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Once Upon a Veterinarian
Ben has a good life. Partner in a thriving veterinarian clinic with his best friend Stacey, he has a great dog, a favorite Chinese take-out place and a great DVD collection. The only thing he doesn't have is a special someone to share his life with. When Ben has a number of poisoned animals come through his clinic, he call in the police, suspecting that these aren't random tragedies, but deliberate killings. Enter Constable Tim Geary. Dog and cat poisonings are fairly low on the priority list, but Tim decides to look into them. The attraction between Tim and Ben is immediate and soon Chinese food and more is on the menu. Life has a way of trying to keep the boys apart, though. Can they find a way to overcome their busy lives and be together?
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First published September 1, 2008
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About the author
Drew Zachary
40 books101 followersDrew Zachary is the pen-name of co-authors Chris Owen and Vic Winter.
"Born in the wilds of Canada, Drew grew up with an axe in one hand and a book in the other. Drew's love of writing is outshone only by his love of men. Lucky for him, he can combine the two.
From his father, Drew learned how to wield that axe, fix a carburetor and bake a mean can of beans using fire, gas or electricity. From his mother, he learned how to rotate the tires, turn apples into just about anything from cider to pie to a meatless lasagna, and how to swim. At twelve Drew ran away to join the circus, only to run away from it when he realized just how badly elephant poop stinks.
When Drew ran out of books to read he started writing his own and never looked back. His home is filled with books, unfinished manuscripts and his grandmother's knick knacks. His best friend is a dog named Barney and his pet fish keep him entertained for hours.
Drew writes about love because he still believes in it. Even though he's never found that special man himself, he's never given up hope. Well, never on a permanent basis, anyway."
Source:www.drewzachary.com
"Born in the wilds of Canada, Drew grew up with an axe in one hand and a book in the other. Drew's love of writing is outshone only by his love of men. Lucky for him, he can combine the two.
From his father, Drew learned how to wield that axe, fix a carburetor and bake a mean can of beans using fire, gas or electricity. From his mother, he learned how to rotate the tires, turn apples into just about anything from cider to pie to a meatless lasagna, and how to swim. At twelve Drew ran away to join the circus, only to run away from it when he realized just how badly elephant poop stinks.
When Drew ran out of books to read he started writing his own and never looked back. His home is filled with books, unfinished manuscripts and his grandmother's knick knacks. His best friend is a dog named Barney and his pet fish keep him entertained for hours.
Drew writes about love because he still believes in it. Even though he's never found that special man himself, he's never given up hope. Well, never on a permanent basis, anyway."
Source:www.drewzachary.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 28, 2012
Cute read about a vet and a cop!
Typical Drew Zachary, a nice sweet story, nothing out of the ordinary but a relaxing story with no angst or real conflict.
Typical Drew Zachary, a nice sweet story, nothing out of the ordinary but a relaxing story with no angst or real conflict.
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May 12, 2009I like when Drew Zachary sets its story in Canada, since the gay issue is slightly lesser, and you can enjoy the guy meets guy, guy loves guy, guy gets guy without the usually hating and hiding feelings around. True, some hint here and there still remains, but it's more a light tease from colleague than a real ostracism.
Ben is a small pet vet; lately he has a lot of case of dying pets due to poisoning and so he thinks to call the police. Tim is the officer who picks up his case, and it's not the only thing he picks up... Tim has no problem to make clear to Ben that he is interested to get personal with him and they, easily as that, start to date. But both of them have works with shift and emergency call, and build a normal relationship is not simple.
Usually in a TQ's books you expect to find a lot of sex, soon and fast in the story; sometime I like that, one of my fav books from Drew Zachary is On Fire, and the two in the story get together in the first scene, without even have time to reach a bedroom. This one is a bit different: the book is divided in two part, in the first one the two lovers are almost "cursed", everytime they are at the point to hit home, something happens, and they need to postponed. It's both funny and exciting, since the reader starts to bet what will happen the next time.
In the second part, when finally they break the "curse", the sex starts as usual, funny and easy, a lot but not too much. At this point the reader would be enough satisfied, and instead Drew Zachary chooses to bring on the story and give us a glimpse on what happens after the happily ever after, since gets together sometime is the easy thing, but stay together is difficult and demanding.
I like this story since it has plot, it has sex and it has romance, but at the same time it's easy and smooth, funny rather than angst, fast but not too short (137 pages).
