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Commitment Issues #1
Commitment Issues
"First dates are not meant to end like this." When Evan's blind date with Scott ends in a marriage proposal he can't believe the 'yes' that pops out of his mouth. Is it really possible to fast track a relationship to the commitment stage? Avoid all the drama of dating? There's only one way to find out. And what will their friends and family think of this instant romance? Mel, the happy matchmaker with a marriage gone stale? Sally, Evan's younger sister, whose long engagement shows no signs of ending? Will Evan and Scott live happily ever after, or is love at first sight only a fairy tale...
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2017
314 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 13, 2018
Mel and Sally each have a POV, which I could have maybe ignored, but I don't really enjoy 'female voices' in my books anymore and this book is a perfect example why.
These ladies are catty assholes with horrible husbands/fiancés (like WHY would they stay with these people???) and when I threw in the towel, of course one of the ladies was becoming a cheater instead of leaving her crabby, disgusting asshole of a husband behind... *sigh*
This in combination with Evan's lackluster/placid attitude and serious drinking-problem, had me DNFing at 23%. It's too bad since I liked the British setting and Scott, but the rest just took up too much of my energy.
These ladies are catty assholes with horrible husbands/fiancés (like WHY would they stay with these people???) and when I threw in the towel, of course one of the ladies was becoming a cheater instead of leaving her crabby, disgusting asshole of a husband behind... *sigh*
This in combination with Evan's lackluster/placid attitude and serious drinking-problem, had me DNFing at 23%. It's too bad since I liked the British setting and Scott, but the rest just took up too much of my energy.
Want to read
August 19, 2018
19.08.2018: The ebook is currently free on Amazon!
November 15, 2018
This book starts out cute, with our two MCs hitting it off on a blind date and being kind of adorable and awkward at the same time. If the book had continued to be from their POV and only feature the other characters when relevant to the two of them, it would have been a nice, fluffy read but the book veers off into the POV of the supporting female characters, Mel and Sally and their horrible, boring and dysfunctional relationships with the various husbands and boyfriends in their lives. Yes, there is infidelity and iffy-relationships.
Spoilers away:
I was continually astonished at the poor choice of partners to cheat with. They are in London, which is a large city. There have to be straight, available men who are not a) your best friend’s almost brother-in-law or b) your best friend’s estranged husband (it isn’t clear if they are legally still married at that point).
More spoilers.,.
There are a few semi-explicit MF scenes that did not really need to be there and the story gets bogged down so much with their awful relationships with objectively nasty, gross and lazy men and that I skimmed a lot. The MM scenes were all fade-to-black with very little detail, but were not bad, if a bit lukewarm. I liked how they didn’t jump into the sack right away.
The prerequisite drama happens at about the 60% mark, but we’ve spent so little time with the main guys that it lacked impact. The lack of communication in more than one conflict, especially turning off cell phones and ignoring all messages and mail really bugged me. It seemed very passive aggressive and stupid, especially where there are legitimate reasons to fear for someone’s safety when they take off and nobody knows where they are.
There are some homophobic moments, particularly about the idea of gay marriage. All I have to say after reading this book is that the hetero couples in this story make a strong argument for rescinding straight marriage.
I give it three stars for Evan and Scott’s story, which was cute and a little bit poignant, especially given Scott’s history. And point five stars for the rest of it, the meddling “friends” and cheating without remorse because the partner is a “bad person” and deserves it.
Total: two stars
Spoilers away:
I was continually astonished at the poor choice of partners to cheat with. They are in London, which is a large city. There have to be straight, available men who are not a) your best friend’s almost brother-in-law or b) your best friend’s estranged husband (it isn’t clear if they are legally still married at that point).
More spoilers.,.
There are a few semi-explicit MF scenes that did not really need to be there and the story gets bogged down so much with their awful relationships with objectively nasty, gross and lazy men and that I skimmed a lot. The MM scenes were all fade-to-black with very little detail, but were not bad, if a bit lukewarm. I liked how they didn’t jump into the sack right away.
The prerequisite drama happens at about the 60% mark, but we’ve spent so little time with the main guys that it lacked impact. The lack of communication in more than one conflict, especially turning off cell phones and ignoring all messages and mail really bugged me. It seemed very passive aggressive and stupid, especially where there are legitimate reasons to fear for someone’s safety when they take off and nobody knows where they are.
There are some homophobic moments, particularly about the idea of gay marriage. All I have to say after reading this book is that the hetero couples in this story make a strong argument for rescinding straight marriage.
I give it three stars for Evan and Scott’s story, which was cute and a little bit poignant, especially given Scott’s history. And point five stars for the rest of it, the meddling “friends” and cheating without remorse because the partner is a “bad person” and deserves it.
Total: two stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 10, 2020Read for Smutathon round 5- 2020 challenge!
Square- LGBTQIA+
DNF @ 18%
I'm generally bummed right now. My first DNF of the year and also an LGBT+ love story as well. However, I had a couple of issues that didn't sit well with me. The female characters came across incredibly nasty towards main characters Evan and Scott being together and then the pacing was very choppy. There are some other reviews posted from readers who made it further through, so I suggest reading all of those first before deciding whether to read this book or not!
Square- LGBTQIA+
DNF @ 18%
I'm generally bummed right now. My first DNF of the year and also an LGBT+ love story as well. However, I had a couple of issues that didn't sit well with me. The female characters came across incredibly nasty towards main characters Evan and Scott being together and then the pacing was very choppy. There are some other reviews posted from readers who made it further through, so I suggest reading all of those first before deciding whether to read this book or not!
August 22, 2018
This book is all the way around odd.... from the very beginning. I DNFd at 18% when one of the characters starts cheating on her husband. And Yes, you read that right HER in what is supposed to be a MM romance. Or at least I thought it was supposed to be a mm romance.
Here are my comments...
2.0% "WTF?! Just getting into the MCs first date turn the page and now we're in Evans sisters POV?!?! Why in the hell would anyone want to read a woman's POV in a mm romance?! .... SMH.,, not boding well."
3.0% "Really?! I seriously didn't expect or want to read the word vagina in my mm romance!!!! UGH!!"
4.0% "This is odd. We're being told about the men by the women talking and told about the women by the men talking. Very strange."
13.0% "This is absolutely ridiculous! One chapter Evan's POV. The next Mel's POV. Another Scott's POV. Another Carl's POV. Another Sally's POV. SMH... the first sex scene is Mel's husband Carl watching het porn while having a wank. .... Ridiculous!"
.... and of course once we meet Mark, Scott's brother we get a chapter in his POV. SMH.... all around not for me.
Here are my comments...
2.0% "WTF?! Just getting into the MCs first date turn the page and now we're in Evans sisters POV?!?! Why in the hell would anyone want to read a woman's POV in a mm romance?! .... SMH.,, not boding well."
3.0% "Really?! I seriously didn't expect or want to read the word vagina in my mm romance!!!! UGH!!"
4.0% "This is odd. We're being told about the men by the women talking and told about the women by the men talking. Very strange."
13.0% "This is absolutely ridiculous! One chapter Evan's POV. The next Mel's POV. Another Scott's POV. Another Carl's POV. Another Sally's POV. SMH... the first sex scene is Mel's husband Carl watching het porn while having a wank. .... Ridiculous!"
.... and of course once we meet Mark, Scott's brother we get a chapter in his POV. SMH.... all around not for me.
August 30, 2018
A Butterfly Effect!
A tale of a proposal, a soap opera with a dash of politics for Evan & Scott. Special Note: With friends like these who needs enemies! The story is humorous, has a litter of characters and is light on sexy times. It’s a departure from the usual MM romantic stories, with a much wide scope regarding relationships. Interesting!
A tale of a proposal, a soap opera with a dash of politics for Evan & Scott. Special Note: With friends like these who needs enemies! The story is humorous, has a litter of characters and is light on sexy times. It’s a departure from the usual MM romantic stories, with a much wide scope regarding relationships. Interesting!
August 22, 2018
Fabulous!
I am a straight woman married for 52 years and I loved this book. It was extremely funny but also brought home the fact that love is love no matter if it's between a man and a woman or same sex.
I am a straight woman married for 52 years and I loved this book. It was extremely funny but also brought home the fact that love is love no matter if it's between a man and a woman or same sex.
February 19, 2023
I rarely DNF a book when I'm halfway through, I always try to push myself through.
BUT
This book pissed me off so much that I couldn't do it. I gave up on it with only one third left to go. Immature characters making stupid decisions.
I mostly don't mind multiple POVs, I like to see the story from more angles that one. Unfortunatelly, in this book, I felt like others' POVs didn't add anything to the main story and were only there just because.
BUT
This book pissed me off so much that I couldn't do it. I gave up on it with only one third left to go. Immature characters making stupid decisions.
I mostly don't mind multiple POVs, I like to see the story from more angles that one. Unfortunatelly, in this book, I felt like others' POVs didn't add anything to the main story and were only there just because.
November 28, 2020
DNF 21%
I tried, i really tried but i freaking HATED it. the first tiny 1% i liked the start, was thinking this was good but then turning the page and then BAM, who? why? What!
Why did we need Sally and Mel`s pov in this M/M Romance? And why were they so freaking awful?
And DO not get me started on their husband/fiancès i mean come on! Why do they stay with such awful people with a relationship leading nowhere?? why? Then a woman starts to cheat, instead of leaving... i`d rather wanted to read more abour Scott and Evan and maybe it could have been character building instead of the other`s povs? Like, we could rather have gotten to read about how they got wrapped into the set-up of a date anyhow... ugh.
I tried, i really tried but i freaking HATED it. the first tiny 1% i liked the start, was thinking this was good but then turning the page and then BAM, who? why? What!
Why did we need Sally and Mel`s pov in this M/M Romance? And why were they so freaking awful?
And DO not get me started on their husband/fiancès i mean come on! Why do they stay with such awful people with a relationship leading nowhere?? why? Then a woman starts to cheat, instead of leaving... i`d rather wanted to read more abour Scott and Evan and maybe it could have been character building instead of the other`s povs? Like, we could rather have gotten to read about how they got wrapped into the set-up of a date anyhow... ugh.
August 24, 2018
What a delightful read. This is a fun story full of witty, some bitchy, warm hearted, and most of all loving characters. Scott and Evan stole my heart as they discovered their love for each other. There are side stories to keep things interesting including Evan’s sister Sally and his best friend Mel.
I really enjoyed it and plan to read the sequel.
I really enjoyed it and plan to read the sequel.
Want to read
May 28, 20195/28/19 Currently FREE via Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Commitment-I...
October 18, 2019
Well this book had good parts. I laughed at certain parts but other bits just didn't do anything for me. Some of the characters were annoying and dam right horrible at times. The story line was a bit up and down too. It was just one of those books I really wanted to like it but in the end I'm just like yeah erm it's not the best or the worse.
July 17, 2022
Cute premise. Did not like the huge amount of page time told from the POV of the side characters. DNF.
December 27, 2022
dnf after about 40%
this book is incredible because it managed to host so many characters with 4 different povs and every single one of them is just massively unlikable.
and the idea was so cute!!! idk how you can fumble a good set-up this aggressively but it's possible, apparently.
conflicts and issues that would've actually been interesting to explore, like Evan feeling like a stranger in their new home and being scared of never being able to measure up to Scott's late husband; or Scott not having processed the death of his husband fully and kind of treating Evan like a stand-in were just glossed over and dealt with in a single paragraph at most. (nevermind the fact that Scott's first husband was his boss and had him move in after two weeks and also started the relationship when Scott was in his internship and literally still in law school like,,, there is a lot to unpack there).
instead, we get two awful POVs from the only two women in their lives, Evan's sister (who's a Tory and having relationship problems. not because her bf is a massive homophobic twat to her brother and an upcoming politician gunning against gay marriage. but because he doesn't want to marry her after being engaged for 5 years. naturally, she's insanely jealous of her brother's wedding and says a few things "she doesn't mean" at a dinner party) and Mel, Scott's colleague and Evan's bff (the sassy, sexy black woman, who starts cheating on her lazy gross husband with Scott's man-whore brother).
also, it's fucking incredible how both of the main characters managed to be "not like other gays". Scott gets uncomfortable when Evan gets a bit too "camp" (he literally only mentioned that he likes Christina Aguilera in a straight bar, but sure,, the height of camp), Evan doesn't want children because "if gay men were meant to have children, then god would have given us the necessary plumbing." (which causes Tom, the tory husband to like him a bit more ofc; anyways we'll just ignore gay trans men then)
it's stunning how much this gay romance written by a man centres on straight people and their relationships as well as heterosexual people's perception of gay (or generally mlm) relationships. it truly is fascinating.
Honestly, after reading this i'm not surprised anymore that the UK is a fucking terf island like,,, white middle- and upper-class brits seem like awful people and i hope i never have to meet any of them.
my favourite part of the book was when scott dropped even off at his place and locked the car doors when a "tough-looking black kid" walked by.
this book is incredible because it managed to host so many characters with 4 different povs and every single one of them is just massively unlikable.
and the idea was so cute!!! idk how you can fumble a good set-up this aggressively but it's possible, apparently.
conflicts and issues that would've actually been interesting to explore, like Evan feeling like a stranger in their new home and being scared of never being able to measure up to Scott's late husband; or Scott not having processed the death of his husband fully and kind of treating Evan like a stand-in were just glossed over and dealt with in a single paragraph at most. (nevermind the fact that Scott's first husband was his boss and had him move in after two weeks and also started the relationship when Scott was in his internship and literally still in law school like,,, there is a lot to unpack there).
instead, we get two awful POVs from the only two women in their lives, Evan's sister (who's a Tory and having relationship problems. not because her bf is a massive homophobic twat to her brother and an upcoming politician gunning against gay marriage. but because he doesn't want to marry her after being engaged for 5 years. naturally, she's insanely jealous of her brother's wedding and says a few things "she doesn't mean" at a dinner party) and Mel, Scott's colleague and Evan's bff (the sassy, sexy black woman, who starts cheating on her lazy gross husband with Scott's man-whore brother).
also, it's fucking incredible how both of the main characters managed to be "not like other gays". Scott gets uncomfortable when Evan gets a bit too "camp" (he literally only mentioned that he likes Christina Aguilera in a straight bar, but sure,, the height of camp), Evan doesn't want children because "if gay men were meant to have children, then god would have given us the necessary plumbing." (which causes Tom, the tory husband to like him a bit more ofc; anyways we'll just ignore gay trans men then)
it's stunning how much this gay romance written by a man centres on straight people and their relationships as well as heterosexual people's perception of gay (or generally mlm) relationships. it truly is fascinating.
Honestly, after reading this i'm not surprised anymore that the UK is a fucking terf island like,,, white middle- and upper-class brits seem like awful people and i hope i never have to meet any of them.
my favourite part of the book was when scott dropped even off at his place and locked the car doors when a "tough-looking black kid" walked by.
February 11, 2023
I'm usually down for a fake/insta/arranged/let's figure it out as we go marriage trap, but this was not quite what I expected.
Kudos for giving us several POVS thru different characters! However, I felt like I understood almost every other character aside from Scott and Evan. Were they even supposed to be the MCs? I could've stood to hear a little more about Scott getting over Patrick. And while we're at it, could you please explain a bit more about Evan's inability to love himself or be loved? I felt like this book was less about Scott and Evan's journey and more about how their spontaneity and falling in and out and in again affected other people's preconceptions of love and marriage. Perhaps I wrongly assumed this was a romance novel?
Speaking of all those extra characters, was I supposed to like any of them? I wanted to like Mel, but she kept opening her mouth. Sally was so uptight, I wanted a glass of wine just to take her edge off. Carl started at a -10 in likability points just based on his opening scene. His weird character turn around had me do a double take. Why couldn't he use that charm on Mel when she begged for it? Did ANYONE like Tom, BTW? What a tosser that one was. I thought I was going to like Mark, until we caught him in honest moments where he forgot to be charming. Frankie and Nan grew on me and Danny was always a decent fellow. Did I like Scott and Evan? I don't know. I feel I barely knew them.
And what about these massive rows? Is it because I'm American? Are the British really that reticent to show emotion that even the slightest bit has them reeling? I mean, Sal and Mel and Evan talk about their fights with their partners has being a big knock down drag out affair that you just can't come back from, but on page all we see is some rising temper, a look of disgust and a couple cutting remarks before someone runs out the door. That's it?
I finished the book, though I was highly tempted not to. Don't think I'll continue on the trip to Venice.
Kudos for giving us several POVS thru different characters! However, I felt like I understood almost every other character aside from Scott and Evan. Were they even supposed to be the MCs? I could've stood to hear a little more about Scott getting over Patrick. And while we're at it, could you please explain a bit more about Evan's inability to love himself or be loved? I felt like this book was less about Scott and Evan's journey and more about how their spontaneity and falling in and out and in again affected other people's preconceptions of love and marriage. Perhaps I wrongly assumed this was a romance novel?
Speaking of all those extra characters, was I supposed to like any of them? I wanted to like Mel, but she kept opening her mouth. Sally was so uptight, I wanted a glass of wine just to take her edge off. Carl started at a -10 in likability points just based on his opening scene. His weird character turn around had me do a double take. Why couldn't he use that charm on Mel when she begged for it? Did ANYONE like Tom, BTW? What a tosser that one was. I thought I was going to like Mark, until we caught him in honest moments where he forgot to be charming. Frankie and Nan grew on me and Danny was always a decent fellow. Did I like Scott and Evan? I don't know. I feel I barely knew them.
And what about these massive rows? Is it because I'm American? Are the British really that reticent to show emotion that even the slightest bit has them reeling? I mean, Sal and Mel and Evan talk about their fights with their partners has being a big knock down drag out affair that you just can't come back from, but on page all we see is some rising temper, a look of disgust and a couple cutting remarks before someone runs out the door. That's it?
I finished the book, though I was highly tempted not to. Don't think I'll continue on the trip to Venice.
October 28, 2022
Trigger Warning: Infidelity
[Note: I chose not to note the above as a spoiler because I think people need to know up front. While it would likely negatively impact books sales, I don’t think there would be nearly as many 1 star and DNF reviews if the trigger warning was clear. The book’s title aside, this is a hard line for a lot of people. Also, I’m not specifying who, extent, or type of infidelity, so I don’t really think it counts as a spoiler.]
My rating for the story is based on the average of two scores:
1. Bradley Brady’s writing is crisp and clean. I truly believe he’s a talented story teller. (5 stars)
As an aside, I don’t think the other reviewers would have found reading the secondary characters’ perspectives nearly as objectionable if it weren’t for item two below.
2. Almost every single character in this book exhibits some degree of character flaw or unlikable behavior, and some characters are truly truly awful. While I was increasingly invested in the story and wanted to know how everything turned out, my anxiety also increased every time certain secondary characters hit the scene. (1 star)
So yeah, brilliant work Mr. Brady. You write very well. I was hooked and preserved to the end. However, now that I’m done, I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series because the idea of meeting any of these characters again is entirely too distressing.
[Note: I chose not to note the above as a spoiler because I think people need to know up front. While it would likely negatively impact books sales, I don’t think there would be nearly as many 1 star and DNF reviews if the trigger warning was clear. The book’s title aside, this is a hard line for a lot of people. Also, I’m not specifying who, extent, or type of infidelity, so I don’t really think it counts as a spoiler.]
My rating for the story is based on the average of two scores:
1. Bradley Brady’s writing is crisp and clean. I truly believe he’s a talented story teller. (5 stars)
As an aside, I don’t think the other reviewers would have found reading the secondary characters’ perspectives nearly as objectionable if it weren’t for item two below.
2. Almost every single character in this book exhibits some degree of character flaw or unlikable behavior, and some characters are truly truly awful. While I was increasingly invested in the story and wanted to know how everything turned out, my anxiety also increased every time certain secondary characters hit the scene. (1 star)
So yeah, brilliant work Mr. Brady. You write very well. I was hooked and preserved to the end. However, now that I’m done, I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series because the idea of meeting any of these characters again is entirely too distressing.
September 7, 2021
1.5 stars, that are just for Scott because honestly this book made me really mad and I skipped a lot of the girls parts, the main 3 reasons for this rating:
1. Mel: I hated her character and reading so much about her was just boring, I just wanted to slap her.
2. Evan: At the talk after the reconciliation I hated him, he was mad because of how he was left after what he did, that for me was in fact cheating and deserved the breakup, he was really idiot thinking that they would still be getting married after that night, and I don't know how could he said those things to Scott after he confessed that he didn't know how far things could have gone if Scott hadn't appeared on the club, I just wanted to throw my kindle at that point
3. Evan's mom: What she said to Rachel after the wedding fiasco was just stupid
Yeah I know what the title is, but Scott didn't deserved to be treated that way and take blame for the drama at 60%~ of the book.
I'm not buying the next two books of this series because of Evan and all the girls focus, but I want to take a look for the next releases by this author.
1. Mel: I hated her character and reading so much about her was just boring, I just wanted to slap her.
2. Evan: At the talk after the reconciliation I hated him, he was mad because of how he was left after what he did, that for me was in fact cheating and deserved the breakup, he was really idiot thinking that they would still be getting married after that night, and I don't know how could he said those things to Scott after he confessed that he didn't know how far things could have gone if Scott hadn't appeared on the club, I just wanted to throw my kindle at that point
3. Evan's mom: What she said to Rachel after the wedding fiasco was just stupid
Yeah I know what the title is, but Scott didn't deserved to be treated that way and take blame for the drama at 60%~ of the book.
I'm not buying the next two books of this series because of Evan and all the girls focus, but I want to take a look for the next releases by this author.
September 30, 2021
Okay, so this is not a simple book to review. For the first third I wasn't sure why I was reading it. There's a tv series called Married at First Sight that does more or less what these lads do, but with a tv crew along. It just didn't feel real. However, as the boys grounded themselves in each other's lives more, it got better, and by the last third I was genuinely interested.
This book reminded me of Alexis Hall's Boyfriend Material. While I loved Boyfriend Material, I didn't love this one as much. For one, all the other relationships were awful and weird. I didn't mind Mel and her antics - there are people who do exactly what she does with less self awareness - she worked for me. Tom and Sally felt worse and odder - like they were plucked out of the 60's and deposited in 2017 and we weren't meant to notice. Actually except for the gay marriage bit, the entire book had a very late 80's feel to it.
Still, I was happy enough to down load it and read it from beginning to end. I don't know if I will continue with this series, but this book was a fine way to spend a rainy weekend.
This book reminded me of Alexis Hall's Boyfriend Material. While I loved Boyfriend Material, I didn't love this one as much. For one, all the other relationships were awful and weird. I didn't mind Mel and her antics - there are people who do exactly what she does with less self awareness - she worked for me. Tom and Sally felt worse and odder - like they were plucked out of the 60's and deposited in 2017 and we weren't meant to notice. Actually except for the gay marriage bit, the entire book had a very late 80's feel to it.
Still, I was happy enough to down load it and read it from beginning to end. I don't know if I will continue with this series, but this book was a fine way to spend a rainy weekend.
June 15, 2017
I was that kid who went to the Library on Saturday instead of the arcade. My Parents instilled in me a true love for books at a young age and I'm forever grateful.
Now the world and responsiblities always seem get in the way of reading, but "Commitment Issues" was a book I quickly made the time for.
The initial hook of 2 guys on a date deciding to get married intrigued me ( I rarely have first dates that good! ) but it was the many different characters and layers they reveled as the story progressed that caused me to read the book non stop till the end... like a new show on Netflix or Hulu that you binge watch on a lazy Sunday.
As I read, I could see myself, my friends and even my Parents on the page.
I think the best compliment you could give a book and its author, is being able to relate to characters they have taken the time to create and finding you now care how their stories end.
I heartily recommend " Commitment Issues". There are some suprising turns and it is a perfect read this Summer season.... you just might not be able to put it down and I wouldn't judge you.
Rj
Now the world and responsiblities always seem get in the way of reading, but "Commitment Issues" was a book I quickly made the time for.
The initial hook of 2 guys on a date deciding to get married intrigued me ( I rarely have first dates that good! ) but it was the many different characters and layers they reveled as the story progressed that caused me to read the book non stop till the end... like a new show on Netflix or Hulu that you binge watch on a lazy Sunday.
As I read, I could see myself, my friends and even my Parents on the page.
I think the best compliment you could give a book and its author, is being able to relate to characters they have taken the time to create and finding you now care how their stories end.
I heartily recommend " Commitment Issues". There are some suprising turns and it is a perfect read this Summer season.... you just might not be able to put it down and I wouldn't judge you.
Rj
January 19, 2021
I liked this book because at the end of the day it was about love and the many ways that people find love.
However, I was often feeling confused and thought that may be because I felt the story in places felt rushed.
I struggled to remember which was Scott and which was Evan in terms of who was the one rushing to the restaurant and who was sitting waiting, and who was the one with a string of failed relationships.
I understood Mel's role throughout the story but again felt her friendship with Sally was thrown in to allow the development of the relationship between Sally and Mel's husband Carl but again it wasn't until you were a long way through the story that you found out that Carl had actually wanted to chat up Sally rather than Mel when they first met.
I really didn't understand why Sally married Tom because they clearly were not right for each other and she knew that.
I was also confused by Frankie and how Scott's Nan accepted Frankie and his sexuality but wasn't happy with Scott and Evan.
I think this is a book I may re-read at a later date to see if I can see the relationships as the book develops.
However, I was often feeling confused and thought that may be because I felt the story in places felt rushed.
I struggled to remember which was Scott and which was Evan in terms of who was the one rushing to the restaurant and who was sitting waiting, and who was the one with a string of failed relationships.
I understood Mel's role throughout the story but again felt her friendship with Sally was thrown in to allow the development of the relationship between Sally and Mel's husband Carl but again it wasn't until you were a long way through the story that you found out that Carl had actually wanted to chat up Sally rather than Mel when they first met.
I really didn't understand why Sally married Tom because they clearly were not right for each other and she knew that.
I was also confused by Frankie and how Scott's Nan accepted Frankie and his sexuality but wasn't happy with Scott and Evan.
I think this is a book I may re-read at a later date to see if I can see the relationships as the book develops.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2021
I have to say, the head hopping of the third person narration was uncomfortable at first. But I think once you get used to it, you actually enjoy looking into everyone's heads. It was obviously a stylized POV choice and I definitely respect it. Especially considering that it turns off a lot of readers, due to it being so uncommon in fiction these days.
The story is heartwarming and I loved the development of the romances. It all felt natural and put a point on our warped perception of love. It didn't feel like a lecture, though at times the description felt stale ( no distinct author voice).
Due to the head hopping, it was hard to get fully feel connected to the characters. Which isn't the author's fault, but a byproduct of that POV choice. There is a reason that those kind of decisions are mostly seen in older books or literary fiction. The connection you get through a single or dual POV is so much deeper and keeps people coming back for more.
The story is heartwarming and I loved the development of the romances. It all felt natural and put a point on our warped perception of love. It didn't feel like a lecture, though at times the description felt stale ( no distinct author voice).
Due to the head hopping, it was hard to get fully feel connected to the characters. Which isn't the author's fault, but a byproduct of that POV choice. There is a reason that those kind of decisions are mostly seen in older books or literary fiction. The connection you get through a single or dual POV is so much deeper and keeps people coming back for more.
November 16, 2018
It was a nice book to read. Different from all the other MM romance novels. First of all because it was not so "romantic" in a kind of way. Scott and Evan meet at a blind date set up from their friend Mel and after a few chats they decide to skip all the "dating" and the "courtship" protocol and go straight to marriage and living together. And this was different, as paradoxical as it could be. The book, though it's not about Scott and Evan only, but it focuses on the different PoV and life struggles of the other minor characters that have their chance to shine. And I loved it. I kind of liked to understand and coming to know better all minor characters temper, such as Sally and Mel, and Frankie too, at the end.
Although it is long said by the same MCs, the chimic between the "lovey-dovey-couple" struggles to show up, and this is why I could not give 4 stars full. 3,5 is a good ranking though and this book was worth the reading.
Although it is long said by the same MCs, the chimic between the "lovey-dovey-couple" struggles to show up, and this is why I could not give 4 stars full. 3,5 is a good ranking though and this book was worth the reading.
May 19, 2019
So charming
This was funny and sweet. I cried at the wedding! It was rated PG, too, which can be hard to find in gay fiction. I really loved the characters. At first I thought it would be annoying to switch so many points of view but it actually informed the book so much more to have all these little dips into what the other characters were thinking. One of the other things I loved about it was the realistic portrayal of older gay men and the reaction of the younger gay men to hearing "in my day..." It seemed like older gay men don't think of things like partnership and marriage the way the younger generation does. There's something to that, though this book is fully in the romance genre and doesn't stray too much into politics. I read this all in one sitting (in between doing stacks of laundry) and I never lost interest throughout the reading.
This was funny and sweet. I cried at the wedding! It was rated PG, too, which can be hard to find in gay fiction. I really loved the characters. At first I thought it would be annoying to switch so many points of view but it actually informed the book so much more to have all these little dips into what the other characters were thinking. One of the other things I loved about it was the realistic portrayal of older gay men and the reaction of the younger gay men to hearing "in my day..." It seemed like older gay men don't think of things like partnership and marriage the way the younger generation does. There's something to that, though this book is fully in the romance genre and doesn't stray too much into politics. I read this all in one sitting (in between doing stacks of laundry) and I never lost interest throughout the reading.
April 5, 2021
First of three books in a series, set in London and involving a close knit cast of characters. Principal leads are Evan and Scott, younger men who meet on a blind date and decide to wed quickly. This date was engineered by Mel, boss to Scott and BFF to Evan, while married to Carl. Meanwhile, Evan's sister Sally and her long-term partner Tom are political hacks, stressing for advancement. Marriages happen and dissolve, musical beds rotate, wisdom is dispersed from elders and a whole lot of drinking occurs.
Chapters switch focus between players, introducing yet more upheaval. Life is revisited on many fronts. Romance, comedy, drama, farce: it all happens. Complex plotting and defining strokes illuminate these diverse, but interrelated characters, keeping interest as credibility is questioned.
Chapters switch focus between players, introducing yet more upheaval. Life is revisited on many fronts. Romance, comedy, drama, farce: it all happens. Complex plotting and defining strokes illuminate these diverse, but interrelated characters, keeping interest as credibility is questioned.
December 14, 2023
Just adored this book. Took me a few chapters to understand that it was a mm lovestory with a twist or many twists.
Two men, one older than the other, meet on a blind date, one whose husband died recently and lookimg gor commitment the other a different man every week.
But heh, Scott proposes to Evan on the first date, and Evan accepts.
What follows is the fall put from this. One of the things I liked about the book was the short chapters, though concentrating on both scott and Evan, the other main characters are given a voice also - refreshing. You get to see the person behind the other characters, why they are like they are, you transition from not liking them to liking them, and visa versa.
I look forward to reading the other books in the future.
Two men, one older than the other, meet on a blind date, one whose husband died recently and lookimg gor commitment the other a different man every week.
But heh, Scott proposes to Evan on the first date, and Evan accepts.
What follows is the fall put from this. One of the things I liked about the book was the short chapters, though concentrating on both scott and Evan, the other main characters are given a voice also - refreshing. You get to see the person behind the other characters, why they are like they are, you transition from not liking them to liking them, and visa versa.
I look forward to reading the other books in the future.
May 30, 2017
It didn't take me long to read this book at all as it was "un-putdownable". At first, I admit I was worried the characters and situations might be clichéd and stereotypical, but as the story progressed, it was clear that this was to lead the reader to the depth and emotions of the characters and their predicaments. Very much a reflection of the times we live in and I could see my friends and family reflected in all the characters. I think I fell in love with Scott a little bit, I certainly identified with him. And not just because he has my surname ;). Fantastic first novel, thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 6, 2018
This first novel about love and marriage by Bradley Brady holds up in surprising and refreshing ways. Told through the eyes of Scott and Evan, a blind date fast-tracked into a marriage proposal, the story explores commitment through their relationship with their parents, their siblings and their friends. Although somewhat swallow, the novel does weave an enchanting spell which holds the reader to the end. Best not to examine the harsh representation of the straights in the story or the forced “best friend” antagonist, but rather focus on the glittering potential of this writer as his craft becomes stronger and his point of view more unique. Definitely a talent to watch.
September 16, 2018
"Wonderful and Delightful British Romance Story"
This is primarily a man-to-man romantic story between Evan and Scott who feel love on their first blind date. Family and friends are greatly surprised but supportive. Can two people avoid more dating and quickly marry each other? This can be a real challenge. There are other romances of friends and family which are interesting and funny. The characters are well described and memorable. This story is clean with no explicit sex. It's very humorous and I'm glad to have taken the chance to read it. It kept me mostly laughing at the antics.
This is primarily a man-to-man romantic story between Evan and Scott who feel love on their first blind date. Family and friends are greatly surprised but supportive. Can two people avoid more dating and quickly marry each other? This can be a real challenge. There are other romances of friends and family which are interesting and funny. The characters are well described and memorable. This story is clean with no explicit sex. It's very humorous and I'm glad to have taken the chance to read it. It kept me mostly laughing at the antics.
January 7, 2020
Meh
So I thought this would be more a lighthearted and funny mishap rom-com type story. It was very weirdly paced and I found it hard to stay interested after they had their first date and subsequent proposal. I also had a hard time liking any of the characters except for maybe Evan's dad, Danny (the sanest of the bunch). Not sure how everyone else views this but no, fantasizing about someone else or thinking they're hot isn't cheating, sticking your tongue down their throat is. I find it strange that people in their 30's have a hard time distinguishing where the line is on cheating.
So I thought this would be more a lighthearted and funny mishap rom-com type story. It was very weirdly paced and I found it hard to stay interested after they had their first date and subsequent proposal. I also had a hard time liking any of the characters except for maybe Evan's dad, Danny (the sanest of the bunch). Not sure how everyone else views this but no, fantasizing about someone else or thinking they're hot isn't cheating, sticking your tongue down their throat is. I find it strange that people in their 30's have a hard time distinguishing where the line is on cheating.
February 20, 2020
I think Mr Brady has real potential as an author displaying an ability to conjure scenes vividly, with some descriptive and clever prose. However, I think his writing skills are better than this story (sorry), which relies on too many uncomfortable stereotypes and plot lines. The start was fantastic but by the end it had descended into standard melodrama - which I’m sure some people will really like, but might offend others (particularly his treatment of female characters and elderly LGBT) and I personally would like to see that electric imagination displayed in the first few chapters maintained throughout! A good start, and I look forward to seeing what comes next!
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