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Romancelandia #1
Too Stupid to Live
Sam’s a new man. Yes, he’s still too tall, too skinny, too dorky, too gay, and has that unfortunate addiction to romance novels, but he’s wised up. His One True Love is certainly still out there, but he knows now that real life is nothing like fiction. He’s cultivated the necessary fortitude to say “no” to the next Mr. Wrong, no matter how hot, exciting, and/or erotic-novel-worthy he may be.
Until he meets Ian.
Ian’s a new man. He’s pain-free, has escaped the job he hated and the family who stifled him, and is now—possibly—ready to dip his toe into the sea of relationships. He’s going to be cautious, though, maybe start with someone who knows the score and isn’t looking for anything too complicated. Someone with experience and simple needs that largely revolve around the bedroom.
Until he meets Sam.
Sam’s convinced that Ian is no one’s Mr. Right. Ian’s sure that Sam isn’t his type. They can’t both be wrong...can they?
Until he meets Ian.
Ian’s a new man. He’s pain-free, has escaped the job he hated and the family who stifled him, and is now—possibly—ready to dip his toe into the sea of relationships. He’s going to be cautious, though, maybe start with someone who knows the score and isn’t looking for anything too complicated. Someone with experience and simple needs that largely revolve around the bedroom.
Until he meets Sam.
Sam’s convinced that Ian is no one’s Mr. Right. Ian’s sure that Sam isn’t his type. They can’t both be wrong...can they?
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2013
33 people are currently reading
2031 people want to read
About the author
Anne Tenino
22 books669 followersCatalyzed by her discovery of LGBTQ romance, Anne Tenino left the lucrative fields of art history, non-profit fundraising, and domestic engineering (in that order) to follow her dream of become a starving romance author. For good or ill, her snarky, silly, quasi-British sense of humor came along for the ride.
Anne applies her particular blend of romance, comedy, and gay protagonists to contemporary, scifi, and paranormal tales. Her works have won many awards; her novel, Frat Boy and Toppy, is frequently referred to as a gay romance classic; she’s been featured in RT Book Reviews magazine; she holds the position of VP of Programming at her local RWA chapter; and she’s achieved bestseller status on Amazon’s gay romance list.
Born and raised in Oregon, Anne now lives in Portland with her family, who have all taken a sacred oath never to read her books. When not crocheting genitalia, growing tomatoes, driving teenagers around, or cooking something obscure, she can be found at her computer, procrastinating. Possibly while also lying on the couch, eating bon-bons.
Check out what Anne’s up to now by visiting her site. http://annetenino.com
Links:
Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
Riptide:
http://www.riptidepublishing.com/auth...
Chicks & Dicks:
http://chicksndicks.blogspot.com
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/AnneTenino
Goodreads profile:
http://www.goodreads.com/annetenino
Anne applies her particular blend of romance, comedy, and gay protagonists to contemporary, scifi, and paranormal tales. Her works have won many awards; her novel, Frat Boy and Toppy, is frequently referred to as a gay romance classic; she’s been featured in RT Book Reviews magazine; she holds the position of VP of Programming at her local RWA chapter; and she’s achieved bestseller status on Amazon’s gay romance list.
Born and raised in Oregon, Anne now lives in Portland with her family, who have all taken a sacred oath never to read her books. When not crocheting genitalia, growing tomatoes, driving teenagers around, or cooking something obscure, she can be found at her computer, procrastinating. Possibly while also lying on the couch, eating bon-bons.
Check out what Anne’s up to now by visiting her site. http://annetenino.com
Links:
Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
Riptide:
http://www.riptidepublishing.com/auth...
Chicks & Dicks:
http://chicksndicks.blogspot.com
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/AnneTenino
Goodreads profile:
http://www.goodreads.com/annetenino
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 524 reviews
June 22, 2017
I loved EVERYTHING about this book: cute, gangly Sam; swoonworthy, troubled Ian; snarky, adorable Nik; funny, interesting Jurgen; Miles; Dalton; Andy; Janet and Detective Johnson, too!
The story had me hooked from the first sentence to the very last. I cried, I laughed, I giggled, and I fell in love with Ian and Sam, head over heels, completely submerged deep into it.
There is nothing I felt lacking (there were only one misplaced and one missing comma and a few missing periods), there was the perfectly detailed romance development that I am always begging for, the characters were multi-layered (I especially loved Ian's sessions with Janet, his therapist), and the dialogues and Sam's monologues just had me laughing so hard, I forgot my own troubles for the duration of the reading.
I am now going to look up and then buy more of the author's books. And I am busy knocking myself over the head for overlooking this book for so long on my device.
If any of you, my friends, has this on your TBR, trust me, you'll NEVER regret reading it sooner than you planned. I canNOT believe I thought it wouldn't be my type of book. It was and then some!
In love with Sam and Ian. My new favourite book couple, and Ian is my new book boyfriend!
March 30, 2017
I desperately needed some sweet fluff in my life and this story really hit the spot leaving me doing a happy sigh...
Sam... Sam describes himself as an unattractive, tall, gangly, too skinny, romance novel loving nerd who is waiting for his prince/future husband to sweep him off his feet. He has a lot of insecurities about his body. He has an awful ex who body shamed him which has only made his insecurities much worse.
Ian... Well Ian is that macho type who is a bit emotionally stunted but is working on it with his therapist. He wants to connect emotionally with someone instead of being the hit it and quit it guy he has been. He's left his old life back in California with his unsupportive father and is done denying his sexuality and is ready for a new life and a new start.
Ian and Sam's first meeting doesn't go so well. Sam literally gets swept off his feet and is in instant swoon with Ian, claiming him there as his future husband. But when Ian says those awful four words; Your not my type, Sam's dream of his real life romance novel coming to life crashes and burns quickly.
It's just us reader's luck that Sam's BFF and Ian's cousin happen to be a couple and are soon thrown into each other's path again when the couple throws a singles mingle party for another friend, Miller. (I need his story!) While Ian's cousin is warning both of them to stay away from each other Nik, Sam's bestie, is doing his best to throw them together. Soon enough these two collide and sparks fly and this is where the beginning of their romance novel love story begins...
These two together....
I lOVED them together. I LOVED the way their relationship developed. It was full of each other's insecurities that each, unknowing, helped the other overcome. Ian always there to reassure Sam that he attractive and wanted by him whenever Sam was having a moment of insecurity about his body. Sam there drawing emotions out of Ian who didn't know he was capable of showing let alone giving. It was such a sweet romance. I loved how Ian literally courted Sam. Taking him on a sweet date. How nervous and vulnerable he was with Sam. It was all so damn swoon worthy. I just really adore these two and loved their story.
I didn't know Nik an Jurgen have their own love story out there. I NEED IT! LOL
Sam... Sam describes himself as an unattractive, tall, gangly, too skinny, romance novel loving nerd who is waiting for his prince/future husband to sweep him off his feet. He has a lot of insecurities about his body. He has an awful ex who body shamed him which has only made his insecurities much worse.
Ian... Well Ian is that macho type who is a bit emotionally stunted but is working on it with his therapist. He wants to connect emotionally with someone instead of being the hit it and quit it guy he has been. He's left his old life back in California with his unsupportive father and is done denying his sexuality and is ready for a new life and a new start.
Ian and Sam's first meeting doesn't go so well. Sam literally gets swept off his feet and is in instant swoon with Ian, claiming him there as his future husband. But when Ian says those awful four words; Your not my type, Sam's dream of his real life romance novel coming to life crashes and burns quickly.
It's just us reader's luck that Sam's BFF and Ian's cousin happen to be a couple and are soon thrown into each other's path again when the couple throws a singles mingle party for another friend, Miller. (I need his story!) While Ian's cousin is warning both of them to stay away from each other Nik, Sam's bestie, is doing his best to throw them together. Soon enough these two collide and sparks fly and this is where the beginning of their romance novel love story begins...
These two together....
I lOVED them together. I LOVED the way their relationship developed. It was full of each other's insecurities that each, unknowing, helped the other overcome. Ian always there to reassure Sam that he attractive and wanted by him whenever Sam was having a moment of insecurity about his body. Sam there drawing emotions out of Ian who didn't know he was capable of showing let alone giving. It was such a sweet romance. I loved how Ian literally courted Sam. Taking him on a sweet date. How nervous and vulnerable he was with Sam. It was all so damn swoon worthy. I just really adore these two and loved their story.
I didn't know Nik an Jurgen have their own love story out there. I NEED IT! LOL
June 9, 2023
Re-read May 2023
This book will always have a special place in my heart.
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4.5 stars
This was wonderful. Sweet, cute, with a tinge of angst and some hurt/comfort to top it off.
Sam is a sweet, awkward, funny guy. He doesn’t think much of himself due to previous experiences, but if he could choose someone to be interested in him, it would be a Highlander from one of his romance novels.
Like this one.
Or this one.
Or this one.
Or perhaps this one.
When he literally bumps into Ian, Sam knows he has found his 'highlander'. But when Sam akwardly asks him for coffee, Ian shoots him down and tells Sam he is ‘not his type’. Awful awful Ian.
But Sam and Ian seem to keep bumping in to each other since Ian’s cousin is in a relationship with Sam’s best friend....
I was kind of hesitant towards Ian for the first half of this book. Sam was so adorably cute and Ian never truly appreciated him.
But then Ian changed. He started to acknowledge his feelings for Sam. He finally got how wonderful Sam was and how lucky Ian should feel that Sam wanted him.
”I just… I see you now.”
I have such a soft spot for the asshole who redeems himself throughout the story. And Ian did, he really did. He was awful to Sam at first, but you could just tell he didn't try to be mean. Ian just had a lot of issues.
I loved how Ian told Sam it was just sex and then acted like a boyfriend anyway.
I loved this even more on my re-read. I love it when I forget about a book and they feel totally new when I've read them once, years ago. Definitely a re-read winner.
This book will always have a special place in my heart.
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4.5 stars
This was wonderful. Sweet, cute, with a tinge of angst and some hurt/comfort to top it off.
Sam is a sweet, awkward, funny guy. He doesn’t think much of himself due to previous experiences, but if he could choose someone to be interested in him, it would be a Highlander from one of his romance novels.
Like this one.
Or this one.
Or this one.
Or perhaps this one.
When he literally bumps into Ian, Sam knows he has found his 'highlander'. But when Sam akwardly asks him for coffee, Ian shoots him down and tells Sam he is ‘not his type’. Awful awful Ian.
But Sam and Ian seem to keep bumping in to each other since Ian’s cousin is in a relationship with Sam’s best friend....
I was kind of hesitant towards Ian for the first half of this book. Sam was so adorably cute and Ian never truly appreciated him.
But then Ian changed. He started to acknowledge his feelings for Sam. He finally got how wonderful Sam was and how lucky Ian should feel that Sam wanted him.
”I just… I see you now.”
I have such a soft spot for the asshole who redeems himself throughout the story. And Ian did, he really did. He was awful to Sam at first, but you could just tell he didn't try to be mean. Ian just had a lot of issues.
I loved how Ian told Sam it was just sex and then acted like a boyfriend anyway.
I loved this even more on my re-read. I love it when I forget about a book and they feel totally new when I've read them once, years ago. Definitely a re-read winner.
December 5, 2014
**4.5 stars**
I just adored this fluffy, delicious romance! So sweet, just what I needed.
It was a blast revisiting the men from Whitetail Rock and FINALLY seeing Sam's happy ending. I have been rooting for him ever since I read about his character in Nik's books. I love that Anne Tenino put a geeky, awkward twink in her book. So many m/m books that I read just have two hotties (in the traditional sense) getting it on. There is a whole spectrum of types and I'm glad she explored something new.
And the sex in this one! WOW!! Why don't I solely read erotica again?? This book had some pretty scorching sex scenes. And I'm totally with you Sam on the Scottish Highlander fantasy. A man in a kilt is just... drool.
This book isn't heavy, angsty reading. It is sweet without apologies and just pure romantic fun. If you are looking for something deeper or more serious, look elsewhere. This book was right up my alley.
I just adored this fluffy, delicious romance! So sweet, just what I needed.
It was a blast revisiting the men from Whitetail Rock and FINALLY seeing Sam's happy ending. I have been rooting for him ever since I read about his character in Nik's books. I love that Anne Tenino put a geeky, awkward twink in her book. So many m/m books that I read just have two hotties (in the traditional sense) getting it on. There is a whole spectrum of types and I'm glad she explored something new.
And the sex in this one! WOW!! Why don't I solely read erotica again?? This book had some pretty scorching sex scenes. And I'm totally with you Sam on the Scottish Highlander fantasy. A man in a kilt is just... drool.
This book isn't heavy, angsty reading. It is sweet without apologies and just pure romantic fun. If you are looking for something deeper or more serious, look elsewhere. This book was right up my alley.
July 15, 2014
This one's way fun.
Nice long stretches of a-chuckle-a-page writing; a goodhearted romance; a gay ashton kutcher with a harlequin addiction.
To my mind, Tenino knocked it outta da paaaaaak.
Good stuff!
Nice long stretches of a-chuckle-a-page writing; a goodhearted romance; a gay ashton kutcher with a harlequin addiction.
To my mind, Tenino knocked it outta da paaaaaak.
Good stuff!
February 5, 2013
I’ve been on a roll with books that are FUN and make me SMILE and SWOON.
New-to-me author and a book I knew nothing about, a terrible title, and a meh cover. Here goes…
LOVED IT.
Sam & Ian are FANTASTIC together!
Sam – young, gangly, sweet, unsure of himself, plain joe, reads romance novels (how much do we love him?), suffers from verbal regurgitation, obsessed with the nether-regions (how much do we love him?)
Ian – newly out, gorgeous, buff, man-slut, looking for love if he can figure out what it is, emotionally broken, finds an odd obsession with Sam
There is nothing original about the story line. Very little new about how this plays out. But, I just loved Sam and Ian. The characters ware fantastic and there are very few parts of this entire book that they’re not together…how awesome is that?...reading a story about a couple and they’re almost on every page together!!! Loved it.
Sam is a hoot.
Nik is a fun side character.
Ian Is hot.
And the rest…insignificant…and not entirely memorable.
There are some annoying bit (do you have to call him “kiddo” every single time? And the other pet names have GOT to go.) But, other than that, the book is HOT in a kind of raunchy way (refreshing) and the strong couple allows you to overlook the bumps and just enjoy!
January 30, 2015
4.5 stars
This book was SWEET, and it was FUNNY, such a lovely combination. I was laughing aloud even as I was swooning.
Slightly geeky, gangly, romance-novel-obsessed Sam meets his handsome laird on a rugby field. Too bad Sam's "future husband" wants nothing to do with him. Sam just isn't Ian's type. Ian, a firefighter until an accident left him injured, is a manly man and wants to date guys who are like him. He doesn't go for twink cute, not that Sam's a twink, not really; he's too awkward, tall, and pale.
Fate has other plans though. Ian's cousin and Sam's BFF are a couple, and Sam and Ian are thrown together at a house party, Ian with strict instructions to "not fuck Sam." So of course Ian does; there's something about Sam's tight, little ass he can't resist.
And the rest...is a relationship, one that develops organically, without much drama or fanfare. These are two very real guys trying to come to terms with their own insecurities and feelings for each other. There's a little bit of angst toward the end (or, as Sam would call it, a Big Misunderstanding), but the guys make it through. And we know they will, because they're perfect for each other. Sam learns to trust himself and see that he's attractive and loveable. Ian discovers that he is capable of giving and loving, that he doesn't have to keep everyone at arm's length.
I loved both of these boys and their HEA. I was disappointed to see that there is no sign of the second Romancelandia book, which I want to read right this minute. I'm hoping it will be about Miller and possibly Ian's very closeted friend (who so very obviously is in love with Ian).
Bonus: A hot scene involving playacting and a man in a kilt.
This book was SWEET, and it was FUNNY, such a lovely combination. I was laughing aloud even as I was swooning.
Slightly geeky, gangly, romance-novel-obsessed Sam meets his handsome laird on a rugby field. Too bad Sam's "future husband" wants nothing to do with him. Sam just isn't Ian's type. Ian, a firefighter until an accident left him injured, is a manly man and wants to date guys who are like him. He doesn't go for twink cute, not that Sam's a twink, not really; he's too awkward, tall, and pale.
Fate has other plans though. Ian's cousin and Sam's BFF are a couple, and Sam and Ian are thrown together at a house party, Ian with strict instructions to "not fuck Sam." So of course Ian does; there's something about Sam's tight, little ass he can't resist.
And the rest...is a relationship, one that develops organically, without much drama or fanfare. These are two very real guys trying to come to terms with their own insecurities and feelings for each other. There's a little bit of angst toward the end (or, as Sam would call it, a Big Misunderstanding), but the guys make it through. And we know they will, because they're perfect for each other. Sam learns to trust himself and see that he's attractive and loveable. Ian discovers that he is capable of giving and loving, that he doesn't have to keep everyone at arm's length.
I loved both of these boys and their HEA. I was disappointed to see that there is no sign of the second Romancelandia book, which I want to read right this minute. I'm hoping it will be about Miller and possibly Ian's very closeted friend (who so very obviously is in love with Ian).
Bonus: A hot scene involving playacting and a man in a kilt.
January 15, 2013
It was just okay for me, I did feel as if it was trying too hard and much too clever for its own good. The best part for me was Sam and the kinky kilt fantasy, a dreamy scene, very hot and sexy. I am sure I will be the odd one out again.
July 25, 2020
There was just something about Sam and Ian that I really loved in this book.
Yes, at times they were both definitely 'too stupid to live', but their internal monologues affirming to themselves just what dumbasses they were actually being was very funny and refreshing.
This one had my undivided attention from start to finish, which doesn't happen very often.
Highly recommended, in spite of (or maybe because of) the fact that you just want to smack the crap out of them every 3 or 4 chapters. : )
June 18, 2014
♥♥♥ 4.5 Romancelandia Stars ♥♥♥
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'It isn't true love until someone gets hurt'
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This story was so cute and entertaining. I loved the characters in this book!! It was just plainly awesome.
We have Sam who is pretty darn adorkable. He's tall and skinny, loves to read romance novels, and dreams about finding his very own Highland Laird. I loved this guy so much. He was super sweet, and even though he had his issues about his appearance, I didn't find that he annoyed me. I found him endearing and quite funny. I loved that he had a secret love of romance novels.
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"I wanted to kiss you."
"Why?"
"I want to see you."
"You're looking at me."
"No, I mean I want to see you."
Sam's mouth fell open. Then snapped shut. Then fell open agin."See me?"
"Yeah."
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Then there was Ian, who I will admit, I did not like too much in the beginning because he was such a big jerk. But, as the book continued, we got to see Ian change and become a better person. Then the inevitable happened,
The steam in this book was really great. I loved the whole role playing scene. It was so freaking hot and kinky and I LOVED it!! And at the same time it was SO sweet that I melted. I loved the moments of vulnerability and openness between them. I loved the goofy nicknames between them.
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"I am too, Sam. I'm crazy attracted to you, can't you see that?"
"Well, you think my mouth--"
"All of you. I just...I see you now."
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
This was a great, light, funny, and romantic read. I really enjoyed the secondary characters. Since I just found out the Nik and Jurgen have their own story, I will make sure to check that one out soon. I loved the silliness and the banter. Yes, it may have been a tad bit on the cheesy side, but I didn't care. In fact, that what I totally loved about it. That ending had me grinning so big. I was just so freaking happy. This was my first Anne Tenino book, and I will for sure be reading more from her.
June 21, 2013
Reread on 20th June 2013. Enjoyed it just as much and I was able to pick up on some things I missed out on the first time. I'm sure the scifi romance novel Sam talks about is Games of Command by Linnea Sinclair. One of my all time faves. Great to see it mentioned here.
Original review:
Fun story from the Whitetail Rock 'verse.
Self-confessed TSTL Sam finds the man of his dreams in the conflicted ex-firefighter, Ian, who is only just blundering his way out of the closet.
Sam totally steals the show in this romantic comedy. He is not the most beautiful of 'heroines' but has a big heart and the way the Ian slowly falls under his spell is delicious. Love the quirky title. Often the mention of 'romance novels' in a romance novel feels uncomfortable for me. But the author weaves Sam's interest in Twu Wuv into the story in a funny way that left me feeling I was totally in on the joke. I loved all the inner monologues of both Sam and Ian as they puzzle their way forward.
Excellent sex scenes! Maybe one too many for some readers, but I loved them all. Great to see Nik and Jurgen again. I have reread their short stories so many times. The secondary characters were intriguing. I'm looking forward to reading about the further adventures of Miller, Tierney and Dalton in Romancelandia.
Original review:
Fun story from the Whitetail Rock 'verse.
Self-confessed TSTL Sam finds the man of his dreams in the conflicted ex-firefighter, Ian, who is only just blundering his way out of the closet.
Sam totally steals the show in this romantic comedy. He is not the most beautiful of 'heroines' but has a big heart and the way the Ian slowly falls under his spell is delicious. Love the quirky title. Often the mention of 'romance novels' in a romance novel feels uncomfortable for me. But the author weaves Sam's interest in Twu Wuv into the story in a funny way that left me feeling I was totally in on the joke. I loved all the inner monologues of both Sam and Ian as they puzzle their way forward.
Excellent sex scenes! Maybe one too many for some readers, but I loved them all. Great to see Nik and Jurgen again. I have reread their short stories so many times. The secondary characters were intriguing. I'm looking forward to reading about the further adventures of Miller, Tierney and Dalton in Romancelandia.
January 12, 2018
4.5 stars for Sam the too tall, too skinny, too dorky, too gay, and unfortunate addicted to romance novels and Ian the Macho, manly, stern and Sam's highlander.
The two too stupid to live were adorable and sweet together. They had me engaged from the the beginning.
I was like:
Something about this sudden rainstorm wasn’t right. The wrongness of it settled in Sam’s gut and filled him with anxiety. The weather in romance novels always reflected the plot point. Thunder and lightning? The Too Stupid to Live heroine was about to run out on the rocky cliff in the dark, wearing only her nightdress. Sudden rainstorm on an otherwise nice day? They were about to have a serious, possibly relationship-ending incident.
Then...
Cute.
The word floated in Sam’s brain while he was throwing things together to go to Ian’s. Picking his way through the piles of clothes, books, and whatever that populated his floor. And his furniture. No wonder Ian wanted to go to his place.
Cute.
Ian thought he was cute. No one had ever called him anything like cute before. Not even Nik, who often told him to stop worrying, he was attractive to a certain type of guy.
The two too stupid to live were adorable and sweet together. They had me engaged from the the beginning.
I was like:
Something about this sudden rainstorm wasn’t right. The wrongness of it settled in Sam’s gut and filled him with anxiety. The weather in romance novels always reflected the plot point. Thunder and lightning? The Too Stupid to Live heroine was about to run out on the rocky cliff in the dark, wearing only her nightdress. Sudden rainstorm on an otherwise nice day? They were about to have a serious, possibly relationship-ending incident.
Then...
Cute.
The word floated in Sam’s brain while he was throwing things together to go to Ian’s. Picking his way through the piles of clothes, books, and whatever that populated his floor. And his furniture. No wonder Ian wanted to go to his place.
Cute.
Ian thought he was cute. No one had ever called him anything like cute before. Not even Nik, who often told him to stop worrying, he was attractive to a certain type of guy.
January 25, 2013
~~~
If I told you that Sam is adorable and Ian is hot that wouldn't begin to describe these two MC's. Sam is intelligent, insecure, ridiculously introspective and brave. Ian is huge, built, gorgeous and confused.
I don't know who's head I enjoyed being inside of more; Sam is funnier, but Ian is so messed up about Sam. It's just a wonderful thing to see. I don't want to spoiler anyone, but there is something about watching a big, hunky, hunk of perfection brought to his knees by someone...unexpected.
THE CHARACTERS
Sam - Sam was a dorky, skinny, pale, unmuscled kid who'd tried to hit on a guy so far out of his league that Ian couldn't see Sam due to the curvature of the Earth.
Ian - Oh! My Highlander's been wounded. A scarred man, looking for the one person who can help his heart heal.
THE STORY
Sam is a dreamer living in "Romancelandia", his go to place in his vivid imagination. (He's my kind of guy). The inside of his head makes this book a delight. When he and Ian first meet, it's purely an awkward accident. Yet, Sam romanticizes it. He realizes he'll never get another chance at "more" with his perfect Highlander, so he takes a chance and asks Ian for a date. Unfortunately, it doesn't develop the same way as his fantasy version.
So far from "his type", Ian can't really even see Sam. However, he also can't seem to get Sam out of his head.
Sometimes it really grates at me that sex fixes everything, but in this book it just works. Besides, they do get to the "important" stuff too, eventually.
THE WRITING
The fresh humor, tender moments and adorable fantasy reveries are a delight. For me, there was enough weight added in parts of the "reality" dialog to balance the silliness. In other words, this could have been too sweet, but instead it was rich and comforting.
There is a bit of formulaic predictability, escalating to a hospital scene, but honestly, I wanted it. All of my awww's and ooooh's were genuine.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
~~~
I sincerely thank Netgalley.com, Riptide Publishing and Anne Tenino for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
~~~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
If I told you that Sam is adorable and Ian is hot that wouldn't begin to describe these two MC's. Sam is intelligent, insecure, ridiculously introspective and brave. Ian is huge, built, gorgeous and confused.
I don't know who's head I enjoyed being inside of more; Sam is funnier, but Ian is so messed up about Sam. It's just a wonderful thing to see. I don't want to spoiler anyone, but there is something about watching a big, hunky, hunk of perfection brought to his knees by someone...unexpected.
THE CHARACTERS
What guy wanted to be called cute? Sam, apparently.
Sam - Sam was a dorky, skinny, pale, unmuscled kid who'd tried to hit on a guy so far out of his league that Ian couldn't see Sam due to the curvature of the Earth.
"Like what you see, Sam"?
Ian - Oh! My Highlander's been wounded. A scarred man, looking for the one person who can help his heart heal.
THE STORY
Sam is a dreamer living in "Romancelandia", his go to place in his vivid imagination. (He's my kind of guy). The inside of his head makes this book a delight. When he and Ian first meet, it's purely an awkward accident. Yet, Sam romanticizes it. He realizes he'll never get another chance at "more" with his perfect Highlander, so he takes a chance and asks Ian for a date. Unfortunately, it doesn't develop the same way as his fantasy version.
So far from "his type", Ian can't really even see Sam. However, he also can't seem to get Sam out of his head.
Sometimes it really grates at me that sex fixes everything, but in this book it just works. Besides, they do get to the "important" stuff too, eventually.
THE WRITING
The fresh humor, tender moments and adorable fantasy reveries are a delight. For me, there was enough weight added in parts of the "reality" dialog to balance the silliness. In other words, this could have been too sweet, but instead it was rich and comforting.
There is a bit of formulaic predictability, escalating to a hospital scene, but honestly, I wanted it. All of my awww's and ooooh's were genuine.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
~~~
I sincerely thank Netgalley.com, Riptide Publishing and Anne Tenino for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
~~~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
July 15, 2014
Funny, this book should have driven me insane, but I actually really, really liked it.
Sam was a sweetie, totally adorable and lovable. Ian's a bit of a dick, but he works through and yeah...his sorry ass is lucky that Sam is as idealistic and forgiving as he is. Dolt! They're really hot together and ain't that the truth about relationships--so often it is the mismatched pair that makes the best couple.
Anyway, my hesitations and generally huge no-no of a MC discussing books especially romance books while reading a romance is the exception that proves the rule. Every other time I've seen it used I've despised it, and I'm not using that term lightly--Despised. Here it fit. Gawky, geeky and funny breakdown of Sam and Ian's relationship. Glad I gave it a try.
P.S. It's hot. The whole ravishing thing, yeah...
Favorite quote:
Sam was a sweetie, totally adorable and lovable. Ian's a bit of a dick, but he works through and yeah...his sorry ass is lucky that Sam is as idealistic and forgiving as he is. Dolt! They're really hot together and ain't that the truth about relationships--so often it is the mismatched pair that makes the best couple.
Anyway, my hesitations and generally huge no-no of a MC discussing books especially romance books while reading a romance is the exception that proves the rule. Every other time I've seen it used I've despised it, and I'm not using that term lightly--Despised. Here it fit. Gawky, geeky and funny breakdown of Sam and Ian's relationship. Glad I gave it a try.
P.S. It's hot. The whole ravishing thing, yeah...
Favorite quote:
“But what if I’m just, like, relationship training wheels?” he whispered. “I thought I was the big boy bike.”
February 17, 2013
4.5 stars for me, a total keeper. I loved it, so romantic (well, except for the gay bashing bit obviously!!)
Sam was a geeky, awkward, gangly type of guy, but such a sweetie, whose passion seemed to be romantic books (nothing wrong with that at all), and who hadn't been in love with anyone - had sex with them yes - thus far and was looking for 'the one'. He seemed to think he'd found him when walking across a playing field one day, and an amazing guy came running towards him, wearing a kilt [image error] and not a lot else!! Sam is left swooning, like maidens of old.
Fast forward, and we discover that the guy's name is Ian, and he's a pig!! He is also the cousin of Sam's best friend Nik's guy, and is sort of closeted, although is trying to rectify that! He meets up with Sam again at a party, and pretty much takes advantage of Sam's good nature. I did say pig right
?? We move on, and Sam sees him again (yes, sex again - dump him Sam, he's a user!), and then things start to change. Ian starts thinking about Sam without the sex part, and tells his therapist (ex Firefighter, nasty injury, left service, has PTSD and other issues) that he thinks he may have found someone to have a relationship with. Sam, of course, is falling in love with Ian by this time
, and although the sex is phenomenal, obviously wants more from the man of his dreams. Things progress, Ian decides that he would like Sam to be his boyfriend, and Sam starts staying over at Ian's quite often. The 'L' word
is used during one of their sex sessions, but Sam won't let himself believe that Ian loves him yet. Then a misunderstanding occurs, and Sam believes that Ian is about to dump him
, which isn't true, but Ian had phrased himself badly, and was going through some stuff with his dad. On a night out, Sam meets up with one of the other guys, and unfortunately they come up against a van load of red neck homophobic bastards, Finally, after the misunderstandings are ironed out, Ian asks Sam to move in with him, and we assume a Happy Ending is on the cards!!
March 24, 2019
I blame every one of my Goodread friends because how come you guys hadn’t put that delicious little morsel under my radar. 😂 Seriously, how come I haven’t read any of Anne Tenino books? 😳 One book and I have become a royal fan. 💜 To say this book is delightful and enjoyable would be an understatement. It has been a while since I can’t put down a book under any circumstances so I’m ecstatic to have discovered such a book. 😊
Sam is geeky, lanky, awkward and unapologetically a hopeless romantic. 😁 You gotta admit, according to Sam’s logic, there’s some certain truth to the deliciousness and the OTT tropes of romance novels. Hunky, devilishly handsome and brave heroes and swoon-worthy romances. 😉 And did I forget to mention sexy lairds with kilts? 😏 *wink wink* 😉 So when he met Ian who is the epitome of all his romance novel wet dreams come true, Sam knew he is THE one. The only issue is that his sexy laird bear didn’t seem to reciprocate his epiphany that they are soul mates. 😂 In fact, his sexy laird bear wants nothing to do with a geeky, lanky nerd like him. But Sam is not going to give up so easily of his romancelandia dreams. After all, isn’t it a heroine’s ultimate mission to convince the rakish hero that they are meant to be? 😁
OMG! Sam is just precious! 😍 And endearing, and funny, and kind and just so beautiful. 🥰 I loved his banter with Ian and his inner monologues were just pure gold. And who knew our meek, shy geek has a seriously kinky side. 😁 And Ian, our rakish, devilishly handsome laird sexy bear who redeemed his worth ten fold in the end. 😊 I loved that sexy man with a beautiful smirk. 💚 From the beginning to the end, I was just mesmerized and enthralled by these fabulous characters. Not only the romance between Ian and Sam is sweet, romantic and swoon-worthy, it was realistic, sexy and oh-so-erotic! 😁 Omg, the smut in this book was just amaaaaaaaaazingly smoking-hot! 🔥🔥🔥 Shin likey! 😋 I was also in love with secondary characters of the story so I’m sure I’m going to read their stories very soon. Again, if you are looking for superb banters, beautiful characters and a romance to die for with a healthy side dish of super erotic smut, you found THE one with this book. 😉💜
5 Reformed rakes do make the best husbands stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sam is geeky, lanky, awkward and unapologetically a hopeless romantic. 😁 You gotta admit, according to Sam’s logic, there’s some certain truth to the deliciousness and the OTT tropes of romance novels. Hunky, devilishly handsome and brave heroes and swoon-worthy romances. 😉 And did I forget to mention sexy lairds with kilts? 😏 *wink wink* 😉 So when he met Ian who is the epitome of all his romance novel wet dreams come true, Sam knew he is THE one. The only issue is that his sexy laird bear didn’t seem to reciprocate his epiphany that they are soul mates. 😂 In fact, his sexy laird bear wants nothing to do with a geeky, lanky nerd like him. But Sam is not going to give up so easily of his romancelandia dreams. After all, isn’t it a heroine’s ultimate mission to convince the rakish hero that they are meant to be? 😁
OMG! Sam is just precious! 😍 And endearing, and funny, and kind and just so beautiful. 🥰 I loved his banter with Ian and his inner monologues were just pure gold. And who knew our meek, shy geek has a seriously kinky side. 😁 And Ian, our rakish, devilishly handsome laird sexy bear who redeemed his worth ten fold in the end. 😊 I loved that sexy man with a beautiful smirk. 💚 From the beginning to the end, I was just mesmerized and enthralled by these fabulous characters. Not only the romance between Ian and Sam is sweet, romantic and swoon-worthy, it was realistic, sexy and oh-so-erotic! 😁 Omg, the smut in this book was just amaaaaaaaaazingly smoking-hot! 🔥🔥🔥 Shin likey! 😋 I was also in love with secondary characters of the story so I’m sure I’m going to read their stories very soon. Again, if you are looking for superb banters, beautiful characters and a romance to die for with a healthy side dish of super erotic smut, you found THE one with this book. 😉💜
5 Reformed rakes do make the best husbands stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 14, 2013
This was absolutely delightful. I loved it.
It's not imperative but before reading this I'd really recommend you read the two free short stories in the Whitetail Rock series before reading this one:
Whitetail Rock
The Fix
You get a real feel for the characters of Nik and Jurgen who play a big part in this book, Nik especially. You're also introduced to Miller who has a significant part as well.
I loved Nik in this story. I loved his friendship with Sam and how wonderfully snarky and delicious he was throughout so I really, really recommend you read his story.
The first thing that I have to say about this book is how incredibly, smoking hot all the sex scenes were. I mean, wow. Not one or two but all of them were just unbelievably hot, hot, hot.
Sam is too tall, too geeky and addicted to romance novels. He meet-cutes Ian, a former fireman, and falls hard but it's love at first sight for Sam and not for Ian who is trying hard to recover from being a bit of a player. Ian shoots Sam down pretty hard.
They meet again at the housewarming party of Nik and Jurgen and it turns out that Ian is Jurgen's cousin. Awkward silence. O_o
The chemistry between Sam and Ian is off the charts. There's sex here but there is so much more to this story than that. Sam is all kinds of adorable and how he uses romantic tropes to describe his own situations was awesome. I loved it so much and being a long time romance reader I really got a kick out it because it was done sweetly and earnestly.
I kept expecting Ian to screw up and he did but everything that happened just worked so well for me and I just couldn't put this book down. This was such a fun, sexy read. The MC's were so charming and so amazing together. I really can't recommend this enough for anyone that loves a geeky hero who gets his HEA. Absolutely wonderful.
It's not imperative but before reading this I'd really recommend you read the two free short stories in the Whitetail Rock series before reading this one:
Whitetail Rock
The Fix
You get a real feel for the characters of Nik and Jurgen who play a big part in this book, Nik especially. You're also introduced to Miller who has a significant part as well.
I loved Nik in this story. I loved his friendship with Sam and how wonderfully snarky and delicious he was throughout so I really, really recommend you read his story.
The first thing that I have to say about this book is how incredibly, smoking hot all the sex scenes were. I mean, wow. Not one or two but all of them were just unbelievably hot, hot, hot.
Sam is too tall, too geeky and addicted to romance novels. He meet-cutes Ian, a former fireman, and falls hard but it's love at first sight for Sam and not for Ian who is trying hard to recover from being a bit of a player. Ian shoots Sam down pretty hard.
They meet again at the housewarming party of Nik and Jurgen and it turns out that Ian is Jurgen's cousin. Awkward silence. O_o
The chemistry between Sam and Ian is off the charts. There's sex here but there is so much more to this story than that. Sam is all kinds of adorable and how he uses romantic tropes to describe his own situations was awesome. I loved it so much and being a long time romance reader I really got a kick out it because it was done sweetly and earnestly.
I kept expecting Ian to screw up and he did but everything that happened just worked so well for me and I just couldn't put this book down. This was such a fun, sexy read. The MC's were so charming and so amazing together. I really can't recommend this enough for anyone that loves a geeky hero who gets his HEA. Absolutely wonderful.
February 25, 2014
3.5--A Bit Too Cheesy--Stars!
And I hated the nicknames.....kiddo? Squirrel? Laird bear?
But on the plus side there was lots of hot sex so....
Sam and Ian are polar opposites. Sam being obviously gay and more of the skinny, twink type and Ian being less obviously gay and more of the brawny, rough type.
Sam was a bit too feminine for my liking.
A but too sensitive and girly.
Ian, in the words of Sam was a....."completely adorable idiot". He's pretty emotionally retarded. He's always just had hook-ups, no relationships so he doesn't know what to do with his feelings for Sam. What they mean, why he is having them...since Sam is so obviously NOT his type.
Feelings or not....Sam and Ian were smoking hot together.
Sam was a bit of a freak in the sheets! Some of the hairy ball descriptions...
Sam is a writer and kind of hopes his own life could play out like the romance novels he reads. Ian is a former firefighter who was injured on the job and now works an administrative job.
Poor Sam is so insecure and Ian is not used to sharing his feelings which is not a good combo for these two....so navigating the waters of a relationship were a little rough at times.
But Ian really comes around....and when he did he was so sweet with Sam.
There was some drama at the end but overall this one was pretty low angst.
I definitely liked it enough to continue on with the series.
And I hated the nicknames.....kiddo? Squirrel? Laird bear?
But on the plus side there was lots of hot sex so....
Sam and Ian are polar opposites. Sam being obviously gay and more of the skinny, twink type and Ian being less obviously gay and more of the brawny, rough type.
Sam was a bit too feminine for my liking.
A but too sensitive and girly.
Ian, in the words of Sam was a....."completely adorable idiot". He's pretty emotionally retarded. He's always just had hook-ups, no relationships so he doesn't know what to do with his feelings for Sam. What they mean, why he is having them...since Sam is so obviously NOT his type.
Feelings or not....Sam and Ian were smoking hot together.
Sam was a bit of a freak in the sheets! Some of the hairy ball descriptions...
Sam is a writer and kind of hopes his own life could play out like the romance novels he reads. Ian is a former firefighter who was injured on the job and now works an administrative job.
Poor Sam is so insecure and Ian is not used to sharing his feelings which is not a good combo for these two....so navigating the waters of a relationship were a little rough at times.
But Ian really comes around....and when he did he was so sweet with Sam.
There was some drama at the end but overall this one was pretty low angst.
I definitely liked it enough to continue on with the series.
January 14, 2013
Ha! I must express my admiration to an author who takes a lot of romance novels tropes and cliches, lets you KNOW blatantly she's doing it and effortlessly weaves them into a fun, delightful story. Even the couple of minor niggles that made the futile attempt to become bothersome were quickly stomped into submission...GO AWAY! Sam and Ian were awesome, sweet and hot together, the rest of the characters were great, I found the story entertaining from beginning to end. Ooohh, I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy. Loved it!
April 16, 2016
re-read 4/15/16
I'm just gonna go ahead and bump this up to 5 stars. I forgot how much I loved Anne Tenino's writing. This book was exactly what I needed. Time for a binge!
*******************************************
I love Anne Tenino's books.
They are adorable and funny.
She is awesome!
And nobody better say anything to the contrary.
*glares protectively*
January 16, 2013
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
4.25 stars
I've been excited to read this one for a while now ;) Okay, not only because I love Anne and her books, or because I really liked Whitetail Rock and The Fix, but mostly because I loved Sam so much in those stories and couldn't wait to see him get his own HEA. And come on, a character who is admittedly secretly in love with romance novels having his own book called "Too Stupid to Live"? That's gotta be awesome!
We first met Sam in Whitetail Rock with his best friend Nik. Compared to Nik, Sam is always seen as the tall, gangly, awkward one. Too skinny. Too underweight. When Nik finds Jurgen, Sam despairs of ever finding someone for himself, and adamantly refuses to believe that anyone as hot or as in demand as Jurgen would give him the time of day. He's enamored of Ian when he meets him playing rugby with a bunch of other hot shirtless men. He thinks he looks like his very own Highlander and for the first time risks the chance and asks him out -- only to be thoroughly shot down. Ian wonders about Sam too, and not only feels kinda bad about how he shot him down but also can't stop thinking about him, wondering if he made a mistake. Ian has been trying to change recently, after a horrible accident while fighting a fire and then later getting out from under the thumb of the chief, his conservative father. He's a renowned rake of the modern sort, and even though Sam might swoon at the thought of reforming him, the real-life possibility of a rather sensitive and vulnerable Sam not getting thoroughly heartbroken looks impossible.
When the two realize just what a small world it is (Ian is Jurgen's cousin, FYI) and are thrown together at a party thrown by Nik, Sam decides to take his chances under Ian's forceful seduction. He just promises himself he'll try to remember that Ian isn't anyone's idea of a perfect husband.
In many ways this is a classic contemporary romance, albeit approached from a unique angle. While we often seem to have a romance writer as a main character, here we're presented with a story that at least half of the time is told by Sam, an admitted romance reader and a writer himself. He's in a unique position to critique "The Romance Novel", and that experience in how a story is put together comes across in his critique of his own life.
and...
Aside from his own charm, that connection to the reader makes the story immediately engaging. We can understand and empathize with Sam with his life because of the language he uses to explore it. He's the first person to admit that he's become TSTL and his fantasies are ones that we have as well, or at least know of -- "Reformed rakes make the best husbands." (I love that one).
While it might be unfair for me to compare this (as a novel) to the first two stories because of the length and time to explore this relationship, I did like it more than those. Nik and Jurgen make an appropriate presence in the story without relying on them to carry the story. And Too Stupid to Live carries on in a similar vein as those stories in similar plot, characters, style and tone. The first two stories were incredibly hot, and this novel was as well. Much of the relationship between Sam and Ian is physical (at least up front, and for the first half of the novel). They've created a carefully constructed fabrication over their true relationship to continue the lie that it isn't a real relationship at all, and to do that they rely heavily on sex. For me, it carried the story and I didn't feel the need for more, because it is actually there. The sex scenes are constructed with a careful eye to move the plot forward and subsequently, the relationship.
Fans of Anne Tenino will definitely like this story. Ian is every bit the roguish character he's made out to be and is sometimes difficult to warm to (so are Sam's decisions regarding him). But, those choices are balanced well with real feeling and the lens through which the story is structured (The Romance Novel) bridges the gap between them.
Definitely recommended! And I look forward to the next :)
4.25 stars
I've been excited to read this one for a while now ;) Okay, not only because I love Anne and her books, or because I really liked Whitetail Rock and The Fix, but mostly because I loved Sam so much in those stories and couldn't wait to see him get his own HEA. And come on, a character who is admittedly secretly in love with romance novels having his own book called "Too Stupid to Live"? That's gotta be awesome!
We first met Sam in Whitetail Rock with his best friend Nik. Compared to Nik, Sam is always seen as the tall, gangly, awkward one. Too skinny. Too underweight. When Nik finds Jurgen, Sam despairs of ever finding someone for himself, and adamantly refuses to believe that anyone as hot or as in demand as Jurgen would give him the time of day. He's enamored of Ian when he meets him playing rugby with a bunch of other hot shirtless men. He thinks he looks like his very own Highlander and for the first time risks the chance and asks him out -- only to be thoroughly shot down. Ian wonders about Sam too, and not only feels kinda bad about how he shot him down but also can't stop thinking about him, wondering if he made a mistake. Ian has been trying to change recently, after a horrible accident while fighting a fire and then later getting out from under the thumb of the chief, his conservative father. He's a renowned rake of the modern sort, and even though Sam might swoon at the thought of reforming him, the real-life possibility of a rather sensitive and vulnerable Sam not getting thoroughly heartbroken looks impossible.
When the two realize just what a small world it is (Ian is Jurgen's cousin, FYI) and are thrown together at a party thrown by Nik, Sam decides to take his chances under Ian's forceful seduction. He just promises himself he'll try to remember that Ian isn't anyone's idea of a perfect husband.
In many ways this is a classic contemporary romance, albeit approached from a unique angle. While we often seem to have a romance writer as a main character, here we're presented with a story that at least half of the time is told by Sam, an admitted romance reader and a writer himself. He's in a unique position to critique "The Romance Novel", and that experience in how a story is put together comes across in his critique of his own life.
And that's when it hit Sam. If Ian was a TGH [Tortured, Gothic Hero], that made Sam…
Too Stupid to Live.
Sam closed his eyes in resignation. He was TSTL. Stupid enough to investigate the locked fourth story of the manor house, where the human screams originated; stupid enough to run out onto the moors at night to find the howling wolves. Stupid enough to want to suck Ian's cock again. And the whole time, he'd be thinking he could somehow further the plot via his stupidity.
and...
The thing was, whatever had happened between him and Ian was certainly fraught with internal conflict, because all romances -- okay, romance novels -- had some kind of conflict, and if it wasn't external it had to be internal. Since Ian wasn't saving Sam from international drug-smuggling terrorists, and he wasn't the captain of an enemy starship that had captured Sam in battle (ugh, revenge sex), their plotting -- his and Ian's -- had to center on internal conflict.
AKA emotional conflict.
Obviously, if an outside observer had to guess which of them had the more serious emotional conflict, they'd pick Ian. Sam wasn't the one who didn't even know what constituted a relationship. By default, that made Ian the screwed-up one, right?
Aside from his own charm, that connection to the reader makes the story immediately engaging. We can understand and empathize with Sam with his life because of the language he uses to explore it. He's the first person to admit that he's become TSTL and his fantasies are ones that we have as well, or at least know of -- "Reformed rakes make the best husbands." (I love that one).
While it might be unfair for me to compare this (as a novel) to the first two stories because of the length and time to explore this relationship, I did like it more than those. Nik and Jurgen make an appropriate presence in the story without relying on them to carry the story. And Too Stupid to Live carries on in a similar vein as those stories in similar plot, characters, style and tone. The first two stories were incredibly hot, and this novel was as well. Much of the relationship between Sam and Ian is physical (at least up front, and for the first half of the novel). They've created a carefully constructed fabrication over their true relationship to continue the lie that it isn't a real relationship at all, and to do that they rely heavily on sex. For me, it carried the story and I didn't feel the need for more, because it is actually there. The sex scenes are constructed with a careful eye to move the plot forward and subsequently, the relationship.
Fans of Anne Tenino will definitely like this story. Ian is every bit the roguish character he's made out to be and is sometimes difficult to warm to (so are Sam's decisions regarding him). But, those choices are balanced well with real feeling and the lens through which the story is structured (The Romance Novel) bridges the gap between them.
Definitely recommended! And I look forward to the next :)
February 10, 2016
This book is soooooo cute!
My first with Anne Tenino.
It seemed a typical romance book but it’s not. In fact, it’s one of the less predictable plots I’ve ever read in m/m. I didn’t know what to expect from the MC and had no idea what I had to stick to. There is not a weird story line, just the opposite. The tale is something “ordinary” and based on real life.
I’m just so used to fictitious plots I lose the gasp of reality. On one hand, that’s exactly what I want to read, something different from real life, but sometimes beauty is found in the simplest of things. This is the case of this novel.
I sometimes have problems with names. I mix them and in my mind I call one MC with the name of the another, because I feel it fits better. I’m sorry to say that this confusion persisted till the end, and I had to stop several times to think who was Sam and who was Ian. It’s a problem that has nothing to do with the author, it’s just some crazy thing my mind does now and then.
Sam is a guy who reads too many romance novels (kindred spirits, we are!). He knows every stereotype and has a name for every one of them. Like Too Stupid To Live, the Big Declaration, the Big Misunderstanding, the Dark Moment... I was delighted with him because he is clearly a fan of these books and fearful to be discovered with one of those awful Fabio covers. He has kissed too many frogs and Prince Charming has not come yet.
Ian is a flirt. He is done with one-night stands. He wants to commit to someone in a normal relationship, something he never had achieved before because his father pressured him to get married to a woman. He has quitted a job he didn't like and abandoned the "bad part" of his family to start a new life.
Sam knows Ian is not his Prince Charming, but let’s have some fun. What is the issue?
Ian knows Sam is not his type in any way, but let’s have some fun. What is the issue?
What begins as something casual and fortuitous ends in friendship and love. And suddenly fantasies are fulfilled and past pains are lessened.
This is a comfort book at its best. The length is nothing out of the ordinary but I was surprised by the speed I ended it. It's a joy reading about the MC and their adventures. They didn't seem to fit in the beginning but during the meetings, they get to find some common ground, and they build on it. And it felt natural and special at the same time.
And I'm glad to say it has some hot scenes too!
The one with the kilt…
The cliches are portrayed perfectly, sometimes in a typical way, sometimes in self-mockery. It was very funny seeing them appear and being ridiculed, but at the same time giving some kind of dignity demonstrating why we love romance novels, in spite of knowing how they end.
My first with Anne Tenino.
It seemed a typical romance book but it’s not. In fact, it’s one of the less predictable plots I’ve ever read in m/m. I didn’t know what to expect from the MC and had no idea what I had to stick to. There is not a weird story line, just the opposite. The tale is something “ordinary” and based on real life.
I’m just so used to fictitious plots I lose the gasp of reality. On one hand, that’s exactly what I want to read, something different from real life, but sometimes beauty is found in the simplest of things. This is the case of this novel.
I sometimes have problems with names. I mix them and in my mind I call one MC with the name of the another, because I feel it fits better. I’m sorry to say that this confusion persisted till the end, and I had to stop several times to think who was Sam and who was Ian. It’s a problem that has nothing to do with the author, it’s just some crazy thing my mind does now and then.
Sam is a guy who reads too many romance novels (kindred spirits, we are!). He knows every stereotype and has a name for every one of them. Like Too Stupid To Live, the Big Declaration, the Big Misunderstanding, the Dark Moment... I was delighted with him because he is clearly a fan of these books and fearful to be discovered with one of those awful Fabio covers. He has kissed too many frogs and Prince Charming has not come yet.
Ian is a flirt. He is done with one-night stands. He wants to commit to someone in a normal relationship, something he never had achieved before because his father pressured him to get married to a woman. He has quitted a job he didn't like and abandoned the "bad part" of his family to start a new life.
Sam knows Ian is not his Prince Charming, but let’s have some fun. What is the issue?
Ian knows Sam is not his type in any way, but let’s have some fun. What is the issue?
What begins as something casual and fortuitous ends in friendship and love. And suddenly fantasies are fulfilled and past pains are lessened.
This is a comfort book at its best. The length is nothing out of the ordinary but I was surprised by the speed I ended it. It's a joy reading about the MC and their adventures. They didn't seem to fit in the beginning but during the meetings, they get to find some common ground, and they build on it. And it felt natural and special at the same time.
And I'm glad to say it has some hot scenes too!
The one with the kilt…
The cliches are portrayed perfectly, sometimes in a typical way, sometimes in self-mockery. It was very funny seeing them appear and being ridiculed, but at the same time giving some kind of dignity demonstrating why we love romance novels, in spite of knowing how they end.
January 23, 2013
I was looking for something to read that would be easy on the brain, lighthearted and a bit of fun. Apart from a bit of a ' darker ' moment towards the end, this book was exactly what I needed. I've read the two free short stories that introduce the characters but I don't think it matters if you read this as a standalone - if you do want to read them check out her website. I really enjoyed the dynamics between Sam and Ian. Sam loves Romance Novels and yearns for his own romantic hero to sweep him off his feet, which Ian literally does when he's playing rugby and Sam wanders onto the playing field where he gets hit on the head by the ball! From then on Sam is thrown into his own romantic novel and all that it usually entails - including The Big Misunderstanding! Sam is a lovely character who you can't help rooting for... Gangly,self deprecating and full of love for the right person but his few past relationships have left him with a case of low self esteem. Ian is your typical hunky macho guy, gay but not shouting it out loud, he's a love em' and leave em' type whose first impressions of Sam aren't great ( he's def not his type to begin with ) but due to his cousin being Sams BFF's partner, he finds himself being thrown into contact with Sam more than he expects and so the fun starts.
There is a quite a bit of hot steamy sex but in this case it worked for me. As the story progressed I started to notice that it was in each love scene that you started to see the relationship changing, from the first time, which was just pure unadulterated lust, through passionate 'cant keep hands off each other' sex , growing more tender and kissy cuddly until finally they realise its not just sex but making love - in all its true romantic glory! It was during the love scenes that Ian's feelings towards Sam really showed as he couldn't always express it with words, and played a big part in finally making Sam believe he was desirable and attractive. Just hearing it wasn't convincing enough for Sam... How could such a hottie like Ian really be attracted to somebody as gawky and awkward as he ( thinks ) he is? But Sam doesn't know that Ian has his own demons too that are affecting his choices........No guessing what happens after all the usual conflicts, but it's real enjoyment getting there. Nice bit of role playing involving a kilt!
Funny sexy and endearing sums it up for me and I'll be very happy to read the follow up. I have an idea who's going to be the next pairing and if I'm right I think it'll be another great read. Looking forward to more from romancelandia! As Anne Tenino says in the blurb this is a story about " Twu Wuv." Awww!
There is a quite a bit of hot steamy sex but in this case it worked for me. As the story progressed I started to notice that it was in each love scene that you started to see the relationship changing, from the first time, which was just pure unadulterated lust, through passionate 'cant keep hands off each other' sex , growing more tender and kissy cuddly until finally they realise its not just sex but making love - in all its true romantic glory! It was during the love scenes that Ian's feelings towards Sam really showed as he couldn't always express it with words, and played a big part in finally making Sam believe he was desirable and attractive. Just hearing it wasn't convincing enough for Sam... How could such a hottie like Ian really be attracted to somebody as gawky and awkward as he ( thinks ) he is? But Sam doesn't know that Ian has his own demons too that are affecting his choices........No guessing what happens after all the usual conflicts, but it's real enjoyment getting there. Nice bit of role playing involving a kilt!
Funny sexy and endearing sums it up for me and I'll be very happy to read the follow up. I have an idea who's going to be the next pairing and if I'm right I think it'll be another great read. Looking forward to more from romancelandia! As Anne Tenino says in the blurb this is a story about " Twu Wuv." Awww!
January 2, 2014
2.5 stars. Adult review for erotic content.
...and the first book of the New Year was just shy of the mark.
Picky Bitch strikes again. Some days I really hate my frequent inability to get on board the happy "everyone else loves it" bandwagon. The only thing about this book that made me happy was the humor, which was the sole reason I rounded up, not down.
This author has a great voice. Her style of writing is very readable, and the quips roll out quite effortlessly. In fact, I was sure I was going to go 4 stars plus on this book during the first half...until the entire thing got to be repetitive and I found myself skimming by the 75% mark.
The biggest disconnect for me was in the story. I felt like I was reading the same scenes over and over, and I'm not just talking about the sex.
Sam was insecure.
Ian had to fix it.
Sam was insecure.
Ian had to fix it.
Sam was insecure.
Ian had to fix it.
And then there was...ball fetish, ball fetish, anal feasting, ball fetish. Okay, so I'm sort of kidding on that. There were plenty of actual sex scenes not involving ball admiration. I just think that I threw up in my mouth a little every time huge balls, hanging balls, or hairy balls were mentioned (the same way I do in other books when authors have to go on and on about the veins in a penis). Men are hot - ball sacs are not. I get that we all have our body part turn-ons (I unashamedly have a thing for male nipples), but there are some fetishes I'd rather not read about. This is one of them.
I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it had gone one of two routes :
1. The story had brought in more character conflict outside of the couple's are-they-or-aren't-they attraction to each other.
2. The story had been ditched altogether in favor of becoming a porn-without-plot erotica in about half of the page length. When I read a lot of hot sex, I want to get in, get my fill (hah), and get out. I actually get bored reading one sex scene after another and another. The amount of sex-to-story in this book killed it for me because I think the couple could have arrived at the same conclusion after the third or fourth time of hooking up.
BUT...the humor was great. So there was that.
...and the first book of the New Year was just shy of the mark.
Picky Bitch strikes again. Some days I really hate my frequent inability to get on board the happy "everyone else loves it" bandwagon. The only thing about this book that made me happy was the humor, which was the sole reason I rounded up, not down.
"Are you in the closet again?"
"What? I've never been in the closet."
Sam did his best to keep his voice calm and level. "Did you slam yourself in the hall closet in a huff and are you currently standing there talking on the phone to me? Again?"
There was a long pause. Nik cleared his throat. "Yes."
This author has a great voice. Her style of writing is very readable, and the quips roll out quite effortlessly. In fact, I was sure I was going to go 4 stars plus on this book during the first half...until the entire thing got to be repetitive and I found myself skimming by the 75% mark.
The biggest disconnect for me was in the story. I felt like I was reading the same scenes over and over, and I'm not just talking about the sex.
Sam was insecure.
Ian had to fix it.
Sam was insecure.
Ian had to fix it.
Sam was insecure.
Ian had to fix it.
And then there was...ball fetish, ball fetish, anal feasting, ball fetish. Okay, so I'm sort of kidding on that. There were plenty of actual sex scenes not involving ball admiration. I just think that I threw up in my mouth a little every time huge balls, hanging balls, or hairy balls were mentioned (the same way I do in other books when authors have to go on and on about the veins in a penis). Men are hot - ball sacs are not. I get that we all have our body part turn-ons (I unashamedly have a thing for male nipples), but there are some fetishes I'd rather not read about. This is one of them.
I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it had gone one of two routes :
1. The story had brought in more character conflict outside of the couple's are-they-or-aren't-they attraction to each other.
2. The story had been ditched altogether in favor of becoming a porn-without-plot erotica in about half of the page length. When I read a lot of hot sex, I want to get in, get my fill (hah), and get out. I actually get bored reading one sex scene after another and another. The amount of sex-to-story in this book killed it for me because I think the couple could have arrived at the same conclusion after the third or fourth time of hooking up.
BUT...the humor was great. So there was that.
June 4, 2022
Read 01/20/2014
Re-read 04/02/14
I decided to read this again after finally reading the two previous books. I loved this even more now that I get a few references from the other books. I adore Sam. I loved his romance novel addiction (I can relate). It took me a little to warm up to Ian, but he and Sam were perfect for each other.
Re-read 12/08/2015
Re-read probably 12 (at minimum) additional undocumented reads
Re-read 11/18/2016 I hope I never tire of this book.
re-read 2/11/2017
Re-read 7/13/2021 I had to pick a new pass phrase and tend to use books. Somehow, this book came to mind.
Re-read 10/4/2021 it’s almost time to pick a new pass phrase. Time to say goodbye to Sam for a while. It’s going to take me forever to come up with a new phrase that I haven’t used in the last 18 months. I can’t remember yesterday all that well, but they expect me to remember what I’ve used for passwords 18 months ago 🙄
Re-read 6/1/2022 still love this as much today as the first time I read this 8 years ago. Wow. Eight years?!?
Re-read 04/02/14
I decided to read this again after finally reading the two previous books. I loved this even more now that I get a few references from the other books. I adore Sam. I loved his romance novel addiction (I can relate). It took me a little to warm up to Ian, but he and Sam were perfect for each other.
Re-read 12/08/2015
Re-read probably 12 (at minimum) additional undocumented reads
Re-read 11/18/2016 I hope I never tire of this book.
re-read 2/11/2017
Re-read 7/13/2021 I had to pick a new pass phrase and tend to use books. Somehow, this book came to mind.
Re-read 10/4/2021 it’s almost time to pick a new pass phrase. Time to say goodbye to Sam for a while. It’s going to take me forever to come up with a new phrase that I haven’t used in the last 18 months. I can’t remember yesterday all that well, but they expect me to remember what I’ve used for passwords 18 months ago 🙄
Re-read 6/1/2022 still love this as much today as the first time I read this 8 years ago. Wow. Eight years?!?
January 16, 2013
Sweet, snarky story with a lotta hot sex! Seriously, I lost count of how many times Ian and Sam got naked, but it was all creative, kinky and different so I never got bored...surprisingly! I even loved the light BDSM.
I really loved Ian and Sam and all the secondary characters. I even felt bad for the asshole Tierney (hope he gets a story).
My biggest problem with the story was the main characthers' names. They just didn't match their character IMO and I kept getting them confused. In my head, Sam should have been an "Ian" and Ian should have been a "Sam"!
Now, since I did this all backwards, I must go read Whitetail Rock next. (I totlaly recommend reading it first because Nik and Jurgen are in a large part of this story).
Perfect for when you need something light and smutty with a cute HEA.
4.5 Stars
I really loved Ian and Sam and all the secondary characters. I even felt bad for the asshole Tierney (hope he gets a story).
My biggest problem with the story was the main characthers' names. They just didn't match their character IMO and I kept getting them confused. In my head, Sam should have been an "Ian" and Ian should have been a "Sam"!
Now, since I did this all backwards, I must go read Whitetail Rock next. (I totlaly recommend reading it first because Nik and Jurgen are in a large part of this story).
Perfect for when you need something light and smutty with a cute HEA.
4.5 Stars
March 7, 2013
This is a cute, sweet, light story. There is Sam, a romantic novel-reading grad student with self-image issues, whose past relationships have left his heart battered but still hopeful. And Ian, an ex-firefighter who has left behind a life in the closet to start something more real, without any idea of how to start. Both of these MCs are good guys, working through their hesitations and misconceptions, and make the reader want to offer hugs and support.
There is a lot of hot sex, with a very light touch of BDSM. There is some angst, but it is touched on fairly lightly and doesn't last long. Enough happens here that this could have been an intense read, with a moment of dramatic climax that drastically outstripped the rest of the story, but Anne Tenino has chosen to give it a humorous, sweet treatment. A definite comfort-reread book.
There is a lot of hot sex, with a very light touch of BDSM. There is some angst, but it is touched on fairly lightly and doesn't last long. Enough happens here that this could have been an intense read, with a moment of dramatic climax that drastically outstripped the rest of the story, but Anne Tenino has chosen to give it a humorous, sweet treatment. A definite comfort-reread book.
May 29, 2013
4.5 Stars.
OMG! … This book! Why didn’t I read it ages ago?!
That cover! That’s why. Sorry book, but you look so super cheesy and clichéd and silly, I just rolled my eyes at you and moved along.
Ha! Yes book, you can raise your eyebrow at me – I’m shallow and fickle like that and I judged you. But you should have been predictable, when you were actually just what I needed. You were my breath of fresh air and a ray of sunshine on a rainy day. Don’t roll your eyes at me; I can do cheesy too, so I figure were even.
Do you want to know what I LOVE about you book? You made fun of yourself and all those tropes just like you; you never took yourself too seriously, and when you did … it was for the right reasons. Just when I thought I could catch you out at being too silly, you made me laugh and nod my head with acquiescence. You were a worthy opponent my friend.
I didn’t think I would like your Sam; he’s not really my type either. But you allowed us to bond instantly over our mutual love of romance novels and highlanders – not that I’ve ever read a highlander trope *snorts* but we really became BFF’s over our mutual distaste of Fabio, aka this guy -->
You introduced me to Ian - the typical bastard man-whore and I thought I had you; here was where you would bugger it all up, because I hate the stereotypical man-whore's. But you had to make Ian special didn’t you? You had to even the balance of power just right so there was nothing for me to bitch about; you even played dirty and made him vulnerable! How dare you book!
You gave me some serious man loving, and for that I am in awe of you. Hot damn but you are one sexy, kinky book! Don’t let it get to your head now, cos I didn’t really appreciate all those full on screaming orgasms you know – you should give a man just a little dignity for gawds sake.
You slipped up a bit at the end by being a tad predictable with your stormy clouds, grand finale and schmoozy epilogue but I’ll let it pass. You caught me on a good day and owning your flaws is what saved your arse from mediocrity, and you are just too funny for me take anything too seriously. You kind of bowled me over with how much I like you. So fair is fair, well done book, you win.
PS: And you can tell your mom I’m going to be checking out your siblings to see if they are as fun and as sexy as you are.
OMG! … This book! Why didn’t I read it ages ago?!
That cover! That’s why. Sorry book, but you look so super cheesy and clichéd and silly, I just rolled my eyes at you and moved along.
Ha! Yes book, you can raise your eyebrow at me – I’m shallow and fickle like that and I judged you. But you should have been predictable, when you were actually just what I needed. You were my breath of fresh air and a ray of sunshine on a rainy day. Don’t roll your eyes at me; I can do cheesy too, so I figure were even.
Do you want to know what I LOVE about you book? You made fun of yourself and all those tropes just like you; you never took yourself too seriously, and when you did … it was for the right reasons. Just when I thought I could catch you out at being too silly, you made me laugh and nod my head with acquiescence. You were a worthy opponent my friend.
I didn’t think I would like your Sam; he’s not really my type either. But you allowed us to bond instantly over our mutual love of romance novels and highlanders – not that I’ve ever read a highlander trope *snorts* but we really became BFF’s over our mutual distaste of Fabio, aka this guy -->
You introduced me to Ian - the typical bastard man-whore and I thought I had you; here was where you would bugger it all up, because I hate the stereotypical man-whore's. But you had to make Ian special didn’t you? You had to even the balance of power just right so there was nothing for me to bitch about; you even played dirty and made him vulnerable! How dare you book!
You gave me some serious man loving, and for that I am in awe of you. Hot damn but you are one sexy, kinky book! Don’t let it get to your head now, cos I didn’t really appreciate all those full on screaming orgasms you know – you should give a man just a little dignity for gawds sake.
You slipped up a bit at the end by being a tad predictable with your stormy clouds, grand finale and schmoozy epilogue but I’ll let it pass. You caught me on a good day and owning your flaws is what saved your arse from mediocrity, and you are just too funny for me take anything too seriously. You kind of bowled me over with how much I like you. So fair is fair, well done book, you win.
PS: And you can tell your mom I’m going to be checking out your siblings to see if they are as fun and as sexy as you are.
November 19, 2014
This was so much fun to read, I loved it!!! Sam is a skinny, gangly, socially awkward guy who has a pretty low opinion of himself thanks to his former boyfriend. He’s studying to be a writer and loves to read romance novels. He is cute and charming and I loved being inside his head. His inner monologues are hysterical!
Taking a shortcut across the rugby field to get home from school, Sam quite literally runs into Ian, a big, muscular, former firefighter. Sam asks him out (the first time he’s ever done that!) and gets shot down hard. However, it seems they have friends in common and they meet up again at a party. Let me just say that Ms. Tenino knows how to write some steamy m/m sex.
I didn’t realize until after I finished that there is a Whitetail Rock series featuring more of Nik and Jurgen. I loved Sam’s relationship with his best friend Nik. Their conversation about Sesame Street when Sam was doped up on pain pills and Nik was drunk, hilarious!!! I will definitely read more from Anne Tenino. I love her characters and her writing style. 5 STARS!!!
Taking a shortcut across the rugby field to get home from school, Sam quite literally runs into Ian, a big, muscular, former firefighter. Sam asks him out (the first time he’s ever done that!) and gets shot down hard. However, it seems they have friends in common and they meet up again at a party. Let me just say that Ms. Tenino knows how to write some steamy m/m sex.
I didn’t realize until after I finished that there is a Whitetail Rock series featuring more of Nik and Jurgen. I loved Sam’s relationship with his best friend Nik. Their conversation about Sesame Street when Sam was doped up on pain pills and Nik was drunk, hilarious!!! I will definitely read more from Anne Tenino. I love her characters and her writing style. 5 STARS!!!
February 23, 2013
4.45*
I really liked Sam in the Whitetail stories and was happy he finally gets his man.
Sam, the romance reader (I'm totally with you on that one Sam) is looking for his Prince Charming, or maybe more like a really hot highlander and is literally run down and shot down by him.
He runs into Ian at a party later on and discovers Ian his highlander is Jurgen's cousin ( Nik's BF from Whitetail Rock).
They start what might be called a relationship even if it's actually more than that, but Ian wouldn't be a romance Hero if he made it easy on himself.
I liked Sam's inner voice and narration of the story, he's got issues and hang-ups that are understandable and Ian isn't without faults either..lots and lots of faults..
I liked their dance around and toward each other, I liked Ian's growth and Sam gaining confidence and it really was a great romance.
I'm thinking Miller and maybe T could work something out?
I really liked Sam in the Whitetail stories and was happy he finally gets his man.
Sam, the romance reader (I'm totally with you on that one Sam) is looking for his Prince Charming, or maybe more like a really hot highlander and is literally run down and shot down by him.
He runs into Ian at a party later on and discovers Ian his highlander is Jurgen's cousin ( Nik's BF from Whitetail Rock).
They start what might be called a relationship even if it's actually more than that, but Ian wouldn't be a romance Hero if he made it easy on himself.
I liked Sam's inner voice and narration of the story, he's got issues and hang-ups that are understandable and Ian isn't without faults either..lots and lots of faults..
I liked their dance around and toward each other, I liked Ian's growth and Sam gaining confidence and it really was a great romance.
I'm thinking Miller and maybe T could work something out?
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