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Built for You #1
Beautifully Built
Can you find love when you don't believe anyone would want you?
Logan
I can be cute, sometimes. I mean I'm a chubby introvert, but I flaunt it when I feel it. I just don't feel it that often. I've had a few nights of fun, but never a boyfriend. No one ever wanted that from me. Tonight the hottest man I have ever seen just asked me out and I actually laughed in his face. He doesn’t seem to think it’s funny and he wants to take me to dinner, not just to bed. I have one question. Why?
Caine
I just asked out the most curious man and he giggled. I've watched him all night long and he is such an oxymoron, adorably fierce and subtlety spectacular. I don't know what it is about him that I am drawn to, but I want him. Now I don't do relationships, but I'll give up all the numbers in my little black book to see him again. I just wish he would believe me.
Beautifully Built is a contemporary MM Romance with a plus size twink struggling with self acceptance and a gorgeous ginger bar owner who just wants him to look through his eyes for a while. This book includes a slight age gap, some nerdy love and one monstrous kitten. Join the employees and patrons of Built Bar as they find love for themselves and each other.
Logan
I can be cute, sometimes. I mean I'm a chubby introvert, but I flaunt it when I feel it. I just don't feel it that often. I've had a few nights of fun, but never a boyfriend. No one ever wanted that from me. Tonight the hottest man I have ever seen just asked me out and I actually laughed in his face. He doesn’t seem to think it’s funny and he wants to take me to dinner, not just to bed. I have one question. Why?
Caine
I just asked out the most curious man and he giggled. I've watched him all night long and he is such an oxymoron, adorably fierce and subtlety spectacular. I don't know what it is about him that I am drawn to, but I want him. Now I don't do relationships, but I'll give up all the numbers in my little black book to see him again. I just wish he would believe me.
Beautifully Built is a contemporary MM Romance with a plus size twink struggling with self acceptance and a gorgeous ginger bar owner who just wants him to look through his eyes for a while. This book includes a slight age gap, some nerdy love and one monstrous kitten. Join the employees and patrons of Built Bar as they find love for themselves and each other.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2021
101 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
July 10, 2024
I am disappointed. This could have been really wonderful if it wasn't so terribly written. So the writing is good, but the narration is so very rushed and the story is so filled with sex scenes ... so bleh.
At first I thought this was going to be a 5 star book, but then the first sex scene came even though it said they were going to take their time. So completely inappropriate fast.
And every sex scene is completely rushed and over super fast.
Grmpf.
The concept of a super sexy bartender falling head over heels in love with a chubby man who doesn't particularly like his body is really well done to begin with. I could relate to everything, both sides, and as for the body positivity, I was really convinced that it all fit.
“Just because you aren’t attracted to yourself doesn’t mean that others can’t be. You might not be your type, but you are mine.” 🌸🌹🌸
But then it's all sex scenes and Logan is so quickly convinced that he's beautiful ... grrr ... yes, he is beautiful, but the brain is not so easy to trick.
This was my first book by this author and unfortunately it will be the last, even though the series looks interesting and I really like the secondary characters.
At first I thought this was going to be a 5 star book, but then the first sex scene came even though it said they were going to take their time. So completely inappropriate fast.
And every sex scene is completely rushed and over super fast.
Grmpf.
The concept of a super sexy bartender falling head over heels in love with a chubby man who doesn't particularly like his body is really well done to begin with. I could relate to everything, both sides, and as for the body positivity, I was really convinced that it all fit.
“Just because you aren’t attracted to yourself doesn’t mean that others can’t be. You might not be your type, but you are mine.” 🌸🌹🌸
But then it's all sex scenes and Logan is so quickly convinced that he's beautiful ... grrr ... yes, he is beautiful, but the brain is not so easy to trick.
This was my first book by this author and unfortunately it will be the last, even though the series looks interesting and I really like the secondary characters.
August 19, 2021
The trope was good and the story could have gone somewhere but then it just didn´t.
The writing was bad, the story developped in a hurry I did not understand.
The main character had issues for his whole life and then his boyfiend mentions them and after a 30 minutes talk with his best friend all his issues are over? No, this was not for me.
The writing was bad, the story developped in a hurry I did not understand.
The main character had issues for his whole life and then his boyfiend mentions them and after a 30 minutes talk with his best friend all his issues are over? No, this was not for me.
April 27, 2026
It was just an okay story. The main character were just okay honestly there was nothing spectacular about the story. They literally fell in love with each other super fast they did the hanky-panky super fast. Everything was just fast-paced.
August 17, 2021
This was so adorable. I loved Caine! Here is this guy just living his best life and boom! In walks Logan. Caine wasn’t looking for a forever but that’s exactly what he finds with Logan.
Logan is a bigger guy with some insecurity issues. Let’s face it, we all have insecurities so Logan was very relatable. With Caine’s help, Logan starts to see that he is very lovable just as he is. I really liked how Logan knew he was a big guy, but still genuinely loved who he was on the inside. He just needed to accept that someone could love him for his outsides too.
These two were super sexy together. And once Logan gets his confidence? Definitely fire.
I really enjoyed how this story came together. We got to meet some new characters and visit with Dev and Samuel. I’m really looking forward to Emmett’s story and can wait to see how it unfolds.
*I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Logan is a bigger guy with some insecurity issues. Let’s face it, we all have insecurities so Logan was very relatable. With Caine’s help, Logan starts to see that he is very lovable just as he is. I really liked how Logan knew he was a big guy, but still genuinely loved who he was on the inside. He just needed to accept that someone could love him for his outsides too.
These two were super sexy together. And once Logan gets his confidence? Definitely fire.
I really enjoyed how this story came together. We got to meet some new characters and visit with Dev and Samuel. I’m really looking forward to Emmett’s story and can wait to see how it unfolds.
*I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
August 26, 2021
the writing was so-soand certainly could have used tighter editing, but the characters were super cute, and i liked their relationship even though it was instalove-y.
April 21, 2022
2/5 for Beautifully Built.
I was excited to this book because it features a fat protagonist, and the last book I read with a fat protagonist was really good so I was hoping to also be impressed with this one.
Some parts I loved is that the cat attack in the living room was hilarious. I was glad to see Samuel and Devon again, and I liked Syl and Emmett. I imagine Emmett is going to get with some sort of kinky partner - maybe a submissive because he expressed liking control - and that sounds great for him. I hope we get Ross and Syl’s story, too, eventually.
I can’t help but compare this book to Jam Packed, another recent release with a fat MC, and while that character also is self deprecating and struggles with fatphobia, it is done in a way where it feels handled well in a mixture of dialogue, internal monologue, and events. In this book it feels overdone, just as Logan expresses he finds himself to be annoying by its repetition. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m fat and I get it, but it was getting on my nerves.
For me the writing wasn’t quite there, just hard for me to connect. I didn’t like that sometimes there was dialogue from one character but it was followed up with actions by another character. It confused me of who was saying what sometimes. The editing and such was fine though, I didn’t see glaring issues EXCEPT the continuity over how Caine called Syl - from either Logan’s phone or from his own. The sex scenes felt lack luster and not steamy at all, and I very much disliked the moaning sounds being written out. ‘Anuhhhh’ ‘ughhhh’, no thank you. The dirty talk wasn’t very good either.
Instalove is not something I have an issue with and in fact read it quite a lot. However, I didn’t feel the connection between them they claimed to have? I also feel that instalove works better if the characters themselves don’t draw attention to it by questioning how fast it is. If someone does that, it makes it seem like it’s more an issue than it should be - or that it’s out of place. Not that side characters can’t question it, just the MCs. I believe if the author added a note/disclaimer that the series is low-angst and instalove, similar to what Jayda Marx does, they’ll benefit. It’ll draw the right audience and for reviews giving low stars because it is instalove, that informs us readers they just didn’t read the disclaimer.
At the very end, I felt myself cringing at the paragraph of Logan’s internal monologue about his self-confidence and how he felt beautiful, etcetera. It’s not that I wasn’t happy for him, don’t think he didn’t feel that way, or he shouldn’t - but the way it was so direct and the way it was worded felt so very after school special in its delivery. Almost like the author was trying to talk to the readers in encouraging body positivity instead of expressing the character and how they felt.
I was excited to this book because it features a fat protagonist, and the last book I read with a fat protagonist was really good so I was hoping to also be impressed with this one.
Some parts I loved is that the cat attack in the living room was hilarious. I was glad to see Samuel and Devon again, and I liked Syl and Emmett. I imagine Emmett is going to get with some sort of kinky partner - maybe a submissive because he expressed liking control - and that sounds great for him. I hope we get Ross and Syl’s story, too, eventually.
I can’t help but compare this book to Jam Packed, another recent release with a fat MC, and while that character also is self deprecating and struggles with fatphobia, it is done in a way where it feels handled well in a mixture of dialogue, internal monologue, and events. In this book it feels overdone, just as Logan expresses he finds himself to be annoying by its repetition. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m fat and I get it, but it was getting on my nerves.
For me the writing wasn’t quite there, just hard for me to connect. I didn’t like that sometimes there was dialogue from one character but it was followed up with actions by another character. It confused me of who was saying what sometimes. The editing and such was fine though, I didn’t see glaring issues EXCEPT the continuity over how Caine called Syl - from either Logan’s phone or from his own. The sex scenes felt lack luster and not steamy at all, and I very much disliked the moaning sounds being written out. ‘Anuhhhh’ ‘ughhhh’, no thank you. The dirty talk wasn’t very good either.
Instalove is not something I have an issue with and in fact read it quite a lot. However, I didn’t feel the connection between them they claimed to have? I also feel that instalove works better if the characters themselves don’t draw attention to it by questioning how fast it is. If someone does that, it makes it seem like it’s more an issue than it should be - or that it’s out of place. Not that side characters can’t question it, just the MCs. I believe if the author added a note/disclaimer that the series is low-angst and instalove, similar to what Jayda Marx does, they’ll benefit. It’ll draw the right audience and for reviews giving low stars because it is instalove, that informs us readers they just didn’t read the disclaimer.
At the very end, I felt myself cringing at the paragraph of Logan’s internal monologue about his self-confidence and how he felt beautiful, etcetera. It’s not that I wasn’t happy for him, don’t think he didn’t feel that way, or he shouldn’t - but the way it was so direct and the way it was worded felt so very after school special in its delivery. Almost like the author was trying to talk to the readers in encouraging body positivity instead of expressing the character and how they felt.
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September 27, 2022Well hello heavy dose of internalized fat phobia. Jesus freaking Christ. I need more books with fat characters but I need books with fat characters who don't hate their body. Or at the very least fall into every fucking stereotypical fat characteristic like making jokes about their weight or feeling kind of self-conscious about what food they're going to eat or think you know and will love them etc. It is exhausting and it's not fun for anyone. As a fat person, it is very difficult to live and thrive in a world where everyone tells you your body is bad and so I understand a certain level of internalized fat phobia, but please don't make it the character's entire personality. That is all the character talks about. It was the entire plot of this book and he was magically fixed of all of his self-esteem issues within like two weeks of meeting his boyfriend.
The best part about this book is that the character is actually fat. There is a moment at the very beginning of the book where the character says that he can't abide by the word fat and I was super worried that we were going to have some like uncomfortable come to Jesus moment about the term fat but he does finally realize that fat is not a bad word and that it's okay. One of my like favorite moments is when they talk about how he's probably going to have to lift up his belly because fuck yeah. Bellies are super freaking cute and let's let them live in romance books okay?
Anyway our other main character had literally no personality and this is a very mediocre book. I received a free copy from gay romance reviews and exchange for reviews and had I not committed to giving reviews I don't know that I would have continued with this series.
The best part about this book is that the character is actually fat. There is a moment at the very beginning of the book where the character says that he can't abide by the word fat and I was super worried that we were going to have some like uncomfortable come to Jesus moment about the term fat but he does finally realize that fat is not a bad word and that it's okay. One of my like favorite moments is when they talk about how he's probably going to have to lift up his belly because fuck yeah. Bellies are super freaking cute and let's let them live in romance books okay?
Anyway our other main character had literally no personality and this is a very mediocre book. I received a free copy from gay romance reviews and exchange for reviews and had I not committed to giving reviews I don't know that I would have continued with this series.
October 2, 2022
Not enough romance books feature men in larger bodies unless they are everyone's favourite...‘Bears’. So I really liked Logan. His mix of confidence and insecurities was endearing, and I think something many could identify with. Liking yourself but also getting caught up in the body image issues that society projects on us. It’s tough, especially in the dating world.
Enter Caine, the bar owner who can get any man he wants but never wants them more than once. Until one night a guy at the bar captures his attention for more than just sex. Suddenly he wants to try dating. Wants to make Logan laugh as much as possible.
What ensues is a really sweet story of two men finding something real and worth trying for. They are both great people that you want to root for. They also introduce us to something other interesting people we are promised to meet in the rest of the series.
Enter Caine, the bar owner who can get any man he wants but never wants them more than once. Until one night a guy at the bar captures his attention for more than just sex. Suddenly he wants to try dating. Wants to make Logan laugh as much as possible.
What ensues is a really sweet story of two men finding something real and worth trying for. They are both great people that you want to root for. They also introduce us to something other interesting people we are promised to meet in the rest of the series.
August 26, 2021
DNF @ 45%.
Cute premise, but I cannot stand the writing. It comes off very unnatural and immature…. Our 25 and 35 year old MCs sound about 15. And Logan’s self depreciation is annoying.
Cute premise, but I cannot stand the writing. It comes off very unnatural and immature…. Our 25 and 35 year old MCs sound about 15. And Logan’s self depreciation is annoying.
September 19, 2021
3.5
Sugary sweet. Sometimes sweet is good. Sweet no angst , no conflict. These two fell quick, but they were perfect together. I’m not a I love you in the first week type of girl, but it where they were at. The writing was good, the smexy was nice, and the side characters we ok. This was an insta type story so be prepared
Sugary sweet. Sometimes sweet is good. Sweet no angst , no conflict. These two fell quick, but they were perfect together. I’m not a I love you in the first week type of girl, but it where they were at. The writing was good, the smexy was nice, and the side characters we ok. This was an insta type story so be prepared
August 18, 2021
I’m so sorry Miss Compton for this review.
I liked it but I didn’t enjoy it. I was happy for Samuel and Devon many appearances and saw that things are amazing between them.
This not bad at all but the insta love was too much. They met, fall in love with each other, said the L words and meet the family and friends after like a week or so. For an A grade manwhore or a self proclaimed slut (the author put it in every page like we needed to be reminded of it all the time especially when they are having sex!! )who has never been in a relationship and only hook ups all his life, settle down and man with big self esteem issues who struggled to love himself and his chubby body for years, but through all of it and his self confidences was glowing, all of this in just a few days . It’s not believable.
The sex was okay but too quick, I’m not fan of very needy bottoms and the dirty talk wasn’t sexy and meh. I liked when Logan topped for the 1st time in his life though.
A few others niggles. The cum jokes, awful. Pet names like dirty boy and big papa didn’t work here. There are some inconsistencies like when Logan freaked out? Cain called Syl to tell him to go and check on him, Syl said Cain called him from Logan’s phone and a few chapters later, Cain said he called Syl from his phone and that they exchanged phone numbers when they met at the bar a few days ago)
There’s a 3 months HEA but it ended with Emmet ( Cain’s bff and business partner) Pov in the Epilogue like a prequel for the next book. He’s a very good guy who deserves happiness, he suffered a lot through the years. It would be interesting if his love interest was Sparkles aka Syl ( Logan’s bff) since he said Em was hot.
I liked it but I didn’t enjoy it. I was happy for Samuel and Devon many appearances and saw that things are amazing between them.
This not bad at all but the insta love was too much. They met, fall in love with each other, said the L words and meet the family and friends after like a week or so. For an A grade manwhore or a self proclaimed slut (the author put it in every page like we needed to be reminded of it all the time especially when they are having sex!! )who has never been in a relationship and only hook ups all his life, settle down and man with big self esteem issues who struggled to love himself and his chubby body for years, but through all of it and his self confidences was glowing, all of this in just a few days . It’s not believable.
The sex was okay but too quick, I’m not fan of very needy bottoms and the dirty talk wasn’t sexy and meh. I liked when Logan topped for the 1st time in his life though.
A few others niggles. The cum jokes, awful. Pet names like dirty boy and big papa didn’t work here. There are some inconsistencies like when Logan freaked out? Cain called Syl to tell him to go and check on him, Syl said Cain called him from Logan’s phone and a few chapters later, Cain said he called Syl from his phone and that they exchanged phone numbers when they met at the bar a few days ago)
There’s a 3 months HEA but it ended with Emmet ( Cain’s bff and business partner) Pov in the Epilogue like a prequel for the next book. He’s a very good guy who deserves happiness, he suffered a lot through the years. It would be interesting if his love interest was Sparkles aka Syl ( Logan’s bff) since he said Em was hot.
October 3, 2022
A nice story of how Logan, who views himself as a chubby twink on a good day, is convinced to view his body with more confidence by how much Caine is drawn to him.
I loved the unwavering attraction and support Caine threw Logan's way - because while Logan believed in himself, he easily got bogged down in his negative body image feelings. It was wonderful to hear Caine reassuring him over and over that he was truly attracted to Logan just the way he was.
The last chapter was a fantastic growth summary of how far Logan had come, I loved that part of the book. It was also amazing to finally see him stand up for himself and believe in the fact that Caine loved him.
For me, the lacking part of the story was that I didn't really feel a huge connection to Caine, nor did I really feel his emotions for Logan - it was more that I was told he loved Logan. I liked the story and characters, but didn't fall in love with them. I will continue this with the next book in the series because I am interested in Emmett and how he is going to find love! This book gets 3/5 stars from me.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and am glad to leave my honest review.
I loved the unwavering attraction and support Caine threw Logan's way - because while Logan believed in himself, he easily got bogged down in his negative body image feelings. It was wonderful to hear Caine reassuring him over and over that he was truly attracted to Logan just the way he was.
The last chapter was a fantastic growth summary of how far Logan had come, I loved that part of the book. It was also amazing to finally see him stand up for himself and believe in the fact that Caine loved him.
For me, the lacking part of the story was that I didn't really feel a huge connection to Caine, nor did I really feel his emotions for Logan - it was more that I was told he loved Logan. I liked the story and characters, but didn't fall in love with them. I will continue this with the next book in the series because I am interested in Emmett and how he is going to find love! This book gets 3/5 stars from me.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and am glad to leave my honest review.
October 29, 2022
I appreciate what I think this book was trying to accomplish. But I also heartily agree with other reviewers: years of talking down to yourself doesn't disappear in a month just because a hot guy said so. Also, the dialogue was very wooden. I'm a characters+dialogue reader. They pull me through even the most meh of plots. Most of the conversations here were so stilted and forced sounding that I found it painfully jarring. That said, the world needs more books with bodies of all types in them. Which isn't to say they need to be about overcoming themselves. Fat people do just exist without their whole worlds revolving around their appearance.
August 17, 2021
4.5 Stars.. A beautiful story I thought about self image. Logan has a wonderful personality that he shows when he's not putting myself down. Thankfully Caine comes along in to Logan's life and they connect. I loved the first hearing/sighting between them. Caine has the perfect name that he calls Logan which fits his fun self. Sorry I'm trying not to post spoilers here. Obviously I loved their banter and funny moments.
This is a really great book to read for Logan and Caine.
This is a really great book to read for Logan and Caine.
September 28, 2022
This one hit me deep. I have been Logan. Completely insecure about my body and feeling totally unlovable because of it. So I was really loving this story and how wonderfully patient and caring Caine was with him. Overall, it's a sweet, low-angst story, just a bit of body insecurities, bit still hot and sexy
August 21, 2021
Self-esteem
It's lovely to have a story about a bigger guy who struggles with self-esteem and body confidence. Logan seemed like everyone that has that inner voice putting them down.
It's lovely to have a story about a bigger guy who struggles with self-esteem and body confidence. Logan seemed like everyone that has that inner voice putting them down.
October 6, 2022
Beautifully Built is the first book in the Built For You series. Logan is a bigger guy with some insecurities. But he also has confidence. I loved Caine for someone who doesn’t do relationships, he sure fell down the rabbit hole with Logan. Overall, a sweet story.
January 29, 2023
There was a lot to like about this book and if I were just dipping my toe into MM Romance maybe I would have enjoyed it more….? But as it stands it was just okay. And I really just wanted Syl and Emmett to be in the book more the whole time.
January 31, 2023
This was sad because the premise was strong and could have been so powerful and entertaining. Unfortunately T.H. Compton simply rushed through to the end. Every single challenge this couple faced sweet and otherwise was just Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah I love you it’s all over, story done.
July 14, 2023
Beautifully Built ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🩷 Plus Size Twink
🩷 Age Gap
🩷 Body positivity
🩷 Found Family
🩷 A Grumpy Cat
🩷 Plus Size Twink
🩷 Age Gap
🩷 Body positivity
🩷 Found Family
🩷 A Grumpy Cat
February 19, 2023
Low angst, almost insta-love. A sweet, fluffy read.
August 21, 2021
Well worth a read
This is the first book from this author for me but it won't be my last.
The story of Caine and Logan is lovely. Instalust which quickly turned into love from Caine and Logan 's massive wall of insecurities took awhile to break down but Caine patience and understanding got through them slowly. Well written and my kind of book where at least one of the MC's hasn't got the perfect body.
Only four stars as Logan's insecurities at times was a bit much for me.
Well worth a read and I'm truly hoping that Emmett's story is next.
This is the first book from this author for me but it won't be my last.
The story of Caine and Logan is lovely. Instalust which quickly turned into love from Caine and Logan 's massive wall of insecurities took awhile to break down but Caine patience and understanding got through them slowly. Well written and my kind of book where at least one of the MC's hasn't got the perfect body.
Only four stars as Logan's insecurities at times was a bit much for me.
Well worth a read and I'm truly hoping that Emmett's story is next.
August 18, 2021
Some people don't like the instant connection/love thing, I know it happens, I've experienced it, and I absolutely adore Logan and Caine together. The various side characters, human and furry, make the story even more enjoyable. I very much relate to Logan, and the way Caine just keeps supporting, encouraging, reinforcing positive image feedback, warmed my heart. A touching, positive, swooony romance with some great humor in there for good measure.
August 17, 2021
Short and sweet, a bit campy with a side of heart
This was a cute novella by a new to me author.
Logan and Caine were cute together. And I’m excited about Emmett’s book. I didn’t realized there was a prequel.
Minor spelling mistakes and inconsistencies (Syl said he got a call from Caine from Logan’s cell but then Logan says he got Syl’s number from when they hung out)
But I am looking forward to more from this author.
This was a cute novella by a new to me author.
Logan and Caine were cute together. And I’m excited about Emmett’s book. I didn’t realized there was a prequel.
Minor spelling mistakes and inconsistencies (Syl said he got a call from Caine from Logan’s cell but then Logan says he got Syl’s number from when they hung out)
But I am looking forward to more from this author.
November 29, 2021
Story plot is just a quick get together; a romance. It's to short, and to simple.
August 19, 2021
A very solid 4.5 stars!
Beautifully Built is beautifully written; an adorably sweet and steamy romance with a slight (10 years) age gap. T.H. Compton is a new author, but this book demonstrates that she will be one to look out for in the future.
Beautifully Built has a lovely cast of characters lead by Logan and Caine. Logan's body issues and resulting lack of self-confidence were sensitively written, and it seemed all the more natural that he didn’t suddenly become a gym junkie or suddenly change his diet. Instead, Logan’s journey was to learn to love himself as he was, and accept that his outside was as loveable as his inside.
“I just couldn’t believe it.”
“Believe what?”
“That I could be loved”
Through patience and understanding, Caine helped him do it, but it was really something that Logan needed to do for himself. Caine was perhaps the perfect person to help Logan in that he was already fulfilling a similar role (although platonic) for his best friend Emmett, who had his own personal burdens.
What I loved, and it's something I don't see as much of as I'd like, is that Caine, as 10yrs Logan's senior, actually acted it. Caine demonstrated his maturity versus Logan's youth. Not to say Logan was immature, but the emotional maturity of the average 25yo vs the average 35yo is quite different, primarily due to life experiences and pure biology. It was good to see Caine use his maturity to have perspective on Logan's issues and use his experience to help Logan on his path.
Beautifully Built did have a few 'new author' teething problems. For the first few chapters, the pacing felt a bit out of sync, although this smoothed out as the book progressed, and also in the first few chapters, the dialogue was sometimes a bit clunky, but again this smoothed out as the author found her stride. Overall, this book was brilliant, and I can't wait to see what this author can do with a bit more experience under her belt!
The humour in this book was used effectively, and I often found myself grinning or chuckling. It also had the best first line of a book I've read in a long time:
“Waking up is hard, especially when the first thing you see when you open your eyes is cat ass.”
Beautifully Built would have to be one of the most drama-free books I've read in a really long time. There was one dramatic moment, although it barely registered on my angst-o-meter, and it was resolved very quickly. I kept waiting for something to happen, but it never did. This was really just a sweet romance story.
However, for what it lacked in drama, it made up for in heat! This was way more sexy and steamy than I expected. It wasn't gratuitous though, the scenes were intimate and romantic and heavy on the steam. Logan may have been insecure and self-conscious to start, but once he finds his feet, watch out!
I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series. I’m assuming the next one will be Emmett’s story, and I have a suspicion (or maybe it’s wishful thinking) as to who his person of interest will be. I can’t wait to find out if I’m right!
Beautifully Built is a captivating story about loving yourself and believing that others can love you too. It is a light, feel-good read with humour and plenty of steam. It is character-driven, and those characters are well developed, very likeable, and easy to empathise with. T.H. Compton packs a rich and engaging story into a relatively small book, and I highly recommend reading it. It's almost guaranteed to brighten your day.
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September 9, 2021
ok
I love books where at least one of the MC is different from the usual twink or meat head. I know most readers are women but if you’ve actually seen into the LGBTQ community you’d see how toxic it can be on image. If your overweight you don’t fit into any image and it’s just really sad.
While I like how the author tried to incorporate the whole scene. The only problem was Caine for me while his past partners have looked a certain way it’s nearly impossible for him to find someone he’s never found attractive to be attractive to him. These kind of people will only go for someone else who’s outside of their normal if they had some kind of personality trait they’ve lacked or never seen in another person that brings out the best in them. But that’s just in reality and this book is non fiction of course.
While people are annoyed with Logan’s low self esteem I find it logical in a community where your image doesn’t fit into any category. Like it was said in the beginning men used Logan but never wanted to be with him and that’s sadly the truth. I think it’s hard to come to acceptance of one self in this image but over time you learn to love yourself. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Overall book was ok for me just unrealistic but hey if it works for other ppl that’s awesome.
I love books where at least one of the MC is different from the usual twink or meat head. I know most readers are women but if you’ve actually seen into the LGBTQ community you’d see how toxic it can be on image. If your overweight you don’t fit into any image and it’s just really sad.
While I like how the author tried to incorporate the whole scene. The only problem was Caine for me while his past partners have looked a certain way it’s nearly impossible for him to find someone he’s never found attractive to be attractive to him. These kind of people will only go for someone else who’s outside of their normal if they had some kind of personality trait they’ve lacked or never seen in another person that brings out the best in them. But that’s just in reality and this book is non fiction of course.
While people are annoyed with Logan’s low self esteem I find it logical in a community where your image doesn’t fit into any category. Like it was said in the beginning men used Logan but never wanted to be with him and that’s sadly the truth. I think it’s hard to come to acceptance of one self in this image but over time you learn to love yourself. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Overall book was ok for me just unrealistic but hey if it works for other ppl that’s awesome.
September 25, 2022
Insta-love, sweet characters, a cat with attitude, and a sparkly best friend
I loved Logan, with him liking who he was but not how he looked. Most people have a hang-up about some part of them and seeing him struggle with accepting his weight and covering his hang-up with self-deprecating humour rang true. I especially liked his relationship with his best friend, Syl, who was his fiercest supporter.
Watching Caine being captivated by Logan from the first moment he became aware of him, how he appreciating everything about Logan and telling him so, was sweet.
I didn't have a problem with the insta-love, even though it wasn't advertised as such, but I found it hard to believe how quickly Logan got over his body issues. A matter of days and he's suddenly strutting around Caine's apartment naked and unconcerned? That didn't ring true.
As with the short story that introduced the seires, Bold Beginnings, this realy needed to be proofread before publishing, because the errors were jarring. It was written using the past tense but slipped into the present tense often, even in the same sentence. There were missed words and typos too, my favourite being when a character ran some 'mouse' through his hair. Eeeek!
Despite the problems, I liked the overall story and the supporting characters too. I'm off to read Becoming Built now and I'm really looking forward to Emmett's story.
I loved Logan, with him liking who he was but not how he looked. Most people have a hang-up about some part of them and seeing him struggle with accepting his weight and covering his hang-up with self-deprecating humour rang true. I especially liked his relationship with his best friend, Syl, who was his fiercest supporter.
Watching Caine being captivated by Logan from the first moment he became aware of him, how he appreciating everything about Logan and telling him so, was sweet.
I didn't have a problem with the insta-love, even though it wasn't advertised as such, but I found it hard to believe how quickly Logan got over his body issues. A matter of days and he's suddenly strutting around Caine's apartment naked and unconcerned? That didn't ring true.
As with the short story that introduced the seires, Bold Beginnings, this realy needed to be proofread before publishing, because the errors were jarring. It was written using the past tense but slipped into the present tense often, even in the same sentence. There were missed words and typos too, my favourite being when a character ran some 'mouse' through his hair. Eeeek!
Despite the problems, I liked the overall story and the supporting characters too. I'm off to read Becoming Built now and I'm really looking forward to Emmett's story.
January 30, 2023
Finding books with larger bodied mmc's is difficult, and finding ones that are well-written and plot/romance driven (rather than making the body image issues of said mmc the main focus) is even more difficult.
Enter Beautifully Built by TH Compton
I loved Logan and Cain's characters and while Logan is def a self-conscious about his size it's never the main hangup of their relationship and he lives a full life with work, interests and friends. His insecurities mixed with his confidence felt real as was his initial attraction to (and doubts about) Cain and his interest in him.
Yes he did focus a lot on his internalised body image issue and fatphobia and it felt a bit repetitive and unnecessary, but if this was his first relationship with an insanely hot guy (which is seems it is) AND they have that insta-love/lust connection it's 100% understandable that you would almost try to keep reminding the other person of your flaws so that can keep reassuring you that they'll stay.
Cain's 180 degree turn from love-'em and leave 'em, to seriously wanting to keep Logan was also adorable (if a bit fast) and the way he kept showing Logan he loved him for ALL of him (and not despite his weight, or to heal his insecurities of any such nonsense) was really sweet and cute to read. Cain's warm and encouraging support of Logan's issues was also very sweet to read.
They felt like a real couple that I would root for.
Enter Beautifully Built by TH Compton
I loved Logan and Cain's characters and while Logan is def a self-conscious about his size it's never the main hangup of their relationship and he lives a full life with work, interests and friends. His insecurities mixed with his confidence felt real as was his initial attraction to (and doubts about) Cain and his interest in him.
Yes he did focus a lot on his internalised body image issue and fatphobia and it felt a bit repetitive and unnecessary, but if this was his first relationship with an insanely hot guy (which is seems it is) AND they have that insta-love/lust connection it's 100% understandable that you would almost try to keep reminding the other person of your flaws so that can keep reassuring you that they'll stay.
Cain's 180 degree turn from love-'em and leave 'em, to seriously wanting to keep Logan was also adorable (if a bit fast) and the way he kept showing Logan he loved him for ALL of him (and not despite his weight, or to heal his insecurities of any such nonsense) was really sweet and cute to read. Cain's warm and encouraging support of Logan's issues was also very sweet to read.
They felt like a real couple that I would root for.
September 8, 2021
The story was a really enjoyable and quick read with no angst just sweet romance.
Opposites attract - we have a plus size twink who struggling with accepting his body and on the other hand we have a guy with a body of gods (LOL).
I think there isn't enough (and if there were, it just never can't be enough) plus size gay romances and it was a bit fresh air for me too. We're always reading about perfect characters, but in this book we can see that body image isn't important. You are just beautiful the way you are. There are someone out there who will find you attractive no matter what, even if you don't accept your body, they will.
For me the storyline and the romance was too insta but I'm not complaining at all. It was a predictable and quick romance. The MCs were meeting in a bar, intant chemistry, dating and falling in love. No angst, no drama.
I missed the deep emotions and they weren't coming through to me at all. The sex scenes were *meh* too, I mean we knew that Logan only had bad experiences and Caine told him that their first time (and all after that) will be different and mind blowing - so I was expecting a bit more heat and more detailed scenes. They weren't bad, but it was only a 3 heat level on a 5 scale.
I enjoyed reading the book and since it's the author's first book, I'm really looking forward to the others. It's a great start.
Opposites attract - we have a plus size twink who struggling with accepting his body and on the other hand we have a guy with a body of gods (LOL).
I think there isn't enough (and if there were, it just never can't be enough) plus size gay romances and it was a bit fresh air for me too. We're always reading about perfect characters, but in this book we can see that body image isn't important. You are just beautiful the way you are. There are someone out there who will find you attractive no matter what, even if you don't accept your body, they will.
For me the storyline and the romance was too insta but I'm not complaining at all. It was a predictable and quick romance. The MCs were meeting in a bar, intant chemistry, dating and falling in love. No angst, no drama.
I missed the deep emotions and they weren't coming through to me at all. The sex scenes were *meh* too, I mean we knew that Logan only had bad experiences and Caine told him that their first time (and all after that) will be different and mind blowing - so I was expecting a bit more heat and more detailed scenes. They weren't bad, but it was only a 3 heat level on a 5 scale.
I enjoyed reading the book and since it's the author's first book, I'm really looking forward to the others. It's a great start.
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