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Gasp!
Jeff Paxton came home from Afghanistan looking for roots. Instead his pregnant sister talks him into a job babysitting the volatile megastar Nigel Gasp. Nigel is stubborn, needy, and determined to be the center of attention everywhere he goes. Before long, Jeff realizes that something is bothering Gasp, and that keeping him out of trouble might be more difficult than he thought.
Nigel never planned on getting old. He simply assumed a hard drinking, hard partying lifestyle would take care of that. Now that he's turning forty, he's depressed and a little bit desperate. To Nigel, forty seems like a fine age to deposit his DNA and check out while he's still on top.
The last thing Jeff needs is to fall in love with Nigel Gasp. The last thing Nigel expects is a whole new reason to live. But how can Jeff put down roots with a man who is never in the same place twice?
Love can be shocking. Gasp!
Nigel never planned on getting old. He simply assumed a hard drinking, hard partying lifestyle would take care of that. Now that he's turning forty, he's depressed and a little bit desperate. To Nigel, forty seems like a fine age to deposit his DNA and check out while he's still on top.
The last thing Jeff needs is to fall in love with Nigel Gasp. The last thing Nigel expects is a whole new reason to live. But how can Jeff put down roots with a man who is never in the same place twice?
Love can be shocking. Gasp!
280 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2012
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697 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
March 20, 2020
I hate to go against all the reviews that rated this book so highly, particularly as I am a big fan of Z.A.Maxfield (particularly the St Nachos series) however I enjoyed but did not absolutely love this book.
Although very well written with some brilliant one-liners, I just didn't warm to Nigel. Particularly in the first third of the book where he just seemed so self-involved.
So overall I enjoyed the book but wouldn't rate it amongst my faves from this author.
Although very well written with some brilliant one-liners, I just didn't warm to Nigel. Particularly in the first third of the book where he just seemed so self-involved.
So overall I enjoyed the book but wouldn't rate it amongst my faves from this author.
September 6, 2012
Nobody does turning 40 like Nigel Gasp
So here I was reading along thinking: "This is awesome, this is hilarious,this is hot, this is sweet! Could it actually be a 5 star read for me?" And then...within the span of like 30 minutes reading time, it went from 5 stars...to 4.5 stars...to 4 stars. I will be generous and leave it at 4. After all, I did really enjoy large parts of it aside from a few annoyances.
So here is how it all went down...
...eh! There will be spoilers and a little plot review. But how can I explain myself without a little setup?
I loved the beginning! We get Nigel Gasp; the wealthy, trouble making, spoiled, middle aged, famous, rock star chameleon who looks stunning in drag. Nigel is at the top of the world, but yet he's really not. Then we get Jeff Paxton; the young army veteran suffering from a fishy parasite, PTSD, and alcoholic tendencies. Jeff, for some ungodly reason, agrees to supervise (AKA babysit) Nigel while Diedre (Nigel's manager & Jeff's older sister) goes through childbirth alone with her wife Katje. Don't let me forget to say that Nigel is the sperm donor of little Hazard!
Yes, agree that the whole thing starts out totally outrageous, but it was fun! I laughed my ass off a lot. (Warning: do not read while running, jogging, or trying to hang on to the elliptical) Nigel was spoiled and reckless but he still touched my heart with his vulnerabilities. And I loved the Jeff that was in Bluebird Mountain. Not the Jeff that spent so much time in the bottle.
Ah, and then the second half comes. There is that dreaded, yet predictable, separation that is not really a breakup. Say goodbye to ALL the sex and ALMOST all the humor. Sad indeed! The story was jumping all over the place. There were so many important, intimate moments that [may have] happened between Nigel and Jeff that didn't exist on the page. We basically get short little snippets of the next few months and are pretty much told instead of shown. I wanted all the good stuff! For example: Sad indeed!
The inconsistent hospital policies made me want to scream. And what the hell was wrong with Hazard? I mean, he almost died. And I want to know why! Was it a virus? Was it some communicable disease? Was it some incurable congenital disease? Is Hazard going to need that kidney that Nigel wanted to give him?! Maybe this was all revealed, but for the life of me...I cannot remember!
And what happened with Mac and Colleen? I don't hear wedding bells.
And am I the only one who thought Amil was a weirdo?
I loved the ending! And I totally cried the last time Nigel attempted to sing "Light a Candle". It truly is a beautiful song.
So here I am, well after 2 am, typing up this review...I know my tenses are all over the place. My fingers are numb and I may regret this in the morning. Only time will tell...
...after all, Nigel Gasp is 40 years old and finally on top of the world!
So here I was reading along thinking: "This is awesome, this is hilarious,this is hot, this is sweet! Could it actually be a 5 star read for me?" And then...within the span of like 30 minutes reading time, it went from 5 stars...to 4.5 stars...to 4 stars. I will be generous and leave it at 4. After all, I did really enjoy large parts of it aside from a few annoyances.
So here is how it all went down...
...eh! There will be spoilers and a little plot review. But how can I explain myself without a little setup?
I loved the beginning! We get Nigel Gasp; the wealthy, trouble making, spoiled, middle aged, famous, rock star chameleon who looks stunning in drag. Nigel is at the top of the world, but yet he's really not. Then we get Jeff Paxton; the young army veteran suffering from a fishy parasite, PTSD, and alcoholic tendencies. Jeff, for some ungodly reason, agrees to supervise (AKA babysit) Nigel while Diedre (Nigel's manager & Jeff's older sister) goes through childbirth alone with her wife Katje. Don't let me forget to say that Nigel is the sperm donor of little Hazard!
Yes, agree that the whole thing starts out totally outrageous, but it was fun! I laughed my ass off a lot. (Warning: do not read while running, jogging, or trying to hang on to the elliptical) Nigel was spoiled and reckless but he still touched my heart with his vulnerabilities. And I loved the Jeff that was in Bluebird Mountain. Not the Jeff that spent so much time in the bottle.
Ah, and then the second half comes. There is that dreaded, yet predictable, separation that is not really a breakup. Say goodbye to ALL the sex and ALMOST all the humor. Sad indeed! The story was jumping all over the place. There were so many important, intimate moments that [may have] happened between Nigel and Jeff that didn't exist on the page. We basically get short little snippets of the next few months and are pretty much told instead of shown. I wanted all the good stuff! For example: Sad indeed!
The inconsistent hospital policies made me want to scream. And what the hell was wrong with Hazard? I mean, he almost died. And I want to know why! Was it a virus? Was it some communicable disease? Was it some incurable congenital disease? Is Hazard going to need that kidney that Nigel wanted to give him?! Maybe this was all revealed, but for the life of me...I cannot remember!
And what happened with Mac and Colleen? I don't hear wedding bells.
And am I the only one who thought Amil was a weirdo?
I loved the ending! And I totally cried the last time Nigel attempted to sing "Light a Candle". It truly is a beautiful song.
So here I am, well after 2 am, typing up this review...I know my tenses are all over the place. My fingers are numb and I may regret this in the morning. Only time will tell...
...after all, Nigel Gasp is 40 years old and finally on top of the world!
September 6, 2012
Rock star Nigel Gasp has to be one of the most interesting characters ZAM has created. The man is a chameleon, to the point where most of his time is spent living in character, and he has effectively lost track of the real man behind the legend. This book is mainly the story of how Nigel finds his way back to the things that really matter.
Jeff Paxton has left the military and is at loose ends, searching for a purpose and roots, when his sister commandeers him for a brief stint of celebrity-tending. His life-long crush on Nigel Gasp is first nearly drowned in annoyance, but eventually becomes something more as he discovers just how fascinating Nigel the man is. Jeff starts to see Nigel's exploits as proof of how badly Nigel needs his flights of fancy to be grounded in something real. Jeff accepts all the facets of Nigel, not blindly, but with affection and humor and good sense. For these two, there are times when being together is amazing, and times when they drive each other crazy, but a gradual understanding develops.
This book was funny and sweet in turns, with some good secondary characters and a baby who never became cloying. I appreciated some of the realism here . These guys actually talk to each other. Misunderstandings happen, but they don't drag out for chapters. Jeff is a good guy and Nigel was fascinating, frustrating, and at moments heartbreaking. This is one I'll probably reread.
Jeff Paxton has left the military and is at loose ends, searching for a purpose and roots, when his sister commandeers him for a brief stint of celebrity-tending. His life-long crush on Nigel Gasp is first nearly drowned in annoyance, but eventually becomes something more as he discovers just how fascinating Nigel the man is. Jeff starts to see Nigel's exploits as proof of how badly Nigel needs his flights of fancy to be grounded in something real. Jeff accepts all the facets of Nigel, not blindly, but with affection and humor and good sense. For these two, there are times when being together is amazing, and times when they drive each other crazy, but a gradual understanding develops.
This book was funny and sweet in turns, with some good secondary characters and a baby who never became cloying. I appreciated some of the realism here . These guys actually talk to each other. Misunderstandings happen, but they don't drag out for chapters. Jeff is a good guy and Nigel was fascinating, frustrating, and at moments heartbreaking. This is one I'll probably reread.
September 6, 2012
I struggled heavily with this story. I liked the idea behind the story and I liked the plot but I had a very difficult time relating to Nigel. Nigel is almost 12 years older than Jeff but I could never wrap my mind around that age difference. He appeared, in his looks and actions, as a guy so much younger. Even younger than Jeff. Even though I didn't approve, I understood his being a selfish, entitled, spoiled rotten rock star. Dee (his best friend and Jeff's sister) was a huge enabler of Nigel's bad behavior and treated her brother like shit when Nigel did something stupid. I hated her. Her brother has just come home from 3 tours in the Middle East and saw things most would be lucky never to see and here his sister treats him like shit because Nigel acts like an ass. I couldn't get past her treatment of Jeff and nothing she could do later would erase those feeling for me. Not that she did anything to redeem herself, she was just as selfish at the end as she was in the beginning. And so too was Nigel.
Jeff should have packed his bags and took off.
Jeff should have packed his bags and took off.
September 9, 2012
Sooooo.....
This was an interesting story! I admit, I really enjoyed it but holy smokes were there a lot of things I found wrong with it!
Nigel is a real piece of work! He's a suicidal rock star pushing forty and looking to go out in a blaze of glory. Jeff, a third tour veteran of the Army, is made to babysit Nigel while Jeff's sister, who's also Nigel's manager, gives birth to his nephew. Nigel's more than Jeff can handle, though, and has to result to drastic measures to get through Nigel's stubborn, trouble making exterior.
At first, I didn't like Nigel. He was too needy and melodramatic for me. Gradually over the course of the book, I fell in love with him. He's like an onion. He has so many layers to his personality that when you peel back one layer, you find another and another and another until you reach the core of him. Jeff is a pretty standard no-nonsense character. By the end of the story, however, he grew a little too desperate and pleasing to me. Still, I liked him a lot.
The book started out just about perfect. It was extremely funny to the point I couldn't stop laughing for long periods of time. I loved the trouble Nigel put Jeff through. Nigel was so restless and when he got restless he'd want to go out. Those scenes were a treat because he'd go out dressed as a woman and I adored his multiple characters even Keiko the Kitten (who Jeff detested). The book is also extremely sweet. I melted at some of the parts when Nigel and Jeff were sharing their feelings. I also enjoyed their games of truth or dare. I found it funny that they couldn't lie during a game but yet they had no problems fibbing any other time.
While the book started out great, it didn't take long for it to lose it's perfect appeal. As I progressed in the story, some things got on my nerves. For instance, I hated the sister, Diedre. She was condescending and disrespectful to Jeff, her brother. She was a total bitch, very wishy washy because she'd talk all sweet and nice to Nigel then snap at Jeff and talk shit about Nigel behind his back. Honestly, if she was my sister I'd have either shot her or told her to shut the fuck up already. Talk about annoying. I didn't like how she treated Jeff in the beginning and I sure as hell didn't like how she treated Nigel in the end. Honestly, I could rant about her all day. She was a disgusting character. Classic example of why I don't like females in m/m books. They just cause unnecessary problems.
Beyond that, after Nigel and Jeff got together there was a lot of sex clustered very close together. I ended up skipping a few pages because it was back to back sex and got a tad boring to me. There's also the fact that a few of the scenes that I was looking forward to reading about are skipped or glossed over so we get the 'highlight' of what happens but not the actually by-play. That saddened me because one scene I'd have really enjoyed reading about is Nigel and Jeff's reunion after months of being apart. Lastly, there are so many unanswered questions and loose ends. The most obvious is the fact that there's never a diagnosis given for why Baby Hazard ended up in the hospital Oh! And I felt like the end was unresolved. We don't know what's going to happen next between Nigel and Jeff. Is Jeff going to give up his dreams and constantly be on the road with Nigel? What about school? So many unresolved threads. Nigel was also a bit inconsistent with being from Britain. He was speaking almost all American English in the beginning but by the end he was all of a sudden very British. Although he really only used 'knackered' and 'bloody'. Just overly so.
Overall, even with the many faults of the story, I can't deny that I really enjoyed it. I laughed so hard in the beginning, I awwwed during the middle and I was engrossed in the end. It's not a perfect book but one I hope we get a continuation for someday to at least tie up all the loose ends.
This was an interesting story! I admit, I really enjoyed it but holy smokes were there a lot of things I found wrong with it!
Nigel is a real piece of work! He's a suicidal rock star pushing forty and looking to go out in a blaze of glory. Jeff, a third tour veteran of the Army, is made to babysit Nigel while Jeff's sister, who's also Nigel's manager, gives birth to his nephew. Nigel's more than Jeff can handle, though, and has to result to drastic measures to get through Nigel's stubborn, trouble making exterior.
At first, I didn't like Nigel. He was too needy and melodramatic for me. Gradually over the course of the book, I fell in love with him. He's like an onion. He has so many layers to his personality that when you peel back one layer, you find another and another and another until you reach the core of him. Jeff is a pretty standard no-nonsense character. By the end of the story, however, he grew a little too desperate and pleasing to me. Still, I liked him a lot.
The book started out just about perfect. It was extremely funny to the point I couldn't stop laughing for long periods of time. I loved the trouble Nigel put Jeff through. Nigel was so restless and when he got restless he'd want to go out. Those scenes were a treat because he'd go out dressed as a woman and I adored his multiple characters even Keiko the Kitten (who Jeff detested). The book is also extremely sweet. I melted at some of the parts when Nigel and Jeff were sharing their feelings. I also enjoyed their games of truth or dare. I found it funny that they couldn't lie during a game but yet they had no problems fibbing any other time.
While the book started out great, it didn't take long for it to lose it's perfect appeal. As I progressed in the story, some things got on my nerves. For instance, I hated the sister, Diedre. She was condescending and disrespectful to Jeff, her brother. She was a total bitch, very wishy washy because she'd talk all sweet and nice to Nigel then snap at Jeff and talk shit about Nigel behind his back. Honestly, if she was my sister I'd have either shot her or told her to shut the fuck up already. Talk about annoying. I didn't like how she treated Jeff in the beginning and I sure as hell didn't like how she treated Nigel in the end. Honestly, I could rant about her all day. She was a disgusting character. Classic example of why I don't like females in m/m books. They just cause unnecessary problems.
Beyond that, after Nigel and Jeff got together there was a lot of sex clustered very close together. I ended up skipping a few pages because it was back to back sex and got a tad boring to me. There's also the fact that a few of the scenes that I was looking forward to reading about are skipped or glossed over so we get the 'highlight' of what happens but not the actually by-play. That saddened me because one scene I'd have really enjoyed reading about is Nigel and Jeff's reunion after months of being apart. Lastly, there are so many unanswered questions and loose ends. The most obvious is the fact that there's never a diagnosis given for why Baby Hazard ended up in the hospital Oh! And I felt like the end was unresolved. We don't know what's going to happen next between Nigel and Jeff. Is Jeff going to give up his dreams and constantly be on the road with Nigel? What about school? So many unresolved threads. Nigel was also a bit inconsistent with being from Britain. He was speaking almost all American English in the beginning but by the end he was all of a sudden very British. Although he really only used 'knackered' and 'bloody'. Just overly so.
Overall, even with the many faults of the story, I can't deny that I really enjoyed it. I laughed so hard in the beginning, I awwwed during the middle and I was engrossed in the end. It's not a perfect book but one I hope we get a continuation for someday to at least tie up all the loose ends.
September 6, 2012
3.75 stars (rounded up)
I love it -- not in love with it -- but I do enjoy it. It got me teary eyed at one point. Although there are also some niggles -- which I think some of the fine reviewers out there have pointed out.
I admit, that it takes time to get into the story, to actually care for either Nigel or Jeff. For the most part, it is basically because I cannot, for the life of me, imagine Nigel as 40 years old rock star. He seems too childish, too erratic, too self-oriented. Jeff, on the other hand, feels washed out for someone in the later age of 20s. However, at the same time, I appreciate the change of roles. It is so easy to make the older man as the mature, washed out bodyguard, while the younger man is the snobby rock star. That makes it quite interesting.
But, yes, I don't like the story right off the bat. In fact, I think it's the BEAR (actual, wild bear) scene that did it for me (I forgot around what percentage, but it was on my status); where the story started to get interesting for me -- that I started to see Nigel and Jeff in a different light. Because then both Nigel and Jeff show their vulnerabilities. Nigel -- with the needs to take care of someone, being the caretaker instead of just the taker. And Jeff -- with his needs to belong, to have someone he can lets himself go, instead of just being protector like when he's in the Army.
Then I spent the rest of the story analyzing the characters and highlighting some of the words -- the tender words, like, "Hold me. Hold me. Isn't obvious I'm falling apart" (Chapter 8) or that hint of the characters, "Forty is me losing track of what I'm getting up for anymore. I've done everything I said I'd do. Bucket list completed" (Chapter 12) .
I start to see the layers that Z.A. Maxfield given to the characters. Who Nigel is underneath, and who is Jeff underneath. They start to "matter" for me. When they were separated for awhile, because Nigel must went on tour while Jeff wanted to do something that mattered to him, so he wouldn't be dependent on anyone, I pondered. When it got to the point where Nigel choked on stage when he sang his legendary "Light a Candle" and dedicated that song for people who matter to him, well, I got all teary eyed. And that always means that it's a good book in my eyes.
... but yes, it is not without flaws. I find it hard to emphatize with Jeff's sister, Dee, who is also Nigel's enabling best friend. Up to a point where I am so annoyed by her, especially during the last hospital scene. I also wonder about who is responsible behind the 'leak' that interrupts Nigel's one night out at a bowling area. And what the heck happens to the baby that he is submitted to the hospital?
Nevertheless, for me, the good things outweighs the flaws...
I love it -- not in love with it -- but I do enjoy it. It got me teary eyed at one point. Although there are also some niggles -- which I think some of the fine reviewers out there have pointed out.
I admit, that it takes time to get into the story, to actually care for either Nigel or Jeff. For the most part, it is basically because I cannot, for the life of me, imagine Nigel as 40 years old rock star. He seems too childish, too erratic, too self-oriented. Jeff, on the other hand, feels washed out for someone in the later age of 20s. However, at the same time, I appreciate the change of roles. It is so easy to make the older man as the mature, washed out bodyguard, while the younger man is the snobby rock star. That makes it quite interesting.
But, yes, I don't like the story right off the bat. In fact, I think it's the BEAR (actual, wild bear) scene that did it for me (I forgot around what percentage, but it was on my status); where the story started to get interesting for me -- that I started to see Nigel and Jeff in a different light. Because then both Nigel and Jeff show their vulnerabilities. Nigel -- with the needs to take care of someone, being the caretaker instead of just the taker. And Jeff -- with his needs to belong, to have someone he can lets himself go, instead of just being protector like when he's in the Army.
Then I spent the rest of the story analyzing the characters and highlighting some of the words -- the tender words, like, "Hold me. Hold me. Isn't obvious I'm falling apart" (Chapter 8) or that hint of the characters, "Forty is me losing track of what I'm getting up for anymore. I've done everything I said I'd do. Bucket list completed" (Chapter 12) .
I start to see the layers that Z.A. Maxfield given to the characters. Who Nigel is underneath, and who is Jeff underneath. They start to "matter" for me. When they were separated for awhile, because Nigel must went on tour while Jeff wanted to do something that mattered to him, so he wouldn't be dependent on anyone, I pondered. When it got to the point where Nigel choked on stage when he sang his legendary "Light a Candle" and dedicated that song for people who matter to him, well, I got all teary eyed. And that always means that it's a good book in my eyes.
... but yes, it is not without flaws. I find it hard to emphatize with Jeff's sister, Dee, who is also Nigel's enabling best friend. Up to a point where I am so annoyed by her, especially during the last hospital scene. I also wonder about who is responsible behind the 'leak' that interrupts Nigel's one night out at a bowling area. And what the heck happens to the baby that he is submitted to the hospital?
Nevertheless, for me, the good things outweighs the flaws...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2022
Cute book with an ageing man-child rock-star. I liked it better than I thought because I read all of the negative reviews before I dove in!
Rockstar
Bodyguard
Yes, we've seen this one before, and we'll see it again, but this little ditty was rather well done and enjoyable (esp. if you take Nigel's antics with a grain of salt).
Rockstar
Bodyguard
Yes, we've seen this one before, and we'll see it again, but this little ditty was rather well done and enjoyable (esp. if you take Nigel's antics with a grain of salt).
September 8, 2012
4.5 stars
The story is like the blurb says, so I won't repeat. Just some highlights.
- There's a baby in this story! With hazardous name!
- Dating a rock star is not easy, since there's always groupies, etc. Jeff's struggles between being his own man and part of the entourage is nicely written
- While there are conflicts, Ms. Maxfield doesn't allow it to be sources of unnecessary angst like some m/m authors would do. And this is important: she makes the MCs talk to each other! Gasp! Such a fresh approach! Guys can talk about their emotions?
- Multiple persona sometimes make us wonder who the real me is. Or perhaps, there's no single "real" me, since they are all "real"?
-
A really nice book. A balance of romance, celebrity life, and a bit of angst.
The story is like the blurb says, so I won't repeat. Just some highlights.
- There's a baby in this story! With hazardous name!
- Dating a rock star is not easy, since there's always groupies, etc. Jeff's struggles between being his own man and part of the entourage is nicely written
- While there are conflicts, Ms. Maxfield doesn't allow it to be sources of unnecessary angst like some m/m authors would do. And this is important: she makes the MCs talk to each other! Gasp! Such a fresh approach! Guys can talk about their emotions?
- Multiple persona sometimes make us wonder who the real me is. Or perhaps, there's no single "real" me, since they are all "real"?
-
A really nice book. A balance of romance, celebrity life, and a bit of angst.
January 2, 2016
3.75 Stars
Gomez Pugh has yet to let me down. Once again, his narration, accents and all, was so freaking entertaining I found myself massaging my cheekbones a couple of times from smiling so hard for so long.
That being said, this is a slow-and-steady love story between two men who are both a bit broken in their own ways. The story isn't flashy and ran a bit long in places. However, it was very entertaining with lots of humor, some quite hot sexy times, and (sort of) how I picture a real relationship between a rock star god and normal guy might actually be.
Nigel is a real enfant terrible. I so pictured Russell Brand the entire time I was listening to this...but the sad kind of Russell who just wants someone to love...
I love that Nigel and Jeff's relationship isn't instantaneous. Even though they are attracted to one another, the relationship takes work, with them slowly opening up to one another. I also love that they call each other on their shit. And did I mention the humor? Because this has some seriously funny moments. Sure there were a few things that drove me nuts, but nothing too terrible.
So bottom line? This is not a flashy or fast moving story, but it's filled with humor, heat and romance, and the narration is terrific.
RECOMMENDED!
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
Gomez Pugh has yet to let me down. Once again, his narration, accents and all, was so freaking entertaining I found myself massaging my cheekbones a couple of times from smiling so hard for so long.
That being said, this is a slow-and-steady love story between two men who are both a bit broken in their own ways. The story isn't flashy and ran a bit long in places. However, it was very entertaining with lots of humor, some quite hot sexy times, and (sort of) how I picture a real relationship between a rock star god and normal guy might actually be.
Nigel is a real enfant terrible. I so pictured Russell Brand the entire time I was listening to this...but the sad kind of Russell who just wants someone to love...
I love that Nigel and Jeff's relationship isn't instantaneous. Even though they are attracted to one another, the relationship takes work, with them slowly opening up to one another. I also love that they call each other on their shit. And did I mention the humor? Because this has some seriously funny moments. Sure there were a few things that drove me nuts, but nothing too terrible.
So bottom line? This is not a flashy or fast moving story, but it's filled with humor, heat and romance, and the narration is terrific.
RECOMMENDED!
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
January 24, 2013
Read a lot of Z A Maxfield and enjoyed most. I think she has a great way of making her characters likeable and quirky. I like her humour, just my style.
Nigel Gasp is exactly how you would expect a successful rock star to be, he's an exhibitionist, over the top, immature, shallow, off the wall and narcissistic but he's also extremely talented, funny, witty and has a way of disguising himself when the need arises, that made me laugh out loud more than once in the book! To tell you how, would be a real spoiler so read it to find out, it was classic! As the story progressed I started to love him more and more regardless of some of his personality traits being a bit none PC. At the start he is on the cusp of turning 40 ( still hot and gorgeous though ) and is convinced he's going to end up as a has been, washed up star, so he decides to go out with a bang. After getting caught doing 'naughty things' on video, his manager Dierdre, who is pregnant gets her brother Jeff Paxton, ex soldier retired, back from a tour of Afghanistan, to act as his bodyguard whilst he lies low for a while at a luxury resort.
Jeff is his complete opposite strong, focused, moral and thoughtful and even though he is a lot younger than Nigel, is like the ' grown up ' having to babysit the 'child'! He has been a fan of Nigels for a long time but the reality outweighs the fantasy and from the word go Nigel puts Jeff through hell until he finally snaps, and from then on we are treated to a funny, emotional love story that made me laugh, sigh, shake my head a few times but never bored me. The sex was hot, sensual and sexy but it was also deeply emotional at times. The chemistry was great between them and the humour exactly to my liking, the banter they have is witty,snarky and sarcastic and was one of my favourite aspects of the story. The secondary characters were great too and there is just the right amount of angst and conflict to balance out the humour. I actually finished it with a few tears in my eyes!
It's a little more expensive than most but I thought it was worth every penny. Reccomend this if you're a fan of Z A Maxfield, ranks high in my opinion. I loved it.
Nigel Gasp is exactly how you would expect a successful rock star to be, he's an exhibitionist, over the top, immature, shallow, off the wall and narcissistic but he's also extremely talented, funny, witty and has a way of disguising himself when the need arises, that made me laugh out loud more than once in the book! To tell you how, would be a real spoiler so read it to find out, it was classic! As the story progressed I started to love him more and more regardless of some of his personality traits being a bit none PC. At the start he is on the cusp of turning 40 ( still hot and gorgeous though ) and is convinced he's going to end up as a has been, washed up star, so he decides to go out with a bang. After getting caught doing 'naughty things' on video, his manager Dierdre, who is pregnant gets her brother Jeff Paxton, ex soldier retired, back from a tour of Afghanistan, to act as his bodyguard whilst he lies low for a while at a luxury resort.
Jeff is his complete opposite strong, focused, moral and thoughtful and even though he is a lot younger than Nigel, is like the ' grown up ' having to babysit the 'child'! He has been a fan of Nigels for a long time but the reality outweighs the fantasy and from the word go Nigel puts Jeff through hell until he finally snaps, and from then on we are treated to a funny, emotional love story that made me laugh, sigh, shake my head a few times but never bored me. The sex was hot, sensual and sexy but it was also deeply emotional at times. The chemistry was great between them and the humour exactly to my liking, the banter they have is witty,snarky and sarcastic and was one of my favourite aspects of the story. The secondary characters were great too and there is just the right amount of angst and conflict to balance out the humour. I actually finished it with a few tears in my eyes!
It's a little more expensive than most but I thought it was worth every penny. Reccomend this if you're a fan of Z A Maxfield, ranks high in my opinion. I loved it.
September 17, 2012
This was almost a ‘did not finish’ book. I usually like Maxfield’s work, but this took me a while to get into. There was a weird (or lack of) transition between the prologue and first chapter that I found to be quite jarring.
Nigel was just too ridiculous for my taste. I don’t have a problem with men in drag or men who cross-dress, but I just didn’t get it in the context of this novel. I understand it was the one of the many facets of Nigel, but…I don’t know, it just wasn’t for me. I just didn’t understand how he couldn’t be sick of his own self at some point. I found him to be exhausting. He was just too childish for a 40 year-old man. But when no one ever holds you accountable for your actions, then I guess it’s easy to be a somewhat stunted individual.
I liked that Jeff didn’t take Nigel’s crap. The water scene in the beginning made me instantly love him. I completely sympathized with his prideful dilemma. I wouldn’t feel comfortable being someone’s kept man either. I think he could’ve done better than Nigel, but opposites attract and all that. And his very real and relatable issues of coming back from Afghanistan, just seemed to be overshadowed by Nigel.
I didn’t like the sister either. You’d have to be tough to deal with Nigel, but I didn’t like her personality at all. The mother on the other hand, I liked.
I found Gasp! to the be preachy in some parts, but then seemed contradictory in others. I agreed with some of it, but it didn’t add to the story.
I usually like Z.A’s stuff, but this was a miss for me.
Rating: 2 stars
Nigel was just too ridiculous for my taste. I don’t have a problem with men in drag or men who cross-dress, but I just didn’t get it in the context of this novel. I understand it was the one of the many facets of Nigel, but…I don’t know, it just wasn’t for me. I just didn’t understand how he couldn’t be sick of his own self at some point. I found him to be exhausting. He was just too childish for a 40 year-old man. But when no one ever holds you accountable for your actions, then I guess it’s easy to be a somewhat stunted individual.
I liked that Jeff didn’t take Nigel’s crap. The water scene in the beginning made me instantly love him. I completely sympathized with his prideful dilemma. I wouldn’t feel comfortable being someone’s kept man either. I think he could’ve done better than Nigel, but opposites attract and all that. And his very real and relatable issues of coming back from Afghanistan, just seemed to be overshadowed by Nigel.
I didn’t like the sister either. You’d have to be tough to deal with Nigel, but I didn’t like her personality at all. The mother on the other hand, I liked.
I found Gasp! to the be preachy in some parts, but then seemed contradictory in others. I agreed with some of it, but it didn’t add to the story.
I usually like Z.A’s stuff, but this was a miss for me.
Rating: 2 stars
January 22, 2014
WHAT WAS THIS HOT MESS?
I know I always give one stars to everything I read. Personally I believe other people are just either a) easily entertained or b) more forgiving than I am or c) the crazy notion they actually enjoyed this book. Fair enough.
Nigel Gasp is a forty year old rock star who has a death wish. Typical narcissistic rock star it's all about ME ME ME. He's vain and rather stupid - and no it doesn't matter he can sing like an angel, can play multiple instruments or has accumulated a billion dollar empire (not millions but BILLIONS apparently - I'm sure even Beyonce isn't a billionaire).
Jeff is twenty-eight and fresh out the army - his sister who is Gasp's babysitter is pregnant and needs someone to look after Nigel as she heads off on maternity leave. Enter Jeff who is a rather nice guy gets forced into a destructive relationship with Nigel.
I felt SO bad for Jeff and no matter what the author wrote and did, she couldn't make me believe in Nigel. He was selfish, stupid and needed to grow up. Jeff deserved more and I didn't believe in their relationship. I hated Jeff's sister who had no loyalty to her brother nor did his mother. The women were so far up Nigel's backside I just couldn't deal.
Nigel, the sister and the mother were horrid characters. Jeff was the poor sod who had a shitty family and a shitty "boyfriend". The story was tedious and pointless.
I know I always give one stars to everything I read. Personally I believe other people are just either a) easily entertained or b) more forgiving than I am or c) the crazy notion they actually enjoyed this book. Fair enough.
Nigel Gasp is a forty year old rock star who has a death wish. Typical narcissistic rock star it's all about ME ME ME. He's vain and rather stupid - and no it doesn't matter he can sing like an angel, can play multiple instruments or has accumulated a billion dollar empire (not millions but BILLIONS apparently - I'm sure even Beyonce isn't a billionaire).
Jeff is twenty-eight and fresh out the army - his sister who is Gasp's babysitter is pregnant and needs someone to look after Nigel as she heads off on maternity leave. Enter Jeff who is a rather nice guy gets forced into a destructive relationship with Nigel.
I felt SO bad for Jeff and no matter what the author wrote and did, she couldn't make me believe in Nigel. He was selfish, stupid and needed to grow up. Jeff deserved more and I didn't believe in their relationship. I hated Jeff's sister who had no loyalty to her brother nor did his mother. The women were so far up Nigel's backside I just couldn't deal.
Nigel, the sister and the mother were horrid characters. Jeff was the poor sod who had a shitty family and a shitty "boyfriend". The story was tedious and pointless.
September 13, 2012
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
This will be a fairly short review because most of what I have to way has been said myriad times by now from other reviewers, all of which you'll find on the book page at GR.
I really adored this book in the way that makes ZAM one of my very favorite authors. A few of her recent books just haven't affected me the way the earlier ones did, like Crossing Borders, which still remains one of my top favorite books in this genre. Still, there are quite a few inconsistencies and what seem like mistakes. Most of these are fine to overlook in that they are very noticeable but don't really affect the story. The biggest one of those was the fact that we never learn about the baby what happened to him.
On the other hand, there were a couple of things that did bother me, that affected my feelings about the book and characters and ended up costing this book a Love it rating. The first is that we are left with a very open ending. This is a personal preference, that it seemed as if the story ending just a page short, maybe even less! It frustrated me that we didn't know at least the direction their relationship was headed other than that they're together. I'm find with HFN endings, but I like to have some knowledge of what is in their immediate future.
The second thing that affected my enjoyment was the sister Dee. I felt horrible for Jeff by the way his family treated him, by the way everyone treated him in his relationship with Dee. It was very frustrating for me the whole time, and while I understood on some level that this formed some of the distance he felt towards his family and therefore had a use in the story, it seemed greatly exaggerated to me and most of the time the strange relationship and terrible treatment of him from his family and Dee just didn't jibe with their situation and the way they talked about each other. There was a disconnect there that just seemed glaring to me. I had a hard time getting over it.
With those two things and still a rating of Really Liked it, the rest of the book had to have been incredible, and it was. The pacing, the way that the relationship progressed between Jeff and Nigel throughout the story and especially in the early days. The character development of Nigel was brilliant, constantly revealing a new aspect of his personality as the story plodded along and then, in the end, feeling like everything came together.
I absolutely adored it, and will most likely be reading it again sometime! This is a book that I'll recommend to everyone because it showcases the best of this author and what I love about her work so much. I haven't stopped thinking about this book for days. Most definitely recommended!
This will be a fairly short review because most of what I have to way has been said myriad times by now from other reviewers, all of which you'll find on the book page at GR.
I really adored this book in the way that makes ZAM one of my very favorite authors. A few of her recent books just haven't affected me the way the earlier ones did, like Crossing Borders, which still remains one of my top favorite books in this genre. Still, there are quite a few inconsistencies and what seem like mistakes. Most of these are fine to overlook in that they are very noticeable but don't really affect the story. The biggest one of those was the fact that we never learn about the baby what happened to him.
On the other hand, there were a couple of things that did bother me, that affected my feelings about the book and characters and ended up costing this book a Love it rating. The first is that we are left with a very open ending. This is a personal preference, that it seemed as if the story ending just a page short, maybe even less! It frustrated me that we didn't know at least the direction their relationship was headed other than that they're together. I'm find with HFN endings, but I like to have some knowledge of what is in their immediate future.
The second thing that affected my enjoyment was the sister Dee. I felt horrible for Jeff by the way his family treated him, by the way everyone treated him in his relationship with Dee. It was very frustrating for me the whole time, and while I understood on some level that this formed some of the distance he felt towards his family and therefore had a use in the story, it seemed greatly exaggerated to me and most of the time the strange relationship and terrible treatment of him from his family and Dee just didn't jibe with their situation and the way they talked about each other. There was a disconnect there that just seemed glaring to me. I had a hard time getting over it.
With those two things and still a rating of Really Liked it, the rest of the book had to have been incredible, and it was. The pacing, the way that the relationship progressed between Jeff and Nigel throughout the story and especially in the early days. The character development of Nigel was brilliant, constantly revealing a new aspect of his personality as the story plodded along and then, in the end, feeling like everything came together.
I absolutely adored it, and will most likely be reading it again sometime! This is a book that I'll recommend to everyone because it showcases the best of this author and what I love about her work so much. I haven't stopped thinking about this book for days. Most definitely recommended!
September 6, 2012
3.5 stars for me on this one. I liked the idea of the story, but there were a few things that just didn't work for me. For one thing, there are a lot of loose ends and unanswered questions, such as who squealed that it was Nigel out at the bowling alley? Did Amil have something to do with it? What was his deal, anyway? One minute he was backing up and supporting Jeff and Nigel, the next he was making derogatory comments about them. What was wrong with Hazard? Did he choke on something? There were a few other things that just seemed unresolved, but those things are freshest in my mind.
Jeff's sister - gosh was she awful in so many ways. She treated Jeff like crap, and even though she catered to every whim Nigel had, she didn't do much better by him in the end either.
I liked the teasing and funny banter between Nigel and Jeff, but for the most part, they very rarely seemed to be on the same page, other than when they were at the cabin. I also enjoyed their phone conversations and truth or dare games. However, the problems their relationship faced were a big deal throughout the story, yet, at the end, we still don't know how they managed to overcome them. I really think an epilogue would have been helpful here.
Jeff's sister - gosh was she awful in so many ways. She treated Jeff like crap, and even though she catered to every whim Nigel had, she didn't do much better by him in the end either.
I liked the teasing and funny banter between Nigel and Jeff, but for the most part, they very rarely seemed to be on the same page, other than when they were at the cabin. I also enjoyed their phone conversations and truth or dare games. However, the problems their relationship faced were a big deal throughout the story, yet, at the end, we still don't know how they managed to overcome them. I really think an epilogue would have been helpful here.
January 29, 2013
Overall I liked Gasp but perhaps I’ve moved out of serious fandom with this author. The books remain good and the same quality as always but they don’t engage me enough anymore. I find myself skimming parts and liking the characters well enough but forgetting the book pretty quickly once it’s done. The story is entertaining to read but not enough for me to really escape into the drama and romance. Part of that is the lopsided pace with the beginning starting slowly only to revel in the details of Nigel and Jeff together but then change the pace entirely by separating the two. I found these changes abrupt and jarring when I’d just settled into the slow, smooth upscaling of their relationship. Not to mention there are a few holes and leaps in the plot but I will say there are more good things to like about the book.
The story is a nice twist on the classic rocker. Here the rock star, Nigel Gasp, is an aging rocker who acts like a child. He’s petulant, destructive, rude, self absorbed, thoughtless, and careless. His behavior is also enabled far too much by his personal assistant, Dee. Dee’s brother Jeff is dispatched to keep Nigel alive and entertained for a short period of “laying low.” The problem with this is that Jeff is expected to cater to Nigel entirely – Dee’s orders – but Jeff doesn’t want to put up with such behavior. After a quick fight the two find common ground, mostly in bed, and learn more about each other. Life isn’t easy for an aging rock star and a military vet though.
Jeff and Nigel are well crafted and pretty nuanced. They have some obvious surface personalities but the story builds depth as the time goes on. Nigel eventually changes almost entirely from a man whose sole purpose is to make money and act irresponsibly to a loving, caring, genius. It’s quite the transformation but the credit goes to the writing for the subtle and gradual change that happens. It actually makes sense and feels real despite the drastic altering. Jeff is less likeable because he doesn’t really change very much. Instead he waffles from indulging Nigel’s every ridiculous whim since that’s his job and trying to force the older man to take responsibility and change his life. Jeff’s own needs and wants are muddy and undefined. Even he doesn’t know what he wants and what he can do as a job, this is especially highlighted at the end with Jeff’s issues still unresolved.
The plot is decent but it mostly revolves around internal drama of Jeff and Nigel figuring out their relationship and feelings for each other. This isn’t bad but the story doesn’t stick with this tone. The beginning starts slowly as Nigel and Jeff can’t stand each other, both denying an instant attraction, but slowly come to terms. For almost 2/3rds of the story the two men are isolated alone and mostly in bed. Once they actually get together though the story jumps forward in a jarring turn of events. Suddenly the two men are separated without any resolution to what their relationship is or isn’t. They’re only really brought together by a mysterious, never defined medical emergency. This is actually the weakest part of the book since it’s too obvious. The medical issue is never explained and no one seems to care. Instead all the characters seem to have a sudden epiphany about each other and their roles in life and the larger “family” they create. Sweet but a bit manipulated.
Overall the writing is solid and although the beginning is slower to take shape, I liked the more languid pace. I finally got into the tone and feeling of the characters, even their over the top antics like cross dressing and role playing came across as playful and fun. However when the two men separated the story kind of lost me. I never got back into the grove of the story and mostly just read it to get to the end. It’s a fun story and a nice entry into the rocker theme but not one I’d read again.
The story is a nice twist on the classic rocker. Here the rock star, Nigel Gasp, is an aging rocker who acts like a child. He’s petulant, destructive, rude, self absorbed, thoughtless, and careless. His behavior is also enabled far too much by his personal assistant, Dee. Dee’s brother Jeff is dispatched to keep Nigel alive and entertained for a short period of “laying low.” The problem with this is that Jeff is expected to cater to Nigel entirely – Dee’s orders – but Jeff doesn’t want to put up with such behavior. After a quick fight the two find common ground, mostly in bed, and learn more about each other. Life isn’t easy for an aging rock star and a military vet though.
Jeff and Nigel are well crafted and pretty nuanced. They have some obvious surface personalities but the story builds depth as the time goes on. Nigel eventually changes almost entirely from a man whose sole purpose is to make money and act irresponsibly to a loving, caring, genius. It’s quite the transformation but the credit goes to the writing for the subtle and gradual change that happens. It actually makes sense and feels real despite the drastic altering. Jeff is less likeable because he doesn’t really change very much. Instead he waffles from indulging Nigel’s every ridiculous whim since that’s his job and trying to force the older man to take responsibility and change his life. Jeff’s own needs and wants are muddy and undefined. Even he doesn’t know what he wants and what he can do as a job, this is especially highlighted at the end with Jeff’s issues still unresolved.
The plot is decent but it mostly revolves around internal drama of Jeff and Nigel figuring out their relationship and feelings for each other. This isn’t bad but the story doesn’t stick with this tone. The beginning starts slowly as Nigel and Jeff can’t stand each other, both denying an instant attraction, but slowly come to terms. For almost 2/3rds of the story the two men are isolated alone and mostly in bed. Once they actually get together though the story jumps forward in a jarring turn of events. Suddenly the two men are separated without any resolution to what their relationship is or isn’t. They’re only really brought together by a mysterious, never defined medical emergency. This is actually the weakest part of the book since it’s too obvious. The medical issue is never explained and no one seems to care. Instead all the characters seem to have a sudden epiphany about each other and their roles in life and the larger “family” they create. Sweet but a bit manipulated.
Overall the writing is solid and although the beginning is slower to take shape, I liked the more languid pace. I finally got into the tone and feeling of the characters, even their over the top antics like cross dressing and role playing came across as playful and fun. However when the two men separated the story kind of lost me. I never got back into the grove of the story and mostly just read it to get to the end. It’s a fun story and a nice entry into the rocker theme but not one I’d read again.
October 22, 2019
Maybe a smidge predictable in the outcome, but getting there was all the fun. Maxfield always tells a good tale, and Gomez Pugh made this one truly special. I had NO idea Pugh could do so many accents. Bravo!
August 25, 2015
I listened to the audiobook for this one and it was fun!
Nigel Gasp is a rock star. Ridiculously talented Nigel has earned his fame and the fortune that came with it, but he's about to turn 40 and his life is quickly spinning out of control.
Dee is Nigel's "best friend" and personal assistant/manager. I say "best friend" because that's what we are told she is. I never saw her act like a best friend. Sorry Dee fans, but let's face it. Dee was a selfish bitch that was not there for Nigel at any point he might have needed her, while continuing to take take take. When Dee goes on maternity leave, she recruits her brother Jeff to be Gasp's "keeper".
I really enjoyed Nigel and Jeff. They are so opposite and yet they fit so well. I loved that instead of judging Nigel for his cross dressing and role play, Jeff embraced it. Nigel is such a lonely, partially broken soul, but early on Jeff does something drastic and Nigel (Gasp) realized he doesn't actually want to go down in flames.
Don't read this part unless you really want to know why I hated Dee as well as a few other major events that happen later in the story.
Despite the obstacles of Gasp's fame and Jeff's "I don't have PTSD" recent return from a third tour in Afghanistan, their age difference, and the unexpected connection Gasp has to Jeff's family, I enjoyed watching these two find their way. I was invested in them and I wanted to see them happy.
Nigel Gasp is a rock star. Ridiculously talented Nigel has earned his fame and the fortune that came with it, but he's about to turn 40 and his life is quickly spinning out of control.
Dee is Nigel's "best friend" and personal assistant/manager. I say "best friend" because that's what we are told she is. I never saw her act like a best friend. Sorry Dee fans, but let's face it. Dee was a selfish bitch that was not there for Nigel at any point he might have needed her, while continuing to take take take. When Dee goes on maternity leave, she recruits her brother Jeff to be Gasp's "keeper".
I really enjoyed Nigel and Jeff. They are so opposite and yet they fit so well. I loved that instead of judging Nigel for his cross dressing and role play, Jeff embraced it. Nigel is such a lonely, partially broken soul, but early on Jeff does something drastic and Nigel (Gasp) realized he doesn't actually want to go down in flames.
Don't read this part unless you really want to know why I hated Dee as well as a few other major events that happen later in the story.
Despite the obstacles of Gasp's fame and Jeff's "I don't have PTSD" recent return from a third tour in Afghanistan, their age difference, and the unexpected connection Gasp has to Jeff's family, I enjoyed watching these two find their way. I was invested in them and I wanted to see them happy.
September 15, 2012
I loved Nigel's cross-dressing and how he made a game out of trying to blend in with the crowd. His outrageous behavior wasn't particularly surprising for a successful rock star (at least the younger ones) but since he was turning 40 I did expect a bit more maturity from him. Since Jeff was his complete opposite, I suppose that made them a good match. Both characters had their issues but it was nice to see them communicate and come to terms with their feelings. There were a few things that kept me from loving this book though. First of all, I hated Deidre and the way she treated her own brother Jeff. I thought they were supposed to have been close siblings so it surprised me the way she talked to Jeff and how she treated Nigel far better (mostly), despite Nigel's behavior. There was nothing warm or loving about her and I failed to see why Nigel would consider her his best friend (other than she let him get away with everything). Second, there were too many open issues at the end: Would Jeff truly enjoy being on tour with Nigel when he clearly hated the partying scene? Especially if Nigel continued to act selfish while Jeff was home waiting for him? What about Jeff's own career goals so he didn't feel like a kept man? Did Jeff ever get over his PTSD? What was wrong with baby Hazard that required hospitalization? Would Jeff and Nigel ever have kids of their own? Were Colleen and Mac ever going to get married? And so on. I also thought Jeff's health issue in the beginning was kind of eeew too. Overall it wasn't a bad read because there was humor throughout (the scene with the black bear was great), but it did leave me feeling a bit indifferent by the end.
September 16, 2012
It's Z.A. Maxfield, you guys, so this was an auto-buy for me.
And I loved Nigel. What can I say? I've got a thing for reckless, self-destructive characters who do incredibly stupid things. In fiction, they're charming. In real life I would want to tie them up and beat them. And not in a fun way.
Which is pretty much how Jeff Paxton begins this book. As Nigel's babysitter, he's the guy who has to keep the rockstar from crashing and burning. No easy task. And how their relationship moves from that to genuine respect and love, was a nice journey to take.
I loved crazy-suicidal-substance-abusing Nigel. That was the wrong thing to take away from this book, right? But I did. But I'm glad he found his redemption, and I'm glad he found it with Jeff.
I'll re-read this one for sure, and I'll love the ending all over again (but I'll secretly wish Nigel was still rockstar insane!)
And I loved Nigel. What can I say? I've got a thing for reckless, self-destructive characters who do incredibly stupid things. In fiction, they're charming. In real life I would want to tie them up and beat them. And not in a fun way.
Which is pretty much how Jeff Paxton begins this book. As Nigel's babysitter, he's the guy who has to keep the rockstar from crashing and burning. No easy task. And how their relationship moves from that to genuine respect and love, was a nice journey to take.
I loved crazy-suicidal-substance-abusing Nigel. That was the wrong thing to take away from this book, right? But I did. But I'm glad he found his redemption, and I'm glad he found it with Jeff.
I'll re-read this one for sure, and I'll love the ending all over again (but I'll secretly wish Nigel was still rockstar insane!)
August 26, 2018
I love rock and roll. So put another dime in the jukebox baby...
I've had this on my TBR list for a while now and when I found that it was on audio while I was wandering the cyber isles of audible.com I decided it was time take another book off of my TBR list and I really enjoyed doing this.
Nigel Gasp is an aging rock star and with 40 fast approaching he's starting to re-evaluate his life because getting old was never part of the plan...the plan was to live hard and fast. But, after one attention getting stunt too many under his belt, Nigel's agent decides that he needs to stay out of the limelight while she's off having a baby so the solution is obvious she recruits her fresh out of the military brother, Jeff to keep the older, yet seemingly less mature Nigel quiet and secluded while she's doing the baby thing. I mean he's fresh out of the military he's seen combat keeping tabs on Nigel should be a piece of cake, right?
Needless to say Nigel and Jeff don't start off on the best footing...I believe there was an icy cold lake involved at one point but Nigel would remember better than I would, lol!!! Jeff and Nigel's develops during some unusual and interesting events and while Nigel seems to be a bit of a diva...he's also very much not what he seems to be and in spite of the fact that these two men seem to be so very different it's Jeff who sees Nigel...truly sees him and comes to love him for who he is.
I really enjoyed this story the interaction between Nigel and Jeff and all the day to day things that fill out the story between them and the secondary characters in the story as both men come to realize what they mean to each other and what it is they really want out of life and from each other.
Gomez Pugh is the narrator on this book and while many of you will recognize him from JCP's 'PsyCop' series he brings a whole new and fresh cast of characters to life in this story and I really enjoyed this one on audio...Nigel and Jeff are a fun pairing set in the crazy and unpredictable world of rock and roll. There's definitely an interesting and unexpected twist in this story that I liked...I'm a fan of Z.A. Maxfield and this one just continues that tradition.
I've had this on my TBR list for a while now and when I found that it was on audio while I was wandering the cyber isles of audible.com I decided it was time take another book off of my TBR list and I really enjoyed doing this.
Nigel Gasp is an aging rock star and with 40 fast approaching he's starting to re-evaluate his life because getting old was never part of the plan...the plan was to live hard and fast. But, after one attention getting stunt too many under his belt, Nigel's agent decides that he needs to stay out of the limelight while she's off having a baby so the solution is obvious she recruits her fresh out of the military brother, Jeff to keep the older, yet seemingly less mature Nigel quiet and secluded while she's doing the baby thing. I mean he's fresh out of the military he's seen combat keeping tabs on Nigel should be a piece of cake, right?
Needless to say Nigel and Jeff don't start off on the best footing...I believe there was an icy cold lake involved at one point but Nigel would remember better than I would, lol!!! Jeff and Nigel's develops during some unusual and interesting events and while Nigel seems to be a bit of a diva...he's also very much not what he seems to be and in spite of the fact that these two men seem to be so very different it's Jeff who sees Nigel...truly sees him and comes to love him for who he is.
I really enjoyed this story the interaction between Nigel and Jeff and all the day to day things that fill out the story between them and the secondary characters in the story as both men come to realize what they mean to each other and what it is they really want out of life and from each other.
Gomez Pugh is the narrator on this book and while many of you will recognize him from JCP's 'PsyCop' series he brings a whole new and fresh cast of characters to life in this story and I really enjoyed this one on audio...Nigel and Jeff are a fun pairing set in the crazy and unpredictable world of rock and roll. There's definitely an interesting and unexpected twist in this story that I liked...I'm a fan of Z.A. Maxfield and this one just continues that tradition.
September 28, 2018
4.5 Stars
This started out a little slow for me. I wasn't a huge fan of Nigel right off the bat. I was totally with Jeff and his desire to toss him into a lake. Ugh! Spoiled brat much? But their relationship did grow on me even if I felt both of them keep their heads in their asses far longer than they needed to. The book loses a half star for me because I didn't love the start and the ending felt a little abrupt for me as well. But otherwise it was very enjoyable. Nigel had to learn how to accept growing up and Jeff needed to learn what home really meant to him. Nigel's crazy energy eventually grew on me and I liked seeing him settle into himself a bit and be healthier about his lifestyle. This definitely had it's tearjerker moments for me too. Definitely worth the read. :)
This started out a little slow for me. I wasn't a huge fan of Nigel right off the bat. I was totally with Jeff and his desire to toss him into a lake. Ugh! Spoiled brat much? But their relationship did grow on me even if I felt both of them keep their heads in their asses far longer than they needed to. The book loses a half star for me because I didn't love the start and the ending felt a little abrupt for me as well. But otherwise it was very enjoyable. Nigel had to learn how to accept growing up and Jeff needed to learn what home really meant to him. Nigel's crazy energy eventually grew on me and I liked seeing him settle into himself a bit and be healthier about his lifestyle. This definitely had it's tearjerker moments for me too. Definitely worth the read. :)
December 9, 2017
Z.A. Maxfield writes good musicians and that is such a rare thing. Nigel is a tortured rock god, yes, but he is also a skilled professional, a musician and performer who actually plays music on page. So many rock gods, especially in m/m get that status assigned because they look good in a pair of leather pants and treat other people like dirt. Nigel is all that and a bag of chips but he is also a relatable human being.
Both MCs get nice character arcs, the secondary cast is great and I liked the story. Go ZAM!
Both MCs get nice character arcs, the secondary cast is great and I liked the story. Go ZAM!
March 5, 2017
3.5 Stars
September 16, 2014
When I bought this book, I wasn't really sure I'd like it. Spoiled, entitled rich guys aren't generally my cup o’tea. I took the chance, anyway, because I generally like Z.A. Maxfield's writing. I am happy to say that I really did enjoy Gasp!. Instead of finding Nigel to be annoying, I actualy was entertained. I loved his sense of whimsy, though the self-destructive was a touch disconcerting. Jeff was great because he did not enable Nigel like most other people did.
Both Jeff and Nigel are looking for family and a sense of belonging. Jeff just got out of the Army where he experienced a great amount of loneliness. And the nature of Nigel's lifestyle pretty much guarantee's that he will be lonely in a crowded room. Everyone wants a piece of him. Everyone expects Nigel to entertain them. Must be exhausting. The closest thing Nigel has to family is his manager Dee, her wife Katja and Dee's mother. And, of course the new addition to the clan. Even still, he sometimes seems uncertain as to his place in the scheme of things. It's actually through Jeff that he really finds his sense of home and family and the same goes for Jeff -- Nigel is his connection.
So, yeah, definitely worth the read.
Both Jeff and Nigel are looking for family and a sense of belonging. Jeff just got out of the Army where he experienced a great amount of loneliness. And the nature of Nigel's lifestyle pretty much guarantee's that he will be lonely in a crowded room. Everyone wants a piece of him. Everyone expects Nigel to entertain them. Must be exhausting. The closest thing Nigel has to family is his manager Dee, her wife Katja and Dee's mother. And, of course the new addition to the clan. Even still, he sometimes seems uncertain as to his place in the scheme of things. It's actually through Jeff that he really finds his sense of home and family and the same goes for Jeff -- Nigel is his connection.
So, yeah, definitely worth the read.
October 6, 2012
I'll admit, I'm biased because I love ZAM both as a writer and as a person. She's probably my favorite m/m author, so I'm going to like everything that comes down her pike. What I loved about this one was that it was utter ZAM, all the quirks and depths and things that only she would do. I loved the guys' relationship, loved how horribly flawed they were.
Also I love that I got to see this one as it got born, and then seeing it done and printed and happy made me smile.
Also I love that I got to see this one as it got born, and then seeing it done and printed and happy made me smile.
December 17, 2015
“Don’t let go.”
“I won’t,” Jeff whispered, “if you don’t."
I’ll be right here when you’re ready, Nigel. This time, you’re not falling alone....
October 7, 2012
Perfectly fine book: just not quite for me. Still enjoyable though.
May 25, 2020
Loved this. Read it almost in one sitting. Nigel is a tough man to like, let along love. However, his antics in the beginning notwithstanding, I did start to like him. And I wanted him and Jeff to be able to make it work.
February 26, 2013
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/bo...
Nigel thought he’d completed his bucket list, but he forgot “fall in love” was the most important. At forty, Nigel Gasp figured his life was pretty much over. He’d done everything he could think of, and probably more he never should have attempted, he’d accomplished everything professionally he could ever dream about and he assumed it was time to go out in a blaze of glory. He didn’t count on a military vet and his family disrupting Nigel’s plans and his very life. Jeff and his overbearing but loving family would change the very person Nigel had always presented to the world. However, Nigel Gasp wasn’t succumbing without a fight.
Gasp! is a fun rock star themed story. It stars Nigel Gasp as an almost forty rocker who figures he has nothing left in the world to want, do, or need. He forgot he’d never really been in love. Enter Jeff, a recently out of the military veteran trying to find his place in the world again. The two are like oil and water to start but soon find out their attraction is mutual. They ease the world weariness in each other. They offer comfort and strength in the most unusual places. The two men may seem like total opposites but they compliment each other even as they butt heads. Since they both have strong personalities their love won’t be easy and that’s definitely tested within the bounds of the story.
The characters get more and more interesting as the story progresses. They make mistakes and struggle but it makes their eventual happy ending more satisfying. I like that Jeff and his family allows Nigel to really belong and experience a new kind of family and love. Nigel does a bit of cross-dressing but it’s a relatively minor point and it does add to the complexity of the character. I think the twist (though it’s not much of a twist) about the sister’s baby is interesting. I wasn’t sure why the couple would make that choice in regards to Nigel considering his actions and personality at the time. Likewise I wasn’t sure why Jeff would insist on some of the choices he does. His reasons make sense but he comes across as inflexible and unwilling to make any compromises.
These are minor issues though as the romance between Nigel and Jeff is littered with small laughs and quiet moments. It’s more intimate than you’d expect given Nigel’s profession. The writing does a great job of showing how two very different men fit together so seamlessly. The story does stumble in a few places but I found there to be more things I liked about it than disliked. It’s a story that makes you want to keep turning the pages to figure out how they’ll be happy. For fans of the author, I think most will quite enjoy this one. For anyone new, it’s a great entry into the writing style and tone of this author.
Nigel thought he’d completed his bucket list, but he forgot “fall in love” was the most important. At forty, Nigel Gasp figured his life was pretty much over. He’d done everything he could think of, and probably more he never should have attempted, he’d accomplished everything professionally he could ever dream about and he assumed it was time to go out in a blaze of glory. He didn’t count on a military vet and his family disrupting Nigel’s plans and his very life. Jeff and his overbearing but loving family would change the very person Nigel had always presented to the world. However, Nigel Gasp wasn’t succumbing without a fight.
Gasp! is a fun rock star themed story. It stars Nigel Gasp as an almost forty rocker who figures he has nothing left in the world to want, do, or need. He forgot he’d never really been in love. Enter Jeff, a recently out of the military veteran trying to find his place in the world again. The two are like oil and water to start but soon find out their attraction is mutual. They ease the world weariness in each other. They offer comfort and strength in the most unusual places. The two men may seem like total opposites but they compliment each other even as they butt heads. Since they both have strong personalities their love won’t be easy and that’s definitely tested within the bounds of the story.
The characters get more and more interesting as the story progresses. They make mistakes and struggle but it makes their eventual happy ending more satisfying. I like that Jeff and his family allows Nigel to really belong and experience a new kind of family and love. Nigel does a bit of cross-dressing but it’s a relatively minor point and it does add to the complexity of the character. I think the twist (though it’s not much of a twist) about the sister’s baby is interesting. I wasn’t sure why the couple would make that choice in regards to Nigel considering his actions and personality at the time. Likewise I wasn’t sure why Jeff would insist on some of the choices he does. His reasons make sense but he comes across as inflexible and unwilling to make any compromises.
These are minor issues though as the romance between Nigel and Jeff is littered with small laughs and quiet moments. It’s more intimate than you’d expect given Nigel’s profession. The writing does a great job of showing how two very different men fit together so seamlessly. The story does stumble in a few places but I found there to be more things I liked about it than disliked. It’s a story that makes you want to keep turning the pages to figure out how they’ll be happy. For fans of the author, I think most will quite enjoy this one. For anyone new, it’s a great entry into the writing style and tone of this author.
January 2, 2013
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.0
Mega-star Nigel Gasp is a self-absorbed egomaniac in need of looking after. He is stubborn, needy, and determined to be the center of attention everywhere he goes. With his impending 40th birthday, Nigel is having a midlife crisis and has been especially difficult to handle. His manager is due to give birth and needs a respite. She persuades her ex-soldier brother who just returned from his third tour of duty in Afghanistan to take on the babysitting gig. Jeff Paxton came home looking for roots. He never expected to be saddled with the outrageous Nigel Gasp. Nor did he expect to fall in love with him. Gasp! is the story of this unlikely couple, the importance of family, and finally finding home.
I really enjoyed this book! I was wary at first. From the plot summary, I imagined that Nigel would be a selfish, supercilious, ass. And he is. But I didn't hate him. In fact, I loved him. Yes, his egomaniacal ways are frustrating. But the story works because we get up close and personal with both Nigel and Jeff right from the start. There's a lot of character development and I found myself heavily invested in both of them. Beneath his on-stage persona, Nigel is kind, loving, and generous. Likewise, Jeff is absolutely loveable. Getting to know both of them and seeing their characters change and evolve because of each other was what made the story so enjoyable for me. I didn't care for Jeff's sister. But I loved the baby and Jeff's mom was okay (although I would have preferred to see an outcome between her and Mac).
Bottom line: a very entertaining read about a 40'ish rock star and the 28-year-old ex-soldier who gave him roots.
Mega-star Nigel Gasp is a self-absorbed egomaniac in need of looking after. He is stubborn, needy, and determined to be the center of attention everywhere he goes. With his impending 40th birthday, Nigel is having a midlife crisis and has been especially difficult to handle. His manager is due to give birth and needs a respite. She persuades her ex-soldier brother who just returned from his third tour of duty in Afghanistan to take on the babysitting gig. Jeff Paxton came home looking for roots. He never expected to be saddled with the outrageous Nigel Gasp. Nor did he expect to fall in love with him. Gasp! is the story of this unlikely couple, the importance of family, and finally finding home.
I really enjoyed this book! I was wary at first. From the plot summary, I imagined that Nigel would be a selfish, supercilious, ass. And he is. But I didn't hate him. In fact, I loved him. Yes, his egomaniacal ways are frustrating. But the story works because we get up close and personal with both Nigel and Jeff right from the start. There's a lot of character development and I found myself heavily invested in both of them. Beneath his on-stage persona, Nigel is kind, loving, and generous. Likewise, Jeff is absolutely loveable. Getting to know both of them and seeing their characters change and evolve because of each other was what made the story so enjoyable for me. I didn't care for Jeff's sister. But I loved the baby and Jeff's mom was okay (although I would have preferred to see an outcome between her and Mac).
Bottom line: a very entertaining read about a 40'ish rock star and the 28-year-old ex-soldier who gave him roots.
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