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Think Outside the Box
Political radio host Ryan Ryder’s motto is “What I do is none of your business.” He refuses to label himself as liberal, conservative, rich, poor, straight, or gay. Ryan is a great on-air personality, but in daily life he has trouble making connections and feels no attraction to a rising pop star when she comes onto him after a benefit. Reporter Craig Ducey is a fan of Ryan’s who calls Ryan’s radio show to accuse him of being gay. Ryan blows him off on-air, but not before Craig hints at where he’ll be later. Ryan meets him, and their intense one-night stand blows Ryan’s mind.
As their relationship intensifies, Ryan starts to understand why people let society put them in a box. When he finally accepts who he is, he has a big decision to make. He can continue to hide from the truth and risk losing Craig, or learn to think outside the box of his own prejudices, and accept that placing himself into a category may not be the death sentence for individuality he’d once thought.
As their relationship intensifies, Ryan starts to understand why people let society put them in a box. When he finally accepts who he is, he has a big decision to make. He can continue to hide from the truth and risk losing Craig, or learn to think outside the box of his own prejudices, and accept that placing himself into a category may not be the death sentence for individuality he’d once thought.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 21, 2016
2.5 stars I had a really hard time rating this. Ultimately, what it came down to was... I wish Ryan's radio show hadn't been a political one. It added a whole other component to the story that I don't think was particularly good or relevant. It didn't bring anything new to the basic story of Ryan and Craig. Let me explain.
Craig and Ryan come together and that was fantabulous. I loved the way Ryan just went with it. I loved Craigs' response to him. And the sex was hot. Really, the only conflict over the course of the story is that Ryan won't admit/say "I'm gay". He's always supported marriage equality, so I don't think any of his other politics are relevant and only distract from the story. Despite him saying he doesn't talk to his sister about politics since they disagree, we never see him and Craig discuss politics or political issues. In fact, Craig had been a listener of his show so it's safe for us to assume they agree on some key issues. Hence, it's irrelevant.
Now, back to not saying "I'm gay." Ryan doesn't like to be put in a box. You will hear this a lot. Despite calling himself conservative. Despite being aghast to an acusation his ideas have changed and responding, "I'm not liberal" like it's the most horrible thing you could call someone. Despite him calling someone handing out environmental flyers a "tree-hugger". You get my point. He is the labeler, who doesn't like labels.
Unfortunately, this made Ryan feel very hypocritical to me and made it hard for me to fee connected to him. Don't get me wrong, I liked him. He was funny and sweet to Craig for the most part. But the way he acted didn't correspond to what he said, and it made me feel like Ms. Holiday was trying to Make Ryan something that he wasn't.
But all that being said, it's a decent read. I debated between 2 and 3 stars and the final bump down was really a personal one for me. I was trying very, very hard not to be Judgey McJudgerton and not let personal politics come into this, but the several times we heard clips of Ryan's shows I felt like he was channeling Glenn Beck and just... uhg. I'm sorry that people discriminate against you white males for not being discriminated against, poor you. And I'm sorry that we need affirmative action because minorities haven't been given the same opportunities in this country and the people in positions of power cannot always be trusted to treat them fairly. Unfortunately, people are not color-blind, or orientation-blind, or whatever.
So in the end, if Ryan had been a music DJ, or even better just had a talk-radio show where he discussed this and that, it would have fit better. Not only would you eliminate the risk of alienating readers when Ryan's being a smug bastard about some political issue, but it would have fit better with the plot. It would have made sense for him to be talking about family, and boxes, and labels. But on a political show? It was just weird.
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
Craig and Ryan come together and that was fantabulous. I loved the way Ryan just went with it. I loved Craigs' response to him. And the sex was hot. Really, the only conflict over the course of the story is that Ryan won't admit/say "I'm gay". He's always supported marriage equality, so I don't think any of his other politics are relevant and only distract from the story. Despite him saying he doesn't talk to his sister about politics since they disagree, we never see him and Craig discuss politics or political issues. In fact, Craig had been a listener of his show so it's safe for us to assume they agree on some key issues. Hence, it's irrelevant.
Now, back to not saying "I'm gay." Ryan doesn't like to be put in a box. You will hear this a lot. Despite calling himself conservative. Despite being aghast to an acusation his ideas have changed and responding, "I'm not liberal" like it's the most horrible thing you could call someone. Despite him calling someone handing out environmental flyers a "tree-hugger". You get my point. He is the labeler, who doesn't like labels.
Unfortunately, this made Ryan feel very hypocritical to me and made it hard for me to fee connected to him. Don't get me wrong, I liked him. He was funny and sweet to Craig for the most part. But the way he acted didn't correspond to what he said, and it made me feel like Ms. Holiday was trying to Make Ryan something that he wasn't.
But all that being said, it's a decent read. I debated between 2 and 3 stars and the final bump down was really a personal one for me. I was trying very, very hard not to be Judgey McJudgerton and not let personal politics come into this, but the several times we heard clips of Ryan's shows I felt like he was channeling Glenn Beck and just... uhg. I'm sorry that people discriminate against you white males for not being discriminated against, poor you. And I'm sorry that we need affirmative action because minorities haven't been given the same opportunities in this country and the people in positions of power cannot always be trusted to treat them fairly. Unfortunately, people are not color-blind, or orientation-blind, or whatever.
So in the end, if Ryan had been a music DJ, or even better just had a talk-radio show where he discussed this and that, it would have fit better. Not only would you eliminate the risk of alienating readers when Ryan's being a smug bastard about some political issue, but it would have fit better with the plot. It would have made sense for him to be talking about family, and boxes, and labels. But on a political show? It was just weird.
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
February 9, 2014
My experience with Ellen Holiday is not many – although noted, she also hasn’t written much. But I enjoyed her debut novel, Inside the Beltway, and her contribution to the Goodreads M/M Romance Group Love Has No Boundaries Event, Brandon's Laughter. Due to those, I decided to give this sophomore novel from her a try.
What made this story work really well for me was the manner of ease to it; despite that the characters were talking about labels and how to put oneself inside a checked box. I think Ellen Holiday has this way of writing that keeps things flowing, even if the talk about labels might get dragged on after awhile. Still, it’s a ‘different’ kind of topic to be presented in mm contemporary romance.
Characters wise, I liked the two men right from the start. Yes, there was instant attraction, but again, the way Holiday wrote their relationship was so comfortable, I had no issues at all. I enjoyed Ryan’s inner struggle to fight for “his privacy” but at the same time realizing the importance of defining oneself, using, well, a box.
I also liked Craig for his willingness to take things on Ryan’s timetable. See, I get annoyed easily when a love interest pushes his lover to get out of the closet, because to me a decision to do that should not be defined by someone else’s timeline. However, in this story, I felt that Ryan wasn’t completely wanting to ‘hide’ himself, it’s more the fact that he doesn’t want to be put inside a box — so Craig challenging Ryan’s perspective on that was refreshing. I mean, Craig didn’t just push Ryan to define himself as gay, instead Craig gave counter argument on Ryan’s belief. I liked that.
I also loved the strong sense of Washington DC and the idea of political radio show. BUT, please noted that I am NOT an American. So none of these topics on politics that Ryan discussed with his listeners made any impact or issues for me. This might be different if you have different perception or opinions maybe, with Ryan or his listeners. Anyway, I don’t hear radio much these days, but it’s great to read about radio personalities in books.
Bottom Line: a likeable easy reading...
Copy is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any copy received.
What made this story work really well for me was the manner of ease to it; despite that the characters were talking about labels and how to put oneself inside a checked box. I think Ellen Holiday has this way of writing that keeps things flowing, even if the talk about labels might get dragged on after awhile. Still, it’s a ‘different’ kind of topic to be presented in mm contemporary romance.
Characters wise, I liked the two men right from the start. Yes, there was instant attraction, but again, the way Holiday wrote their relationship was so comfortable, I had no issues at all. I enjoyed Ryan’s inner struggle to fight for “his privacy” but at the same time realizing the importance of defining oneself, using, well, a box.
I also liked Craig for his willingness to take things on Ryan’s timetable. See, I get annoyed easily when a love interest pushes his lover to get out of the closet, because to me a decision to do that should not be defined by someone else’s timeline. However, in this story, I felt that Ryan wasn’t completely wanting to ‘hide’ himself, it’s more the fact that he doesn’t want to be put inside a box — so Craig challenging Ryan’s perspective on that was refreshing. I mean, Craig didn’t just push Ryan to define himself as gay, instead Craig gave counter argument on Ryan’s belief. I liked that.
I also loved the strong sense of Washington DC and the idea of political radio show. BUT, please noted that I am NOT an American. So none of these topics on politics that Ryan discussed with his listeners made any impact or issues for me. This might be different if you have different perception or opinions maybe, with Ryan or his listeners. Anyway, I don’t hear radio much these days, but it’s great to read about radio personalities in books.
Bottom Line: a likeable easy reading...
Copy is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any copy received.
February 2, 2014
3.5 stars!
This story starts out very nicely. You get introduced to one of the main characters, Ryan, a political radio host while reading about him appearing in his show. You get introduced to Craig when you hear his voice over the radio talking to Ryan while trying to out him in public.
Despite Ryan getting upset and refusing to go into a discussion on air, something in Craig’s words and way of talking spikes an interest in Ryan. His first instinct is not to accept the invitation Craig offered him, but eventually he does and meets him.
They start a relationship that’s heavy, sweet, sexy and loving.
For me as a reader, a very comfortable read. It’s interesting to see them grow into their relationship, watching them deal with how to handle Craig being out and proud as they say and Ryan still refusing to place himself into a position of mentioning his love life or preference.
He is so focused on not being placed “in a box” that even his radio show gets affected by it. Struggling to find a way to stay true to himself and his beliefs and not wanting or willing to risk losing Craig, we find Ryan (over)thinking many options.
Here is where I found myself losing connection to the story and to its characters.
I had the feeling the story kept dragging, going over the same subjects for too long and taking a very long time to come to its conclusion. A shame, as I really liked the beginning.
I really loved the early instant connection between Ryan and Craig especially the way author Ellen Holiday gently made short shrift with the perfectly build man through one of these main characters ( kudo’s for that).
That being said I definitely want to point out the very well-done ending to this novel and the easy way of writing by this author who was fairly new to me. She definitely spiked my interest in reading some more of her hand.
Review posted at:
http://sidlove.com/2014/02/01/pre-rel...
February 9, 2014
I hav to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It wasn't as angsty as I was gearing myself up for and I have to say it really worked for me. I'm also digging the political aspect bc I'm a huge left wing, commie, pinko, Capitol L Liberal and I'm ridiculously addicted to politics. My Super Bowl is election season, preferably presidential election cycles. Annnywho... So I think it was cool reading a character who wasn't a liberal. We're so used to our little M/M "we love everyone" bubble that it was badass to hav that different kinda guy. And there are plenty LGBT libertarians and conservatives (whether y'all like it or not). I do hav to say shame on the couple of peeps I saw givin this a lower rating "cuz he's a whiny conservative". A) STAHHHP! B) Where would the conflict hav come from if he was a super liberal show host? The celebrity angle is so overdone. This was fresh an different. C) really??! Do you rate your friends lower in life bc of their politics? Why a character? Shouldn't we represent all?
But I digress. This was solid. I really enjoyed it.
But I digress. This was solid. I really enjoyed it.
August 1, 2014
A solid coming out for you romance with shades of politics and public life.
I liked this story. Liked Ryan and Craig and enjoyed watching their love develop. Things move quickly between them and they are sweet and treat each other well.
We are in Ryan's head and he's smart and opinionated and will not keep those opinions to himself. He has a genuine sweetness to him that is appealing. He meets Craig and his whole world flips and he is just gone, crazy in love with him,
Ryan struggled, but it was reasonable and most people don't choose to change their lives so completely once they've reached success in their careers. I was glad that there wasn't a lot of self hating or homophobia on his part. He didn't seem as much denying his sexuality as hiding from it for a long time.
Craig is out and proud. He works as a reporter for Out Washington and he does not want to live his life with secrets or shame. He has his own struggles and drama that he's dealt with by living his truth. Craig is right there with Ryan falling fast and wanting forever together.
I know a lot of people don't have much sympathy for people who hide their sexual orientation. I don't believe that I have any right to tell anyone else how to lead their life (barring of course the usual disclaimers here and those who try to bring harm to people).
I'm really uncomfortable with ultimatums. I don't really think you have the right to tell your lover of four months that they have to come out, and risk their careers, or they won't see you anymore. I'd think if you could claim to be in love you'd get a little more time before you tried to force them to conform to what you want them to be. Especially when they aren't conflicted about being with you, they are asking for time to figure it all out and decide how and when.
One aspect that I loved is that the author created Ryan as a complicated, flawed and interesting person - in other words, human. While Ryan discarded some of his philosophy because it no longer worked for him, he stayed true to his beliefs that we are all individuals and deserve to be met as such. There are reasons to mark boxes that have nothing to do with conforming to society's standards and everything to do with love, acceptance and choice.
Reviewed by Nina
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
I liked this story. Liked Ryan and Craig and enjoyed watching their love develop. Things move quickly between them and they are sweet and treat each other well.
We are in Ryan's head and he's smart and opinionated and will not keep those opinions to himself. He has a genuine sweetness to him that is appealing. He meets Craig and his whole world flips and he is just gone, crazy in love with him,
Ryan struggled, but it was reasonable and most people don't choose to change their lives so completely once they've reached success in their careers. I was glad that there wasn't a lot of self hating or homophobia on his part. He didn't seem as much denying his sexuality as hiding from it for a long time.
Craig is out and proud. He works as a reporter for Out Washington and he does not want to live his life with secrets or shame. He has his own struggles and drama that he's dealt with by living his truth. Craig is right there with Ryan falling fast and wanting forever together.
I know a lot of people don't have much sympathy for people who hide their sexual orientation. I don't believe that I have any right to tell anyone else how to lead their life (barring of course the usual disclaimers here and those who try to bring harm to people).
I'm really uncomfortable with ultimatums. I don't really think you have the right to tell your lover of four months that they have to come out, and risk their careers, or they won't see you anymore. I'd think if you could claim to be in love you'd get a little more time before you tried to force them to conform to what you want them to be. Especially when they aren't conflicted about being with you, they are asking for time to figure it all out and decide how and when.
One aspect that I loved is that the author created Ryan as a complicated, flawed and interesting person - in other words, human. While Ryan discarded some of his philosophy because it no longer worked for him, he stayed true to his beliefs that we are all individuals and deserve to be met as such. There are reasons to mark boxes that have nothing to do with conforming to society's standards and everything to do with love, acceptance and choice.
Reviewed by Nina
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
November 29, 2019
Re-read: Nov/19 4.5 stars
Ryan hosts a political talk radio show and doesn't like labels for himself, although he calls himself a libertarian and gets a little defensive when someone says that they are liberal. One night, a caller asks why he turned down a famous female singer and challenges him to meet. Even though Ryan doesn't really want to, he meets the man later at a gay bar, and takes him home. Ryan can't stop thinking about the man, even if he doesn't want to say that he is gay.
Craig has been a fan of Ryan, even though he doesn't agree with his politics. When Ryan is interested in more than just a hook-up, Craig agrees, because he feels the connection that they have. However, Craig is out, and Ryan can't even say the word gay in relation to himself. Eventually, Craig has to decide how long he is willing to hide, and if Ryan is worth it.
I think what I liked most about this book was the fact that people weren't in boxes. Ryan was definitely on the conservative side, but supported gay marriage and rights. The singer supported animal rights and bills, but ate meat. And I like the idea of that. Because as much as this world is now trying to put everyone in a category and keep them there, that's not what most people are like. They can be conservative and support gay marriage and rights, or be concerned about the environment. They can be liberal and have family values and want the right to bear arms. It's not all black and white, either/or.
Ryan has a hard time admitting to himself that he's gay, which I can sort of understand, because he's never really thought about it. He's concerned what his listeners will think, what will happen to his show. A lot of the story is Ryan struggling about being put in a box, and having labels. I think that he comes to understand that he is still Ryan, no matter what label he has, and that the label might help others see more clearly. However, any particular label isn't everything that he is, and Ryan comes to see that.
I really, really liked that Craig was mostly ordinary looking, but to Ryan he was absolutely beautiful, and he couldn't see him any other way. Both Ryan and Craig learned from each other, and still had all their own opinions and views. It was nice to see people who might not necessarily see eye to eye still able to talk in a positive way with each other, see where the other is coming from, and still be themselves.
Original rating: 5 stars
Ryan hosts a political talk radio show and doesn't like labels for himself, although he calls himself a libertarian and gets a little defensive when someone says that they are liberal. One night, a caller asks why he turned down a famous female singer and challenges him to meet. Even though Ryan doesn't really want to, he meets the man later at a gay bar, and takes him home. Ryan can't stop thinking about the man, even if he doesn't want to say that he is gay.
Craig has been a fan of Ryan, even though he doesn't agree with his politics. When Ryan is interested in more than just a hook-up, Craig agrees, because he feels the connection that they have. However, Craig is out, and Ryan can't even say the word gay in relation to himself. Eventually, Craig has to decide how long he is willing to hide, and if Ryan is worth it.
I think what I liked most about this book was the fact that people weren't in boxes. Ryan was definitely on the conservative side, but supported gay marriage and rights. The singer supported animal rights and bills, but ate meat. And I like the idea of that. Because as much as this world is now trying to put everyone in a category and keep them there, that's not what most people are like. They can be conservative and support gay marriage and rights, or be concerned about the environment. They can be liberal and have family values and want the right to bear arms. It's not all black and white, either/or.
Ryan has a hard time admitting to himself that he's gay, which I can sort of understand, because he's never really thought about it. He's concerned what his listeners will think, what will happen to his show. A lot of the story is Ryan struggling about being put in a box, and having labels. I think that he comes to understand that he is still Ryan, no matter what label he has, and that the label might help others see more clearly. However, any particular label isn't everything that he is, and Ryan comes to see that.
I really, really liked that Craig was mostly ordinary looking, but to Ryan he was absolutely beautiful, and he couldn't see him any other way. Both Ryan and Craig learned from each other, and still had all their own opinions and views. It was nice to see people who might not necessarily see eye to eye still able to talk in a positive way with each other, see where the other is coming from, and still be themselves.
Original rating: 5 stars
March 7, 2014
One of the reasons why I like Ellen Holiday's style is she makes a supposedly serious and angsty plotline read light and sweetly romantic.
Set in D.C., Ryan Ryder is a popular radio talk show host whose comedic approach to the political goings on in the nation's capital provoke so many different and opposing reactions. He likes to clash opinions with all sorts and levels of politicos as well as entertainers. His views are thought provoking and sometimes he can step on a few toes. What he does over the air, however, he refuses to even touch in private.
Ryan is a man who loves his privacy and no matter how he is taunted on air, he does not give way. Especially when the questions are about his personal life, his sexual preferences. He holds on to this privacy that even he himself refuses to give himself a label. Things are fine even a little boring, and he is secure in this. Until one night, when a man called Craig calls in and issues a challenge. A challenge he could not refuse.
Craig Ducey is a an openly gay reporter of Out Washington, an openly gay daily. He had been a fan of Ryan's radio show for some time now and makes sure to tune in every night. When he challenges Ryan on air, never did he imagine that it would change his life and Ryan's.
Soon the two men's relationship change and instead of the expected one-night-stand, Ryan cannot seem to get over his need to have Craig in his life. He starts questioning himself and it is affecting his show. Fans and haters are beginning to talk: what's up with Ryan Ryder? The same question Craig is asking. You see, Ryan still will not handle the issue of labels, of being placed in the metaphorical box. Will not even label their relationship for what it truly is.
Events unfold without seeming high drama. There were a few spots, especially when the read is about what is actually being broadcast over the air, that were hilarious and thought provoking. The romance between the two men was fast in the lust stages but very slow on the love angle. When they do reach that point where they either had to go for it or just leave things unanswered and break it off, it became a bit desperate for Ryan. Craig was a stronger individual, he was there to wait but not forever. Setting things to motion even Ryan never thought to think.
Light hearted, easy to read, thought provoking and very romantic, Think Outside The Box is one of those books that gives the readers a sense of sweetness that is difficult to ignore.
Set in D.C., Ryan Ryder is a popular radio talk show host whose comedic approach to the political goings on in the nation's capital provoke so many different and opposing reactions. He likes to clash opinions with all sorts and levels of politicos as well as entertainers. His views are thought provoking and sometimes he can step on a few toes. What he does over the air, however, he refuses to even touch in private.
Ryan is a man who loves his privacy and no matter how he is taunted on air, he does not give way. Especially when the questions are about his personal life, his sexual preferences. He holds on to this privacy that even he himself refuses to give himself a label. Things are fine even a little boring, and he is secure in this. Until one night, when a man called Craig calls in and issues a challenge. A challenge he could not refuse.
Craig Ducey is a an openly gay reporter of Out Washington, an openly gay daily. He had been a fan of Ryan's radio show for some time now and makes sure to tune in every night. When he challenges Ryan on air, never did he imagine that it would change his life and Ryan's.
Soon the two men's relationship change and instead of the expected one-night-stand, Ryan cannot seem to get over his need to have Craig in his life. He starts questioning himself and it is affecting his show. Fans and haters are beginning to talk: what's up with Ryan Ryder? The same question Craig is asking. You see, Ryan still will not handle the issue of labels, of being placed in the metaphorical box. Will not even label their relationship for what it truly is.
Events unfold without seeming high drama. There were a few spots, especially when the read is about what is actually being broadcast over the air, that were hilarious and thought provoking. The romance between the two men was fast in the lust stages but very slow on the love angle. When they do reach that point where they either had to go for it or just leave things unanswered and break it off, it became a bit desperate for Ryan. Craig was a stronger individual, he was there to wait but not forever. Setting things to motion even Ryan never thought to think.
Light hearted, easy to read, thought provoking and very romantic, Think Outside The Box is one of those books that gives the readers a sense of sweetness that is difficult to ignore.
March 5, 2014
It was OK. I felt that Ryan's on-air personality and politics detracted from the story, and the box metaphor grew tiresome by the end of the book. I liked that Craig was depicted as ordinary in appearance, but it felt like the author went out of her way to remind us of this. I would have preferred that we see him as beautiful through Ryan's eyes. (We eventually do, but it's tempered by Ryan musing that he doesn't know why he finds Craig attractive.)
February 5, 2014
3.5 stars rounded up!
I liked it! A twist of a familiar story, smart.
So full review at: http://literarynook.com/thinkoutsidet...
*An arc was received in exchange for an honest review.
I liked it! A twist of a familiar story, smart.
So full review at: http://literarynook.com/thinkoutsidet...
*An arc was received in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2014
2.5 stars. Perfect review is perfect: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 6, 2016
3.5 stars
February 4, 2014
3.75 stars
February 19, 2014
3.5 stars.
February 9, 2014
I had to force myself to finish it. Then I resented it for taking time away from books I could enjoy. I should have been stronger and walked away.
January 27, 2015
always fun to read about the DC area. I loved the MCs relationship.
Did Not Finish
September 11, 2018Dropped because it's not for me. I didn't like the MCs and the plot about label.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews