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Muscling Through

by J.L. Merrow (Goodreads Author)

4.02 of 5 stars 4.02 · rating details · 1,948 ratings · 340 reviews

The bigger they come, the harder they fall... in love.

Cambridge art professor Larry Morton takes one, alcohol-glazed look at the huge, tattooed man looming in a dark alley, and assumes he’s done for. Moments later he finds himself disarmed—literally and figuratively. And, the next morning, he can’t rest until he offers an apology to the man who turned out to be more gentle...more

Kindle Edition, 1st Edition, 87 pages

Published July 19th 2011 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

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Between Sinners and Saints by Marie Sexton

Best M/M Romance Published in 2011

7th out of 399 books — 858 voters

Best Gay Light-Hearted Romance

1st out of 156 books — 200 voters

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Community Reviews

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Dec 20, 2012 Blacky *YA/NA addict* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: best-of-the-best, favorite-contemporary, m-m, favorites, read-contemporary, of-course, 5-stars-for-quality, 5-stars-for-enjoyment, favorite-m-m

“You must’ve been waiting for someone like me to come along,” I said. I meant, because of the big bed.
But Larry looked at me all funny and said, “Yes, I think I was.”

This book made me so happy The first chapter got me laughing like crazy, and my smile stayed on for the two-three hours it took for me to read this

Books like these make me wish I knew English better than I do, because I just don't know the words to describe this book. It was just amazing. And totally different!

The story

I loved it!...more

54 likes · like · see review

Dec 19, 2012 Monique ~ Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read the first passage of this book and I just knew I would Love It... and Love it, I did!

This book is a love story of two very different people, from opposite walks of life, beautifully narrated from Al's point of view and is almost childlike in it's simplicity. Al has an innocent honesty with no filters, the delivery of which is authentic in his British regional dialect, I could actually hear his accent in my head!, his unintentional humour had me laughing out loud through out the book...

E...more

55 likes · like · see review

Mar 26, 2012 Audrey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Audrey by: willaful

Shelves: man-love, nom-nom-nom-nom-nom-nom-favorites

Loved it. Want to wrap it up in a bow, bathe it in stardust, and give it kisses.

This is a romance, but not in the traditional sense of "will-they/won't-they." Rather, this is more like a relationship study as we see, through the narrator Al's POV, how he and his partner have come to be where they are today. Going into the story, I knew that Al was a massive, rough-looking working class bloke, and his partner was a poshy Cambridge art professor. So, yes, the story of their getting together - and...more Loved it. Want to wrap it up in a bow, bathe it in stardust, and give it kisses.

This is a romance, but not in the traditional sense of "will-they/won't-they." Rather, this is more like a relationship study as we see, through the narrator Al's POV, how he and his partner have come to be where they are today. Going into the story, I knew that Al was a massive, rough-looking working class bloke, and his partner was a poshy Cambridge art professor. So, yes, the story of their getting together - and staying together - piqued my interest already.

What I didn't know, though, was how much I would absolutely love and be charmed by Al's narrative voice.

Here's the thing. Al's a simple guy. As in...he's not too bright, and he's the first one to state that. He's not disabled, per se, but he's a simple guy who's not quick on the uptake. He takes things literally and at face value and is a big softy who thinks people generally have positive intentions. Misunderstandings on his part abound, but he's rarely aware of them, even though we, as the readers, can read easily between the lines to see what the true intent of the other characters is. He doesn't understand compliments unless they are absolutely direct, and, at the same time, he doesn't understand insults, which is excellent for him (he continues on in his merry way), but can be a little uncomfortable for us and for his partner. That's actually an aspect that I think could make someone squirmy - like our "further" knowledge makes us superior to him in some way. I didn't feel that way, really; rather, I was charmed by Al's POV and misunderstandings and thought he was really precious and unique. Al is perfectly happy and content in his POV, so for me, it worked.

There isn't much "action" by way of crazy shite going on in the plot. This story was about the relationship, how it developed, and how Al and his partner came to understand each other beyond "just fucking" (Al's words, not mine). Don't get me wrong - there's stuff going on, including, yes, plenty of sexytimes to sate one's romance reading need. Actually - fair warning - there's a lot of sexytimes.

We also get what you might expect in the class differences set up that their two stations in life present. Al is well aware of his working class roots and that he's "not so clever," and he's perfectly comfortable and content with what he does and where he is in life. He's a poof. He likes to draw. He's attracted to Larry, but he knows Larry is posh and should be with someone cleverer. Al is remarkably self-aware and self-actualized without being aware of others' oblique intentions. Another interesting aspect is Larry's discovery that Al "likes to draw." We see Al's development into an artist, but oh no no! Don't call him that! He just likes to draw and, when they acquire the materials for it, he likes to paint, too. It's very sweet, and I loved how Al expressed himself through his art.

I loved this story. Absolutely devoured it. It took a lot of writing chops to create such a strong and vivid narrator who himself was unaware of what others meant, but through whom we, as the readers, could still recognize what was going on even when the narrator himself could not. It was really a unique reading experience, and I'm so happy I had the chance to ride along in Al's brain for the 80 or so pages that he let me. I thought the ending was rather abrupt, but then, upon reflection, I realized that anything else would not be in keeping with our simple-living narrator Al. (less)

26 likes · like · see review

Feb 02, 2013 Deeze rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: would-read-again, read-more-than-once, quick-easy-reads, pick-me-up, fail-safe

Call me a softy but I really loved Al. He might of been a shade too dumb,almost bordering on mentally handicaped, for my taste, but he was adorable none the less. The whole feel good theme to this was lovely and the humour was a nice added bonus. In fact I wanted to give this 5 stars but I'm afraid Al's mother totally ruined it. Totally crass and vulgar. She was, for me, totally over the top, almost like a caricature. But her aside its definately worth reading if your looking for a gentle modern...more

15 likes · like · see review

Dec 22, 2012 Ilhem rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Ilhem by: Monique's Musing

Shelves: sweet, m-m

I first wondered how Larry had moved from begging for his life to dating but Al seemed to not mind that much so I followed his lead, went on with the flow and I enjoyed this book that relies on Al's perspective very, very much.

Al didn't obsess over feelings, angsts or situations and he made life look deceptively simple while it was indeed so very complicated when he couldn't read others' signals. Yet, he was not immune to pain.

His kindness,common sense,acceptance and respect for people made this...more

14 likes · like · see review

Jan 02, 2013 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

”I’m fine with who I am. If I wasn’t me, well, I wouldn’t have you, now would I?”

The swirling, chaotic ups & downs of life can mash, bash, and chip away at us at times. But if we are lucky, we find someone who fits in our hearts and makes it all make sense. One who can inspire, surprise, and push us into each and every day with happiness, love, and understanding. In short, someone who makes your heart happy. J.L. Merrow’s Muscling Through tells the story of when Al found Larry.

Al, a...more 4.5 Stars

”I’m fine with who I am. If I wasn’t me, well, I wouldn’t have you, now would I?”

The swirling, chaotic ups & downs of life can mash, bash, and chip away at us at times. But if we are lucky, we find someone who fits in our hearts and makes it all make sense. One who can inspire, surprise, and push us into each and every day with happiness, love, and understanding. In short, someone who makes your heart happy. J.L. Merrow’s Muscling Through tells the story of when Al found Larry.

Al, a hard working, packed with muscle, punter and artist, guides us through the story with a voice and style I will never forget. At the risk of getting decked here, Al is the biggest softy I’ve ever had the privilege of bumping into on the written page. :D With a direct, simple, honest, unique way of looking at things, emotions, and people, Al takes the reader along from day one when he scared Larry to death in a dark alley. Hehe….I was grinning and giggling at page one! Al might not be book smart, but he knows and sees what is important in life. He calls it as he sees it. No sugar coating or bullshit. His voice is hilarious, poignant, refreshing, and touching all rolled into one. A warm, sweet, and rather unintentionally romantic bloke covered in gorgeous mouth-watering muscles and tattoos! I swear if I find a man that can list and explain why he loves me like Al did with Larry—well…let’s just say I would never let him go! The big guy truly swept me off my feet! Right along with Larry. They both have a home in my heart.

My favorite part of this story though could be how Ms. Merrow captured the merging of two worlds and hearts. She made it seem so easy—so simple. Maybe it should be. Larry is surrounded by academics. A college professor who found just want he needed in Al. Bit by bit their lives just fit together and made sense. I loved how Al described Larry’s seemingly opposite world and ways. Pitch perfect and hilarious!

J.L. Merrow delivers an unforgettable, warmhearted embrace with pure, simple, laugh-out-loud language and emotion. Powerful pages, words, and characters filled with love, smiles, kisses, comfortable silences, huge laughs, and inspiration. A heartfelt story that made me want to cuddle up with the man I love and keep my chin up in that constant “just-be-yourself” struggle in life. A battle that feels easier with love, support, and a bit of muscle in your corner to watch your back.

Highly recommended gem of a tale. I downloaded it, took a peek, and kept on reading until the end. It will pull on all your heartstrings!

Go, go meet Al and Larry!

(less)

12 likes · like · see review

Jan 08, 2013 Mandy*reads obsessively* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, my-faves, ebook-owned, sweet, fun-or-funny

Sweet, charming and fun!
Recommended!
July 2011

ETA: I did a reread yesterday, and have to say, for all of you who have this book and haven't read it yet, please do it now! You are missing out on a simply beautiful story!! Come on, you know you want to!!:)

ETA : I am in a crappy mood so I am doing a reread on advice ( hi Anke) and I'm sure this story will improve my mood for sure!
*sigh* this is a story I'm pretty sure I will never tire of, Al is a real sweetheart, I just love him, and all who know...more

18 likes · like · see review

Dec 20, 2012 Shelley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Shelley by: genao

Shelves: its-the-best-evaaaaah, m-m-romance, makes-me-so-happy-i-want-to-cry, memorable, novella

This is the story of Alan and Lawrence, told by Alan, completely from his point of view. A love story where they meet, shag, move in together and just live life with all it's ups and downs. So what's so special about that then?
Well it's Alan of course!
Alan is not your typical stereotypical narrator, some might call him simple minded or autistic. Alan is a simple man, but not quite a simpleton. General society certainly might find him to be a few matches short of a full box, and I say that in t...more

17 likes · like · see review

Dec 02, 2012 Mark rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Mark by: the kindle-god

Shelves: first-person-narration

The kindle is my traveling partner on trains and, theoretically on holiday though it never ceases to amaze me how many books I still manage to buy even whilst carrying my kindle around with me but then I suppose one is always faithful to that first love. It is also, of course, ridiculously easy to download all sorts of stuff on to it. Some of which, having read it, i think what in God's Name possessed me to buy this and at other times I thank the Kindle god who, once my machine is turned on, app...more The kindle is my traveling partner on trains and, theoretically on holiday though it never ceases to amaze me how many books I still manage to buy even whilst carrying my kindle around with me but then I suppose one is always faithful to that first love. It is also, of course, ridiculously easy to download all sorts of stuff on to it. Some of which, having read it, i think what in God's Name possessed me to buy this and at other times I thank the Kindle god who, once my machine is turned on, appears to drain me of any sense of restraint or proportion.

It was as a result of this latter effect that I, at some point, downloaded this gay short story by JL Merrow. It is a fairly sexually explicit story of the relationship which develops between Lawrence, a rather effete Arts professor and Alan, a muscular and, for want of a better phrase, fairly unintelligent labourer.

The story begins rather unbelievably as Lawrence, Larry, encounters Alan, Al, in a dark alley way. Larry, seeing the size of Al immediately assumes he is going to be beaten up and cowers and snivels and tries to save his miserable little pelt by foisting his wallet upon the assumed thug. Al, however, who tells the story in the first person is blissfully unaware of the effect he is having and just thinks the 'pretty little man' is drunk or maybe mad.

He takes him home and gets him safely into Larry's house and then leaves, making sure to hide the knives that he was worried Larry might use upon himself since Larry had, to Al's mind, been wielding them for no apparent reason not realizing that Al's presence was scaring Larry sh**tless. The next morning Larry begins to grasp a little of how far he misread and misunderstood this enormous, muscular bloke and goes in search to say thank you. This is the beginning of what actually turns out to be a lovely account of love across the divide of class, intellect and expectation.

Al turns out to be a very gifted painter as well as a man of deep sensibilities, loyalties and decency. Larry, who is a bit of a prat when the story starts shows himself to be severely lacking in any sense of what others may think but not in a good 'i don't care because this is what I know Al and I want type way but rather more in a 'I want to do it like this and I will bring Al along even though he quite clearly is at sea and lost'. Whereas Al, admittedly, is so unaware of the ripples and awkwardnesses of the situation, Larry appears to rather luxuriate in the whole thing, rather as a cause celebre. I warmed swiftly to Al, I did not to the rather self-centred Larry.

Nevertheless, having said all that, it is a surprisingly moving story of love and forgiveness and commitment and the fact that it is told in the first person by the innocent and naive Al is an excellent device. It makes us look at the misunderstandings and preconceptions of others and we squirm and suffer because, unlike Al, we can see how his innocent actions and words and sensitivities are being mistaken for something negative and indeed quite often the very opposite to that which he was actually saying because of the outlook and mindsets of people far more intelligent but far less human and noble then himself who cannot grasp his goodness. It reminded me a little of Mark Haddon's character, Christopher Boone, from 'The Curious incident of the dog in the nightime' had he turned to steroids and gay sex though Boone did not have the definite warmth that Merrow succeeds in engendering in the character of Al.

I found I was confused as to whether Al and Larry were really as the other imagined. We only have Al's point of view that Larry is beautiful and perfect in feature. It is not corroborated by any other character and in just the same way, though it is evident that Al has a musculature to die for it is only Larry, and one other person, who appears to find him handsome. Everyone else laughs at Larry's calling him beautiful and indeed most speak of him as if he were ugly. This frustrated me as I was not quite sure whether Merrow was saying something wonderfully profound about the power of love to over-ride the physical and external or whether there was some other strand which i was failing to grasp. Readers of other of my reviews will know how frustrating I find the need for every man or woman in a love situation in certain types of book to be perfect and gorgeous and wondrous to the eye. Merrow gives a different slant to the frustration cos i was just not sure what she was saying. It was not a big enough hurdle to hamper the flow of the story but it was a nagging point which never really resolved adequately.

However, this was very easy to read, it also managed to actually make me care what happened to these two men. The story's solution was not a done deal it seemed to me, I was not certain that it would end positively as misunderstanding and external pressure was brought to bear on the relationship. Al's outlook on the world was, as painted by Merrow, perhaps a little too idealized and not wholly believable, the coming together of two men from such enormously different situations in life and their being able to make a successful go of it was perhaps too far-fetched but i genuinely didn't care. I was rooting for the two of them and as fairy tales go, and it did have many of the elements of fairy tale (absolutely no play on words intended), it worked. (less)

10 likes · like · see review

Jan 10, 2013 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, all-time-favourites, above-the-rest, re-reads

I have no words for how much I loved this sweet funny short story. Even though it was first person POV, it wouldn't have been nearly as good from another perspective. Al was just amazing, I was smiling all the way through reading this. I will definitely check out more by this author.

Even better the second time!

7 likes · like · see review

May 02, 2012 Baba ♥♥♥ Marcus, Tyler, Tate, Dan, Ty, & Hunter rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, books-kelly-and-baba-liked-or-loved

FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED
4.5 stars.

An amazing and very unconventional love story between brains and muscle power. Yes, it’s so true: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

Sweet. Real. Believable. Sad. Yet incredibly hilarious at times.

I cannot deny it, this story packs a punch.

Muscling Through is the love story between big and tattooed Al and Larry, a diminutive and very pretty Cambridge Art History Professor. One evening they met in a dark alley when Al is taking a piss. Brainy Larry thinks Al is a...more

33 likes · like · see review

Apr 30, 2012 Hannah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, ebooks-i-own, male-male-romance, novella, romance, read-2012

3.5 stars. Rounded up for Goodreads.

When I first heard about this novella, I decided to skip it. I wasn't interested in reading a story from the first person perspective of a character with below-average intelligence (to put it politely). I didn't think the author could pull it off, and I was sure I wouldn't be able to love Al, the point-of-view character. Happily, I was completely wrong on both counts. On a whim, I decided to read the excerpt today, and then I knew I had to read the whole story...more

5 likes · like · see review

Feb 22, 2013 Susan65 rated it 5 of 5 stars

This story was undeniably sweet. I was not sure how I would connect with the POV coming from a MC with a mental disability but it was perfect and i wouldn't change a thing. The Ren thing made me a little nervous but thankfully Larry believed in Al...but still I was sweating that part out.

The British slang and terminology through me for a big loop. I never heard of poof before but i think i like it.

5 likes · like · see review

Dec 26, 2012 Jen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Jen by: Julio Genao

Shelves: m-m-romance, favorites, flufftasticness, buddy-read

So much has been said about this book, and I'm not sure what I have to say will be half as eloquent as other people's reviews, but I'll give it a shot.

I am pretty stingy with 5 star ratings, but this book earned one. For one thing, the prose was beautiful. And though Al's accent was written into it (which I usually can't stand), it never got obnoxious. The author knew just how much to throw in to keep it alive, but not annoy the audience. So... bravo, Merrow.

I was worried when I read other peo...more So much has been said about this book, and I'm not sure what I have to say will be half as eloquent as other people's reviews, but I'll give it a shot.

I am pretty stingy with 5 star ratings, but this book earned one. For one thing, the prose was beautiful. And though Al's accent was written into it (which I usually can't stand), it never got obnoxious. The author knew just how much to throw in to keep it alive, but not annoy the audience. So... bravo, Merrow.

I was worried when I read other people's reviews that I would have problems with Larry for the same reason his sister does initially - I was worried it would feel like he's taking advantage of Al. I have huge problems with stories about abuses of power (particularly sexually), and I was waiting for this one to go that route.

But it didn't. I never really had problems with him. And I'm fairly certain it's because their relationship never felt truly unequal to me. They both bring something to the table - while Larry has the brains, Al is the nurturer, and is actually more emotionally mature in some ways. There was only one point in which I got truly frustrated with Larry, and it was when (view spoiler). But apart from that, I bought his love for Al, hook, line, and sinker. Their relationship felt like a genuine give-and-take to me, and who wouldn't love such a sweet, thoughtful, passionate person? And he's an artist?! I would be swooning all over that, too.

Al... I understand why everyone is so in love with him now. I honestly can't decide if I think he's got something like Asperger's, or if he was just a product of his upbringing (or perhaps a slight mix of both), but in the end it didn't matter. What killed me most about Al was his society-programmed self-deprecation combined with his humble acceptance of it. No matter what your IQ is, it goes to show how unconsciously damaging words can be. I'm a woman with 2 degrees, and like to think I'm at least somewhat intellectually competent, yet I have had similar thoughts, feelings, and words about my looks that Al does. It's... devastating. And so, so human. But the person who loves him thinks he's beautiful, and sometimes that's all it takes.

This story was so... lovely. So human. The melancholy moments, which are a part of everyone's life in way one or another, were balanced out by the funny and happy moments. And it made cynical me believe, even if it was just for a moment, that there really is someone out there for everyone. (less)

13 likes · like · see review

Jul 27, 2011 Lauraadriana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, lmao, love-conquers-all, loved-it, m-m, recommended, super-cute

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this story...What a sweet and beautiful story. This is the story of Al and Larry. Al is a blue collar guy living in Cambridge, he looks kind of rough and people kind of blow him off because he's not so 'smart'...But he meets Larry, a professor at Cambridge, and they fall in love. They give each other love, acceptance, kindness, support and more than anything they accept each other for who they are. I LOVED this book...Al's voice was so lovely, simple, direct, and just beautifu...more

19 likes · like · see review

Jan 11, 2013 Mark rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay-fiction, life-romance

This short story was seriously sweet and cute. It also had me laughing in many places with that very subtle humour that I've learned to love from J. L. Merrow. I loved the main character Al, in his very "simple" ways and thoughts I found his character quite endearing and enlightening. I really loved the use of language from the author to bring across the uneducated chav, again all accents ringing clear in my ears.

I really would have loved to heard a few thoughts from Larry's POV, but I guess th...more

9 likes · like · see review

Jul 22, 2011 Vio rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: manly, not-my-thing

Really well written but I couldn't get into it unfortunately! I had trouble believing the partnership of Al and Larry, the differences between them were intellectually huge. I also didn't like the way Al was portrayed as dim witted, he came across as almost mentally handicapped. Might need to give it another read later on.

10 likes · like · see review

Sep 21, 2011 Emanuela ~plastic duck~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, romance, contemporary, rainbow-gay, glbt

I'm crazy about Al!!! This was such a sweet and cute story and Al, the narrator, can only be loved. I liked his voice and his vision of the world, the people, what was happening around him was refreshing. Al might not be the brightest guy, but he is very aware of his limitations. While reading I had the impression that even if he wasn't smart, he had his eyes open and he was learning how to read the situations he found himself in and coping with them.

I wish I could see Larry from someone else's...more

13 likes · like · see review

Jul 21, 2011 MsMiz (Tina) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: glbt-all, pdf

3.5 easy. I really liked this story for the characters. Al and Larry are wonderfully drawn MCs and it is hard not to fall in love with them.

6 likes · like · see review

May 14, 2012 Carrie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, ebook, humorous, kindle, m-m, read-2012, short-stories-novellas

3.5*
Grade B+

Muscling Through is told in first person through the eyes slow but affable Al. Al is a unique narrator, and it's his "voice" that give this book it's heart and soul. I applaud the author for her ability to keep AL's character so consistent throughout the novella.

Through Al's eyes, the reader experiences how he meets Larry (worth the price of the book!), and how he navigates a sometimes hostile world. At times the reader understand what's going on even when Al doesn't. At other times...more

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 12, 2012 AnnaLund rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Romance lovers

Recommended to AnnaLund by: Con Riley

Shelves: top-read-of-2012, beautiful-just-beautiful, brilliant-imagery, i-want-to-hug-it-book, m-m-romance, oh-the-giggles-kill-me, omg

Alan and Lawrence, eh? I AM SO IN LOVE IT DAMN WELL HURTS.
This book is for anyone who likes GOOD people. Anyone who wants GOOD people to win. Win love, appreciation, and friendship because of WHO they are. I am left with so many good feelings after reading this book that I'm almost scatterbrained. Let's see if I can get it together.

First of all, do not judge a book by its cover, nor a person by his looks. Alan would probably have scared the bejeezus out of me too, had I met him in a dark alley a...more

4 likes · like · see review

Sep 21, 2011 Bookwatcher ~Mary MooCow~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Bookwatcher ~Mary MooCow~ by: Emanuela ~plastic duck~

Shelves: glbt-gay, romance, favorites, disability

I LOVED IT!!!

Al is the stranger you would never want to cross in the middle of the night. He is ex bouncer, a HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE muscular and scary man... and probably the most inoffensive man on Earth. I love his voice (he is the only narrator) and this writer really impress me, writing all the book in such difficult POV... why? Because Al is not what we could call "normal", he is mentally impaired.

Without spoil the story, I just want to tease you telling how everything begins. After a night...more

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Jul 23, 2011 Aves Raggiana rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved, loved, loved this story! And I got more than a little upset when the whole thing ended rather abruptly at 86% on my Kindle.

I fell in love as I always do with men like him, with Al right away. So big, so brawny, a little thick upstairs but possessed of a preternatural heart of gold and an unshakeable loyalty. And judging by the book cover, Al is nowhere near as nondescript as he believes himself to be. What a hottie!

While I fell madly in love with Al and his very uncomplicated, literal a...more I loved, loved, loved this story! And I got more than a little upset when the whole thing ended rather abruptly at 86% on my Kindle.

I fell in love as I always do with men like him, with Al right away. So big, so brawny, a little thick upstairs but possessed of a preternatural heart of gold and an unshakeable loyalty. And judging by the book cover, Al is nowhere near as nondescript as he believes himself to be. What a hottie!

While I fell madly in love with Al and his very uncomplicated, literal and totally present way of seeing everything, I very easily identified with Lawrence. Small, slim and a little effete and in the end, totally devoted to Al.

The prototypical Top-Bottom pairing up. Which in the real gay world, is not as common as one might think. If Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet were ever to get together, this is what it would look like.

It is well beyond my purview to comment on the mechanics of writing craft so I’ll restrict my comments to the storyline itself. If I had any objection to the story itself, apart from its much too short length, it would be in the specifics of how Al and Larry met. I understand that Larry was afraid for his life when he first encountered Al. At first I couldn’t take how submissive he was. He was only all too willing to acquiesce to Larry because he feared him. At first I couldn’t bear that in Larry, wishing instead that he had been more willing to put up a fight no matter how hopeless it would have been. As I was reading this section I was wondering how Al could possibly come to respect Larry when, in that moment, Larry demonstrated so little respect for himself.

Larry’s docility in the face of Al’s threatening physical presence turned me off Larry at the beginning. Any man with a modicum of self-respect would defend himself first, no matter how ineptly, rather than immediately cower. Such an evident lack of self-respect is something I dislike in male characters. and I suspect, I fear in myself, when confronted with similar situations. Larry was working from a deficit in my mind before the story wound its way to a point where he too finally won me over.

A love story simply and sparingly told but as enchanting as England’s verdant forests, fields and hedgerows. I didn’t think I’d enjoy this lovely little tale quite as much as I did.(less)

8 likes · like · see review

Jul 30, 2011 Lucy rated it 4 of 5 stars

A mismatched pair on the surface, who fit together perfectly when you look beyond the physical. It is Al's POV, and he is so sweet, funny and real. Self deprecating, sometimes too much, but his view of the world is so precious. Larry is his perfect match, and I really like Alicia.

REREAD 2/2013
Loved it just as much.

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 23, 2012 Camille rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-rom-erotica

Awwwww...this is a sweet one!
I seriously loved every bit it.

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 12, 2012 Sandra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, contemporary-romance, bookie-nookies-erotic-lending-group

Hmm... This is a hard one to rate for me so I guess I'm gonna go about 3.75. It was sweet obviously and I really enjoyed it. I have a soft spot for the big, slow, and kind guys and have read a few books where one character has a TBI or Aspergers and enjoyed them a lot and this was reminiscent of that. But I'm torn on whether it was nice to have it be only Al's story (because that definitely changes the feel) or whether I want Larry's POV too.

The hard part with Al's very succinct and straight fo...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 12, 2011 Anwen Ross rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance

I must have pre-ordered this because it appeared on my kindle as if by magic in the middle of the night. Perfect, because that's just the kind of thing that Al, the main character, would probably do :-)

The whole story is told from the POV of Al in the first person. He's not very smart and sometimes unbelievably naive so it's almost like watching things happen through bubblewrap. Mostly, this is cleverly done so the reader can figure out what's going through the other characters' minds (especiall...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 27, 2011 Eva rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-fiction, opposites-attract, mm-romance-or-erotica, cute-awww-comfort-feel-good-reads

Loved the book and I'm wondering whether Larry found his knives the second time around.
Lovable characters and a easy going storyline make this opposites attract story a great comfort read.
The entire book is told in Al's POV so by the end of the book I found myself wanting to give him a great big hug and keep him safe, which is strange since he's this muscle bound, tattooed giant. But at the same time he's portrayed as a bit naive and not the brightest as far as book smarts go, so I guess that ma...more

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Jul 19, 2011 MandyM rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance

What a wonderfully sweet and original story. Al is a gentle giant of a man. Not much to look at and not much upstairs but full of love and admiration for Larry, his English professor boyfriend. This story is told from Al's POV and is a poignant, funny and heartwarming recollection of how they met and the first year of their lives together. You can't help but smile at the way Al interprets events going on around him. I felt just as defensive of him as Larry when others were putting him down. Al i...more

6 likes · like · see review

Dec 18, 2012 Whitney rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: opposites-attract

I am always drawn to gentle giants and opposites attract stories, which is why I picked this one up. I actually liked it, which has been a rare occurrence lately.

I was confused at first because the premise had me believing that that the story would be from Larry’s POV, but I’m glad it was from Al’s. It was a bit frustrating at first because Al thinks in incomplete thoughts and sentences and I feel like he never really told Larry much of himself. He would have a valid thought and then say “….But...more

2 likes · like · see review

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Romance

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Humor

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Glbt

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Adult Fiction > Erotica

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Disability

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M M Romance > M M Contemporary

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About J.L. Merrow

JL Merrow is a very English writer of (mainly) m/m fiction who finds writing the only way to stay sane, except of course when a plot is driving her crazy. Having grown up on an island, she can’t remember a time before she could swim and prefers to remain close to water at all times. Luckily, the weather in her native land being as it generally is, this is not difficult.

She enjoys reading, martial...more

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Quotes from Muscling Through

“I was thinking of Cambridge, and then I got a bit homesick for a minute, 'cause I never been this far away from home before. But the I remember you're here, and now I'm not homesick no more.” — 8 people liked it

“Please go" he said. "Just take my money - take anything - and go"
I didn't get why he wanted me to take something, but he seemed really worried about it. So I looked around, and he had a bowl of fruit on the side, so I grabbed an apple, 'cause I always get hungry after I've been drinking.
"I'll take this, okay?" Then I left him there, but I took the knives and I hid them in the hall cupboard, just in case.” — 6 people liked it

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