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The Troll Whisperer #1
The Troll Whisperer
Oscar Lozada is repulsive, and he likes it that way. His apartment is always a wreck, he works at a sewage plant, and he’s an abrasive jerk to just about everyone. When he's not out drinking and hooking up with strangers, he trolls people on the Internet for lulz. His life changes when he finds out a victim of his trolling lives right next door. Noah is super hot and disarmingly nice. In spite of himself, Oscar starts to fall for him. All he has to do is make sure Noah never discovers the truth behind his trollish ways.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Photo Description:
Photo 1: A macho guy with black hair and a scruffy face stares derisively into the camera. He’s wearing a tank top that shows off a couple of tattoos and a nice body. His mirrored sunglasses make it hard to tell if the expression on his face is a malicious sneer or a mischievous smirk.
Photo 2: A nice-looking young man wearing a jean jacket. He has soft brown hair and soulful brown eyes, which are directed bashfully away from the camera.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Photo Description:
Photo 1: A macho guy with black hair and a scruffy face stares derisively into the camera. He’s wearing a tank top that shows off a couple of tattoos and a nice body. His mirrored sunglasses make it hard to tell if the expression on his face is a malicious sneer or a mischievous smirk.
Photo 2: A nice-looking young man wearing a jean jacket. He has soft brown hair and soulful brown eyes, which are directed bashfully away from the camera.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
115 pages, ebook
First published October 18, 2015
78 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Sera Trevor
13 books220 followersSera Trevor is terminally curious and views the 35 book limit at her local library as a dare. She’s a little bit interested in just about everything, which is probably why she can’t pin herself to one subgenre. Her books are populated with dragons, vampire movie stars, shadow people, and internet trolls. (Not in the same book, obviously, although that would be interesting!) Her works have been nominated for several Goodreads M/M Romance Reader's Choice Awards, including Best Contemporary, Best Fantasy, and Best Debut, for which she won third prize in 2015 for her novella Consorting With Dragons.
She lives in California with her husband, two kids, and a cat the size of three cats.
She lives in California with her husband, two kids, and a cat the size of three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
August 23, 2017
Huh. I really did not expect that.
First off, I want to tell you to have a little bit of perseverance when reading this. I urge you to at least read the first chapter because Oscar is quite the unlikeable and distasteful character. He's content with his predictable life - getting drunk on the weekends with his best friend, gleefully trolling a variety of people and groups on the internet, and indulging in one off's as much as possible. He has no ambition, no goals, and definitely has no desire to really connect with anyone, because of course who needs such a burden?
That all changes when he meets Noah, who is seriously the sweetest guy ever! So sweet that instead of repelling Oscar further, slowly melts him into goo. Slowly gets him to want things and to actually have feelings - feelings he doesn't want to confront. It seems however, that Oscar does have some understandable reasons for being such a closed off asshole and the reveal was a good one.
So I do hope you give this story a chance, and that you will put aside perhaps your initial dislike for Oscar. I did, and I was rewarded with a hot, sexy, thoughtful, angsty story that brought on a huge amount of feels and left me wanting more.
First off, I want to tell you to have a little bit of perseverance when reading this. I urge you to at least read the first chapter because Oscar is quite the unlikeable and distasteful character. He's content with his predictable life - getting drunk on the weekends with his best friend, gleefully trolling a variety of people and groups on the internet, and indulging in one off's as much as possible. He has no ambition, no goals, and definitely has no desire to really connect with anyone, because of course who needs such a burden?
That all changes when he meets Noah, who is seriously the sweetest guy ever! So sweet that instead of repelling Oscar further, slowly melts him into goo. Slowly gets him to want things and to actually have feelings - feelings he doesn't want to confront. It seems however, that Oscar does have some understandable reasons for being such a closed off asshole and the reveal was a good one.
So I do hope you give this story a chance, and that you will put aside perhaps your initial dislike for Oscar. I did, and I was rewarded with a hot, sexy, thoughtful, angsty story that brought on a huge amount of feels and left me wanting more.
June 22, 2020
Audio book - 3.5 stars
Story -3.25 stars
- It was in between, i enjoyed some parts.
- Our main MC Oscar is literally a dirty gross man, eww. He was okay though, when he was not trying to be a troll online.
- Noah was sweet.
- The premise was okay too, i don't think i will be reading/listening to the rest of the series.
- The chemistry was there and not there at the same time. Could have used more sexual tension.
Overall, it was an okay story.
Story -3.25 stars
- It was in between, i enjoyed some parts.
- Our main MC Oscar is literally a dirty gross man, eww. He was okay though, when he was not trying to be a troll online.
- Noah was sweet.
- The premise was okay too, i don't think i will be reading/listening to the rest of the series.
- The chemistry was there and not there at the same time. Could have used more sexual tension.
Overall, it was an okay story.
May 7, 2020
Audio 4.5 Stars
Story 4 Stars
Oscar is an overgrown kid with a chip on his shoulder and asshole tendencies. But when insight about his past is given, I couldn't help but feel for him.
Noah is adorable, sweet, innocent but eager to experience life now that he's left his oppressive religious upbringing behind.
Awesome short story that left me both satisfied and wanting more. 😍
Story 4 Stars
Oscar is an overgrown kid with a chip on his shoulder and asshole tendencies. But when insight about his past is given, I couldn't help but feel for him.
Noah is adorable, sweet, innocent but eager to experience life now that he's left his oppressive religious upbringing behind.
Awesome short story that left me both satisfied and wanting more. 😍
October 12, 2015
Okay. Oscar Lozada is an ASSHOLE. This was what I thought when I read a little of it while deciding to proofread or not. I didn't like him, he was mean and trolling is not a joke. And this guy. Just so irritating. And he's the MC?
I decided not to read it, and that was the end of that. But then I was terribly bored one day, and this was still sitting there, I thought okay, why not (And I did feel guilty that I was reading this story and not helping out, okay(in case anyone from the group is reading this)). I'd heard a lot of people say Sera Trevor was awesome, so I thought this might not be so bad after all. I mean, if someone who's supposed to be a good author wrote it, it can't be that bad, right? So I read it. And I kind of fell in love with it without noticing?
Where were we? Oh yes, Oscar Lozada. He is awful. I mean, really awful. He's an internet troll, and his living conditions are filthy. I'm a neat freak, and sometimes I clean out my friends' bookshelves because seeing them messy makes me itch. So reading about the bags of garbage in his house and the roaches and the stink, I thought I was getting a bad allergic reaction everywhere.
But then I read past that, and wow. Suffice to say I didn't hate that guy for long. Still doesn't go into the territory of love, but I found myself really liking him, rooting for him and his HEA.
And Noah. Wow. I loved that guy right from the beginning. He's so nice. I loved how vulnerable, yet also strong he was. He's awesome. His adorableness is over 9000! (Also yesss cherry popping heheheh).
I think it's an author's skill that she takes someone as vile (maybe that's too strong a word? Maybe disgusting?) as Oscar and makes the readers like him, cheer for him and sympathise with him. Noah, everyone will adore automatically, but Oscar? No. That takes some real talent, and this author has it.
I know a lot of people might have problems getting through the first part, because it was honestly squicky. But if you can just push through the early bits, you'll find a story that'll surprise you in the best way.
Sera Trevor is now my hero.
I decided not to read it, and that was the end of that. But then I was terribly bored one day, and this was still sitting there, I thought okay, why not (And I did feel guilty that I was reading this story and not helping out, okay(in case anyone from the group is reading this)). I'd heard a lot of people say Sera Trevor was awesome, so I thought this might not be so bad after all. I mean, if someone who's supposed to be a good author wrote it, it can't be that bad, right? So I read it. And I kind of fell in love with it without noticing?
Where were we? Oh yes, Oscar Lozada. He is awful. I mean, really awful. He's an internet troll, and his living conditions are filthy. I'm a neat freak, and sometimes I clean out my friends' bookshelves because seeing them messy makes me itch. So reading about the bags of garbage in his house and the roaches and the stink, I thought I was getting a bad allergic reaction everywhere.
But then I read past that, and wow. Suffice to say I didn't hate that guy for long. Still doesn't go into the territory of love, but I found myself really liking him, rooting for him and his HEA.
And Noah. Wow. I loved that guy right from the beginning. He's so nice. I loved how vulnerable, yet also strong he was. He's awesome. His adorableness is over 9000! (Also yesss cherry popping heheheh).
I think it's an author's skill that she takes someone as vile (maybe that's too strong a word? Maybe disgusting?) as Oscar and makes the readers like him, cheer for him and sympathise with him. Noah, everyone will adore automatically, but Oscar? No. That takes some real talent, and this author has it.
I know a lot of people might have problems getting through the first part, because it was honestly squicky. But if you can just push through the early bits, you'll find a story that'll surprise you in the best way.
Sera Trevor is now my hero.
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August 7, 2019
The very beginning of the blurb doesn't lie, Oscar IS repulsive. And not only because he's the Internet troll we all genuinely dislike.
He's one of the least likely heroes of a romance novel I've come across. And the first chapter was tough to read, because Oscar is not a nice person. But thanks to GR friends' reviews I was encouraged to keep going past that first chapter.
The rest of the book was just perfect—the unlikely hero on a redemption arc, slowly changing his ways. Working through bad shit from his past, in very real terms still affecting his present. I was relieved Oscar didn't change his life around and magically became a good guy over night thanks to meeting the love interest. He changed because like everyone newly falling in love, he wants to be that best version of himself your loved one for some crazy reason sees in you. Suddenly Oscar is (reluctantly) motivated, and that is the big difference in driving the story forward.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, Oscar ever more tangled up in his own lies and discombobulated by the changes to the routines of his life. Perhaps the ending was a tiny bit too neat and perfectly tied together for my personal preference, but it didn't take away any enjoyment from reading this book. Now I have to explore what else this author has written!
He's one of the least likely heroes of a romance novel I've come across. And the first chapter was tough to read, because Oscar is not a nice person. But thanks to GR friends' reviews I was encouraged to keep going past that first chapter.
The rest of the book was just perfect—the unlikely hero on a redemption arc, slowly changing his ways. Working through bad shit from his past, in very real terms still affecting his present. I was relieved Oscar didn't change his life around and magically became a good guy over night thanks to meeting the love interest. He changed because like everyone newly falling in love, he wants to be that best version of himself your loved one for some crazy reason sees in you. Suddenly Oscar is (reluctantly) motivated, and that is the big difference in driving the story forward.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, Oscar ever more tangled up in his own lies and discombobulated by the changes to the routines of his life. Perhaps the ending was a tiny bit too neat and perfectly tied together for my personal preference, but it didn't take away any enjoyment from reading this book. Now I have to explore what else this author has written!
May 9, 2016
Please, please give this story a chance. Please push through until Oscar and Noah actually start dating for real (i.e., after the first date or two).
Sera Trevor is a gifted writer. I laughed out loud. I cried a lot. This was an amazing story of love and forgiveness including forgiving yourself. I guess it really spoke to me.
If the first chapter throws you off a bit, keep pushing through. He really only does trolling like that in the very beginning. The message I think the story really says strongly is that there is good in everyone and you can come back from anything, even the hole you've dug under yourself.
Yeah, gettin' teary just writing this review. Very powerful story and on my favorites list now.
I ask you not to judge Oscar for his filth. Sure, at first Oscar is pretty disgusting. Most normal people are, I'm sure, appalled at what his home looks like. But I've seen worse (I had a friend who ended up on Hoarders because she was about to lose her kid, and she is one of the sweetest people I've ever known). I've had foster kids for years and have seen places and things that would blow your mind. I myself have struggled with depression and self esteem issues and have been where I would have been horribly ashamed had anyone I knew walked into my home. I've also traveled to developing countries where people live in less than ideal circumstances because they have no choice.
Our American culture is overly obsessed with cleanliness to the point that a lot of disease and death-level allergies are being blamed on it. (Our overuse of antibiotic hand soap has contributed to the growth of bacteria into drug-resistant strains.) So many of us aren't comfortable even reading about that kind of thing. But it's realistic. It really is. Frankly, I think the people reading it and being upset have never been in an apartment where a bunch of college boys rent rooms. :)
Anyway, some of that trolling is actually funny, I am embarrassed to admit. I may blast a book but I don't blast people and I don't like conflict (although I don't run from it) so I don't purposely create it. Trolls bug the fuck out of me and it was only with maturity that I learned to not respond.
But really, some of the things Oscar says as he's trolling are really hilarious. I laughed out loud at the parenting board part and the upping the misspellings for maximum irritation. It's funny how I actually don't react well to nasty MCs but this time it's just so over the top and what he's doing is so funny and mostly to people who are either in power over him or who kind of deserve it -- well so much is so true like how people react to trolls -- that it just made me laugh. The nose thing was so funny I laughed at almost every sentence. It definitely helped that he didn't target specific people, just posted in certain forums and let people come at him. Maybe it helped that the people he thought were assholes, really were assholes and I didn't feel very sorry for them.
What wasn't funny was his treatment of Noah online. That targeted an individual rather than a group who had a choice whether to participate. He took advantage of Noah's kindness and friendliness and that may be where people are dnf'ing it. But I think it is really important to the story and if you're worried, no nor does he ever or anyone ever say that what he had been through was any kind of an excuse. The story has a really good message.
Oscar does have some cool thoughts but you have to get to know him before you figure that out. I like that he thinks that he's the one trespassing on cockroach territory when he's in the sewer, not that they're these horrible evil things, rats are really smart and actually cute if you get past your biases, sewage treatment is critical and under-appreciated, and all water is essentially wastewater as it's part of the life cycle. He's a smart boy; he just chooses not to think as much as possible.
Notes as I was reading:
I don't get the whole ASMR thing. I had to look it up because although I've heard of it, I didn't know the acronym. But it would totally ruin the sound if I saw someone doing it in a video. It's not the same to me and it actually would make me stressed. It's probably related to the fact that I hate background noise; I HATE TV with commercials or laugh tracks, etc. Also, I don't get the whispering part going along with the other sounds. I would think they would appeal to different people. Words would be totally distracting. I would be trying to figure out what they were saying and unable to concentrate on just the sound. I think that has a lot to do with why I hate TV. I have trouble tuning people's voices out.
Ugh. The age difference rears its ugly head. I was doing fine ignoring it but then his inexperience with beer...although if you pour soda you should know you have to tilt the glass. Guess he ate healthy, too.
Wow, the story just sped away from there. I couldn't put it down or stop even to take any more notes.
5+ stars
Sera Trevor is a gifted writer. I laughed out loud. I cried a lot. This was an amazing story of love and forgiveness including forgiving yourself. I guess it really spoke to me.
If the first chapter throws you off a bit, keep pushing through. He really only does trolling like that in the very beginning. The message I think the story really says strongly is that there is good in everyone and you can come back from anything, even the hole you've dug under yourself.
Yeah, gettin' teary just writing this review. Very powerful story and on my favorites list now.
I ask you not to judge Oscar for his filth. Sure, at first Oscar is pretty disgusting. Most normal people are, I'm sure, appalled at what his home looks like. But I've seen worse (I had a friend who ended up on Hoarders because she was about to lose her kid, and she is one of the sweetest people I've ever known). I've had foster kids for years and have seen places and things that would blow your mind. I myself have struggled with depression and self esteem issues and have been where I would have been horribly ashamed had anyone I knew walked into my home. I've also traveled to developing countries where people live in less than ideal circumstances because they have no choice.
Our American culture is overly obsessed with cleanliness to the point that a lot of disease and death-level allergies are being blamed on it. (Our overuse of antibiotic hand soap has contributed to the growth of bacteria into drug-resistant strains.) So many of us aren't comfortable even reading about that kind of thing. But it's realistic. It really is. Frankly, I think the people reading it and being upset have never been in an apartment where a bunch of college boys rent rooms. :)
Anyway, some of that trolling is actually funny, I am embarrassed to admit. I may blast a book but I don't blast people and I don't like conflict (although I don't run from it) so I don't purposely create it. Trolls bug the fuck out of me and it was only with maturity that I learned to not respond.
But really, some of the things Oscar says as he's trolling are really hilarious. I laughed out loud at the parenting board part and the upping the misspellings for maximum irritation. It's funny how I actually don't react well to nasty MCs but this time it's just so over the top and what he's doing is so funny and mostly to people who are either in power over him or who kind of deserve it -- well so much is so true like how people react to trolls -- that it just made me laugh. The nose thing was so funny I laughed at almost every sentence. It definitely helped that he didn't target specific people, just posted in certain forums and let people come at him. Maybe it helped that the people he thought were assholes, really were assholes and I didn't feel very sorry for them.
What wasn't funny was his treatment of Noah online. That targeted an individual rather than a group who had a choice whether to participate. He took advantage of Noah's kindness and friendliness and that may be where people are dnf'ing it. But I think it is really important to the story and if you're worried, no nor does he ever or anyone ever say that what he had been through was any kind of an excuse. The story has a really good message.
Oscar does have some cool thoughts but you have to get to know him before you figure that out. I like that he thinks that he's the one trespassing on cockroach territory when he's in the sewer, not that they're these horrible evil things, rats are really smart and actually cute if you get past your biases, sewage treatment is critical and under-appreciated, and all water is essentially wastewater as it's part of the life cycle. He's a smart boy; he just chooses not to think as much as possible.
Notes as I was reading:
I don't get the whole ASMR thing. I had to look it up because although I've heard of it, I didn't know the acronym. But it would totally ruin the sound if I saw someone doing it in a video. It's not the same to me and it actually would make me stressed. It's probably related to the fact that I hate background noise; I HATE TV with commercials or laugh tracks, etc. Also, I don't get the whispering part going along with the other sounds. I would think they would appeal to different people. Words would be totally distracting. I would be trying to figure out what they were saying and unable to concentrate on just the sound. I think that has a lot to do with why I hate TV. I have trouble tuning people's voices out.
Ugh. The age difference rears its ugly head. I was doing fine ignoring it but then his inexperience with beer...although if you pour soda you should know you have to tilt the glass. Guess he ate healthy, too.
Wow, the story just sped away from there. I couldn't put it down or stop even to take any more notes.
5+ stars
October 11, 2019
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. I surprised myself. I rarely, and I mean RARELY, tear up while reading. I mean, it's fiction, right? But I actually got a bit misty toward the end of this book. Oscar was a rotten person - but not really. He had some bad things happen in his past that he just couldn't let go of. So he trolled because making other people angry and miserable made him feel better. Until he met Noah - and he really did start feeling better. But his trolling past came back to haunt him.
I'm so glad I gave this book a try.
I'm so glad I gave this book a try.
October 18, 2015
I teared up. Really. Just for a paragraph, but still. I fell into the story quickly and just lived it. Everything felt so real. Even the drama was well done. Fun and feels. Yeah, it rocks.
dnf
October 27, 2015Thanks to the author for participating and offering this freebie, but me no likey!
I just can't. The warning is in the blurb - Oscar Lozada is repulsive - he REALLY is repulsive.
I have to be able to like/empathise with the main character and with him I can't. Don't care how fit and toned he is, his pride in filth turned me away; ten bags of garbage in his filthy apartment, heaps of smelly laundry when he's a sewage worker, even without the fact he's a troll....
Not sure if it's intended as humourous, perhaps his emotional growth is a touching read, but I've had to stop reading to run a bath with all the fresh fragrant blubbles imaginable!
Laters!
I just can't. The warning is in the blurb - Oscar Lozada is repulsive - he REALLY is repulsive.
I have to be able to like/empathise with the main character and with him I can't. Don't care how fit and toned he is, his pride in filth turned me away; ten bags of garbage in his filthy apartment, heaps of smelly laundry when he's a sewage worker, even without the fact he's a troll....
Not sure if it's intended as humourous, perhaps his emotional growth is a touching read, but I've had to stop reading to run a bath with all the fresh fragrant blubbles imaginable!
Laters!
November 28, 2017
The two main characters are complete caricatures. Noah is a soft-spoken person and over the top sweet and forgiving. Oscar is despicable, his apartment is disgusting and the author piles on the literal garbage bags. It is gross and entertaining at the same time. I found his trolling hilarious.
He spent the next hour on Tumblr, defending a post he'd made about how Benedict Cumberbatch was an alien-looking lizard motherfucker. That shit wasn't even trolling - it was the truth. He added another post about how Tom Hiddleston was a terrible actor; he was sure it would bear fruit tomorrow. Then he went to Goodreads and randomly one-starred a bunch of books.
But then the book felt into a cliche: the traumatic coming-out story. *Sigh* Can authors of M-M romances please stop using this to pull on heartstrings? Yes, I know, I know it's a BIG moment in someone's life - well, actually, I don't know - but I am sick of reading about them. Call me callous and insensitive, I will take that if people's personalities don't get defined that way. After that, the rest of the book is kind of maudlin.
So 4 stars for the trolling and 2 for all the emotions.
He spent the next hour on Tumblr, defending a post he'd made about how Benedict Cumberbatch was an alien-looking lizard motherfucker. That shit wasn't even trolling - it was the truth. He added another post about how Tom Hiddleston was a terrible actor; he was sure it would bear fruit tomorrow. Then he went to Goodreads and randomly one-starred a bunch of books.
But then the book felt into a cliche: the traumatic coming-out story. *Sigh* Can authors of M-M romances please stop using this to pull on heartstrings? Yes, I know, I know it's a BIG moment in someone's life - well, actually, I don't know - but I am sick of reading about them. Call me callous and insensitive, I will take that if people's personalities don't get defined that way. After that, the rest of the book is kind of maudlin.
So 4 stars for the trolling and 2 for all the emotions.
October 10, 2023
I figured out why I enjoy the romance genre. No it's not just the smexy times. That's the victorian pearl clutching with southern sensibilities. All wrapped up on a soft blanket with a hot coco and cookie.
Unlike some situations. Everything isn't tied up in a bow. With the couple happy for now, and the villains out of the picture.
It is gathering the courage to say hello. Devising how to make the first move. That kiss! Having access to so many scenarios. That when I catch the next ones eye. I know just how to put on my romantic moves.
Advice, don't troll your love interest. Yeah it will make for a funny story later. Like with any miscommunication...I'll hurt a lot. When you apologize! Make sure it's the one they need to hear. Not the one that's easiest for you.
Unlike some situations. Everything isn't tied up in a bow. With the couple happy for now, and the villains out of the picture.
It is gathering the courage to say hello. Devising how to make the first move. That kiss! Having access to so many scenarios. That when I catch the next ones eye. I know just how to put on my romantic moves.
Advice, don't troll your love interest. Yeah it will make for a funny story later. Like with any miscommunication...I'll hurt a lot. When you apologize! Make sure it's the one they need to hear. Not the one that's easiest for you.
November 19, 2016
Fair warning....this book is not for germaphobe and OCD readers. It starts out seriously gross. Their are bugs, peeps! *shivers* One of the mains is a internet troll (even going so far as to 1 star books for no reason on GR...the bastard), a hoarder and a asshole. Oscar is a sweet asshole though and he kinda grows on you after awhile especially when you learn why he is the way he is. If you can get through the nasty which is really only in the beginning of the book, it's really written well and it's pretty great watching Oscar heal and fall in love with Noah (and clean...seriously that was almost as hot as the sexy times...I totally needed that to happen). Plus we have virgin sex for my fellow freaks that's pretty hot...I mean 'dildo fucking' hot. Though I'm hoping that because the dildo was Noah's he took it out of the drawer and cleaned it after...just saying.
Note: Most of the book takes place at Noah's not Oscar's and none of the sexy times happen at Oscar's so no buggies in orifices they should never dwell. Really...I was scurred.
Note: Most of the book takes place at Noah's not Oscar's and none of the sexy times happen at Oscar's so no buggies in orifices they should never dwell. Really...I was scurred.
February 4, 2018
First ewwwww, Then awwwww....
I want to take a shower. Seriously. After I finish writing this, I am scalding myself with hot, hot water. Because, ewwww. Oscar. At the beginning was so nasty, and dirty, and just ewww. His apartment. Things crunching under his feet. Piles of garbage bags.
And then his trollish wallowing changed. Because he changed. Because he was a little less dirty inside. And then, he was on the way to being clean. Because of Noah, and Jeremy, and love really.
But what an awful person he was. Horrible. Just know that there are lots of feelz here for our Oscar. And consequently for our reader. My significant other interrupted my reading to tell me I was smiling. Of all the things, smiling while reading. Damn you, Oscar and Noah!
Read this, just have some antibacterial wipes at the ready. Maybe some bleach. I’m gonna shower.
I want to take a shower. Seriously. After I finish writing this, I am scalding myself with hot, hot water. Because, ewwww. Oscar. At the beginning was so nasty, and dirty, and just ewww. His apartment. Things crunching under his feet. Piles of garbage bags.
And then his trollish wallowing changed. Because he changed. Because he was a little less dirty inside. And then, he was on the way to being clean. Because of Noah, and Jeremy, and love really.
But what an awful person he was. Horrible. Just know that there are lots of feelz here for our Oscar. And consequently for our reader. My significant other interrupted my reading to tell me I was smiling. Of all the things, smiling while reading. Damn you, Oscar and Noah!
Read this, just have some antibacterial wipes at the ready. Maybe some bleach. I’m gonna shower.
August 7, 2019
4.1 Stars
Okay, yet another book I didn't want to like...because OMFG Oscar is horrible. Just...horrible. Those first couple of chapters I kept putting the Kindle aside in order to clean things since it was obvious he wouldn't. Ugh. Plus, having spent over 2 years as an exterminator, my sympathies immediately resided with his neighbors (roaches are very hard to get rid of once infested) and that ballsy apartment property manager!
But then...seriously Sera? You had to go and humanize him. You made me both sympathize and empathize with him. You made me root for him to figure his shit out and become a better person.
You know when I said how much I love character development? This right here epitomizes that struggle. Such a good story.
Also, in case you missed it, this guy lives in garbage, is grumpy as hell and completely unhappy unless he's making other people miserable as well...and his name is Oscar. Sesame Street could not have made their Oscar a human any better than this.
Edited to add: Oh, and I looked up some of those ASMR vids and let me tell you...I'll be back to watch this one when I need a dose of the warm-n-fuzzy relaxation feel goods.
Okay, yet another book I didn't want to like...because OMFG Oscar is horrible. Just...horrible. Those first couple of chapters I kept putting the Kindle aside in order to clean things since it was obvious he wouldn't. Ugh. Plus, having spent over 2 years as an exterminator, my sympathies immediately resided with his neighbors (roaches are very hard to get rid of once infested) and that ballsy apartment property manager!
But then...seriously Sera? You had to go and humanize him. You made me both sympathize and empathize with him. You made me root for him to figure his shit out and become a better person.
You know when I said how much I love character development? This right here epitomizes that struggle. Such a good story.
Also, in case you missed it, this guy lives in garbage, is grumpy as hell and completely unhappy unless he's making other people miserable as well...and his name is Oscar. Sesame Street could not have made their Oscar a human any better than this.
Edited to add: Oh, and I looked up some of those ASMR vids and let me tell you...I'll be back to watch this one when I need a dose of the warm-n-fuzzy relaxation feel goods.
October 14, 2023
3.5⭐️
I have to be honest. I had to push myself through the first few chapters.
Oscar is not a likeable character to begin with. Luckily, Noah is adorable and I fell in love with him straight away.
I ended up enjoying this a lot, and am already moving on the the next one.
I have to be honest. I had to push myself through the first few chapters.
Oscar is not a likeable character to begin with. Luckily, Noah is adorable and I fell in love with him straight away.
I ended up enjoying this a lot, and am already moving on the the next one.
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May 3, 2022DNF @ 28%
I just cannot connect with Oscar in any way. Sigh.
I own this book though, so chances are I might come back to it at some other time.
I just cannot connect with Oscar in any way. Sigh.
I own this book though, so chances are I might come back to it at some other time.
May 1, 2017
A highly unlikeable character learns to clean up his act and let love back into his life.
Oscarthe Grouch starts off living in a dump. He loves to smell nasty, make nasty comments, and keep a nasty amount of garbage in his apartment. He also works in sewage, which explains his insanely high tolerance for filth.
Noah is the complete opposite-- loving and clean and soft spoken. He is incredibly naive, but he's not some sweet innocent cinnamon roll for Oscar to corrupt.
And I quote:
What I liked most is how Noah isn't solely responsible for Oscar's character development. Oscar needs to remember how to open up his heart again, and that process includes his family and friends. So even though the ending is sappy and very "Hollywood," I appreciated how Noah wasn't treated like a panacea.
Overall, a very feel-good story, with just enough angst to counter Oscar's insufferable attitude.
--
As a side note: I looked up ASMR (the thing Noah is into), and it's actually pretty cool. I found a video that's similar to the physical examination role-play Noah does, and while it's somewhere between awkward and boring, I decided to dig deeper. Turns out I get tingles from ASMR, but it's very specific to the trigger sound (e.g. it's never phone calls--phone calls only stress me out). So yay for learning something new!
Oscar
Noah is the complete opposite-- loving and clean and soft spoken. He is incredibly naive, but he's not some sweet innocent cinnamon roll for Oscar to corrupt.
And I quote:
“Fine. Let’s say you’re a traitorous, hateful coward. I’ve been celibate my entire life up until I met you, and you fuck like a porn star. Don’t you think I deserve that?”
What I liked most is how Noah isn't solely responsible for Oscar's character development. Oscar needs to remember how to open up his heart again, and that process includes his family and friends. So even though the ending is sappy and very "Hollywood," I appreciated how Noah wasn't treated like a panacea.
Overall, a very feel-good story, with just enough angst to counter Oscar's insufferable attitude.
--
As a side note: I looked up ASMR (the thing Noah is into), and it's actually pretty cool. I found a video that's similar to the physical examination role-play Noah does, and while it's somewhere between awkward and boring, I decided to dig deeper. Turns out I get tingles from ASMR, but it's very specific to the trigger sound (e.g. it's never phone calls--phone calls only stress me out). So yay for learning something new!
October 31, 2017
Overall book rating: 3
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
Okay then... I did it. It’s done. I can agree whole heartedly that Oscar was one DIRTY Troll in the beginning. I actually still can’t really get my mind around all the stuff in the beginning... But what the hell.
I was warned and so I finished.
I really enjoyed the rest of the story. So I think I’ll conveniently “forget” about all of Oscar’s ‘weirdness” and go with what we got by the end of the story. I have to say the “Troll” part of his personality was maybe easier to digest than the state of his personal hygiene and that of his home.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
Okay then... I did it. It’s done. I can agree whole heartedly that Oscar was one DIRTY Troll in the beginning. I actually still can’t really get my mind around all the stuff in the beginning... But what the hell.
I was warned and so I finished.
I really enjoyed the rest of the story. So I think I’ll conveniently “forget” about all of Oscar’s ‘weirdness” and go with what we got by the end of the story. I have to say the “Troll” part of his personality was maybe easier to digest than the state of his personal hygiene and that of his home.
July 12, 2021
Oscar is a smelly grouch, works in a sewage plant, lives in an filthy apartment filled with trash and cockroaches, and spends his leisure time trolling the 'net, starting fights and destroying people with mean belittling words.
But his redemption is one of the sweetest things I've read this past year. Oscar meets sweet gentle dad-jeans-and-short-sleeved-checked-plaid-shirt-wearing Noah, fresh from New Hampshire and his stifling Jehovah's Witness upbringing. Noah touches something very honest and true within Oscar and slowly all that self-loathing behavior starts to change. Oscar's friend Jeremy makes a life-changing decision as well about his drinking, with the help of Crystal, who is a wonderfully-drawn compassionate, no bullshit former addict. Oscar finds acceptance within his family, which is beautifully told by the author.
For a short book, this packs a helluva punch. It's hot and sexy, gentle and understanding.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
But his redemption is one of the sweetest things I've read this past year. Oscar meets sweet gentle dad-jeans-and-short-sleeved-checked-plaid-shirt-wearing Noah, fresh from New Hampshire and his stifling Jehovah's Witness upbringing. Noah touches something very honest and true within Oscar and slowly all that self-loathing behavior starts to change. Oscar's friend Jeremy makes a life-changing decision as well about his drinking, with the help of Crystal, who is a wonderfully-drawn compassionate, no bullshit former addict. Oscar finds acceptance within his family, which is beautifully told by the author.
For a short book, this packs a helluva punch. It's hot and sexy, gentle and understanding.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
January 3, 2021
*Re-read on 2Jan2021.* I still love Oscar, he needs 5 stars. And Winds of Winter is still not published, haha...
Soo, I actually loved Oscar and his somewhat dirty apartment. He is a truly despicable character, what with his trolling and being overall nasty (that with the no-shower policy, ugh!)! Still, I loved him...
Noah could have been a bit more in the spotlight, he had an interesting backstory, but this was Oscars's story for sure:-).
Another author that I've never heard about before, but definitely will return to!
Soo, I actually loved Oscar and his somewhat dirty apartment. He is a truly despicable character, what with his trolling and being overall nasty (that with the no-shower policy, ugh!)! Still, I loved him...
Noah could have been a bit more in the spotlight, he had an interesting backstory, but this was Oscars's story for sure:-).
Another author that I've never heard about before, but definitely will return to!
Read
October 13, 2015Hi everyone! This is your author speaking. I just wanted to let everyone know that I've written a 10k word sequel called "The Pink Wedding." This story is available for FREE for subscribers to my newsletter. If you're already a subscriber, the link is in your inbox already. (Check the spam folder - newsletters sometimes migrate there.) If you haven't subscribed, you can sign up here. (The story might take a couple of days to reach you.)
However, the offer is only good until 11/1/15. After that, you can pick it up on Amazon and other online retailers for $.99.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed, and thanks for reading!
However, the offer is only good until 11/1/15. After that, you can pick it up on Amazon and other online retailers for $.99.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed, and thanks for reading!
Read
October 13, 2015Probably a classic case of it's me, not you.
I really disliked both MCs, one was repulsive (and ultra-stereotyped, also I kept scratching myself. That itch!)...
...and the other felt like someone you need to tie to a post, or they'll fly off.
I didn't like them, and that meant that I detached from the story barely 1/3rd in.
But kudos to the author for writing two stories for the event!
I really disliked both MCs, one was repulsive (and ultra-stereotyped, also I kept scratching myself. That itch!)...
...and the other felt like someone you need to tie to a post, or they'll fly off.
I didn't like them, and that meant that I detached from the story barely 1/3rd in.
But kudos to the author for writing two stories for the event!
April 7, 2020
[ I received a digital copy for an honest review]
The Troll Whisperer by Sera Trevor is a quick fun mm read. I actually enjoyed it much more than I thought I expected. The troll of our story, Oscar, is really disgusting in the beginning, and he is hands down an a**hole. Then we have Noah who is super sweet and innocent and you automatically adore him. Noah brings out feelings in Oscar that he has avoided at all costs for a long time. He is forced to take a real good look at himself when his trolling comes to threaten the progress he has made. This was a great redemption story that shows anyone can change for the better they just have to try.
The Troll Whisperer by Sera Trevor is a quick fun mm read. I actually enjoyed it much more than I thought I expected. The troll of our story, Oscar, is really disgusting in the beginning, and he is hands down an a**hole. Then we have Noah who is super sweet and innocent and you automatically adore him. Noah brings out feelings in Oscar that he has avoided at all costs for a long time. He is forced to take a real good look at himself when his trolling comes to threaten the progress he has made. This was a great redemption story that shows anyone can change for the better they just have to try.
dnf
November 16, 2019Meh. I read a few chapters and it just didn't hold my attention. I bailed.
October 12, 2015
4.5ish.
I got to help beta this for Sera, who was nervous to step outside of her fantasy comfort zone, but I'm so happy that she did. Great job, lovely one! And thank you for letting me push and poke you about things in the story.
I got to help beta this for Sera, who was nervous to step outside of her fantasy comfort zone, but I'm so happy that she did. Great job, lovely one! And thank you for letting me push and poke you about things in the story.
September 20, 2021
3.5 stars.
I didn't know what to think going into this one. An MC who's a slob and a troll doesn't sound like it will make up for a good read, does it? But it was surprisingly cute and even heartwarming at time. It took me some time to warm up to Oscar, but when his motivations for the way he was acting was shown, I got it. He was one of those MC's that really deserved to get his happy ever after, and Noah couldn't have been better for him. There was a great set of secondary characters. I especially liked Jeremy.
I didn't know what to think going into this one. An MC who's a slob and a troll doesn't sound like it will make up for a good read, does it? But it was surprisingly cute and even heartwarming at time. It took me some time to warm up to Oscar, but when his motivations for the way he was acting was shown, I got it. He was one of those MC's that really deserved to get his happy ever after, and Noah couldn't have been better for him. There was a great set of secondary characters. I especially liked Jeremy.
April 17, 2020
This is the first book I've read from this writer, and I assure you, I'm not going to stop here. I loved this book.
Oscar was infuriated and repulsive (I hate internet trolls) but Noah is a sweet. I loved Oscar's sisters and his friend Jeremy
I was given an arc in exchange for an honest review
Oscar was infuriated and repulsive (I hate internet trolls) but Noah is a sweet. I loved Oscar's sisters and his friend Jeremy
I was given an arc in exchange for an honest review
October 15, 2016
One of the most extraordinary books I've read in a long time, and right up my street being an angst filled m/m romance with two damaged characters. No Billionaires, no high powered jobs, no model good looks. Refreshing and unique, even if you do need to hold your nose for a lot of the book.
A man hurting on the inside, shows his self hatred by being disgusting and like most bullies, taking delight in making other people as miserable as him.
This is an 'onion' story, with levels being revealed slowly, as the author takes the reader on a journey from revulsion, disgust and hatred to acceptance and sympathy as the main character makes the same journey with the help of a new person in his life.
Highly recommended.
A man hurting on the inside, shows his self hatred by being disgusting and like most bullies, taking delight in making other people as miserable as him.
This is an 'onion' story, with levels being revealed slowly, as the author takes the reader on a journey from revulsion, disgust and hatred to acceptance and sympathy as the main character makes the same journey with the help of a new person in his life.
Highly recommended.
June 23, 2019
This is a beautiful and moving story about redemption, friendship, and love, both familial and romantic.
When I read the title and the description, I was thinking of some weird fetish involving garden gnomes and whispering. Glad I got that completely wrong. One guy likes being an Internet troll just to cause trouble, and the other gets a non-sexual thrill from soft noises.
When I read the title and the description, I was thinking of some weird fetish involving garden gnomes and whispering. Glad I got that completely wrong. One guy likes being an Internet troll just to cause trouble, and the other gets a non-sexual thrill from soft noises.
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