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Alternative Treatment
Mark Harrison has exactly what Nolan Daniels wants—his signature on a sign-in sheet. Even better that Mark is gay and seriously good-looking. Nolan’s got these one hundred hours of community service nailed, just as soon as he nails the handsome doctor. It’s his pride that takes a hit when Mark rejects his advances in no uncertain terms. What else did Nolan expect from a man of privilege? Certainly not that Nolan would want Mark more than he wanted Mark’s signature.
Mark’s the good boy who always plays by the rules, always does what’s expected of him...and secretly chafes at the restrictions of his straight-laced life. Now he’s faced with the leather-jacketed bad boy who arouses the closeted Mark more than he wants to admit. A man he can’t resist. A man who helps him admit other things about his not-so-perfect life.
It’s time to take a stand. Time to burst the protective bubble each has built around himself in his own way. Little do they realize that moving forward could also cause them to lose each other and the love that has grown between them.
Mark’s the good boy who always plays by the rules, always does what’s expected of him...and secretly chafes at the restrictions of his straight-laced life. Now he’s faced with the leather-jacketed bad boy who arouses the closeted Mark more than he wants to admit. A man he can’t resist. A man who helps him admit other things about his not-so-perfect life.
It’s time to take a stand. Time to burst the protective bubble each has built around himself in his own way. Little do they realize that moving forward could also cause them to lose each other and the love that has grown between them.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2009
15 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Claire Thompson
195 books1,163 followersClaire has been writing for nearly two decades, and has published over 85 novels. She writes BDSM romance and abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. She has received numerous awards for her bestselling work, including the NLA-Int’l Pauline Réage Award and the Golden Flogger Award for best BDSM fiction.. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately her work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience.
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https://clairethompson.net
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https://clairethompson.net
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 10, 2009
Claire Thompson’s books are a hit or miss with me. I have come to the conclusion that I am not a big fan of her BDSM themed books, but I really like the contemporary romances that I have read by her. Since the book, Alternative Treatment, is one of her contemporaries, I really loved it.
Nolan Daniels has been court ordered to a hundred hours of community service for driving under the influence of alcohol. He knew better than to get behind the wheel after having a few drinks, but a fight with his ex overshadowed his good judgment, and now he much pay the price for making a stupid decision.
Because Nolan is a paramedic, he was assigned to work out his punishment at a local nursing home. Of course, Nolan isn’t thrilled about this prospect, but knowing he has no choice in the matter, he decides to try to make the best of it. The moment he lays eyes on the director, Dr. Mark Harrison, he’s immediately attracted to the man, even if he looks like he needs to loosen up and live a little.
But, Nolan has no interest in having a relationship with anyone, much less with the serious Doctor, and Mark Harrison impresses him as the type who would want something more than just a casual fling.
Dr. Mark Harrison has done what has been expected of him all his life. He became a doctor to help people, not to help run the family business. But, family pressure has forced him to forsake his dream of helping others, and now he’s a director of one of his family owned nursing homes. Mark’s been feeling the strain of family obligations his entire life, and is starting to crumble under the strain of it all.
When Mark meets Nolan he is immediately attracted to his sexy, rebellious streak, and wicked smile. But, Mark knows not to kid himself. A man like Nolan would never be attracted to someone like him. Plus, he knows Nolan’s the type of man who would never want to settle down with one person. Plus, because of Nolan’s consequences, he’s obligated to be there. Mark realizes that as soon as Nolan’s sentence is over, he’ll be gone and out of Mark’s life forever.
As Nolan and Mark start working together, a friendship develops. Both men fight the attraction they feel for one another, but soon it becomes apparent to both of them that there might be something more there that they can’t ignore.
I loved this book. Nolan was a hard sell at first. Now don’t get me wrong, I liked him, but he is deliciously flawed. He thinks and does some things that I wanted to shake him for, but what I liked about him is, he starts making an effort to change, and to be worthy of Mark’s love in his own eyes. I thought his character, as well as Mark’s, go through a lot of changes. They both evolve into wonderful heroes, and I loved both of them!
I loved watching these men fall in love. I thought the progression from wary acquaintances, to friends and finally to lovers was very well paced and I loved every moment of it!
5 stars
Nolan Daniels has been court ordered to a hundred hours of community service for driving under the influence of alcohol. He knew better than to get behind the wheel after having a few drinks, but a fight with his ex overshadowed his good judgment, and now he much pay the price for making a stupid decision.
Because Nolan is a paramedic, he was assigned to work out his punishment at a local nursing home. Of course, Nolan isn’t thrilled about this prospect, but knowing he has no choice in the matter, he decides to try to make the best of it. The moment he lays eyes on the director, Dr. Mark Harrison, he’s immediately attracted to the man, even if he looks like he needs to loosen up and live a little.
But, Nolan has no interest in having a relationship with anyone, much less with the serious Doctor, and Mark Harrison impresses him as the type who would want something more than just a casual fling.
Dr. Mark Harrison has done what has been expected of him all his life. He became a doctor to help people, not to help run the family business. But, family pressure has forced him to forsake his dream of helping others, and now he’s a director of one of his family owned nursing homes. Mark’s been feeling the strain of family obligations his entire life, and is starting to crumble under the strain of it all.
When Mark meets Nolan he is immediately attracted to his sexy, rebellious streak, and wicked smile. But, Mark knows not to kid himself. A man like Nolan would never be attracted to someone like him. Plus, he knows Nolan’s the type of man who would never want to settle down with one person. Plus, because of Nolan’s consequences, he’s obligated to be there. Mark realizes that as soon as Nolan’s sentence is over, he’ll be gone and out of Mark’s life forever.
As Nolan and Mark start working together, a friendship develops. Both men fight the attraction they feel for one another, but soon it becomes apparent to both of them that there might be something more there that they can’t ignore.
I loved this book. Nolan was a hard sell at first. Now don’t get me wrong, I liked him, but he is deliciously flawed. He thinks and does some things that I wanted to shake him for, but what I liked about him is, he starts making an effort to change, and to be worthy of Mark’s love in his own eyes. I thought his character, as well as Mark’s, go through a lot of changes. They both evolve into wonderful heroes, and I loved both of them!
I loved watching these men fall in love. I thought the progression from wary acquaintances, to friends and finally to lovers was very well paced and I loved every moment of it!
5 stars
October 27, 2009
Dr. Mark Harrison is working as the Director at one of his family's nursing homes although he'd much rather be practicing medicine than doing paperwork. In the closet and frustrated with his life he's immediately drawn to the new volunteer at work, Nolan Daniels. Nolan is a paramedic assigned to do 100 hours of community service for a DUI he committed when he responded to an ex-boyfriend's suicide threat while out drinking.
When they first meet they are each immediately attracted to the other. Mark likes the 'bad boy' image that Nolan gives off and finds it hard to keep his distance. Nolan on the other hand sees a handsome man with an air of innocence to him but he feels that Mark would not be interested in him. Although attracted to each other they don't quite hit it off and it will be a slow journey from that first meeting to becoming friends and lovers.
I'll be honest here and say that it took me a while to start liking Nolan. He comes off as a bit selfish at times but by the end of the story he had really grown on me. I loved seeing his attempts to change so that he would be more worthy of Mark, whom he sees as a good man who probably deserves better than him. These realizations and his interactions with Mark, both as friends and later on as lovers, serve to highlight Nolan's growth and development. Mark also does a fair amount of 'growing up' as he finally decides to stop hiding in the closet and also undertakes a job he likes and feels good about.
This is a well written story with interesting characters that are realistically portrayed. Both Mark and Nolan go through some very tough times and must each face the consequences of the actions they take. Their relationship is complicated, at times explosively hot and at others sweet and tender. There is just a bit of D/s to their dynamic but it's more a consequence of their personality than a lifestyle choice they make.
Overall a very enjoyable story which I highly recommend.
When they first meet they are each immediately attracted to the other. Mark likes the 'bad boy' image that Nolan gives off and finds it hard to keep his distance. Nolan on the other hand sees a handsome man with an air of innocence to him but he feels that Mark would not be interested in him. Although attracted to each other they don't quite hit it off and it will be a slow journey from that first meeting to becoming friends and lovers.
I'll be honest here and say that it took me a while to start liking Nolan. He comes off as a bit selfish at times but by the end of the story he had really grown on me. I loved seeing his attempts to change so that he would be more worthy of Mark, whom he sees as a good man who probably deserves better than him. These realizations and his interactions with Mark, both as friends and later on as lovers, serve to highlight Nolan's growth and development. Mark also does a fair amount of 'growing up' as he finally decides to stop hiding in the closet and also undertakes a job he likes and feels good about.
This is a well written story with interesting characters that are realistically portrayed. Both Mark and Nolan go through some very tough times and must each face the consequences of the actions they take. Their relationship is complicated, at times explosively hot and at others sweet and tender. There is just a bit of D/s to their dynamic but it's more a consequence of their personality than a lifestyle choice they make.
Overall a very enjoyable story which I highly recommend.
August 11, 2009
A well thought out and written book. Mark and Nolan make a good team once Nolan knocks the chip off his shoulder.
Be warned, Nolan is a little hard to like. He is very human. He is no idealized version of man. He thinks the selfish thoughts that we all think sometimes and does some thoughtless things...but he really does strive to be a better person. He eventually comes to recognize some of his worst traits and works at improving himself.
Where Nolan is flawed and searching, Mark is idealized a bit even though he is a closeted workaholic that is searching too. He says and does all the right things a little too often, but it is really hot to watch him do it!
This story touched a bit on the D/s of a relationship but only really teased with it. In the end the relationship has a solid foundation and was fun to watch develop.
Be warned, Nolan is a little hard to like. He is very human. He is no idealized version of man. He thinks the selfish thoughts that we all think sometimes and does some thoughtless things...but he really does strive to be a better person. He eventually comes to recognize some of his worst traits and works at improving himself.
Where Nolan is flawed and searching, Mark is idealized a bit even though he is a closeted workaholic that is searching too. He says and does all the right things a little too often, but it is really hot to watch him do it!
This story touched a bit on the D/s of a relationship but only really teased with it. In the end the relationship has a solid foundation and was fun to watch develop.
January 22, 2013
Ms. Thompson did not disappoint! While it took awhile to get these, this was a sweet story of a two men lost in their own misery, not really knowing what they were searching for. I actually gave it 5 stars right after reading it and then slept before this review, and then dropped it down to 4 stars in the morning because . *shrugs* Not the author's fault, it was a very valid plot point, but it made my stomach hurt and I can't get it out of my head right now, so there you go.
Recommended if you like the straight-laced "good boy" letting his hair down and going for the leather wearing "bad boy" and turning the tables in the bedroom, making the sex hotter than Hades. Lots of angst and a fabulous HEA and year-later epilogue that will have you skipping through fields of poppies.
Recommended if you like the straight-laced "good boy" letting his hair down and going for the leather wearing "bad boy" and turning the tables in the bedroom, making the sex hotter than Hades. Lots of angst and a fabulous HEA and year-later epilogue that will have you skipping through fields of poppies.
Read
September 14, 2013There is a serial romance genre called Medical Romance; it was very popular in the ’70 & ’80, usually the story of an handsome doctor falling in love for his collaborator, a young nurse of well-breed but more or less poor like Cinderella. Alternative Treatment takes a spin on this plot, but it doesn’t go so far away: Mark is indeed an handsome doctor, wealthy and young, the perfect bachelor; but on the contrary of the Medical Romance rules, he is not a playboy, he is practically a virgin, scared to come out to his family given the bad experience he witnessed with his own uncle, who killed himself from a broken heart after being rejected from his family upon coming out. And Nolan is indeed a poor, young nurse, but he is not naïve as the rules would suggest; he is basically a “love them and leave them”. Nolan is intrigued by Mark, at first as a challenge, but when Mark doesn’t bite the first bait, Nolan doesn’t insist, letting Mark comes back to him when he is ready.
The author could have played the bad boy falls in love for next door boy card, but instead the novel is more a comfort romance, with some bumps in the road for the two lovebirds, but nothing huge. Basically, after they meet and decide to give it a try, everything that opposes to their happiness is soon overcome with just a little commitment and desire to succeed.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1463656696/?...
The author could have played the bad boy falls in love for next door boy card, but instead the novel is more a comfort romance, with some bumps in the road for the two lovebirds, but nothing huge. Basically, after they meet and decide to give it a try, everything that opposes to their happiness is soon overcome with just a little commitment and desire to succeed.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1463656696/?...
January 1, 2012
I was expecting something else out of the story. And what the book really delivered didn't impress me either. So I can only give it 2 stars.
For some unknown reason, I assumed the story would include BDSM elements. I read 1/3 looking for hints in that direction. After which it became apparent it was not that kind of story. I tried to focus on the characters and story but just couldn't really like them.
Overall, it was an ok story. It was nice to see both men settle and find happiness both in their personal and professional lives. I would just have preferred more care in the unfolding of the story.
For some unknown reason, I assumed the story would include BDSM elements. I read 1/3 looking for hints in that direction. After which it became apparent it was not that kind of story. I tried to focus on the characters and story but just couldn't really like them.
Overall, it was an ok story. It was nice to see both men settle and find happiness both in their personal and professional lives. I would just have preferred more care in the unfolding of the story.
August 21, 2011
I actually prefer this one to her BDSM books. By taking more time in developing the realtionship and rounding out the characters, the book is a better balanced read.
February 4, 2019
The power play between Nolan and Mark was subtle and sexy. The way the story starts with Nolan having community service and under the eye of Dr. Mark Harrison sets the tone of push and pull. Their relationship kept you on your toes because the dominance of either man turned with each page. My heart melted with Nolan's relationship with Mabel. Tough guy with a chip on his shoulder who's heart melts by bringing cookies and flowers to a dying woman. Their story will bring a smile to your face and a stutter to your heart. Enjoy
March 22, 2018
What do you get when Claire Thompson writes about a slightly bad boy paramedic and good boy doctor? Hot, sexy MC's with a lovely love story. This one is going right back on my to-be-read-again shelf!
November 1, 2012
Pretty good overall
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- Both guys are essentially tops, but they’re so into each other that they figure out the logistics of sex pretty quickly. Some of the sex scenes are also very tender.
- Mark’s calm, disarming responses to Nolan’s snarky comments about how different the two men are made me smile.
- There’s a coming out scene that’s a little painful because of people’s reactions to the news, but I couldn’t help cheering at the character’s courage in finally facing the truth about himself.
- One of the guys makes a big mistake and the other one confronts him about it. There’s stupidity and some fallout from that, but the problem is solved fairly quickly, which I was glad about. Sometimes disagreements in real life really are left unresolved for weeks or days or years on end and simply fester as a result, but other times they’re resolved the next day, and I was happy to see the characters working out their issues so quickly.
CONS:
- In some instances the characters’ thoughts aren’t examined in much detail. For example, Nolan gets some shocking news early on and Mark says something hurtful to him based on an incorrect assumption, but Nolan’s offense at Mark’s insinuation is barely explored.
- One character is a total weakling at one point and does something really stupid. It’s not unrealistic or anything, and like I said above, it’s resolved quickly, but I cringed as I was reading it and kept thinking, “No, no, no…bad idea. BAD idea.”
Overall comments: A decent read with a fairly good romance and fairly good sex. Not outstanding, but if you like simple stories that focus on relationships as opposed to complicated plots, you’ll probably enjoy this.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- Both guys are essentially tops, but they’re so into each other that they figure out the logistics of sex pretty quickly. Some of the sex scenes are also very tender.
- Mark’s calm, disarming responses to Nolan’s snarky comments about how different the two men are made me smile.
- There’s a coming out scene that’s a little painful because of people’s reactions to the news, but I couldn’t help cheering at the character’s courage in finally facing the truth about himself.
- One of the guys makes a big mistake and the other one confronts him about it. There’s stupidity and some fallout from that, but the problem is solved fairly quickly, which I was glad about. Sometimes disagreements in real life really are left unresolved for weeks or days or years on end and simply fester as a result, but other times they’re resolved the next day, and I was happy to see the characters working out their issues so quickly.
CONS:
- In some instances the characters’ thoughts aren’t examined in much detail. For example, Nolan gets some shocking news early on and Mark says something hurtful to him based on an incorrect assumption, but Nolan’s offense at Mark’s insinuation is barely explored.
- One character is a total weakling at one point and does something really stupid. It’s not unrealistic or anything, and like I said above, it’s resolved quickly, but I cringed as I was reading it and kept thinking, “No, no, no…bad idea. BAD idea.”
Overall comments: A decent read with a fairly good romance and fairly good sex. Not outstanding, but if you like simple stories that focus on relationships as opposed to complicated plots, you’ll probably enjoy this.
October 29, 2015
Another great book by Claire Thompson. I simply can't get enough from her. I like reading m/m and m/m/f books. It's hard to find good gay romance novels and many authors don't do them justice, but Claire Thompson always get's it right.
This book is about Nolan Daniel, an EMT worker doing community service for a DUI and Mark Harrison a young doctor working at a retirement home owned by his family. The sexual tension is electrical between them and the storyline is fantastic. I absolutely fell in love with both characters. Mark's alpha tendencies were erotic and Nolan's disturbing childhood broke my heart. I loved reading about these two men who come from different backgrounds and seeing how they fall in love and overcome all the obstacles that life throws at them.
I loved this book and it's on my list of books to read again and again.
This book is about Nolan Daniel, an EMT worker doing community service for a DUI and Mark Harrison a young doctor working at a retirement home owned by his family. The sexual tension is electrical between them and the storyline is fantastic. I absolutely fell in love with both characters. Mark's alpha tendencies were erotic and Nolan's disturbing childhood broke my heart. I loved reading about these two men who come from different backgrounds and seeing how they fall in love and overcome all the obstacles that life throws at them.
I loved this book and it's on my list of books to read again and again.
August 5, 2011
I loved the give and take between these two men and found Alternative Therapy to be a great story with awesome chemistry and relatable characters. To read this review in its entirety, please visit http://thereadersroundtable.com/eroti...
October 20, 2011
Familiarity with this author's work might have gotten in the way. I was reminded of scenes from some of her other books on a few occasions. I liked the book, just didn't feel like anything memorable, new or different. It felt a bit too familiar and almost got too preachy.
July 23, 2009
This was an easy read...sometimes I just love a nice, sweet story...sigh..
October 28, 2014
2.5 stars
August 16, 2012
really 3.5 to 3.75
March 14, 2014
2.5 stars
January 20, 2016
4.5 stars
May 27, 2019
Rating: 3 stars.
July 10, 2009
need more stars.This is more 3.5 but not 4 because not too taxing. A good story though.
April 19, 2011
3.5 more likely.
October 19, 2011
3.5 stars
September 26, 2012
Okay read. While I liked Mark, I didn't care much for Nolan for most of the book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews