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Checking Him Out #1
Checking Him Out
Engineer Sol Brooks is a happily married man, so people keep telling him. He and Elise have been in Boston for eight years, he loves her, and she loves him. They’ve got a great apartment that’s kept its value, they’re both up for promotion, and he can hook up with any guy he likes - all the sex he wants, so long as it’s of the “no strings” variety. And that’s all fine and dandy...until a chance meeting at the checkout.
Also available: Checking Him Out For the Holidays - a festive short for Hanukkah/Christmas
Dear Author,
When I met the love of my new life (his words not mine… ass), I was simply waiting in the checkout line. I might have been caught up in a conversation with my best friend/wife of X amount of years about something, I can’t remember at the moment. So anyway, we were distracted and didn’t notice that the line had moved. So after maybe 30 seconds, or a minute at the most (I’m pretty sure it wasn’t that long), Mr. Impatient, with an accent like that character on The Originals (not that I watch that show at my age), got our attention in the rudest way in my opinion, or in my wife’s heart-of-a-ho opinion, the kindest way possible for our insensitive asses. I’m pretty sure his accent, mixed with his damn charm, got him out of more trouble than it should. We had a rough start, but we had quiet moments when we weren’t all over each other or fighting, in and out of bed. Anyway, I would love a story about our first year.
Photo Description:
Photo shows a ruggedly handsome, olive-skinned guy in his early to mid-thirties, with thick, short dark hair, deep dark eyes, broad angular features and heavy stubble on his lip and chin. He’s wearing a suit jacket over an open-necked hoodie, dark hair visible on the bared V of his chest. His eyes are narrowed and looking straight into the camera; his index finger is pressed to his thick ruddy lips in mischievous, sultry warning.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
Also available: Checking Him Out For the Holidays - a festive short for Hanukkah/Christmas
Dear Author,
When I met the love of my new life (his words not mine… ass), I was simply waiting in the checkout line. I might have been caught up in a conversation with my best friend/wife of X amount of years about something, I can’t remember at the moment. So anyway, we were distracted and didn’t notice that the line had moved. So after maybe 30 seconds, or a minute at the most (I’m pretty sure it wasn’t that long), Mr. Impatient, with an accent like that character on The Originals (not that I watch that show at my age), got our attention in the rudest way in my opinion, or in my wife’s heart-of-a-ho opinion, the kindest way possible for our insensitive asses. I’m pretty sure his accent, mixed with his damn charm, got him out of more trouble than it should. We had a rough start, but we had quiet moments when we weren’t all over each other or fighting, in and out of bed. Anyway, I would love a story about our first year.
Photo Description:
Photo shows a ruggedly handsome, olive-skinned guy in his early to mid-thirties, with thick, short dark hair, deep dark eyes, broad angular features and heavy stubble on his lip and chin. He’s wearing a suit jacket over an open-necked hoodie, dark hair visible on the bared V of his chest. His eyes are narrowed and looking straight into the camera; his index finger is pressed to his thick ruddy lips in mischievous, sultry warning.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
183 pages, ebook
First published June 14, 2014
187 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
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venture-out
November 6, 2016
FREE on Amazon US today (3/20/2015)
BLURB:
Engineer Sol Brooks is a happily married man, so people keep telling him. He and Elise have been in Boston for eight years, he loves her, and she loves him. They’ve got a great apartment that’s kept its value, they’re both up for promotion, and he can hook up with any guy he likes - all the sex he wants, so long as it’s of the “no strings” variety. And that’s all fine and dandy...until a chance meeting at the checkout.
http://www.amazon.com/Checking-Him-Ou...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 370 books)
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December 31, 2015So, you don't want to read a story about cheating?
That's OK. I totally understand, but you're here, reading this author review, so why don't you:
That's OK. I totally understand, but you're here, reading this author review, so why don't you:
June 20, 2016
5+++ big stars Jesus I was really walking slow and blindly in so much depth
In the beginning yeah great way of writing, catching, then it's starts to get even better... then I got the feeling it's brilliant and then BAM no words really speechless. There goes my best better bests. The story grabs you by the heart. From light to such a complete gripping story.Really really amazing buildup. Feelings from left to right from low to high e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e with in exact the right loading!! Amazing. Deep bow and applause.
(I really have to stop this review because I only can express in exaggerated statements)
In the beginning yeah great way of writing, catching, then it's starts to get even better... then I got the feeling it's brilliant and then BAM no words really speechless. There goes my best better bests. The story grabs you by the heart. From light to such a complete gripping story.Really really amazing buildup. Feelings from left to right from low to high e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e with in exact the right loading!! Amazing. Deep bow and applause.
(I really have to stop this review because I only can express in exaggerated statements)
June 6, 2016
The blurb promises a fun story, if a little illicit in its beginnings, and it delivered on that promise. But what that blurb left me unprepared for was the depth of emotion I felt while reading it.
I started off with being intrigued as to what will happen next. I ended up feeling a heavy happiness, heavy in the heart, that is.
During this journey, I felt a myriad of emotions, going through fury at one infuriating character, laughter with the MCs (who were absolutely adorable), hatred towards the bad people, adjusting my view of seemingly bad people when they went through a transformation born of understanding, tears for the wrongs that had happened, and, finally, joy for the happy ending and a great epilogue.
In short, I've shed tears, laughed, been pissed off -- all of it in the best way possible. This book took me on a journey of emotions, and it's exactly what I look for in my M/Ms.
I loved this book. Such a poignant story and happy ending. :-)
Can't wait to get started on the next one by the author!
I started off with being intrigued as to what will happen next. I ended up feeling a heavy happiness, heavy in the heart, that is.
During this journey, I felt a myriad of emotions, going through fury at one infuriating character, laughter with the MCs (who were absolutely adorable), hatred towards the bad people, adjusting my view of seemingly bad people when they went through a transformation born of understanding, tears for the wrongs that had happened, and, finally, joy for the happy ending and a great epilogue.
In short, I've shed tears, laughed, been pissed off -- all of it in the best way possible. This book took me on a journey of emotions, and it's exactly what I look for in my M/Ms.
I loved this book. Such a poignant story and happy ending. :-)
Can't wait to get started on the next one by the author!
Read
June 26, 2015I don't like how bitchy the wife is protrayed. Read just past the first story post; it doesn't sound like an eyes-wide-open marriage of convenience. Women and wives don't need to be horrid in order for the gay men to be cute and/or righteous when cheating.
In fairness the story does follow the prompt exactly.
Yeah, this was never going to be a story for me.
----
Oh and UK, Britain, England - these three are not the same.
Some of us are British without being English!
In fairness the story does follow the prompt exactly.
in my wife’s heart-of-a-ho opinion
Yeah, this was never going to be a story for me.
----
Oh and UK, Britain, England - these three are not the same.
Some of us are British without being English!
June 15, 2014
Debbie McGowan just made me take another Valium. There have been some exceptional stories this year for this event and this author has written a five star read, IMHO. Not perfect, but definitely full of emotion. Even though it's character driven the plot was outstanding. Once again, a story that will make you cry but there is an HEA. Kudos, Debbie for a wonderful book and thank you for sharing such a lovely story. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
November 15, 2021
This was a surprise gem. I really loved the story. Would've been closer to 5 stars if we would've gotten some better communication from the MCs. It really jumped around in places. Awesome for a free read!
June 16, 2014
I'm not quite sure what to rate this story, so for now I'm giving it a solid 3 stars because, even though I didn't particularly like any of the main characters, the story was well written and it followed the prompt. However, there were quite a few things that bothered me about this one, like:
-the bitchy wife that gives you an excuse to cheat (to clarify, I don't have a thing against cheating in fiction at all, I just hate the bitchy wife trope)
-too much crying... like, a LOT of crying
-a major Woobie with a ton of issues
-actual physical running away from people and problems,
-a deep closet that was
-did I mention the crying?
Despite all that, I ended up needing to know what happens at the end and, as mentioned, the prompt was followed to the T.
-the bitchy wife that gives you an excuse to cheat (to clarify, I don't have a thing against cheating in fiction at all, I just hate the bitchy wife trope)
-too much crying... like, a LOT of crying
-a major Woobie with a ton of issues
-actual physical running away from people and problems,
-a deep closet that was
-did I mention the crying?
Despite all that, I ended up needing to know what happens at the end and, as mentioned, the prompt was followed to the T.
July 20, 2015
3.5 stars
This is what I felt like for two-thirds of this story:
Frustrated
If you put the cheating aside (It was in the blurb, I knew what I was getting myself into) This is still one hell of a frustrating read. It fell on the old "wife's a bitch" trope and what an effing bitch she was! Elise was hypocritical and cruel and I hated every moment she had on page.
For as much as Adam inserted himself into Solomon's life, he was quick to want to remove himself from it as well. He was so impatient at times that I wanted to pull my hair out at his reactions. Eventually he was sweet, sappy and patient in all the right moments, and it somewhat made up for his behaviour. But mostly, I still think he's an immature brat.
But Solomon, you may be the most frustrating of them all. You are the Obi Wan of deflection and avoidance. You have the Poor-Little-Ol-Me disease but you refuse to do anything about it.
The last third of the book is about healing and Solomon finally getting closure and opening himself up. It was kind of lovely and sort of made up for the hair I've lost from pulling it out earlier in the story. It took pouring a lot of understanding into me getting to that point.
This story is well realised, and it certainly has the length to get from point A to B, although I'm still scratching my head as to why Adam was okay with Solomon being married. See? I'm still frustrated.
The writing was pretty good, though I felt like it lost momentum in a few parts. I think that may be due in part to the veering off to explain a certain british mannerism or lifestyle. I would have preferred to be allowed to go with the flow and assume that the knowledge presented was factual. That I needed to be told that this is how and why they do and say certain things was, for lack of a better word, frustrating. It jumbled the writing. The author could have set explanations within the story without taking us to the side lines for additional information.
The Epilogue was nice, and for me, much needed, and gets a half of a star just for that.
Edit: I just wanted to add that the author did exactly what was asked for in the blurb and therefore my low rating and frustration isn't so much to do with the writing but with the plot itself.
This is what I felt like for two-thirds of this story:
Frustrated
If you put the cheating aside (It was in the blurb, I knew what I was getting myself into) This is still one hell of a frustrating read. It fell on the old "wife's a bitch" trope and what an effing bitch she was! Elise was hypocritical and cruel and I hated every moment she had on page.
For as much as Adam inserted himself into Solomon's life, he was quick to want to remove himself from it as well. He was so impatient at times that I wanted to pull my hair out at his reactions. Eventually he was sweet, sappy and patient in all the right moments, and it somewhat made up for his behaviour. But mostly, I still think he's an immature brat.
But Solomon, you may be the most frustrating of them all. You are the Obi Wan of deflection and avoidance. You have the Poor-Little-Ol-Me disease but you refuse to do anything about it.
The last third of the book is about healing and Solomon finally getting closure and opening himself up. It was kind of lovely and sort of made up for the hair I've lost from pulling it out earlier in the story. It took pouring a lot of understanding into me getting to that point.
This story is well realised, and it certainly has the length to get from point A to B, although I'm still scratching my head as to why Adam was okay with Solomon being married. See? I'm still frustrated.
The writing was pretty good, though I felt like it lost momentum in a few parts. I think that may be due in part to the veering off to explain a certain british mannerism or lifestyle. I would have preferred to be allowed to go with the flow and assume that the knowledge presented was factual. That I needed to be told that this is how and why they do and say certain things was, for lack of a better word, frustrating. It jumbled the writing. The author could have set explanations within the story without taking us to the side lines for additional information.
The Epilogue was nice, and for me, much needed, and gets a half of a star just for that.
Edit: I just wanted to add that the author did exactly what was asked for in the blurb and therefore my low rating and frustration isn't so much to do with the writing but with the plot itself.
June 4, 2015
I am going to admit right upfront that I am a sucker for stories about healing, and surviving the shit that life cruelly throws at you. Real life can suck, horrible things can and do happen, and I like the idea that people can still find happiness in the aftermath of a not-so-perfect life.
I'm also going to admit that I am not normally a “tag reader”, I would go as far as to say that I'm a total “tag ignorer”. It is too much like Let's watch this movie, you'll like it, Rosebud is his sled. Why would I do that to myself?!
That being said, this story turned into a completely different story than I thought I had been reading. And after finishing the story, and then reading the LL story prompt, I'm even more surprised.
I loved that the author took us from a story about a closeted man in a lavender marriage being hit on in a grocery checkout, to this story of a man and his construction of half-a-life as a self-inflicted punishment for sins (both real and imagined) of his past.
The double standard of the marriage drives you a little crazy, but that is always the price of a first person POV, you don't know what is going through the mind of anyone else. But I love Sol's voice so much I wouldn't want it to change.
This is a bit of a roller coaster ride and certainly a heart-breaker but a wonderful story, indeed.
I'm also going to admit that I am not normally a “tag reader”, I would go as far as to say that I'm a total “tag ignorer”. It is too much like Let's watch this movie, you'll like it, Rosebud is his sled. Why would I do that to myself?!
That being said, this story turned into a completely different story than I thought I had been reading. And after finishing the story, and then reading the LL story prompt, I'm even more surprised.
I loved that the author took us from a story about a closeted man in a lavender marriage being hit on in a grocery checkout, to this story of a man and his construction of half-a-life as a self-inflicted punishment for sins (both real and imagined) of his past.
The double standard of the marriage drives you a little crazy, but that is always the price of a first person POV, you don't know what is going through the mind of anyone else. But I love Sol's voice so much I wouldn't want it to change.
This is a bit of a roller coaster ride and certainly a heart-breaker but a wonderful story, indeed.
June 19, 2016
I'm not sure what I expected after I read the blurb. All I can say is that what I got by far succeeded what I might have expected. :) If that makes sense.
The choice of title is brilliant, as are the MCs.
I didn't realize at the beginning how lost and torn Sol was, but as soon as Adam appears on the scene, and Sol keeps hijacking his chance of happiness you start wondering what is going on. It becomes clear soon enough that some kind of dark secret is holding him back big time. The author does a stellar job unravelling his story slowly, keeping the reader in suspense while aching for Sol at the same time. His back story tore my heart a little bit apart, and I was grateful to Debbie McGowan she decided to put it back together again at the end.
I also really enjoyed Adam. Big, strong, gorgeous, (im)patient, and with his heart on his sleeve, he is everything Sol could have wished for, but he proves that he is even more. I love how Adam stands by Sol, how he supports him, whatever. Yes, of course he has moments where Sol's behaviour rocks his confidence in their relationship, but who would have felt different? But it is loyalty, his love and patience that carry Sol through in the end.
The thing I didn't get was the way Sol and Elise parted. After being told that they loved each other (even if that was in their own way) Elsie turned into the b**** of hell once Sol fell for Adam. What? She seemed quite an ok person up to that point. It was weird how hypocritical and poisonous she 'suddenly' became. They were friends and married for eight years, surely Elise would have talked things over with Sol?
Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the book. It was a most pleasant Sunday read.
RECOMMENDED
The choice of title is brilliant, as are the MCs.
I didn't realize at the beginning how lost and torn Sol was, but as soon as Adam appears on the scene, and Sol keeps hijacking his chance of happiness you start wondering what is going on. It becomes clear soon enough that some kind of dark secret is holding him back big time. The author does a stellar job unravelling his story slowly, keeping the reader in suspense while aching for Sol at the same time. His back story tore my heart a little bit apart, and I was grateful to Debbie McGowan she decided to put it back together again at the end.
I also really enjoyed Adam. Big, strong, gorgeous, (im)patient, and with his heart on his sleeve, he is everything Sol could have wished for, but he proves that he is even more. I love how Adam stands by Sol, how he supports him, whatever. Yes, of course he has moments where Sol's behaviour rocks his confidence in their relationship, but who would have felt different? But it is loyalty, his love and patience that carry Sol through in the end.
The thing I didn't get was the way Sol and Elise parted. After being told that they loved each other (even if that was in their own way) Elsie turned into the b**** of hell once Sol fell for Adam. What? She seemed quite an ok person up to that point. It was weird how hypocritical and poisonous she 'suddenly' became. They were friends and married for eight years, surely Elise would have talked things over with Sol?
Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the book. It was a most pleasant Sunday read.
RECOMMENDED
June 17, 2014
I won't lie... I thought this story was cheesy when I started reading it. I almost gave up, but then Sol did me in. And Adam had his say and I was mush..
I can relate to all Sol had to do in order to release himself and was glad Adam was man enough to take him on.
The story took a different turn than what I expected, but Lordy, I had a few LOL moments, especially Sol's first time submitting to Adam. You just gotta read it. Miss Debbie had him say what we all think. LOL.
Glad they found their happy ending, through trials and runs, hehehee (gotta read the story to understand THAT one).
Author's note: a prequel of sorts would be great.
I can relate to all Sol had to do in order to release himself and was glad Adam was man enough to take him on.
The story took a different turn than what I expected, but Lordy, I had a few LOL moments, especially Sol's first time submitting to Adam. You just gotta read it. Miss Debbie had him say what we all think. LOL.
Glad they found their happy ending, through trials and runs, hehehee (gotta read the story to understand THAT one).
Author's note: a prequel of sorts would be great.
November 7, 2015
I can’t believe I haven’t read this story until now, it’s been sitting on my E-reader since last year when it came out. I loved the roller-coaster ride this story took me on, and as always Ms. McGowan’s writing is lovely.
November 30, 2014
Let me start by saying something two very important things. Firstly, I think I've been using five star ratings way too liberally, because this deserves something a hell of a lot more. Secondly, I’m not a fan of M/M romance in general, or a big reader of gay fiction.
This, like some other books I’ve read recently, I went into rather sceptically, thinking I was bound to dislike it. Turns out I didn’t dislike it – I dislike all the hypocritical idiots who have left jaded, ignorant reviews of it on Goodreads. I’ll take the liberty of explaining that sweeping statement in the 'spoilers' section below. If you're not interested in my soapbox and merely want to know a few brief thoughts on the book, feel free to skip it.
Right, now I’ve got that rant over with, I can get to the book a-proper. This is a beautiful, sensitive and often funny (bordering on hilarious) portrayal of the healing of a man hurt to the point of destruction by the action of others and his own inaction. It is a story of love and understanding, of courage and hope, with an overarcing message that accepting yourself and showing your true colours is the sure-fire route to the acceptance of others. Living a lie can make you unhappy, and it can haunt you in a multitude of ways.
The varied range of reactions to Sol’s coming out – from his mum’s bittersweet ignorant/comical reaction, to the unexpected reaction of his father – was touching and realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed being surprised right along with Sol. I felt as though I were there with he and Adam on their journey, being swept along in the intrigue and romance. Adam’s patience and understanding – despite his nickname! – were sweet and touching, and the lessons that he and Sol learn about the importance of communication and understanding are staggering. Quite honestly, if more people took a leaf out of these guys’ book, I’m pretty sure a lot of relationships would take a turn for the better.
If you’ve ignored my rant above and just gone with the review bit, I’d like to point out how sorry I feel for Elise. Not because her lavender marriage broke down, or because Sol ‘cheated’ (and I use that word very loosely and inaccurately – see rant above) on her, but because, as sol comically says in the book, she’s so far in the closet she has a residency visa for Narnia. She must be a very sad, lonely woman to not be able to accept herself and be able to show who she really is – this, in itself, is a good enough reason for me for her bitterness towards Sol. How painful it must be to see that he, after eight years, gained the courage to actually be himself and be out and proud? How lonely it must feel, not to have the kind of love from her own partner, Jen, that made her feel strong enough to do that? Poor, but very very clever, woman (see rant above).
The romance between Sol and Adam is touching and tender. Some people have described that this story goes too quickly and then drags, but didn't necessarily feel that; to me the pacing of this novel is cleverly alternated to reflect Adam's impulsivity and the speed at which their relationship progresses and how Sol's over-analytical mind slows it down again. Very clever and subtly done.
Ultimately this is a story of love and loss – quite heavy on the loss – and healing and redemption. It’s never too late to put right a wrong that you haven’t acted upon, and with the love, understanding and support of the right person, it’s so much easier to be the kind of person you wanted to be all along.
A powerfully written, life changing book. A beautiful read. Well done, Debbie McGowan. I can’t recommend this highly enough. And it’s free – so you’ve lost nothing in giving it a go. If – like some ‘people’ – you can’t see the reasoning and very clever actions behind the not-cheating and break up of the marriage in the first half of the book, heed the author’s advice in her review and read the second half, because it’s just simply stunning.
This, like some other books I’ve read recently, I went into rather sceptically, thinking I was bound to dislike it. Turns out I didn’t dislike it – I dislike all the hypocritical idiots who have left jaded, ignorant reviews of it on Goodreads. I’ll take the liberty of explaining that sweeping statement in the 'spoilers' section below. If you're not interested in my soapbox and merely want to know a few brief thoughts on the book, feel free to skip it.
Right, now I’ve got that rant over with, I can get to the book a-proper. This is a beautiful, sensitive and often funny (bordering on hilarious) portrayal of the healing of a man hurt to the point of destruction by the action of others and his own inaction. It is a story of love and understanding, of courage and hope, with an overarcing message that accepting yourself and showing your true colours is the sure-fire route to the acceptance of others. Living a lie can make you unhappy, and it can haunt you in a multitude of ways.
The varied range of reactions to Sol’s coming out – from his mum’s bittersweet ignorant/comical reaction, to the unexpected reaction of his father – was touching and realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed being surprised right along with Sol. I felt as though I were there with he and Adam on their journey, being swept along in the intrigue and romance. Adam’s patience and understanding – despite his nickname! – were sweet and touching, and the lessons that he and Sol learn about the importance of communication and understanding are staggering. Quite honestly, if more people took a leaf out of these guys’ book, I’m pretty sure a lot of relationships would take a turn for the better.
If you’ve ignored my rant above and just gone with the review bit, I’d like to point out how sorry I feel for Elise. Not because her lavender marriage broke down, or because Sol ‘cheated’ (and I use that word very loosely and inaccurately – see rant above) on her, but because, as sol comically says in the book, she’s so far in the closet she has a residency visa for Narnia. She must be a very sad, lonely woman to not be able to accept herself and be able to show who she really is – this, in itself, is a good enough reason for me for her bitterness towards Sol. How painful it must be to see that he, after eight years, gained the courage to actually be himself and be out and proud? How lonely it must feel, not to have the kind of love from her own partner, Jen, that made her feel strong enough to do that? Poor, but very very clever, woman (see rant above).
The romance between Sol and Adam is touching and tender. Some people have described that this story goes too quickly and then drags, but didn't necessarily feel that; to me the pacing of this novel is cleverly alternated to reflect Adam's impulsivity and the speed at which their relationship progresses and how Sol's over-analytical mind slows it down again. Very clever and subtly done.
Ultimately this is a story of love and loss – quite heavy on the loss – and healing and redemption. It’s never too late to put right a wrong that you haven’t acted upon, and with the love, understanding and support of the right person, it’s so much easier to be the kind of person you wanted to be all along.
A powerfully written, life changing book. A beautiful read. Well done, Debbie McGowan. I can’t recommend this highly enough. And it’s free – so you’ve lost nothing in giving it a go. If – like some ‘people’ – you can’t see the reasoning and very clever actions behind the not-cheating and break up of the marriage in the first half of the book, heed the author’s advice in her review and read the second half, because it’s just simply stunning.
September 1, 2014
This felt like two stories.
The first half of the story didn't capture my interest. I almost gave up on it. I don't like how bitchy the wife turned out to be in this story. There was no redeeming quality about her and I just could not understand why it was stated that she married him for convenience because it sure didn't look like it. I don't understand her reaction to him finding someone he loves or her bitchiness.
How Adam and Sol fell in love was weird. A disjointed dating sequence occurred and I didn't know what was going on.
Ah, but the second half is where this story shone. If you haven't given up in the first half of the book, this is where the heart of the story lies.
It was a heart-wrenching story of healing, comfort and mending relationships. I truly felt Sol's pain when it came to him reconnecting with his family. The bitter history of his past rears its ugly head as he faces his fears. This is where the story really picks up for me and I could see how Adam was the perfect guy for Sol.
There is a lot of potential in this. There's touching moments when I could feel the tears threatening to fall. With a smoother flow to the storyline, it has a lot of promise to become a great story.
The first half of the story didn't capture my interest. I almost gave up on it. I don't like how bitchy the wife turned out to be in this story. There was no redeeming quality about her and I just could not understand why it was stated that she married him for convenience because it sure didn't look like it. I don't understand her reaction to him finding someone he loves or her bitchiness.
How Adam and Sol fell in love was weird. A disjointed dating sequence occurred and I didn't know what was going on.
Ah, but the second half is where this story shone. If you haven't given up in the first half of the book, this is where the heart of the story lies.
It was a heart-wrenching story of healing, comfort and mending relationships. I truly felt Sol's pain when it came to him reconnecting with his family. The bitter history of his past rears its ugly head as he faces his fears. This is where the story really picks up for me and I could see how Adam was the perfect guy for Sol.
There is a lot of potential in this. There's touching moments when I could feel the tears threatening to fall. With a smoother flow to the storyline, it has a lot of promise to become a great story.
November 29, 2015
This book was a freebie on Barnes and Noble. I hooked me from the first few lines, and I really appreciated the situation Sol finds himself in as a gay man, married to a lesbian woman in order to have a more heterosexual appearance.
Before you judge, read the book. I cannot imagine facing the situation that forced Sol to feel marrying a woman was his only option, verse happiness. This book isn't about cheating on a spouse, but more about Sol cheating himself out of love and happiness.
Before you judge, read the book. I cannot imagine facing the situation that forced Sol to feel marrying a woman was his only option, verse happiness. This book isn't about cheating on a spouse, but more about Sol cheating himself out of love and happiness.
June 16, 2014
Review to follow. Fucking good
January 2, 2015
Sol has a marriage of convenience which has worked for 8 years. He can have one night stands with men, his wife can have one night stands with women and they can even sleep with each other, as long as the 'affairs' are kept secret and their careers are not jeopardised. Sol however, meets and has an instant and reciprocated connection with Adam. The chemistry between Adam and Sol is intense and as two English men living in the US, they also have an easy connection that Sol feels he has missed having been away from the UK for so long. Sol struggles to deal with the death of a boyfriend he had in his teens and so a trip back to England to visit their families (not all of whom are entirely accepting of a gay lifestyle) means that he is forced to face his demons. This feels quite fast paced. There's so much going on all the time, the characters were likeable, the drama unfolding kept me glued to the pages and they were hot together. Highly recommended.
July 24, 2014
3.5 glowy stars :) This story really hit some closed off places in my heart and any writer that can do that to a reader (even without that reader having experiences those exact circumstances-or precisely because of that) is a wonderful writer in my book. It was confusing at times though, but at others HOT, and others utterly lovely. Thank you for this.
August 28, 2016
Not what I expected!
This was no ordinary m/m romance novel. I was totally engulfed in this! Could not put it down till I was finished reading it!
This was no ordinary m/m romance novel. I was totally engulfed in this! Could not put it down till I was finished reading it!
August 11, 2014
I absolutely loved this story about Sol’s emotional journey from living in Boston in a “Lavender Marriage” to Elise, to But how he gets from one to the other is a voyage full of love, laughter, pain and grief and then finally healing and becoming stronger and better.
This story had many layers and I felt like I had to re-evaluate what I knew of these characters every so often, it kept my brain working. :-)
This story had so many funny and quirky moments and lines that I was constantly smiling.
Yes it also had me crying as well in many places, I found the narration had a lightness of tone that didn’t leave me feeling heavy with sadness and gloom but left me in a positive mood.
I loved Adam with his pushiness and impatience. I loved how confident he was with Sol and declaring Also how open he was in showing affection in public, like holding hands and kissing. Although
In the beginning of this story I didn’t fully understand why Sol and Elise got married, I felt that the reasons given were a little weak but mostly very sad given that both of them were preventing themselves from finding their true loves. I say true love not in the classic love story sense but in the fundamental trueness sense. I think I understood why Elise did it, Then as the story progressed I felt I slowly learned the real reasons for Sol’s decision.
This story had many layers and I felt like I had to re-evaluate what I knew of these characters every so often, it kept my brain working. :-)
This story had so many funny and quirky moments and lines that I was constantly smiling.
Yes it also had me crying as well in many places, I found the narration had a lightness of tone that didn’t leave me feeling heavy with sadness and gloom but left me in a positive mood.
I loved Adam with his pushiness and impatience. I loved how confident he was with Sol and declaring Also how open he was in showing affection in public, like holding hands and kissing. Although
In the beginning of this story I didn’t fully understand why Sol and Elise got married, I felt that the reasons given were a little weak but mostly very sad given that both of them were preventing themselves from finding their true loves. I say true love not in the classic love story sense but in the fundamental trueness sense. I think I understood why Elise did it, Then as the story progressed I felt I slowly learned the real reasons for Sol’s decision.
December 21, 2014
Well, well well... Debbie made me all sappy with this one !
I came to this book with utter expectations. I've read Debbie McGowan's Champagne and disliked it. After some discussion with Debbie, she told me about this one and pointed out that there was a HEA in it (that didn't exist in Champagne and was part of my dislike).
So I have to say that my utter expectations have been reached :)
Two MC : Solomon (Sol for his friends) is an engineer in Boston. He's married to his once best friend, Elise. They're gay, they know it but hide it under the cover of their marriage. Then, one day, he meets Adam, who is a Performing Arts teacher.
Adam is everything Sol is not. He's impulsive, talks openly of things that bother him, he wants to make the things right but fast. A little too fast for our Sol who always needs to think twice about everything before actually doing something. When he's afraid he runs away (literally sometimes !). But his Captain Impatient becomes Captain Patient and eases their relationship.
There are great second characters too. Adam's parents are awesome and his little brother Noah ? Let's just say that I would like to read the story with Matty..
There is also a sad part with Sol's former lover James, who died years ago in a bashing. This part is well driven, with sadness, anger, revenge, grief, relief and justice. Happy end here too (except that no one comes back form the depths... would have been weird :) ).
I would like to add some quotes I really liked :
"She knew I was gay. She'd always known, and so was she, except she was so far back in the closet she had a residency visa for Narnia."
""Of course it does ! What kind of mother gets in the way of her children's happiness ? " I thought it best not to answer that one."
"Noah and Matty "slept in" - must've been some pretty energetic dreams they were having, the way the bed was squeaking."
The second one was not that funny but it sooo made me think about my own mother, I couldn't help quoting it :) And I think it'll put a trigger in someone's memory :D
As a conclusion, I'd say I totally loved this story. The characters were great, the end is beautiful and now I can't wait to read the Christmas short story Debbie promised will be finished soon :D
I hope you'll love it as well !
I came to this book with utter expectations. I've read Debbie McGowan's Champagne and disliked it. After some discussion with Debbie, she told me about this one and pointed out that there was a HEA in it (that didn't exist in Champagne and was part of my dislike).
So I have to say that my utter expectations have been reached :)
Two MC : Solomon (Sol for his friends) is an engineer in Boston. He's married to his once best friend, Elise. They're gay, they know it but hide it under the cover of their marriage. Then, one day, he meets Adam, who is a Performing Arts teacher.
Adam is everything Sol is not. He's impulsive, talks openly of things that bother him, he wants to make the things right but fast. A little too fast for our Sol who always needs to think twice about everything before actually doing something. When he's afraid he runs away (literally sometimes !). But his Captain Impatient becomes Captain Patient and eases their relationship.
There are great second characters too. Adam's parents are awesome and his little brother Noah ? Let's just say that I would like to read the story with Matty..
There is also a sad part with Sol's former lover James, who died years ago in a bashing. This part is well driven, with sadness, anger, revenge, grief, relief and justice. Happy end here too (except that no one comes back form the depths... would have been weird :) ).
I would like to add some quotes I really liked :
"She knew I was gay. She'd always known, and so was she, except she was so far back in the closet she had a residency visa for Narnia."
""Of course it does ! What kind of mother gets in the way of her children's happiness ? " I thought it best not to answer that one."
"Noah and Matty "slept in" - must've been some pretty energetic dreams they were having, the way the bed was squeaking."
The second one was not that funny but it sooo made me think about my own mother, I couldn't help quoting it :) And I think it'll put a trigger in someone's memory :D
As a conclusion, I'd say I totally loved this story. The characters were great, the end is beautiful and now I can't wait to read the Christmas short story Debbie promised will be finished soon :D
I hope you'll love it as well !
December 17, 2014
Well this is probably the first gay novel that I read where I can say that I see myself in one of the characters... (Sol) I understand him in so many ways so that made for a really enjoyable read. I'm like him in the way of thinking things through, not wanting to rush into things, being methodical, etc.. but on the other had I envy Adam for taking so many leaps of faith and just hoping that he lands safely. Like most I wasn't a big fan of Elise but I know women like her as well...
I also envied Adam's family the way that Sol did because mine isn't like his at all... My mum and I don't get on that well but I am super close to my older sister like he is with his younger one.
I still am not 100% sure that his panic attacks stemmed from the death of the love of his life or it was because of his mother's words, his own hatred for allowing himself to fall completely into himself or all of that stuff...
Sex scenes where really hot so they get an A from me
Some things were (for lack of a better term) Lesbian-ish in the book but I can get over those parts because I am sure there are men who move that quickly in life.. Hell I did it once or twice in my 20's hehe
Overall I enjoyed it!!
I also envied Adam's family the way that Sol did because mine isn't like his at all... My mum and I don't get on that well but I am super close to my older sister like he is with his younger one.
I still am not 100% sure that his panic attacks stemmed from the death of the love of his life or it was because of his mother's words, his own hatred for allowing himself to fall completely into himself or all of that stuff...
Sex scenes where really hot so they get an A from me
Some things were (for lack of a better term) Lesbian-ish in the book but I can get over those parts because I am sure there are men who move that quickly in life.. Hell I did it once or twice in my 20's hehe
Overall I enjoyed it!!
January 17, 2015
This is a book of two halves....the first was Sol coming to a junction in his life after just a simple one-off connection in the checkout line in a grocery store.....it started a chain of events that just unravelled before his eyes and he just barely held on for the ride.....panicking for most of it. Adam was the roller coaster, the safe haven and with clear focus on their future together.
Elise.....well......she was a bitch.......whether this was a salve to her conscious or a cover for her work and family.....it all seemed unjustified and a little over the top. But the agreement they made when they married....madness......!!!
The second half of the book is where it came into its own. Sol and Adam take a two week trip back home to England to meet each others families......thus finishes the unravelling of Sol with some heartbreaking revelations, grief, tears....OMG.....the tears and finally the healing......the proposal......it was one of a kind!
The epilogue summed up the story well and left me with biggest contented sigh I've had in a long time and that was all down to the last three lines.....
"Happy birthday blue skies," I whispered
and the wind whispered back,
"Happy birthday, my sweet sunshine"
......simply wonderful.......
Enjoyable read.
Elise.....well......she was a bitch.......whether this was a salve to her conscious or a cover for her work and family.....it all seemed unjustified and a little over the top. But the agreement they made when they married....madness......!!!
The second half of the book is where it came into its own. Sol and Adam take a two week trip back home to England to meet each others families......thus finishes the unravelling of Sol with some heartbreaking revelations, grief, tears....OMG.....the tears and finally the healing......the proposal......it was one of a kind!
The epilogue summed up the story well and left me with biggest contented sigh I've had in a long time and that was all down to the last three lines.....
"Happy birthday blue skies," I whispered
and the wind whispered back,
"Happy birthday, my sweet sunshine"
......simply wonderful.......
Enjoyable read.
December 17, 2014
This is a nice story which evolves from reading about Sol, a guy stuck in a "lavender marriage" who meets another man (Adam) in a checkout line and falls instantly in lust, to a more in-depth story which involves delving into Sol's past to solve a long ago murder, and to come to terms with old issues related to past loves. Sounds convoluted? That's pretty much how I felt when reading this.
Overall, I didn't connect with Sol-- not when he was married, and not when he was finally getting together with Adam. I just didn't feel the chemistry between them. The second part of the story, which takes place in England, was more interesting, but it never felt like anything more than a recitation of how the two met and how Sol finally stopped his self-destructive behaviors long enough to allow Adam to make him see that they really did belong together.
It is one of the Love's Landscapes stories, and I do appreciate the author's participation. It's wonderful that we have the benefit of reading new authors who have given us these stories for free.
Overall, I didn't connect with Sol-- not when he was married, and not when he was finally getting together with Adam. I just didn't feel the chemistry between them. The second part of the story, which takes place in England, was more interesting, but it never felt like anything more than a recitation of how the two met and how Sol finally stopped his self-destructive behaviors long enough to allow Adam to make him see that they really did belong together.
It is one of the Love's Landscapes stories, and I do appreciate the author's participation. It's wonderful that we have the benefit of reading new authors who have given us these stories for free.
November 30, 2014
Absolutely amazing and moving romance.
I've read some really great reviews on this book, one in particular stands out which means I'll keep mine brief since its already been done so much better than I could.
While I don't read a lot of M/M books I have read several and enjoyed them, I like romance so provided the books have good characters, emotions, relationships, background...you get the gist I like the romance and the build-up and so I absolutely loved this book.
I loved the fact that not only did I cry, lots of times but I also laughed so much probably at things a lot of people wouldn't have found funny, I'm from Yorkshire and the author had it spot on, the little sayings and things unique to this part of the world.
There's really nothing left for me to say except I absolutely loved this book.
I've read some really great reviews on this book, one in particular stands out which means I'll keep mine brief since its already been done so much better than I could.
While I don't read a lot of M/M books I have read several and enjoyed them, I like romance so provided the books have good characters, emotions, relationships, background...you get the gist I like the romance and the build-up and so I absolutely loved this book.
I loved the fact that not only did I cry, lots of times but I also laughed so much probably at things a lot of people wouldn't have found funny, I'm from Yorkshire and the author had it spot on, the little sayings and things unique to this part of the world.
There's really nothing left for me to say except I absolutely loved this book.
December 5, 2014
Funnily enough, at 50% I was quite enjoying the book, then bam! 51% I was ready to strangle all the characters or slap some sense into them. While the "wife" was very hypocritical, I understand why the need for her character. Once you get past that one small section (I think 57% should do it ;) it is back to being a very enjoyable book. There was good sexual chemistry and enough development I think to accept the insta-lust-love.
Not everyone will have the same reactions to the way an author sets out her story, but from my perspective the pacing of the story and the way it unfolded really made for a deep, emotional read with touching characters. It all made sense toward the end and the 6% of angst was worth it! ha!
Not everyone will have the same reactions to the way an author sets out her story, but from my perspective the pacing of the story and the way it unfolded really made for a deep, emotional read with touching characters. It all made sense toward the end and the 6% of angst was worth it! ha!
August 31, 2014
I really loved this story because I feel it was complete. I've laughed a lot with Sol and Adam and their attacks of the giggles. And then I cried a little with Sol and James. It was clear Adam was the perfect man for Sol, the one who could comfort him and helping him healing and having closure with a really bad past.The only thing I really hated was the first part when the stupid and liar wife was in the story too. I don't understand why she couldn't be happy for him.I loved the ending and I hope maybe Debbie will tell us more about Noah and Matt.
I definitely recommend Checking Him Out and it's free, so give it a try.
I definitely recommend Checking Him Out and it's free, so give it a try.
October 7, 2015
★★★☆☆½
Sol has been in a 'lavender' marriage for the past eight years with his best friend from college for the main reason to further both their careers.
That all changes one day at the grocery store when an impatient guy tries to push in and Sol can't get said guy, Adam, out of his mind and leaves his wallet behind.
In pretty short order, Sol's whole life changes, however even though this was a freebie from Love's Landscapes, it didn't feel rushed, the author made it a full story.
The beginning is a bit disjointed but eventually Sol and Adam forge a deeper relationship and past baggage on both parts is dealt with and both can move on. Finally, James' get the justice due him.
Sol has been in a 'lavender' marriage for the past eight years with his best friend from college for the main reason to further both their careers.
That all changes one day at the grocery store when an impatient guy tries to push in and Sol can't get said guy, Adam, out of his mind and leaves his wallet behind.
In pretty short order, Sol's whole life changes, however even though this was a freebie from Love's Landscapes, it didn't feel rushed, the author made it a full story.
The beginning is a bit disjointed but eventually Sol and Adam forge a deeper relationship and past baggage on both parts is dealt with and both can move on. Finally, James' get the justice due him.
July 12, 2017
Loved this one!!
One of those books that made me cry and laugh all the same.
Probably going to reread this in the future.
One of those books that made me cry and laugh all the same.
Probably going to reread this in the future.
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