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The Trouble With Trouble
When trouble strolls in, common sense walks out.
After a lifetime of rejection by those he loved, Gary returned to the one place that once made him happy and resigned himself to a life alone. Opening his bar--aptly named 'Trouble'--was his way of building a future and reminding himself what he needed to stay away from. So when Trouble--AKA Brock--walks into his bar one night, he's determined to keep his distance. No good could come from falling for Brock's adorable smile and handsome face. Except Brock seems just as determined to win Gary over as Gary is to stay away. And when Gary realizes Brock may be the real deal, he must choose between protecting his heart or taking the ultimate chance on love.
After a lifetime of rejection by those he loved, Gary returned to the one place that once made him happy and resigned himself to a life alone. Opening his bar--aptly named 'Trouble'--was his way of building a future and reminding himself what he needed to stay away from. So when Trouble--AKA Brock--walks into his bar one night, he's determined to keep his distance. No good could come from falling for Brock's adorable smile and handsome face. Except Brock seems just as determined to win Gary over as Gary is to stay away. And when Gary realizes Brock may be the real deal, he must choose between protecting his heart or taking the ultimate chance on love.
43 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2013
64 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Lee
8 books43 followersKathleen Lee is the author of sweet and sexy M/M romance novellas. She a bestseller in Gay Romance and has several Indie eBooks releasing soon. When not taking her caffeine by I.V. (well, not really) or plotting world destruction (this she does do)she can be found at home reading or dreaming up new happily-ever-afters. She resides in the Midwest with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 30, 2016
Gary guards his heart with his life. No one will penetrate the high walls he has built up. So when Brock, AKA Trouble, comes along, Gary sees him coming a mile away and the struggle is real as he attempts to fight off his attraction to the beautiful, passionate, sexy-as-sin man.
Lots of great wall-penetration and penetration of all other sorts. Recommended!
Read as part of the Finding Him anthology.
Lots of great wall-penetration and penetration of all other sorts. Recommended!
Read as part of the Finding Him anthology.
August 14, 2013
3.75 Stars
This was surprisingly good! The author showed a fair amount of emotions in her MCs for such a short story. It was well written and evenly paced. I didn't see any editing issues either. I would read more from this author.
This was surprisingly good! The author showed a fair amount of emotions in her MCs for such a short story. It was well written and evenly paced. I didn't see any editing issues either. I would read more from this author.
September 6, 2016
This story starts as a humorous tale. Gary describes his first few encounters with "Trouble", the nickname he gives to a man who keeps sitting in Gary's bar and staring at him, clearly interested. Gradually it evolves into a love story with details of the characters emerging as they get to know each other. And with that increased knowledge, the tone of the story changes to thoughtful, even angsty, and finally tumultuously emotional. What a ride!
Gary owns a bar in a town he has fond memories of, and while you'd expect it to be a social place where he can make friends, he actually hides behind all the activity. He has been hurt one too many times and is determined never again to fall for an alluring man. "Trouble" is the first one to tempt him in years, and he fights that temptation with all he is. But as Gary opens up to the guy, eventually and much against his will, I got to know the real Gary layer by unfolding layer. As is often the case with deeply wounded people, Gary hides his real self out of fear of being hurt again. The snarky humor is a shield, and he uses it to great effect. Or so he thinks…
Trouble, aka Brock, however, will not be deterred. He keeps going to the bar, invites Gary to dinner, and generally pursues him over the next few weeks. He is so determined to prove to Gary that he can be trusted as Gary is to prove to Brock that he will eventually break Gary's heart. Lucky for Gary, Brock is even more stubborn than his nickname suggests.
If you like stories with a humorous tone and quite some snarkiness from the main character/narrator, if you enjoy reading about men who fight their attraction with all they have – only to eventually cave, and if you're looking for a short, fun, and very entertaining read with a lot of heart, you will probably enjoy this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Gary owns a bar in a town he has fond memories of, and while you'd expect it to be a social place where he can make friends, he actually hides behind all the activity. He has been hurt one too many times and is determined never again to fall for an alluring man. "Trouble" is the first one to tempt him in years, and he fights that temptation with all he is. But as Gary opens up to the guy, eventually and much against his will, I got to know the real Gary layer by unfolding layer. As is often the case with deeply wounded people, Gary hides his real self out of fear of being hurt again. The snarky humor is a shield, and he uses it to great effect. Or so he thinks…
Trouble, aka Brock, however, will not be deterred. He keeps going to the bar, invites Gary to dinner, and generally pursues him over the next few weeks. He is so determined to prove to Gary that he can be trusted as Gary is to prove to Brock that he will eventually break Gary's heart. Lucky for Gary, Brock is even more stubborn than his nickname suggests.
If you like stories with a humorous tone and quite some snarkiness from the main character/narrator, if you enjoy reading about men who fight their attraction with all they have – only to eventually cave, and if you're looking for a short, fun, and very entertaining read with a lot of heart, you will probably enjoy this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 23, 2013
Meh book was meh.
June 2, 2019
3.5 Stars
Sweet, hot, very romantic.
A jaded barkeeper met the man of his dreams.
The story is well written without tackiness, and the author has a knack for outline the setting but doesn't happen the same thing with the background and personality of the characters. More precisely I felt that the reluctance of Gary is a little bit exaggerated without greater basics, there is no reference to disenchantments when trying any relation in the past, . And Brock is somewhat too perfect for my taste.
Sweet, hot, very romantic.
A jaded barkeeper met the man of his dreams.
The story is well written without tackiness, and the author has a knack for outline the setting but doesn't happen the same thing with the background and personality of the characters. More precisely I felt that the reluctance of Gary is a little bit exaggerated without greater basics, there is no reference to disenchantments when trying any relation in the past, . And Brock is somewhat too perfect for my taste.
September 17, 2013
Short, but pretty good read.
September 10, 2013
Short little piece about a total Bear who is sick of pretty much everything and everyone. He runs his own bar, and avoids... well pretty much everything. Out of the blue the hero is in the scene, nicknamed “Trouble.” I would say he swept him off his feet, but there was so much resistance it was more like a slow and sticky drag. ;)
“In honesty, no one had ever pursued him quite so adamantly before. It was a hell of a turn on.”
The character interactions were smooth and believable. The sex scenes were hot, but not over the top. It was short, but you were given enough info to piece the story together well. I liked the characters, I would totally read a longer version of this story or others by the author. And I loved the one liners and sarcasm. I didn’t give it a 5 because I had a problem with 2 pieces of the ending. A good quick read, around a half hour-- but one of those stories that you get a lot out of in a short time.
“In honesty, no one had ever pursued him quite so adamantly before. It was a hell of a turn on.”
The character interactions were smooth and believable. The sex scenes were hot, but not over the top. It was short, but you were given enough info to piece the story together well. I liked the characters, I would totally read a longer version of this story or others by the author. And I loved the one liners and sarcasm. I didn’t give it a 5 because I had a problem with 2 pieces of the ending. A good quick read, around a half hour-- but one of those stories that you get a lot out of in a short time.
August 22, 2013
Read on 8-20-2013
I think I have a new fave short story author! Male Seeking Male warmed my heart and I was left wanting so much more. Never wanting the story to end. The Trouble With Trouble was the exact same way. I WANT MORE from Brock and Gary! I wanted Gary's backstory. I wanted to know why he guarded his heart so much and I know all that couldn't be from his parents. I wanted to live in Brock's cabin ;)
So ummm...Miss Lee, I accidently stumbled on this on Amazon, as well as MSM. I fell in love with your books! Hopefully the rest of your readers will too. Keep writing so I can stumble upon your other creations :)
I think I have a new fave short story author! Male Seeking Male warmed my heart and I was left wanting so much more. Never wanting the story to end. The Trouble With Trouble was the exact same way. I WANT MORE from Brock and Gary! I wanted Gary's backstory. I wanted to know why he guarded his heart so much and I know all that couldn't be from his parents. I wanted to live in Brock's cabin ;)
So ummm...Miss Lee, I accidently stumbled on this on Amazon, as well as MSM. I fell in love with your books! Hopefully the rest of your readers will too. Keep writing so I can stumble upon your other creations :)
December 15, 2013
A short, cute, and very nice little story. I liked the setting, the characters and the writing.
The only drawback for me was Gary's completely over-the-top reaction towards the end which provided the one drama/angst/I-need-some-adversity-so-the-story-is-more-exciting point every book seems to need. Unfortunately, it was a pretty weak one.
Still a good and short entertainment!
The only drawback for me was Gary's completely over-the-top reaction towards the end which provided the one drama/angst/I-need-some-adversity-so-the-story-is-more-exciting point every book seems to need. Unfortunately, it was a pretty weak one.
Still a good and short entertainment!
December 28, 2015
It was ok, cute, but a little too heavy on the 'been hurt before so can't get close to another human.' I thought dude who wouldn't take no for an answer was a little creepy and I thought the 'jump to worst conclusion, react without verification' schtick was cliched. It also ended with the pre-2015 m/m romance version of a wedding proposal, which was too pat for a short story.
May 16, 2015
Oh I loved this..It reminded a bit of 51st Thursday....Gary couldn't believe that Brock wasn't trouble....But soon got his head out of his arse....will have to look out for more from this author...love short reads x
September 6, 2016
Gary was hyper sensitive with a negative attitude. Brock was a borderline stalker. Brock's showdown of proving commitment was hokey.
March 7, 2018
3.5 stars
February 28, 2019
So much happened in so little time. I was thriving. So good.
October 18, 2024
A very interesting and enjoyable experience, I couldn't put it down until I finished it 😀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2013
Short, contemporary m/m romance. Gary is a nice guy who just wants to be loved. He was rejected by his family for being gay and the guys he has gone for in the past weren't in it for the long haul so when Brock comes into his bar Gary just knows he is Trouble. Brock too knows the pain of being rejected by his parents for being gay but he also knows a good thing when he sees it. He likes what he has seen of Gary and if he could only get him to trust in them they could be happy together.
Another sweet m/m romance from Kathleen Lee. This story was almost too short. I really liked these guys and would've loved the chance to get to know them better. But what I did get to know I liked. I usually have a problem with angsty characters it doesn't take much to turn it into whining which I hate but Ms. Lee manages to avoid that pitfall and your heart just about breaks for these guys which only makes it better in the end.
Another sweet m/m romance from Kathleen Lee. This story was almost too short. I really liked these guys and would've loved the chance to get to know them better. But what I did get to know I liked. I usually have a problem with angsty characters it doesn't take much to turn it into whining which I hate but Ms. Lee manages to avoid that pitfall and your heart just about breaks for these guys which only makes it better in the end.
September 7, 2016
A shortish fun sexy read that I quick enjoyed.
Gary is a jaded bar owner, fed up of one night stands and looking for a more meaningful relationship. He names Trouble, a new regular to his bar. Trouble, aka Brock, is persistant and eventually gets Gary to agree to a date.
They don't take long to fall into bed, Gary seems to get more insecure, there is the obligatory misunderstanding which seemed a bit contrived. Would have enjoyed Gary being stronger.
A good coffee time read!
Gary is a jaded bar owner, fed up of one night stands and looking for a more meaningful relationship. He names Trouble, a new regular to his bar. Trouble, aka Brock, is persistant and eventually gets Gary to agree to a date.
They don't take long to fall into bed, Gary seems to get more insecure, there is the obligatory misunderstanding which seemed a bit contrived. Would have enjoyed Gary being stronger.
A good coffee time read!
January 10, 2016
"You take care of people. Who takes care of you?"
Being ridiculed and rejected by his family, Gary goes back to the only place he ever found happiness. Having nothing but his bar to keep him from being lonely. Trouble breeds trouble in the form of Brock!
The two have a STEAMY affair! Just when Gary believes they can have a happily ever after his heart gets crushed. Is it a simple misunderstanding? Find out in this M/M novella of persuasion, kindness, and love.
Being ridiculed and rejected by his family, Gary goes back to the only place he ever found happiness. Having nothing but his bar to keep him from being lonely. Trouble breeds trouble in the form of Brock!
The two have a STEAMY affair! Just when Gary believes they can have a happily ever after his heart gets crushed. Is it a simple misunderstanding? Find out in this M/M novella of persuasion, kindness, and love.
August 11, 2016
4.5 stars--an excellent hour plus read! Gary is alone and wary. He's been hurt so many times, he's no longer willing to trust, to give relationships and love a chance. Brock is steady, reliable and patient. He knows what he wants, and he's willing to take the time and effort needed to get it. And Brock wants Gary.
This is a well written short story with heart. I highly recommend it!
This is a well written short story with heart. I highly recommend it!
Want to read
August 15, 2013$0.99 on Amazon
October 9, 2013
Rating 3.5
February 21, 2016
Sometimes , it just takes the right person to show you ,you are worthy of love.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews