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VGL Male Seeks Same
Poor Ethan Schwartz. It seems like he will never find that special someone. At age 42, he's still alone, his bed still empty, and his 42-inch HDTV overworked. He's tried the bars and other places where gay men are supposed to find one another, but for Ethan, it never works out. He wonders if it ever will. Should he get a cat?
But all of that is about to change. At work, Ethan hears about a website that promises to deliver more than just the tawdry hook-ups associated with so many other sites. Ethan wants romance, and although he's always been a little shy about the whole cyber-dating scene, he figures he has nothing to lose.
Well, maybe he does have something to lose: his self-esteem. After he posts his profile, he gets zero responses. But Ethan realizes one thing about the cyberworld that isn't true in the real one: Online, Ethan can be anyone he wants to be.
And a new persona is born. The new Ethan is handsome (with someone else's pic) and the sudden recipient of dozens of online come-ons. What Ethan doesn't count on, however, is finding--among the propositions and the flattery--his one true love. Not just a gorgeous man, but one who suits him in almost every way.
How does Ethan turn his budding cyber love into a real one? And can he hang on to his mystery suitor without turning him off with his deception?
Genres: Gay / Contemporary / Romantic Comedy / BDSM (Light)
But all of that is about to change. At work, Ethan hears about a website that promises to deliver more than just the tawdry hook-ups associated with so many other sites. Ethan wants romance, and although he's always been a little shy about the whole cyber-dating scene, he figures he has nothing to lose.
Well, maybe he does have something to lose: his self-esteem. After he posts his profile, he gets zero responses. But Ethan realizes one thing about the cyberworld that isn't true in the real one: Online, Ethan can be anyone he wants to be.
And a new persona is born. The new Ethan is handsome (with someone else's pic) and the sudden recipient of dozens of online come-ons. What Ethan doesn't count on, however, is finding--among the propositions and the flattery--his one true love. Not just a gorgeous man, but one who suits him in almost every way.
How does Ethan turn his budding cyber love into a real one? And can he hang on to his mystery suitor without turning him off with his deception?
Genres: Gay / Contemporary / Romantic Comedy / BDSM (Light)
61 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
219 people want to read
About the author
Rick R. Reed
118 books1,048 followersReal Men. True Love.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than sixty works of published fiction, spanning genres such as horror, psychological suspense and love stories. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist and a multiple Rainbow Award winner.
Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…”
Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 10, 2014
Sweet and adorable.
Honestly, it's the kind of story you want to read with a giant glass of milk and plate full of warm chocolate chip cookies--gooey and delicious.
What do you do when you've reached a certain age and you realize all the advertised avenues for meeting prospective mates aren't working. Do you curl into your shell and wait to die or try. Try something new or stupid OR BOTH.
Ethan manages to find his unicorn, but has he oversold his own goods?
Recommended for hardcore romantics.
Favorite quote:
Honestly, it's the kind of story you want to read with a giant glass of milk and plate full of warm chocolate chip cookies--gooey and delicious.
What do you do when you've reached a certain age and you realize all the advertised avenues for meeting prospective mates aren't working. Do you curl into your shell and wait to die or try. Try something new or stupid OR BOTH.
Ethan manages to find his unicorn, but has he oversold his own goods?
Recommended for hardcore romantics.
Favorite quote:
"Where once he wondered where all the gay men were, he now wondered where all the decent ones were, the ones who weren't either so low on self-esteem they needed a booty bump of confidence or so sexually promiscuous, horny, and indiscriminate that they truly were no different from a cocker spaniel in heat."
December 9, 2008
Have you ever reached the point where you faced the mirror and pondered, “Maybe I’m destined to be alone?”
Summary:
Ethan has, and yet, he finds no solace in accepting that as his fate. Lifestyle choices only exacerbate his loneliness. For even though he’s pushing middle age, he’s far from having a face only a mother would love. Ethan could frequent the bars or clubs and, from the variety, pick up a nice-looking man to unwind his loneliness. Maybe for the night, a few days, a week, or maybe a few months, enjoy the company and waning affections of a stranger, all the while, hoping this one may turn into something more, but that’s not what Ethan wants. No, he longs for substance, compatibility, a special someone, who's in it for the long haul. A man, Ethan can feel comfortable around, a man with similar tastes, likes, dislikes, a man, whom perhaps someday, Ethan can fall in love.
After overhearing a coworker rambling on about an Internet hook-up site, Ethan begins to wonder if maybe his conventional methods of finding love are outdated, maybe evolved. With trepidation, he recreates his personal best for the site and places himself on display in the virtual meat-market. Maybe he’ll find a man, unable to find what he seeks using conventional means, on the verge of declaring celibacy, taking a chance with this modern marketplace, in hopes of finding a man like Ethan.
When his honest portrayal fails to draw interest, his self-esteem in the balance, Ethan reasons, a touch of dishonesty might be okay. Thinking many of these virtual studs must be doing just that, besides, he’d never have to meet face to face. His fanciful decision pays off. One look at Ethan’s improved (fake) user pic, and he’s bombarded with propositions. Among those, Brian, a man with substance, a man possessing uncanny compatibility with Ethan, the man of Ethan’s dreams, resides. Mutual feelings abound, Brian making his intentions clear. Problem, one of those intentions involves meeting Ethan in person.
Review:
We see a different side of Rick Reed, the horror writer, in VGL Male Seeks Same. In this contemporary romance, Reed proves his skill mapping emotion and inner workings of a lonely person in search of love, true love. While portraying loneliness often calls for angst, Reed artfully paints Ethan as realistic a person as any one of us.
Ethan, a man, who knows himself and what he wants, a personable man, who seeks same. Most can relate to this, as I did. With each new feeling, emotion, and reaction revealed, I found myself recalling when I had been there and done or felt, exactly as Ethan. Fully entwined with Ethan’s life, when Brian enters the scene, I found myself, once again, reliving my past – errs and poor judgment calls, along with the consequences.
Brian appears almost too good to be true at first, and he is, in his own way. Here again, Reed’s arsenal of skills shines, as Ethan and Brian embark on the rollercoaster ride of a budding relationship. Using realism and lighthearted humor, Reed illustrates his intended message – Know thyself, believe in who you are, remain determined in your dreams, and never give up hope – somehow, from somewhere, your prince will come bearing a love incomparable.
VGL Male Seeks Same is a realistic, yet lighthearted romance you will close with a knowing smile.
Note: m/m erotica
Summary:
Ethan has, and yet, he finds no solace in accepting that as his fate. Lifestyle choices only exacerbate his loneliness. For even though he’s pushing middle age, he’s far from having a face only a mother would love. Ethan could frequent the bars or clubs and, from the variety, pick up a nice-looking man to unwind his loneliness. Maybe for the night, a few days, a week, or maybe a few months, enjoy the company and waning affections of a stranger, all the while, hoping this one may turn into something more, but that’s not what Ethan wants. No, he longs for substance, compatibility, a special someone, who's in it for the long haul. A man, Ethan can feel comfortable around, a man with similar tastes, likes, dislikes, a man, whom perhaps someday, Ethan can fall in love.
After overhearing a coworker rambling on about an Internet hook-up site, Ethan begins to wonder if maybe his conventional methods of finding love are outdated, maybe evolved. With trepidation, he recreates his personal best for the site and places himself on display in the virtual meat-market. Maybe he’ll find a man, unable to find what he seeks using conventional means, on the verge of declaring celibacy, taking a chance with this modern marketplace, in hopes of finding a man like Ethan.
When his honest portrayal fails to draw interest, his self-esteem in the balance, Ethan reasons, a touch of dishonesty might be okay. Thinking many of these virtual studs must be doing just that, besides, he’d never have to meet face to face. His fanciful decision pays off. One look at Ethan’s improved (fake) user pic, and he’s bombarded with propositions. Among those, Brian, a man with substance, a man possessing uncanny compatibility with Ethan, the man of Ethan’s dreams, resides. Mutual feelings abound, Brian making his intentions clear. Problem, one of those intentions involves meeting Ethan in person.
Review:
We see a different side of Rick Reed, the horror writer, in VGL Male Seeks Same. In this contemporary romance, Reed proves his skill mapping emotion and inner workings of a lonely person in search of love, true love. While portraying loneliness often calls for angst, Reed artfully paints Ethan as realistic a person as any one of us.
Ethan, a man, who knows himself and what he wants, a personable man, who seeks same. Most can relate to this, as I did. With each new feeling, emotion, and reaction revealed, I found myself recalling when I had been there and done or felt, exactly as Ethan. Fully entwined with Ethan’s life, when Brian enters the scene, I found myself, once again, reliving my past – errs and poor judgment calls, along with the consequences.
Brian appears almost too good to be true at first, and he is, in his own way. Here again, Reed’s arsenal of skills shines, as Ethan and Brian embark on the rollercoaster ride of a budding relationship. Using realism and lighthearted humor, Reed illustrates his intended message – Know thyself, believe in who you are, remain determined in your dreams, and never give up hope – somehow, from somewhere, your prince will come bearing a love incomparable.
VGL Male Seeks Same is a realistic, yet lighthearted romance you will close with a knowing smile.
Note: m/m erotica
February 6, 2010
If you, like many, have ever ventured into the scary pool of online dating, you will empathize with Ethan pretty quickly. Even if you haven’t tried various celebrated sites, Ethan’s character is one that will draw you in and send you a gripping tale where you simply can’t put the book down.
Ethan is an early forties gay man, relatively attractive but past the first blush of youth. He has a good, if occasionally mundane, job, lives in the right neighborhood, went to all the nearby gay bars, kept himself in shape and open to possibilities. And yet, after all these “right” moves for years, he is still single and despairing if the greatest possibility for companionship will be of the four-legged variety. His pain is often so tangible and honest that you suffer alongside him. Yet for all of this, Ethan is struggling not to give up hope that he can find a partner, perfect for him.
While immersed in a game of spider solitaire, Ethan overhears the receptionist gushing about a new dating site. This new site was working so well that the obnoxious, flamboyant, attitude ridden twink masquerading as a receptionist barely had time to keep up with all the dating. In a courageous move, Ethan subjects himself to possible ridicule and haltingly asks for the name of the site. After all, if it works wonders for men like “Bubbles” here, it has to have something for a normal, every day guy like Ethan.
Ethan preserves through the slight mocking to get the site name, then through the embarrassingly in depth questionnaire of preferences, likes, dislikes, and the eventual flattering but honest picture. In a scene so many can relate to, Ethan waits breathlessly for replies, refreshing and rechecking his email, confident someone would respond to his carefully worded but honest profile. When he gets no replies, Ethan struggles once again with the despair that perhaps he just is meant to be alone.
In the superficial world that we all live in and more so existing online, Ethan decides to pick a picture of a stunning man but keep his profile otherwise untouched and see the variety of responses he gets now. Not surprisingly, he gets dozens of emails from shallow men who offer anything from sexual favors to worshiping the feet he walks upon. Within this wash of trash, he finds Brian’s gem of an email, showing him a kindred soul. A seeming soul mate with similar interests, a kind, compassionate nature and sense of humor he can appreciate. But once Brian offers a romantic gesture by sending Ethan flowers, he panics and realizes, his game has classically turned and trapped him.
This book is a superbly written tale, focusing on the classic idea of finding a partner and the tricks and turns we trap ourselves with. The characterization of both men are incredibly well done in such an honest, open voice that it was easy to picture Ethan and Brian and furthermore, to empathize with them both. The ending, while predictable, is so beautifully done, humanizing both and showing that even through honesty, your flaws never disappear but you can be loved because of them.
Ethan is an early forties gay man, relatively attractive but past the first blush of youth. He has a good, if occasionally mundane, job, lives in the right neighborhood, went to all the nearby gay bars, kept himself in shape and open to possibilities. And yet, after all these “right” moves for years, he is still single and despairing if the greatest possibility for companionship will be of the four-legged variety. His pain is often so tangible and honest that you suffer alongside him. Yet for all of this, Ethan is struggling not to give up hope that he can find a partner, perfect for him.
While immersed in a game of spider solitaire, Ethan overhears the receptionist gushing about a new dating site. This new site was working so well that the obnoxious, flamboyant, attitude ridden twink masquerading as a receptionist barely had time to keep up with all the dating. In a courageous move, Ethan subjects himself to possible ridicule and haltingly asks for the name of the site. After all, if it works wonders for men like “Bubbles” here, it has to have something for a normal, every day guy like Ethan.
Ethan preserves through the slight mocking to get the site name, then through the embarrassingly in depth questionnaire of preferences, likes, dislikes, and the eventual flattering but honest picture. In a scene so many can relate to, Ethan waits breathlessly for replies, refreshing and rechecking his email, confident someone would respond to his carefully worded but honest profile. When he gets no replies, Ethan struggles once again with the despair that perhaps he just is meant to be alone.
In the superficial world that we all live in and more so existing online, Ethan decides to pick a picture of a stunning man but keep his profile otherwise untouched and see the variety of responses he gets now. Not surprisingly, he gets dozens of emails from shallow men who offer anything from sexual favors to worshiping the feet he walks upon. Within this wash of trash, he finds Brian’s gem of an email, showing him a kindred soul. A seeming soul mate with similar interests, a kind, compassionate nature and sense of humor he can appreciate. But once Brian offers a romantic gesture by sending Ethan flowers, he panics and realizes, his game has classically turned and trapped him.
This book is a superbly written tale, focusing on the classic idea of finding a partner and the tricks and turns we trap ourselves with. The characterization of both men are incredibly well done in such an honest, open voice that it was easy to picture Ethan and Brian and furthermore, to empathize with them both. The ending, while predictable, is so beautifully done, humanizing both and showing that even through honesty, your flaws never disappear but you can be loved because of them.
March 16, 2011
Reviewed for heartsonfirereviews.com
Since the only other thing I have read by Mr. Reed was IM, which scared the living hell out of me, I wasn't sure how this one was going to go. Like Stephen King writing a love story, I thought. Stephen King should be so lucky.
Ethan is 42 years old, and all he wants is someone to come home to, share a life with. He thought his job and his apartment location would help with this, but nothing. He is just so lonely. He decides to give technology a try, in the terms of Wingpeople.com, an online dating site that he heard of through the dingy receptionist at work, Bubbles. While Bubbles was using the site as a hook up place, Ethan is hoping for someone more permanent, someone to spend time with who shares similar interests and ideals. He takes the leap and posts his profile.
When his original picture and post draw zero responses, he decides on a social "experiment", substituting a vision of hotness as his own picture. His fantasy alter ego is his age and gender, but that’s it. Unsurprisingly, he is immediately inundated with responses, ranging from the kinky to the adoring. Among the batches of “not worth it”, he gets a message from Brian. Brian shares his interests, sounds gentle, kind and funny and his picture is lovely. Ethan is already starting to feel guilty about the deception but contacts Brian. They converse via email and get along well. Ethan makes a slight error in giving out information, and Brian sends flowers to Ethan at work. He really needs to say something, but he’s so afraid of Brian hating him.
The deception that follows was sad, since with Brian it seemed he found his knight. Something about this story, and these two "not 20 something" men just so worked for me. I loved them, and loved their story, including the spanking (which to me was sexy as hell) even if it kind of came out of left field. Mr. Reed, he of the incredibly terrifying IM, weaves a tender story with some silly-sad moments, and characters that made me care. Just loved it.
Since the only other thing I have read by Mr. Reed was IM, which scared the living hell out of me, I wasn't sure how this one was going to go. Like Stephen King writing a love story, I thought. Stephen King should be so lucky.
Ethan is 42 years old, and all he wants is someone to come home to, share a life with. He thought his job and his apartment location would help with this, but nothing. He is just so lonely. He decides to give technology a try, in the terms of Wingpeople.com, an online dating site that he heard of through the dingy receptionist at work, Bubbles. While Bubbles was using the site as a hook up place, Ethan is hoping for someone more permanent, someone to spend time with who shares similar interests and ideals. He takes the leap and posts his profile.
When his original picture and post draw zero responses, he decides on a social "experiment", substituting a vision of hotness as his own picture. His fantasy alter ego is his age and gender, but that’s it. Unsurprisingly, he is immediately inundated with responses, ranging from the kinky to the adoring. Among the batches of “not worth it”, he gets a message from Brian. Brian shares his interests, sounds gentle, kind and funny and his picture is lovely. Ethan is already starting to feel guilty about the deception but contacts Brian. They converse via email and get along well. Ethan makes a slight error in giving out information, and Brian sends flowers to Ethan at work. He really needs to say something, but he’s so afraid of Brian hating him.
The deception that follows was sad, since with Brian it seemed he found his knight. Something about this story, and these two "not 20 something" men just so worked for me. I loved them, and loved their story, including the spanking (which to me was sexy as hell) even if it kind of came out of left field. Mr. Reed, he of the incredibly terrifying IM, weaves a tender story with some silly-sad moments, and characters that made me care. Just loved it.
December 31, 2013
A refreshingly honest and gentle story - and about a middle-aged man who is attractive, but not beautiful. In other words: reality.
When Ethan Schwartz puts his toe into the electronic dating pool, his own anxieties allow him to succumb to the very dishonesty he fears. Watching how he handles the transfer from online to real life is a testimony to the notion that good guys don't always finish last.
My only gripe about this story is that it could - and should - have been a full-length novel. There is a goldmine of gentle humor and loving humanity in the characters of Brian and Ethan. How I would have loved to see their pas-de-deux play out on a larger stage.
When Ethan Schwartz puts his toe into the electronic dating pool, his own anxieties allow him to succumb to the very dishonesty he fears. Watching how he handles the transfer from online to real life is a testimony to the notion that good guys don't always finish last.
My only gripe about this story is that it could - and should - have been a full-length novel. There is a goldmine of gentle humor and loving humanity in the characters of Brian and Ethan. How I would have loved to see their pas-de-deux play out on a larger stage.
September 13, 2010
Ethan Schwartz is out of luck.A forty-two old,ordinary looking gay man who isn't in high demand on the dating site he just put his profile up on.
So he decides for a little experiment: he puts avery attractive photo to his profile, leans back and waits. The results are overwhelming. But among the flood there's only one response Ethan is really interested in: Brian's. Yet, when things proceed towards a face to face, Ethan hasn't come around to admit part of his internet persona isn't him. Good luck getting out of this gracefully...
This book was funny, sarcastic sometimes, and written with just the right amount of tongue in cheek that the actually very serious matter of loneliness in middle and older age wasn't oppressive.Ethan is awkward, but just like every one of us ordinary people. It would have been easy making Ethan a laughingstock figure, but the author did not. This was a refreshing change from all the super-confident, drop-dead-gorgeous, twentysomething studs you come across in the genre. A wonderful, tender story of finding love against the odds, of making count what really counts. Highly recommended.
So he decides for a little experiment: he puts avery attractive photo to his profile, leans back and waits. The results are overwhelming. But among the flood there's only one response Ethan is really interested in: Brian's. Yet, when things proceed towards a face to face, Ethan hasn't come around to admit part of his internet persona isn't him. Good luck getting out of this gracefully...
This book was funny, sarcastic sometimes, and written with just the right amount of tongue in cheek that the actually very serious matter of loneliness in middle and older age wasn't oppressive.Ethan is awkward, but just like every one of us ordinary people. It would have been easy making Ethan a laughingstock figure, but the author did not. This was a refreshing change from all the super-confident, drop-dead-gorgeous, twentysomething studs you come across in the genre. A wonderful, tender story of finding love against the odds, of making count what really counts. Highly recommended.
November 4, 2010
I'm giving this 3 1/2 stars but of course GoodReads doesn't like that so I'll go down to a 3.
This was a sweet, tender read in a genre that I really enjoy - namely when the characters are a little longer in the tooth than most m/m books. It started out a little slow and then ended a little abruptly which are a couple of the reasons it never made it to a 4 for me. Ethan is a very interesting character, in some ways insecure and wanting but in others, strong and sure. I liked the email exchange between him and Brian and kinda figured out who Brian really was ahead of time, but that didn't bother me as I waited patiently for them both to divulge the truth. What did kind of bother me was the whole first-time-they-have-sex-spanking thing - it just kind of threw me off and out of the story and I just thought it was out of place. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with a little bdsm in my books, I was just more than a little surprised by it. Overall, a very nice, light read with a very endearing character.
This was a sweet, tender read in a genre that I really enjoy - namely when the characters are a little longer in the tooth than most m/m books. It started out a little slow and then ended a little abruptly which are a couple of the reasons it never made it to a 4 for me. Ethan is a very interesting character, in some ways insecure and wanting but in others, strong and sure. I liked the email exchange between him and Brian and kinda figured out who Brian really was ahead of time, but that didn't bother me as I waited patiently for them both to divulge the truth. What did kind of bother me was the whole first-time-they-have-sex-spanking thing - it just kind of threw me off and out of the story and I just thought it was out of place. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with a little bdsm in my books, I was just more than a little surprised by it. Overall, a very nice, light read with a very endearing character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2011
This story was such a delight for me. It was exactly what I was looking for and the pure honesty and the simplicity of the situation made it human - something too many of the stories lack.
I did of course want to read more, but it worked alright even short as it was. What didn't fit for me was the ending. I'm sorry but it just didn't fit the overall story. It didn't make sense. But still, I was so pleasantly surprised I had to rate this with 4 stars.
I did of course want to read more, but it worked alright even short as it was. What didn't fit for me was the ending. I'm sorry but it just didn't fit the overall story. It didn't make sense. But still, I was so pleasantly surprised I had to rate this with 4 stars.
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April 13, 2015Покойся с миром в DNF
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December 4, 2010Poor Ethan Schwartz. It seems like he will never find that special someone. At age 42, he’s still alone, his bed still empty, and his 42-inch HDTV overworked. He’s tried the bars and other places where gay men are supposed to find one another, but for Ethan, it never works out. He wonders if it ever will. Should he get a cat?
But all of that is about to change. At work, Ethan hears about a website that promises to deliver more than just the tawdry hook-ups associated with so many other sites. Ethan wants romance, and although he’s always been a little shy about the whole cyber-dating scene, he figures he has nothing to lose.
Well, maybe he does have something to lose: his self-esteem. After he posts his profile, he gets zero responses. But Ethan realizes one thing about the cyberworld that isn’t true in the real one: Online, Ethan can be anyone he wants to be.
And a new persona is born. The new Ethan is handsome (with someone else’s pic) and the sudden recipient of dozens of online come-ons. What Ethan doesn't count on, however, is finding—among the propositions and the flattery—his one true love. Not just a gorgeous man, but one who suits him in almost every way.
How does Ethan turn his budding cyber love into a real one? And can he hang on to his mystery suitor without turning him off with his deception?
NOTE: Don't miss the sequel, NEG UB2!
But all of that is about to change. At work, Ethan hears about a website that promises to deliver more than just the tawdry hook-ups associated with so many other sites. Ethan wants romance, and although he’s always been a little shy about the whole cyber-dating scene, he figures he has nothing to lose.
Well, maybe he does have something to lose: his self-esteem. After he posts his profile, he gets zero responses. But Ethan realizes one thing about the cyberworld that isn’t true in the real one: Online, Ethan can be anyone he wants to be.
And a new persona is born. The new Ethan is handsome (with someone else’s pic) and the sudden recipient of dozens of online come-ons. What Ethan doesn't count on, however, is finding—among the propositions and the flattery—his one true love. Not just a gorgeous man, but one who suits him in almost every way.
How does Ethan turn his budding cyber love into a real one? And can he hang on to his mystery suitor without turning him off with his deception?
NOTE: Don't miss the sequel, NEG UB2!
February 23, 2011
Rick R Reed's book is a breath of fresh air. I had just finished a group of M/M books with interesting story lines, lacking slightly in execution and then I read VGL Male Seeks Same. Simpler storyline, wonderfully executed, about characters so real they could be living next door.
Thank you Rick for your commitment to excellent writing.
Thank you Rick for your commitment to excellent writing.
September 10, 2014
I've had this book for a few years now, and just "discovered" it in my book files. So finally, I loaded it on the Paperwhite and laughed myself silly at Ethan's first attempt at meeting someone through on-line dating. I'm still smiling the next day. Fun read!
June 17, 2012
I don't have a romantic bone in my body, but I'm easily amused by "romance novels". For the most part I take them as pure fantasy, and dearly love them.
Just a candid thought mind you, but this one? Made me believe in possibilities.
Just a candid thought mind you, but this one? Made me believe in possibilities.
May 5, 2024
The storyline includes a romance but I see it as being about Ethan navigating his life. His inner monologue is snarky, self-recriminating and flagellating, by turns, funny and, at moments, a bit dark. His loneliness is more than evident. Meeting Brian and muddling through to a real relationship is awkward and hard, but they make it. The second half of the book stunned me. Ethan's navigation of this new phase of his life is hard. You can feel his emotions so strongly. I was surprised to see 'Bubbles' reappear as the strength and help he needs.
Bravo Rick Reed!
Highly recommended author
Audiobook: Excellent narrator
Bravo Rick Reed!
Highly recommended author
Audiobook: Excellent narrator
August 5, 2016
Ethan has tried everything he can think of to find a significant other. He visited the bars where all the young, hip gay men were sure to be found only to be a wallflower and not interact with anyone. He moved to the heart of “Boystown” in Chicago to be surrounded by single gay men only to have the neighborhood gentrify and the gays move due north. He found a job as a publicist for free nights at the theater and to be surrounded by handsome actors but instead is isolated in his cube writing press releases and chatting up critics. As a result, Ethan is a single, 42 year old gay man trying to convince himself that the answer to the “riddle of how to escape a solitary existence” is out there waiting for him.
When Ethan overhears a conversation about a website that is for more than just “quick hook-ups”, he thinks he has found his answer. After all, if it can work for the office receptionist, who Ethan secretly refers to as “Bubbles”, it has to work for him. Right? Ethan creates a profile, pours himself into the answers, and finds a relatively decent photo only a few months old. He is totally and completely honest about himself. He’s all set. There’s only one problem. No one bites.
With his self-esteem taking yet another shot, Ethan decides to make a drastic move and start a bit of a social experiment. He replaces his photo with one found on the internet, a truly stunning man, and sits back and waits. And he watches the responses pour in, half of them telling him how gorgeous he is and the rest simply dirty propositions for sex, lots of sex. Not quite what he was looking for. But in the middle of all those messages is one that is very different. A message from Brian.
Brian is just what Ethan has been trying so hard to find. They have similar tastes, are looking for similar things from a relationship, and Brian is gorgeous. He is, in a word, perfect. But there is only one problem. Brian is messaging the “new” Ethan, the one that the “real” Ethan doesn’t look anything like. As they start messaging back and forth, Ethan becomes more enamored with Brian and worries about what will happen when Brian discovers he is a liar.
VGL Male Seeks Same is a phenomenal story about the search for love and the one person we can connect with in every way. I absolutely adored the character of Ethan, his sharp witty humor and his emotions that are worn on his sleeve. As a person that has used internet dating, I connected with him immediately and Reed nailed the reactions and thoughts that come with such a unique way of meeting people.
Things of course are not as simple as they may seem for Ethan and, although I must admit that I guessed what was to come, it was truly a joy to read from beginning to end. The messages back and forth between Ethan and Brian are quite touching and make Ethan’s angst over what to do about his deception that much more substantial. My heart was completely invested in Ethan’s journey and I laughed and cried along with him. Overall this is a captivating story that had me on the edge of my seat to the very end. This is the second of Reed’s stories that I have read and I am now officially a huge fan. As are many of his other stories, this is set in Chicago, my current hometown, and those familiar with the city will love the details throughout. It is obvious that Reed still loves the city. The humor throughout this story is exceptional yet doesn’t disrupt the more serious themes. The ending is true perfection even if the last line is, “He really needed to pee.” I cannot more highly recommend this story for all readers!
When Ethan overhears a conversation about a website that is for more than just “quick hook-ups”, he thinks he has found his answer. After all, if it can work for the office receptionist, who Ethan secretly refers to as “Bubbles”, it has to work for him. Right? Ethan creates a profile, pours himself into the answers, and finds a relatively decent photo only a few months old. He is totally and completely honest about himself. He’s all set. There’s only one problem. No one bites.
With his self-esteem taking yet another shot, Ethan decides to make a drastic move and start a bit of a social experiment. He replaces his photo with one found on the internet, a truly stunning man, and sits back and waits. And he watches the responses pour in, half of them telling him how gorgeous he is and the rest simply dirty propositions for sex, lots of sex. Not quite what he was looking for. But in the middle of all those messages is one that is very different. A message from Brian.
Brian is just what Ethan has been trying so hard to find. They have similar tastes, are looking for similar things from a relationship, and Brian is gorgeous. He is, in a word, perfect. But there is only one problem. Brian is messaging the “new” Ethan, the one that the “real” Ethan doesn’t look anything like. As they start messaging back and forth, Ethan becomes more enamored with Brian and worries about what will happen when Brian discovers he is a liar.
VGL Male Seeks Same is a phenomenal story about the search for love and the one person we can connect with in every way. I absolutely adored the character of Ethan, his sharp witty humor and his emotions that are worn on his sleeve. As a person that has used internet dating, I connected with him immediately and Reed nailed the reactions and thoughts that come with such a unique way of meeting people.
Things of course are not as simple as they may seem for Ethan and, although I must admit that I guessed what was to come, it was truly a joy to read from beginning to end. The messages back and forth between Ethan and Brian are quite touching and make Ethan’s angst over what to do about his deception that much more substantial. My heart was completely invested in Ethan’s journey and I laughed and cried along with him. Overall this is a captivating story that had me on the edge of my seat to the very end. This is the second of Reed’s stories that I have read and I am now officially a huge fan. As are many of his other stories, this is set in Chicago, my current hometown, and those familiar with the city will love the details throughout. It is obvious that Reed still loves the city. The humor throughout this story is exceptional yet doesn’t disrupt the more serious themes. The ending is true perfection even if the last line is, “He really needed to pee.” I cannot more highly recommend this story for all readers!
February 13, 2012
Rick R. Reed just invited me to become his friend on goodreads. Apart from being flattered I realized that I never reviewed or at least added one of his books to my shelves. Something I have to change immediately.
I read at least 6 or even 7 of his books because Mr. Reed is an exceptional author. All his books are extremely well written and edited. They all have a plot that keeps you hooked.
Mr. Reed’s two books that touched me most and who made it in my top ten list of gay romance are “VGL Male seeks same” and its sequel “NEGUB2”.
“VGL Male seeks same” is the story of Ethan, a man in his 40s, who is alone and sick of being so. He signs up at an online dating service and makes a disturbing experience: When he uploaded his own picture nobody responded. As soon as he edits his performance by uploading a picture of a stunning stranger with silver hair and extremely good features tons of mails hit his inbox.
So he meets Brian online, a man who isn’t only good looking, but warm, funny and has a lot in common with Ethan. Brian woos Ethan by meaningful emails and sending flowers and Ethan is smitten - until Brian suddenly stops to email and Ethan is sure Brian asked the flower delivery man about him and found out about his fake appearance. And gorgeous Brian can't be interested in common looking Ethan, or can he?
A lot of gay romance heroes have one thing in common: They are all extremely good looking, with broad shoulders and narrow waists and even when they are older than 40 they have a youthful body with a sixpack, muscles all over, and looks better than George Clooney and Brad Pitt combined.
Here you have a man who is 42 years old and it shows: He has crow lines, too many hairs growing on his body and too few growing on his head and though still far from being out of shape he has to struggle to keep his weight in check. And though he thinks men won’t run screaming when he shows in a bar he knows he also is nobody who will turn their heads.
That’s what is so great about this book: Mr. Reed writes about a man you love from the beginning because he is all average: He has an average job, he is not super rich, he has average looks – but he is smart and likeable and therefore a person whose story I was really interested in. And more so because Mr. Reed is capable to tell this story funny and appealing, Ethan’s reflections of his life and his person are to die for.
If you want to read a story about people who could be part of your real life, if you are sick of a multitude of gay super heroes and gay Adonis and if you are interested in extremely good and entertaining writing – then this is a book you shouldn’t miss.
I read at least 6 or even 7 of his books because Mr. Reed is an exceptional author. All his books are extremely well written and edited. They all have a plot that keeps you hooked.
Mr. Reed’s two books that touched me most and who made it in my top ten list of gay romance are “VGL Male seeks same” and its sequel “NEGUB2”.
“VGL Male seeks same” is the story of Ethan, a man in his 40s, who is alone and sick of being so. He signs up at an online dating service and makes a disturbing experience: When he uploaded his own picture nobody responded. As soon as he edits his performance by uploading a picture of a stunning stranger with silver hair and extremely good features tons of mails hit his inbox.
So he meets Brian online, a man who isn’t only good looking, but warm, funny and has a lot in common with Ethan. Brian woos Ethan by meaningful emails and sending flowers and Ethan is smitten - until Brian suddenly stops to email and Ethan is sure Brian asked the flower delivery man about him and found out about his fake appearance. And gorgeous Brian can't be interested in common looking Ethan, or can he?
A lot of gay romance heroes have one thing in common: They are all extremely good looking, with broad shoulders and narrow waists and even when they are older than 40 they have a youthful body with a sixpack, muscles all over, and looks better than George Clooney and Brad Pitt combined.
Here you have a man who is 42 years old and it shows: He has crow lines, too many hairs growing on his body and too few growing on his head and though still far from being out of shape he has to struggle to keep his weight in check. And though he thinks men won’t run screaming when he shows in a bar he knows he also is nobody who will turn their heads.
That’s what is so great about this book: Mr. Reed writes about a man you love from the beginning because he is all average: He has an average job, he is not super rich, he has average looks – but he is smart and likeable and therefore a person whose story I was really interested in. And more so because Mr. Reed is capable to tell this story funny and appealing, Ethan’s reflections of his life and his person are to die for.
If you want to read a story about people who could be part of your real life, if you are sick of a multitude of gay super heroes and gay Adonis and if you are interested in extremely good and entertaining writing – then this is a book you shouldn’t miss.
Read
May 14, 2009This is quite a tender tale for a writer that usually I associate to more "creepy" tales. Ethan is a 42 years old very "normal" looking guy. He has a good job, a love for quite and comfortable thing, a nice apartment in a nice neighborhood... everything perfect if not for the fact that Ethan is lonely. He is past the age to go cruising in the gay club, and even when he was in the age, he didn't like it. The type of man you can pick in that place is not the man Ethan is searching: he wants someone to share a life, to spend time together other than in bed, to be proud to take home... Ethan wants romance. But romance seems unattainable, but Ethan persist and try one last time, with an dating online website. Ethan is sincere, he posts his real profile, his life and a nice pic of him, and he gets no reply. Than he leaves all the same other than the pic, and he finds his mailbox full. Among the more than forgettable emails he finds one worthy: Brian is a 45 years old man, who likes almost the same things Ethan likes, who wants all the same things Ethan wants, and who is as very good looking as Ethan's new profile pic... that it's not as Ethan really looks.
The story is very nice, not so short, 59 pages, but still short enough to be read during a lunch break :-) It's even more nice since it's sincere, I believe it describes an event more common than not, but it has also an ending that appeals to the romance's lover that is in me. As I said it surprised me, since I believe this is the first time I read a Rick R. Reed's book with an happy ever after ending... but it let me also perplexed, since to be the end really true to the story, Brian's behavior should be a little different or at least I should have an explanation by him on his reasons. Anyway this is a problem of mine, maybe sometime the realist that is in me won over the romance's lover!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1602728682/?...
The story is very nice, not so short, 59 pages, but still short enough to be read during a lunch break :-) It's even more nice since it's sincere, I believe it describes an event more common than not, but it has also an ending that appeals to the romance's lover that is in me. As I said it surprised me, since I believe this is the first time I read a Rick R. Reed's book with an happy ever after ending... but it let me also perplexed, since to be the end really true to the story, Brian's behavior should be a little different or at least I should have an explanation by him on his reasons. Anyway this is a problem of mine, maybe sometime the realist that is in me won over the romance's lover!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1602728682/?...
February 12, 2012
Really enjoyed this short story.ethan is lonely approaching middle age and just not into the bar scene,so he decided to try the Internet dating thing.enters one Brian someone who seems to be on the same wavelength,they seem to "click".and so the story begins.....I really found this endearingly sweet,so true to life's emotions ,,all the insecurities we all go through,,the am I good enough am I cute enough the old age courting ritual of being scared to put the real you out there fearing rejection or ridicule.i loved how Ethan talked to himself talking himself into or out of something.its just nice to read a tale about old fashioned courting in the new age of the Internet.only peeve it wasn't long enough I would have loved to sneak a further peek into the new romance especially with that rather little kink Brian has with spanking ,was kind of cute I thought.
Well done Rick great job ,as always a pleasure to read your work ,can't wait to read another.
If you like your romance slow sensual with the honesty of real life situations this is the read for you.one to be slotted into my"to read again pile"
First rate....
Well done Rick great job ,as always a pleasure to read your work ,can't wait to read another.
If you like your romance slow sensual with the honesty of real life situations this is the read for you.one to be slotted into my"to read again pile"
First rate....
February 6, 2013
First of all, don't let the title fool you. Yes, this is a story about an online dating profile, however you don't need to know what VGL stands for, or any of those other silly online dating acronyms.
I went back and forth with liking this story. It was an interesting character study -- a forty-something man looking for a lasting relationship has given up on bars and other "typical" gay meeting activities -- so when he overhears another gay man bragging about all the responses he got through an online dating site, he gives it a try.
As the blurb says, he tries a normal profile, and then changes his picture. From there I went back and forth between getting angry with him for not coming clean and getting angry at him for the incessent poor-me, nobody likes the real me whining. When the truth came out, it was a much more fun story, watching Ethan squirm as he tried to explain and salvage something from his deceit.
I went back and forth with liking this story. It was an interesting character study -- a forty-something man looking for a lasting relationship has given up on bars and other "typical" gay meeting activities -- so when he overhears another gay man bragging about all the responses he got through an online dating site, he gives it a try.
As the blurb says, he tries a normal profile, and then changes his picture. From there I went back and forth between getting angry with him for not coming clean and getting angry at him for the incessent poor-me, nobody likes the real me whining. When the truth came out, it was a much more fun story, watching Ethan squirm as he tried to explain and salvage something from his deceit.
May 28, 2014
I really should read the blurbs sometimes when I pick a book. I just saw Rick R. Reed and thought "Yep, I'll like that".
I got to 23% and felt a little nauseous with nerves... Why do people do that!? It doesn't work, it never does damnit.
Even knowing how this was gonna go tits-up, I couldn't put it down (It's Rick, I adore his stories). I am glad that this was only a short, I don't think I could have handled the suspense of the reveal if it had been a full novel.
I love how Rick's characters are always so real, it's easy to fall in love with them. They have real issues, fears, and hang-ups, and they overcome them. It gives hope to us real people that things aren't always shitty, but when they are, it's not like we're the only one going through it.
I got to 23% and felt a little nauseous with nerves... Why do people do that!? It doesn't work, it never does damnit.
Even knowing how this was gonna go tits-up, I couldn't put it down (It's Rick, I adore his stories). I am glad that this was only a short, I don't think I could have handled the suspense of the reveal if it had been a full novel.
I love how Rick's characters are always so real, it's easy to fall in love with them. They have real issues, fears, and hang-ups, and they overcome them. It gives hope to us real people that things aren't always shitty, but when they are, it's not like we're the only one going through it.
August 30, 2010
I have read three stories from Mr. Reed and all of them are walking on the dark side. This one, is a lighter, and a whole lot funnier. I haven't had the experience of online dating but I can sympathize with Ethan. Especially when he says that he actually wants to find his man through mutual friend. This story is told from Ethan's POV using 3rd person -- so you definitely get to know what Ethan is thinking and feeling for the whole thing. AND, Ethan's voice is so funny, I can't help giggling here and there.
Plus, this book probably has the BEST ending line, ever:
He really needed to pee
Seriously, what book can top that? *laugh*
Plus, this book probably has the BEST ending line, ever:
He really needed to pee
Seriously, what book can top that? *laugh*
January 10, 2012
I chose this book because it was on The Best Humorous Gay Romances list. IMMHO it doesn't fit there. I found this book to be real and heartfelt and...poignant. I understood Ethan in the depths of my soul - his yearnings for a deeper connection, his motivation for his subterfuge. Rick Reed manages to construct a detailed, human, and sympathetic character in the very short span of 55 pages (on my e-reader); no mean feat!
April 7, 2011
I liked this one a lot and I especially loved the ending. It was short and sweet, normally I don't like anything too short because I feel you can't really get the know the characters very well, but Rick Reed did a great job bringing the characters to life. I could almost feel the anxiety and tension building. The character that jumped out at me the most was a minor one; Bubbles, he was such a bitch. LOL! I would love to see a side story about him finding a great dom to knock him into line in a very pleasant way.
December 19, 2011
I just realized that my stupid ass gave this a two and then failed to review it. I promise that I haven't done this before.
Okay honestly I don't think anyone should look at my rating as to whether they should buy it or not. Pay attention to this review. The author did a damn good job writing this, very vivid and humorous but I'm not a big fan of books that don't cement that Happy Ever After feel for me and though the author tried at the end to give that feeling, it felt forced rather than believable. It's good story but just didn't fit with me.
Okay honestly I don't think anyone should look at my rating as to whether they should buy it or not. Pay attention to this review. The author did a damn good job writing this, very vivid and humorous but I'm not a big fan of books that don't cement that Happy Ever After feel for me and though the author tried at the end to give that feeling, it felt forced rather than believable. It's good story but just didn't fit with me.
December 2, 2012
Sweet and romantic Ethan gets himself in trouble by pretending to be someone he isn't... his online persona, or rather just his picture, changed to test and see what the results would be.
He found out and then worried that he might have found just the perfect man, who thought Ethan was someone else.
Alls well that ends well, and this has a cute ending. I enjoyed this story, Ethan and Brian sound made for each other
1st read - Aug 14, 2012
2nd read - Dec 1, 2012
I re-read because I picked up the second book in the series.
He found out and then worried that he might have found just the perfect man, who thought Ethan was someone else.
Alls well that ends well, and this has a cute ending. I enjoyed this story, Ethan and Brian sound made for each other
1st read - Aug 14, 2012
2nd read - Dec 1, 2012
I re-read because I picked up the second book in the series.
January 9, 2011
Aaaaah, this type of romance are so rare. I love the "oh so not perfect" ordinary person who finds that special ordinary someone that completes them. I'm a little scared to read the sequel, but it was a nice change from all those perfect bodies and faces I read so much of. Beauty "is" in the eye of beholder. A 5 star read for me.
October 20, 2011
I enjoyed the aspect that not everyone has to be perfect to find a true love! This book dealt well with the online dating world and the tendency to "exaggerate" our physical attributes to attract a mate. I wished the actual relationship once they met in person had been given more attention, but overall I enjoyed this book.
June 7, 2010
It was cute. The ending was a bit odd and didn't fit with everything that had gone on before. I think. I don't know. But it was a cute story. Short and endearing, but I think it stretched my ability to beleive in the main character, Ethan's, intelligence a bit too far.
November 4, 2012
Great premise and characters. A very realistic look at a middle aged gay man's life without any sugarcoating or breeches-ripping. The prose is a little bit hard to read - I'm not sure why, since it's plain English. I guess it's the way the sentences are worded, but overall a good read.
February 10, 2013
Short, enjoyable M/M story about online dating and the little lies we so easily feel tempted to tell when using it. Liked that the characters were "normal" people rather than some impossibly handsome ideal.
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