blunt moments and insights that made me adore him.
Also he reads a LOT of self-help books, to "help Michael" which was just... Fun.
Carlos is also a FIGHTER, yes, he does have some angsty moments, but it felt justified, considering the situation he was in.
Michael grew on me during this journey. He was very rigid in the beginning, but Carlos brought out the best in him. And I understand why Michael was shielding himself, though I had the thought:
If you have so many issues, because you were dating 'straight' guys, maybe you should, you know, STOP dating 'straight' guys?!
I LOVED Carlos and his acceptance of his homosexuality, but the love I found for Michael during this book, came to a screeching halt around 80%. That just PISSED ME OFF But sadly I can't have it all.
This book though, was very well-written, I didn't find any mistakes, spelling or otherwise, but I wasn't looking either, since the story had me CAPTIVATED.
Also we have a BUTT VIRGIN people, and a few very HOT smex scenes. (Not a lot, but they were there.)
We get a HEA and one of the funniest 'Author's note' I've read in a long time.
For people with this pet-peeve though: beware there are a few flashbacks to Carlos' childhood, there was some angst, as well as some things that was just too 'fantastic' (Maria was kind of annoying and somewhat condescending), which is why this is not a 5-star read for me. It was pretty damn close though!
All in all I was very entertained and impressed since this was a debut novel!
So I tip my cap to you Mr. Rowe and I'm pretty sure your next book will be a one-click buy for me!
This book was SUCH a nice surprise.
Robert P. Rowe has a new book coming out soon: The Outfielders but I haven't come across Mr. Rowe before, so after some googling and a sample of this book, SSM became an instant one-click buy.
Carlos is down, WAAAAY down on his luck! He lost his job, his truck, his house and his girlfriend in the economic crash. He has slept on a 'friend's' dog's couch for $500 a month, but when he was one day late with rent he was kicked out. His family is SHIT, so he can't really get help there.
Carlos has no place to go and he's desperate!
When he's wandering around one night he sees an open window, and because he's desperate he decides to rob the place. He climbs in and sees a guy in bed, but he decides to continue with his plan. What he doesn't see is the baseball bat to his head, and when he wakes up Michael has undressed him, and is trying to take care of him, since he has a concussion.
When Carlos is feeling better, Michael offers him a 'helping hand', but since Michael is a 'faggot (*phew* that word was used a lot in the beginning, and that was quite rough to read) Carlos has no interest in taking the offer.
Circumstances however, lead Carlos back to Michael, and soon these two have an arrangement. Carlos can live at Michael's place for free, until he has a job and he's on his feet again.
Michael is WAY set in his ways, and he has a LOT of rules, that Carlos has to adhere to. Carlos, being Carlos though, is pushing and rearranging and 'forcing' Michael to get out more.
These two are very different people, but they fit. And slowly but surely they are helping each other get back up again. Carlos from his abusive parents and his loss of self-esteem after he lost everything and Michael from a gay bashing and his disastrous previous relationships (ex-boyfriends and his parents).
This book was long, but it fit so well with the journey these two are on. And the characters surrounding them in the wee town, were GREAT. They provided an awesome backdrop for the story.
We only get Carlos's POV, but that didn't bother me, since his head was a FABULOUS place to be. Seriously I was laughing a lot; he had so many great blunt moments and insights that made me adore him.
Also he reads a LOT of self-help books, to "help Michael" which was just... Fun.
Carlos is also a FIGHTER, yes, he does have some angsty moments, but it felt justified, considering the situation he was in.
Michael grew on me during this journey. He was very rigid in the beginning, but Carlos brought out the best in him. And I understand why Michael was shielding himself, though I had the thought:
If you have so many issues, because you were dating 'straight' guys, maybe you should, you know, STOP dating 'straight' guys?!
I LOVED Carlos and his acceptance of his homosexuality, but the love I found for Michael during this book, came to a screeching halt around 80%. That just PISSED ME OFF But sadly I can't have it all.
This book though, was very well-written, I didn't find any mistakes, spelling or otherwise, but I wasn't looking either, since the story had me CAPTIVATED.
Also we have a BUTT VIRGIN people, and a few very HOT smex scenes. (Not a lot, but they were there.)
We get a HEA and one of the funniest 'Author's note' I've read in a long time.
For people with this pet-peeve though: beware there are a few flashbacks to Carlos' childhood, there was some angst, as well as some things that was just too 'fantastic' (Maria was kind of annoying and somewhat condescending), which is why this is not a 5-star read for me. It was pretty damn close though!
All in all I was very entertained and impressed since this was a debut novel!
So I tip my cap to you Mr. Rowe and I'm pretty sure your next book will be a one-click buy for me!
October 8, 2016
2.5 stars
This is hard book to rate. There were parts I really enjoyed, but other parts I thoroughly hated.
What I liked:
- The writing was very very good. It all had a very nice flow to it. I felt connected to the characters and really wanted to find out what happened.
- How this story was all character-based. Not a lot of plot, and I was fine with that. There was just so much to find out about these two men.
- I adored Carlos. I had a very good time being in his head. He was just so real, so honest. Even though he was somewhat confused about being gay at the beginning, he still tried to figure out those feelings and not hide from them.
- The hurt part of this hurt/comfort story was very well done (the comfort part not so much though).
The things I disliked:
- Michael. Oh god, how I hated him. I started off liking him and loving the way he tried to give Carlos a chance at a better life after Carlos tried to rob him. But he always treated Carlos as a child with all his ridiculous rules. And he eventually sent Carlos away and never told him he loved him, just because he was scared.
- The lack of comfort. Michael never comforted Carlos, even though Carlos really deserved some comfort with the things he went through. Michael just told him his rules and that he had to obey them or he would be out on the street again. I just wanted to hug Carlos and never let him go.
- The break-up. Near 85% Michael tells Carlos he has to leave. Carlos tells him over and over again how much he loves him, but Michael never says it back. They are apart for months. Carlos tries everything to get Michael back, send him flowers, wait on his doorstep, but Michael doesn’t even open the door. Carlos so did not deserve that! He didn’t even do anything wrong. They finally get back together at 95%, but it was too late for me. I just wanted sweet Carlos to find someone better.
Overall this left a bad taste in my mouth, so 2.5 stars it is.
This is hard book to rate. There were parts I really enjoyed, but other parts I thoroughly hated.
What I liked:
- The writing was very very good. It all had a very nice flow to it. I felt connected to the characters and really wanted to find out what happened.
- How this story was all character-based. Not a lot of plot, and I was fine with that. There was just so much to find out about these two men.
- I adored Carlos. I had a very good time being in his head. He was just so real, so honest. Even though he was somewhat confused about being gay at the beginning, he still tried to figure out those feelings and not hide from them.
- The hurt part of this hurt/comfort story was very well done (the comfort part not so much though).
The things I disliked:
- Michael. Oh god, how I hated him. I started off liking him and loving the way he tried to give Carlos a chance at a better life after Carlos tried to rob him. But he always treated Carlos as a child with all his ridiculous rules. And he eventually sent Carlos away and never told him he loved him, just because he was scared.
- The lack of comfort. Michael never comforted Carlos, even though Carlos really deserved some comfort with the things he went through. Michael just told him his rules and that he had to obey them or he would be out on the street again. I just wanted to hug Carlos and never let him go.
- The break-up. Near 85% Michael tells Carlos he has to leave. Carlos tells him over and over again how much he loves him, but Michael never says it back. They are apart for months. Carlos tries everything to get Michael back, send him flowers, wait on his doorstep, but Michael doesn’t even open the door. Carlos so did not deserve that! He didn’t even do anything wrong. They finally get back together at 95%, but it was too late for me. I just wanted sweet Carlos to find someone better.
Overall this left a bad taste in my mouth, so 2.5 stars it is.
June 13, 2015
Oh wow, I just loved this. I wasn't so sure I would just based off the blurb, but there was depth, emotion, characterization, and just all around awesomeness to this story. I just loved Carlos, and his brash attitude, and how he just found himself falling for Michael and enjoying his new life. Michael was obviously harder to get a feel for since this is written in Carlos' POV, but my heart broke for him when Carlos read his blog, and how he treated Carlos in the last bit of the book. Also, this had the best epilogue ever and I thoroughly enjoyed this! Loved the writing, although it took me a second when there were flashbacks to realize that this wasn't a present day scene. Highly recommended!
June 2, 2015
A really good read. Funny, heart warming, heart breaking, and amazingly heartfelt story. That just worms itself into your soul and doesn't let go. I loved Carlos!! He was just everything!!*sighs* And Michael was a sweet guy. THune strong quiet type but emotionally damaged. In some ways they both were.
Story: description from back of book:
Offering a would-be thief a second chance is risky—especially when he could steal your heart.
Carlos had it all: a good-paying construction job, a truck, a rental house and his girl. Then he lost his job and everything else along with it. Desperate, he turns to crime—only to fail in his first attempt when he accidentally climbs into the wrong window. Carlos has to rethink his life when his victim becomes his only friend.
Michael has lost too many times in love. Prince Charming won’t be knocking at his door, with its do-not-disturb sign permanently in place, when fate finds Carlos climbing into his window. Michael’s compassion for this down-and-out lost soul turns to friendship. But Michael can’t allow things to go any further and still feel safe from heartbreak.
There are no accidents, and the second-story man discovers that in life and love there can be a second story.
Happy debut to the author.
It was an amazing story to read.
Hope you enjoy it, too.
And as always……Happy Reading!!:)
Story: description from back of book:
Offering a would-be thief a second chance is risky—especially when he could steal your heart.
Carlos had it all: a good-paying construction job, a truck, a rental house and his girl. Then he lost his job and everything else along with it. Desperate, he turns to crime—only to fail in his first attempt when he accidentally climbs into the wrong window. Carlos has to rethink his life when his victim becomes his only friend.
Michael has lost too many times in love. Prince Charming won’t be knocking at his door, with its do-not-disturb sign permanently in place, when fate finds Carlos climbing into his window. Michael’s compassion for this down-and-out lost soul turns to friendship. But Michael can’t allow things to go any further and still feel safe from heartbreak.
There are no accidents, and the second-story man discovers that in life and love there can be a second story.
Happy debut to the author.
It was an amazing story to read.
Hope you enjoy it, too.
And as always……Happy Reading!!:)
October 17, 2016
For me this started out great, but then I started to really hate Michael. I hated the way he treated Carlos like a child. I hated the way he was so closed off. I hated how to told the world how he felt, but never Carlos.
3 Stars for Carlos.
3 Stars for Carlos.
January 27, 2016
Unfortunately, this was just not for me. Not the writing style, not the characters, not the story line. The premise did sound kind of quirky which is always good - and which is the reason I read this in the first place - but what the author did with it just wasn't my cup of tea.
December 13, 2017
Almost a 4 star - except for that giant plot hole of Carlos and his older brother completely losing contact for 8(?) years - while that brother managed to keep tabs on the unstable younger brother, have 3 kids, get a job that enabled him to live in a good house, etc. and apparently couldn't wait to reconnect.
March 8, 2017
I liked this book because it's so unusual compared to other MM books. I liked the slow pace of this story, the domesticity, the "fantasy" city where there's no homophobia. I also liked both MCs and how they helped each other grow to be a well-adjusted person.
June 14, 2015
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
Robert P. Rowe is a new author for me and I was quite taken with Second-Story Man. It wasn’t perfect but I enjoyed the characters and the setting as well as the unique set up for the story. It’s not every day a man takes pity on his would be burglar and forms a friendship from there.
Both men have tragic pasts and both are working in their own way to overcome them. I liked how Michael and Carlos complimented each other, the push and pull between them let their feelings develop slowly. I appreciated that they had common interests and were able to function as a couple before they even were a couple.
I liked the secondary characters, and there is quite the extensive cast, as they all support the story and help make it a rich environment. We don’t know a lot about most, but they all add dimensions in their own way.
The situation was definitely unorthodox and a little implausible at times. The whole “everything happens for a reason” philosophy seemed to give leeway for all sorts of coincidences and convenient timings to move the story forward; however I was able to forgive it in the context of this story. It gave the story a fairy-tale air, especially with the “town” they lived in. This “town” is explained in the author’s note and I recommend you take the time to read it as it is quite charming.
My only real disappointment was the penetrative sex scene. It read like a bad porno and lacked emotional connection from the pair, in contrast to their first coupling which was sexy and intimate.
Overall, an entertaining read with a happy ending. I will check out more from this author.
Robert P. Rowe is a new author for me and I was quite taken with Second-Story Man. It wasn’t perfect but I enjoyed the characters and the setting as well as the unique set up for the story. It’s not every day a man takes pity on his would be burglar and forms a friendship from there.
Both men have tragic pasts and both are working in their own way to overcome them. I liked how Michael and Carlos complimented each other, the push and pull between them let their feelings develop slowly. I appreciated that they had common interests and were able to function as a couple before they even were a couple.
I liked the secondary characters, and there is quite the extensive cast, as they all support the story and help make it a rich environment. We don’t know a lot about most, but they all add dimensions in their own way.
The situation was definitely unorthodox and a little implausible at times. The whole “everything happens for a reason” philosophy seemed to give leeway for all sorts of coincidences and convenient timings to move the story forward; however I was able to forgive it in the context of this story. It gave the story a fairy-tale air, especially with the “town” they lived in. This “town” is explained in the author’s note and I recommend you take the time to read it as it is quite charming.
My only real disappointment was the penetrative sex scene. It read like a bad porno and lacked emotional connection from the pair, in contrast to their first coupling which was sexy and intimate.
Overall, an entertaining read with a happy ending. I will check out more from this author.
June 19, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
When Carlos decided to climb up to the second story, open window to find something to pawn in order to pay his friend for the privilege of sleeping on musty old couch, he never expected to find love. As a straight man, he’s spent years trying to please his father. Despite taking a “manly” job in construction, setting up house in a nice rental property, and nabbing the hottest girl he could find, Carolos could never seem to convince his father he was not gay. Now after meeting Michael, Carlos struggles with his sexuality.
Michael is out and proud gay. He spends his days blogging, and his nights are spent hanging out at the local gay bar with his friends. When he offered Carlos a place to stay, he wasn’t expecting Carlos to begin to integrate himself into his life. As they move from strangers to friends to lovers, Michael struggles with letting Carlos in.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
When Carlos decided to climb up to the second story, open window to find something to pawn in order to pay his friend for the privilege of sleeping on musty old couch, he never expected to find love. As a straight man, he’s spent years trying to please his father. Despite taking a “manly” job in construction, setting up house in a nice rental property, and nabbing the hottest girl he could find, Carolos could never seem to convince his father he was not gay. Now after meeting Michael, Carlos struggles with his sexuality.
Michael is out and proud gay. He spends his days blogging, and his nights are spent hanging out at the local gay bar with his friends. When he offered Carlos a place to stay, he wasn’t expecting Carlos to begin to integrate himself into his life. As they move from strangers to friends to lovers, Michael struggles with letting Carlos in.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
October 4, 2015
Okay, two confessions.
One, this is my first by this author.
Two, I almost said no because of the cover. I have one fast rule. No ‘cartoon’, hand drawn style covers.
And I have to be honest, picking this book and then actually reading is on average 6-8 weeks apart so to remember why, IDK. Must have been one hell of a blurb. Having said all that, I am so glad I did! What an amazing story!
Carlos has been down on his luck and is out of options, Michael is so routine driven he found a temporary place to live after college and never left. These two meet, Michael giving Carlos the break he needs and Carlos pushing Michael’s bounders further and further all the time.
What an unlikely pair, but on paper at least they work so perfectly. The way Carlos brings shy, stubborn Michael out of his shell is so sweet and amazing. The way Michael is so caring for Carlos even if he doesn’t say the words. And the secondary cast and story line is so heart warming, the re-connection of the families. The friends they make along the way. And the HEA at the end in the epilogue is just brilliant.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Crystal Many Review
One, this is my first by this author.
Two, I almost said no because of the cover. I have one fast rule. No ‘cartoon’, hand drawn style covers.
And I have to be honest, picking this book and then actually reading is on average 6-8 weeks apart so to remember why, IDK. Must have been one hell of a blurb. Having said all that, I am so glad I did! What an amazing story!
Carlos has been down on his luck and is out of options, Michael is so routine driven he found a temporary place to live after college and never left. These two meet, Michael giving Carlos the break he needs and Carlos pushing Michael’s bounders further and further all the time.
What an unlikely pair, but on paper at least they work so perfectly. The way Carlos brings shy, stubborn Michael out of his shell is so sweet and amazing. The way Michael is so caring for Carlos even if he doesn’t say the words. And the secondary cast and story line is so heart warming, the re-connection of the families. The friends they make along the way. And the HEA at the end in the epilogue is just brilliant.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Crystal Many Review
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February 13, 2017I thought it was a great book. Had trouble putting it down to get some sleep. Great Story.
August 9, 2015
What a great story. It's about Michael, who lives in a hotel on the second story, and Carlos, who climbs into his window to steal his laptop (because he's at a low point in his life). The relationship between them, how it begins, blossoms and grows, is so beautiful, and was really fantastic to read. A little bit of angst, a lot of sweetness, this story is a great example of how two completely opposite people (both with their little quirks and fears) can come together and be happy. As Michael and Carlos said in the book, there are no accidents. I'm so glad I was meant to read this beautifully written, down-to-earth book.
November 11, 2015
Ohmygawd, I love it! It was a very good debut novel. I wanted to read more books by Mr. Rowe but turns out it was the only one... yet.
The romance was a slow build but won't make you impatient. Their character and their dynamics kept me turning the pages till they finally end up in bed together. It was oh so worth it.
It was a very enjoying, entertaining, and also insightful read. The author obviously has been around and knows his stuff.
The romance was a slow build but won't make you impatient. Their character and their dynamics kept me turning the pages till they finally end up in bed together. It was oh so worth it.
It was a very enjoying, entertaining, and also insightful read. The author obviously has been around and knows his stuff.
October 4, 2015
4.5
a bit too much drama near the end of book, at least for my liking.
but generaly I liked story and characters. not realy what I'd typicaly pick up to read but title draw me to it
December 28, 2016
5 stars- Review soon... I read this book until dawn because I couldn't put it down. Can't even believe i waited this long to read it.
Wonderful characters and beautiful and tender love.
Please author write more books.❤️
Wonderful characters and beautiful and tender love.
Please author write more books.❤️
June 7, 2015
I found the flash backs a little confusing because they were very sudden at times. It'd take me a bit to figure out that the scene was Carlos' memories.
August 9, 2019
Definitely one for my keeper shelf.
November 3, 2015
I hope Rowe writes more books. This was really good. The main characters were wonderful. I enjoyed getting to know them and their world.
April 10, 2016
3.5 stars
April 5, 2020
I was enjoying it and everything was pretty chill, until the necessary conflict hit at about 75%, and it was absolutely silly. If you can get past that, it's an okay-plus book.
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