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When love wars with principle, which one will win?
Mark Nugent has spent his life in the closet—at least, the small portion of it he hasn’t spent in the office. Determined to make amends to his neglected teenage daughter from a failed marriage, Mark swears off work—and love—so he can give her a stable home environment. But Mark’s resolve to keep his heart under wraps is tested when he meets an out and proud young man he’s instantly drawn to.
Patrick Owen is a charity worker with strong principles. He doesn’t trust easily, but he’s blown away by his attraction for the older man who’s so new to his own sexuality. Yet Mark is adamant he’s not coming out to his daughter—and Patrick refuses to live a lie.
What with Mark’s old-fashioned attitudes and his flirtatious ex-colleague who’s determined to come between them, Patrick begins to wonder if they’ll ever be on the same page. And when Mark’s career as a tax advisor clashes with Patrick’s social conscience, sparks really start to fly—in all the wrong ways.
This is a revised second edition, originally published elsewhere.
Mark Nugent has spent his life in the closet—at least, the small portion of it he hasn’t spent in the office. Determined to make amends to his neglected teenage daughter from a failed marriage, Mark swears off work—and love—so he can give her a stable home environment. But Mark’s resolve to keep his heart under wraps is tested when he meets an out and proud young man he’s instantly drawn to.
Patrick Owen is a charity worker with strong principles. He doesn’t trust easily, but he’s blown away by his attraction for the older man who’s so new to his own sexuality. Yet Mark is adamant he’s not coming out to his daughter—and Patrick refuses to live a lie.
What with Mark’s old-fashioned attitudes and his flirtatious ex-colleague who’s determined to come between them, Patrick begins to wonder if they’ll ever be on the same page. And when Mark’s career as a tax advisor clashes with Patrick’s social conscience, sparks really start to fly—in all the wrong ways.
This is a revised second edition, originally published elsewhere.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2016
7 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Merrow
145 books1,324 followersJL Merrow is that rare beast, an English person who refuses to drink tea. She read Natural Sciences at Cambridge, where she learned many things, chief amongst which was that she never wanted to see the inside of a lab ever again. Her one regret is that she never mastered the ability of punting one-handed whilst holding a glass of champagne.
She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and the paranormal, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novella Muscling Through was a 2013 EPIC Award finalist, and her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy. Her novel Relief Valve is a finalist in the 2015 EPIC Awards.
JL Merrow is a member of the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.
Find JL Merrow online at: www.jlmerrow.com, on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jl.merrow
She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and the paranormal, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novella Muscling Through was a 2013 EPIC Award finalist, and her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy. Her novel Relief Valve is a finalist in the 2015 EPIC Awards.
JL Merrow is a member of the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.
Find JL Merrow online at: www.jlmerrow.com, on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jl.merrow
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
July 13, 2017
*2.5 stars*
I like J.L. Merrow, I swear, but the Shamwell series has turned out to be a major dud for me.
This book was fine... it was fine... but just draggy. The whole Shamwell series just seems to be told at a glacial pace, and my attention just wavered the entire time.
The relationship was hot/cold, hot/cold (repeat, repeat, repeat), and I was sick to death of it by the end. I actually was rooting for Mark to get with his assistant, David, because he was the only thing that kept me interested! Ugh, and a bratty, know-it-all teenage daughter just isn't something I want to read about (I get enough of that already from my little girls!).
The emotion and the "I love you" exchanges at the end left me scratching my head. Really? Didn't you guys hate each other last week??
Some charming moments, but overall just too slow and too tiresome for me.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
I like J.L. Merrow, I swear, but the Shamwell series has turned out to be a major dud for me.
This book was fine... it was fine... but just draggy. The whole Shamwell series just seems to be told at a glacial pace, and my attention just wavered the entire time.
The relationship was hot/cold, hot/cold (repeat, repeat, repeat), and I was sick to death of it by the end. I actually was rooting for Mark to get with his assistant, David, because he was the only thing that kept me interested! Ugh, and a bratty, know-it-all teenage daughter just isn't something I want to read about (I get enough of that already from my little girls!).
The emotion and the "I love you" exchanges at the end left me scratching my head. Really? Didn't you guys hate each other last week??
Some charming moments, but overall just too slow and too tiresome for me.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
December 7, 2015
I'm writing a review for Gay.Guy.Reading and Friends. I'll add a link when it's available.
5 adorable fluffy warm fuzzy stars
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
5 adorable fluffy warm fuzzy stars
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2015
4.5 stars!
This book, 3rd in the Shamwell Tales series, can be read as a standalone, and no prior knowledge of the previous books is required.
It's a comedy of errors, false starts, and false assumptions between somewhat stuffy ex-accountant/tax advisor Mark (39), who's recently moved to Shamwell with his teenage daughter, and Patrick (25), who works for the local charity SHARE. They first meet over a pint or five, when Mark joins the Spartans, the local club of men from 25 to 45.
Patrick isn't sure Mark is gay, Mark is sure he is, but doesn't want to be out because he's afraid of how his teenage daughter will react. There's also an ex-wife who's portrayed as a bit of a hag, understandably so, because after years of marriage, Mark came out to her and they divorced. Rounding out the cast of characters are Mark's ex-PA David, who's a wee bit on the flamboyant side and hopes to have a chance with Mark, Patricks's mum, and Fen/Florence, who's Mark's daughter.
The book is really well-written, engaging, with a nicely flowing plotline. The author does a fantastic job describing the challenges Mark faces when dealing with a mostly grumpy teenage girl who's been plucked from her normal life to suddenly live with dear old dad, lusting after Patrick but afraid to make a move, fending off David's advances with somewhat hilarious results, preparing for the Spartan induction ceremony, participating in a fundraiser run and failing, and the repeated misunderstandings, false assumptions, and interruptions that are plaguing his relationship with Patrick.
I also commend the author for including Lex, a character of undetermined gender, who is accurately referred to as "they", and who's a good friend to Patrick, and then Fen as well. They're not one to mince words, fiercely loyal, and get a sweet love story of their own.
This book has some subplots, too, but they all work out nicely, and the author really brings it all together in the end. Loved the Brit speak in this too - nice to spend some time in the Old Country, haha. Well done, dear author, well done!
A fabulous book, no doubt. I must now go get the others in this series. And y'all need to get reading this when it comes out. Absolutely worth it!
** I was given a free ARC of this book by the author's assistant. A positive review was not promised in return. **
This book, 3rd in the Shamwell Tales series, can be read as a standalone, and no prior knowledge of the previous books is required.
It's a comedy of errors, false starts, and false assumptions between somewhat stuffy ex-accountant/tax advisor Mark (39), who's recently moved to Shamwell with his teenage daughter, and Patrick (25), who works for the local charity SHARE. They first meet over a pint or five, when Mark joins the Spartans, the local club of men from 25 to 45.
Patrick isn't sure Mark is gay, Mark is sure he is, but doesn't want to be out because he's afraid of how his teenage daughter will react. There's also an ex-wife who's portrayed as a bit of a hag, understandably so, because after years of marriage, Mark came out to her and they divorced. Rounding out the cast of characters are Mark's ex-PA David, who's a wee bit on the flamboyant side and hopes to have a chance with Mark, Patricks's mum, and Fen/Florence, who's Mark's daughter.
The book is really well-written, engaging, with a nicely flowing plotline. The author does a fantastic job describing the challenges Mark faces when dealing with a mostly grumpy teenage girl who's been plucked from her normal life to suddenly live with dear old dad, lusting after Patrick but afraid to make a move, fending off David's advances with somewhat hilarious results, preparing for the Spartan induction ceremony, participating in a fundraiser run and failing, and the repeated misunderstandings, false assumptions, and interruptions that are plaguing his relationship with Patrick.
I also commend the author for including Lex, a character of undetermined gender, who is accurately referred to as "they", and who's a good friend to Patrick, and then Fen as well. They're not one to mince words, fiercely loyal, and get a sweet love story of their own.
This book has some subplots, too, but they all work out nicely, and the author really brings it all together in the end. Loved the Brit speak in this too - nice to spend some time in the Old Country, haha. Well done, dear author, well done!
A fabulous book, no doubt. I must now go get the others in this series. And y'all need to get reading this when it comes out. Absolutely worth it!
** I was given a free ARC of this book by the author's assistant. A positive review was not promised in return. **
January 26, 2016
Combine the life of a very English village, a country pub, some very authentic characters and you get a brilliant series by JL Merrow. I just love the whole setting and goings-on in this series and with book three we get Patrick’s and Mark’s story. Patrick we met at the end of book two briefly when he broke his leg playing cricket and was carted off to hospital. A character that really had no bearing on anything else but here he now gets his own story which weaves nicely into the Shamwell saga. This series reads like a soap opera, not in the negative sense, but in the way that each story is complete but also connects nicely with all the other characters in the village. All books can be read as stand alone but it’s nice when characters from previous books are briefly mentioned and you already know their story. It makes you feel part of village life in Shamwell. Keeps me wondering whose story we’re going to get next.
However, let me begin with Mark. I could so understand Mark and his attitudes it was uncanny. I guess it’s a generation thing but given Mark’s age (39) and his upbringing then I could definitely understand his attitudes for sure. I’m not that much older, a teenager of the 80s, and for all its freedoms coming out was seriously not easy even then and the acceptance far worse than it is today. Living in provincial England I had to keep my inclinations to myself for a long time. No chance of being carefree and out without facing a whole load of bigotry and the rest. Mark tried to conform by getting a girlfriend and then on holiday one little accident leads to his daughter being born. this is one road that I personally never went down but I guess many did all in an attempt to “conform” depending on your background and upbringing. He was trapped by convention and wanting to do the right thing gets married but the inevitable happens. He knows he’s gay and you can only keep the pretense up for so long as the sex will always be bad. Not only for him but for his wife too. His mariage doesn’t last long and he gets divorced but is forced by his ex-wife to keep stumm about being gay for the sake of their daughter. So he couldn’t be more repressed and in the closet if he tried.
He joins the Spartans a local group of guys for raising money for charity and there meets Patrick. Patrick is only 25 but is immediately attracted to Mark. Now the fun begins! Not only with Patrick trying to win Mark over but all the shenanigans of being in the Spartans. Well, I reckon the fund raising is just an excuse to meet at a pub and get completely blathered -lol! But once again the characters are vivid, individual, everyday kind of people and this is what makes Ms Merrow’s writing for me a hit. The whole feel of this book and the others are down-to-earth, real and thoroughly entertaining. Normal people just trying to make their way through life as best as they can despite what is being thrown at them.
What I found really interesting was the generation or age difference. Is it a problem? Should it be a problem? Patrick grew up in a day and age where coming out wasn’t necessarily the social trauma it would have been for Mark. They first have to find each other and understand where each other is coming from. Tot ally different backgrounds and a big age difference I feel will play a part in any relationship. I just loved how JL Merrow deals with the whole subject. Realistic, compassionate and endears the reader to her characters immediately. These two guys have a few hurdles to jump before getting to know and accepting each other so they can embark on any form of solid relationship.
Although Mark is mostly concerned about what his daughter will think he forgets that she is a fourteen year old living in today’s society. Do you think he really has anything to fear? Well, to be honest I loved Fen, your typical, stroppy hormonal teenager, the discussions between her and her father were for me seriously entertaining, humorous and had me smiling and laughing on many an occasion. Anyone out there with teenagers will be able to relate to this book completely. Of course we mustn’t also forget Patrick’s mum who also has to accept her son has fallen for someone of more or less her own generation. Again brilliantly handled by Ms Merrow and a real treat to read.
This is a sweet romance with very real obstacles to be overcome before the HEA arrives. The HEA does arrive and all the more poignant once you know how these guys have to come to accept and love each other despite the differences . I love this series just for the very English feel it has with all its subtle humour and culture. If you want to be taken to a very English village with all its bright and larger than life characters for a while then you’ll love this series. I would love to know who is going to get their story told next but I’ll have to wait no doubt for the next book to find out.
4.5 Stars.
However, let me begin with Mark. I could so understand Mark and his attitudes it was uncanny. I guess it’s a generation thing but given Mark’s age (39) and his upbringing then I could definitely understand his attitudes for sure. I’m not that much older, a teenager of the 80s, and for all its freedoms coming out was seriously not easy even then and the acceptance far worse than it is today. Living in provincial England I had to keep my inclinations to myself for a long time. No chance of being carefree and out without facing a whole load of bigotry and the rest. Mark tried to conform by getting a girlfriend and then on holiday one little accident leads to his daughter being born. this is one road that I personally never went down but I guess many did all in an attempt to “conform” depending on your background and upbringing. He was trapped by convention and wanting to do the right thing gets married but the inevitable happens. He knows he’s gay and you can only keep the pretense up for so long as the sex will always be bad. Not only for him but for his wife too. His mariage doesn’t last long and he gets divorced but is forced by his ex-wife to keep stumm about being gay for the sake of their daughter. So he couldn’t be more repressed and in the closet if he tried.
He joins the Spartans a local group of guys for raising money for charity and there meets Patrick. Patrick is only 25 but is immediately attracted to Mark. Now the fun begins! Not only with Patrick trying to win Mark over but all the shenanigans of being in the Spartans. Well, I reckon the fund raising is just an excuse to meet at a pub and get completely blathered -lol! But once again the characters are vivid, individual, everyday kind of people and this is what makes Ms Merrow’s writing for me a hit. The whole feel of this book and the others are down-to-earth, real and thoroughly entertaining. Normal people just trying to make their way through life as best as they can despite what is being thrown at them.
What I found really interesting was the generation or age difference. Is it a problem? Should it be a problem? Patrick grew up in a day and age where coming out wasn’t necessarily the social trauma it would have been for Mark. They first have to find each other and understand where each other is coming from. Tot ally different backgrounds and a big age difference I feel will play a part in any relationship. I just loved how JL Merrow deals with the whole subject. Realistic, compassionate and endears the reader to her characters immediately. These two guys have a few hurdles to jump before getting to know and accepting each other so they can embark on any form of solid relationship.
Although Mark is mostly concerned about what his daughter will think he forgets that she is a fourteen year old living in today’s society. Do you think he really has anything to fear? Well, to be honest I loved Fen, your typical, stroppy hormonal teenager, the discussions between her and her father were for me seriously entertaining, humorous and had me smiling and laughing on many an occasion. Anyone out there with teenagers will be able to relate to this book completely. Of course we mustn’t also forget Patrick’s mum who also has to accept her son has fallen for someone of more or less her own generation. Again brilliantly handled by Ms Merrow and a real treat to read.
This is a sweet romance with very real obstacles to be overcome before the HEA arrives. The HEA does arrive and all the more poignant once you know how these guys have to come to accept and love each other despite the differences . I love this series just for the very English feel it has with all its subtle humour and culture. If you want to be taken to a very English village with all its bright and larger than life characters for a while then you’ll love this series. I would love to know who is going to get their story told next but I’ll have to wait no doubt for the next book to find out.
4.5 Stars.
December 30, 2019
Mark Nugent finds himself in Shamwell after deciding to take a year away from his career as a tax advisor so as to try his hand at raising his teenager daughter Fen after she was expelled from school. As his ex-wife Ellen says: "It’s about bloody time you took some responsibility for your only child.” It's also bloody time Mark starts to explore his attraction to men, yet when he meets hot Shamwell local Patrick, rather than act on their mutual attraction, Mark instead decides he needs to hide his sexuality from Fen - “She’s not going to find out. That’s what I’m trying to tell you.” Mark took a deep breath. “There’s not going to be anything to find out. That’s why we can’t do this.”
Sadly, this was only the first time I dearly wanted to whack Mark sharply about the head with a Clue Stick. Mark and Patrick don't have a relationship as much as a running series of three steps forward, two steps back arguments that lead to them feeling the relationship is OVER, and then a few days later they are back together until the next miscommunication. The pace of their relationship slowly unfolds, ever so slowly, so slowly in fact they finally have sex in the last chapter of the book.
The overall pace of the book didn't work for me, and I'm realizing the entire Shamwell series is too slowly paced for me. I like the small town setting of the series and how characters from other books in the series pass along the edges of each additional story, but this series is like baseball. A recent study found that 90% of a baseball game is basically standing around, with about 18 minutes of action in an average 2-1/2 hour game.
Don't get me wrong. Out! has some great secondary characters - Mark's former personal assistant David with his costumed teddy Gregory (they called him "Camp David" in the office), Mark's daughter Fen, Patrick's gender fluid assistant Lex, Barry and the Spartans - but they are the 90% while Mark and Patrick's relationship is that slim 18 minutes. 3 stars for Out! (although I am very partial to the John Barrowman-esque cover).
I received an ARC from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
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Sadly, this was only the first time I dearly wanted to whack Mark sharply about the head with a Clue Stick. Mark and Patrick don't have a relationship as much as a running series of three steps forward, two steps back arguments that lead to them feeling the relationship is OVER, and then a few days later they are back together until the next miscommunication. The pace of their relationship slowly unfolds, ever so slowly, so slowly in fact they finally have sex in the last chapter of the book.
The overall pace of the book didn't work for me, and I'm realizing the entire Shamwell series is too slowly paced for me. I like the small town setting of the series and how characters from other books in the series pass along the edges of each additional story, but this series is like baseball. A recent study found that 90% of a baseball game is basically standing around, with about 18 minutes of action in an average 2-1/2 hour game.
Don't get me wrong. Out! has some great secondary characters - Mark's former personal assistant David with his costumed teddy Gregory (they called him "Camp David" in the office), Mark's daughter Fen, Patrick's gender fluid assistant Lex, Barry and the Spartans - but they are the 90% while Mark and Patrick's relationship is that slim 18 minutes. 3 stars for Out! (although I am very partial to the John Barrowman-esque cover).
I received an ARC from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Stop by my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
December 28, 2022
This is probably my least favorite book by this author so far. With that said I liked it, I just didn't love it as much as I have loved the previous books I have read by this author. I can't put my finger on what it was making me not like it as much though sadly. Maybe it was Marks way of not communicating. Or Patricks way of being stubborn even when he knew he was the one in the wrong.
Maybe it's me still riding on a high from books I've read recently that blew my mind.
Anyway. This was a decent read. Both Mark and Patrick behaved ridiculous at times. And then there were sweet times in between. Nothing too bad, nothing too good.
I started this series out by reading the fourth book for this years scavenger hunt and have read them a little as I felt like, so you can totally read this as a stand alone.
Maybe it's me still riding on a high from books I've read recently that blew my mind.
Anyway. This was a decent read. Both Mark and Patrick behaved ridiculous at times. And then there were sweet times in between. Nothing too bad, nothing too good.
I started this series out by reading the fourth book for this years scavenger hunt and have read them a little as I felt like, so you can totally read this as a stand alone.
October 22, 2022
Funny, and very sweet, Mark's story kinda broke my heart. Thankfully he crafted a lovely new life for himself with the quirky folks in Shamwell.
I'm a little sad that this is my final book in the series, luckily I've got a re-read pile!
Another wonderful performance by Mark Steadman in the audio version.
I'm a little sad that this is my final book in the series, luckily I've got a re-read pile!
Another wonderful performance by Mark Steadman in the audio version.
August 8, 2020
While not my favourite in this series, still a very enjoyable read.
A lot of funny moments that I loved, a sweet get together of the main couple, but at times this one seemed to drag.
Fen was a tad obnoxious at times. Sorry but her whatevs kinda irked me, and to be honest I struggled to understand her attachment to her dad, who admits he wasn't around much for her, while her complete disinterest in her mum, who I assume was there for her.
I loved Lex, and while I understand some people are completely gender neutral, I struggled with the way Lex was referred to as them or their, it made it sound like Lex was a twin or something.
I really hope David gets a story too, complete with Gregory lol.
ETA More enjoyable this time around, and I fond it much easier regarding Lex this time.
A lot of funny moments that I loved, a sweet get together of the main couple, but at times this one seemed to drag.
Fen was a tad obnoxious at times. Sorry but her whatevs kinda irked me, and to be honest I struggled to understand her attachment to her dad, who admits he wasn't around much for her, while her complete disinterest in her mum, who I assume was there for her.
I loved Lex, and while I understand some people are completely gender neutral, I struggled with the way Lex was referred to as them or their, it made it sound like Lex was a twin or something.
I really hope David gets a story too, complete with Gregory lol.
ETA More enjoyable this time around, and I fond it much easier regarding Lex this time.
January 24, 2016
Oh my - that was fun! Loved it from first to last page. Not much more to say about it:)
January 29, 2016
Out! (Shamwell Tales #3)
By J.L. Merrow
Five stars
By J.L. Merrow
Five stars
This third volume of J.L. Merrow’s Shamwell Tales is, for me, the best of an excellent series so far. Once again we’re in the quaint, green country village of Shamwell, within easy reach of London and all its big-city problems. And once again Ms. Merrow takes a setting worthy of Jane Austen and spins a tale of social mores and romance that is fully invested in the modern world.
Mark Nugent is a not-yet-forty father of an angry fourteen-year-old daughter. Patrick is a local boy who lives with his mum and has never had a serious relationship. At twenty-five he’s not young enough to be Mark’s son, but his mother is only five years older than Mark is. And that’s just the first complication. Patrick and Mark meet at a local men’s organization, the Shamwell Spartans. The absurdity of the group is balanced by the male camaraderie and local fundraising they offer.
Mark is a single father because he broke up his fourteen-year marriage by coming out to his wife. He’s one of those men who married because he was just bisexual enough to get his girlfriend pregnant while on what he assumed was a friendly holiday. I put it this way because Mark identifies as gay, in spite of the marriage and the child. He embodies what I think of as the Kinsey 5, mostly gay, but not entirely. Tricky part is, he’s never had any sort of relationship with a man (the sad reason for which we find out in due course).
Patrick, on the other hand, is a comfortable bisexual, finding potential attraction in men or women without prejudice or preference. I’d say he’s a Kinsey 3 or 4, fully bisexual and content to be so. He’s never had a longterm relationship, made wary of the very idea for reasons that are also revealed to us as the story unfolds.
If I make a point of this, it’s because the author herself does so. The gently accepting atmosphere of Shamwell is punctuated with crusty old heteros as well as more hip younger ones—who nonetheless find the whole bisexuality thing confusing. Patrick and Mark seem to be offered up as exemplars of bisexual diversity, while Mark’s adorable former assistant David—dismissively known at their London office as Camp David by their homophobic boss—is pretty and fey and not at all Mark’s type. Don’t get me wrong, Mark actually loves David, but is not attracted to him.
Add to this mix Lex, Patrick’s assistant at the local charity organization he runs. Lex is gender fluid, something that puzzles Mark, but is fully understood by Patrick and by Mark’s daughter, Fen. Lex is also (to my American ear) very working class in speech and completely hilarious and smart. All of my out-loud laughs were wrung out of their banter in the course of the story.
Class plays an important role here as is Ms. Merrow’s wont (and as it was for Miss Austen). Mark left a hugely lucrative career in London as a tax man for corporations, while Patrick works for a local charity that raises funds to help disabled adults. Mark is trying to make up for years of neglecting his daughter (hiding, one suspects, from his marriage in relentless workaholism); but he is determined not to let his gay side out, because he wants to protect his daughter from such unpleasant realities.
So it’s not just bisexuality and class but internalized homophobia that Merrow throws on the table for our amusement and edification. This fits right into the age gap issue, because 39 and 25 are not so far apart in years as they are in terms of life experience. Patrick and Mark have grown up in two different worlds in terms of attitudes toward homosexuality. Mark learned lessons very different from those that Patrick has. (This, I confess, was a wee bit of a stretch for me, since I came out at 20 in the 1970s, and seem to have existed in an entirely different world.) Their outlooks on their sexuality as well as their perspective on the ethics of work are the core hurdles to be jumped. Merrow makes the most of it, giving her readers the most complex and thought-provoking book of the series.
October 25, 2017
This one was more miss than hit for me...
'Out' is the third book in JL Merrow's 'Shamwell Tales' story and so far it's the one that I've enjoyed the least.
Patrick was a secondary character that we met in 'Played' and I was actually looking forward to his story. In 'Played' we met Patrick when he was recovering from a broken leg and he did a bit of flirting with Con...that basically went nowhere, but I was intrigued and when I found out that he was the subject of this book...well that was all I needed to say 'ok, hook me up.'
Unfortunately, nothing really hooked me until about halfway through the story. For the most part the first half of this book for me just seemed like a big ole bitchfest.
Patrick's a 25 year old charity worker, he's out and proud and spends more than a little time on his soapbox and apparently has a thing for older men.
Mark's a recently divorced father of a 14 year old who's closeted but not...it's complicated and I'm not sure I can explain this one so let's just move on from this. When Patrick's ex calls him at her wits end about their daughter's latest escapades. Mark decides that it's time he stepped up and took a more active role in her upbringing. So he leaves his job as a successful tax adviser and moves himself and his daughter to the small village of Shamwell. I think that Mark's daughter Fen (Florence) is suppose to be a feisty, sassy, little spitfire unfortunately what I got was an obnoxious, mouthy, ungrateful brat and I have to admit this was at times due in no small part to the parents...sorry, the dynamics between Mark, his ex and their daughter just were not good.
Then there's Patrick and his mother. Age gaps aren't really a big issue for me these days...usually, but when it was made clear more than once that 'Mark was old enough to be Patrick's dad or date his mom' which can I just say 'I think this was a case of overstating the issue...the age difference here is 14 years old so...we're talking a really young daddy here folks' and when it comes to Patrick's mom well for part of the story I was pretty unimpressed with her.
While the last part of the book worked better for me...mostly, it still just wasn't great and truthfully what was probably suppose to be an over the top comedy of errors, with a bit of tongue in cheek thrown felt more like something that was just trying to hard and falling flat more often than not.
Worst of all I totally didn't get Patrick and Mark. The spent so much times at odds with each other that when they finally got around to the 'I love yous' I was like what the hell? Really, cause I'm not seeing it?'
Ok so I've made my point overall this one just didn't work for me. But that's not to say that there wasn't anything that I liked. I liked Mark's PA from his tax advisor days and then there was Lex, Patrick's assistant at the non-profit and probably my favorite character in the story. There were in fact some enjoyable moments and Fen in fact actually began to become a likeable kid in the last part of the story...she felt more like a feisty, angst and emotion driven teenager and her obnoxious, brattiness definitely eased up.
Lastly if you take a boo over on GR you'll find a lot of reviews that don't share my sentiment and I'm thinking that this is just a case of it works or it doesn't and for me overall to much of it didn't.
Oh and before I forget the other thing that worked for me was the narration. Mark Steadman was once again the narrator for this story and from start to finish his narration was one of the things that worked and while I may not have enjoyed all of the story, I did enjoy all of the narration.
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An audio book of 'Out' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
'Out' is the third book in JL Merrow's 'Shamwell Tales' story and so far it's the one that I've enjoyed the least.
Patrick was a secondary character that we met in 'Played' and I was actually looking forward to his story. In 'Played' we met Patrick when he was recovering from a broken leg and he did a bit of flirting with Con...that basically went nowhere, but I was intrigued and when I found out that he was the subject of this book...well that was all I needed to say 'ok, hook me up.'
Unfortunately, nothing really hooked me until about halfway through the story. For the most part the first half of this book for me just seemed like a big ole bitchfest.
Patrick's a 25 year old charity worker, he's out and proud and spends more than a little time on his soapbox and apparently has a thing for older men.
Mark's a recently divorced father of a 14 year old who's closeted but not...it's complicated and I'm not sure I can explain this one so let's just move on from this. When Patrick's ex calls him at her wits end about their daughter's latest escapades. Mark decides that it's time he stepped up and took a more active role in her upbringing. So he leaves his job as a successful tax adviser and moves himself and his daughter to the small village of Shamwell. I think that Mark's daughter Fen (Florence) is suppose to be a feisty, sassy, little spitfire unfortunately what I got was an obnoxious, mouthy, ungrateful brat and I have to admit this was at times due in no small part to the parents...sorry, the dynamics between Mark, his ex and their daughter just were not good.
Then there's Patrick and his mother. Age gaps aren't really a big issue for me these days...usually, but when it was made clear more than once that 'Mark was old enough to be Patrick's dad or date his mom' which can I just say 'I think this was a case of overstating the issue...the age difference here is 14 years old so...we're talking a really young daddy here folks' and when it comes to Patrick's mom well for part of the story I was pretty unimpressed with her.
While the last part of the book worked better for me...mostly, it still just wasn't great and truthfully what was probably suppose to be an over the top comedy of errors, with a bit of tongue in cheek thrown felt more like something that was just trying to hard and falling flat more often than not.
Worst of all I totally didn't get Patrick and Mark. The spent so much times at odds with each other that when they finally got around to the 'I love yous' I was like what the hell? Really, cause I'm not seeing it?'
Ok so I've made my point overall this one just didn't work for me. But that's not to say that there wasn't anything that I liked. I liked Mark's PA from his tax advisor days and then there was Lex, Patrick's assistant at the non-profit and probably my favorite character in the story. There were in fact some enjoyable moments and Fen in fact actually began to become a likeable kid in the last part of the story...she felt more like a feisty, angst and emotion driven teenager and her obnoxious, brattiness definitely eased up.
Lastly if you take a boo over on GR you'll find a lot of reviews that don't share my sentiment and I'm thinking that this is just a case of it works or it doesn't and for me overall to much of it didn't.
Oh and before I forget the other thing that worked for me was the narration. Mark Steadman was once again the narrator for this story and from start to finish his narration was one of the things that worked and while I may not have enjoyed all of the story, I did enjoy all of the narration.
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An audio book of 'Out' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2016
4.5
JL Merrow is one of my most read authors, she's a go to read for me. Of the three Shamwell Tales books, this one has been my favourite. Like the other books, this is set in the fictional English village of Shamwell and has a very English vibe to it. I like that about it.
Divorced, workaholic, single parent Mark is settling into life in the village. He's learning how to deal with his strong-willed teenager at the same time as he's learning to find himself. Actually, learning is a good way to describe this book; it's all about learning and growing. Learning to be, learning to accept other points of view, learning to stand up for your beliefs, learning when to compromise and when not to.
Which makes it sound very goody-goody and boring... but it isn't. It's hilariously funny at times and subtly funny at others. Patrick and Mark are so different in just about every way (and kudos to JL Merrow for managing to write characters that are so different without resorting to the bear/twink formula. Not that I've anything against said combo, but I do like to read something different from tome to time), yet they work. I mean, not without some work, it doesn't all slip into place with no effort, but it's not overly ridiculously difficult. The (please forgive me for using this word) journey they had, from first meet to relationship, was tricky, but it felt real and not unnecessarily angsty.
I have to mention Fern, Mark's teenaged daughter. I liked her a lot. Feisty and rebellious and opinionated with a heart of gold and a strong sense of right and wrong. She's smashing, one of my favourite characters.
A fun, easy read with humour and joy. Recommended.
Review previously at BMBR
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
JL Merrow is one of my most read authors, she's a go to read for me. Of the three Shamwell Tales books, this one has been my favourite. Like the other books, this is set in the fictional English village of Shamwell and has a very English vibe to it. I like that about it.
Divorced, workaholic, single parent Mark is settling into life in the village. He's learning how to deal with his strong-willed teenager at the same time as he's learning to find himself. Actually, learning is a good way to describe this book; it's all about learning and growing. Learning to be, learning to accept other points of view, learning to stand up for your beliefs, learning when to compromise and when not to.
Which makes it sound very goody-goody and boring... but it isn't. It's hilariously funny at times and subtly funny at others. Patrick and Mark are so different in just about every way (and kudos to JL Merrow for managing to write characters that are so different without resorting to the bear/twink formula. Not that I've anything against said combo, but I do like to read something different from tome to time), yet they work. I mean, not without some work, it doesn't all slip into place with no effort, but it's not overly ridiculously difficult. The (please forgive me for using this word) journey they had, from first meet to relationship, was tricky, but it felt real and not unnecessarily angsty.
I have to mention Fern, Mark's teenaged daughter. I liked her a lot. Feisty and rebellious and opinionated with a heart of gold and a strong sense of right and wrong. She's smashing, one of my favourite characters.
A fun, easy read with humour and joy. Recommended.
Review previously at BMBR
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2018
Cute story. I loved how the age gap played into the story. I liked how it ended up not a big deal. It did drag a bit with the will they won't they "misunderstandings" and all. But overall the romance was sweet when it was just them and I was rooting for them to get their crap together. I wish Fen wasn't such a cliched teenager. I did like the twist of her motive. The Spartans were an interesting group of characters. I hope David gets a happy ending, which I see is up next...though his partner is a surprise given how this book ended.
January 19, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 stars
I have loved every book in JL Merrow's Shamwell Tales but OUT! is my favorite to date. There were so many ups, downs, and sideways twists to this story, but most of all I enjoy watching characters grow and change not only because they discover something new about themselves, but also because they figure out life is what you make of it.
Mark Nugent newly divorced and a single father to a 14 year old daughter is new to town and moved to give his daughter a better life, better education and hopefully friends who won't get her expelled from school. Mark has spent most of his life firmly in the closet realizing he was gay after a vacation in which he fathered said daughter. While he felt he did the right thing by his ex-wife and daughter, he now knows it only brought them all misery. Quitting his job and moving out of London and into this small town he hopes he can give his daughter the time and life she needs. Joining a local men's club that raises much needed funds for various charities, Mark is drawn to a much younger man one that makes him want to leap through the closet door with a rainbow painted on his chest.
Patrick Owen loves his life and is proud of the work he does helping disabled adults get the help they need through the charitable foundation that employees him. He has been out and proud and while he's been with both men and women, men are more his taste. At a meeting of the Shamwell Spartans he is intrigued by the new member whom he knows is interested but also gives off a standoffish vibe.
Fourteen years separate Mark and Patrick yet the attraction between them is all too real. For his daughter's sake, Mark has never come out and has kept his sexuality secret from his daughter. I loved the differences between Mark and Patrick and while age really is a number, growing up in very different times, with very different attitudes about homosexuality make them both have to look hard and long at their life and even put themselves in the other's shoes. With a cast of very colorful characters including Mark's ex PA, David (who has harbored a crush on Mark for years), Patrick's Mum, Patrick's admin Lex the men who make up the Shamwell Spartans (including the characters from previous books) but most of all Mark's daughter Florence (Fen) who puts them all to shame with her open mind, open heart and very astute look at life the way it should be.
I appreciated that Mark and Patrick had to work to be together, that their differences made them stronger, but most of all that they both learned to give and take and listen not only to each other but to a wise beyond her years 14 year old girl. A story of life, acceptance, change and most of all love, OUT by JL Merrow is simply outstanding.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 stars
I have loved every book in JL Merrow's Shamwell Tales but OUT! is my favorite to date. There were so many ups, downs, and sideways twists to this story, but most of all I enjoy watching characters grow and change not only because they discover something new about themselves, but also because they figure out life is what you make of it.
Mark Nugent newly divorced and a single father to a 14 year old daughter is new to town and moved to give his daughter a better life, better education and hopefully friends who won't get her expelled from school. Mark has spent most of his life firmly in the closet realizing he was gay after a vacation in which he fathered said daughter. While he felt he did the right thing by his ex-wife and daughter, he now knows it only brought them all misery. Quitting his job and moving out of London and into this small town he hopes he can give his daughter the time and life she needs. Joining a local men's club that raises much needed funds for various charities, Mark is drawn to a much younger man one that makes him want to leap through the closet door with a rainbow painted on his chest.
Patrick Owen loves his life and is proud of the work he does helping disabled adults get the help they need through the charitable foundation that employees him. He has been out and proud and while he's been with both men and women, men are more his taste. At a meeting of the Shamwell Spartans he is intrigued by the new member whom he knows is interested but also gives off a standoffish vibe.
Fourteen years separate Mark and Patrick yet the attraction between them is all too real. For his daughter's sake, Mark has never come out and has kept his sexuality secret from his daughter. I loved the differences between Mark and Patrick and while age really is a number, growing up in very different times, with very different attitudes about homosexuality make them both have to look hard and long at their life and even put themselves in the other's shoes. With a cast of very colorful characters including Mark's ex PA, David (who has harbored a crush on Mark for years), Patrick's Mum, Patrick's admin Lex the men who make up the Shamwell Spartans (including the characters from previous books) but most of all Mark's daughter Florence (Fen) who puts them all to shame with her open mind, open heart and very astute look at life the way it should be.
I appreciated that Mark and Patrick had to work to be together, that their differences made them stronger, but most of all that they both learned to give and take and listen not only to each other but to a wise beyond her years 14 year old girl. A story of life, acceptance, change and most of all love, OUT by JL Merrow is simply outstanding.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
July 6, 2017
4.5 Stars ~ Mark’s story is a sad tale when he arrives in Shamwell. Of course, he doesn't quite realize the full extent of his boring and pathetic life, up until now, but my good friends in the village will be sure to set him straight. So to speak. I loved being back in Shamwell as it's one of my most favorite series, and there are so many well loved characters there. Plus, I believe I harped on needing a book for Patrick after reading 'Played', so I'm glad the author listened. *grins*
Mark is thirty-nine, has been divorced for a year, has a fourteen year old daughter, and he's been in the closet his entire life. A very deep closet that might possibly lead to Narnia. In fact it's only been two years since he really allowed himself to accept he was gay. So far he's not done anything about it. The majority of his life has been spent working. You know the type. They practically live at the office. Well, he barely knows his own daughter, so he decides it's time to rectify that. Huh. He has no clue about teenage girls, especially since he hasn't told her he's gay, and teenagers can be notoriously vicious.
Mark joins the Shamwell Spartans Fun and Funds Foundation, which is where he meets Patrick. The purpose of this social group is to collect money for charities, but to have fun while doing it, i.e. a three-legged pub crawl while asking for donations. Too bad it's only for men - I'd join that group! Oh, there are too many miscommunications between Patrick and Mark to even begin to talk about. It was almost painful watching it at times. I really needed them to get their issues out of the way, and get to the point where dating might happen.
A marvelous addition to the series! It had its moments of hilarity, but also bittersweet times, and I rejoiced in each of them in equal measure. Mark and Patrick were perfect, but some of the secondary characters, mainly Mark's daughter, Fen, and Patrick's mum, practically stole the show. Thank you, J.L., for more from my favorite village.
NOTE: This book was provided by Riptide Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
Mark is thirty-nine, has been divorced for a year, has a fourteen year old daughter, and he's been in the closet his entire life. A very deep closet that might possibly lead to Narnia. In fact it's only been two years since he really allowed himself to accept he was gay. So far he's not done anything about it. The majority of his life has been spent working. You know the type. They practically live at the office. Well, he barely knows his own daughter, so he decides it's time to rectify that. Huh. He has no clue about teenage girls, especially since he hasn't told her he's gay, and teenagers can be notoriously vicious.
Mark joins the Shamwell Spartans Fun and Funds Foundation, which is where he meets Patrick. The purpose of this social group is to collect money for charities, but to have fun while doing it, i.e. a three-legged pub crawl while asking for donations. Too bad it's only for men - I'd join that group! Oh, there are too many miscommunications between Patrick and Mark to even begin to talk about. It was almost painful watching it at times. I really needed them to get their issues out of the way, and get to the point where dating might happen.
A marvelous addition to the series! It had its moments of hilarity, but also bittersweet times, and I rejoiced in each of them in equal measure. Mark and Patrick were perfect, but some of the secondary characters, mainly Mark's daughter, Fen, and Patrick's mum, practically stole the show. Thank you, J.L., for more from my favorite village.
NOTE: This book was provided by Riptide Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
October 1, 2024
Deadly dull with annoying obstacles and delays. These guys don’t get together - emotionally or physically - until very late in the book. I didn’t feel anything for either MC and didn’t buy them as a couple.
January 28, 2016
Parts of this were a delight, but the pacing felt off. Too much time dithering around for 3/4 of the book.
July 21, 2017
Loved this. Looking forward to reading the other Shamwell books! I was happy to see that David's story is next. :-)
July 7, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up.
Sweet, cute, funny and so very, very British - plus the characterisation of Mark's fourteen-year-old daughter was incredibly spot on.
Sweet, cute, funny and so very, very British - plus the characterisation of Mark's fourteen-year-old daughter was incredibly spot on.
January 3, 2016
This didn't seem to be 300 plus pages, as I powered through it pretty quickly. The story also seemed fairly straight-forward, and I didn't really think much happened, so that's why I am surprised by its apparent length.
Having said that, I found it entertaining and warm. Merrow can always be relied on to provide humour and affection. The gem here is Mark's 14 year-old daughter, Fen. She's good value, and keeps Mark hopping.
Patrick is the character we've met from the previous Shamwell book, and at 25, got high morals, still lives with his mum, and finds himself attracted to the new accountant in the village.
Mark wants to make more time for Fen. Not everything is going to plan. Especially in regards to not getting involved, once he meets Patrick.
This is low angst. The other potential love interest is despatched quickly. Mark's reluctance to come out to Fen broken early, and now it's down to the boys to get their act together.
Light, but absorbing. Copy provided by Netgalley. Due out Jan 19.
Having said that, I found it entertaining and warm. Merrow can always be relied on to provide humour and affection. The gem here is Mark's 14 year-old daughter, Fen. She's good value, and keeps Mark hopping.
Patrick is the character we've met from the previous Shamwell book, and at 25, got high morals, still lives with his mum, and finds himself attracted to the new accountant in the village.
Mark wants to make more time for Fen. Not everything is going to plan. Especially in regards to not getting involved, once he meets Patrick.
This is low angst. The other potential love interest is despatched quickly. Mark's reluctance to come out to Fen broken early, and now it's down to the boys to get their act together.
Light, but absorbing. Copy provided by Netgalley. Due out Jan 19.
January 19, 2016
**Book 3 in this series but absolutely can be read as a Standalone**
I have not read the other 2 books in this series and had no issues.
I really loved the Dad (Mark)moving to Shamwell with his daughter. It's not a common thing to read and I loved that. It added a lot of entertainment to the story. Patrick, the other MC, is half Mark's age which I have to say was also fantastic. I feel that it's an underwritten trope.
Both Patrick and Mark meet through SPARTANS, a local club.
The ensemble is marvelous, I must say. From the SPARTAN guys, to Mark's teenage daughter, his former PA David, Patrick's mother, all of them! It all mixes into the story wonderfully.
There was so much to love about this tale. J.L. covered so many bases flawlessly. The grumpy teenage girl, age gaps, acceptance, Lex who' gender is not determined. That was refreshing and only added to an already terrific story. You have to read this book!
I have not read the other 2 books in this series and had no issues.
I really loved the Dad (Mark)moving to Shamwell with his daughter. It's not a common thing to read and I loved that. It added a lot of entertainment to the story. Patrick, the other MC, is half Mark's age which I have to say was also fantastic. I feel that it's an underwritten trope.
Both Patrick and Mark meet through SPARTANS, a local club.
The ensemble is marvelous, I must say. From the SPARTAN guys, to Mark's teenage daughter, his former PA David, Patrick's mother, all of them! It all mixes into the story wonderfully.
There was so much to love about this tale. J.L. covered so many bases flawlessly. The grumpy teenage girl, age gaps, acceptance, Lex who' gender is not determined. That was refreshing and only added to an already terrific story. You have to read this book!
January 17, 2016
I received a copy of this title to read & review for Wicked Reads
3 Stars: DNF.
I don't know if it was my mood, or what, but I tried reading Out! several times over the course of many weeks. I would wait, and then begin again, hoping my mood had changed. I just couldn't fall into the story and continue reading. After a few chances, I don't believe in struggling through a book, because it does a disservice to both the novel and the author, as my mood will taint said review.
I can't even truly put my finger on what was holding me back, because in theory I should have been entertained. The writing style, maybe? I did find the sentence structure overwritten, with too much time inside the characters' heads. Info-dump, maybe? I don't know. I'm sorry my review can't be more helpful, but I won't criticize an author because their book wasn't a good fit for me.
3 Stars: DNF.
I don't know if it was my mood, or what, but I tried reading Out! several times over the course of many weeks. I would wait, and then begin again, hoping my mood had changed. I just couldn't fall into the story and continue reading. After a few chances, I don't believe in struggling through a book, because it does a disservice to both the novel and the author, as my mood will taint said review.
I can't even truly put my finger on what was holding me back, because in theory I should have been entertained. The writing style, maybe? I did find the sentence structure overwritten, with too much time inside the characters' heads. Info-dump, maybe? I don't know. I'm sorry my review can't be more helpful, but I won't criticize an author because their book wasn't a good fit for me.
January 21, 2016
Funny as ever, my favourite in this series so far!
There was a little too much going back and forth and back and forth (and back and forth and back and forth...), and the funny to hotness ratio is heavily skewed towards the funny bit. But I really liked Mark and Patrick, liked Lex, loved Fen (she's actually coming around a little too quickly, I thought, but thank all the Gods for that. I did not start reading this book for it to get all angsty on me, and I was sure as hell glad that it didn't).
You want deep and thought-provoking and new? Go, read something else.
You want sizzling hot and sexy and the good kind of tension? Yeah, go somewhere else.
You want funny and British and easy and entertaining? Stay right here and have fun with it!
There was a little too much going back and forth and back and forth (and back and forth and back and forth...), and the funny to hotness ratio is heavily skewed towards the funny bit. But I really liked Mark and Patrick, liked Lex, loved Fen (she's actually coming around a little too quickly, I thought, but thank all the Gods for that. I did not start reading this book for it to get all angsty on me, and I was sure as hell glad that it didn't).
You want deep and thought-provoking and new? Go, read something else.
You want sizzling hot and sexy and the good kind of tension? Yeah, go somewhere else.
You want funny and British and easy and entertaining? Stay right here and have fun with it!
September 12, 2016
One of the best books I have ever read !!!!
WOW!! I am sitting here actually depressed this book ended. It was like I was in their lives and a part of the family. I miss them already and I just finished. I highly recommend this book but beware when it ends you are going be depressed cause it did.
WOW!! I am sitting here actually depressed this book ended. It was like I was in their lives and a part of the family. I miss them already and I just finished. I highly recommend this book but beware when it ends you are going be depressed cause it did.
February 4, 2016
I didn't like any of the main characters. And I especially disliked Patrick.
He was arrogant, stupid and aggressive.
His little tirade how tax advisors are the devil? Grow up. Really.
The whole setting felt artificial and forced.
He was arrogant, stupid and aggressive.
His little tirade how tax advisors are the devil? Grow up. Really.
The whole setting felt artificial and forced.
January 23, 2016
Well, I can't hold my breath until the January release, so I'll just read another of J.L.'s books.
May 17, 2016
My favorite of the series. :D
December 25, 2017
I adore the oh-so very British dialogue! Definitely a fun read for those who love Sexy Brit Boys.
Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2017
I liked this romance between with older man with a very grumpy teenager and a young man.
The most intersting part of me, aside of the setting and the cast of characters in the series which I like very much, was the aspect of the story that dealt with what it meant to be queer and coming of age in different decades. This conflict between the heroes was meaningful and compelling.
There is a lot of fun and dashing around and push and pull.
It make me happier this book need to be longer. I wanted much more couple time after Marc and Patrick were all sorted out and really together. I wanted to see them in a full on relationship to earn the I love you.
The most intersting part of me, aside of the setting and the cast of characters in the series which I like very much, was the aspect of the story that dealt with what it meant to be queer and coming of age in different decades. This conflict between the heroes was meaningful and compelling.
There is a lot of fun and dashing around and push and pull.
It make me happier this book need to be longer. I wanted much more couple time after Marc and Patrick were all sorted out and really together. I wanted to see them in a full on relationship to earn the I love you.
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