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Cherries on Top
Six months after the end of an abusive relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Craig finally finds someone he’s attracted to. It doesn’t bother him that Doug is a man, much less a player. What matters is that he’s a perfect candidate for a no-strings-attached night that just might help Craig prove to himself that he’s not as broken as he fears.
One night—that’s all it was supposed to be. But one night turns into yearning, turns into e-mailing, turns into communicating, turns into Doug hoping against hope that Craig might feel the same frightening attachment that he feels, pretty please? With cherries on top?
One night—that’s all it was supposed to be. But one night turns into yearning, turns into e-mailing, turns into communicating, turns into Doug hoping against hope that Craig might feel the same frightening attachment that he feels, pretty please? With cherries on top?
76 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2011
3 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 2, 2011
Really enjoyed this, the author has the ability to make you think you've read a novel instead of a novella as I truly felt I knew both Doug and Craig well by the end. Doug is that alpha character who's not sure what he wants and Craig is sweet and just there ready, to be loved. Craig could be wallowing in self-pity over the treatment he's endured at the hands of others, but he's not. He's a good man living his life the best way he knows how, brave enough to try new things like seeing where his fantasies take him. Doug has everything, the job, the money, and so doesn't even realize at first that what he really needs is the sweet, hot, young bartender. It's both steamy and romantic, not to be missed.
June 10, 2011
3.5 stars
Likes
Characters: I think Craig, the bartender, is so adorable. From his way approaching the more-seasoned Doug, to him not "pushing" Doug over their encounters. He's so sweet, no wonder Doug is on his way to fall in love with him. I'm not very much into Doug though, he comes a little bit annoying when he tries so hard to detach himself from Craig
Love scenes: It's pretty hot :). I do like Doug in here though, he IS being considerate to the virgin (with men, at least) Craig.
Dislikes
Some of the plots are a bit left hanging and not explored further. Like Craig's past, for example. It's only mentioned in that short conversation but never really explored more. Also the conversations between Craig and Doug that are said to make them closer, are happening off screen, which makes me unsatisfied. I guess it's the "fault" of the length of story. If it's longer, it might be better. Especially since I'm so invested with Craig.
Oh, and I don't know why Ms. McAllister seems to keep repeating that Craig is "the younger man" and Doug is "the older man". Once is enough, I guess. But I keep reading that statement in several places. I know Craig is younger, but does it really matter??
Likes
Characters: I think Craig, the bartender, is so adorable. From his way approaching the more-seasoned Doug, to him not "pushing" Doug over their encounters. He's so sweet, no wonder Doug is on his way to fall in love with him. I'm not very much into Doug though, he comes a little bit annoying when he tries so hard to detach himself from Craig
Love scenes: It's pretty hot :). I do like Doug in here though, he IS being considerate to the virgin (with men, at least) Craig.
Dislikes
Some of the plots are a bit left hanging and not explored further. Like Craig's past, for example. It's only mentioned in that short conversation but never really explored more. Also the conversations between Craig and Doug that are said to make them closer, are happening off screen, which makes me unsatisfied. I guess it's the "fault" of the length of story. If it's longer, it might be better. Especially since I'm so invested with Craig.
Oh, and I don't know why Ms. McAllister seems to keep repeating that Craig is "the younger man" and Doug is "the older man". Once is enough, I guess. But I keep reading that statement in several places. I know Craig is younger, but does it really matter??
June 21, 2011
I really liked this story about two men who both have issues with relationships but seem to be unavoidably drawn together.
Craig has had an extremely shitty life, but he's not letting that interfere with the present. His vulnerability and intensity jump off the page and made me wish someone would come along and sweep him off his feet. While he seems to want that as well, on the other hand he's very shy about taking a step in that direction again. So, in a way, the equally relationship-shy Craig may just be the right man for him.
Doug was a little harder for me to like. He hides from his own needs, says he wants to treat Craig right but doesn't seem to be able/willing to do it. While the situation is realistic, and I liked how he did come around in the end, it made both men suffer more than maybe they should have.
If you like realistic characters who fight their own nature and some very hot first-time sex, you will probably like this book.
Craig has had an extremely shitty life, but he's not letting that interfere with the present. His vulnerability and intensity jump off the page and made me wish someone would come along and sweep him off his feet. While he seems to want that as well, on the other hand he's very shy about taking a step in that direction again. So, in a way, the equally relationship-shy Craig may just be the right man for him.
Doug was a little harder for me to like. He hides from his own needs, says he wants to treat Craig right but doesn't seem to be able/willing to do it. While the situation is realistic, and I liked how he did come around in the end, it made both men suffer more than maybe they should have.
If you like realistic characters who fight their own nature and some very hot first-time sex, you will probably like this book.
October 18, 2017
3.5 Stars
This book has sat on my TBR for ages. I kept meaning to pick it up but never quite got around to it. I'm glad I finally got the chance. This was a good story. The places that I feel like it could have been improved owed to it being a short rather than a full length novel. I just wanted to experience both these guys figuring things out for longer than I got. I was amused by how Doug just couldn't help himself and kept coming back for more with Craig despite never going back for seconds. I liked that Craig accepted his attraction to Doug and stepped up to say I want to see what this means even if it's only for one night. I just wanted a longer story all told.
This book has sat on my TBR for ages. I kept meaning to pick it up but never quite got around to it. I'm glad I finally got the chance. This was a good story. The places that I feel like it could have been improved owed to it being a short rather than a full length novel. I just wanted to experience both these guys figuring things out for longer than I got. I was amused by how Doug just couldn't help himself and kept coming back for more with Craig despite never going back for seconds. I liked that Craig accepted his attraction to Doug and stepped up to say I want to see what this means even if it's only for one night. I just wanted a longer story all told.
June 5, 2011
HFN. What I would give for one more chapter... :)
December 17, 2013
3.5 stars. Okay story about a guy who doesn't want relationships until he hooks up with Craig and gets attached. I would have liked the back half to be a bit longer.
March 10, 2013
2.5 Stars
This book was not horrible, but I didn't really like the character dynamic and there was a definite lack of plot.
Doug is a 36 year old long time player who doesnt date and only does one night stands. Craig is a younger guy who has only been with women, but works at a gay bar. When Craig gets out of a bad relationship with his girlfriend, he finds himself only attracted to Doug, a regular at the bar he works at. Craig, knowing that Doug is a player, propositions Doug for sex. Doug agrees. They have sex. We are supposed to think highly of Doug for sticking around the morning after to talk with Craig.
These characters in this book, Doug and Craig, are definitely reminding me of the Brian and Justin dynamic on the show Queer as Folk - With Doug being the older wildly attractive player (i.e. Brian) and Craig being the younger guy who lures him in (I.e. Justin). The dynamic isn't exactly the same and Queer as Folk is definitely way better, but it just reminds me of this. I love Queer as Folk, but didn't really like this.
I got bored with this. In this short story, I did not like the whole "bad boy with the heart of stone" (I.e. Doug) letting his bad boy image down and being descent to another human being (I.e. Craig). It's supposed to be a big deal when Doug takes an extra couple minutes to ask Craig how his life is going after having spent the night with him. Doug can have sex with Craig repeatedly and sleep at his house but the idea that they actually speak to each other for a couple minutes is supposed to show how Doug is softening up and treating Craig differently than his other sexual conquests. But really that's just maddening... Asking someone "hey, how are you?" and then listening to their answer isn't a saintly act. It's not even particularly descent. It's just a small conversation. Doug isn't special for sticking around an extra five minutes the morning after.
The ending is awful. It's ambiguous and like a cliff hanger. Doug asks Craig a question and we don't find out the answer. But whatever, I doubt it would have worked out between them anyways. This story left me feeling bored and annoyed, especially toward the end and the ending.
But I have to say, although the plot revolved around sex, I wasn't offended by the sex the way I have been in other stories that revolve around sex. Additionally, there is no BDSM.
This book was not horrible, but I didn't really like the character dynamic and there was a definite lack of plot.
Doug is a 36 year old long time player who doesnt date and only does one night stands. Craig is a younger guy who has only been with women, but works at a gay bar. When Craig gets out of a bad relationship with his girlfriend, he finds himself only attracted to Doug, a regular at the bar he works at. Craig, knowing that Doug is a player, propositions Doug for sex. Doug agrees. They have sex. We are supposed to think highly of Doug for sticking around the morning after to talk with Craig.
These characters in this book, Doug and Craig, are definitely reminding me of the Brian and Justin dynamic on the show Queer as Folk - With Doug being the older wildly attractive player (i.e. Brian) and Craig being the younger guy who lures him in (I.e. Justin). The dynamic isn't exactly the same and Queer as Folk is definitely way better, but it just reminds me of this. I love Queer as Folk, but didn't really like this.
I got bored with this. In this short story, I did not like the whole "bad boy with the heart of stone" (I.e. Doug) letting his bad boy image down and being descent to another human being (I.e. Craig). It's supposed to be a big deal when Doug takes an extra couple minutes to ask Craig how his life is going after having spent the night with him. Doug can have sex with Craig repeatedly and sleep at his house but the idea that they actually speak to each other for a couple minutes is supposed to show how Doug is softening up and treating Craig differently than his other sexual conquests. But really that's just maddening... Asking someone "hey, how are you?" and then listening to their answer isn't a saintly act. It's not even particularly descent. It's just a small conversation. Doug isn't special for sticking around an extra five minutes the morning after.
The ending is awful. It's ambiguous and like a cliff hanger. Doug asks Craig a question and we don't find out the answer. But whatever, I doubt it would have worked out between them anyways. This story left me feeling bored and annoyed, especially toward the end and the ending.
But I have to say, although the plot revolved around sex, I wasn't offended by the sex the way I have been in other stories that revolve around sex. Additionally, there is no BDSM.
August 23, 2011
Craig is the straight bartender at a gay bar. After his awful relationship ends, he decides he wants to try gay sex. He's attracted to Doug, one of his customers whom he knows is moving to Chicago soon, so figures a one time will be no big deal, and Doug has a different guy all the time anyway. Doug is a bit taken aback by the proposal, but decides it can't hurt, everyone's adults right? Craig isn't so sure but has accepted it, however Doug comes back for more. Which is kind of annoying Doug too. He doesn't date, so why is he doing this. Before long they have exchanged e-mails and Doug is making a surprise trip back to Detroit to visit Craig for the weekend. This is just a cute story of a guy with ugly bedding (kind of funny) and someone who is not interested in a relationship (noooooo, not him) who manage to have one despite themselves. Sweet and not too angsty.
August 8, 2011
An enjoyable read!
November 28, 2012
3.7
Check Ami's review. (Too tired to write my own)
Check Ami's review. (Too tired to write my own)
May 16, 2015
Just wasn’t enough…
June 9, 2023
2.5 stars. The writing was good and hot but there was a dynamic I don't enjoy. No cheating, but one MC continues to hook up with others while the other is pining away in abstinence. I just dislike it.
And I kind of dislike Doug's style too. Look, I'm trying to be sex positive here, but dude is 36 and still hooking up with random people every week, no repeats, no relationships. That's pretty sad. I wish they'd deal with whatever issue is behind that instead of just going with "now he's getting bored of it", he obviously had serious fears of commitment, it wasn't just a casual life style choice.
So I had a hard time believing in the happy ending. Craig had issues and we delved into them, so it was another imbalance between the characters. It's a good story if one isn't bothered by these things.
And I kind of dislike Doug's style too. Look, I'm trying to be sex positive here, but dude is 36 and still hooking up with random people every week, no repeats, no relationships. That's pretty sad. I wish they'd deal with whatever issue is behind that instead of just going with "now he's getting bored of it", he obviously had serious fears of commitment, it wasn't just a casual life style choice.
So I had a hard time believing in the happy ending. Craig had issues and we delved into them, so it was another imbalance between the characters. It's a good story if one isn't bothered by these things.
May 25, 2020
short, but hot.
Read
July 6, 2013While this author is probably more famous for her simil-regency gay romances, I picked up this contemporary novella because it intrigued me: Craig is a until now straight guy working in a gay go-go bar. From what you can gather, Craig has no prejudices at all, so for him it’s just a job, even if his patrons are gay men, he doesn’t blink twice at that. Craig had also a girlfriend, not really a dream-date one, she was abusive and made Craig’s life an hell; and now don’t start to question how it’s possible that the abused partner in an heterosexual couple is the man, while that is true the majority of cases are of abused women, it’s not the first time I heard of the contrary. Moreover, Craig proved to be a remissive character, someone who is not prone to violence, or even to fight back for his own rights, that is the reason why he has no family to call of and a less than stellar living situation.
Now Craig is single, and with a sexual block, he is not able to feel attraction for another woman, and when he realize the only one who stirs his instincts (yes there is a veiled pun there) is another man, Doug, as I said, there is no prejudice at all in Craig, and so he decides to give it a try. Convenience is that Doug is supposed to move at the end of the month, so Craig can experiment without fearing to end in an awkward situation.
The novella is good, but above all is very sexy; I’m usually one who cares a lot of the sex in a story, but this one was good and enjoyable, basic, nothing out of ordinary, but exciting.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EYS6G2/?...
Now Craig is single, and with a sexual block, he is not able to feel attraction for another woman, and when he realize the only one who stirs his instincts (yes there is a veiled pun there) is another man, Doug, as I said, there is no prejudice at all in Craig, and so he decides to give it a try. Convenience is that Doug is supposed to move at the end of the month, so Craig can experiment without fearing to end in an awkward situation.
The novella is good, but above all is very sexy; I’m usually one who cares a lot of the sex in a story, but this one was good and enjoyable, basic, nothing out of ordinary, but exciting.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EYS6G2/?...
October 8, 2013
Craig approaches Doug for some no-strings sex after his abusive ex-girlfriend leaves him, and despite knowing that it's a one-time thing and that Doug is about to move out of town, Craig finds that Doug is the only one he wants.
Doug is a player, he doesn't do repeat performances, but he breaks his rules for Craig... several times. He can't get him out of his mind, even when he moves. He's intrigued by the contrasts he sees in Craig and he can't make heads or tails about why he feels a tenderness towards him when he's never felt any with the other people he's been with.
As this is a short story, don't expect any complicated plot or captivating character development, but it's perfect for someone who wants to read something short and sweet.
Doug is a player, he doesn't do repeat performances, but he breaks his rules for Craig... several times. He can't get him out of his mind, even when he moves. He's intrigued by the contrasts he sees in Craig and he can't make heads or tails about why he feels a tenderness towards him when he's never felt any with the other people he's been with.
As this is a short story, don't expect any complicated plot or captivating character development, but it's perfect for someone who wants to read something short and sweet.
September 8, 2016
A nice, shortish read (perfect lunch time fodder!) that deals with Doug (getting jaded of constant random hook ups) and Craig (straight bar keep, had a shitty life so far).
I liked that Doug really thought moving would solve his problems - never going to work! I found him OK as a character and .
Craig came over as very down trodden, having been done over by his upbringing and his ex girlfriend. And I was happy
I liked that Doug really thought moving would solve his problems - never going to work! I found him OK as a character and .
Craig came over as very down trodden, having been done over by his upbringing and his ex girlfriend. And I was happy
June 6, 2011
So, what to say about Cherries on Top...
Well, for one, it doesn't "read like a novella". It reads like a full length novel, which to me is a great thing, because I'm the kind of person who reads mostly novels, the longer the better.
I loved the main characters and their relationship, I loved the conflicts and the very real mistakes they made.
This story made me smile a lot, actually, which was something I really needed when I read it, so thank you, Rowan. :)
Oh, and I wouldn't mind seeing a peek into these guys' future at some point. Just saying. :)
October 1, 2013
Wow, I picked this shorty on a whim and didn't even remember this sweet short romance. This shorty is awesome and definitely worth to be reread many, many times!
2011/06/19
Nice story! I really liked Craig from the start. He was really well developed guy with his own personal past demons. The story was pretty simple but emotionally full. Romantic ending with HEA was a true cherry on Top!
I loved it! Recommended read!
2011/06/19
Nice story! I really liked Craig from the start. He was really well developed guy with his own personal past demons. The story was pretty simple but emotionally full. Romantic ending with HEA was a true cherry on Top!
I loved it! Recommended read!
March 9, 2018
This was one of those shorter stories that made itself feel bigger than it was. The leads were interesting and their interplay was fun to read. The author managed to make them well rounded and infused them with heart. Neither wanted a relationship going into things and yet that indefinable 'thing' was an irresistable lure that kept bringing them back together. Sure I would have loved to see more of Craig and Doug, but I in no way felt like the story was short-changed by its length.
December 17, 2011
I really enjoyed this! I wished there had been a bit more between them during the months that they e-mailed each other where we could really read about them getting to know each other better, or an epilogue at the end that was a couple months past the final scene. But still, I really enjoyed the characters and the story. Sweet but not overly sweet and very fun to read!
October 23, 2013
3.5 stars
A short story that doesn’t feel short! Craig is a bartender at a club Doug frequents. Both characters are well drawn, the sex scenes are worth reading and the ending seemed reasonable. I know some complained about it but I think it was appropriate for a short. I do wish the author would write some more about these guys!
A short story that doesn’t feel short! Craig is a bartender at a club Doug frequents. Both characters are well drawn, the sex scenes are worth reading and the ending seemed reasonable. I know some complained about it but I think it was appropriate for a short. I do wish the author would write some more about these guys!
January 6, 2014
4.5 stars - Oh, what I would give for a couple of extra chapters or an epilogue! I loved this story and I loved Craig and Doug, I just wish there was more! I'd have really liked to see them get their happy ending, or at least have gotten a glimpse of their future together. This was still a fabulous short story, though :)
January 28, 2014
Although I gave this 3 stars, I liked it a lot. I loved Craig and the fact that even though his life wasn't easy, he didn't whine or want pity from anyone. Why 3 stars? Because I was enjoying it so much and then BAM it was over. The ending felt rushed.
July 13, 2011
I really, really loved this short story. Would love to hear more about Craig and Doug.
June 4, 2011
3.5 stars
June 4, 2011
Very good m/m romance about a guy who doesn't do relationships, but finds himself unable to resist the sweet, previously straight bartender who takes him home.
June 18, 2011
really good story and they were awfully cute together !!
November 10, 2011
3.5 stars
June 20, 2011
This one was a winner!
January 4, 2012
3.5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews