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Love and Other Hot Beverages
Winner of the 30th Annual Lambda Literary Award for Gay Romance! After a rough breakup, Todd Addison wants time alone to grieve. While still dreaming of winning back his ex’s love, he moves across the country and finds work with a construction company. The last thing he needs is the cute office boy developing a crush on him, especially since he’s back in the closet. Sebastián Nye can’t help feeling sorry for the obviously brokenhearted Todd. Though rebuffed repeatedly, Sebby chisels away at Todd’s resistance, determined to help him forget — a task potentially beyond anyone’s capabilities. He never meant to fall for the poor guy, but he does. Hard. Desperate to hold on to Todd, Sebby hatches a sneaky plot guaranteed to end Todd's heartbreak — if Todd doesn't bail and ruin everything. Just when things can’t get more complicated, Todd’s ex wants him back. And Sebby’s abusive ex is just waiting to catch Sebby alone. Todd and Sebby must decide what’s worth fighting for, what’s worth sacrifice, and what’s worth compromise, or their relationship will begin and end with a broken heart.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2017
About the author
Laurie Loft
1 book4 followersAward-winning author Laurie Loft lives in Iowa, endeavoring to write stories to give you that rush. Her husband, cat, and dogs kindly tolerate this odd activity. Her first M/M novel came about because of a minor character in a straight romance who just took over and demanded his own book. Laurie enjoys NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and other forms of writerly torture. She finds inspiration in her NaNo friends and her fellow Riptide authors. When not writing or working at her mysterious day job, she can often be found screaming at tangled cross stitch threads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 19, 2017
DNF AT 60% WITH STRUGGLED.
I SPENT MY DAYS FOR THIS PIECE OF CRAP??????
NO. JUST NO.
WARNING :
THIS BOOK CONTAINS STUPID MC AND SWINGER LIFESTYLE!
FUCK BOOK WITH NO WARNING!
FUCK THIS BOOK!
I SPENT MY DAYS FOR THIS PIECE OF CRAP??????
NO. JUST NO.
WARNING :
THIS BOOK CONTAINS STUPID MC AND SWINGER LIFESTYLE!
FUCK BOOK WITH NO WARNING!
FUCK THIS BOOK!
July 8, 2019
The in-authenticity of the characters and the setting really ruined this book for me.
The problem for me is that she didn’t do enough research on Todd's workplace. She’s never explicit about what he does, other than that he wears a hard had and works with other guys. However, based on my experience in construction management, I know that these guys are specialized workers. Only a small number of workers are unskilled, moving cement blocks or bricks on pallets, guiding cement mixer tubes, etc.
It’s most likely that Todd, with his background helping his father with construction as a teenager, has some interior skills, like carpentry or hanging drywall. But the steel skeleton is skill going up, so there’s no place for someone like that. He’d need a background in steel erection, which he wouldn’t have gotten building houses with his dad.
Plus, men gossip wherever they are. Before I was out, I’d hear comments like “he pisses sitting down” or “only doctors and faggots wear pink shirts, and I don’t see you wearing no beeper.” If they suspected he was gay, that word would spread, especially once he was hanging out with Sebby.
Further, there’s a point when his boss corners him in the lift and tells him to be nice to Sebby. At this point, he’s pretty much out of the closet. So when he has this existential problem with coming out, he’s either being clueless, or manipulated by the author.
I read this with my gay men's book group, who all also complained about the sex in the book, which seems to be a straight woman's view of sex between men. None of us found that believable.
The problem for me is that she didn’t do enough research on Todd's workplace. She’s never explicit about what he does, other than that he wears a hard had and works with other guys. However, based on my experience in construction management, I know that these guys are specialized workers. Only a small number of workers are unskilled, moving cement blocks or bricks on pallets, guiding cement mixer tubes, etc.
It’s most likely that Todd, with his background helping his father with construction as a teenager, has some interior skills, like carpentry or hanging drywall. But the steel skeleton is skill going up, so there’s no place for someone like that. He’d need a background in steel erection, which he wouldn’t have gotten building houses with his dad.
Plus, men gossip wherever they are. Before I was out, I’d hear comments like “he pisses sitting down” or “only doctors and faggots wear pink shirts, and I don’t see you wearing no beeper.” If they suspected he was gay, that word would spread, especially once he was hanging out with Sebby.
Further, there’s a point when his boss corners him in the lift and tells him to be nice to Sebby. At this point, he’s pretty much out of the closet. So when he has this existential problem with coming out, he’s either being clueless, or manipulated by the author.
I read this with my gay men's book group, who all also complained about the sex in the book, which seems to be a straight woman's view of sex between men. None of us found that believable.
May 7, 2017
This review is quite difficult to write as my reaction to the book veered wildly from thinking it brilliant to finding it intensely irritating, from finding it oh-so- insightful to wondering how any writer could pen such drivel, from five star to no star.
Sebby meets Todd.....decides he's the one... but knows he has just been hurt in love....so has Sebby....but in a different way......can it be made to all add up to a meaningful and lasting relationship?
In real life, with a lot of hard work, yes it can. In a novel,.... maybe.
I found both of the main characters difficult to like, but it was easy to identify with some aspects of them.I found the writing tedious at times and a lot of the banter excruciating: I persisted because of the blinding flashes of great insight into the way REAL gay men's minds work.
The sex was pretty ho-hum and, at times, far too detailed. The ending, too contrived and the appearance of Todd’s mother, unconvincing.
Despite these reservations, I do urge you to read this novel .
Thank you to net galley and Riptide for the advance copy.
Sebby meets Todd.....decides he's the one... but knows he has just been hurt in love....so has Sebby....but in a different way......can it be made to all add up to a meaningful and lasting relationship?
In real life, with a lot of hard work, yes it can. In a novel,.... maybe.
I found both of the main characters difficult to like, but it was easy to identify with some aspects of them.I found the writing tedious at times and a lot of the banter excruciating: I persisted because of the blinding flashes of great insight into the way REAL gay men's minds work.
The sex was pretty ho-hum and, at times, far too detailed. The ending, too contrived and the appearance of Todd’s mother, unconvincing.
Despite these reservations, I do urge you to read this novel .
Thank you to net galley and Riptide for the advance copy.
July 3, 2017
I really, really struggled to finish this book and almost DNF several times. Honestly, I did end up skimming in some parts of the book.
Todd basically ran away after his last break-up and is working in construction and is back in the closet. He's basically waiting for his ex-boyfriend to change his mind and want him back. He's decided to hide the fact that he's gay because he assumes the other construction workers are homophobic. Sebastian (Sebby) is the office manager for the construction company and he's out of the closet and a total flirt. He is constantly flirting with Todd who is basically very rude to him at first. Sebby knows that Todd isn't over his ex-boyfriend but decides to help him heal. Although he doesn't plan to fall for Todd he does.
Both Todd and Sebby were almost totally different characters when they were at work and when they were home. Actually Todd kept changing his personality so many times I got whiplash. Sebby is hiding past secrets from Todd and of course Todd is hung up on his ex through most of the book. Once Sebby and Todd are in a relationship and having sex, Sebby decides that Todd really needs to have sex with two of his friends (Sebby isn't even there for that) just sends him off. Then he gets scared and has sex with someone else because Todd wasn't there. I really struggled with this and REALLY wanted to DNF at this point because Todd really didn't want to do this and Sebby really pushed him into it. The whole thing was just off-putting for me.
I never really felt a connection between these two. Between the "cheating" and one of them being completely hung up on an ex there just wasn't much romance. Both of these men had some serious issues and the author basically chose to tie everything up in a neat bow at the end that I found completely unbelievable.
I never really liked either character and the dialogue was just bizarre at times. The banter felt stilted and the sex scenes were just okay.
Overall I just can't recommend this one.
A copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
Todd basically ran away after his last break-up and is working in construction and is back in the closet. He's basically waiting for his ex-boyfriend to change his mind and want him back. He's decided to hide the fact that he's gay because he assumes the other construction workers are homophobic. Sebastian (Sebby) is the office manager for the construction company and he's out of the closet and a total flirt. He is constantly flirting with Todd who is basically very rude to him at first. Sebby knows that Todd isn't over his ex-boyfriend but decides to help him heal. Although he doesn't plan to fall for Todd he does.
Both Todd and Sebby were almost totally different characters when they were at work and when they were home. Actually Todd kept changing his personality so many times I got whiplash. Sebby is hiding past secrets from Todd and of course Todd is hung up on his ex through most of the book. Once Sebby and Todd are in a relationship and having sex, Sebby decides that Todd really needs to have sex with two of his friends (Sebby isn't even there for that) just sends him off. Then he gets scared and has sex with someone else because Todd wasn't there. I really struggled with this and REALLY wanted to DNF at this point because Todd really didn't want to do this and Sebby really pushed him into it. The whole thing was just off-putting for me.
I never really felt a connection between these two. Between the "cheating" and one of them being completely hung up on an ex there just wasn't much romance. Both of these men had some serious issues and the author basically chose to tie everything up in a neat bow at the end that I found completely unbelievable.
I never really liked either character and the dialogue was just bizarre at times. The banter felt stilted and the sex scenes were just okay.
Overall I just can't recommend this one.
A copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
June 29, 2017
2.5 stars
I wanted to like this, really, I did. I read the blurb and thought this was going to be a drama-filled romance, but it's not.
Oh, there's plenty of drama, alright, but not really the romance I expected.
Todd Addison is working for a construction company after his last relationship ended with a bad and painful break-up. Having put many miles between himself and his former boyfriend, he's taken the construction job until he finds something better to do or until ex-boyfriend changes his mind. Oh, he's also now in the closet, because construction workers are generally homophobic, according to Todd.
Sebastian (Sebby) Nye is out and proud and the office manager for the construction company. He is an outrageous flirt, and tries his charms on a very standoffish Todd, plying him with coffee and more. Eventually, Sebby gets what he wants. It's supposed to be healing Todd from heartbreak, and Sebby isn't planning to fall for the guy but he does anyway.
I really didn't like Todd. He exasperated me with his back and forth, and he hurt Sebby more than once. Their relationship is messy because Sebby isn't totally honest, and Todd is still pining for the cheating ex.
I had a difficult time liking both characters, actually, and their actions and reactions were possibly a little to realistic for me. I don't mind realism in the books I read; I welcome it usually, but here it just got too much for me - I just didn't believe that these two men are going to make it, despite the HEA we get in the end.
The writing is a bit stilted on occasion, and the dialogue felt off, especially when they were bantering. There are sexy times, but I wasn't super impressed with those either.
Overall, it was just meh.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return. **
I wanted to like this, really, I did. I read the blurb and thought this was going to be a drama-filled romance, but it's not.
Oh, there's plenty of drama, alright, but not really the romance I expected.
Todd Addison is working for a construction company after his last relationship ended with a bad and painful break-up. Having put many miles between himself and his former boyfriend, he's taken the construction job until he finds something better to do or until ex-boyfriend changes his mind. Oh, he's also now in the closet, because construction workers are generally homophobic, according to Todd.
Sebastian (Sebby) Nye is out and proud and the office manager for the construction company. He is an outrageous flirt, and tries his charms on a very standoffish Todd, plying him with coffee and more. Eventually, Sebby gets what he wants. It's supposed to be healing Todd from heartbreak, and Sebby isn't planning to fall for the guy but he does anyway.
I really didn't like Todd. He exasperated me with his back and forth, and he hurt Sebby more than once. Their relationship is messy because Sebby isn't totally honest, and Todd is still pining for the cheating ex.
I had a difficult time liking both characters, actually, and their actions and reactions were possibly a little to realistic for me. I don't mind realism in the books I read; I welcome it usually, but here it just got too much for me - I just didn't believe that these two men are going to make it, despite the HEA we get in the end.
The writing is a bit stilted on occasion, and the dialogue felt off, especially when they were bantering. There are sexy times, but I wasn't super impressed with those either.
Overall, it was just meh.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return. **
June 17, 2017
I wanted to give this novel a great review, it has a lot going for it. The main characters are very likable and I rooted for them throughout the book. The story is good and has a fairly satisfying end. But there were some things that kept taking me out of the story.
When we are introduced to Todd and Sebby, they are both working for a construction company; Todd as a laborer, and Sebby as the “office boy”. Their interactions are cute, Sebby flirts with Todd and Todd tries to ignore him, playing straight so he can fit in with the rest of the construction crew. It’s after Todd is invited to Sebby’s place that I started to have issues.
When they are away from the construction site, Sebby and Todd turn into different people. It isn’t until Sebby is at home and comfortable with Todd that we get a hint that he speaks with an accent, using “Spanglish” frequently. If he speaks that way at home and with friends, why not at the office?
Then there is Todd. When he is away from the office and his family (for the most part) he starts to speak like someone out of Downton Abbey. There is no reason given for his change in vocabulary (and in my mind, vocal tone). Every time he switched his way of speaking it made me readjust my picture of him. This made some of his choices throughout the novel seem out of character.
I could never reconcile the construction worker playing it straight with the sweet romantic guy, with the Downton Abbey Lothario, with the guy ready to brawl, with the guy dancing and singing to West Side Story. It made my head spin.
Lastly, these guys have a lot of issues between them, and that’s okay. They’re only in their mid-twenties and I think that’s perfectly normal. But the author tries to clear everything up with a neat bow at the end, and it just didn’t work for me. Although I was happy that they get their HEA, it was too neatly tied up at the end. I would have liked it better if they recognized they still had some issues, but that didn’t stand in their way.
But I did like the story and the characters. If you think you wouldn’t have a problem with the things that took me out of the story, then I think you’ll enjoy it.
When we are introduced to Todd and Sebby, they are both working for a construction company; Todd as a laborer, and Sebby as the “office boy”. Their interactions are cute, Sebby flirts with Todd and Todd tries to ignore him, playing straight so he can fit in with the rest of the construction crew. It’s after Todd is invited to Sebby’s place that I started to have issues.
When they are away from the construction site, Sebby and Todd turn into different people. It isn’t until Sebby is at home and comfortable with Todd that we get a hint that he speaks with an accent, using “Spanglish” frequently. If he speaks that way at home and with friends, why not at the office?
Then there is Todd. When he is away from the office and his family (for the most part) he starts to speak like someone out of Downton Abbey. There is no reason given for his change in vocabulary (and in my mind, vocal tone). Every time he switched his way of speaking it made me readjust my picture of him. This made some of his choices throughout the novel seem out of character.
I could never reconcile the construction worker playing it straight with the sweet romantic guy, with the Downton Abbey Lothario, with the guy ready to brawl, with the guy dancing and singing to West Side Story. It made my head spin.
Lastly, these guys have a lot of issues between them, and that’s okay. They’re only in their mid-twenties and I think that’s perfectly normal. But the author tries to clear everything up with a neat bow at the end, and it just didn’t work for me. Although I was happy that they get their HEA, it was too neatly tied up at the end. I would have liked it better if they recognized they still had some issues, but that didn’t stand in their way.
But I did like the story and the characters. If you think you wouldn’t have a problem with the things that took me out of the story, then I think you’ll enjoy it.
June 29, 2017
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley and I'm freely giving my honest review.*
I liked this story but it was not a whopping "yeah" though more of a "oh, this is nice" so it's a 4,5 stars for a enjoyable read.
The first kiss.......so sweet and ....fun......I love how it was written.
The writing style was a little unusual because I felt like it was a little staccato and took some time getting used to but it grew on me.
Descriptions of the characters was a little weak in the beginning so it took some time to get to know them but when I did I just wanted to know them in real life.
There is no unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and enough dialogues to hold my interest.
I loved Todd's weird little antics and his caring personality. Sebastian is presenting himself as a very confident but in reality he is insecure and has little self-esteem.
In my opinion this was a little weird but very sweet story.
I liked this story but it was not a whopping "yeah" though more of a "oh, this is nice" so it's a 4,5 stars for a enjoyable read.
The first kiss.......so sweet and ....fun......I love how it was written.
The writing style was a little unusual because I felt like it was a little staccato and took some time getting used to but it grew on me.
Descriptions of the characters was a little weak in the beginning so it took some time to get to know them but when I did I just wanted to know them in real life.
There is no unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and enough dialogues to hold my interest.
I loved Todd's weird little antics and his caring personality. Sebastian is presenting himself as a very confident but in reality he is insecure and has little self-esteem.
In my opinion this was a little weird but very sweet story.
August 24, 2017
First thing to stress is that the story is pretty simplistic. Main character just out of a relationship moves across country, finds a new partner, starts new relationship, almost leaves but then changes his mind.
The thing that rankled me was the reliance on clichéd gay stereotypes. I'm sure some of these elements feature in relationships (not just homosexual ones) but they were all thrown in for no obvious reason.
Our main characters were both selfish and lacking in self-awareness. They were surrounded by more clichés and even the events within the novel felt forced.
I'm sure a lot of readers - if they bother to get to this stage - will be divided in their response to the graphic sex scenes. All I could focus on was the way they perpetuate stereotypes that people have spent years trying to overcome.
Ultimately, there's lots of books exploring relationships and some of the issues within this one out there...and which do it do much better.
While I thank NetGalley for the ARC, I think someone should have done this a favour and said 'no thanks'.
The thing that rankled me was the reliance on clichéd gay stereotypes. I'm sure some of these elements feature in relationships (not just homosexual ones) but they were all thrown in for no obvious reason.
Our main characters were both selfish and lacking in self-awareness. They were surrounded by more clichés and even the events within the novel felt forced.
I'm sure a lot of readers - if they bother to get to this stage - will be divided in their response to the graphic sex scenes. All I could focus on was the way they perpetuate stereotypes that people have spent years trying to overcome.
Ultimately, there's lots of books exploring relationships and some of the issues within this one out there...and which do it do much better.
While I thank NetGalley for the ARC, I think someone should have done this a favour and said 'no thanks'.
July 10, 2017
Get ready for an usual love story! This book is full of interesting characters with a wide variety of personalities. Todd can seem a little pretentious with his highfalutin speech, but as you get to know him, you learn he’s just eccentric and loves words. Sebby can be whiney, but as the story evolves you learn about his difficult past and how it shaped him. By halfway through the story, the two men had grown on me and I was rooting for their love to survive all their baggage. You’ll just have to read it yourself to find out if it does!
July 27, 2017
1☆
Um yeah so no this story was so not for me!
I can deal with the swinger thing
and Todd still hoping his 18yo ex will want him back
I can even deal with an 25yo everyone calls Sebby which I think is a little weird but hey that's just me .
But Todd how he talked with Sebby or Sebby's friends No nope I can't even ...
" Todd, rhymes with God," said Todd ,as his hand was all but swallowed in the man's enormous mitt.
"I am in your debt, then,Sir. "
Um yeah so no this story was so not for me!
I can deal with the swinger thing
and Todd still hoping his 18yo ex will want him back
I can even deal with an 25yo everyone calls Sebby which I think is a little weird but hey that's just me .
But Todd how he talked with Sebby or Sebby's friends No nope I can't even ...
" Todd, rhymes with God," said Todd ,as his hand was all but swallowed in the man's enormous mitt.
"I am in your debt, then,Sir. "
June 30, 2017
*got for review; all opinions are my own*
Honestly...I wasn't really a fan of this one. I did finish it because I wanted a happy ending, and I was curious as to what would happen. However, I feel like it was way too long and took a direction I was NOT expectng.
Honestly...I wasn't really a fan of this one. I did finish it because I wanted a happy ending, and I was curious as to what would happen. However, I feel like it was way too long and took a direction I was NOT expectng.
July 4, 2017
The characters are fantastic and I loved how they worked so well together. This is a hot romance and I liked how there were struggles between the characters. The characters fight their love for their ex's. This is a very strong story that kept the reader wanting to find out what was going to happen.
May 10, 2017
Review to come, DNF'd at 33%. ARC read for Just Love...
August 11, 2017
Love And Other Hot Beverages is a roller coaster of romance, angst, and drama.
Todd is fresh off a breakup that has him completely messed up – quit-your-job, move-across-the-country, just-trying-to-get-from-day-to-day messed up. Sebastian (Sebby), who himself has only recently gotten out of an abusive relationship, is determined to help Todd get over his ex and into his, Sebby’s, bed (you’ll find throughout the book that this is Sebby’s go-to coping mechanism: sex). Problem is, once Sebby starts spending time with Todd and experiences first hand his level of devotion to his ex and naturally romantic personality, just sex isn’t enough. Sebby starts to desperately want Todd to turn all that love and adoration his way.
And that’s when things get messy. (Spoilers Below)
Sebby makes some bad choices and pretty much self-sabotages. Sebby doesn’t really believe in monogamy and Todd is very much into one-on-one intimate monogamous relationships – something he and Sebby talk about and he makes very clear. Sebby has these friends who are in a relationship but also like to regularly bring a third into their bedroom, and somehow he gets the idea in his head that Todd needs to have a threesome with his friends so that it will add to his total of sex partners since his breakup and will increase the distance between him and his ex. Todd’s not into it, but Sebby won’t let it go and Todd finally gives in because he’s starting to really care for Sebby and wants to make him happy. And then when Todd goes off with these guys, after Sebby literally pushes him out the door, Sebby gets scared when his abusive ex calls and asks another one of his friends (an ex-lover) to come over – and then he sleeps with the guy.
See what I mean? What the hell dude?
So it’s a mess, but it’s also a really addictive, entertaining mess that you can’t look away from. I was seriously guzzling coffee and shoving cookies in my mouth without looking as I turned pages wide-eyed and captivated. And rest assured, there’s an HEA – it takes a while to get there, but they do get there eventually.
Overall, Love And Other Hot Beverages is unexpectedly good. It’s not your usual romance and not the kind I regularly read, but it’s got that kind of drama that holds your attention and makes you keep turning the pages. I seriously couldn’t put it down until the end – I would definitely pick up more books by this author in the future.
*I received an ARC of this book to review. You can find this review and others like it at BookAndCoffeeAddict.com, along with recommendations for a fantastic cup of coffee.
Todd is fresh off a breakup that has him completely messed up – quit-your-job, move-across-the-country, just-trying-to-get-from-day-to-day messed up. Sebastian (Sebby), who himself has only recently gotten out of an abusive relationship, is determined to help Todd get over his ex and into his, Sebby’s, bed (you’ll find throughout the book that this is Sebby’s go-to coping mechanism: sex). Problem is, once Sebby starts spending time with Todd and experiences first hand his level of devotion to his ex and naturally romantic personality, just sex isn’t enough. Sebby starts to desperately want Todd to turn all that love and adoration his way.
And that’s when things get messy. (Spoilers Below)
Sebby makes some bad choices and pretty much self-sabotages. Sebby doesn’t really believe in monogamy and Todd is very much into one-on-one intimate monogamous relationships – something he and Sebby talk about and he makes very clear. Sebby has these friends who are in a relationship but also like to regularly bring a third into their bedroom, and somehow he gets the idea in his head that Todd needs to have a threesome with his friends so that it will add to his total of sex partners since his breakup and will increase the distance between him and his ex. Todd’s not into it, but Sebby won’t let it go and Todd finally gives in because he’s starting to really care for Sebby and wants to make him happy. And then when Todd goes off with these guys, after Sebby literally pushes him out the door, Sebby gets scared when his abusive ex calls and asks another one of his friends (an ex-lover) to come over – and then he sleeps with the guy.
See what I mean? What the hell dude?
So it’s a mess, but it’s also a really addictive, entertaining mess that you can’t look away from. I was seriously guzzling coffee and shoving cookies in my mouth without looking as I turned pages wide-eyed and captivated. And rest assured, there’s an HEA – it takes a while to get there, but they do get there eventually.
Overall, Love And Other Hot Beverages is unexpectedly good. It’s not your usual romance and not the kind I regularly read, but it’s got that kind of drama that holds your attention and makes you keep turning the pages. I seriously couldn’t put it down until the end – I would definitely pick up more books by this author in the future.
*I received an ARC of this book to review. You can find this review and others like it at BookAndCoffeeAddict.com, along with recommendations for a fantastic cup of coffee.
July 16, 2019
This was okay...barely. In fact, I'm still on the fence over whether it's actually okay or simply not that great.
ETA: After two days and realizing that every time I thought of this book I thought of more things I didn't like, I'm lowering the rating to 1 star.
What I liked:
~the setting -- I live in the Denver area, and I love Colorado, so I like stories that take place here. I'd say the author knows something about Denver, as well, and that's always nice.
Um, yes, that's pretty much all I liked. :(
What didn't work for me:
~ right off the bat, it creeped me out that Todd's ex is only 18. Clearly they've been together a while, and for him to be that hung up on a child pretty much sums up Todd's maturity, as well. Also, he was clearly wanting to simply take care of someone -- to smother them, in some ways. He was way too intense.
~ Todd's character was all over the place. He went from pretending to be het (at his work site), to dancing and singing movie showtunes, to speaking like he was a character in a Victorian novel. It was strange, to say the least.
~ Sebby's attitude toward relationships is also skewed, really skewed. He thinks that in order to keep a guy he has to share him with two of his best friends? It really, really bugged me when he pushed Todd into that situation, especially because Todd said he didn't want it. And this doesn't even touch on Sebby's excuses for Collin -- just ugh.
~ Sebby used to be Mormon? Okay...I'm not Mormon, but I know a number of them, and I almost wonder if the author just picked an extreme religion to use without knowing much about it. It seemed unnecessary.
~ Sebby's and Todd's relationship was dysfunctional from the get-go, and it never really matured.
So, basically nothing in the book really worked for me. I love happy endings, and on paper, that's what we have here...but it was such an immature relationship, and that never really changed. For now, I'll leave the rating as two stars, but I don't think I'd recommend this to anyone.
ETA: After two days and realizing that every time I thought of this book I thought of more things I didn't like, I'm lowering the rating to 1 star.
What I liked:
~the setting -- I live in the Denver area, and I love Colorado, so I like stories that take place here. I'd say the author knows something about Denver, as well, and that's always nice.
Um, yes, that's pretty much all I liked. :(
What didn't work for me:
~ right off the bat, it creeped me out that Todd's ex is only 18. Clearly they've been together a while, and for him to be that hung up on a child pretty much sums up Todd's maturity, as well. Also, he was clearly wanting to simply take care of someone -- to smother them, in some ways. He was way too intense.
~ Todd's character was all over the place. He went from pretending to be het (at his work site), to dancing and singing movie showtunes, to speaking like he was a character in a Victorian novel. It was strange, to say the least.
~ Sebby's attitude toward relationships is also skewed, really skewed. He thinks that in order to keep a guy he has to share him with two of his best friends? It really, really bugged me when he pushed Todd into that situation, especially because Todd said he didn't want it. And this doesn't even touch on Sebby's excuses for Collin -- just ugh.
~ Sebby used to be Mormon? Okay...I'm not Mormon, but I know a number of them, and I almost wonder if the author just picked an extreme religion to use without knowing much about it. It seemed unnecessary.
~ Sebby's and Todd's relationship was dysfunctional from the get-go, and it never really matured.
So, basically nothing in the book really worked for me. I love happy endings, and on paper, that's what we have here...but it was such an immature relationship, and that never really changed. For now, I'll leave the rating as two stars, but I don't think I'd recommend this to anyone.
July 28, 2017
Not sure about all the bad reviews here. I didn't see them before I read it. Some people are upset about the "swinging" that occurs, so if you don't like that, don't read it. But if you like sweet romance, you should read it, because (spoiler) everything turns out in the end, HEA!
The characters are both interesting and quirky, and Todd does have a way of speaking that may be off-putting to you if you don't have much of a vocabulary. I'm not Hispanic, and I don't know if Sebby is accurate as a Hispanic, but he seemed very real. I did get tired of Todd mooning over his ex, but that just made it all the sweeter when he finally comes around.
I could identify with their struggle to be together. They're very different people. Sebby doesn't believe in monogamy; Todd does. So how do they work it out? Todd tries fitting in with Sebby's way of thinking--(spoiler)--it doesn't work out. So they try Todd's way. Does it work out? HEA!
I also liked Todd's interactions with his brother and his nephews. Something kind of different for a romance, but it added a touch of realism.
Most of the exciting stuff happens in probably the last third of the book, the first part winds around a lot. The first kiss is excellent! And when they (spoiler) finally say they love each other, I had tears!
The characters are both interesting and quirky, and Todd does have a way of speaking that may be off-putting to you if you don't have much of a vocabulary. I'm not Hispanic, and I don't know if Sebby is accurate as a Hispanic, but he seemed very real. I did get tired of Todd mooning over his ex, but that just made it all the sweeter when he finally comes around.
I could identify with their struggle to be together. They're very different people. Sebby doesn't believe in monogamy; Todd does. So how do they work it out? Todd tries fitting in with Sebby's way of thinking--(spoiler)--it doesn't work out. So they try Todd's way. Does it work out? HEA!
I also liked Todd's interactions with his brother and his nephews. Something kind of different for a romance, but it added a touch of realism.
Most of the exciting stuff happens in probably the last third of the book, the first part winds around a lot. The first kiss is excellent! And when they (spoiler) finally say they love each other, I had tears!
July 26, 2018
Started out fluffy and cute (though semi-closeted Todd's attempts to - in his words - act and speak "het" were cringe-worthy). If this had been a short story about Sebastian (Sebby) wooing Todd with homemade coffee it would have been alright.
Sadly it does not end there.
So much wrong with this book.
It goes on way too long, Sebby and Todd devolve into drama that feels very forced and purely for the sake of creating conflict, and I never felt anything for either character other than annoyance.
I never could get comfortable with Todd's way of speaking. He spoke more like he belonged in a cheap Regency romance knock-off. Plus I could never stop worrying about the relationship with his ex who according to Todd (23 years old) is 18. I kept being creeped out by the fact that his ex was most likely underage when they were together and sexually active.
*sigh*
Sadly it does not end there.
So much wrong with this book.
It goes on way too long, Sebby and Todd devolve into drama that feels very forced and purely for the sake of creating conflict, and I never felt anything for either character other than annoyance.
I never could get comfortable with Todd's way of speaking. He spoke more like he belonged in a cheap Regency romance knock-off. Plus I could never stop worrying about the relationship with his ex who according to Todd (23 years old) is 18. I kept being creeped out by the fact that his ex was most likely underage when they were together and sexually active.
*sigh*
November 18, 2017
I maybe one of the few who actually liked this book. Though I would agree that at times the characters can be quite annoying or irritating. I struggled with how blind and foolish Todd can be, and at times I thought about how Sebastian deserved someone better, but this is one of those books with which I kept telling myself "well, that's life for some people."
I also have a big interest in books where one of the main characters is hung up on their ex then finds a rebound-to-newfound person where they work out their struggles and their past together, and this actually fulfilled it.
It seems as though this is not everyone's cup of tea and it definitely was one hell of a ride (and read) for me, but I absolutely liked it.
I also have a big interest in books where one of the main characters is hung up on their ex then finds a rebound-to-newfound person where they work out their struggles and their past together, and this actually fulfilled it.
It seems as though this is not everyone's cup of tea and it definitely was one hell of a ride (and read) for me, but I absolutely liked it.
June 27, 2017
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
I really wanted to like this story. I wanted it to be a sweet happy ever after book. I guess I got that in a way except for the "wth" things that happened in this story. I got stuck at the 50% point and I thought I would have to put this in the dnf list. But I wanted to see what happened to Todd and Sebby. It almost seemed like it was written by a young person who hasn't written a lot because it was a bit uneven. I thought it was going well but then out of the blue something weird would happen. I gave it 3 stars because under everything else going on I liked the main characters and happy for them at the end.
I really wanted to like this story. I wanted it to be a sweet happy ever after book. I guess I got that in a way except for the "wth" things that happened in this story. I got stuck at the 50% point and I thought I would have to put this in the dnf list. But I wanted to see what happened to Todd and Sebby. It almost seemed like it was written by a young person who hasn't written a lot because it was a bit uneven. I thought it was going well but then out of the blue something weird would happen. I gave it 3 stars because under everything else going on I liked the main characters and happy for them at the end.
September 26, 2017
Weird. The plot might have been interesting, but I didn't even make it to 10% before I gave up, because a bunch of the characters talk like they're a couple centuries behind. I can deal with that faux-historic dialogue when it's in a book set in a Regency time period but in a book set in modern day in a construction site? Nah. It was jarring and weird. And the plot wasn't worth the effort to push through.
February 24, 2019
This book was so bad, and I kept asking myself why I was still reading it. It's hard for me to not finish books, but god this one wasted too much of my life. It's all about a guy getting over his ex, and he's helped by his new boyfriend. But like.. there wasn't really a plot, and the characters weren't ever interesting. I never cared about the characters and they didn't really have any depth. It's honestly hard to talk about why I didn't like this book because the whole thing was bad.
May 14, 2019
This book was...interesting. Some parts I really liked, some parts I hated (pressuring and cheating and slipping people alcohol), some parts felt almost like the MCs were being made fun of by the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 16, 2019This book is very bad; I'm not sure why or how it won a Lambda award. The dialogue is stilted, and I don't care about the characters. How could a book that mentions P.G. Wodehouse in the first chapter be so bad? Todd talks like a less-endearing Janine Kishi from the Babysitters Club. DNF.
October 29, 2025
Tragedy piles on in this (very) darkly comedic tale of a web of dysfunctional, even abusive, relationships. An optimistic ending helps lighten this expose of the insecurity and manipulation that often underlies that which we call love.
March 15, 2020
I thought the writing of the book was fine, but the story did nothing for me. It came across as too young for me.
June 1, 2023
Hi it is I, Chase, back with another review. I'm giving away some information here to help you decide if you want to read the book or not. But if you are a big no-no on spoilers, I suggest you don't read the review.
Look I know what other readers have said about this book, and I'm a little surprised. Yes it was a bit long and had a lot of chapters and too much sex and a bit lax when it came to the end, but all-in-all it was a book I would like to remember. It was a typical pick-me-up kind of romance in where guy meets guy, first guy is trying to get over his ex, other guy is trying to get his attention and mind off his ex and onto him, and eventually they go on some dates, move in together, become boyfriend & boyfriend, and have a very happy ending. Now yes all these things did happen in the book, but there was a lot of other shit that went on too. Like for example, Todd's undefyingly hasty decision to travel a long distance back to where all his problems began, with the one person he knows he is safest with (or at least he thinks that): his oh-so-dashing and God like figure, Vivian, the infamous Ex Todd is completely obsessed with. My opinion: this is the climax. This is where I lose my cool and turn to his lover Sebby's side. What he did was livid. Something so unscrupulous and callous, and Sebby is so brave to forgive him. I'm only telling you this so you don't put down the book. You may want to, like I did, but it's not half-bad. The beginning gives you an insight into the setting and how important it was for Sebby to enter into Todd's life to give him Life. Perspective. A vision into who he really is. You'll hate the climax, because Sebby has done everything for him, and Todd in return, ditches his new life which is right in front of him, the life that makes him happy and animated, to go for his old love, the guy who broke his heart and who only calls when he's in pain. And then it levels off from there, like the story is just re-using the same jokes as before, and giving us different events, but not really diving into the deeper issues that the two men have. And I feel like you don't get a clear picture of Vivian, only from Todd's point of view. To be honest, I loved the setting and the characters more, like their sweet talk, their love for each other, especially Sebby's warm and affable personality.
Look I know what other readers have said about this book, and I'm a little surprised. Yes it was a bit long and had a lot of chapters and too much sex and a bit lax when it came to the end, but all-in-all it was a book I would like to remember. It was a typical pick-me-up kind of romance in where guy meets guy, first guy is trying to get over his ex, other guy is trying to get his attention and mind off his ex and onto him, and eventually they go on some dates, move in together, become boyfriend & boyfriend, and have a very happy ending. Now yes all these things did happen in the book, but there was a lot of other shit that went on too. Like for example, Todd's undefyingly hasty decision to travel a long distance back to where all his problems began, with the one person he knows he is safest with (or at least he thinks that): his oh-so-dashing and God like figure, Vivian, the infamous Ex Todd is completely obsessed with. My opinion: this is the climax. This is where I lose my cool and turn to his lover Sebby's side. What he did was livid. Something so unscrupulous and callous, and Sebby is so brave to forgive him. I'm only telling you this so you don't put down the book. You may want to, like I did, but it's not half-bad. The beginning gives you an insight into the setting and how important it was for Sebby to enter into Todd's life to give him Life. Perspective. A vision into who he really is. You'll hate the climax, because Sebby has done everything for him, and Todd in return, ditches his new life which is right in front of him, the life that makes him happy and animated, to go for his old love, the guy who broke his heart and who only calls when he's in pain. And then it levels off from there, like the story is just re-using the same jokes as before, and giving us different events, but not really diving into the deeper issues that the two men have. And I feel like you don't get a clear picture of Vivian, only from Todd's point of view. To be honest, I loved the setting and the characters more, like their sweet talk, their love for each other, especially Sebby's warm and affable personality.
July 7, 2017
I really, really hate giving a low rating but the deal is an honest review so honest it will be.
I did NOT hate this book, in fact there are some excellent moments and I will probably check out more from this author with a bit more experience under their belt. IMHO, I really think it needs to be run by an absolutely brutal editor to cull the dross and point out the loose ends.
*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I did NOT hate this book, in fact there are some excellent moments and I will probably check out more from this author with a bit more experience under their belt. IMHO, I really think it needs to be run by an absolutely brutal editor to cull the dross and point out the loose ends.
*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
October 24, 2017
The blurb and the cover hooked me, and those are about the only good parts to this book. The MCs are annoying, unrelatable, and unlikeable. I hate to be so cruel, but it really was a disappointment.
July 28, 2018
DNF at 25%, and struggled just to get to that. How did this book win the Lambda Award? My first one star rating.
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