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The Shamwell Tales stories can be enjoyed in any order — jump in wherever you'd like!
An ill-advised encounter at the office party leaves David Greenlake jobless and homeless in one heady weekend. But he quickly begs work from his ex-boss and takes a room in Shamwell with easygoing postman Rory Deamer. David doesn’t mean to flirt with the recently divorced Rory — just like he doesn’t consciously decide to breathe. After all, Rory’s far too nice for him. And far too straight.
Rory finds his new lodger surprisingly fun to be with, and what’s more, David is a hit with Rory’s troubled children. But while Rory’s world may have turned upside down in the last few years, there’s one thing he’s sure he’s straight as a die. So he can’t be falling for David . . . can he?
Their friends and family think they know all the answers, and David’s office party hookup has his own plans for romance. Rory and David need to make up their minds and take a stand for what they really want — or their love could be over before it’s even begun.
An ill-advised encounter at the office party leaves David Greenlake jobless and homeless in one heady weekend. But he quickly begs work from his ex-boss and takes a room in Shamwell with easygoing postman Rory Deamer. David doesn’t mean to flirt with the recently divorced Rory — just like he doesn’t consciously decide to breathe. After all, Rory’s far too nice for him. And far too straight.
Rory finds his new lodger surprisingly fun to be with, and what’s more, David is a hit with Rory’s troubled children. But while Rory’s world may have turned upside down in the last few years, there’s one thing he’s sure he’s straight as a die. So he can’t be falling for David . . . can he?
Their friends and family think they know all the answers, and David’s office party hookup has his own plans for romance. Rory and David need to make up their minds and take a stand for what they really want — or their love could be over before it’s even begun.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2017
22 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Merrow
145 books1,327 followersJL Merrow is that rare beast, an English person who refuses to drink tea. She read Natural Sciences at Cambridge, where she learned many things, chief amongst which was that she never wanted to see the inside of a lab ever again. Her one regret is that she never mastered the ability of punting one-handed whilst holding a glass of champagne.
She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and the paranormal, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novella Muscling Through was a 2013 EPIC Award finalist, and her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy. Her novel Relief Valve is a finalist in the 2015 EPIC Awards.
JL Merrow is a member of the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.
Find JL Merrow online at: www.jlmerrow.com, on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jl.merrow
She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and the paranormal, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novella Muscling Through was a 2013 EPIC Award finalist, and her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy. Her novel Relief Valve is a finalist in the 2015 EPIC Awards.
JL Merrow is a member of the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.
Find JL Merrow online at: www.jlmerrow.com, on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jl.merrow
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
August 6, 2017
*3.5 stars*
Easily my favorite book in the Shamwell series, which turned out to be quite a low-rating series for me. I had trouble connecting to most of the romances in the Shamwell series, and I struggled a little bit with it here as well. However, I adored David, who carried the story.
David is exactly the sort of character that I love to read about. He is BIG on personality. I just need an MC that makes a big impression at this point in my reading career, so David was perfect for my tastes. He was a bit eccentric with his Teddy Bear BFF, and I loved how he was chatty and determined and unique.
The romance is fairly slow burn, which I liked as well. I wish there weren't quite so many miscommunications and missed chances at showing their true feelings, which bumped down my rating quite a bit. While Rory wasn't a stand-out for me, I liked his chemistry with David and I LOVED him discovering the breadth of his sexuality for the first time.
Lots of kid-time in this book, so for those who don't love children in romances, be aware. I didn't mind them much but they did take up a lot of page time. I also HATED Barry, and I couldn't decide if he was actually in love with Rory or just a jerk.
While Spun! was by far my favorite in the Shamwell Tales series, it wasn't my favorite J.L. Merrow book. However, David gets all my love, and it's worth a read for him alone.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
Easily my favorite book in the Shamwell series, which turned out to be quite a low-rating series for me. I had trouble connecting to most of the romances in the Shamwell series, and I struggled a little bit with it here as well. However, I adored David, who carried the story.
David is exactly the sort of character that I love to read about. He is BIG on personality. I just need an MC that makes a big impression at this point in my reading career, so David was perfect for my tastes. He was a bit eccentric with his Teddy Bear BFF, and I loved how he was chatty and determined and unique.
The romance is fairly slow burn, which I liked as well. I wish there weren't quite so many miscommunications and missed chances at showing their true feelings, which bumped down my rating quite a bit. While Rory wasn't a stand-out for me, I liked his chemistry with David and I LOVED him discovering the breadth of his sexuality for the first time.
Lots of kid-time in this book, so for those who don't love children in romances, be aware. I didn't mind them much but they did take up a lot of page time. I also HATED Barry, and I couldn't decide if he was actually in love with Rory or just a jerk.
While Spun! was by far my favorite in the Shamwell Tales series, it wasn't my favorite J.L. Merrow book. However, David gets all my love, and it's worth a read for him alone.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
August 28, 2025
Reread 2023
Oh, how I missed this book and this author in general. I haven’t loved quite everything by them but I LOVED the writing in each and every one (British writing..my weakness ) .
Spun is not a romantic or panties-melting story , there is no wild smut or hot guys but it’s such a good story with 2 absolutely endearing characters.
David , a young (and a bit reckless man) after getting involved in a sexual scandal at his work is forced to give up his job and hide in a London-adjacent small town. As it happens he gets to rent a room in Rory’s house. Rory, an older post office worker is very far from David’s ideal paramour. He’s older, shorter, stocky, bald (he shaves his head) and has two kids who stay with him every other 2 weeks. Oh, and he’s also straight. Now, David is kind of hard to like at first because he’s a snob; he’s spoiled, vain and shallow-a total queen who sometimes blabs too much ,while Rory is, to be perfectly honest,not the brightest tool in the shed but he’s kind, humble, sweet and always ready to help. And because Rory is a bit oblivious , too nice for his own good and not quite a dashing prince charming he’s not exactly lucky with the ladies , he gets dumped by them quite frequently.
And so the guys set up house and bond over their lack of culinary skills, Rory’s kids who are AMAZING and over their love of Doctor Who. There’s no surprise when Rory starts to realize he might be bi but his thoughts process is quite entertaining.
There’s also witty writing, smart humor, awesome dialogues, sweet moments and a all in all a very good book.
There is some homophobia because Rory’s best friend is a homophobe and he’s despicable but nothing life threatening.
The angst is low but the good times and tenderness are high. 5 stars a million times .
Oh, how I missed this book and this author in general. I haven’t loved quite everything by them but I LOVED the writing in each and every one (British writing..my weakness ) .
Spun is not a romantic or panties-melting story , there is no wild smut or hot guys but it’s such a good story with 2 absolutely endearing characters.
David , a young (and a bit reckless man) after getting involved in a sexual scandal at his work is forced to give up his job and hide in a London-adjacent small town. As it happens he gets to rent a room in Rory’s house. Rory, an older post office worker is very far from David’s ideal paramour. He’s older, shorter, stocky, bald (he shaves his head) and has two kids who stay with him every other 2 weeks. Oh, and he’s also straight. Now, David is kind of hard to like at first because he’s a snob; he’s spoiled, vain and shallow-a total queen who sometimes blabs too much ,while Rory is, to be perfectly honest,not the brightest tool in the shed but he’s kind, humble, sweet and always ready to help. And because Rory is a bit oblivious , too nice for his own good and not quite a dashing prince charming he’s not exactly lucky with the ladies , he gets dumped by them quite frequently.
And so the guys set up house and bond over their lack of culinary skills, Rory’s kids who are AMAZING and over their love of Doctor Who. There’s no surprise when Rory starts to realize he might be bi but his thoughts process is quite entertaining.
There’s also witty writing, smart humor, awesome dialogues, sweet moments and a all in all a very good book.
There is some homophobia because Rory’s best friend is a homophobe and he’s despicable but nothing life threatening.
The angst is low but the good times and tenderness are high. 5 stars a million times .
July 9, 2023
Hallelujah ... I finally found a book in JL Merrow's The Shamwell Tales series that I LOVE. JL Merrow has always been one of my go-to-authors for those humorous M/M romance books featuring quirky Brits and The Shamwell Tales series was just not working for me ... until Spun! so I am overjoyed to write this review.
We last met fabulous and flamboyant 24-year-old David Greenlake (they used to call him "Camp David" at work) in Out! where and his teddy bear Gregory made a memorable appearance or two. Fired from his PA position in London, David arrives in Shamwell hoping his old boss Mark can provide work and/or lodging.
41-year-old Rory Deamer (a background character in previous books in the series, usually in the company of the very drunk very homophobic Barry) is a postman, divorced with two kids who primarily live with their mother. Rory is a salt-of-the-earth sweet man who looks after his neighbor and the older folks on his mail route, assuming anyone else would do the same. He loves his job ("As much fresh air and exercise as a man could want, walking around the best village in the world") and loves his kids ("He’d loved walking them home from school, stopping at the swings and popping into the baker’s shop to buy them doughnuts or gingerbread men and making them promise not to tell their mum").
At first glance, Rory and David seem unlikely flat mates, but they quickly bond over their shared lack of cooking skills (“Ooh, remind me to give you my mushroom soup pasta recipe.” David paused, a forkful of food halfway to his mouth. “Although actually, that’s it. Mushroom soup and pasta.”) and love of Doctor Who and Agent Carter. Rory and David's relationship is a very, very, very slow burn but it works as Rory ever so slowly begins to realize he's bisexual and sorts out his feelings:
I received an ARC from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Stop by my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
We last met fabulous and flamboyant 24-year-old David Greenlake (they used to call him "Camp David" at work) in Out! where and his teddy bear Gregory made a memorable appearance or two. Fired from his PA position in London, David arrives in Shamwell hoping his old boss Mark can provide work and/or lodging.
41-year-old Rory Deamer (a background character in previous books in the series, usually in the company of the very drunk very homophobic Barry) is a postman, divorced with two kids who primarily live with their mother. Rory is a salt-of-the-earth sweet man who looks after his neighbor and the older folks on his mail route, assuming anyone else would do the same. He loves his job ("As much fresh air and exercise as a man could want, walking around the best village in the world") and loves his kids ("He’d loved walking them home from school, stopping at the swings and popping into the baker’s shop to buy them doughnuts or gingerbread men and making them promise not to tell their mum").
At first glance, Rory and David seem unlikely flat mates, but they quickly bond over their shared lack of cooking skills (“Ooh, remind me to give you my mushroom soup pasta recipe.” David paused, a forkful of food halfway to his mouth. “Although actually, that’s it. Mushroom soup and pasta.”) and love of Doctor Who and Agent Carter. Rory and David's relationship is a very, very, very slow burn but it works as Rory ever so slowly begins to realize he's bisexual and sorts out his feelings:
It was like . . . like the time he’d let the lads talk him into going on that ginormous bloody roller coaster, when they’d had a Spartans trip down to Thorpe Park. Sitting in that carriage after they’d chugged up to the top thinking, Oh my God, what have I got myself into? His reflection grinned at him. That’d been bloody brilliant, that ride. And this would be too. Him and David.The reason Spun! works so well, IMHO, is that it is the most character-driven book of the series. Rory and David are such lovingly-drawn men who belong together, despite everyone else advising them against such a thing. David longs for someone who takes him as he is and Rory, bless, is that lucky soul. 4.5 stars!
I received an ARC from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Stop by my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
July 13, 2017
Well, that was just sweet and warm and funny, with a hint of angst for flavor. It hit the spot when I wanted something cuddly to read. This author is very good at writing simple, honest, trustworthy men who may not always get things right, but whose good hearts, and belief in the basic goodness of other people, carry them through life. Rory is one of those characters, a village postie who makes his rounds with an eye out for his neighbors, a man who loves his kids and regrets but doesn't hate the women who left him. A guy without much intellect or ambition, but with an open mind and loving heart.
David is his foil - gay, flamboyant, sharp-witted, and a bit bruised by life, but pretending not to care. At first, he winds up in Rory's house as a lodger, helping pay the rent. But he's surprisingly taken by meeting a man who is solid and trustworthy. When Rory's kids come by, David finds he also connects with them, and enjoys the challenge of a houseful of two little people who have also been dealt a difficult hand - in their case, losing time with their doting father, and weeks spent with a work-focused and unaffectionate step-father. In helping Rory out, David finds himself appreciated, useful, busy, and amused. It's a heady combination. If only Rory wasn't so obviously straight.
The theme of out-for-you is believable here, as Rory slowly discovers his bi side. The angst is mainly misreadings and misunderstandings, but given where these men start from, it worked for me. I enjoy Merrow's stories and her men, and this will be a comfort-reread, to grab and indulge in on a rough day.
David is his foil - gay, flamboyant, sharp-witted, and a bit bruised by life, but pretending not to care. At first, he winds up in Rory's house as a lodger, helping pay the rent. But he's surprisingly taken by meeting a man who is solid and trustworthy. When Rory's kids come by, David finds he also connects with them, and enjoys the challenge of a houseful of two little people who have also been dealt a difficult hand - in their case, losing time with their doting father, and weeks spent with a work-focused and unaffectionate step-father. In helping Rory out, David finds himself appreciated, useful, busy, and amused. It's a heady combination. If only Rory wasn't so obviously straight.
The theme of out-for-you is believable here, as Rory slowly discovers his bi side. The angst is mainly misreadings and misunderstandings, but given where these men start from, it worked for me. I enjoy Merrow's stories and her men, and this will be a comfort-reread, to grab and indulge in on a rough day.
January 3, 2018
I decided to take a mini-break away from the horror-fest I’d been on and finally read this way overdue Netgalley title. I think I may need to stick with horror a wee bit longer because I found Spun all too sweet for my current mood.
It was also very hard for me to stick to and when it starts there are so many characters from previous books I haven’t read popping in that I had trouble keeping track of who was who and who was connected to who. I’m not sure if it was the dialogue, the accents or just the sometimes overly wordy prose but I found myself going back and rereading many a paragraph for whatever reason and at times it felt a little too much like work to finish this book. It also has kid characters and they’re featured quite heavily and while it added to the characterization and connection between the couple, kids in a romance aren’t exactly my favorite.
The story opens with David getting fired from his job after he is discovered doing sexual things with the husband of somebody at a work event. Oops. He decides to move out of the city and rents a room from Rory. Rory is a divorced dad of two who has just been dumped by his latest girlfriend. Rory is straight or at least always thought he was until he starts thinking thoughts about David that he’s never thought before.
You can guess how it goes from there right? Okay, good.
So I liked David. He is a bit of a nut. He’s quirky, flirty and flamboyant and carries around a teddy bear he’s named Gregory. It is impossible to dislike David even when he’s making poor decisions and doing the whole jumping to conclusions sort of thing. This brings me to the main issue I had with this book, the misunderstandings and lack of talking about those oh-so-pesky feelings! Rory and David talk about everything else but jump to conclusions and listen to outside forces and get themselves all hurt up for no good reason except maybe to make the book a little longer. It kind of wore on my last nerve and made me want to grab them both and clang their skulls together if I’m being completely honest. I also liked Rory. He’s a quite a few years older than David and he is a kind, sweet and open-minded guy. Their attraction and slowly developing romance felt genuine. But again it was too slow for my tastes.
I liked this story but not enough to give it more than a three.
It was also very hard for me to stick to and when it starts there are so many characters from previous books I haven’t read popping in that I had trouble keeping track of who was who and who was connected to who. I’m not sure if it was the dialogue, the accents or just the sometimes overly wordy prose but I found myself going back and rereading many a paragraph for whatever reason and at times it felt a little too much like work to finish this book. It also has kid characters and they’re featured quite heavily and while it added to the characterization and connection between the couple, kids in a romance aren’t exactly my favorite.
The story opens with David getting fired from his job after he is discovered doing sexual things with the husband of somebody at a work event. Oops. He decides to move out of the city and rents a room from Rory. Rory is a divorced dad of two who has just been dumped by his latest girlfriend. Rory is straight or at least always thought he was until he starts thinking thoughts about David that he’s never thought before.
You can guess how it goes from there right? Okay, good.
So I liked David. He is a bit of a nut. He’s quirky, flirty and flamboyant and carries around a teddy bear he’s named Gregory. It is impossible to dislike David even when he’s making poor decisions and doing the whole jumping to conclusions sort of thing. This brings me to the main issue I had with this book, the misunderstandings and lack of talking about those oh-so-pesky feelings! Rory and David talk about everything else but jump to conclusions and listen to outside forces and get themselves all hurt up for no good reason except maybe to make the book a little longer. It kind of wore on my last nerve and made me want to grab them both and clang their skulls together if I’m being completely honest. I also liked Rory. He’s a quite a few years older than David and he is a kind, sweet and open-minded guy. Their attraction and slowly developing romance felt genuine. But again it was too slow for my tastes.
I liked this story but not enough to give it more than a three.
June 5, 2017
Expected publication: July 3rd 2017 by Riptide Publishing..
I am a SUCKER for British humor. This five star rom-com had it in spades.
I can't vouch for the authenticity of the dialect, setting and characters because I don't have any personal experience, but I bet many other reviewers will vouch that this is as real as it gets.
Any and all drama is simply drowned out by the pervasive dry wit that our MC, David, brings to us. He is one of the most charming and endearing characters I've ever read.
I've only read one other book that had such nonstop humor bundled in with the unfolding drama - The Lightning-Struck Heart - But, whereas TLSH is YA(ish) Fantasy, Spun! is solidly in the adult Contemporary Romance category.
Campy and flamboyant 24 year old Davie takes a room rental from 42 year old divorced dad (previously 100% straight) Rory.
Rory is ... lonely is the best word I can find for him. He's an easy going, laid back character. His life has thrown him a vicious curveball and he's simply doing the best he can with it.
When Davie enters his world, things light up. Davie makes him smile and laugh. Davie quickly becomes a supportive friend to spend time with. Even Rory's kids are immediately taken with Davie's easygoing personality.
I fell in love with Davie. It doesn't surprise me at all that Rory did too.
I adore a story that makes me smile, laugh and feel good.
A big thank you to the Riptide Publishing and NetGalley for this wonderful ARC.
I am a SUCKER for British humor. This five star rom-com had it in spades.
I can't vouch for the authenticity of the dialect, setting and characters because I don't have any personal experience, but I bet many other reviewers will vouch that this is as real as it gets.
Any and all drama is simply drowned out by the pervasive dry wit that our MC, David, brings to us. He is one of the most charming and endearing characters I've ever read.
I've only read one other book that had such nonstop humor bundled in with the unfolding drama - The Lightning-Struck Heart - But, whereas TLSH is YA(ish) Fantasy, Spun! is solidly in the adult Contemporary Romance category.
Campy and flamboyant 24 year old Davie takes a room rental from 42 year old divorced dad (previously 100% straight) Rory.
Rory is ... lonely is the best word I can find for him. He's an easy going, laid back character. His life has thrown him a vicious curveball and he's simply doing the best he can with it.
When Davie enters his world, things light up. Davie makes him smile and laugh. Davie quickly becomes a supportive friend to spend time with. Even Rory's kids are immediately taken with Davie's easygoing personality.
I fell in love with Davie. It doesn't surprise me at all that Rory did too.
I adore a story that makes me smile, laugh and feel good.
A big thank you to the Riptide Publishing and NetGalley for this wonderful ARC.
November 8, 2024
Reread November 2024
Reread December 2022
Well, I still love it.
Reread July 2022
I'd almost forgotten how much I love David and Rory.
5 stars for David and Rory.
I love, love, love, love, love both of these main characters. David the outgoing, over the top, teddy bear carrying super sweet man and Rory with the biggest heart of them all. I loved following them on their journey to friendship and then romance. And I loved Rory's children. The ever so calculating Lucy and the quiet but sweet Leo.
Was this book perfect? No. The miscommunications (mostly cased by outside forces) didn't really work for me. However, sometimes I don't care when it comes to my ratings because I cannot not give David and Rory any less than 5 stars.
Reread December 2022
Well, I still love it.
Reread July 2022
I'd almost forgotten how much I love David and Rory.
5 stars for David and Rory.
I love, love, love, love, love both of these main characters. David the outgoing, over the top, teddy bear carrying super sweet man and Rory with the biggest heart of them all. I loved following them on their journey to friendship and then romance. And I loved Rory's children. The ever so calculating Lucy and the quiet but sweet Leo.
Was this book perfect? No. The miscommunications (mostly cased by outside forces) didn't really work for me. However, sometimes I don't care when it comes to my ratings because I cannot not give David and Rory any less than 5 stars.
October 14, 2022
Completely and utterly charming!
Spun! is the final book in J.L. Merrow's Shamwell Tales series. You can read them out of order, like I did, and a few of the characters pop in here and there, but they are definitely standalones.
I did them all in audio, beautifully performed by Mark Steadman.
Spun! is the final book in J.L. Merrow's Shamwell Tales series. You can read them out of order, like I did, and a few of the characters pop in here and there, but they are definitely standalones.
I did them all in audio, beautifully performed by Mark Steadman.
July 3, 2017
Sweet and easygoing
Rory was everything David didn't want in a guy. Short, no hair to grab and straight...
Without a job and a place to live, he luckily can rent a room at Rory's place.
David....what a guy...he gives names to things and funny names to people and doesn't hide it.
Rory recently divorced, easygoing, two kids are all under David's spell.
There are a lot of fluffy passages, a lot of fun and all in France or British language and humor....(I'm not British......:( Sorry....sometimes I just didn't get it)
David... you will love him, flamboyant.. always talking and cuddling with Gregory.....Always with a smile....and the right company for Rory's kids...
David a lot younger than Rory is developing strong feelings for him....and Rory...is asking himself why he is so at ease with David and why he can't stop thinking in terms without David.
There was a lot to read...for me sometimes a bit to... overall a sweet and funny read.
Nice easygoing story, lovely personalities and a good developed storyline.
All in a typical British style...oi
A copy received from Divine Magazine given by NetGalley
Rory was everything David didn't want in a guy. Short, no hair to grab and straight...
Without a job and a place to live, he luckily can rent a room at Rory's place.
David....what a guy...he gives names to things and funny names to people and doesn't hide it.
Rory recently divorced, easygoing, two kids are all under David's spell.
There are a lot of fluffy passages, a lot of fun and all in France or British language and humor....(I'm not British......:( Sorry....sometimes I just didn't get it)
David... you will love him, flamboyant.. always talking and cuddling with Gregory.....Always with a smile....and the right company for Rory's kids...
David a lot younger than Rory is developing strong feelings for him....and Rory...is asking himself why he is so at ease with David and why he can't stop thinking in terms without David.
There was a lot to read...for me sometimes a bit to... overall a sweet and funny read.
Nice easygoing story, lovely personalities and a good developed storyline.
All in a typical British style...oi
A copy received from Divine Magazine given by NetGalley
August 28, 2025
You know how I keep saying I don't like talking, walking kids in romance? Turns out I like them when they're terrorizing their mom and the man she cheated with and left their father for.
Okay so. Maybe it's not kids that I dislike in romance but how the authors choose to use them to meddle and make wise beyond their years observations about the relationship between the MCs?
Because let me tell you Lucy's a slightly wicked headstrong little girl and Leo loves nothing more than to mind his business and I liked them just fine.
I adored these two. Rory and David, that is. Not the kids. Though I already said I liked those.
Rory and David seem like they wouldn't work, on paper, yet somehow they do?
Fancy schmancy 24 year old David with his suits and always fully dressed teddy bear and 41, almost 42 year old salt of the earth postman Rory, who's somehow too good for the shitty hand life has dealt him so far but he's muddling valiantly along.
David's very gay and Rory's been very straight —well...until David.
And they're both increasingly into each other, and that would be that, except EVERYONE (I'm not even kidding) thinks neither could possibly be into the other and they get into their heads about it.
David's very flighty and has never really wanted to settle down for long, plus as his own mom says, he really only ever dates older men with a pretty high minimum bank balance. So he starts out thinking this is a 'for now' arrangement as he'll soon go back to London.
Rory's besties with a homophobe who kinda gets into his head before David moves in, so at the start he's googling the 'gay agenda' just to be forearmed, not to mention he's got two kids who don't love their current living situation with their mom, so all he's really looking for is stability.
They shouldn't work. But somehow, they slot perfectly into the gaps in each other's lives.
Rory's the first person to ever really take David seriously. Until people start telling him he can't possibly rely on David. Not David, the one who never commits to anything? Will he even be staying in the area long term? You know the kind of men he usually goes for. Besides, even if he was into Rory, Rory's too old for him, right?
David gets along spectacularly well with Rory's admittedly difficult kids. He wants to be a family unit with them. Except everyone says Rory's straighter than an arrow. Don't even try that. Probably will get back with his ex. And his own mom says REALLY? That's the guy you like? The short, balding one? That's not your usual type, darling, you'll be bored of him in no time. Best to move on. Find someone more exciting.
😭I've never wanted everyone to collectively shut the fuck up more. They're all so well meaning but so damn destructive. Each opinion pushed these two further apart.
So they're living together, sad as fuck, pining over the other and scared shitless of saying anything because they don't want to ruin their friendship.
All because meddlesome people can't leave well enough alone.
Sigh.
This reminds me of the Mills and Boon /Harlequin romances we used to read way back when —in the sense that the couple gets together 84% in so most of the book is just build up.
I'm curious why we deviated from that formula because I REALLY liked reading a romance with that pacing. And it wasn't lots of side plot to fill the pages, either. Just a steady simmer until everything boiled over.
These two aren't kids, but I kinda liked them having a nervous 'I like you' moment and not a lust-filled crashing of mouths and shoving each other up against walls moment.
I miss well-written slow burns that aren't YA/NA. I absolutely want the MCs to combust in an explosion of passionate lust💀 but I want them to really, really, REALLY know and like each other before.
And the whole nervous with each other even though they've known each other a while really worked for me, too.
Also, the book sounds very British because who else says things like... "Having someone give his dick a good seeing to was great, it was fucking brilliant"
Sounds like a very polite euphemism for what happened.
Good 'seeing to', indeed.
Okay so. Maybe it's not kids that I dislike in romance but how the authors choose to use them to meddle and make wise beyond their years observations about the relationship between the MCs?
Because let me tell you Lucy's a slightly wicked headstrong little girl and Leo loves nothing more than to mind his business and I liked them just fine.
I adored these two. Rory and David, that is. Not the kids. Though I already said I liked those.
Rory and David seem like they wouldn't work, on paper, yet somehow they do?
Fancy schmancy 24 year old David with his suits and always fully dressed teddy bear and 41, almost 42 year old salt of the earth postman Rory, who's somehow too good for the shitty hand life has dealt him so far but he's muddling valiantly along.
David's very gay and Rory's been very straight —well...until David.
And they're both increasingly into each other, and that would be that, except EVERYONE (I'm not even kidding) thinks neither could possibly be into the other and they get into their heads about it.
David's very flighty and has never really wanted to settle down for long, plus as his own mom says, he really only ever dates older men with a pretty high minimum bank balance. So he starts out thinking this is a 'for now' arrangement as he'll soon go back to London.
Rory's besties with a homophobe who kinda gets into his head before David moves in, so at the start he's googling the 'gay agenda' just to be forearmed, not to mention he's got two kids who don't love their current living situation with their mom, so all he's really looking for is stability.
They shouldn't work. But somehow, they slot perfectly into the gaps in each other's lives.
Rory's the first person to ever really take David seriously. Until people start telling him he can't possibly rely on David. Not David, the one who never commits to anything? Will he even be staying in the area long term? You know the kind of men he usually goes for. Besides, even if he was into Rory, Rory's too old for him, right?
David gets along spectacularly well with Rory's admittedly difficult kids. He wants to be a family unit with them. Except everyone says Rory's straighter than an arrow. Don't even try that. Probably will get back with his ex. And his own mom says REALLY? That's the guy you like? The short, balding one? That's not your usual type, darling, you'll be bored of him in no time. Best to move on. Find someone more exciting.
😭I've never wanted everyone to collectively shut the fuck up more. They're all so well meaning but so damn destructive. Each opinion pushed these two further apart.
So they're living together, sad as fuck, pining over the other and scared shitless of saying anything because they don't want to ruin their friendship.
All because meddlesome people can't leave well enough alone.
Sigh.
This reminds me of the Mills and Boon /Harlequin romances we used to read way back when —in the sense that the couple gets together 84% in so most of the book is just build up.
I'm curious why we deviated from that formula because I REALLY liked reading a romance with that pacing. And it wasn't lots of side plot to fill the pages, either. Just a steady simmer until everything boiled over.
These two aren't kids, but I kinda liked them having a nervous 'I like you' moment and not a lust-filled crashing of mouths and shoving each other up against walls moment.
I miss well-written slow burns that aren't YA/NA. I absolutely want the MCs to combust in an explosion of passionate lust💀 but I want them to really, really, REALLY know and like each other before.
And the whole nervous with each other even though they've known each other a while really worked for me, too.
Also, the book sounds very British because who else says things like... "Having someone give his dick a good seeing to was great, it was fucking brilliant"
Sounds like a very polite euphemism for what happened.
Good 'seeing to', indeed.
July 27, 2017
This is my favorite of the Shamwell books. I adored David and his sense of humor. So many wonderful LOL lines in this one. Gah! And I always like stories with kids/family dynamic.
I wasn't as much a fan of the reiterative, angsty "he can't possibly like me" plot points, but the rest more than made up for that. JL Merrow is a perennial fav.
I wasn't as much a fan of the reiterative, angsty "he can't possibly like me" plot points, but the rest more than made up for that. JL Merrow is a perennial fav.
March 17, 2018
I was lucky enough to review the ebook of this story last year, so I’m going to do my best not to rehash everything I previously said there in this audio book review. I think that just about everything I said in that review is still correct, so I’d rather spend more time focusing on what a reread was able to add to this story, as well as how the narration by Mark Steadman influenced my opinion of the book. If you have not previously read this book, I’ll do my best to bring you up to speed:
Bad-timing, bad-judgement, or just bad-luck–hell, maybe all three–lands David Greenlake with no job, no home, and an increasing dearth of friends willing to let him crash on their couches till the first or the second situation rights itself. So he gathers what is left of his pride and calls in a favor from his former boss, Mark Nugent (see previous story: Out!) asking him to take him on as a personal assistant/dogsbody. Mark–much to his partner Patrick’s annoyance–agrees. But–much to Patrick’s insistance–has no couch to lend, or bed to rest poor David’s head on. He does however know of a man who might just be in need of a roomate.
Rory Deamer, having just been summarily dumped by Patrick’s mother, is actually happy to have someone to share his house with. Granted, there is not much house to share, but he has a free room, and sharing with a mate of Mark’s shouldn’t be a problem. Even if the guy is rather more…um, obvious? in his sexual orientation than any gay man Rory has ever known. But, really, Rory doesn’t mind, and even kind of likes the odd bits about David. And yeah, the way people are suddenly assuming that he and David are in a relationship–despite the fact that someone like David falling for a man like Rory is beyond ridiculous…and not even just because Rory is straight–is a bit bemusing, but David is quickly becoming an essential part of Rory’s day, and really, what harm is there in people’s assumptions anyway?
I hadn’t had a chance to go back and reread this story since I read it the first time. I did remember liking quite a bit though, so when I saw that we had been offered a chance to review the audio book, I thought I’d give it a try. And much like the first time I read it, that first chapter made me squirm with so much second-hand embarrassment that I was unsure if I wanted to continue. David is such a…unique individual, and Mark Steadman (the narrator) does such a good job of bringing that to life, that I so worried that I’d end up hating how over-the-top he can be at times. But just like last time, the moment passed, Rory came on page, and oh my god did I remember what I adored about this book. Not just that Rory is by far and away my favorite character in the entire series, but that the combination of Rory and David is absolute perfection. They balance each other so well that neither is too much or too little.
And the narration only added good things to the story. I have had the chance since finishing this audio version to go back and listen to several of the other books in this series, and while I do think that Mark Steadman does a wonderful job in each of them, there is something so perfect about this story that beats them all out. I literally planned to take over a week listening to this book on my commute to and from work…and instead finished in probably less than 48 hours. Luckily I was able to listen to it while working or else I think I might have found myself hiding out in the break-room more than is strictly encouraged to get another five-minute fix of the damn thing. The narration fits so perfectly with these characters that when I finished the story I kinda wanted to just go back and listen to it again. That takes a damn good book to pull off.
All in all, I can’t help but recommend this audio book. I know that David isn’t for everyone, but my god does he work so well in this story. And Rory…can I please have more Rory in my life??? I had so much fun listening to this, and as I am quickly running out of books in this series to listen to, I can only hope that Merrow is planing a book five at some point. Or else I’m just going to have to go back and reread them all over again.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Bad-timing, bad-judgement, or just bad-luck–hell, maybe all three–lands David Greenlake with no job, no home, and an increasing dearth of friends willing to let him crash on their couches till the first or the second situation rights itself. So he gathers what is left of his pride and calls in a favor from his former boss, Mark Nugent (see previous story: Out!) asking him to take him on as a personal assistant/dogsbody. Mark–much to his partner Patrick’s annoyance–agrees. But–much to Patrick’s insistance–has no couch to lend, or bed to rest poor David’s head on. He does however know of a man who might just be in need of a roomate.
Rory Deamer, having just been summarily dumped by Patrick’s mother, is actually happy to have someone to share his house with. Granted, there is not much house to share, but he has a free room, and sharing with a mate of Mark’s shouldn’t be a problem. Even if the guy is rather more…um, obvious? in his sexual orientation than any gay man Rory has ever known. But, really, Rory doesn’t mind, and even kind of likes the odd bits about David. And yeah, the way people are suddenly assuming that he and David are in a relationship–despite the fact that someone like David falling for a man like Rory is beyond ridiculous…and not even just because Rory is straight–is a bit bemusing, but David is quickly becoming an essential part of Rory’s day, and really, what harm is there in people’s assumptions anyway?
I hadn’t had a chance to go back and reread this story since I read it the first time. I did remember liking quite a bit though, so when I saw that we had been offered a chance to review the audio book, I thought I’d give it a try. And much like the first time I read it, that first chapter made me squirm with so much second-hand embarrassment that I was unsure if I wanted to continue. David is such a…unique individual, and Mark Steadman (the narrator) does such a good job of bringing that to life, that I so worried that I’d end up hating how over-the-top he can be at times. But just like last time, the moment passed, Rory came on page, and oh my god did I remember what I adored about this book. Not just that Rory is by far and away my favorite character in the entire series, but that the combination of Rory and David is absolute perfection. They balance each other so well that neither is too much or too little.
And the narration only added good things to the story. I have had the chance since finishing this audio version to go back and listen to several of the other books in this series, and while I do think that Mark Steadman does a wonderful job in each of them, there is something so perfect about this story that beats them all out. I literally planned to take over a week listening to this book on my commute to and from work…and instead finished in probably less than 48 hours. Luckily I was able to listen to it while working or else I think I might have found myself hiding out in the break-room more than is strictly encouraged to get another five-minute fix of the damn thing. The narration fits so perfectly with these characters that when I finished the story I kinda wanted to just go back and listen to it again. That takes a damn good book to pull off.
All in all, I can’t help but recommend this audio book. I know that David isn’t for everyone, but my god does he work so well in this story. And Rory…can I please have more Rory in my life??? I had so much fun listening to this, and as I am quickly running out of books in this series to listen to, I can only hope that Merrow is planing a book five at some point. Or else I’m just going to have to go back and reread them all over again.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
August 27, 2017
I like a great deal about this book but it ends before we get a fully developed relationship. I wanted to see Rory and David as a couple and in love. They just basically start really being together when the books ends and it was frustrating.
Rory is a great guy. I love that he has shared custody and the underlying discussion of gendered childrearing. His sexuality could be better discussed between him and David for richer emotionial intimacy.
David is wonderful as well if we take him for his actions in this book. We might need a bit more self reflection as he grows up and gets what he really needs here. I like his interactions with his mom around love.
The circle of friends and the setting is great. Even though most of these books have had problems for me, I like this world and wouldn't mind reading more but with more couple time and longer romance time.
Rory is a great guy. I love that he has shared custody and the underlying discussion of gendered childrearing. His sexuality could be better discussed between him and David for richer emotionial intimacy.
David is wonderful as well if we take him for his actions in this book. We might need a bit more self reflection as he grows up and gets what he really needs here. I like his interactions with his mom around love.
The circle of friends and the setting is great. Even though most of these books have had problems for me, I like this world and wouldn't mind reading more but with more couple time and longer romance time.
July 16, 2017
This was super cute. Complete slow burn, with lovely characters and lots of small town England. I believe there were also scones.
July 4, 2017
Awww…It’s been too long since I visited Shamwell! I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed it until digging in to Spun!, the latest addition to this wonderful series by JL Merrow. As with the other stories in the series, Spun! is filled with colorful characters, and chock full of British charm. Aside from a couple of little niggles, this was an incredibly fun read; I completely fell in love with Rory and David.
My first minor issue was some confusion, i.e., feeling a bit lost, with the introduction of David’s character. Though, the problem is most likely down to me not having read Out!, the third book in the series, rather than an actual issue with the construction of the story. Out! was Mark and Patrick’s book, and as David is a friend and ex-coworker of Mark’s (and apparently, he also had a crush on Mark once upon a time), we may have learned more about him in that book. As it was, when David was all of a sudden talking to a random teddy bear name Gregory, I felt like I was definitely missing something! I even had to reread chapter three a couple of times. Soooo, yeah. Heh, heh. I would say that this book mostly works as a standalone…after I got through to chapter 4, I was totally fine. But, there may be some benefit to reading the previous book first.
Like I said above, I completely fell in love with the main characters. But, whereas my fondness for Rory was immediate, David did take a minute to get used to. First, his penchant for randomly using French phrases and nicknames might initially give the impression that he’s perhaps snobby or pretentious. That, coupled with his attachment to Gregory, makes for in interesting first impression. However, as far as the pretension goes, nothing could be further from the truth. David is an absolute love. He’s fun, intelligent, well-rounded, and very sexy! The descriptions of him in the book pretty much made me swoon. And, he’s wonderful with Rory’s kids. Like, super hearty eyes wonderful. Rory definitely never stood a chance! Also, he’s completely hilarious. Lines like this had me cracking up:
As fabulous as David was, though, I have to admit that Rory was my favorite. I loved him SO stinkin’ much. Rory is kind, loving, loyal, and an amazing dad. Forgiving to a fault, he’s even sweet to his best mate Barry when he’s being a dick, and to his ex-wife, who cheated and left him, taking their kids with her. One of the things I loved best about him was that he really gets David. He doesn’t even bat an eye when being introduced to Gregory—reminder: Gregory is a teddy bear—and, shares David’s love for all things fandom. He also doesn’t judge or underestimate David like so many others do. His belief in David, and in their friendship, are what ultimately help him take the leap of faith he needs to take regarding their relationship. I just wish he would have taken the leap sooner!
Which brings me to my second niggle. The story was going along sooo beautifully—the guys were slowly falling for each other, and they were moving closer to becoming a cozy family unit—when the inevitable miscommunication, or rather, lack of communication, had to be put into play. I get that we like a little conflict to be resolved. I do. Unfortunately, though, for me, the miscommunication and mooning around about what the other must be thinking went on for tooooo long, and started to get a bit repetitive and grating.
Not to worry, though…There were WAY more things I loved about this story than didn’t. I loved seeing Mr. Enemy, the schoolteacher and one of the MCs from Caught!. It made me want to go recapture the joy I got from that book. I loved David’s relationship with his mom. I loved that Merrow once again went with pairing a blue-collar guy with a sort of more upper-crust character. I loved that Rory’s ex-wife, Evie, finally apologized for being an asshole, and the way that whole resolution, with him and the kids, played out. And, Lord help me, I loved that adorable, costumed teddy bear!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
My first minor issue was some confusion, i.e., feeling a bit lost, with the introduction of David’s character. Though, the problem is most likely down to me not having read Out!, the third book in the series, rather than an actual issue with the construction of the story. Out! was Mark and Patrick’s book, and as David is a friend and ex-coworker of Mark’s (and apparently, he also had a crush on Mark once upon a time), we may have learned more about him in that book. As it was, when David was all of a sudden talking to a random teddy bear name Gregory, I felt like I was definitely missing something! I even had to reread chapter three a couple of times. Soooo, yeah. Heh, heh. I would say that this book mostly works as a standalone…after I got through to chapter 4, I was totally fine. But, there may be some benefit to reading the previous book first.
Like I said above, I completely fell in love with the main characters. But, whereas my fondness for Rory was immediate, David did take a minute to get used to. First, his penchant for randomly using French phrases and nicknames might initially give the impression that he’s perhaps snobby or pretentious. That, coupled with his attachment to Gregory, makes for in interesting first impression. However, as far as the pretension goes, nothing could be further from the truth. David is an absolute love. He’s fun, intelligent, well-rounded, and very sexy! The descriptions of him in the book pretty much made me swoon. And, he’s wonderful with Rory’s kids. Like, super hearty eyes wonderful. Rory definitely never stood a chance! Also, he’s completely hilarious. Lines like this had me cracking up:
“Are you a postman too, Barry? Do you go around in those fetching little shorts, delivering hopes and dreams to the masses?”
As fabulous as David was, though, I have to admit that Rory was my favorite. I loved him SO stinkin’ much. Rory is kind, loving, loyal, and an amazing dad. Forgiving to a fault, he’s even sweet to his best mate Barry when he’s being a dick, and to his ex-wife, who cheated and left him, taking their kids with her. One of the things I loved best about him was that he really gets David. He doesn’t even bat an eye when being introduced to Gregory—reminder: Gregory is a teddy bear—and, shares David’s love for all things fandom. He also doesn’t judge or underestimate David like so many others do. His belief in David, and in their friendship, are what ultimately help him take the leap of faith he needs to take regarding their relationship. I just wish he would have taken the leap sooner!
Which brings me to my second niggle. The story was going along sooo beautifully—the guys were slowly falling for each other, and they were moving closer to becoming a cozy family unit—when the inevitable miscommunication, or rather, lack of communication, had to be put into play. I get that we like a little conflict to be resolved. I do. Unfortunately, though, for me, the miscommunication and mooning around about what the other must be thinking went on for tooooo long, and started to get a bit repetitive and grating.
Not to worry, though…There were WAY more things I loved about this story than didn’t. I loved seeing Mr. Enemy, the schoolteacher and one of the MCs from Caught!. It made me want to go recapture the joy I got from that book. I loved David’s relationship with his mom. I loved that Merrow once again went with pairing a blue-collar guy with a sort of more upper-crust character. I loved that Rory’s ex-wife, Evie, finally apologized for being an asshole, and the way that whole resolution, with him and the kids, played out. And, Lord help me, I loved that adorable, costumed teddy bear!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
August 3, 2017
<333 Much love for both David and Rory!! See my full review here: http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co... !!
August 4, 2017
4.5 stars
Overall I loved this book! Both characters were just lovely. Only at some point during the final third of the book all these thoughts instead of talks got on my nerves. But that didn't take away any of my reading fun. Now let's hope that there will be a book #5.
Overall I loved this book! Both characters were just lovely. Only at some point during the final third of the book all these thoughts instead of talks got on my nerves. But that didn't take away any of my reading fun. Now let's hope that there will be a book #5.
May 28, 2022
2.5 stars
I don't usually like this type of humor, but it worked pretty well for me here. I liked it much better than I would have expected, although it did start to wear thin toward the end.
I really liked the slow-building friendship between the MCs, but the ending didn't come together for me. I waited too long to review this, and now I can't remember the details, but I know what started out as a pleasant surprise and turned into something I felt pretty hopeful about ended up a low-key disappointment. It had something to do with the ridiculous misunderstanding/complete lack of communication that kept them apart right when they were finally going to get together.
I would have preferred to see them together and figuring things out for the last third of the book. Instead they were mutually hurt and pining for some really stupid reasons, and then everything got rushed at the end. I just like my MCs together for longer than this.
I don't usually like this type of humor, but it worked pretty well for me here. I liked it much better than I would have expected, although it did start to wear thin toward the end.
I really liked the slow-building friendship between the MCs, but the ending didn't come together for me. I waited too long to review this, and now I can't remember the details, but I know what started out as a pleasant surprise and turned into something I felt pretty hopeful about ended up a low-key disappointment. It had something to do with the ridiculous misunderstanding/complete lack of communication that kept them apart right when they were finally going to get together.
I would have preferred to see them together and figuring things out for the last third of the book. Instead they were mutually hurt and pining for some really stupid reasons, and then everything got rushed at the end. I just like my MCs together for longer than this.
July 3, 2017
When David Greenlake looses his job and has to move to Shamwell, he doesn’t know what to expect. Mostly he just hopes that there will be fewer people around giving him dirty looks. He doesn’t expect to find a place that feels like home, or a roommate who sets his heart a-pattering. Unfortunately for David, Rory Deamer is as straight as they come, so David will have to put on his big boy boots and just get over his silly little crush. But as David gets to know Rory, and Rory gets to know David, there begin to be real feelings on both side. David isn’t going to risk his friendship on what might be sparks, though, and Rory…well Rory is just plain ol’ confused about everything. If they never talk about it, well they might lose their chance, but speaking up might not be worth the risk to their friendship, home, and Rory’s kids.
What can I say about this book other than it was a pure joy to read? It may have taken me a few chapters to warm up to the sheer eccentricness of David Greenlake, but after that it was all smooth sailing. Sure the whole teddy bear thing was weird at first, but honestly, it kinda grew on me. And there is just something about David that is just…lovely. I wouldn’t call him naive or innocent, per se, but there is something about him that makes you want to feed him cupcakes and wrap him up in floffy blankets. He is everything he is, and he has no bones about being so. I honestly don’t know how to explain it, but to say I loved it.
And Rory is just as awesome. Yes, sometimes things fly over his head, but he is such a good man. I really liked that this book didn’t try to make him more than what he was, because what he was felt real and honest. I felt like I was reading a book about two people, not two models. And the sheer goodness of Rory filled this book with so much heart. He tries to be a good man, a good father, and no he doesn’t always succeed, but he does try. He is not perfect, but he is everything that I think David needs. Even if David didn’t quite know it yet.
They are a bit of an odd-couple, I will admit, but they work. Granted, it takes them a while to get there since Rory has no clue he is bisexual, but the journey to them getting there is wonderful. A bit heartbreaking at times (a few tears may have escaped my eyes) but also so damn fulfilling when it finally happens.
I also really appreciated that this book didn’t go in the direction that I was sure it was going to with the whole Lewis-subplot. I was ready to lay down bets that it would devolve into the whole “I’m gonna take your kids away from you because you are now ‘gay'” route, but it didn’t. Thank god. Lewis is still a massive dick, to be sure, but it avoided the cliche and for that I am eternally grateful.
I just enjoyed every second I was reading this book. And any story that can get me from “oh I’ll just read a few chapters” to “oh, is that the last page already?” without me even noticing the time flying by is always must have for me. I love J.L. Merrow. I love the Shamwell series. And I just love the stuffing out of David and Rory.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
What can I say about this book other than it was a pure joy to read? It may have taken me a few chapters to warm up to the sheer eccentricness of David Greenlake, but after that it was all smooth sailing. Sure the whole teddy bear thing was weird at first, but honestly, it kinda grew on me. And there is just something about David that is just…lovely. I wouldn’t call him naive or innocent, per se, but there is something about him that makes you want to feed him cupcakes and wrap him up in floffy blankets. He is everything he is, and he has no bones about being so. I honestly don’t know how to explain it, but to say I loved it.
And Rory is just as awesome. Yes, sometimes things fly over his head, but he is such a good man. I really liked that this book didn’t try to make him more than what he was, because what he was felt real and honest. I felt like I was reading a book about two people, not two models. And the sheer goodness of Rory filled this book with so much heart. He tries to be a good man, a good father, and no he doesn’t always succeed, but he does try. He is not perfect, but he is everything that I think David needs. Even if David didn’t quite know it yet.
They are a bit of an odd-couple, I will admit, but they work. Granted, it takes them a while to get there since Rory has no clue he is bisexual, but the journey to them getting there is wonderful. A bit heartbreaking at times (a few tears may have escaped my eyes) but also so damn fulfilling when it finally happens.
I also really appreciated that this book didn’t go in the direction that I was sure it was going to with the whole Lewis-subplot. I was ready to lay down bets that it would devolve into the whole “I’m gonna take your kids away from you because you are now ‘gay'” route, but it didn’t. Thank god. Lewis is still a massive dick, to be sure, but it avoided the cliche and for that I am eternally grateful.
I just enjoyed every second I was reading this book. And any story that can get me from “oh I’ll just read a few chapters” to “oh, is that the last page already?” without me even noticing the time flying by is always must have for me. I love J.L. Merrow. I love the Shamwell series. And I just love the stuffing out of David and Rory.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
July 1, 2017
Reviewed for Just Love
I received an advance review copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
It’s been a few years since I last read anything by this author but I’m so glad I corrected that oversight recently. Spun! was a delightful friends to lovers romance that checked a lot of my favorite boxes – in addition to adding some new ones (pardon me, is our hero actually carrying around a teddy bear?).
But seriously, it’s quite something when partway into a book, I was as enamored by the fun and flirty Davey as I was by his childhood bear, which he dresses in the height of fashion. On the surface, Davey was sassy, sophisticated and well, silly, so I was delighted (and relieved) at how well he got along with Rory, who is decidedly none of those things. They were very much the odd couple but with a lot less bickering and a whole lot more playtime. Get your mind out of the gutter, I meant playtime with the children, ie. Rory’s two kids who came over every other weekend. But speaking of bears, Rory was warm, gentle and infinitely cuddly and I adored his easygoing approach to everything, including the prospect of bisexuality and coming out in his forties. I also loved that he was just a regular joe with average looks and a soft middle and hints of male pattern baldness.
Family and friends were central to the story, which if I recall correctly is an underlying theme in the Shamwell Tales universe (Shamwell being a small and presumably fictional village outside of London). As awesome as many of the side characters were (friends, kids, various exes and all), not all of them were well-meaning. There was the odd biphobic comment tossed out early on which I suppose was meant to illustrate the challenges the unsuspecting couple-to-be would face down the road, and Rory’s best mate in particular was overtly homophobic throughout. But the book generally kept away from any real ugliness and pulled off the “all’s well that ends well” thing neatly in keeping with the positive tone of the book.
Indeed, Spun! was pretty much zero angst and all fun. I loved how the unlikely pair bonded over really simple things like watching geeky shows together and competing for the title of Most Mediocre Cook. Between that and quality time with the children, they fell into an easy domestic pattern and I really liked that their relationship was based on compatibility and comfort. It reminded me that the “friends to lovers” trope doesn’t always have to be about the sexual tension, and that it can also be warm and cozy, like slipping on a favorite pair of socks.
It’s not a romance that will sweep you off your feet but it will charm your socks off. I may or may not have giggled occasionally (okay, cackled every few minutes, whatevs) and perhaps even sniffled (Davey and Rory are so misunderstood, you guys!). It’s a charming and hilarious read and I highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
It’s been a few years since I last read anything by this author but I’m so glad I corrected that oversight recently. Spun! was a delightful friends to lovers romance that checked a lot of my favorite boxes – in addition to adding some new ones (pardon me, is our hero actually carrying around a teddy bear?).
But seriously, it’s quite something when partway into a book, I was as enamored by the fun and flirty Davey as I was by his childhood bear, which he dresses in the height of fashion. On the surface, Davey was sassy, sophisticated and well, silly, so I was delighted (and relieved) at how well he got along with Rory, who is decidedly none of those things. They were very much the odd couple but with a lot less bickering and a whole lot more playtime. Get your mind out of the gutter, I meant playtime with the children, ie. Rory’s two kids who came over every other weekend. But speaking of bears, Rory was warm, gentle and infinitely cuddly and I adored his easygoing approach to everything, including the prospect of bisexuality and coming out in his forties. I also loved that he was just a regular joe with average looks and a soft middle and hints of male pattern baldness.
Family and friends were central to the story, which if I recall correctly is an underlying theme in the Shamwell Tales universe (Shamwell being a small and presumably fictional village outside of London). As awesome as many of the side characters were (friends, kids, various exes and all), not all of them were well-meaning. There was the odd biphobic comment tossed out early on which I suppose was meant to illustrate the challenges the unsuspecting couple-to-be would face down the road, and Rory’s best mate in particular was overtly homophobic throughout. But the book generally kept away from any real ugliness and pulled off the “all’s well that ends well” thing neatly in keeping with the positive tone of the book.
Indeed, Spun! was pretty much zero angst and all fun. I loved how the unlikely pair bonded over really simple things like watching geeky shows together and competing for the title of Most Mediocre Cook. Between that and quality time with the children, they fell into an easy domestic pattern and I really liked that their relationship was based on compatibility and comfort. It reminded me that the “friends to lovers” trope doesn’t always have to be about the sexual tension, and that it can also be warm and cozy, like slipping on a favorite pair of socks.
It’s not a romance that will sweep you off your feet but it will charm your socks off. I may or may not have giggled occasionally (okay, cackled every few minutes, whatevs) and perhaps even sniffled (Davey and Rory are so misunderstood, you guys!). It’s a charming and hilarious read and I highly recommend it.
June 9, 2017
Revised second edition
I loved David in the previous book and that hasn't changed, he's so flamboyant and outgoing that people tend to disregard and pigeonhole him and that's a mistake, he's very loyal to those he likes and is a very good friend too.
Rory is a much more subdued character, very easygoing just plodding through life working and looking forward to time spent with his kids. There are a few misunderstandings arising from the fact that Rory is 'straight' and that neither one ever speaks openly about their feelings but they do sort themselves out in the end. It's all good :)
All books in this series can be read as standalones.
*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I loved David in the previous book and that hasn't changed, he's so flamboyant and outgoing that people tend to disregard and pigeonhole him and that's a mistake, he's very loyal to those he likes and is a very good friend too.
Rory is a much more subdued character, very easygoing just plodding through life working and looking forward to time spent with his kids. There are a few misunderstandings arising from the fact that Rory is 'straight' and that neither one ever speaks openly about their feelings but they do sort themselves out in the end. It's all good :)
All books in this series can be read as standalones.
*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
May 18, 2017
3.5 stars
Whenever I'm in the mood for an authentic British story, I know JL Merrow is the right choice. I've read many books before set in Britain but no author has done a better job at combining the British humor, dialect and setting better than Merrow.
David is a character I loved in previous books, mainly because he's hilarious and likeable and just soooooo.....BRITISH! Getting to know him throughout the book was a blast, kind of like spending time with a best friend that's got charisma and genuine humor in spades. I couldn't stop laughing and it made me wish I had a David like that in my life. His humor was never forced and even though it was outrageously over the top, it is an intrinsic part of who David is.
His interaction with friends, his relentless flirting, his natural charm, made David into a character very dear to my heart.
Rory on the other hand didn't stand out to me in any way. Sure, he is a nice guy who loves his kids and would do anything to have them spend more time at his house, but his sudden attraction and interest in David didn't sound genuine to me. I'm not sure why, because this wasn't the first time I've encountered an older guy who gets a clue about his sexuality, but Rory's story just didn't ring true. And I couldn't understand his friendship with that asshole Barry because I couldn't stand that twathead (not even after he apologized for his homophobic comments)!
I enjoyed myself tremendously reading this book, it's guaranteed to put you in a great mood! The characters are amazing and entertaining, but the star of the book is David and the wonderful relationships he forms with Rory's kids, his friendship with Fen and his rivalry with Patrick. And he gets a HEA that he's truly happy with, so who am I to rain on his parade? Great book!
Whenever I'm in the mood for an authentic British story, I know JL Merrow is the right choice. I've read many books before set in Britain but no author has done a better job at combining the British humor, dialect and setting better than Merrow.
David is a character I loved in previous books, mainly because he's hilarious and likeable and just soooooo.....BRITISH! Getting to know him throughout the book was a blast, kind of like spending time with a best friend that's got charisma and genuine humor in spades. I couldn't stop laughing and it made me wish I had a David like that in my life. His humor was never forced and even though it was outrageously over the top, it is an intrinsic part of who David is.
His interaction with friends, his relentless flirting, his natural charm, made David into a character very dear to my heart.
Rory on the other hand didn't stand out to me in any way. Sure, he is a nice guy who loves his kids and would do anything to have them spend more time at his house, but his sudden attraction and interest in David didn't sound genuine to me. I'm not sure why, because this wasn't the first time I've encountered an older guy who gets a clue about his sexuality, but Rory's story just didn't ring true. And I couldn't understand his friendship with that asshole Barry because I couldn't stand that twathead (not even after he apologized for his homophobic comments)!
I enjoyed myself tremendously reading this book, it's guaranteed to put you in a great mood! The characters are amazing and entertaining, but the star of the book is David and the wonderful relationships he forms with Rory's kids, his friendship with Fen and his rivalry with Patrick. And he gets a HEA that he's truly happy with, so who am I to rain on his parade? Great book!
June 13, 2017
ETA: It was good! It was good! 4.5 stars.
Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2019
My fave of the series. I adored David!
July 4, 2017
I enjoyed this A LOT.
December 8, 2017
3.5 stars rounded down to 3 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR
Just another trip back to the village of Shamwell...
We first met David in 'Out' and I liked him so when I found out that he was one of the MCs for this series I simply couldn't resist.
In 'OUT' David pursues Mark, who was his boss and he has a bit of a crush but not being the object of David's affections things stop before they get started, however, David and Mark do remain friends of a sort and when David's world begins to crumble after he gets caught in an indiscretion at work and the friend he's moved in with when he looses his apartment as a result gives him a not so subtle hint that it's time to move on. Desperate and not knowing where else to go David turns to Mark for help.
Mark offers him a job helping to set up his fledgling business and then helps him to find a place to live...enter Mark's friend, Rory. Rory's straight but he doesn't have a problem with someone who's gay and a boarder to share the expenses would be good. So suddenly Rory has a roommate and he thinks he might like this idea.
Rory's kids like David and so does Rory. As David and Rory spend time together and get to know each other they each discover that they really enjoy spending time together and Rory finds that as well as David's company, he just likes David...he likes how he looks.
I liked that this wasn't an insta-love relationship. David and Rory spent time together as roommates and friends getting to know each other, doing things together. Rory was uncertain about himself and I liked that we got to spend page time with Rory as he examined his life and his choices trying to sort out how he felt about David and what he wanted for himself and for him and Rory in terms of a relationship.
While Rory's looking at himself we also get to see David as he begins to realize that he's attracted to Rory, who isn't someone that David would typically be interested in but the more time David spends with Rory the more he realizes that he really likes Rory the person and he likes what he sees when he looks at Rory the man.
I liked the friendship that developed between Rory and David and the loyalty that they showed to each other from the start in spite of their insecurities and the uncertainty that comes with new love.
Once again Mark Steadman was the narrator for this story and once again he's done a wonderful job of bringing life to this story and it's characters. Providing unique and expressive voices for the characters while keeping familiarity for characters that we've met in previous stories...characters like Mark and Patrick from 'OUT' or Mark's daughter who we also met in 'OUT' and whom I have to say I enjoyed her more this time around.
'SPUN' is a story of love when and where you least expect it, of second chances and starting over. This has definitely turned out to be my favorite story in this series so far, but if there's more to come I look forward to taking a trip back to Shamwell and finding out whose story is coming next and hopefully seeing how the residents that I'm met so far are doing.
*************************
An audiobook of 'SPUN' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Just another trip back to the village of Shamwell...
We first met David in 'Out' and I liked him so when I found out that he was one of the MCs for this series I simply couldn't resist.
In 'OUT' David pursues Mark, who was his boss and he has a bit of a crush but not being the object of David's affections things stop before they get started, however, David and Mark do remain friends of a sort and when David's world begins to crumble after he gets caught in an indiscretion at work and the friend he's moved in with when he looses his apartment as a result gives him a not so subtle hint that it's time to move on. Desperate and not knowing where else to go David turns to Mark for help.
Mark offers him a job helping to set up his fledgling business and then helps him to find a place to live...enter Mark's friend, Rory. Rory's straight but he doesn't have a problem with someone who's gay and a boarder to share the expenses would be good. So suddenly Rory has a roommate and he thinks he might like this idea.
Rory's kids like David and so does Rory. As David and Rory spend time together and get to know each other they each discover that they really enjoy spending time together and Rory finds that as well as David's company, he just likes David...he likes how he looks.
I liked that this wasn't an insta-love relationship. David and Rory spent time together as roommates and friends getting to know each other, doing things together. Rory was uncertain about himself and I liked that we got to spend page time with Rory as he examined his life and his choices trying to sort out how he felt about David and what he wanted for himself and for him and Rory in terms of a relationship.
While Rory's looking at himself we also get to see David as he begins to realize that he's attracted to Rory, who isn't someone that David would typically be interested in but the more time David spends with Rory the more he realizes that he really likes Rory the person and he likes what he sees when he looks at Rory the man.
I liked the friendship that developed between Rory and David and the loyalty that they showed to each other from the start in spite of their insecurities and the uncertainty that comes with new love.
Once again Mark Steadman was the narrator for this story and once again he's done a wonderful job of bringing life to this story and it's characters. Providing unique and expressive voices for the characters while keeping familiarity for characters that we've met in previous stories...characters like Mark and Patrick from 'OUT' or Mark's daughter who we also met in 'OUT' and whom I have to say I enjoyed her more this time around.
'SPUN' is a story of love when and where you least expect it, of second chances and starting over. This has definitely turned out to be my favorite story in this series so far, but if there's more to come I look forward to taking a trip back to Shamwell and finding out whose story is coming next and hopefully seeing how the residents that I'm met so far are doing.
*************************
An audiobook of 'SPUN' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2017
Reviewed for Night Owl Reviews
J.L. Merrow's always been an auto-pick author of mine as I enjoy the brand of witticism and British tones in her stories. That said, I had a bit of ups and downs with "The Shamwell Tales" series, but Spun! is definitely on the up sphere of the bunch for me. This is a nice surprise, given I wasn't too impressed with David and Rory when they first appeared on the previous book of the series.
As the other installments of the series, Spun! is also told alternately from David and Rory's POVs. The opening chapter might not put David on the positive light. However, as the story goes, his flamboyance and cheerful nature grew on me. Same goes for Mr. Oblivious, Rory, who was much too nice a person and often let others walked all over him. Their - mostly - non negative views of anything (even cheating ex and his spouse) helped boost up my mood reading their tales. David's Gregory and Rory's Leo and Lucy also contributed a lot in my enjoyment of the story. Then again, I have soft spot for story with cute tykes, and Rory's kids were just such a delight with their combo of passive aggressive behaviour. So the full force of David, Rory and Leo, Lucy was too potent for me to evade!
Another positive point was the way the attraction between them was handled. The gradual affection, self-talk and confusion - which is to be expected, on both side - seemed genuine and didn't feel rushed. The bisexuality was not treated as poorly; there's even a convo that touched on how not to say things that could conform the term "gay agenda" without being too preachy about it.
The prolonged what-ifs and inaction might be a bit frustrating and got me "oh c'mon fess up already so you can start your happy beggining!" more than once. But the upside of it was the low level of heat meter in this book. Given how the story started, this might not what reader expected. But to me, it's another plus point not to focus too much on the steamy scenes, as it gave more room to other entertaining shenanigans the characters had going.
"Copyright Night Owl Reviews"
J.L. Merrow's always been an auto-pick author of mine as I enjoy the brand of witticism and British tones in her stories. That said, I had a bit of ups and downs with "The Shamwell Tales" series, but Spun! is definitely on the up sphere of the bunch for me. This is a nice surprise, given I wasn't too impressed with David and Rory when they first appeared on the previous book of the series.
As the other installments of the series, Spun! is also told alternately from David and Rory's POVs. The opening chapter might not put David on the positive light. However, as the story goes, his flamboyance and cheerful nature grew on me. Same goes for Mr. Oblivious, Rory, who was much too nice a person and often let others walked all over him. Their - mostly - non negative views of anything (even cheating ex and his spouse) helped boost up my mood reading their tales. David's Gregory and Rory's Leo and Lucy also contributed a lot in my enjoyment of the story. Then again, I have soft spot for story with cute tykes, and Rory's kids were just such a delight with their combo of passive aggressive behaviour. So the full force of David, Rory and Leo, Lucy was too potent for me to evade!
Another positive point was the way the attraction between them was handled. The gradual affection, self-talk and confusion - which is to be expected, on both side - seemed genuine and didn't feel rushed. The bisexuality was not treated as poorly; there's even a convo that touched on how not to say things that could conform the term "gay agenda" without being too preachy about it.
The prolonged what-ifs and inaction might be a bit frustrating and got me "oh c'mon fess up already so you can start your happy beggining!" more than once. But the upside of it was the low level of heat meter in this book. Given how the story started, this might not what reader expected. But to me, it's another plus point not to focus too much on the steamy scenes, as it gave more room to other entertaining shenanigans the characters had going.
"Copyright Night Owl Reviews"
June 18, 2022
My new favorite.
I simply loved this one from the start. I admit at the beginning Rory reminded me of Al with his naivety but I soon saw him just for himself. David I was so happy to see get his HEA. I loved him in Marks story. The children were delightful, especially sweet Leo. If I had a complaint it would be lack of page time for Gregory LMAO
Overall a sweet funny and romantic read. Loved it.
ETA Oh M Gee I can't believe I forgot so much. But on the plus side it was almost like reading for the first time. I can't stress how much I loved this one, this is how things should be in an ideal world.
Oh how I wish we could have a few more stories set in Shamwell. I mean we should at least get a short where little Leo finally gets to be in Mr Emeny's class LOL
ETA Same as above, I need more Shamwell tales
ETA Still one of my favorites. I just wish there were more Shamwell Tales, especially with little Leo
I simply loved this one from the start. I admit at the beginning Rory reminded me of Al with his naivety but I soon saw him just for himself. David I was so happy to see get his HEA. I loved him in Marks story. The children were delightful, especially sweet Leo. If I had a complaint it would be lack of page time for Gregory LMAO
Overall a sweet funny and romantic read. Loved it.
ETA Oh M Gee I can't believe I forgot so much. But on the plus side it was almost like reading for the first time. I can't stress how much I loved this one, this is how things should be in an ideal world.
Oh how I wish we could have a few more stories set in Shamwell. I mean we should at least get a short where little Leo finally gets to be in Mr Emeny's class LOL
ETA Same as above, I need more Shamwell tales
ETA Still one of my favorites. I just wish there were more Shamwell Tales, especially with little Leo
October 5, 2024
In spite of loving Merrow’s Plumber’s Mate books, this series has not clicked with me. Now, finally, comes an installment I enjoyed. Both guys have very distinct and likable personalities, especially sweet Rory. But since this is a case of a guy questioning his sexuality late in life, it was an extremely slow burn romance that relied on miscommunication and misunderstandings to prolong the eventual HEA. Living as roommates helped to give us adequate together time, but ultimately I liked the characters better than the plot. I don’t think I could recount it now if I had to. The meandering pace and my usual aversion to anything remotely GFY keeps me from rating it any higher even though I liked it better than the previous books.
July 21, 2017
Hands down, the Shamwell Tales is one of my favorite series. I highly recommend to anyone. The romances, while influenced by attraction, are slow to develop and based on respect and caring. The settings are ultra cozy. The daily life is charming. This series exemplifies the cozy romance and is absolutely beloved.
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