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The Measure of a Man
William Harris is a reserved man content living with secrets. He’s kept his sexuality private since he came out as a teen and sees no reason for coworkers to be privy to personal information, especially when there’s no one to go home to.
Nate Kelly comes into William’s life at a work function dressed as a beautiful geisha named Momo. From their first date, Nate turns William’s well-controlled world upside down. William tries to keep Nate at arm’s length, but there’s something that keeps drawing him back to the light-hearted man. William must decide if his under-the-radar life can contain someone as immeasurable as Nate, even if that means risking his long-held secrets.
Nate Kelly comes into William’s life at a work function dressed as a beautiful geisha named Momo. From their first date, Nate turns William’s well-controlled world upside down. William tries to keep Nate at arm’s length, but there’s something that keeps drawing him back to the light-hearted man. William must decide if his under-the-radar life can contain someone as immeasurable as Nate, even if that means risking his long-held secrets.
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2014
6 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Posy Roberts
31 books232 followersPosy Roberts started reading romance when she was young, but textbooks eventually replaced the novels, and she somehow existed without reading for fun. When she finally picked up a romance years later, it was like slipping on a soft hoodie . . . that didn’t quite fit right. She wanted something more.
Now she wanted to read about queer people falling in love. She wanted to explore beyond the happily ever after and watch characters navigate the unpredictability of life as they create their happy homes. So Posy sat down at her keyboard to write the books she wanted to read.
Her stories have been USA Today’s “Happily Ever After” Must-Reads and Rainbow Award finalists. When she’s not writing or editing, she’s spending time with loved ones and doing anything possible to get out of grocery shopping and cooking.
Now she wanted to read about queer people falling in love. She wanted to explore beyond the happily ever after and watch characters navigate the unpredictability of life as they create their happy homes. So Posy sat down at her keyboard to write the books she wanted to read.
Her stories have been USA Today’s “Happily Ever After” Must-Reads and Rainbow Award finalists. When she’s not writing or editing, she’s spending time with loved ones and doing anything possible to get out of grocery shopping and cooking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 12, 2017
1.5 Hearts
I know it's gauche for a reviewer to compare books but I cannot figure out a better way to explain why this didn't work for me. Apologies for my creativite paucity.
I recently read The Impossible Boy by Anna Martin and if it were possible for a person and a book to have a meaningful relationship, we'd have one. Not that I was expecting a carbon copy of Martin's book, but I loved Stan's gender fluidity and Ben's acceptance of it and my motivation for choosing this was thinking it would be a different take on the theme. I'm increasingly drawn to gender fluidity, crossdressing and femme characters and finding the gems is sort of a vision quest. Momo, however, I wouldn't classify as any of the above.
Nate does crossdress as a geisha at a local Japanese restaurant on the weekends for extra cash, but that's not what I would classify as crossdressing. He is extroverted, out and proud about it, but I wouldn't characterize him as gender fluid or femme. Ergo my primary motivation for choosing the book was a non-issue and I found that deflating.
William is the narrator and simply put, I did not like him. He meets Nate as Momo, his geisha alter ego, and is intrigued despite the fact that he ordinarily goes for jocks. Frankly, I never understood why he has such a hard time admitting that he's attracted to an anomaly.
I understand how suddenly being faced with an attraction to Nate's Momo persona during sex could be jarring for a lifelong gay man, but there wasn't enough exposition for me to become sympatheic to William. I'm not saying it's not realistic, but I didn't like that he kept making Nate jump through hoop after hoop after hoop-friends, family, co-workers, his loctician, all of them had to give their stamp of approval for William to accept what, were he paying attention, he'd know already! It came across as him fundamentally believing Nate wasn't good enough for him and I find no enjoyment in one character treating another thusly. That was compounded by the fact that he kept telling Nate that he cared for and even loved him. We have a saying here in the South: 'the carpet don't match the drapes'. That's all I'm saying.
This speaks to the larger issue which is I like characters capable of independent thought and William is not that guy. I also abhorred that he wasn't honest with Nate about how he was feeling after months of being together. I don't need characters to effectively communicate, but by the same token I can't abide non-communication AND cliches. Herein we have the love conquers all/magic peen as well as omniscience both of which served to circumvent an open dialogue and, thereby, relationship development. That coupled with the frequent time jumps served to keep me at arms length while, also, bypassing character and relationship development. So when the "big moments" came in their relationship I was left sputtering. I never felt their connection and found myself continuously hoping Nate would dump William like a bad habit.
I'm sure I'm in the minority here but I wouldn't categorize this as a romance. It's primarily a character study on a closeted man, struggling with insecurity and shaking off the shackles of societal expectations, though not a well executed one.
What little sex there is was somewhat stirring, especially that dance floor scene. That alone is worth a half heart. I never understood the obsession with the painted W at the nape of the neck thing. It felt like there was something more there that wasn't fully realized.
So I'm left feeling like there was a wellspring of potential left untapped, thus I can't recommend it, but YMMV. I would encourage others interested to read other reviews before deciding.
A review copy was provided.
I know it's gauche for a reviewer to compare books but I cannot figure out a better way to explain why this didn't work for me. Apologies for my creativite paucity.
I recently read The Impossible Boy by Anna Martin and if it were possible for a person and a book to have a meaningful relationship, we'd have one. Not that I was expecting a carbon copy of Martin's book, but I loved Stan's gender fluidity and Ben's acceptance of it and my motivation for choosing this was thinking it would be a different take on the theme. I'm increasingly drawn to gender fluidity, crossdressing and femme characters and finding the gems is sort of a vision quest. Momo, however, I wouldn't classify as any of the above.
Nate does crossdress as a geisha at a local Japanese restaurant on the weekends for extra cash, but that's not what I would classify as crossdressing. He is extroverted, out and proud about it, but I wouldn't characterize him as gender fluid or femme. Ergo my primary motivation for choosing the book was a non-issue and I found that deflating.
William is the narrator and simply put, I did not like him. He meets Nate as Momo, his geisha alter ego, and is intrigued despite the fact that he ordinarily goes for jocks. Frankly, I never understood why he has such a hard time admitting that he's attracted to an anomaly.
I understand how suddenly being faced with an attraction to Nate's Momo persona during sex could be jarring for a lifelong gay man, but there wasn't enough exposition for me to become sympatheic to William. I'm not saying it's not realistic, but I didn't like that he kept making Nate jump through hoop after hoop after hoop-friends, family, co-workers, his loctician, all of them had to give their stamp of approval for William to accept what, were he paying attention, he'd know already! It came across as him fundamentally believing Nate wasn't good enough for him and I find no enjoyment in one character treating another thusly. That was compounded by the fact that he kept telling Nate that he cared for and even loved him. We have a saying here in the South: 'the carpet don't match the drapes'. That's all I'm saying.
Even in his texts I could feel his flamboyance, and it made me happy despite myself.
This speaks to the larger issue which is I like characters capable of independent thought and William is not that guy. I also abhorred that he wasn't honest with Nate about how he was feeling after months of being together. I don't need characters to effectively communicate, but by the same token I can't abide non-communication AND cliches. Herein we have the love conquers all/magic peen as well as omniscience both of which served to circumvent an open dialogue and, thereby, relationship development. That coupled with the frequent time jumps served to keep me at arms length while, also, bypassing character and relationship development. So when the "big moments" came in their relationship I was left sputtering. I never felt their connection and found myself continuously hoping Nate would dump William like a bad habit.
I'm sure I'm in the minority here but I wouldn't categorize this as a romance. It's primarily a character study on a closeted man, struggling with insecurity and shaking off the shackles of societal expectations, though not a well executed one.
What little sex there is was somewhat stirring, especially that dance floor scene. That alone is worth a half heart. I never understood the obsession with the painted W at the nape of the neck thing. It felt like there was something more there that wasn't fully realized.
So I'm left feeling like there was a wellspring of potential left untapped, thus I can't recommend it, but YMMV. I would encourage others interested to read other reviews before deciding.
A review copy was provided.
March 10, 2017
~1.5 stars~
So much promise, but such a disappointing execution...
When I saw there would be a male geisha...
But no.
First and foremost, if you, like me, choose to read this for the crossdressing aspect...don't.
Nate's words, not mine. There is a hot scene with William and Momo (Nate's name as a geisha) but that's about it.
Second, I just didn't like William at all. He is the sole narrator of this story, and I hated being in his head. He was never comfortable in his own skin, he's dull and one-dimensional, and I didn't like his thoughts regarding Nate. I'd go as far as to say he was pretty ignorant or subconsciously offensive.
There's so much wrong in this.
I never understood his relationship with his brother (who was pretty offensive too sometimes, btw), nor did I get the reason he had to drag Nate around to meet his family and friends (even his hair stylist for God's sake). It felt like it was a sort of test Nate had to pass, or like he was asking approval from those people.
So much page time wasted (IMHO) on other people, while the reader never gets to experience an actual relationship development. In the end, I don't see what Nate sees in William. Like AT ALL.
The ending felt abrupt. It actually left me scratching my head.
I have enjoyed this author's writing in the past, but here the prose felt...wooden and stiff. Probably because that's what William's voice was like.
I realise I'm totally the minority here. If you're a fan of the author, I'd still urge to go for it. It just wasn't for me.
So much promise, but such a disappointing execution...
When I saw there would be a male geisha...
But no.
First and foremost, if you, like me, choose to read this for the crossdressing aspect...don't.
“Is that your full-time job?”
“Gracious no!” Nate placed his fingertips on his chest, as if my suggestion physically hurt him. “If I had to do that forty hours a week, I’d die."
Nate's words, not mine. There is a hot scene with William and Momo (Nate's name as a geisha) but that's about it.
Second, I just didn't like William at all. He is the sole narrator of this story, and I hated being in his head. He was never comfortable in his own skin, he's dull and one-dimensional, and I didn't like his thoughts regarding Nate. I'd go as far as to say he was pretty ignorant or subconsciously offensive.
"My coworkers had no clue they were coming on to men, and if they had, they’d be mortified. I found it superbly ironic, though I couldn’t help wonder if men were employed in this position specifically because customers got handsy."
There's so much wrong in this.
I never understood his relationship with his brother (who was pretty offensive too sometimes, btw), nor did I get the reason he had to drag Nate around to meet his family and friends (even his hair stylist for God's sake). It felt like it was a sort of test Nate had to pass, or like he was asking approval from those people.
So much page time wasted (IMHO) on other people, while the reader never gets to experience an actual relationship development. In the end, I don't see what Nate sees in William. Like AT ALL.
The ending felt abrupt. It actually left me scratching my head.
I have enjoyed this author's writing in the past, but here the prose felt...wooden and stiff. Probably because that's what William's voice was like.
I realise I'm totally the minority here. If you're a fan of the author, I'd still urge to go for it. It just wasn't for me.
February 26, 2017
This is one of those hard to rate books.
There was a great deal I enjoyed. But there was also a fair amount that I had issues with. Those kind of issues that make you cringe and sigh aloud.
I liked both William and Nate, but I especially liked Nate.
William never really won me over and I'm sad about that.
I feel badly for him. He never really fit into his own skin. I'd like to say that he's not ashamed of the man that he is, but I think that's exactly it. That is, until he meets Momo.
Momo is a geisha at a teahouse he attends for a work party. He is instantly captivated by Momo. He desires her and then feels guilty for wanting her. He convinces himself it's simply the man underneath the drag that he wants. And he does. He wants Nate like nothing else.
But then he seeks approval from those closest to him.
This was one of my issues.
He turns to his twin brother first. His brother doesn't hold back and tells him exactly what he's trying to ignore. From there he takes his man (who is so different than him) around to meet his mama and his hair stylist. These three people comprise the emotional pillars in his life. I can understand his need for approval but it almost felt as if he needed permission from them.
There were a few other moments that I found difficult to swallow and one of them had to do with a silver lining. It just bothered me.
I enjoy Posy's writing very much.
I enjoyed meeting Momo and loved how she brought William out of his shell.
I loved the way they loved each other.
I just didn't like being in William's head so much.
I would have rather hung out in Nate's head.
There's a lot of great stuff here...but too much not so great stuff as well.
There was a great deal I enjoyed. But there was also a fair amount that I had issues with. Those kind of issues that make you cringe and sigh aloud.
I liked both William and Nate, but I especially liked Nate.
William never really won me over and I'm sad about that.
I feel badly for him. He never really fit into his own skin. I'd like to say that he's not ashamed of the man that he is, but I think that's exactly it. That is, until he meets Momo.
Momo is a geisha at a teahouse he attends for a work party. He is instantly captivated by Momo. He desires her and then feels guilty for wanting her. He convinces himself it's simply the man underneath the drag that he wants. And he does. He wants Nate like nothing else.
But then he seeks approval from those closest to him.
This was one of my issues.
He turns to his twin brother first. His brother doesn't hold back and tells him exactly what he's trying to ignore. From there he takes his man (who is so different than him) around to meet his mama and his hair stylist. These three people comprise the emotional pillars in his life. I can understand his need for approval but it almost felt as if he needed permission from them.
There were a few other moments that I found difficult to swallow and one of them had to do with a silver lining. It just bothered me.
I enjoy Posy's writing very much.
I enjoyed meeting Momo and loved how she brought William out of his shell.
I loved the way they loved each other.
I just didn't like being in William's head so much.
I would have rather hung out in Nate's head.
There's a lot of great stuff here...but too much not so great stuff as well.
March 18, 2017
Many, many moons ago, I read the first chapter of this book in a different incarnation, and I also have the previously published version of the whole book.
I struggled with a review for a while, and I'm still not sure that what you're about to read is going to accurately convey my thoughts.
There were many things I liked about this book, especially Nate. His carefree, easy-going persona really appealed to me, but I could also see that he had much inner strength, and a forgiving nature, which was truly needed in light of the stupid shit that sometimes came out of William's mouth.
Which brings me to William - he's the sole POV in this book - who made me cringe on more than one occasion while reading. His self-loathing was evident, even if he didn't think of himself that way, but the fact that he hides his sexuality behind drab colors and a strict and no-nonsense personality at work was telling. While he was more open about his sexuality outside of work, we're also told that he's normally attracted to jock types, and that flamboyant, twinky men don't usually do it for him, and thus the anomaly of his attraction to Nate was somewhat of a shock to him. I didn't enjoy being in his head, for most of the book, and he came across as judgmental and also somewhat ignorant. Like, it's okay to be gay when it's not obvious, and Nate's obvious gayness is a strike against him. Internalized homophobia is not a good look on you, honey.
Nate has an alter ego of sorts - on weekends, he works as a Geisha in a Japanese Tea House, as Momo. In fact, all the Geishas are male underneath the make-up and wigs, and most of the customers have no idea. He's out and proud, a bit flamboyant and unapologetic about it. I liked him from the start - his wicked humor, his easy smile, and his openness.
William and others from his company are enjoying a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, when William notices the somewhat prominent Adam's apple of the Geisha serving him and realizes that it's a man. He's intrigued, and when the young man gives him a business card with his phone number, William decides (after much soul-searching) to give him a call and ask for a date.
Nate/Momo sees something in William, though I couldn't understand what exactly that is. Perhaps he saw the lonely man who convinced himself he isn't lonely at all. Since we don't really get to know Nate other than through William's eyes, I couldn't discern what really drew him to William.
What bothered me the most is that William sought approval from three important people in his life - his brother, his mother, and his loctitian who's been doing his locs for a long time. I thought it someone strange that a grown man was so insecure in himself and his feelings for another man (albeit someone that didn't meet his usual attraction profile) that he had to seek the approval of others to ensure he was making a good decision. It just felt odd to me. What if they hadn't liked Nate? Would William have let him go?
Another thing that bothered me was William chastising himself for desiring Momo just as he desired Nate - as if they were two different people - and thinking that it was wrong. That he was wrong for wanting both. He also tested Nate at almost every turn, and I really didn't like William for doing that. He seemed to expect Nate to fail, and when he doesn't, William seemed surprised. I wanted to reach into the book and shake Nate to just drop William's judgmental ass. I think in these situations, it would have helped to have Nate's POV to make me understand what he saw in William and why he kept jumping through all those hoops for the guy.
William did eventually get his act together and redeem himself, though it was a long and draining road to read through to his happy ending.
There are a few sensual scenes, and I liked one of them best. The rest do further the plot, so there's no gratuitous hanky-panky here.
Overall, it's a good story, but not the best I've read by this author. That title remains with the North Star series.
** I received a free copy from the author. A positive review was not promised in return. **
I struggled with a review for a while, and I'm still not sure that what you're about to read is going to accurately convey my thoughts.
There were many things I liked about this book, especially Nate. His carefree, easy-going persona really appealed to me, but I could also see that he had much inner strength, and a forgiving nature, which was truly needed in light of the stupid shit that sometimes came out of William's mouth.
Which brings me to William - he's the sole POV in this book - who made me cringe on more than one occasion while reading. His self-loathing was evident, even if he didn't think of himself that way, but the fact that he hides his sexuality behind drab colors and a strict and no-nonsense personality at work was telling. While he was more open about his sexuality outside of work, we're also told that he's normally attracted to jock types, and that flamboyant, twinky men don't usually do it for him, and thus the anomaly of his attraction to Nate was somewhat of a shock to him. I didn't enjoy being in his head, for most of the book, and he came across as judgmental and also somewhat ignorant. Like, it's okay to be gay when it's not obvious, and Nate's obvious gayness is a strike against him. Internalized homophobia is not a good look on you, honey.
Nate has an alter ego of sorts - on weekends, he works as a Geisha in a Japanese Tea House, as Momo. In fact, all the Geishas are male underneath the make-up and wigs, and most of the customers have no idea. He's out and proud, a bit flamboyant and unapologetic about it. I liked him from the start - his wicked humor, his easy smile, and his openness.
William and others from his company are enjoying a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, when William notices the somewhat prominent Adam's apple of the Geisha serving him and realizes that it's a man. He's intrigued, and when the young man gives him a business card with his phone number, William decides (after much soul-searching) to give him a call and ask for a date.
Nate/Momo sees something in William, though I couldn't understand what exactly that is. Perhaps he saw the lonely man who convinced himself he isn't lonely at all. Since we don't really get to know Nate other than through William's eyes, I couldn't discern what really drew him to William.
What bothered me the most is that William sought approval from three important people in his life - his brother, his mother, and his loctitian who's been doing his locs for a long time. I thought it someone strange that a grown man was so insecure in himself and his feelings for another man (albeit someone that didn't meet his usual attraction profile) that he had to seek the approval of others to ensure he was making a good decision. It just felt odd to me. What if they hadn't liked Nate? Would William have let him go?
Another thing that bothered me was William chastising himself for desiring Momo just as he desired Nate - as if they were two different people - and thinking that it was wrong. That he was wrong for wanting both. He also tested Nate at almost every turn, and I really didn't like William for doing that. He seemed to expect Nate to fail, and when he doesn't, William seemed surprised. I wanted to reach into the book and shake Nate to just drop William's judgmental ass. I think in these situations, it would have helped to have Nate's POV to make me understand what he saw in William and why he kept jumping through all those hoops for the guy.
William did eventually get his act together and redeem himself, though it was a long and draining road to read through to his happy ending.
There are a few sensual scenes, and I liked one of them best. The rest do further the plot, so there's no gratuitous hanky-panky here.
Overall, it's a good story, but not the best I've read by this author. That title remains with the North Star series.
** I received a free copy from the author. A positive review was not promised in return. **
August 11, 2025
What a wonderful short story.
February 28, 2017
***3.5 Stars***
"Does anyone ever really get another person?" Nate asked. "Everything they get is still filtered through their own lenses."
I'll second that! And it is not always the first impression that counts... Sometimes you have to take a closer - not to say a very close - look at somebody to see what makes him tick, to see through his facade. Regardless of the fact wether he is wearing an actual disguise or not.
William Harris and Nate Kelly meet during a company event at a Japanese teahouse where Nate works dressed up as a Geisha named Momo. William is the first of his colleagues who recognizes the man behind the drag and although Nate normally is so not his type, both men feel an instant attraction for each other, which they pursue over several dates until it turns into something deeper despite their differences.
How is the saying? Opposites attract and this also proves to be true in this nice short story. William leads some kind of double life. During the day at work he is an uptight, reserved man who cherishes his privacy and who rather keeps to himself.
At night he is someone who likes clubbing, doing hook-ups in back rooms or taking them home. No relationship, nothing permanent, no strings attached. He himself is completely amazed when he feels attracted to Nate/Momo and even more suprised at himself when he makes a spur-of-the-moment decision and takes him up on his offer for a date.
Nate is out and proud. Flamboyant, comfortable in his own skin and his surroundings, he has no problem with being in the center of attention.
And that is exactly the crux of the matter... Wherever Nate shows up, there will be attention and William, accustomed to hide his true self, has to come to terms with accepting himself, with being in the limelight as well, if there ever will be a real chance for both of them.
I don't know the - much shorter - previous version of this book The Measured Man, so I cannot assess to which extent the story has been altered or extended. Momo: My Everything is nicely done, even if a bit clichéd regarding William's sexist, unlikeable boss, acting like a jerk. I have to admit that it was maybe a bit too sweet for me, though, and I would have liked there to be more drama. It is told solely from William's POV and for me it would have been more enjoyable to get to know more about Nate's thoughts and feelings. What I loved about it, though, was the fact that despite there was - for a short story seemingly mandatory - insta-love or in this case ~attraction, both men did not jump into bed with each other on their first date. Not even on their second. There was a lot of getting to know each other, before they act on their attraction more thoroughly, so to speak ;-), and that was really refreshing for a change.
I will leave it to the author herself to have the final word, to describe this book perfectly:
This is a story about falling head over heals in love. It's a story about transformation. It's a story about shattering boxes people try to place us in. But more than that, it's a story about learning to love yourself.
An ARC of Momo: My Everything was generously provided to Dirty Books Obsession in exchange for an honest review.
"Does anyone ever really get another person?" Nate asked. "Everything they get is still filtered through their own lenses."
I'll second that! And it is not always the first impression that counts... Sometimes you have to take a closer - not to say a very close - look at somebody to see what makes him tick, to see through his facade. Regardless of the fact wether he is wearing an actual disguise or not.
William Harris and Nate Kelly meet during a company event at a Japanese teahouse where Nate works dressed up as a Geisha named Momo. William is the first of his colleagues who recognizes the man behind the drag and although Nate normally is so not his type, both men feel an instant attraction for each other, which they pursue over several dates until it turns into something deeper despite their differences.
How is the saying? Opposites attract and this also proves to be true in this nice short story. William leads some kind of double life. During the day at work he is an uptight, reserved man who cherishes his privacy and who rather keeps to himself.
At night he is someone who likes clubbing, doing hook-ups in back rooms or taking them home. No relationship, nothing permanent, no strings attached. He himself is completely amazed when he feels attracted to Nate/Momo and even more suprised at himself when he makes a spur-of-the-moment decision and takes him up on his offer for a date.
Nate is out and proud. Flamboyant, comfortable in his own skin and his surroundings, he has no problem with being in the center of attention.
And that is exactly the crux of the matter... Wherever Nate shows up, there will be attention and William, accustomed to hide his true self, has to come to terms with accepting himself, with being in the limelight as well, if there ever will be a real chance for both of them.
I don't know the - much shorter - previous version of this book The Measured Man, so I cannot assess to which extent the story has been altered or extended. Momo: My Everything is nicely done, even if a bit clichéd regarding William's sexist, unlikeable boss, acting like a jerk. I have to admit that it was maybe a bit too sweet for me, though, and I would have liked there to be more drama. It is told solely from William's POV and for me it would have been more enjoyable to get to know more about Nate's thoughts and feelings. What I loved about it, though, was the fact that despite there was - for a short story seemingly mandatory - insta-love or in this case ~attraction, both men did not jump into bed with each other on their first date. Not even on their second. There was a lot of getting to know each other, before they act on their attraction more thoroughly, so to speak ;-), and that was really refreshing for a change.
I will leave it to the author herself to have the final word, to describe this book perfectly:
This is a story about falling head over heals in love. It's a story about transformation. It's a story about shattering boxes people try to place us in. But more than that, it's a story about learning to love yourself.
An ARC of Momo: My Everything was generously provided to Dirty Books Obsession in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2017
Momo, My Everything was already released in the 2014 with the title The Measure of a Man, it was really short and I’ll be honest and say it didn’t satisfy me, I read it and it was just meh. It was very rushed and unfinished. I was so happy to know the author rework on it turning it into a novella.
Posy Roberts is one of my favorite authors, I loved all the books she wrote, I like her writing style and adore the characters she depicts. But this re-release was not a huge winner to me. While I enjoyed it and appreciated the plot, there were some snippets I wasn’t fond of. First of all I adored Nate, he’s sure and pround of himself and what he works as, I liked him so much as I despised William, he didn’t convince me at all, he annoyed me cause he often seemed to me unsure and some of his words/thoughts were unexpected.
I felt the story was dragging, there were too many things unsaid, too many scenes with secondary characters and very few scenes just between Nate and William, often what happened was just told to the reader and not actually showed. Did they really love each other? I actually don’t have an answer. And having only William POV didn’t help at all. I missed a connection between the MCs, the attraction was not totally understandable. Knowing how good the author is, I think she could have easily handled this story so much better. It’s probably I missed something or simply it wasn’t for me, I don’t know.
That said I still feel to recommend Momo, My Everything to all the fans of Posy Roberts. I gave it three stars because I liked it. If Posy is a new to you author, then I would recommend to start somewhere else, this one could maybe disappoint you.
The cover art by Natasha Snow is definitely better than the cover of the first edition, more eye catching. I like it.
Posy Roberts is one of my favorite authors, I loved all the books she wrote, I like her writing style and adore the characters she depicts. But this re-release was not a huge winner to me. While I enjoyed it and appreciated the plot, there were some snippets I wasn’t fond of. First of all I adored Nate, he’s sure and pround of himself and what he works as, I liked him so much as I despised William, he didn’t convince me at all, he annoyed me cause he often seemed to me unsure and some of his words/thoughts were unexpected.
I felt the story was dragging, there were too many things unsaid, too many scenes with secondary characters and very few scenes just between Nate and William, often what happened was just told to the reader and not actually showed. Did they really love each other? I actually don’t have an answer. And having only William POV didn’t help at all. I missed a connection between the MCs, the attraction was not totally understandable. Knowing how good the author is, I think she could have easily handled this story so much better. It’s probably I missed something or simply it wasn’t for me, I don’t know.
That said I still feel to recommend Momo, My Everything to all the fans of Posy Roberts. I gave it three stars because I liked it. If Posy is a new to you author, then I would recommend to start somewhere else, this one could maybe disappoint you.
The cover art by Natasha Snow is definitely better than the cover of the first edition, more eye catching. I like it.
April 5, 2017
This review and much more can be found at The Novel Approach
William is a buttoned up financial guy who while out for the evening with a work group meets Momo, a geisha, who is really a man. William finds Momo fascinating and beautiful. When Momo, aka Nate, slips him his number after William steps in on boorish behavior, it’s another surprise. But the bigger surprise is that William actually calls Nate and when they get together they have a really good time. William is not out at work though and he’s not sure about dating someone who is as “out” as Nate certainly is.
William really likes Nate though and he continues to see him. They thoroughly enjoy each other’s company and the sex is good between them. They come from such different worlds – not just their family and ethnic backgrounds – but their careers and the way they navigate their way through life. William’s African-American family has not been terribly accepting of him – including some difficult years with his twin brother. Nate’s family has no issues with his sexuality and it’s not like there was ever even a question about it. Nate’s pursuit of the arts is a natural fit for him and he loves his work.
As their relationship progresses over the months, there are a few hurdles to get over. Meeting the families is a big one – more so for William since he’s never really had a “relationship” before. There are also important friends that have to pass judgement as well – Nate’s roommates and William’s hairdresser. It’s an interesting situation that they each find themselves in – wanting their friends and family to accept this new person.
The real challenge for William though it how he wants his relationship with Nate to be known. William wrestles with this more because he’s never been in this situation before – where he really cares about another person besides his family. He’s got to figure out what he really wants and what he’s willing to do to make that happen in the way he wants.
While I enjoyed this story, I would have liked more. What exactly I wanted to see, I’m not sure. I would have liked more of William’s interaction with his coworkers other than the few scenes with his douchecanoe boss I think. William is so closed off that I kind of felt like I still didn’t get a good read on him. I also wasn’t sure where the Momo fantasy was going or if the resolution was going to be worthy. In the end, William and Nate find a way to make things work for them, so all in all, a satisfying read.
William is a buttoned up financial guy who while out for the evening with a work group meets Momo, a geisha, who is really a man. William finds Momo fascinating and beautiful. When Momo, aka Nate, slips him his number after William steps in on boorish behavior, it’s another surprise. But the bigger surprise is that William actually calls Nate and when they get together they have a really good time. William is not out at work though and he’s not sure about dating someone who is as “out” as Nate certainly is.
William really likes Nate though and he continues to see him. They thoroughly enjoy each other’s company and the sex is good between them. They come from such different worlds – not just their family and ethnic backgrounds – but their careers and the way they navigate their way through life. William’s African-American family has not been terribly accepting of him – including some difficult years with his twin brother. Nate’s family has no issues with his sexuality and it’s not like there was ever even a question about it. Nate’s pursuit of the arts is a natural fit for him and he loves his work.
As their relationship progresses over the months, there are a few hurdles to get over. Meeting the families is a big one – more so for William since he’s never really had a “relationship” before. There are also important friends that have to pass judgement as well – Nate’s roommates and William’s hairdresser. It’s an interesting situation that they each find themselves in – wanting their friends and family to accept this new person.
The real challenge for William though it how he wants his relationship with Nate to be known. William wrestles with this more because he’s never been in this situation before – where he really cares about another person besides his family. He’s got to figure out what he really wants and what he’s willing to do to make that happen in the way he wants.
While I enjoyed this story, I would have liked more. What exactly I wanted to see, I’m not sure. I would have liked more of William’s interaction with his coworkers other than the few scenes with his douchecanoe boss I think. William is so closed off that I kind of felt like I still didn’t get a good read on him. I also wasn’t sure where the Momo fantasy was going or if the resolution was going to be worthy. In the end, William and Nate find a way to make things work for them, so all in all, a satisfying read.
November 17, 2014
sigh, sooo good!
Rounded up to 4, for freeby.
Rounded up to 4, for freeby.
March 1, 2017
I never expected to use this gif with this author. Posy Roberts is one of my favorite authors. Her realistic words, characters and emotions get me every time I read one of her works. Its hard for me to write this review. I don't think this should have been a novella. It should have been full length. With the amount of backstory and characteristics that she put into William, it wasn't far to not get the same for Nate. So much information surrounding Will, and yeah it was told from his point of view, but it still took me a while to get into the story. It seemed so disjointed in the beginning, and I wanted to DNF it because I didn't see the point of the story. It took me a while to get into the pacing of the story, and I'm still not sure how I feel about the ending.
I think this is one of her only insta-love stories. I've read everything she's ever written, and the emotions between the two were fast, and I can see the connection from two people who opposites attract. I don't know if I'm okay with some of the actions or verbiage used in the story. It seemed unnecessary for me. It didn't add to the story. William's ignorance made me side-eye him a little bit. The whole fantasy around "MoMo" didn't move me. I don't know if that was the right thing to say, but that's how I felt. I'm so unclear on why this was a big thing for him, and why not admit it to your significant other. I mean you did meet Nate who was MOMO at the time. It just didn't seem sincere to me. I really liked Nate, but we got so little of him. I really would loved to have more of his story, and his voice, but he felt overshadowed at times by William's lack of knowledge or comfort ability in his sexuality. Nate easily made the story bearable for me. I liked where they ended up.
This was my first book by this author who I wasn't sold on it. From the very beginning I was a little put off by it. I guess I didn't care to much of the tone. I don't think you should let my review deter you from reading her work. It's really worth it. I love her characters alot, and I'm always able to connect with them. This just wasn't meant for me.
December 28, 2017
Review Coming
October 22, 2018
(READ AS PART OF THE "LONELY HEARTS" BUNDLE)
POV ~> First Person, William’s perspective
. William’s bigoted, sexist boss holds an office dinner meeting (?) at a teahouse where semi-closeted and very stoic William first meets Momo who, off the clock, is really Nate. Nate is a theater teacher to upper-crust kids whose parents want them to be the next box-office breakout star and plays the part of a geisha at a teahouse to fulfill his own acting joy.
William is attracted to both sides of this person and soon they begin seeing more of one another. I liked the freer, more open character of Nate/Momo much more than William, who seemed to have many invisible hang-ups that were really way less substantial when they got down to resolving them. Predictability was low. Conclusion was good. It was an interesting read. Multicultural (William has, what I’m guessing was, Jamaican roots, whereas Nate has Irish, Japanese and more in his background).
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.15 ~ Stars: 4
POV ~> First Person, William’s perspective
. William’s bigoted, sexist boss holds an office dinner meeting (?) at a teahouse where semi-closeted and very stoic William first meets Momo who, off the clock, is really Nate. Nate is a theater teacher to upper-crust kids whose parents want them to be the next box-office breakout star and plays the part of a geisha at a teahouse to fulfill his own acting joy.
William is attracted to both sides of this person and soon they begin seeing more of one another. I liked the freer, more open character of Nate/Momo much more than William, who seemed to have many invisible hang-ups that were really way less substantial when they got down to resolving them. Predictability was low. Conclusion was good. It was an interesting read. Multicultural (William has, what I’m guessing was, Jamaican roots, whereas Nate has Irish, Japanese and more in his background).
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.15 ~ Stars: 4
April 8, 2019
I had a harder time with this story. It's still a good one, but William kind of bothered me with some stuff. With being a gay, black man, he of all people should know what's it's like to be discriminated against. He has been. So when he started judging Nate by being too effeminate or whatever, it kind of bothered me. Either you accept the man for who he is and that you're interested in him, or let him go.
Nate is a flame, a think, whatever name you want to name. But he doesn't hide who he is. He is who he is. He's comfortable in his skin. When the started dating, and getting more serious, comments would get made that they were longtime friends. And William never said much. At the end he finally did, but it just bothered me he didn't stick up for his boyfriend.
I know William has to accept things about himself and come to terms with the fact that he's a little judgy, amongst other things. I get that. But it was the little stuff that bothered me. Even with his asshole family members, he never really defended Nate. Or himself.
It's a good story. William has to grow and grow up. And he does. In the end. I just wish he would have gotten there sooner.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
December 11, 2017
3,5☆ for The Measure of a Man
April 13, 2015
Loveky story. Recommend for all who like m/m and it's free!
March 18, 2016
Kind of meh. No real passion or emotion for me. Felt very detached from the story. Just not for me.
December 25, 2017
What an intriguing and enchanting story. My curiosity was captured and blossomed for me as soon as I read the “Author’s Note”, which referenced “The Measure of a Man”, the precursor to this book.
Writing style was fluid and engrossing, like a stroll along a flowered path in the spring; storytelling was compelling, and the various backdrops – ranging from the teahouse to the loctician’s shop, student theater, Nate’s apartment, and family interactions – were out of the ordinary and beguiling; and the characterization embodied elements of personal and intimate exploration and discovery unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before in a book. This was really the embodiment of a love story, a romance not built from the standard expectations and logical attraction dictated by society, and it was best conveyed in words – though each spoken with a different voice – by William’s loctician Yvonne and then his mother. William and Nate understood and were connected to each other at such a basic level – heart, body, and soul – and author Posy Robert did an expertly masterful job of carving this into their story.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy and provided a review.
Writing style was fluid and engrossing, like a stroll along a flowered path in the spring; storytelling was compelling, and the various backdrops – ranging from the teahouse to the loctician’s shop, student theater, Nate’s apartment, and family interactions – were out of the ordinary and beguiling; and the characterization embodied elements of personal and intimate exploration and discovery unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before in a book. This was really the embodiment of a love story, a romance not built from the standard expectations and logical attraction dictated by society, and it was best conveyed in words – though each spoken with a different voice – by William’s loctician Yvonne and then his mother. William and Nate understood and were connected to each other at such a basic level – heart, body, and soul – and author Posy Robert did an expertly masterful job of carving this into their story.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy and provided a review.
January 20, 2019
While I enjoyed this story, I can't help but feel like it was only half a story. There was very little of William's background, and none of Nate's. Very little interaction with either of their families or friends or coworkers, and even their time together seemed glossed over. It was better than I expected, but could have been even better had it been fleshed out more. But I do think William's coming to terms with the relationship was handled fairly well.
March 8, 2017
*3.5 stars rounded up to 4*
Posy Roberts has been one of my auto-buy authors ever since I read North Star. She never fails to write about remarkably diverse people and I so appreciate that. In her new short story, Momo: My Everything (which I understand is an extension of a previous shorter story--that I never read) we are introduced to two men who show that opposites can definitely attract. William and Nate epitomize the saying "first impressions aren't always correct." And the fact that William is an African-American and Nate an effeminate man made this book all the more intriguing to me.
I loved Nate. So, so much. He's flamboyant and proud and charming. I loved his confidence in himself and the way he expressed himself through his clothes and actions. William, he was a harder sell for me. The story is told exclusively from his POV and I sorely wish we would have heard from Nate as well. I got where William was coming from most of the time, but his self-imposed rigidity about stereotypes and how a "man" should act were pretty off-putting. Luckily Nate's effervescent personality shines through in every scene so the story didn't get anywhere near as angst ridden as it could have been. I'm normally not a huge fan of insta-love but the fact that Momo is only 90 pages means that things move at a fast pace and that the connection needs to be in place pretty early. I did like the fact that once the two men meet, they do take things a little slow and that they don't jump into bed together right off the bat.
Even though this isn't my favorite book by Posy Roberts, it's still really good and I highly recommend you check it out. Learning more about tea houses and geisha's was really interesting and Posy's characters are always memorable and William and Nate are no different. And Momo ... she'll definitely stay with you a while! Give this one a try, you won't be sorry!
*this review will also be posted on www.diversereader.blogspot.com*
Posy Roberts has been one of my auto-buy authors ever since I read North Star. She never fails to write about remarkably diverse people and I so appreciate that. In her new short story, Momo: My Everything (which I understand is an extension of a previous shorter story--that I never read) we are introduced to two men who show that opposites can definitely attract. William and Nate epitomize the saying "first impressions aren't always correct." And the fact that William is an African-American and Nate an effeminate man made this book all the more intriguing to me.
I loved Nate. So, so much. He's flamboyant and proud and charming. I loved his confidence in himself and the way he expressed himself through his clothes and actions. William, he was a harder sell for me. The story is told exclusively from his POV and I sorely wish we would have heard from Nate as well. I got where William was coming from most of the time, but his self-imposed rigidity about stereotypes and how a "man" should act were pretty off-putting. Luckily Nate's effervescent personality shines through in every scene so the story didn't get anywhere near as angst ridden as it could have been. I'm normally not a huge fan of insta-love but the fact that Momo is only 90 pages means that things move at a fast pace and that the connection needs to be in place pretty early. I did like the fact that once the two men meet, they do take things a little slow and that they don't jump into bed together right off the bat.
Even though this isn't my favorite book by Posy Roberts, it's still really good and I highly recommend you check it out. Learning more about tea houses and geisha's was really interesting and Posy's characters are always memorable and William and Nate are no different. And Momo ... she'll definitely stay with you a while! Give this one a try, you won't be sorry!
*this review will also be posted on www.diversereader.blogspot.com*
August 27, 2023
Beautifully written novella about two men who balance one another in unexpected ways. It definitely took me a bit out of my comfort zone as the characters were not my usual types and some of the situations, including William's internalized homophobia, were a bit uncomfortable. But it resolved itself in the end. Definitely glad I read this challenging yet romantic piece by Roberts.
February 25, 2017
Another gorgeous story from Posy Roberts <3
March 1, 2017
I've never read anything about Geisha's before... it was pretty interesting and I learned a few things about Geisha's and tea ceremonies, so really enjoyed that aspect of the book
The book as a whole had so much promise...
I loved the characters and the storyline/plot,
but with the book only being 95 pages long I think the author cut out a lot of scenes and stuff that I think are really important.
For example: in books I love some of my favourite parts are "the 1st kiss" (swoon) and also "the 1st sex scene"... you know when the two characters finally come together and connect physically, emotionally and mentally.
Due to short length the author kind of skimmed those scenes, which really ruined the book for me
Here is an example from the book which will show what I mean:
"In the end, seeing him won out over what "my type" supposedly was.
And it won day after day.
It won out when I finally brushed my lips against his oh-so-plush mouth and tasted him through the fruity tang of his lip balm...
.... None of that mattered when I took him home weeks later with less than pure intentions and pressed him into my bed.
It absolutely didn't matter as I devoured his mouth and he returned my kisses with even more intensity.
It didn't matter as our clothes were thrown to the floor, and I saw his naked flesh beneath me for the first time....."
Do you see what I mean??... I prefer my books to allow the reader to experience it along with the characters, I like to read all the emotions and feelings the characters are feeling during these scenes.
I just didn't like that we skip all the details, we just get a quick summery and then the story moves on
I really enjoyed everything else about the book
I love William and Nate... but the story is told in Williams P.O.V and I would of loved to read of the scenes in Nate's P.O.V, Nate is a really interesting character and I would of loved to get in his head.
Due to the few things I've mentioned, I do recommend this book... its a good little read and I enjoyed it for the most part.
But beware if your like me and love to read the "1st kiss" etc.... you will be disappointed by this.
Overall: I give Momo, My Everything 3.5 stars
It definitely could of been a 5 star if we had just gotten the scenes :(
The book as a whole had so much promise...
I loved the characters and the storyline/plot,
but with the book only being 95 pages long I think the author cut out a lot of scenes and stuff that I think are really important.
For example: in books I love some of my favourite parts are "the 1st kiss" (swoon) and also "the 1st sex scene"... you know when the two characters finally come together and connect physically, emotionally and mentally.
Due to short length the author kind of skimmed those scenes, which really ruined the book for me
Here is an example from the book which will show what I mean:
"In the end, seeing him won out over what "my type" supposedly was.
And it won day after day.
It won out when I finally brushed my lips against his oh-so-plush mouth and tasted him through the fruity tang of his lip balm...
.... None of that mattered when I took him home weeks later with less than pure intentions and pressed him into my bed.
It absolutely didn't matter as I devoured his mouth and he returned my kisses with even more intensity.
It didn't matter as our clothes were thrown to the floor, and I saw his naked flesh beneath me for the first time....."
Do you see what I mean??... I prefer my books to allow the reader to experience it along with the characters, I like to read all the emotions and feelings the characters are feeling during these scenes.
I just didn't like that we skip all the details, we just get a quick summery and then the story moves on
I really enjoyed everything else about the book
I love William and Nate... but the story is told in Williams P.O.V and I would of loved to read of the scenes in Nate's P.O.V, Nate is a really interesting character and I would of loved to get in his head.
Due to the few things I've mentioned, I do recommend this book... its a good little read and I enjoyed it for the most part.
But beware if your like me and love to read the "1st kiss" etc.... you will be disappointed by this.
Overall: I give Momo, My Everything 3.5 stars
It definitely could of been a 5 star if we had just gotten the scenes :(
March 13, 2017
Advance Review Copy generously provided by the author via Signal Boost Promotions.
The synopsis, y’all — lots of nuggets in there made me hopeful. The reserved guy (with locks!) brought out of his shell. A man in Geisha drag plus Japanese tea ceremonies. Falling in love with someone totally opposite from a pattern of attraction. That this started as a short-story (I didn’t read) but the author felt a need to expand and re-work because the characters deserved more.
Plenty there to get me excited.
Alas, it didn’t work for me.
I think it’s due, in part, to a linear narration from a single, first-person point of view. Single, first-person wasn’t necessarily the problem, though the linear, relatively uninspired prose was when I could see so much potential for more. I kept hoping for the magic to happen, and it just…didn’t.
Instead, there’s lots of telling that barely scratched the surface in character development. I wanted to love these characters, angst for them, hope for them, desperately need for them to be together. Turns out I just sort of liked them in a general sense that was probably inflated in my imagination.
William, our star narrator, is reserved. He tells us some key things about himself — that he’s two very different people between his professional work self (closeted) and who he is in his downtime (mostly not closeted). He tells us what kind of men he’s typically attracted to (macho jocks)— and who he’s not (femme guys, guys in drag). He angsts a good bit over his attraction to Momo/Nate, the part-time drag Geisha who is somewhat flamboyant, very much unapologetic, and not about to hide.
All his angst over what other people would think of Nate drove me up the wall. He made Nate work for it, testing him, at every single turn with generic acquaintances, friends, family, co-workers. He continually expected Nate to fail by letting him down or embarrassing him. If Nate didn’t let him down, then he expected disapproval from everyone else.
I just…
This made me feel for Nate, made me want to reach into my Kindle and give him a hug and a talking to and try to steer him in another direction. And I could never figure out why Nate kept jumping through all the hoops — mainly because there just wasn’t enough of Nate to clue me in.
One thing I liked was the simmering slow-burn. These guys took their time, and I dug that. But, so many moments of intimacy that had immense potential were glossed over. Then, when they finally got down to the bizness — well, I’m gonna use the word uninspired again along with the word technical.
In theory, this story was a treasure trove of story-time gems. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat.
Also posted on BackPorchReader.com March 9, 2017.
The synopsis, y’all — lots of nuggets in there made me hopeful. The reserved guy (with locks!) brought out of his shell. A man in Geisha drag plus Japanese tea ceremonies. Falling in love with someone totally opposite from a pattern of attraction. That this started as a short-story (I didn’t read) but the author felt a need to expand and re-work because the characters deserved more.
Plenty there to get me excited.
Alas, it didn’t work for me.
I think it’s due, in part, to a linear narration from a single, first-person point of view. Single, first-person wasn’t necessarily the problem, though the linear, relatively uninspired prose was when I could see so much potential for more. I kept hoping for the magic to happen, and it just…didn’t.
Instead, there’s lots of telling that barely scratched the surface in character development. I wanted to love these characters, angst for them, hope for them, desperately need for them to be together. Turns out I just sort of liked them in a general sense that was probably inflated in my imagination.
William, our star narrator, is reserved. He tells us some key things about himself — that he’s two very different people between his professional work self (closeted) and who he is in his downtime (mostly not closeted). He tells us what kind of men he’s typically attracted to (macho jocks)— and who he’s not (femme guys, guys in drag). He angsts a good bit over his attraction to Momo/Nate, the part-time drag Geisha who is somewhat flamboyant, very much unapologetic, and not about to hide.
All his angst over what other people would think of Nate drove me up the wall. He made Nate work for it, testing him, at every single turn with generic acquaintances, friends, family, co-workers. He continually expected Nate to fail by letting him down or embarrassing him. If Nate didn’t let him down, then he expected disapproval from everyone else.
I just…
This made me feel for Nate, made me want to reach into my Kindle and give him a hug and a talking to and try to steer him in another direction. And I could never figure out why Nate kept jumping through all the hoops — mainly because there just wasn’t enough of Nate to clue me in.
One thing I liked was the simmering slow-burn. These guys took their time, and I dug that. But, so many moments of intimacy that had immense potential were glossed over. Then, when they finally got down to the bizness — well, I’m gonna use the word uninspired again along with the word technical.
In theory, this story was a treasure trove of story-time gems. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat.
Also posted on BackPorchReader.com March 9, 2017.
March 15, 2017
William has always led a careful life. Always so concerned about what someone might think of him, would they know he was gay. And if they know would they think he wasn't masculine because of it. When he meets Nate, he's shocked to find out the gorgeous geisha is actually a man in drag. Nate slips him his number and the two meet up for dinner. Nate is every bit as charming as Momo the geisha is. He is also very out as being gay, something that William struggles with. I loved how Nate makes William question everything that he thinks he needs to be in order to be a man. Nate is just himself, he's kind and caring, and everything that William needs to finally be happy. This was a really good read, I really loved seeing how much William started to question all the rules he has made for himself, until he is finally free to love the man he chooses.
March 2, 2017
3.5 stars
William hasn't felt like he has fit in anywhere since he told his family he was gay. His twin brother didn't help matters and only after William moved away did things get somewhat easier for him. He keeps himself wrapped up tight at work and doesn't rock the boat. Then, he meets Momo at a work function and realizes she's really a man. He's highly intrigued, and Momo gives him her number.
Nate, aka Momo, is comfortable in his skin. He's very likable character. He sees the real William and is patient with him as William works through his own issues. Their relationship moves slowly and surely. William has a lot of hangups that he needs to deal with. Until he does, he is highly conflicted and almost ruins the best thing that happened to him.
It was wonderful to see William become a stronger person, willing to stand up for himself and others. It was nice to see William's twin brother support and defend him as well. The William at the end of the story was confident and happy.
William hasn't felt like he has fit in anywhere since he told his family he was gay. His twin brother didn't help matters and only after William moved away did things get somewhat easier for him. He keeps himself wrapped up tight at work and doesn't rock the boat. Then, he meets Momo at a work function and realizes she's really a man. He's highly intrigued, and Momo gives him her number.
Nate, aka Momo, is comfortable in his skin. He's very likable character. He sees the real William and is patient with him as William works through his own issues. Their relationship moves slowly and surely. William has a lot of hangups that he needs to deal with. Until he does, he is highly conflicted and almost ruins the best thing that happened to him.
It was wonderful to see William become a stronger person, willing to stand up for himself and others. It was nice to see William's twin brother support and defend him as well. The William at the end of the story was confident and happy.
February 26, 2017
This is the story of closeted accountant William who is a ‘two-dimensional cardboard cut out’ of a person, to quote the book and how he comes out of the closet and accepts himself once he meets Momo/Nate. The story is told entirely from his point of view.
Nate works part-time as a female Geisha (Momo) which is how the two meet when William attends a company function at a Japanese tea house. William is attracted to Momo but can’t understand why since he usually went for masculine men and not someone as overtly feminine as Nate.
The story moves at a steady pace and to be honest there really isn’t any conflict aside from inside William’s head, as his friends, his family and Nate’s accept him and Nate’s relationship. William is the one who has to get over his own prejudices for their relationship to blossom.
Well, there is one external pain in the neck in the form of William’s boss, Mermer. But Mermer is racist, sexist and homophobic so there’s no helping the idiot.
This reads almost like a coming of age story but without the angst you’d expect from that kind of story. Readers who enjoy contemporary MM romance will enjoy this.
Nate works part-time as a female Geisha (Momo) which is how the two meet when William attends a company function at a Japanese tea house. William is attracted to Momo but can’t understand why since he usually went for masculine men and not someone as overtly feminine as Nate.
The story moves at a steady pace and to be honest there really isn’t any conflict aside from inside William’s head, as his friends, his family and Nate’s accept him and Nate’s relationship. William is the one who has to get over his own prejudices for their relationship to blossom.
Well, there is one external pain in the neck in the form of William’s boss, Mermer. But Mermer is racist, sexist and homophobic so there’s no helping the idiot.
This reads almost like a coming of age story but without the angst you’d expect from that kind of story. Readers who enjoy contemporary MM romance will enjoy this.
March 4, 2017
William goes to a work function at a tea house where one of the geishas catch his eye and he realizes that she's not just another girl,she is a man in drag. At the end of the evening a card is passed and a connection made. Loved the story building and characters,nate(momo) seems like the guy you want to hang out with. Loved this story and look forward to reading more from the author.
February 28, 2017
lovely well written book that is really great to read. William is a quiet reserved young man who feels an instant attraction to Nate (Momo). William meets him when Momo is working as a geisha. Throughout this book you will follow their relationship, feel Thier fears and watch them grow. The characters are easy to love which makes the story easier to become invested in.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book and I'm so glad I did it's amazing!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book and I'm so glad I did it's amazing!!
March 1, 2017
Oh man I loved this book. I loved how it flowed and how pretty it felt while reading. I read in one fell swoop and now I need to read again. William and Nate were both interesting characters and I loved how they met. I thought it was a great story and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I would definitely recommend this novella.
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