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Downpayment
Mike Barrow and his friends are among many boys in Manchester who think the city will be their chance to improve themselves. But for now Mike is living in a damp flat with his friend Callum, and they’re both making ends meet by working the streets. When Mike meets Chris Wildsmith, a late-twenties entrepreneur, he thinks he’s hooked a job that will pay his rent for several weeks—a windfall already.
But his connection with Chris quickly goes beyond what’s normal between rent boy and client. Mike meets Chris’s friends, goes to Chris’s parties with him as his “boyfriend,” and finds himself swept up in a world he’s never known. He’s sure it’s all going to go horribly wrong, and when Chris’s work colleague figures them out and becomes violent, he’s almost proven right. But Mike isn’t the only one who has confused professionalism with something else. The breakup that follows gives Mike the impetus he needs to relaunch himself as somebody else, a man who will hopefully be someone Chris very much wants to be with.
But his connection with Chris quickly goes beyond what’s normal between rent boy and client. Mike meets Chris’s friends, goes to Chris’s parties with him as his “boyfriend,” and finds himself swept up in a world he’s never known. He’s sure it’s all going to go horribly wrong, and when Chris’s work colleague figures them out and becomes violent, he’s almost proven right. But Mike isn’t the only one who has confused professionalism with something else. The breakup that follows gives Mike the impetus he needs to relaunch himself as somebody else, a man who will hopefully be someone Chris very much wants to be with.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2016
1 person is currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Mars
3 books2 followersAJ Mars is a midtwenties wanderer who’s lived everywhere from New Mexico to New Zealand, via half of Western Europe. Her writing reflects her love of travel, although she’s now fairly settled in the UK with her partner and their cats. AJ has a PhD in a useless subject and a passionate interest in Shakespeare. She teaches creative writing and literature classes and tries her best to practice what she preaches.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 29, 2016
In my humble opinion, this one was definitely a huge winner, guys.
Were there similarities between this story and Pretty Woman? Yes, there were a few; however, not enough for it to become a distraction or to take away from my enjoyment of the story and make it feel any less original.
In other words, I was not haunted by the blonde-wigged ghost of a Julia Roberts wannabe as I read.
At 19, Mike has been a rent boy for what I surmised to be maybe a couple of years. He ran away from his mother's home to escape a physically abusive father-in-law, landing barely on his feet in Manchester.
With no job and no money, he runs into Callum, another runaway who makes his living on the streets, selling his wares, so to speak. Callum rescues Mike, gives him a place to live and teaches him the proverbial tricks of the trade, only a slight pun intended there.
Then one night, after finding out that party boy Callum spent all of their rent money on drugs, Mike heads to an upscale bar in search of companionship. And replacement rent money. Okay, straight up, he's after rent money.
There Mike meets Chris, an extremely successful, handsome, late 20's club owner and they strike a deal. $1,050 and one PayPal transaction later, Mike is Chris' for the entire night. (Who knew that rent boys took PayPal? I had zero idea.)
The boys hit it off so well that Chris hires Mike for the entire week, which thrills Mike, since that's $7,000 in his bank account that he most definitely didn't have before.
But as the two get to know one another, their easy companionship becomes more of a friendship. Well a friendship where they have sex. Hot sex. And lots of cash changes hands. But a true friendship, none the less.
I have to say that I truly fell in love with both Mike, who despite his circumstances remained positive and highly amusing, and Chris, who had started to lose a bit of his former spark to a dance music industry that he used to love.
Over the course of the story, Mike finally learned that maybe he wanted more out of life than his current lot and Chris learned that there was still a lot of joy to be found, even when doing nothing more than eating ice cream in bed and cuddling. As long as doing something 'ordinary' was with someone with whom you felt a connection.
One thing that I initially didn't truly appreciate, or really even understand, were the diary entries, by Mike, plopped down in the middle of chapters here and there. Looking back on the time that he'd spent with Chris. While the events were still occurring. It felt strangely out of place when it first happened, but I quickly began looking forward to them. Like little Easter eggs, if you will.
The story actually had a lot more feels than I'd anticipated, which was a nice surprise; however, since this was still a story about a hooker with a heart of gold meeting his Mr. Right, we still get a fair bit of sex, but not so much that it feels gratuitous.
There is one sizzling scene that I must make note of, though. Mike has this thing about trying to read people's body language and non-verbal queues to figure out what they *really* want. What turns their proverbial (and literal) crank like nothing else. The scene where Mike puts a verbal spotlight on what gets Chris off, that has to be one of the hottest things I've ever read. Period. Not to be missed, folks. I felt a bit sweaty even overhearing that shit. I kid you not.
Sorry for that sidetrack. And now back to our story.
After a very eventful , impromptu night of clubbing in Paris, the week does end and the guys are separated for a while, but hearts only grow fonder during the time apart, so they are, of course, reunited and the story ends with what I'd consider a very firm HFN, but rapidly heading toward a full-on HEA.
So yeah, this one checked off every single one of my "Hell Yeah" boxes and I'd rate it a strong 4.5 stars.
I'd definitely recommend this low angst, feel good story to anyone who won't get too annoyed by a few similarities to Pretty Woman and enjoys seeing a reformed working girl, I mean boy, finally get his due.
** Note: I'd absolutely love to read Callum's story, if a sequel might be within the realm of possibility.
------------------------------------------------
My copy of the story was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
March 30, 2016
I wanted to love this book. A M/M British version of Pretty Woman? What's not to love? Apparently, quite a bit.
My main issue with this book is the writing style. I love British English, the more authentic, the better. But the writing here is flowery, convoluted, and overly descriptive. It talks round and round itself, using twenty words when two will do.
The third-person present-tense POV is jarring, especially coupled with the first-person diary entries. Both are from Mike's perspective, so I never got a sense of Chris as a person. I couldn't even begin to guess how old he was. 28? 45?
At one point, there's a jump in time, and Mike is back in his shabby flat with his bestie Callum (think Kit De Luca but with a drug habit). Mike was apparently attacked, but it's all told in flashbacks and incredibly confusing. I did piece it together, but I was annoyed that I had to WORK for it.
Damn it, this is romance fiction. I want to get lost in the story, not admire the writing like some cheap, gaudy trinket: Hey, look at me. I'm shiny!
Pretty Woman was charming and light. The ugly truth of hooking lurked somewhere in the background. This was in no way realistic, but it made for a feel-good movie.
In this book, Mike's thoughts stray to past hookups while he's with Chris. The sex scenes are so UNsexy: abstract and meandering. Chris goes off thinking of something else all together and never stays in the moment.
I found the whole reading experience to be an exercise in frustration. I didn't mind that the plot was a repeat of the Julia Roberts movie. I expected that. I looked forward to it even. But I minded that the writing got in the way of the story.
My main issue with this book is the writing style. I love British English, the more authentic, the better. But the writing here is flowery, convoluted, and overly descriptive. It talks round and round itself, using twenty words when two will do.
The third-person present-tense POV is jarring, especially coupled with the first-person diary entries. Both are from Mike's perspective, so I never got a sense of Chris as a person. I couldn't even begin to guess how old he was. 28? 45?
At one point, there's a jump in time, and Mike is back in his shabby flat with his bestie Callum (think Kit De Luca but with a drug habit). Mike was apparently attacked, but it's all told in flashbacks and incredibly confusing. I did piece it together, but I was annoyed that I had to WORK for it.
Damn it, this is romance fiction. I want to get lost in the story, not admire the writing like some cheap, gaudy trinket: Hey, look at me. I'm shiny!
Pretty Woman was charming and light. The ugly truth of hooking lurked somewhere in the background. This was in no way realistic, but it made for a feel-good movie.
In this book, Mike's thoughts stray to past hookups while he's with Chris. The sex scenes are so UNsexy: abstract and meandering. Chris goes off thinking of something else all together and never stays in the moment.
I found the whole reading experience to be an exercise in frustration. I didn't mind that the plot was a repeat of the Julia Roberts movie. I expected that. I looked forward to it even. But I minded that the writing got in the way of the story.
April 1, 2016
5 Hearts - I know.... but it was so fun!
GAY PRETTY WOMAN!!!!
Like, this was literally exactly the same as Pretty Woman, although better because no wanky Richard Gere character, (Chris was waaaaay less douchey!) and lots of awesome gay sex!
Mike is a prostitute on the streets of Manchester, he meets Chris in a bar and what starts off as a night transaction turns into a week deal. Well if you’ve seen Pretty Woman you know the rest, there’s no kissing on the mouth, then kissing at the end, nasty shop assistants and a caricature rapey bad guy, oh and of course a HEA.
I originally gave this 4 hearts because well… gay Pretty Woman, not super original, but you know what? I had an absolute ball reading this and am still thinking about it days later, so fuck-it, I'm giving it 5 hearts!! So many things I loved about this. I loved that Mike was a prostitute, not some high-priced escort like a lot of M/M rent boy stories are, but he had to walk the streets, go to bars and settle for some less than savoury characters if bills were due. Mike was a very real character, he kept upbeat about his life but also had insecurities, was clumsy and self-conscious at times. The realism (for a completely fantastical fictional storyline) was what made this story extra special for me, it had me giggling at some inappropriate times, much like Mike and Chris.
Mike’s palm squeaks on the glass, and the lube squelches at the change in angle. If they knew each other at all, they’d probably laugh. As it is they avoid each other’s eyes and pretend they didn’t hear it.
Chris was a really interesting character, although I felt like we didn’t get to know him as well, probably because we didn’t get his POV, which was a bit of a shame. He’s obviously ridiculously rich but still laid-back and quirky, he wears floral shirts….sure he says it's a ‘fashion thing’, but really….floral? Yea I kinda loved that about him. Also he sticks up for Mike and never treats him like a whore.
Chris flails purposefully and waves at Mike and all the bags he’s carrying. Behind the glass, their faces go from startled to open-mouthed.
Chris flips them off. He forcefully jabs upward with his middle fingers upraised.
“Snooty fuckers,” he mutters, slinging an arm around Mike’s shoulders and dragging him down the pavement.
The sex was also exceptionally detailed and sensual. I really like how it started rather clinical as Mike ‘worked it’. He thought about what he should do better and tried on different tactics and then as the well progressed it became more intimate and genuine as Mike let his guard down. When that kiss happens….mmm…. it is sooo beautiful and worth the wait.
This was a light, sexy, funny, sweet and romantic read (feel free to add anything other warm and fuzzy adjectives in here). There are so many cute quotes I wanted to add because they made my heart swell to double its size, but I’ll just recommend to read the book and leave you with this one, which embodies these boys time together.
Falling for you will always taste like breakfast wrapped in a duvet at sunset on a balcony— and a little bit like pickles. And oddly I don’t mind that at all.
At the end of reading this I couldn’t get this ridiculous grin off my face for days!!!
GAY PRETTY WOMAN!!!!
Like, this was literally exactly the same as Pretty Woman, although better because no wanky Richard Gere character, (Chris was waaaaay less douchey!) and lots of awesome gay sex!
Mike is a prostitute on the streets of Manchester, he meets Chris in a bar and what starts off as a night transaction turns into a week deal. Well if you’ve seen Pretty Woman you know the rest, there’s no kissing on the mouth, then kissing at the end, nasty shop assistants and a caricature rapey bad guy, oh and of course a HEA.
I originally gave this 4 hearts because well… gay Pretty Woman, not super original, but you know what? I had an absolute ball reading this and am still thinking about it days later, so fuck-it, I'm giving it 5 hearts!! So many things I loved about this. I loved that Mike was a prostitute, not some high-priced escort like a lot of M/M rent boy stories are, but he had to walk the streets, go to bars and settle for some less than savoury characters if bills were due. Mike was a very real character, he kept upbeat about his life but also had insecurities, was clumsy and self-conscious at times. The realism (for a completely fantastical fictional storyline) was what made this story extra special for me, it had me giggling at some inappropriate times, much like Mike and Chris.
Mike’s palm squeaks on the glass, and the lube squelches at the change in angle. If they knew each other at all, they’d probably laugh. As it is they avoid each other’s eyes and pretend they didn’t hear it.
Chris was a really interesting character, although I felt like we didn’t get to know him as well, probably because we didn’t get his POV, which was a bit of a shame. He’s obviously ridiculously rich but still laid-back and quirky, he wears floral shirts….sure he says it's a ‘fashion thing’, but really….floral? Yea I kinda loved that about him. Also he sticks up for Mike and never treats him like a whore.
Chris flails purposefully and waves at Mike and all the bags he’s carrying. Behind the glass, their faces go from startled to open-mouthed.
Chris flips them off. He forcefully jabs upward with his middle fingers upraised.
“Snooty fuckers,” he mutters, slinging an arm around Mike’s shoulders and dragging him down the pavement.
The sex was also exceptionally detailed and sensual. I really like how it started rather clinical as Mike ‘worked it’. He thought about what he should do better and tried on different tactics and then as the well progressed it became more intimate and genuine as Mike let his guard down. When that kiss happens….mmm…. it is sooo beautiful and worth the wait.
This was a light, sexy, funny, sweet and romantic read (feel free to add anything other warm and fuzzy adjectives in here). There are so many cute quotes I wanted to add because they made my heart swell to double its size, but I’ll just recommend to read the book and leave you with this one, which embodies these boys time together.
Falling for you will always taste like breakfast wrapped in a duvet at sunset on a balcony— and a little bit like pickles. And oddly I don’t mind that at all.
At the end of reading this I couldn’t get this ridiculous grin off my face for days!!!
Read
March 30, 2016DNF @21%
And on that note....I'm out.
Maybe it's just me and my insufficient knowledge of British English, but I can't understand what is happening in this book. I even tried to skim some and just read the dialogue parts, but I couldn't follow.
But if it takes so many words and the most ridiculous metaphor to say that he threw the condom and missed the bin, I'm not sure I want to know what follows anyway.
"...The condom follows with a slight lag and a dribble of warm lube. Nice. He tuts at it as he takes it off and tosses it at the bin, where it lands half-on-half-off, like a woman in white in a painting who’s thrown herself on a fainting couch and missed.
And on that note....I'm out.
Maybe it's just me and my insufficient knowledge of British English, but I can't understand what is happening in this book. I even tried to skim some and just read the dialogue parts, but I couldn't follow.
But if it takes so many words and the most ridiculous metaphor to say that he threw the condom and missed the bin, I'm not sure I want to know what follows anyway.
February 4, 2016
I'm afraid this story did not work for me at all. I kept thinking throughout the whole thing that this was an English M/M version of Pretty Woman - without the entertainment value. You don't believe me?
Mike, our heart of gold whore, is forced to go trolling after his roommate and best friend, Callum, takes their rent money to party and buy drugs.
Chris meets Mike and hires him for the night, but it goes so well Chris ends up hiring Mike for the week. The following day Chris gives Mike a credit card to go shopping and outfit himself, particularly for a special dinner. Mike is unable to buy anything because the clerks are mean to him.
Mike returns to their apartment, and Ben, the (Valet? Butler? Not really sure - but all around fairy godfather) arranges for a suit rental for the special dinner. A dinner where Mike charms the attendees quite handily.
Seriously, it keeps going. There's even an evil "Stuckey-esque" co-worker who approaches Mike and treats him like...a whore. You get the idea.
There are differences here and there, but the similarities continuously stuck out like sore thumbs to me. Added to the somewhat clunky writing style, weird tense changes, the odd POV changes and weirdly done not-so-journal-more-memories entries...it simply didn't work for me.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Downpayment provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Mike, our heart of gold whore, is forced to go trolling after his roommate and best friend, Callum, takes their rent money to party and buy drugs.
Chris meets Mike and hires him for the night, but it goes so well Chris ends up hiring Mike for the week. The following day Chris gives Mike a credit card to go shopping and outfit himself, particularly for a special dinner. Mike is unable to buy anything because the clerks are mean to him.
Mike returns to their apartment, and Ben, the (Valet? Butler? Not really sure - but all around fairy godfather) arranges for a suit rental for the special dinner. A dinner where Mike charms the attendees quite handily.
Seriously, it keeps going. There's even an evil "Stuckey-esque" co-worker who approaches Mike and treats him like...a whore. You get the idea.
There are differences here and there, but the similarities continuously stuck out like sore thumbs to me. Added to the somewhat clunky writing style, weird tense changes, the odd POV changes and weirdly done not-so-journal-more-memories entries...it simply didn't work for me.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Downpayment provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
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February 17, 2016Prostitution might be low, but hypocrisy is worse.
I think before you consider this book, you should know it's very British, which is a very good thing. I know some readers won't get references or even the way the boys speak or just toss is off as something that doesn't work for them, and I could see that happening, but it worked for me. But then again, I like to pretend I have dual citizenship with a few countries other than my own...
Another thing you may want to take into consideration is this is written in third person, present tense with chapter introductions in the first person past tense. This may sound odd and honestly it was off putting at the beginning to me, but the further I read, the tense switch lent itself beautifully and really integrated the story.
That being said.
We meet Mike as he is in need of work for the night and his work is that of a prostitute. We are in Mike's head as he prowls to make the rent and the numerous clients he could pick up, both men and women. But just when Mike is about to give up for the night, a bloke in a suit and flowery shirt (aka Chris) sits near him at the bar. Interest of both parties is taken and a deal is made.
“... another two hundred and you get the full boyfriend package.”
“What’s that when it’s at home?”
“I coo and pat you on the knee while you talk. We have a few drinks, go to dinner if you want... and tell you to take me back to yours, and I’ll make you forget all about it. And I will. Do anything you want.”
“You stay all night, spoon, stroke my hair? All that shit? Am I hearing this right?”
“That part would be up to you, if you’re paying."
From there we begin the slow and heartbreaking pace of these two men trying to figure out if feelings are real or if it’s the dollar signs that is the attraction
Now, I am going to assume the author was paying an intimate homage to the movie, Pretty Woman with this tale. I mean, it's mentioned in the book a couple times but some scenes read almost too close for comfort. It's nice, if you know the movie as well as *cough* some *cough* I *cough* do and can see where this makes a great Cinder-fucking-fella tale or you could rant that it’s, well too much. That is the readers call and for me, I went more with the boy on boy twist of the tale rather than "OMG you ripped off a movie." because we all rip off something at one point in our lives whether intentional or not. And honesty, though there are damn good scenes that play out like Viv and her sugar daddy at the Bev. Reg. Wil... there was also the story of Chris and Mike and that is what I read.
But you can’t quite let go. Can you? Of the idea that maybe you don’t deserve any of it.
This story is told two fold in a way. We get Mike in the third person as the deal with Chris happens and relationship begins between then but we get this small, bittersweet moments at the beginning of each chapter and those were what I loved most. They intrigued me as they felt like or remembrance letters to a lost love or a simple tale of how one fell in love with another. I love being told something has happened, even vaguely, and then shown how it ends up there. I used to have this deal as a young girl where I read a romance until the MC's met and then I would read the last few pages of the book which pressed me to dive in and not come up for air until I found out how they got to that end. This is how these entries felt to me. I needed to know more from them and about them and how they were a bridge to the love story of Mike and Chris. They were a constant force that kept me reading at my desk at a pace even I was aware I possessed.
Falling for you will always taste like breakfast wrapped in a duvet at sunset on a balcony— and a little bit like pickles. And oddly I don’t mind that at all.
Now, this cover is nice but a tad misleading. The cover makes one think this is a fun ad light read but for me, it went beyond that. Downpayment was a lovely introduction to a new me author and a wonderful take on the hooker meets money and falls in love. Yes, there is the Prety Woman theme down to character and scene similarities, but again for me, that just felt like a hug from one of my favorites.
I adored Mike and Chris’ story and look forward to more from the author.
February 2, 2016
Its very rarely that a book is something that I didn't expect it to be, and this surprised me. Plus the cover is not like the contents, and kind of put me off.
Initially it seemed clunky and graceless, and the tenses were confused - plus sex worker ?
But that's no what this is about at all, its truly romantic, Mike's words and how he feels are heartfelt.
Full review at Prism
Initially it seemed clunky and graceless, and the tenses were confused - plus sex worker ?
But that's no what this is about at all, its truly romantic, Mike's words and how he feels are heartfelt.
Full review at Prism
January 22, 2023
AJ Mars is a new-to-me author and I definitely found the description of 'Downpayment' interesting. It made me think of the movie Pretty Woman from way back with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, and since that is still an old go-to favorite, I thought this book might be fun. It's always nice to read about someone down on their luck who unexpectedly finds love and a happy ever after.
Mike was lucky enough to find a couch to sleep on and a mentor in Callum when he got off the train in Manchester. He'd left home because of his stepfather and he'd been starting to wonder if maybe that wasn't the best idea. But then Callum showed him the tricks of the trade, pun intended, and Mike became a whore, not something he's particularly proud of but hasn't got much choice if wants rent money and food. He can't believe his luck when he runs into Chris at a bar and gets bought for a whole night for £1050. Then they negotiate for the rest of the week, Chris hands him his platinum card to go get appropriate outfits for dinners and functions, and then Chris heads to work.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Mike was lucky enough to find a couch to sleep on and a mentor in Callum when he got off the train in Manchester. He'd left home because of his stepfather and he'd been starting to wonder if maybe that wasn't the best idea. But then Callum showed him the tricks of the trade, pun intended, and Mike became a whore, not something he's particularly proud of but hasn't got much choice if wants rent money and food. He can't believe his luck when he runs into Chris at a bar and gets bought for a whole night for £1050. Then they negotiate for the rest of the week, Chris hands him his platinum card to go get appropriate outfits for dinners and functions, and then Chris heads to work.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
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February 17, 2016Pretty Woman MM style? Sign me up!
February 24, 2016
If you’ve seen the movie “Pretty Woman” you know the basic plot summary of Downpayment. Substitute an insecure British guy for Julia Roberts and a set it in the UK.
**
I don’t normally like to be abrupt with my reviews, especially since I appreciate how it can be difficult to be a writer and put something out there for people to read and consider, but this just was too similar to the movie for comfort. I love the idea of doing a male, British take on the movie – there are a lot of ways it could have been really fun and interesting - but it just didn’t come across in this book.
There were several times the POV changed and it was hard for me to know from which perspective I was reading. Sometimes, when a book is very “British”, it takes a moment for the word choice and rhythm to take over and my brain to catch up, and this is such a book, only I never quite “caught up”.
From a “romantic” perspective, there are definite moments of great “feels” and I suppose if I’d never seen the movie I might have enjoyed this book, but it just never felt “right” to me.
2.75 of 5 stars
**
I don’t normally like to be abrupt with my reviews, especially since I appreciate how it can be difficult to be a writer and put something out there for people to read and consider, but this just was too similar to the movie for comfort. I love the idea of doing a male, British take on the movie – there are a lot of ways it could have been really fun and interesting - but it just didn’t come across in this book.
There were several times the POV changed and it was hard for me to know from which perspective I was reading. Sometimes, when a book is very “British”, it takes a moment for the word choice and rhythm to take over and my brain to catch up, and this is such a book, only I never quite “caught up”.
From a “romantic” perspective, there are definite moments of great “feels” and I suppose if I’d never seen the movie I might have enjoyed this book, but it just never felt “right” to me.
2.75 of 5 stars
March 4, 2016
This review was written for Joyfully Jay Reviews and can be accessed here: http://joyfullyjay.com/2016/03/review...
4.5 Stars.
I’m starting off with what I believe will be the most salient, decision-making point for readers considering Downpayment: this book is a British M/M Pretty Woman. And I’m not kidding about that. If you LIKED that movie, I believe you will love this book. If you didn’t like the movie, aspects of this book which harken to the movie will probably irritate you. If you’ve never seen the movie, it will have no bearing on your enjoyment of this well-written and interesting contemporary romance. I will confess, I adored Pretty Woman and can probably still quote bits of it having not seen it in at least ten years. So, the second I caught on to that aspect of the plot, I was hooked. By hooked, I mean I was up at 4 am reading this freaking book.
The plot premise is simple. Mike is a nineteen-year-old low-rent hooker in Manchester, a runaway from an abusive stepdad, and too proud to seek help from his parents. He’s shacked up in a slum of a flat with Callum, an Irish émigré who’s taught him the “tricks” of the sex-trade. While Mike was happy enough doing a “hen party” or divorce celebration, he soon learns that men are more lucrative marks; besides he’s more into blokes anyway.
While out hunting down some cash to pay the rent, he meets Chris in a swank bar. Chris is in his late twenties, clearly wealthy, and willing to be chatted up. The attraction is present and the negotiations ensue. Mike offers to be a boyfriend for the night, complete with postcoital cuddling and breakfast in bed, for a “steep” price. Mike has no idea how wealthy Chris is, until they reach his posh penthouse suite, complete with discreet concierge.
As the night goes well and the morning’s even better, Chris offers to hire Mike to be his companion for the week. Expect surprisingly charming naivete at dinner with business colleagues. Expect trouble with wardrobing Mike for his outings with Chris. Expect indecent proposals from one of Chris’ employees. Like Pretty Woman’s Edward, Chris is a self-made man. Not a heartless corporate raider, but he’s a bit of a stingy git buying up indie record labels and profiteering, while running exclusive clubs in several countries. I adored all these new twists on the Pretty Woman theme.
Interspersed with the running narrative are journal entries that Mike writes as he works through what those five days with Chris meant to him, and for him. Through these vignettes we know that, presently, all is not rosy between them, even as their love story unfolds. This was simultaneously interesting and frustrating to the narrative. I’m not exactly keen on getting the end at the beginning, or even the middle, but I will say that it ramped up the tension a bit, and made a glimmer of hope swell inside me, even before the climax. Still, the shifting tense and POV between the journaling and the story is likely to be jarring to some readers.
I am a huge fan of British romance, and love the dialect and syntax of these Mancunians. Their dialogue, and Mike’s inner thoughts, are funny and snarky and made me laugh often. The hints of Pretty Woman were thrilling for me, and the thought of Chris climbing up Mike’s fire escape (and that is not some filthy innuendo, pervs!) to bring him into his life practically gave me vapors. This is not actually what went down. Instead, the whore saves himself. The HEA begins where it all started. Or ended. Or, he rescued him right back.
You get the idea.
P.S. Yummy sexytimes that, unlike the movie, do not fade-to-black.
4.5 Stars.
I’m starting off with what I believe will be the most salient, decision-making point for readers considering Downpayment: this book is a British M/M Pretty Woman. And I’m not kidding about that. If you LIKED that movie, I believe you will love this book. If you didn’t like the movie, aspects of this book which harken to the movie will probably irritate you. If you’ve never seen the movie, it will have no bearing on your enjoyment of this well-written and interesting contemporary romance. I will confess, I adored Pretty Woman and can probably still quote bits of it having not seen it in at least ten years. So, the second I caught on to that aspect of the plot, I was hooked. By hooked, I mean I was up at 4 am reading this freaking book.
The plot premise is simple. Mike is a nineteen-year-old low-rent hooker in Manchester, a runaway from an abusive stepdad, and too proud to seek help from his parents. He’s shacked up in a slum of a flat with Callum, an Irish émigré who’s taught him the “tricks” of the sex-trade. While Mike was happy enough doing a “hen party” or divorce celebration, he soon learns that men are more lucrative marks; besides he’s more into blokes anyway.
While out hunting down some cash to pay the rent, he meets Chris in a swank bar. Chris is in his late twenties, clearly wealthy, and willing to be chatted up. The attraction is present and the negotiations ensue. Mike offers to be a boyfriend for the night, complete with postcoital cuddling and breakfast in bed, for a “steep” price. Mike has no idea how wealthy Chris is, until they reach his posh penthouse suite, complete with discreet concierge.
As the night goes well and the morning’s even better, Chris offers to hire Mike to be his companion for the week. Expect surprisingly charming naivete at dinner with business colleagues. Expect trouble with wardrobing Mike for his outings with Chris. Expect indecent proposals from one of Chris’ employees. Like Pretty Woman’s Edward, Chris is a self-made man. Not a heartless corporate raider, but he’s a bit of a stingy git buying up indie record labels and profiteering, while running exclusive clubs in several countries. I adored all these new twists on the Pretty Woman theme.
Interspersed with the running narrative are journal entries that Mike writes as he works through what those five days with Chris meant to him, and for him. Through these vignettes we know that, presently, all is not rosy between them, even as their love story unfolds. This was simultaneously interesting and frustrating to the narrative. I’m not exactly keen on getting the end at the beginning, or even the middle, but I will say that it ramped up the tension a bit, and made a glimmer of hope swell inside me, even before the climax. Still, the shifting tense and POV between the journaling and the story is likely to be jarring to some readers.
I am a huge fan of British romance, and love the dialect and syntax of these Mancunians. Their dialogue, and Mike’s inner thoughts, are funny and snarky and made me laugh often. The hints of Pretty Woman were thrilling for me, and the thought of Chris climbing up Mike’s fire escape (and that is not some filthy innuendo, pervs!) to bring him into his life practically gave me vapors. This is not actually what went down. Instead, the whore saves himself. The HEA begins where it all started. Or ended. Or, he rescued him right back.
You get the idea.
P.S. Yummy sexytimes that, unlike the movie, do not fade-to-black.
March 29, 2016
I feel like this is absolutely a m/m Pretty Woman redo, so much so that I would be a little nervous if I was the author (but I'm an anxiety paranoid freak so there is that), but that's not a bad thing for me. I liked the twist that this book gave to that story.
The way this book was written was different, interesting, with the journal entries interspersed with the story. I liked that, it made it easier to see the way that Mike was processing everything without giving anything away. (And I loved Callum).
My beef with this story is the way that the book almost danced on top of the story? If that makes sense. But the way that it was told and the nature of the relationship between Mike and Chris kept the umph part (articulate of me, no?) of the relationship hazy. I'm not even sure what was written on the napkin towards the end. (Maybe I'm just not that bright).
Although that sounds negative, I did like the book - I loved being in Mike's head and Chris was a good egg. Also loved the way Mike and his friends had this supportive cuddly Lost Boys vibe. Maybe more books featuring them will be coming?
The way this book was written was different, interesting, with the journal entries interspersed with the story. I liked that, it made it easier to see the way that Mike was processing everything without giving anything away. (And I loved Callum).
My beef with this story is the way that the book almost danced on top of the story? If that makes sense. But the way that it was told and the nature of the relationship between Mike and Chris kept the umph part (articulate of me, no?) of the relationship hazy. I'm not even sure what was written on the napkin towards the end. (Maybe I'm just not that bright).
Although that sounds negative, I did like the book - I loved being in Mike's head and Chris was a good egg. Also loved the way Mike and his friends had this supportive cuddly Lost Boys vibe. Maybe more books featuring them will be coming?
March 2, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I’m starting off with what I believe will be the most salient, decision-making point for readers considering Downpayment: this book is a British M/M Pretty Woman. And I’m not kidding about that. If you LIKED that movie, I believe you will love this book. If you didn’t like the movie, aspects of this book which harken to the movie will probably irritate you. If you’ve never seen the movie, it will have no bearing on your enjoyment of this well-written and interesting contemporary romance. I will confess, I adored Pretty Woman and can probably still quote bits of it having not seen it in at least ten years. So, the second I caught on to that aspect of the plot, I was hooked. By hooked, I mean I was up at 4 am reading this freaking book.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I’m starting off with what I believe will be the most salient, decision-making point for readers considering Downpayment: this book is a British M/M Pretty Woman. And I’m not kidding about that. If you LIKED that movie, I believe you will love this book. If you didn’t like the movie, aspects of this book which harken to the movie will probably irritate you. If you’ve never seen the movie, it will have no bearing on your enjoyment of this well-written and interesting contemporary romance. I will confess, I adored Pretty Woman and can probably still quote bits of it having not seen it in at least ten years. So, the second I caught on to that aspect of the plot, I was hooked. By hooked, I mean I was up at 4 am reading this freaking book.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
Read
March 29, 2016I read most of the book. There were good portions of it that flat out came from the movie Pretty Woman, but I didn't get the feeling though that it was tongue in cheek or an homage to the movie and that bothered me too much. No rating.
November 14, 2020
Loved this m/m rewrite based on pretty woman, all the 😍
March 31, 2016
Book - Downpayment
Author – A.J. Mars
Star rating - ★★★☆☆
No. of Pages - 200
Movie Potential – 0 – been done before.
Ease of reading – some parts easy, some parts confusing. Equal mix.
Would I read it again – Possibly. Not sure yet.
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
Warning. Hazard ahead!
Great plot and awesome characters ruined by “too close for comfort” copying of Pretty Woman. I can't even say it's done by accident, because both the film and Julia Roberts are mentioned more than once. In what ways are they similar? Only in the best/worst ways. The best parts of the movie – the hooker and rich guy, with a penthouse apartment; the shopping spree, both the good and bad parts; and the attack by an inconsiderate jerk who sees only dollar signs.
Oh, and let me just say that I've never liked Pretty Woman anyway, so that didn't help.
~
Ugh! I wanted to love this book so much. As I said above, the characters were brilliant – unique, well written, really well explored in terms of depth and history – and the plot was unique in some ways that made it refreshing, at first. Then more and more little “Pretty Woman” moments cropped up. More and more things began itching away at me, telling me this wasn't as original as I'd first thought. It's just an M/M version of the movie, with more sex with Chris being a more free, tolerant, happy-go-lucky version of Richard Gere.
This book isn't about your typical high-flying, top of the line escorts, that some of these rent boy stories are about. Mike and Callum are real, honest-to-God, down on their luck kids, who just need to make enough money to pay the rent, so they can stay together.
Unfortunately, it's also written in 3rd person, present tense, which doesn't sit well with my equilibrium. The two don't mix. Then, in between, we have diary entries from Mike, written in 1st person past tense. It's really quite confusing. I took a half star off, for that fact alone. It was disconcerting to read 1 page or scene of the present story, then have to shift into reading the diary entries that were sprawled throughout. Also, it was really annoying the way that the diary entries sometimes hint – and sometimes downright shouted out – future events or things we hadn't seen yet.
The chemistry between the characters – Chris and Mike – is the brilliant part of the story. Their relationship, though odd, is remarkable and wonderful to read. I just wish the cheesy “Pretty Woman” parts had been a little more original or completely removed. They spoiled it for me and I removed a whole star for that alone. It's also really annoying to read them getting to know one another, having this brilliant chemistry, then to have the diary entries tell us that they've already separated. It's a total WTF? moment!
The storytelling – the parts that are real and original to Chris and Mike – is fantastic. Really well done, well explored and done with depth. However, I found more meaning and depth, more honesty, in the diary entries by Mike than in some of their encounters. Plus, the really important event – the one that separates them for a time and sets events into motion at the end of the story – is glossed over in memories and diary entries. We don't get to see any of what really matters and that removed the final half star. Such an important turning point in the story, in Chris and Mike's relationship, should never be glossed over in that way. It felt ignored. One minute everything was fine, in Paris, then we were back in Manchester and Mike was back living with Callum and his friends. It made no sense.
As for the supporting characters – Callum, Balil and Ben – were all interesting people, but they never really jumped out and showed too much of themselves, which was nice. I knew they were there, but they truly were background characters. Chris and Mike were the focal point. As the story was told in Mike's POV only, it took some time to get to know Chris, but once I did, I really liked him. He and Mike together were magic and that became something I really loved. Even doing ordinary things, they could bask in each other and the situation, without getting over the top.
~
OVERALL
Disappointed. I wanted this to be a 5 or even a 4 star read. But the more I read and the more I thought about it, the Pretty Woman parts were unforgiveable. Yes, they were mutilated into something new, more modern and in keeping with the M/M theme and the character's personalities, but the fact that I noticed them was bad. It wasn't even a coincidence, since the author clearly mentioned both the film and the actors in dialogue or Mike's thoughts, so the similarity was in their mind. I just wish they'd masked it or removed it, because either could have been done without compromising the story.
The writing, storytelling and characterisation means that I'll give this author another try. But the style – of two different tenses in one book, both of which were done the opposite to how I would normally read them – unsettled me. If all the others are the same, I'll miss them, unless by strong recommendation. It's just too confusing.
The ending was also a little more abrupt than I'd have liked, with more of a feel of an HFN than a HEA. I still have questions that have gone unanswered.
Like I said, I was really rooting for this one, all the way through. The blurb sounded awesome and when I read the “hooker/rich guy” theme to it, I desperately hoped it wouldn't be Pretty Woman style, but it was and that's the main reason I'm disappointed. I expected more.
~
FAVOURITE QUOTE
I have a few, so keep with me.
“Falling for you will always taste like breakfast wrapped in a duvet at sunset on a balcony – and a little bit like pickles. And oddly I don't mind that at all.”
“You didn't even really look, but as I turned for the door, you said, “Bye, Mike. Thanks.”
It was real soft and quiet, like the same way people say “but I love you” when the person they gave everything to just left indefinitely and they've got nothing but a door to talk to.”
and the final one...
““Have a good day, honey,” I said, just before I left.
I'm not sure if you could tell, but what I meant was, “I don't quite know it, but I'm already bereft.””
Author – A.J. Mars
Star rating - ★★★☆☆
No. of Pages - 200
Movie Potential – 0 – been done before.
Ease of reading – some parts easy, some parts confusing. Equal mix.
Would I read it again – Possibly. Not sure yet.
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
Warning. Hazard ahead!
Great plot and awesome characters ruined by “too close for comfort” copying of Pretty Woman. I can't even say it's done by accident, because both the film and Julia Roberts are mentioned more than once. In what ways are they similar? Only in the best/worst ways. The best parts of the movie – the hooker and rich guy, with a penthouse apartment; the shopping spree, both the good and bad parts; and the attack by an inconsiderate jerk who sees only dollar signs.
Oh, and let me just say that I've never liked Pretty Woman anyway, so that didn't help.
~
Ugh! I wanted to love this book so much. As I said above, the characters were brilliant – unique, well written, really well explored in terms of depth and history – and the plot was unique in some ways that made it refreshing, at first. Then more and more little “Pretty Woman” moments cropped up. More and more things began itching away at me, telling me this wasn't as original as I'd first thought. It's just an M/M version of the movie, with more sex with Chris being a more free, tolerant, happy-go-lucky version of Richard Gere.
This book isn't about your typical high-flying, top of the line escorts, that some of these rent boy stories are about. Mike and Callum are real, honest-to-God, down on their luck kids, who just need to make enough money to pay the rent, so they can stay together.
Unfortunately, it's also written in 3rd person, present tense, which doesn't sit well with my equilibrium. The two don't mix. Then, in between, we have diary entries from Mike, written in 1st person past tense. It's really quite confusing. I took a half star off, for that fact alone. It was disconcerting to read 1 page or scene of the present story, then have to shift into reading the diary entries that were sprawled throughout. Also, it was really annoying the way that the diary entries sometimes hint – and sometimes downright shouted out – future events or things we hadn't seen yet.
The chemistry between the characters – Chris and Mike – is the brilliant part of the story. Their relationship, though odd, is remarkable and wonderful to read. I just wish the cheesy “Pretty Woman” parts had been a little more original or completely removed. They spoiled it for me and I removed a whole star for that alone. It's also really annoying to read them getting to know one another, having this brilliant chemistry, then to have the diary entries tell us that they've already separated. It's a total WTF? moment!
The storytelling – the parts that are real and original to Chris and Mike – is fantastic. Really well done, well explored and done with depth. However, I found more meaning and depth, more honesty, in the diary entries by Mike than in some of their encounters. Plus, the really important event – the one that separates them for a time and sets events into motion at the end of the story – is glossed over in memories and diary entries. We don't get to see any of what really matters and that removed the final half star. Such an important turning point in the story, in Chris and Mike's relationship, should never be glossed over in that way. It felt ignored. One minute everything was fine, in Paris, then we were back in Manchester and Mike was back living with Callum and his friends. It made no sense.
As for the supporting characters – Callum, Balil and Ben – were all interesting people, but they never really jumped out and showed too much of themselves, which was nice. I knew they were there, but they truly were background characters. Chris and Mike were the focal point. As the story was told in Mike's POV only, it took some time to get to know Chris, but once I did, I really liked him. He and Mike together were magic and that became something I really loved. Even doing ordinary things, they could bask in each other and the situation, without getting over the top.
~
OVERALL
Disappointed. I wanted this to be a 5 or even a 4 star read. But the more I read and the more I thought about it, the Pretty Woman parts were unforgiveable. Yes, they were mutilated into something new, more modern and in keeping with the M/M theme and the character's personalities, but the fact that I noticed them was bad. It wasn't even a coincidence, since the author clearly mentioned both the film and the actors in dialogue or Mike's thoughts, so the similarity was in their mind. I just wish they'd masked it or removed it, because either could have been done without compromising the story.
The writing, storytelling and characterisation means that I'll give this author another try. But the style – of two different tenses in one book, both of which were done the opposite to how I would normally read them – unsettled me. If all the others are the same, I'll miss them, unless by strong recommendation. It's just too confusing.
The ending was also a little more abrupt than I'd have liked, with more of a feel of an HFN than a HEA. I still have questions that have gone unanswered.
Like I said, I was really rooting for this one, all the way through. The blurb sounded awesome and when I read the “hooker/rich guy” theme to it, I desperately hoped it wouldn't be Pretty Woman style, but it was and that's the main reason I'm disappointed. I expected more.
~
FAVOURITE QUOTE
I have a few, so keep with me.
“Falling for you will always taste like breakfast wrapped in a duvet at sunset on a balcony – and a little bit like pickles. And oddly I don't mind that at all.”
“You didn't even really look, but as I turned for the door, you said, “Bye, Mike. Thanks.”
It was real soft and quiet, like the same way people say “but I love you” when the person they gave everything to just left indefinitely and they've got nothing but a door to talk to.”
and the final one...
““Have a good day, honey,” I said, just before I left.
I'm not sure if you could tell, but what I meant was, “I don't quite know it, but I'm already bereft.””
February 15, 2016
This was well written, but too similar to Pretty Woman for my tastes which bumped it down under three stars. I prefer a bit more originality in my books, especially when it comes to the Cinderella trope. Or now Pretty Woman trope, I suppose.
Some things that hit too close to the movie, and granted, it’s been a few years, but there was a fair amount of deja vu going on.
• No kissing on the mouth comment
• Starts out with a blow job
• Awkward dinner but with artichokes instead of snails
• Shopping trip complete with snubbing snooty store
• Unwanted attention drawing attention to the prostitution profession
The ending deviated from the movie, but by that point I was fully expecting the HEA and it was a matter of the plot spooling out. I don't want to give away what few spoilers there are, but I did question both character's actions at the ending. Given the strong feelings for each other, what happened and how it played out kinda didn't make sense.
I will say, I liked the humor in the book and I felt that was Downpayment's strong point. The one liners, the quips, the snark all brought a smile or chuckle. Mike's internal dialog, his view of the situation, his emotions pinging all over the place are what really carried the story. Personally, I didn't care for Mike's flashbacks, if they could be called that, but that is totally my quirk. But Mike's humor and outlook - yes, that worked.
Overall: well written, fun sense of humor, but lacked originality. If you’re looking for a feel-good predictable happy ending read, this would fit perfectly.
Review cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
Copy of book provided by the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
Some things that hit too close to the movie, and granted, it’s been a few years, but there was a fair amount of deja vu going on.
• No kissing on the mouth comment
• Starts out with a blow job
• Awkward dinner but with artichokes instead of snails
• Shopping trip complete with snubbing snooty store
• Unwanted attention drawing attention to the prostitution profession
The ending deviated from the movie, but by that point I was fully expecting the HEA and it was a matter of the plot spooling out. I don't want to give away what few spoilers there are, but I did question both character's actions at the ending. Given the strong feelings for each other, what happened and how it played out kinda didn't make sense.
I will say, I liked the humor in the book and I felt that was Downpayment's strong point. The one liners, the quips, the snark all brought a smile or chuckle. Mike's internal dialog, his view of the situation, his emotions pinging all over the place are what really carried the story. Personally, I didn't care for Mike's flashbacks, if they could be called that, but that is totally my quirk. But Mike's humor and outlook - yes, that worked.
Overall: well written, fun sense of humor, but lacked originality. If you’re looking for a feel-good predictable happy ending read, this would fit perfectly.
Review cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
Copy of book provided by the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
May 5, 2019
DNF at 70%.
It started out well enough. I actually liked that there was no instalove here. Mike's first encounter and consequent sex scene with Chris was more like a business transaction: Mike was calculating, trying to figure out what made Chris tick, there were some definite awkward moments. Was it romantic? Not at all. But it made the following parts all the more exciting, as we got to experience how the guys grew to know and trust each other, and that was definitely reflected in the later sex scenes, where the cold, almost mechanical acts became real, lustful and believable.
So what was my problem? Let's start with the characters. The whole book was from Mike's POV and I felt like we got to know absolutely nothing about Chris. Yes, Mike figured out what his turn-on was, but that's about it. Their interactions felt stiff and weird, and aside from the obvious sexual tension, I felt like nothing real was happening between them. They had a few scenes where I was absolutely lost, like when they talked about music and what Chris did for a living. It was clinical and choppy and I didn't understand what the deal was.
The writing was a little flowery at times and got in the way of the story, which was essentially a beat-by-beat repeat of Pretty Woman. The similarities were acceptable at first, then it just got irritating until it reached a breaking point for me when we got to James's character. Maybe the ending was different, but I couldn't force myself to read any further.
This book was clearly not for me.
It started out well enough. I actually liked that there was no instalove here. Mike's first encounter and consequent sex scene with Chris was more like a business transaction: Mike was calculating, trying to figure out what made Chris tick, there were some definite awkward moments. Was it romantic? Not at all. But it made the following parts all the more exciting, as we got to experience how the guys grew to know and trust each other, and that was definitely reflected in the later sex scenes, where the cold, almost mechanical acts became real, lustful and believable.
So what was my problem? Let's start with the characters. The whole book was from Mike's POV and I felt like we got to know absolutely nothing about Chris. Yes, Mike figured out what his turn-on was, but that's about it. Their interactions felt stiff and weird, and aside from the obvious sexual tension, I felt like nothing real was happening between them. They had a few scenes where I was absolutely lost, like when they talked about music and what Chris did for a living. It was clinical and choppy and I didn't understand what the deal was.
The writing was a little flowery at times and got in the way of the story, which was essentially a beat-by-beat repeat of Pretty Woman. The similarities were acceptable at first, then it just got irritating until it reached a breaking point for me when we got to James's character. Maybe the ending was different, but I couldn't force myself to read any further.
This book was clearly not for me.
March 10, 2018
It took me a while to get used to the writing style...abrupt diary entries (which, abruptness aside, I ended up loving), frustrating time jumps, and too much happening off page, but as information was slowly revealed, I fell in love with the characters. Sure, the storyline is corny cinderfella, but I didn't care. I ended up savoring the words as they revealed more about the characters. Beautiful.
I wanted more.
I wanted more.
February 23, 2016
i really think this is one of the best young adult kinda coming of age novels i have ever read. i posted the first review on amazon, where i erroneously stated it was her debut novel. there are passages that are painful; there are passages that are inspired; and there are passages that make my heart sing when i reread them. one of those is the last paragraphs at the end; i have read them maybe a dozen times by now. it is the first time in all my fiction reading - and at 83, that's a bunch - i ever discovered this phenomenon. i guess it was because i became so connected to the characters and so concerned about their futures. it is a read in one fell swoop kind of book. and after teaching english and such for decades, i have in the past few years decided arbitrarily to give up on capital letters. you folks won't be confused - and nobody else counts much.
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