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All Man
“You’re the sleek little sports car to my Land Rover.”
From the moment Gareth walks through the door of the salon to fit some new sinks, Jules can’t take his eyes off him. Jules has always been attracted to men who are his polar opposite, so burly Gareth is Jules’s fantasy man.
At the weekend, Jules gets into a tough situation with another bloke in a gay club and Gareth comes to his aid. Gareth rejects Jules’s subsequent advances but leaves him with the hope that his attraction isn’t completely one-sided. Fantasy could become reality.
With Gareth’s work at the salon nearly done, he’ll soon disappear from Jules’s life for good. Time is running out. Jules needs to prove to Gareth that he’s tougher than he looks and that his feelings run deeper than gratitude.
13,000 words approx
NB: This story is a spin off to Top Me Maybe? where Jules appears as a minor character. Both stories are standalones and don’t need to be read in order.
From the moment Gareth walks through the door of the salon to fit some new sinks, Jules can’t take his eyes off him. Jules has always been attracted to men who are his polar opposite, so burly Gareth is Jules’s fantasy man.
At the weekend, Jules gets into a tough situation with another bloke in a gay club and Gareth comes to his aid. Gareth rejects Jules’s subsequent advances but leaves him with the hope that his attraction isn’t completely one-sided. Fantasy could become reality.
With Gareth’s work at the salon nearly done, he’ll soon disappear from Jules’s life for good. Time is running out. Jules needs to prove to Gareth that he’s tougher than he looks and that his feelings run deeper than gratitude.
13,000 words approx
NB: This story is a spin off to Top Me Maybe? where Jules appears as a minor character. Both stories are standalones and don’t need to be read in order.
44 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2015
6 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Jay Northcote
55 books1,655 followersI don't hang out on Goodreads much, so if you'd like to connect with me then Twitter, Facebook or an email is usually best :) All my contact details are on my website.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
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November 1, 2015++unlove.
i really wish authors would stop building their romantic relationships on the rubble of sexual assault.
it's almost routine how often the trope is used—in the past, in the present, and sometimes the promise of some more in the future, just to spice things up.
it's just not necessary.
truth: there are some great romances that do have a rape subplot.
and the exploration of rape in erotica is an extremely useful way to explore what it means, in a safe bubble defined by the primary need to get off.
as in, the structure of the text renders any kink explored in that text harmless, by its very nature, because that's what you do when you sit down to read some good fapmatter: you suspend reality.
but all these romance books out here telling gay male stories that depend on rape for dramatic tension...
that's not really how things are.
rapey meet-cutes appear to be as common a way to get romantic characters to bond as a mutual appreciation for honing their muscled physiques.
neither of those things—the compelling rapes or the six pack abs—are especially common in my world.
to be fair, neither are happy endings.
and while an argument can be made that the romance genre is just as much explicitly a fantasy as erotica, i would argue "yes, but."
....yes, but... where erotica lets you blow up your private parts in all kinds of exciting ways—you don't really expect all of them to be available to you in your real life.
but romance only works if part of you actually believes what you're reading can happen.
to you, or to someone else.
it doesn't work without hope.
and when you're talking about the hopes of a real group of people—in this case gay men who maybe might not wanna die alone—used as cheap and easy emotional cliffs notes in stories written by mostly-women, and for mostly-women?
i think that's problematic.
gay dudes have enough trouble producing positive, hopeful, uplifting stories about themselves.
we're pretty bad at it, tbh.
nearly everything we've made is either gutting or a pack of lies.
and we don't need that many more of those, thanks.
all full up.
not everyone has to get raped—or has to get rescued from an attempted rape—before they're allowed to finally find a good man to go out with.
and for those who have survived rape, the blithe inclusion of those themes in every other romance story might prove even more costly than the original assault.
for every kind of reader there is.
because it's no fun when your leisure reading simultaneously devalues what you fought hard to overcome while on the surface appearing to acknowledge it.
truly, a double-plus unlove.
i really wish authors would stop building their romantic relationships on the rubble of sexual assault.
it's almost routine how often the trope is used—in the past, in the present, and sometimes the promise of some more in the future, just to spice things up.
it's just not necessary.
truth: there are some great romances that do have a rape subplot.
and the exploration of rape in erotica is an extremely useful way to explore what it means, in a safe bubble defined by the primary need to get off.
as in, the structure of the text renders any kink explored in that text harmless, by its very nature, because that's what you do when you sit down to read some good fapmatter: you suspend reality.
but all these romance books out here telling gay male stories that depend on rape for dramatic tension...
that's not really how things are.
rapey meet-cutes appear to be as common a way to get romantic characters to bond as a mutual appreciation for honing their muscled physiques.
neither of those things—the compelling rapes or the six pack abs—are especially common in my world.
to be fair, neither are happy endings.
and while an argument can be made that the romance genre is just as much explicitly a fantasy as erotica, i would argue "yes, but."
....yes, but... where erotica lets you blow up your private parts in all kinds of exciting ways—you don't really expect all of them to be available to you in your real life.
but romance only works if part of you actually believes what you're reading can happen.
to you, or to someone else.
it doesn't work without hope.
and when you're talking about the hopes of a real group of people—in this case gay men who maybe might not wanna die alone—used as cheap and easy emotional cliffs notes in stories written by mostly-women, and for mostly-women?
i think that's problematic.
gay dudes have enough trouble producing positive, hopeful, uplifting stories about themselves.
we're pretty bad at it, tbh.
nearly everything we've made is either gutting or a pack of lies.
and we don't need that many more of those, thanks.
all full up.
not everyone has to get raped—or has to get rescued from an attempted rape—before they're allowed to finally find a good man to go out with.
and for those who have survived rape, the blithe inclusion of those themes in every other romance story might prove even more costly than the original assault.
for every kind of reader there is.
because it's no fun when your leisure reading simultaneously devalues what you fought hard to overcome while on the surface appearing to acknowledge it.
truly, a double-plus unlove.
August 7, 2015
~4.25~
You know what I didn't like about this story?
It ended.
And just when it was getting juicy too.
I love slight, pretty boys. And I love big burly bears. What's better than a twink and a bear together?
NOT MUCH.
We first met Jules in
He is the snarky, snappy hair stylist who works with Ty. Even though you SHOULD read Top Me Maybe? because it's awesome, All Man works fine as a standalone.
Jules meets Gareth, a hairy, built (with just the right amount of padding for cuddling) plumber, when Gareth spends a few days working at the salon.
Jules cannot control his cock when Gareth is around, but Gareth seems ... uncertain.
Then Gareth rescues Jules from a potentially scary situation, and Jules falls just a bit more in crush.
This story is a bit of fluffy, flirty fun. It's very sweet, a little sexy, and entirely entertaining.
I heart Jules & Gareth. The "can we be boyfriends?" talk was my favorite. Two guys who communicate. Imagine that!
There's really never a dull moment in Northcote's stories. It's why I'm such a big fan.
Now let's all take a moment to appreciate the beautiful guy on the cover. All man indeed!
You know what I didn't like about this story?
It ended.
And just when it was getting juicy too.
I love slight, pretty boys. And I love big burly bears. What's better than a twink and a bear together?
NOT MUCH.
We first met Jules in
He is the snarky, snappy hair stylist who works with Ty. Even though you SHOULD read Top Me Maybe? because it's awesome, All Man works fine as a standalone.
Jules meets Gareth, a hairy, built (with just the right amount of padding for cuddling) plumber, when Gareth spends a few days working at the salon.
Jules cannot control his cock when Gareth is around, but Gareth seems ... uncertain.
Then Gareth rescues Jules from a potentially scary situation, and Jules falls just a bit more in crush.
This story is a bit of fluffy, flirty fun. It's very sweet, a little sexy, and entirely entertaining.
I heart Jules & Gareth. The "can we be boyfriends?" talk was my favorite. Two guys who communicate. Imagine that!
There's really never a dull moment in Northcote's stories. It's why I'm such a big fan.
Now let's all take a moment to appreciate the beautiful guy on the cover. All man indeed!
August 12, 2015
3.5 Stars!
This one was okay for me, it was good for a novella. Perhaps if it had been more fully developed and longer I would have enjoyed it more.
As it was, I thought things moved along a bit too quickly.
Jules asking Gareth to sleep in his bed with him after the "incident" kind of made me go...
The writing was what you would expect from Jay and the brief sexy time was definitely hot.
So overall, not too shabby!
This one was okay for me, it was good for a novella. Perhaps if it had been more fully developed and longer I would have enjoyed it more.
As it was, I thought things moved along a bit too quickly.
Jules asking Gareth to sleep in his bed with him after the "incident" kind of made me go...
The writing was what you would expect from Jay and the brief sexy time was definitely hot.
So overall, not too shabby!
February 8, 2017
Jules is a cute hairstylist we met in Top Me Maybe? who has a thing for hunky hairy bears like Gareth. Fortunately Gareth likes pretty, so after some beating around the bush, they start to date.
It could have been a sweet opposites-attract story, but it has some seriously weird episodes, and I simply didn’t feel anything for the characters.
It could have been a sweet opposites-attract story, but it has some seriously weird episodes, and I simply didn’t feel anything for the characters.
March 30, 2016
A bear and a twink walk in to a bar and...well, I don't really have a punchline. I just wanted an excuse to post this picture:
Jules has a major crush on Gareth. He's a big burly muscular man, with a nice amount of hair to soften things up. He's Jules' walking wet dream. But Gareth doesn't seem to be interested, and Jules isn't even sure if Gareth's gay. Then the two run in to each other at a gay club, where Gareth finds Jules in an unfortunate situation. Gareth helps Jules get home, and in the process lets slip that Jules' infatuation isn't unrequited. Happy with this new information, Jules is determined to get a date.
Ordinarily, the whole does-he-like-me-does-he-not thing tends to annoy me. But for such a short story, I didn't mind it at all. It was cute seeing how Jules zoned out in his crush-induced day dreams. It was also sweet to see how Gareth, the manly man that he is, was shy about his feelings for Jules.
Given the , I wouldn't exactly call this short a fluffy read, but it's still fairly low-angst. The slight drama is a bit of a blip on the story line. Personally, I think it could have been avoided, just because it's such a serious topic for a short story like this.
'All Man' is a nice and short opposites-attract romance. A good story to read in-between longer reads.
Jules has a major crush on Gareth. He's a big burly muscular man, with a nice amount of hair to soften things up. He's Jules' walking wet dream. But Gareth doesn't seem to be interested, and Jules isn't even sure if Gareth's gay. Then the two run in to each other at a gay club, where Gareth finds Jules in an unfortunate situation. Gareth helps Jules get home, and in the process lets slip that Jules' infatuation isn't unrequited. Happy with this new information, Jules is determined to get a date.
Ordinarily, the whole does-he-like-me-does-he-not thing tends to annoy me. But for such a short story, I didn't mind it at all. It was cute seeing how Jules zoned out in his crush-induced day dreams. It was also sweet to see how Gareth, the manly man that he is, was shy about his feelings for Jules.
Given the , I wouldn't exactly call this short a fluffy read, but it's still fairly low-angst. The slight drama is a bit of a blip on the story line. Personally, I think it could have been avoided, just because it's such a serious topic for a short story like this.
'All Man' is a nice and short opposites-attract romance. A good story to read in-between longer reads.
Read
August 3, 2015This story is a spin off from Top Me Maybe?
All Man tells Jules's story (he's also referred to as Julian in TMM). I haven't marked them as a series because TMM is already part of a different series (The Secrets Collection), and I don't think it's possible for a book to be part of two different series on Goodreads or Amazon.
Both stories work as standalones anyway, so there's no need to read both unless you want to, and it doesn't matter what order you read them in.
All Man tells Jules's story (he's also referred to as Julian in TMM). I haven't marked them as a series because TMM is already part of a different series (The Secrets Collection), and I don't think it's possible for a book to be part of two different series on Goodreads or Amazon.
Both stories work as standalones anyway, so there's no need to read both unless you want to, and it doesn't matter what order you read them in.
October 23, 2015
This was…. quite boring….
Spoilers ahead
Jules is working his job at a hair salon when he falls in lust with bear Gareth, the handy man.
Jules goes out, sees Gareth, Gareth turns him down (I still have no idea why??), Jules decides to blow another guy in the bathroom (yet again, why?), but when the guy wants more than Jules is willing to give, Gareth rescues his ass. Gareth takes Jules home, turns him down again (this I could understand more). They call each other, go out on a date, have sex, decide they are boyfriends.
It was…. just not that good….
Spoilers ahead
Jules is working his job at a hair salon when he falls in lust with bear Gareth, the handy man.
Jules goes out, sees Gareth, Gareth turns him down (I still have no idea why??), Jules decides to blow another guy in the bathroom (yet again, why?), but when the guy wants more than Jules is willing to give, Gareth rescues his ass. Gareth takes Jules home, turns him down again (this I could understand more). They call each other, go out on a date, have sex, decide they are boyfriends.
It was…. just not that good….
January 2, 2016
This novella was like a good cup of hot chocolate...sweet, hot, and when it was done I just wanted more.
When Jules first meets Gareth he's immediately drawn to Gareth's solid, handsome exterior.
Gareth’s T-shirt had ridden up where his body was twisted, but his face was out of sight, so Jules took the opportunity to blatantly admire his hairy stomach. He was solid, not gym ripped lean, but not chubby either. He was all muscle and man. Jules tilted his head and sighed appreciatively. He really was the perfect bear.
A slight and pretty man, Jules is totally attracted to older, big men like Gareth.
At easily over six feet tall, he towered over Jules who was five foot eight-and-a-half (the half was very important).
Big, butch blokes like Gareth always brought out the femme in him—it was how he reacted when he was nervous and excited.
Alas, Jules is sure Gareth must be straight so he files away his attraction and goes home.
Jules had carefully stored away every little detail about Gareth so they’d be there to mull over later. He grinned as a surge of excitement made his heart lift. It was always fun having a crush. Gareth was probably straight so it was bound to be unrequited, but a bit of eye candy made the day so much brighter.
Some might think this is a light and fluffy story, but it’s got some deeper undertones (casual drug use, sexual assault).
On Saturday night Jules pops a pill, downs some vodka, and hits the dance floor at the local club looking for some action. When Gareth helps Jules evade a lumbersexual in the club toilets who doesn't know the meaning of the word "no" and takes Jules home, Jules is more than smitten with his body, he knows Gareth is truly a good guy.
The following Monday Jules gets to spend more time with Gareth and their relationship takes off very quickly from there.
This was a really quick read that left me wishing I had gotten more time with the couple.
Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
When Jules first meets Gareth he's immediately drawn to Gareth's solid, handsome exterior.
Gareth’s T-shirt had ridden up where his body was twisted, but his face was out of sight, so Jules took the opportunity to blatantly admire his hairy stomach. He was solid, not gym ripped lean, but not chubby either. He was all muscle and man. Jules tilted his head and sighed appreciatively. He really was the perfect bear.
A slight and pretty man, Jules is totally attracted to older, big men like Gareth.
At easily over six feet tall, he towered over Jules who was five foot eight-and-a-half (the half was very important).
Big, butch blokes like Gareth always brought out the femme in him—it was how he reacted when he was nervous and excited.
Alas, Jules is sure Gareth must be straight so he files away his attraction and goes home.
Jules had carefully stored away every little detail about Gareth so they’d be there to mull over later. He grinned as a surge of excitement made his heart lift. It was always fun having a crush. Gareth was probably straight so it was bound to be unrequited, but a bit of eye candy made the day so much brighter.
Some might think this is a light and fluffy story, but it’s got some deeper undertones (casual drug use, sexual assault).
On Saturday night Jules pops a pill, downs some vodka, and hits the dance floor at the local club looking for some action. When Gareth helps Jules evade a lumbersexual in the club toilets who doesn't know the meaning of the word "no" and takes Jules home, Jules is more than smitten with his body, he knows Gareth is truly a good guy.
The following Monday Jules gets to spend more time with Gareth and their relationship takes off very quickly from there.
This was a really quick read that left me wishing I had gotten more time with the couple.
Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
August 12, 2015
Review originally posted at Sinfully... Addicted to All Male Romance.
This short and sweet, opposites attract story between bearish plumber Gareth and the slight, put together hair dresser Jules is a wonderful way to spend an hour. Although Jules briefly appeared in the author’s short, Top Me Maybe?, about co-worker Tyler (who does appear in this one) this short story completely works as a standalone.
Jules is immediately smitten with Gareth when he shows up to do a few days of work at the salon and can’t be more surprised to run into him at a gay dance club the next night. Although Gareth is friendly, Jules is disappointed when he turns down an invitation to dance. Assuming he is not Gareth’s type, Jules gets on with his night, but when a bathroom hook-up turns out to be more than Jules bargained for, Gareth swoops in like a knight in shining armor. When the two meet up again at work on Monday, Jules is determined that it will not be the last time they see each other and takes matters into his own hands. Although neither man can imagine why the other would find him attractive, they agree to a dinner date that evening. Will Gareth the soft-spoken bear and Jules, the outgoing ball of energy continue to hit it off or are they both too different for it to work out?
While the story itself unfolds over only a few days, I was totally taken by both men from the start. From their awkward beginning to the simmering tension of their first date, we learn a lot in a short time and I wanted nothing more than for them to find their match in each other. There’s more getting to know you than getting it on here, but the attraction is palpable and when they do get to the sex it’s both tender and hot! Who knew a dinner date of burgers and fries could be so sexy? A quick epilogue checks back with the men a month later and caps off another completely satisfying short from Jay Northcote.
This short and sweet, opposites attract story between bearish plumber Gareth and the slight, put together hair dresser Jules is a wonderful way to spend an hour. Although Jules briefly appeared in the author’s short, Top Me Maybe?, about co-worker Tyler (who does appear in this one) this short story completely works as a standalone.
Jules is immediately smitten with Gareth when he shows up to do a few days of work at the salon and can’t be more surprised to run into him at a gay dance club the next night. Although Gareth is friendly, Jules is disappointed when he turns down an invitation to dance. Assuming he is not Gareth’s type, Jules gets on with his night, but when a bathroom hook-up turns out to be more than Jules bargained for, Gareth swoops in like a knight in shining armor. When the two meet up again at work on Monday, Jules is determined that it will not be the last time they see each other and takes matters into his own hands. Although neither man can imagine why the other would find him attractive, they agree to a dinner date that evening. Will Gareth the soft-spoken bear and Jules, the outgoing ball of energy continue to hit it off or are they both too different for it to work out?
While the story itself unfolds over only a few days, I was totally taken by both men from the start. From their awkward beginning to the simmering tension of their first date, we learn a lot in a short time and I wanted nothing more than for them to find their match in each other. There’s more getting to know you than getting it on here, but the attraction is palpable and when they do get to the sex it’s both tender and hot! Who knew a dinner date of burgers and fries could be so sexy? A quick epilogue checks back with the men a month later and caps off another completely satisfying short from Jay Northcote.
August 27, 2015
I’m kind of at a loss. I didn’t care much for this one. I’m shocked. I always love Northcote’s stories…always. What happened here? I’m trying to figure that out myself.
The length. I think that was the greatest shortcoming. In my opinion very few authors have the ability to pack a valuable story in a couple dozen pages. A quick scene or a supplement to an existing series is different. But a complete story in less than 50 pages is a rare find. I’ve read some great short novella’s from Jay before. Sadly, this one missed the mark for me.
Jules is working in a salon when he meets Gareth. Gareth is a plumber doing a job at said salon. Jules has the hots for the older burly plumber. I tried, but I didn’t like Jules very much. I’m still scratching my head trying to contemplate why Gareth liked him. I missed the appeal in the boy. Popping pills, getting smashed and getting it on with guys in the club’s bathroom was the gist of the Jules we see, or that’s was my impression of him. Things turn ugly and Gareth comes racing to his rescue.
This leads to my other aversion. I disliked the non-con aspect. Mainly because I think it was glazed over. I prefer to avoid in my books if at all possible. However a few times I’ve understood the importance of the inclusion and this wasn’t one of those. It was too fast for something so heavy in my opinion.
I suppose that’s about it. The writing was solid, the editing clean, and it’s wrapped in a striking cover, but with my frustrations it failed to score the high marks I’ve become accustom to when I open a Jaybird book. You win some…you lose some. I didn’t hate it, but I certainly didn’t love it. Here’s hoping it works better for you.
*3 too-short-no-connection stars*
The length. I think that was the greatest shortcoming. In my opinion very few authors have the ability to pack a valuable story in a couple dozen pages. A quick scene or a supplement to an existing series is different. But a complete story in less than 50 pages is a rare find. I’ve read some great short novella’s from Jay before. Sadly, this one missed the mark for me.
Jules is working in a salon when he meets Gareth. Gareth is a plumber doing a job at said salon. Jules has the hots for the older burly plumber. I tried, but I didn’t like Jules very much. I’m still scratching my head trying to contemplate why Gareth liked him. I missed the appeal in the boy. Popping pills, getting smashed and getting it on with guys in the club’s bathroom was the gist of the Jules we see, or that’s was my impression of him. Things turn ugly and Gareth comes racing to his rescue.
This leads to my other aversion. I disliked the non-con aspect. Mainly because I think it was glazed over. I prefer to avoid in my books if at all possible. However a few times I’ve understood the importance of the inclusion and this wasn’t one of those. It was too fast for something so heavy in my opinion.
I suppose that’s about it. The writing was solid, the editing clean, and it’s wrapped in a striking cover, but with my frustrations it failed to score the high marks I’ve become accustom to when I open a Jaybird book. You win some…you lose some. I didn’t hate it, but I certainly didn’t love it. Here’s hoping it works better for you.
*3 too-short-no-connection stars*
November 21, 2015
I love a good rescue story now and then, even if they are a bit cliché and this one suited my mood perfectly. I also love the whole effiminate and bear mix (wow I was in super cliché mood today). Sweet characters and some hot sex! Thoroughly enjoyed it!
August 12, 2015
3.5 Stars
August 10, 2015
Where is my Land Rover is all I have to say?? Very cute and hot in all of the right places. I could have read more for sure!
August 17, 2015
A wonderful sexy sweet read!!
Full Review Here..
What a fun, quick, steamy read..
Jules fell into insta Lust over Gareth.. He checked off ALL of Jules' Must Haves and then some..
To bad he was straight.. Or was he?
I enjoyed watching Jules come on strong then let his insecurities get in the way when he was turned down.. Then Gareth came to his rescue and was so protective but oh so sweet..
www.bookaholicconfessions.com
Full Review Here..
What a fun, quick, steamy read..
Jules fell into insta Lust over Gareth.. He checked off ALL of Jules' Must Haves and then some..
To bad he was straight.. Or was he?
I enjoyed watching Jules come on strong then let his insecurities get in the way when he was turned down.. Then Gareth came to his rescue and was so protective but oh so sweet..
www.bookaholicconfessions.com
September 6, 2015
It was odd. The attempt to make it more than a sweet light tale backfired and left me bemused.
Also Jules fancies bears so doesn't see his slight pretty self as in anyway attractive. Um so heterosexual people can't ever think they look good?
Also Jules fancies bears so doesn't see his slight pretty self as in anyway attractive. Um so heterosexual people can't ever think they look good?
August 9, 2015
Very cute twink + bear story! I loved Jules and Gareth. And it was great seeing Tyler again! I'm hoping maybe Sacha will get a story next :)
August 8, 2015
A sweet little tale from Jay, featuring Jules a trainee hairdresser and Gareth, a big bear of a plumber who makes Jules feel loved, safe and protected. 4 stars from me, and I LOVE the guy on the cover, YUM!!
June 1, 2016
*** This is a sweet, very British, short story !***
We have a femme, hairdresser, lonely soul, Jules,
who sees big, bear, Plummer, Gareth, and begins to drool.
On Saturday night Jules goes dancing with a friend, when a BJ in the bathroom turns into assault. Gareth to the rescue, and cares for Jules, tucks him in and leaves. Next time they talk, Jules discovers Gareth was assaulted in his past, and the two men get to know each other.
Of course, this is a short story, so not much depth is involved, but we like these guys, and we're hoping for a good match up.
Gareth is a bit older and wants more than a hookup, so he asks Jules out to dinner.
They do have amazing sex, and are happily making decisions.
We get a sweet epilogue.
ENJOY !!
==================
August 9, 2015
Quick, fun short story. Jules' is ever hopeful of finding a bear of his own.
Gareth doesn't think a hotty (sort of) twink like Jules could ever go for him.
Their connection is flirty, but also a real thing.
Happy read.
Gareth doesn't think a hotty (sort of) twink like Jules could ever go for him.
Their connection is flirty, but also a real thing.
Happy read.
August 6, 2015
All Man is the latest novel by one of my favorite authors, Jay Northcote. It is a spin off to Top Me Maybe, that was published earlier, but can be read as a separate story. And to say that Jay delivered again would be an understatement. I absolutely LOVED this story, as short as it sadly was. Official publication is on August 8, but Jay Northcote allowed me to read an ARC, for which I am very grateful.
In the story we meet Julian, or Jules as he prefers to be called. He works in a small salon, lusting after men he will never have, living together with his best friend. But one day in walks Gareth to fit in some new sinks for the salon. Jules is immediately in love with the man who is exactly his type. Gareth is exactly the opposite of Jules. very burly and manly, exactly what Jules likes.
Unfortunately Gareth is most likely straight, or so Jules thinks. Oh well, it can't hurt to look and enjoy now can it.
When the weekend finally arrives, Jules and his best friend decide to check out some new gay club in town, drinking and dancing the night away as they usually do. After having a little to much to drink, Jules gets into trouble with a man who wants more than Jules is willing to give. But guess who is coming to his rescue?
Gareth is almost finished in the salon, so he has no more reason to be there. Jules has made his feelings very clear, but Gareth thinks it is all out of gratitude for saving him and it can never be the real thing. Now Jules needs to prove what his love his worth....
Only about 38 pages long, the story is over before you know it. But it has everything a good story needs. A crush, a rescue, lots of romance and even a little sex. All the makings of a great story and that is what it is. I very very much recommend this story to anyone, you will not be disappointed. Only now I am forced to read Top Me Maybe also, to know what happened before this one...
My favorite line from this novel would be this one “You’re the sleek little sports car to my Land Rover.” It describes exactly the difference between Gareth and Jules. Gareth being the all around typical English bloke, while Jules is the slightly feminine hairdresser who never expects to find love and romance. I could immediately relate to the story and the characters and that is very important to me for a good story.
In the story we meet Julian, or Jules as he prefers to be called. He works in a small salon, lusting after men he will never have, living together with his best friend. But one day in walks Gareth to fit in some new sinks for the salon. Jules is immediately in love with the man who is exactly his type. Gareth is exactly the opposite of Jules. very burly and manly, exactly what Jules likes.
Unfortunately Gareth is most likely straight, or so Jules thinks. Oh well, it can't hurt to look and enjoy now can it.
When the weekend finally arrives, Jules and his best friend decide to check out some new gay club in town, drinking and dancing the night away as they usually do. After having a little to much to drink, Jules gets into trouble with a man who wants more than Jules is willing to give. But guess who is coming to his rescue?
Gareth is almost finished in the salon, so he has no more reason to be there. Jules has made his feelings very clear, but Gareth thinks it is all out of gratitude for saving him and it can never be the real thing. Now Jules needs to prove what his love his worth....
Only about 38 pages long, the story is over before you know it. But it has everything a good story needs. A crush, a rescue, lots of romance and even a little sex. All the makings of a great story and that is what it is. I very very much recommend this story to anyone, you will not be disappointed. Only now I am forced to read Top Me Maybe also, to know what happened before this one...
My favorite line from this novel would be this one “You’re the sleek little sports car to my Land Rover.” It describes exactly the difference between Gareth and Jules. Gareth being the all around typical English bloke, while Jules is the slightly feminine hairdresser who never expects to find love and romance. I could immediately relate to the story and the characters and that is very important to me for a good story.
December 22, 2015
3.5 Stars
So, there’s a bear in this here story huh?
Well, since that’s basically my siren’s song I was all over this one. My favorite thing about this one is how much Jules gets it. Why are the bear types so damn sexy? His musings about Gareth were perfect and I really appreciated how much the opposites-attract thing worked. Neither one of them understood their own appeal but completely saw it in one another. It made them so charming together, reading their smitten exchanges was swoony and summed up their attraction with the perfect balance of showing and just enough telling.
My only real niggle with this one was using assault as a plot point. To me the story was a little too short to take on a heavy topic like this. Jules wasn’t flippant about what happened but his casual attitude about drugs and hookups didn’t seem like a match for Gareth. But, then Gareth didn’t seem too bothered but I kind of wanted him to be. I think it was just me wanting the best for both of them and being a little Pollyanna about it all. I think if this were a novel where the whole thing could have been explored fully it would have worked better for me.
I hadn’t read Top Me Maybe? first, but I can tell you I bought it right after I finished this one and devoured that little gem in one squirmy sitting. Overall these are charming characters and I love Jay Northcote’s writing. The flow was a bit of a miss for me as I said, but Gareth made up for it in spades.
a copy of this story was provided for an honest review
So, there’s a bear in this here story huh?
Well, since that’s basically my siren’s song I was all over this one. My favorite thing about this one is how much Jules gets it. Why are the bear types so damn sexy? His musings about Gareth were perfect and I really appreciated how much the opposites-attract thing worked. Neither one of them understood their own appeal but completely saw it in one another. It made them so charming together, reading their smitten exchanges was swoony and summed up their attraction with the perfect balance of showing and just enough telling.
My only real niggle with this one was using assault as a plot point. To me the story was a little too short to take on a heavy topic like this. Jules wasn’t flippant about what happened but his casual attitude about drugs and hookups didn’t seem like a match for Gareth. But, then Gareth didn’t seem too bothered but I kind of wanted him to be. I think it was just me wanting the best for both of them and being a little Pollyanna about it all. I think if this were a novel where the whole thing could have been explored fully it would have worked better for me.
I hadn’t read Top Me Maybe? first, but I can tell you I bought it right after I finished this one and devoured that little gem in one squirmy sitting. Overall these are charming characters and I love Jay Northcote’s writing. The flow was a bit of a miss for me as I said, but Gareth made up for it in spades.
a copy of this story was provided for an honest review
August 15, 2015
This is a super short, super cute story of boy meets boy, boy kisses boy and happily ever after. There is a very little angst. A little hot sex and some pretty sweet moments.
There wasn’t enough story here for me to feel great about them as a couple though it looks like they’re headed for forever, and I would have really liked to see the story longer so we could explore Jules’ attack/reaction more. I loved Gareth’s character and would have loved to see more of his nurturing side explored as well.
This was like a delightful bite of rich cake, only enough to tantalize and make you wish for more.
4.5 of 5 stars
There wasn’t enough story here for me to feel great about them as a couple though it looks like they’re headed for forever, and I would have really liked to see the story longer so we could explore Jules’ attack/reaction more. I loved Gareth’s character and would have loved to see more of his nurturing side explored as well.
This was like a delightful bite of rich cake, only enough to tantalize and make you wish for more.
4.5 of 5 stars
August 11, 2015
A very sexy short story complete with hot cover model!
Stepping back, I do think Jules needed to mature more before being ready for Gareth (who was 10 years older). I'm thinking in particular about Jules' behaviour in drinking + popping pills + giving blow jobs to strangers in club bathrooms. I guess I just wish the story was a little longer so we could see Jules grow before things happened with Gareth. However, looking at this from Jules perspective, it was a pretty incredible twink/bear fantasy come to life.
Stepping back, I do think Jules needed to mature more before being ready for Gareth (who was 10 years older). I'm thinking in particular about Jules' behaviour in drinking + popping pills + giving blow jobs to strangers in club bathrooms. I guess I just wish the story was a little longer so we could see Jules grow before things happened with Gareth. However, looking at this from Jules perspective, it was a pretty incredible twink/bear fantasy come to life.
August 11, 2015
Five stars...I don't think i've come across a Jay Northcote book i've not loved...Jules and Gareth were just amazing together.....I loved how they were together.....Jules had a lucky escape but I had no idea that Gareth was going to be hiding that....This is gonna be a constant re-read for me...It may be a short read but it was perfect x
February 7, 2016
3.5 Stars
I REALLY need half stars! I love this author, and felt this story had so much potential, but it felt so truncated. It seemed to just begin when it ended leaving me wanting so much more of Jules and Gareth, who were both absolutely fabulous, by the way...I would have loved to really have gotten to know them.
I REALLY need half stars! I love this author, and felt this story had so much potential, but it felt so truncated. It seemed to just begin when it ended leaving me wanting so much more of Jules and Gareth, who were both absolutely fabulous, by the way...I would have loved to really have gotten to know them.
August 9, 2015
Short and sweet! I adored this book! Yet another fabulous job Jay!! (:
October 31, 2015
A really cute story! Not enough umph though.
A recommended M/M starter!
3.5 STARS!
A recommended M/M starter!
3.5 STARS!
May 29, 2016
¿Al chiquillo de la portada ya le habrán pagado los royalties correspondientes por esa foto??? Me pregunto... xD
Misma peluquería que en Top Me Maybe. Ligero, sexy y simpático.
Misma peluquería que en Top Me Maybe. Ligero, sexy y simpático.
February 4, 2017
*** 3.5 Stars ***
August 11, 2015
Loved it!!
Jules and Gareth's story is funny, sweet and incredibly sexy!!
This is my second short story from Jay Northcote and it was perfect!
Jules's initial attraction and interactions with Gareth had me laughing out loud and grinning like a fool!
This is another case of opposites attract. They are at complete ends of the spectrum, yet they couldn't be more perfect for each other.
I really enjoyed the writing, the humor and the tenderness of this story. A handful more chapters and it would have made a bang up novella! In fact, I could read about Jules and Gareth for days!
*Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Read more of my reviews at Judy's Confessions
Jules and Gareth's story is funny, sweet and incredibly sexy!!
This is my second short story from Jay Northcote and it was perfect!
Jules's initial attraction and interactions with Gareth had me laughing out loud and grinning like a fool!
"He smelled of clean sweat and masculinity, locker rooms and teenage fantasies. Jules was in heaven."
This is another case of opposites attract. They are at complete ends of the spectrum, yet they couldn't be more perfect for each other.
"You're the sleek little sports car to my Land Rover."
I really enjoyed the writing, the humor and the tenderness of this story. A handful more chapters and it would have made a bang up novella! In fact, I could read about Jules and Gareth for days!
*Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Read more of my reviews at Judy's Confessions
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