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Getting Better
Training Cats
Close enough to touch, and still out of reach—Evan rings the PriceCo pharmacy register for Brent and keeps his thoughts about the pharmacist to himself. He dies a little inside every time he sees Brent with Tyler—why does Brent let that jerk treat him like dirt?
After one humiliation too many, Brent’s asking himself that same question. He has a better chance of teaching a cat to sit and stay than of convincing handsome, self-centered Tyler to be thoughtful. It’s time to be single again.
With the right bait, Evan can teach a cat to roll over or a man to see what’s before his eyes. He might use Kitty Noms, or a touch of kindness, a pinch of consideration, and a trail of M&Ms.
After one humiliation too many, Brent’s asking himself that same question. He has a better chance of teaching a cat to sit and stay than of convincing handsome, self-centered Tyler to be thoughtful. It’s time to be single again.
With the right bait, Evan can teach a cat to roll over or a man to see what’s before his eyes. He might use Kitty Noms, or a touch of kindness, a pinch of consideration, and a trail of M&Ms.
34 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2011
About the author
P.D. Singer
59 books172 followersP.D. Singer lived in Colorado with her slightly bemused husband, one young adult, and seventy-nine pounds of pets. She was a big believer in research, first-hand if possible, so the reader can be quite certain PD skied down a mountain face-first, had been stepped on by rodeo horses, acquired a potato burn or two, and rethought a novel that included sky-diving.
When not writing, playing her fiddle, or walking the sheddiest member of the family, she could be found with a book in hand.
When not writing, playing her fiddle, or walking the sheddiest member of the family, she could be found with a book in hand.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 19, 2011
So many times we see someone who we think is so perfect, only to discover the pretty wrapping doesn't conceal the present we thought we were getting. That's exactly what happened to Brent when he met Tyler at a party and allowed him to move in, perhaps before they truly knew each other.
Tyler doesn't cheat, that Brent knows of, doesn't have any major in-your-face, deal-breaking issues, but rather it's his rudeness, self-centeredness, and materialistic views that chip away at Brent's admiration, one small unkindness at a time.
As is so often the case, a good friend is forced to keep his mouth shut when he really wants to intervene. Evan would jump at the chance to be in Tyler's shoes, but can't risk his job or his friendship with Brent to come out and say so.
When Brent has had enough, he trades a callous boyfriend for a homeless cat. With the cuddly critter acting as cat-alyst (sorry, 'bout the cheap pun), Evan's frindship with Brent has a chance to grow into something more. And... there's a cameo appearance by Dante and Keith, from Singer's On Call series!
Training Cats is a lovely little comfort read. Highly recommended. Plus, as part of Torquere Press' Charity Sips Blitz, all proceeds benefit the It Gets Better Project. You can get a great read and do a good deed too!
Tyler doesn't cheat, that Brent knows of, doesn't have any major in-your-face, deal-breaking issues, but rather it's his rudeness, self-centeredness, and materialistic views that chip away at Brent's admiration, one small unkindness at a time.
As is so often the case, a good friend is forced to keep his mouth shut when he really wants to intervene. Evan would jump at the chance to be in Tyler's shoes, but can't risk his job or his friendship with Brent to come out and say so.
When Brent has had enough, he trades a callous boyfriend for a homeless cat. With the cuddly critter acting as cat-alyst (sorry, 'bout the cheap pun), Evan's frindship with Brent has a chance to grow into something more. And... there's a cameo appearance by Dante and Keith, from Singer's On Call series!
Training Cats is a lovely little comfort read. Highly recommended. Plus, as part of Torquere Press' Charity Sips Blitz, all proceeds benefit the It Gets Better Project. You can get a great read and do a good deed too!
September 20, 2011
What would you do when you realize that the novelty of having a shinny hot boyfriend has worn off? Especially when the said boyfriend is obviously rude, selfish and greedy? Nothing much, of course. You just wait until it boils down to a situation when you cannot stand it anymore. Like most issues in relationships, it is not the big thing that breaks it off. It is the accumulation of small, trivial things. Like him ignoring your M&M's favorite flavor. Or him returning and exchanging your gifts. Or, failing to say thank you when you give an expensive birthday present, and instead cursing that the present is not what he wants. In front of the party guests. That's what Brent experiences with Tyler.
Brent had his eyes on Evan, his somewhat co-worker in the same store he worked, but then he met Tyler in a party. He also wanted a cat, but somehow he couldn't get one until now. When he learns that Evan is good in training cats, would he let himself be 'trained' too? Or is it too late?
I really enjoyed reading this short story. The feeling coming from the realization of a rush decision, and longing for a better one are done beautifully.
Brent had his eyes on Evan, his somewhat co-worker in the same store he worked, but then he met Tyler in a party. He also wanted a cat, but somehow he couldn't get one until now. When he learns that Evan is good in training cats, would he let himself be 'trained' too? Or is it too late?
I really enjoyed reading this short story. The feeling coming from the realization of a rush decision, and longing for a better one are done beautifully.
September 25, 2011
What I like best about this short, I think, is that Tyler isn't a complete villain; he's just a self-centered jerk like so many other people in the universe. It takes Brent a while to realize that they aren't compatible, which is a testament to his character and loyalty, and I liked the fact that he was peripherally aware of Evan the entire time, but wouldn't let himself really look until later. I snickered a bit at laid-back skater punk Evan's way of coaxing Brent around :)
September 18, 2011
3.5 stars. Good short m/m romance about a pharmacist who's slowly realizing that his boyfriend is a jerk. (This is related to the On Call books.)
September 21, 2011
A Torquere Charity sip short.
This is a cute story and I enjoyed it, but I would have wished for a bit less Tyler and more Evan!
This is a cute story and I enjoyed it, but I would have wished for a bit less Tyler and more Evan!
April 23, 2020
I am not sure about all those stars it got from other readers, for me, if you read preview you know it all, nothing new, no clever dialogues, although i liked simple mentality of main guys and their dedication to fone shopping centre :)
May 12, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
I was in the mood for a short read and landed with Training Cats. It had been in my TBR list since 2012, and I am just grrrrrr. Anyways, I have had this for a long time and I needed a short and I got a sweet short romance that was not what I expected at all.
This is the story of how Brent and Evan came to be a couple. It all begins with Brent having not-so-loving-thoughts about his lover Tyler. It seems that this discontent is not really so much because of the lack of loving, or the lack of appreciation per se, but simply the lack of ANYTHING! Tyler is the stereo-typical a$$ and is just as self-centered and selfish as could be. Worse is, he thinks he's lovable and funny. NOT!
Evan works in PriceCo where Brent and Tyler shop most times for basically everything they need. For quite some time, Evan had been looking at Brent with want and need but the Tyler Factor is putting a damper on everything. What really gets him is the way Tyler treats Brent and apparently Brent is blind to it.
Well meaning friends who know better finally make certain to get Brent to see and listen rather than just to look and hear. It made a lot of difference and it opened Brent's eyes for once and the epiphany is not only ludicrous, it is ridiculous. So out the door goes the Tyler dude and now all Brent has to do is move on. He's getting a cat.
The cat is the factor that makes Brent's and Evan's possibility actually happen. Evan knows how to train cats and, for those not in the know, treating your possible or present partner as your cat (or dog) is the best way to get them to not only love you, but love you unconditionally.
And so the tale of Brent and Evan The Couple begins. This was a lovely short and it was well written. Probably the only thing I am disappointed in is that - well, it ended.
I was in the mood for a short read and landed with Training Cats. It had been in my TBR list since 2012, and I am just grrrrrr. Anyways, I have had this for a long time and I needed a short and I got a sweet short romance that was not what I expected at all.
This is the story of how Brent and Evan came to be a couple. It all begins with Brent having not-so-loving-thoughts about his lover Tyler. It seems that this discontent is not really so much because of the lack of loving, or the lack of appreciation per se, but simply the lack of ANYTHING! Tyler is the stereo-typical a$$ and is just as self-centered and selfish as could be. Worse is, he thinks he's lovable and funny. NOT!
Evan works in PriceCo where Brent and Tyler shop most times for basically everything they need. For quite some time, Evan had been looking at Brent with want and need but the Tyler Factor is putting a damper on everything. What really gets him is the way Tyler treats Brent and apparently Brent is blind to it.
Well meaning friends who know better finally make certain to get Brent to see and listen rather than just to look and hear. It made a lot of difference and it opened Brent's eyes for once and the epiphany is not only ludicrous, it is ridiculous. So out the door goes the Tyler dude and now all Brent has to do is move on. He's getting a cat.
The cat is the factor that makes Brent's and Evan's possibility actually happen. Evan knows how to train cats and, for those not in the know, treating your possible or present partner as your cat (or dog) is the best way to get them to not only love you, but love you unconditionally.
And so the tale of Brent and Evan The Couple begins. This was a lovely short and it was well written. Probably the only thing I am disappointed in is that - well, it ended.
December 31, 2011
Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Training a lover is like training a cat...almost impossible.
First off, I want to say I saw the title and knew I had to nab this book. Then I read the blurb. I wasn't thrilled with the characters in the little bit I gleaned from the blurb, but it didn't stop me. Did I say the title snagged me? Yes, it was the title that kept me wanting to read the book.
I'm glad I read Training Cats.
The writing in this story, though occasionally flawed, flowed well enough that I never wanted to put the book down. I raced through the story wanting--needing--to know what would happen next. I thought about the characters when I had to put it down because I couldn't keep my eyes open. Why? Brett and Ethan aren't typical men. They have issues and circumstances that not everyone would be in.
Brett puts up with a lot. I mean, a LOT. It's like his patience is almost too good to be true. There were times I wanted to conk him on the head, but I understood why he acted the way he did. He wants to please and wants the shimmer of love in his relationship. Too bad life doesn't want that for him.
Then there's Ethan. The guy is creative and patient as well. He's waiting for a change is so calm while he does this waiting. I don't know if I'd have been so calm, but that's me. The antagonist is pleasantly slimy. I had no troubles disliking him, and there was more of the feeling of wanting to give him a shake. But I loved how things came together. The build up was great and timed well. Oh and Monster? He's the best part because I could totally identify with the freaked out, I'm-in-a-new-home-and-scared feelings he has. Great cat!
If you want a short story that's got plenty of heart and just enough heat to sizzle, then you need to read Training Cats.
Training a lover is like training a cat...almost impossible.
First off, I want to say I saw the title and knew I had to nab this book. Then I read the blurb. I wasn't thrilled with the characters in the little bit I gleaned from the blurb, but it didn't stop me. Did I say the title snagged me? Yes, it was the title that kept me wanting to read the book.
I'm glad I read Training Cats.
The writing in this story, though occasionally flawed, flowed well enough that I never wanted to put the book down. I raced through the story wanting--needing--to know what would happen next. I thought about the characters when I had to put it down because I couldn't keep my eyes open. Why? Brett and Ethan aren't typical men. They have issues and circumstances that not everyone would be in.
Brett puts up with a lot. I mean, a LOT. It's like his patience is almost too good to be true. There were times I wanted to conk him on the head, but I understood why he acted the way he did. He wants to please and wants the shimmer of love in his relationship. Too bad life doesn't want that for him.
Then there's Ethan. The guy is creative and patient as well. He's waiting for a change is so calm while he does this waiting. I don't know if I'd have been so calm, but that's me. The antagonist is pleasantly slimy. I had no troubles disliking him, and there was more of the feeling of wanting to give him a shake. But I loved how things came together. The build up was great and timed well. Oh and Monster? He's the best part because I could totally identify with the freaked out, I'm-in-a-new-home-and-scared feelings he has. Great cat!
If you want a short story that's got plenty of heart and just enough heat to sizzle, then you need to read Training Cats.
September 30, 2011
There's a heaviness surrounding Tyler which is almost tangible. I saw his selfishness right from his initial introduction. Although I questioned Brent's willingness to put up with Tyler's horrid behavior for so long, I also felt sorry for him. No one wants the dream to end; no one wants to admit that they've made a huge error in judgment which will result in the end of a relationship.
In contrast to this heaviness, Brent gets a glimpse of how a relationship should be from Ethan, a coworker. Peeking through the dark cloud of Tyler's selfishness is Ethan, always helpful, cheerful, considerate, and willing to listen. Ethan is waiting patiently in the background for the dust to settle enough for Brent to acknowledge him. Brent needs someone like Ethan, who will lighten his burden, not add to it.
'Training Cats' is an endearing love story with a strong reminder that life is too short to live with negativity. I enjoyed it very much and believe that you romantics out there will enjoy it as well.
NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
In contrast to this heaviness, Brent gets a glimpse of how a relationship should be from Ethan, a coworker. Peeking through the dark cloud of Tyler's selfishness is Ethan, always helpful, cheerful, considerate, and willing to listen. Ethan is waiting patiently in the background for the dust to settle enough for Brent to acknowledge him. Brent needs someone like Ethan, who will lighten his burden, not add to it.
'Training Cats' is an endearing love story with a strong reminder that life is too short to live with negativity. I enjoyed it very much and believe that you romantics out there will enjoy it as well.
NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
December 9, 2013
To read more of my reviews, please visit http://onsilverwingz.blogspot.com/201...
3.5 Stars rounded to 3
The book mainly focuses on how Brent accepts that Tyler is a lover that he cannot please and so Tyler is not the right boyfriend for him. Behind the scenes, Evan is watching this couple and waiting for his chance. He places a bet with himself and buys a pack of plain M&Ms to lure in Brent.
The change in scenes between Brent and Evan is not very clear and unexpected. The first time I read through it, I was confused on the new set of characters (Evan and his sister). However, after the the second read-through, the extra scenes really help to show Evan's story, his family, and where he's coming from.
The pacing is perfect is this story and I can't stop reading to find out how Brent breaks up with Tyler and ends up with Evan. The overall tone is light and fun, very similar to other books in the On Call series. Any book in this series would appeal to cat lovers. Although animals don't make a major contribution in this story, a new pet in the end of the book really connects Brent and Evan. Overall, it's a very sweet and cute short story.
3.5 Stars rounded to 3
The book mainly focuses on how Brent accepts that Tyler is a lover that he cannot please and so Tyler is not the right boyfriend for him. Behind the scenes, Evan is watching this couple and waiting for his chance. He places a bet with himself and buys a pack of plain M&Ms to lure in Brent.
The change in scenes between Brent and Evan is not very clear and unexpected. The first time I read through it, I was confused on the new set of characters (Evan and his sister). However, after the the second read-through, the extra scenes really help to show Evan's story, his family, and where he's coming from.
The pacing is perfect is this story and I can't stop reading to find out how Brent breaks up with Tyler and ends up with Evan. The overall tone is light and fun, very similar to other books in the On Call series. Any book in this series would appeal to cat lovers. Although animals don't make a major contribution in this story, a new pet in the end of the book really connects Brent and Evan. Overall, it's a very sweet and cute short story.
October 6, 2013
Please leave comments for my 5 sweet pea review of Training Cats at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
“I was distracted by the shiny.”
I have no idea how PD Singer does it – packs a complete story (beginning, middle, end, and just enough backstory to ground it) into so few pages. But she does and she did in this case with flair.
Evan watches his co-worker Brent as he tries to make a relationship with the selfish Tyler work. Evan lives with his sister, who knows something is bothering Evan and wishes he would take the steps necessary to either move on or take control of the situation. What she doesn’t realize, and actually, neither does Evan, he IS taking control, one M&M candy at a time.
You will cheer for Brent and Evan to find their HEA, even to the point of wanting to smack Brent up the side of the head to make him see what Tyler is doing. The ending is perfect. This is a marvelous story and you must not miss it.
“I was distracted by the shiny.”
I have no idea how PD Singer does it – packs a complete story (beginning, middle, end, and just enough backstory to ground it) into so few pages. But she does and she did in this case with flair.
Evan watches his co-worker Brent as he tries to make a relationship with the selfish Tyler work. Evan lives with his sister, who knows something is bothering Evan and wishes he would take the steps necessary to either move on or take control of the situation. What she doesn’t realize, and actually, neither does Evan, he IS taking control, one M&M candy at a time.
You will cheer for Brent and Evan to find their HEA, even to the point of wanting to smack Brent up the side of the head to make him see what Tyler is doing. The ending is perfect. This is a marvelous story and you must not miss it.
October 10, 2011
Great story about the realities of life - and, really, a lesson in how not to approach relationships. Brent has jumped into living with Tyler too soon, and is initially reluctant to give up; but when he does, he does it all the way. I liked how he then focused on what is right for him - suddenly discovering other possibilities in Evan, who had been around for a while but didn't seem so 'shiny'.
If you like 'real' men in your stories, faults and all, and are interested in watching the main character grow and change, you may like this story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review.
If you like 'real' men in your stories, faults and all, and are interested in watching the main character grow and change, you may like this story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review.
November 18, 2011
Really liked this one! Brent is a pharmacist with the self-centered but lovely to look at boyfriend. Unfortuantely he's really a jerk and Brent finally recognizes this after putting up with the guy for 5 months in his house. Evan, a coworker at the store where Brent's pharmacy is located is also easy on the eyes and lo and behold, he's also a nice guy! Lovely romantic story and now I want to read the other On Call stories.
August 17, 2013
For being such a short story, this one felt complete. You get the whole package. The story ends at the very beginning of their relationship but you know they’re going to make it without knowing all the day to day details. You never know when happiness is staring you right in the face.
You can read the rest of Lynn's review at The Novel Approach
You can read the rest of Lynn's review at The Novel Approach
September 28, 2011
Lovely short.
August 15, 2014
3.5 Stars
January 17, 2015
Lovely short.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews