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Poor Little Rich Boy
Nick Colton was a spoiled rich kid when he ran away from Seattle, leaving his best friend and lover Alex Diaz behind. More than a decade later, he's back.
He says he's there to donate bone marrow for his half-sister, but Alex knows there's more to it than that. Alex wants to protect himself and everyone else from Nick's plans, but he needs to spend time with the man in order to figure out what he's up to. And the more time they spend together, the more Alex realizes that his own attraction to Nick is far from resolved.
Nick is bent on revenge, Alex is trying to maintain his straight and conservative lifestyle, but neither of them can forget what they used to have and what they might, someday, be able to have again.
He says he's there to donate bone marrow for his half-sister, but Alex knows there's more to it than that. Alex wants to protect himself and everyone else from Nick's plans, but he needs to spend time with the man in order to figure out what he's up to. And the more time they spend together, the more Alex realizes that his own attraction to Nick is far from resolved.
Nick is bent on revenge, Alex is trying to maintain his straight and conservative lifestyle, but neither of them can forget what they used to have and what they might, someday, be able to have again.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2012
6 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 25, 2024
It looks like I'm in the minority of reviewers here by being firmly on Team Nick. Sure the guy was a spoiled brat at 19 — but a decade later he's a mature, capable, successful businessman who hasn't lost his humanity. As witness his willingness to be tested as a bone marrow donor, among other things.
Probably the biggest reason why I loved Nick is because he doesn't take any shit from his family. In confrontations with family members Nick holds his ground and gives as good as he gets — remaining courteous, but firm. I HATE reading about grown men who allow themselves to be manipulated, cowed and guilt-tripped by their birth families. I encounter that far too often in m/m romance — and it usually seems to be presented as a 'good' thing, as if having the MC metaphorically emasculated by his family is The Way The World Should Be. So Nick's strength of character, and his refusal to be browbeaten or bulldozed by family pressure, were delightful to see.
(I don't keep running into this paradigm in other genres. Why is it so prevalent in m/m fiction? Well, I have a theory, but I won't inflict it on you here...)
The other MC, Alex, a tame and obedient son/protegé, grated on my nerves. I did appreciate his willingness to reevaluate his life, however. And it was obvious that he and Nick are better people together than they are apart.
There was a lot I enjoyed about this book. For example: Smart people who are actually smart! This book is full of intelligent characters — lawyers, a CEO, a corporate raider — who actually talk and think and act like intelligent human beings. On the negative side of things, I didn't find the sex scenes engaging. That could just be me, of course. Since I didn't actually get emotionally invested in anyone but Nick, I'm only giving this 3 stars. But it was interesting enough overall that I'm open to reading more by Kate Sherwood.
Probably the biggest reason why I loved Nick is because he doesn't take any shit from his family. In confrontations with family members Nick holds his ground and gives as good as he gets — remaining courteous, but firm. I HATE reading about grown men who allow themselves to be manipulated, cowed and guilt-tripped by their birth families. I encounter that far too often in m/m romance — and it usually seems to be presented as a 'good' thing, as if having the MC metaphorically emasculated by his family is The Way The World Should Be. So Nick's strength of character, and his refusal to be browbeaten or bulldozed by family pressure, were delightful to see.
(I don't keep running into this paradigm in other genres. Why is it so prevalent in m/m fiction? Well, I have a theory, but I won't inflict it on you here...)
The other MC, Alex, a tame and obedient son/protegé, grated on my nerves. I did appreciate his willingness to reevaluate his life, however. And it was obvious that he and Nick are better people together than they are apart.
There was a lot I enjoyed about this book. For example: Smart people who are actually smart! This book is full of intelligent characters — lawyers, a CEO, a corporate raider — who actually talk and think and act like intelligent human beings. On the negative side of things, I didn't find the sex scenes engaging. That could just be me, of course. Since I didn't actually get emotionally invested in anyone but Nick, I'm only giving this 3 stars. But it was interesting enough overall that I'm open to reading more by Kate Sherwood.
September 27, 2012
I'm on a Kate Sherwood roll and I'm loving it.
Poor Little Rich Boy is a bit light on the usual romance formula but heavy on character development. I liked that - sex and cuddle whore that I am - I didn't mind not having a lot of nekkid action going in the book. Mostly because I was giving so much shit on how the MCs are dealing with their issues and how things aren't black and white with their story. I started the book hating the guts of asshole Nick and feeling sorry for responsible Alex then had to re-evaluate my opinion a couple of times before the MCs got their HEA.
I enjoyed reading Nick's growth from spoiled asshole to vindictive asshole to confused asshole and then to the best thing that could happen to Alex. Alex's journey from lovesick pushover to pushover in the closet to someone who finally took responsibility for his actions and his happiness was also a joy to witness. The thing is, these two are just better together than apart and I loved reading a book that shows me that. Not just informs me, but really plays out scenes and conversations and allows me to come to that conclusion. I hate being told what the MCs mean to each other and it usually takes a writer that knows what she's doing to remind me how much I loathe having my hand held when reading a book *cough*Mary Calmes*cough*. It's nice once in a while when I wanna turn my brain off and just bask in the presence of ripped, gorgeous, impossibly perfect men and their fairy tale-y love stories, but most of the time, I really appreciate having my brain involved in the festivities.
So, what as I saying? Oh yeah - great read, with MCs that have more than one layer, a welcome absence of shrewish female supporting characters, smooth dialogue, and competent writing. Kate Sherwood is one of the best writers in the genre and this book is further proof of that.
Poor Little Rich Boy is a bit light on the usual romance formula but heavy on character development. I liked that - sex and cuddle whore that I am - I didn't mind not having a lot of nekkid action going in the book. Mostly because I was giving so much shit on how the MCs are dealing with their issues and how things aren't black and white with their story. I started the book hating the guts of asshole Nick and feeling sorry for responsible Alex then had to re-evaluate my opinion a couple of times before the MCs got their HEA.
I enjoyed reading Nick's growth from spoiled asshole to vindictive asshole to confused asshole and then to the best thing that could happen to Alex. Alex's journey from lovesick pushover to pushover in the closet to someone who finally took responsibility for his actions and his happiness was also a joy to witness. The thing is, these two are just better together than apart and I loved reading a book that shows me that. Not just informs me, but really plays out scenes and conversations and allows me to come to that conclusion. I hate being told what the MCs mean to each other and it usually takes a writer that knows what she's doing to remind me how much I loathe having my hand held when reading a book *cough*Mary Calmes*cough*. It's nice once in a while when I wanna turn my brain off and just bask in the presence of ripped, gorgeous, impossibly perfect men and their fairy tale-y love stories, but most of the time, I really appreciate having my brain involved in the festivities.
So, what as I saying? Oh yeah - great read, with MCs that have more than one layer, a welcome absence of shrewish female supporting characters, smooth dialogue, and competent writing. Kate Sherwood is one of the best writers in the genre and this book is further proof of that.
April 22, 2021
Katey Hawthorne’s “Poor Little Rich Boy,” was like a warm bath, unwinding my own tendency towards intellectual defensiveness in favor of love. It’s well written, clear-hearted and abundant in sensory delights.
When Ted learns his always critical father’s will requires him to marry or lose leadership of the family business to his party-boy younger brother, Ted despairs. Though he quickly realizes his spouse can be male, he’s bad at relationships – on purpose. The require all the emotions he’s stuffed for a lifetime.
Enter easy-going Ryan, the one high school mate he considered a semi-friend. Ryan now works in marketing for the firm and seems to like Ted for Ted. It’s an easy “yes’ when Ryan offers himself in marriage.
And from there…will their undeniably chemistry be enough to melt Ted’s fear, his terribly self-image, his anxiety and isolation? Will Ryan remain as he appears? And what will he get from the arrangement?
Read “Poor Little Rich Boy” to enjoy business intrigue quelled, family betrayals mended and two souls repaired. On the way, get treated to some spot on side characters and smooth, lovely language that brings it all to life.
When Ted learns his always critical father’s will requires him to marry or lose leadership of the family business to his party-boy younger brother, Ted despairs. Though he quickly realizes his spouse can be male, he’s bad at relationships – on purpose. The require all the emotions he’s stuffed for a lifetime.
Enter easy-going Ryan, the one high school mate he considered a semi-friend. Ryan now works in marketing for the firm and seems to like Ted for Ted. It’s an easy “yes’ when Ryan offers himself in marriage.
And from there…will their undeniably chemistry be enough to melt Ted’s fear, his terribly self-image, his anxiety and isolation? Will Ryan remain as he appears? And what will he get from the arrangement?
Read “Poor Little Rich Boy” to enjoy business intrigue quelled, family betrayals mended and two souls repaired. On the way, get treated to some spot on side characters and smooth, lovely language that brings it all to life.
September 4, 2018
Me ha gustado bastante, es entretenida y los personajes no están mal llevados, así como la historia, aunque el padre de Nick y Alex merecían una buena patada en las gónadas.
August 19, 2014
A Hostile Take-Over of the Heart?
Ten years ago Nick Colton, the eponymous "Poor Little Rich Boy", and his boyfriend Alex Diaz weren't good for each other. Alex was the son of the Coltons' housekeeper and Alex's Hispanic parents were sure that Alex's homosexuality was only because of Nick's influence on their little boy.
Blake Colton, Nick's dad kind of believed that as well and when the boys are arrested after a particularly stupid college prank, Blake issues his son Nick an ultimatum. Only one of the boys can stay in that school. Either Nick leaves school and leaves Alex behind or he'll not intercede and Alex will lose his scholarship.
Nick chose to leave the school and Seattle partly to protect the guy he loved and partly because he was convinced that Alex agreed with them. Particularly after Alex's angry "You're like a drug and I'm addicted."
Now its ten years later and Nick has turned his life around. Nick's a successful corporate raider and he's come back to Seattle to even some scores, maybe do some raiding, and maybe even gain some revenge. Perhaps starting with his dad's company and their young corporate attorney, his old boyfriend, newly engaged Alex.
I loved this story, once I was finally able to get into it. The story started with a prologue that annoyed me in that it needlessly joined the story already in progress. The confusion at the beginning was off-putting and really unnecessary.
Also both main characters were people that I could care about by the end of the story but they weren't presented as sympathetically as they might have been at the outset.
One reviewer criticized this story for concentrating on the business aspects of the story too much. This is not just a series of sex scenes stitched together with an excuse for a plot as one finds in so much m/m fiction. The business details are there, they're fully integral to the story-line, well researched, and not really all that difficult to understand.
One small niggle in that regard... The first time that the Annual (Stockholder's) General Meeting is mentioned, it's abbreviated. Even with my experience, (30 years working in finance) I didn't recognize it from just the AGM acronym, (probably because I've always heard them called Annual Stockholder's Meetings)
But back to the good stuff...Although neither guy really qualifies as straight in my book this may the closest I've ever come to reading a really well thought out, well integrated "gay for You" story-line. I especially like the part where Alex's sister questions his conviction that he's straight. You're not gay. You were just being a really good friend.
By all means, do check this one out. And don't let talk of "too much business" put you off. This may not be the steamy read that that reviewer was looking for. Just a great tale of two boyhood friends that find each other again when they're older and may just be better able to handle the volatile combination that they make as a couple.
Note: I was given this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the GoodReads M/M Romance Group's "Don't Buy My Love" arrangement.
Ten years ago Nick Colton, the eponymous "Poor Little Rich Boy", and his boyfriend Alex Diaz weren't good for each other. Alex was the son of the Coltons' housekeeper and Alex's Hispanic parents were sure that Alex's homosexuality was only because of Nick's influence on their little boy.
Blake Colton, Nick's dad kind of believed that as well and when the boys are arrested after a particularly stupid college prank, Blake issues his son Nick an ultimatum. Only one of the boys can stay in that school. Either Nick leaves school and leaves Alex behind or he'll not intercede and Alex will lose his scholarship.
Nick chose to leave the school and Seattle partly to protect the guy he loved and partly because he was convinced that Alex agreed with them. Particularly after Alex's angry "You're like a drug and I'm addicted."
Now its ten years later and Nick has turned his life around. Nick's a successful corporate raider and he's come back to Seattle to even some scores, maybe do some raiding, and maybe even gain some revenge. Perhaps starting with his dad's company and their young corporate attorney, his old boyfriend, newly engaged Alex.
I loved this story, once I was finally able to get into it. The story started with a prologue that annoyed me in that it needlessly joined the story already in progress. The confusion at the beginning was off-putting and really unnecessary.
Also both main characters were people that I could care about by the end of the story but they weren't presented as sympathetically as they might have been at the outset.
One reviewer criticized this story for concentrating on the business aspects of the story too much. This is not just a series of sex scenes stitched together with an excuse for a plot as one finds in so much m/m fiction. The business details are there, they're fully integral to the story-line, well researched, and not really all that difficult to understand.
One small niggle in that regard... The first time that the Annual (Stockholder's) General Meeting is mentioned, it's abbreviated. Even with my experience, (30 years working in finance) I didn't recognize it from just the AGM acronym, (probably because I've always heard them called Annual Stockholder's Meetings)
But back to the good stuff...Although neither guy really qualifies as straight in my book this may the closest I've ever come to reading a really well thought out, well integrated "gay for You" story-line. I especially like the part where Alex's sister questions his conviction that he's straight. You're not gay. You were just being a really good friend.
By all means, do check this one out. And don't let talk of "too much business" put you off. This may not be the steamy read that that reviewer was looking for. Just a great tale of two boyhood friends that find each other again when they're older and may just be better able to handle the volatile combination that they make as a couple.
Note: I was given this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the GoodReads M/M Romance Group's "Don't Buy My Love" arrangement.
October 15, 2015
I enjoy reading this author for the great characters she dishes up— complex people with complex issues. I also like characters who are not easy to like, people who have their personal agendas and don’t care what others think… And rich, spoiled Nick Colton fits that bill very well. Then, the game becomes, how will you make me empathize with them?
Poor little rich boy, Nick. As a teenager, he was spoiled, self-centered, arrogant, had a real issue with authority figures. But he fell in love with his BFF Alejandro/Alex. They meant the world to each other, and their young friendship developed beyond just friends. When Nick leaves home— runs away, really— because of a misunderstanding, you expect when he returns, ten years later, that he will have grown and matured. But he’s the same guy, just ten years older.
Even at fifty percent in, I found it difficult to warm up to Nick. I'm not sure the third person narrative helped much. It read as cold and distant and kept these characters at arm’s length. And we never find out what happened to Nick in the decade he was away from home and Alex. We never learn just how he became the self-made millionaire (with some help of a trust fund), seemingly all on his own. What kept him away from his soulmate for ten long years? The issue becomes: why should we care? What is it about Nick that makes him compelling? Even Alex is hard to get a grasp on. He remains wimpy and lackluster throughout the story. He’s a follower, a pleaser; he wants to fit in and make the least wave possible. He’s a corporate lawyer— not his dream job— and is engaged to a young woman who bares a resemblance to Nick. Alex’s redeeming features are his intelligence and physical attractiveness. Other than that, he’s a lump.
Except when Nick returns. Alex does come to life then. And does some life assessment.
The author attempts to shade these characters: Nick’s squashed down loneliness, Alex’s sexual confusion. These issues hold both these guys hostage. And it seems that it takes the two of them, together, to sort it all out. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really jell. Why did they allow ten years to pass without trying to get back together? It doesn’t make sense.
In the end, I kept reading to see how this talented author was going to make it all work out. What kept my interest was the shady dynamic between Nick and Alex. They definitely still have a connection, but it’s so much messier now. And yet, there’s not enough tension before the happy resolution. That was a little too easy.
I’ll read anything by this author. Unfortunately, this piece isn’t one of my favorites.
October 5, 2024
Things are strained between Nick and Alex for most of the book, but it didn’t bother me since we know what they really mean to each other. Sherwood does a great job of creating believable conflict and, unlike some other reviewers, I found Nick to be very sympathetic. I was sad for him, not angry. These characters feel like real people with real world problems. This is my favorite kind of romance, where there’s so much going on in addition to the relationship stuff. Very enjoyable.
July 12, 2014
3.5 stars - quite an original plot with lovers reunited after many years. One is the son who's been absent for ten years. The other has stayed close to his family and is actually his father's lawyer. There is mistrust, family illness, corporate wheeling and dealing and of course, a love story.
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August 1, 2013Great price drop to $0.99 at Amazon US! 8/1/13!
September 6, 2012
3.5 stars.
Reunited lovers is a favorite trope of mine. In Poor Little Rich Boy by Kate Sherwood, we have Nick Colton as the spoiled rich brat bent on a path of destruction. Now Nick has always loved the housekeeper’s son, Alex Diaz, but circumstances pull them apart and ten years later, Nick is back in town to help his little sister, or is he just back for revenge?
I’ve always enjoyed Kate Sherwood’s writing and this novel has a great plot with old lovers coming together again. But unfortunately, unlike Jack from More Than Chemistry whose jerk-ish ways were redeemable by the end of that book, Nick in Poor Little Rich Boy gets no free pass in my eyes. He’s brash, selfish, self-absorbed and just an all-around ass to everyone in the novel except his ex-lover Alex, and sometimes he’s even a jerk to the one guy who loves him unconditionally. I wanted to like Nick and tried really hard, but by the end of the book, I just couldn’t buy into his turn-around as the nice, misunderstood love interest. I think Nick’s redemption came too late for this reader.
The other characters were wonderful and as usual Ms. Sherwood’s love scenes were spicy and expanded the plot between the two protagonists. For a self-published book, there were minimal grammatical errors.
I wish I could give Poor Little Rich Boy a higher rating, but Nick’s characterization and lack of actual back-story between Alex and Nick to show me why they loved each other in the past, and why Alex should forgive Nick for his actions, dragged my review down. And although this particular book didn’t hit all my buttons, I will still be reading the author’s next novel as I normally find her work enjoyable and well-written.
Dark Divas Reviews
Reunited lovers is a favorite trope of mine. In Poor Little Rich Boy by Kate Sherwood, we have Nick Colton as the spoiled rich brat bent on a path of destruction. Now Nick has always loved the housekeeper’s son, Alex Diaz, but circumstances pull them apart and ten years later, Nick is back in town to help his little sister, or is he just back for revenge?
I’ve always enjoyed Kate Sherwood’s writing and this novel has a great plot with old lovers coming together again. But unfortunately, unlike Jack from More Than Chemistry whose jerk-ish ways were redeemable by the end of that book, Nick in Poor Little Rich Boy gets no free pass in my eyes. He’s brash, selfish, self-absorbed and just an all-around ass to everyone in the novel except his ex-lover Alex, and sometimes he’s even a jerk to the one guy who loves him unconditionally. I wanted to like Nick and tried really hard, but by the end of the book, I just couldn’t buy into his turn-around as the nice, misunderstood love interest. I think Nick’s redemption came too late for this reader.
The other characters were wonderful and as usual Ms. Sherwood’s love scenes were spicy and expanded the plot between the two protagonists. For a self-published book, there were minimal grammatical errors.
I wish I could give Poor Little Rich Boy a higher rating, but Nick’s characterization and lack of actual back-story between Alex and Nick to show me why they loved each other in the past, and why Alex should forgive Nick for his actions, dragged my review down. And although this particular book didn’t hit all my buttons, I will still be reading the author’s next novel as I normally find her work enjoyable and well-written.
Dark Divas Reviews
February 25, 2014
I really enjoyed this love story, even though most of the time I was upset with one or another of the MCs. Nick, spoiled, stubborn, bent on revenge and on an emotional power trip to bring down his father's business. Alex, clueless, gay then straight then gay again. Also an attorney for Nick's father's business even though he really wants to work more closely in defense of clients who need him. Get the picture? Alex is wishy-washy and just floats along through life doing what others expect him to do.
Despite all that, when the two are reunited, sparks fly and ultimately the flames of desire become strong enough for the two men to finally settle the issue the drove them apart ten years ago. As a bonus, Nick's softer side comes out and we learn more of what he's really like and how much he really wants to be wanted by his father. And Alex, finally pulls up his big boy panties and does what he needs to do for himself, including a breakup with his fiancé and telling his parents the truth about his sexuality.
Kate Sherwood is becoming one of my favorite authors. I do recommend this one to my GR friends, especially those who like some angst in their stories.
Despite all that, when the two are reunited, sparks fly and ultimately the flames of desire become strong enough for the two men to finally settle the issue the drove them apart ten years ago. As a bonus, Nick's softer side comes out and we learn more of what he's really like and how much he really wants to be wanted by his father. And Alex, finally pulls up his big boy panties and does what he needs to do for himself, including a breakup with his fiancé and telling his parents the truth about his sexuality.
Kate Sherwood is becoming one of my favorite authors. I do recommend this one to my GR friends, especially those who like some angst in their stories.
September 8, 2012
I grabbed this from Smashwords as soon as it was released, I couldn't wait to read it and Kate Sherwood never disappoints. She fills her books with wonderful characters full of emotions and this book has them all, love, hate, hope, despair, apathy and joy. When a college prank goes wrong Nick leaves his life and Alex behind, returning 10 years later, now successful, to try and save the life of his young half sister, born during his absence. He's full of plans to settle old scores but what he doesn't count on is Alex. A wonderful story I just couldn't put down.
September 1, 2014
2.5 stars.
This is my second Kate Sherwood book and I can honestly say her and I might not be good for each other. I felt this lacking, in passion and romance. I think she devoted to much time to the business that was presented in this book. Who cares about take overs! Not I, I really would have liked to see what Nick spent those ten years away from home doing.
This is my second Kate Sherwood book and I can honestly say her and I might not be good for each other. I felt this lacking, in passion and romance. I think she devoted to much time to the business that was presented in this book. Who cares about take overs! Not I, I really would have liked to see what Nick spent those ten years away from home doing.
January 31, 2020
This came close to a solid four stars because of the pellucid and nuanced writing (the dialogues in particular shine); the strong agency of the plotting, what with Nick having been always one step ahead of both his old flame, corporate lawyer Alex, and his ruthless tycoon of a father Blake in his financial revenge against the latter; the smooth pacing in which contrivances were kept to a minimum (I was nonplussed by the medical urgency provided by Nick's half sister, and the one step two steps dance Alex and Blake engage over Nick's playing bone marrow donor when it comes to the surgical process, since the estranged son oh so conveniently happens to be both terrified of anaesthesias and someone who has difficulty bouncing back to consciousness after this procedure, felt to me rather weak and fabricated); and the usually effortless character portrayal which even the sometimes shallow dual POV execution could not stifle. Indeed latina Rosa and American Greek Helena make for a wonderful yet nuanced and very dissimilar pair of senior mother figures; reticent, proud toy magnate Blake is a formidable yet complex and ultimately touching figure; Nick never comes across as a cardboard financial wunderkid with a chip on his shoulder, and not only because he has his heart and soul in all the right places, despite his biting tongue and stiff neck; even the ill child has a lovingly delineated temper of her own. On the other hand, not everything between those covers was up to my standards. For one, that the rekindling of the romance between both leads did not work for me is the most glaring consequence of the poor figure cut by Alejandro "Alex" both as beta male, love interest and family enabler; not only does he come across as a cypher, bland to the point of insipidity, which had me very perplexed at what Nick ever finds in him to finally cost the wayward son his revenge and thaw his frozen heart, Alex perilously comes tantamount to being a tool whose personality evolves according to the needs of the plot instead of a character undergoing internal change, and never really gets fleshed out as the story progresses. For a lawyer, he sounds much too naïve and intellectually unsophisticated; by Jove, he needs his foul-mouthed, harridan of a sister (the second preposterously drawn character there is; she did not need to be a professional counselor for her role to work, quite the opposite actually) to face the music and admit at long last that his model girlfriend (the third cheesy deuteragonist, his father being the final one) is the female doppelgänger of Nick meant to shield him from the shame of being a gay Latino from a conservative background and to enable Alex to make do with the promise of a future family without having much dating and sex, if at all. This single plot contrivance almost had me DNF the book. Another powerful objection the story falls prey to has to do with the utter, nay: uncouth, lack of verisimilitude in the most basic postulates of the plot: that Nick could elope for 10+ years only sending one postcard a year at Christmas with a sending address on it without neither Blake nor Alex ever contacting him or looking for him until the need for his marrow arose, through I shall add muddled genetic grounds (Helena and Nick's mothers were cousins from the same Greek village), strains credibility too far; yet more incredible is the transformation of Nick, without him having ever gone to college, from rich slacker into a hugely competent corporate raider worth hundreds of millions (he spends 70 millions of his own without batting an eye to save his father from the brink of insolvency after Blake, out of sheer vainglory, had dug up his own grave while trying to beat Nick at his own game). Finally, I felt it was undue manipulation of the reader by the writer to strong-arm us into thinking of Nick as rotten and ungrateful, while both Alex and Blake never receive any significant blame and are left off the hook when the book ends without feeling much, if at all, in the way of actual, sincere contrition for their botched actions; Mrs Sherwood was cold enough to have Alex's father and Helena even talk of Nick as wounding his father deeply by his absence while said man thinks of the lad as his "beloved son" (!). This detracted quite a lot from my appreciation. On the whole, therefore, a competent, engaging, and thoroughly entertaining read, but hardly more than that. A pity, really, given Mrs Sherwood's literary chops and impeccable credentials as a romance writer.
January 21, 2021
Learning to care for others is a hard lesson to learn when you're a spoiled little rich boy. Nick has grown up spoiled and rich and when his reckless behaviour in college threatens to bring down his best friend Alex his father finally tries some tough love and refuses to bail him out of trouble this time. Alex needs some space and breaks off with Nick. In a petulant rage Nick disappears for the next ten years, now he's back being asked to donate bone marrow for his half sister. Nick still has a major chip on his shoulder when it comes to his father and does his best to destroy him and his business. It's up to Alex to find out what Nick is up to and to find his more human side as well as his own to bring the Colton family back together and find the happiness he lost when Nick left. A very good read.
January 22, 2017
3,5 stars
This book deserves a better blurb, I think. It's much more than a"Poor little rich boy"story.
This book deserves a better blurb, I think. It's much more than a"Poor little rich boy"story.
August 17, 2014
I received a copy of this book via Goodreads’ Don’t Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.
Alex Diaz and Nick Colton were childhood best friends turned lovers. Nick’s Father, Blake, was a wealthy—but absent—parent and his mother killed herself when he was young, so he latched onto his housekeeper, Rosa, and her eldest son, Alex. Their time together was alive and active, and TROUBLE. So much so that a college bender nearly puts Alex off his scholarship—unless Nick leaves the university. Both families think that the boys are a combustible combo, and Rosa even convinces Alex to break it off with Nick. Nick is shattered—and runs far and long.
Ten year later, Nick is called back to Seattle to (perhaps) donate bone marrow to his half-sister Anna. In his absence Blake has remarried and had two children, and Alex has complete college, law school and become engaged—to a woman.
Nick hasn’t squandered his time away. He may not have any fancy degrees, but he’s become a corporate raider under the tutelage of a venture capitalist, and his sights are set—on Blake’s company. What he didn’t plan for? His feelings for Alex. Sure, he could cut his father down—they had little relationship to lose, after all. But Alex was like air to him in their childhood…how could he deny himself? Or, his feelings for Nick by being with a woman?
Okay, so this book is a bit PRETTY WOMAN—with Alex being a corporate attorney caught between the warring Coltons. As it turns out, Alex is a close match as a marrow donor for his young sister, a girl he had never met. And he goes through with the donation, despite his own personal fears regarding surgery and hospitals—from years of watching his mother’s depression and eventual demise. His new step-mother is feisty woman, one who demands Nick find a better perspective on the past ten years; in some ways he does.
Meanwhile Alex feels the familiar pangs he experienced with Nick all those years ago. Can he live the way he’s tried all these years—as a hetero man, raising kids with a woman he sees as a “good match,” but not a soul mate?
It’s an interesting M/M contemporary romance. Both men have their hurdles—Nick has to let go of his abandonment issues, and Alex has to decide if his future will be in the role cast for him by his family, or in the truth of his own desire. There are a few smexytimes, but they take a backseat in this plot.
I started this book at 1am, and finished it by 4:15….which is an indication of how caught I was in the story. Good stuff, well-written, with characters I liked and an emotionally resonant tale.
Alex Diaz and Nick Colton were childhood best friends turned lovers. Nick’s Father, Blake, was a wealthy—but absent—parent and his mother killed herself when he was young, so he latched onto his housekeeper, Rosa, and her eldest son, Alex. Their time together was alive and active, and TROUBLE. So much so that a college bender nearly puts Alex off his scholarship—unless Nick leaves the university. Both families think that the boys are a combustible combo, and Rosa even convinces Alex to break it off with Nick. Nick is shattered—and runs far and long.
Ten year later, Nick is called back to Seattle to (perhaps) donate bone marrow to his half-sister Anna. In his absence Blake has remarried and had two children, and Alex has complete college, law school and become engaged—to a woman.
Nick hasn’t squandered his time away. He may not have any fancy degrees, but he’s become a corporate raider under the tutelage of a venture capitalist, and his sights are set—on Blake’s company. What he didn’t plan for? His feelings for Alex. Sure, he could cut his father down—they had little relationship to lose, after all. But Alex was like air to him in their childhood…how could he deny himself? Or, his feelings for Nick by being with a woman?
Okay, so this book is a bit PRETTY WOMAN—with Alex being a corporate attorney caught between the warring Coltons. As it turns out, Alex is a close match as a marrow donor for his young sister, a girl he had never met. And he goes through with the donation, despite his own personal fears regarding surgery and hospitals—from years of watching his mother’s depression and eventual demise. His new step-mother is feisty woman, one who demands Nick find a better perspective on the past ten years; in some ways he does.
Meanwhile Alex feels the familiar pangs he experienced with Nick all those years ago. Can he live the way he’s tried all these years—as a hetero man, raising kids with a woman he sees as a “good match,” but not a soul mate?
It’s an interesting M/M contemporary romance. Both men have their hurdles—Nick has to let go of his abandonment issues, and Alex has to decide if his future will be in the role cast for him by his family, or in the truth of his own desire. There are a few smexytimes, but they take a backseat in this plot.
I started this book at 1am, and finished it by 4:15….which is an indication of how caught I was in the story. Good stuff, well-written, with characters I liked and an emotionally resonant tale.
August 19, 2014
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Nick Colton leaves home after his boyfriend Alex asks for some tome apart and his own father Blake kind of rejects helping him in the situation he gets himself and Alex in. 10 years later he comes back.home to give his half sister a bone marrow transplant and to do.business (corporate takeovers I guess you can say?). Nick family situation is bit rough and his relationship with Alex a bit strained.
I was a bit vexed with the whole book but at the same time I was very invested in finishing it because it was just too good too put down. This book really did a number on me. It frustrated me and kind of shredding up my heart with how Nick was being treated and just his family life. Blake treatment of his own son and the way he treated Alex just made me hate him. I felt he was meddling where he had no right to meddle. Him pushing Alex to lead his life a certain way horrified me. The fact that he let his pride overtake him and didn't care a
wink for Nick after the bone marrow transplant and then outbidding him to drive up the price for the land just made him deplorable. I hated his guts for it and I was actually glad that Nick had escaped his clutches when he was younger. I could really feel Nick's pain and anguish and it just had me a bit of a wreck to kind of see that he didn't really have people that should have been there for him.
Alex was really too passive a character for me to like and I wished he took a stand and tried harder with Nick, Blake and himself. I really didn't like how he didn't seem to want to rock the boat. He didn't really stand up for himself when it came to breaking up with his fiancee, or when he saw Blake was really out to make Nick bleed or well anything concerning Nick.The whole thing with Nick saving the company really rankled me. I thought that that was a situation Blake should have handled seeing as he was the one who had dug himself into that mess. I thought the least decent thing he could have done was have a sit down with Nick and just talk it out and have a touching moment.
I did love Nick for looking after the family that I felt never cared enough for him even if it was Alex who kind of talks him into it and kind of got him in touch with humanity. I know my review sounds a bit negative (er...okay maybe a lot) but it was a really really good story and it was hard to put down. The characters were just behaving so badly that that just stuck with me. There were a lot of things I liked in the book too like Nick's interaction with his stepsister and Alex's mom,how successful and mature (debatable) he became, etc.
August 17, 2014
Kate Sherwood has done it again. She had me going through an emotional rollercoaster the entire story. I didn’t know who I was angry with or pitied. Everyone made bad choices and was hurting. This is not the same level of emotional angst as Dark Horse, but it was enough to make it satisfying.
Basically Nick and Alex were best friends their entire lives, and eventually lovers. Nick is rich, outgoing, carefree and reckless. Alex’s parents are domestic helpers to Nick’s family. He is reserved, cares for everyone and thinks before he acts. The book begins with Nick’s father bailing him out of jail. Nick and Alex are in college at this time and they were arrest after a night of heavy drinking. Nick’s father doesn’t know what to do with Nick at this point. He is getting out of control and nothing seems to be making him grow up. Due to their wild night, Alex’s scholarship is in jeopardy and Nick’s father cuts a deal with the dean that leaves Nick high and dry.
Nick can take a lot from his father as long as he has Alex, but after letting his parents down and getting arrested, Alex tells Nick that he is not good for him and that they shouldn’t be together any more. Now Nick has absolutely nothing and he leaves everything he know. Ten years later he is back to save a half sister he’s never met.
Nick might seem like a spoilt little rich boy, but he does have a good heart. He left hurting over rejected love from both Alex and his father. He felt he would never be good enough in their eyes. When he comes back he is excited to show them just have far he’s got, but no matter how much his plan succeeds, he can’t be happy. Alex has missed Nick a lot since he’s left. He doesn’t understand why Nick has kept himself away from the family for so long or why he would hate them so much.
The ending was a little rushed for my taste. Everything was wrapped up very quick. Hopefully there will be a second book because I would love to see how these two are doing. If you are a fan of Kate Sherwood, then you should enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Basically Nick and Alex were best friends their entire lives, and eventually lovers. Nick is rich, outgoing, carefree and reckless. Alex’s parents are domestic helpers to Nick’s family. He is reserved, cares for everyone and thinks before he acts. The book begins with Nick’s father bailing him out of jail. Nick and Alex are in college at this time and they were arrest after a night of heavy drinking. Nick’s father doesn’t know what to do with Nick at this point. He is getting out of control and nothing seems to be making him grow up. Due to their wild night, Alex’s scholarship is in jeopardy and Nick’s father cuts a deal with the dean that leaves Nick high and dry.
Nick can take a lot from his father as long as he has Alex, but after letting his parents down and getting arrested, Alex tells Nick that he is not good for him and that they shouldn’t be together any more. Now Nick has absolutely nothing and he leaves everything he know. Ten years later he is back to save a half sister he’s never met.
Nick might seem like a spoilt little rich boy, but he does have a good heart. He left hurting over rejected love from both Alex and his father. He felt he would never be good enough in their eyes. When he comes back he is excited to show them just have far he’s got, but no matter how much his plan succeeds, he can’t be happy. Alex has missed Nick a lot since he’s left. He doesn’t understand why Nick has kept himself away from the family for so long or why he would hate them so much.
The ending was a little rushed for my taste. Everything was wrapped up very quick. Hopefully there will be a second book because I would love to see how these two are doing. If you are a fan of Kate Sherwood, then you should enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
August 20, 2014
(This story was provided free in return for an honest review via the Goodreads Don't Buy My Love review program.)
While the story was excellently written, it was also a bit predictable. Loose cannon, Nick, drags his house-keeper's son and best friend, Alex, along on one wild ride after another. Finally getting arrested forces Nick's father, Blake, to make the decision to separate the boys, requiring Nick to drop out of college in order for Alex to continue. Nick attempts to find comfort in Alex who repeats the words of his mother - that Nick is bad for him, hurting him, and that they should be apart. Nick's righteous anger has him taking off and not returning for ten years.
What brings him back is two-fold. One he may be a donor match for a half-sister he never met, and two, to take over his father's toy company. But once Nick sees Alex again, he's done for, as is Alex for Nick. But how to forget all those years between them, the guilt, the anger, is there room for forgiveness?
The story is told is alternating viewpoints of Alex and Nick, though Nick is heavily favored. Alex is most often used in scenes not including Nick, but relevant to moving the story along.
Both characters are well-constructed, the dialogue moves freely. Secondary characters are appealing, especially Alex's sister and confidante Jani, and Nick's step-mother, Helena.
I liked how the story played out and Jani's comment about "Waking Sleep Beauty," was spot on. Author's poignant use of "they never asked me to come home" was the turning point of my dislike for Nick. Made me understand him just a little bit better.
I've enjoyed other stories by Ms. Sherwood. Although this wasn't my favorite, I did enjoy it immensely.
While the story was excellently written, it was also a bit predictable. Loose cannon, Nick, drags his house-keeper's son and best friend, Alex, along on one wild ride after another. Finally getting arrested forces Nick's father, Blake, to make the decision to separate the boys, requiring Nick to drop out of college in order for Alex to continue. Nick attempts to find comfort in Alex who repeats the words of his mother - that Nick is bad for him, hurting him, and that they should be apart. Nick's righteous anger has him taking off and not returning for ten years.
What brings him back is two-fold. One he may be a donor match for a half-sister he never met, and two, to take over his father's toy company. But once Nick sees Alex again, he's done for, as is Alex for Nick. But how to forget all those years between them, the guilt, the anger, is there room for forgiveness?
The story is told is alternating viewpoints of Alex and Nick, though Nick is heavily favored. Alex is most often used in scenes not including Nick, but relevant to moving the story along.
Both characters are well-constructed, the dialogue moves freely. Secondary characters are appealing, especially Alex's sister and confidante Jani, and Nick's step-mother, Helena.
I liked how the story played out and Jani's comment about "Waking Sleep Beauty," was spot on. Author's poignant use of "they never asked me to come home" was the turning point of my dislike for Nick. Made me understand him just a little bit better.
I've enjoyed other stories by Ms. Sherwood. Although this wasn't my favorite, I did enjoy it immensely.
January 16, 2013
I have rarely had a good time reading Sherwood's books but the blurb caught my attention. Nick and Alex have been best friends all their lives. Nick the son of a rich businessman and Alex the son of their housekeeper. That doesn't stop them being friend or lovers, however when their antics get out of control Alex with the help of his mother, believe they should take time a part. Nick heartbroken leaves Seattle as the one person he thought would always be in his corner has abandoned him. Ten years later and all grown up Nick returns to play games with his father but not necessarily fall for Alex.
The author has a bad habit of writing chunky paragraphs that can leave the reader incredibly bored. It happened again in this book however not as bad as I thought. The characters are nicely developed however leaving gaping holes is always a pet peeve.
Alex has always picked up the slack, took responsibility and wasn't volatile like Nick. Nick felt after the death of his mother his father abandoned him - so he had some serious daddy issues. I didn't find Blake the "evil father" in this book and more Nick being a bit dramatic. If he was so concerned about having a family he could have approached his father. If Nick was able to develop a loving bond with Alex not sure why he couldn't with his father.
I liked the book because it was well written, with interesting characters and detailed emotions which wasn't about the sex. This was about a young boy getting back at his dad (despite being all grown up) but being totally opposite in how he was as a person. It's a simple read but really quite engrossing. I enjoyed it.
The author has a bad habit of writing chunky paragraphs that can leave the reader incredibly bored. It happened again in this book however not as bad as I thought. The characters are nicely developed however leaving gaping holes is always a pet peeve.
Alex has always picked up the slack, took responsibility and wasn't volatile like Nick. Nick felt after the death of his mother his father abandoned him - so he had some serious daddy issues. I didn't find Blake the "evil father" in this book and more Nick being a bit dramatic. If he was so concerned about having a family he could have approached his father. If Nick was able to develop a loving bond with Alex not sure why he couldn't with his father.
I liked the book because it was well written, with interesting characters and detailed emotions which wasn't about the sex. This was about a young boy getting back at his dad (despite being all grown up) but being totally opposite in how he was as a person. It's a simple read but really quite engrossing. I enjoyed it.
May 31, 2016
3-3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Poor little rich boy is the story of Nick and Alex, the rich boy and the housekeepers son, who grew up together and were inseparable, first as friends, later as lovers. In college Nicks recklessness almost causes Alex to loose his scholarship. Nicks father intervenes and saves Alex's future, but only by sacrificing hos own son, Alex sacrifice their relationship for the same cause. Hurt and angry Nick leaves town And doesn't return until a decade later, and this is when our story begins...
I enjoyed the story, but felt a few things were lacking. I would have loved a longer prologue. There are so many things hinted at about the past, but I would have liked more, to truly see and understand this apparently deep love, which was strong enough to last through years of separation, however much neither of them wants to admit to it.
Enjoyable though the story was I had a hard time with the MCs. I sincerely disliked both of them a lot of the time, even though their actions did make sense in the angsty setting, they still annoyed me. I ended up kind of being ok with both of them, but I am still not sure I actually liked them... More epilogue or just another chapter of them reconciling might have gone a long way for me in that regard. The ending came off a little to smooth and rushed.
All in all though an enjoyable read, in spite of the short comings, I very much enjoyed the authors voice and will be looking for more from her.
I received a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Poor little rich boy is the story of Nick and Alex, the rich boy and the housekeepers son, who grew up together and were inseparable, first as friends, later as lovers. In college Nicks recklessness almost causes Alex to loose his scholarship. Nicks father intervenes and saves Alex's future, but only by sacrificing hos own son, Alex sacrifice their relationship for the same cause. Hurt and angry Nick leaves town And doesn't return until a decade later, and this is when our story begins...
I enjoyed the story, but felt a few things were lacking. I would have loved a longer prologue. There are so many things hinted at about the past, but I would have liked more, to truly see and understand this apparently deep love, which was strong enough to last through years of separation, however much neither of them wants to admit to it.
Enjoyable though the story was I had a hard time with the MCs. I sincerely disliked both of them a lot of the time, even though their actions did make sense in the angsty setting, they still annoyed me. I ended up kind of being ok with both of them, but I am still not sure I actually liked them... More epilogue or just another chapter of them reconciling might have gone a long way for me in that regard. The ending came off a little to smooth and rushed.
All in all though an enjoyable read, in spite of the short comings, I very much enjoyed the authors voice and will be looking for more from her.
September 3, 2014
Note: I was given this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the GoodReads M/M Romance Group's "Don't Buy My Love" program.
I, unlike many others, enjoy characters that are easy to dislike. Mainly because if an author has written characters so well that I disliked them, then they've done a great job of bringing a character to life for me. I can honestly say that the only character in this story that I didn't want to smack at least once was Nick's little half sister. But I loved the good mixed with the bad for both Nick and Alex. Even years after Nick left, he's still a spoiled brat, and Alex is still week. But... but we get to see that they both have another side to them. It made them more real.
As for the story itself, it was very engaging. It took a little while, but once I was sunk into the story I couldn't stop and stayed up all night reading. The business aspect and the well thought out (sneaky) plan was interesting and made this a full story instead of just another simple romance.
So why wasn't this a five star read for me? There were parts of the story that felt a bit cliche, and it really needed either more beginning - so we could see the bond between the MC's instead of just reading how in love they'd been when they were young - or more resolution at the end where we could see a bond and their trust reforming.
I, unlike many others, enjoy characters that are easy to dislike. Mainly because if an author has written characters so well that I disliked them, then they've done a great job of bringing a character to life for me. I can honestly say that the only character in this story that I didn't want to smack at least once was Nick's little half sister. But I loved the good mixed with the bad for both Nick and Alex. Even years after Nick left, he's still a spoiled brat, and Alex is still week. But... but we get to see that they both have another side to them. It made them more real.
As for the story itself, it was very engaging. It took a little while, but once I was sunk into the story I couldn't stop and stayed up all night reading. The business aspect and the well thought out (sneaky) plan was interesting and made this a full story instead of just another simple romance.
So why wasn't this a five star read for me? There were parts of the story that felt a bit cliche, and it really needed either more beginning - so we could see the bond between the MC's instead of just reading how in love they'd been when they were young - or more resolution at the end where we could see a bond and their trust reforming.
August 20, 2014
I received this book for free as part of the DBML-program in return for an honest review.
I love Kate Sherwood’s writing so much I am amazed there are so many of her books I haven’t read, including this one that I assumed to be a new release, but is actually been out since 2012. Might be the blurb, might be the title, or might be my ADD kicking in and getting distracted with the next shiny thing to read (or more likely download and never look at again).
Anyway I’m rambling while I’m trying to find words of what this book did to me. The plot an sich isn’t the thing that makes the story great. It’s a story about revenge, old love that has never faded, family.
Poor Little Rich boy, is as the other stories I’ve read from her, primarily character driven. It are the depth of the characters that do it for me, the amount of emotion (real, true emotion) felt by real three dimensional people that undergo change in a way that feels natural. She has a way of writing that really touches me, and that never fails to make me cry.
A shiny five star rating for this one, and the solid intention to start reading Kate’s other books as well.
I love Kate Sherwood’s writing so much I am amazed there are so many of her books I haven’t read, including this one that I assumed to be a new release, but is actually been out since 2012. Might be the blurb, might be the title, or might be my ADD kicking in and getting distracted with the next shiny thing to read (or more likely download and never look at again).
Anyway I’m rambling while I’m trying to find words of what this book did to me. The plot an sich isn’t the thing that makes the story great. It’s a story about revenge, old love that has never faded, family.
Poor Little Rich boy, is as the other stories I’ve read from her, primarily character driven. It are the depth of the characters that do it for me, the amount of emotion (real, true emotion) felt by real three dimensional people that undergo change in a way that feels natural. She has a way of writing that really touches me, and that never fails to make me cry.
A shiny five star rating for this one, and the solid intention to start reading Kate’s other books as well.
August 25, 2014
I really enjoyed this story, even though most of time I just wanted to knock Nick and Alex's heads together to make them see sense. Alex and Nick were lovers in their teens, but due to some incidents and familial pressure they broke up. Alex basically put his life on hold, not really living while he completed school and became a lawyer. Nick fled when Alex broke up with him and traveled and became a successful businessman. He comes home due to his sister's poor health and also to take over the family business from his father. Things don't go quite as planned. :)
September 17, 2012
Nick is an irredeemable asshat. I don't mind the asshole-turned-decent-guy trope but Nick showed little sign of actual growth here, despite ending up with the man of his dreams.
Other than that, this was a good read and, if you ignore the desire to punch Nick in the mouth every time he appears, give it a go.
Other than that, this was a good read and, if you ignore the desire to punch Nick in the mouth every time he appears, give it a go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2016
3.5 stars
This is an emotional roller coaster through out the story. I didn’t know who I was angry with or just wanted to smack. Everyone made bad choices and was doing the "poor pitiful me" thing.
Nick is a spoiled brat, Alex is a fix everyone kinda person. The love young, fight and split up then come back years later to see if it's fixable.
This is an emotional roller coaster through out the story. I didn’t know who I was angry with or just wanted to smack. Everyone made bad choices and was doing the "poor pitiful me" thing.
Nick is a spoiled brat, Alex is a fix everyone kinda person. The love young, fight and split up then come back years later to see if it's fixable.
August 20, 2013
Not exactly a romance book
Less M-M romantic interaction. Most of the story went into detail about how to make the stock prices go up and down or buy and sell them if you interested in bringing down a company. More technical job oriented details.
Less M-M romantic interaction. Most of the story went into detail about how to make the stock prices go up and down or buy and sell them if you interested in bringing down a company. More technical job oriented details.
December 4, 2016
I loved this! it would have been 5 stars if not for the ending. I mean, there was more to the story. The ending was rushed. Nick is so jaded, lonely and insecure that I felt how easily things worked out was a little unrealistic.
and I dislike his father. A lot.
and I dislike his father. A lot.
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