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Daddy Issues #1
Daddy Issues
Eliot Prince is falling hard for someone… His former stepfather. Their bond is forbidden. Their relationship could upend lives. But their love? It’s a force of nature… Ten years ago, a desperate and confused Robert Glazer briefly married a woman before confronting his sexuality and starting his life as an out gay man. They divorced and lost contact – until now. Today, a sudden family death throws Robert and his ex-wife back together for the first time. That’s where Robert meets her son Eliot, who was raised with his own father and is now a gorgeous – and openly gay – adult. And to Robert and Eliot’s surprise, sparks fly. Passion ignites, then threatens to explode. Soon Eliot knows three things. Robert is not his father figure, and never was – in fact, he barely remembers him. news of their union would still rock his whole world. And he craves Robert more than anything he has ever wanted. And as suspicions arise, their attraction only grows…
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2018
411 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Seth King
53 books1,870 followersSeth King is a twenty-eight-year-old American author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
June 6, 2018
I AM SO SORRY FOR THE BAD REVIEW. COULD NOT HELP IT.
I went into this book with my eyes open. I read both bad and good reviews and decided to give this book a chance. One thing I liked about this book was the sexual element of it. Robert and Eliot had pretty steamy encounters that got my engines revving some of the time. So that was a plus and a star! Yay!
I hate writing bad reviews. It feels like I am disrespecting the author and all the work they've put into the book. I know that not every book is a hit sometimes it's not but this one was really REALLY not for me.
1. First thing that I noticed and didn't like was how inclusive the book was. There were no descriptions of anything except for MCs POVs. It felt like they were just in a bubble and nothing else mattered. I understand when author wants to draw me in to the main characters but the book does not feel good without extras that make it so engaging. Later on some characters are added but there is barely any background and they are all fleeting except for two: David the ex or non-ex boyfriend and Eliot's mother (don't get me started on this one yet).
2. I know for a fact that the author himself is gay. And it surprised me that he was very judgemental and sometimes insensitive to modern gay people. Even rude I would say. In one passage he basically labeled gay men cheaters and liars. In other he made a comment about clothes. What does the phrase "You dress like a heterosexual. Like an accountant" even mean? Is there a dress code I am not aware of? So people with serious profession can not be gay or only those who dress flamboyantly are gay? It's like being judged for what you wear. As if your clothes are the factor that defines your orientation. Does that mean I have to wear drab colors? Or if I want to wear purple I must be aware I will be branded someone I am not? In some passages he mentions "gay childhood".
That I don't even know how to address. There were many passages that I tried to reread and try to get the idea what he meant to say but it felt like a collection of phrases to fill in the book to me.
3. David. Who is David? Why was he there? He was neither here nor there. First portrayed one way then suddenly showing vindictiveness and whole other host of facts that made him look like a villain when before he was portrayed as a self made victim and somebody to pity. The whole situation with proposal and his explanation about his cheating didn't make any sense to me even after I reread it twice. It's like he was a possibly bad guy if you need one in the end to cause stress which he did. His character was completely blank and undeveloped. Like he was there just in case he is useful somewhere down the road.
4. D*ck. D*CK*! I get it . Everybody likes d*ck. Nothing wrong with that. But so much talk about it... the girl can only take so much ...well d*ck! Enough already. Please.
5. The thoughts and monologues of both MCs. There was no difference. Robert is in his forties. He is a mature adult but he sounded just like Eliot - overeager horny teenager. At one point closer to the end of the book there was a scene where somebody was sucking someone off and I couldn't figure out who was who because their way of thinking does not differ at all. I had to go to the beginning of the chapter to see whose POV it was. Kind of off-putting for me.
6. The daddy issue. I don't think there was much of an issue. It was overexaggerated and overblown to create some kind of drama and obstacles for MCs. And it kept coming up almost in every chapter to the point when the eyes started rolling and I started skipping paragraphs.
7.The repetitive dialogue. And many cheesy phrases that I had to skip some there too.
8. Over-the-top mother. Somebody should have b*tchslapped her in the beginning. Her behavior was so unrealistic, so made up to again create drama and some sort of conflict in the book. The whole family was just plain boring. The way that all of them were incorporated in the book was very unimaginative and forced. Eliot's mother's inappropriate monologue in the middle of the funeral that was repetitive and sounded like something a 10-year old would say was supposed to be the culmination of the book but fell short of my expectations. It was like trying too hard to be emotional and complicated and have a deep meaning when it was sadly lacking in all three. And Eliot's constant back and forth guilt trip was again an attempt to create drama where there was none.
9. The daydream in the end. I was all set to give this book 2 stars. But then THIS happened. WTF! I was floored by the ending and kind of confused and then...oops, my bad! My imagination is all overeager. Back to the book again. Pissed me off. Like trying to shove an alternative bad ending of the director's cut before you see theatrical release! Bad form and bad f*cking manners. Just pissed me off and I could not wait to say bye to this book!
I didn't expect much but I was still disappointed. The idea was good but the execution was not.
I went into this book with my eyes open. I read both bad and good reviews and decided to give this book a chance. One thing I liked about this book was the sexual element of it. Robert and Eliot had pretty steamy encounters that got my engines revving some of the time. So that was a plus and a star! Yay!
I hate writing bad reviews. It feels like I am disrespecting the author and all the work they've put into the book. I know that not every book is a hit sometimes it's not but this one was really REALLY not for me.
1. First thing that I noticed and didn't like was how inclusive the book was. There were no descriptions of anything except for MCs POVs. It felt like they were just in a bubble and nothing else mattered. I understand when author wants to draw me in to the main characters but the book does not feel good without extras that make it so engaging. Later on some characters are added but there is barely any background and they are all fleeting except for two: David the ex or non-ex boyfriend and Eliot's mother (don't get me started on this one yet).
2. I know for a fact that the author himself is gay. And it surprised me that he was very judgemental and sometimes insensitive to modern gay people. Even rude I would say. In one passage he basically labeled gay men cheaters and liars. In other he made a comment about clothes. What does the phrase "You dress like a heterosexual. Like an accountant" even mean? Is there a dress code I am not aware of? So people with serious profession can not be gay or only those who dress flamboyantly are gay? It's like being judged for what you wear. As if your clothes are the factor that defines your orientation. Does that mean I have to wear drab colors? Or if I want to wear purple I must be aware I will be branded someone I am not? In some passages he mentions "gay childhood".
That I don't even know how to address. There were many passages that I tried to reread and try to get the idea what he meant to say but it felt like a collection of phrases to fill in the book to me.
3. David. Who is David? Why was he there? He was neither here nor there. First portrayed one way then suddenly showing vindictiveness and whole other host of facts that made him look like a villain when before he was portrayed as a self made victim and somebody to pity. The whole situation with proposal and his explanation about his cheating didn't make any sense to me even after I reread it twice. It's like he was a possibly bad guy if you need one in the end to cause stress which he did. His character was completely blank and undeveloped. Like he was there just in case he is useful somewhere down the road.
4. D*ck. D*CK*! I get it . Everybody likes d*ck. Nothing wrong with that. But so much talk about it... the girl can only take so much ...well d*ck! Enough already. Please.
5. The thoughts and monologues of both MCs. There was no difference. Robert is in his forties. He is a mature adult but he sounded just like Eliot - overeager horny teenager. At one point closer to the end of the book there was a scene where somebody was sucking someone off and I couldn't figure out who was who because their way of thinking does not differ at all. I had to go to the beginning of the chapter to see whose POV it was. Kind of off-putting for me.
6. The daddy issue. I don't think there was much of an issue. It was overexaggerated and overblown to create some kind of drama and obstacles for MCs. And it kept coming up almost in every chapter to the point when the eyes started rolling and I started skipping paragraphs.
7.The repetitive dialogue. And many cheesy phrases that I had to skip some there too.
8. Over-the-top mother. Somebody should have b*tchslapped her in the beginning. Her behavior was so unrealistic, so made up to again create drama and some sort of conflict in the book. The whole family was just plain boring. The way that all of them were incorporated in the book was very unimaginative and forced. Eliot's mother's inappropriate monologue in the middle of the funeral that was repetitive and sounded like something a 10-year old would say was supposed to be the culmination of the book but fell short of my expectations. It was like trying too hard to be emotional and complicated and have a deep meaning when it was sadly lacking in all three. And Eliot's constant back and forth guilt trip was again an attempt to create drama where there was none.
9. The daydream in the end. I was all set to give this book 2 stars. But then THIS happened. WTF! I was floored by the ending and kind of confused and then...oops, my bad! My imagination is all overeager. Back to the book again. Pissed me off. Like trying to shove an alternative bad ending of the director's cut before you see theatrical release! Bad form and bad f*cking manners. Just pissed me off and I could not wait to say bye to this book!
I didn't expect much but I was still disappointed. The idea was good but the execution was not.
April 27, 2018
I respect an authors work and am glad that there are many readers out there to suit the various styles and tastes. This book however was not for me or my taste, not because of the supposed taboo, which wasn’t anyway, but because for me this was a mess. The characters were ridiculous, truly ridiculous. Random comments that made no sense, behaviors that changed from hot / cold, on /off. The plot was all over the place and while I waited with baited breath for an actual well put together scene all I got was bits and pieces of what might sound hot but really lacked in connection and chemistry. I really wanted to like it and persisted till the end but I feel quite disappointed. I guess this writing style clearly does not resonate with me.
April 14, 2018
Weird, weird, weird.
The words that get constantly repeated throughout the book. Both characters constantly asking themselves if what they were doing was “weird”. Ok, we get it. Also, I can see the author is a gay male through his bio, but so am I and I’ve got to take offense to some of the dialogue choices here. Things like one character, Robert the ‘daddy’ in the situation, saying “but her language surrounding the gay issue has always been a little… rough.” Umm, what? Talk about an oxymoron. Maybe don’t have a main character refer to being gay as an issue. I get it, maybe it sounds cutesty to some, but it’s definitely mostly problematic.
It does not stop there. Then we have the other character Eliot (who invited his ex boyfriend David to his own grandmothers funeral because in one chapter he felt bad for him after they broke up even though David cheated on him and then two chapters later he never wanted to have there in the first place… also why is David so thirsty that he needs to tag along for a funeral which is being treated like some kind of family vacation? Now thats Weird.) end up finding a gay bar and saying things like how he can practically smell “the gays” in any city he went to. I don’t think I’ve ever, seriously, said something like “the gays” or heard anyone else around me use that term either. Replace gays with a race and again, we can all see how thats an issue. Also, Elliot texts a friend because he needs “gay advice”. Its like theres a constant hammer beating down the idea that gay people are different in every possible way, to the point where even advice between two friends needs to be pointed out as being “gay” (whatever that even means).
Then the author DOES actually start addressing things like race relations in terms of being way worse than what he’s ever had to go through, this is sentences after bringing up the Pulse shooting. The entire section felt thrown in to elicit some kind of feeling, barely touching on anything, to then immediately jump into a forced discussion on Rupaul's Drag Race (also by this point, Robert’s blatantly read what’s on Elliot’s phone a few times now).
To top it off (and this is only 12% into the book), the author goes on to say “who knew a bunch of feuding cross dressers could bring two guys together like this?”. It sounds like such a sneaky way to shame fem men. As if he’s saying ‘how silly, a show about men dressing like women could actually be enjoyed by two real men’, what??? As if Drag Race even boils down to just crossdressing is absolutely ridiculous, and then the subtle shade even though they’re both self professed super fans? Wow, who would have thought that a Emmy award winning show would be mutually liked by two people, further bringing them together? What a crazy idea!
Not buying it.
Then there’s Elliot’s mother , who married Robert and never had sex with him because *gasp* he was gay all along…. Wtf? So through an entire year long marriage there was no sex and no red flags thrown up anywherere? Elliot asks what they did on their honeymoon and the mother responds that they “Watch the Bravo network and drink Corona Light by the pool? God, I should’ve known by his love for Real Housewives of OC.”
…
If this were a satire, I’d think that was a great line. This is only 18% in.
Then there’s the friend who says she wouldn’t mind a gay husband because she’d, and I shit you not, would have “a best friend and listen to all the same music as me and maybe go to the mall with me sometimes, too.”.................
To which our young gayliant hero replies “but what about the sex?”
“That ends at marriage vows anyway. I wouldn’t care.”
It seems like zero women in this book have sex drives, only gay men seem to enjoy sex. I think that’s incredibly off.
Not to mention, the voices between the two characters sound identical. For a twenty two year old and a fourty two year old, there’s barely a distinction. One chapter with Elliot ends with him thinking “And fine. Maybe that cock, too.” Then in Robert’s prospective right aftr, he thinks to himself “And fine, his big ass doesn’t hurt either…” literally seven paragraphs after that last thought from Elliot. Same people.
There’s more problems but this is going on to long. There's clearly talent here, I just wish there was more attention and care in the words, as well as the characterization and story line.
The words that get constantly repeated throughout the book. Both characters constantly asking themselves if what they were doing was “weird”. Ok, we get it. Also, I can see the author is a gay male through his bio, but so am I and I’ve got to take offense to some of the dialogue choices here. Things like one character, Robert the ‘daddy’ in the situation, saying “but her language surrounding the gay issue has always been a little… rough.” Umm, what? Talk about an oxymoron. Maybe don’t have a main character refer to being gay as an issue. I get it, maybe it sounds cutesty to some, but it’s definitely mostly problematic.
It does not stop there. Then we have the other character Eliot (who invited his ex boyfriend David to his own grandmothers funeral because in one chapter he felt bad for him after they broke up even though David cheated on him and then two chapters later he never wanted to have there in the first place… also why is David so thirsty that he needs to tag along for a funeral which is being treated like some kind of family vacation? Now thats Weird.) end up finding a gay bar and saying things like how he can practically smell “the gays” in any city he went to. I don’t think I’ve ever, seriously, said something like “the gays” or heard anyone else around me use that term either. Replace gays with a race and again, we can all see how thats an issue. Also, Elliot texts a friend because he needs “gay advice”. Its like theres a constant hammer beating down the idea that gay people are different in every possible way, to the point where even advice between two friends needs to be pointed out as being “gay” (whatever that even means).
Then the author DOES actually start addressing things like race relations in terms of being way worse than what he’s ever had to go through, this is sentences after bringing up the Pulse shooting. The entire section felt thrown in to elicit some kind of feeling, barely touching on anything, to then immediately jump into a forced discussion on Rupaul's Drag Race (also by this point, Robert’s blatantly read what’s on Elliot’s phone a few times now).
To top it off (and this is only 12% into the book), the author goes on to say “who knew a bunch of feuding cross dressers could bring two guys together like this?”. It sounds like such a sneaky way to shame fem men. As if he’s saying ‘how silly, a show about men dressing like women could actually be enjoyed by two real men’, what??? As if Drag Race even boils down to just crossdressing is absolutely ridiculous, and then the subtle shade even though they’re both self professed super fans? Wow, who would have thought that a Emmy award winning show would be mutually liked by two people, further bringing them together? What a crazy idea!
Not buying it.
Then there’s Elliot’s mother , who married Robert and never had sex with him because *gasp* he was gay all along…. Wtf? So through an entire year long marriage there was no sex and no red flags thrown up anywherere? Elliot asks what they did on their honeymoon and the mother responds that they “Watch the Bravo network and drink Corona Light by the pool? God, I should’ve known by his love for Real Housewives of OC.”
…
If this were a satire, I’d think that was a great line. This is only 18% in.
Then there’s the friend who says she wouldn’t mind a gay husband because she’d, and I shit you not, would have “a best friend and listen to all the same music as me and maybe go to the mall with me sometimes, too.”.................
To which our young gayliant hero replies “but what about the sex?”
“That ends at marriage vows anyway. I wouldn’t care.”
It seems like zero women in this book have sex drives, only gay men seem to enjoy sex. I think that’s incredibly off.
Not to mention, the voices between the two characters sound identical. For a twenty two year old and a fourty two year old, there’s barely a distinction. One chapter with Elliot ends with him thinking “And fine. Maybe that cock, too.” Then in Robert’s prospective right aftr, he thinks to himself “And fine, his big ass doesn’t hurt either…” literally seven paragraphs after that last thought from Elliot. Same people.
There’s more problems but this is going on to long. There's clearly talent here, I just wish there was more attention and care in the words, as well as the characterization and story line.
Read
July 23, 2018holy shit... it's like a train wreck! I feel like I've gotta finish it now though, just to see how much worse in can get.
I hate to badmouth an author, I know they put their life's blood into their work and just because 'it doesn't work for me' doesn't make it bad... but wow, this was really something.
I'm glad I finished it because the ending was the best part - well the 1st ending, I should say. If you've read this one you'll know what I'm talking about. IF that's daydream had been the end I would have been really impressed. Oh well... plus when I was returning it to KU I see that there's a sequel WTF?
It's funny, because I love dark erotica, I seek out taboo lit, but this one was neither and it was presented to me as though it was. It was mostly a whiny 20 something (Eliot) who was ashamed of being gay, afraid to love who he wanted to, afraid of his nutty mom, and tied in some inexplicable way to his cheating ex-boyfriend. And the other guy (Robert) who was pretty okay.
I'm glad I read it, now I know what this author's about - I'm not giving it any stars because I don't want to bring his rating down, but simply put this one didn't work for me.
I hate to badmouth an author, I know they put their life's blood into their work and just because 'it doesn't work for me' doesn't make it bad... but wow, this was really something.
I'm glad I finished it because the ending was the best part - well the 1st ending, I should say. If you've read this one you'll know what I'm talking about. IF that's daydream had been the end I would have been really impressed. Oh well... plus when I was returning it to KU I see that there's a sequel WTF?
It's funny, because I love dark erotica, I seek out taboo lit, but this one was neither and it was presented to me as though it was. It was mostly a whiny 20 something (Eliot) who was ashamed of being gay, afraid to love who he wanted to, afraid of his nutty mom, and tied in some inexplicable way to his cheating ex-boyfriend. And the other guy (Robert) who was pretty okay.
I'm glad I read it, now I know what this author's about - I'm not giving it any stars because I don't want to bring his rating down, but simply put this one didn't work for me.
September 17, 2019
"Almost everyone finds their firestarter, that one person who lights the eternal flame in you, the love that burns everlasting like the memorial Jackie made for JFK. But the first fires burn the brightest, and usually they burn too brightly. The saddest truth is that these first flames are too intense to last. Most people lose their firestarter, and then live out the rest of their lives smoldering for that person, in some way or another, forever. There is a reason most people do not end up with their first loves – that fire is not meant to last."
I finished this one days ago but really didn't know what to write about it. If it wasn't for some highlights that really spoke to me, I would have DNF this one.
At first I laughed about some scenes and characters and I found it very ... strange, repetitive, boring at times, extremely unbelievable some other times. I got angry about the immaturity of a main character and even if it was HOT... the hot and cold didn't work for me here. BUT, I can't believe it surprised me at one point and I'll have to admit I really didn't see it coming.
I'll go with 2 stars because it was an OK read in the end. I'm not a fan of the writing and I am NOT curious to read the second book.
I finished this one days ago but really didn't know what to write about it. If it wasn't for some highlights that really spoke to me, I would have DNF this one.
At first I laughed about some scenes and characters and I found it very ... strange, repetitive, boring at times, extremely unbelievable some other times. I got angry about the immaturity of a main character and even if it was HOT... the hot and cold didn't work for me here. BUT, I can't believe it surprised me at one point and I'll have to admit I really didn't see it coming.
I'll go with 2 stars because it was an OK read in the end. I'm not a fan of the writing and I am NOT curious to read the second book.
April 29, 2018
DNF at...oh, who cares?
This is pretty bad. I was bored more than anything, and incredulous at some of the emotional fuckery that went on. It's just a bunch of whining from a middle aged guy and a twenty-something about how they're soooo hot for each other, but can't do anything about it because it would be soooo wrong.
Bitch, I once watched a movie where half brothers were in love. It was beautiful. So fuck off with your pseudo taboo BS.
This is pretty bad. I was bored more than anything, and incredulous at some of the emotional fuckery that went on. It's just a bunch of whining from a middle aged guy and a twenty-something about how they're soooo hot for each other, but can't do anything about it because it would be soooo wrong.
Bitch, I once watched a movie where half brothers were in love. It was beautiful. So fuck off with your pseudo taboo BS.
abandoned
August 18, 2018'I stop at the buffet table near Eliot and then nod at him, pretending I want a cocktail wiener – but really we all know what kind of wiener I suddenly want.'
That's it. I'm giving up.
First of all, where's the big deal between those guys?? They're literally strangers to each other anyway. They can date all they want.
I don't like being in either of these guy's heads, so it's no use trying to read it. But I'm not gonna rate it as I didn't even make it through the free sample...
That's it. I'm giving up.
First of all, where's the big deal between those guys?? They're literally strangers to each other anyway. They can date all they want.
I don't like being in either of these guy's heads, so it's no use trying to read it. But I'm not gonna rate it as I didn't even make it through the free sample...
May 3, 2018
I have a love hate relationship with Seth King. He writes longish books, which I like. But his books are so angsty that they can’t help becoming repetitive. This book can be summarised as follows:
I want you.
I want you.
But we can’t, you were married to my mom.
I know, we can’t. But I want to.
Me too.
I so want to.
Oh, me too.
But we can’t.
We can’t?
We can’t, it’s weird. I used to be married to your mom.
Oh, well... it wasn’t for very long and you were never my stepdad.
Yeah, but we can’t.... except maybe we can?
No we can’t, you used to be married to my mom.
I don’t accept that. Activate power ring, form of seductive stepdad.
Ohhhh, I am seduced, but we can’t.
WE CAN!
No, we can’t... ohh I’m so weak, alright, yes we can.
No, wait... we can’t. I used to be married to your mom.
But, you just said we could.
Yeah, I changed my mind. We can’t.
Well I’m not taking no for an answer.
Good, I don’t want you to take no for an answer.
Wait, wait... it’s too much. We should stop,
No, we’re not stopping.
Ok, don’t stop.
I’m stopping.
What? WHHHHHYYYY?
... I used to be married to your mom.
I’m not sure if it gets better, or even goes anywhere. I’ve lost the will to continue.
I want you.
I want you.
But we can’t, you were married to my mom.
I know, we can’t. But I want to.
Me too.
I so want to.
Oh, me too.
But we can’t.
We can’t?
We can’t, it’s weird. I used to be married to your mom.
Oh, well... it wasn’t for very long and you were never my stepdad.
Yeah, but we can’t.... except maybe we can?
No we can’t, you used to be married to my mom.
I don’t accept that. Activate power ring, form of seductive stepdad.
Ohhhh, I am seduced, but we can’t.
WE CAN!
No, we can’t... ohh I’m so weak, alright, yes we can.
No, wait... we can’t. I used to be married to your mom.
But, you just said we could.
Yeah, I changed my mind. We can’t.
Well I’m not taking no for an answer.
Good, I don’t want you to take no for an answer.
Wait, wait... it’s too much. We should stop,
No, we’re not stopping.
Ok, don’t stop.
I’m stopping.
What? WHHHHHYYYY?
... I used to be married to your mom.
I’m not sure if it gets better, or even goes anywhere. I’ve lost the will to continue.
April 7, 2018
Daddy Issues is the rare kind of book that kept me up all night dying to finish it, but at the same time never wanting it to end. Sure, it's sexy as hell, but it's also the kind of story that draws you in. Why? The characters. I felt as if Eliot and Robert were my friends and I was there with them in that luxurious mountain "cabin." I laughed with them, cried with them, fanned myself when things got hot (and this one has plenty of heat!). If you've never read Seth King, this one is a great place to start.
April 25, 2018
My whole life, the world told me the only thing that awaited me was sadness and despair. Gays didn’t get happy endings. Every gay movie ended in tears. Every gay book ended in a funeral. But Eliot is making me think, for the first time, that my story can be written in sunlight.
I have very huge expectations about this book due to the buzz from the author and from few people that already read the book.
So, when the book finally release, I one clicked it and start to devour it eagerly....
But soon I must faced the fact that it seems the book turned out not as good as I expected. I've tried to find the vibe like what everybody saying. I mean I'd seriously tried to find the interesting part from this book that I could enjoy, but turned out I'm failed miserably. Because until the very last page I found the book ended just as a so-so reading for me. Disappointed? Oh hell yeah! Because like I said before I have really HUGE expectations about this book.
Daddy issues was actually one of my favorite trope, but sadly I must say that this book didn't have that 'magic' works on me.
The author trying so hard to make the reader feels the emotional conflicts that happen between the MCs about the past family relationship issues, the dilemmas that comes between them, the people prejudices with their relationship, etc, but so sadly I didn't feel any of those emotions during the reading except the constant 'Duh' moments almost the whole reading!
Instead of grabbed or hold my emotions like what it should be, what I felt is a massive downhill feeling til the end of the book. I even had decided to DNF-ing the book so many times, but since I'm a very responsible and determined reader, I keep push myself to finish the book so I can have the right to post the review!
For story with dual POV from two people with huge age different, I think the author had failed in showing the age different through what had shown from their inner thoughts or behaviors because it's looks like both characters are on the same age and have similar stage of maturity. It's hard for me to picturing Robert as the older one here when what impression I get he's no older than Eliot in so many ways.
And about the surprise POV thing, I still didn't get it on WHY the author suddenly put Mary Kate POV (Eliot's mother) and David POV (Eliot's Ex) into the story, it's really weird and kinda ruined everything! As if the author desperately NEED to emphasize something that I thought not necessary enough to be put in there.
Last but not least...
I don't know what others thinking, but for those who had read Call Me By Your Name, this book kinda give me that déjà vu feeling with André Aciman's book. Like from the way the author set the title on each chapters which look similar with CMBYN book, the way the author wrote the characters inner thoughts like what Aciman did with Elio's thoughts on CMBYN that revealed what's conflicts that happen in Elio's mind, and oh the daydreaming scenes! It reminds me of Elio and Oliver meet up scenes twenty years later at Elio's house (while in this book the similar scenes happen nineteen years later at the same place they decided to go on their 'separate way' years ago!). And don't forget the similarities between the younger MC name, Eliot which sounds similar to Elio (maybe if the older guy name was not Robert but Oscar, it would be close enough to Oliver eh?)
Well, as a HUGE CMBYN fans and had read the book more than once, I must admit that it's kinda annoying for me to find out about this fact, but perhaps that's all because the author was kinda obsessed with Aciman's book like I do and get a bit inspired or influenced by the book, right? Right?
So, maybe I'm a minority here, but that exactly what I felt about this book and I don't want to sugar coating my review just to comfort the author feeling. You asked for my honest and unbiased review, right? And here's what I can give...
The saddest thing here is the fact that I used to love the author and adored one his book "Honesty" wholeheartedly and praise the book above the stars, but this book, man....
It's an epic failure...
April 16, 2018
This book was just odd. It took everything in me to actually finish this story. Multiple times I wanted to DNF but with the glowing reviews I was hoping something would finally click with me and this story and it never did.
The story started off with a flashback of Robert (the step dad) and Mary Kate the main character (Eliots) mom ending their marriage because of Robert's sexuality.
Then the story goes to the present.
Eliot is 22 years old and he's at the home of his late grandmother with his entire family for his grandmothers funeral/family holiday when he locks eyes with his former stepfather Robert. At first the two don't realize who the other is but there's insta attraction that they can clearly not deny. Once they do realize who the other is there is a constant reminder to us readers that they haven't seen each other in a decade and that Robert barely knew Eliot during his marriage to his mother and that they never had a relationship. Because Eliots mother had "issues" and Eliot lived with his dad at the time. Honestly, no shit the author repeats this constantly every other page. We fucking get it. This was annoying as hell. Then as the story progresses we get told that Mary Kate and Robert never ever had sex during their marriage. Really? What the fuck? Two years and you've never had sex with your spouse? Eliots ex boyfriend is also along for the trip. Why is he even there? He takes notice of the attraction between Eliot and Robert and frequently comments on it. Robert and Eliot are always sneaking around and having hookups throughout the trip. Mary Kate makes random confessions about how she's still not over Robert (again a man she never had sex with and was married to for two years Wait who's gay. What is wrong with this woman! ) The story is told in duo POV with the main characters not having distinct voices. They both sound very similar and the author also throws in two chapters from the ex boyfriend and Mary Kate. Because apparently the story needed that? I won't even bother going into more details...
This book was NOT good.
The story started off with a flashback of Robert (the step dad) and Mary Kate the main character (Eliots) mom ending their marriage because of Robert's sexuality.
Then the story goes to the present.
Eliot is 22 years old and he's at the home of his late grandmother with his entire family for his grandmothers funeral/family holiday when he locks eyes with his former stepfather Robert. At first the two don't realize who the other is but there's insta attraction that they can clearly not deny. Once they do realize who the other is there is a constant reminder to us readers that they haven't seen each other in a decade and that Robert barely knew Eliot during his marriage to his mother and that they never had a relationship. Because Eliots mother had "issues" and Eliot lived with his dad at the time. Honestly, no shit the author repeats this constantly every other page. We fucking get it. This was annoying as hell. Then as the story progresses we get told that Mary Kate and Robert never ever had sex during their marriage. Really? What the fuck? Two years and you've never had sex with your spouse? Eliots ex boyfriend is also along for the trip. Why is he even there? He takes notice of the attraction between Eliot and Robert and frequently comments on it. Robert and Eliot are always sneaking around and having hookups throughout the trip. Mary Kate makes random confessions about how she's still not over Robert (again a man she never had sex with and was married to for two years Wait who's gay. What is wrong with this woman! ) The story is told in duo POV with the main characters not having distinct voices. They both sound very similar and the author also throws in two chapters from the ex boyfriend and Mary Kate. Because apparently the story needed that? I won't even bother going into more details...
This book was NOT good.
April 12, 2018
Okay, this is gonna be a tough one to write, I can just feel it.
I was scanning through the reviews up so far for this book and noticed a lot of things like "Seth King does it again!" I have only read one other book by this author (Straight), and that was a while ago, so I don't have a lot of his past works to take into consideration. Which may be bad or good, I don't know. But it does leave me just reading this book as I would any other by an author I'm not very familiar with.
Right, so we know this involves a guy falling for his former stepfather. Eliot and Robert, respectively. I understand logically how that would be taboo. But it never really *felt* taboo to me in this book. It is hammered into our heads that it was 10 years ago, that neither of them knew each other really, that they never lived together ... they were virtual strangers. And I accepted that. In doing so it was hard for me, the reader, to really find any problem with them getting together. That made their constant worries about the situation and their back-and-forth "we can't do this ... right?" hard to take seriously. Personally it felt more off-putting that this was taking place during a weeklong funeral than it did that they were "related" barely for a short span of time.
Basically, the justifications for why it was okay for them to be together made so much sense that sitting through 60-70 percent of the book in which they can't decide if they should be together felt like a chore. Instead of rooting for them, I found myself sighing and rolling my eyes as they yet again wavered.
Beyond that, there was a lot of repetition in this book (besides all of their back-and-forth). We heard multiple times about Robert's divorce from Eliot's mom. We heard multiple times about how Eliot's mom handled his coming out. We heard multiple times (four, I think) about the delayed adolescence people who are gay can experience. That repetitiveness, combined with some inconsistencies and improbable scenarios (ie when two people fall off a tube being pulled by a boat, the tube magically stays with the people and not with the boat that's pulling it) made me think this book felt rushed and could have used more time with an editor.
Then there's the title. I'm not going to lie, if you put the word "daddy" in the title of an MM book, I'm probably going to read it. (Unless you're actually referring to children somehow, in which case no.) And I can see how this title is supposed to be a little cutesy "he likes his stepdad, get it" wink wink. But Robert was never his dad, nor does he become Eliot's "daddy," and it's never clear that Eliot has actual daddy issues, so it left me kinda scratching my head.
What I did like about this book is that even though the two MCs are 20-ish years apart in age, that wasn't a huge issue. I'm a fan of May/Dec romances and that aspect worked here. I also liked that this wasn't just lust-driven; they do get to know each other, too, and for all their attraction this is more of a slow-burn. Also, there were some great points made and discussions about being gay, especially in the South, and I am all for that realism. But what saved this book for me and allowed me to give it three stars was the last 8-10 percent of the book. I wish the rest of it had been consistently that well-written. There was a mean trick played at the end and I'm sure it will get a lot of people talking -- as it should, because it worked so well.
I was scanning through the reviews up so far for this book and noticed a lot of things like "Seth King does it again!" I have only read one other book by this author (Straight), and that was a while ago, so I don't have a lot of his past works to take into consideration. Which may be bad or good, I don't know. But it does leave me just reading this book as I would any other by an author I'm not very familiar with.
Right, so we know this involves a guy falling for his former stepfather. Eliot and Robert, respectively. I understand logically how that would be taboo. But it never really *felt* taboo to me in this book. It is hammered into our heads that it was 10 years ago, that neither of them knew each other really, that they never lived together ... they were virtual strangers. And I accepted that. In doing so it was hard for me, the reader, to really find any problem with them getting together. That made their constant worries about the situation and their back-and-forth "we can't do this ... right?" hard to take seriously. Personally it felt more off-putting that this was taking place during a weeklong funeral than it did that they were "related" barely for a short span of time.
Basically, the justifications for why it was okay for them to be together made so much sense that sitting through 60-70 percent of the book in which they can't decide if they should be together felt like a chore. Instead of rooting for them, I found myself sighing and rolling my eyes as they yet again wavered.
Beyond that, there was a lot of repetition in this book (besides all of their back-and-forth). We heard multiple times about Robert's divorce from Eliot's mom. We heard multiple times about how Eliot's mom handled his coming out. We heard multiple times (four, I think) about the delayed adolescence people who are gay can experience. That repetitiveness, combined with some inconsistencies and improbable scenarios (ie when two people fall off a tube being pulled by a boat, the tube magically stays with the people and not with the boat that's pulling it) made me think this book felt rushed and could have used more time with an editor.
Then there's the title. I'm not going to lie, if you put the word "daddy" in the title of an MM book, I'm probably going to read it. (Unless you're actually referring to children somehow, in which case no.) And I can see how this title is supposed to be a little cutesy "he likes his stepdad, get it" wink wink. But Robert was never his dad, nor does he become Eliot's "daddy," and it's never clear that Eliot has actual daddy issues, so it left me kinda scratching my head.
What I did like about this book is that even though the two MCs are 20-ish years apart in age, that wasn't a huge issue. I'm a fan of May/Dec romances and that aspect worked here. I also liked that this wasn't just lust-driven; they do get to know each other, too, and for all their attraction this is more of a slow-burn. Also, there were some great points made and discussions about being gay, especially in the South, and I am all for that realism. But what saved this book for me and allowed me to give it three stars was the last 8-10 percent of the book. I wish the rest of it had been consistently that well-written. There was a mean trick played at the end and I'm sure it will get a lot of people talking -- as it should, because it worked so well.
Want to read
February 27, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/27/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Eliot Prince is falling hard for someone…
His former stepfather.
Their bond is forbidden. Their relationship could upend lives. But their love? It’s a force of nature…
Ten years ago, a desperate and confused Robert Glazer briefly married a woman before confronting his sexuality and starting his life as an out gay man. They divorced and lost contact – until now.
Today, a sudden family death throws Robert and his ex-wife back together for the first time. That’s where Robert meets her son Eliot, who was raised with his own father and is now a gorgeous – and openly gay – adult. And to Robert and Eliot’s surprise, sparks fly.
Passion ignites, then threatens to explode. Soon Eliot knows three things. One: Robert is not his father figure, and never was – in fact, he barely remembers him. Two: news of their union would still rock his whole world. And three: he craves Robert more than anything he has ever wanted. And as suspicions arise, their attraction only grows…
Blurb:
Eliot Prince is falling hard for someone…
His former stepfather.
Their bond is forbidden. Their relationship could upend lives. But their love? It’s a force of nature…
Ten years ago, a desperate and confused Robert Glazer briefly married a woman before confronting his sexuality and starting his life as an out gay man. They divorced and lost contact – until now.
Today, a sudden family death throws Robert and his ex-wife back together for the first time. That’s where Robert meets her son Eliot, who was raised with his own father and is now a gorgeous – and openly gay – adult. And to Robert and Eliot’s surprise, sparks fly.
Passion ignites, then threatens to explode. Soon Eliot knows three things. One: Robert is not his father figure, and never was – in fact, he barely remembers him. Two: news of their union would still rock his whole world. And three: he craves Robert more than anything he has ever wanted. And as suspicions arise, their attraction only grows…
Read
April 20, 2018DNF at 28%. No rating.
I really loved the idea and plot for this book and was excited to check this out as I love reading daddy kink books but once I read the first few pages, I knew this would be a fail for me. Robert is Forty something years old but sounds and acts like he’s 20? I didn’t feel any maturity from him beyond a horny teenager is basically what I mean. Elliot’s character also annoyed me as well with him being a big pushover for his ex- Bf David- who I don’t get was still invited after David cheated on Elliot. The writing though overall just wasn’t for me. I really tried to read through the book anyways but my brain was no longer interested processing the Dialogue between the MC’s and I just started skimming. My book slump continues.
This is my own opinion as many seemed to have enjoyed this book so please check this book out as it may be up your ally. Unfortunately it just wasn’t for me.
I really loved the idea and plot for this book and was excited to check this out as I love reading daddy kink books but once I read the first few pages, I knew this would be a fail for me. Robert is Forty something years old but sounds and acts like he’s 20? I didn’t feel any maturity from him beyond a horny teenager is basically what I mean. Elliot’s character also annoyed me as well with him being a big pushover for his ex- Bf David- who I don’t get was still invited after David cheated on Elliot. The writing though overall just wasn’t for me. I really tried to read through the book anyways but my brain was no longer interested processing the Dialogue between the MC’s and I just started skimming. My book slump continues.
This is my own opinion as many seemed to have enjoyed this book so please check this book out as it may be up your ally. Unfortunately it just wasn’t for me.
April 26, 2018
*Don't read this review. I mean it.*
Seth King is a new to me author. This is my first book of his, I heard nothing but great praise for his first novel, Honesty. But alas, I started with this, because I read the glowing flourish reviews . I thought, well, this probably good enough to eat, and I’m a sucker for May December romances. So I dig in, I went blind.
And I was disappointed. The story is repetitive, the writing’s NOT my liking, and I was bored easily. And on top of that, I felt like I read a bad version of CMBYN in a parallel universe, with some ‘creative’ addition. Good for the creative part.
As a Call Me by Your Name hardcore fan, I know by heart every words in the book (I read it five times already, and counting). So when someone mentioned that this book is having an Elio elements inside, I was intrigue and started to read. Curiosity kills the cat is a true thing, you know. I was reading this book with lots and lots of frowning and I’m already old and this makes me even older.
Thing is, the author posted on his page that that CMBYN is his ever loving favorite book weeks ago, and liked it or not, my curious mind thought, oh no, the next book would be Elio Perlman inside, and ooh…the boy’s name is Eliot Prince!. Ring any bells? Of course there’s nothing wrong when you inspired by some books or some events that really stayed in your heart, but put Elio Perlman’s thought in your story, tell me what does it means?
There’s also one weird thing with this daddy’s wife for two years. He NEVER slept with her (for two f* years? Oh, come on, get real here!), and she accused him cheated on her, and then he revealed that he was gay. After two years of not telling her anything. No agreement on their sex-less marriage or whatever. Nope. Zero. Nada. I assume if she accused him cheated on him, that means, he showed ‘some love’, right?
Fast forward ten years later after the weird marriage ended.
Elio, I mean Eliot met his former step-father and lusting after him all of a sudden (put an eye-rolling here). And don’t let me mentioned the ‘villa’ called a cabin mountain, where everybody’s welcome, party and dancing, the separation, the reunion and whatever and so on and so on.
There’s also one important part I notice, the dual POV didn’t ‘sound’ like a dual POV at all, it sounds like, one POV, there’s no differences between Eliot and Robert, the way they ‘talk’ and ‘thinking’.
And there’s that ‘daydream’ scene. OMG. Can’t it be more obvious?
And so many more, including the dividing the story in parts, the swimming, the lake, the waiting on dinner, sunbathing, the long separation, and I can go on forever explaining this. I’m tired.
And one more thing, about what society tells you about you can’t be with him, Eliot. What society? There’s nothing’s wrong with having relationship with your stepfather, unless, your head said that to you.
Okay, so let me wrap it up. All in all, IMHO, this a bad version of Call Me by Your Name. Don’t waste your time.
I don’t think I’ll read this author’s book again in the future. That’s fine.
This one only, wasted two days of my precious life.
I’m out.
nope-not-for-me-not-interested
April 17, 2018DNF 6%
This author and I do not mesh. The set up is a stretch, the characters internal dialogues are already repetitive, and, for me, this relationship doesn't even qualify as taboo. Awkward at some family gatherings maybe, but not taboo. I'm only a few pages in and I've highlighted a ridiculous amount so...I'm out.
This author and I do not mesh. The set up is a stretch, the characters internal dialogues are already repetitive, and, for me, this relationship doesn't even qualify as taboo. Awkward at some family gatherings maybe, but not taboo. I'm only a few pages in and I've highlighted a ridiculous amount so...I'm out.
February 27, 2019
Just Wow!
I am Mesmerized, intrigued and surprised by this story about Eliot & Robert. The premise is disguised as another “daddy kink” story but in reality it’s about loving someone a little different which I enjoyed. We all are a little different, aren’t we?!
I am Mesmerized, intrigued and surprised by this story about Eliot & Robert. The premise is disguised as another “daddy kink” story but in reality it’s about loving someone a little different which I enjoyed. We all are a little different, aren’t we?!
March 1, 2019
Seth King is not the author for me. I started out liking this book for about the first 80 pages and then it just started falling apart. It repeated the same thing over and over ad nauseam. Eliot and Robert acted more like 11 year olds than adults. I became so tired of one immature character backing out and then the other immature character backing out until I wanted to scream.
I must include a few eye rolling quotes.
“ Our lips exploded into each other.” (Ouch!) And “You treat me like I am abnormal, in the best way”
I almost bought another of his books before I read this one. Thank goodness I saved my money.
I must include a few eye rolling quotes.
“ Our lips exploded into each other.” (Ouch!) And “You treat me like I am abnormal, in the best way”
I almost bought another of his books before I read this one. Thank goodness I saved my money.
probably-not-but-freebie
February 27, 2019Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Daddy-Issues...
March 13, 2019
DNF = 1 star
so incredibly bad. The writing pained me. Stilted and repetitive. non-sensical actions. I tried to stick with it so I could write a review with full details and save others the effort of slogging through it, but the thought of opening it up again is more than I can take. Sorry Shin - I tried.
so incredibly bad. The writing pained me. Stilted and repetitive. non-sensical actions. I tried to stick with it so I could write a review with full details and save others the effort of slogging through it, but the thought of opening it up again is more than I can take. Sorry Shin - I tried.
April 11, 2018
It gets harder and harder to review Seth King's books, to find words I didn’t use before that would adequately describe what I read.
Daddy Issues is a May/December book that is so much more than that. It’s heart, it’s humor, it’s enough sexual tension to drive me insane, and it’s emotion that Seth King has proven famous for.
Let’s be real here, I wanted to read this book because Seth King wrote it. It was only an added bonus that it had one of the more intriguing premises I’ve seen in a while.
Eliot and Robert were once upon a time related. As in Robert was married to Eliot’s mother ten years ago, though married is a very strong word for what the two of them had. Now the two men find themselves thrown together and just itching to touch one another.
Personally I don’t think any other author but Seth King could have written this book. This book is good. Really good. I couldn’t stop reading. It’s written in Seth’s distinctive and unique style of writing. The way the story unfolds it wouldn’t be the same if any other author had written it.
Eliot and Robert have such chemistry. Their passion and the sexual tension is off the charts hot. And while there is insta-lust it’s a slow burn. They don’t have sex until they get to know each other and build a relationship and to me that is the most important thing to them. Anything less and the connection between them wouldn’t have been the same.
I cried a little bit Seth King almost got hate mail from me because I was terrified. But he’s an evil genius. One who made me feel while I was reading one of this hottest books. Because in every single book there's a line or two, that resonates deep inside of me. I really need to stop pretending I have any idea of what this man is going to bring.
If you love May/December books, if you love movies like Clueless, and if you’re looking for something that his hot and witty then pick up this latest from Seth King. I knew it was going to be good, but damn.
Daddy Issues is a May/December book that is so much more than that. It’s heart, it’s humor, it’s enough sexual tension to drive me insane, and it’s emotion that Seth King has proven famous for.
Let’s be real here, I wanted to read this book because Seth King wrote it. It was only an added bonus that it had one of the more intriguing premises I’ve seen in a while.
Eliot and Robert were once upon a time related. As in Robert was married to Eliot’s mother ten years ago, though married is a very strong word for what the two of them had. Now the two men find themselves thrown together and just itching to touch one another.
Personally I don’t think any other author but Seth King could have written this book. This book is good. Really good. I couldn’t stop reading. It’s written in Seth’s distinctive and unique style of writing. The way the story unfolds it wouldn’t be the same if any other author had written it.
Eliot and Robert have such chemistry. Their passion and the sexual tension is off the charts hot. And while there is insta-lust it’s a slow burn. They don’t have sex until they get to know each other and build a relationship and to me that is the most important thing to them. Anything less and the connection between them wouldn’t have been the same.
I cried a little bit Seth King almost got hate mail from me because I was terrified. But he’s an evil genius. One who made me feel while I was reading one of this hottest books. Because in every single book there's a line or two, that resonates deep inside of me. I really need to stop pretending I have any idea of what this man is going to bring.
If you love May/December books, if you love movies like Clueless, and if you’re looking for something that his hot and witty then pick up this latest from Seth King. I knew it was going to be good, but damn.
April 12, 2018
What can I say about this book?!? Seth Nicholas King you have surprised me yet again!! This was wow let’s see it was real , funny, emotional (in a good way!) ,SEXY has hell , then you throw in a crazy family ! I love this book. I could not put this down I finish it at 1:30 am. I got emotionally invested in this book I felt what they felt. I am still emotional about this book, For many reasons! You wrote a Wonderful book about real S***. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me read this !! 😘 THIS IS A MUST READ!!
October 2, 2018
The cover is gorgeous but book needs an editor
I have been in a M/M reading discovery for the past month and half and I have found few things:
1- I enjoy reading this book genre.
2- According to my Goodreads book challenge , I read 40 M/M books on August '2018 .
3- I am always looking for new authors to "discover" and add to my ever growing TBR list.
Okay, now to my review. What drew me to Daddy Issue was it's gorgeous cover then the polarizing reviews. As any self respecting avid reader, I will read few 5 stars reviews then read most of the 1 and 2 stars ; by doing that I get a better overall feel of the story.
In this case, unfortunately, I got to say I agree with many 1 and 2 stars reviews. Daddy Issue is all over the place , repetitive and random. I had to skip some of it so I didn't do a DNF . It also have some continuity and timeline issues that a editor would have caught it.
As for the positive side, the relationship between Robert and Eliot was hot and descriptive and I learnt few things about M/M sexual activities, I didn't know but the OTT angst took a lot from the flow of their story to really enjoy reading it. It just got distracting and frustrating with all "the yes let's be together but not we can't and I am even though I'm proud and out for a while, I am afraid" conversations and inner monologues.
Bottom line , it's an Okay story.
I have been in a M/M reading discovery for the past month and half and I have found few things:
1- I enjoy reading this book genre.
2- According to my Goodreads book challenge , I read 40 M/M books on August '2018 .
3- I am always looking for new authors to "discover" and add to my ever growing TBR list.
Okay, now to my review. What drew me to Daddy Issue was it's gorgeous cover then the polarizing reviews. As any self respecting avid reader, I will read few 5 stars reviews then read most of the 1 and 2 stars ; by doing that I get a better overall feel of the story.
In this case, unfortunately, I got to say I agree with many 1 and 2 stars reviews. Daddy Issue is all over the place , repetitive and random. I had to skip some of it so I didn't do a DNF . It also have some continuity and timeline issues that a editor would have caught it.
As for the positive side, the relationship between Robert and Eliot was hot and descriptive and I learnt few things about M/M sexual activities, I didn't know but the OTT angst took a lot from the flow of their story to really enjoy reading it. It just got distracting and frustrating with all "the yes let's be together but not we can't and I am even though I'm proud and out for a while, I am afraid" conversations and inner monologues.
Bottom line , it's an Okay story.
June 10, 2020
There’s virtually no relationship developed between any of the characters. All of them feel flat, the plot feels ripped off from a particularly bland soap opera, and the main couple meets at a funeral retreat which is definitely somewhere I would take my cheating ex. The only thing that makes this in any way redeemable is the attraction between MC and his stepfather, and even that only induced me to flip forward to the end.
April 27, 2018
This book was.... disappointing. I have only read one other Seth King book (Twinkle Toes), and that one as well got a low rating. The way this author writes just doesn't work for me. The story begins with pages and pages of massive infodumping, before we finally start getting some dialogue. Characters were bland and boring, and I struggled to connect with them. Yeah, this one just didn't work for me, at all.
There are digs in this book at people who enjoy cross-dressing and drag, and some comments that were demeaning to asexual and aromantic persons. I know the author probably didn't mean for these passages to come across as such, but as an aroace myself, I felt invalidated reading such comments. And I've read a few reviews of people who were offended by the drag comments. I hope the author will look into perhaps using sensitivity readers in the future, or expanding his beta reader/ARC reader base, so these things can be picked up before the book goes live everywhere.
There are some inconsistencies too: a Reddit post turning into a Facebook status. Robert says Eliot "dresses like a heterosexual" (which is a line that has me SO FUCKING ANGRY), and then a few chapters later says that if you're seen as too flamboyant or too discreet, you'll be judged, which is exactly what he did to Eliot. He also says "I'm so fucking sick of being rejected" after being rejected once. ONCE.
The characters read exactly the same, there was no real distinguishing dialogue or characteristics to separate them, even though there's around 20 years age difference. There wasn't much involvement from secondary characters - we didn't even know he had a bigoted family member until she was yelled at during the final pages. It felt like they were only attracted to each other sexually, with very little interest romantically between them. Didn't read like a loving relationship at all. Also, both characters are anatomically gifted (have huge dicks, and ripped bodies). I am so sick of reading "perfect" characters. Give me men that don't sound like they've just walked off a porn set.
This is an interesting premise, and I was so excited to read it. But the execution was flatter than a shoe sole after an 1000mile hike.
There are digs in this book at people who enjoy cross-dressing and drag, and some comments that were demeaning to asexual and aromantic persons. I know the author probably didn't mean for these passages to come across as such, but as an aroace myself, I felt invalidated reading such comments. And I've read a few reviews of people who were offended by the drag comments. I hope the author will look into perhaps using sensitivity readers in the future, or expanding his beta reader/ARC reader base, so these things can be picked up before the book goes live everywhere.
There are some inconsistencies too: a Reddit post turning into a Facebook status. Robert says Eliot "dresses like a heterosexual" (which is a line that has me SO FUCKING ANGRY), and then a few chapters later says that if you're seen as too flamboyant or too discreet, you'll be judged, which is exactly what he did to Eliot. He also says "I'm so fucking sick of being rejected" after being rejected once. ONCE.
The characters read exactly the same, there was no real distinguishing dialogue or characteristics to separate them, even though there's around 20 years age difference. There wasn't much involvement from secondary characters - we didn't even know he had a bigoted family member until she was yelled at during the final pages. It felt like they were only attracted to each other sexually, with very little interest romantically between them. Didn't read like a loving relationship at all. Also, both characters are anatomically gifted (have huge dicks, and ripped bodies). I am so sick of reading "perfect" characters. Give me men that don't sound like they've just walked off a porn set.
This is an interesting premise, and I was so excited to read it. But the execution was flatter than a shoe sole after an 1000mile hike.
May 5, 2018
Wow...where to start.....
Eliot, a self-absorbed and whiny twenty-something, falls hard for his former step-father, Robert, who was briefly married to Eliot's mother years ago before coming out of the closet. Brought together at a family gathering, Eliot and Robert discover a blazing hot chemistry that flares to life. However, neither is sure if a future together is possible -- what would the family say?
There were several reasons why I didn't care for the story....mainly because the characters were SO incredibly annoying. Eliot is a colossal jerk: he uses his (crazy) ex, David, for sex -- despite lots of torrid outdoor sex with Robert: "'...if I could snap my fingers and make David go away, I would.'" And, "'Just feigning interest in him anymore is becoming exhausting, honestly.'" He runs so hot/cold with Robert that I couldn't understand why Robert allows himself to be jerked around so badly. Then there's the rather cavalier attitude about safe sex, he tells Robert: "....Tested last month, and haven't done much since." Well...I hate to break the news, but it only takes once...
And..lets talk about Robert. He's understandably concerned about the perceptions of him being in a relationship with 1) his (former) step-son, and 2) someone so much younger than him. Robert came of age at time when being gay was still not accepted, but he's managed to come to terms with how that's affected his life....sort of. Despite his misgivings, there's lots of steamy (though probably wildly uncomfortable) outdoor sex...in between all the angst and hand-wringing that goes on and on and on and on...Funnily enough, at about 50%, Robert says "I'm so sick of the back-and-forth, the anguish, the drama..." Ha, he's not the only one!!!
Then....there's where the story kind of ends...and evolves into Eliot's protracted essay on gay self-acceptance: "Once you are scarred by a gay childhood, those scars never really leave you." And then: "Sometimes the biggest obstacles we face come from our own communities....We hide in plain sight." Well -- wouldn't these thoughts have made more sense coming from Robert?
Ok -- then there's the ending. If the author was being true to the characters, he shouldn't have used that very tired 'dream' trope and gone for the Disney ending.....
So..the book has a few valuable insights, but not enough to make this story worth reading. Just 1 star.
Eliot, a self-absorbed and whiny twenty-something, falls hard for his former step-father, Robert, who was briefly married to Eliot's mother years ago before coming out of the closet. Brought together at a family gathering, Eliot and Robert discover a blazing hot chemistry that flares to life. However, neither is sure if a future together is possible -- what would the family say?
There were several reasons why I didn't care for the story....mainly because the characters were SO incredibly annoying. Eliot is a colossal jerk: he uses his (crazy) ex, David, for sex -- despite lots of torrid outdoor sex with Robert: "'...if I could snap my fingers and make David go away, I would.'" And, "'Just feigning interest in him anymore is becoming exhausting, honestly.'" He runs so hot/cold with Robert that I couldn't understand why Robert allows himself to be jerked around so badly. Then there's the rather cavalier attitude about safe sex, he tells Robert: "....Tested last month, and haven't done much since." Well...I hate to break the news, but it only takes once...
And..lets talk about Robert. He's understandably concerned about the perceptions of him being in a relationship with 1) his (former) step-son, and 2) someone so much younger than him. Robert came of age at time when being gay was still not accepted, but he's managed to come to terms with how that's affected his life....sort of. Despite his misgivings, there's lots of steamy (though probably wildly uncomfortable) outdoor sex...in between all the angst and hand-wringing that goes on and on and on and on...Funnily enough, at about 50%, Robert says "I'm so sick of the back-and-forth, the anguish, the drama..." Ha, he's not the only one!!!
Then....there's where the story kind of ends...and evolves into Eliot's protracted essay on gay self-acceptance: "Once you are scarred by a gay childhood, those scars never really leave you." And then: "Sometimes the biggest obstacles we face come from our own communities....We hide in plain sight." Well -- wouldn't these thoughts have made more sense coming from Robert?
Ok -- then there's the ending. If the author was being true to the characters, he shouldn't have used that very tired 'dream' trope and gone for the Disney ending.....
So..the book has a few valuable insights, but not enough to make this story worth reading. Just 1 star.
April 16, 2018
Daddy Issues was my first story from Seth King... I had heard about this author and really wanted to dive into one of his books.
Daddy Issues was a book that I could not put down.. and I literally finished in the wee hours of the morning. Daddy Issues is a M/M romance that will wreck you and then repair your heart for a heart stopping ending. Seth King will take you on an amazing journey of discovery, love, heartache, and devotion.
I'm adding everything that Mr. King has written to my TBR and will not miss another release.
Daddy Issues was a book that I could not put down.. and I literally finished in the wee hours of the morning. Daddy Issues is a M/M romance that will wreck you and then repair your heart for a heart stopping ending. Seth King will take you on an amazing journey of discovery, love, heartache, and devotion.
I'm adding everything that Mr. King has written to my TBR and will not miss another release.
March 13, 2019
Juvenile, repetitive, riddled with errors, full of stereotypical and often derisive language.
This was not good.
Usually, I would apologise for leaving a low rating, but I can’t this time.
I tried one of this author’s books before, not a M/M and his writing style and ability hasn’t improved at all.
This was not good.
Usually, I would apologise for leaving a low rating, but I can’t this time.
I tried one of this author’s books before, not a M/M and his writing style and ability hasn’t improved at all.
April 16, 2018
Great Ending!
Damn you, Seth King! That ending almost ruined me. I loved this story. Eliot and Robert were great together. I really enjoyed Eliot’s mom. I can’t describe how much I enjoyed this book.
Damn you, Seth King! That ending almost ruined me. I loved this story. Eliot and Robert were great together. I really enjoyed Eliot’s mom. I can’t describe how much I enjoyed this book.
June 7, 2018
This is the first book I have read of Seth King ....
It was wonderfully written with a story that gets you caught up and it honestly doesn't let you down at all....
Everything was how I love a book so I will continue with new author ..
An absolutely stunning book.
It was wonderfully written with a story that gets you caught up and it honestly doesn't let you down at all....
Everything was how I love a book so I will continue with new author ..
An absolutely stunning book.
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