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My Father's Lover
When a female impersonator and owner of a drag club is murdered, his will specifies that his estranged son, Michael, will have to co-manage the club for a specific period of time, or forfeit his inheritance.
Anthony, the son of his heart, who he took in off the street, has always loathed Michael for rejecting his father's advances. When Anthony learns Michael is coming for the will reading, his opinion of the man as a gold-digger, is confirmed.
Michael, on the other hand, has no idea who Anthony is. One look at the gorgeous young man, and he assumes the worst. It's no better when he learns that Anthony had been taken in by his father and his father's late lover. Anthony can be nothing more than a manipulative whore, his father's much younger lover.
The only thing hotter than their hatred is their lust. And Michael's father has assured that they will have to work together.
note: The pdf ebook edition has an ISBN13 of 9781554871922 which is incorrect. It should be 9781554871292.
Anthony, the son of his heart, who he took in off the street, has always loathed Michael for rejecting his father's advances. When Anthony learns Michael is coming for the will reading, his opinion of the man as a gold-digger, is confirmed.
Michael, on the other hand, has no idea who Anthony is. One look at the gorgeous young man, and he assumes the worst. It's no better when he learns that Anthony had been taken in by his father and his father's late lover. Anthony can be nothing more than a manipulative whore, his father's much younger lover.
The only thing hotter than their hatred is their lust. And Michael's father has assured that they will have to work together.
note: The pdf ebook edition has an ISBN13 of 9781554871922 which is incorrect. It should be 9781554871292.
240 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2007
5 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Manly
242 books265 followersI write not only for my own pleasure, but for the pleasure of my readers. I can’t remember a time in my life when I haven’t written and told stories. When I’m not writing, I’m dreaming about writing, doing something wild and adventurous, or trying to make the world a better and more open minded place to live in. I adore beautiful men, and I know I’m not alone in this! Eroticism between consenting adults, in all its many forms is the icing on the cake of life!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 10, 2008
When Anthony witnesses the death of one of his adoptive fathers get murdered directly outside of the gay club that he manages he is grief-stricken.
Just when he thought it couldn't go any worse, he finds out his adoptive father has willed half of the club to his biological son Michael, who had practically disowned his father for being a female impersonator.
When Michael arrives he is cocky and doesn't want to have anything to do with the club or any of his father's friends. When he finds out he must run the club and live with Anthony for 2 years until they can sell it and he get his inhertiance he is livid.
A spoiled brat, Michael is headstrong and often jumps to conclusions without seeing the whole picture first. He is immediate hateful and distrustful of Anthony, even though Anthony is the more beautiful kind man he has ever met.
Ever the responsible one, Anthony does what he can to make Michael comfortable into a world Michael has no desire to be in.
As time goes by, both Anthony and Michael become closer and an attraction as well as a friendship develops. Both come to realize that there is more to BOTH of them that meets the eye and maybe Father did know best after all.
I really loved this book. Anthony is such a great hero. He is strong, handsome and has overcome so much in his life. Michael on the other hand was young (19 when the book starts) and has to work through some issues and some narrow minded views he has about the world and how the other half lives.
Both characters were well developed and come into their own. Michael definately turns into a hero you can stand behind, and I found myself rooting for their love to grow and develop into something quite beautiful. I wasn't disappointed.
Just when he thought it couldn't go any worse, he finds out his adoptive father has willed half of the club to his biological son Michael, who had practically disowned his father for being a female impersonator.
When Michael arrives he is cocky and doesn't want to have anything to do with the club or any of his father's friends. When he finds out he must run the club and live with Anthony for 2 years until they can sell it and he get his inhertiance he is livid.
A spoiled brat, Michael is headstrong and often jumps to conclusions without seeing the whole picture first. He is immediate hateful and distrustful of Anthony, even though Anthony is the more beautiful kind man he has ever met.
Ever the responsible one, Anthony does what he can to make Michael comfortable into a world Michael has no desire to be in.
As time goes by, both Anthony and Michael become closer and an attraction as well as a friendship develops. Both come to realize that there is more to BOTH of them that meets the eye and maybe Father did know best after all.
I really loved this book. Anthony is such a great hero. He is strong, handsome and has overcome so much in his life. Michael on the other hand was young (19 when the book starts) and has to work through some issues and some narrow minded views he has about the world and how the other half lives.
Both characters were well developed and come into their own. Michael definately turns into a hero you can stand behind, and I found myself rooting for their love to grow and develop into something quite beautiful. I wasn't disappointed.
February 18, 2023
Dnf. The writing is atrocious, the MC Michael is despicable and the other characters are painted to be a bunch of horny gay men who would sleep with anything that moves indiscriminately, like Anthony , the other MC , who slept with his adoptive father’s beloved partner after his father died because oh, they were both so sad 🙄. I’m tired of the nasty old misconception that gay ppl are promiscuous and disloyal. No more for me, thanks.
June 5, 2009
This book had a very fast paced storyline. I really found myself rooting for Michael and Anthony. There were times I wanted to scream in frusteration at Michael's behavior, but he really does grow up a lot and his character develops into a good man. Anthony was the heart stopping sexy hero in this book. IMO. I ended up loving them together and the ending was beautiful.
Loved it!
Loved it!
Read
March 27, 2009Michael is the son of a drag queen, Michael as him, who has left the family some years after his born to go on the opposite coast, in California, and try to live as he wants, free and real. And with his new partner, Daniel, has adopted also a son, Anthony, a twelve years hustler saved from the street.
Now both Michael senior and Daniel are dead, and Michael junior has inherited the 49% of the club of his father and Anthony the other 51%. And Michael is obliged to live with Anthony and to manage the club for two years, if he wants to confirm the will.
Michael is gay, but he thinks that gays have to be neutral, and mix themself among the straights and not to be queer as his father. Anthony is gay to, a very alpha male, with a line of men who wants to bed him, but he searches for the true love. And true love can't be Michael, who at 19 years old searches only sex and a hunk (is motto: a hard man is good to find...).
I think I like Michael: he is really a slut, but a funny slut. He measures all in term of sex, for him everything is done for sex and everything led to sex. And he can't really stay far from Anthony, even if, after the sex, he repetedly say "we can't do this anymore" only to redoing it soon after... it's like in those old comedy where a man and a woman have to marry to inherited even if they say to hate each other and all people around them see clearly they are deeply in love.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/89...
Now both Michael senior and Daniel are dead, and Michael junior has inherited the 49% of the club of his father and Anthony the other 51%. And Michael is obliged to live with Anthony and to manage the club for two years, if he wants to confirm the will.
Michael is gay, but he thinks that gays have to be neutral, and mix themself among the straights and not to be queer as his father. Anthony is gay to, a very alpha male, with a line of men who wants to bed him, but he searches for the true love. And true love can't be Michael, who at 19 years old searches only sex and a hunk (is motto: a hard man is good to find...).
I think I like Michael: he is really a slut, but a funny slut. He measures all in term of sex, for him everything is done for sex and everything led to sex. And he can't really stay far from Anthony, even if, after the sex, he repetedly say "we can't do this anymore" only to redoing it soon after... it's like in those old comedy where a man and a woman have to marry to inherited even if they say to hate each other and all people around them see clearly they are deeply in love.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/89...
September 10, 2011
Mike is an asshole who doesn't deserve Anthony. He embodies the worst stereotypes of a gay man. Not only that, he's f-ing stupid. I guess he's this way because he is only 19. 19 and too stupid to live. He's careless actions and his self righteous judgmental opinions aggravated me. His cunt of a mother didn't help. The fact that Michael is so blinded by her lies is just depressing. I guess the phrase ~ young and stupid ~ completely applies here.
Anthony on the other hand is to die for, um mmm. He's talented and caring. He's also responsible and gorgeous. The way Mike treats him is atrocious. When we learn at the end of the book why he was thrown into this scenario, it's really not much of a surprise. I was expecting it and the letter. Please, this is one of the oldest tricks in the books. Still, I ended up liking this book because Mike finally grew up a little and wasn't such a narrow minded little shit. Plus, Anthony is finally released from his invisible shackles.
Anthony on the other hand is to die for, um mmm. He's talented and caring. He's also responsible and gorgeous. The way Mike treats him is atrocious. When we learn at the end of the book why he was thrown into this scenario, it's really not much of a surprise. I was expecting it and the letter. Please, this is one of the oldest tricks in the books. Still, I ended up liking this book because Mike finally grew up a little and wasn't such a narrow minded little shit. Plus, Anthony is finally released from his invisible shackles.
September 10, 2010
I really liked this. The characters were all written so well, so distinctive from one another, all hurting and coping in their own way. I found myself aching right along with them for the one they'd lost, caught up in the past and present all at the same time. It's a story of loss but also, for at least one character, a story about coming to terms with who you are and being okay with diversifying who you think you should be. Like I said - I really liked it a lot.
March 22, 2013
Am I the only one who wanted to meet that fucker Michael in a dark alley with a baseball bat? I kept muttering "I hate that sumbitch" every time he opened his trap. I enjoyed the read despite all that.
June 13, 2010
Very nice romance story with a HEA that does a commendable job at avoiding the excessive sap.
I like that Manly took the time to show Michael's personal journey and internal struggles, as well as Anthony's though to a lesser degree. It gave a level of realism and believability to the development of their relationship, and the story more depth.
It's a tad heavy on the life lessons and "preachiness" in a couple spots, but those moments are easily forgivable considering how many people tend to forget that being true to yourself and embracing your individuality is what brings each of us true joy and happiness in life. No one can give it to you -- you have to find it for yourself.
I like that Manly took the time to show Michael's personal journey and internal struggles, as well as Anthony's though to a lesser degree. It gave a level of realism and believability to the development of their relationship, and the story more depth.
It's a tad heavy on the life lessons and "preachiness" in a couple spots, but those moments are easily forgivable considering how many people tend to forget that being true to yourself and embracing your individuality is what brings each of us true joy and happiness in life. No one can give it to you -- you have to find it for yourself.
January 15, 2012
Really great book!
It wasn't an easy read in the beginning, since I haven't found any of the MCs particularly likeable. Michael's been too immature and insolent, but Anthony's lack of understanding put me off too. But it's been a real pleasure to see them both mature and to watch their relationship develop! Very satisfying story and I loved some of the points, that were raised about homophobia and stereotypes in the gay world.
It wasn't an easy read in the beginning, since I haven't found any of the MCs particularly likeable. Michael's been too immature and insolent, but Anthony's lack of understanding put me off too. But it's been a real pleasure to see them both mature and to watch their relationship develop! Very satisfying story and I loved some of the points, that were raised about homophobia and stereotypes in the gay world.
May 28, 2013
My Father's Lover was a big disappointment for me. I don't remember a story when I didn't connect to the characters. I really hated Michael. He was a loathsome, foolish man and Jason was a true bitch and Sandy needed to grow a pair! Anthony was a lone civilized man trapped in nutville. I try to not compare books but The Square Peg had a similar plot and it worked so much better.
December 15, 2008
Now this is the D J Manly I love - lots of emo in the bedroom and out. Though I did balk at Michael being so young (19!), he and Anthony had great chemistry. Yes, at times the I-don't-like you-fuck-me-now scenes got a little annoying, they did not drag on and on. The story moved fast enough and so, for a Novel-length ebook, I was happily sated when it ended.
November 28, 2017
This fast-paced, basically enjoyable book could have been so much better that I lament in it a missed opportunity. The writing is minimal and tends towards huge clichés like a dandelion to the sun, with a cast entirely made of contrived stock figures, from the wanna-be rocker with a heart of gold and a body of Greek god to the middled-aged mobster who is a regular of the drag club through the pair of twinks Jason the vapid blond and Michael Jr the arrogant, mouthy yet hardly less scatter-brained brunette. The excessive preachiness of bogus ideas drags down the narrative a good deal (Michael Sr's instinct he would die young that is proved right when he gets beaten to death by homophobic nutjobs; Michael Jr inheriting both his facial features, sexual orientation and taste in men - in the case of Anthony -; the clever (?) trap laid down by Michael Sr in his will to have his son and Anthony work together; etc), so much so that the book turns into a piece of advocacy for radical, far-left values of a San Franciscan mould (the constant 'wisdom' harped away by the drag queens of the club; the claim that the only entertainer there who is straight is a much better lover to his wife by dint of his job; the pros of drag heavily force-fed to the reader whereas the cons are put in Michael Jr's ignorant trap; and so on and so forth). It so happens too a good half of the cast is attracted to, or madly in love with, Anthony: Sandy, Jason, Lou "Mr Mob", eventually Michael Jr. Yet, conveniently enough, the man himself waited for the arrival of his benefactor's son to feel lust at long last. Yeah riiiight. Finally, entirely too much money is thrown around to make the tale enjoyable: the club is prosperous and worth many millions, Michael Sr bequeated to Anthony a palatial home, Michael Jr wants a luxury car of his own, Anthony could have been a famous rockstar and still might be one if he joined with Anthony, to cite but a few of those silly traits. As an ancient Greek poetess is said to have quipped with respect to a pupil of hers who was far too generous with mythological conceits: "one ought to sow with the hand, not with the whole sack".
November 12, 2013
Book description from the publisher:
When a female impersonator and owner of a drag club is murdered, his will specifies that his estranged son, Michael, will have to co-manage the club for a specific period of time, or forfeit his inheritance.
Anthony, the son of his heart, who he took in off the street, has always loathed Michael for rejecting his father's advances. When Anthony learns Michael is coming for the will reading, his opinion of the man as a gold-digger, is confirmed.
Michael, on the other hand, has no idea who Anthony is. One look at the gorgeous young man, and he assumes the worst. It's no better when he learns that Anthony had been taken in by his father and his father's late lover. Anthony can be nothing more than a manipulative whore, his father's much younger lover.
The only thing hotter than their hatred is their lust. And Michael's father has assured that they will have to work together.
Sounds interesting, doesn't it? Actually, I enjoyed the book for the most part. It just took me a while to learn to like the main characters. Anthony aggravated me with his attitude toward Michael. I can understand some of his anger at Michael's rejection of his father; however, I can also understand Michael's point of view. This man who lived as a saint for all these strangers seemingly abandoned him as a child. It's no wonder that a teenage Michael would resent any overtures from him. Anthony, being the older and more mature of the two, should have taken that into consideration. That being said, Michael came across as a judgmental jerk a good bit of the time. I'd like to think that much of his attitude came from the fact that he was only 19 (which was another obstacle to my being able to get into this book).
By the end, I did like the characters better. They both matured throughout the story, and that's the reason I gave it a 3 instead of a 2.
When a female impersonator and owner of a drag club is murdered, his will specifies that his estranged son, Michael, will have to co-manage the club for a specific period of time, or forfeit his inheritance.
Anthony, the son of his heart, who he took in off the street, has always loathed Michael for rejecting his father's advances. When Anthony learns Michael is coming for the will reading, his opinion of the man as a gold-digger, is confirmed.
Michael, on the other hand, has no idea who Anthony is. One look at the gorgeous young man, and he assumes the worst. It's no better when he learns that Anthony had been taken in by his father and his father's late lover. Anthony can be nothing more than a manipulative whore, his father's much younger lover.
The only thing hotter than their hatred is their lust. And Michael's father has assured that they will have to work together.
Sounds interesting, doesn't it? Actually, I enjoyed the book for the most part. It just took me a while to learn to like the main characters. Anthony aggravated me with his attitude toward Michael. I can understand some of his anger at Michael's rejection of his father; however, I can also understand Michael's point of view. This man who lived as a saint for all these strangers seemingly abandoned him as a child. It's no wonder that a teenage Michael would resent any overtures from him. Anthony, being the older and more mature of the two, should have taken that into consideration. That being said, Michael came across as a judgmental jerk a good bit of the time. I'd like to think that much of his attitude came from the fact that he was only 19 (which was another obstacle to my being able to get into this book).
By the end, I did like the characters better. They both matured throughout the story, and that's the reason I gave it a 3 instead of a 2.
July 18, 2011
I really liked that this book showed how a homosexual man can be a homophobe too. Wished it was revealed more. Now the character just changed his mind and it isn't written in the book. It is unrealistic having in mind that he refused to meet his father because of this. This could have been a really interesting book if this issue was explored more.
Would have been a 4, but I had a few issues.
Firstly, having sex with your son is a big NO. It doesn't matter that there is no blood relation, father is the one who raises you and adoption doesn't justify this... Then your lover dies you do not go and have sex with his adoptive son which you helped to rise.
Second, you DO NOT have sex in your dead father's bed using his sex toys. Enough said.
Third, sex part was shown, but feelings just appeared from thin air. Especially Anthony. I don't see a single thing he likes in Michael's character (homophobe, cares only for money). The only way I can see he can be attracted to him is because he looks like his father. That's the only attractive Michael's quality. Of course in the end, Michale becomes more likable (but still not revealed), but the deeper attraction, tender feelings appear way before that. I know they say there is only one step between hate and love, but this is ridiculous. And Michael did a big turn around without any explanation, show. It just happened in some unwritten chapter.
Would have been a 4, but I had a few issues.
Firstly, having sex with your son is a big NO. It doesn't matter that there is no blood relation, father is the one who raises you and adoption doesn't justify this... Then your lover dies you do not go and have sex with his adoptive son which you helped to rise.
Second, you DO NOT have sex in your dead father's bed using his sex toys. Enough said.
Third, sex part was shown, but feelings just appeared from thin air. Especially Anthony. I don't see a single thing he likes in Michael's character (homophobe, cares only for money). The only way I can see he can be attracted to him is because he looks like his father. That's the only attractive Michael's quality. Of course in the end, Michale becomes more likable (but still not revealed), but the deeper attraction, tender feelings appear way before that. I know they say there is only one step between hate and love, but this is ridiculous. And Michael did a big turn around without any explanation, show. It just happened in some unwritten chapter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2013
O: Michael's one of 'em self-hatin' gays...
Actually, you know what, I start to get the feeling they're all a little self-hating.
I don't see why the two of them get together at all.
The rest of the characters are all really ill-defined. I can't feel any sympathy for them at all. It's all a bunch of melodramatic/histironic gestures and macho posturing all around.
The best characters were Daniel and Michael, and they're dead.
Michael is a bit idealized (ha) but that's understandable.
Actually, you know what, I start to get the feeling they're all a little self-hating.
I don't see why the two of them get together at all.
The rest of the characters are all really ill-defined. I can't feel any sympathy for them at all. It's all a bunch of melodramatic/histironic gestures and macho posturing all around.
The best characters were Daniel and Michael, and they're dead.
Michael is a bit idealized (ha) but that's understandable.
February 21, 2013
I'm a bit upset because I really wanted to like this book. My main disappointment was in the characters. I didn't understand them and I didn't particularly care for their HEA. On more than one occasion I found myself getting frustrated with their behaviour and inability to make up their minds. I get that they were young and open-minded, but it was bewildering to follow along on who was in love with whom and to see how easily they engaged in casual sex.
It just wasn't my kind of story, however, I hope others enjoy it more than I did.
It just wasn't my kind of story, however, I hope others enjoy it more than I did.
March 15, 2016
Fast-paced, energetic and fun. Well, Michael was a lot of fun, never a boring moment with him, so I couldn't help liking him, even though a lot of readers seem to hate him. Yeah, he was so immature I kept thinking he shouldn't have sex and be allowed to drive but really, he was just nineteen and sheltered, and he was growing fast. His father was also a very appealing character, I almost didn't expect to like so much a character who was off-screen but I did.
June 22, 2010
Overall I liked the book. But Michael was totally unlikable for most of it. And in the end it got a little smushy. But a very good book, moving and sad in places.
The only thing I'd really have liked to read about that wasn't in the book is both Anthony and Michael dressing up in drag and going to the club for the night. I think it would have probably been hysterical.
The only thing I'd really have liked to read about that wasn't in the book is both Anthony and Michael dressing up in drag and going to the club for the night. I think it would have probably been hysterical.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2012
I enjoyed this quite a bit most of the time, even though that Michael is a real bastard. I don't see how he became a good guy in the end, but the change was satisfying, I guess...if not wholly realistic. I loved Anthony, as irritating as it was to watch freaking everyone drooling ov erhim. Sigh. The sex was hot too. So, yeah, liked it!
August 27, 2013
I loved this book. If you want a sexy, character driven novel - here it is. If you want to think about social issues, diversity, prejudices and life a little bit more - here it is. It depends on what you're looking for.
Full review at http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
Full review at http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
April 20, 2012
I really loved this story, but who ever edited it did a atrocious job. It took away something from the story for me. I have read quite a few of D.J. Manly's books, and have enjoyed them a lot. This one, although I enjoyed the story line, was a disappointment.
February 26, 2013
I am so happy that Michael came around about his father. I just knew that Michael and Anthony would be perfect together. And I loved reading the letter that Michael's father left for him, it was so touching.
November 20, 2008
My Father's Lover by D.J. Manly (2008)
March 21, 2010
It was okay. A bit heavy handed at times. The estranged son was very annoying. But part of it was not bad.
June 11, 2010
it's my second male/male story which contained passionate scene but the weakest point is, to depict the scenes between characters worsely.
December 21, 2010
Not the book for me.
May 13, 2011
Solid, engaging story.
September 10, 2011
Silly time pass.
June 24, 2012
I loved Michael and Anthony together
August 11, 2012
reread 'My Father's Lover' yesterday. This is one of my favorite books :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews