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Rise and Shine #1
Duck and Dive
A gay romantic comedy novella about trying to come out and failing spectacularly.
Arthur knows it’s about time he came out – and he’s determined to do just that. The problem? Each and every attempt has been derailed. Thwarted, if you will. If it’s not the stress injury, it’s the takeaway deliveries or the nosy neighbour checking in with her spiced apple muffins. Then there’s the elderly residents of the Sunset Villas retirement home complicating matters, not to mention the gorgeous straight guy from the driving range.
If only Arthur could get his act together…
Arthur knows it’s about time he came out – and he’s determined to do just that. The problem? Each and every attempt has been derailed. Thwarted, if you will. If it’s not the stress injury, it’s the takeaway deliveries or the nosy neighbour checking in with her spiced apple muffins. Then there’s the elderly residents of the Sunset Villas retirement home complicating matters, not to mention the gorgeous straight guy from the driving range.
If only Arthur could get his act together…
79 pages, ebook
First published May 22, 2020
40 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
G.B. Ralph
8 books98 followersG. B. Ralph is a Kiwi author of cosy mysteries and romantic comedies. His writing features chaotic yet lovable characters getting into trouble, an astonishing amount of crime, and handsome men falling for each other.
He’s currently documenting the increasingly implausible series of murders sweeping an enchanting small New Zealand town in The Milverton Mysteries, once described as “Agatha Christie, but make it gay.”
For updates, free short stories and to join his mailing list, visit gbralph.com
He’s currently documenting the increasingly implausible series of murders sweeping an enchanting small New Zealand town in The Milverton Mysteries, once described as “Agatha Christie, but make it gay.”
For updates, free short stories and to join his mailing list, visit gbralph.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 28, 2021
I don’t really enjoy books were the humor comes from making the main character a neurotic bumbling mess. He also has obnoxious best friends who I would hate to spend 5 minutes with. In stead, I was stuck reading their boring attempts at being funny and cringing as the lame jokes went on and on. Needless to say, I won’t be reading any more from this series. I’m sure the author appreciates that I won’t be writing any more reviews.
July 4, 2021
2.5 stars. Read for a group challenge, think this one was a freebie. Took almost until the end to get into this one. Glad it was short. Pretty much a guy struggling to come out, suffering through attempted hook ups from his friends. Instantly did not like the neighbour. I thought the friends were going to be nasty, but I liked how easy going their reactions were. Now that he’s out of the closet, will probably get around to reading the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2020
I feel incredibly cool because this is first book I’ve ever read where I know the author personally! And yes I realise how nerdy that statement is. But I promise my review is genuine so fear not! This was a fun and playful novella about adorably awkward Arthur, his hilariously pushy friends, a very nosy neighbour named Patty (confession: she was my fave), a nursing home full of cheeky old folks and let’s not forget the dreamboat himself, Gabriel. I was smiling and giggling through most of the story and I felt like I really got to know and love the characters, which is especially impressive given this is a short book. If you want an entertaining and heartwarming way to spend an afternoon, this is the book for you!
June 15, 2020
I really struggled to read this one - without waking my partner from laughter!
Such a fun, easy read, I can't remember the last time I read for so long without even thinking about looking at my phone (I know, terrible...), and I didn't even need to stay up all night to finish it!
For me this was also a light-hearted foray into what I imagine daily life is like for many closeted gays, and Ralph also nails the standard straight British blokes which make up the main character's friends.
Such a fun, easy read, I can't remember the last time I read for so long without even thinking about looking at my phone (I know, terrible...), and I didn't even need to stay up all night to finish it!
For me this was also a light-hearted foray into what I imagine daily life is like for many closeted gays, and Ralph also nails the standard straight British blokes which make up the main character's friends.
June 17, 2020
Finished it in one sitting! Granted, it is a novella so it only took and hour, but it was a very enjoyable one ☺️ I can’t wait to read more of your work.
June 19, 2024
Ok ok ok I couldn’t put this book down, Arthur and his situation was so relateable in ways to me! I loved reading it! I was in fits of laughter and there were a few heart touching moments there too!
For my first foray into the realm of romance/comedy this was an excellent starting point for me.
ka mau te wehi
For my first foray into the realm of romance/comedy this was an excellent starting point for me.
ka mau te wehi
June 17, 2020
This was short & cute.
July 28, 2021
Nice work G B Ralph!
Was an easy, fun read.
Looking forward to reading your other work 🙂
Was an easy, fun read.
Looking forward to reading your other work 🙂
January 2, 2023
Loved this book
It is so sweet and funny. Can't wait to read the second book in the series
It is so sweet and funny. Can't wait to read the second book in the series
November 29, 2021
Love these novellas.
I bought the entire series and am looking forward to reading the next one. Fun characters that make me smile and delightful romance.
I bought the entire series and am looking forward to reading the next one. Fun characters that make me smile and delightful romance.
June 28, 2020
'Duck & Dive' by G.B. Ralph was such a quick and fun book to read.
The plot focuses on Arthur, a closeted man on the verge of turning 30, who has decided to come out to his childhood best-friends. But something or the other always comes in the way of his 'coming out' plans.
There's no drama, no complications in the story and that makes it an easy read. It has all the makings of a fun gay romantic comedy. Grab a glass of coffee/wine or whatever it is that you like on the sides while reading and grab a copy. Especially if you looking for something that's chick-lit, but with a gay lead.
A lot of it is very relatable. I took a screenshot of a page where the hero whines about how he never gets to celebrate his birthday his way, and sent it to a friend. Because it reminded me of him. There are very few characters, which is a boon, because you never get confused about 'who is who'.
The only hiccup with this book - it's a pretty predictable. But enjoyable nonetheless!
The plot focuses on Arthur, a closeted man on the verge of turning 30, who has decided to come out to his childhood best-friends. But something or the other always comes in the way of his 'coming out' plans.
There's no drama, no complications in the story and that makes it an easy read. It has all the makings of a fun gay romantic comedy. Grab a glass of coffee/wine or whatever it is that you like on the sides while reading and grab a copy. Especially if you looking for something that's chick-lit, but with a gay lead.
A lot of it is very relatable. I took a screenshot of a page where the hero whines about how he never gets to celebrate his birthday his way, and sent it to a friend. Because it reminded me of him. There are very few characters, which is a boon, because you never get confused about 'who is who'.
The only hiccup with this book - it's a pretty predictable. But enjoyable nonetheless!
July 25, 2020
Proud Mumma!!
Congratulations on your first self published work! I thoroughly enjoyed this light and entertaining journey of Arthur's exhausting efforts to come out to his friends. A daunting and emotional situation treated with reality and humour.
Proud Mumma moment! So now...no more spiced apple muffins for you! (I thought they were your favourite)
Congratulations on your first self published work! I thoroughly enjoyed this light and entertaining journey of Arthur's exhausting efforts to come out to his friends. A daunting and emotional situation treated with reality and humour.
Proud Mumma moment! So now...no more spiced apple muffins for you! (I thought they were your favourite)
January 12, 2021
I basically ate the book up in one sitting.
The author managed to create a very lovable main character in Arthur. Surrounded him with wonderfully diverse and well rounded friends and acquaintances, and then placed him in the most hilarious situations.
A definite must read, I'm grabbing book 2 immediately to see what else Arthur gets up to.
The author managed to create a very lovable main character in Arthur. Surrounded him with wonderfully diverse and well rounded friends and acquaintances, and then placed him in the most hilarious situations.
A definite must read, I'm grabbing book 2 immediately to see what else Arthur gets up to.
September 11, 2020
Entertaining, fun read. Light, bright & very enjoyable
Great characters, real people, Richard’s a bit of a pain but Arthur is loveable. Definitely a novella not a book but well worth reading. Cheers
Great characters, real people, Richard’s a bit of a pain but Arthur is loveable. Definitely a novella not a book but well worth reading. Cheers
September 16, 2022
super cute story
What can I say. It was a sweet romance and a fast easy read. Arthur’s constant worry and anxiety about coming out, while trying to work up the nerve to say something to his crush…relatable. Highly recommend and look forward to the remaining two books.
What can I say. It was a sweet romance and a fast easy read. Arthur’s constant worry and anxiety about coming out, while trying to work up the nerve to say something to his crush…relatable. Highly recommend and look forward to the remaining two books.
August 25, 2022
This was entirely character driven as there was very little plot. Everything happens in a span of one week. Our main character Arthur ponders about finally coming out to his best friends, Richard and Jared, but before he can gather up his courage he strains his back and concusses himself at a golf range. Attractive golf range employee Gabriel offers to check up on him for a few days while he's recovering from his ordeal.
Dear Lord, I understand friends come in all shapes and sizes and even though they say you can't choose your family but you can choose your friends sometimes you end up stuck with some you might not choose after all and Arthur's friends were the perfect example of it. If I was in Arthur's shoes I would have came out ages ago hoping it might actually help me get rid of Richard and Jared's annoying asses. As for Arthur, he was not a very likable character either, being a complete doormat to his friends and neighbors alike.
The most exciting and heartwarming thing that happened in the story was the bingo night at his late Nana's retirement home.
Themes: single POV, friends, closeted gay, coming out
Dear Lord, I understand friends come in all shapes and sizes and even though they say you can't choose your family but you can choose your friends sometimes you end up stuck with some you might not choose after all and Arthur's friends were the perfect example of it. If I was in Arthur's shoes I would have came out ages ago hoping it might actually help me get rid of Richard and Jared's annoying asses. As for Arthur, he was not a very likable character either, being a complete doormat to his friends and neighbors alike.
The most exciting and heartwarming thing that happened in the story was the bingo night at his late Nana's retirement home.
Themes: single POV, friends, closeted gay, coming out
February 9, 2025
sweet low angst romance
Rating: 4🌈
I discovered G B Ralph through his delightful cozy mysteries, The Milverton Mysteries. Ralph’s stories are tend towards the same elements. Character driven stories with the people , all of them with their faults included, fully realized and completely layered with human frailties. These characters carry the fears, joys as well as inabilities to move forward that the reader might recognize from their realities . It certainly makes them relatable.
If not occasionally a tad frustrating.
In this sweet, short trilogy, Ralph gives us the journey of Arthur and Gabriel, from Arthur’s awkward coming out to their relationship happily ending.
Each novella a sweet quick tale of a section of passage through that journey.
Duck and Dive starts it off with Arthur, an awkward Duckling trying to come out to friends and well, anyone, that’s he’s gay. And it’s not going well.
This is sweet, funny, painful in its own way in that you feel for Arthur in his fears and yearning to be out at his age. And his friends don’t make it easy.
Read all three together for a delightful lighthearted romantic afternoon.
Definitely recommended.
Cute covers
Rise and Shine Trilogy , complete :
Duck and Dive #1
Slip and Slide #2
Over and Out #3
Rating: 4🌈
I discovered G B Ralph through his delightful cozy mysteries, The Milverton Mysteries. Ralph’s stories are tend towards the same elements. Character driven stories with the people , all of them with their faults included, fully realized and completely layered with human frailties. These characters carry the fears, joys as well as inabilities to move forward that the reader might recognize from their realities . It certainly makes them relatable.
If not occasionally a tad frustrating.
In this sweet, short trilogy, Ralph gives us the journey of Arthur and Gabriel, from Arthur’s awkward coming out to their relationship happily ending.
Each novella a sweet quick tale of a section of passage through that journey.
Duck and Dive starts it off with Arthur, an awkward Duckling trying to come out to friends and well, anyone, that’s he’s gay. And it’s not going well.
This is sweet, funny, painful in its own way in that you feel for Arthur in his fears and yearning to be out at his age. And his friends don’t make it easy.
Read all three together for a delightful lighthearted romantic afternoon.
Definitely recommended.
Cute covers
Rise and Shine Trilogy , complete :
Duck and Dive #1
Slip and Slide #2
Over and Out #3
October 19, 2021
REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Duck and Dive by G B Ralph is the first book in the Rise and Shine gay romance series. Arthur wants to come out to his buddies but something or someone is always getting in the way. Distracted by his own thoughts, he manages to injure himself at the driving range, and he suddenly finds Gabriel, a gorgeous employee of the range, eager and ready to come to his aid. Is this guy just super nice, or is he attracted to Arthur? Arthur could never be that lucky, or could he?⠀
⠀
This light and fun novella is your typical⠀
Rom-Com. There is plenty of witty banter, a pair of annoying best friends, a gorgeous hottie with a heart of gold, and sexual tension that you can cut with a knife. The friends, Jared and Richard, managed to get on my nerves, but the chemistry between Arthur and Gabriel is priceless. If you are looking for a light-hearted read to make you smile and on occasion laugh out loud then you cannot miss with this little gem. ⠀
⠀
This light and fun novella is your typical⠀
Rom-Com. There is plenty of witty banter, a pair of annoying best friends, a gorgeous hottie with a heart of gold, and sexual tension that you can cut with a knife. The friends, Jared and Richard, managed to get on my nerves, but the chemistry between Arthur and Gabriel is priceless. If you are looking for a light-hearted read to make you smile and on occasion laugh out loud then you cannot miss with this little gem. ⠀
June 15, 2023
Arthur overthought everything, but when he did he wouldn’t pay attention to his surroundings, which leads to preventable accidents. Gabriel was great. The neighbor, Patty, was insufferable. Arthur’s friend, Richard, was a crude, ignorant, disrespectful and childish. I assume he was supposed to be funny but he’s the reason this is 3 stars and not 4. The friend Jared seemed like he was really just there because he had no other friends. He was on Arthur’s side maybe the first chapter; after that, he joined in on Richard’s childish behavior and comments. This story could’ve done without both of them.
July 19, 2021
For a quick and free amazon kindle read I was thoroughly impressed. The beginning made me wonder if I would really enjoy it when I got a taste of the broski Richard. However, once "Nurse Gabriel" enters the scene and the fun between Arthur trying to hide his feelings and the possibility of Gabriela's status is eluded too... Yup... I enjoyed this.
I loved the humor the most and the coming out scene was epic. Perfectly placed and not only hilarious but also heartfelt.
If you get a chance to snag any of Ralph's work, I highly recommend doing so!
I loved the humor the most and the coming out scene was epic. Perfectly placed and not only hilarious but also heartfelt.
If you get a chance to snag any of Ralph's work, I highly recommend doing so!
August 22, 2021
Over the top romcom novella about a sad sack named Arthur trying to tell his mates he's gay. One of them, Richard, truly lives up to his nickname. I probably only finished it bc it was pretty short. (I dnf'ed the next book, Slip and Slide, at 20%. I thought the book was going to pick up the next part of the story from Gabriel's perspective, and as he seemed the more sympathetic of the two MCs, I carried on. But the first couple of chapters were just retelling the last book from his POV, and then jumping forward in time awkwardly. Not my cup of tea.)
May 23, 2022
Feel a like a first draft.
The MC was a little hard to connect with, he definitely needs to learn how to stand up for himself, the whole world seems to walk all over him. His only conflict was internal, and not very compelling. Richard the best friend is an absolute bellend, can't fathom anyone wanting to spend any time with him at all.
This is a nice little idea for a meet cute that probably needs the help of an editor (or at least a few professional first readers) to make it to a complete story.
The MC was a little hard to connect with, he definitely needs to learn how to stand up for himself, the whole world seems to walk all over him. His only conflict was internal, and not very compelling. Richard the best friend is an absolute bellend, can't fathom anyone wanting to spend any time with him at all.
This is a nice little idea for a meet cute that probably needs the help of an editor (or at least a few professional first readers) to make it to a complete story.
June 15, 2021
Me reí bastante y disfrute mucho de las interacciones entre Arthur y Gabriel, cada tanto estaba muriéndome de risa esperando que no me escucharán los vecinos.
Creo que lo único que no me terminó de gustar o convencer de este libro fueron las personalidades de los dos amigos de Arthur, las veces que salían me estresaba un poco, no son personas con las que yo personalmente me sentiría cómoda y realmente no me gustaron, pero Art y Gabs son bellísimos y los amo.
Creo que lo único que no me terminó de gustar o convencer de este libro fueron las personalidades de los dos amigos de Arthur, las veces que salían me estresaba un poco, no son personas con las que yo personalmente me sentiría cómoda y realmente no me gustaron, pero Art y Gabs son bellísimos y los amo.
November 19, 2023
3/3.5*
A nice easy romance.
Arthur is struggling how to tell his best friends he is gay - and being a bit of a klutz, things don't go to plan.
Enter Gabriel - almost angelic! - as his saviour and designated carer while injured.
After lots of shopping by Gabriel, far too many inappropriate and cringy comments from friends Jared and Richard, the truth comes out, so does Gabriel and a potential romance is launched!
Light and fluffy, enjoyable - off to get the other books!
A nice easy romance.
Arthur is struggling how to tell his best friends he is gay - and being a bit of a klutz, things don't go to plan.
Enter Gabriel - almost angelic! - as his saviour and designated carer while injured.
After lots of shopping by Gabriel, far too many inappropriate and cringy comments from friends Jared and Richard, the truth comes out, so does Gabriel and a potential romance is launched!
Light and fluffy, enjoyable - off to get the other books!
April 24, 2021
Sweet and goofy
There is no sex in this sweet little romance. There is a lot of physical comedy. The whole thing is about coming out to friends, which can be a difficult thing, but I would've liked to learn more about the characters. What is Gabriel studying? What does Arthur do at work?
There is no sex in this sweet little romance. There is a lot of physical comedy. The whole thing is about coming out to friends, which can be a difficult thing, but I would've liked to learn more about the characters. What is Gabriel studying? What does Arthur do at work?
February 19, 2022
eu amei muito kkkkkk a leitura foi super rápida, um presentinho dos céus pq eu achei do nada e amei !
Arthur reizinho nervoso que no final conseguiu sobreviver os amigos e o desespero de saber se o Gabriel era ou não o homem da vida dele kkkk
Nurse Gabriel anjo incompreendido kkkkk mas no final conseguiu o homem!
O Rich e o Jared 10/10 friendship goals !
5 ⭐️ iconic !
quote (!!)
Arthur reizinho nervoso que no final conseguiu sobreviver os amigos e o desespero de saber se o Gabriel era ou não o homem da vida dele kkkk
Nurse Gabriel anjo incompreendido kkkkk mas no final conseguiu o homem!
O Rich e o Jared 10/10 friendship goals !
5 ⭐️ iconic !
quote (!!)
January 10, 2025
This book starts with our hero whispering "I'm gay" in a mirror, to shouting the same words in a crowded bar--which I loved. This is a super-cute little story of our hero coming out, with the help of a hot and hunky friend. It's only 96 pages, but that is perfect for this story.
Fun from beginning to end.
c.t.h.
Fun from beginning to end.
c.t.h.
September 5, 2020
This fun read captures the circus of love at first sight and subsequent negotiation drive. With insightful vocabulary the script, full of comic innuendo, frolicks with pace around and over rocks of social encounter. Definitely recommend.
June 24, 2021
Could have done with being a little longer. This was ' insta love' I think it happens all in less than a week.
February 22, 2022
Pretty funny
So there were plenty of laugh out loud moments. Especially near the ending. I'm just amazed no one has popped my room asking me what I was laughing about.
So there were plenty of laugh out loud moments. Especially near the ending. I'm just amazed no one has popped my room asking me what I was laughing about.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews