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Housemates #5
Starting from Scratch
Starting over isn’t easy, but Ben is ready to live his life as the man he was always meant to be.
Ben is transgender and back at university after hormone treatment and chest surgery. His new housemates have no idea about his history and Ben would prefer to keep it that way. He’s starting from scratch and his life is finally on track, except in the romance department. The idea of dating guys as a guy is exhilarating but terrifying, because if Ben wants a boyfriend he’ll have to disclose his secret.
Sid is drawn to Ben from the moment they meet. He normally gets what he wants—in the short term at least. Ben’s guarded at first, and Sid’s not used to guys rejecting his advances. He eventually charms his way through Ben’s defences and helps Ben on his journey of sexual awakening.
It doesn’t matter to Sid that Ben is trans. He’s attracted to the whole person, and isn’t worried about what is—or isn’t—in Ben’s pants. They’re good together, and both of them are falling hard and fast, but Ben’s insecurities keep getting in the way. If Sid can convince Ben he's committed, will Ben finally be able to put his heart on the line?
Although this book is part of the Housemates series, it has new main characters, a satisfying happy ending, and can be read as a standalone.
Length: 57,000 words approx.
Ben is transgender and back at university after hormone treatment and chest surgery. His new housemates have no idea about his history and Ben would prefer to keep it that way. He’s starting from scratch and his life is finally on track, except in the romance department. The idea of dating guys as a guy is exhilarating but terrifying, because if Ben wants a boyfriend he’ll have to disclose his secret.
Sid is drawn to Ben from the moment they meet. He normally gets what he wants—in the short term at least. Ben’s guarded at first, and Sid’s not used to guys rejecting his advances. He eventually charms his way through Ben’s defences and helps Ben on his journey of sexual awakening.
It doesn’t matter to Sid that Ben is trans. He’s attracted to the whole person, and isn’t worried about what is—or isn’t—in Ben’s pants. They’re good together, and both of them are falling hard and fast, but Ben’s insecurities keep getting in the way. If Sid can convince Ben he's committed, will Ben finally be able to put his heart on the line?
Although this book is part of the Housemates series, it has new main characters, a satisfying happy ending, and can be read as a standalone.
Length: 57,000 words approx.
196 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2017
188 people are currently reading
1833 people want to read
About the author
Jay Northcote
54 books1,652 followersI don't hang out on Goodreads much, so if you'd like to connect with me then Twitter, Facebook or an email is usually best :) All my contact details are on my website.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.
One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.
Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.
Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 387 reviews
April 5, 2017
4.5 Stars.
Another great book in this super sexy series but can be read as a standalone.
Ben and Sid were briefly introduced in the previous book.
Ben is transgender and has gone through his transition.He returns back to the shared house in the New Year determined to try and be more outgoing and interact with people more.
Sid is Jude's ex hook up from the previous book.He's just recently broken up with someone so when he gets an invitation from Jude inviting him on a night out with his friends he thinks why not?
Sid and Ben are drawn to each other,not least because everyone else in part of a couple.They get on well and Sid finds himself getting more and more attracted to Ben,so much so that he doesn't hold back.
Poor Ben is like a rabbit in the headlights...he's still trying to adjust emotionally and still has insecurities about his body.
However,they start to text each other and develop a friendship but when feelings get involved Ben knows he has to tell Sid about being trans.I loved how Sid reacted....all he wanted was to make Ben at ease.And my heart ached for Ben,at times,as he battled his inner demons.
I've read a few transgender books but this is the first one where I came to fully appreciate that people have choices,things aren't straight forward and that Ben's decision regarding his own personal transition was right for him.
The relationship between them developed at exactly the right pace and they are just perfect together.
I just have to mention a new character that was introduced.Johnny....how I loved that dirty boy,with his messy blonde hair and love of eye liner,I'm keeping everything crossed that it's his story next.
Definitely a recommended read.
An Arc of Starting from Scratch was kindly provided by the Author to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
Another great book in this super sexy series but can be read as a standalone.
Ben and Sid were briefly introduced in the previous book.
Ben is transgender and has gone through his transition.He returns back to the shared house in the New Year determined to try and be more outgoing and interact with people more.
Sid is Jude's ex hook up from the previous book.He's just recently broken up with someone so when he gets an invitation from Jude inviting him on a night out with his friends he thinks why not?
Sid and Ben are drawn to each other,not least because everyone else in part of a couple.They get on well and Sid finds himself getting more and more attracted to Ben,so much so that he doesn't hold back.
"So,what do you say? Want to try having sober sex with me?"
Poor Ben is like a rabbit in the headlights...he's still trying to adjust emotionally and still has insecurities about his body.
However,they start to text each other and develop a friendship but when feelings get involved Ben knows he has to tell Sid about being trans.I loved how Sid reacted....all he wanted was to make Ben at ease.And my heart ached for Ben,at times,as he battled his inner demons.
I've read a few transgender books but this is the first one where I came to fully appreciate that people have choices,things aren't straight forward and that Ben's decision regarding his own personal transition was right for him.
The relationship between them developed at exactly the right pace and they are just perfect together.
I just have to mention a new character that was introduced.Johnny....how I loved that dirty boy,with his messy blonde hair and love of eye liner,I'm keeping everything crossed that it's his story next.
Definitely a recommended read.
An Arc of Starting from Scratch was kindly provided by the Author to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
October 29, 2017
Oh how I love this series! I've been looking forward to reading Starting From Scratch since I found out Jay was writing it. I haven't read many books with a trans MC, but I'm always interested in the many facets of the human experience, and if I can learn something along the way, all the better. I can't pretend to know a damn thing about what it is like to go through life in the wrong body or what transgender people go through on a daily basis. Being cisgender, I know I have privilege I didn't earn and I can only hope that our species evolves (sooner, rather than later) to recognize that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Starting From Scratch really felt like an intensely personal story. And given that the author is in the process of transitioning himself, I suspect it really was. I loved it. Every moment. Thank you, Jay, for writing it.
We were introduced to both Ben and Sid in Watching and Wanting. Ben was the quiet new housemate and Sid was the guy who had been previously involved with Jude. In Starting From Scratch they start out getting to know one another and, when they hit it off, they try for more.
Ben is transgender, and since his transition, he hasn't put himself out there for pretty much any kind of relationship. Trust is hard and putting yourself out there is scary, and Ben just hasn't felt ready before now. It's still scary, but he and Sid hit it off, so Ben wants to see if there is a chance. Plus, he did make a New Year's Resolution to be more social, so there is that, too. Is he nervous about how people will react when they find out he is transgender? Yes. Does he still experience dysphoria and internalized transphobia? Yes. Ben, like the rest of us, is a work in progress and he has more challenges than most of us do. He's getting there, and part of that journey is taking chances and learning how to trust other people, as well as himself.
Sid was attracted to Ben from the start. Sid was nervous, though, because of a couple recent rejections, he felt cautious. Mostly. But after some texting and finally getting Ben to say yes to a date, Sid was on top of the world. While there was a touch of awkwardness, at first, when Ben told Sid he was transgender, I loved that the awkwardness was short lived. Sid was attracted to all of Ben and never made him feel less than. And they were very compatible and downright adorable and sexy. I loved every minute of them together.
There are so many ways that angst could have been introduced into this story and so many ways it could have been full of drama. But never did it feel overdone. It had just the right amount of angst to give it the depth it needed. I was also very appreciative that never once did Starting From Scratch feel didactic or preachy. And yet, I feel like I've learned something, along with getting a wonderful story. Jay Northcote is brilliant at giving us well drawn characters and low angst stories and Starting From Scratch was no different. The writing was top notch as was the character and relationship development. I just loved Ben and Sid's story.
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ARC of Starting From Scratch was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Starting From Scratch really felt like an intensely personal story. And given that the author is in the process of transitioning himself, I suspect it really was. I loved it. Every moment. Thank you, Jay, for writing it.
We were introduced to both Ben and Sid in Watching and Wanting. Ben was the quiet new housemate and Sid was the guy who had been previously involved with Jude. In Starting From Scratch they start out getting to know one another and, when they hit it off, they try for more.
Ben is transgender, and since his transition, he hasn't put himself out there for pretty much any kind of relationship. Trust is hard and putting yourself out there is scary, and Ben just hasn't felt ready before now. It's still scary, but he and Sid hit it off, so Ben wants to see if there is a chance. Plus, he did make a New Year's Resolution to be more social, so there is that, too. Is he nervous about how people will react when they find out he is transgender? Yes. Does he still experience dysphoria and internalized transphobia? Yes. Ben, like the rest of us, is a work in progress and he has more challenges than most of us do. He's getting there, and part of that journey is taking chances and learning how to trust other people, as well as himself.
Sid was attracted to Ben from the start. Sid was nervous, though, because of a couple recent rejections, he felt cautious. Mostly. But after some texting and finally getting Ben to say yes to a date, Sid was on top of the world. While there was a touch of awkwardness, at first, when Ben told Sid he was transgender, I loved that the awkwardness was short lived. Sid was attracted to all of Ben and never made him feel less than. And they were very compatible and downright adorable and sexy. I loved every minute of them together.
There are so many ways that angst could have been introduced into this story and so many ways it could have been full of drama. But never did it feel overdone. It had just the right amount of angst to give it the depth it needed. I was also very appreciative that never once did Starting From Scratch feel didactic or preachy. And yet, I feel like I've learned something, along with getting a wonderful story. Jay Northcote is brilliant at giving us well drawn characters and low angst stories and Starting From Scratch was no different. The writing was top notch as was the character and relationship development. I just loved Ben and Sid's story.
-------------------------
ARC of Starting From Scratch was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2017
What a learning experience this book was!
This wasn't my first transgender book, but it was the first one where I felt like I got a deeper look into a trans persons psyche. I was pretty uninformed when came to what it means to be transgender. I mean I knew the basics but the information that this author gives on the physical and emotion psyche of a transgender person was very informative and well written. I now understand and know so much more and am better for it.
Ben is an amazing character full of strength and courage. He is scared but true to himself. That is admirable. Then there is Sid. What a perfect match for Ben. Both men are lonely looking for someone. Ben, someone to accept him as he is with no judgments. Sid, someone that wants him for more than some fun. Ben is scared and has a lot of anxiety about revealing his true self so when Sid shows interest Ben backs off. Sid is bummed out but still wants to proceed in a friendship with Ben. He hopes to knock down his walls and then maybe try asking Ben out again. He succeeds.
Their relationship was sweet and well developed. I loved how Sid looked things up that he didn't understand so he could be more informed and didn't do or say anything wrong. It was very sweet.
This was a VERY good addition to this series. They've been a hit or miss for me but obviously this one was a hit.
Low on angst. Sweet. Funny. Give this one a go dolls!
Happy reading! xx
This wasn't my first transgender book, but it was the first one where I felt like I got a deeper look into a trans persons psyche. I was pretty uninformed when came to what it means to be transgender. I mean I knew the basics but the information that this author gives on the physical and emotion psyche of a transgender person was very informative and well written. I now understand and know so much more and am better for it.
Ben is an amazing character full of strength and courage. He is scared but true to himself. That is admirable. Then there is Sid. What a perfect match for Ben. Both men are lonely looking for someone. Ben, someone to accept him as he is with no judgments. Sid, someone that wants him for more than some fun. Ben is scared and has a lot of anxiety about revealing his true self so when Sid shows interest Ben backs off. Sid is bummed out but still wants to proceed in a friendship with Ben. He hopes to knock down his walls and then maybe try asking Ben out again. He succeeds.
Their relationship was sweet and well developed. I loved how Sid looked things up that he didn't understand so he could be more informed and didn't do or say anything wrong. It was very sweet.
This was a VERY good addition to this series. They've been a hit or miss for me but obviously this one was a hit.
Low on angst. Sweet. Funny. Give this one a go dolls!
Happy reading! xx
Read
March 20, 2017This is Ben and Sid's story, you meet both of them briefly in book 4. But as with the others in this series, this book can be read as a standalone.
Edited: release day now set as April 12th :)
Edited: release day now set as April 12th :)
April 3, 2017
Believe me when I say that this book is Jay Northcote at his best. I really hope that all MM readers will give it a chance. If you don't trust this coming from a cis het woman, trust that it is a well-written, own voices story.
We met Ben and Sid briefly in book 4. This is their love story. Because above all else, this is an incredibly sweet, sexy and romantic story.
Ben is an amazing character. His imperfectly perfect voice felt so honest and authentic to me, and I believe the author did an amazing job conveying his emotions to the reader.
I loved that we also had Sid's POV. Sid was a bit misunderstood, I think. He might be a manwhore (and why is this wrong anyway?) but he didn't actually get the chance to settle down. He will find it in Ben.
This is a relationship driven story, but during its course we get to see the characters grow so much. Ben especially, comes such a long way.
Not everything is all sunshine and roses, and the build up is slow but steady. A lot of happy moments are threatened by Ben's insecurities. A lot of sex scenes are close to ending abruptly because of Ben's gender dysphoria. This just made the story feel even more real to me.
This isn't an angsty story. There is a bit of conflict (I use the term loosely) in the end, but it is easily (I use that term loosely too, because trust in never easy) resolved. It's mostly Ben and Sid trying to navigate their new relationship, all while falling deeply in love with each other. In my book, the ending is a HEA.
It's not the author's job to educate me about trans people, but I feel that as a reader I got a lot out of this book. The story itself is not preachy at all, and the author does not make a point to explain things, but we get to experience a lot through Sid and Ben's eyes.
I suspect that a certain long haired blond with lacey panties might get his own story. If this happens, I'm prepared to worship the ground Jay Northcote walks on.
Very highly recommended!
We met Ben and Sid briefly in book 4. This is their love story. Because above all else, this is an incredibly sweet, sexy and romantic story.
Ben is an amazing character. His imperfectly perfect voice felt so honest and authentic to me, and I believe the author did an amazing job conveying his emotions to the reader.
I loved that we also had Sid's POV. Sid was a bit misunderstood, I think. He might be a manwhore (and why is this wrong anyway?) but he didn't actually get the chance to settle down. He will find it in Ben.
This is a relationship driven story, but during its course we get to see the characters grow so much. Ben especially, comes such a long way.
Not everything is all sunshine and roses, and the build up is slow but steady. A lot of happy moments are threatened by Ben's insecurities. A lot of sex scenes are close to ending abruptly because of Ben's gender dysphoria. This just made the story feel even more real to me.
This isn't an angsty story. There is a bit of conflict (I use the term loosely) in the end, but it is easily (I use that term loosely too, because trust in never easy) resolved. It's mostly Ben and Sid trying to navigate their new relationship, all while falling deeply in love with each other. In my book, the ending is a HEA.
It's not the author's job to educate me about trans people, but I feel that as a reader I got a lot out of this book. The story itself is not preachy at all, and the author does not make a point to explain things, but we get to experience a lot through Sid and Ben's eyes.
I suspect that a certain long haired blond with lacey panties might get his own story. If this happens, I'm prepared to worship the ground Jay Northcote walks on.
Very highly recommended!
April 21, 2017
4 Stars!
I don’t want to do a disservice to this book, and having only read one other transgender story, I found this equally complex, inspiring, and admirable in bravely living one’s truth, no matter how scary and challenging it may be. However, I also don’t want to just focus on what’s different, because this was a great contemporary romance that ranks along with Practice Makes Perfect as my favorites of this series.
Ben understandably, has quite a few fears, especially if and when he’ll have to tell others about himself. Though he’d love to be in a relationship, that too, brings on a host of new potential worries. Enter Sid, who’s a bit brash, and luckily a lot forward - and once he gets to know Ben better, Ben’s revelation hardly causes a blip. Both are new to the relationship waters, and it was sweet and sexy, watching Ben and Sid learn together how to proceed and figure out what was just right for them.
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable love story with a good amount of angsty doubt, insecurity, and jealousy - just the way I like it and with no unnecessary melodrama. Northcote for me, is typically easy, comfort reading with the kind of fluff that has some deep feels to go along with the sugar. However, upon reflection, this series has definitely touched on some tough, topical issues and scenarios that lends just a bit of that grit for an extra felt impact. I for one can’t wait to see what’s coming next!
I don’t want to do a disservice to this book, and having only read one other transgender story, I found this equally complex, inspiring, and admirable in bravely living one’s truth, no matter how scary and challenging it may be. However, I also don’t want to just focus on what’s different, because this was a great contemporary romance that ranks along with Practice Makes Perfect as my favorites of this series.
Ben understandably, has quite a few fears, especially if and when he’ll have to tell others about himself. Though he’d love to be in a relationship, that too, brings on a host of new potential worries. Enter Sid, who’s a bit brash, and luckily a lot forward - and once he gets to know Ben better, Ben’s revelation hardly causes a blip. Both are new to the relationship waters, and it was sweet and sexy, watching Ben and Sid learn together how to proceed and figure out what was just right for them.
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable love story with a good amount of angsty doubt, insecurity, and jealousy - just the way I like it and with no unnecessary melodrama. Northcote for me, is typically easy, comfort reading with the kind of fluff that has some deep feels to go along with the sugar. However, upon reflection, this series has definitely touched on some tough, topical issues and scenarios that lends just a bit of that grit for an extra felt impact. I for one can’t wait to see what’s coming next!
April 19, 2017
Aunque encuentro esta serie un tanto irregular, y mi relación con el autor tiene sus altos y sus bajos seguún los libros, ser testigo de la relación entre Sid y Ben ha sido muy bonito.
Una historia de amor muy dulce de la que personalmente he aprendido muchísimo.
Una historia de amor muy dulce de la que personalmente he aprendido muchísimo.
November 20, 2023
Another good book in this series. Loved this one. Only one left in the series though :(
October 4, 2017
4 stars! Review to come...
February 5, 2020
Reread January 2020
Still think that Jay throws a huge light on what it means to be trans in this book, in a practical, undramatic and non-threatening way.
original review
Love this series, loved this book!
What does it mean to be transgender? Changing your outside to fit the gender inside is one thing. But what happens then? It is like starting from scratch. Because you are a new person.
Do you tell people? How do you tell them? Is it even necessary? Who can you trust enough to share your secret? Can you trust anyone enough to 'out' yourself? But if you don't, how can you ever have a relationship? And who would put up with a different kind of sex, anyway?
If you think these are ALL questions Ben is weighing up in his mind, ... this is only the tip of the iceberg. For me it was more than educational. Just like Sid, I had to google to find out more. To understand it even better. Although Jay Northcote does a damn fine job explaining things through Ben's story.
Ben is riddled with insecurity because of his 'gender status'. He is scared to trust and scared to let himself fall in love. I can't blame him. His situation is really a blooming minefield. I'm not sure I would have the courage to go through it all. But maybe it really depends on the people you meet, and Ben has got some very adorable flatmates (<3), and of course he meets Sid.
Sid is a player. He knows what he wants and how to get it. Until he meets Ben, who rejects him. TWICE. Now that gets his attention. In a good way. He is intrigued by Ben and wants to get to know him. And he tries really hard. All the texting was just really cute and when Ben finally finds the courage to own up to Sid, the man shows his real worth. He's simply an amazing guy!
Ben's journey from a virtual recluse, socially and sexually, to the young, vibrant man he is, was touching and extremely well written. The topic was handled sensitively with realism. The author fully understands the issues and shares his knowledge by wrapping it into a stunning and tender love story.
Highly recommended.
Still think that Jay throws a huge light on what it means to be trans in this book, in a practical, undramatic and non-threatening way.
original review
Love this series, loved this book!
What does it mean to be transgender? Changing your outside to fit the gender inside is one thing. But what happens then? It is like starting from scratch. Because you are a new person.
Do you tell people? How do you tell them? Is it even necessary? Who can you trust enough to share your secret? Can you trust anyone enough to 'out' yourself? But if you don't, how can you ever have a relationship? And who would put up with a different kind of sex, anyway?
If you think these are ALL questions Ben is weighing up in his mind, ... this is only the tip of the iceberg. For me it was more than educational. Just like Sid, I had to google to find out more. To understand it even better. Although Jay Northcote does a damn fine job explaining things through Ben's story.
Ben is riddled with insecurity because of his 'gender status'. He is scared to trust and scared to let himself fall in love. I can't blame him. His situation is really a blooming minefield. I'm not sure I would have the courage to go through it all. But maybe it really depends on the people you meet, and Ben has got some very adorable flatmates (<3), and of course he meets Sid.
Sid is a player. He knows what he wants and how to get it. Until he meets Ben, who rejects him. TWICE. Now that gets his attention. In a good way. He is intrigued by Ben and wants to get to know him. And he tries really hard. All the texting was just really cute and when Ben finally finds the courage to own up to Sid, the man shows his real worth. He's simply an amazing guy!
Ben's journey from a virtual recluse, socially and sexually, to the young, vibrant man he is, was touching and extremely well written. The topic was handled sensitively with realism. The author fully understands the issues and shares his knowledge by wrapping it into a stunning and tender love story.
Highly recommended.
April 11, 2017
I have been looking forward to this book since Jay announced he was writing it and it did not disappoint. I've read some great books with trans main characters and this is definitely a new favorite of mine. I loved Ben and Sid's relationship and how Sid accepted and loved Ben as he was. I felt like I went through Ben's inner turmoil with him. I also feel like I learn so much with each book I read about a trans MC. I recommend you give this book a try. It's so worth reading. Even if you've never read a book with a trans MC then this is just a wonderfully written own voices story to start with.
April 14, 2017
3.5 stars – Before I get to my review, I’m going to start with a reminder about my strong belief in adhering to the principles of being fair and honest in my reviews. Jay Northcote’s Starting from Scratch is not my first exposure to the author, but it is my first time reading a romance novel in which the pairing involves a transgender person. Because of this, I feel it’s important to state that whenever I rate and review a book, I base them entirely on the merits of the book not the gender identification or sexual orientation of the characters it contains. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am thrilled to see that stories involving characters from the lesser-represented shades of the rainbow are beginning to be written more. So as much as I was hoping to be able to give this book a much higher rating, I also strive to ensure my ratings are not affected (neither positively nor negatively) by my personal views on the topics presented within the novel.
The story in Starting from Scratch revolves almost completely around Ben, a trans man who has transitioned through hormone therapy and chest surgery so that his external presentation matches his internal gender. The title, then, is a clear reference to the fact that, with his new body allowing him to be the person he always should have been, he is essentially doing just that. Even though the physical issues of transitioning are generally no longer a problem, the mental and emotional demons that leave him isolated out of fear of how people will react to his secret continue to be a challenge. But he knows that if he’s ever going to find a supportive group of people outside his immediate family, especially one that he could fall in love with, he’ll need to set aside his insecurities. So when Sid, an ex-hookup of one of Ben’s housemates, starts making advances, the idea of having the chance to be with a man for the first time since his transition both exhilarates and terrifies Ben.
Considering the limited amount of romantic literature involving trans men, and the incompleteness of my own knowledge about their struggles, I was pleased that the author made no assumption that his readers would understand both the terminology that forms the reality of trans people and their potentially crippling gender dysphoria, the distress a person suffers based on the sex and gender of their birth. As such, this story could well be a projection of the author’s own experiences in being transgender, and the portions of the book that deal with the issues trans men go through—everything from the physical things necessary to succeed in presenting as a man to the obsession society has about what “parts” a person has in their pants and from the logistics of a sexual relationship where these parts may not match what their partner may be experienced with to suggestions for how a supportive person should approach such sensitive topics in conversation—felt to my undereducated mind as not only realistic but authentically personal without imparting a heavy, depressing tone to the story.
As great as I feel about the author’s presentation of what being transgender is like, though, I wish the story and the storytelling had been as satisfying to me as a reader. Outside the journey of Ben’s sexual reawakening as he deals with his insecurities, the story is almost completely without relationship conflict, and there is little provided that evokes feelings based on the struggle Ben goes through. While the reader is told, for example, of some past rejections and ugliness Ben has endured in trying to navigate his way back into the dating scene with his new body, only once is the reader shown an instance of someone unknowingly saying something that makes Ben feel ashamed to be trans. To be fair, the author repeatedly shows how Ben’s fear of having his secret exposed and ridiculed is a very real day-to-day concern of his, but instances of Ben being made to feel less of a man, intentionally or not, are unfortunately few. Having read a couple of this author’s books before, I understand that his writing style is typically low in angst and conflict, but as I’ve said in reviews of other books of this style, the lack of such things makes it harder for me to get the strong feels I crave when reading a romance.
Unfortunately, the book also suffers from a terrible case of enumerating dull day-to-day stuff that serves no purpose in furthering the plot. While I expect there to be brief scenes showing the everyday minutiae of living as a background for the little conversations during the getting-to-know-you-phase of a romance, Starting from Scratch would have been a much tighter story, in my opinion, if this hadn’t been so prominent throughout the book. Granted, this would have turned the novel into a long novella instead, but other books in the same series are novellas, so that should not have been a problem. It gave me the impression that Ben and his housemates, whose stories have been told earlier in the series, have lives as unremarkable as your everyday Joe. I don’t need the characters to do exciting thing like skydiving constantly, but I also don’t need to see so much of the everyday hum-drum that I try to escape by reading in the first place.
Maybe, though, this is a necessary part of the infancy of trans romances, this showing that trans people aren’t any different from anyone else. Whether or not that was his intent in writing Starting from Scratch, it didn’t work quite as well as I was hoping for it to do. And while I’m starting to sense a pattern in reading Jay Northcote’s books that sometimes they scratch an itch while other times they just frustrate me by pointing out I have one, I truly applaud him for writing this book, and I hope it will not only add to the base of people who pick up trans romances (and trans literature in general) but increase the acceptance of trans people in world society. One step at a time.
The author and/or publisher generously provided me a complimentary copy of Starting from Scratch in exchange for this fair and honest review.
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The story in Starting from Scratch revolves almost completely around Ben, a trans man who has transitioned through hormone therapy and chest surgery so that his external presentation matches his internal gender. The title, then, is a clear reference to the fact that, with his new body allowing him to be the person he always should have been, he is essentially doing just that. Even though the physical issues of transitioning are generally no longer a problem, the mental and emotional demons that leave him isolated out of fear of how people will react to his secret continue to be a challenge. But he knows that if he’s ever going to find a supportive group of people outside his immediate family, especially one that he could fall in love with, he’ll need to set aside his insecurities. So when Sid, an ex-hookup of one of Ben’s housemates, starts making advances, the idea of having the chance to be with a man for the first time since his transition both exhilarates and terrifies Ben.
Considering the limited amount of romantic literature involving trans men, and the incompleteness of my own knowledge about their struggles, I was pleased that the author made no assumption that his readers would understand both the terminology that forms the reality of trans people and their potentially crippling gender dysphoria, the distress a person suffers based on the sex and gender of their birth. As such, this story could well be a projection of the author’s own experiences in being transgender, and the portions of the book that deal with the issues trans men go through—everything from the physical things necessary to succeed in presenting as a man to the obsession society has about what “parts” a person has in their pants and from the logistics of a sexual relationship where these parts may not match what their partner may be experienced with to suggestions for how a supportive person should approach such sensitive topics in conversation—felt to my undereducated mind as not only realistic but authentically personal without imparting a heavy, depressing tone to the story.
As great as I feel about the author’s presentation of what being transgender is like, though, I wish the story and the storytelling had been as satisfying to me as a reader. Outside the journey of Ben’s sexual reawakening as he deals with his insecurities, the story is almost completely without relationship conflict, and there is little provided that evokes feelings based on the struggle Ben goes through. While the reader is told, for example, of some past rejections and ugliness Ben has endured in trying to navigate his way back into the dating scene with his new body, only once is the reader shown an instance of someone unknowingly saying something that makes Ben feel ashamed to be trans. To be fair, the author repeatedly shows how Ben’s fear of having his secret exposed and ridiculed is a very real day-to-day concern of his, but instances of Ben being made to feel less of a man, intentionally or not, are unfortunately few. Having read a couple of this author’s books before, I understand that his writing style is typically low in angst and conflict, but as I’ve said in reviews of other books of this style, the lack of such things makes it harder for me to get the strong feels I crave when reading a romance.
Unfortunately, the book also suffers from a terrible case of enumerating dull day-to-day stuff that serves no purpose in furthering the plot. While I expect there to be brief scenes showing the everyday minutiae of living as a background for the little conversations during the getting-to-know-you-phase of a romance, Starting from Scratch would have been a much tighter story, in my opinion, if this hadn’t been so prominent throughout the book. Granted, this would have turned the novel into a long novella instead, but other books in the same series are novellas, so that should not have been a problem. It gave me the impression that Ben and his housemates, whose stories have been told earlier in the series, have lives as unremarkable as your everyday Joe. I don’t need the characters to do exciting thing like skydiving constantly, but I also don’t need to see so much of the everyday hum-drum that I try to escape by reading in the first place.
Maybe, though, this is a necessary part of the infancy of trans romances, this showing that trans people aren’t any different from anyone else. Whether or not that was his intent in writing Starting from Scratch, it didn’t work quite as well as I was hoping for it to do. And while I’m starting to sense a pattern in reading Jay Northcote’s books that sometimes they scratch an itch while other times they just frustrate me by pointing out I have one, I truly applaud him for writing this book, and I hope it will not only add to the base of people who pick up trans romances (and trans literature in general) but increase the acceptance of trans people in world society. One step at a time.
The author and/or publisher generously provided me a complimentary copy of Starting from Scratch in exchange for this fair and honest review.
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January 21, 2023
I liked the easy writing and how Ben’s post-transitioned life being told. The anxiety, curiousity and doubts were portrayed pretty well. So realistic, I felt anxious with him and excited to watch him grow out of his comfort zone.
I loved Sid too, my dream cis boyfriend hahahah and the positive representation, love it. Although, their convos did get cringey and childish after a while and the constant sex kinda bothered me. And I do wish for more euphoric moment when they first time had sex. It would be so wholesome ☹️ Otherwise, it was cute.
“So come on. Why aren’t you good enough for me?” There was a long silence, but Sid’s gaze was unwavering. Ben had to be honest. “Because I’m trans,” he whispered, hating the words as he said them.
I loved Sid too, my dream cis boyfriend hahahah and the positive representation, love it. Although, their convos did get cringey and childish after a while and the constant sex kinda bothered me. And I do wish for more euphoric moment when they first time had sex. It would be so wholesome ☹️ Otherwise, it was cute.
June 4, 2017
I love this series so hard and I am grateful beyond measure for this non-binary MC. Yes I like non traditional and all that but the reality is that these stories need to be told. And this book is beautiful! I hope all people find this book and are educated while they are turned on. Is there a better way to learn? If you are hesitant to read this because of the trans character.... I urge you to look past it and read the book!
April 13, 2017
4.5 hearts
Another sweet romantic book in this lovely series! This was my first book with a transgender main character and honestly, I only felt safe venturing into this genre with Jay Northcote. His characters are always loveable and his stories will always be emotional but sweet, with glorious HEA’s! And I'd say this was one of the most sweetest and angst free, as well as one of the most emotional novels in the series.
Ben is venturing out into the social world for the first time after completing his transition as a transgender man. Obviously he has to work at opening himself up to others and trusting them not to reject or hurt him, lucky for him he meets Sid who is absolute perfection. Sid automatically sees the person Ben is, the man, and falls for him with ease.
See the rest of my review and Adams here,
Another sweet romantic book in this lovely series! This was my first book with a transgender main character and honestly, I only felt safe venturing into this genre with Jay Northcote. His characters are always loveable and his stories will always be emotional but sweet, with glorious HEA’s! And I'd say this was one of the most sweetest and angst free, as well as one of the most emotional novels in the series.
Ben is venturing out into the social world for the first time after completing his transition as a transgender man. Obviously he has to work at opening himself up to others and trusting them not to reject or hurt him, lucky for him he meets Sid who is absolute perfection. Sid automatically sees the person Ben is, the man, and falls for him with ease.
See the rest of my review and Adams here,
April 14, 2017
Really sweet and beautiful- oh Sid - I loved his willingness to love and understand Ben's fears and his way of making Ben feel like the perfect man for him. Ben's housemates were awesome and SIds housemate Johnny has got me wondering about his possible lingerie fetish ! This was a real eye opener and I have nothing but love and respect for those who make the changes they need to feel whole in their lives. Transgender peeps deserve lots of respect and love.
May 17, 2018
In my current phase of trying new literary genres, I read this novella about a young trans (woman -> man) and his coming out. His meeting with Sid is interesting. And I liked the fact that the MC's family, especially his mother, supported him in his change of genre and new start in life.
The fact that this novella was written by a trans author adds to its credibility. Even if the writing is quite adolescent, it's correct (without spelling or syntax mistakes). I liked.
The fact that this novella was written by a trans author adds to its credibility. Even if the writing is quite adolescent, it's correct (without spelling or syntax mistakes). I liked.
April 22, 2018
4 Stars
Great book; both heartfelt and enlightening. Definitely a favourite read among an already highly entertaining series.
Great book; both heartfelt and enlightening. Definitely a favourite read among an already highly entertaining series.
May 30, 2017
I think that might be my favorite in the series thus far. Lots of good feels all around :)
Want to read
March 31, 2018Kindle freebie 3/31/18!
April 29, 2017
This was lovely ❤
This book was adorable! Ben & Sid captured my heart.
What I loved:
-It had well developed characters
-Easy, quick pace
-Alternating POVs
-Great cast of secondary characters
-Steam
-And an ending that left me assured they were in it for the long haul.
My only complaint is I would've liked a bit more angst.
All in all, an excellent addition to the Housemates Series. 4 Stars!
This book was adorable! Ben & Sid captured my heart.
What I loved:
-It had well developed characters
-Easy, quick pace
-Alternating POVs
-Great cast of secondary characters
-Steam
-And an ending that left me assured they were in it for the long haul.
My only complaint is I would've liked a bit more angst.
All in all, an excellent addition to the Housemates Series. 4 Stars!
April 15, 2017
Beautiful and hopeful story. Loved it. A bit more romantic than the others in the series but I didn't mind at all. I absolutely adored Sid and I'm so glad he was everything Ben needed.
April 12, 2017
I haven't read that many books with trans characters, but this by far is the best one. I'm Sure that's in part because Jay is trans himself.
I don't want to give too much away because I think readers need to experience this for themselves. Ben is three years into his transition and is really insecure because his last b/f didn't handle his transition well. Sid is the first person he's really felt comfortable with and wants to try dating. I love how supportive Sid is and his willingness to take things at Bens pace.
This book was not quite as hot as the previous book because it was a little more relationship driven, as they both had their insecurities and Ben especially needed to be reminded that he was enough for Sid. The sex they did have was pretty spectacular.
There is also a hint as to the next couple and I love how it was set up.
All in all, I loved this, and we do get a sweet HEA
*ARC kindly provided by author for review
I don't want to give too much away because I think readers need to experience this for themselves. Ben is three years into his transition and is really insecure because his last b/f didn't handle his transition well. Sid is the first person he's really felt comfortable with and wants to try dating. I love how supportive Sid is and his willingness to take things at Bens pace.
This book was not quite as hot as the previous book because it was a little more relationship driven, as they both had their insecurities and Ben especially needed to be reminded that he was enough for Sid. The sex they did have was pretty spectacular.
There is also a hint as to the next couple and I love how it was set up.
All in all, I loved this, and we do get a sweet HEA
*ARC kindly provided by author for review
August 11, 2019
I’m noticing something about myself as a reader and I think I really love romances that are kinda boring??? I just love when a romance novel is about two characters meeting and starting a relationship and the rest is just them figuring things out, making the relationship work and being adorably domestic. I don’t know it feeds my soul on so many levels and brings me happiness. All that to say, this story is exactly that! We start off meeting Ben a trans man in his mid twenties who has only within the past few years transitioned. As a result he’s nervous about getting close to people and having to come out to them so he’s been very stand-offish with his roommates at Uni. This year however he’s decided to branch out and in doing so he makes friends and meets our love interest Sid.
Sid and Ben were just so cute together, between the two Sid is definitely the bolder personality but together they just have such wonderful realistic chemistry. This story is incredibly invested in realism, this isn’t some intense borderline ridiculous romance plotline (which i love occasionally so no shade) this is a look at your average millennial dating experience. So some might find that a bit slow but I loved it so so much. Seeing these two communicate and work through their issues without a million absurd miscommunication plots was amazing for me.
Also I loved reading a story where a trans mc gets to just be happy and supported by his family, his friend group and later by his boyfriend. It just worked for me! Totally an enjoyable own voices read and I recommend it if you want something easy and fluffy. The only reason that it’s not five stars is because while I loved reading it I was never obsessed with it, does that make sense? Like it was very good and I loved it but it didn’t burrow its way into my mind and it’s not necessarily a new favorite but it’s great!!!!
Sid and Ben were just so cute together, between the two Sid is definitely the bolder personality but together they just have such wonderful realistic chemistry. This story is incredibly invested in realism, this isn’t some intense borderline ridiculous romance plotline (which i love occasionally so no shade) this is a look at your average millennial dating experience. So some might find that a bit slow but I loved it so so much. Seeing these two communicate and work through their issues without a million absurd miscommunication plots was amazing for me.
Also I loved reading a story where a trans mc gets to just be happy and supported by his family, his friend group and later by his boyfriend. It just worked for me! Totally an enjoyable own voices read and I recommend it if you want something easy and fluffy. The only reason that it’s not five stars is because while I loved reading it I was never obsessed with it, does that make sense? Like it was very good and I loved it but it didn’t burrow its way into my mind and it’s not necessarily a new favorite but it’s great!!!!
June 9, 2019
enlightening, sweet, but triggering
i've never read a romance with a trans main character and i definitely haven't read any trans own voice characters before. which is a damn shame. but this book definitely made up for that.
the story is about ben, a trans man as he navigates his relationship with sid. i liked the simplicity of the story and i really enjoyed reading about an identity i don't have experience reading about. there were lots of tender moments and a LOT of sexy ones too.
there are some things that dropped this book a couple stars for me though.
1. i felt that neither character had a truly unique voice or personality. each one had a career or something they were studying but beyond that they never felt like unique individuals. and in general i felt that the romance was very surface level. lots of romances read like that and there's nothing wrong with something sweet and a little artificial.
2. while i found it fascinating to learn about a trans man navigating his sexuality and relationship with his new body and new partner it was also tricky at times to read about. i would definitely recommend to anyone who is dysphoric to steer clear/use caution when reading this book. there is A LOT of talk about dysphoria, especially in sexual encounters and while i'm sure it's an accurate depiction of the experience i really think it could be triggering for people.
i'm glad i picked this up for pride month and i think this is a super nice quick read.
i've never read a romance with a trans main character and i definitely haven't read any trans own voice characters before. which is a damn shame. but this book definitely made up for that.
the story is about ben, a trans man as he navigates his relationship with sid. i liked the simplicity of the story and i really enjoyed reading about an identity i don't have experience reading about. there were lots of tender moments and a LOT of sexy ones too.
there are some things that dropped this book a couple stars for me though.
1. i felt that neither character had a truly unique voice or personality. each one had a career or something they were studying but beyond that they never felt like unique individuals. and in general i felt that the romance was very surface level. lots of romances read like that and there's nothing wrong with something sweet and a little artificial.
2. while i found it fascinating to learn about a trans man navigating his sexuality and relationship with his new body and new partner it was also tricky at times to read about. i would definitely recommend to anyone who is dysphoric to steer clear/use caution when reading this book. there is A LOT of talk about dysphoria, especially in sexual encounters and while i'm sure it's an accurate depiction of the experience i really think it could be triggering for people.
i'm glad i picked this up for pride month and i think this is a super nice quick read.
February 18, 2018
This is the first romance novel I've read with a Trans MC. I'm not ashamed to admit that I spent as many hours researching on Google as I did reading this book. I've learned so much. I know it will make me a better person.
This book already has many great and detailed reviews so I'm not going to repeat what has already been written. I only want to point out, yet again, how powerful authors truly are. With words on a page, they can change a society's perspective; one person at a time.
Thank you for writing this one Jay.
This book already has many great and detailed reviews so I'm not going to repeat what has already been written. I only want to point out, yet again, how powerful authors truly are. With words on a page, they can change a society's perspective; one person at a time.
Thank you for writing this one Jay.
September 18, 2020
It's no secret that am a huge Jay Northcote fangirl but I think, with this latest in the Housemates series, he's absolutely on top of his game.
All the Housemates series have a charm to them which comes from exploring life as young adults either at university, or just graduated from it, the excitement of independent living, the freedom of exploration, the tentative emotions that come with the first serious "grown up" romance.
This one though has what I suspect is just more than a little bit of Jay himself as it examines the complexities of being a gay trans man finding their feet in the world.
We see Ben learning not only to deal with his own thoughts, anxieties and feelings, but also with adding in a significant other as his relationship with Sid developed.
I loved Ben, I wanted to hug him so badly and tell him how amazing he was to take the steps to being his own true self. But Sid, I fall at the feet of Sid for demonstrating, in his words and actions, how to be the best support for Ben and in taking his time to learn what made his boyfriend comfortable.
I hope people read this, the more diverse books looking at all aspects of the LGBTQ+ world the better. Jay has included a helpful glossary at the beginning of the book with resources on where to find out more information.
But I also hope people read this because it's a beautiful love story about finding your self confidence and living an authentic life in partnership with someone who helps and encourages you to do so. And that applies to people of any sexual orientation, any colour, any race. Love does not discriminate.
Plus amazing cover from the fabulous Garrett Leigh which matches the beauty inside.
P.S. - Jay, we best be getting Johnny and Ryan next ;)
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an unbiased opinion and honest review.
All the Housemates series have a charm to them which comes from exploring life as young adults either at university, or just graduated from it, the excitement of independent living, the freedom of exploration, the tentative emotions that come with the first serious "grown up" romance.
This one though has what I suspect is just more than a little bit of Jay himself as it examines the complexities of being a gay trans man finding their feet in the world.
We see Ben learning not only to deal with his own thoughts, anxieties and feelings, but also with adding in a significant other as his relationship with Sid developed.
I loved Ben, I wanted to hug him so badly and tell him how amazing he was to take the steps to being his own true self. But Sid, I fall at the feet of Sid for demonstrating, in his words and actions, how to be the best support for Ben and in taking his time to learn what made his boyfriend comfortable.
I hope people read this, the more diverse books looking at all aspects of the LGBTQ+ world the better. Jay has included a helpful glossary at the beginning of the book with resources on where to find out more information.
But I also hope people read this because it's a beautiful love story about finding your self confidence and living an authentic life in partnership with someone who helps and encourages you to do so. And that applies to people of any sexual orientation, any colour, any race. Love does not discriminate.
Plus amazing cover from the fabulous Garrett Leigh which matches the beauty inside.
P.S. - Jay, we best be getting Johnny and Ryan next ;)
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an unbiased opinion and honest review.
May 1, 2017
Fantastic and Enlightening!
4 Stars!
What a candidly honest story about a trans man navigating relationships and sex post transition.
I have to say that I learned a lot in this MTF book through the way he author presented his characters. Jay Northcote wrote about the physical aspects and the dysphoria trans men contend with. I was also googling like crazy, wanting to learn more about this subject. This made me realize how little fiction I have read that deals with his topic, and how little I knew about it. I feel a little more educated now or, rather, less ignorant on the topic.
This fifth book in the Housemates series has cameos of past couples, but focuses on Sid and Ben. Sid is truly an angel of understanding, and it is truly lovely to see Ben become more confident in his body throughout the book.
Zero angst. Hot sex. Supportive friends. HEA.
A great comfort and eye opening read!
4 Stars!
What a candidly honest story about a trans man navigating relationships and sex post transition.
I have to say that I learned a lot in this MTF book through the way he author presented his characters. Jay Northcote wrote about the physical aspects and the dysphoria trans men contend with. I was also googling like crazy, wanting to learn more about this subject. This made me realize how little fiction I have read that deals with his topic, and how little I knew about it. I feel a little more educated now or, rather, less ignorant on the topic.
This fifth book in the Housemates series has cameos of past couples, but focuses on Sid and Ben. Sid is truly an angel of understanding, and it is truly lovely to see Ben become more confident in his body throughout the book.
Zero angst. Hot sex. Supportive friends. HEA.
A great comfort and eye opening read!
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