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The Teddy Bear Club #1
The Teddy Bear Club
The Teddy Bear Club
Two lonely men. One perfect family.
Aiden Lake adopted his institutionalized sister’s two daughters, and he’s a good dad. He works nights on websites and gets in his adult time twice a week at the Roasty Bean, where he meets with other single gay parents.
Devon Smithson wants to be a good dad now that his sixteen-year-old sister asked him to babysit her newborn… three months ago. But he’s overwhelmed with the colicky baby. An invitation to the daddy-and-kid gatherings at the café is a godsend. The pot is sweetened when his friendship with Aiden develops into more—maybe even something that can last.
But the mother who kicked Dev out for being gay wants to get her claws into the baby, and she doesn’t care if she tears Dev, Aiden, and everything they’re building apart in the process.
Two lonely men. One perfect family.
Aiden Lake adopted his institutionalized sister’s two daughters, and he’s a good dad. He works nights on websites and gets in his adult time twice a week at the Roasty Bean, where he meets with other single gay parents.
Devon Smithson wants to be a good dad now that his sixteen-year-old sister asked him to babysit her newborn… three months ago. But he’s overwhelmed with the colicky baby. An invitation to the daddy-and-kid gatherings at the café is a godsend. The pot is sweetened when his friendship with Aiden develops into more—maybe even something that can last.
But the mother who kicked Dev out for being gay wants to get her claws into the baby, and she doesn’t care if she tears Dev, Aiden, and everything they’re building apart in the process.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2017
55 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Sean Michael
652 books1,209 followersOften referred to as "Space Cowboy" and "Gangsta of Love" while still striving for the moniker of "Maurice," Sean Michael spends his days surfing, smutting, organizing his immense gourd collection and fantasizing about one day retiring on a small secluded island peopled entirely by horseshoe crabs. While collecting vast amounts of vintage gay pulp novels and mood rings, Sean whiles away the hours between dropping the f-bomb and persuing the kama sutra by channeling the long lost spirit of John Wayne and singing along with the soundtrack to "Chicago."
A long-time writer of complicated haiku, currently Sean is attempting to learn the advanced arts of plate spinning and soap carving sex toys.
Barring any of that? He'll stick with writing his stories, thanks, and rubbing pretty bodies together to see if they spark.
A long-time writer of complicated haiku, currently Sean is attempting to learn the advanced arts of plate spinning and soap carving sex toys.
Barring any of that? He'll stick with writing his stories, thanks, and rubbing pretty bodies together to see if they spark.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
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August 2, 2017I SWEAR the dude on the cover of this book looks like the Fifty Shades Of Grey actor! *lol*
December 15, 2018
Aaaw, I really, really liked this story.
The plot is super straightforward. A group of gay single dads meets up in a coffee shop once a week to socialize. Aidan - with his two daughters - is one of them. Devon and his baby boy is new to the group and just getting to know everyone.
Aidan and Dev click, they spend an afternoon together that turns into a sleepover that turns into moving together and be a happy rainbow family. It's that simple.
The only tension in the story is Dev’s horrible, homophobic mother who wants to take away his baby, but she’s more or less just a bit of shock value and doesn’t really interfere with anything going on here.
And what’s going on is Aidan and Dev being the most perfect picture book gay dads you could ever imagine.
Usually, that wouldn’t be my cup of tea at all. Sugary sweetness and perfect polite interaction isn’t something I like in a romance.
But for some reason, I found Aidan’s and Dev’s innocence soothing. They were dads. Their kids were everything. When they were able to squeeze in a kiss and a hug, they were happy. If the kids demanded their full attention then so be it.
They only had one fleshed out sex scene on page – and they orchestrated it by orgasming first and foreplay after!! You know, in case the kids wake up, LOL.
I absolutely loved this fairy tale sweetness and innocence.
One moment I was quite proud of in particular is Aidan sitting on Dev’s lap right at the beginning of their relationship, making out. Aidan’s daughter Lindsay walks in on them and wants to know why her dad was sitting on Dev’s lap. Whereas 90% of men would have shied back and tried to save some dignity, Aidan simply told her “Because I want to.”
That was a real educational moment for me.
I can’t say I’m too happy with the details about changing diapers, the degree of wetness of a baby butt, the schedule of when to feed which baby formula, etc. etc.
Still, I wish this book depicted the real world. It’s like a fairy tale. Nobody is that perfect and loving, but I sure wish people were…
4 stars!
The plot is super straightforward. A group of gay single dads meets up in a coffee shop once a week to socialize. Aidan - with his two daughters - is one of them. Devon and his baby boy is new to the group and just getting to know everyone.
Aidan and Dev click, they spend an afternoon together that turns into a sleepover that turns into moving together and be a happy rainbow family. It's that simple.
The only tension in the story is Dev’s horrible, homophobic mother who wants to take away his baby, but she’s more or less just a bit of shock value and doesn’t really interfere with anything going on here.
And what’s going on is Aidan and Dev being the most perfect picture book gay dads you could ever imagine.
Usually, that wouldn’t be my cup of tea at all. Sugary sweetness and perfect polite interaction isn’t something I like in a romance.
But for some reason, I found Aidan’s and Dev’s innocence soothing. They were dads. Their kids were everything. When they were able to squeeze in a kiss and a hug, they were happy. If the kids demanded their full attention then so be it.
They only had one fleshed out sex scene on page – and they orchestrated it by orgasming first and foreplay after!! You know, in case the kids wake up, LOL.
I absolutely loved this fairy tale sweetness and innocence.
One moment I was quite proud of in particular is Aidan sitting on Dev’s lap right at the beginning of their relationship, making out. Aidan’s daughter Lindsay walks in on them and wants to know why her dad was sitting on Dev’s lap. Whereas 90% of men would have shied back and tried to save some dignity, Aidan simply told her “Because I want to.”
That was a real educational moment for me.
I can’t say I’m too happy with the details about changing diapers, the degree of wetness of a baby butt, the schedule of when to feed which baby formula, etc. etc.
Still, I wish this book depicted the real world. It’s like a fairy tale. Nobody is that perfect and loving, but I sure wish people were…
4 stars!
August 2, 2017
2.5 stars.
The blurb sounded fun, and the general idea of this book was great, but the execution left me wanting. I expected more than talk about diapers, and burping, and bottles, and just kids in general from a book being billed as a romance.
Aiden has adopted his sister's two children, since his sister struggles with mental health issues and cannot take care of them. He works from home, mostly at night, and his adult interactions are pretty much limited to his twice-weekly trip to the local coffee shop where he meets with friends.
Devon is taking care of his much younger sister's newborn baby after she left town. He is completely over his head taking take of a baby, even three months in, and he hasn't started any legal proceedings either. Invited to join Aiden and the others at the coffee place, he's glad for some adult company too.
Most of this book is told in dialogue. Most of this dialogue is trite, bland, and non-engaging, and while a romance develops between Aiden and Devon, amidst taking care of the children, there just didn't seem to be any kind of believable spark.
For a romance to work for me, there has to be more relationship development, and more to the relationship than just the commonality of taking care of kids. The kids just took over this book, and I was often rather bored while reading about their feeding times, their bedtimes, and their baths. While the romance itself was fine (what there was of one), the constant talking about the children was a major turnoff.
There's some drama with Devon's mother who wants to take the baby from him, but that's also easily resolved, and her role in this book was slightly OTT, as was Devon's reactions to her threats.
So yeah... this didn't do it for me. YMMV.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
The blurb sounded fun, and the general idea of this book was great, but the execution left me wanting. I expected more than talk about diapers, and burping, and bottles, and just kids in general from a book being billed as a romance.
Aiden has adopted his sister's two children, since his sister struggles with mental health issues and cannot take care of them. He works from home, mostly at night, and his adult interactions are pretty much limited to his twice-weekly trip to the local coffee shop where he meets with friends.
Devon is taking care of his much younger sister's newborn baby after she left town. He is completely over his head taking take of a baby, even three months in, and he hasn't started any legal proceedings either. Invited to join Aiden and the others at the coffee place, he's glad for some adult company too.
Most of this book is told in dialogue. Most of this dialogue is trite, bland, and non-engaging, and while a romance develops between Aiden and Devon, amidst taking care of the children, there just didn't seem to be any kind of believable spark.
For a romance to work for me, there has to be more relationship development, and more to the relationship than just the commonality of taking care of kids. The kids just took over this book, and I was often rather bored while reading about their feeding times, their bedtimes, and their baths. While the romance itself was fine (what there was of one), the constant talking about the children was a major turnoff.
There's some drama with Devon's mother who wants to take the baby from him, but that's also easily resolved, and her role in this book was slightly OTT, as was Devon's reactions to her threats.
So yeah... this didn't do it for me. YMMV.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
October 19, 2017
I love kids, babies and the bunch of them,. I mean it.
But when you have almost 70 percent of the book talking about babies, diapers, playing and lacking of romance in my MM book, I'm not a fan.
Skimming some diaper changing and I found there's not so much of a story.
Sorry.
But when you have almost 70 percent of the book talking about babies, diapers, playing and lacking of romance in my MM book, I'm not a fan.
Skimming some diaper changing and I found there's not so much of a story.
Sorry.
Read
December 19, 2018Shouldn't have read this, so no rating....
Far too much kiddo's, diapers, bottles etc..
Ugggh
Far too much kiddo's, diapers, bottles etc..
Ugggh
November 18, 2020
How the Teddy Bear Club came to be !
Here in Chicago, we meet a group of lovely gay men who are raising kids and leaning on each other for strength and information, and camaraderie.
They invite a new single dad, Dev, 28, raising his sister’s
baby, “U”, and needs advice. He and Adrien, 27, with three kids, really hit it off right away.
We watch this sweet story of raising young kids, the trials and tribulations, the open friendliness and dedicated men who are willing to help others. We meet them, see them in action, and watch what happens.
Dev needs legal help when his crazy fanatic Mom shows up to take the baby. She threw Dev out when he came out at sixteen, and he wants to raise his sis's child.
So the guys rise up and help. Adrien and Dev are together now and become even stronger.
This tale of wonderful men is a very lovely story. Just enough tension and hot sexiness, makes it terrific.
Cute, realistic kids and issues.
Enjoy !
======
Here in Chicago, we meet a group of lovely gay men who are raising kids and leaning on each other for strength and information, and camaraderie.
They invite a new single dad, Dev, 28, raising his sister’s
baby, “U”, and needs advice. He and Adrien, 27, with three kids, really hit it off right away.
We watch this sweet story of raising young kids, the trials and tribulations, the open friendliness and dedicated men who are willing to help others. We meet them, see them in action, and watch what happens.
Dev needs legal help when his crazy fanatic Mom shows up to take the baby. She threw Dev out when he came out at sixteen, and he wants to raise his sis's child.
So the guys rise up and help. Adrien and Dev are together now and become even stronger.
This tale of wonderful men is a very lovely story. Just enough tension and hot sexiness, makes it terrific.
Cute, realistic kids and issues.
Enjoy !
======
August 9, 2017
I thought it was a sweet story...
Read
August 7, 2017 3 Hearts
I was curious how the author would mesh with the Dreamspun formula and while the book was an easy read, it didn’t make me feel much. The blurb really lays out the framework and story arc for the book making it a straight forward read. And um… I wonder who is supposed to be on the cover because neither man fits the Jamie Dornan wanna be with that smolder.
Anyway.
Devon and Aiden meet at a group for single gay fathers with Devon coming in as a newbie to the small group of friends who are there to support one another. Though neither man acknowledges any sort of attraction to the other, Dev and Aiden begin an easy friendship with their shared careers of media related content and that they both have become fathers because their sisters were unable to care for their children.
This moved really fast in the insta love department for me and honestly, I didn’t feel the chemistry between the men. They read younger than their told 28 years and all the “man’s” was a bit of a turnoff for me with the constant usage in dialogue.
But, for a book in this line that should be easily romantic, the story fell flat for me. I wanted more, I wanted a deeper connection between the men that I could feel instead of being told what they were feeling. I felt that Dev pushed himself onto Aiden and into his life way too fast that I felt uncomfortable even when they didn’t. I mean, inviting yourself for a sleepover to a stranger’s house with his children and your child and you met one day ago? It felt a kinda creepy and as a parent, this wasn’t something I was comfortable with. I know when I dated my husband, we didn’t include his toddler right away with more permanent things as sleep overs until we were certain of permanency between us but… that’s just me.
The “drama” with Devon’s mother was ridiculously over the top and didn’t feel as urgent and threatening as Dev made it out to be but once again, *shrugs* to each his own.
I did like how dedicated both Devon and Aiden were to their children and how regardless of what Dev ends up naming his son, he will always be a beautiful Unicorn boy. I do like that the kids acted as kids even though two were babies but I was concerned about Dev tossing them up in the air with them being so young but that’s the overprotective parent in me.
Honestly, if you don’t like reading about the daily grind of being a parent including exploding diapers up the back, spit up, toddlers who draw all over themselves, colicky babies, putting kids down for naps, wearing kids in slings and just literally EVERY REAL thing that comes with having a baby around, this isn’t the book for you.
But again, I don’t know if I could recommend this one at all even though it was an easy read because it was pretty much forgettable aside from the Unicorn in the story.
I was curious how the author would mesh with the Dreamspun formula and while the book was an easy read, it didn’t make me feel much. The blurb really lays out the framework and story arc for the book making it a straight forward read. And um… I wonder who is supposed to be on the cover because neither man fits the Jamie Dornan wanna be with that smolder.
Anyway.
Devon and Aiden meet at a group for single gay fathers with Devon coming in as a newbie to the small group of friends who are there to support one another. Though neither man acknowledges any sort of attraction to the other, Dev and Aiden begin an easy friendship with their shared careers of media related content and that they both have become fathers because their sisters were unable to care for their children.
This moved really fast in the insta love department for me and honestly, I didn’t feel the chemistry between the men. They read younger than their told 28 years and all the “man’s” was a bit of a turnoff for me with the constant usage in dialogue.
But, for a book in this line that should be easily romantic, the story fell flat for me. I wanted more, I wanted a deeper connection between the men that I could feel instead of being told what they were feeling. I felt that Dev pushed himself onto Aiden and into his life way too fast that I felt uncomfortable even when they didn’t. I mean, inviting yourself for a sleepover to a stranger’s house with his children and your child and you met one day ago? It felt a kinda creepy and as a parent, this wasn’t something I was comfortable with. I know when I dated my husband, we didn’t include his toddler right away with more permanent things as sleep overs until we were certain of permanency between us but… that’s just me.
The “drama” with Devon’s mother was ridiculously over the top and didn’t feel as urgent and threatening as Dev made it out to be but once again, *shrugs* to each his own.
I did like how dedicated both Devon and Aiden were to their children and how regardless of what Dev ends up naming his son, he will always be a beautiful Unicorn boy. I do like that the kids acted as kids even though two were babies but I was concerned about Dev tossing them up in the air with them being so young but that’s the overprotective parent in me.
Honestly, if you don’t like reading about the daily grind of being a parent including exploding diapers up the back, spit up, toddlers who draw all over themselves, colicky babies, putting kids down for naps, wearing kids in slings and just literally EVERY REAL thing that comes with having a baby around, this isn’t the book for you.
But again, I don’t know if I could recommend this one at all even though it was an easy read because it was pretty much forgettable aside from the Unicorn in the story.
September 10, 2017
Once in a while you just ant a book where you dont have to think about it, a book with no angst and thats this.
Dev and Aiden meet in a group for single gay fathers and strike up a friendship that very quickly leads to other things.
I did enjoy the book, it was quick and easy to read.
Some reviewers have said too much baby talk but I guess at this stage for Dev especially the bayby Unicorn was his life and so to an ectent I understand that.
Dev and Aiden meet in a group for single gay fathers and strike up a friendship that very quickly leads to other things.
I did enjoy the book, it was quick and easy to read.
Some reviewers have said too much baby talk but I guess at this stage for Dev especially the bayby Unicorn was his life and so to an ectent I understand that.
July 16, 2019
Hot dads with their kids, is there anything cuter?
In this one, we have Aiden, who with his friends, Logan and Zach have a weekly routine to meet up for coffee for a little “dad-date” kind of thing. Just a little group to get away and have some time with other adults, as a mother, I can 100% relate to. Dev, is the new guy to the group and brand new dad to his sisters abandoned baby. She just up and left him without a trace, leaving Dev to figure out how to do this dad thing on his own. Fortunately, he doesn’t have to, because Aiden, with his two little girls, invite him into their home for play dates and adult conversation.
It starts off as a platonic friendship but soon turns into more, the more they get to know each other and spend time with each other. Plus, all the kids get along really well, Bee (Aiden’s daughter) and U- short for Unicorn (Dev’s new son), are roughly around the same age, so I can imagine how difficult that would be, but handy, as I loved having kids close together.
Unfortunately for Dev, his sister disappeared, so getting custody of U before his homophobic mother caught wind that he had him, was proving pretty difficult. Luckily, Logan’s a lawyer and set to work on it pretty quick.
I loved these two together because it all seemed so real. The dynamic wasn’t perfect between them, Dev brought some baggage and needed help, which he wasn’t afraid to ask for and Aiden was wasn’t afraid to offer it. It was a story of friendship first that turned into more. I liked that it wasn’t just, “hi, nice to meet you, we both have kids and you’re hot so I love you”… I enjoyed reading about their every day stuff and them getting to know each other and got used to being a family, together. The dialogue was a bit cheesy at times but it works for these two. I really enjoyed it.
I would’ve liked to seen some karmic justice served up on the mom who was seriously, a terrible person, but other than that. It ended on a good note and I wouldn’t mind reading more about Dirk, Logan and Zach.
4 stars from me!
*I received this story from its publisher with the promise of an honest and unbiased review*
In this one, we have Aiden, who with his friends, Logan and Zach have a weekly routine to meet up for coffee for a little “dad-date” kind of thing. Just a little group to get away and have some time with other adults, as a mother, I can 100% relate to. Dev, is the new guy to the group and brand new dad to his sisters abandoned baby. She just up and left him without a trace, leaving Dev to figure out how to do this dad thing on his own. Fortunately, he doesn’t have to, because Aiden, with his two little girls, invite him into their home for play dates and adult conversation.
It starts off as a platonic friendship but soon turns into more, the more they get to know each other and spend time with each other. Plus, all the kids get along really well, Bee (Aiden’s daughter) and U- short for Unicorn (Dev’s new son), are roughly around the same age, so I can imagine how difficult that would be, but handy, as I loved having kids close together.
Unfortunately for Dev, his sister disappeared, so getting custody of U before his homophobic mother caught wind that he had him, was proving pretty difficult. Luckily, Logan’s a lawyer and set to work on it pretty quick.
I loved these two together because it all seemed so real. The dynamic wasn’t perfect between them, Dev brought some baggage and needed help, which he wasn’t afraid to ask for and Aiden was wasn’t afraid to offer it. It was a story of friendship first that turned into more. I liked that it wasn’t just, “hi, nice to meet you, we both have kids and you’re hot so I love you”… I enjoyed reading about their every day stuff and them getting to know each other and got used to being a family, together. The dialogue was a bit cheesy at times but it works for these two. I really enjoyed it.
I would’ve liked to seen some karmic justice served up on the mom who was seriously, a terrible person, but other than that. It ended on a good note and I wouldn’t mind reading more about Dirk, Logan and Zach.
4 stars from me!
*I received this story from its publisher with the promise of an honest and unbiased review*
August 11, 2020
From the basic concept of the Teddy Bear Club, a group of gay single dads meeting at a café once a week, to the characters and their quirks, this novel had me charmed from page one. There isn’t any huge danger-and-threats drama, but instead, this story is full of the little disasters and everyday chaos any parent will be able to relate to. And amidst all of that, there are two men who have chosen to stick with their kids no matter what, only to discover that there is a kindred soul for even the most diaper and seemingly-in-constant-need-of-a-bottle challenged guy. Super cute!
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 9, 2017
I started reading Harlequin Presents (little white books) back when I was 14-years-old. They were always so cute... light on the angst... over the top with the family and insta-love... yeah, great memories and always a fun, short read to brighten your day! And now we have our own M/M "little white books"! Same formula and it would appear that they are going to be just as over the top cute, cute, CUTE!!! I love it! :D
Looking forward to moving forward with this series! I can always use some "mushy love" to fit in between my "oh, so long, angsty" reads!
Looking forward to moving forward with this series! I can always use some "mushy love" to fit in between my "oh, so long, angsty" reads!
September 7, 2017
2.5 stars,rounded up. The story idea was cute, but maybe too cute? So many babies and sappy guys, who fell in love way too fast. Seriously, less than a week and Dev moves in, sure as friends at first, but by two weeks, they are seriously living together, sharing "I love you"s, and getting married! Also, kids everywhere, and not enough times,just the guys.
September 23, 2017
A little sugary, not a typical Sean Michael story at all, but I still enjoyed it. Both Dev and Aiden have taken their sisters' children as their own and they meet as a small group of gay men with young children. They hit it off immediately and start spending time together. I love how Linds renamed Unicorn, because what boy should be named Unicorn!! I did spend a lot of it waiting for something horrible to happen because I read so many angsty stories. There was a nice HEA and I really enjoyed how sweet this story was!
December 8, 2018
Ugh. Sean Michael writing for Dreamspinner - just not. If you remember Harlequins or Silhouettes and want those memories to stay buried, keep away from this book.
And in addition to my complaint while reading, may I add that no one leaves a six-month-old in his car seat unbuckled. Therefor, no one can grab a baby out of the car seat one handed. The best thing I can say is that I did not buy it but checked it out from the library.
And in addition to my complaint while reading, may I add that no one leaves a six-month-old in his car seat unbuckled. Therefor, no one can grab a baby out of the car seat one handed. The best thing I can say is that I did not buy it but checked it out from the library.
February 14, 2018
Heartfelt and sweet. A simply told tale of romance and how love can build families even after blood ties have let us down. With great character development, I cant wait to read the next one.
February 7, 2018
Story: 3.5 Stars
Narration: 4 Stars
Devon Smithson was tossed out like trash by his parents when he came out. Years later, his teen-age sister arrived with her baby and asked Devon to please watch him for a while. That was months ago.
Aiden Lake adopted his sister’s two children when she had to be institutionalized for mental health reasons, at which point his former lover ran for the hills. Aiden and Devon meet at a local get-together for gay dads and immediately form a bond, and the other men in their group encourage them to go out and see what could happen between them since they have a lot in common.
The romance is quick and the pair become nearly inseparable in short order. This is a romance story, so those looking for deep explanations will miss out on the fun that these books are meant to be. The children are lovely, but they do have their moments, as children are wont to do. After a series of day-long dates, Devon and Aiden find themselves unwilling to let the other go home. When Devon’s mother suddenly arrives trying to claim her grandchild, Devon and Aiden spring into action to secure the adoption of Devon’s nephew and to make him Devon’s son. The end of the story is pure romance. Those who love that will not be disappointed.
John Solo has a lovely voice for this kind of work; he has a slow and gentle style that works really well with this book. Voices are clear and the children are characters rather than mere voice affectation, which too many voice actors do. If you are a fan of the Dreamspun Desires series, this book is a good fit in that lineup. It is light, sweet, and short. Enjoy the book for what it is meant to be. Enjoy the narration for its companionable style.
Reviewed by Mike for The Novel Approach
Narration: 4 Stars
Devon Smithson was tossed out like trash by his parents when he came out. Years later, his teen-age sister arrived with her baby and asked Devon to please watch him for a while. That was months ago.
Aiden Lake adopted his sister’s two children when she had to be institutionalized for mental health reasons, at which point his former lover ran for the hills. Aiden and Devon meet at a local get-together for gay dads and immediately form a bond, and the other men in their group encourage them to go out and see what could happen between them since they have a lot in common.
The romance is quick and the pair become nearly inseparable in short order. This is a romance story, so those looking for deep explanations will miss out on the fun that these books are meant to be. The children are lovely, but they do have their moments, as children are wont to do. After a series of day-long dates, Devon and Aiden find themselves unwilling to let the other go home. When Devon’s mother suddenly arrives trying to claim her grandchild, Devon and Aiden spring into action to secure the adoption of Devon’s nephew and to make him Devon’s son. The end of the story is pure romance. Those who love that will not be disappointed.
John Solo has a lovely voice for this kind of work; he has a slow and gentle style that works really well with this book. Voices are clear and the children are characters rather than mere voice affectation, which too many voice actors do. If you are a fan of the Dreamspun Desires series, this book is a good fit in that lineup. It is light, sweet, and short. Enjoy the book for what it is meant to be. Enjoy the narration for its companionable style.
Reviewed by Mike for The Novel Approach
August 11, 2020
From the basic concept of the Teddy Bear Club, a group of gay single dads meeting at a café once a week, to the characters and their quirks, this novel had me charmed from page one. There isn’t any huge danger-and-threats drama, but instead, this story is full of the little disasters and everyday chaos any parent will be able to relate to. And amidst all of that, there are two men who have chosen to stick with their kids no matter what, only to discover that there is a kindred soul for even the most diaper and seemingly-in-constant-need-of-a-bottle challenged guy. Super cute!
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 31, 2017
I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
I really enjoyed this first book in the series. It wasn't in true Sean Michael fashion, meaning there was NOT a lot of sex in this book. For me it was ok that there wasn't much sex, the story line was good and the characters were amazing together. I wish I could see a real life Teddy Bear Club, these guys were all so stinking sweet and hot and loved kids. It was a feel good story with a touch of angst.
I really enjoyed this first book in the series. It wasn't in true Sean Michael fashion, meaning there was NOT a lot of sex in this book. For me it was ok that there wasn't much sex, the story line was good and the characters were amazing together. I wish I could see a real life Teddy Bear Club, these guys were all so stinking sweet and hot and loved kids. It was a feel good story with a touch of angst.
August 6, 2017
This is a warm and fuzzy story of single dads meeting for coffee and support but also seem to find some love as well. This is the first in a new series and focuses on Aiden and Devon as they learn to blend their lives and families. I'm looking forward to more fun from this great group of Dads.
August 9, 2017
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
The Teddy Bear Club is the first book in a new series by Sean Michael. Three single fathers meet twice a week at one of the father's coffee shop. The meet up gave them a chance for adult time, and allowed their children to interact. New father Devon was invited to attend the father meet-up and is relieved to have support. His sister had just recently left her newborn with him and disappeared. He strikes up a friendship with Aiden and they quickly become close. But, dating when there are three children involved looks completely different to a single person. The men navigate their attraction, taking care of the kids, and issues that come up. A newly single father is invited to the group and The Teddy Bear Club is officially started.
I liked all the single male characters introduced in this book, and thought their development showed a great start to the future of this series. Aiden was an easygoing guy who had faced a lot of loss in his life, but didn't use that against others or to his detriment. He loved his two daughters and had built a great life for the three of them. Devon's character showed very much the overwhelming feeling when faced with your first newborn child, but with no support. Devon grew up in a strict, religious family who kicked him out of the house when they found out he was gay. He had made something of himself and lived a good life. But, when his teenage sister showed up with her newborn son Unicorn (yes, that is his name), he jumped at the chance to help her.
I love books with children in it; it gives you a different perspective of a MC when interacting with non-adults. But, even this was just too many children for me. I don't discount that this type of dating/relationship could be very life-like. It's kind of like a sneak peak into finding love for two normal, everyday parents. But, it was very mundane and filled with a lot of diaper changing, baby feeding, video game playing, movie watching and new parent stress. The relationship between the two men happens fairly quickly, and it doesn't take long before they're living together and planning their future. There's some angst with Devon's mother showing up wanting her grandchild, which is handled in the story.
Despite how I felt about this book, I think the future books have great potential and I really like the existing characters in The Teddy Bear Club so I will definitely read the next one in the series.
Rating: 3 stars
The Teddy Bear Club is the first book in a new series by Sean Michael. Three single fathers meet twice a week at one of the father's coffee shop. The meet up gave them a chance for adult time, and allowed their children to interact. New father Devon was invited to attend the father meet-up and is relieved to have support. His sister had just recently left her newborn with him and disappeared. He strikes up a friendship with Aiden and they quickly become close. But, dating when there are three children involved looks completely different to a single person. The men navigate their attraction, taking care of the kids, and issues that come up. A newly single father is invited to the group and The Teddy Bear Club is officially started.
I liked all the single male characters introduced in this book, and thought their development showed a great start to the future of this series. Aiden was an easygoing guy who had faced a lot of loss in his life, but didn't use that against others or to his detriment. He loved his two daughters and had built a great life for the three of them. Devon's character showed very much the overwhelming feeling when faced with your first newborn child, but with no support. Devon grew up in a strict, religious family who kicked him out of the house when they found out he was gay. He had made something of himself and lived a good life. But, when his teenage sister showed up with her newborn son Unicorn (yes, that is his name), he jumped at the chance to help her.
I love books with children in it; it gives you a different perspective of a MC when interacting with non-adults. But, even this was just too many children for me. I don't discount that this type of dating/relationship could be very life-like. It's kind of like a sneak peak into finding love for two normal, everyday parents. But, it was very mundane and filled with a lot of diaper changing, baby feeding, video game playing, movie watching and new parent stress. The relationship between the two men happens fairly quickly, and it doesn't take long before they're living together and planning their future. There's some angst with Devon's mother showing up wanting her grandchild, which is handled in the story.
Despite how I felt about this book, I think the future books have great potential and I really like the existing characters in The Teddy Bear Club so I will definitely read the next one in the series.
Rating: 3 stars
September 22, 2017
3.5 Stars
So this was a little too insta-lovey for me to really get to excited about the story. Both Dev and Aiden were very sweet with each other and the kids, but there really wasn't a lot of tension or anything. Not that there's anything wrong with meet, fall in love, and settle into happily ever after. But when it happens over the course of what feels like at most 2 weeks it becomes a little absurd in my book. The kids were really cute and I did enjoy that the guys were happy with the responsibility they took on. Overall it was an ok read that would have me looking to read the sequel when I was in the mood for a feel good simple story.
So this was a little too insta-lovey for me to really get to excited about the story. Both Dev and Aiden were very sweet with each other and the kids, but there really wasn't a lot of tension or anything. Not that there's anything wrong with meet, fall in love, and settle into happily ever after. But when it happens over the course of what feels like at most 2 weeks it becomes a little absurd in my book. The kids were really cute and I did enjoy that the guys were happy with the responsibility they took on. Overall it was an ok read that would have me looking to read the sequel when I was in the mood for a feel good simple story.
October 17, 2017
A bit too saccharine sweet. And that is saying a lot where I’m concerned. A nice read from Sean Michael.
April 4, 2019
Too much day to day minutiae, nowhere near enough romance or conflict to make this an interesting story. Boring.
August 4, 2017
Full review available at: https://optimummblog.wordpress.com/20...
I loved The Teddy Bear Club by Sean Michael. This book’s vastly different from the Iron Eagle Gym series that’s a BDSM series. The Teddy Bear Club’s a cute story about a group of single dads that are trying to find their way and keep their sanity. The book’s easy to read, kept me entertained, had lots of feels, and it looks like it’s the first book in a new series, so I am super excited that the other friends in the Teddy Bear Club will be getting their stories also. I can’t wait to see who Logan, Zack, and Dirk end up with. This book’s well written and nicely edited, and it was a joy to read. It has a great storyline and just enough stolen moments of ecstasy to make it realistic with two single dads that are juggling two babies that aren’t old enough to crawl yet and one older helpful 3-year-old.
I loved Aiden and his back story about how he ended up adopting his sister’s two kids when she had to be institutionalized and what a great dad he is to them. I love that they have a support group at a friend’s café called the Roasty Bean where he meets with other single gay parents at the daddy-and-kid gatherings held twice a week. He’s able to get his caffeine fix and his adult conversation fix at the same time. Aiden’s definitely the Mr. Fix-it of the group, and he develops a fast friendship with their newest single gay parent, Dev.
I loved Dev. He’s the new single dad of the group, and he’s at the end of his rope dealing with a 3-month-old colicky baby and is seriously sleep deprived. He’s been on his own since he was kicked out of the house at 16. He’s from a very religious family. And his mother’s a piece of work. His 16-year-old sister asked him to babysit for her new born son three months ago and hasn’t been back for the baby since. Devon’s excited when he gets invited to the daddy-and-kid gatherings at the café. He isn’t sure what to expect but what he finds is a great group of guys that are willing to help him in any way that they can. Logan’s a lawyer and is willing to help him with adopting his sister’s baby and helping him locate her so that she can sign her rights over to him.
His biggest fears are realized when his mother comes for the baby. But Dev will do everything in his power to keep that from happening, and Aiden’s there for him when he needs a place to stay. And they find that their families work well together.
I loved the story. It had just enough angst, just enough passion, and just enough of a heart-warming story that had me fall in love with both of Aiden and Dev, their kids, and the other members of the Teddy Bear Club. Great job, Sean Michael, on the start of a great new series. I can’t wait to read more.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
I loved The Teddy Bear Club by Sean Michael. This book’s vastly different from the Iron Eagle Gym series that’s a BDSM series. The Teddy Bear Club’s a cute story about a group of single dads that are trying to find their way and keep their sanity. The book’s easy to read, kept me entertained, had lots of feels, and it looks like it’s the first book in a new series, so I am super excited that the other friends in the Teddy Bear Club will be getting their stories also. I can’t wait to see who Logan, Zack, and Dirk end up with. This book’s well written and nicely edited, and it was a joy to read. It has a great storyline and just enough stolen moments of ecstasy to make it realistic with two single dads that are juggling two babies that aren’t old enough to crawl yet and one older helpful 3-year-old.
I loved Aiden and his back story about how he ended up adopting his sister’s two kids when she had to be institutionalized and what a great dad he is to them. I love that they have a support group at a friend’s café called the Roasty Bean where he meets with other single gay parents at the daddy-and-kid gatherings held twice a week. He’s able to get his caffeine fix and his adult conversation fix at the same time. Aiden’s definitely the Mr. Fix-it of the group, and he develops a fast friendship with their newest single gay parent, Dev.
I loved Dev. He’s the new single dad of the group, and he’s at the end of his rope dealing with a 3-month-old colicky baby and is seriously sleep deprived. He’s been on his own since he was kicked out of the house at 16. He’s from a very religious family. And his mother’s a piece of work. His 16-year-old sister asked him to babysit for her new born son three months ago and hasn’t been back for the baby since. Devon’s excited when he gets invited to the daddy-and-kid gatherings at the café. He isn’t sure what to expect but what he finds is a great group of guys that are willing to help him in any way that they can. Logan’s a lawyer and is willing to help him with adopting his sister’s baby and helping him locate her so that she can sign her rights over to him.
His biggest fears are realized when his mother comes for the baby. But Dev will do everything in his power to keep that from happening, and Aiden’s there for him when he needs a place to stay. And they find that their families work well together.
I loved the story. It had just enough angst, just enough passion, and just enough of a heart-warming story that had me fall in love with both of Aiden and Dev, their kids, and the other members of the Teddy Bear Club. Great job, Sean Michael, on the start of a great new series. I can’t wait to read more.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
August 22, 2017
**3.5**
This is part of the Dreamspun Desires series. I have never read any of them but I will have to rectify that. It is quick and easy and I really liked the premise and set-up. Who doesn’t love sexy men and their babies? It makes my heart flutter and melt. It's an easy going book about a bunch of men that get together with their kids at a coffee shop owned by one of the men. They come from all walks of life but have at least some things in common but mostly…. kids. Whether they are biologically by them or by circumstance. It is sexy, sassy, fun and sweet. So sweet at times you may get a toothache. Yet, I really liked it.
Aiden has custody of his sister's kids. She isn’t a bad mom, she just has some issues that she needs to deal with. Now, these are some pretty bad issues. Hearing Aiden talk or think about it was horrid. Now, let me say Linds the 3-year-old of Aiden will keep you on your toes. I loved her. Then there is Bee she is roughly the same age as U. He got her little and she is a sweetheart as well. These two girls will melt your heart along with Daddy.
We have Devon who is new to the group. He gets invited to hang out with the men and feel connected to adults. Now, Devon “Dev” got his baby U short for Unicorn, yes his sister named him Unicorn. She is sixteen and left him with Dev and said she would be back. Dev has some issues with his family as he got kicked out of it for being gay and coming out. This is something the men have in common...being gay. His mom is homophobic and Deb is afraid his mom will try and take U before he can have all legal rights or his sister will come and take him.
The friendship is platonic at first between Aiden and Dev and loved watching it grow. It wasn't love at first sight or instant love we get sometimes. All of these men are good friends and will do what they have to in order to support each other. I was waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop and when it does it is sort of what I thought. I loved how these band of men and their little group are everything to each other. Their friendships are important.
Dev and Aiden are great together and their kids get along well. I loved the bond that all three kids had together as well as their fathers. At times I think that Dev is a little high strung and lets things get to him. Other than that the only issue I have is there wasn't a lot of romance it was mostly baby feedings, and diaper changes with baths to be given. I wanted more romance for these two. It is a realistic take on a new relationship when it comes to romance and kids and you need to take it when you can. When all these men get together their kids all get along as well.
I recommend this story for anyone looking for sweet and sassy, with men who love their kids that is easy to read.
This is part of the Dreamspun Desires series. I have never read any of them but I will have to rectify that. It is quick and easy and I really liked the premise and set-up. Who doesn’t love sexy men and their babies? It makes my heart flutter and melt. It's an easy going book about a bunch of men that get together with their kids at a coffee shop owned by one of the men. They come from all walks of life but have at least some things in common but mostly…. kids. Whether they are biologically by them or by circumstance. It is sexy, sassy, fun and sweet. So sweet at times you may get a toothache. Yet, I really liked it.
Aiden has custody of his sister's kids. She isn’t a bad mom, she just has some issues that she needs to deal with. Now, these are some pretty bad issues. Hearing Aiden talk or think about it was horrid. Now, let me say Linds the 3-year-old of Aiden will keep you on your toes. I loved her. Then there is Bee she is roughly the same age as U. He got her little and she is a sweetheart as well. These two girls will melt your heart along with Daddy.
We have Devon who is new to the group. He gets invited to hang out with the men and feel connected to adults. Now, Devon “Dev” got his baby U short for Unicorn, yes his sister named him Unicorn. She is sixteen and left him with Dev and said she would be back. Dev has some issues with his family as he got kicked out of it for being gay and coming out. This is something the men have in common...being gay. His mom is homophobic and Deb is afraid his mom will try and take U before he can have all legal rights or his sister will come and take him.
The friendship is platonic at first between Aiden and Dev and loved watching it grow. It wasn't love at first sight or instant love we get sometimes. All of these men are good friends and will do what they have to in order to support each other. I was waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop and when it does it is sort of what I thought. I loved how these band of men and their little group are everything to each other. Their friendships are important.
Dev and Aiden are great together and their kids get along well. I loved the bond that all three kids had together as well as their fathers. At times I think that Dev is a little high strung and lets things get to him. Other than that the only issue I have is there wasn't a lot of romance it was mostly baby feedings, and diaper changes with baths to be given. I wanted more romance for these two. It is a realistic take on a new relationship when it comes to romance and kids and you need to take it when you can. When all these men get together their kids all get along as well.
I recommend this story for anyone looking for sweet and sassy, with men who love their kids that is easy to read.
August 8, 2017
2.5 stars. I don't really think it's fair of me to review this book because I started to skim it around the 30% mark. Sean Michael's is a good writer, but I am admittedly a single female reader who enjoys my child-free existence--and there was just a little too much time spent talking to (or talking about) children in this book. And just too much dialogue in general. And I get it--that's the whole premise of this story. But I went into this book anticipating that more time would be spent developing the relationship between the two MCs which wasn't the case at all. I could have missed a detail when I skimmed, but I'm pretty sure they went from "let's be friends" to "let's spend the rest of our life together!" in less than a week's time which is not only unrealistic, but a little unsafe from a parenting perspective, don't you think? If you're the father of 1-2 children, are you really going to make a big life decision like that in such a short period of time? If you are, that concerns me.
There are two books featuring children that I really liked and would highly recommend. Check out J.H. Knight's "Just a Feeling" and Diane Adams "Last First Kiss." Both made my Best of lists for the years they were published and I've read both multiple times. If you like stories featuring dads, kids, love, laughter, and lots of heart, then I recommend checking out those two books first.
There are two books featuring children that I really liked and would highly recommend. Check out J.H. Knight's "Just a Feeling" and Diane Adams "Last First Kiss." Both made my Best of lists for the years they were published and I've read both multiple times. If you like stories featuring dads, kids, love, laughter, and lots of heart, then I recommend checking out those two books first.
April 9, 2019
Neither Aiden nor Devon expected to be single parents or to become responsible guardians in the way they did. Aiden adopted his two nieces when his sister was institutionalized. Devon's sister dropped off her son with him to babysit and never returned. But both men are facing the challenges of their newfound parenthood head on, even though it often means putting the needs of the little ones before their own. Which is why Devon can't help thinking it fortuitous that they happen to meet and hit it off right away. It's hard enough to find an interesting guy when you're parenting an infant--and even harder to find one who understands and doesn't run away when he finds out you have a kid... But it's also not as easy as just pursuing your passions when you're a father--there's so much more at stake when getting into a relationship--and both Aiden and Devon need to figure out if the risk is worth the potential reward...
This is a cute enough story, though it's certainly a very predictable one. I found myself engaged enough, liking both of the main characters and interested in seeing where their story went. It's a well-written, easy read, and I'd say it's certainly worth a gander--especially if you like romances involving parenting/family responsibilities.
This is a cute enough story, though it's certainly a very predictable one. I found myself engaged enough, liking both of the main characters and interested in seeing where their story went. It's a well-written, easy read, and I'd say it's certainly worth a gander--especially if you like romances involving parenting/family responsibilities.
September 23, 2017
Aiden Lake adopted his sister’s two daughters when she was institutionalized. He loves being a dad and works on websites at night and gets his own time once a week at the Roasty Bean with other gay parents. Devon Smithson is in the same position. He has his sixteen-year-old sister’s son but is overwhelmed with a colicky baby. Joining the group at the Roasty Bean is a god send. He meets Aiden and the two find they want more. When Devon’s mother appears wanting the baby, he refuses to give him up to the woman who kicked him out because he is gay.
The Teddy Bear Club had some interesting points. For example, it was amazing to see how they helped each other out. If one needed something, another would step in. For example, Aiden helped Devon by asking him to join the group that met weekly. In turn, another member of the club helped with legal issues. No matter who you are, a support group can help. The Teddy Bear Club shows just how much helping each other leads to wonderful things.
The Teddy Bear Club had some interesting points. For example, it was amazing to see how they helped each other out. If one needed something, another would step in. For example, Aiden helped Devon by asking him to join the group that met weekly. In turn, another member of the club helped with legal issues. No matter who you are, a support group can help. The Teddy Bear Club shows just how much helping each other leads to wonderful things.
June 9, 2021
This is the first book in The Teddy Bear Club. I gave it a four star rating because was no actual sex. There were places I saw could have easily been one so marked off a star.
Aiden has two girls Lindsay and Bee. He adopted them from his sister who has been committed. Devon was left with his sixteen year old sister baby boy who she names Unicorn 🦄. Aiden and Devon hit it off and become fast friends and soon lovers.
Devon is dealing with getting custody of U as he calls him for short. However, Lindsay names him Dylan and that was adorable. They all become a family. Logan another friend of Aiden and Devon help get Dylan's rights over to Devon. His mother showed up but thankfully she was just a noise maker. Excellent ending and I loved the amount of time we got with the kids.
It was almost perfect. Had oral sex but that didn't fulfill my craving so knocked off star.
Aiden has two girls Lindsay and Bee. He adopted them from his sister who has been committed. Devon was left with his sixteen year old sister baby boy who she names Unicorn 🦄. Aiden and Devon hit it off and become fast friends and soon lovers.
Devon is dealing with getting custody of U as he calls him for short. However, Lindsay names him Dylan and that was adorable. They all become a family. Logan another friend of Aiden and Devon help get Dylan's rights over to Devon. His mother showed up but thankfully she was just a noise maker. Excellent ending and I loved the amount of time we got with the kids.
It was almost perfect. Had oral sex but that didn't fulfill my craving so knocked off star.
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