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Catlett's Cove #3
The Experiment
It’s the Great Online Dating Experiment of 2017. Aaron is pleased with his life. He has a solid job that he enjoys, he has a strong, supportive family and network of friends, but he’s still missing a man to make his life complete. He decides to dive into the world of online dating to find the last piece of his personal puzzle.
Jamie has worked hard for everything in his life, and he has been a rousing success. From his sculpted body to his shiny new condo in the best part of the city, he has earned it all through grit and determination. Unfortunately, when the day comes to an end, he’s still lonely. Until he meets Aaron.
Then they recognize each other from somewhere else. It’s their mutual relationships with Jamie’s sister to be exact. She lives in the small town where Aaron grew up and set down roots.
When Aaron meets Jamie, the sparks of attraction fly, but the complications soon begin to mount. Are the worlds of the city and the small town just too different to make things work?
The Experiment is a 50,000 word opposites attract romance set in the same world as The Practice and By My Side. It is readable as a standalone novel, but multiple characters appear across all three books. There are steamy scenes and a happily-ever-after ending.
Jamie has worked hard for everything in his life, and he has been a rousing success. From his sculpted body to his shiny new condo in the best part of the city, he has earned it all through grit and determination. Unfortunately, when the day comes to an end, he’s still lonely. Until he meets Aaron.
Then they recognize each other from somewhere else. It’s their mutual relationships with Jamie’s sister to be exact. She lives in the small town where Aaron grew up and set down roots.
When Aaron meets Jamie, the sparks of attraction fly, but the complications soon begin to mount. Are the worlds of the city and the small town just too different to make things work?
The Experiment is a 50,000 word opposites attract romance set in the same world as The Practice and By My Side. It is readable as a standalone novel, but multiple characters appear across all three books. There are steamy scenes and a happily-ever-after ending.
- GenresRomance
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2017
20 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Grant C. Holland
29 books53 followersGrant C. Holland is an author of gay romance. He lives in the upper Midwest enjoying friends, family, great food, and putting stories with happy endings into writing.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 29, 2017
3.5 ✨
Aaron and Jamie are two guys looking for the one, so they sign up at an online dating site and meet. It also happens that Jamie's sister and her daughter are Aarons neighbors and a good friend.
Overall I enjoyed this, but I think it needs a better title. These guys were cute together, but needed to work on communication. Aaron was willing to make a lot of sacrifices for Jamie, which would have made them both unhappy. Also, Jamie did some morally questionable things that had me wanting to strangle him. Fortunately, he realized the errors of his ways and they had a heart to heart in time for a nice HEA.
I liked Christy, the sister and her daughter. She was looking out for both of them, and the little girl was a sweetie who acted her age in the few scenes she appeared.
*copy provided by author
Aaron and Jamie are two guys looking for the one, so they sign up at an online dating site and meet. It also happens that Jamie's sister and her daughter are Aarons neighbors and a good friend.
Overall I enjoyed this, but I think it needs a better title. These guys were cute together, but needed to work on communication. Aaron was willing to make a lot of sacrifices for Jamie, which would have made them both unhappy. Also, Jamie did some morally questionable things that had me wanting to strangle him. Fortunately, he realized the errors of his ways and they had a heart to heart in time for a nice HEA.
I liked Christy, the sister and her daughter. She was looking out for both of them, and the little girl was a sweetie who acted her age in the few scenes she appeared.
*copy provided by author
July 5, 2017
Like the rest of the Catlett's Cove series, this has been an enjoyable story to spend a few hours with. The flow was good, very well written. The MC's and supporting characters were believable, as always. The group of friends that make up 'The Purple Pack' can be all around lovable and sometimes they make you want to just tell them to hush up. Lack of communication drives me crazy but it's definitely a real life occurrence and this author has a way of making it all work. If you love a book that will get you so involved that you start talking to its characters, give the Catlett's Cove series a try. Sweet, sexy, and a little drama is thrown in for good measure. Finding what's really important to you in life can be a difficult road but well worth it in the end. I've voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy and this is my honest opinion and review of The Experiment: A Catlett's Cove Novel.
July 2, 2017
I love geeky, cute guys who totally captivate the more traditionally hot partner. That usually makes for some serious hotness, awkward cuteness, and honest desires too. This book started off with such great promise, but about 2/3 through I found myself reading faster just to get done.
Jamie is lonely. He wants lasting love and has a great friend to keep up his humor when the loneliness gets to him. Things are set up for work and family struggles and the way it's done is effective and quick so it doesn't detract or get in the way of the meet-cute. Jamie is adorably flustered and then makes everything better when the steam heats up.
Aaron is wonderfully awkward and adorably insecure. He has coping mechanisms and actually uses them so they don't keep him from functioning, they just make him endearing. Things with Jamie have him flustered and he does his best to keep his vulnerability from interfering with the possibilities that come with the relationship. That's not to say things are always great, but he's working through things.
Then there's them together. They have different views on life, how things should be done, where they should be, what makes them comfortable. When big issues begin to come up, though, communication breaks down. And not from Jamie's side either. Jamie makes mistakes along the way and you can see him getting swept up by all the frustrations at work and becoming distracted by what he worked for and always thought he wanted...you know, like a real person in real life. But does Aaron talk about what's bothering him? No, he decides to hold it in and make snide comments. He tries once to have a good conversation about it but it's when Jamie is already distressed and wouldn't be receptive. Does he try again? No. Does he offer support and a safe place to discuss options, expectations, feelings, and consequences? No. He just makes him feel like crap. It does force Jamie to rethink things and it also pushes forward a resolution, so that's fine, but the device used really just makes me lose respect for Aaron. It paints Jamie as the bad guy for hurting Aaron when that's really a one-sided way to color things.
Then there are the friends. Great support, they're the whole focus of the overall series, and they're nice people to know. They're also selfish and unhelpful when stuff is getting real. People make choices and they don't always revolve around a comfortable group of friends. So what should friends do? Instead of periodically discussing concerns as issues crop up they use shaming, blaming, and tears. Yeah, seems like a great way to help. I like these guys from previous stories but everyone suddenly became really immature. Let's hope things improve as the series continues. And then there's Caleb. He starts off really awesome and then he goes downhill too. I understand his reasoning for not being vocal, no judgment there, it's what he says to and pretty much pressures his friend to do that frustrates me. Who is this person? I don't even care to find out about his romantic resolution should he ever get one.
So needless to say, I was quite disappointed by the last bit of the book. The men here let me down in so many ways. The overall story was fine, I'm glad things found a relatively satisfying conclusion, Jamie is still good for me, and the writing was clear and flowed. I read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from the author.
Jamie is lonely. He wants lasting love and has a great friend to keep up his humor when the loneliness gets to him. Things are set up for work and family struggles and the way it's done is effective and quick so it doesn't detract or get in the way of the meet-cute. Jamie is adorably flustered and then makes everything better when the steam heats up.
Aaron is wonderfully awkward and adorably insecure. He has coping mechanisms and actually uses them so they don't keep him from functioning, they just make him endearing. Things with Jamie have him flustered and he does his best to keep his vulnerability from interfering with the possibilities that come with the relationship. That's not to say things are always great, but he's working through things.
Then there's them together. They have different views on life, how things should be done, where they should be, what makes them comfortable. When big issues begin to come up, though, communication breaks down. And not from Jamie's side either. Jamie makes mistakes along the way and you can see him getting swept up by all the frustrations at work and becoming distracted by what he worked for and always thought he wanted...you know, like a real person in real life. But does Aaron talk about what's bothering him? No, he decides to hold it in and make snide comments. He tries once to have a good conversation about it but it's when Jamie is already distressed and wouldn't be receptive. Does he try again? No. Does he offer support and a safe place to discuss options, expectations, feelings, and consequences? No. He just makes him feel like crap. It does force Jamie to rethink things and it also pushes forward a resolution, so that's fine, but the device used really just makes me lose respect for Aaron. It paints Jamie as the bad guy for hurting Aaron when that's really a one-sided way to color things.
Then there are the friends. Great support, they're the whole focus of the overall series, and they're nice people to know. They're also selfish and unhelpful when stuff is getting real. People make choices and they don't always revolve around a comfortable group of friends. So what should friends do? Instead of periodically discussing concerns as issues crop up they use shaming, blaming, and tears. Yeah, seems like a great way to help. I like these guys from previous stories but everyone suddenly became really immature. Let's hope things improve as the series continues. And then there's Caleb. He starts off really awesome and then he goes downhill too. I understand his reasoning for not being vocal, no judgment there, it's what he says to and pretty much pressures his friend to do that frustrates me. Who is this person? I don't even care to find out about his romantic resolution should he ever get one.
So needless to say, I was quite disappointed by the last bit of the book. The men here let me down in so many ways. The overall story was fine, I'm glad things found a relatively satisfying conclusion, Jamie is still good for me, and the writing was clear and flowed. I read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from the author.
July 5, 2017
4 ½ stars
I haven't read the previous books in this series, but after reading this one, I rushed to Amazon and bought them. The members of the Purple Pack caught my attention, and as secondary characters, they, and the others characters were engaging and supportive to the storyline.
I must admit that I was leery about the quick connection between Jamie and Aaron. I didn't know how the rest of the story could play out, but the author settles any qualms I had. I ended up liking the couple getting together early on. It gives the author a chance to flesh out their relationship and throw different situations and angst at them.
Thankfully, there was not that much angst. The issues were real life problems that any couple could experience, and the author handled them respectfully and believably.
Jamie is a likable character that changed to a not so likable character, then changed back and moved into the lovable category. When his character realized that what he was working for was not the important thing in his life, then THAT is when he became the man that Aaron needed in his life.
Aaron is lovable from the very start. His nurturing nature paired with his awkwardness created a bumbling, fumbling treasure of a man about whom I enjoyed reading.
Their passion ignites quickly and never dissipates. It is intense, frequent and very well written.
The Experiment is a lovely read, with some humor, a lot of desire, a bit of danger, some introspection that brings on life altering decisions and an HEA that is sweet and satisfying.
I haven't read the previous books in this series, but after reading this one, I rushed to Amazon and bought them. The members of the Purple Pack caught my attention, and as secondary characters, they, and the others characters were engaging and supportive to the storyline.
I must admit that I was leery about the quick connection between Jamie and Aaron. I didn't know how the rest of the story could play out, but the author settles any qualms I had. I ended up liking the couple getting together early on. It gives the author a chance to flesh out their relationship and throw different situations and angst at them.
Thankfully, there was not that much angst. The issues were real life problems that any couple could experience, and the author handled them respectfully and believably.
Jamie is a likable character that changed to a not so likable character, then changed back and moved into the lovable category. When his character realized that what he was working for was not the important thing in his life, then THAT is when he became the man that Aaron needed in his life.
Aaron is lovable from the very start. His nurturing nature paired with his awkwardness created a bumbling, fumbling treasure of a man about whom I enjoyed reading.
Their passion ignites quickly and never dissipates. It is intense, frequent and very well written.
The Experiment is a lovely read, with some humor, a lot of desire, a bit of danger, some introspection that brings on life altering decisions and an HEA that is sweet and satisfying.
February 14, 2018
Nice Bridge to the Finale
First of all let me say I have become a Grant C. Holland fanatic. His characters are usually real enough so you don't quite like some but love others. The plots are hardly earth-shaking but they are somewhat angsty in a small town way. Third, when he gets rolling, the romance is good and the love making clean and exciting.
In short, though I am a New Yorker, he gives us Midwest (Minnesota or Michigan) values on a platter and how the region is evolving into a more gay-friendly region. NOTE; Even though the promotions say each book is a stand-alone, don't do that. Read them in order--trust me.
In this one, Aaron (guy in glasses on the cover) lives in Catlett'ss Cove and interacts with the MCs of the first two books in this series, as well as his neighbor Christy and her adorable child Sylvie. Happenstance finds him signing up for an online dating site and he connects with a hunk from Minneapolis, Jamie, who's an executive in a major firm in town. Jamie, it turns out, is Christy's brother, and the connection is not made immediately until a slight calamity occurs. Then Aaron and Jamie really connect and we are off on a steamy courtship.
Some oddities here that you pass by because you like this tale, and one of them is that like Aaron, Jamie actually grew up in Catlett's Cove but on the other side of town, but they never knew each other. In a town as small as this one, that sounds weird.
The other thing is that Jamie does not come across as particularly sympathetic until late in the book, and more importantly, his best friend and work mate Caleb, is even less sympathetic. This is interesting considering what happens in the next book. Which I devoured immediately after completing this one.
First of all let me say I have become a Grant C. Holland fanatic. His characters are usually real enough so you don't quite like some but love others. The plots are hardly earth-shaking but they are somewhat angsty in a small town way. Third, when he gets rolling, the romance is good and the love making clean and exciting.
In short, though I am a New Yorker, he gives us Midwest (Minnesota or Michigan) values on a platter and how the region is evolving into a more gay-friendly region. NOTE; Even though the promotions say each book is a stand-alone, don't do that. Read them in order--trust me.
In this one, Aaron (guy in glasses on the cover) lives in Catlett'ss Cove and interacts with the MCs of the first two books in this series, as well as his neighbor Christy and her adorable child Sylvie. Happenstance finds him signing up for an online dating site and he connects with a hunk from Minneapolis, Jamie, who's an executive in a major firm in town. Jamie, it turns out, is Christy's brother, and the connection is not made immediately until a slight calamity occurs. Then Aaron and Jamie really connect and we are off on a steamy courtship.
Some oddities here that you pass by because you like this tale, and one of them is that like Aaron, Jamie actually grew up in Catlett's Cove but on the other side of town, but they never knew each other. In a town as small as this one, that sounds weird.
The other thing is that Jamie does not come across as particularly sympathetic until late in the book, and more importantly, his best friend and work mate Caleb, is even less sympathetic. This is interesting considering what happens in the next book. Which I devoured immediately after completing this one.
August 29, 2017
The Experiment by Grant C. Holland is the third book in the Catlett Cove series. This is my first time reading this series and I was not lost at all reading this story.
This story is told in parts. I don’t know if it added to the story but might have organized the telling.
This story is about Jamie and Aaron.
Jamie loves traveling, has not been on a real date in forever. Can charm the pants off anyone in the room, fun, loving, and really sweet. Works for human resources for a job he loves and is good at. He problem solves all that is missing is the right someone to share all this with.
Aaron the great online dating experiment. This is a blog set to private (because who needs to know his failures but him) that he records his online dating journey. Mr. Fix it for large computer systems he also works on new aps. Dreams of creating his own successful game one day.
These two are really meant to be together. I loved the flow and easy feel to this book. Really is a great romantic read. If you love falling in love I highly suggest this book. I loved it and will be looking for the books I missed in this series now.
Five Shooting Stars
This story is told in parts. I don’t know if it added to the story but might have organized the telling.
This story is about Jamie and Aaron.
Jamie loves traveling, has not been on a real date in forever. Can charm the pants off anyone in the room, fun, loving, and really sweet. Works for human resources for a job he loves and is good at. He problem solves all that is missing is the right someone to share all this with.
Aaron the great online dating experiment. This is a blog set to private (because who needs to know his failures but him) that he records his online dating journey. Mr. Fix it for large computer systems he also works on new aps. Dreams of creating his own successful game one day.
These two are really meant to be together. I loved the flow and easy feel to this book. Really is a great romantic read. If you love falling in love I highly suggest this book. I loved it and will be looking for the books I missed in this series now.
Five Shooting Stars
June 29, 2017
The Experiment is a sweet, yet steamy romance about two lonely men, Jamie and Aaron. Aaron lives in the small town of Catlett's Cove and never wants to leave. Jamie is from Catlett's Cove, but now he lives in the big city and can't imagine being anywhere else. Jamie and Aaron meet on an online dating site and hit it off right away. As things get serious, so do the problems.
It is a story aboutfinding the perfect person to share your life with, but also about learning what is most important in that life. It's about compromise and adjustment and love. I've enjoyed all of Mr. Holland's books that I've read and The Experiment is definitely one of my favorites. I received an advance reader's copy of this book, but I enjoyed it so much that I purchased it to add to my collection of the author's books.
It is a story aboutfinding the perfect person to share your life with, but also about learning what is most important in that life. It's about compromise and adjustment and love. I've enjoyed all of Mr. Holland's books that I've read and The Experiment is definitely one of my favorites. I received an advance reader's copy of this book, but I enjoyed it so much that I purchased it to add to my collection of the author's books.
June 30, 2017
I had a bit of trouble buying into this story. The title of the book, and the opening scene with Aaron suggested that we would get to see some of Aaron's dating hijinks before he meets/stumbles upon Jamie. Instead, the story just sort of skipped any kind of experimentation and just jumped straight into Aaron & Jamie forming a relationship.
I wanted Jamie to be less selfish for much of the book, and I wanted Aaron to be more forceful in communicating his desires and concerns. Overall, I liked Aaron better when he was a supporting character and I found this to just be ok..
The brightest spot in this book, for me, was that it looks like Jamie's friend Caleb might be the MC of the next book with (hopefully) the new vet in Catlett's Cove. I can see some delicious fireworks coming from a pairing like that.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I wanted Jamie to be less selfish for much of the book, and I wanted Aaron to be more forceful in communicating his desires and concerns. Overall, I liked Aaron better when he was a supporting character and I found this to just be ok..
The brightest spot in this book, for me, was that it looks like Jamie's friend Caleb might be the MC of the next book with (hopefully) the new vet in Catlett's Cove. I can see some delicious fireworks coming from a pairing like that.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
June 30, 2017
Got ARC for an honest review.
I loved the story.
Jamie and Aaron have great chemistry. They fill the pages with their hot steaminess, setting the pages on fire.
I was really pulled into the story and felt like I was there watching everything unfold. My mind kept begging for Jamie to move to the little town, not move Aaron to the big city. So I read with fingers crossed and begged some more for Jamie to open his eyes and quit his job and move.
I thought the story was well written. The characters were great to connect to and they pulled at your emotional strings. I even cried in some spots of the story.
Great Written when you can make a reader cry and feel all the emotions. The author series is one of my favorites. Hope everyone enjoys the series, like I have.
Thank you for letting me read your story.
I loved the story.
Jamie and Aaron have great chemistry. They fill the pages with their hot steaminess, setting the pages on fire.
I was really pulled into the story and felt like I was there watching everything unfold. My mind kept begging for Jamie to move to the little town, not move Aaron to the big city. So I read with fingers crossed and begged some more for Jamie to open his eyes and quit his job and move.
I thought the story was well written. The characters were great to connect to and they pulled at your emotional strings. I even cried in some spots of the story.
Great Written when you can make a reader cry and feel all the emotions. The author series is one of my favorites. Hope everyone enjoys the series, like I have.
Thank you for letting me read your story.
July 7, 2017
First of all I want to say I haven't read the first two books in the series, It isn't an absolute necessity, but I wished I had because the boys feature prominently as they are besties with one of the main protagonists. Let me say, I loved this book, It had a little of everything in it, a drop of angst, a smidge of sadness, a lot of hotness, and the story was very believable. I'm so glad Aaron finally stood up for himself to make Jamie step up and go for what he really wanted. There were some laugh out loud moments and some sad moments, but I love books that provoke emotions. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series, and I will eventually go back and read the first two books, so I can complete the series. P.s Catlett's Cove sounds like an awesome place to live.
I read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from the author.
I read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from the author.
October 5, 2017
Perfect mix of sweet and hot.
Jaime is finally where he had always wanted: he has a successful career, a great condo in the city, and good friends. And yet... he's lonely.
Aaron still lives in Cattle's Cove, surrounded by friends and family, but he feels lonely too. When both decided to try online dating, they hit it right off, and sparkles fly everywhere.
But as they get more serious, some issues arise: the commute between both places is atrocious, so they only can see each other on weekends; their friends think they are rushing things up; Jamie's boss practices are not as honest as they should...
If they want their relationship to survive, they need to find a compromise and decide what is really important in their lives.
Delightful and very well written, this is a must-read story.
Jaime is finally where he had always wanted: he has a successful career, a great condo in the city, and good friends. And yet... he's lonely.
Aaron still lives in Cattle's Cove, surrounded by friends and family, but he feels lonely too. When both decided to try online dating, they hit it right off, and sparkles fly everywhere.
But as they get more serious, some issues arise: the commute between both places is atrocious, so they only can see each other on weekends; their friends think they are rushing things up; Jamie's boss practices are not as honest as they should...
If they want their relationship to survive, they need to find a compromise and decide what is really important in their lives.
Delightful and very well written, this is a must-read story.
June 30, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest opinions. My first book of Grants and I will definitely be reading the first two in this series even though this can be read as a standalone. I enjoy reading about small towns and the people who live there, supporting cast are friendly and helpful. I fell in love with Aaron and Jamie they were lovable characters, sweet and utterly wonderful. This is a must read to see if they can overcome their differences and problems. I can honestly say I recommend this book. ❤️
June 27, 2017
This is the story of Aaron who is a computer programmer and app designer who looks for love on a dating website. He is shocked to discover that the guy he likes the look of is his neighbour Christy's brother Jamie.
There follows a tale of misunderstandings and upsets until the pair sort out how they feel about each other.
This is quite well written although a few too many typos slipped through.
There follows a tale of misunderstandings and upsets until the pair sort out how they feel about each other.
This is quite well written although a few too many typos slipped through.
July 27, 2017
I think that the characters in this story were top grade. Every one from the main characters to the supporting characters was realistic. I loved the two men and I loved the idea of a dating challenge. It was a fun way to meet through an app. This story was a great escape from reality.
I received this as a free arc.
I received this as a free arc.
June 29, 2017
Adorable series
I can't imagine what a quaint town Catlett's Cove would be. These characters are so full of life, always seeking to do best not only for others, but for themselves as well.
I can't imagine what a quaint town Catlett's Cove would be. These characters are so full of life, always seeking to do best not only for others, but for themselves as well.
December 5, 2017
Have read and loved all of this series and this story was another great one. We saw a little into Aaron and Jamie with the last one and was so excited to finally get to read their story. They are so cute and perfect together! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
July 7, 2017
Absolutely loved it!
August 7, 2017
The first half of this book feels passionless, even though it's supposedly not. It doesn't feel like the author actually felt anything really deep for this book until the second half.
September 11, 2017
Easy going!
I liked this book; and, would recommend it to all. It was slow to start, it good once it did. Loved the ethical dilemma involved.
I liked this book; and, would recommend it to all. It was slow to start, it good once it did. Loved the ethical dilemma involved.
April 19, 2018
agood quick read --- enjoyed it!!
October 19, 2017
...
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Review soon
Read
July 6, 2017There was absolutely nothing endearing about Jamie.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews