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One Shot
Nick Carlyle understands the intricacies of his job better than anyone. He lives to crunch those numbers and his skills are valued throughout the company. If his personal life might be lacking, he doesn't notice, especially whenever he steals a harmless glance or two at Riley Jameson's tight body.
When a universal flu shot is developed, it's hailed as a miracle, and rightly so. But the seemingly harmless side-effects begin to change the world, warping the statistics that Nick's always used to guide him through life.
No one changes as much as Riley. Suddenly the young man is bigger, stronger. He's also aggressive in ways Nick isn't prepared for, and for the first time analyzing the numbers does nothing to help the situation.
And if numbers can't help him, what can?
When a universal flu shot is developed, it's hailed as a miracle, and rightly so. But the seemingly harmless side-effects begin to change the world, warping the statistics that Nick's always used to guide him through life.
No one changes as much as Riley. Suddenly the young man is bigger, stronger. He's also aggressive in ways Nick isn't prepared for, and for the first time analyzing the numbers does nothing to help the situation.
And if numbers can't help him, what can?
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2009
7 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Rowan McBride
13 books262 followersBorn an Air Force dependent, Rowan McBride traveled the world and totally missed the 80’s as most Americans know it. In exchange, xe’s gotten to walk in clogs, break an arm at Mt. Fuji, and say prayers at a Korean Buddhist temple. So far it seems like a fair trade. Although xe graduated from high school in Hawaii, xe didn’t learn to hula and make leis until going to college in Iowa. After leaving the Midwest, xe moved to Washington, DC and very nearly got xemself a Juris Doctor degree. Now xe’s chilling out in Texas, diabolically planning road trips that could span years.
People say xyr life is random, and that’s probably true. Rowan comforts xemself with the working theory that a random life makes for good stories. When that doesn’t work, there’s Pocky. Lots and lots of Pocky.
People say xyr life is random, and that’s probably true. Rowan comforts xemself with the working theory that a random life makes for good stories. When that doesn’t work, there’s Pocky. Lots and lots of Pocky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
February 23, 2016
stupid. also hot. also stupid-hot.
a dumb structural choice derails what was shaping up to be a smokin' hot one-handed read.
whaaaaaaaat a fuckin' tragedy, man.
i was lit-up like times square.
the ridiculous premise was a little annoying—until it made possible some even more ridiculously hot smexorcize—but then the story dribbles limply to an unsatisfying conclusion after 30 pages of off-screen sex and on-screen discussion.
i am baffled. how could anyone imagine various business meetings and training sessions would be more compelling than pixie gutbucket buttsex with a muscle giant?
but yea. the little of it there was had much to do with the occurrence of this afternoon's three distinct yet identical Masculine Hygiene Issues at chateau joolz.
so.
semi-decent fapmatter.
ETA: raised rating on 02/23/16 because that early sex scene still manages to set my loins on fire and i believe in a meritocratic society. which is to say: this story can still make me come. so.
a dumb structural choice derails what was shaping up to be a smokin' hot one-handed read.
whaaaaaaaat a fuckin' tragedy, man.
i was lit-up like times square.
the ridiculous premise was a little annoying—until it made possible some even more ridiculously hot smexorcize—but then the story dribbles limply to an unsatisfying conclusion after 30 pages of off-screen sex and on-screen discussion.
i am baffled. how could anyone imagine various business meetings and training sessions would be more compelling than pixie gutbucket buttsex with a muscle giant?
but yea. the little of it there was had much to do with the occurrence of this afternoon's three distinct yet identical Masculine Hygiene Issues at chateau joolz.
so.
semi-decent fapmatter.
ETA: raised rating on 02/23/16 because that early sex scene still manages to set my loins on fire and i believe in a meritocratic society. which is to say: this story can still make me come. so.
August 14, 2014
I loved this nice, easy, yaoi-ish read. I got into the story right away and really dug the sci-fi-lite elements. I liked that Nick was clueless and adorable and a nerd to boot (love sexy nerds!). The whole story worked for me. The only element that I didn't love was but the book as a whole was a huge success.
honestly-ill-never-get-around-to-it
March 6, 2013Books I have to read because the MC Love Interest has a super-strong cock that rips through his jeans.
April 8, 2013
Heh...it was alright, nothing special.
I won't analyse some of the character inconsistencies and irregular introductions of traits etc.
What I will comment on is the biggest issue here for me. This was diluted, kool-aid yaoi.
Okay, (for example) have you ever read a book purporting to be dub-con but the author seems scared of the actual elements of dub-con and so softens it to such an extent that what you actually end up reading is one MC biting his/her lips and "Yes, I want to, but maybe we shouldn't..." And the other supposedly forceful MC replies, "Baby, you know you want this. Say yes!" And the first MC then complies with a giggle and you're left rolling your eyes thinking this isn't bloody dub-con!
Yeah.
That's what happened here for me, in a manner of speaking. We had the hulk. I mean, 6ft 8" of solid muscle literally bursting clothes at the seams. And we had the cute little uke. Use them, goddammit. I wanted some...
Well never mind what I wanted, I didn't get it. This was extremely tame and a horrible use of a Hulk...like asking him to open a jar or something...I mean, monster man and the sex is sweetly, gently, vanilla as all hell. Seriously?
I felt like:
I won't analyse some of the character inconsistencies and irregular introductions of traits etc.
What I will comment on is the biggest issue here for me. This was diluted, kool-aid yaoi.
Okay, (for example) have you ever read a book purporting to be dub-con but the author seems scared of the actual elements of dub-con and so softens it to such an extent that what you actually end up reading is one MC biting his/her lips and "Yes, I want to, but maybe we shouldn't..." And the other supposedly forceful MC replies, "Baby, you know you want this. Say yes!" And the first MC then complies with a giggle and you're left rolling your eyes thinking this isn't bloody dub-con!
Yeah.
That's what happened here for me, in a manner of speaking. We had the hulk. I mean, 6ft 8" of solid muscle literally bursting clothes at the seams. And we had the cute little uke. Use them, goddammit. I wanted some...
Well never mind what I wanted, I didn't get it. This was extremely tame and a horrible use of a Hulk...like asking him to open a jar or something...I mean, monster man and the sex is sweetly, gently, vanilla as all hell. Seriously?
I felt like:
March 25, 2014
Taboo Office Affairs with a Wickedly Delicious Twist!
One shot for immunity,
One shot for aesthetic pursuit,
One shot for love
Afterall the path of our life depends on all those one shots (opportunities) we choose to take in life. There's no rewind or playback buttons in life. That's not a bad thing really if you were to see it as a catalyst to push us to live our life to the fullest and a cause to cherish what we have. Doesn't this makes everything you have sweeter and your journey more worthwhile?
Destiny is created by yourself and it isn't defined. You don't like your current reality? Then re-write it yourself. It's all you and in you!
The Story
A story about a flu vaccine that affects the physical appearance of those inoculated. This phenomena made the MC uncertain of his own standing. Peer pressure to be inoculated was great and he was receiving enormous pressure from Riley, a newbie under his team. Nick was no longer sure if aesthetic appeal has no part in his career advancement, his ego certainly needed a boost. Is he really that satisfied with the current him?
This is a fun and fascinating read. One Shot is an engaging and compelling romance with strong presence of fetishism (will talk about that part later) for the erotica aspect. The premise has a science fiction plot which freaks out the more delicate M/M readers. Luckily I happen to be a fan of such theme (will also talk about the theme later). I am a versatile reader even for erotica and it's a losing battle to count the number of kinks I have.
To me, this is an erotica despite the low sex scene count. In fact, the whole book is thick with a particular sexual fetishism although it's not a widely known one. Continue reading this review to find out what I am going on about. *sly smile*
The Main Characters
If you really want someone, then why hold back? Do what makes you happy. Life is short anyways. This phrase suits Riley Jameson the most. He is a go getter in life. He saw Nick Carlyle, liked him, and took his risk. He might not be great with flirting, but he has a good heart and was quite a romantic person. I do liked him very much because I wish I could be as courageous in life as him.
Nick Carlyle the main character of this book didn't have many friends but he is unquestionably a genius at his work although when it comes to the social aspect he is lacking and clueless. It took some time for him to endear to me, I am glad that he is able to accept his weaknesses and was brave enough to take a leap of faith in pursuit of happiness.
I wouldn't say they are made for each other even if they think physically they fit perfectly, but I do think Nick is certainly learning from Riley on how not to over analyze his life and actually live it for once. So Riley is a good thing for Nick. And Nick is great for Riley in other areas too. Partners that encourages mutual personal growth and development is always a good thing. They bring out the best of each other.
I love that both characters wasn't the perfect soul and that makes them all the more endearing, adorable and relatable.
About the Fetish and Terminology
The story was well written, I love the chemistry and sexual tension, plus the premise is a fascinating and memorable one. You know, I am actually having much fun laughing my heart out here because it seems that many didn't even know they read a book on muscle and growth fetish. These readers just find the premise odd and unconventional. In reality, this book is actually targeting readers with that fetish. As I've said, that kink dominates the whole book. And yet many says it's not heavy on sexy times. Lol. For me, the entire book was sexy as hell -- sexy times non-stop for readers with the right kink. Yeah baby! And that office molestation and dubcon sex scenes was hawt!
One more thing I don't get is why many readers tries to categorize this book as yaoi? Many other M/M books applies the larger top and smaller bottom or stronger top and weaker bottom recipe, so why is this any different? Other non-yaoi books also have those protesting and in denial bottoms and the same goes with the top pursuing the bottom plot. So what gives? Was it because vanilla innocent readers don't know what to make of that muscle fetish thingy and can't put a finger on this particular theme? For Japanese, yaoi is applicable to M/M romance as well you know? There is a difference between yaoi and shonen-ai tho, as the latter is meant for young adults since it does not contain explicit sexual content like yaoi. There isn't really any distinguishable differences between yaoi and M/M romance. It's just a term used by the Japanese to refer to homoerotic/homoromantic fiction. They would use it to refer to English language gay romance as well because that is Yaoi.
In a Nutshell
If you are a fan of couples with profound physical size difference, loves sexy manhandling in your story and adored sweet romances then this book is the perfect fit for you provided if you don't the mind physical growth and muscle fetish. Needless to say, this book caters to my unique fetishism perfectly. It was a joy to read and I have enjoyed it immensely.
Should you desire for more of such reads along the same line, you may want to try out Want Me by the same author along with her other unpublished works, The Jascian's Toy and Jonah's Giant. I loved it all of course.
I am actually glad this book still appeals to the general M/M romances readers despite its peculiar premise. That's a good thing. Please don't be afraid to try out new things, you will never know if you don't try. Just try to approach this book with an open mind.
It's nice when a book makes you think and and reminds you of what is important in life. Self reflection could bring about great changes in life. "Seeing within changes one's outer vision." quoted by Joseph Chilton Pearce
BOOK DETAILS:
Title: One Shot
Author: Rowan McBride
Publication Date: October 5th, 2009
Publisher: Loose ID
Cover Art: P.L. Nunn
Type: Novella, 38,748 words (approximate)
Genre: M/M Romance, Erotica, Contemporary, Scifi, Fantasy
Characters: Nick Carlyle (the MC, 27 years old, an executive/manager at a firm), Riley Jameson (23 years old, a newbie staff under the MC), Greg Morris (approximately 37 years old, a mentor and friend of the MC)
Tags/Keywords:
Description:
Nick Carlyle understands the intricacies of his job better than anyone. He lives to crunch those numbers and his skills are valued throughout the company. If his personal life might be lacking, he doesn't notice, especially whenever he steals a harmless glance or two at Riley Jameson's tight body.
When a universal flu shot is developed, it's hailed as a miracle, and rightly so. But the seemingly harmless side-effects begin to change the world, warping the statistics that Nick's always used to guide him through life.
No one changes as much as Riley. Suddenly the young man is bigger, stronger. He's also aggressive in ways Nick isn't prepared for, and for the first time analyzing the numbers does nothing to help the situation.
And if numbers can't help him, what can?
Author's note:
I’m having trouble finding my “rambling” groove with One Shot. This is my fourth or fifth draft, and usually it only takes one. I can’t seem to find anything to say other than “I had a helluva lot of fun writing the story.”
But I did. I like Nick. He’s a really good guy and isn’t conscious of that fact. Doing what’s right comes naturally, but because it comes naturally, he tends not to notice that the people around him care for and respect him. And I like Riley. He’s fun and aggressive and he’s always watching Nick. He says what he feels. Nick has no idea how to handle the attention and being off balance that way is good for him. Hell, I even like Greg, one of Nick’s coworkers. I was bound and determined to make him a hardcore villain, but he turned out to be a pretty good guy, even if he might be a little bit of a lush.
I like how the characters interact with each other. I like the way the story evolved from what was supposed to be a five thousand word short to a thirty-six thousand word novella.
I guess what I’m trying to say here is that I like One Shot, and I hope you like it too. :)
-- Rowan McBride
This review has been cross-posted on my blogs:
WHERE TO BUY:
* Reviewed on March 25th, 2014
*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*
April 8, 2013
A fun, light read with an interesting sci-fi spin. Your mileage will vary with this book depending on how much you like these points:
Yaoi and yaoi tropes: One Shot is very reminiscent of reading a lighter, comedic yaoi manga in print, with its big strong Seme and smaller Uke characters, the ridiculous situations that can stem with sudden growth spurts, and when the Uke is protesting during the beginning of the sexy times but is won over by the overpowering will of the Seme as well as the Uke’s own lust for the big strong man. (This was treated as more funny/sexy than rape-y. Nick pushes away at Riley, but Riley’s big muscles only revel at the (small) force of Nick’s push, and seem to grow bigger. Nick finds it strange and then…fascinating. Do not take this book seriously.)
I actually thought it was funny because the book basically yaoi-fies its characters as it progresses. Like, it’s starts as a contemporary light romance set in a business setting between boss Nick and younger subordinate Riley. Nick’s smart, very hard-working, and endearing with how much he doesn’t realize his own appeal. He’s also taller than Riley. Then the sci-fi element comes in with the universal flu shot where half of its recipients will also grow taller, a few even much taller. To Nick’s chagrin, a small percentage grow smaller and he falls into that pot, and finds himself suddenly 5’8 in an over six feet world. He not only becomes shorter, but he goes full uke with becoming more delicate looking and his eyes even appear larger. (Do not take this book seriously.)
Size Difference: If you like Big vs. Small, then this should hit all your buttons, because Riley’s new height towers over Nick’s new smaller stature. This means for some awkward sexy times that they try to work through. What’s nice about Riley is that, outside of muscle-growing first sexy time (where he bursts out of his clothes like the Incredible Hulk—do not take this book seriously), he’s not there to rule over the now seemingly more-delicate Nick but respects him and sees him as the excellent boss Nick is. That was a nice balance between all the looming and shredded shirts. (Riley is very over-protective though, so if also you dig that, this book will probably work for you.)
Not a smut-fest: There are sexy times, but the story is mostly a light romance, and the sexy times don’t enter until over 40%, and then there are a few scenes dotted through the rest of the story.
Nick is nicely clueless in a non-forced way. He’s very focused on his work, loves and is calmed by numbers and getting things to be more efficient and effective. He’s very self-conscious about his new height difference and thinks everyone is judging him about it, so it’s a nice surprise/theme that his nature and personality win over people without him really knowing or trying. There might be some Gary Stu in there, but if there is, it wasn’t annoying.
This is a light, fun story, and if you’re okay with something more yaoi-fied, size differences, bursting clothes, and a sweet, light comfort-read romance, this might suit you well. It’s also a little less than 40,000 words, so a pretty fast read. Could be good if you’re looking for something lighter to decompress with.
Yaoi and yaoi tropes: One Shot is very reminiscent of reading a lighter, comedic yaoi manga in print, with its big strong Seme and smaller Uke characters, the ridiculous situations that can stem with sudden growth spurts, and when the Uke is protesting during the beginning of the sexy times but is won over by the overpowering will of the Seme as well as the Uke’s own lust for the big strong man. (This was treated as more funny/sexy than rape-y. Nick pushes away at Riley, but Riley’s big muscles only revel at the (small) force of Nick’s push, and seem to grow bigger. Nick finds it strange and then…fascinating. Do not take this book seriously.)
I actually thought it was funny because the book basically yaoi-fies its characters as it progresses. Like, it’s starts as a contemporary light romance set in a business setting between boss Nick and younger subordinate Riley. Nick’s smart, very hard-working, and endearing with how much he doesn’t realize his own appeal. He’s also taller than Riley. Then the sci-fi element comes in with the universal flu shot where half of its recipients will also grow taller, a few even much taller. To Nick’s chagrin, a small percentage grow smaller and he falls into that pot, and finds himself suddenly 5’8 in an over six feet world. He not only becomes shorter, but he goes full uke with becoming more delicate looking and his eyes even appear larger. (Do not take this book seriously.)
Size Difference: If you like Big vs. Small, then this should hit all your buttons, because Riley’s new height towers over Nick’s new smaller stature. This means for some awkward sexy times that they try to work through. What’s nice about Riley is that, outside of muscle-growing first sexy time (where he bursts out of his clothes like the Incredible Hulk—do not take this book seriously), he’s not there to rule over the now seemingly more-delicate Nick but respects him and sees him as the excellent boss Nick is. That was a nice balance between all the looming and shredded shirts. (Riley is very over-protective though, so if also you dig that, this book will probably work for you.)
Not a smut-fest: There are sexy times, but the story is mostly a light romance, and the sexy times don’t enter until over 40%, and then there are a few scenes dotted through the rest of the story.
Nick is nicely clueless in a non-forced way. He’s very focused on his work, loves and is calmed by numbers and getting things to be more efficient and effective. He’s very self-conscious about his new height difference and thinks everyone is judging him about it, so it’s a nice surprise/theme that his nature and personality win over people without him really knowing or trying. There might be some Gary Stu in there, but if there is, it wasn’t annoying.
This is a light, fun story, and if you’re okay with something more yaoi-fied, size differences, bursting clothes, and a sweet, light comfort-read romance, this might suit you well. It’s also a little less than 40,000 words, so a pretty fast read. Could be good if you’re looking for something lighter to decompress with.
October 27, 2020
4.5 stars
Warning : dubcon to the max
Warning : dubcon to the max
December 29, 2012
You know that annoying MC everybody - and I mean everybody - obviously likes and has a hard-on for but is still irritatingly unaware and would just shrug off the attention and sometimes misinterpret it? Yeah, I know, Mary Calmes has a template and uses it pretty much on all of her books. Well, Nick is like that only - plot twist! - the reader is also unaware of all the attention until it's spelled out. This reader, anyway. God knows with the way my brain has been working, there might have been neon signs posted announcing the carnal desires of people around Nick and I'm dawdling along wrapped with Nick in his insecurities and consistent cluelessness.
This is a sexy, fun, pretty hilarious read (watch out for the pants-ripping power of Riley's erection) that manages to make a Gary Stu character likable and not irritating the crap out of you because the reader is unaware that he's actually Gary Stu until it's too late. So he's like an undercover Gary Stu. Or a ninja Gary Stu, if you will.
Sure, towards the end, the clueless gig got a teeny bit tiring and the character and their romance could have used more meat (ha! - meat), but it's an entertaining enough fluff-piece that had me checking out more of this author's work.
This is a sexy, fun, pretty hilarious read (watch out for the pants-ripping power of Riley's erection) that manages to make a Gary Stu character likable and not irritating the crap out of you because the reader is unaware that he's actually Gary Stu until it's too late. So he's like an undercover Gary Stu. Or a ninja Gary Stu, if you will.
Sure, towards the end, the clueless gig got a teeny bit tiring and the character and their romance could have used more meat (ha! - meat), but it's an entertaining enough fluff-piece that had me checking out more of this author's work.
April 9, 2013
Cute, quick read. I kept thinking it would get darker, but instead it got sweeter. It reminded me a lot of Kari Gregg's Collared, (though I think One Shot was written earlier) but not nearly as psycho. Psycho that I am, I tend to go for a bit more power play, so I kept hoping to see Nick get pushed around more. Basically, Riley's a big teddy bear, and Nick's a bit neurotic and oblivious, but otherwise they're pretty adorable together. Extra points for some very sizzling office sex.
Perfect pick for a day when you want something sweet and quick that won't load you up with a lot of gratuitous angst.
Perfect pick for a day when you want something sweet and quick that won't load you up with a lot of gratuitous angst.
March 28, 2013
*insert meme here*
Can't tell is sci-fi or magic realism...
I think it's sci-fi, but it has the feel of magic realism.
And man does McBride have a thing for size differences.
And a lot of the time, I feel like it's operating on porn-logic O_o
His shoulders hit Riley's stomach? Da fuq?
If his head's at his chest-ish...
...I don't think you know what "stomach" means...
Unless they're talking about the position of the actual stomach (which no one uses, just like no one uses the actual position of the heart for the hand-over-heard thing)...
*stares at cover some.
But I mean...McBride's more of a guilty pleasure read for me anyways, so w/e.
I mean, it's got the ring of yaoi to it, which annoys me at times, but it's toned down and not as obnoxious, which is why I think I can stand it here...
I totally laughed when
And yes. There is a marked difference between yaoi and ("western") m/m.
So...I guess this is yaoi with emotions?
Actually, Aimee, I think this is more like a yaoi/mm hybrid (although I haven't read Lanyon's book so I can't definitively say more than that. But this is definitely yaoi/mm hybrid, I'd say).
I mean, it's got the yaoi tropes (although I like this because it's much closer to dub-con than non-con, which tends to feature a lot in yoais and I'm sorry, but a physical reaction is NOT consent) but it's also got communication (I know; perish the thought).
And anyways, I keep worrying about Riley cuz of the uncontrolled muscle growth. What if he gets too large? He'd be fat, but it wouldn't be fat...it'd be muscle...
Muscly fat?
And Riley's a dork about the way he handled shit, but he genuinely cares and shows it, so he's not a seme in the sense that he doesn't encourage codependence in the uke.
And I didn't find Nick annoying. I mean, he's apparently gorgeous and doesn't know it and that can get annoying, but it's framed in such a way that it's non-annoying and I can totally empathize with him (or at least, it feels like I can).
And the tender moments here are genuinely cute.
I think I need a guilty pleasure shelf now.
Still, sometimes the size descriptions really, really freak me out. In a "...I don't think you realize how the human body works" sort of way.
It...kind of reminds of...oooh that book. Collared
Oh, Nick. He's the adorable clueless type. The well-written type that actually tugs at your heartstrings instead of annoying the shit out of you (although he probably will annoy some people anyways *shrug). But it's so cute D: In fact:
AND he's the socially awkward type of adorable, and I'm conceited enough to say I can relate (on the socially awkward part; adorable, not so much. I'm far too caustic for that).
Oh, and another thing that makes this not-yaoi. Riley actually exercises logical restraint.
And Greg wasn't an intentional jackass. It was just shitloads of missed signals and misinterpretted signs that sometimes just happen (c'est la vie and all that).
But anyways, I rest my case about the uke-pheremones. Hell, they lampshade it:
“You were always something special. I saw it the second I met you. But when you got inoculated…everything good about you was concentrated, then amped.” His body tensed. “Even now, I'm fighting the urge to touch you.”
Charisma? Or pheremones?
I'd say pheremones.
And something else. I probably should put this in spoiler tags, but I really want to share:
super-strength hard-ons that can rip through denim?
How can you resist reading this, right?
The epilogue is just too cute for words:
Crossing my arms over my chest, I pretended to be stern. “You will let me study? Because if my grades drop, I'm moving in with Mrs. Everley. She bakes me cookies, you know.”
Can't tell is sci-fi or magic realism...
I think it's sci-fi, but it has the feel of magic realism.
And man does McBride have a thing for size differences.
And a lot of the time, I feel like it's operating on porn-logic O_o
His shoulders hit Riley's stomach? Da fuq?
If his head's at his chest-ish...
...I don't think you know what "stomach" means...
Unless they're talking about the position of the actual stomach (which no one uses, just like no one uses the actual position of the heart for the hand-over-heard thing)...
*stares at cover some.
But I mean...McBride's more of a guilty pleasure read for me anyways, so w/e.
I mean, it's got the ring of yaoi to it, which annoys me at times, but it's toned down and not as obnoxious, which is why I think I can stand it here...
I totally laughed when
And yes. There is a marked difference between yaoi and ("western") m/m.
So...I guess this is yaoi with emotions?
Actually, Aimee, I think this is more like a yaoi/mm hybrid (although I haven't read Lanyon's book so I can't definitively say more than that. But this is definitely yaoi/mm hybrid, I'd say).
I mean, it's got the yaoi tropes (although I like this because it's much closer to dub-con than non-con, which tends to feature a lot in yoais and I'm sorry, but a physical reaction is NOT consent) but it's also got communication (I know; perish the thought).
And anyways, I keep worrying about Riley cuz of the uncontrolled muscle growth. What if he gets too large? He'd be fat, but it wouldn't be fat...it'd be muscle...
Muscly fat?
And Riley's a dork about the way he handled shit, but he genuinely cares and shows it, so he's not a seme in the sense that he doesn't encourage codependence in the uke.
And I didn't find Nick annoying. I mean, he's apparently gorgeous and doesn't know it and that can get annoying, but it's framed in such a way that it's non-annoying and I can totally empathize with him (or at least, it feels like I can).
And the tender moments here are genuinely cute.
I think I need a guilty pleasure shelf now.
Still, sometimes the size descriptions really, really freak me out. In a "...I don't think you realize how the human body works" sort of way.
It...kind of reminds of...oooh that book. Collared
Oh, Nick. He's the adorable clueless type. The well-written type that actually tugs at your heartstrings instead of annoying the shit out of you (although he probably will annoy some people anyways *shrug). But it's so cute D: In fact:
AND he's the socially awkward type of adorable, and I'm conceited enough to say I can relate (on the socially awkward part; adorable, not so much. I'm far too caustic for that).
Oh, and another thing that makes this not-yaoi. Riley actually exercises logical restraint.
And Greg wasn't an intentional jackass. It was just shitloads of missed signals and misinterpretted signs that sometimes just happen (c'est la vie and all that).
But anyways, I rest my case about the uke-pheremones. Hell, they lampshade it:
“You were always something special. I saw it the second I met you. But when you got inoculated…everything good about you was concentrated, then amped.” His body tensed. “Even now, I'm fighting the urge to touch you.”
Charisma? Or pheremones?
I'd say pheremones.
And something else. I probably should put this in spoiler tags, but I really want to share:
super-strength hard-ons that can rip through denim?
How can you resist reading this, right?
The epilogue is just too cute for words:
Crossing my arms over my chest, I pretended to be stern. “You will let me study? Because if my grades drop, I'm moving in with Mrs. Everley. She bakes me cookies, you know.”
June 12, 2011
After a minor glitch I did finish this book, and honestly I don't know what I was thinking when I stopped reading it in the first place. I'm crazy about this author's work, but somehow I always manage to forget it.
I think I had the wrong impression about Riley at first and the whole situation freaked me out, but I should have known better than to listen to Nick.
This story is pretty much wonderful. No one can write the size difference as good as McBride, and no matter how many times I read about it, I always seem to like it.
The insecurities characters have are adorable and realistic, their confusion and misunderstandings as well. Over all i would call this story cute, and I'm sure a lot of people would agree with me. By the time I reached the last page I didn't want it to end, and I know this has probably been said before, but writers just don't write books as good as this one was.
I think I had the wrong impression about Riley at first and the whole situation freaked me out, but I should have known better than to listen to Nick.
This story is pretty much wonderful. No one can write the size difference as good as McBride, and no matter how many times I read about it, I always seem to like it.
The insecurities characters have are adorable and realistic, their confusion and misunderstandings as well. Over all i would call this story cute, and I'm sure a lot of people would agree with me. By the time I reached the last page I didn't want it to end, and I know this has probably been said before, but writers just don't write books as good as this one was.
April 16, 2011
This book was a great , fun read. My hat is off to you Mr. McBride. Nick Carlyle is a number cruncher for an international company. He uses his analytical and problem solving skills to work his way up the corporate ladder. Nick's biggest flaw is that he is emotionally oblivious to everyone. Riley Jameson works in Nick's department and has been crazy about him since day one but is just another number in Nick's mind. A fluke side effect from a flu shot finally gives Riley the nerve to approach Nick as a man but Nick is going through his own neurotic episode. I enjoyed both characters and the flow of the story. Nick and Riley's growing attraction was peppered with laughs which led to a perfect ending. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a light hearted, feel good love story.
January 10, 2013
You know that moment when you're just plodding along, just starting out a book, then you reach this point, this moment when you're like YES!, this is going to be a book I'm gonna have a blast reading. Well I had that moment in this book, and fairly early on as well.
After reading this book I had this deep, heavy feeling of laziness in my gut from the satisfaction of a good old fun fluff read.
I have to agree with some other reviewers, it's a bit of a weird book and concept. It seems that McBride has this penchant for body growth -unlike a shapeshifter though. Though saying it, I kind of like weird. It makes for a pretty interesting read.
I really loved that though this was a pretty short book, the characters were surprisingly 3D and complex. I also like how though Greg did kind of fuck up, they didn't write him out as a bad guy through and through.
Overall I just found this such a wonderfully smooth, enjoyable read. It's heart-warming yet sexy, and it makes you smile a lot. That makes it a good read in my book.
After reading this book I had this deep, heavy feeling of laziness in my gut from the satisfaction of a good old fun fluff read.
I have to agree with some other reviewers, it's a bit of a weird book and concept. It seems that McBride has this penchant for body growth -unlike a shapeshifter though. Though saying it, I kind of like weird. It makes for a pretty interesting read.
I really loved that though this was a pretty short book, the characters were surprisingly 3D and complex. I also like how though Greg did kind of fuck up, they didn't write him out as a bad guy through and through.
Overall I just found this such a wonderfully smooth, enjoyable read. It's heart-warming yet sexy, and it makes you smile a lot. That makes it a good read in my book.
February 9, 2018
Was I Just Pitched A Personal Trainer?
Rowan McBride has a fun approach to science fiction writing. There's a definite yaoi vibe to One Shot which I did enjoy. I was interested in the flu shot which could make people either grow taller, grow taller and build more muscles, or cause people to lose height in a very rare chance. I've read a lot of weird premises so I was willing to take the concept at face value and run with it even though I have to say I couldn't really understand the fascination with height.
All the way through One Shot, I kept thinking I was being pitched a personal trainer. I've never read a book with so many specific muscles mentioned without it being my Anatomy & Physiology textbook. Who thinks in terms of trapezius muscles and deltoids and lats and uses all the exact names for each muscle group? Body-builders? I could buy that. I just found it distracting when it was a self-confessed number nerd like Nick Carlyle who couldn't stop mentally fangirling over Riley's growing body.
I was more on the side of "Le sigh~ Of course~" when the shot caused the unwanted side effect in Nick. The guy seriously had a thing about height. Jeeze. I couldn't count the number of height references. It was almost the only way he identified anyone -in reference to how many inches in height they were from him- and it got old fast. The sex with Riley could have been really sexy if I hadn't been overly focused on the whole size difference thing being so much the point of contention.
I enjoyed the ending a lot more than any other part of the book. It's got a great HEA. I also laughed a lot at Riley talking about how comic books never talk about how superheroes with super-strength deal with unwanted boners. I still snicker a little over that. I'd recommend this short read to anyone who likes yaoi style M/M, people who are open-minded about their science fiction, and folks who like large size differences between their protagonists.
Rowan McBride has a fun approach to science fiction writing. There's a definite yaoi vibe to One Shot which I did enjoy. I was interested in the flu shot which could make people either grow taller, grow taller and build more muscles, or cause people to lose height in a very rare chance. I've read a lot of weird premises so I was willing to take the concept at face value and run with it even though I have to say I couldn't really understand the fascination with height.
All the way through One Shot, I kept thinking I was being pitched a personal trainer. I've never read a book with so many specific muscles mentioned without it being my Anatomy & Physiology textbook. Who thinks in terms of trapezius muscles and deltoids and lats and uses all the exact names for each muscle group? Body-builders? I could buy that. I just found it distracting when it was a self-confessed number nerd like Nick Carlyle who couldn't stop mentally fangirling over Riley's growing body.
I was more on the side of "Le sigh~ Of course~" when the shot caused the unwanted side effect in Nick. The guy seriously had a thing about height. Jeeze. I couldn't count the number of height references. It was almost the only way he identified anyone -in reference to how many inches in height they were from him- and it got old fast. The sex with Riley could have been really sexy if I hadn't been overly focused on the whole size difference thing being so much the point of contention.
I enjoyed the ending a lot more than any other part of the book. It's got a great HEA. I also laughed a lot at Riley talking about how comic books never talk about how superheroes with super-strength deal with unwanted boners. I still snicker a little over that. I'd recommend this short read to anyone who likes yaoi style M/M, people who are open-minded about their science fiction, and folks who like large size differences between their protagonists.
April 25, 2013
3.5 stars
I liked this book - I didn't loooooove it but it was certainly entertaining enough. The premise behind it is intriguing and I like books with imagination.
I think it could have used some more romance though. It was not edgy enough to be heartless and not mushy enough to be romantic - it sorta hovered in a gray zone of detachment. I really like first person narratives. When stories are written in first person I usually get a strong emotional connection with the character but I didn't with this story. It is a short and easy read and I will probably read it again in the future to see if I connect with it better.
I liked this book - I didn't loooooove it but it was certainly entertaining enough. The premise behind it is intriguing and I like books with imagination.
I think it could have used some more romance though. It was not edgy enough to be heartless and not mushy enough to be romantic - it sorta hovered in a gray zone of detachment. I really like first person narratives. When stories are written in first person I usually get a strong emotional connection with the character but I didn't with this story. It is a short and easy read and I will probably read it again in the future to see if I connect with it better.
October 17, 2009
Nick was endearing with his shrinkage in height. Taking into consideration that this book couldn't have been better timed with the second wave of H1N1 that's upon us a new spin was added to the flu season for me. It lightened up the fear over it that tends to consume us. Now IF only we can get a flu shot that would provide the symptoms of height, strength and attraction I'd be a happy camper over a feared needle.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
June 4, 2010
The concept of this book is totally unique. If only there was a shot to make you become something more extraordinary than you are. Just imagine the line up. Pffft swine flu what, get me the shot that makes me hotter.
October 24, 2010
I LOVE this book...have read it over about 20 times, just can't get enough of it!
Read
November 1, 2009I'm not new to the "muscle growth" books by Rowan McBride, but everytime I'm in awe at how enthralled they made me. There is something in this play of contraposition, a big strong body that can overshadow another smaller one, but at the same time being a protection against the world... I don't know, I think it's my kink. Actually I have always loved the story where the male partner is bigger than the female one, in het romance it's easy to find, not so much in manlove. With her exaggeration of the muscle growth, and sometime the aid of paranormal events, Rowan McBride makes it possible also in man on man couple, and I drink these stories all at once.
This time the author chooses to give almost a possible explanation to the sudden change in shape of both main characters: a flu shot with some unexpected consequences. Nick is the prodigy kid in a big firm, at 27 years old he is already head of his department; Nick is also the perfect boss, sure of his value, he is not worried in share his passion for work with his colleagues, helping them in improving their work. Nick has no problem at work, but it's not the same at a personal level; I think Nick is probably shy, he doesn't see himself as a man with something to give in a relationship, he thinks that his only value lies in how good a job he can do. And so he is blind to people around him searching his attention. Like Riley, the new kid on the blog.
Riley is not much younger than Nick, only 4 years old, but the difference seems bigger since Nick doesn't allow him near than necessary. Looking at Riley, so young and innocent, it's like looking at a mirror, Riley is too similar to Nick and it scares him: if Riley is weak, so is Nick. And then Riley is Nick's subordinate, and nothing between them can happen, no matter how pretty Riley is.
Then the flu shot, and the different reaction it has on Riley, who grows bigger and confident, and Nick, who instead loses height. The small advantage Nick had on Riley, being a little bit older and a little bit taller, disappears and Riley starts to becoming more and more demanding, for attention and maybe something else. And Nick, that wasn't so sure of himself even before, is not forced to face a difficult truth: he desires Riley, and more Riley is big and strong and more Nick wants him.
Before their change in size, I think Nick liked Riley as you can like a pretty pet, but not love. Nick needed and wanted someone different, if not bigger than him in size, at least in age or social status. So maybe Greg, an older colleague to whom Nick always looked as example, could have been the right man. Riley wasn't really that man, he was younger, smaller in body, he gained less money... it's not that Nick is shallow, it's only that he needs a man he can look up to. But Nick has underestimated Riley, the young man is not so simple as he believes, and he has a plan.
I like how complex and interesting both men are, even if probably Nick has the lion share. He comes really out of the page, his little idiosyncrasies, the useless worries, how he can easily influenced by the smallest events. Nick projects an aura of self-assurance, but he is a good liar, he loves so much numbers and statistics since in them he can find that security that he lacks in life, the number doesn't lie, and they are more sure than real life.
And the there is Riley, who seems always so sure, thanks to his physical strength, but who then, in the end, is only a 24 years old guy in love. Actually he is not so different from Nick, and since Nick needs that difference to consider a partner, without the muscle growth, Riley would have never had been a chance. Again, it's not that Nick is shallow, it's a natural thing, like a selection: Nick is searching someone stronger than him to fill a void he feels, the only chance Riley has with him is to fill that void.
One Shot seems apparently an easy and light story, but I think that it's really a psychological study: Nick is so complex and detailed that I had trouble to let him go at the end of the story, I arrived to the last page not wanting to turn it since I knew I wouldn't have had anything more to read.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/81...
This time the author chooses to give almost a possible explanation to the sudden change in shape of both main characters: a flu shot with some unexpected consequences. Nick is the prodigy kid in a big firm, at 27 years old he is already head of his department; Nick is also the perfect boss, sure of his value, he is not worried in share his passion for work with his colleagues, helping them in improving their work. Nick has no problem at work, but it's not the same at a personal level; I think Nick is probably shy, he doesn't see himself as a man with something to give in a relationship, he thinks that his only value lies in how good a job he can do. And so he is blind to people around him searching his attention. Like Riley, the new kid on the blog.
Riley is not much younger than Nick, only 4 years old, but the difference seems bigger since Nick doesn't allow him near than necessary. Looking at Riley, so young and innocent, it's like looking at a mirror, Riley is too similar to Nick and it scares him: if Riley is weak, so is Nick. And then Riley is Nick's subordinate, and nothing between them can happen, no matter how pretty Riley is.
Then the flu shot, and the different reaction it has on Riley, who grows bigger and confident, and Nick, who instead loses height. The small advantage Nick had on Riley, being a little bit older and a little bit taller, disappears and Riley starts to becoming more and more demanding, for attention and maybe something else. And Nick, that wasn't so sure of himself even before, is not forced to face a difficult truth: he desires Riley, and more Riley is big and strong and more Nick wants him.
Before their change in size, I think Nick liked Riley as you can like a pretty pet, but not love. Nick needed and wanted someone different, if not bigger than him in size, at least in age or social status. So maybe Greg, an older colleague to whom Nick always looked as example, could have been the right man. Riley wasn't really that man, he was younger, smaller in body, he gained less money... it's not that Nick is shallow, it's only that he needs a man he can look up to. But Nick has underestimated Riley, the young man is not so simple as he believes, and he has a plan.
I like how complex and interesting both men are, even if probably Nick has the lion share. He comes really out of the page, his little idiosyncrasies, the useless worries, how he can easily influenced by the smallest events. Nick projects an aura of self-assurance, but he is a good liar, he loves so much numbers and statistics since in them he can find that security that he lacks in life, the number doesn't lie, and they are more sure than real life.
And the there is Riley, who seems always so sure, thanks to his physical strength, but who then, in the end, is only a 24 years old guy in love. Actually he is not so different from Nick, and since Nick needs that difference to consider a partner, without the muscle growth, Riley would have never had been a chance. Again, it's not that Nick is shallow, it's a natural thing, like a selection: Nick is searching someone stronger than him to fill a void he feels, the only chance Riley has with him is to fill that void.
One Shot seems apparently an easy and light story, but I think that it's really a psychological study: Nick is so complex and detailed that I had trouble to let him go at the end of the story, I arrived to the last page not wanting to turn it since I knew I wouldn't have had anything more to read.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/81...
July 29, 2016
I read this book awhile ago and waited to give it a review because I was so angry after having read it that I was afraid I would insult and cuss out the author and all the “lovely” people who agreed with her assessment that unless you are over 5’8”, gorgeously god-like and have a body full of steroid induced muscles (ie: your typical mm MC) you aren’t worthy of love. I guess making fun of people’s height is one of the last excepted prejudices. My favorite m/m books are the ones with average looking guys or bears, because it’s more realistic AND because it’s hard for me to feel sorry for some beautiful twink in high-school or college who has a lot of sex and has to juggle a shit load lovers. Oh boo hoo
Although I wanted to give it one star, I gave it two because Ms. McBride is obviously a talented writer. To bad her talents (as well as other authors) are misplaced in perpetuating the aforementioned notion of male beauty. In 2011, I went to the first GRL Retreat in NOLA and asked various ladies what was their fascination with m/m books and most of them said they were sick and tired of Harlequin-type mf romances with their flawlessly beautiful and perfect too-good-to-be-true heroines which they couldn’t identify with. Really? Because imo most m/m books I’ve read are just mf romances with the author just switching pronouns around and voila - an m/m book!
I wonder where romance queens such as Nora Roberts, Danielle Steele, Barbara Taylor Bradford etc. would be if they wrote books with cute, fat, cellulite ridden heroines with glasses who were given a magic pill and/or shot to turn them into Angelina Jolie//Halle Barry-like women so they could be ‘worthy’ of love. Hmmm … I don’t think it would go very well for the authors with their fans.
In closing I would like to give a list of men both dead and alive 5’6 and below who were/are considered handsome, hot and were/are never at a loss for booty. LOL Take note Ms. McBride and others.
Daniel Radcliffe 5’6” actor, Tom Cruise 5’6” actor, James Dean (1931 – 1955) 5’6” Actor, Prince 5’2” musician, Scott Caan 5’5” actor, Sal Mineo (1939 – 1976) 5’6” actor, Al Pacino 5’5” actor, Bono 5’5” musician, Mikhail Baryshnikov 5’6” dancer/actor, and many, many, many more.
Although I wanted to give it one star, I gave it two because Ms. McBride is obviously a talented writer. To bad her talents (as well as other authors) are misplaced in perpetuating the aforementioned notion of male beauty. In 2011, I went to the first GRL Retreat in NOLA and asked various ladies what was their fascination with m/m books and most of them said they were sick and tired of Harlequin-type mf romances with their flawlessly beautiful and perfect too-good-to-be-true heroines which they couldn’t identify with. Really? Because imo most m/m books I’ve read are just mf romances with the author just switching pronouns around and voila - an m/m book!
I wonder where romance queens such as Nora Roberts, Danielle Steele, Barbara Taylor Bradford etc. would be if they wrote books with cute, fat, cellulite ridden heroines with glasses who were given a magic pill and/or shot to turn them into Angelina Jolie//Halle Barry-like women so they could be ‘worthy’ of love. Hmmm … I don’t think it would go very well for the authors with their fans.
In closing I would like to give a list of men both dead and alive 5’6 and below who were/are considered handsome, hot and were/are never at a loss for booty. LOL Take note Ms. McBride and others.
Daniel Radcliffe 5’6” actor, Tom Cruise 5’6” actor, James Dean (1931 – 1955) 5’6” Actor, Prince 5’2” musician, Scott Caan 5’5” actor, Sal Mineo (1939 – 1976) 5’6” actor, Al Pacino 5’5” actor, Bono 5’5” musician, Mikhail Baryshnikov 5’6” dancer/actor, and many, many, many more.
October 3, 2015
I have a number of reviews to do today so this is just going to be my notes.
I kind of feel like an outsider reading a book from a different culture or where every other page is missing or it's written in code. I don't understand what's going on, what the situation with Riley is. He's just growing and keeps making mistakes. The MC just isn't acting like a boss. He's not nipping the come ons in the bud or talking to Riley about the obvious mistakes. He sounds like he's afraid of Riley. I don't get it.
Actually, being taller is hazardous to your health, especially if your organs don't grow as well or if it's too fast. Really tall people don't live as long on average.
I wouldn't get the shot knowing I could get shorter. I'm fine with my height even though I'm short.
Many short people are still successful. My dad is like 6'6" and he's been extremely successful in multiple areas. It's only when all things are equal that the tall do better. An ugly short person whose work truly excels will win over others.
Hovering over the carpet fibers?? What does that even mean?
Yes it would be horrible emotionally for a man to lose his height but he's really acting weird. He can't accept that he still looks fine and he's 5'9" the average height for many countries. If people look okay at 5'9" before they grow, then he does too, regardless of whether he's shorter than most people. Why wouldn't people want to hang out with him? He is so illogical and shallow.
Go Excel! I use Excel for everything that I don't use my text editor for. I love Excel. It's perfect for OCD people.
Is this what yaoi is? It's so bizarre.
Seriously, WTF? I need a GIF in this review to really get across what I'm feeling. I understand what's happening. I just don't understand the MC's reactions even before he got the shot.
Why didn't the waitress give him pancakes? It's supposed to be explained later but never is.
I kind of feel like an outsider reading a book from a different culture or where every other page is missing or it's written in code. I don't understand what's going on, what the situation with Riley is. He's just growing and keeps making mistakes. The MC just isn't acting like a boss. He's not nipping the come ons in the bud or talking to Riley about the obvious mistakes. He sounds like he's afraid of Riley. I don't get it.
Actually, being taller is hazardous to your health, especially if your organs don't grow as well or if it's too fast. Really tall people don't live as long on average.
I wouldn't get the shot knowing I could get shorter. I'm fine with my height even though I'm short.
Many short people are still successful. My dad is like 6'6" and he's been extremely successful in multiple areas. It's only when all things are equal that the tall do better. An ugly short person whose work truly excels will win over others.
Hovering over the carpet fibers?? What does that even mean?
Yes it would be horrible emotionally for a man to lose his height but he's really acting weird. He can't accept that he still looks fine and he's 5'9" the average height for many countries. If people look okay at 5'9" before they grow, then he does too, regardless of whether he's shorter than most people. Why wouldn't people want to hang out with him? He is so illogical and shallow.
Go Excel! I use Excel for everything that I don't use my text editor for. I love Excel. It's perfect for OCD people.
Is this what yaoi is? It's so bizarre.
Seriously, WTF? I need a GIF in this review to really get across what I'm feeling. I understand what's happening. I just don't understand the MC's reactions even before he got the shot.
Why didn't the waitress give him pancakes? It's supposed to be explained later but never is.
June 5, 2010
A little weird but cute and sweet. People who take these new flu shots either grow a few inches taller or lose a few inches.
In Nick's case, he's pressured by circumstances which have nothing to do be the flu, into having a shot except that Nick likes being six feet tall (or was it six-two?) and he doesn't want to end up below the average American man's height (according to Nick) of six feet.
Riley, the guy Nick has a secret crush on (so secret he isn't even aware of it himself) is Nick's subordinate and his flu shot adds several inches to him so that he ends up towering over him. This is where it gets weirdly cute, as Nick himself says. It's like Toby McGuire's Spiderman meeting the Incredible Hulk. Nick is much shorter and compact - normal-size, in fact. But Riley, whenever he exerts himself, turn into that comic book character - he's bursting at the seams as his muscles bulge and grow instantly and there's that scene where I guffawed cos his Incredible Cock bursts out of his jeans.
Bwahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sweet HEA though I didn't quite like Riley's attitude towards Nick, his superior, at the start. Inspite of the silliness, I kinda enjoyed this story. Like I said - weird but cute.
In Nick's case, he's pressured by circumstances which have nothing to do be the flu, into having a shot except that Nick likes being six feet tall (or was it six-two?) and he doesn't want to end up below the average American man's height (according to Nick) of six feet.
Riley, the guy Nick has a secret crush on (so secret he isn't even aware of it himself) is Nick's subordinate and his flu shot adds several inches to him so that he ends up towering over him. This is where it gets weirdly cute, as Nick himself says. It's like Toby McGuire's Spiderman meeting the Incredible Hulk. Nick is much shorter and compact - normal-size, in fact. But Riley, whenever he exerts himself, turn into that comic book character - he's bursting at the seams as his muscles bulge and grow instantly and there's that scene where I guffawed cos his Incredible Cock bursts out of his jeans.
Bwahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sweet HEA though I didn't quite like Riley's attitude towards Nick, his superior, at the start. Inspite of the silliness, I kinda enjoyed this story. Like I said - weird but cute.
February 21, 2012
I have to say that this is more of a 3.5 star book, but I decided to round down to 3. I usually round up, but...
I have to start out by saying that I LOVE Rowan McBride. I wish he wrote faster! This book was pretty much what I've come to expect from him, but I had a few problems with the first half of the book. I thought it was weird how inferior Nick felt once the vaccine started to do it's thing on him. I also thought his perception of Riley was a little overdone. That said, the second half of the book was great. We got into the why's of everything that's happened. I wish the Greg thing had been fleshed out more, and, as always with Rowan McBride, I wish the story had been longer! So, 1st half 2.5 stars, second half 4 stars. :)
I have to start out by saying that I LOVE Rowan McBride. I wish he wrote faster! This book was pretty much what I've come to expect from him, but I had a few problems with the first half of the book. I thought it was weird how inferior Nick felt once the vaccine started to do it's thing on him. I also thought his perception of Riley was a little overdone. That said, the second half of the book was great. We got into the why's of everything that's happened. I wish the Greg thing had been fleshed out more, and, as always with Rowan McBride, I wish the story had been longer! So, 1st half 2.5 stars, second half 4 stars. :)
October 15, 2010
Who knew that men were so obsessed with height! I'd never thought about it, but I suppose its logical that they would be! At first, the concept was kind of out there for me. I mean, a flu shot that makes you grow into gigantor or makes you shrink? Kinda weird, yeah? But it grew on me after a bit. The other thing was that I normally don't like characters like Nick, the whole "I'm great looking and don't know it" kind of guy. But in this case, it only bothered me initially and then ended up working in context of the story. So all that to say, that a story that had some marks against it as to what I normally like, ended up being a very satisfying read for me.
March 28, 2014
Pure romance, Rowan McBride style.
This author has a muscle and size fetish which comes through in various works . It's not something I ever though to find attractive before, but there's just something about McBride's stories that hits a nerve for me, every time. A very good nerve!
Having said that, I can see how this might not be for everyone - you have been warned ;-D
On a side note, the author wrote in a blog that Riley's character was originally much darker, and was toned down in subsequent edits. Personally, I wouldn't have minded a touch "darker"...
This author has a muscle and size fetish which comes through in various works . It's not something I ever though to find attractive before, but there's just something about McBride's stories that hits a nerve for me, every time. A very good nerve!
Having said that, I can see how this might not be for everyone - you have been warned ;-D
On a side note, the author wrote in a blog that Riley's character was originally much darker, and was toned down in subsequent edits. Personally, I wouldn't have minded a touch "darker"...
July 8, 2020
Its weird, odd and completely endearing.
I adored both main characters.
Merged review:
Reread July 2020.... 5 yrs later and yep, you guessed it....I read my quote and couldn't remember this story lol
Re-read September 2015
This is such an unusual and quirky read...I found a quote that I had added years ago and I couldn't remember the story...I decided to reread it and I am so glad that I did.
Funny, Unusual, Hawt Shmex = Im Happy!
I adored both main characters.
Merged review:
Reread July 2020.... 5 yrs later and yep, you guessed it....I read my quote and couldn't remember this story lol
Re-read September 2015
This is such an unusual and quirky read...I found a quote that I had added years ago and I couldn't remember the story...I decided to reread it and I am so glad that I did.
Funny, Unusual, Hawt Shmex = Im Happy!
August 17, 2019
Rating: 3 stars
I liked the premise of the story. I just didn’t feel enough chemistry between Riley and Nick as I would have liked. Despite all that I did like the story over-all. Just wish the love between Riley and Nick had been more realistic.
I liked the premise of the story. I just didn’t feel enough chemistry between Riley and Nick as I would have liked. Despite all that I did like the story over-all. Just wish the love between Riley and Nick had been more realistic.
October 16, 2009
Another unique and entertaining story from Rowan McBride.
August 24, 2011
I guess I'm tired of variations on the "muscle growth" theme by the same author. Still, it is a well written story.
December 8, 2013
I liked it. Read this book. Lol
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