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1603704949/?...
Ben is a small pet vet; lately he has a lot of case of dying pets due to poisoning and so he thinks to call the police. Tim is the officer who picks up his case, and it's not the only thing he picks up... Tim has no problem to make clear to Ben that he is interested to get personal with him and they, easily as that, start to date. But both of them have works with shift and emergency call, and build a normal relationship is not simple.
Usually in a TQ's books you expect to find a lot of sex, soon and fast in the story; sometime I like that, one of my fav books from Drew Zachary is On Fire, and the two in the story get together in the first scene, without even have time to reach a bedroom. This one is a bit different: the book is divided in two part, in the first one the two lovers are almost "cursed", everytime they are at the point to hit home, something happens, and they need to postponed. It's both funny and exciting, since the reader starts to bet what will happen the next time.
In the second part, when finally they break the "curse", the sex starts as usual, funny and easy, a lot but not too much. At this point the reader would be enough satisfied, and instead Drew Zachary chooses to bring on the story and give us a glimpse on what happens after the happily ever after, since gets together sometime is the easy thing, but stay together is difficult and demanding.
I like this story since it has plot, it has sex and it has romance, but at the same time it's easy and smooth, funny rather than angst, fast but not too short (137 pages).
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1603704949/?...
November 1, 2014
This review is of my second read of this book. My first read was back in 2011 before I joined GoodReads. I remember this being sweet and angst-free and a delightful little book. That remains true today, but I also found Once Upon a Veterinarian to be a little tame and a bit cliché after reading several thousand M/M romance books since reading this the first time.
MC Ben is a sweet, mild mannered small town vet. His life exists of taking care of his vet practice, the animals in his care and his fellow vet and partner in his practice, Stacey, who likes to pop in uninvited with dinner and wine so they can veg out on the couch.
MC Tim is a dedicated police constable, always on the lookout for a little adventure and maybe some tail. His gaydar is set off when he meets Ben and the two start a tentative relationship. Ben wants to take things slow and Tim agrees not to rush him into bed.
And that is the story folks! There is a little side story about some animals being poisoned, which is kind of an excuse to get these two boys together, but the two men dating is the brunt of the story. We watch them skirt the sex issue, get cock-blocked a bunch of times, finally consummate their relationship and go on a few dates. It's sweet and angst-free, but pretty boring. But, ya know? Sometimes that's kinda nice!
If that's what you are in the mood for, I can certainly recommend this book! These boys were pretty sex starved after living in a small town with no other gay people for so long. They go at it like teenagers once they get started, and that was pretty damn hot.
I ended up dropping my original rating of 5 stars to 4 and took this book off of my favorites shelf after reading it a second time. When will I learn to leave well enough alone?
January 14, 2010
3.5 stars ... Ben is a vet and Tim is a constable, they meet when Ben asks Tim to look for a case of poisoned animals. The story builds up nicely; I like it that both of them are starting with "curse"; when they cannot seem to get a break, someone or something always get in their way. It's cute :p. But then when they get it on, it's sexy and hot. It's an entertaining story. One thing I always can expect from Drew Zachary's books :)
September 23, 2015
I enjoyed the story (most of the time). I might try re-reading this one day with a much better soundtrack playing the background. I think my choice of music selection really changed the tone in a lot of places.
It didn't matter to me that the mystery was pushed to an almost afterthought of the storyline, but I can see where it might make someone who likes more "mystery" than "romance" feel slighted.
It didn't matter to me that the mystery was pushed to an almost afterthought of the storyline, but I can see where it might make someone who likes more "mystery" than "romance" feel slighted.
August 24, 2010
The overall idea isn't bad. Two gay men in a small town, one the local veterinarian, one a policeman. They meet, are interested, get together. But just as they're about to get at it, something comes up. This happens - again, and again, and again, and...again. The first time it was funny, the second time it inspired pity for the characters, but after that, it was just annoying. The vet is pictured as a whiny wuss, henpecked by his female partner, the cop is better than good, more patient than a rock, and beautiful as a picture. Icouldn't stop asking myself why someone like him would make do with someone like the vet, only that there was no other chice in their small town. The mystery was only there to get the two of them together and it was a bit moot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2011
When I started this book, I thought it was going to be a standard boy meets boy with instant attraction story. To a point it was, although I loved the comedy of errors that ensued while they were trying to have sex and I thought it was quite sweet that Ben didn't want to have sex or even get naked in front of his dog :) There was a little bit of mystery side story about poisoned pets but it was really only a way to get the 2 MCs to meet.
October 5, 2012
Not a heckuva lot of plot here. A pleasant enough read, funny at the beginning when the MCs are first getting together, a good enough way to spend a few brainless hours, but not much to grip or really focus the interest.
January 11, 2010
A cop and a veterinarian meet when the cop starts investigating a string of pet poisonings in this m/m romance.
November 12, 2013
A very sweet story. It's one of those books that's great for when you need sweet without angst.
February 18, 2018
Quería leer un romance gay, pero parecía historia barata de manga BL.
Prometía, de verdad prometía lo de veterinario con sospechas tras varios animales muertos aparentemente por envenenamiento, llama a la policía y aparece un oficial que hace pensar “¡Despósame, digo, espósame!”
Pero a ver, el único personaje medianamente interesante es el policía, Tim, siempre y cuando no esté pensando con el pene. El veterinario bleh, y OMFC... las mujeres, bueno todos parecen extraídos de un BL. La amiga que interrumpe y no se da cuenta, la despechada que mira con mala cara a uno de ellos, la compañera que insiste tengan sexo y casi casi pide detalles.
Quería ver como trabajaban, cada quien, por su lado, Tim y Ben pero nop.
El subplot de los pobres animalitos se pierde y se retoma superficial y rápidamente en la recta final.
Las escenas de sexo, me las salte pues me aburrían.
Prometía, de verdad prometía lo de veterinario con sospechas tras varios animales muertos aparentemente por envenenamiento, llama a la policía y aparece un oficial que hace pensar “¡Despósame, digo, espósame!”
Pero a ver, el único personaje medianamente interesante es el policía, Tim, siempre y cuando no esté pensando con el pene. El veterinario bleh, y OMFC... las mujeres, bueno todos parecen extraídos de un BL. La amiga que interrumpe y no se da cuenta, la despechada que mira con mala cara a uno de ellos, la compañera que insiste tengan sexo y casi casi pide detalles.
Quería ver como trabajaban, cada quien, por su lado, Tim y Ben pero nop.
El subplot de los pobres animalitos se pierde y se retoma superficial y rápidamente en la recta final.
Las escenas de sexo, me las salte pues me aburrían.
December 2, 2018
3,5 stars. Sweet, fun, loving, lots of sexy stuff. Not amazing, but still very enjoyable.
November 3, 2012
Simple and sweet
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- The guys’ initial interactions felt really…normal to me. They meet, they flirt, they go out and have fun, they kiss, etc. They’re comfortable with each other right from the start.
- Some of the dialogue is funny, especially when the guys are in the past-flirting-but-not-yet-having-sex stage.
- I loved the way Tim treats Ben’s dog, Tippy. Ben’s a vet, so obviously he’s going to be super attached to his pet. And Tim’s not only totally cool with that, he also sweet talks to her, brings her treats, and thinks of her when he and Ben are away from the apartment. That’s one of those things that lets you know a guy is really into you: if he takes what you care about seriously.
- The sex scenes (once they get going) are pretty hot. They don’t start until over halfway through the book--a string of bad luck keeps the guys away from each other for various reasons--so by the time they finally DO get together, the sex is rather heated.
- There are a number of secondary characters who are pretty flat but are still likeable. Most of Tim’s cop buddies, in particular, are surprisingly accepting and nonchalant when Tim suddenly shows up at a department barbeque with his boyfriend in tow. The story’s set in Canada, so for the most part, I believed that the acceptance was genuine.
CONS:
- I expected the plot involving the poisoned animals to be more in-depth--or at least, more suspenseful/mysterious--than it is, but the resolution is realistic. And to be fair, the plot element really just exists in order to bring the two guys together.
- Ben’s business partner and close friend, Stacey, is REALLY annoying most of the time, and so is Ben’s cluelessness about how frustrated Tim gets when she’s around. She does redeem herself at the end, though.
- In a couple of instances, I got confused as to which character was speaking because there aren’t very many “he said”s, etc.
Overall comments: Don’t be misled into thinking that this is an in-depth mystery. The real story here is the romance, which is simple but heartfelt. The sex scenes are plentiful and pretty hot (especially since there’s so much buildup before the first one), and I think overall this book is worth a read.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 7/10
PROS:
- The guys’ initial interactions felt really…normal to me. They meet, they flirt, they go out and have fun, they kiss, etc. They’re comfortable with each other right from the start.
- Some of the dialogue is funny, especially when the guys are in the past-flirting-but-not-yet-having-sex stage.
- I loved the way Tim treats Ben’s dog, Tippy. Ben’s a vet, so obviously he’s going to be super attached to his pet. And Tim’s not only totally cool with that, he also sweet talks to her, brings her treats, and thinks of her when he and Ben are away from the apartment. That’s one of those things that lets you know a guy is really into you: if he takes what you care about seriously.
- The sex scenes (once they get going) are pretty hot. They don’t start until over halfway through the book--a string of bad luck keeps the guys away from each other for various reasons--so by the time they finally DO get together, the sex is rather heated.
- There are a number of secondary characters who are pretty flat but are still likeable. Most of Tim’s cop buddies, in particular, are surprisingly accepting and nonchalant when Tim suddenly shows up at a department barbeque with his boyfriend in tow. The story’s set in Canada, so for the most part, I believed that the acceptance was genuine.
CONS:
- I expected the plot involving the poisoned animals to be more in-depth--or at least, more suspenseful/mysterious--than it is, but the resolution is realistic. And to be fair, the plot element really just exists in order to bring the two guys together.
- Ben’s business partner and close friend, Stacey, is REALLY annoying most of the time, and so is Ben’s cluelessness about how frustrated Tim gets when she’s around. She does redeem herself at the end, though.
- In a couple of instances, I got confused as to which character was speaking because there aren’t very many “he said”s, etc.
Overall comments: Don’t be misled into thinking that this is an in-depth mystery. The real story here is the romance, which is simple but heartfelt. The sex scenes are plentiful and pretty hot (especially since there’s so much buildup before the first one), and I think overall this book is worth a read.
November 15, 2013
Me llamó la atención el resumen y, aunque leí en otros comentarios que la historia de las mascotas envenenadas quedaba totalmente en segundo plano, me decidí a leerlo porque pensé que tampoco se podía esperar una gran historia de investigación de la idea. Me pareció bien que quedara de segundo plano en una historia de amor.
El libro no está mal, pero me ha decepcionado un poco. Es uno de esos libros sin historia que llegado más o menos a la mitad, como ya no tienen nada más que contarte se convierte en una sucesión interminable de escenas de sexo. Tampoco es que al principio tengan mucho que contarte, una vez que se conocen en el primer capítulo, no hay más historia. La primera parte se reduce a varias escenas en que los protagonistas quedan y no consiguen tener sexo por que les interrumpen continuamente. La investigación queda tan en segundo plano, que en otro libro no habría pasado de anécdota. El único evento de tensión sucede casi al final y no dura más de dos páginas. Ni siquiera llega a sacar partido real de la amiga/socia irritante.
Una pena, porque me gustaba la idea.
El libro no está mal, pero me ha decepcionado un poco. Es uno de esos libros sin historia que llegado más o menos a la mitad, como ya no tienen nada más que contarte se convierte en una sucesión interminable de escenas de sexo. Tampoco es que al principio tengan mucho que contarte, una vez que se conocen en el primer capítulo, no hay más historia. La primera parte se reduce a varias escenas en que los protagonistas quedan y no consiguen tener sexo por que les interrumpen continuamente. La investigación queda tan en segundo plano, que en otro libro no habría pasado de anécdota. El único evento de tensión sucede casi al final y no dura más de dos páginas. Ni siquiera llega a sacar partido real de la amiga/socia irritante.
Una pena, porque me gustaba la idea.
March 9, 2012
Veterinarian Ben meets Constable Tim, when Tim is called to investigate a number of pet poisonings. When the guys meet the attraction is there instantly and luckily they are brave enough to act on it. Ben is a little shy and likes to take things slow, but when they can never actually complete a date without interuption even Ben gets frustrated. It is hard to start a relationship when it seems like they are cursed.
This was a sweet story about how Ben and Tim try to start a relationship and make it work even though they both have strange work schedules. I felt somewhat frustrated along with the guys that they could never catch a break, but I was also very glad for them when they did.
Ben was the one who mostly wasn´t to sure about how to act in a relationship and he needed his eyes opened a little, but when he did the guys made it work.
This was a comfort read, without to much angst (but some frustration).
This was a sweet story about how Ben and Tim try to start a relationship and make it work even though they both have strange work schedules. I felt somewhat frustrated along with the guys that they could never catch a break, but I was also very glad for them when they did.
Ben was the one who mostly wasn´t to sure about how to act in a relationship and he needed his eyes opened a little, but when he did the guys made it work.
This was a comfort read, without to much angst (but some frustration).
February 17, 2014
Contains mild spoilers.
This started somewhat good as the MCs' didn't hop into bed the first day they met each other but then the whole interrupted sex thingie went on a little too long. Once or twice would be in the realm of reality but it went on about 3 or 4 dates and then there was looong period of totally incompatible scheduals too. In the end the whole thing was totally ridicilous. And after they finally managed to get the sex going there was little else than sex in the story. It was pretty much PWP after the first half of the book.
There is side plot of pet poisoning but hardly anything is done for that and even less shown for us so it's really pretty irrelevant. And then there is the formulaic fight at the very end of the book which was so unnecessery as we alreayd had had nice HEA before that.
This started somewhat good as the MCs' didn't hop into bed the first day they met each other but then the whole interrupted sex thingie went on a little too long. Once or twice would be in the realm of reality but it went on about 3 or 4 dates and then there was looong period of totally incompatible scheduals too. In the end the whole thing was totally ridicilous. And after they finally managed to get the sex going there was little else than sex in the story. It was pretty much PWP after the first half of the book.
There is side plot of pet poisoning but hardly anything is done for that and even less shown for us so it's really pretty irrelevant. And then there is the formulaic fight at the very end of the book which was so unnecessery as we alreayd had had nice HEA before that.
January 9, 2011
2.5 stars
Superbly written (as always) story about a Vet and a Cop. Didn't work for me, but may work just fine for you. Central premise in the first half of the book is that they are doomed to want each other, but not be able to have sex. They get interrupted right as they are about to "get busy" numerous times. I just didn't have the patience for this premise! Another central theme is the Vet letting his business partner and friend (a woman) unexpectedly interrupt his "alone" time with the cop. Again, I struggled with this, because it is so far from my temperament. I would have told my friend "I love you and since you love me and want me to be happy, you are leaving now, bye, see ya, let's make plans for next week". I just couldn't get past these issues long enough to enjoy the story.
Superbly written (as always) story about a Vet and a Cop. Didn't work for me, but may work just fine for you. Central premise in the first half of the book is that they are doomed to want each other, but not be able to have sex. They get interrupted right as they are about to "get busy" numerous times. I just didn't have the patience for this premise! Another central theme is the Vet letting his business partner and friend (a woman) unexpectedly interrupt his "alone" time with the cop. Again, I struggled with this, because it is so far from my temperament. I would have told my friend "I love you and since you love me and want me to be happy, you are leaving now, bye, see ya, let's make plans for next week". I just couldn't get past these issues long enough to enjoy the story.
May 25, 2015
Another great read from Drew...No angst just a sweet read about two guys getting together..well trying to...every time they try to get it together they get blocked....and i just have to say i hate Stacey..what the hell is her problem...knock and wait is usual just because your friends doesn't mean you can just walk in.....But Ben needed to have spoke up to her though..but still they were great together x
November 1, 2013
This was sweet. I liked Ben, but I thought he was a little oblivious to what was going on. Tim was good, too, but I thought he was too obsessed with working out. I liked when he put his foot down :)
I liked Amy, but Stacy...nope. She was too annoying and oblivious as well.
Overall, it was a sweet story, with some funny moments.
I liked Amy, but Stacy...nope. She was too annoying and oblivious as well.
Overall, it was a sweet story, with some funny moments.
June 27, 2016
slow pace story cute sweet story. Vet ben meets cop tim when he investigate cases involving dead cats and dog poisoning. They two are pretty much funny guys LOL at moments. When eva the two get intimate these always interrupting emergency but its cute..lol They also seem to be cursed as they say. But cross finger the curse will be lifted pretty much..enjoy reading i did.
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June 10, 2010DNF
October 28, 2011
An enjoyable easy read romance which hit just the right spot.
March 4, 2013
dnf-might still try someday but just can't stick with it-so blah
October 30, 2014
A sweet love story with some very hot sex scenes between 2 interesting MC's. An entertaining, feel-good read.
March 19, 2011
Nice, easy, low-stress romance. Lovely
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews