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Lexington Lovers #2
A Matchless Man
None of the matches caught his eye as much as the matchmaker himself.
Growing up poorer than poor didn’t leave Navashen Bhattathiri many options for life outside of school. All of his concentration was on keeping his scholarships. Sixteen years later, he’s fulfilled his dream and become a doctor. Now he’s returning home to Lexington and is ready to prove himself to the world. In doing so, he reconnects with Brent Carpenter—high school classmate, real estate agent, all-around great guy… and closet matchmaker.
Brent makes it his mission to help Navashen develop a social life and meet available, interesting men. Unfortunately Navashen’s schedule is unpredictable, and few of those available, interesting men value his dedication like Brent does. Brent’s unfailing friendship and support convince Navashen he’s the one, but can he capture Brent’s heart when the matchmaker is focused on finding Navashen another man?
Growing up poorer than poor didn’t leave Navashen Bhattathiri many options for life outside of school. All of his concentration was on keeping his scholarships. Sixteen years later, he’s fulfilled his dream and become a doctor. Now he’s returning home to Lexington and is ready to prove himself to the world. In doing so, he reconnects with Brent Carpenter—high school classmate, real estate agent, all-around great guy… and closet matchmaker.
Brent makes it his mission to help Navashen develop a social life and meet available, interesting men. Unfortunately Navashen’s schedule is unpredictable, and few of those available, interesting men value his dedication like Brent does. Brent’s unfailing friendship and support convince Navashen he’s the one, but can he capture Brent’s heart when the matchmaker is focused on finding Navashen another man?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2016
4 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Ariel Tachna
149 books407 followersAriel Tachna lives outside of Houston with her husband, her daughter and son, and their cat. Before moving there, she traveled all over the world, having fallen in love with both France, where she found her husband, and India, where she dreams of retiring some day. She’s bilingual with snippets of four other languages to her credit, and is as in love with languages as she is with writing.
Visit Ariel at her website http://www.arieltachna.com or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ArielTachna, or e-mail her at arieltachna@gmail.com.
Visit Ariel at her website http://www.arieltachna.com or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ArielTachna, or e-mail her at arieltachna@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 2, 2016
2.5 stars, rounded up.
While I liked the writing in this book, and the characters the authors created, especially Akshat, Navashen's younger brother, the romance part didn't work as well for me.
Navashen returns to Lexington, where he grew up with his parents and younger brother in rather poor circumstances, after sixteen years of college and medical school and becoming a fine doctor and having secured a great position in a local hospital. Upon his return, he seeks out an old schoolmate/rival to help him find a home big enough to accommodate not only Akshat, whom he wants to move in with him, but possibly also their elderly parents.
Brent, the old schoolmate, is now a realtor and only too happy to help Navashen find his first house, as well as play matchmaker to find the guy a, well, guy.
I liked the story arc, and as I said before, the characters were all well done, and I enjoyed reading this book. The only thing that left me somewhat cold was the romance between Navashen and Brent. It just didn't feel organic enough for me, and didn't actually come about until more than 80% of the book was already done.
I appreciated the cultural differences of Navashen's family and thought that they were well done here - the author clearly knows her stuff. Navashen's mother clucking around Akshat, and using his disability as a reason to keep him tied to her, not letting him grow into his own person, was as frustrating for me as it was for Navashen and Akshat. And I really like that Akshat really grew under Navashen's guidance, and found a niche for himself, found something that he enjoyed doing, and became so much stronger for it.
This really wasn't so much a romance as it was a story of family ties and how specific change affected them. The relationship between Navashen and his brother really carried this book for me. It was sweet and supportive, and Akshat became Navashen's greatest supporter when things with his mother's plans to find a nice Indian girl come to a head.
The entire book is told from Navashen's POV, and while the differences between him and Brent are very clear, they also meshed well in their personalities. Though I think this book would have worked better for me if we had been given a view into Brent's mind. When the two men begin dating, it felt too passionless for me from Navashen's POV only, as if he was settling for Brent after trying out other options, instead of seeing this man as being his perfect match. I expected a passionate and grand romance between these men, but that's not what I got, sadly.
Well, can't win them all, I guess. Of course, YMMV.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
While I liked the writing in this book, and the characters the authors created, especially Akshat, Navashen's younger brother, the romance part didn't work as well for me.
Navashen returns to Lexington, where he grew up with his parents and younger brother in rather poor circumstances, after sixteen years of college and medical school and becoming a fine doctor and having secured a great position in a local hospital. Upon his return, he seeks out an old schoolmate/rival to help him find a home big enough to accommodate not only Akshat, whom he wants to move in with him, but possibly also their elderly parents.
Brent, the old schoolmate, is now a realtor and only too happy to help Navashen find his first house, as well as play matchmaker to find the guy a, well, guy.
I liked the story arc, and as I said before, the characters were all well done, and I enjoyed reading this book. The only thing that left me somewhat cold was the romance between Navashen and Brent. It just didn't feel organic enough for me, and didn't actually come about until more than 80% of the book was already done.
I appreciated the cultural differences of Navashen's family and thought that they were well done here - the author clearly knows her stuff. Navashen's mother clucking around Akshat, and using his disability as a reason to keep him tied to her, not letting him grow into his own person, was as frustrating for me as it was for Navashen and Akshat. And I really like that Akshat really grew under Navashen's guidance, and found a niche for himself, found something that he enjoyed doing, and became so much stronger for it.
This really wasn't so much a romance as it was a story of family ties and how specific change affected them. The relationship between Navashen and his brother really carried this book for me. It was sweet and supportive, and Akshat became Navashen's greatest supporter when things with his mother's plans to find a nice Indian girl come to a head.
The entire book is told from Navashen's POV, and while the differences between him and Brent are very clear, they also meshed well in their personalities. Though I think this book would have worked better for me if we had been given a view into Brent's mind. When the two men begin dating, it felt too passionless for me from Navashen's POV only, as if he was settling for Brent after trying out other options, instead of seeing this man as being his perfect match. I expected a passionate and grand romance between these men, but that's not what I got, sadly.
Well, can't win them all, I guess. Of course, YMMV.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
September 29, 2016
“A Matchless Man” by Ariel Tachna is a part of a series but it can be read as a standalone.
This story cannot be categorized as a romance. The MCs are friends for almost 85% of the story. They get together pretty late but the angst and “falling-out” part takes out of the “together” part in a big way.
Navashen is a doctor who is relocating near his family to take care of his brother and putting down his roots. He never had the time to actually pursue a relationship before. His career comes first and there is a very small amount of people who are ready to accept his demanding career. Navashen enlists the help of his high school rival, Brent Carpenter to help him find a home. Brent is fun and outgoing and always makes friends wherever he goes. Brent is determined to bring Navashen out of his shell and make him enjoy life. He hooks Navashen up with his friends but none of them pans out. After few failed attempts of dating, Navashen realizes that he is more comfortable with Brent than he could be with any other guy. With Brent’s total understanding and acceptance of his job and love and care for Navashen’s mentally young and immature brother, Akshat, he is the perfect guy for Navashen. They just have to admit to each other that they want to be more than friends.
I did not have any problem with the MCs. They were a real contrast in character and behavior but they meshed well together. I just didn’t find any spark or romance between them. The entire “Love” part was very clinical. The entire story is from Navashen’s POV and his feelings towards Brent were born more out of convenience than passion. Navashen was too bland a character. There was no excitement as such for a new budding romance.
Brent’s POV would have added a little more depth to his character. His feelings towards Navashen were quite “out of the blue”. A few chapters in his POV would have given a better understanding of his feelings for Navashen. The angst part at the end was awkward and not necessary.
The only thing that I really enjoyed in this story was the character of Akshat. He is a total sweetheart and the sweetest matchmaker. Akshat’s relationship with his brother was very endearing. Navashen’s efforts in taking care of Akshat and also encouraging him to become independent and make friends were beautiful and inspiring.
I did not enjoy this book. I would not recommend it.
This story cannot be categorized as a romance. The MCs are friends for almost 85% of the story. They get together pretty late but the angst and “falling-out” part takes out of the “together” part in a big way.
Navashen is a doctor who is relocating near his family to take care of his brother and putting down his roots. He never had the time to actually pursue a relationship before. His career comes first and there is a very small amount of people who are ready to accept his demanding career. Navashen enlists the help of his high school rival, Brent Carpenter to help him find a home. Brent is fun and outgoing and always makes friends wherever he goes. Brent is determined to bring Navashen out of his shell and make him enjoy life. He hooks Navashen up with his friends but none of them pans out. After few failed attempts of dating, Navashen realizes that he is more comfortable with Brent than he could be with any other guy. With Brent’s total understanding and acceptance of his job and love and care for Navashen’s mentally young and immature brother, Akshat, he is the perfect guy for Navashen. They just have to admit to each other that they want to be more than friends.
I did not have any problem with the MCs. They were a real contrast in character and behavior but they meshed well together. I just didn’t find any spark or romance between them. The entire “Love” part was very clinical. The entire story is from Navashen’s POV and his feelings towards Brent were born more out of convenience than passion. Navashen was too bland a character. There was no excitement as such for a new budding romance.
Brent’s POV would have added a little more depth to his character. His feelings towards Navashen were quite “out of the blue”. A few chapters in his POV would have given a better understanding of his feelings for Navashen. The angst part at the end was awkward and not necessary.
The only thing that I really enjoyed in this story was the character of Akshat. He is a total sweetheart and the sweetest matchmaker. Akshat’s relationship with his brother was very endearing. Navashen’s efforts in taking care of Akshat and also encouraging him to become independent and make friends were beautiful and inspiring.
I did not enjoy this book. I would not recommend it.
September 7, 2016
I usually connect with Ariel, but I don't believe this time I can connect with the story or even the writing style.
I have no idea why. But I felt like I read Nav's diary instead of 'a story'.
I got bored easily reading about his activity finding a house, arrange furniture, dinner and during the meals...you know, daily stuff.
And not to mention Nav's mother, she's so annoying :(
I'd say, this one was too much telling. The 'romance' between Nav and Brent only at the near ending, around 20 percent mark to the end and I'm not quite satisfied.
This book tells even more about Nav brother's relationship with Brent.
This is a decent story, but not memorable. I need more 'feeling' and 'chemistry' between the two MCs, I didn't have it.
*ARC provided by publisher for a fair and unbiased review. No high rating required.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2016
It’s rare to see ethnic diversity in m/m books. This was my first time reading one with an Indian protagonist, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Indian society is a tricky thing, but Navashen having been born and raised in the US, wasn’t as shackled by its restrictions as most are. He’s out, he won’t back down from how his mother wants him to be and he’s still a responsible, and dutiful son – taking care of his family.
Family is a big thing for Indians, and Ariel Tachna has shown that she understands that by the care she’s put in writing about Akshad and Navashen’s relationship. About how meddling parents can be, although that’s not just with Indians.
Akshad ended up becoming my favourite character. Seeing him flourish after having been granted the trust that he was capable to do so, was wonderful.
Next to the cultural aspects of this story, there isn’t a lot I can say. This was just a simple story about Navashen finding someone who’ll accept him as he is, someone who might not have the time to wine and dine whenever the mood strikes, who will be ruled by a pager if duty calls, and someone who will always have his family to worry about and in his life. Not a lot of people can deal with that, but in Brent he found someone who can. They had their cute moments, and altogether added up to a decent story.
Overall, this was a cute story. It didn’t feel like a lot was happening, though that might be due to minimal drama. Although there were some arguments, it was pretty tame in that regard. It avoided being dramatic, and although it’s a pleasant surprise, I felt the conflict was too easily solved.
Honestly, I didn’t care much for Brent. He was doing all the right things, being perfect boyfriend material. His actions were all there, but maybe it’s because of the way the narrator voiced him, or maybe it’s because it was difficult to see what he looked like when he was doing the things he was doing, but he felt insincere. There seem to be many revelations by the end of this book, but I just had trouble understanding Brent. Perhaps a double point of view in this case would have been a good addition, so that the reader/listener could better come to relate to the other half of Navashen.
The Matchless man concept was also a bit underplayed. It felt as though it was barely there, which could in part be due to there being so much else going on that the other things may overshadow it. It’s fine if this was originally only meant to be a small part of the whole story, but if it’s 1) the title and 2) the blurb that gets readers hooked, it should play a bigger part.
The last sentence of the book was confusing because it made a play on the title and it didn’t really make sense, or fit the context.
The narrator was good overall, and he was able to take me into the story. It’s just that I only really liked his voice when he was voicing Navashen. His “Brent” felt insincere, which wasn’t very good since it was hard to picture him already as having more than just this extroverted friend persona that entered Navashen’s life. His “amma” was also strange, kind of didn’t feel like listening when that voice was on. Though, if that was the intention, great job.
So, there were some aspects that bothered me, but overall I quite liked this audiobook and would recommend it.
I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Review has been crossposted on ABC
Indian society is a tricky thing, but Navashen having been born and raised in the US, wasn’t as shackled by its restrictions as most are. He’s out, he won’t back down from how his mother wants him to be and he’s still a responsible, and dutiful son – taking care of his family.
Family is a big thing for Indians, and Ariel Tachna has shown that she understands that by the care she’s put in writing about Akshad and Navashen’s relationship. About how meddling parents can be, although that’s not just with Indians.
Akshad ended up becoming my favourite character. Seeing him flourish after having been granted the trust that he was capable to do so, was wonderful.
Next to the cultural aspects of this story, there isn’t a lot I can say. This was just a simple story about Navashen finding someone who’ll accept him as he is, someone who might not have the time to wine and dine whenever the mood strikes, who will be ruled by a pager if duty calls, and someone who will always have his family to worry about and in his life. Not a lot of people can deal with that, but in Brent he found someone who can. They had their cute moments, and altogether added up to a decent story.
Overall, this was a cute story. It didn’t feel like a lot was happening, though that might be due to minimal drama. Although there were some arguments, it was pretty tame in that regard. It avoided being dramatic, and although it’s a pleasant surprise, I felt the conflict was too easily solved.
Honestly, I didn’t care much for Brent. He was doing all the right things, being perfect boyfriend material. His actions were all there, but maybe it’s because of the way the narrator voiced him, or maybe it’s because it was difficult to see what he looked like when he was doing the things he was doing, but he felt insincere. There seem to be many revelations by the end of this book, but I just had trouble understanding Brent. Perhaps a double point of view in this case would have been a good addition, so that the reader/listener could better come to relate to the other half of Navashen.
The Matchless man concept was also a bit underplayed. It felt as though it was barely there, which could in part be due to there being so much else going on that the other things may overshadow it. It’s fine if this was originally only meant to be a small part of the whole story, but if it’s 1) the title and 2) the blurb that gets readers hooked, it should play a bigger part.
The last sentence of the book was confusing because it made a play on the title and it didn’t really make sense, or fit the context.
The narrator was good overall, and he was able to take me into the story. It’s just that I only really liked his voice when he was voicing Navashen. His “Brent” felt insincere, which wasn’t very good since it was hard to picture him already as having more than just this extroverted friend persona that entered Navashen’s life. His “amma” was also strange, kind of didn’t feel like listening when that voice was on. Though, if that was the intention, great job.
So, there were some aspects that bothered me, but overall I quite liked this audiobook and would recommend it.
I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Review has been crossposted on ABC
September 30, 2016
A Matchless Man is the latest part of Dreamspun Desires collection, as well as Ariel Tachna’s Lexington Lovers series. However, this book can be read as a stand-alone because the only thing that it shared with Unstable Stud (released in April) is the location: Lexington, Kentucky.
I kind of having similar issue with this book – just as I did with Unstable Stud – in terms of the romance between Navashen and Brent being quite underwhelming. I couldn’t even really think of their story as being a slow-burn relationship – despite them not starting to date until around 70% of the book – because most of the time, the story was about other things instead. For example, Navashen setting up his house, or Brent trying to introduce Navashen to his friends and to make Navashen have a social life, or even the progress of Navashen’s younger brother, Akshat, of becoming more independent.
In addition, the story is told solely from Navashen’s point-of-view. With romance that has a ‘matchmaker’ theme attached to it, usually we also get perspective from the matchmaker. Therefore, we know how the feeling starts to change, when they want to become the ‘match’ instead.
Here, I never really knew about or was convinced that Brent had the same romantic feeling towards Navashen. I couldn’t feel his jealousy when one of his friends showed interest in Navashen. I couldn’t feel him wanting more out of his relationship with Navashen than just friendship.
Heck, I got more conviction about the sibling relationship between Navashen and Akshat than Navashen and Brent. I did adore Akshat though; I thought he was a great secondary character. He was also great in championing Brent as Navashen’s boyfriend, which helped when their mother became quite annoyingly less open-minded.
It was a nice story, nothing too dramatic or angsty, with low steam level, but also rather lacking in the romance department.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
I kind of having similar issue with this book – just as I did with Unstable Stud – in terms of the romance between Navashen and Brent being quite underwhelming. I couldn’t even really think of their story as being a slow-burn relationship – despite them not starting to date until around 70% of the book – because most of the time, the story was about other things instead. For example, Navashen setting up his house, or Brent trying to introduce Navashen to his friends and to make Navashen have a social life, or even the progress of Navashen’s younger brother, Akshat, of becoming more independent.
In addition, the story is told solely from Navashen’s point-of-view. With romance that has a ‘matchmaker’ theme attached to it, usually we also get perspective from the matchmaker. Therefore, we know how the feeling starts to change, when they want to become the ‘match’ instead.
Here, I never really knew about or was convinced that Brent had the same romantic feeling towards Navashen. I couldn’t feel his jealousy when one of his friends showed interest in Navashen. I couldn’t feel him wanting more out of his relationship with Navashen than just friendship.
Heck, I got more conviction about the sibling relationship between Navashen and Akshat than Navashen and Brent. I did adore Akshat though; I thought he was a great secondary character. He was also great in championing Brent as Navashen’s boyfriend, which helped when their mother became quite annoyingly less open-minded.
It was a nice story, nothing too dramatic or angsty, with low steam level, but also rather lacking in the romance department.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
October 1, 2016
Nav and Brent are life long friends and when Nav moves back to Lexington after being gone for a long time, he asks Brent, who's also a real estate agent, to help him. Nav has his brother living with him. Askhat, Nav's brother, who was born a preemie, requires some help. He has asthma and due to his early birth his brain functions differently. He acts younger than he is. Nav is trying to help his brother find his independence.
Brent feels with all Nav does with his brother and work that he needs some fun in his life, and a special someone.
I have to say, I really loved Nav's relationship with his brother. It was written wonderfully and really is the highlight of this book.
I will say I felt disconnected when it came to Brent and Nav and because that really is supposed to be the focal point to this romance, it presented a problem.
Now, this is a friends to lovers story but, for me, it felt like a friendship only; and when we only get but a glimpse of Brent and Nav together romantically it really didn't really show the evolution of their relationship. I wish the author had expanded on them more.
Nav and his brother really made this book and because of them I am happy I read this. Because this was really supposed to be about Brent and Nav and their story into love was written as more of an afterthought made this a bit of a miss for me.
Brent feels with all Nav does with his brother and work that he needs some fun in his life, and a special someone.
I have to say, I really loved Nav's relationship with his brother. It was written wonderfully and really is the highlight of this book.
I will say I felt disconnected when it came to Brent and Nav and because that really is supposed to be the focal point to this romance, it presented a problem.
Now, this is a friends to lovers story but, for me, it felt like a friendship only; and when we only get but a glimpse of Brent and Nav together romantically it really didn't really show the evolution of their relationship. I wish the author had expanded on them more.
Nav and his brother really made this book and because of them I am happy I read this. Because this was really supposed to be about Brent and Nav and their story into love was written as more of an afterthought made this a bit of a miss for me.
March 19, 2019
‘A Matchless Man’ is one of the most understated slow-burn romances I have ever read. Based on what I found out about Navashen, the doctor of Indian descent who returns to his hometown after sixteen years of grueling studies and qualification, this is the only kind of romances that could have happened to him. Discovering the reason behind his thinking and behavior was fascinating, and while I can’t emotionally relate to his position, this book gave me great insight into his thinking, his feelings, and the way his mixed cultural heritage – Indian and American – shaped his beliefs. Everything he does is logical as seen from his point of view, and Ariel Tachna helped me understand why that is the case.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 27, 2022
Another sweet romance from the Dreamspun line. Ariel never fails to construct a satisfying tale with the perfect happy ending. Even though you know where these books are going, I appreciate the easy read and the fun if predictable plot lines.
In this one, I really liked the little brother. he made the story special.
In this one, I really liked the little brother. he made the story special.
January 21, 2019
Hmmm, okay.
So, I came into this series having read the last one first. I really just wanted to back and read Thane and Blake’s story, because they intrigued me so much in Derek and Owen’s story. I enjoyed the first one, having come back to catch up, but I wasn’t so much a fan of this one. Maybe it’s me? I’m not sure.
The format isn’t any different, which is hard for me without any breaks between paragraphs, it all just seems so jumbled together and it kind of gave me a headache, trying to read it all clumped together. I know that sounds really picky of me, but I have bad eyes and it just bugged me. I also had a problem with not being able to pronounce some of these people’s names. In my head, it pulled me out of the story because I’m like…. How in the heck do you pronounce that? I know, I’m uncultured and again, probably my fault, but it was just one more thing that bothered me.
So on to the story…. We come into this one from the POV of Navasheen? (spelling?)… he’s spent every second of his time studying and ultimately becoming a doctor. He hasn’t had time for relationships or anything like that, which I guess is understandable…to an extent…
While back in the town he grew up in, he hooks up with an old rival of sorts, Brent. I will say right now, I did not feel anything at all between them, even their friendship was almost just there because it was convenient. Brent tries to hook him up because he’s supposedly this closeted matchmaker, but it was all dull and boring. Then, Brent… no connection there at all, just, hey, you’re here and I feel somewhat comfortable with you, so… why not? And not getting Brent’s POV or any of his process was a problem, because I was hoping for at least a little bit of feeling or spark from someone….
They were just friends for the majority of the story… I just didn’t feel it, and I hate when that happens! All’s well that ends well though I guess, and I’m excited to read Thane and Blake’s story. This one just unfortunately missed the mark for me.
2 stars from me
So, I came into this series having read the last one first. I really just wanted to back and read Thane and Blake’s story, because they intrigued me so much in Derek and Owen’s story. I enjoyed the first one, having come back to catch up, but I wasn’t so much a fan of this one. Maybe it’s me? I’m not sure.
The format isn’t any different, which is hard for me without any breaks between paragraphs, it all just seems so jumbled together and it kind of gave me a headache, trying to read it all clumped together. I know that sounds really picky of me, but I have bad eyes and it just bugged me. I also had a problem with not being able to pronounce some of these people’s names. In my head, it pulled me out of the story because I’m like…. How in the heck do you pronounce that? I know, I’m uncultured and again, probably my fault, but it was just one more thing that bothered me.
So on to the story…. We come into this one from the POV of Navasheen? (spelling?)… he’s spent every second of his time studying and ultimately becoming a doctor. He hasn’t had time for relationships or anything like that, which I guess is understandable…to an extent…
While back in the town he grew up in, he hooks up with an old rival of sorts, Brent. I will say right now, I did not feel anything at all between them, even their friendship was almost just there because it was convenient. Brent tries to hook him up because he’s supposedly this closeted matchmaker, but it was all dull and boring. Then, Brent… no connection there at all, just, hey, you’re here and I feel somewhat comfortable with you, so… why not? And not getting Brent’s POV or any of his process was a problem, because I was hoping for at least a little bit of feeling or spark from someone….
They were just friends for the majority of the story… I just didn’t feel it, and I hate when that happens! All’s well that ends well though I guess, and I’m excited to read Thane and Blake’s story. This one just unfortunately missed the mark for me.
2 stars from me
September 19, 2016
A Matchless Man (Lexington Lovers #2) by Ariel Tachna
3 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Cultural differences
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
I did not read the first book in this series. However, I never thought that I was missing out on anything.
The main characters in this book have a friendship. I wouldn't really categorize this story as a "romance" in the sense, but more of a friends turned to lovers.
Brent is a successful realtor who helps his old school rival, Navashen to find a house when Navashen relocates to be closer to his family. Brent is the center of the party and has a lot of friends that he's helped find happiness. However, because of his own past, he's reluctant to take the plunge himself.
Navashen is a sheltered, immature character, which is somewhat true of medical students. They have no time for outside relationships because they are spending all of their spare time studying and learning. He is head of the NICU department and he is learning how to be an adult and live outside of his family's shadow. There is no real depth to him.
Then you have Akshat. This is Navashen's younger brother. It is hinted that he has a delay of some kind, but we are never really given a clear picture. He defends his older brother with every fiber of his being and loves with his entire self. I really enjoyed this character.
Then you have Navashen's parents. They are old fashioned and, especially his mom, are somewhat judgmental about Navashen's sexual orientation.
Overall, this was a slightly stunted story. No real drama, no real heat and it was more ho-hum regarding all of the secondary characters too.
3 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Cultural differences
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
I did not read the first book in this series. However, I never thought that I was missing out on anything.
The main characters in this book have a friendship. I wouldn't really categorize this story as a "romance" in the sense, but more of a friends turned to lovers.
Brent is a successful realtor who helps his old school rival, Navashen to find a house when Navashen relocates to be closer to his family. Brent is the center of the party and has a lot of friends that he's helped find happiness. However, because of his own past, he's reluctant to take the plunge himself.
Navashen is a sheltered, immature character, which is somewhat true of medical students. They have no time for outside relationships because they are spending all of their spare time studying and learning. He is head of the NICU department and he is learning how to be an adult and live outside of his family's shadow. There is no real depth to him.
Then you have Akshat. This is Navashen's younger brother. It is hinted that he has a delay of some kind, but we are never really given a clear picture. He defends his older brother with every fiber of his being and loves with his entire self. I really enjoyed this character.
Then you have Navashen's parents. They are old fashioned and, especially his mom, are somewhat judgmental about Navashen's sexual orientation.
Overall, this was a slightly stunted story. No real drama, no real heat and it was more ho-hum regarding all of the secondary characters too.
September 23, 2016
This is a very sweet friends to lovers romance. When Navashen, an introverted doctor returns to his hometown to run the NICU, his realtor, an extroverted high school friend, takes him under his wing. Work and family commitments make it difficult for Nivashen to socialise, but he and Brent quickly form a strong friendship that has the possibility to become something more.
I enjoyed Navashen's alternative approach to relationships. He doesn’t want a relationship arranged by his parents, but he also rejects the importance Western culture places on physical attractiveness. His desire for a man who can be a true life partner is an interesting blend of his Eastern traditions and his Western realities.
The author’s research into Navashen’s job, his training and his education is refreshingly thorough. I’m married to a doctor and I am constantly annoyed by the plethora of dashing, sociable, charming 35 year old heads of medicine or surgery that seem to dominate romance fiction. I love that Navashen’s job makes a social life almost impossible. I love him as a quiet, cautious introvert. He feels real to the point that he is more than a tiny bit...boring. Or maybe just sweetly human.
Navashen’s relationship with his family is also realistic. The family’s struggle to treat Akshat, Navashen’s disabled brother, as an adult is complicated and Navashen and Akshat’s relationship has been delicately written. The conflict between Navashen and his parents when he starts to date a white man is also written sensitively and without any drama.
And finally… Brent. He is a solid friend, he accepts and includes Akshat in his social activities and he genuinely cares for Navashen in so many practical ways. He is the true life partner Navashen has been looking for and I love the gentle, steady commitment between these two.
This isn’t a steamy romance by any means; it is the story of a solid connection between two quite ordinary men. This is a gentle book with very little drama or angst. It is a different style and pace for Ariel Tachna but I really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed Navashen's alternative approach to relationships. He doesn’t want a relationship arranged by his parents, but he also rejects the importance Western culture places on physical attractiveness. His desire for a man who can be a true life partner is an interesting blend of his Eastern traditions and his Western realities.
The author’s research into Navashen’s job, his training and his education is refreshingly thorough. I’m married to a doctor and I am constantly annoyed by the plethora of dashing, sociable, charming 35 year old heads of medicine or surgery that seem to dominate romance fiction. I love that Navashen’s job makes a social life almost impossible. I love him as a quiet, cautious introvert. He feels real to the point that he is more than a tiny bit...boring. Or maybe just sweetly human.
Navashen’s relationship with his family is also realistic. The family’s struggle to treat Akshat, Navashen’s disabled brother, as an adult is complicated and Navashen and Akshat’s relationship has been delicately written. The conflict between Navashen and his parents when he starts to date a white man is also written sensitively and without any drama.
And finally… Brent. He is a solid friend, he accepts and includes Akshat in his social activities and he genuinely cares for Navashen in so many practical ways. He is the true life partner Navashen has been looking for and I love the gentle, steady commitment between these two.
This isn’t a steamy romance by any means; it is the story of a solid connection between two quite ordinary men. This is a gentle book with very little drama or angst. It is a different style and pace for Ariel Tachna but I really enjoyed it.
October 1, 2016
3 1/2 Hearts
Reviewed for MM Good Book Reviews
When Navashen moves back to Lexington, where he grew up, his first point of contact is Brent an old school classmate and real estate agent. Brent is keen to make Navashen feel welcome and sets about helping Navashen find a social life that doesn’t revolve around his work, and maybe helping him to find a man to spend time with.
Navashen is just happy to spend time with Brent and he loves the way that Brent treats his younger brother and wishes Brent would look his way for more than just friendship. When Navashen finally gets the courage to ask Brent out things start to look up, until Brent overhears Navashen’s mother and Brent’s insecurities take over.
This is a cute little story of friends to lovers, but I wouldn’t say it actually fit in with the Dreamspun Desire line; it missed its mark for being a romance as there really wasn’t any and I couldn’t feel any romantic connection between Navashen and Brent. Maybe if we also got Brent’s view point I could have seen his true feelings for Navashen but almost from the moment Navashen moved back to Lexington Brent seemed determined to hook him up with someone else.
Navashen does show his feelings for Brent in a subdued fashion, he just doesn’t think that Brent would be interested in him, so it’s actually through Navashen’s frustration that he and Brent get together and we learn that Brent felt the same way. We then have the hiccup with Brent’s insecurities and again it’s Navashen who has to make the effort, it was frustrating for me as a reader not to be able to smack Brent for being such a dickweed.
While I liked Navashen and Brent as characters it’s actually Akshat (Navashen’s younger brother) that steals the show, he is so amazingly sweet and loving and it’s wonderful to see his progress through the story as he finds his independence with Navashen’s help. So while I don’t rate this story very high for the actually ‘romance’ I do rate it highly for Navashen and Akshat and their brotherly relationship.
Reviewed for MM Good Book Reviews
When Navashen moves back to Lexington, where he grew up, his first point of contact is Brent an old school classmate and real estate agent. Brent is keen to make Navashen feel welcome and sets about helping Navashen find a social life that doesn’t revolve around his work, and maybe helping him to find a man to spend time with.
Navashen is just happy to spend time with Brent and he loves the way that Brent treats his younger brother and wishes Brent would look his way for more than just friendship. When Navashen finally gets the courage to ask Brent out things start to look up, until Brent overhears Navashen’s mother and Brent’s insecurities take over.
This is a cute little story of friends to lovers, but I wouldn’t say it actually fit in with the Dreamspun Desire line; it missed its mark for being a romance as there really wasn’t any and I couldn’t feel any romantic connection between Navashen and Brent. Maybe if we also got Brent’s view point I could have seen his true feelings for Navashen but almost from the moment Navashen moved back to Lexington Brent seemed determined to hook him up with someone else.
Navashen does show his feelings for Brent in a subdued fashion, he just doesn’t think that Brent would be interested in him, so it’s actually through Navashen’s frustration that he and Brent get together and we learn that Brent felt the same way. We then have the hiccup with Brent’s insecurities and again it’s Navashen who has to make the effort, it was frustrating for me as a reader not to be able to smack Brent for being such a dickweed.
While I liked Navashen and Brent as characters it’s actually Akshat (Navashen’s younger brother) that steals the show, he is so amazingly sweet and loving and it’s wonderful to see his progress through the story as he finds his independence with Navashen’s help. So while I don’t rate this story very high for the actually ‘romance’ I do rate it highly for Navashen and Akshat and their brotherly relationship.
October 12, 2016
Sweet, low key friends-to-lovers story with virtually no drama. Bonus points for the diversity aspect.
September 25, 2018
This was just so bad. Just... bad.
The sentences were dully written, the characters one dimensional, the plot was just... ugh.
So, let's talk about pacing and content. Most of the book is about Navashen and his brother who is developmentally impaired. Fine, if that was the center of the novel, but it's supposed to be a romance, I think? We have a few scenes between Navashen and Brent, but instead of building up some chemistry, most of the descriptions are focused on houses Navashen isn't going to buy.
And that pretty much sums up the sins of the novel. We don't have characters and let our interest develop as we explore the dynamics of their interactions. No. No relationship. What we get are characters going to this neighborhood and that, and descriptions about this neighborhood and the various other neighborhoods, how to buy houses, and descriptions of houses.
"This place has a massive BBQ setup."
"That's nice, but I probably won't use it."
"Okay. Let's go to the next place."
It's as excruciatingly tired to read as actually looking for houses, especially if you're a teenager and just want to hang out with your friends instead of looking at ten houses in a day and getting in and out of the car and there's another house with bedrooms and get back into the car and haul yourself out because here's one with a concrete patio and back into the car that's getting stuffy and hot and now back out of the car before the a/c really starts to work to look at another house with a half bath. I'm reading this because I want some characters and emotion, and instead, I get the novelization of House Hunters.
Just... ugh.
So then we have the brother, and a lot of buildup about this brother. He's at the mental and emotional range of a fifth grader and has asthma. But then he's fine. Yup, fine. Everything is fine. He learns to cook, gets a part time job, starts walking, and is fine being on his own. Just fine. He even acts in the trope of 'wise innocent' being all good and letting the adults know they're being stupid. So why the god damned buildup?! It leads nowhere! And Akshat, the brother, is fine. It's all a big process of him being fine. And telling the 'functioning' adults what's what.
::sigh::
That's most of the book. The romance is shoved in at the end with no development. Questions are raised but never answered. Why is it Brent never goes after Navashen and instead tries to set him up with other people? The world may never know. Also, why is Brent single? A handsome, successful, charming, and gregarious man with tons of friends? If the man wanted to be in a relationship, it would happen in a week, so what's going on with him? Nope. That's not important.
They have one date. They share a kiss. And, of course, standard plot is buildup, fallout, reconnection, which, fine, that's what I signed up for, but you got to earn it. The two fall for each other damn fast, the breakup is stupid, Brent is a wreck for a month, and then stupid reconnection with the stupidest 'friends arrange a big moment because these two love each other but are too dumb to run their own lives' scene.
Seriously? One date, one kiss, absolutely no communication about the breakup or attempt to reconcile, and Brent has bags under his eyes and is a wreck for a month. Just... ugh. no. No. So much no.
They're barely friends. The only conversations we see with them are about houses and Navashen's brother issues.
There are times when I watch a TV show or movie about high school students, and I start to wonder if the writers ever went to high school. The most glaring example of this was when I committed nostalgiacide by watching the first few episodes of Greatest American Hero. The students were so weirdly cliche and the school set up so strange, I started to wonder if the aliens wrote the screenplay.
This book is exactly that feeling. Has the author never interacted with humans? Let's not even touch the embarrassment that is the one sex scene--does this person not understand the absolute basics of human interaction? It's like reading a book written by aliens who only watch the Home and Garden network.
When we get Navashen's medical pedigree over and over, either in internal dialogue or conversation, it's obvious the author is struggling for content. Is it really super important to mention the four schools he went to at least three times? Does that have any ramifications on the plot? No? Then why the f... oh. I see. This got banged out for a paycheck by someone who already struggles with the finer points of telling a good story. I know that's mean, but I've read work that Tachna put some effort into, mainly the Lang Down series. It's not perfect by any means, but it's an enjoyable series because care went into it. This? This is 'I needed to make a car payment.'
The sentences were dully written, the characters one dimensional, the plot was just... ugh.
So, let's talk about pacing and content. Most of the book is about Navashen and his brother who is developmentally impaired. Fine, if that was the center of the novel, but it's supposed to be a romance, I think? We have a few scenes between Navashen and Brent, but instead of building up some chemistry, most of the descriptions are focused on houses Navashen isn't going to buy.
And that pretty much sums up the sins of the novel. We don't have characters and let our interest develop as we explore the dynamics of their interactions. No. No relationship. What we get are characters going to this neighborhood and that, and descriptions about this neighborhood and the various other neighborhoods, how to buy houses, and descriptions of houses.
"This place has a massive BBQ setup."
"That's nice, but I probably won't use it."
"Okay. Let's go to the next place."
It's as excruciatingly tired to read as actually looking for houses, especially if you're a teenager and just want to hang out with your friends instead of looking at ten houses in a day and getting in and out of the car and there's another house with bedrooms and get back into the car and haul yourself out because here's one with a concrete patio and back into the car that's getting stuffy and hot and now back out of the car before the a/c really starts to work to look at another house with a half bath. I'm reading this because I want some characters and emotion, and instead, I get the novelization of House Hunters.
Just... ugh.
So then we have the brother, and a lot of buildup about this brother. He's at the mental and emotional range of a fifth grader and has asthma. But then he's fine. Yup, fine. Everything is fine. He learns to cook, gets a part time job, starts walking, and is fine being on his own. Just fine. He even acts in the trope of 'wise innocent' being all good and letting the adults know they're being stupid. So why the god damned buildup?! It leads nowhere! And Akshat, the brother, is fine. It's all a big process of him being fine. And telling the 'functioning' adults what's what.
::sigh::
That's most of the book. The romance is shoved in at the end with no development. Questions are raised but never answered. Why is it Brent never goes after Navashen and instead tries to set him up with other people? The world may never know. Also, why is Brent single? A handsome, successful, charming, and gregarious man with tons of friends? If the man wanted to be in a relationship, it would happen in a week, so what's going on with him? Nope. That's not important.
They have one date. They share a kiss. And, of course, standard plot is buildup, fallout, reconnection, which, fine, that's what I signed up for, but you got to earn it. The two fall for each other damn fast, the breakup is stupid, Brent is a wreck for a month, and then stupid reconnection with the stupidest 'friends arrange a big moment because these two love each other but are too dumb to run their own lives' scene.
Seriously? One date, one kiss, absolutely no communication about the breakup or attempt to reconcile, and Brent has bags under his eyes and is a wreck for a month. Just... ugh. no. No. So much no.
They're barely friends. The only conversations we see with them are about houses and Navashen's brother issues.
There are times when I watch a TV show or movie about high school students, and I start to wonder if the writers ever went to high school. The most glaring example of this was when I committed nostalgiacide by watching the first few episodes of Greatest American Hero. The students were so weirdly cliche and the school set up so strange, I started to wonder if the aliens wrote the screenplay.
This book is exactly that feeling. Has the author never interacted with humans? Let's not even touch the embarrassment that is the one sex scene--does this person not understand the absolute basics of human interaction? It's like reading a book written by aliens who only watch the Home and Garden network.
When we get Navashen's medical pedigree over and over, either in internal dialogue or conversation, it's obvious the author is struggling for content. Is it really super important to mention the four schools he went to at least three times? Does that have any ramifications on the plot? No? Then why the f... oh. I see. This got banged out for a paycheck by someone who already struggles with the finer points of telling a good story. I know that's mean, but I've read work that Tachna put some effort into, mainly the Lang Down series. It's not perfect by any means, but it's an enjoyable series because care went into it. This? This is 'I needed to make a car payment.'
July 15, 2018
Je dis toujours que je n’aime pas la romance, mais ça n’est pas si simple. Evidemment que j’aime la romance. Qui n’aime pas une belle histoire d’amour ? La plupart de mes coups de cœurs sont des romances contemporaines et si vous me demandez de vous recommander un livre, vous avez une chance sur deux pour que je finisse par vous proposer une romance. Alors pourquoi ce désamour manifesté ?
Parce que je n’aime pas la plupart des clichés qu’on trouve dans les romances. Je n’aime pas les histoires à base de qui pro quo, de mensonges ou de tromperies. Et encore moins celles où une simple conversation suffirait à régler l’ensemble des soucis du livre. Les histoires de faux antagonistes, qui se haïssent sur la base de quedal, juste pour mieux les rapprocher, ça me donne envie de morde. Et au-delà de touuuuut ça, je ne supporte pas les histoires qui ne sont faite que pour mettre deux persos dans un lit. Ces histoires dans lesquelles les personnages n’évoluent pas, dans lesquels ils sont tellement peu écrit qu’on n’en sait quasi rien, si ce n’est qu’a un moment, ils vont faire crac-crac.
J’aime les histoires qui prennent le temps de nous présenter les personnages, qui parlent de gens qui me touchent, qui sont cohérents et intéressants. Elles n’ont pas besoin de me tordre le cœur ces histoires, j’ai adoré Jurassic Heart qui est hyper légère et sans drame, mais dont les personnages évoluent grâce à l’autre, font un chemin et sont plus à la fin qu’ils n’étaient au début.
Mais du coup, pour ces raisons, je ne suis pas une grande fan du concept même de la collection Dreamspun de DSP. Oui, ce sont des histoires courtes, mignonnes et faciles à lire. Et c’est exactement ce que je leur reproche. Elles me font penser à ces Harlequins collection Azur que ma mamie achetait à carrefour. C’était la lecture de la loose pour moi, celle que je n’attaquais qu’en ultime désespoir de cause. Et pas parce que c’était du Harlequin, j’ai lu des dizaines d’historiques et, probablement, plus d’une centaine de collection blanche, à cette époque. Mais les Azur, c’était trop pour moi. Dreamspun, c’est un peu des Azur de DSP. Autant dire que, même si je n’ai pas détesté les Contes de Pennimaker, que je trouve étonnamment mignons, je les lis avec quelques pincettes. Sauf que j’aime Ariel Tachna et que quand Ariel Tachna me fait un Azur Dreamspun, je fais un effort et je le lis. Et j’ai donc lu Un homme sans pareil.
Et vous savez quoi ? J’ai craqué complètement pour cette histoire. C’est court, mais l’auteur parvient à nous présenter de vrais personnages, en particulier celui de Navashen, qui est le principal. Evidemment, Brent est un peu moins fouillé, on en sait un poil moins que je l’aurais voulu à son sujet, mais j’en sais assez pour le trouver adorablement gentil. En faisant des retrouvailles plutôt qu’une rencontre, Ariel Tachna s’épargne une longue phase de présentation qu’elle n’aurait pas pû coller, sauf à sacrifier du développement de personnage, qui aurait alors cruellement manqué. Mais pas là. On en sait assez sur Brent, on fait vraiment la connaissance de Navashen et elle prend le temps de créer de vrais personnages secondaires écrit, intéressants et crédibles, même antagonistes. Amma est agaçante à souhait, mais réaliste. Akshat est ADORABLE et chacun d’eux fait un bout de chemin durant le livre, montrant qu’ils sont plus que des gens qui devaient finir au lit. J’ai lu le premier livre de la série, avec Luke et Hunter et c’était mignon, mais ce tome là est un petit bonbon qui trouve tout à fait sa place dans les livres doudous et autres du même genre. Pas simplement parce que c’est une histoire d’amour toute mignonne, mais parce que dans cette histoire d’amour toute mignonne, l’auteur arriver à nous parler, avec pudeur et subtilité, de pauvreté, d’intégration, de confiance – en soit et en l’autre – de sentiments d’appartenance, d’obligations familiales et d’émancipation. Elle parle de ces profs qui nous marquent et du travail qui nous assomme et nous élève. Elle parle de la difficulté de créer des relations, à notre époque hyper connectée, et de la nécessité de garder contact avec ce qui nous est essentiel. Et elle parle de tout ça en nous racontant le retour au bercail d’un jeune homme qui craque pour son ex camarade d’école. Si ÇA, c’est pas du talent, je ne sais pas où il faut aller le chercher, sincèrement.
Pour terminer, si vous ne devez lire qu’un Dreamspun, lisez celui-là. Normalement, je vous dirais qu’il méritait 200 pages de plus ou je ne sais quoi, mais non. Il est parfait comme il est et mérite vraiment qu’on s’arrête sur lui.
Antha
http://meninbooks.eklablog.com/
Parce que je n’aime pas la plupart des clichés qu’on trouve dans les romances. Je n’aime pas les histoires à base de qui pro quo, de mensonges ou de tromperies. Et encore moins celles où une simple conversation suffirait à régler l’ensemble des soucis du livre. Les histoires de faux antagonistes, qui se haïssent sur la base de quedal, juste pour mieux les rapprocher, ça me donne envie de morde. Et au-delà de touuuuut ça, je ne supporte pas les histoires qui ne sont faite que pour mettre deux persos dans un lit. Ces histoires dans lesquelles les personnages n’évoluent pas, dans lesquels ils sont tellement peu écrit qu’on n’en sait quasi rien, si ce n’est qu’a un moment, ils vont faire crac-crac.
J’aime les histoires qui prennent le temps de nous présenter les personnages, qui parlent de gens qui me touchent, qui sont cohérents et intéressants. Elles n’ont pas besoin de me tordre le cœur ces histoires, j’ai adoré Jurassic Heart qui est hyper légère et sans drame, mais dont les personnages évoluent grâce à l’autre, font un chemin et sont plus à la fin qu’ils n’étaient au début.
Mais du coup, pour ces raisons, je ne suis pas une grande fan du concept même de la collection Dreamspun de DSP. Oui, ce sont des histoires courtes, mignonnes et faciles à lire. Et c’est exactement ce que je leur reproche. Elles me font penser à ces Harlequins collection Azur que ma mamie achetait à carrefour. C’était la lecture de la loose pour moi, celle que je n’attaquais qu’en ultime désespoir de cause. Et pas parce que c’était du Harlequin, j’ai lu des dizaines d’historiques et, probablement, plus d’une centaine de collection blanche, à cette époque. Mais les Azur, c’était trop pour moi. Dreamspun, c’est un peu des Azur de DSP. Autant dire que, même si je n’ai pas détesté les Contes de Pennimaker, que je trouve étonnamment mignons, je les lis avec quelques pincettes. Sauf que j’aime Ariel Tachna et que quand Ariel Tachna me fait un Azur Dreamspun, je fais un effort et je le lis. Et j’ai donc lu Un homme sans pareil.
Et vous savez quoi ? J’ai craqué complètement pour cette histoire. C’est court, mais l’auteur parvient à nous présenter de vrais personnages, en particulier celui de Navashen, qui est le principal. Evidemment, Brent est un peu moins fouillé, on en sait un poil moins que je l’aurais voulu à son sujet, mais j’en sais assez pour le trouver adorablement gentil. En faisant des retrouvailles plutôt qu’une rencontre, Ariel Tachna s’épargne une longue phase de présentation qu’elle n’aurait pas pû coller, sauf à sacrifier du développement de personnage, qui aurait alors cruellement manqué. Mais pas là. On en sait assez sur Brent, on fait vraiment la connaissance de Navashen et elle prend le temps de créer de vrais personnages secondaires écrit, intéressants et crédibles, même antagonistes. Amma est agaçante à souhait, mais réaliste. Akshat est ADORABLE et chacun d’eux fait un bout de chemin durant le livre, montrant qu’ils sont plus que des gens qui devaient finir au lit. J’ai lu le premier livre de la série, avec Luke et Hunter et c’était mignon, mais ce tome là est un petit bonbon qui trouve tout à fait sa place dans les livres doudous et autres du même genre. Pas simplement parce que c’est une histoire d’amour toute mignonne, mais parce que dans cette histoire d’amour toute mignonne, l’auteur arriver à nous parler, avec pudeur et subtilité, de pauvreté, d’intégration, de confiance – en soit et en l’autre – de sentiments d’appartenance, d’obligations familiales et d’émancipation. Elle parle de ces profs qui nous marquent et du travail qui nous assomme et nous élève. Elle parle de la difficulté de créer des relations, à notre époque hyper connectée, et de la nécessité de garder contact avec ce qui nous est essentiel. Et elle parle de tout ça en nous racontant le retour au bercail d’un jeune homme qui craque pour son ex camarade d’école. Si ÇA, c’est pas du talent, je ne sais pas où il faut aller le chercher, sincèrement.
Pour terminer, si vous ne devez lire qu’un Dreamspun, lisez celui-là. Normalement, je vous dirais qu’il méritait 200 pages de plus ou je ne sais quoi, mais non. Il est parfait comme il est et mérite vraiment qu’on s’arrête sur lui.
Antha
http://meninbooks.eklablog.com/
July 11, 2018
Im 18. Teil der Beloved-Serie geht es um einen jungen Arzt, der nach einem langen Studium in seine Heimatstadt zurückkehrt.
Zur Handlung. Der Inder Navashen hat sich seinen persönlichen Traum erfüllt. Nach 16 Jahren Medizinstudium und Facharztausbildung hat er sein Ziel erreicht und nimmt eine Stelle im Krankenhaus in Lexington an, in der Neonatologischen Intensivstation. Navashen ist schwul, doch die lange Ausbildung ließ ihm kaum Zeit für ein Privatleben. So ist er immer noch Single. Auf der Suche nach einem geeigneten Haus für sich und seinen behinderten jüngeren Bruder Akshat trifft er Brent wieder, der ehemalige Klassenkamerad arbeitet als Makler.
Brent ist bi und war verheiratet, doch die Ehe nahm ein unschönes Ende. Er verkuppelt mit Vorliebe seine Freunde, scheut aber davor, selbst eine neue Beziehung einzugehen. Als er Navashen zu einem Date mit einem seiner Freunde überredet, kommt diesem sein zeitaufwendiger Beruf in die Quere. Nate zeigt dafür absolut kein Verständnis. Stattdessen freunden sich Brent und Navashen an.
Die Idee, dass Navashen ein Facharzt ist, der sich um zu früh geborene Babys kümmert, fand ich eigentlich spannend. Doch leider blieb dieser Handlungsstrang ziemlich unbefriedigend. Viel mehr als die Versorgung eines Zwillingspaares und die mehrmalige Erwähnung von Überstunden und stressigen Arbeitszeiten gab es nicht zu lesen. Schade, aus dem Thema hätte man sicher viel mehr machen können.
Gefallen hat mir dagegen, wie Navashen sich für seinen Bruder Akshat einsetzt, der auch zu früh geboren wurde. Welche Behinderung er genau hat, wurde nicht näher erwähnt, nur dass er mit 25 Jahren noch auf der Entwicklungsstufe eines ca 12-jährigen ist. Er wurde von den Eltern überbehütet und ist daher völlig unselbstständig. Erst als Navashen ihn zu sich in das neue Haus holt, lernt er langsam sich selbst zu versorgen. Akshat ist ein sympathischer und überzeugender Nebencharakter. Weniger sympathisch dargestellt ist die homophobe Mutter der beiden, die Navashen am liebsten in eine arrangierte Ehe treiben möchte, so wie in Indien üblich.
Das Paar Brent und Navashen konnte mich allerdings zu keinem Zeitpunkt überzeugen. Tiefe Gefühle sucht man vergebens. Eigentlich agieren die zwei wie pubertierende Teenager. Das passt dann auch dazu, dass außer einigen Küssen bis kurz vor dem Ende der Story zwischen ihnen nichts läuft. So wie die beiden miteinander umgehen, wirkt sogar Akshat erwachsener.
Die Story erhält von mir 3 Sterne.
Mein Dank geht an den Cursed Verlag für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
Zur Handlung. Der Inder Navashen hat sich seinen persönlichen Traum erfüllt. Nach 16 Jahren Medizinstudium und Facharztausbildung hat er sein Ziel erreicht und nimmt eine Stelle im Krankenhaus in Lexington an, in der Neonatologischen Intensivstation. Navashen ist schwul, doch die lange Ausbildung ließ ihm kaum Zeit für ein Privatleben. So ist er immer noch Single. Auf der Suche nach einem geeigneten Haus für sich und seinen behinderten jüngeren Bruder Akshat trifft er Brent wieder, der ehemalige Klassenkamerad arbeitet als Makler.
Brent ist bi und war verheiratet, doch die Ehe nahm ein unschönes Ende. Er verkuppelt mit Vorliebe seine Freunde, scheut aber davor, selbst eine neue Beziehung einzugehen. Als er Navashen zu einem Date mit einem seiner Freunde überredet, kommt diesem sein zeitaufwendiger Beruf in die Quere. Nate zeigt dafür absolut kein Verständnis. Stattdessen freunden sich Brent und Navashen an.
Die Idee, dass Navashen ein Facharzt ist, der sich um zu früh geborene Babys kümmert, fand ich eigentlich spannend. Doch leider blieb dieser Handlungsstrang ziemlich unbefriedigend. Viel mehr als die Versorgung eines Zwillingspaares und die mehrmalige Erwähnung von Überstunden und stressigen Arbeitszeiten gab es nicht zu lesen. Schade, aus dem Thema hätte man sicher viel mehr machen können.
Gefallen hat mir dagegen, wie Navashen sich für seinen Bruder Akshat einsetzt, der auch zu früh geboren wurde. Welche Behinderung er genau hat, wurde nicht näher erwähnt, nur dass er mit 25 Jahren noch auf der Entwicklungsstufe eines ca 12-jährigen ist. Er wurde von den Eltern überbehütet und ist daher völlig unselbstständig. Erst als Navashen ihn zu sich in das neue Haus holt, lernt er langsam sich selbst zu versorgen. Akshat ist ein sympathischer und überzeugender Nebencharakter. Weniger sympathisch dargestellt ist die homophobe Mutter der beiden, die Navashen am liebsten in eine arrangierte Ehe treiben möchte, so wie in Indien üblich.
Das Paar Brent und Navashen konnte mich allerdings zu keinem Zeitpunkt überzeugen. Tiefe Gefühle sucht man vergebens. Eigentlich agieren die zwei wie pubertierende Teenager. Das passt dann auch dazu, dass außer einigen Küssen bis kurz vor dem Ende der Story zwischen ihnen nichts läuft. So wie die beiden miteinander umgehen, wirkt sogar Akshat erwachsener.
Die Story erhält von mir 3 Sterne.
Mein Dank geht an den Cursed Verlag für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
July 2, 2017
A Matchless Man by Ariel Tachna was a cute, if predictable, love story. The novella depicts the deepening friendship of Dr. Navashen Bhattathiri and real estate agent, Brent Carpenter. When Navashen moved back to his hometown of Lexington, AL to practice medicine and care for his mentally challenged brother, he reconnects with Brent, who is determined to help him develop a social life. Brent is the matchmaker among his friends, but that has left him little time to think about his own romantic desires.
I must say that I loved both of these characters. They were both portrayed as deeply kind and accepting. Navashen moved back to his hometown with the intention of living with his younger brother, Akshant, who had struggled to thrive under his parents’ overprotective roof. From day one, Brent welcomed both men into his social circle, never treating Akshant as anything less than equal. Navashen is trying to do right by the world, and his family, in any way he can. As much as I liked Brent and Navashen, they interacted more as friends than as romantic partners. I would have liked to see more of their romance. Still, A Matchless Man was an interesting, well-written book.
Reviewed by Liz Cat for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
I must say that I loved both of these characters. They were both portrayed as deeply kind and accepting. Navashen moved back to his hometown with the intention of living with his younger brother, Akshant, who had struggled to thrive under his parents’ overprotective roof. From day one, Brent welcomed both men into his social circle, never treating Akshant as anything less than equal. Navashen is trying to do right by the world, and his family, in any way he can. As much as I liked Brent and Navashen, they interacted more as friends than as romantic partners. I would have liked to see more of their romance. Still, A Matchless Man was an interesting, well-written book.
Reviewed by Liz Cat for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
February 9, 2019
While I loved so much about the characters and details of this book, the romance fell flat.
Navashen is so well drawn as are his family members. I love his journey and his steadfastness.
I like Blake as well but he is much less detailed.
I didn't need red hot sexual chemistry from this love story but I need much more emotionial intimacy and talking to real trust in the HEA.
I like this series and the writing but needed more here.
Navashen is so well drawn as are his family members. I love his journey and his steadfastness.
I like Blake as well but he is much less detailed.
I didn't need red hot sexual chemistry from this love story but I need much more emotionial intimacy and talking to real trust in the HEA.
I like this series and the writing but needed more here.
March 19, 2017
A Matchless Man is a wonderful second chances/friends to lovers story. Navashen returns to Lexington after years spent in medical school and establishing his career. He hires his high school friend Brent, now a real estate agent, to help him find a place to live. Navashen needs a place not just for him, but for his special needs brother, Akshad, and eventually for his parents as well.
I loved Navashen’s support of his family. He immediately gets 25-year-old Akshad out from under his domineering mother. While Akshad does need more support than most 25-year-olds, he’s able to do a lot on his own, but his mother treats him as if he can do nothing. The mother also doesn’t care for Navashen being gay. it’s an interesting dynamic as Navashen loves and respects his mother, but won’t allow her to run his life. And Navashen and Akshad are terrific siblings. I very much enjoyed their story and, in particular, Akshad’s growing independence.
From the romance standpoint, it was fascinating watching Brent trying to set up Navashen with everyone except himself. It’s clear the men are attracted to each other, but are hesitant to make the move. When they do, however, it’s great–but it does have it’s roadblocks.
You can read the full review at: http://www.jeffandwill.com/2017/03/19...
I loved Navashen’s support of his family. He immediately gets 25-year-old Akshad out from under his domineering mother. While Akshad does need more support than most 25-year-olds, he’s able to do a lot on his own, but his mother treats him as if he can do nothing. The mother also doesn’t care for Navashen being gay. it’s an interesting dynamic as Navashen loves and respects his mother, but won’t allow her to run his life. And Navashen and Akshad are terrific siblings. I very much enjoyed their story and, in particular, Akshad’s growing independence.
From the romance standpoint, it was fascinating watching Brent trying to set up Navashen with everyone except himself. It’s clear the men are attracted to each other, but are hesitant to make the move. When they do, however, it’s great–but it does have it’s roadblocks.
You can read the full review at: http://www.jeffandwill.com/2017/03/19...
March 16, 2017
3.5 rounded down.
There's a lot to appreciate about this story. The MC being an Indian-American - son of immigrants, having a brother who has a learning disability and is babied the fuck out by a very annoying and demanding mother.
I feel like this story could be about my family (only, with men as the MCs).
I thought the writing, however, was kind of weak, even if the plot line was stellar. And the SMUT in the end felt rushed and unnecessary. Like if you were gonna have it, I wish the author didn't do such a half-assed job on it.
The epilogue was over the top cheesy and unbelievable. Unless this story is set in 2070 where Malyali culture was going to be OK with gay marriage.
I liked how the mother was so annoyingly Indian, (LOL), and her concern wasn't just that Nav wasn't marrying an Indian girl, but a white man. It was classic south asian immigrant where the family comes to live in the US but hates white people. It was very well done.
I've never been to Kentucky, so I have no idea how "progressive" Lexington really is w/ openly gay couples walking around. I kind of wish there was some background on it, b/c as someone from new england, I'm rather ignorant and TOTALLY don't believe that gay men and women can just walk around in KENTUCKY of all the places.
It’s worth the read, but not memorable, and that kind of makes me sad.
There's a lot to appreciate about this story. The MC being an Indian-American - son of immigrants, having a brother who has a learning disability and is babied the fuck out by a very annoying and demanding mother.
I feel like this story could be about my family (only, with men as the MCs).
I thought the writing, however, was kind of weak, even if the plot line was stellar. And the SMUT in the end felt rushed and unnecessary. Like if you were gonna have it, I wish the author didn't do such a half-assed job on it.
The epilogue was over the top cheesy and unbelievable. Unless this story is set in 2070 where Malyali culture was going to be OK with gay marriage.
I liked how the mother was so annoyingly Indian, (LOL), and her concern wasn't just that Nav wasn't marrying an Indian girl, but a white man. It was classic south asian immigrant where the family comes to live in the US but hates white people. It was very well done.
I've never been to Kentucky, so I have no idea how "progressive" Lexington really is w/ openly gay couples walking around. I kind of wish there was some background on it, b/c as someone from new england, I'm rather ignorant and TOTALLY don't believe that gay men and women can just walk around in KENTUCKY of all the places.
It’s worth the read, but not memorable, and that kind of makes me sad.
May 11, 2020
und wieder ein tolles Buch von Ariel Tachna,
mir gefaellt ihr Schreibstil sehr,
alle Protas sind sympathisch und glaubwürdig beschrieben,
eine spannende Liebesgeschichte, mir hat's Spass gemacht, sie zu lesen
mir gefaellt ihr Schreibstil sehr,
alle Protas sind sympathisch und glaubwürdig beschrieben,
eine spannende Liebesgeschichte, mir hat's Spass gemacht, sie zu lesen
October 3, 2017
Good book. I love the characters.
July 29, 2018
Agréable
Aucune surprise dans le déroulement de cette histoire autres le fait d’être indien. Les personnages sont sympathiques et font sourire
Aucune surprise dans le déroulement de cette histoire autres le fait d’être indien. Les personnages sont sympathiques et font sourire
February 1, 2017
2.5 stars
December 4, 2016
*Audible code provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement. *
Navashen grew up poor, living in government funded housing. He was transferred to a different school because of his intelligence and used that experience to motivate himself to become more. Through hard work, he earned scholarships and grants and became a doctor. He continued working hard to gain experience until he was able to return to his hometown and take a position in NICU. He contacts an old school friend, Brent who is now a real estate agent, to help him find a home. Navashen and Brent hit it off and Brent takes him under his wing. He finds him the perfect house that will allow Navashen's younger brother to live with him. Brent collects people and has a large friend base. He loves to spend time with people and is a matchmaker. He invites Navashen and his brother to many different activities to help them make friends and uses the chance to introduce Navashen to single men. But Navashen isn't interested in any of those men, he's only interested in Brent, although he doesn't see how his busy life will allow for a relationship. Between his busy work schedule, on call schedule, his brother and his very traditional Indian parents, Navashen doesn't foresee any man accepting what little time he can spare.
I really loved Navashen! He was so focused on making something of his life, but not just for himself. He wanted to provide a better life to his parents, but more importantly, for his brother. His younger brother, Akshat, was born prematurely and suffered disabilities due to that, both physically and mentally. He has not reached his potential because his mother treats him like a toddler instead of the 25-year-old man that he is. Navashen has plans and is strong enough to stand up to his mother to help Akshat grow. As much as his focus is on becoming a doctor and helping take care of the neediest of patients, his end goal is to give Akshat a real chance at life. I absolutely connected with this story, and truthfully found myself teary eyed several different times listening to this.
I also loved Brent! He was so outgoing, personable and considerate. He brought Akshat into his life and became friends with him just like he did everyone he ever encountered in his life. Brent was bisexual and has a failed marriage in his past so he's afraid to get involved again. There is a part where Brent isn't the perfect guy anymore, and it's an understandable situation, but it was hard and made me want to yell at him. Well, I was alone in my car, I may have yelled a little at him but he did redeem himself!
This story is narrated by John Solo and I thought he did a great job. His storytelling was well paced and there weren't a lot of blank air space. He did a great job with all the various characters, though I wasn't a fan of the voice used for Navashen's mother. I didn't always realize it was her speaking until I was told. But, otherwise, fantastic job!
A Matchless Man is Book 2 in the Lexington Lovers series, but can be listened to on its own. I really enjoyed this audio, and plan to get Book 1 and Book 2 so I can read them. I really hope there is more to come from the various guys I met in this book. I highly recommend the audio of this book and even though I haven't read it (yet), I would imagine I'll feel the exact same way about the book!
Overall: 5 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story: 5 stars
Navashen grew up poor, living in government funded housing. He was transferred to a different school because of his intelligence and used that experience to motivate himself to become more. Through hard work, he earned scholarships and grants and became a doctor. He continued working hard to gain experience until he was able to return to his hometown and take a position in NICU. He contacts an old school friend, Brent who is now a real estate agent, to help him find a home. Navashen and Brent hit it off and Brent takes him under his wing. He finds him the perfect house that will allow Navashen's younger brother to live with him. Brent collects people and has a large friend base. He loves to spend time with people and is a matchmaker. He invites Navashen and his brother to many different activities to help them make friends and uses the chance to introduce Navashen to single men. But Navashen isn't interested in any of those men, he's only interested in Brent, although he doesn't see how his busy life will allow for a relationship. Between his busy work schedule, on call schedule, his brother and his very traditional Indian parents, Navashen doesn't foresee any man accepting what little time he can spare.
I really loved Navashen! He was so focused on making something of his life, but not just for himself. He wanted to provide a better life to his parents, but more importantly, for his brother. His younger brother, Akshat, was born prematurely and suffered disabilities due to that, both physically and mentally. He has not reached his potential because his mother treats him like a toddler instead of the 25-year-old man that he is. Navashen has plans and is strong enough to stand up to his mother to help Akshat grow. As much as his focus is on becoming a doctor and helping take care of the neediest of patients, his end goal is to give Akshat a real chance at life. I absolutely connected with this story, and truthfully found myself teary eyed several different times listening to this.
I also loved Brent! He was so outgoing, personable and considerate. He brought Akshat into his life and became friends with him just like he did everyone he ever encountered in his life. Brent was bisexual and has a failed marriage in his past so he's afraid to get involved again. There is a part where Brent isn't the perfect guy anymore, and it's an understandable situation, but it was hard and made me want to yell at him. Well, I was alone in my car, I may have yelled a little at him but he did redeem himself!
This story is narrated by John Solo and I thought he did a great job. His storytelling was well paced and there weren't a lot of blank air space. He did a great job with all the various characters, though I wasn't a fan of the voice used for Navashen's mother. I didn't always realize it was her speaking until I was told. But, otherwise, fantastic job!
A Matchless Man is Book 2 in the Lexington Lovers series, but can be listened to on its own. I really enjoyed this audio, and plan to get Book 1 and Book 2 so I can read them. I really hope there is more to come from the various guys I met in this book. I highly recommend the audio of this book and even though I haven't read it (yet), I would imagine I'll feel the exact same way about the book!
Overall: 5 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story: 5 stars
July 2, 2017
Navashen Bhattathiri has recently completed his education as a highly specialized doctor and wants to return to Lexington, Kentucky, where he grew up and his family still resides. While searching for a house to purchase, he is reunited with a high school friend, Brent Carpenter, who seems intent on making Navashen develop a social life. But Navashen has many obligations - to his immigrant parents and very traditional mother, to his developmentally-delayed younger brother Akshat, and to his demanding career - and he isn't sure that he can find a man who will accept that.
I usually steer clear from medical romances of any sort; I work in the healthcare field, and the last thing that I want to do on my free time is feel like I'm at work. Plus they're usually super inaccurate. And, to be honest, I have worked with more than my fair share of asshole doctors, so whenever I see doctors treating nurses and other staff kindly, I want to point and laugh and be like "LMAO THAT IS NOT HOW IT IS IN THE REAL WORLD HAHAHAHAHAHA." (I have met a few doctors who were kind to those "beneath" them, but they are few and far between.) However, I liked the author's "The Path," and I did like that Navashen was raised poor and was a character of colour. So why not?
Well...this book was pretty light on the romance. I know that this line (Dreamspun Desires) is designed to be light on the sex (the two I've read have only had one sex scene apiece, and they were both pretty vanilla) and pretty trope-heavy (for example, this book has the "medical doctor married to his job," "old friends reunited in adulthood to become lovers," "character with too many responsibilities needs to learn just how to relax," and tropes, to name a few). But I expect a romance book to, well, have some romance in it - and there just isn't much here. Navashen is consumed with his new career, settling into his new house, and helping his younger brother become more independent of their overbearing mother. Brent and Nav don't really start getting together until the book is about three-quarters of the way over, which left their relationship feeling rushed and underdeveloped, in my opinion. I think that having a few chapters from Brent's perspective would have helped the plot, because their relationship almost felt like it sprung from nowhere towards the end. I mean, honestly, I didn't remember the summary when picking up the book, and I spent a good deal of time wondering if the two "leads" were Nav and a friend of Brent's, not Brent himself. Oops.
The author definitely got the feel of call right - call is a demon straight from the pits of hell, and I will never take a job where I am required to take it again (too many sixty-plus hour stretches without having a second of sleep to make me anything but bitter and mean when it comes to call, haha).
If you're interested more in family dynamics and watching a developmentally-delayed younger brother spread his wings thanks to his older brother, you might be interested in this book. If you're looking for a romance? Eh, I wouldn't recommend it. I will definitely read more from this author in the future, though, because I really enjoyed "The Path" and I like that she uses a more diverse set of characters in her books.
I usually steer clear from medical romances of any sort; I work in the healthcare field, and the last thing that I want to do on my free time is feel like I'm at work. Plus they're usually super inaccurate. And, to be honest, I have worked with more than my fair share of asshole doctors, so whenever I see doctors treating nurses and other staff kindly, I want to point and laugh and be like "LMAO THAT IS NOT HOW IT IS IN THE REAL WORLD HAHAHAHAHAHA." (I have met a few doctors who were kind to those "beneath" them, but they are few and far between.) However, I liked the author's "The Path," and I did like that Navashen was raised poor and was a character of colour. So why not?
Well...this book was pretty light on the romance. I know that this line (Dreamspun Desires) is designed to be light on the sex (the two I've read have only had one sex scene apiece, and they were both pretty vanilla) and pretty trope-heavy (for example, this book has the "medical doctor married to his job," "old friends reunited in adulthood to become lovers," "character with too many responsibilities needs to learn just how to relax," and tropes, to name a few). But I expect a romance book to, well, have some romance in it - and there just isn't much here. Navashen is consumed with his new career, settling into his new house, and helping his younger brother become more independent of their overbearing mother. Brent and Nav don't really start getting together until the book is about three-quarters of the way over, which left their relationship feeling rushed and underdeveloped, in my opinion. I think that having a few chapters from Brent's perspective would have helped the plot, because their relationship almost felt like it sprung from nowhere towards the end. I mean, honestly, I didn't remember the summary when picking up the book, and I spent a good deal of time wondering if the two "leads" were Nav and a friend of Brent's, not Brent himself. Oops.
The author definitely got the feel of call right - call is a demon straight from the pits of hell, and I will never take a job where I am required to take it again (too many sixty-plus hour stretches without having a second of sleep to make me anything but bitter and mean when it comes to call, haha).
If you're interested more in family dynamics and watching a developmentally-delayed younger brother spread his wings thanks to his older brother, you might be interested in this book. If you're looking for a romance? Eh, I wouldn't recommend it. I will definitely read more from this author in the future, though, because I really enjoyed "The Path" and I like that she uses a more diverse set of characters in her books.
July 3, 2017
This book started off really well and at a good pace, but somewhere after halfway through it started to slow down and fizzle for me; and unfortunately, I’m not talking about the good fizzles you get from eating Pop Rocks.
What I did like about the book:
The flow of the story was fine; that is up until the end. (see below for explanation)
I enjoyed the cultural differences between the two characters and the seemingly real life family stress.
I really like the story line involving Navashen's brother, Akshat; it is really sweet and endearing. I truly think that is what kept in reading this story. I wanted to know how things would work out for Akshat, and see him strive towards independence despite his mothers' overprotectiveness.
What I didn't like:
In certain areas throughout the book I felt like the author was being redundant.
I felt like the author rushed the ending in regards to the conflict and resolution.
The chemistry between Navashen and Brent was... meh.
The blurb made me believe that Brent was a matchmaker (with supporting stories to back it) and unfortunately, that is not the case. There is possibly one case of his old college roommate. Other than that, he was just introducing Navashen to his friends.
IMO it was the antagonist and plot that killed it for me. It was their mother of course! She's set in her ways and then you throw in her Indian culture and you have a PITA! However, most of her bitchiness is directed towards Akshat. Therefore, for her to put her two cents in about Brent and Navashen's relationship, and for him to immediately break things off with Nav, was too much.
This book could have been really good instead of dying off like it did in the end. I just didn't understand Brent's reasoning of why he breaks up with Nav, especially since the author doesn't go into great detail. I know it has something to do with his ex-wife not standing up to her mother when she was talking shit about Brent. Other than that, the author doesn't give any explanation. So, I have no idea what his ex-mother-in-laws' problem was with him. Maybe if the author divulged some of that, then I might have understood Brent's reaction better. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
In the end, while I was happy that both Brent and Navashen get their HEA, I was left with a feeling with: “Seriously, that is it?!?”
Just an FYI: If you are looking for a book that is hot and steamy, this is not it. To give you any indication, we have hand holding...I repeat hand holding at 71%. It is only until around the 90% mark that they finally get physical, and since it was so close to the end... that is all folks. I am not saying that a book needs the physical aspect of things to do well. In fact, I have read many books that don’t have it and do well without it. With that said, those books have a great plot; this one does not, at least not for me.
I am one of many reviewers at Gay Book Reviews and can be found here: http://gaybook.reviews/author/steph/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What I did like about the book:
The flow of the story was fine; that is up until the end. (see below for explanation)
I enjoyed the cultural differences between the two characters and the seemingly real life family stress.
I really like the story line involving Navashen's brother, Akshat; it is really sweet and endearing. I truly think that is what kept in reading this story. I wanted to know how things would work out for Akshat, and see him strive towards independence despite his mothers' overprotectiveness.
What I didn't like:
In certain areas throughout the book I felt like the author was being redundant.
I felt like the author rushed the ending in regards to the conflict and resolution.
The chemistry between Navashen and Brent was... meh.
The blurb made me believe that Brent was a matchmaker (with supporting stories to back it) and unfortunately, that is not the case. There is possibly one case of his old college roommate. Other than that, he was just introducing Navashen to his friends.
IMO it was the antagonist and plot that killed it for me. It was their mother of course! She's set in her ways and then you throw in her Indian culture and you have a PITA! However, most of her bitchiness is directed towards Akshat. Therefore, for her to put her two cents in about Brent and Navashen's relationship, and for him to immediately break things off with Nav, was too much.
This book could have been really good instead of dying off like it did in the end. I just didn't understand Brent's reasoning of why he breaks up with Nav, especially since the author doesn't go into great detail. I know it has something to do with his ex-wife not standing up to her mother when she was talking shit about Brent. Other than that, the author doesn't give any explanation. So, I have no idea what his ex-mother-in-laws' problem was with him. Maybe if the author divulged some of that, then I might have understood Brent's reaction better. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
In the end, while I was happy that both Brent and Navashen get their HEA, I was left with a feeling with: “Seriously, that is it?!?”
Just an FYI: If you are looking for a book that is hot and steamy, this is not it. To give you any indication, we have hand holding...I repeat hand holding at 71%. It is only until around the 90% mark that they finally get physical, and since it was so close to the end... that is all folks. I am not saying that a book needs the physical aspect of things to do well. In fact, I have read many books that don’t have it and do well without it. With that said, those books have a great plot; this one does not, at least not for me.
I am one of many reviewers at Gay Book Reviews and can be found here: http://gaybook.reviews/author/steph/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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