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Precious Ache
Falling in love was his biggest mistake...
Abandoned as a child, Dave Blanchard learned to be self-reliant at an early age. Puberty brought a distressing attraction to other boys, and an abnormal growth spurt that drove Dave further into his shell. Adulthood granted him the freedom to stand on his own two feet, but cloistered him in a plastic bubble of his own making. At seven and a half feet tall, Dave has no problem finding men for anonymous sex through sleazy backroom romps, but the experiences leave him feeling cold and unsatisfied. He dreams of love and commitment, but finding someone interested in a relationship seems like a pipe dream.
Desperate for companionship, Dave signs up for an online matchmaking service. To his utter embarrassment, his first date never shows, but his luck improves when he runs into a former foster brother, Micah Black. Dave and Micah quickly rebuild their friendship, but with it comes the resurrection of the forbidden crush Dave harbored for Micah when they were teens. Micah is off limits to Dave, but that doesn’t stop Dave’s imagination from spinning torrid scenarios involving his straight friend.
When Micah’s life is threatened, Dave’s inhibitions melt away. Unfortunately, the price of one chaste kiss could mean the end of the friendship Dave wants so badly.
Abandoned as a child, Dave Blanchard learned to be self-reliant at an early age. Puberty brought a distressing attraction to other boys, and an abnormal growth spurt that drove Dave further into his shell. Adulthood granted him the freedom to stand on his own two feet, but cloistered him in a plastic bubble of his own making. At seven and a half feet tall, Dave has no problem finding men for anonymous sex through sleazy backroom romps, but the experiences leave him feeling cold and unsatisfied. He dreams of love and commitment, but finding someone interested in a relationship seems like a pipe dream.
Desperate for companionship, Dave signs up for an online matchmaking service. To his utter embarrassment, his first date never shows, but his luck improves when he runs into a former foster brother, Micah Black. Dave and Micah quickly rebuild their friendship, but with it comes the resurrection of the forbidden crush Dave harbored for Micah when they were teens. Micah is off limits to Dave, but that doesn’t stop Dave’s imagination from spinning torrid scenarios involving his straight friend.
When Micah’s life is threatened, Dave’s inhibitions melt away. Unfortunately, the price of one chaste kiss could mean the end of the friendship Dave wants so badly.
57 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Amanda Young
130 books401 followersA bestselling author of erotic romance, Amanda Young penned her first romance at eighteen. That novel was promptly deleted before it could traumatize innocent readers. After several years of honing her craft, Amanda went on to receive her first publishing contract in 2006.
A vivid imagination and a passion for all the things that go bump in the night has led Amanda to create provocative stories that push boundaries and dare readers to expand their comfort zones. Since she tends to write whatever strikes her fancy, her novels fall into many different subgenres. Among her available titles you’ll find contemporary and paranormal settings, gay and straight themes alike.
Amanda Young lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and two pampered pooches. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found chasing after a mischievous toddler or daydreaming about the characters in her next book. She loves to hear from her readers, and can be found on Facebook and Twitter. Her website, www.amandayoung.org, is where you can find up-to-date information on all of Amanda’s current and upcoming releases.
A vivid imagination and a passion for all the things that go bump in the night has led Amanda to create provocative stories that push boundaries and dare readers to expand their comfort zones. Since she tends to write whatever strikes her fancy, her novels fall into many different subgenres. Among her available titles you’ll find contemporary and paranormal settings, gay and straight themes alike.
Amanda Young lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and two pampered pooches. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found chasing after a mischievous toddler or daydreaming about the characters in her next book. She loves to hear from her readers, and can be found on Facebook and Twitter. Her website, www.amandayoung.org, is where you can find up-to-date information on all of Amanda’s current and upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 18, 2008
Dave Blanchard has never had a normal life. As a boy he was in and out of different foster homes. Also, because of Dave's size he has always been considered somewhat of a giant. People stare at him, children are afraid of him, and in his young life he hasn't had a lot of companionship and love.
When he was a teenager he was fostered with another handsome, more popular teenager named Micah. Although they were friendly with one another, they were never close. Dave always thought of the handsome, popular, good natured Micah as a schoolboy crush that would never amount to anything...so it was no surprise when Micah was moved away and out of Dave's life.
Years later, Dave continues to live a quiet life. He is lonely, but tries to find comfort with his dog and his unassuming existance. When he literally runs into Micah on the street, he is astounded that Micah not only remembers him, but wants to strike up a friendship with him. Dave is excited but hesistant at first, but soon they become fast friends but never talk about their sexuality. Dave is afraid if Micah is aware that he is gay, it might affect their friendship, because after all Micah is straight...right? And if he wasn't, he would never be attracted to a tall gentle giant like himself.
Micah never forgot the giant, unassuming boy Dave once was. He is immediately drawn to Dave and sees not only the beauty Dave has on the inside, but the outside as well.
Okay y'all, I loved this book. It has such a very sweet love story. Dave and Micah are perfect together. They are both such wonderful people. I hated for the book to end.
When he was a teenager he was fostered with another handsome, more popular teenager named Micah. Although they were friendly with one another, they were never close. Dave always thought of the handsome, popular, good natured Micah as a schoolboy crush that would never amount to anything...so it was no surprise when Micah was moved away and out of Dave's life.
Years later, Dave continues to live a quiet life. He is lonely, but tries to find comfort with his dog and his unassuming existance. When he literally runs into Micah on the street, he is astounded that Micah not only remembers him, but wants to strike up a friendship with him. Dave is excited but hesistant at first, but soon they become fast friends but never talk about their sexuality. Dave is afraid if Micah is aware that he is gay, it might affect their friendship, because after all Micah is straight...right? And if he wasn't, he would never be attracted to a tall gentle giant like himself.
Micah never forgot the giant, unassuming boy Dave once was. He is immediately drawn to Dave and sees not only the beauty Dave has on the inside, but the outside as well.
Okay y'all, I loved this book. It has such a very sweet love story. Dave and Micah are perfect together. They are both such wonderful people. I hated for the book to end.
February 17, 2014
I'm that slide, unfortunately.
I wanted to love this book. The premise was promising. Seven-and-a-half-foot-gentle-socially-inept-giant-finds-love-with-a-former-crush-in-his-former-foster-brother.
It did that. But the delivery...something just didn't work for me.
I wanted to be all this-shit-is-bananas-and-the-fudge-sundae-extra-cherries-kind-of-great.
But I'm more like this-story-was-a-little-cheesy-and-the-mistunderstanding-schtick-could-only-carry-it-so-far-but-am-I-bored-after-the-middle-part-was-it-me-nah-the-steam-just-fizzled-out-and-that-supposed-super-tall-man-moved-with-no-issues-and-was-just-really-big-with-no-complaints-of-having-to-find-giant-assed-clothes-or-shoes-and-just-man-something-is-off-can't-put-my-finger-on-it-oh-well-I'll-just-have-to-give-up-on-trying-to-figure-it-out-damn-it-this-will-irk-me-until-my-next-read.
Yeah.
All of that.
August 3, 2009
This book was great! I wish it had been told with more than Dave's point of view. I would have loved to have known what Micah was thinking, too!
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
January 24, 2016
Update
Dave isn't good at picking up on subtle hints. Or less than subtle ones.
Let this book be a lesson on using your words.
Hey, are you gay?
This wasn't a terrible read, I guess. Not badly written. Predictable but no worries, everything took Dave by surprise.
One of the things that bothered me about this story ...
So this story has really being bugging me, and I think I figured out why.
July 1, 2009
Dave and Micah's relationship was very sweet. I enjoyed watching them rekindle their friendship, and watch it bloom into love. My one small gripe is I would have like to had Micah's point of view throughout the book.
That said, I still loved it.
That said, I still loved it.
March 30, 2010
I really like how the two men takes time in their relationship because both think the others are straight *lol*. This one has one of the sweetest fishing scene ever since Brokeback Mountain. I love it :)
October 3, 2009
Oh wow! Full of the emotional angst with which Amanda Young is wonderful at portraying, Dave's life hasn't been easy. After losing his parents at a young age, growing up in a foster home, never feeling that he fit it to begin with, Dave's shyness has almost crippled him. It sure doesn't help that he's freakishly tall and very sensitive to others' reactions to him, but developing a loving relationship with someone seems to be an obstacle that he can't overcome.
I feel for him, especially in regard to his shyness. When you want to belong, to be able to feel comfortable around others and just... can't... do... it, self esteem suffers: definitely a vicious circle!
Meeting Micah once again, out of the blue, is the best thing that can happen to Dave, even when he's dealing with feelings of an unrequited, and longstanding, attraction. When he was in his early teens, Micah was someone that was a friend, someone that Dave felt good around.
Watching as Dave wrestled with what he felt was an inappropriate attraction to Micah yet still he managed to develop friendships with Micah and his co-workers, was energizing. And Micah's friendship with Dave began the journey of learning to like, without always judging, himself.
This is just part of what Amanda Young does so very well in her stories of two men finding true love. Beautiful!
I feel for him, especially in regard to his shyness. When you want to belong, to be able to feel comfortable around others and just... can't... do... it, self esteem suffers: definitely a vicious circle!
Meeting Micah once again, out of the blue, is the best thing that can happen to Dave, even when he's dealing with feelings of an unrequited, and longstanding, attraction. When he was in his early teens, Micah was someone that was a friend, someone that Dave felt good around.
Watching as Dave wrestled with what he felt was an inappropriate attraction to Micah yet still he managed to develop friendships with Micah and his co-workers, was energizing. And Micah's friendship with Dave began the journey of learning to like, without always judging, himself.
This is just part of what Amanda Young does so very well in her stories of two men finding true love. Beautiful!
August 5, 2013
Awwww ... this was lovely ... who doesn't love a story where the socially awkward caterpillar is coaxed into transforming into a butterfly by the love of his soul mate? ... sweet enough to cause cavities but worth the sugar high.
July 25, 2013
I won't say this is the best book I've ever read, but it is one of my favorite short stories. It is, after all, only around 50 pages. One can only expect so much character and plot development within this constraint. Most stories published in this length fall short. Not this one. Well done.
December 9, 2009
Short, sweet and endearing. Just the book you'd want if you're looking for a great quickie. Pun not intended LOL
May 20, 2010
It is 4:30 in the morning you’d think I would be in bed but Amanda’s book kept calling to me and I had to read it - lol I just couldn’t put it down.
This is among one of the best romances I have read. Amanda tops herself with this romance I really do believe.
The is an extremely sweet romantic story of meeting (again) and falling in love!
Amanda has a knack for creating characters that grab you right off and Dave and Micah are no exception, you are you going to fall in love with these two men from the get go!!
I do suggest you have some Kleenex on hand as I promise your going to need one or two, but then I do cry at Hallmark commercials:-) lol
If I was asked to choose my favorite Amanda Young book although I LOVE THEM ALL - I would have to say Precious Ache is probably my favorite so far it show a much more realistic view of falling in love, but still leaves you with that sweet feeling when it is all over with and lets you know that if your still looking DON’T GIVE UP your other half is out there somewhere!
And yes although the HOT sex isn’t a focal point of the book Amanda does not let us down!
So don’t miss this book it is by far my favorite to date!!
Theresa (October 22, 2008)
http://ebookaddict2.blogspot.com/2008...
This is among one of the best romances I have read. Amanda tops herself with this romance I really do believe.
The is an extremely sweet romantic story of meeting (again) and falling in love!
Amanda has a knack for creating characters that grab you right off and Dave and Micah are no exception, you are you going to fall in love with these two men from the get go!!
I do suggest you have some Kleenex on hand as I promise your going to need one or two, but then I do cry at Hallmark commercials:-) lol
If I was asked to choose my favorite Amanda Young book although I LOVE THEM ALL - I would have to say Precious Ache is probably my favorite so far it show a much more realistic view of falling in love, but still leaves you with that sweet feeling when it is all over with and lets you know that if your still looking DON’T GIVE UP your other half is out there somewhere!
And yes although the HOT sex isn’t a focal point of the book Amanda does not let us down!
So don’t miss this book it is by far my favorite to date!!
Theresa (October 22, 2008)
http://ebookaddict2.blogspot.com/2008...
August 14, 2016
a lot of my issues with the book stemmed from the fact that the location (Blacksburg, VA) is my old stomping grounds (I went to college there) - so I wasn't able to just immerse myself in the story because I was doing a, does that place exist, why hasn't he gone to xx bar that I used to like, stuff like that
August 2, 2012
Dave Blanchard has to deal with a lot thanks to an aspect of himself that he has absolutely no control over. At seven feet six inches, he is “treated like a freak of nature” by random people and must deal with the “snide comments and ogling” that follow him everywhere he goes. As much as he tries, this is all hard to ignore and he spends a lot of his time hidden away at home with his rambunctious cocker spaniel Petey. Although he is far from being a virgin, he is desperate to meet someone that is interested in more than just sex. He yearns for “a real connection with someone, rather than an easy piece of ass.”
Tired of the constant feelings of loneliness, Dave decides to try out internet dating which doesn’t start out as well as he had hoped when he is stood up on his first date. Fate however must be on his side as on the way home he bumps into his old foster brother, Micah Black. As the men start spending time together as friends, Dave finds that his loneliness is lifting. He enjoys spending time with Micah and is convinced that he must hide his growing feelings for the man, or risk ruining their friendship forever.
Precious Ache is a wonderful story about how we all deserve to be loved, in spite of our peculiarities, whatever they may be. The character of Dave is wonderfully written, and I identified with him from the very beginning. He has so much to offer, but most of the world can’t see past his height. Although not the most comfortable in social situations, Dave is determined to make friends and hopes that love will find its way to him. It is captivating to watch as Dave starts to come out of shell thanks to the friendship with Micah who is able to see past the exterior to the man inside. Their relationship is touching and makes for excellent read that is definitely recommended for anyone that enjoys a heartwarming romance and unique characters!
Tired of the constant feelings of loneliness, Dave decides to try out internet dating which doesn’t start out as well as he had hoped when he is stood up on his first date. Fate however must be on his side as on the way home he bumps into his old foster brother, Micah Black. As the men start spending time together as friends, Dave finds that his loneliness is lifting. He enjoys spending time with Micah and is convinced that he must hide his growing feelings for the man, or risk ruining their friendship forever.
Precious Ache is a wonderful story about how we all deserve to be loved, in spite of our peculiarities, whatever they may be. The character of Dave is wonderfully written, and I identified with him from the very beginning. He has so much to offer, but most of the world can’t see past his height. Although not the most comfortable in social situations, Dave is determined to make friends and hopes that love will find its way to him. It is captivating to watch as Dave starts to come out of shell thanks to the friendship with Micah who is able to see past the exterior to the man inside. Their relationship is touching and makes for excellent read that is definitely recommended for anyone that enjoys a heartwarming romance and unique characters!
May 1, 2011
To me, the story was rather ordinary. I could't find that spark that draws me to the characters or plot. Might be because the leading man, Dave, was so shy and handicapped by his alleged flaws (least of which was his height) that I found it hard to really like him. Maybe I just like the men to be more confident and resilient.
The storyline was nice... meeting with an old crush just when all hopes of finding a partner seemed lost was nicely told. And their story is slowly unfolded as they get to know each other and realise their feelings for each other. Perhaps I'm just used to the angsty stories and when one is without it, I find it too easy.
Overall, it was an ok story with believable characters and a decent plot. I just personally found it a bit awry from my usual choices.
The storyline was nice... meeting with an old crush just when all hopes of finding a partner seemed lost was nicely told. And their story is slowly unfolded as they get to know each other and realise their feelings for each other. Perhaps I'm just used to the angsty stories and when one is without it, I find it too easy.
Overall, it was an ok story with believable characters and a decent plot. I just personally found it a bit awry from my usual choices.
November 4, 2012
Maybe I'm weird, but when I see 'life threatened' on romance novel blurbs, I usually imagine car chases, kidnappings, diabolical world domination plots... Not falling into a river. And yeah, that should probably go into a spoiler but it was so anti-climatic that I think even knowing beforehand won't spoil your surprise. Since it isn't a surprise at all.
Overall: Mediocre writing, mediocre plot, mediocre characters, mediocre interaction. It wasn't bad, it wasn't good - it was just boring.
Overall: Mediocre writing, mediocre plot, mediocre characters, mediocre interaction. It wasn't bad, it wasn't good - it was just boring.
October 1, 2010
Wonderfully sweet story. I loved Dave's character in all his tall, humble, shy glory. It would have been nice to get Micah's point of view to really round things out, but we still get a good general impression of him. I enjoy when the MC's can admit their love for one another and express their emotion. Satisfied my sweet tooth!
July 9, 2012
it was really cute, I liked how the characters developed from friends to lovers, and how they actually had personalities, some authors just focus on the main plot and forget that it's the little things & details that make the characters feel real.
March 25, 2012
I really enjoyed the start of this book, but halfway through it started to bore me. The two protagonists didn't seem to have much in the way of chemistry, and the sex scenes were so dull I found myself paging through them. Amanda Young's written some nice books, but this wasn't one of them.
May 30, 2012
I read this 5 times and I totally forgot to review!! I loved this book!! Totally loving it!!
August 6, 2012
Closer to 2.75
It was a decent read, but I probably won't re-read it which keeps it under 3 stars for me.
It was a decent read, but I probably won't re-read it which keeps it under 3 stars for me.
December 31, 2012
I really loved this book. The chemistry between the two heroes was hot and I love the friends-to-lovers theme!
June 11, 2017
Take one socially awkward really tall guy and throw in being gay and you have here our lead character. Not dissing the Dave's of the world, but it's I think the first time I've ever read a romantic lead named so. So Dave, or ordinary name, extraordinary height is regularly pointed at, scares random children etc with his height and stature. And so he lives quite a lonely life.
Longing for the one, he tries online dating again but his dates don't go according to plan. I did wonder why the first date existed at all in the book. I thought it was a plot line being hung out for later but nope.
Anyway, he bumps back into his former fellow foster kid Micah who he lusted after years before and they start to form a friendship. Whilst the interaction between the two was fine, I wasn't feeling the build and the sparks to their eventual get together, and in the end the book went a bit too lovey dovey, hearts and flowers far too quickly for my liking.
It was an ok read but I don't believe it's a story that will stay with me. Sorry.
Longing for the one, he tries online dating again but his dates don't go according to plan. I did wonder why the first date existed at all in the book. I thought it was a plot line being hung out for later but nope.
Anyway, he bumps back into his former fellow foster kid Micah who he lusted after years before and they start to form a friendship. Whilst the interaction between the two was fine, I wasn't feeling the build and the sparks to their eventual get together, and in the end the book went a bit too lovey dovey, hearts and flowers far too quickly for my liking.
It was an ok read but I don't believe it's a story that will stay with me. Sorry.
December 1, 2024
I liked this short story. Dave and Micah were both great guys. They had briefly spent time together in the same foster home, but had gone their separate ways after turning 18. Years later they bumped into each other and started a friendship that turned into love.
I don't remember ever reading a book with such a tall character. Dave was 7 foot 6 inches tall. He worked from home and didn't go out much, preferring to avoid the looks and questions that he would often get from others about his height. Some little kids would even run away from him in fear.
Micah was indifferent about Dave's height. He loved him unconditionally.
Read December 1, 2024
I don't remember ever reading a book with such a tall character. Dave was 7 foot 6 inches tall. He worked from home and didn't go out much, preferring to avoid the looks and questions that he would often get from others about his height. Some little kids would even run away from him in fear.
Micah was indifferent about Dave's height. He loved him unconditionally.
Read December 1, 2024
December 22, 2023
This was a sweet short story. Dave was a shy, quiet guy who kept to himself. Being reacquainted with someone from his past brought him out of his shell a little. It took a while for their friendship to advance to lovers, but it was sweet when it did.
March 25, 2017
Utterly adorable
I love nothing more than reading a story where someone with no self esteem finds their true love. It always comes along when you least expect it.
I love nothing more than reading a story where someone with no self esteem finds their true love. It always comes along when you least expect it.
March 27, 2019
Cute and fluffy story. Loved it.
Read
November 20, 2008Precious Ache by Amanda Young (?)
April 27, 2015
Reread on April 27, 2015. 2.5 stars
August 3, 2012
Sweet protagonists, sweet story, very light turmoil. Would have been five stars but the ending felt just a little rushed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews