What do you think?
Rate this book
Handyman #1
Handyman
High-powered stock trader. Simple handyman. Can they find common ground?
Will Spencer is a player with a reputation for using and discarding lovers as easily as he earns big money on Wall Street. Handsome, sexy and openly gay, he’s used to having whatever—and whoever—he wants at the snap of his fingers.
And what he wants now is his new handyman, Jack Crawford. But Jack is skittish. One lingering touch, one stolen kiss could send the older man into full retreat. Where Will might have quickly moved on to a more ready-and-willing partner, he unexpectedly finds himself wanting to go slow. With just a little coaxing, he’s sure he can show Jack how good it could be between them.
Jack, a recent widower, never thought of himself as gay. Frightened years ago by an erotic encounter with his best friend, he focused firmly on his marriage. Now that his bed is empty, however, those deep sexual longings are rising dangerously close to the surface.
Their connection is deep, instant, and one that Jack tries to ignore. Yet friendship grows into an erotic journey that must cross a divide of different generations, backgrounds and worlds.
The prize is the one thing neither is sure he can handle—true love.
Will Spencer is a player with a reputation for using and discarding lovers as easily as he earns big money on Wall Street. Handsome, sexy and openly gay, he’s used to having whatever—and whoever—he wants at the snap of his fingers.
And what he wants now is his new handyman, Jack Crawford. But Jack is skittish. One lingering touch, one stolen kiss could send the older man into full retreat. Where Will might have quickly moved on to a more ready-and-willing partner, he unexpectedly finds himself wanting to go slow. With just a little coaxing, he’s sure he can show Jack how good it could be between them.
Jack, a recent widower, never thought of himself as gay. Frightened years ago by an erotic encounter with his best friend, he focused firmly on his marriage. Now that his bed is empty, however, those deep sexual longings are rising dangerously close to the surface.
Their connection is deep, instant, and one that Jack tries to ignore. Yet friendship grows into an erotic journey that must cross a divide of different generations, backgrounds and worlds.
The prize is the one thing neither is sure he can handle—true love.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2008
60 people are currently reading
1708 people want to read
About the author
Claire Thompson
202 books1,163 followersClaire has been writing for nearly two decades, and has published over 85 novels. She writes BDSM romance and abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. She has received numerous awards for her bestselling work, including the NLA-Int’l Pauline Réage Award and the Golden Flogger Award for best BDSM fiction.. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately her work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience.
Connect with Claire and get a FREE starter library!
https://clairethompson.net
Connect with Claire and get a FREE starter library!
https://clairethompson.net
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
October 10, 2014
4.5 Stars!!
Based on the title and the cover, you would think this book was pure smut!
Instead it was a very sweet, slow build GFY/OFY romance! My favorite!
Will has taken a step back from his hectic life on Wall Street. He's on sabbatical and does some day trading from home. He's looking to have some renovations done at his house. Enter Jack, the handyman.
Jack is 14 years older than Will. He was married for 20+ years before he lost his wife suddenly. He has two grown sons. Two years have passed since his wife's death and Jack sort of just goes through the motions. He's content with his life but not necessarily happy.
Will has never really been a relationship guy and Jack definitely isn't his type. It's always been about the physical for Will. And with Jack, for the first time in Will's life, he feels an emotional connection to someone.
For Jack, this isn't the first time he has felt a connection with another man. His first experience with another man was with his best friend during high school. A time when he was too young to recognize what he was feeling.
Will and Jack slowly pursue their attraction to each other. The tension between Jack and Will was really hot. Jack's inexperience made him seem younger than Will. Will showing Jack how great things could feel physically, when they had such a strong connection emotionally! I loved it!
There was very little drama and angst. Just Jack and Will navigating through the newness of their relationship. I found it to be more sensual than smutty. It did end a bit abruptly, but I think I saw where there was a free short on the author's website. Maybe that will provide a bit more closure!
Overall, a solid read that I would definitely recommend!
Based on the title and the cover, you would think this book was pure smut!
Instead it was a very sweet, slow build GFY/OFY romance! My favorite!
Will has taken a step back from his hectic life on Wall Street. He's on sabbatical and does some day trading from home. He's looking to have some renovations done at his house. Enter Jack, the handyman.
Jack is 14 years older than Will. He was married for 20+ years before he lost his wife suddenly. He has two grown sons. Two years have passed since his wife's death and Jack sort of just goes through the motions. He's content with his life but not necessarily happy.
Will has never really been a relationship guy and Jack definitely isn't his type. It's always been about the physical for Will. And with Jack, for the first time in Will's life, he feels an emotional connection to someone.
For Jack, this isn't the first time he has felt a connection with another man. His first experience with another man was with his best friend during high school. A time when he was too young to recognize what he was feeling.
Will and Jack slowly pursue their attraction to each other. The tension between Jack and Will was really hot. Jack's inexperience made him seem younger than Will. Will showing Jack how great things could feel physically, when they had such a strong connection emotionally! I loved it!
There was very little drama and angst. Just Jack and Will navigating through the newness of their relationship. I found it to be more sensual than smutty. It did end a bit abruptly, but I think I saw where there was a free short on the author's website. Maybe that will provide a bit more closure!
Overall, a solid read that I would definitely recommend!
April 15, 2009
4.5 stars
Claire Thompson’s book are either a hit or miss with me. Not to say she isn’t a great writer, because she is. She has a tendency to write very erotic novels, while of course I love. BUT, in some of her books, I don’t feel that the characters have an emotional connection between them. The heroes are always very sexy and the writing is sexually explicit, but I always prefer my heroes to have an emotional bond, also. In Handyman, I think she did an awesome job with the heroes having both physical and emotional connection.
At thirty, Will was working too hard and playing too fast. As a trader for a prestigious bank on Wall Street he was burning the candle at both ends. When he wasn’t drinking gallons of coffee to keep his energy going, he was taking sleeping pills at night to get his overactive brain to settle down. When Will’s boss dies of a heart attack in front of him, Will decides that he needs to change his life.
Three months after his boss died, Will finds himself on an extended leave of absence from his work, and owning a hundred year old house in the suburbs. The house is in desperate need of renovations though so, Will decides to hire a handyman who had been referred to him from a friend.
When Will lays eyes on Jack Crawford, the new Handyman, his first thought is “straight”. Jack is nothing Will is used to be attracted too. He is older, shorter than Will, not particularly handsome but well muscled. In spite of being the total opposite of what Will has dated before, there is something about Jack that calls out to Will’s heart. This is something that has never happened before. Especially with a man like Jack.
Jack Crawford is a hardworking, successful blue collared worker. He owns his own business and is a jack of all trades, so to speak. Jack has been fighting loneliness for the past two years. His wife of twenty-six years, died suddenly, and with his two boys being out of high school, he has been alone for a while now.
Jack honestly doesn’t know what to think of Will. For one thing, Will treats him like a friend instead of hired help, and Jack has the suspicion that Will might be gay, and possibly attracted to him. This confuses Jack because once upon a time he was bi-curious with is best friend in high school, but since then has had no sexual attraction towards men.
As the two men get to know one another, they both are experiencing something new in their lives. Jack is attracted to Will and is starting to have strong feelings for him, and Will wants more from Jack than a physical relationship. Will is starting to fall in love with Jack, and that has never happened to him before.
I enjoyed the development of Will and Jack’s relationship. There is a lot of dialog between Jack and Will. I liked that. It made me feel like they actually wanted to get to know one another instead of just jumping in the sack together. That was refreshing to me.
Also, I thought that the sex scenes in this book was very well written. Jack’s inexperience and fear with becoming sexually involved with men was apparent, but Will’s patience and love succeeded in breaking down that fear and insecurity, and Jack soon becomes a very active and excited participant in the bedroom. I really loved how they both learned from each other. I thought at times this book had some very romantic and sweet moments in it, and I really hated for it to end.
My only complaint is I thought the problem Jack had with his son’s came to a result too easily. Too me, it was wrapped up a little to quickly, but honestly I was glad it was dealt with period, instead of being shoved under the rug like so many books do nowadays.
I don’t know if I would say this is a gay for you themed book. Because of Jack’s bi-curiosity with his best friend in school, Jack was forced to put his scared feelings and attraction he has for his best friend aside, because he had gotten his wife pregnant, and did the right thing in his mind and married her.
I think this book is about friendship, and the connection we have with one another. Will himself, actually says it best, when he comes to the realization that he is attracted to Jack, and has strong feelings for him as well…
“The heart wants what it wants.” So true.
Claire Thompson’s book are either a hit or miss with me. Not to say she isn’t a great writer, because she is. She has a tendency to write very erotic novels, while of course I love. BUT, in some of her books, I don’t feel that the characters have an emotional connection between them. The heroes are always very sexy and the writing is sexually explicit, but I always prefer my heroes to have an emotional bond, also. In Handyman, I think she did an awesome job with the heroes having both physical and emotional connection.
At thirty, Will was working too hard and playing too fast. As a trader for a prestigious bank on Wall Street he was burning the candle at both ends. When he wasn’t drinking gallons of coffee to keep his energy going, he was taking sleeping pills at night to get his overactive brain to settle down. When Will’s boss dies of a heart attack in front of him, Will decides that he needs to change his life.
Three months after his boss died, Will finds himself on an extended leave of absence from his work, and owning a hundred year old house in the suburbs. The house is in desperate need of renovations though so, Will decides to hire a handyman who had been referred to him from a friend.
When Will lays eyes on Jack Crawford, the new Handyman, his first thought is “straight”. Jack is nothing Will is used to be attracted too. He is older, shorter than Will, not particularly handsome but well muscled. In spite of being the total opposite of what Will has dated before, there is something about Jack that calls out to Will’s heart. This is something that has never happened before. Especially with a man like Jack.
Jack Crawford is a hardworking, successful blue collared worker. He owns his own business and is a jack of all trades, so to speak. Jack has been fighting loneliness for the past two years. His wife of twenty-six years, died suddenly, and with his two boys being out of high school, he has been alone for a while now.
Jack honestly doesn’t know what to think of Will. For one thing, Will treats him like a friend instead of hired help, and Jack has the suspicion that Will might be gay, and possibly attracted to him. This confuses Jack because once upon a time he was bi-curious with is best friend in high school, but since then has had no sexual attraction towards men.
As the two men get to know one another, they both are experiencing something new in their lives. Jack is attracted to Will and is starting to have strong feelings for him, and Will wants more from Jack than a physical relationship. Will is starting to fall in love with Jack, and that has never happened to him before.
I enjoyed the development of Will and Jack’s relationship. There is a lot of dialog between Jack and Will. I liked that. It made me feel like they actually wanted to get to know one another instead of just jumping in the sack together. That was refreshing to me.
Also, I thought that the sex scenes in this book was very well written. Jack’s inexperience and fear with becoming sexually involved with men was apparent, but Will’s patience and love succeeded in breaking down that fear and insecurity, and Jack soon becomes a very active and excited participant in the bedroom. I really loved how they both learned from each other. I thought at times this book had some very romantic and sweet moments in it, and I really hated for it to end.
My only complaint is I thought the problem Jack had with his son’s came to a result too easily. Too me, it was wrapped up a little to quickly, but honestly I was glad it was dealt with period, instead of being shoved under the rug like so many books do nowadays.
I don’t know if I would say this is a gay for you themed book. Because of Jack’s bi-curiosity with his best friend in school, Jack was forced to put his scared feelings and attraction he has for his best friend aside, because he had gotten his wife pregnant, and did the right thing in his mind and married her.
I think this book is about friendship, and the connection we have with one another. Will himself, actually says it best, when he comes to the realization that he is attracted to Jack, and has strong feelings for him as well…
“The heart wants what it wants.” So true.
December 17, 2014
4.5 STARS
“Handyman” is a very good slow-paced gay for you m/m that tells the story of Jack and Will two men who have their own fears, different fears, but who together they will find their peace and happiness.
Until three months ago, Will (30) had lived in the city, working as a trader in a prestigious investment bank. He took a break for his job and from the city and he’s looking for a handyman because he wants to have some renovations done at his new house.
Jack, the handyman is in his forties. He has his own renovation company, company that he’d started years ago and that had provided a decent income for his family. Jack is a widower for two years, he has two sons and he’s straight like an arrow.
From the moment he sees his new handyman, Will feels a strong attraction. He doesn’t understand it at first since he’s not into older guys. From the beginning Will fells a strong connection with Jack, even if he knows the older man is straight. He’s not looking for a relationship, he never has a committed relationship ever, with anyone, but he can’t fight his feelings for Jack. They start a relationship, the younger man showing Jack what exactly means to feel desired and loved.
Even if the plot is not complicated and the premise is nothing new I really liked this one! A lot, actually! For some reason I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did! I loved the slow build relationship between these two men. It felt real and I liked how everything progressed naturally. Also, the GFY aspect is done very well here. Both Jack and Will are very endearing characters. Will was fantastic. He is sweet and tender and he is very patient with Jack. He understands Jack’s situation and the fact that is not easy to become practically someone else. He helps Jack to feel whole for the first time in his life and I loved him for that! Jack’s development is also great and his emotions are described very well by the author.
Overall, a very enjoyable read!
“Handyman” is a very good slow-paced gay for you m/m that tells the story of Jack and Will two men who have their own fears, different fears, but who together they will find their peace and happiness.
Until three months ago, Will (30) had lived in the city, working as a trader in a prestigious investment bank. He took a break for his job and from the city and he’s looking for a handyman because he wants to have some renovations done at his new house.
Jack, the handyman is in his forties. He has his own renovation company, company that he’d started years ago and that had provided a decent income for his family. Jack is a widower for two years, he has two sons and he’s straight like an arrow.
From the moment he sees his new handyman, Will feels a strong attraction. He doesn’t understand it at first since he’s not into older guys. From the beginning Will fells a strong connection with Jack, even if he knows the older man is straight. He’s not looking for a relationship, he never has a committed relationship ever, with anyone, but he can’t fight his feelings for Jack. They start a relationship, the younger man showing Jack what exactly means to feel desired and loved.
Even if the plot is not complicated and the premise is nothing new I really liked this one! A lot, actually! For some reason I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did! I loved the slow build relationship between these two men. It felt real and I liked how everything progressed naturally. Also, the GFY aspect is done very well here. Both Jack and Will are very endearing characters. Will was fantastic. He is sweet and tender and he is very patient with Jack. He understands Jack’s situation and the fact that is not easy to become practically someone else. He helps Jack to feel whole for the first time in his life and I loved him for that! Jack’s development is also great and his emotions are described very well by the author.
Overall, a very enjoyable read!
June 15, 2015
DNF 59%
I did promise a microscopic rant. So here it is...
It can't get any shorter than that.
I did promise a microscopic rant. So here it is...
It can't get any shorter than that.
![Profile Image for annob [on hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1674812294i%2F68231680._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 24, 2019
This story had the bones of a good, honest and adorable romance. The age gap aspect and a character discovering his bi(?) identity late in life put an interesting spin on the evolving love story between these two men.
But the writing style... Although grammatically correct I had big issues with it—the dialogues especially. And so odd, as I normally love the dialogues in romance books. My frustration turned into curiosity and a desire to figure out why I disliked it so much in this book. If it weren't for other peoples' positive reviews I would have dnf:ed this book well before the 10% mark.
My search led me to find out more about the usage of dialogue tags and action beats in fiction writing. You know, the ', he said.' at the end of a spoken sentence or the small actions of non-verbal communication like 'He crossed his arms.' between lines of dialogue. I realised such tags are essential to me as a reader when it comes to enjoying fiction.
This book went the opposite route with its dialogues, sometimes lining up paragraph after paragraph of the same character speaking without any dialogue tags at all. To make things even worse for me, the topics of the dialogue in the beginning of the book were utterly, utterly mundane. To sum it up; the book seemed hell-bent on being as boring as possible.
Luckily for me the book got better, both in terms of tighter storyline and dialogue writing more to my liking. I did enjoy Will and Jack's blossoming love story, and how they opened up to each other and talked problems through. I loved the final chapters of Jack's interactions with his adult sons, confronted with their father choosing a new and different path mid-life.
3 solid stars for the story, but the writing style didn't work for me.
But the writing style... Although grammatically correct I had big issues with it—the dialogues especially. And so odd, as I normally love the dialogues in romance books. My frustration turned into curiosity and a desire to figure out why I disliked it so much in this book. If it weren't for other peoples' positive reviews I would have dnf:ed this book well before the 10% mark.
My search led me to find out more about the usage of dialogue tags and action beats in fiction writing. You know, the ', he said.' at the end of a spoken sentence or the small actions of non-verbal communication like 'He crossed his arms.' between lines of dialogue. I realised such tags are essential to me as a reader when it comes to enjoying fiction.
This book went the opposite route with its dialogues, sometimes lining up paragraph after paragraph of the same character speaking without any dialogue tags at all. To make things even worse for me, the topics of the dialogue in the beginning of the book were utterly, utterly mundane. To sum it up; the book seemed hell-bent on being as boring as possible.
Luckily for me the book got better, both in terms of tighter storyline and dialogue writing more to my liking. I did enjoy Will and Jack's blossoming love story, and how they opened up to each other and talked problems through. I loved the final chapters of Jack's interactions with his adult sons, confronted with their father choosing a new and different path mid-life.
3 solid stars for the story, but the writing style didn't work for me.
January 23, 2013
Opening Line:"Straight. The word popped into Will's head."
With a sweet, moving and emotional story The Handyman was a pretty good read however definitely more on the sweeter side of the erotica scale. The set up here reminds me very much of Faith & Fidelity and its basically a character driven M/M romance with more sexual tension then actual sex scenes. In fact it’s like 150 pages of really good foreplay before we get any serious action. (Although a couple of the kissing scenes are off the chart hot) However I enjoyed the slow, realistic pace Claire Thompson set for our virgins who are each as confused as the other, only in very different ways.
Will is a player with a reputation for using and discarding lovers as easily as he earns his money on Wall Street. Handsome, sexy and confident Will is used to getting what he wants however he is still a virgin when it comes to matters of the heart, never having allowed himself to open up and fall in love before. You can imagine his surprise when he can’t stop obsessing about the older by 10 years Handyman he’s just hired to remodel his kitchen.
Jack has been a widower for two years, he never thought of himself as gay especially after some fumbling with his best friend in high school sent him running. However he’s lonely and confused and his deep hidden desires are just now starting to come to the surface, all in Will’s fancy new kitchen.
As Will and Jack gradually grow more aware of each other there is of course lots of angst, miscommunication and finally shy tentative touches, meaningful glances and excited longing. These parts were very well written with the physical intimacy slowly escalating and I enjoyed the pace, it felt realistic.
Bit by bit Jack opens up to Will’s advances and although shy scared and unsure the pair come to trust each other. Will is exceptionally patient and this is a new emotion for a man used to taking what he wants. During this time we are also given several long flashbacks into both of their lives which I quite enjoyed as I felt like I really got to know and understand their characters. There is also a ton of dialogue which didn’t bother me I just wondered where these men that talk so openly about their feelings have been hiding? When we finally get to the sex scenes they’re well written, erotic and full of love, just the way I like them.
There aren’t many secondary characters here, however we do get to meet Will’s booty call buddy and towards the end are also introduced to Jacks two grown sons in a rather disquieting manner. This entire scenario is played out well and I really liked the boy’s realistic approach to dad’s new status.
A well written and recommended read.
With a sweet, moving and emotional story The Handyman was a pretty good read however definitely more on the sweeter side of the erotica scale. The set up here reminds me very much of Faith & Fidelity and its basically a character driven M/M romance with more sexual tension then actual sex scenes. In fact it’s like 150 pages of really good foreplay before we get any serious action. (Although a couple of the kissing scenes are off the chart hot) However I enjoyed the slow, realistic pace Claire Thompson set for our virgins who are each as confused as the other, only in very different ways.
Will is a player with a reputation for using and discarding lovers as easily as he earns his money on Wall Street. Handsome, sexy and confident Will is used to getting what he wants however he is still a virgin when it comes to matters of the heart, never having allowed himself to open up and fall in love before. You can imagine his surprise when he can’t stop obsessing about the older by 10 years Handyman he’s just hired to remodel his kitchen.
Jack has been a widower for two years, he never thought of himself as gay especially after some fumbling with his best friend in high school sent him running. However he’s lonely and confused and his deep hidden desires are just now starting to come to the surface, all in Will’s fancy new kitchen.
As Will and Jack gradually grow more aware of each other there is of course lots of angst, miscommunication and finally shy tentative touches, meaningful glances and excited longing. These parts were very well written with the physical intimacy slowly escalating and I enjoyed the pace, it felt realistic.
Bit by bit Jack opens up to Will’s advances and although shy scared and unsure the pair come to trust each other. Will is exceptionally patient and this is a new emotion for a man used to taking what he wants. During this time we are also given several long flashbacks into both of their lives which I quite enjoyed as I felt like I really got to know and understand their characters. There is also a ton of dialogue which didn’t bother me I just wondered where these men that talk so openly about their feelings have been hiding? When we finally get to the sex scenes they’re well written, erotic and full of love, just the way I like them.
There aren’t many secondary characters here, however we do get to meet Will’s booty call buddy and towards the end are also introduced to Jacks two grown sons in a rather disquieting manner. This entire scenario is played out well and I really liked the boy’s realistic approach to dad’s new status.
A well written and recommended read.
October 22, 2011
4.5 stars
I loved the way the relationship between Jack and Will developed slowly, they really got to know each other becoming friends before getting all hot and heavy, the build up was lovely and romantic. Will was very smart with his slow courting of a skittish Jack, who was fighting his attraction to Will and the realization he might be gay. The love scenes were tender as well as sexy, there were a couple of sizzling moments that were very, very nice. One sweet read, recommended for anyone who likes a true romance.
I loved the way the relationship between Jack and Will developed slowly, they really got to know each other becoming friends before getting all hot and heavy, the build up was lovely and romantic. Will was very smart with his slow courting of a skittish Jack, who was fighting his attraction to Will and the realization he might be gay. The love scenes were tender as well as sexy, there were a couple of sizzling moments that were very, very nice. One sweet read, recommended for anyone who likes a true romance.
December 28, 2016
I liked the idea of the plot. The lovestory between Will Spencer, a 30 years old stock trader, currently on a sabbatical and handyman Jack Crawford, a 44 years old widower, whose homosexuality was long buried.
Unfortunately I never had this feeling to be in the middle of the story. I've missed the spark. The dialogues were wooden and the flashbacks were too much.
Truth be told I often had the urge to skip pages.
Unfortunately I never had this feeling to be in the middle of the story. I've missed the spark. The dialogues were wooden and the flashbacks were too much.
Truth be told I often had the urge to skip pages.
January 29, 2021
*Christmas gift from Sirius!
January 24, 2025
These MCs never met a miscommunication they didn't want to have. Assumptions galore(always wrong) and running from conversations they really would be better off having.
You ever read a book and thought to yourself, 'Yeah, these two aren't making it past the epilogue.'?
My precise thoughts for these two.
Liked Jack. His bi-awakening felt authentic, even though I'm not sure the term is accurate since he'd already had an experience in high school, loved it, promptly freaked out about it then spent the next 26 years pretending it hadn't happened. But still. Generally a likeable MC.
Will......? Not so much. Bit wishy-washy in my view. He knew Jack was a baby bi and claimed he was okay with it and would be as patient as required.
Kept reiterating that Jack could set the pace. Which is a great thing. Well. Would have been, if he'd bothered to follow through. He came off as a bit pushy sometimes, though I'm not 100% sure I wasn't reading it wrong.
Anyway. I got Jack's skittishness. I did not get Will's. Because it was a couple of weeks. Why would you freak out that maybe this guy isn't as into you and decide to go hang out with your ex fuck buddy?
Context?
Will was seen kissing (technically being kissed BY Paul-ex fuck buddy), followed Jack home to apologize, make up blow job interrupted by Jack's adult son walking in on them(in time to see Will cum on Jack's face) and Jack, rightfully, followed his son to the other room to do damage control.
Will's reaction? Oh, he left me here, maybe I'm not as important to him as he is to me, let me fuck off without saying goodbye and go hang out with Paul AT AN ORGY because Jack's not picking up my calls right now, even though the whole reason I was at his house in the first place was to apologize for not setting appropriate boundaries with Paul.
Why would you have this intense a spiral because a guy you started seeing two weeks ago(ish) is spending the night having a conversation with HIS SON?
Friends, this is not a 19 year old MC. This man is THIRTY.
Honestly, the real religious miracle is that Jack was willing to listen to this explanation the next morning and not kick Will to the curb even though he'd actually had a really rough night doing fun things like getting called the F slur by his son and drinking all night to forget his panic over the situation in general.
I really wanted to hold his hand and say, "Look, Jack. Will's hot, but you're 44 and he gives you hypertension in both sexual AND non-sexual situations. Maybe let this one go?"
But looking back, maybe the galloping heart rate whenever Will touched him IS why he stuck around???
I understand excitement and feeling alive and getting your first blow job in your mid forties. I get it.
But, Jack, baby, that man is going to kill you. If not in bed then out of it.
You ever read a book and thought to yourself, 'Yeah, these two aren't making it past the epilogue.'?
My precise thoughts for these two.
Liked Jack. His bi-awakening felt authentic, even though I'm not sure the term is accurate since he'd already had an experience in high school, loved it, promptly freaked out about it then spent the next 26 years pretending it hadn't happened. But still. Generally a likeable MC.
Will......? Not so much. Bit wishy-washy in my view. He knew Jack was a baby bi and claimed he was okay with it and would be as patient as required.
Kept reiterating that Jack could set the pace. Which is a great thing. Well. Would have been, if he'd bothered to follow through. He came off as a bit pushy sometimes, though I'm not 100% sure I wasn't reading it wrong.
Anyway. I got Jack's skittishness. I did not get Will's. Because it was a couple of weeks. Why would you freak out that maybe this guy isn't as into you and decide to go hang out with your ex fuck buddy?
Context?
Will was seen kissing (technically being kissed BY Paul-ex fuck buddy), followed Jack home to apologize, make up blow job interrupted by Jack's adult son walking in on them(in time to see Will cum on Jack's face) and Jack, rightfully, followed his son to the other room to do damage control.
Will's reaction? Oh, he left me here, maybe I'm not as important to him as he is to me, let me fuck off without saying goodbye and go hang out with Paul AT AN ORGY because Jack's not picking up my calls right now, even though the whole reason I was at his house in the first place was to apologize for not setting appropriate boundaries with Paul.
Why would you have this intense a spiral because a guy you started seeing two weeks ago(ish) is spending the night having a conversation with HIS SON?
Friends, this is not a 19 year old MC. This man is THIRTY.
Honestly, the real religious miracle is that Jack was willing to listen to this explanation the next morning and not kick Will to the curb even though he'd actually had a really rough night doing fun things like getting called the F slur by his son and drinking all night to forget his panic over the situation in general.
I really wanted to hold his hand and say, "Look, Jack. Will's hot, but you're 44 and he gives you hypertension in both sexual AND non-sexual situations. Maybe let this one go?"
But looking back, maybe the galloping heart rate whenever Will touched him IS why he stuck around???
I understand excitement and feeling alive and getting your first blow job in your mid forties. I get it.
But, Jack, baby, that man is going to kill you. If not in bed then out of it.
August 10, 2013
I decided to read this book because I liked the blurb of the story. It seemed rather predictable, but sometimes I don't want originality, I just want a nice, easy, predictable read. And this is mostly the right book for that.
I liked the characters, especially Jack. Jack is an 'older' guy (actually 44 years old doesn't seem old to me, but it's older than most characters in romance fiction tend to be) who's been married for 24 rather passionless, but loving years and widowed for 2. He has had exactly one homosexual, on his side rather passive encounter that happened 26 years ago - and he managed to make himself forget about that pretty easily.
Will, on the other hand, has always been gay, always known it, and lived it to the fullest - if that is what you call a countless string of one-night-stands and non-relationship encounters. He has sex, but he has no idea about love. But Will has just turned 30 and also considering his high-stress job he suddenly notices that something vital is missing in his life. So he takes a sabbatical, buys an old house in urgent need of renovations and hires Jack as his handyman. And despite Jack being everything he hasn't looked for so far (older, not GQ-handsome, etc.) Will falls promptly in love. But Jack is straight, right? Or not? ...
So, generally I liked this book, Jack was great and a very believable character. He needed time to deal with his feelings for Will, for coming to terms with the change in his view of himself and the world in general. That makes sense and was actually refreshing. And I liked how sweet Will was and how patient (mostly). So that is a definite plus.
However, I had two issues with this story. The first one is actually a rather huge one and that is the writing style. It felt... stilted to me. Unnatural. A bit corny. I cannot imagine people really talking that way, especially to friends and peers. Well, not in the 21st century in the younger demographic anyway. It made me feel uncomfortable from the very beginning and although I got used to it to a certain extent it always put a damper on things. The second issue was the mushiness. Don't get me wrong, I like sweet, tender stories. But the way Will and Jack talked sometimes... well, it was more than sweet. It was red-candy-coma-sweet. Maybe that would have been okay, but together with the stilted language... it seemed too much for me. I'm not saying people cannot have tender moments. But the degree of tender moments in this story was immense. And slightly unbelievable to me.
Still, altogether a nice, easy read, especially if you don't have too high expectations. Reading it was generally time well spent, if only to get to know Jack and Will and to accompany those two for a while.
I liked the characters, especially Jack. Jack is an 'older' guy (actually 44 years old doesn't seem old to me, but it's older than most characters in romance fiction tend to be) who's been married for 24 rather passionless, but loving years and widowed for 2. He has had exactly one homosexual, on his side rather passive encounter that happened 26 years ago - and he managed to make himself forget about that pretty easily.
Will, on the other hand, has always been gay, always known it, and lived it to the fullest - if that is what you call a countless string of one-night-stands and non-relationship encounters. He has sex, but he has no idea about love. But Will has just turned 30 and also considering his high-stress job he suddenly notices that something vital is missing in his life. So he takes a sabbatical, buys an old house in urgent need of renovations and hires Jack as his handyman. And despite Jack being everything he hasn't looked for so far (older, not GQ-handsome, etc.) Will falls promptly in love. But Jack is straight, right? Or not? ...
So, generally I liked this book, Jack was great and a very believable character. He needed time to deal with his feelings for Will, for coming to terms with the change in his view of himself and the world in general. That makes sense and was actually refreshing. And I liked how sweet Will was and how patient (mostly). So that is a definite plus.
However, I had two issues with this story. The first one is actually a rather huge one and that is the writing style. It felt... stilted to me. Unnatural. A bit corny. I cannot imagine people really talking that way, especially to friends and peers. Well, not in the 21st century in the younger demographic anyway. It made me feel uncomfortable from the very beginning and although I got used to it to a certain extent it always put a damper on things. The second issue was the mushiness. Don't get me wrong, I like sweet, tender stories. But the way Will and Jack talked sometimes... well, it was more than sweet. It was red-candy-coma-sweet. Maybe that would have been okay, but together with the stilted language... it seemed too much for me. I'm not saying people cannot have tender moments. But the degree of tender moments in this story was immense. And slightly unbelievable to me.
Still, altogether a nice, easy read, especially if you don't have too high expectations. Reading it was generally time well spent, if only to get to know Jack and Will and to accompany those two for a while.
August 6, 2012
A strong story, a lovely one too. I especially enjoyed Jack's character and his tale of finding himself, love and a new life after having had so much taken away from him and so much else buried for over two decades. I love stories where people find their truth and are courageous enough to grasp it. And as regards courage, it's the trait I most appreciated in Will. He went after what and who he wanted.
Despite their miscommunications at times and fears and insecurities on both sides these men struggled past them to claim the love that had appeared in their lives as the gift they both recognised it to be. I liked. I liked a lot :-)
Despite their miscommunications at times and fears and insecurities on both sides these men struggled past them to claim the love that had appeared in their lives as the gift they both recognised it to be. I liked. I liked a lot :-)
April 28, 2015
At about 10% I'd thought about DNFing this one. I found the writing to be a bit awkward, rough around the edges and the dialogues where as wooden as a plank.
Having said that, this is actually quite a sweet story about being brave enough to live your life to the fullest and giving yourself permission to be true to yourself.
Either the writing became a tad better later on in the book or the story was interesting enough to overlook any shortcomings, hence the 3 stars.
Having said that, this is actually quite a sweet story about being brave enough to live your life to the fullest and giving yourself permission to be true to yourself.
Either the writing became a tad better later on in the book or the story was interesting enough to overlook any shortcomings, hence the 3 stars.
October 22, 2015
Review shortly!
October 10, 2014
3.5 Stars
March 4, 2013
It was an okay read. Sweet in some ways and hot in others. The only issue I had was that it dragged on in places and i skipped ahead a lot.
February 6, 2012
4.5 to 5 stars. Bare chests. Neckties. Toolbelts. Can it get any better??
This story was a Kindle lend that I will convert into a purchase. It was that enjoyable.
The story, in a nutshell: On leave from his Wall Street investment banker position, Will moves to the suburbs and buys a fixer upper house. Who helps him fix it up? Why, the titular handyman, Jack, of course. Will is gay; Jack's a widower who thought he was straight all his life...except for that one incident with his best friend when he was 18. O__o Anyway, they become friends over the course of the home improvements, despite an attraction that Will feels for Jack that Will doesn't think he'll ever have the opportunity to act upon. Let's just say Jack's got some surprises up his sleeves (er...down his pants? heh), and awaaaaaay we go!
The characters: I kind of fell in love with both characters. Like. <3 <3 <3 puppy eyes, drawing hearts and rainbows, sharing candy kisses love. Big bad sex on a stick Will was surprisingly vulnerable and sympathetic in his narrative POV, not knowing what to do when presented with this puzzle named Jack. He found himself wanting to take it slow, wanting to keep things at Jack's pace, wanting to make Jack as comfortable as possible. What the hell had come over him? Love, that's what. Say it with me...awwwwww.
Jack was adorable in both his cluelessness and his discovery of his sexuality. I'm not saying any of this is realistic - who knows if it is? All I know is I loved reading about it. It felt real, it felt emotional, it felt wonderful. I felt like I was falling in love alongside him, and it was big, scary, and exciting.
The romance: Loved it. The pace was perfect. It made total sense to me for them to be friends first, for Will to take these tentative steps towards being more-than-friends since he didn't know how these gestures would be received, for them to take things slowly overall. This wasn't a casual hookup - this was something more, and it deserved that effort to "do things right." There were so many factors involved - their age difference (Will's 30; Jack's 44), Jack's developing sexual orientation, Will's heretofore emotional barrenness - that the slower paced romance just felt right. It totally worked for me. And I thought it was just so so sweet and lovely to watch as it developed. There's a wonderful back-and-forth dance while Will tries to figure out how to navigate a slower-paced and slower-developed real relationship and, at the same time, while Jack comes to terms with his feelings for and sexual attraction to another man. They have mutual crushes (yet each also has his own misgivings), and it is absolutely adorable. Loved it. It was perfect for me.
Overall: Yes, please. More, please. My first Claire Thompson and definitely not my last.
This story was a Kindle lend that I will convert into a purchase. It was that enjoyable.
The story, in a nutshell: On leave from his Wall Street investment banker position, Will moves to the suburbs and buys a fixer upper house. Who helps him fix it up? Why, the titular handyman, Jack, of course. Will is gay; Jack's a widower who thought he was straight all his life...except for that one incident with his best friend when he was 18. O__o Anyway, they become friends over the course of the home improvements, despite an attraction that Will feels for Jack that Will doesn't think he'll ever have the opportunity to act upon. Let's just say Jack's got some surprises up his sleeves (er...down his pants? heh), and awaaaaaay we go!
The characters: I kind of fell in love with both characters. Like. <3 <3 <3 puppy eyes, drawing hearts and rainbows, sharing candy kisses love. Big bad sex on a stick Will was surprisingly vulnerable and sympathetic in his narrative POV, not knowing what to do when presented with this puzzle named Jack. He found himself wanting to take it slow, wanting to keep things at Jack's pace, wanting to make Jack as comfortable as possible. What the hell had come over him? Love, that's what. Say it with me...awwwwww.
Jack was adorable in both his cluelessness and his discovery of his sexuality. I'm not saying any of this is realistic - who knows if it is? All I know is I loved reading about it. It felt real, it felt emotional, it felt wonderful. I felt like I was falling in love alongside him, and it was big, scary, and exciting.
The romance: Loved it. The pace was perfect. It made total sense to me for them to be friends first, for Will to take these tentative steps towards being more-than-friends since he didn't know how these gestures would be received, for them to take things slowly overall. This wasn't a casual hookup - this was something more, and it deserved that effort to "do things right." There were so many factors involved - their age difference (Will's 30; Jack's 44), Jack's developing sexual orientation, Will's heretofore emotional barrenness - that the slower paced romance just felt right. It totally worked for me. And I thought it was just so so sweet and lovely to watch as it developed. There's a wonderful back-and-forth dance while Will tries to figure out how to navigate a slower-paced and slower-developed real relationship and, at the same time, while Jack comes to terms with his feelings for and sexual attraction to another man. They have mutual crushes (yet each also has his own misgivings), and it is absolutely adorable. Loved it. It was perfect for me.
Overall: Yes, please. More, please. My first Claire Thompson and definitely not my last.
June 27, 2015
Original review... Jack...a man of integrity, a man of his word...stoic, stable, responsible, reliable...what happens to a man like this when his only 'responsibility' is for his own happiness? Will...a 'player'...wealthy, self-assured and comfortable with his casual, shallow relationships...what happens to a man like this when he steps back from the frenetic pace of his life and contemplates his future? Together they explore 'virgin' territory...Jack's almost virginal innocence about sex and passion; Will's unfamiliarity with deeper emotions and commitment...this story is a satisfying and pleasurable read with an ending that leaves us on an upward swing to HEA...the smex is nice but the inclusion of all the sex 'dialogue' (ungh...ugh...ugh etc) took the edge off my enjoyment...recommended for readers who enjoy a 'sweet' romance.
After multiple reads ... This is still a lovely sweet romance but there is something that grates every time I read this book...it's the word ken (One's range of knowledge or sight.)...Although Thompson uses it in the right context within the story, I find it incongruous when spoken by the character Jack...it's just not a word that most people use in every-day vernacular conversation...just a little whinge...as I said, it's still a wonderful story & well worth reading. ★★★★☆
After multiple reads ... This is still a lovely sweet romance but there is something that grates every time I read this book...it's the word ken (One's range of knowledge or sight.)...Although Thompson uses it in the right context within the story, I find it incongruous when spoken by the character Jack...it's just not a word that most people use in every-day vernacular conversation...just a little whinge...as I said, it's still a wonderful story & well worth reading. ★★★★☆
September 13, 2009
Handyman is one of the best books I've ever read. I loved Will and Jack so much! I really became involved with these complex men. I loved how they really got to know one another before any kind of physical involvement started between them. But, when they did take their relationship to the next level, it made it that much sweeter and hot! I wish Claire would write more of these unique and wonderful men. I loved them and I know I'll be reading their story many times over the years to come!
April 30, 2022
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator, Josh Walker, did a good job. I loved the story about an older handyman who finally discovers his gay side at 44. When she was telling the story I felt the book was 4 and 1/2 Stars. So why did I only give it three? The dreaded inner monologue. A little is fine, but when almost half the book takes place in a character’s head it’s boring.
October 29, 2024
Will decidió darse un descanso de su trabajo y su vida en New York. Ahora a sus 30 años se dio cuenta que no todo es trabajo y fiesta, y que encontrar a una persona quien realmente lo entienda es mucho mas importante. Sin grandes amigos, si otra persona a quien extrañar, decide comprar una casa para remodelar y así darse un tiempo para pensar en su futuro. Lo que no espera es que ese futuro se presente en la puerta de su casa como el nuevo contratista que va a remodelar su cocina. O que éste sea un hombre hetero, maduro, viudo y solo, a quien también le hace falta un amigo. Ahora, una relación entre ellos podrá ser real? O solo estarán "tapando" su soledad?
No esperaba que este libro fuera un romance dulce, lento y con tanto drama. Sin embargo, resulto bastante entretenido para pasar el rato, cuando no tienes mas nada que leer. Los personajes no tienen nada de especial, ni los protas ni los secundarios. La trama no es mas que una novela rosa con demasiados malentendidos como para causar "drama" en la relación y así sea mas larga la historia.
Personalmente no es una de mis lecturas favoritas, pero para el género esta bien. Originalmente le iba a dar 2 estrellas, pero lo deje en 2.5 (con Goodreads redondeando a 3), por que me hijo pasar un rato entretenido. Sin embargo, no se si me animo a leer otras cosas de este autor, el tiempo lo dirá.
No esperaba que este libro fuera un romance dulce, lento y con tanto drama. Sin embargo, resulto bastante entretenido para pasar el rato, cuando no tienes mas nada que leer. Los personajes no tienen nada de especial, ni los protas ni los secundarios. La trama no es mas que una novela rosa con demasiados malentendidos como para causar "drama" en la relación y así sea mas larga la historia.
Personalmente no es una de mis lecturas favoritas, pero para el género esta bien. Originalmente le iba a dar 2 estrellas, pero lo deje en 2.5 (con Goodreads redondeando a 3), por que me hijo pasar un rato entretenido. Sin embargo, no se si me animo a leer otras cosas de este autor, el tiempo lo dirá.
June 7, 2009
The summary of this story sounded like something I would love - a recent widower meets an openly gay man, they fall for each other and start exploring their new relationship together. Unfortunately, I should have known that this "exploring" will be of sexual nature only. I mean, I liked Jack, the handyman, with all his insecurities and desires to finally start living now that his wife of twenty six years died, but I just couldn't fall for Will. I mean, he promised Jack not to rush him, to respect his pace because he liked spending time with Jack, he found him purportedly fascinating - but all his thoughts turned and twisted around sex. I mean, he was so horny I feared that he would start humping someone's leg soon. I just couldn't see the "connection" he felt to Jack.
There were some really good parts in the book - like Jack telling his son Eric to "grow up" when Eric started spouting bigoted nonsense at him, I liked that Jack didn't let Eric pressure him into leaving Will. On the other hand, it seemed to me like the relationship Will and Jack had was purely sexual...
There were some really good parts in the book - like Jack telling his son Eric to "grow up" when Eric started spouting bigoted nonsense at him, I liked that Jack didn't let Eric pressure him into leaving Will. On the other hand, it seemed to me like the relationship Will and Jack had was purely sexual...
December 21, 2013
This was one of the best GYF romances I've read. The 'straight' MC, Jack, was widowed a few years before this story begins. His wife was the only person he'd ever been with sexually and she was very hung-up on sex (no oral sex, etc). I loved the way the author took this character on such a slow but inexorable journey to realize, not only that he could be attracted to a man, but what good sex is really like. It was like someone who'd been blind all their lives suddenly gaining sight (OK, so that might not be a fair analogy but you get the general idea).
The UST was smoking, the sex scenes made you feel you were there experiencing the amazement that Jack felt. I enjoyed the little melodrama with the sons. I suppose it was a bit difficult to quite see what Will, the younger gay man, saw in Jack exactly, but I was willing to buy it for the sake of the story.
Good stuff!
Revised my original rating from 4 stars to 5 stars at year end review.
The UST was smoking, the sex scenes made you feel you were there experiencing the amazement that Jack felt. I enjoyed the little melodrama with the sons. I suppose it was a bit difficult to quite see what Will, the younger gay man, saw in Jack exactly, but I was willing to buy it for the sake of the story.
Good stuff!
Revised my original rating from 4 stars to 5 stars at year end review.
December 24, 2016
3.5 Stars
November 5, 2017
Will Spencer saw what life on Wall Street did to his boss, so he takes a sabbatical, buys a house in the 'burbs, and tries to figure out exactly what he wants out of life. First, though, he is going to need to figure out what to do with his house...because while it has its charms, the interior decorating is not one of them.
When he hires Jake to help fix his kitchen he has no plans on seducing the man. Jake is nearly fifteen years older, straight, and not at all what Will is looking for in a bed partner. But there is just something about the widower that strikes a chord in Will, and he is afraid if he doesn't at least try to get to know the man, he'll never figure out just what it is that makes the air between them light-up.
Oh, thank god. I was starting to feel like, after a week of mediocre--to downright boring--books that maybe it was time to...I don't know, take up knitting or something and give myself a break from the deluge of meh coming my way. But then Will and Jake showed up and I'm a happy camper once again. Though, who knows, maybe I'll take up knitting anyways? (knitting's the one with funky-colored string and those oddly shaped chop-sticks, right?)
The slow-burn aspect of this book was just right. There was enough tension to keep be interested in reading more, enough doubt to keep me guessing, and enough awkward blow-jobs to make me smile. While I wouldn't really call this a GFY, it was a really good example of finding yourself long after most people have found, returned, and found themselves again. Jake is balancing between wanting Will, and not really knowing if he wants to want Will. There have been times in his past that he's had to deal with his feeling's towards a guy, and he ran about as far away from them as he could get. Now he is faced with young, beautiful, rich Will...and he doesn't know what to do. Even if he is pretty sure he is starting to understand what it is he really wants.
I love how the sex in this book is handled. It is awkward and fun and really hot. Jake doesn't know what they hell he is doing, and it shows...but in a nice way. It is the learning about blow-jobs and anal sex that makes it real. The freak-outs that are almost as bad as the want pouring off of him, make it fresh and entertaining. And Will's constant presence right there with Jake, guiding him, encouraging him, and not knowing exactly what he is doing, falling in love with this straight widower, that gives the actions weight. The sex isn't just there to tantalize, it actually serves a purpose, and that is really how I like it. Not that meaningless sex can't be fun to read, but two hundred pages of it could tire a girl out.
If I was to have one complaint it would be that sometimes the language...or more like the dialogue gets a little more flowery than I like. A bit too close to Romance Novels, with grand declarations and a tad too-sweet wording.
While it wasn't too bad, it sometimes made the dialogue lose some its realism. I don't really need big speeches...especially when someone has their cock up your ass for the first time. I'm more for simple words and touches than the grand declarations that sometimes show up at the end of romance novels that seem to want to wrap everything in a pretty bow.
This was a really nice book, and while not perfect was a great read. And even though I am not a big fan of running away, in the middle of situations, I loved how it was done in this book. Both men take a breather, get their heads on straight (ok, they get it on straight after they drown it in alcohol, with is probably not so great) and then go after their man. Jake's reactions to his kids finding out was also pretty awesome. This book is going to find a nice comfortable place on my re-read pile.
When he hires Jake to help fix his kitchen he has no plans on seducing the man. Jake is nearly fifteen years older, straight, and not at all what Will is looking for in a bed partner. But there is just something about the widower that strikes a chord in Will, and he is afraid if he doesn't at least try to get to know the man, he'll never figure out just what it is that makes the air between them light-up.
Oh, thank god. I was starting to feel like, after a week of mediocre--to downright boring--books that maybe it was time to...I don't know, take up knitting or something and give myself a break from the deluge of meh coming my way. But then Will and Jake showed up and I'm a happy camper once again. Though, who knows, maybe I'll take up knitting anyways? (knitting's the one with funky-colored string and those oddly shaped chop-sticks, right?)
The slow-burn aspect of this book was just right. There was enough tension to keep be interested in reading more, enough doubt to keep me guessing, and enough awkward blow-jobs to make me smile. While I wouldn't really call this a GFY, it was a really good example of finding yourself long after most people have found, returned, and found themselves again. Jake is balancing between wanting Will, and not really knowing if he wants to want Will. There have been times in his past that he's had to deal with his feeling's towards a guy, and he ran about as far away from them as he could get. Now he is faced with young, beautiful, rich Will...and he doesn't know what to do. Even if he is pretty sure he is starting to understand what it is he really wants.
I love how the sex in this book is handled. It is awkward and fun and really hot. Jake doesn't know what they hell he is doing, and it shows...but in a nice way. It is the learning about blow-jobs and anal sex that makes it real. The freak-outs that are almost as bad as the want pouring off of him, make it fresh and entertaining. And Will's constant presence right there with Jake, guiding him, encouraging him, and not knowing exactly what he is doing, falling in love with this straight widower, that gives the actions weight. The sex isn't just there to tantalize, it actually serves a purpose, and that is really how I like it. Not that meaningless sex can't be fun to read, but two hundred pages of it could tire a girl out.
If I was to have one complaint it would be that sometimes the language...or more like the dialogue gets a little more flowery than I like. A bit too close to Romance Novels, with grand declarations and a tad too-sweet wording.
"It feels good. So Full. I feel possessed, somehow, completely possessed in a way I never imagined. I love you, Will"
While it wasn't too bad, it sometimes made the dialogue lose some its realism. I don't really need big speeches...especially when someone has their cock up your ass for the first time. I'm more for simple words and touches than the grand declarations that sometimes show up at the end of romance novels that seem to want to wrap everything in a pretty bow.
This was a really nice book, and while not perfect was a great read. And even though I am not a big fan of running away, in the middle of situations, I loved how it was done in this book. Both men take a breather, get their heads on straight (ok, they get it on straight after they drown it in alcohol, with is probably not so great) and then go after their man. Jake's reactions to his kids finding out was also pretty awesome. This book is going to find a nice comfortable place on my re-read pile.
June 15, 2013
"The heart wants what it wants"
Thank you Woody Allen :)
4.5 Stars
To be honest, this would have been a 5 star read from me, but I was missing the Epi. Then I saw there's a free short on Claire Thompson's website.
I am still going to keep my rating though. I LOVED this story! It will definitely be in my Top Books of 2013! Jack and Will. My heart is so full. Yes there are a few errors, but I can overlook those.
Jack is a handyman and is recommended to Will from a friend to renovate his kitchen. Will,30, is a city boy and isn't used to solitude so he's lonely, since he's taking a leave of absence from work and bought a bought in the suburbs.
Jack,44, is a recent widower, 2 years ago his wife of 26 years passed (at one point it said 24 years but that can't be right since they got married when she was pregnant and his oldest son is 25). Jack is trying to find a new way to live. Right now, he's just getting by and is also lonely. He talks to his clients, but never really engages...until Will. How Will tore down his walls is beyond me, but I am SO glad he did.
Will may have been 14 years younger, but in many ways, he was older. He actually lived his life. Where Jack settled and was dutiful. Granted, I do believe he truly loved Emma, but I think he loved her as a friend and not as a lover.
Will is busy tearing down Jack's walls and he's so patient with Jack. There were a few times where I had to take a break because I was afraid of what I might read next and I didn't want my heart to break. I am sensitive like that ;)
I wanted, no NEEDED, that epilogue though. What happens when Will's leave of absence is over? Is he going to commute to work everyday? What will Will's "friends" say about his older (and less educated) lover? I want to know about their life outside of their homes.
This story is absolutely beautiful. The story is slow going, but it had to be. Jack needed to build that trust and friendship with Will. I am so glad that nothing was rushed and it was slow and tender.
Oh and can I just say that I LOVED the way Jack dealt with his kids. Jack was so level headed throughout this whole book. Sure he was skittish at times, but I think it was called for.
Overall, excellent story!
4.5 Stars
To be honest, this would have been a 5 star read from me, but I was missing the Epi. Then I saw there's a free short on Claire Thompson's website.
I am still going to keep my rating though. I LOVED this story! It will definitely be in my Top Books of 2013! Jack and Will. My heart is so full. Yes there are a few errors, but I can overlook those.
Jack is a handyman and is recommended to Will from a friend to renovate his kitchen. Will,30, is a city boy and isn't used to solitude so he's lonely, since he's taking a leave of absence from work and bought a bought in the suburbs.
Jack,44, is a recent widower, 2 years ago his wife of 26 years passed (at one point it said 24 years but that can't be right since they got married when she was pregnant and his oldest son is 25). Jack is trying to find a new way to live. Right now, he's just getting by and is also lonely. He talks to his clients, but never really engages...until Will. How Will tore down his walls is beyond me, but I am SO glad he did.
Will may have been 14 years younger, but in many ways, he was older. He actually lived his life. Where Jack settled and was dutiful. Granted, I do believe he truly loved Emma, but I think he loved her as a friend and not as a lover.
Will is busy tearing down Jack's walls and he's so patient with Jack. There were a few times where I had to take a break because I was afraid of what I might read next and I didn't want my heart to break. I am sensitive like that ;)
I wanted, no NEEDED, that epilogue though. What happens when Will's leave of absence is over? Is he going to commute to work everyday? What will Will's "friends" say about his older (and less educated) lover? I want to know about their life outside of their homes.
This story is absolutely beautiful. The story is slow going, but it had to be. Jack needed to build that trust and friendship with Will. I am so glad that nothing was rushed and it was slow and tender.
Oh and can I just say that I LOVED the way Jack dealt with his kids. Jack was so level headed throughout this whole book. Sure he was skittish at times, but I think it was called for.
Overall, excellent story!
October 29, 2012
3.5 Stars
This was a sweet story. Will Spencer is a successful day-trader who is handsome, sexy, and openly gay. He has a history of casual relationships but has never been in love. After witnessing his boss collapse and die right in front of him, Will decides to escape the stress and pressures of city life and moves to a fixer-upper in the suburbs.
Handyman Jack Crawford is a recent widower who never thought of himself as gay. Freaked out years ago by an erotic encounter with his best friend, he focused firmly on his marriage. When Will hires Jack to help renovate his kitchen, they slowly gravitate towards each other and thus begin their sweet romance.
Handyman is a friends to lovers story. Will is immediately smitten with Jack, while Jack is skittish and a little freaked about his growing attraction to Will. Their path to HEA is fraught with challenges including coming out to Jack's two grown sons. I liked this read but the end was anticlimactic.
Bottom line: A sweet friends-to-lovers journey.
This was a sweet story. Will Spencer is a successful day-trader who is handsome, sexy, and openly gay. He has a history of casual relationships but has never been in love. After witnessing his boss collapse and die right in front of him, Will decides to escape the stress and pressures of city life and moves to a fixer-upper in the suburbs.
Handyman Jack Crawford is a recent widower who never thought of himself as gay. Freaked out years ago by an erotic encounter with his best friend, he focused firmly on his marriage. When Will hires Jack to help renovate his kitchen, they slowly gravitate towards each other and thus begin their sweet romance.
Handyman is a friends to lovers story. Will is immediately smitten with Jack, while Jack is skittish and a little freaked about his growing attraction to Will. Their path to HEA is fraught with challenges including coming out to Jack's two grown sons. I liked this read but the end was anticlimactic.
Bottom line: A sweet friends-to-lovers journey.
January 30, 2013
This is a sweet story of Jack, the older handyman and widower and Will, the younger corporate high-flyer. They are both looking for more out of life and find it in one another.
The focus of the book is on Jack coming to terms with his 'gay' feelings, both mentally and physically. Will gently steers him through.
The author does not make this story only about Jack's adjustment. For Will he needs to overcome his fears of falling in love. "For you it's physical, for me it's emotional."
This is a nice story about finding love in unexpected places and taking a chance with a gentle message about tolerance.
3.5 stars
The focus of the book is on Jack coming to terms with his 'gay' feelings, both mentally and physically. Will gently steers him through.
The author does not make this story only about Jack's adjustment. For Will he needs to overcome his fears of falling in love. "For you it's physical, for me it's emotional."
This is a nice story about finding love in unexpected places and taking a chance with a gentle message about tolerance.
3.5 stars
Read
June 26, 2016*****audio narration review only*****
Let me start by saying that this is a story that I love. I've read it multiple times. It pains me to say that I didn't love the audio. It wasn't terrible. Not at all. It just wasn't right to me. The narrator's voice seemed a bit too old for either character (even though one is over 40). Also, the sex scenes were very awkward to listen to. Again, not terrible, but really not the best. Audio narration is always subjective. Heck, I may listen to this again later and love it. Today was not that day.
July 17, 2009
This is the first book I have read by this author. One thing I really liked about it was the way Will and Jack got to know one another, before they jumped into a sexual relationship. That's refreshing for this genre.
Really loved it. Look forward to reading more by this author.
Really loved it. Look forward to reading more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews