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Greater Expectations
It is said that the course of true love never runs smooth - even for us men. Yet it has never been easier to find love than in this modern digital era where the mighty computer has all but rendered Cupid redundant. Love is now to be found, quite literally, at your fingertips. Although love also seems to have changed with the times. This new love is deceitful and manipulative, cunning and untrustworthy. Love has gotten ugly. Thankfully, not all the answers to life’s mysteries are to be found in the computer and Cupid - battered and bruised as he may be - proves that he still has some game and a few tricks up his sleeve…
444 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2014
16 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 15, 2015
Sometimes you need to hear it from the guy's point of view to really understand the male version of a breakup! In the fictional book Greater Expectations by the author Alexander McCabe, you really do feel like you are getting the best of the male point of view. This book opens your eyes to some of the problems and outright heart ache that men go through after a long term relationship and break up. I know it may be hard for some to follow along simply because us women are well, kind of spoiled, by always reading a woman's perspective. It does matter, especially during a break up episode.
McCabe at times throughout this book is brutally honest, especially when the main character states that men often times will let a relationship go, because they were too involved in their ego to allow themselves to apologize. Wow, I so needed to read that part! This is almost like a self help book, yet it is fiction and provides a woman with so many clues to solving life long puzzles with men that they may have loved over the years. I truly enjoyed this book and feel that McCabe did an awesome job on helping out the ladies with this book! Not to mention sharing a little insight for the guys too.
I rate this book 4 stars and recommend for all those dealing with an unwanted breakup, well, especially you gals that are needing the male insight!
McCabe at times throughout this book is brutally honest, especially when the main character states that men often times will let a relationship go, because they were too involved in their ego to allow themselves to apologize. Wow, I so needed to read that part! This is almost like a self help book, yet it is fiction and provides a woman with so many clues to solving life long puzzles with men that they may have loved over the years. I truly enjoyed this book and feel that McCabe did an awesome job on helping out the ladies with this book! Not to mention sharing a little insight for the guys too.
I rate this book 4 stars and recommend for all those dealing with an unwanted breakup, well, especially you gals that are needing the male insight!
May 18, 2015
I have to say, in a way, the ending of this book was predictable. The journey to get there, however, oh dear Lord, was not. I thoroughly enjoyed this humorous take on a man going through a divorce, a point of view I had never read, nor had considered before. It was at times very tender and insightful, yet maintaining hilarity at the same time. Was it crass? Of course...most men are. We women do not like to admit that men speak this way (usually when we are not present), but it was the candidness of the male characters that made this novel so realistic. 99.9% of it did not bother me; in fact I found the story in the beginning of the novel about Mike opening up a cab door of a fellow driver and finding a surprise, so funny, I spit water out my nose when reading it. I admit though, the "defecation" references were a little too much for me to stomach (and incidentally, my husband was also grossed out when I revealed these to him so I'm not a hysterical female...). I think the initial poop mishap would have been enough for the comical impression that was necessary...it didn't need to happen again.
All in all, a hysterical novel that I would highly recommend if you're looking for a laugh and a little insight into the male point of view.
All in all, a hysterical novel that I would highly recommend if you're looking for a laugh and a little insight into the male point of view.
August 31, 2014
Love, romance and dating from a male perspective. This book will make you laugh cry and cringe. An excellent read.
March 2, 2015
This book was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING !!!
When i first started it, it reminded me of a film where you see the main character (Z), writing in a journal and then the scene switches to show you what he is writing about.It had so many laugh out loud moments and Alexander McCabe pulls you in completely !!!
It tells the story of Z a guy who has found out his wife was cheating on him and so is in the process of getting divorced. Whilst on a short break he makes friends with Penny, who is a local aristocrat, and they both realise that are guilty of stereotyping certain people which brings them to form an unlikely friendship. We hear of some of his dating disasters which, are soooo funny and have you feeling really sorry for him but also laughing at him at the same time !!! While he's going through these dates he's still in contact with Penny whether it be email or phone call as she has asked him to tell her of his dating stories and to not leave anything out so as she can live her life through his stories. But he soon realises that he feels ashamed about the dates he's been on and doesn't feel right telling Penny these tales, thinking she will be disgusted in him, after all he is just after sex nothing more especially after what his soon to be ex wife did to him !!
I would definitely recommend this to friends as it really is an awesome book !!! It really is a HIDDEN GEM X
When i first started it, it reminded me of a film where you see the main character (Z), writing in a journal and then the scene switches to show you what he is writing about.It had so many laugh out loud moments and Alexander McCabe pulls you in completely !!!
It tells the story of Z a guy who has found out his wife was cheating on him and so is in the process of getting divorced. Whilst on a short break he makes friends with Penny, who is a local aristocrat, and they both realise that are guilty of stereotyping certain people which brings them to form an unlikely friendship. We hear of some of his dating disasters which, are soooo funny and have you feeling really sorry for him but also laughing at him at the same time !!! While he's going through these dates he's still in contact with Penny whether it be email or phone call as she has asked him to tell her of his dating stories and to not leave anything out so as she can live her life through his stories. But he soon realises that he feels ashamed about the dates he's been on and doesn't feel right telling Penny these tales, thinking she will be disgusted in him, after all he is just after sex nothing more especially after what his soon to be ex wife did to him !!
I would definitely recommend this to friends as it really is an awesome book !!! It really is a HIDDEN GEM X
January 6, 2015
Great read! Very funny, but also quite thought provoking. Interesting to see a man's take on love and dating. Loved the ending. Hoping for a sequel, as I was not quite done with the story yet!
November 11, 2019
Glad to know that men cry over relationships too.
The formatting of the ebook made it difficult to read. My eyes grew tired very quickly.
The crude parts were difficult to read for obvious reasons. They left me cringing. It's a little incongruous that the writer uses such formal language to describe such lowbrow acts.
The formatting of the ebook made it difficult to read. My eyes grew tired very quickly.
The crude parts were difficult to read for obvious reasons. They left me cringing. It's a little incongruous that the writer uses such formal language to describe such lowbrow acts.
March 1, 2015
Favorite Quotes:
“Mum, what makes you so sure that it’s her fault?” Her answer was one only a mum can give.“Well it stands to reason. I know you, as you are my son. I gave birth to you. I have always been here for you and I have known you all of your life. You may be living away from us but you are never far from me. That’s a mum’s instinct and it may well be explained and summarily dismissed by some scientific logic or another but it’s all very real to me.” It was all true and I couldn’t explain it either. Mum also recognised that she had taken us into a conversation cul-de-sac and so quickly pressed on with a change of tack that required some input from me. She was worried. “Besides, why else would she phone us if she wasn’t the guilty party? You would have called first to ensure that we were fully prepared for such a conversation.” We both knew what she was saying was wrong but, like every good mum, she was giving me the option to save face for not calling. That’s what mums do. Even when they know that their child is completely in the wrong, they allow them to save face. This is equally applicable in relationships. Men are stubborn and full of pride. As such, we would rather lose a perfectly good relationship than concede that we were actually in the wrong and I know because it has happened to me.
“It’s a lady’s prerogative to be fashionably late. Just keep calm and trust in fate.”I was holding my phone with my hand under the table whilst reading her text. It was a vain attempt at privacy and so save any awkward questions should “A” suddenly appear. I mean, how would that look? “Sorry ‘A’ but Penny–you remember Penny? I told you about her–anyway, she and I are having a text chat while I have been waiting for you. Don’t worry though, it's all good as we have only been talking about you. Actually, I didn’t want to come so you should actually be thankful that Penny convinced me.” I need to switch this phone off now. How can I? What if “A” needs to contact me? What if she’s running late? Worse, what if she’s had an accident on the way here? No, I cannot turn off the phone but I can tell Penny to stop texting and I can call her later, or tomorrow. My finger was poised on the screen, ready to rapidly dance over the small electronic keyboard, when I become aware of someone standing next to me.
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story about Z a man who lost his love or at least he believes he loved her. You follow him through his journey to find love again. The poor man goes through the trials and tribulations of dating and in the process you laugh. This story is in the first person basis. It is an interesting idea to hear it from the man’s prospective. Will Z find his true love? Or will he be alone for the rest of his life?
I am not a fan of first person stories but I did like this one. Hearing it from Z’s point of view was interesting. This story has a lot of ups and downs and twists and turns but all in all I really liked the story. It is a great contemporary romance story. It is an emotional rollercoaster but one worth reading.
FOUR LOVING ANGELS
“Mum, what makes you so sure that it’s her fault?” Her answer was one only a mum can give.“Well it stands to reason. I know you, as you are my son. I gave birth to you. I have always been here for you and I have known you all of your life. You may be living away from us but you are never far from me. That’s a mum’s instinct and it may well be explained and summarily dismissed by some scientific logic or another but it’s all very real to me.” It was all true and I couldn’t explain it either. Mum also recognised that she had taken us into a conversation cul-de-sac and so quickly pressed on with a change of tack that required some input from me. She was worried. “Besides, why else would she phone us if she wasn’t the guilty party? You would have called first to ensure that we were fully prepared for such a conversation.” We both knew what she was saying was wrong but, like every good mum, she was giving me the option to save face for not calling. That’s what mums do. Even when they know that their child is completely in the wrong, they allow them to save face. This is equally applicable in relationships. Men are stubborn and full of pride. As such, we would rather lose a perfectly good relationship than concede that we were actually in the wrong and I know because it has happened to me.
“It’s a lady’s prerogative to be fashionably late. Just keep calm and trust in fate.”I was holding my phone with my hand under the table whilst reading her text. It was a vain attempt at privacy and so save any awkward questions should “A” suddenly appear. I mean, how would that look? “Sorry ‘A’ but Penny–you remember Penny? I told you about her–anyway, she and I are having a text chat while I have been waiting for you. Don’t worry though, it's all good as we have only been talking about you. Actually, I didn’t want to come so you should actually be thankful that Penny convinced me.” I need to switch this phone off now. How can I? What if “A” needs to contact me? What if she’s running late? Worse, what if she’s had an accident on the way here? No, I cannot turn off the phone but I can tell Penny to stop texting and I can call her later, or tomorrow. My finger was poised on the screen, ready to rapidly dance over the small electronic keyboard, when I become aware of someone standing next to me.
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story about Z a man who lost his love or at least he believes he loved her. You follow him through his journey to find love again. The poor man goes through the trials and tribulations of dating and in the process you laugh. This story is in the first person basis. It is an interesting idea to hear it from the man’s prospective. Will Z find his true love? Or will he be alone for the rest of his life?
I am not a fan of first person stories but I did like this one. Hearing it from Z’s point of view was interesting. This story has a lot of ups and downs and twists and turns but all in all I really liked the story. It is a great contemporary romance story. It is an emotional rollercoaster but one worth reading.
FOUR LOVING ANGELS
February 16, 2015
In Greater Expectations, author Alexander McCabe weaves an entertaining tale of the trials and tribulations of dating, love, and relationships refreshingly told from the male perspective.
The reader follows Z as his journey to find love again is wrought with a mixture of humor and dating disasters. I really enjoyed getting the male's perspective on dating and relationships, its eye opening and thought provoking, its a gem of a tale if you're looking to get a realistic insight into the male mindset when it comes to love and romance.
I found Greater Expectations refreshing because it is rare that women get to read a story in the contemporary romantic comedy genre from a male perspective. The author takes the reader on an interesting and entertaining roller coaster ride of a journey filled with laugh-out-loud humor (sometimes dark humor), emotion, rants, and some pretty cringe worthy misadventures and misguided romantic expectations that we all can relate to. Who knew that the male species could be just as mysterious as us females when it comes to this little thing called love?! *wink, wink*
Kudos, Mr. McCabe, I can't wait to read the sequel!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
The reader follows Z as his journey to find love again is wrought with a mixture of humor and dating disasters. I really enjoyed getting the male's perspective on dating and relationships, its eye opening and thought provoking, its a gem of a tale if you're looking to get a realistic insight into the male mindset when it comes to love and romance.
I found Greater Expectations refreshing because it is rare that women get to read a story in the contemporary romantic comedy genre from a male perspective. The author takes the reader on an interesting and entertaining roller coaster ride of a journey filled with laugh-out-loud humor (sometimes dark humor), emotion, rants, and some pretty cringe worthy misadventures and misguided romantic expectations that we all can relate to. Who knew that the male species could be just as mysterious as us females when it comes to this little thing called love?! *wink, wink*
Kudos, Mr. McCabe, I can't wait to read the sequel!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
March 6, 2015
Going into this book I didn’t know what to expect, but what I found was funny and amazing.
Z takes you on his journey as he divorces his wife and embark on a new journey. It takes you through his prospective f breaking up. Although it was sad that he was getting a divorce, he still had a wicked sense of humor about it.
When he gets back on the dating scene, boy was that hilarious and when he did finally meet the woman he was talking to online, I was hoping that’s who it was. I hope this because a series, because its not always a bad thing to get a man’s perspective.
Nessa's Book Reviews
Z takes you on his journey as he divorces his wife and embark on a new journey. It takes you through his prospective f breaking up. Although it was sad that he was getting a divorce, he still had a wicked sense of humor about it.
When he gets back on the dating scene, boy was that hilarious and when he did finally meet the woman he was talking to online, I was hoping that’s who it was. I hope this because a series, because its not always a bad thing to get a man’s perspective.
Nessa's Book Reviews
February 18, 2015
This is such a unique and interesting story. It is from the male point of view through the character "Z". He is at a crux in his personal life and is trying to determine his next step in life. He takes a trip to the country and meets Penny, the lady of the estate. The development of these two characters is funny, complicated and a very enjoyable story. There are some weird twists in the plot that reminded me that this was a male point of view but it was comical to read. The story is well written and a quick read.
February 28, 2015
Very unique!
I enjoyed reading Greater Expectations very much! I had heard good things but it wasn't until I read past the first two chapters did I realize just how GOOD it was. I found myself laughing out loud at some parts, while being delightfully surprised at the heartfelt moments that catch you off guard. You can tell this was written from the heart and I think that's what makes it so much better than you would expect it to be. Recommend this to anyone!
I enjoyed reading Greater Expectations very much! I had heard good things but it wasn't until I read past the first two chapters did I realize just how GOOD it was. I found myself laughing out loud at some parts, while being delightfully surprised at the heartfelt moments that catch you off guard. You can tell this was written from the heart and I think that's what makes it so much better than you would expect it to be. Recommend this to anyone!
February 3, 2015
I have to admit this was not what I expected. It was interesting to see the male viewpoint of the breakup of a relationship and the subsequent search for another. It was humorous at times but I would have liked a more serious look inside the male mind on this subject. That being said, I would love to read a sequel on how it all worked out ;)
January 31, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book. There were times I laughed out loud. One part actually made me cry as it was so touching. It was refreshing to read from the viewpoint of a man going through a breakup. I'm looking forward to the next book.
March 30, 2015
This was a good good read. It wasn't exactly a fast read for me as I found that it didn't hold my attention much in the beginning, but once it got going there was no putting it down.
Imaginative Dreams was given for an honest review.
Imaginative Dreams was given for an honest review.
July 26, 2016
Not quite what I was expecting but this was very funny in places.
August 22, 2018
Enjoyable
I did enjoy the humour and the irony i. this book as well as the more profound parts, the outlook on life... And the fact that it is good from a male perspective. Towards the end of was predictable. I'd have liked a bit more about the encounter at the pub at the end.
Had it done that, it would been five stars for me.
I did enjoy the humour and the irony i. this book as well as the more profound parts, the outlook on life... And the fact that it is good from a male perspective. Towards the end of was predictable. I'd have liked a bit more about the encounter at the pub at the end.
Had it done that, it would been five stars for me.
October 5, 2023
had to stop after the girl shat in his mouth. Was quite an interesting story up until then but just a bit too far for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2015
When I first saw this book, I had the title in my mind as Great Expectations which reminded me as a Classic novel , and I thought possibly it would be a rendition but it turned out to be something very different indeed. Greater Expectations is a romantic comedy book told through the view of a male called only as "Z". It starts off with a simple statistic about people divorcing over christmas and I was like hmmm, I liked that part as being a fan of random facts myself and then it moved to a neighbour telling a story and I was like - this is odd as to me it didn't really fit and I started to feel a bit confused. But, as the book moved on we read as "Z" started to hook back into the dating game and we read of all his up's and downs in the dating world. What was interesting as a reader is that this book is all told through the male perspective and we get a glimpse into the relationship basics of what it's like through the guy's eyes. I do admit being a female and reading this book in parts was quite difficult as the humor was definitely guy's humor and I was like hmmm, ok that's just cringeworthy and not worth talking about e.g jerking off etc. But overall, it was an eye-opener reading this book and glancing from the male's point of view and also written by a male as in the world of romance fiction, it is very rare to have a book with this content written by a male author.
So readers, if you are wanting the "LAD" point of view on relationships and wanting to catch a glimpse of what goes on in your guy's head , then check out Greater Expectations by Alexander McCabe and you will not be disappointed.
So readers, if you are wanting the "LAD" point of view on relationships and wanting to catch a glimpse of what goes on in your guy's head , then check out Greater Expectations by Alexander McCabe and you will not be disappointed.
April 11, 2015
The book follows "Z". He's just suffered a major setback in his marriage and this is a book about finding yourself when a part of your identity has been stripped away. There were some moments in this book where I wanted to skip or skim past, but at others it had me laughing my rearend off. I loved the stories that Taylor would tell and I loved Penny. OHHH and Z's Mom. She was pretty awesome. Overall, the book was ok. The end is kind of a cliffhanger, but what I assume is going on, is something I kinda figured would. Unless someone else owns a "Super Z" t-shirt, that is.
Mr. McCabe's writing style is sort of dry, and so it might be hard for others to get into. To be honest, it's not my cup of tea, but that isn't to say this still isn't entertaining.
Mr. McCabe's writing style is sort of dry, and so it might be hard for others to get into. To be honest, it's not my cup of tea, but that isn't to say this still isn't entertaining.
March 7, 2015
Quirky and different
This book is a very different read for me. Written in the first person, it was better than I thought it would be. This book made me laugh out loud in some places. Mr. McCabe has a great sense of humor and timing. At first I was worried that it was going to be bad, but I was pleasantly surprised. I found that I could not put it down. I love how the characters are pulled together and how Penny finally figured out what they want. If you like a quirky story that will pull at your heart this is the book you need to read. You will not be disappointed!!!
This book is a very different read for me. Written in the first person, it was better than I thought it would be. This book made me laugh out loud in some places. Mr. McCabe has a great sense of humor and timing. At first I was worried that it was going to be bad, but I was pleasantly surprised. I found that I could not put it down. I love how the characters are pulled together and how Penny finally figured out what they want. If you like a quirky story that will pull at your heart this is the book you need to read. You will not be disappointed!!!
June 19, 2015
Oh my what a book !!! Written from the male perspective, Z is getting over a cheating wife and is looking to get into the dating zone again and the laughs along the way are endless. I was actually laughing out loud to some parts and there are also some really draw dropping moments and like OMG did that really happen ??? Chapter 16 is to behold and just wonderful. This book is a must read, I really didn't fancy it at first but I ordered it because it was free, but I am so glad I got to experience it. A definate must read for everyone !!
January 27, 2015
Interesting reading about love and romance from a male perspective but this book lagged on and on. Also I didnt really like the use of formal language in everyday language and Penny wasnt exactly a great character to cheer on with her and Z.
I think I got this book for free though? So I'm not really fussed.
I think I got this book for free though? So I'm not really fussed.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews