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Vijf dates
Devin is 35 en al tien jaar vrijgezel. Zijn zusje Lucy heeft besloten dat het hoog tijd is dat Devin weer eens gaat daten, dus als hij een weddenschap van haar verliest, eist ze als tegenprestatie dat hij op vijf dates gaat. Dat is al erg genoeg, maar als blijkt dat ze al een profiel voor hem heeft aangemaakt op een datingapp – met een dertien jaar oude foto – en een date heeft geregeld met een twintiger die eruit ziet als een jonge god, kan hij wel door de grond zakken.
Jay valt op oudere mannen. Maar zijn laatste vriend bleek een epic eikel te zijn, en hij is vast van plan voortaan mannen van zijn eigen leeftijd te daten. Dus als hij ontdekt dat hij erin is geluisd en dat Devin precies het soort man lijkt dat hij afgezworen heeft, is de avond wat hem betreft voorbij. Als Devin aanbiedt om hem in elk geval te trakteren op een luxe diner als niet-date om het goed te maken, besluit hij dat dat een acceptabel compromis is.
De niet-date is de beste avond die Devin in tijden gehad heeft, en hoe meer tijd hij doorbrengt met Jay, hoe meer tijd hij wíl doorbrengen met Jay. In een vlaag van inspiratie daagt hij Jay uit om hem een make-over te geven voor zijn échte dates. Maar als Jay hem door zijn vijf dates helpt, kan hij hem daarna wel laten gaan?
‘Vijf dates’ is een novelle (ca. 27000 woorden/80 blz.) bedoeld voor een volwassen publiek met expliciete scènes. Een verhaal over leeftijdsverschillen, tweede kansen, koude voeten, hete mannen, make-overs en vijf dates – of niet-dates, zo je wil.
Voor meer romantische, erotische boeken over gay stellen, lees de andere delen in de reeks 'Man&Liefde'. Van Amy Jo Cousins zijn dat ‘Versierd' en 'Voor altijd Evan', van Layla Reyne is dat 'De perfecte cocktail' en van Austin Chant is dat 'Een extra shot'.
Jay valt op oudere mannen. Maar zijn laatste vriend bleek een epic eikel te zijn, en hij is vast van plan voortaan mannen van zijn eigen leeftijd te daten. Dus als hij ontdekt dat hij erin is geluisd en dat Devin precies het soort man lijkt dat hij afgezworen heeft, is de avond wat hem betreft voorbij. Als Devin aanbiedt om hem in elk geval te trakteren op een luxe diner als niet-date om het goed te maken, besluit hij dat dat een acceptabel compromis is.
De niet-date is de beste avond die Devin in tijden gehad heeft, en hoe meer tijd hij doorbrengt met Jay, hoe meer tijd hij wíl doorbrengen met Jay. In een vlaag van inspiratie daagt hij Jay uit om hem een make-over te geven voor zijn échte dates. Maar als Jay hem door zijn vijf dates helpt, kan hij hem daarna wel laten gaan?
‘Vijf dates’ is een novelle (ca. 27000 woorden/80 blz.) bedoeld voor een volwassen publiek met expliciete scènes. Een verhaal over leeftijdsverschillen, tweede kansen, koude voeten, hete mannen, make-overs en vijf dates – of niet-dates, zo je wil.
Voor meer romantische, erotische boeken over gay stellen, lees de andere delen in de reeks 'Man&Liefde'. Van Amy Jo Cousins zijn dat ‘Versierd' en 'Voor altijd Evan', van Layla Reyne is dat 'De perfecte cocktail' en van Austin Chant is dat 'Een extra shot'.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2014
102 people are currently reading
1081 people want to read
About the author
Amy Jo Cousins
46 books623 followersTo get updates on Amy Jo's new releases, sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/YdVW1.
Amy Jo Cousins lives in Chicago, where she writes queer romance, tweets more than she ought, and sometimes runs way too far. She loves her boy and the Cubs, who taught her that being awesome doesn't necessarily have anything to do with winning.
Amy Jo Cousins lives in Chicago, where she writes queer romance, tweets more than she ought, and sometimes runs way too far. She loves her boy and the Cubs, who taught her that being awesome doesn't necessarily have anything to do with winning.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 506 reviews
March 14, 2017
Okay, I must say, *THAT* is how you write a short story!
I absolutely loved both Devin and Jay to death. Both men were just too adorable for words.
Aaaaaand kinda stupid at the same time.
There were also a few inconsistencies age-wise, which did tend to drive me a bit bonkers.
- Devin's sister got pregnant when she was 18. He's 3 years older than her. It's been *10* years. But he's 35? That math adds up to *31*, so I was more than confused. But I stuck with 31 vs. 35, because large age differences are a huge turn off for me.
- Jay worked with his boss for 3 years. Then, later, he worked with her for 5 years. Uhh, which is it? And *how old* is Jay exactly? We're never told.
For a book soooooo concerned with ages, those inconsistencies annoyed the shit out of me.
However, in the end, my mind just went with Jay being 23 and Devin being 31, which wasn't that much. Fuck it. Tell me for sure or I get to pick the ages myself. :- P
That aside, I wouldn't have changed much about the story, especially not the unexpected toppy ending, so I'd give it 4.5 stars.
August 13, 2016
3.5 stars
This was a fun story, well written and genuinely sweet.
How many bad dates does Devin, a 31-year-old draftsman, have to suffer through on a bet he lost (again) to his sister when he meets his dream guy on the very first one?
Too bad Jay wants nothing to do with him. Jay was burned by his last "daddy" and wants someone who's his peer.
While I enjoyed this story, I think the age gap was greatly exaggerated. Based on my calculations, Devin was 31, and Jay maybe 22, old enough to drink. Devin was hardly "daddy" material, and Jay's stubborn stance on the issue grew a little tiresome.
I did want to know more about Jay's family and background, besides the crappy ex. And for all the mention of Devin helping his nephew, the nephew never makes an appearance.
Even so, I liked this novella. I liked that Jay wasn't stereotyped as a typical Hispanic twink. I loved the chemistry between the two MCs, the awesome "reunion" scene at the end that hearkened to every 80s movie ever scripted. An epilogue would have been ever so nice, though.
Five Dates was cute, a bit steamy, and totally entertaining, a great addition to the event!
This was a fun story, well written and genuinely sweet.
How many bad dates does Devin, a 31-year-old draftsman, have to suffer through on a bet he lost (again) to his sister when he meets his dream guy on the very first one?
Too bad Jay wants nothing to do with him. Jay was burned by his last "daddy" and wants someone who's his peer.
While I enjoyed this story, I think the age gap was greatly exaggerated. Based on my calculations, Devin was 31, and Jay maybe 22, old enough to drink. Devin was hardly "daddy" material, and Jay's stubborn stance on the issue grew a little tiresome.
I did want to know more about Jay's family and background, besides the crappy ex. And for all the mention of Devin helping his nephew, the nephew never makes an appearance.
Even so, I liked this novella. I liked that Jay wasn't stereotyped as a typical Hispanic twink. I loved the chemistry between the two MCs, the awesome "reunion" scene at the end that hearkened to every 80s movie ever scripted. An epilogue would have been ever so nice, though.
Five Dates was cute, a bit steamy, and totally entertaining, a great addition to the event!
July 27, 2014
That was delightful. Refreshingly well-written, adorably romantic, and the scene in the car was unexpectedly hot.
A single fingertip traced up the back of Devin’s hand until it hit the bare skin of his wrist.
The scritch of a nail against his wrist shot electricity up his arm until it bounced around his insides, making every inch of him twitch and then freeze when Jay’s fingertip slid under the hemmed edge of Devin’s glove.
Jay stilled too, that one trespassing finger pushed deep under the supple leather.
Good god: it's one finger and a wrist and yet it has me all worked up!
Thank you very much, Amy Jo Cousins.
A single fingertip traced up the back of Devin’s hand until it hit the bare skin of his wrist.
The scritch of a nail against his wrist shot electricity up his arm until it bounced around his insides, making every inch of him twitch and then freeze when Jay’s fingertip slid under the hemmed edge of Devin’s glove.
Jay stilled too, that one trespassing finger pushed deep under the supple leather.
Good god: it's one finger and a wrist and yet it has me all worked up!
Thank you very much, Amy Jo Cousins.
March 26, 2015
*** 4.5 Stars ***
Okay, I'm going to be honest with you: there wasn't anything in this story that I haven't already seen in a thousand Hollywood romcoms. Seriously. There was a meddling sibling, an implausible scenario used to bring two unlikely people together, some snark, some laughs, lust at first sight, pining, someone getting drunk, denial of feelings due to past baggage, the Big Realization, and a Big Declaration of Feelings (which naturally leads to scorching hot sex and a sweet as can be happily ever after).
And yet.
And yet I don't give a flying fuck that Five Dates isn't original because I fell for Devin and Jay hard and fast. I swear, it only took about 5 pages to have me wrapped around Devin's little finger and grinning like a fool. Both characters were incredibly sweet, average, and relatable. They were just good guys and, unlike a large portion of the female population, I LOVE the good guys.
So was this book earth-shattering in its originality? No. But it was pure cute, fluffy escapism that made me genuinely happy as I was reading it. I can't recommend it highly enough for someone looking for a total mood-booster.
Okay, I'm going to be honest with you: there wasn't anything in this story that I haven't already seen in a thousand Hollywood romcoms. Seriously. There was a meddling sibling, an implausible scenario used to bring two unlikely people together, some snark, some laughs, lust at first sight, pining, someone getting drunk, denial of feelings due to past baggage, the Big Realization, and a Big Declaration of Feelings (which naturally leads to scorching hot sex and a sweet as can be happily ever after).
And yet.
And yet I don't give a flying fuck that Five Dates isn't original because I fell for Devin and Jay hard and fast. I swear, it only took about 5 pages to have me wrapped around Devin's little finger and grinning like a fool. Both characters were incredibly sweet, average, and relatable. They were just good guys and, unlike a large portion of the female population, I LOVE the good guys.
So was this book earth-shattering in its originality? No. But it was pure cute, fluffy escapism that made me genuinely happy as I was reading it. I can't recommend it highly enough for someone looking for a total mood-booster.
April 29, 2020
5 stars!
The Story
Losing a bet to his sister, Devin is forced to go on five blind dates with men she’s chosen from a dating site. The problem is, she has signed him up with a thirteen-year-old photo…
The Romance
Genuinely sweet.
Characters
Awesome but superficial. (It’s a short story, after all.)
Writing Style
Erotica
Ending
All in all
Everything you could wish for in a short story.
Recommended?
The Story
Losing a bet to his sister, Devin is forced to go on five blind dates with men she’s chosen from a dating site. The problem is, she has signed him up with a thirteen-year-old photo…
The Romance
Genuinely sweet.
Characters
Awesome but superficial. (It’s a short story, after all.)
Writing Style
Erotica
Ending
All in all
Everything you could wish for in a short story.
Recommended?
November 27, 2014
Let's get to the point...
How can a book be a 4 star read for the first half and then be just ok the second half? I mean, why???!!! I was really enjoying this one but suddenly the chemistry was gone, the butterflies abandoned my stomach and this was just another book that I will probably forget soon.
And pls don't take me wrong, the writing was very good, the characters were very likeable and even though some situations were not real you'll still have a good time reading it.
Hope you enjoy x
December 19, 2014
After a lost bet, Devin has to go out on five dates with guys that his sister has picked. She made an online profile for her brother, using an old picture of him, when in his body description was still included a six [or even eight] pack.
Devin at first is against the idea, because he's not into dating, especially after learning about the picture that she used for his profile.It's obvious that he doesn't look like that anymore, since he's not a boy, but a man. The first date that agreed to go out with him is Jay, a hot younger guy who doesn't want to go out with older men, especially after his previous failed relationship.
So, what happens when they meet and Jay realizes that his date is a fraud? And what happens when Devin is supposed to keep up with his bet and the rest of the dates, when his mind has been stolen by his first date?
This was a short, fun read, with a too sudden ending for my taste. I wish we had a little bit more, even though I can't say I was impressed. The characters were likeable, although there were moments that they acted like teenage girls. Since this was my first M/M I can't be certain, but I hope that not every male acts like that in M/M stories. This certainly won't be my last M/M read! :)
Devin at first is against the idea, because he's not into dating, especially after learning about the picture that she used for his profile.It's obvious that he doesn't look like that anymore, since he's not a boy, but a man. The first date that agreed to go out with him is Jay, a hot younger guy who doesn't want to go out with older men, especially after his previous failed relationship.
So, what happens when they meet and Jay realizes that his date is a fraud? And what happens when Devin is supposed to keep up with his bet and the rest of the dates, when his mind has been stolen by his first date?
This was a short, fun read, with a too sudden ending for my taste. I wish we had a little bit more, even though I can't say I was impressed. The characters were likeable, although there were moments that they acted like teenage girls. Since this was my first M/M I can't be certain, but I hope that not every male acts like that in M/M stories. This certainly won't be my last M/M read! :)
February 23, 2016
♥ ♥ ♥ 3.5 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥
What a cute, fun, little story. I really enjoyed it and was still able to connect with the characters Devin and Jay despite its short length. It was sweet and steamy. Overall, a good quick read.
December 11, 2014
Well, look at that, the first foray of an HQN-published (M/F) author into MM and I loved it.
Usually, when I read about age-gap stories (not a frequent occasion but I do read them once in awhile), it would be the older guy who would feel insecure about pursuing a relationship. The younger guy would be the one more determined. The situation here was rather different. Jay just walked out of a relationship with an older guy who looked down upon him. Jay didn't want another daddy even if Devin was absolutely his type.
With the two characters being likeable, and they actually 'clicked', I really enjoyed reading how they worked out their relationship from the first 'not-a-date' situation to sort-of-friendship until Jay realized that he made a mistake by judging Devin by his age. Devin was such a darling and Lucy was a great sister, despite her meddling *lol*.
Definitely a good read. I might check out this author's first published MM story in December then...
Usually, when I read about age-gap stories (not a frequent occasion but I do read them once in awhile), it would be the older guy who would feel insecure about pursuing a relationship. The younger guy would be the one more determined. The situation here was rather different. Jay just walked out of a relationship with an older guy who looked down upon him. Jay didn't want another daddy even if Devin was absolutely his type.
With the two characters being likeable, and they actually 'clicked', I really enjoyed reading how they worked out their relationship from the first 'not-a-date' situation to sort-of-friendship until Jay realized that he made a mistake by judging Devin by his age. Devin was such a darling and Lucy was a great sister, despite her meddling *lol*.
Definitely a good read. I might check out this author's first published MM story in December then...
January 18, 2015
OMGsh this novella-
It was so cute! It had a complete story- which I can't even imagine how hard that is to do on a limited number of pages. This was a sweet, sexy, feel good story. It had a bit of everything:
*great characters
*story flow
*steam
*humor
*tiny sprinkle of angst
*and at the end you will be left with a smile on your face
I would LOVE to read a full length book about Devin and Jay. *fingers crossed*
Definitely recommend this one! Amy Jo Cousins could easily become a favorite author of mine- can't wait to read more from her. 4.5 Stars ♥
June 8, 2023
Re-read May 2023
Still very nice!
--------------------------
4.25 stars
This was freaking adorable! I loved it.
When Devin loses a bet with his sister, he needs to go out on five dates. His sister posts a picture of him on a dating site and arranges which men he will go out with. But she used an old picture of him, a picture of 13 years ago...
So when he meets Jay for his first date, Jay is angry for being lied to. Jay is 25 and was looking for someone more his own age. But after the rocky start the two do hit it off. Unfortunately Jay doesn’t want another older man like his last boyfriend. And Devin still has to go on four more dates…
Cute, funny, adorable and sexy!
Still very nice!
--------------------------
4.25 stars
This was freaking adorable! I loved it.
When Devin loses a bet with his sister, he needs to go out on five dates. His sister posts a picture of him on a dating site and arranges which men he will go out with. But she used an old picture of him, a picture of 13 years ago...
So when he meets Jay for his first date, Jay is angry for being lied to. Jay is 25 and was looking for someone more his own age. But after the rocky start the two do hit it off. Unfortunately Jay doesn’t want another older man like his last boyfriend. And Devin still has to go on four more dates…
Cute, funny, adorable and sexy!
December 28, 2014
Hey, yeah! I thought this was fab! If this is anything to judge by, her MM release in December is going to be a stunner!
Fun, cute, and some great writing!
Easy, sweet read. Recommend!
Fun, cute, and some great writing!
Easy, sweet read. Recommend!
April 20, 2017
This was so cute! And sweet and HOT. What more can you ask for?
Perfectly written and edited? ✅
Excellent rec from my buddy m/m readers at Turning Pages at Midnight.
Perfectly written and edited? ✅
Excellent rec from my buddy m/m readers at Turning Pages at Midnight.
December 6, 2016
2.5*
THIS IS TAPAS!
So please, let me fangirl a little here *swoons*.
They mention:
-Queso manchego
-Jamón ibérico
-Aceitunas
-Tortilla
(and super tortilla LOL)
But that's not enough for meeeee! Tapas frías are ok, but if you want to be fully satisfied it's a good idea to ask for tapas calientes, too. IDK: patatas bravas, calamares, chopitos, pulpo a la gallega, mejillones tigre, chorizo, setas al ajillo, gambas, etc.
Some other issues:
That sounds like a crema catalana to me, not a flan.
Crema catalana (with the crunchy caramelized sugar, and typically served in a clay dish):
Flan (all soft and quavery, usually served in a normal dish):
Correct form: ¿me entiendes?
Whatever, the book was fun and cute. So it made an enjoyable shortie, from beginning to end.
Devin is 'forced' to blind dates after he lost a bet against his sister. Jay wants a non-daddy partner, because he's been burnt before. And Devin is exactly what Jay is trying so hard to avoid.
There is chemistry here, and it's adorably frustrating seeing them dancing around each other, unsuccessfully attempting to erase the other out of their system.
The ending, though... the ending is a little weak and disappointing for me. Well, the first half was good, but the second half felt flat.
Comfort food. Comfort love story :) .
*****
The story ends at 87%.
You can read the book for free here.
THIS IS TAPAS!
So please, let me fangirl a little here *swoons*.
They mention:
-Queso manchego
-Jamón ibérico
-Aceitunas
-Tortilla
(and super tortilla LOL)
But that's not enough for meeeee! Tapas frías are ok, but if you want to be fully satisfied it's a good idea to ask for tapas calientes, too. IDK: patatas bravas, calamares, chopitos, pulpo a la gallega, mejillones tigre, chorizo, setas al ajillo, gambas, etc.
Some other issues:
Jay didn't real l care for any of the three flan flavors, but he liked breaking the crunchy caramelized sugar with his spoon.
That sounds like a crema catalana to me, not a flan.
Crema catalana (with the crunchy caramelized sugar, and typically served in a clay dish):
Flan (all soft and quavery, usually served in a normal dish):
me entiendes?
Correct form: ¿me entiendes?
Whatever, the book was fun and cute. So it made an enjoyable shortie, from beginning to end.
Devin is 'forced' to blind dates after he lost a bet against his sister. Jay wants a non-daddy partner, because he's been burnt before. And Devin is exactly what Jay is trying so hard to avoid.
There is chemistry here, and it's adorably frustrating seeing them dancing around each other, unsuccessfully attempting to erase the other out of their system.
The ending, though... the ending is a little weak and disappointing for me. Well, the first half was good, but the second half felt flat.
Comfort food. Comfort love story :) .
*****
The story ends at 87%.
You can read the book for free here.
August 9, 2014
A strong, amusing beginning that made me anticipate a 5 star read. Somewhere along the way the story managed to peter out though. Though sweet and not without sizzling UST, the characters were rather bland and the situations they found themselves in became a bit too silly for my liking. Lazy plotting; leaning on your MC's assumption that his 35 year old love interest is an asshole, solely because he got burned by another 'old' man in a past relationship, for too long to keep the drama and UST going.
The 1.5 sex scenes were over in the blink of an eye (someone offer these guys a 'premature ejaculation course'!) and I'm afraid I missed a distinctive author voice; there was nothing intriguing or memorable about both the writing style or storyline.
Still, a cute and uncomplicated addition to the LL event that's worth checking out.
The 1.5 sex scenes were over in the blink of an eye (someone offer these guys a 'premature ejaculation course'!) and I'm afraid I missed a distinctive author voice; there was nothing intriguing or memorable about both the writing style or storyline.
Still, a cute and uncomplicated addition to the LL event that's worth checking out.
June 26, 2015
Two very likeable characters. Devin is a nice man and a good brother wanting to move from hook-ups to something deeper. He meets Jay with help of his well-meaning but meddling sister; Jay who is gorgeous and sparkling, his reaction to the introduction is a big 'OUCH' that made them feel real and both develop as the story continues.
I really liked both of them and I liked how they danced around their attraction before both realising the other was everything they wanted. Enough feelz to have you care, with funny moments and some heat. It gets hot at that bar!
A perfect read for the garden sunshine. Light, sweet, funny, hot. I'm happy.
I really liked both of them and I liked how they danced around their attraction before both realising the other was everything they wanted. Enough feelz to have you care, with funny moments and some heat. It gets hot at that bar!
A perfect read for the garden sunshine. Light, sweet, funny, hot. I'm happy.
March 16, 2017
***4 Stars***
I'm kicking myself in the ass for not having read Amy Jo Cousins sooner. Bad life decision.
This short story has been siting on my kindle forever, and for some reason I always skipped over it. Continued bad life decisions.
This was such a fun, low-angst morsel of sweetness.
Writing shorter stories or novellas is a craft all its own, and the author did a wonderful job here. The pacing was perfect, the story felt fully fleshed out, the characters were easy to connect to, the touch of humor was placed in all the right spots and the steam was just perfect.
My only disappointment is that I would have loved an epilogue of some sort....just a brief glimpse of Jay and Devin a little ways down the line.
But other than that....this is a great read for when you're looking for something short and sweet, with endearing characters you quickly fall in love with.
August 28, 2020
4 short-and-sweet-Stars!! 💖😍 This was a very well-written novella with lots of humor, banter and slow-burn. Novellas or shorts sometimes feel incomplete or rushed because of insta-love, but this one avoided the usual pitfalls. The story was told perfectly in the form of dates; from the first meet-cute between the MCs to their HEA.. 💞
Highly recommended to all fans of M/M romance who are looking for a low angst, sweet novella 👍👍
Highly recommended to all fans of M/M romance who are looking for a low angst, sweet novella 👍👍
January 3, 2015
Devon had to go on a series of 5 blind dates as a result of losing a bet to his sister. A bet he didn't mind losing once seeing the picture of the tan, black haired, dark eyed (at least 10 years younger than him) angel. Well, that is until he finds out his sister posted a 13 year old picture. What happens next is far from an easy hook-up for this adorable MC who had me right from the get-go with his spanish food lingo...*sigh*
This was such an enjoyable read that I can not believe it's free!
This was such an enjoyable read that I can not believe it's free!
November 22, 2014
That was just too cute for words!
November 18, 2014
This is exactly how I like my adorable, with a side of snark and smex. Loved it!
December 11, 2014
a rushed ending and a couple of character-trait excesses hampered my enjoyment.
the author's voice is assured and engaging, and her thoughtfulness and attention to detail make her writing instantly recognizable as a cut above the norm.
which makes this story's rushed feel a particular shame.
it happens all the time with these mm romance group stories. an author can run out of time when their premise turns out to be richer and more rewarding than anticipated.
I would guess that's what happened here, because the beginning was lovely, and I was thrilled to lie back and let the story unfold for me at the author's speed.
with one exception: almost as soon as i met him for the first time, i found fault with the jay character for a number of unnecessary freakouts, while still admiring the emotional accuracy of the author's characterization of his central insecurity.
having worked in retail, I know how soul-sucking the grind of condescension can be—enough to be kinda hyper-wary about it when people tell me they sell sneakers or something. like, I rush to tell them not to eat the tuna salad at subways, because it used to be my job to make it.
but as impetus for a character's decision-making in a story, it has a number of drawbacks.
mostly it's annoying. it can read as overly hostile, and not in a cute way. but also it can be difficult to convey exactly how it works: how it feels like to be dismissed because you wear a name tag. it takes time to convey it properly, and as we know... these authors don't have that much time, with these free, one-off things.
so you're left with a choice between using shorthand (big freakouts, like that nonsensical bit of business in the car) or just being super-subtle, in which case you can't use it to propel the plot at all.
I know I'm nerding-out on technique, here, but that's what I was thinking about as read it. how it might have gone if the author had been given more time to unspool the story more organically.
having read her full-length mm book Off Campus, I can tell you—it would have gone pretty great indeed.
the author's voice is assured and engaging, and her thoughtfulness and attention to detail make her writing instantly recognizable as a cut above the norm.
which makes this story's rushed feel a particular shame.
it happens all the time with these mm romance group stories. an author can run out of time when their premise turns out to be richer and more rewarding than anticipated.
I would guess that's what happened here, because the beginning was lovely, and I was thrilled to lie back and let the story unfold for me at the author's speed.
with one exception: almost as soon as i met him for the first time, i found fault with the jay character for a number of unnecessary freakouts, while still admiring the emotional accuracy of the author's characterization of his central insecurity.
having worked in retail, I know how soul-sucking the grind of condescension can be—enough to be kinda hyper-wary about it when people tell me they sell sneakers or something. like, I rush to tell them not to eat the tuna salad at subways, because it used to be my job to make it.
but as impetus for a character's decision-making in a story, it has a number of drawbacks.
mostly it's annoying. it can read as overly hostile, and not in a cute way. but also it can be difficult to convey exactly how it works: how it feels like to be dismissed because you wear a name tag. it takes time to convey it properly, and as we know... these authors don't have that much time, with these free, one-off things.
so you're left with a choice between using shorthand (big freakouts, like that nonsensical bit of business in the car) or just being super-subtle, in which case you can't use it to propel the plot at all.
I know I'm nerding-out on technique, here, but that's what I was thinking about as read it. how it might have gone if the author had been given more time to unspool the story more organically.
having read her full-length mm book Off Campus, I can tell you—it would have gone pretty great indeed.
January 12, 2017
**** 4,5 date stars *****
This was exactly what I needed! Such a heartwarming short tale.
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MM Romance group - Love Landscapes
PHOTO DESCRIPTION:
A good-looking, young blond man leans back against exposed pipework. He is shirtless and his jeans look a little old-fashioned with their light wash. His arms are huge and he sports a six-pack, although he’s already looking the tiniest bit soft around the waistline. As if that six-pack might not quite be there in ten years…
STORY LETTER:
Dear Author,
I lost a bet with my sister. I was so sure the Broncos would win. Now it is time for me to pay up. She has decided I need a man in my life. She submitted a profile for me at Guys4Guys.com and set up five dates. I haven’t been on five dates in the past five years. And if the thought of five first dates isn’t scary enough, check out the photo she put in my profile.
Yes, that hot, young, guy really is me… thirteen years ago! To be twenty-two again. I miss my thirty-two-inch waist and six-pack.
* No BDSM please. * Humor a plus. * HEA a must.
Sincerely,
Susan A
February 9, 2016
A cute, fun read about a guy whose sister tries to set him up via blind dating. Devin loses a bet with his sister, and has to agree to five dates of her choosing. The first is Jay, a younger man she lured in with an old picture of Devin from years earlier. It's embarrassing, but Devin has to admit if he really was ten years younger, Jay would be exactly what he'd be dreaming of. A pity he has to move on to dates two and three, and men his own age who don't show up expecting a twink...
I enjoyed this freebie from an author I've come to appreciate for her other stories as well.
I enjoyed this freebie from an author I've come to appreciate for her other stories as well.
September 18, 2015
This has inspired a whole new shelf that I am calling "Prince Related" since you know, the almighty Purple One sings about Sexy Motherfuckers and all. YUP.
This was ridiculously...
Hot.
Sweet.
Funny.
FUCKHOT.
Sexy.
Adorable.
Did I say hot yet?
This was so good. I could have read double, no triple the pages of Jay and Devin.
Oh and way to go, Lucy! Job well done, girlfriend.
This was ridiculously...
Hot.
Sweet.
Funny.
FUCKHOT.
Sexy.
Adorable.
Did I say hot yet?
This was so good. I could have read double, no triple the pages of Jay and Devin.
Oh and way to go, Lucy! Job well done, girlfriend.
December 26, 2014
I want to read stories like this all the time!!!
Why didn't I read this sooner??? WHY......?
I was eating this up with a spoon!!! Devin and Jay were so cuuuuuttte!!!
”The thing is…” He tried to figure out how to put it without announcing that he needed to get his well-fucked ass into the shower with his new boyfriend.
A shout rose over the spatter of water hitting porcelain. “Tell her she got it right the first time.”
Winking with more sauce than a chocolate sundae, Jay glanced back over this shoulder and wiggled.
“Yeah she did,” Devin said, and got in.
I love that this was ANOTHER free story from Goodreads M/M Romance Group (Love Landscapes) and of course our author Amy Jo Cousins. Due to a letter and this photo description:
A good-looking, young blond man leans back against exposed pipework. He is shirtless and his jeans look a little old-fashioned with their light wash. His arms are huge and he sports a six-pack, although he’s already looking the tiniest bit soft around the waistline. As if that six-pack might not quite be there in ten years…
Highly recommended and will definitely be reading more of this author!!!
Why didn't I read this sooner??? WHY......?
I was eating this up with a spoon!!! Devin and Jay were so cuuuuuttte!!!
”The thing is…” He tried to figure out how to put it without announcing that he needed to get his well-fucked ass into the shower with his new boyfriend.
A shout rose over the spatter of water hitting porcelain. “Tell her she got it right the first time.”
Winking with more sauce than a chocolate sundae, Jay glanced back over this shoulder and wiggled.
“Yeah she did,” Devin said, and got in.
I love that this was ANOTHER free story from Goodreads M/M Romance Group (Love Landscapes) and of course our author Amy Jo Cousins. Due to a letter and this photo description:
A good-looking, young blond man leans back against exposed pipework. He is shirtless and his jeans look a little old-fashioned with their light wash. His arms are huge and he sports a six-pack, although he’s already looking the tiniest bit soft around the waistline. As if that six-pack might not quite be there in ten years…
Highly recommended and will definitely be reading more of this author!!!
July 5, 2016
Este me tocó la fibra y me dejó resacosa a pesar de ser una historia muy corta y muy sencillita.
Devin y Jay me enternecieron. Mucho.
No sé, tiene algo de segundas oportunidades y de encuentro de soledades, que me llegó al corazón.
Sin pretensiones, dulce, le cogí cariño.
Y la escena en el coche... buenísima y muy conmovedora.
Me dio mucha pena que se acabara :(
Devin y Jay me enternecieron. Mucho.
No sé, tiene algo de segundas oportunidades y de encuentro de soledades, que me llegó al corazón.
Sin pretensiones, dulce, le cogí cariño.
Y la escena en el coche... buenísima y muy conmovedora.
Me dio mucha pena que se acabara :(
October 12, 2016
Awww, this one is so good! Short and sweet and with a happy ending! And it's free on Amazon (10/12/16)!!
What else can a girl ask for? Did I mention the two MCs are cute as they can be?
Highly recommend!
Jay
What else can a girl ask for? Did I mention the two MCs are cute as they can be?
Highly recommend!
Jay
June 17, 2016
3.5**
August 9, 2014
Five Dates is the kind of gooey, yummy short little romance that I adore. Devin just can't stop betting with his little sis - even though he always loses and the forfeits are always embarrassing. This time is no exception, when the team he backed loses he has to agree to five dates, of his sister's choice. Oops.
The first hottie she sets him up with is Jay, and Jay is amazing, but about ten years younger. He's also pissed off because the picture Devin's sister had used of Devin was a decade old.
Fun, sweetness, sexy times and friendship ensue as Devin works his way through his dates and his new friend Jay is never far from the scene.
I would tell anyone who loves a little bit of sweet and fun in their romance to read this. Five stars from me.
Reviewed previously at
The first hottie she sets him up with is Jay, and Jay is amazing, but about ten years younger. He's also pissed off because the picture Devin's sister had used of Devin was a decade old.
Fun, sweetness, sexy times and friendship ensue as Devin works his way through his dates and his new friend Jay is never far from the scene.
I would tell anyone who loves a little bit of sweet and fun in their romance to read this. Five stars from me.
Reviewed previously at
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