What do you think?
Rate this book
Doubting Hearts
Sometimes all you need to overcome the past is a force of nature. When burly contractor Rain Engel is employed to build a bar in a rural hotel in the town of Stamford, he doesn't count on having to rebuild his faith in people too. The day Rain meets the hotel manager, the secretive and feisty Toby Prentiss, Rain's defences are laid bare. His confidence in matters of romance has been tested before and he doesn't want to get hurt again. Former foster child Toby has a dark past too; one that only comes to light when violence strikes, leaving Toby exposed and raw. His emotions are once again shattered, but he needs to pick up the pieces of his life and carry on, as even more shocking news arrives to send his world into a tailspin. Luckily, he has Rain to help him through it—until Rain's ex-boyfriend arrives on the scene. A stolen, passionate kiss in a lost property room, missing sheep, sexy pole dancing and a winter drought lead two stubborn men to realise sometimes the very thing they're searching for is in plain sight all along
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2014
36 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mac Nicol
55 books539 followersBringing lovers together, one book at a time
The official stuff
Susan writes steamy, sexy and fun contemporary romance stories, some suspenseful, some gritty and dark and hopefully always entertaining. She’s also Editor in Chief at Divine Magazine, an online LGBTQ e-zine, and a member of The Society of Authors, the Writers Guild of Great Britain, and the Authors Guild in the US.
Susan is also an award-winning script writer, with scripts based on two of her own published works. Sight Unseen has garnered no less than five awards to date and her TV pilot, Reel Life, based on her debut novel, Cassandra by Starlight, was also a winner at the Oaxaca Film Fest.
The ‘unofficial’ stuff…
She loves going to the theatre, live music concerts (especially if it’s her man crush Adam Lambert or the divine Cumberbatch) walks in the countryside, a good G and T, lazing away afternoons reading a good book, and watching re-runs of Silent Witness and Wire in the Blood.
Her chequered past includes stories like being mistaken for a prostitute in the city of Johannesburg, being chased by a rhino on a dusty Kenyan road, getting kicked out of a youth club for being a ‘bad influence’ (she encourages free thinking) and having an aunt who was engaged to Cliff Richard
.
The official stuff
Susan writes steamy, sexy and fun contemporary romance stories, some suspenseful, some gritty and dark and hopefully always entertaining. She’s also Editor in Chief at Divine Magazine, an online LGBTQ e-zine, and a member of The Society of Authors, the Writers Guild of Great Britain, and the Authors Guild in the US.
Susan is also an award-winning script writer, with scripts based on two of her own published works. Sight Unseen has garnered no less than five awards to date and her TV pilot, Reel Life, based on her debut novel, Cassandra by Starlight, was also a winner at the Oaxaca Film Fest.
The ‘unofficial’ stuff…
She loves going to the theatre, live music concerts (especially if it’s her man crush Adam Lambert or the divine Cumberbatch) walks in the countryside, a good G and T, lazing away afternoons reading a good book, and watching re-runs of Silent Witness and Wire in the Blood.
Her chequered past includes stories like being mistaken for a prostitute in the city of Johannesburg, being chased by a rhino on a dusty Kenyan road, getting kicked out of a youth club for being a ‘bad influence’ (she encourages free thinking) and having an aunt who was engaged to Cliff Richard
.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
March 3, 2014
3.75 shimmy and shake stars
There was a bit of this:
And a whole lot of this:
Following a fairly antagonistic encounter, where they trade barbs and insults, the MCs go at it hot and heavy the rest of the book. Forget the slow burn; it's more like instant combustion all day, every day:
Rain and Toby were hot alone and HOTTER together. And Rain pole dancing (!!!) was in a panty-dropping, cock-popping league of its very own.
Told in alternating first-person POVs, Waiting for Rain gave us insight into both MCs, their insecurities and fears. They were both stubborn and had their hang-ups. Toby was super defensive (he had his reasons) and independent to a fault, and Rain was gun-shy and emotionally detached (his ex made sure of that). But besides getting each other off in every place possible (including the garden shed!), the guys talked and were able to resolve their issues and grow closer.
My main grumble is that the relationship was slightly overshadowed by the myriad plot elements: big, bad, homophobic bullies aided by big, bad, homophobic cops; sheep stealing and sheep phobias (yes, sheep); gay cab drivers; two of Rain and Toby's friends with a side romance; long-lost parents coming out of the woodwork; physical altercations; hospital drama; past secrets; selfish ex-boyfriends returning from abroad; Japanese tourists whose honor puts Mr. Miyagi to shame, and much more. I think it was an attempt to show that the guys could get through it all together, but it felt a little heavy-handed and hard to wade through.
Despite this, the story was fun; the boys were steamy; the haystack scene was sexilicious (I looked up their music and streamed it while reading); and the final chapter, with Rain's public pole dance and the private bedroom festivities after, was fabulous.
I was waiting for that HEA, and I got it! For that alone, I have to round up to four stars.
There was a bit of this:
And a whole lot of this:
Following a fairly antagonistic encounter, where they trade barbs and insults, the MCs go at it hot and heavy the rest of the book. Forget the slow burn; it's more like instant combustion all day, every day:
Rain and Toby were hot alone and HOTTER together. And Rain pole dancing (!!!) was in a panty-dropping, cock-popping league of its very own.
Told in alternating first-person POVs, Waiting for Rain gave us insight into both MCs, their insecurities and fears. They were both stubborn and had their hang-ups. Toby was super defensive (he had his reasons) and independent to a fault, and Rain was gun-shy and emotionally detached (his ex made sure of that). But besides getting each other off in every place possible (including the garden shed!), the guys talked and were able to resolve their issues and grow closer.
My main grumble is that the relationship was slightly overshadowed by the myriad plot elements: big, bad, homophobic bullies aided by big, bad, homophobic cops; sheep stealing and sheep phobias (yes, sheep); gay cab drivers; two of Rain and Toby's friends with a side romance; long-lost parents coming out of the woodwork; physical altercations; hospital drama; past secrets; selfish ex-boyfriends returning from abroad; Japanese tourists whose honor puts Mr. Miyagi to shame, and much more. I think it was an attempt to show that the guys could get through it all together, but it felt a little heavy-handed and hard to wade through.
Despite this, the story was fun; the boys were steamy; the haystack scene was sexilicious (I looked up their music and streamed it while reading); and the final chapter, with Rain's public pole dance and the private bedroom festivities after, was fabulous.
I was waiting for that HEA, and I got it! For that alone, I have to round up to four stars.
May 2, 2014
Ok, where do I start with this one?
I've read a couple other books from this author, and I liked them quite a bit. They were a bit angsty and over the top, but I dig that sort of thing, so that was all good. This story, however, felt more like a bunch of unrelated events, strung together by a bunch of sex scenes, that never quite managed to pull together into a cohesive narrative.
For instance, the title, Waiting For Rain. The village they live in is currently experiencing a drought, hence the title. However, neither of the main characters has the sort of job where the lack of rain effects them in any way, and in fact, the drought doesn't effect the story at all, other than to have the say it hasn't rained, and the inside joke for the character, Rain, to do a Rain dance, and make it rain.
So there is Rain the carpenter and Toby the hotel manager. Toby, who is 6'2" tall, and weighs in at a whopping 140 pounds. He apparently has the physique of the Pink Panther. Toby, who went to work for the hotel 4 years ago as a bellman, and has been hotel manager for 3 years. Seemed fast to me, but what do I know? Rain is still reeling a bit from his ex leaving him nearly a year ago, and is not looking for a relationship, but he and Toby can't stay away from each other. The story is told in alternating POVs, switching in each chapter, but their inner voices were so similar, that I often found myself forgetting whose head I was supposed to be in, until I read something identifying them.
On the day they meet, they are in a closet with their tongues down each other's throats, and then one guy says the wrong thing, pisses the other guy off, and they avoid each other for a week. Then they each apologize, and are back to sneaking gropes and handys and BJs in the tool shed.
Now come the unrelated events that never seem to go further than when they happen. Toby is getting threatening phone calls from a friend's ex, who seems to blame Toby for him getting dumped. This culminates in It's all resolved in just a couple of chapters, and then that part of the story is completely done. It all brings out events from Toby's time in foster care, but that's dropped pretty quickly, too.
Toby's boss has feelings for Toby, but leaves town once he realizes Toby is getting involved with Rain. Again, this really effects nothing in the story at all, other than minor angst on Toby's part, that he didn't know his boss felt that way, and he didn't want to lose his friend.
The sheep thief thing. Out of the blue, Toby's old boss gets Toby to look for someone who has been stealing his sheep. WTF? This was actually the lead in for a fund raiser where Rain does a freaking pole dance/strip tease for the town, otherwise, this, too, has no effect on the story at all. Oh, wait, there IS no real story. Oh yeah, Rain has a stripper pole installed in his living room. Why? I'm not sure, he wasn't a stripper, apparently, he just liked to dance on the pole when he went out clubbing. Sorry, that does NOT make you a pole dancer!
Rain's ex. But no worries, because this, too, is resolved in a chapter or two, and has no more bearing on anything, other than causing them to .
Rain doesn't bottom. He had a traumatic experience while on drugs after his ex left him, and now he doesn't bottom, which has no effect on the story. Rain doesn't bottom, until he does decide to bottom, Toby is fine with that, and....you get where I'm going with this, right?
To be honest, the whole last 20% of this book felt tacked on. I love yous have been exchanged, they are fully together, what more needs to be said?
Ok, now we throw in long lost fathers, , town fundraiser/public striptease/bigoted councilman, and a proposal, and finally we are done with this long and meandering series of events that mostly seem totally random, and doesn't really change the story, at all.
I've read a couple other books from this author, and I liked them quite a bit. They were a bit angsty and over the top, but I dig that sort of thing, so that was all good. This story, however, felt more like a bunch of unrelated events, strung together by a bunch of sex scenes, that never quite managed to pull together into a cohesive narrative.
For instance, the title, Waiting For Rain. The village they live in is currently experiencing a drought, hence the title. However, neither of the main characters has the sort of job where the lack of rain effects them in any way, and in fact, the drought doesn't effect the story at all, other than to have the say it hasn't rained, and the inside joke for the character, Rain, to do a Rain dance, and make it rain.
So there is Rain the carpenter and Toby the hotel manager. Toby, who is 6'2" tall, and weighs in at a whopping 140 pounds. He apparently has the physique of the Pink Panther. Toby, who went to work for the hotel 4 years ago as a bellman, and has been hotel manager for 3 years. Seemed fast to me, but what do I know? Rain is still reeling a bit from his ex leaving him nearly a year ago, and is not looking for a relationship, but he and Toby can't stay away from each other. The story is told in alternating POVs, switching in each chapter, but their inner voices were so similar, that I often found myself forgetting whose head I was supposed to be in, until I read something identifying them.
On the day they meet, they are in a closet with their tongues down each other's throats, and then one guy says the wrong thing, pisses the other guy off, and they avoid each other for a week. Then they each apologize, and are back to sneaking gropes and handys and BJs in the tool shed.
Now come the unrelated events that never seem to go further than when they happen. Toby is getting threatening phone calls from a friend's ex, who seems to blame Toby for him getting dumped. This culminates in It's all resolved in just a couple of chapters, and then that part of the story is completely done. It all brings out events from Toby's time in foster care, but that's dropped pretty quickly, too.
Toby's boss has feelings for Toby, but leaves town once he realizes Toby is getting involved with Rain. Again, this really effects nothing in the story at all, other than minor angst on Toby's part, that he didn't know his boss felt that way, and he didn't want to lose his friend.
The sheep thief thing. Out of the blue, Toby's old boss gets Toby to look for someone who has been stealing his sheep. WTF? This was actually the lead in for a fund raiser where Rain does a freaking pole dance/strip tease for the town, otherwise, this, too, has no effect on the story at all. Oh, wait, there IS no real story. Oh yeah, Rain has a stripper pole installed in his living room. Why? I'm not sure, he wasn't a stripper, apparently, he just liked to dance on the pole when he went out clubbing. Sorry, that does NOT make you a pole dancer!
Rain's ex. But no worries, because this, too, is resolved in a chapter or two, and has no more bearing on anything, other than causing them to .
Rain doesn't bottom. He had a traumatic experience while on drugs after his ex left him, and now he doesn't bottom, which has no effect on the story. Rain doesn't bottom, until he does decide to bottom, Toby is fine with that, and....you get where I'm going with this, right?
To be honest, the whole last 20% of this book felt tacked on. I love yous have been exchanged, they are fully together, what more needs to be said?
Ok, now we throw in long lost fathers, , town fundraiser/public striptease/bigoted councilman, and a proposal, and finally we are done with this long and meandering series of events that mostly seem totally random, and doesn't really change the story, at all.
May 9, 2014
I need some light and fluffy books at the moment and this one looked like it for the bill.
Well, it wasn't all sunshine and cupcakes, there were actually some very serious and heart wrenching issues that the MCs had in their past. But it was told in a way that didn't drag the story down or make it heavy.
The guys like to antagonize each other. They also have lots and lots of sex. The friends and other characters in the book were interesting and kept it all moving along without overpowering the main couple.
All in all a sweet story with some serious but also some silly elements.
Well, it wasn't all sunshine and cupcakes, there were actually some very serious and heart wrenching issues that the MCs had in their past. But it was told in a way that didn't drag the story down or make it heavy.
The guys like to antagonize each other. They also have lots and lots of sex. The friends and other characters in the book were interesting and kept it all moving along without overpowering the main couple.
All in all a sweet story with some serious but also some silly elements.
January 2, 2016
WARNING: This is an entirely subjective review.
While I will not, and rightly cannot, deny Matthew Lloyd Davies delivers a good narration performance, I absolutely loathed the voices he used for the main characters. I thought he made Toby sound like a 50+ year old poncy twat, and Rain, who was supposed to be South African, at times, to me, sounded way more Germanic or Italian than South African. So it kind of ruined the whole thing for me. That being said, the rest of his narration was quite good. Timing, inflection, performance - all fine.
Told in alternating first-person POVs, we are introduced to Toby when he boots his boyfriend to the curb after the dickhead hits him. I literally cheered at this scene. It was so refreshing to see someone defend himself the way Toby does.
Some months later, Toby meets Rain when Rain and his partner, Lucas, come to the Duck and Drake Hotel (where Toby is the General Manager) to build a custom pub. After a rocky start, Toby and Rain begin seeing each other (read: blowing and jacking each other in the garden shed). While the physical part of their relationship is immediate and WHITE HOT, the emotional side is a bit of a slow burn. Both men have secrets and things they are hiding from each other, which take some time to come to light.
This story is chockablock full of sex, in every way, shape and form. It's also chock full of a bunch of bloated side plots involving homophobic assholes, weird sheep phobias, sheepnapping, humor, pole dancing, TSTL moments, more humor, and more sex. It was a glut of extra everything, which admittedly served at times to move along the relationship between Toby and Rain, but got old. Fast. Honestly, with as much as I was hating the narration by the time it was only halfway through I was wishing it was over. Surprisingly though, it wasn't the narration, but the story itself that managed to trip my rage switch at around 54%.
Aside from that though, it's a funny, quirky, bit-long-winded, romance with a lot of sex. I think I might have liked it more had I been reading rather than listening. Maybe not, given the things I was ragey about though.
BONUS POLE DANCE: If you'd like to watch Rain's finale pole dance click on the link - it's the "full performance". (God, how I love the internet!)
Audio book generously provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
****************************************
Thank. Jeebus. I'm done.
Full review, with rant, to come tonight.
August 3, 2014
Rain makes the flowers grow.
Rain is a good thing.
Fruity. I smelled this book. Music, I heard this book. This book has so much story. So much going on. It easily could have been distracting but to me it wasn't. To me it was a fun journey and I really enjoyed it all. There were parts that made me laugh out loud, parts that made me want to cry and most of all, parts that just made me melt. These boys took me on a beautiful journey and I was so happy to be along for the ride. This really was just a lot of fun. There was some very serious stuff, both went through things that hurt me, but mostly it was just a great ride. So fucking hot, sweet, romantic and beautiful.
Read.
Rain is a good thing.
Fruity. I smelled this book. Music, I heard this book. This book has so much story. So much going on. It easily could have been distracting but to me it wasn't. To me it was a fun journey and I really enjoyed it all. There were parts that made me laugh out loud, parts that made me want to cry and most of all, parts that just made me melt. These boys took me on a beautiful journey and I was so happy to be along for the ride. This really was just a lot of fun. There was some very serious stuff, both went through things that hurt me, but mostly it was just a great ride. So fucking hot, sweet, romantic and beautiful.
Read.
March 25, 2014
Waiting for Rain is the beautiful and very realistic love story of Rain and Toby. Both men will melt your heart and make you cheer for them as they make the journey from a heated kiss to the glory of true love. Their journey is not without pitfalls as they struggle with their pasts and the ugly truth of discrimination and hatred. I love the support and loyalty of their friends and really enjoyed the end of the Winter Festival. Rain is a magnificent male, witty, talented and dead sexy and Toby is his perfect match.
March 1, 2014
A true modern day romance in an old English town. A love story between two men who each want someone they can believe in, someone to love, and someone to love them in return. Rain is the wood worker tradesman that is creating the new bar for the hotel that Toby manages. Their attraction is instant, reciprocated, but gets off on the wrong foot. These two are firecrackers. They are each strong willed and neither are willing to compromise…however, they also can’t stop the attraction.
Toby is out and proud; he offers no apologies for being gay and in return has lived with bigotry since he was fourteen years old. But he also a tough cookie and you can only push him so far before he snaps and take you out. He is not a pushover and doesn’t take crap off anyone. Rain may be physically a larger man, but he is turned on by bossy and in-charge Toby. Toby is also full of secrets, some that he has never told anyone, but in order to move forward he needs to look back and face his past.
Rain is a woodworker by day and a pole dancer for fun at night. Not in the clubs anymore but in his own home. The man has a pole as a permanent fixture in his living room. How cool is that? But he is also silently suffering from a breakup that took him by surprise. His ex-boyfriend just got bored with life and said “see ya”…just as Rain planned to propose. That’s a hard deal to overcome, and it’s understandable when he doesn’t want to deal with a relationship anytime soon. He will also need to let go of his past before he and Toby can move forward.
For a Susan Mac Nicol novel this is fluffy and sweet, with just a touch of angst. I’ve read her other books so I was constantly expecting the rug to be pulled out from under me, but it never happened. They do have their fair share of issues, disagreements, and hurt feelings but it did not make me cry. It was an easy read, a bit heavy on the British slang (which fits the setting perfectly), but easy enough for this girl to understand.
This is a highly recommended story with a true romance, a sexy pole dancer, a big man with a sheep phobia, and overcoming adversity.
Overall Impression: I really liked it
Toby is out and proud; he offers no apologies for being gay and in return has lived with bigotry since he was fourteen years old. But he also a tough cookie and you can only push him so far before he snaps and take you out. He is not a pushover and doesn’t take crap off anyone. Rain may be physically a larger man, but he is turned on by bossy and in-charge Toby. Toby is also full of secrets, some that he has never told anyone, but in order to move forward he needs to look back and face his past.
Rain is a woodworker by day and a pole dancer for fun at night. Not in the clubs anymore but in his own home. The man has a pole as a permanent fixture in his living room. How cool is that? But he is also silently suffering from a breakup that took him by surprise. His ex-boyfriend just got bored with life and said “see ya”…just as Rain planned to propose. That’s a hard deal to overcome, and it’s understandable when he doesn’t want to deal with a relationship anytime soon. He will also need to let go of his past before he and Toby can move forward.
For a Susan Mac Nicol novel this is fluffy and sweet, with just a touch of angst. I’ve read her other books so I was constantly expecting the rug to be pulled out from under me, but it never happened. They do have their fair share of issues, disagreements, and hurt feelings but it did not make me cry. It was an easy read, a bit heavy on the British slang (which fits the setting perfectly), but easy enough for this girl to understand.
This is a highly recommended story with a true romance, a sexy pole dancer, a big man with a sheep phobia, and overcoming adversity.
Overall Impression: I really liked it
July 31, 2014
This book suffers from two very interesting ailments: insta-boner and perma-boner. The symptoms for these diseases are: 1)get hard within a second of seeing, smelling or hearing the other MC and 2)hard-on won't go away at all. The insta-boner is there to stay! but worry not because both of these ailments turn out to be very convenient in this story as it is sex scene after scene. So the insta-boner that won't go away gets used over and over and over. I am so glad it doesn't go to waste!
Besides the insta and perma-boners plus the smut-filled pages, this book suffers from something else: completely random events make up the plot of the book! One minute you are getting a blowjob inside a shed during working hours, the next you are staking out a sheep field looking out for sheep thieves (I kid you not!) and the next you are being saved from unjustly going to jail by some very stereotypical Japanese tourists staying at the hotel where you went from bellboy to general manager in a matter of four years. WTH!?!?
If you feel like reading smut go ahead and enjoy this book. But if you are looking for a significant story or plot then I don't think this one is it.
Besides the insta and perma-boners plus the smut-filled pages, this book suffers from something else: completely random events make up the plot of the book! One minute you are getting a blowjob inside a shed during working hours, the next you are staking out a sheep field looking out for sheep thieves (I kid you not!) and the next you are being saved from unjustly going to jail by some very stereotypical Japanese tourists staying at the hotel where you went from bellboy to general manager in a matter of four years. WTH!?!?
If you feel like reading smut go ahead and enjoy this book. But if you are looking for a significant story or plot then I don't think this one is it.
January 29, 2017
First read from this author and I loved the MCs : sexy as hell.
Have a look at Dani's review, it said it all and to quote : "it's sexilicious". And it's even better when listening to all the musical references while reading.
Smoking HOT !!
Have a look at Dani's review, it said it all and to quote : "it's sexilicious". And it's even better when listening to all the musical references while reading.
Smoking HOT !!
March 7, 2014
First off the bat is my big gripe with this book. I know that mistakes will be made, but please, please, make sure your character is always called the same name. Turning Toby into Tony is just plain annoying, and is an error that I can't forgive. But enough negative.
I really liked this book. The two main characters, Toby and Rain were both men with pasts that haunted them, although Toby had suffered a great deal more then Rain. These sort of broken men seem to be a specialty of Susan Mac Nicol, but she also manages to write a different story each time.
The secondary characters were a mixed bunch of nice and not so nice, and added a nice depth to the story. There was some funny moments that added much to this by them. There was a few misunderstandings, but never anything to major and thankfully not drawn out. This pair actually tried to communicate with each other to the best of their abilities.
Waiting for Rain was an extremely enjoyable read, and by the end I was left with a big goofy smile on my face, and I really can't ask for more then that.
I really liked this book. The two main characters, Toby and Rain were both men with pasts that haunted them, although Toby had suffered a great deal more then Rain. These sort of broken men seem to be a specialty of Susan Mac Nicol, but she also manages to write a different story each time.
The secondary characters were a mixed bunch of nice and not so nice, and added a nice depth to the story. There was some funny moments that added much to this by them. There was a few misunderstandings, but never anything to major and thankfully not drawn out. This pair actually tried to communicate with each other to the best of their abilities.
Waiting for Rain was an extremely enjoyable read, and by the end I was left with a big goofy smile on my face, and I really can't ask for more then that.
April 11, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. Toby and Rain made a delicious couple and I loved seeing their relationship develop. There wasn't a lot of outer conflict for them, but the inner conflicts that they both had to deal with were heartwrenching. I loved how they learned to trust each other and learn from each other. This was one of those I will most likely be reading again in the near future just because it was so good.
Want to read
July 28, 2014Dreamspinner's $0.99 deal of the day! 7/28/14
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
August 14, 2015
almost dnf. uhg. too fluffy for me.
July 11, 2019
This was previously titled Waiting for Rain, my first and most favorite book from Susan Mac Nicol. Sheep and pole-dancing; a must read! Yes, I just read it again for at least the sixth time.
February 24, 2014
I need to say that this book since the title is an open door for the reader to make his own conclusions before reading the story and that made it so much interesting...
The story of Toby Prentiss and Rain Engel is different because you get to know each one of them as individuals and then later on as a couple.
Toby is the General Manager for the Duck and Drake Hotel , work who he is passionate about , one of the reasons being the opportunity to make something of himself after having to grow up in the Foster care system. He is a extremely dependent and independent person all in one.
Rain is a skill trade man , who has is own company doing custom made wood work. In his case from a loving family but no less sometimes afraid to open himself.
The first day encounter , when Rain , is going to start construction for a bar at the hotel with his businesses partner and friend Lucas ... Is hilarious.
Looking to Toby and saying all of the right suggestive things made you think , that ride is going to be one and only.
The different possible scenarios and the way they start seeing each other is explosive but also gives them time to deal with things that want to get on the way.
The characters besides them , Simon , who is Toby's friend and mentor but also has not express things he should have said long ago.
Tammy, Toby's friend and co worker , dealing with an abusive relationship.
Lucas , Rain's friend and most of all good influence in his life.
Tommy, Rain's ex boyfriend and the man who left him.
The story of Toby Prentiss and Rain Engel is genuinely a heart warming one ... also a story of hope and love with friendship and getting to know each other better. The way they finally express their feelings is beautiful to read, the trust , the passion and the soul search is the backbone of the book.
This book is an excellent one , I don't want to say more of the story because it doesn't have to be spoiled for any one.
I will recommend you to read this book... And then you will also understand the title and smile.
ARC received from the author for an honest review.
The story of Toby Prentiss and Rain Engel is different because you get to know each one of them as individuals and then later on as a couple.
Toby is the General Manager for the Duck and Drake Hotel , work who he is passionate about , one of the reasons being the opportunity to make something of himself after having to grow up in the Foster care system. He is a extremely dependent and independent person all in one.
Rain is a skill trade man , who has is own company doing custom made wood work. In his case from a loving family but no less sometimes afraid to open himself.
The first day encounter , when Rain , is going to start construction for a bar at the hotel with his businesses partner and friend Lucas ... Is hilarious.
Looking to Toby and saying all of the right suggestive things made you think , that ride is going to be one and only.
The different possible scenarios and the way they start seeing each other is explosive but also gives them time to deal with things that want to get on the way.
The characters besides them , Simon , who is Toby's friend and mentor but also has not express things he should have said long ago.
Tammy, Toby's friend and co worker , dealing with an abusive relationship.
Lucas , Rain's friend and most of all good influence in his life.
Tommy, Rain's ex boyfriend and the man who left him.
The story of Toby Prentiss and Rain Engel is genuinely a heart warming one ... also a story of hope and love with friendship and getting to know each other better. The way they finally express their feelings is beautiful to read, the trust , the passion and the soul search is the backbone of the book.
This book is an excellent one , I don't want to say more of the story because it doesn't have to be spoiled for any one.
I will recommend you to read this book... And then you will also understand the title and smile.
ARC received from the author for an honest review.
February 22, 2014
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
While I have loved each of Susan Mac Nicols m/m romances & been sucked into them to the point where I have made vicious threats to the bad guys out loud and scared my husband...This is my favorite book of hers.
How do I love thee Rain & Toby, let me count the ways.....No, there really isn't enough space for that so let's go with the highlights.
I found Toby & Rain to be so wonderfully real, Toby's childhood happens all to often. So does what happened to Rain when he spiraled out of control after being abandoned by his lover. I found the way each character was shaped by those events felt true to me.
These men are not perfect & know this. They make mistakes & struggle to fix them. But they learn to be there for the other too. I absolutely adored the way they struggled to reach through their individual issues to hang on to a love that snuck up on them.
The sex was hot of course and the dancing part added a bit of spice. I enjoyed Rains enthusiasm for performing for Toby....The big dance at the end was described in vividly hot detail & was just amazing. *fans self at the memory*
There are secondary characters that are very engaging & do more than just be a sounding board for the main characters. I liked them just as much as Rain & Toby. I wanted Lucas, Tammy & Simon to get happy endings too.
Now I have to mention another thing I loved about this book was the humor because there is a lot of it popping up to lighten the story....The next time my kids are watching Shaun the Sheep I will probably be laughing & it won't have a thing to do with the show.
And yes, there was a bad guy I was making vicious out loud torturous plans for but my husband was working so his delicate ears weren't harmed this time.
While I have loved each of Susan Mac Nicols m/m romances & been sucked into them to the point where I have made vicious threats to the bad guys out loud and scared my husband...This is my favorite book of hers.
How do I love thee Rain & Toby, let me count the ways.....No, there really isn't enough space for that so let's go with the highlights.
I found Toby & Rain to be so wonderfully real, Toby's childhood happens all to often. So does what happened to Rain when he spiraled out of control after being abandoned by his lover. I found the way each character was shaped by those events felt true to me.
These men are not perfect & know this. They make mistakes & struggle to fix them. But they learn to be there for the other too. I absolutely adored the way they struggled to reach through their individual issues to hang on to a love that snuck up on them.
The sex was hot of course and the dancing part added a bit of spice. I enjoyed Rains enthusiasm for performing for Toby....The big dance at the end was described in vividly hot detail & was just amazing. *fans self at the memory*
There are secondary characters that are very engaging & do more than just be a sounding board for the main characters. I liked them just as much as Rain & Toby. I wanted Lucas, Tammy & Simon to get happy endings too.
Now I have to mention another thing I loved about this book was the humor because there is a lot of it popping up to lighten the story....The next time my kids are watching Shaun the Sheep I will probably be laughing & it won't have a thing to do with the show.
And yes, there was a bad guy I was making vicious out loud torturous plans for but my husband was working so his delicate ears weren't harmed this time.
April 30, 2016
I picked up this audio for an angst read since I had been striking out for an emotionally intense book all week. Susan Mac Nicols delivers such passionate characters.
Toby is a hotel manager who worked his way up from being a bell man. He meets Rain, who has commitment issues, after his last boyfriend dumped him unceremoniously. They are clearly attracted to each other but Rain is unable to commit long term.
Even though they have a lot of lost in translation or misconstrued communication, Toby and Rain are hot for each other and physically!
Really Hot!
Honestly, this audiobook wasn't very angsty nor was it as engaging as Worth Keeping. There was a lot going on. I would have enjoyed this book more without some of the added distraction, like Toby’s boss, the lost sheep, Toby’s friend who was out to get him etc. I think between Rain’s ex and Rain’s traumatic past, and the father issues, there was plenty to add drama here.
The audiobook had alternating POV so you got equal opportunity in Toby and Rain’s heads. I really liked both characters and I was happy that they got their issues together at the end. But this book wasn’t my favorite Susan Mac Nicol’s book. I do enjoy her writing and will definitely pick up Saving Alexander next.
*Special thanks to Dreamspinner Publishing for the audiobook, which was given in exchange for an honest review
Toby is a hotel manager who worked his way up from being a bell man. He meets Rain, who has commitment issues, after his last boyfriend dumped him unceremoniously. They are clearly attracted to each other but Rain is unable to commit long term.
Even though they have a lot of lost in translation or misconstrued communication, Toby and Rain are hot for each other and physically!
Really Hot!
Honestly, this audiobook wasn't very angsty nor was it as engaging as Worth Keeping. There was a lot going on. I would have enjoyed this book more without some of the added distraction, like Toby’s boss, the lost sheep, Toby’s friend who was out to get him etc. I think between Rain’s ex and Rain’s traumatic past, and the father issues, there was plenty to add drama here.
The audiobook had alternating POV so you got equal opportunity in Toby and Rain’s heads. I really liked both characters and I was happy that they got their issues together at the end. But this book wasn’t my favorite Susan Mac Nicol’s book. I do enjoy her writing and will definitely pick up Saving Alexander next.
*Special thanks to Dreamspinner Publishing for the audiobook, which was given in exchange for an honest review
dnf
March 15, 2016Made it up to 15% but enough is enough. How old are these guys? And fighting boners, 'straining cocks' and holding things in front of their groin to cover it?
I'm done. I don't like the story, I don't like the writing style and there are enough books still waiting on my kindle.
With an average rating of 3.88 right now, I honestly wonder where all these 4 and 5 star ratings came from.
I'm done. I don't like the story, I don't like the writing style and there are enough books still waiting on my kindle.
With an average rating of 3.88 right now, I honestly wonder where all these 4 and 5 star ratings came from.
August 27, 2014
3.5 stars
This was a bit of a lighter read than the last two books I read by this author. Both men had been hurt in the past and there were a couple of misunderstandings here, but overall it was a fun read.
This was a bit of a lighter read than the last two books I read by this author. Both men had been hurt in the past and there were a couple of misunderstandings here, but overall it was a fun read.
March 17, 2014
Geez there was soooooo much going on besides the progression of the relationship in this. Homophobes, bashers, assholes exes, long lost parents, unrequited love... It was almost too much. I need to think on this one before attempting an actual review.
February 4, 2019
Started out pretty well but after the first half it was an endless stream of sex scenes and secondary plots that didn't add much to the main story except pages. I was extremely bored and skimmed most of the last third of it.
February 26, 2014
It's not you, it's me...this is probably a 4 star book. I just couldn't warm up to it, kept wandering off to do other things in the middle of the chapter.
i-give-up
May 12, 2016No rating. I've come to the conclusion that Matthew Lloyd Davies has a voice for historical novels. It really doesn't work for me with contemporary.
August 30, 2018
It was ok... it just felt like it should have ended way before it did.
February 23, 2014
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for my honest review
Each book I read of Susan Mac Nicol I always finish thinking she can’t get any better than that, yet each time she continues to outwit me and do just that. Waiting for Rain is no exception and my favourite so far. It was absorbing, sexilicious and highly entertaining with lots of laughs throughout.
Toby Prentiss is the general manager of the Duck and Drake Hotel in Stamford which he has worked hard to achieve and make something of himself. After being dragged up through foster homes from a young age since the death of his beloved mother he has had his fair share of traumatic incidents and bigotry. His strength of character just shone through the pages with his dogged determination and resilience to outside pressures and fears. He has the support of his mentor and boss, Simon and his best friend Tammy.
Rain Engel is finally recovering from the breakup of his relationship after his partner just upped and left to go work and live abroad for a better life not knowing that on that same day Rain was about to propose. However nine months down the line Rain has moved out of London, bought a beautiful cottage in Stamford and is slowly but surely building up his carpentry business along with the help of his best friend Lucas.
When Simon contracts Rain to build a new bar for the hotel, he would be unaware of the catalyst this would be for the future of not only Rain and Toby but also himself.
From the first meeting of Toby and Rain I just knew the sparks flying would build to be something spectacular and I was not wrong. Both were headstrong, domineering and not about to take any BS from anyone, especially each other. The chemistry and interaction of both these sexy men was sizzling and explosive. The initial meeting lead to a standoff but finally neither could deny their attraction for each other. What I loved about this relationship was the gradual escalation to a love so strong and unconditional, it just made my heart swoon and gushiness to sprout forth from my mouth!
Now for the dancing, yes there was dancing and lots of sexy dancing. With a pole. Rain was a scintillating exhibitionist on the dance floor and the way that Ms Mac Nicol described this was as if Rain was putting on a private show for me. But he wasn’t, more’s the shame – it was for Toby. Rain was such a sexy, crotch thrusting, hip swaying male specimen, he was in danger of blowing up my kindle and I just loved him! I think the South African twang also did it for me.
“If sex was a liquid, its name was Rain Engel”
There was also plenty of hilarity in this book with laugh out loud moments. Especially the sheep rustling. When first reading that episode I was completely baffled as to why the farmer wanted Toby and Rain to investigate. But then it got more bizarre with the result I was guffawing like a train whistle. As for Rain and his …erm…..sheep issue, oh my word, really? But maybe I shouldn’t have laughed at that. But I did. Shame on me!
As with all good romances there has to be a villain and nobody does a villain like Susan Mac Nicol. This one was abhorrent and as usual the bully was aided by small minded bigots. But with all villains they are sure to get their comeuppance, aren’t they?
The secondary characters actually didn’t feel secondary and some I just wanted to squeeze them close. Especially Simon who I immediately took to my heart and felt a sense of loss with his decision he took. Oh and don’t get me started on the farmer and the taxi drivers who were a revelation and certainly not cast to type!
Yet again Ms Mac Nicol has delivered an amazing story of love, life and humanity. A wonderful addition to any reader’s ‘to read’ shelf.
Gloriously done and a well-deserved five star read for me.
Each book I read of Susan Mac Nicol I always finish thinking she can’t get any better than that, yet each time she continues to outwit me and do just that. Waiting for Rain is no exception and my favourite so far. It was absorbing, sexilicious and highly entertaining with lots of laughs throughout.
Toby Prentiss is the general manager of the Duck and Drake Hotel in Stamford which he has worked hard to achieve and make something of himself. After being dragged up through foster homes from a young age since the death of his beloved mother he has had his fair share of traumatic incidents and bigotry. His strength of character just shone through the pages with his dogged determination and resilience to outside pressures and fears. He has the support of his mentor and boss, Simon and his best friend Tammy.
Rain Engel is finally recovering from the breakup of his relationship after his partner just upped and left to go work and live abroad for a better life not knowing that on that same day Rain was about to propose. However nine months down the line Rain has moved out of London, bought a beautiful cottage in Stamford and is slowly but surely building up his carpentry business along with the help of his best friend Lucas.
When Simon contracts Rain to build a new bar for the hotel, he would be unaware of the catalyst this would be for the future of not only Rain and Toby but also himself.
From the first meeting of Toby and Rain I just knew the sparks flying would build to be something spectacular and I was not wrong. Both were headstrong, domineering and not about to take any BS from anyone, especially each other. The chemistry and interaction of both these sexy men was sizzling and explosive. The initial meeting lead to a standoff but finally neither could deny their attraction for each other. What I loved about this relationship was the gradual escalation to a love so strong and unconditional, it just made my heart swoon and gushiness to sprout forth from my mouth!
Now for the dancing, yes there was dancing and lots of sexy dancing. With a pole. Rain was a scintillating exhibitionist on the dance floor and the way that Ms Mac Nicol described this was as if Rain was putting on a private show for me. But he wasn’t, more’s the shame – it was for Toby. Rain was such a sexy, crotch thrusting, hip swaying male specimen, he was in danger of blowing up my kindle and I just loved him! I think the South African twang also did it for me.
“If sex was a liquid, its name was Rain Engel”
There was also plenty of hilarity in this book with laugh out loud moments. Especially the sheep rustling. When first reading that episode I was completely baffled as to why the farmer wanted Toby and Rain to investigate. But then it got more bizarre with the result I was guffawing like a train whistle. As for Rain and his …erm…..sheep issue, oh my word, really? But maybe I shouldn’t have laughed at that. But I did. Shame on me!
As with all good romances there has to be a villain and nobody does a villain like Susan Mac Nicol. This one was abhorrent and as usual the bully was aided by small minded bigots. But with all villains they are sure to get their comeuppance, aren’t they?
The secondary characters actually didn’t feel secondary and some I just wanted to squeeze them close. Especially Simon who I immediately took to my heart and felt a sense of loss with his decision he took. Oh and don’t get me started on the farmer and the taxi drivers who were a revelation and certainly not cast to type!
Yet again Ms Mac Nicol has delivered an amazing story of love, life and humanity. A wonderful addition to any reader’s ‘to read’ shelf.
Gloriously done and a well-deserved five star read for me.
February 22, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
Author Susan Mac Nicol has just managed to turn tables on this reader and fan. Used to the sometimes dark plot lines and drama-filled books I had read so far, I armed myself with a box of tissues even after being advised by said author there would be no need.
I did not cry.
I did find myself flushing hotly, blushing oh so red, fannedmyselfsilly, shake my head to clear it of the uberdelicious smexy scenes, and tried to remember how to breathe.
Waiting for Rain is not really a straight on romance, rather, it is a story of courtship between one Toby Prentiss and boyfriend Rain Engel.
Toby was a survivor of the over-rated foster care system and through true grit and determination, managed to rise above his situation. He got out of bad situations and made sure to get the education he needed. He finally landed a good job in a hotel in Stamford and is now General Manager. The road to his success was rough, but the experiences were all lessons that built character and integrity. Experiences he embraced fully.
Rain Engel's past was that of a broken heart he still had a hard time shaking off. Breaking all ties from the city, he sells his business and sets up shop in the village of Stamford with best friend Lucas. Business brought Toby and Rain together and from the start, sparks flew. Just not the kind of sparks formulaic romances are made of.
Two independent men, fire in their blood, opinionated and successful in their own rights, their attraction for each other was lust at first sight. Admittedly, this was not a good beginning for both but this is where the author starts spinning her tale and came up with gold.
The romance between Toby and Rain does not go the usual formulaic path. The readers walk their way through their lust turned romance, their courtship, their personal dramas, their reconciliations, their lives. The author does not hide the beasts and demons these men carried within them. Everything is laid out in the open for readers to either love or hate. Laid bare like this, it paved the way to some of the more ridiculous situations both men go through, lending some bit of comedy through the read.
There were supporting characters in the form of Simon, Toby's boss, and Tammy, his best friend. There was also Lucas, Rain's best bud and partner. Honestly, though, it was Mr. Cocky who was my favorite character and I just wish he had the chance to speak up as I am curious what he actually thought of the whole situation. Admittedly, he did enjoy himself to the hilt and he constantly showed it.
Then there is Rain's pole dancing.
Dear readers, this is the time to prepare. I have to admit, I am writing this review listening to the witchy tune of Small Town Witch by Sneaker Pimps. I had also watched the trailer to this book while waiting impatiently for this to land in my hands. Watching Andre Corey bring to life the Rain dance? Ohmeeegoshhhhhhhhhh! It just brought this book to a whole different level that is impossible to put to text. You have to watch him in this TRAILER to get the full experience.
Fun, light read that takes us readers on a superbly HOT! courtship journey between two uber-sexy men...
...as well as insights on my guilty pleasure: pole dancing.
**Note: eARC was provided by author for honest review.
Author Susan Mac Nicol has just managed to turn tables on this reader and fan. Used to the sometimes dark plot lines and drama-filled books I had read so far, I armed myself with a box of tissues even after being advised by said author there would be no need.
I did not cry.
I did find myself flushing hotly, blushing oh so red, fannedmyselfsilly, shake my head to clear it of the uberdelicious smexy scenes, and tried to remember how to breathe.
Waiting for Rain is not really a straight on romance, rather, it is a story of courtship between one Toby Prentiss and boyfriend Rain Engel.
Toby was a survivor of the over-rated foster care system and through true grit and determination, managed to rise above his situation. He got out of bad situations and made sure to get the education he needed. He finally landed a good job in a hotel in Stamford and is now General Manager. The road to his success was rough, but the experiences were all lessons that built character and integrity. Experiences he embraced fully.
Rain Engel's past was that of a broken heart he still had a hard time shaking off. Breaking all ties from the city, he sells his business and sets up shop in the village of Stamford with best friend Lucas. Business brought Toby and Rain together and from the start, sparks flew. Just not the kind of sparks formulaic romances are made of.
Two independent men, fire in their blood, opinionated and successful in their own rights, their attraction for each other was lust at first sight. Admittedly, this was not a good beginning for both but this is where the author starts spinning her tale and came up with gold.
The romance between Toby and Rain does not go the usual formulaic path. The readers walk their way through their lust turned romance, their courtship, their personal dramas, their reconciliations, their lives. The author does not hide the beasts and demons these men carried within them. Everything is laid out in the open for readers to either love or hate. Laid bare like this, it paved the way to some of the more ridiculous situations both men go through, lending some bit of comedy through the read.
There were supporting characters in the form of Simon, Toby's boss, and Tammy, his best friend. There was also Lucas, Rain's best bud and partner. Honestly, though, it was Mr. Cocky who was my favorite character and I just wish he had the chance to speak up as I am curious what he actually thought of the whole situation. Admittedly, he did enjoy himself to the hilt and he constantly showed it.
Then there is Rain's pole dancing.
Dear readers, this is the time to prepare. I have to admit, I am writing this review listening to the witchy tune of Small Town Witch by Sneaker Pimps. I had also watched the trailer to this book while waiting impatiently for this to land in my hands. Watching Andre Corey bring to life the Rain dance? Ohmeeegoshhhhhhhhhh! It just brought this book to a whole different level that is impossible to put to text. You have to watch him in this TRAILER to get the full experience.
Fun, light read that takes us readers on a superbly HOT! courtship journey between two uber-sexy men...
...as well as insights on my guilty pleasure: pole dancing.
**Note: eARC was provided by author for honest review.
August 31, 2016
Toby Prentiss and Rain Engel, of 'Waiting for Rain' by Susan Mac Nicol, are searching for the same thing—a partner they can trust. One would think that with their instant strong attraction they'd both be delighted to find each other; but things aren't that simple, especially when romance is involved. Toby and Rain's track record with men leaves a lot to be desired in the success department. It's going to take a lot of convincing to bring these two together.
Toby and Rain come from quite different backgrounds. Toby's background is foster homes failure, a life on the streets, abuse, and a string of unsuitable boyfriends. Toby may be on the small side, but he is not a pushover. He can definitely do some damage when provoked, which often got him into trouble. His life was not going well until he met Simon, who sees Toby's potential and gives him a chance and hires him. Toby works long and hard, is now the assistant manager of Simon's luxury hotel, and has gained the respect of the employees there. Toby has buried himself in his work and ignored his need for companionship.
Rain, tall and strong, comes from South Africa and has a loving, close family who fully support him. He's a genius with woodworking which is how he manages to get the job building an ornate bar at Toby's hotel which brings them together. At first, I found Rain to be coarse and abrasive, but later realized that it was more of a defense mechanism than his true personality. Rain is quicker to give in to impulses which lead to their first argument when Toby inadvertently insults him. Both men have quick tempers and lose them frequently, but fortunately, the conflicts are over almost as soon as they begin. They can both be quite persuasive when they need to be and positively irresistible. They give makeup sex a new definition as far as heat and passion go. I loved the pole dancing element, indicating what a big heart Rain has and how willing he is to help. Although there were bumps in the road, there wasn't much angst even though it involved ex-boyfriends, unrequited love, and tension as to the possibility of Toby and Rain not staying together.
I loved the humor in this story. Each man had their own quirks which, at times, made the dialogue hilarious. As much as I loved the story, I have to admit that even though clearly indicated, switching narration between Toby and Rain was disconcerting at times. There wasn't enough difference in their speech for me to remember who it was that was speaking, i.e., an accent, colloquialisms, a stutter, etc. While it was informative to learn what each character was thinking and feeling, it seemed like each chapter was being told twice. It's the first book I've read by Susan Mac Nicol so it could be a technique that she employs often. It didn't, however, take away the fact that I loved the characters, particularly Toby, and was very invested in them working things out. In addition to the gloriously steaming sex, I appreciated their determination to communicate, talk things out when times got rocky, before they proceeded to a more serious level. If you like humorous, sexy, endearing love stories with little angst and a whole lot of hotness, you may enjoy this book. Thanks, Susan, for introducing me to Toby and Rain.
NOTE: This book was provided by XXX for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Toby and Rain come from quite different backgrounds. Toby's background is foster homes failure, a life on the streets, abuse, and a string of unsuitable boyfriends. Toby may be on the small side, but he is not a pushover. He can definitely do some damage when provoked, which often got him into trouble. His life was not going well until he met Simon, who sees Toby's potential and gives him a chance and hires him. Toby works long and hard, is now the assistant manager of Simon's luxury hotel, and has gained the respect of the employees there. Toby has buried himself in his work and ignored his need for companionship.
Rain, tall and strong, comes from South Africa and has a loving, close family who fully support him. He's a genius with woodworking which is how he manages to get the job building an ornate bar at Toby's hotel which brings them together. At first, I found Rain to be coarse and abrasive, but later realized that it was more of a defense mechanism than his true personality. Rain is quicker to give in to impulses which lead to their first argument when Toby inadvertently insults him. Both men have quick tempers and lose them frequently, but fortunately, the conflicts are over almost as soon as they begin. They can both be quite persuasive when they need to be and positively irresistible. They give makeup sex a new definition as far as heat and passion go. I loved the pole dancing element, indicating what a big heart Rain has and how willing he is to help. Although there were bumps in the road, there wasn't much angst even though it involved ex-boyfriends, unrequited love, and tension as to the possibility of Toby and Rain not staying together.
I loved the humor in this story. Each man had their own quirks which, at times, made the dialogue hilarious. As much as I loved the story, I have to admit that even though clearly indicated, switching narration between Toby and Rain was disconcerting at times. There wasn't enough difference in their speech for me to remember who it was that was speaking, i.e., an accent, colloquialisms, a stutter, etc. While it was informative to learn what each character was thinking and feeling, it seemed like each chapter was being told twice. It's the first book I've read by Susan Mac Nicol so it could be a technique that she employs often. It didn't, however, take away the fact that I loved the characters, particularly Toby, and was very invested in them working things out. In addition to the gloriously steaming sex, I appreciated their determination to communicate, talk things out when times got rocky, before they proceeded to a more serious level. If you like humorous, sexy, endearing love stories with little angst and a whole lot of hotness, you may enjoy this book. Thanks, Susan, for introducing me to Toby and Rain.
NOTE: This book was provided by XXX for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 31, 2015
Note: This audiobook was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Toby Prentiss, manager of the Duck and Drake Hotel in a small village in England, is pleasantly surprised when the carpenter he’s hired to custom design the new bar for the hotel turns out to be a sexy, sassy South African native who returns Toby’s hot looks eye to eye. Rain Engel doesn’t expect to like the stuffy manager-type he usually finds in these out-of-the-way towns, but he’s extremely attracted to Toby’s tough attitude in combination with his optimistic outlook on life. As their attraction heats up and the two spend some fun times in the old garden shed, it becomes apparent to their friends that being in their presence kicks up the heat in the room a notch.
Unknown to Rain, Toby’s past includes fights and arrests while growing up in foster care homes and finally hitting the streets as a teen. Toby has worked hard to get past that time and isn’t interested in sharing it, until circumstances combine to bring the details out. Rain has also hidden facets of his past from Toby, including a breakup with the man he loved and was planning to marry. Fortunately, when things get tough for both of them, their friends encourage their support for each other, and they’re able to reconcile the past with the present.
There are many humorous scenes and events throughout this story, including scenes of Rain facing his phobia of sheep, Toby learning that the sex he and Rain had on top of a haystack was observed, and Rain showing off his pole dancing skills to a slack-jawed Toby. Since this is an audiobook review, I can’t go back and cite detail, however, I can say that I appreciated the humorous moments mixed in with the serious, and there were serious events as well, including gay-bashing and stories of past abuse.
There were times, however, when the story felt as if it was floundering with no end point in sight. It is a very long audiobook. About halfway through, I honestly thought it was just about over, and that’s when a new element was introduced that tied the idea of a fundraiser in with Rain’s hobby of pole dancing. In hindsight, it was a bit of a stretch to have so many subplots in one story, however, as previously stated, when one doesn’t have a book to go back through for detail, it’s difficult to summarize why it felt that way.
As much as I liked the author’s humorous view of some of the embarrassing situations in which straitlaced Toby found himself, I truly enjoyed the narration the most. Matthew Lloyd Davis delivered a flawless English accent for Toby and South African accent for Rain, making it easy to follow the character switches. His British-style and pronunciation greatly enhanced the story, lending authenticity and flavor to the tale. I would definitely recommend this book in audio format.
If you enjoy M/M romance set in the UK, two confirmed bachelors finally ready to let go of their single life, and rich detailed description, you should like this book.
Toby Prentiss, manager of the Duck and Drake Hotel in a small village in England, is pleasantly surprised when the carpenter he’s hired to custom design the new bar for the hotel turns out to be a sexy, sassy South African native who returns Toby’s hot looks eye to eye. Rain Engel doesn’t expect to like the stuffy manager-type he usually finds in these out-of-the-way towns, but he’s extremely attracted to Toby’s tough attitude in combination with his optimistic outlook on life. As their attraction heats up and the two spend some fun times in the old garden shed, it becomes apparent to their friends that being in their presence kicks up the heat in the room a notch.
Unknown to Rain, Toby’s past includes fights and arrests while growing up in foster care homes and finally hitting the streets as a teen. Toby has worked hard to get past that time and isn’t interested in sharing it, until circumstances combine to bring the details out. Rain has also hidden facets of his past from Toby, including a breakup with the man he loved and was planning to marry. Fortunately, when things get tough for both of them, their friends encourage their support for each other, and they’re able to reconcile the past with the present.
There are many humorous scenes and events throughout this story, including scenes of Rain facing his phobia of sheep, Toby learning that the sex he and Rain had on top of a haystack was observed, and Rain showing off his pole dancing skills to a slack-jawed Toby. Since this is an audiobook review, I can’t go back and cite detail, however, I can say that I appreciated the humorous moments mixed in with the serious, and there were serious events as well, including gay-bashing and stories of past abuse.
There were times, however, when the story felt as if it was floundering with no end point in sight. It is a very long audiobook. About halfway through, I honestly thought it was just about over, and that’s when a new element was introduced that tied the idea of a fundraiser in with Rain’s hobby of pole dancing. In hindsight, it was a bit of a stretch to have so many subplots in one story, however, as previously stated, when one doesn’t have a book to go back through for detail, it’s difficult to summarize why it felt that way.
As much as I liked the author’s humorous view of some of the embarrassing situations in which straitlaced Toby found himself, I truly enjoyed the narration the most. Matthew Lloyd Davis delivered a flawless English accent for Toby and South African accent for Rain, making it easy to follow the character switches. His British-style and pronunciation greatly enhanced the story, lending authenticity and flavor to the tale. I would definitely recommend this book in audio format.
If you enjoy M/M romance set in the UK, two confirmed bachelors finally ready to let go of their single life, and rich detailed description, you should like this book.
October 30, 2015
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 Stars overall
5 Stars for the first 50%
2 Stars for the last 50%
I was hooked on Waiting for Rain from the first page with Toby's narrative. Presented in first-person dual Point of View from Toby and Rain's perspectives. Toby had a snarky, dry sense of humor- a complete contradiction of pessimism mixed with hope. While I enjoyed Rain as a character, I didn't connect to him as closely as I had Toby. Rain was commitment-shy after a bad breakup, but that wasn't my reasoning for not connecting with him. I can't quite put a finger on it, actually.
Susan Mac Nicol has a very distinct voice. Her work is a solid mix of dry humor(I'm not one for over-the-top comedy, and Susan Mac Nicol had me chuckling underneath my breath often in the first half), sugary-sweet romance, and a bit of the darker emotions to balance it out. She also has the ability to write a very hot book.
I couldn't put the book down, but around the 45% mark, my interests seemed to wane. While I loved Toby and Rain (and really, REALLY wanted to hear more of Simon), I had a feeling it would turn formulaic, where it was drawn out by repeat between the sheets scenes, a few instances of miscommunication, and misunderstandings (secret-keeping that comes to bite one in the behind). None of which is a problem if I'm still connected to the characters. But I just felt like the story had run its course, and I was ready for a new story. All threads that had cropped up in the first half of the story had been resolved, leaving a new set to begin and to be resolved... again. I enjoyed the build-up in the first half. It seemed more realistic and relationship-centric. While the second half was more like a series of random conflicts which didn't connected but were strung together in between the characters getting their rocks off.
However, I did like learning more of Toby's backstory in the last half.
This is strictly my opinion... so, if you love a lot of details in a relationship, where the author takes the characters on a roller coaster ride of emotions, allowing interlopers into their relationships to create angst, and bad decision-making to affect their relationship... you'll love the angst that is the last half of Waiting For Rain.
I definitely recommend to fans of M/M romance who love sugary-sweet romance, HEA endings, angst, and between the sheets action in almost every chapter after the characters couple-up.
_____________
On a side note: I felt it bizarre to do a fundraiser using a strip-tease, especially when it was for the medical costs of an eight-year-old child. I appreciated the sentiment of why, also how liberating it was for the Gay/Bi men to realize they were accepted. But for a fundraiser for a small child, using something with those connotations was beyond bizarre. Most fundraisers involve the one who is receiving the benefits. Meaning they should be present to tug the heartstrings of those who donate. It was just... bizarre.
3 Stars overall
5 Stars for the first 50%
2 Stars for the last 50%
I was hooked on Waiting for Rain from the first page with Toby's narrative. Presented in first-person dual Point of View from Toby and Rain's perspectives. Toby had a snarky, dry sense of humor- a complete contradiction of pessimism mixed with hope. While I enjoyed Rain as a character, I didn't connect to him as closely as I had Toby. Rain was commitment-shy after a bad breakup, but that wasn't my reasoning for not connecting with him. I can't quite put a finger on it, actually.
Susan Mac Nicol has a very distinct voice. Her work is a solid mix of dry humor(I'm not one for over-the-top comedy, and Susan Mac Nicol had me chuckling underneath my breath often in the first half), sugary-sweet romance, and a bit of the darker emotions to balance it out. She also has the ability to write a very hot book.
I couldn't put the book down, but around the 45% mark, my interests seemed to wane. While I loved Toby and Rain (and really, REALLY wanted to hear more of Simon), I had a feeling it would turn formulaic, where it was drawn out by repeat between the sheets scenes, a few instances of miscommunication, and misunderstandings (secret-keeping that comes to bite one in the behind). None of which is a problem if I'm still connected to the characters. But I just felt like the story had run its course, and I was ready for a new story. All threads that had cropped up in the first half of the story had been resolved, leaving a new set to begin and to be resolved... again. I enjoyed the build-up in the first half. It seemed more realistic and relationship-centric. While the second half was more like a series of random conflicts which didn't connected but were strung together in between the characters getting their rocks off.
However, I did like learning more of Toby's backstory in the last half.
This is strictly my opinion... so, if you love a lot of details in a relationship, where the author takes the characters on a roller coaster ride of emotions, allowing interlopers into their relationships to create angst, and bad decision-making to affect their relationship... you'll love the angst that is the last half of Waiting For Rain.
I definitely recommend to fans of M/M romance who love sugary-sweet romance, HEA endings, angst, and between the sheets action in almost every chapter after the characters couple-up.
_____________
On a side note: I felt it bizarre to do a fundraiser using a strip-tease, especially when it was for the medical costs of an eight-year-old child. I appreciated the sentiment of why, also how liberating it was for the Gay/Bi men to realize they were accepted. But for a fundraiser for a small child, using something with those connotations was beyond bizarre. Most fundraisers involve the one who is receiving the benefits. Meaning they should be present to tug the heartstrings of those who donate. It was just... bizarre.
February 24, 2014
Toby Prentiss has been single for a long time, and he’s come to the conclusion that being alone is better than being hurt. He’s so wrapped up in his work that he doesn’t even realize his boss wants to be a little more than friends. Then he meets the charismatic and outspoken carpenter, Rain.
Rain Engel is building a bar for the Duck and Drake hotel where Toby is the manager. From the first day, that first meeting, the two have an electric chemistry that threatens to ignite and burn everything around them to the ground. They also share a very short fuse, a mutual disdain for the word trust and the inability to ask for or allow their friends to help when it’s needed. All this makes for a very explosive read.
Both men are hiding their past from the other, afraid that the truth would drive them away. But keeping their secrets is what’s driving a wedge between them, not the truth. Slowly Rain gains Toby’s trust and just as slowly, Toby peels back the layers that make Rain who he is. Chemistry is not the problem for these two, they can’t go much more than five minutes without lips on skin. Communication is what may prove to be their downfall. Or a lack there of; I said this recently for another review and I’m reminded of it again with Toby and Rain. “What we have here, is a failure to communicate!”
Although I could see the ending of this story coming a mile away, Mac Nicol still did a fantastic job of painting the picture and conveying her story to the reader. There weren’t really any side characters either, except maybe the sheep. The secondary characters were as three dimensional as Toby and Rain, and an integral part of the story. While I loved the inner workings of Toby and Rain’s relationship as it grew and unfolded, I also could have nipped one or two of the, “he slammed me against the wall while he shoved his hands....”. Do NOT get me wrong, I love me some sweaty naked man on man sex, its f**king hot. But there is a thin line between wiping steam off my kindle and reading fifty shades of gay.
That being said, overall this was such a fun read. I blew through it in one setting. If you are a fan of hard luck stories, two stubborn alpha males finding their home, and LOTS of guy on guy action this is a must read for you. Oh, and pole dancing, as if the cover didn’t give that one away, it is a very erotic and well written pole dance guys.
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews **
http://www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpres...
Rain Engel is building a bar for the Duck and Drake hotel where Toby is the manager. From the first day, that first meeting, the two have an electric chemistry that threatens to ignite and burn everything around them to the ground. They also share a very short fuse, a mutual disdain for the word trust and the inability to ask for or allow their friends to help when it’s needed. All this makes for a very explosive read.
Both men are hiding their past from the other, afraid that the truth would drive them away. But keeping their secrets is what’s driving a wedge between them, not the truth. Slowly Rain gains Toby’s trust and just as slowly, Toby peels back the layers that make Rain who he is. Chemistry is not the problem for these two, they can’t go much more than five minutes without lips on skin. Communication is what may prove to be their downfall. Or a lack there of; I said this recently for another review and I’m reminded of it again with Toby and Rain. “What we have here, is a failure to communicate!”
Although I could see the ending of this story coming a mile away, Mac Nicol still did a fantastic job of painting the picture and conveying her story to the reader. There weren’t really any side characters either, except maybe the sheep. The secondary characters were as three dimensional as Toby and Rain, and an integral part of the story. While I loved the inner workings of Toby and Rain’s relationship as it grew and unfolded, I also could have nipped one or two of the, “he slammed me against the wall while he shoved his hands....”. Do NOT get me wrong, I love me some sweaty naked man on man sex, its f**king hot. But there is a thin line between wiping steam off my kindle and reading fifty shades of gay.
That being said, overall this was such a fun read. I blew through it in one setting. If you are a fan of hard luck stories, two stubborn alpha males finding their home, and LOTS of guy on guy action this is a must read for you. Oh, and pole dancing, as if the cover didn’t give that one away, it is a very erotic and well written pole dance guys.
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews **
http://www.mmgoodbookreviews.wordpres...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews