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Tim on Broadway #1
Tim on Broadway, Season One
Carolyn Sohier, the Greta Garbo of divas, is giving a once in a lifetime concert that Tim can’t afford to attend. Tim—an overweight, twenty-something virgin—regrets lending the hunky bag boy at the grocery store money that could have bought him a ticket. Tim needs to call in his debts, but money isn't the only thing holding him back.
The first time Tim met Javier, he was blown away by the attention. As an overweight, twenty-something virgin, he didn't often—actually ever—get a guy, let alone a hot one, pay attention to him. The problem, Javier is straight; yet he gives Tim mixed messages. Tim can’t get Javier off his mind, unless he is pursuing his love for theater—or talking with his best friend, Julia, about the “unattainable” crushes they share on some of the guys back home.
With the Carolyn Sohier concert fasting approaching, Tim struggles to get tickets. If he hadn't lent Javier the money to, well, have his way with him in the beer cooler at the store they worked at together, maybe Tim wouldn't have lost his job, and would be able to see Carolyn perform. But Tim’s learned his lesson from all this…or so he thinks.
The first time Tim met Javier, he was blown away by the attention. As an overweight, twenty-something virgin, he didn't often—actually ever—get a guy, let alone a hot one, pay attention to him. The problem, Javier is straight; yet he gives Tim mixed messages. Tim can’t get Javier off his mind, unless he is pursuing his love for theater—or talking with his best friend, Julia, about the “unattainable” crushes they share on some of the guys back home.
With the Carolyn Sohier concert fasting approaching, Tim struggles to get tickets. If he hadn't lent Javier the money to, well, have his way with him in the beer cooler at the store they worked at together, maybe Tim wouldn't have lost his job, and would be able to see Carolyn perform. But Tim’s learned his lesson from all this…or so he thinks.
306 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2014
21 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Rick Bettencourt
23 books90 followersRick Bettencourt writes LGBTQ+ fantasy with forbidden love, found family, and a dash of humor. His signature series, The Rise of the Normals, follows Diesel, a wolf-shifter who’d rather be “normal,” even if love—and the pack—complicate everything. Expect heart, humor, and claws.
With over 100,000 books sold, Rick is a former president of the Florida Writers Association and an active author coach and speaker. Readers can expect emotional, hopeful journeys with queer romance, loyalty under pressure, and a wink of mischief.
He lives in Florida with his husband and a very opinionated dog, but his New England roots still tug at him (and justify drinking iced coffee year-round). Diesel—the wolf-shifter who thinks he’s the star of everything—occasionally insists on editorial control. Follow Rick’s email list at RickBettencourt.com for new releases, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes peeks.
With over 100,000 books sold, Rick is a former president of the Florida Writers Association and an active author coach and speaker. Readers can expect emotional, hopeful journeys with queer romance, loyalty under pressure, and a wink of mischief.
He lives in Florida with his husband and a very opinionated dog, but his New England roots still tug at him (and justify drinking iced coffee year-round). Diesel—the wolf-shifter who thinks he’s the star of everything—occasionally insists on editorial control. Follow Rick’s email list at RickBettencourt.com for new releases, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes peeks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 20, 2015
DNF’d at 23%. This read to me a bit like the gay male version of Lena Dunham’s character from Girls. Tim is gay, 75 pounds overweight (mentioned over and over again), into Broadway and all that stuff, hopelessly in love with a straight boy and temporarily employed. Mostly nothing really happened in the book at least not to the point I read, same as if you really look at the show Girls (or most shows in general) nothing of importance to you every really happens. You’re reading (or watching) about events important to someone else and hopefully they are entertaining enough for you to keep giving it your time. Unfortunately for me Tim’s life was not entertaining enough for me to continue giving it my time. I don’t find it entertaining to read about someone who is really insecure due to their weight, so much so that they allow themselves to be taken advantage of by anyone who shows the least bit of interest. Tim also needs to set some boundaries, if he finds it rude for people to fart in front of them say so, if you don’t want to help your boss (at your temporary job) work on a Saturday don’t. Don’t give the straight boy who let you lend him money in exchange for the opportunity to suck his dick (yes that’s right Tim paid the boy to allow him to suck his dick and ultimately lost his job for it) to then stay at your place for FREE when he knocks up his girlfriend.
So at 23% I DNF’d it because it was not entertaining AT ALL. (Also because this seems to be a thing lately I rate all the books I DNF so please do not comment on my review saying you shouldn’t rate a book you didn’t finish as I will just ignore you).
So at 23% I DNF’d it because it was not entertaining AT ALL. (Also because this seems to be a thing lately I rate all the books I DNF so please do not comment on my review saying you shouldn’t rate a book you didn’t finish as I will just ignore you).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2014
Tim on Broadway... what can I say?
I didn't expect this at all.
I'd discussed this story with a friend (yes, that's you, Debbie)and I'd thought 'hmm.' I'll freely admit, not a good kind of 'hmm', either, because at the end of the day, this isn't something I'd usually pick up to read for myself. But pick it up I did, and just WOW.
The characters in Tim on Broadway are so vivid they jump from the page and drag you into their world with them. They canter along through their story at a great pace, with just the right amount of intrigue and detail - and how can you not help but love Tim himself? I identified with him quite a lot (even though I'm not a gay male - or a gay female for that matter) with his body issues and his self-confidence, and the journey he goes on makes such a magical transformation.
I loved the normal people, the stars (and how they're surprisingly not all that different), and the locations - I won't deny I had goosebumps at one point and it even brought a tear to my eye.
Well done, Mr Bettencourt; PLEASE write me a sequel.
I didn't expect this at all.
I'd discussed this story with a friend (yes, that's you, Debbie)and I'd thought 'hmm.' I'll freely admit, not a good kind of 'hmm', either, because at the end of the day, this isn't something I'd usually pick up to read for myself. But pick it up I did, and just WOW.
The characters in Tim on Broadway are so vivid they jump from the page and drag you into their world with them. They canter along through their story at a great pace, with just the right amount of intrigue and detail - and how can you not help but love Tim himself? I identified with him quite a lot (even though I'm not a gay male - or a gay female for that matter) with his body issues and his self-confidence, and the journey he goes on makes such a magical transformation.
I loved the normal people, the stars (and how they're surprisingly not all that different), and the locations - I won't deny I had goosebumps at one point and it even brought a tear to my eye.
Well done, Mr Bettencourt; PLEASE write me a sequel.
October 28, 2015
Tim on Broadway is the sort of story I really love. Firstly, there's Tim Benton, a slightly overweight guy, who's got a couple of minor mental health issues, stemming from a pretty massive occurrence in his past, but he is really just trying to get on with life...one doughnut at a time. He's written beautifully – a clever, funny man, with a naïve generosity that he extends to Javier, the hottie in the store where they work, and in the opening chapter, we discover that it wasn't an entirely one-sided favour when Tim loaned Jav some money. Yet, in spite of the dire consequences of everything associated with that loan, Tim cheerfully just keeps on going and he achieves, maybe only in small ways, but as a reader, I was there with him, feeling his relief, his happiness, his confusion, his anxiety...
So, lots of deep emotional exploration, but Tim on Broadway is not heavy-going. It's a very fun read, in fact, with some hysterically funny moments (the Toilet Scene had me laughing out loud, especially), but there are a few kick-you-in-the-back-of-the-knees moments too, like when Tim is judging himself in the bathroom mirror. At that point, I had to stop reading for a few minutes, because I really felt for Tim, and for how down on himself he is, when he's really a fairly successful guy with lots of great qualities.
Javier turned out to be a lot different than I initially anticipated, but I'll leave it at that, as part of the joy of this story is in coming to understand the characters, and whereas Tim is emotionally open from the start of the book, Jav is much deeper and more complex.
The plot's fun – nothing too angsty or tricky to follow. It's just a simple journey, following Tim on the trail of one of his big dreams, and watching him grow as a person. The friendship between Tim and Jav blossoms gradually and realistically, and there's enough of a conclusion for the author to either leave it where it is, or treat us to more adventures with Tim (and hopefully Jav) on Broadway, or wherever else life takes them.
So, lots of deep emotional exploration, but Tim on Broadway is not heavy-going. It's a very fun read, in fact, with some hysterically funny moments (the Toilet Scene had me laughing out loud, especially), but there are a few kick-you-in-the-back-of-the-knees moments too, like when Tim is judging himself in the bathroom mirror. At that point, I had to stop reading for a few minutes, because I really felt for Tim, and for how down on himself he is, when he's really a fairly successful guy with lots of great qualities.
Javier turned out to be a lot different than I initially anticipated, but I'll leave it at that, as part of the joy of this story is in coming to understand the characters, and whereas Tim is emotionally open from the start of the book, Jav is much deeper and more complex.
The plot's fun – nothing too angsty or tricky to follow. It's just a simple journey, following Tim on the trail of one of his big dreams, and watching him grow as a person. The friendship between Tim and Jav blossoms gradually and realistically, and there's enough of a conclusion for the author to either leave it where it is, or treat us to more adventures with Tim (and hopefully Jav) on Broadway, or wherever else life takes them.
September 16, 2014
At first, I honestly wasn’t sure how much I was going to like Tim on Broadway. It was quirky and original, so I appreciated that, but it felt a bit chaotic initially. It’s certainly not like any other book I’ve read. Tim and Javier weren’t polished–they were a bit of a mess to be honest–but they did feel real. Tim has zero self-esteem and Javier’s personal life is a train wreck. And yet, for all their flaws and mistakes, they brought out the best in each other and learned from those mistakes (eventually). I liked watching them grow and I liked their way their relationship developed.
And what initially felt like chaos in the early part of the story wound up being part of its charm. It’s a bit like the characters actually, messy and a little imperfect, but worth it.
Tim on Broadway was originally released as five short stories. If the first one hadn’t been available for free, I probably wouldn’t have decided to buy the whole thing, but I am glad I did. It may not be the book for everyone, but if you’re willing to invest a little time into the story, you might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
And what initially felt like chaos in the early part of the story wound up being part of its charm. It’s a bit like the characters actually, messy and a little imperfect, but worth it.
Tim on Broadway was originally released as five short stories. If the first one hadn’t been available for free, I probably wouldn’t have decided to buy the whole thing, but I am glad I did. It may not be the book for everyone, but if you’re willing to invest a little time into the story, you might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
September 24, 2014
Tim is an ordinary guy trying to get through life one day at a time. The storyline centers around Tim trying to get tickets for a once in a lifetime concert and the things he has to go through to reach his dreams, but there is a lot more to it that comes to light as the story unfolds.
This book is probably one of the most realistic feeling stories I've read in a long time. They say characters make a book (well, I say that), and this one has fabulous characters. Tim is perfectly imperfect in that he had real-life problems, real-life issues, and real-life responses to situations. He was easy to identify with. And Javier was a mess, but it worked for his character. I loved watching their relationship develop over the time frame of the story, and never quite knowing what was going to happen with them or if they would work at all.
The storyline itself was original and fun and kept my attention the whole way through. I will be looking for more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is probably one of the most realistic feeling stories I've read in a long time. They say characters make a book (well, I say that), and this one has fabulous characters. Tim is perfectly imperfect in that he had real-life problems, real-life issues, and real-life responses to situations. He was easy to identify with. And Javier was a mess, but it worked for his character. I loved watching their relationship develop over the time frame of the story, and never quite knowing what was going to happen with them or if they would work at all.
The storyline itself was original and fun and kept my attention the whole way through. I will be looking for more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2014
‘O would some power the giftie gie us to see ourselves as others see us.’ – Robert Burns
Rick Bettencourt steps into an enlarging spotlight of fellow LGBT writers – a circle stage front that includes such names as David Sedaris, Edmund White, Felice Picano, Robert Rodi, Michael Cunningham, David Leavitt, Alan Hollinghurst, Colm Tóibín, et al – and comes on very strong with this new book TIM ON BRADWAY: SEASON ONE. Though there is much talk about this master of the social media and though he has enjoyed success with his earlier works PAINTING WITH WINE and the collection of stories in NOT SURE BOYS, this novel – the culmination of a series f short episodes he published as teasers – places him solidly in the company of the specially gifted young writers of gay fiction.
Bettencourt understands character creation and in this book he has given us at least two characters in Timothy Benton and Javier Rodriquez who are so memorable that they will likely achieve ‘Holden Caulfield’ status. The book is both hilarious funny, gently touching, and very perceptive in the way the author examines personality development and evolvement. But enough of analysis.
The story revolves around a twenty-something overweight virgin who has problems with job retention and with life in general due to the loss of his loving mother in a car accident for which he holds himself responsible, and the fact that he is a virgin – a gay man who has had only one physical encounter and that involved money. His escape: theater, Broadway musicals, donuts, AGD (America’s Got Divas), and a passion for the famous Divas of the day and the past – with especial emphasis on one Carolyn Sohier, ‘the Greta Garbo of divas’. Tim has friends with whom he commiserates and finally encounters a Venezuelan box boy Javier Rodriguez, a straight hunk with whom he makes friends and gradually and very eventfully comes into a relationship. Javier has financial problems not only due to his family but also toward financing a termination of a pregnancy he caused, borrows money from Tim – a transaction that leads to his moving in and changing Tim’s life. So much of the story is bonded to a Bar Harbor, Maine appearance that Carolyn Sohier comes out of retirement to give and how Javier manages tickets, drives the automobile-phobic Tim to see Tim’s goddess, and how in the process of all that Tim alters his appearance at the gym and falls in love with Javier who likewise opens his mind and heart to love Tim.
Bettencourt peppers this delightfully entertaining novel with references to inappropriate flatulence (is it ever appropriate?), manscaping, words to the big songs from the big Broadway shows, Tim’s self perception as a fat man who no one could possibly find attractive, and other diversions that singalong with the chorus of women friends and employers. But in the core of this comedy is the tenderness of Bettencourt’s ‘passion about humanity and one’s desire to make significant change in their lives – how you realize you are and become what you think of yourself.’ Or as Bettencourt places this philosophy in the mouth of his created diva Carolyn, consoling Tim about feeling unlovable, ‘If the problem’s with you, then you have the power to change it.’
Yes, this novel has gay characters in it, but it is not a gay novel – no frank physical encounters, a mixed cast of characters, some time spent with sports, etc – it is instead a tale of how we come to perceive ourselves and the power we all have to evolve and change what we don’t like into someone we love. This is an exceptionally fine novel by a very gifted young writer!
Rick Bettencourt steps into an enlarging spotlight of fellow LGBT writers – a circle stage front that includes such names as David Sedaris, Edmund White, Felice Picano, Robert Rodi, Michael Cunningham, David Leavitt, Alan Hollinghurst, Colm Tóibín, et al – and comes on very strong with this new book TIM ON BRADWAY: SEASON ONE. Though there is much talk about this master of the social media and though he has enjoyed success with his earlier works PAINTING WITH WINE and the collection of stories in NOT SURE BOYS, this novel – the culmination of a series f short episodes he published as teasers – places him solidly in the company of the specially gifted young writers of gay fiction.
Bettencourt understands character creation and in this book he has given us at least two characters in Timothy Benton and Javier Rodriquez who are so memorable that they will likely achieve ‘Holden Caulfield’ status. The book is both hilarious funny, gently touching, and very perceptive in the way the author examines personality development and evolvement. But enough of analysis.
The story revolves around a twenty-something overweight virgin who has problems with job retention and with life in general due to the loss of his loving mother in a car accident for which he holds himself responsible, and the fact that he is a virgin – a gay man who has had only one physical encounter and that involved money. His escape: theater, Broadway musicals, donuts, AGD (America’s Got Divas), and a passion for the famous Divas of the day and the past – with especial emphasis on one Carolyn Sohier, ‘the Greta Garbo of divas’. Tim has friends with whom he commiserates and finally encounters a Venezuelan box boy Javier Rodriguez, a straight hunk with whom he makes friends and gradually and very eventfully comes into a relationship. Javier has financial problems not only due to his family but also toward financing a termination of a pregnancy he caused, borrows money from Tim – a transaction that leads to his moving in and changing Tim’s life. So much of the story is bonded to a Bar Harbor, Maine appearance that Carolyn Sohier comes out of retirement to give and how Javier manages tickets, drives the automobile-phobic Tim to see Tim’s goddess, and how in the process of all that Tim alters his appearance at the gym and falls in love with Javier who likewise opens his mind and heart to love Tim.
Bettencourt peppers this delightfully entertaining novel with references to inappropriate flatulence (is it ever appropriate?), manscaping, words to the big songs from the big Broadway shows, Tim’s self perception as a fat man who no one could possibly find attractive, and other diversions that singalong with the chorus of women friends and employers. But in the core of this comedy is the tenderness of Bettencourt’s ‘passion about humanity and one’s desire to make significant change in their lives – how you realize you are and become what you think of yourself.’ Or as Bettencourt places this philosophy in the mouth of his created diva Carolyn, consoling Tim about feeling unlovable, ‘If the problem’s with you, then you have the power to change it.’
Yes, this novel has gay characters in it, but it is not a gay novel – no frank physical encounters, a mixed cast of characters, some time spent with sports, etc – it is instead a tale of how we come to perceive ourselves and the power we all have to evolve and change what we don’t like into someone we love. This is an exceptionally fine novel by a very gifted young writer!
October 6, 2014
Goodreads Win
Tim is an overweight virgin gay man who loves divas and Broadway shows. He especially loves Carolyn Sohier a reclusive Greta Garbo like diva. He finds out she is doing a rare concert but cannot afford to attend it.
He meets Javier a pretty boy out of his league that he falls for despite he appears to be straight and has recently found out he has pregnant a college student. He does not love her nor wants marriage and the baby. His father wants him to take care of the baby with an abortion but then pressures him into marriage. Javier ends up borrowing money and then paying it back later on.
Tim takes pity on him and lets him stay on and off at his apartment. Javier confuses Tim with mix signals as he turns to his best friend Julia who share their love problems.
Javier has his own secrets that he has hidden from Tim and even from his family. Such things that will end up putting Tim in danger as he hides drugs and money in Tim’s apartment without his knowledge and that he is also gay and his dad will blame Tim due to his hanging out with him.
While Tim struggles with ways to get tickets, he decides to work out and lose weight. Slowly he tries to change his ways and take charge of his fears like being in a car after the accident that took his mother’s life while he was driving.
We are drawn into his world of insecurities as we can relate to them.
Tim is an overweight virgin gay man who loves divas and Broadway shows. He especially loves Carolyn Sohier a reclusive Greta Garbo like diva. He finds out she is doing a rare concert but cannot afford to attend it.
He meets Javier a pretty boy out of his league that he falls for despite he appears to be straight and has recently found out he has pregnant a college student. He does not love her nor wants marriage and the baby. His father wants him to take care of the baby with an abortion but then pressures him into marriage. Javier ends up borrowing money and then paying it back later on.
Tim takes pity on him and lets him stay on and off at his apartment. Javier confuses Tim with mix signals as he turns to his best friend Julia who share their love problems.
Javier has his own secrets that he has hidden from Tim and even from his family. Such things that will end up putting Tim in danger as he hides drugs and money in Tim’s apartment without his knowledge and that he is also gay and his dad will blame Tim due to his hanging out with him.
While Tim struggles with ways to get tickets, he decides to work out and lose weight. Slowly he tries to change his ways and take charge of his fears like being in a car after the accident that took his mother’s life while he was driving.
We are drawn into his world of insecurities as we can relate to them.
September 20, 2014
Tim on Broadway by Rick Bettencourt is a love story on several levels. It is a love story to New York City, especially Broadway (no surprise), to Tim’s deceased mother who introduced him to Broadway, and finally to Tim’s first boyfriend. The novel is populated by refreshingly not-perfect people, including Tim and several others who are overweight, a skinny gay guy with false teeth, another gay with bad hair, and Javier who says “I don’t come from a good background.” The chapter titles are often taken from songs, Broadway shows, or divas, all to comic effect. The story follows Tim on his road from unsuccessful loner to someone who is happy, very successful on many fronts, and liked by just about everyone, including his future self. While Season One ends with all Tim’s problems resolved, the idea of one season leads to a second, hopefully. A truly fun, funny read!
September 25, 2014
Another great read from Rick. Especially liked the details he shared while in Maine.
I saw the coast of Maine for the first time a few years back at a nice Inn in Scarborough, Maine, called The Black Point Inn. The book took me back to the times we strolled around Prouts Neck and Winslow Homer's home.
The characters native to the area gave the story a warm feeling and the need to go back and experience it again. Thanks Rick!
I saw the coast of Maine for the first time a few years back at a nice Inn in Scarborough, Maine, called The Black Point Inn. The book took me back to the times we strolled around Prouts Neck and Winslow Homer's home.
The characters native to the area gave the story a warm feeling and the need to go back and experience it again. Thanks Rick!
September 27, 2014
Goodreads win. Will read and review once received.
I will admit going into this book I felt like I may not like. Well I was so wrong. I ended up very much enjoying this read. Tim was an adorable character that I would love to read more about. By the end of the book I was hoping for another book or a never ending book. The other characters in this book were just as good. A very fun and great read.
I will admit going into this book I felt like I may not like. Well I was so wrong. I ended up very much enjoying this read. Tim was an adorable character that I would love to read more about. By the end of the book I was hoping for another book or a never ending book. The other characters in this book were just as good. A very fun and great read.
June 10, 2015
Tim is so quirky, I loved his Banter with Julia, and as much as I didn't like Javier to start off with, I am so glad it ended the way it did.
This book is a great reflection to different things in life! To love someone no matter their looks but for what is on the inside, to changing of bad habits and to give people a second chance!
Thank you Rick for allowing me to read this for an honest review, I have really enjoy your story
This book is a great reflection to different things in life! To love someone no matter their looks but for what is on the inside, to changing of bad habits and to give people a second chance!
Thank you Rick for allowing me to read this for an honest review, I have really enjoy your story
August 5, 2015
I was given an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So okay, I thought I would really enjoy reading this kind of story but unfortunately, I don't. It wasn't because the book isn't well written but truly because I don't think it's not the kind of genre that I usually read for. So yes this have a lot of seasons but after one season I don't think I could read anymore of it.
So okay, I thought I would really enjoy reading this kind of story but unfortunately, I don't. It wasn't because the book isn't well written but truly because I don't think it's not the kind of genre that I usually read for. So yes this have a lot of seasons but after one season I don't think I could read anymore of it.
September 26, 2014
An absolute delight from beginning to end! I loved Tim and how he grew more confident and comfortable with himself. Javier surprised me at every turn and I loved how he didn't want Tim to change anything about himself. I want to read more about them!
September 26, 2014
This book was nothing I expected Tim is adorable and I didn't want to like Javier but I did at times I felt I was actually in Maine no spoilers but I loved the ending
October 18, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Warm and real.
If you're one who reads m/m just for titillation and gay smex, this probably isn't for you.
Recommended.
If you're one who reads m/m just for titillation and gay smex, this probably isn't for you.
Recommended.
May 20, 2017
OK, upfont, Rick is a friend of mine, and I was keen to read his novel. I'm not conversant in gay-guy fiction, so I have little to compare this book to. But I want to say I found the plot well done, and the characters nicely drawn. Not only that, THEY HAVE ARCS! That's something so terribly lacking in so many niche-genre novels. I especially admire the complexities of the main character, Tim, and his struggles with life and self-image. Readers will root for him, and there's a lot of satisfaction in how this one wraps up. Anyway, Rick, good job! (less)
March 3, 2018
A great story about two disparate lives come together, each fighting their individual devils before finally recognizing and accepting the love they have for each other. The greatest thing about this story for me was how Javier devoted himself to Tim in a way that wasn't obvious, but covertly expressed they way he felt. Bettencourt is an author I will follow, and hope to read many more of his works, including the prequel to his novel now in the works.
August 23, 2015
70 of 75 for 2015. This is NOT a gay harlequin. Tim is a fat, out-of-work momma's boy whose mother died in a horrific car wreck three years ago. A wreck that Tim blames on himself as he was driving at the time and did end up going the wrong way down a one-way street. Tim has one friend, a plump woman he's known most of his life. He is all but a virgin, and his self-loathing will probably keep him that way unless someone can get through to make him see how wonderful he really is. Javier is a straight Venezuelan co-worker who "lets" Tim give him a blowjob in exchange for a loan of $1000. Will Javier pay back the loan, and if so, with what? Will he stay in Tim's life, even though he's straight? Will the two find true love and redemption at a production of West Side Story? Well, those are the questions if this really were a harlequin romance, but it's so much, much more. And Rick Bettencourt is a much better story teller than your average formulaic romance author. I don't want to give away a bit of this story which just itself is redemptive reading. I give this book my highest recommendation.
January 28, 2015
Tim is a very likable fellow, openly gay and dealing with post-college struggles of managing his new job and finding love. Living in NYC is both a dream—he loves Broadway musicals—and a nightmare—the location of the car accident killing his mother. Along with his concern over his plus size, and his cat Dixie, Tim’s life is full…and I loved it and him. He’s very upbeat and I quickly became involved in the chapters living up to their tweaked musical or song titles.
On his quest for tickets to the concert of a lifetime by his favorite Diva, Tim gets a hand up and then knocked down by what I think of as a ‘frenemy’, but he rolls with it, and to my surprise, Tim’s judgment paid off.
Tim on Broadway winds through a little serious business, but you need that to appreciate Tim's way of handling the fun ups and downs. Overall, I’d recommend it as a lighthearted story of finding yourself and finding love.
I did receive this ebook copy in exchange for an honest review, and I’m certainly glad I picked it up!
On his quest for tickets to the concert of a lifetime by his favorite Diva, Tim gets a hand up and then knocked down by what I think of as a ‘frenemy’, but he rolls with it, and to my surprise, Tim’s judgment paid off.
Tim on Broadway winds through a little serious business, but you need that to appreciate Tim's way of handling the fun ups and downs. Overall, I’d recommend it as a lighthearted story of finding yourself and finding love.
I did receive this ebook copy in exchange for an honest review, and I’m certainly glad I picked it up!
July 24, 2015
I read Episode One and was hooked. Needed to know what would happen next and read the Season One book.
Well, Episode 1 of Season One was entertaining, except for the part when we have to read about what Julie was doing on the other side of the phone too often. The rest of Episode 1 was intriguing.
Forward to Episode 2, I did not expect to go into flashbacks so often. I was eager to know more. The sexual tension was good but I did not buy the story that Javier, who was so hot, could and would be willing to be with Tim. Something was not so convincing there. Sorry, but there should be a tingle of reality here.
The story dragged a bit too long for my comfort. I had no idea where the story was planning to end. With Carolyn? With the two of them? With his career? It was quite frustrating to know that there were more pages to go, when I thought it should have ended. The reference to Bette Midler and God was too much to digest.
This book was for light-reading. Entertaining, but aimless.
Well, Episode 1 of Season One was entertaining, except for the part when we have to read about what Julie was doing on the other side of the phone too often. The rest of Episode 1 was intriguing.
Forward to Episode 2, I did not expect to go into flashbacks so often. I was eager to know more. The sexual tension was good but I did not buy the story that Javier, who was so hot, could and would be willing to be with Tim. Something was not so convincing there. Sorry, but there should be a tingle of reality here.
The story dragged a bit too long for my comfort. I had no idea where the story was planning to end. With Carolyn? With the two of them? With his career? It was quite frustrating to know that there were more pages to go, when I thought it should have ended. The reference to Bette Midler and God was too much to digest.
This book was for light-reading. Entertaining, but aimless.
January 3, 2016
Uggggggghhhhh. Even tangential members of the Fat Acceptance movement will be infuriated by the main character of this book, who bemoans his own fatness while sniping mentally at everyone else's. I suffered through the entirety of this book because I wanted to find out the outcome of "will he or won't he make it to his favourite singer's concert", but CHRIST it was pretty terrible. Tim's helpless crush on the straight boy who gives him the runaround is painful to read, even though it ends well, and the fact that his happy ending is punctuated by him beginning to lose weight is some fatphobic bullshit as well.
Basically, don't read if you have any feeling whatsoever of body positivity, health at every size, etc etc.
Basically, don't read if you have any feeling whatsoever of body positivity, health at every size, etc etc.
September 2, 2015
Cute.
I loved the convention of naming each chapter with a different Broadway song,however Iwould have expected the songs to be related somehow to the chapter and that was not the case.
The second part of the book, though somewhat unbelievable, was my favorite and something that I am sure that many of us have dreamed of happening. I would have been satisfied with lunch with Bette, but Tim gets all that and more.
Tim's relationship with his B/F was interesting but didn't really take over the story for me.
I loved the convention of naming each chapter with a different Broadway song,however Iwould have expected the songs to be related somehow to the chapter and that was not the case.
The second part of the book, though somewhat unbelievable, was my favorite and something that I am sure that many of us have dreamed of happening. I would have been satisfied with lunch with Bette, but Tim gets all that and more.
Tim's relationship with his B/F was interesting but didn't really take over the story for me.
August 23, 2015
Incredibly boring. Other reviews say that it's funny and moving at the same time, I kept on reading with the hope it would get more interesting but never did. At one point I jumped up to the last episode, with the hope to find some thrill in the last pages. But no. Same rythm, same flat voices of the characters (the girl, best friend of the main character, let me tell that is really annoying too!) and very plain ending. Something already seen, read, listened to. Sorry. No chance of more than two stars.
June 19, 2015
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.
Tim on Broadway was such a fun read! What I enjoyed the most and was most surprised by was how real the characters appeared to be. It was awesome to see Tim's growth towards self-confidence at the end of the book, and Javier's acceptance for him. For sure a humorous, realistic, and captivating romance!
Tim on Broadway was such a fun read! What I enjoyed the most and was most surprised by was how real the characters appeared to be. It was awesome to see Tim's growth towards self-confidence at the end of the book, and Javier's acceptance for him. For sure a humorous, realistic, and captivating romance!
July 28, 2015
Engaging and warm hearted book.
I was drawn in to this story which, for a change, did not involve a muscular lean gorgeous protagonist, but rather a pudgy emotional Broadway show queen who, inexplicably, is attractive to the muscular lean gorgeous straight guy who turns out not to be straight. Well written, with good character development.
I was drawn in to this story which, for a change, did not involve a muscular lean gorgeous protagonist, but rather a pudgy emotional Broadway show queen who, inexplicably, is attractive to the muscular lean gorgeous straight guy who turns out not to be straight. Well written, with good character development.
August 30, 2015
It was a pretty good book. I enjoyed aspects of the book, the characters were definitely realistic, as well as the issues they had throughout the book. But for some reason I couldn't get fully into the book until the last 100 pages for so. It just seemed to drag for me, until one key moment and then it changed.
July 24, 2016
So refreshing to find a non-traditional main character among all the macho dudes in M/M. Fear of seeming like a "sissy" haunts gay men still. None of that here: Tim is fat, shy, works in a corporate office, and is a total fan-girl for Broadway divas. He might not believe it, but I love him just the way he is. The spiritual wisdom about finding God in yourself is a plus.
September 13, 2015
Great read
Wow great books ok. I had read a snippet/teaser of this book a while back and had thought it had promise. The full length book was awesome. I loved Tim and all his neurosis. The character Javier as a man learning to love who he is was fun as well.
Wow great books ok. I had read a snippet/teaser of this book a while back and had thought it had promise. The full length book was awesome. I loved Tim and all his neurosis. The character Javier as a man learning to love who he is was fun as well.
August 6, 2016
Surprising read
Got this book for free on Amazon and decided to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. I finished it in about 3 days. I recommend this book for people who like Broadway, music or just a likable character!
Got this book for free on Amazon and decided to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. I finished it in about 3 days. I recommend this book for people who like Broadway, music or just a likable character!
October 8, 2015
Couldn't get into it. Had to set aside.
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