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The Strange Appeal of Dougie Neil
By his own admission, Dougie Neil is a deeply unattractive man. With only one failed relationship to his name, Dougie is now middle-aged, single, and close to giving up his quest to find love.
Then, after the strangest of incidents at work, the unthinkable happens – Dougie is propositioned by a succession of attractive women. Miraculously, a man who hasn’t shared so much as a kiss in twenty-odd years is suddenly catnip to members of the opposite sex. After a lifetime of ridicule and rejection, pain and heartbreak, Dougie can scarcely believe his sudden change of fortune.
Armed with his newfound superpower, Dougie’s only remaining challenge is to decide which of his many admirers is Miss Right. Then, he can settle down, get married and live happily ever after.
As the most sought-after bachelor in town, what could possibly go wrong with Dougie’s plan?
Quite a lot, as it transpires.
Then, after the strangest of incidents at work, the unthinkable happens – Dougie is propositioned by a succession of attractive women. Miraculously, a man who hasn’t shared so much as a kiss in twenty-odd years is suddenly catnip to members of the opposite sex. After a lifetime of ridicule and rejection, pain and heartbreak, Dougie can scarcely believe his sudden change of fortune.
Armed with his newfound superpower, Dougie’s only remaining challenge is to decide which of his many admirers is Miss Right. Then, he can settle down, get married and live happily ever after.
As the most sought-after bachelor in town, what could possibly go wrong with Dougie’s plan?
Quite a lot, as it transpires.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2022
105 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Keith A. Pearson
21 books433 followersI rarely visit Goodreads, on account it's a terrifying place for authors who aren't blessed with a thick skin.
If you'd like to know more about me, head over to my website, or you can follow me on Facebook or Twitter.
If you'd like to know more about me, head over to my website, or you can follow me on Facebook or Twitter.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 6, 2022
A great story but a little marred by the constant desire to pick the protagonist up by the throat and shake him.
Ultimately however, a great read, something I’ve come to expect from Mr Pearson!
Ultimately however, a great read, something I’ve come to expect from Mr Pearson!
January 25, 2023
Regular readers of Keith A. Pearson's novels will know that the devices he uses to drive the plot are a bit naff, and it's no different here. As the blurb says, the titular Dougie Neil is a sad, lonely, middle-aged bachelor and sees himself as a bit of a failure. Something (ahem) happens to make him attractive to members of the opposite sex - a dream come true, one would imagine - but of course it doesn't quite go to plan. Despite its daftness, Pearson has an affable and easy to digest writing style that takes little effort to read and enjoy. His novels are great palette-cleansers, an undemanding friend to spend time with when all you need is a companion and a few gentle laughs. I didn't care for the the chapters in italics used for flashbacks - they were headed by the date, so give the reader some credit, and they were sometimes a bit too pathetic. The ending was pretty much telegraphed fairly early on, but I was still entertained enough, so my rating is 7/10, rounded down to 3 stars.
March 16, 2022
the book with total appeal!
Oh my! Another absolutely brilliant story from Keith Pearson. Absolutely loved Dougie from the first page. You just want to hug him and the story and narrative keeps you rooting all the way through.
What a fab book, great characters and a neat story. A real feel good read, inspiring and a reflection of what really matters in life beyond the superficial.
Oh my! Another absolutely brilliant story from Keith Pearson. Absolutely loved Dougie from the first page. You just want to hug him and the story and narrative keeps you rooting all the way through.
What a fab book, great characters and a neat story. A real feel good read, inspiring and a reflection of what really matters in life beyond the superficial.
March 16, 2022
Keith you never disappoint! Fantastic! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yet again I’m sad to say goodbye to another of Keith’s characters. Couldn’t put this one down, just like all Keiths books. Loved Dougie and I await your next piece of work. Definitely recommend, you will laugh, you will cry. Thanks Keith. 👍
Yet again I’m sad to say goodbye to another of Keith’s characters. Couldn’t put this one down, just like all Keiths books. Loved Dougie and I await your next piece of work. Definitely recommend, you will laugh, you will cry. Thanks Keith. 👍
March 27, 2022
I’ve read all Keith’s books and I’ve enjoyed every single one of them without exception.
Dougie is a character that’s easy to warm to, facing problems that seem hopeless. The story develops and eventually wraps up with a last minute twist in typical Keith Pearson style at the end. A great read as is always the case with this author.
Dougie is a character that’s easy to warm to, facing problems that seem hopeless. The story develops and eventually wraps up with a last minute twist in typical Keith Pearson style at the end. A great read as is always the case with this author.
April 24, 2022
I’d read everything this bloke writes, even his shopping list! And this book didn’t disappoint. I enjoyed all the characters and whilst I could see where it was going, Keith tripped me up again, nice ending! All of the books I’ve read so far have been enjoyable escapism and I always look forward to what the next book will bring.
July 19, 2022
Another storming read from Keith A Pearson
Having read all of Keith’s novels this one is a little different but just as superb as the others. Need I say more? I can’t recommend this - and Keith’s other books - enough. If you like hugely entertaining and feel good books then these are just for you.
Having read all of Keith’s novels this one is a little different but just as superb as the others. Need I say more? I can’t recommend this - and Keith’s other books - enough. If you like hugely entertaining and feel good books then these are just for you.
October 8, 2022
Outstanding
September 18, 2022
Heartwarming and wonderful
What a truly amazing story , lovely read , great characters , lots of twists , but overall just a heartwarming tale of the underdog you just want to find happiness , I know it’s a bit of a cliche , but it make you laugh and it makes you cry ❤️ can’t wait to start the next one
What a truly amazing story , lovely read , great characters , lots of twists , but overall just a heartwarming tale of the underdog you just want to find happiness , I know it’s a bit of a cliche , but it make you laugh and it makes you cry ❤️ can’t wait to start the next one
September 9, 2022
Lovely story
I was feeling down and alone today and this book turned out to be just what I needed. A heart warming story.
I was feeling down and alone today and this book turned out to be just what I needed. A heart warming story.
April 27, 2022
I gave up at 40% of the book. I saw the very good rating and the fact that was supposed to be a funny one and thought "that's what I need right now".
I liked the concept but not Dougie's character. Until 40% in the book I didn't see any "appeal" more arrogance and annoying behaviour. He's supposed to be a person that had only one relationship with a woman in his life and actually a bad experience. He's complaining all his life about the fact that all women find him unattractive and a fried at best. And then one day he magically becomes super attractive and all women are stopping and hitting on him. His reaction though is a bit problematic. He keeps complaining but now about the fact that he is attracting women but not the ones he's interested in. He doesn't even think twice about anyone he meets, just rejects everyone even the women that he finds attractive.
Anyway, I didn't find it funny and the writing bored me!
I liked the concept but not Dougie's character. Until 40% in the book I didn't see any "appeal" more arrogance and annoying behaviour. He's supposed to be a person that had only one relationship with a woman in his life and actually a bad experience. He's complaining all his life about the fact that all women find him unattractive and a fried at best. And then one day he magically becomes super attractive and all women are stopping and hitting on him. His reaction though is a bit problematic. He keeps complaining but now about the fact that he is attracting women but not the ones he's interested in. He doesn't even think twice about anyone he meets, just rejects everyone even the women that he finds attractive.
Anyway, I didn't find it funny and the writing bored me!
March 11, 2022
First book I’ve read by this author and I absolutely loved it, such a sweet, hearty read with wholesome characters and such a beautiful ending, definitely would recommend this to people who love books that make you feel all warm and fuzzy.
March 16, 2022
Loved it, loved it loved it!❤
Wow what a smashing, unique story. Keith at his finest. Thank you. So many tales
are similar these days but this one stands out in front of all the others in a special way. Next Keith? Bet you can't top this one 👍
Wow what a smashing, unique story. Keith at his finest. Thank you. So many tales
are similar these days but this one stands out in front of all the others in a special way. Next Keith? Bet you can't top this one 👍
April 3, 2022
Be careful what you wish for! Mr. Pearson has brought a Greek myth bang up to date with humour, pathos and an insight into people's feelings and actions.
I loved this well-paced story, empathized with its characters and sniffled at its ending.
A lovely read.
I loved this well-paced story, empathized with its characters and sniffled at its ending.
A lovely read.
April 17, 2022
Really feel good read
I hadn't read this author before but am so glad I did. Souvenirs a very believable and likeable character and has real depth. There is a thread of humour too. Recommend !
I hadn't read this author before but am so glad I did. Souvenirs a very believable and likeable character and has real depth. There is a thread of humour too. Recommend !
June 4, 2022
Mr Pearson strikes again
Another well written book from Mr Pearson. Having read all the Kenneth books, this was quite a departure but lost nothing because of that.
Whether or not you can relate to the subject matter, these books always inspire empathy.
Another well written book from Mr Pearson. Having read all the Kenneth books, this was quite a departure but lost nothing because of that.
Whether or not you can relate to the subject matter, these books always inspire empathy.
July 4, 2022
Rare book for rare birds
Lived the story and how the author didn't ram the theme down our Throats. You feel all the human emotions as you journey and read thus book. Sit back and enjoy this full meal tale!!
Lived the story and how the author didn't ram the theme down our Throats. You feel all the human emotions as you journey and read thus book. Sit back and enjoy this full meal tale!!
March 18, 2022
i loved this book, its sad its funny, its happy
its amazing,
its amazing,
March 18, 2022
Never Fails To Disappoint
So far I have read all of Keith's books and there is not one where I would give anything less than 5 stars
So far I have read all of Keith's books and there is not one where I would give anything less than 5 stars
March 19, 2022
I loved this book, as with all Keith’s books there is the element of surreal surprise. Everyone needs a Dougie in their life.
March 24, 2022
He does it every time!!
Keith is always amazing, always telling the most heart warning and funny stories, if you haven't read his stuff, do it!!
Keith is always amazing, always telling the most heart warning and funny stories, if you haven't read his stuff, do it!!
March 25, 2022
laugh out loud moments….
Great story loved the characters and the plot, so very very funny also, I couldn’t put it down . Loved it from start to finish.
Great story loved the characters and the plot, so very very funny also, I couldn’t put it down . Loved it from start to finish.
March 29, 2022
Another cracking read by Pearson. Just great from start to finish. The thing I love about his book is that they cross genres. It’s a blend of everything I love. Great stuff!
May 3, 2022
an enjoyable read
I really enjoyed reading this quirky little book, full of surprises, showing both the good and bad sides of human nature.
I really enjoyed reading this quirky little book, full of surprises, showing both the good and bad sides of human nature.
May 6, 2022
Another brilliant book absolutely loved it so easy to read 😃so glad I stumbled over all of
Keith’s book 📚
Keith’s book 📚
December 29, 2023
Enormously good fun.
I always find Keith A Pearson an easy and pleasant read with just enough thought provoking moments to make it interesting.
It is often the same format in a Pearson book, in that someone is in a rut and something happens to shake them out of that rut. This causes them to re-assess what is happening in their lives and what could or should be happening.
Here we have Dougie Neil who has been dealt a rough hand in the looks department and people have treated him unpleasantly over the years giving his confidence a kicking, a thumping and a dunking in the cold wet vat of despair and hopelessness.
As the author tells us, he has an egg shaped head salvaged from the reject bin, unusually small beady eyes set very close together. A bulbous nose, no chin, baldness and a permanently pock marked complexion. Goodness knows who they will find to play him in a film.
He is desperate to find Miss Right and puts himself through hell on dating sites and speed dating nights where he gets not a single match. That is all until a mysterious episode down the embankment of a dual carriageway suddenly makes him irresistible. What will he do with his new gift?
He tries to figure it all out. Things become entangled. He, his friends, family and everyone around him becomes very confused and hilarity ensues.
I always find Keith A Pearson an easy and pleasant read with just enough thought provoking moments to make it interesting.
It is often the same format in a Pearson book, in that someone is in a rut and something happens to shake them out of that rut. This causes them to re-assess what is happening in their lives and what could or should be happening.
Here we have Dougie Neil who has been dealt a rough hand in the looks department and people have treated him unpleasantly over the years giving his confidence a kicking, a thumping and a dunking in the cold wet vat of despair and hopelessness.
As the author tells us, he has an egg shaped head salvaged from the reject bin, unusually small beady eyes set very close together. A bulbous nose, no chin, baldness and a permanently pock marked complexion. Goodness knows who they will find to play him in a film.
He is desperate to find Miss Right and puts himself through hell on dating sites and speed dating nights where he gets not a single match. That is all until a mysterious episode down the embankment of a dual carriageway suddenly makes him irresistible. What will he do with his new gift?
He tries to figure it all out. Things become entangled. He, his friends, family and everyone around him becomes very confused and hilarity ensues.
February 18, 2025
Dougie Neil knows that he is a deeply unattractive man. Middle aged, single and with only 1 failed relationship to his name he is ready to give up on his quest to find love. Suddenly, after a strange incident at work, Dougie is propositioned by a series of women. Realising that his life has changed drastically, Dougie renews his efforts to find the love of his life. What can possibly go wrong?
This is my first book by Pearson. I'm not sure what it was that made me buy it, but I'm glad I did. It was a lot of fun and the perfect book to be reading whilst hit with another bout of Covid.
I really warmed to Dougie. Yes he's a bit hapless when it comes to the dating scene, but what else can you expect when his love life has been so barren! Aside from that he is a genuine bloke, he's honest and moral, and really does try to do the right thing by the people he comes in to contact with.
Story wise there was aspects of this that were quite predictable, but the nature of the story is such that it doesn't really matter. You do need to suspend belief at times for aspects of the plot, but I'm happy to do that and wasn't going in to this expecting a real life drama. The plot is amusing and it's a feel good story. There's also only really one character in this who is dislikeable, and that is deliberately so.
I will definitely be adding more books by Pearson to my reading list.
This is my first book by Pearson. I'm not sure what it was that made me buy it, but I'm glad I did. It was a lot of fun and the perfect book to be reading whilst hit with another bout of Covid.
I really warmed to Dougie. Yes he's a bit hapless when it comes to the dating scene, but what else can you expect when his love life has been so barren! Aside from that he is a genuine bloke, he's honest and moral, and really does try to do the right thing by the people he comes in to contact with.
Story wise there was aspects of this that were quite predictable, but the nature of the story is such that it doesn't really matter. You do need to suspend belief at times for aspects of the plot, but I'm happy to do that and wasn't going in to this expecting a real life drama. The plot is amusing and it's a feel good story. There's also only really one character in this who is dislikeable, and that is deliberately so.
I will definitely be adding more books by Pearson to my reading list.
July 26, 2023
Keith’s wonderful stories never lose their appeal
Whilst, to my own taste, I have to say that this is not perhaps Keith’s strongest work I am well aware that this is more of a subjective thing on my part than any slight against the author or the book itself. That said, Dougie’s story is still wholly enjoyable and a wonderful tale of a man’s journey from self loathing to self discovery.
I think my only issue with it is that it took me longer to to connect with the titular character in this story than I usually do in Keith’s books. However, given the place Dougie is mentally at the start of the story this is perhaps, if not intentional on the author’s part, fitting with the narrative of the book.
I still wouldn’t hesitate to recommend reading this to anyone, it’s a worthwhile journey with a more than satisfying payoff at the end of the tale.
Whilst, to my own taste, I have to say that this is not perhaps Keith’s strongest work I am well aware that this is more of a subjective thing on my part than any slight against the author or the book itself. That said, Dougie’s story is still wholly enjoyable and a wonderful tale of a man’s journey from self loathing to self discovery.
I think my only issue with it is that it took me longer to to connect with the titular character in this story than I usually do in Keith’s books. However, given the place Dougie is mentally at the start of the story this is perhaps, if not intentional on the author’s part, fitting with the narrative of the book.
I still wouldn’t hesitate to recommend reading this to anyone, it’s a worthwhile journey with a more than satisfying payoff at the end of the tale.
October 7, 2025
I just love the way Keith Pearson writes. I have never been a reader and only in the last couple years have really picked up a book. Have always found reading boring. I’m 53 and my mum always told me when you find a style and type of book you like you won’t be able to put it down. Since I found this author I haven’t been able to stop reading and can’t wait to get 5 mins to read which generally turns into a couple hours. This book didn’t disappoint me. At one stage I thought it was gonna end one way and then it all turned again. This is a must read along with all the others Keith has written. Especially Clement. I’m sure most of you will agree on that one. Thanks Keith for getting me into reading.
July 26, 2022
Another wonderful novel from author Keith Pearson!
Our protagonist, middle aged man Dougie Neil is a lovely chap, but self described as unattractive, unambitious and dogged by a disastrous earlier relationship. His search for his soul mate has yielded nothing but awful dates.
Then a stroke of fate and mysterious circumstances mean he becomes wildly appealing to the opposite sex. But that gift isn't all it is cracked up to be!
Keith Pearson writes wonderful characters who you really end up caring about, with intriguing storylines that draw you in. This book is no exception.
A fabulous read!
Our protagonist, middle aged man Dougie Neil is a lovely chap, but self described as unattractive, unambitious and dogged by a disastrous earlier relationship. His search for his soul mate has yielded nothing but awful dates.
Then a stroke of fate and mysterious circumstances mean he becomes wildly appealing to the opposite sex. But that gift isn't all it is cracked up to be!
Keith Pearson writes wonderful characters who you really end up caring about, with intriguing storylines that draw you in. This book is no exception.
A fabulous read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews