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Rough Draft
Rough Draft
Grey and Paul were good friends in college. Good friends with privileges. But they haven't been together in years. When Grey puts pen to paper and writes Paul a letter, he half expects it to be ignored. But Paul writes back and their old flame is rekindled.
Or is it? Has too much water gone under the bridge or can Grey and Paul reconnect and deal with the issues that took them in different directions after college?
Tune into this epistolary romance and find out!
Or is it? Has too much water gone under the bridge or can Grey and Paul reconnect and deal with the issues that took them in different directions after college?
Tune into this epistolary romance and find out!
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2007
4 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Chris Owen
101 books904 followersI live and write in eastern Canada. I went to a bunch of schools, learned a lot of things, and now make stuff up because not to do so is unthinkable. I'm fond of fountain pens, Levenger's Circa system, and Steampunk fashions.
I'm inspired by the day to day minutia of life, and find beauty in the way words go together. I like texture and richness of experience. I'm not shy. I'm happy, I'm learning, I'm living.
I'm inspired by the day to day minutia of life, and find beauty in the way words go together. I like texture and richness of experience. I'm not shy. I'm happy, I'm learning, I'm living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 29, 2016
Posted at Outlaw Reviews
Gray is a college professor in a small New England town. Paul is a construction worker and children’s theater director in California. Gray and Paul were once friends and lovers, but upon graduation went their separate ways. After five years, Gray decides to rekindle that old friendship by writing a letter to Paul.
Rough Draft is a story told mostly in letters. The letters Gray and Paul exchange are sweet, angry, hurtful, sexy and very revealing, sharing details about their jobs, friends, lovers, and eventually their own feelings for each other. Right from the first page, I was hooked.
Rough Draft was unpredictable and full of surprises. At times, it looked as if Paul and Gray really had a chance of getting together and working out their past differences. At others, it looked as if their relationship would end before it got started.
I really enjoyed the letters between the two men and was hoping their meeting would be as satisfying. Just like in their letters, there was difficulty in communicating, issues to be worked out, and the start of a promising relationship. There were also a number of interesting and well-developed secondary characters that added depth to the story.
I really loved this story! It tugged at my heartstrings and made me really care for Paul and Gray. It also makes me want to start writing letters again.
Gray is a college professor in a small New England town. Paul is a construction worker and children’s theater director in California. Gray and Paul were once friends and lovers, but upon graduation went their separate ways. After five years, Gray decides to rekindle that old friendship by writing a letter to Paul.
Rough Draft is a story told mostly in letters. The letters Gray and Paul exchange are sweet, angry, hurtful, sexy and very revealing, sharing details about their jobs, friends, lovers, and eventually their own feelings for each other. Right from the first page, I was hooked.
Rough Draft was unpredictable and full of surprises. At times, it looked as if Paul and Gray really had a chance of getting together and working out their past differences. At others, it looked as if their relationship would end before it got started.
I really enjoyed the letters between the two men and was hoping their meeting would be as satisfying. Just like in their letters, there was difficulty in communicating, issues to be worked out, and the start of a promising relationship. There were also a number of interesting and well-developed secondary characters that added depth to the story.
I really loved this story! It tugged at my heartstrings and made me really care for Paul and Gray. It also makes me want to start writing letters again.
July 13, 2009
Rough Draft by Chris Owen and Jodi Payne is probably the most unique book I have ever read. At first, I was unsure about it because of the format in which it is written, but after the first letter, I was hooked. I literally sat and read it in one setting. It is a well-written, beautiful love story and can’t wait to read it again.
When Gray and Paul were in College and throughout Graduate school they were friends and lovers. At the age of 25, and freshly out of Graduate School, Gray accepted a job at the other end of the country and never looked back.
Now 5 years later, after Gray has accepted a position as a College Professor at a more conservative college, he has had time to reflect back, and miss his old friend Paul. When he decides to contact Paul, he wants it to be more personal than an email, or an even a phone call. Gray wants to be able to express what he wants to say, and how he says it, so he writes handwritten letter to Paul, and sends it with the hope that his old friend and lover will respond back in kind.
Gray’s friendly letter took Paul by surprise. Paul has been relatively successful in the past 5 years. As a contractor, Paul does physical work, but he also loves to direct plays in a local theater in his spare time. He lives with several roommates and really hasn’t had a serious relationship since being with Gray.
When Paul writes Gray back, a pattern starts. At first it’s just easygoing banter between two male friends. They talk about jobs, dating, and sex; anything but what is starting to grow and develop between them. As time goes by, and as more letters are sent and received, the tone of their letters changes as their feelings change for one another.
Don’t get me wrong. They have some miscommunication between them. They ever get angry with one another and write drunken, but very emotionally honest letters to each other. But, in the end they can not deny their feelings for one another so they know they must meet and see if the feelings they have for one another is real or just a long distance fancy for each other.
The story spans out from Gray’s first letter to Paul, until over a year and half later. So there is plenty of communication between them.
This book downloaded on Adobe PDF files is 231 pages. Gray and Paul don’t meet face to face until page 91 or so. Before you get discouraged, the letters, and the way with communicate with one another, is part of the charm of this book. Because of the letters, they are forced to get real with one another. Their relationship is built on trust and the ability to communicate well with each other. (They do slip up some…it’s not all rainbows and sunshine, but what a ride it was to watch!)
When they finally meet face to face, I don’t know who was more excited, me or them. But, even after they meet, they have to part because they live practically on opposite sides of the country, so they continue to communicate through their letters.
I loved this book! I loved the letters and the romance that they had together. The letters kept them real with one another and quite frankly, with me as a reader as well. Because of the letters, it was easy to connect with them. It was easy to understand their points of view, whether they were right or wrong, and just all it made it easy for me to root for them to be together. I thought this book was fantastic, and I know many of my friends here will as well.
**********A Few Warnings/Spoilers***********
Because their relationship is long distanced, they keep an open relationship throughout most of the book. Did this bother me? Yes. Did I understand it? I tried, too. Luckily, it isn’t really overdone. It’s discussed between them, and it isn’t a focus/factor in their relationship because it’s understood between them.
I understood the long-distance thing. There were a few scenes in the book that I personally didn’t love. There is a foursome scene, between Gray, Paul and a gay couple that Gray has fooled around with, and is good friends with. I didn’t love that. Had I known about it before hand, I don’t know if I would have bought and read the book, just because I hate ménages.
BUT, I really am glad I DID read this book, and I just kind of skipped over the scene and went on my merry way. Too me, even with these things, the book was still great and will still be a re-read for me in the years to come.
In the end they are in a committed and beautifully loving relationship. How could I not love that?
When Gray and Paul were in College and throughout Graduate school they were friends and lovers. At the age of 25, and freshly out of Graduate School, Gray accepted a job at the other end of the country and never looked back.
Now 5 years later, after Gray has accepted a position as a College Professor at a more conservative college, he has had time to reflect back, and miss his old friend Paul. When he decides to contact Paul, he wants it to be more personal than an email, or an even a phone call. Gray wants to be able to express what he wants to say, and how he says it, so he writes handwritten letter to Paul, and sends it with the hope that his old friend and lover will respond back in kind.
Gray’s friendly letter took Paul by surprise. Paul has been relatively successful in the past 5 years. As a contractor, Paul does physical work, but he also loves to direct plays in a local theater in his spare time. He lives with several roommates and really hasn’t had a serious relationship since being with Gray.
When Paul writes Gray back, a pattern starts. At first it’s just easygoing banter between two male friends. They talk about jobs, dating, and sex; anything but what is starting to grow and develop between them. As time goes by, and as more letters are sent and received, the tone of their letters changes as their feelings change for one another.
Don’t get me wrong. They have some miscommunication between them. They ever get angry with one another and write drunken, but very emotionally honest letters to each other. But, in the end they can not deny their feelings for one another so they know they must meet and see if the feelings they have for one another is real or just a long distance fancy for each other.
The story spans out from Gray’s first letter to Paul, until over a year and half later. So there is plenty of communication between them.
This book downloaded on Adobe PDF files is 231 pages. Gray and Paul don’t meet face to face until page 91 or so. Before you get discouraged, the letters, and the way with communicate with one another, is part of the charm of this book. Because of the letters, they are forced to get real with one another. Their relationship is built on trust and the ability to communicate well with each other. (They do slip up some…it’s not all rainbows and sunshine, but what a ride it was to watch!)
When they finally meet face to face, I don’t know who was more excited, me or them. But, even after they meet, they have to part because they live practically on opposite sides of the country, so they continue to communicate through their letters.
I loved this book! I loved the letters and the romance that they had together. The letters kept them real with one another and quite frankly, with me as a reader as well. Because of the letters, it was easy to connect with them. It was easy to understand their points of view, whether they were right or wrong, and just all it made it easy for me to root for them to be together. I thought this book was fantastic, and I know many of my friends here will as well.
**********A Few Warnings/Spoilers***********
Because their relationship is long distanced, they keep an open relationship throughout most of the book. Did this bother me? Yes. Did I understand it? I tried, too. Luckily, it isn’t really overdone. It’s discussed between them, and it isn’t a focus/factor in their relationship because it’s understood between them.
I understood the long-distance thing. There were a few scenes in the book that I personally didn’t love. There is a foursome scene, between Gray, Paul and a gay couple that Gray has fooled around with, and is good friends with. I didn’t love that. Had I known about it before hand, I don’t know if I would have bought and read the book, just because I hate ménages.
BUT, I really am glad I DID read this book, and I just kind of skipped over the scene and went on my merry way. Too me, even with these things, the book was still great and will still be a re-read for me in the years to come.
In the end they are in a committed and beautifully loving relationship. How could I not love that?
October 29, 2013
The theme of reuniting old lovers who moved apart is familiar, but the technique is unusual and quite well done. The first third of the story is composed only of the letters Paul and Gray send back and forth from one coast to the other, as they gradually rekindle and reexamine their relationship, and how they feel about each other. This could have been dry to read, since it is perforce "telling without showing", but it was well done. With each man prone to drunk-writing (like drunk dialing, but more articulate) there are flashes of emotion and honesty that move the story along. There are also misunderstandings, and anxieties that come between them.
There is a lot of sex in this story, separately and together, (which is not a surprise from these authors.) It's pretty hot and well done sex. (Also not a surprise.) However there were times when I wondered if there was really more between these two men than a really good sexual connection. There should have been back-history that could be considered the emotional and day-to-day underpinnings of their relationship, but I felt that I didn't see them interacting or thinking about each other without a strong sexual content very often.
I did appreciate a feeling of realism. Neither man is perfect, and each is responsible for some of the misunderstandings and failures that slow the progression of their romance. I didn't mind the "sex with others" component. It felt appropriate for the distance between them and the way they eased into being more than old friends, while living separate lives. And they were two men for whom in the past sex together had been great but not ever exclusive. The guys like to hear and watch each other, and sometimes have sex with other men, and that was within plausible bounds, although it may bother some readers. A book with plenty of heat, some emotion and a sweet ending, that was not a carbon copy of any other M/M I've read.
There is a lot of sex in this story, separately and together, (which is not a surprise from these authors.) It's pretty hot and well done sex. (Also not a surprise.) However there were times when I wondered if there was really more between these two men than a really good sexual connection. There should have been back-history that could be considered the emotional and day-to-day underpinnings of their relationship, but I felt that I didn't see them interacting or thinking about each other without a strong sexual content very often.
I did appreciate a feeling of realism. Neither man is perfect, and each is responsible for some of the misunderstandings and failures that slow the progression of their romance. I didn't mind the "sex with others" component. It felt appropriate for the distance between them and the way they eased into being more than old friends, while living separate lives. And they were two men for whom in the past sex together had been great but not ever exclusive. The guys like to hear and watch each other, and sometimes have sex with other men, and that was within plausible bounds, although it may bother some readers. A book with plenty of heat, some emotion and a sweet ending, that was not a carbon copy of any other M/M I've read.
October 23, 2009
The letters made me re-examine past relationships, which was a bit depressing. I also felt the desire to write to someone.
I went through so many emotions while reading the book. At times i was laughing and happy but along there were tears and anger. Overall though there was such romance that makes it all worthwhile and felt realistic. I really got into the story so it's a keeper.
I went through so many emotions while reading the book. At times i was laughing and happy but along there were tears and anger. Overall though there was such romance that makes it all worthwhile and felt realistic. I really got into the story so it's a keeper.
October 8, 2008
There is always a diamond about coal in gay romance books, the problem is how to find it. Duo Chris Owen and Jodi Payne is always well almost always good pick for steamy gay romance with fine plot. This time they chose little bit different format of the book and most of the conversation between both characters is in the form of letters and little in actual life. This makes this book unique and very pleasant to read.
Gray felt depressed and unhappy with his life and job and decided to contact his boyfriend from the grad school. Paul was surprised by the letter, but replied and both men started to have regular good and old fashioned snail mails, which eventually brought them together. The book is full of interesting twists and misunderstanding which are cleared out. This book is definitely for mature readers only.
Gray felt depressed and unhappy with his life and job and decided to contact his boyfriend from the grad school. Paul was surprised by the letter, but replied and both men started to have regular good and old fashioned snail mails, which eventually brought them together. The book is full of interesting twists and misunderstanding which are cleared out. This book is definitely for mature readers only.
October 16, 2013
MIND BLOWN!!!
*whimper* So Good! It hurts!
Why did it have to end?!?!!
Seriously though I didn’t know what to expect going into this book. I wasn’t sure the concept would work. I mean really, how do you tell a story of two people getting together just in letters? Especially something that falls more in line with erotica than romance. I’d read some of Mr. Owen and Ms. Payne’s books in the past so I knew they’re usually a pretty hot and heavy. I expected nothing less from this one. Yet I got sooooooooooooooooo much more!!!!!!!!!
There’s no real way to talk about these two as separate entities so I’m just going to combine my usual character intros into one. Grey and Paul went to college together and had a mutually satisfying “friendship.” Great friends sure, but they enjoyed “fuck buddy” status as well. And their time in bed together was always hot. Yet neither of them claimed boyfriend status and they certainly weren’t exclusive. College ended and they separated headed to opposite coasts neither really saying anything to the other. Feelings were never expressed and neither asked the other for anything. Grey took a job teaching college at a small New England school while Paul headed for San Francisco. While acting and theatre was his passion, he found work building houses and teaching drama at a local high school. Years passed before randomly Grey sends a letter to his old friend.
Ok so first of all, I felt like a voyeur through this whole read. Like I was these guys granddaughter years later, perhaps going through my grandfathers old things after they passed, and discovered so much more than I bargained for. These were two complete men! Two men who I felt I got to know more intimately than one usually does in reading a romance novel. There was so much history between these two. While we never get much of an explanation about their time together in college it just wasn’t needed. These authors dump you right into things with that first letter. You know immediately there’s something more between these two even if things start out just a little flirty and fun.
There was just something about reading what these two were feeling through their letters that seemed more intimate than even a 3rd person POV where I’m inside their head. There’s a gritty rawness to words being put down on paper for another to read. Both Grey and Paul were so honest with what they were saying even when they weren’t being honest. Through their miscommunications and understanding both I felt like I really got to see a relationship form and strengthen until nothing could break it. These weren’t perfect guys. They made mistakes. They misconstrued things. Neither was always right or always wrong. They were just human and stumbling through emotions made more difficult by a 3000 mile gap between their physical bodies.
I adored the little tag before each letter explaining the type of paper, color pen, and handwriting style of each letter! It added this extra character to the novel that was really impressive. I really felt like it added to my understanding of the mental state of the person writing the letter since I wasn’t actually seeing them interact with each other or hearing the thoughts in their head as they think them. If I had one complaint about this book, sure it dragged and ran a little long in the first half, but if I had one real complaint it’s that I hated the one descriptor before these two managed to get together for the first time where I was told of Paul’s mental state as he debates what to write in response to Grey’s video. It’s at about 33% I think. I would have rather the authors continued using the letters to let me know Paul took a step back and struggled. They did it so beautifully previously. It didn’t take me out of the reading so much as disappoint me in that moment. I was just so enchanted with the format. It’s a minor thing really and certainly helped me understand where Paul was coming from, but in the moment I frowned a little.
I loved how NOT easy this relationship was. I loved the fact that these two men had to learn to talk to each other, to fight to figure things out. It wasn’t all about the sex, though that was as HOT AS CAN BE!!! And exactly what I would expect from these two authors. The video taping home made porn to get by…GENIUS! Such a great way to keep the format of these two being long distance and unable to talk face to face going while still getting to add in the good sex scenes that any true erotica reader wants to see.
I laughed, I cried, I feel like I got such a complete story. One told so brilliantly and in such a unique manner. I even appreciated the way these two handled being horny and unable to be with the one person they wanted to be. I usually am the first person to hate infidelity in a novel. Once my main characters have stated their feelings and are on a path to their happily ever after…for gods sake please don’t have them hooking up with other people! Yet this didn’t bother me at all. Instead I understood it and even approved. I think because they were so honest with each other about it all. It wasn’t a hidden sleazy thing. It wasn’t meant to cause pain to anyone. The one case that caused the fight was so right on as well. As the reader I knew exactly how each guy felt about the other and who they were sleeping with. There were no hidden secrets.
This book is immediately going on my favorite shelf! I will probably re-read it often. I fell in love with these two men and their story. They fought for their love through distance, misunderstanding, hidden feelings, and years of trying to be what they thought the other wanted them to be and not just speaking up for what they themselves wanted. This book left me jonesing to write a letter and to wait the indeterminable time nervously freaking out hoping you get the response you want, never knowing when they’ll write back or what they’ll say. It’s true, the hand written word has so much more impact than an email. There’s something about the person and the mental state they were in when they put pen to paper that you can pull from a handwritten letter that just isn’t there in the more instant gratification world we now live in. An email, or god forbid a text message, just doesn’t have the same gravitas, doesn’t convey the same level of meaning. There’s so much less of the person writing them in it, so much easier to be misunderstood.
This book reminds me of why I felt compelled to write my first screenplay all by hand. Sure I typed it up afterwards, but I needed to write it out in my own hand first, to really put the words and feelings I wanted to convey on the page. Grey and Paul had that. Even if there were miscommunications along the way, in the end they came out so much stronger because they could be so much more open and honest writing that way. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. May be one of my favorites of all time.
*whimper* So Good! It hurts!
Why did it have to end?!?!!
Seriously though I didn’t know what to expect going into this book. I wasn’t sure the concept would work. I mean really, how do you tell a story of two people getting together just in letters? Especially something that falls more in line with erotica than romance. I’d read some of Mr. Owen and Ms. Payne’s books in the past so I knew they’re usually a pretty hot and heavy. I expected nothing less from this one. Yet I got sooooooooooooooooo much more!!!!!!!!!
There’s no real way to talk about these two as separate entities so I’m just going to combine my usual character intros into one. Grey and Paul went to college together and had a mutually satisfying “friendship.” Great friends sure, but they enjoyed “fuck buddy” status as well. And their time in bed together was always hot. Yet neither of them claimed boyfriend status and they certainly weren’t exclusive. College ended and they separated headed to opposite coasts neither really saying anything to the other. Feelings were never expressed and neither asked the other for anything. Grey took a job teaching college at a small New England school while Paul headed for San Francisco. While acting and theatre was his passion, he found work building houses and teaching drama at a local high school. Years passed before randomly Grey sends a letter to his old friend.
Ok so first of all, I felt like a voyeur through this whole read. Like I was these guys granddaughter years later, perhaps going through my grandfathers old things after they passed, and discovered so much more than I bargained for. These were two complete men! Two men who I felt I got to know more intimately than one usually does in reading a romance novel. There was so much history between these two. While we never get much of an explanation about their time together in college it just wasn’t needed. These authors dump you right into things with that first letter. You know immediately there’s something more between these two even if things start out just a little flirty and fun.
There was just something about reading what these two were feeling through their letters that seemed more intimate than even a 3rd person POV where I’m inside their head. There’s a gritty rawness to words being put down on paper for another to read. Both Grey and Paul were so honest with what they were saying even when they weren’t being honest. Through their miscommunications and understanding both I felt like I really got to see a relationship form and strengthen until nothing could break it. These weren’t perfect guys. They made mistakes. They misconstrued things. Neither was always right or always wrong. They were just human and stumbling through emotions made more difficult by a 3000 mile gap between their physical bodies.
I adored the little tag before each letter explaining the type of paper, color pen, and handwriting style of each letter! It added this extra character to the novel that was really impressive. I really felt like it added to my understanding of the mental state of the person writing the letter since I wasn’t actually seeing them interact with each other or hearing the thoughts in their head as they think them. If I had one complaint about this book, sure it dragged and ran a little long in the first half, but if I had one real complaint it’s that I hated the one descriptor before these two managed to get together for the first time where I was told of Paul’s mental state as he debates what to write in response to Grey’s video. It’s at about 33% I think. I would have rather the authors continued using the letters to let me know Paul took a step back and struggled. They did it so beautifully previously. It didn’t take me out of the reading so much as disappoint me in that moment. I was just so enchanted with the format. It’s a minor thing really and certainly helped me understand where Paul was coming from, but in the moment I frowned a little.
I loved how NOT easy this relationship was. I loved the fact that these two men had to learn to talk to each other, to fight to figure things out. It wasn’t all about the sex, though that was as HOT AS CAN BE!!! And exactly what I would expect from these two authors. The video taping home made porn to get by…GENIUS! Such a great way to keep the format of these two being long distance and unable to talk face to face going while still getting to add in the good sex scenes that any true erotica reader wants to see.
I laughed, I cried, I feel like I got such a complete story. One told so brilliantly and in such a unique manner. I even appreciated the way these two handled being horny and unable to be with the one person they wanted to be. I usually am the first person to hate infidelity in a novel. Once my main characters have stated their feelings and are on a path to their happily ever after…for gods sake please don’t have them hooking up with other people! Yet this didn’t bother me at all. Instead I understood it and even approved. I think because they were so honest with each other about it all. It wasn’t a hidden sleazy thing. It wasn’t meant to cause pain to anyone. The one case that caused the fight was so right on as well. As the reader I knew exactly how each guy felt about the other and who they were sleeping with. There were no hidden secrets.
This book is immediately going on my favorite shelf! I will probably re-read it often. I fell in love with these two men and their story. They fought for their love through distance, misunderstanding, hidden feelings, and years of trying to be what they thought the other wanted them to be and not just speaking up for what they themselves wanted. This book left me jonesing to write a letter and to wait the indeterminable time nervously freaking out hoping you get the response you want, never knowing when they’ll write back or what they’ll say. It’s true, the hand written word has so much more impact than an email. There’s something about the person and the mental state they were in when they put pen to paper that you can pull from a handwritten letter that just isn’t there in the more instant gratification world we now live in. An email, or god forbid a text message, just doesn’t have the same gravitas, doesn’t convey the same level of meaning. There’s so much less of the person writing them in it, so much easier to be misunderstood.
This book reminds me of why I felt compelled to write my first screenplay all by hand. Sure I typed it up afterwards, but I needed to write it out in my own hand first, to really put the words and feelings I wanted to convey on the page. Grey and Paul had that. Even if there were miscommunications along the way, in the end they came out so much stronger because they could be so much more open and honest writing that way. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. May be one of my favorites of all time.
October 25, 2013
It's about to former lovers, who seperated on good terms after university to live their lives. After years, one of them starts to write a letter (not email, a real paper and ink letter :) and they slowly begin to reconnect as pen pals with 3000 miles between them. Most of the book consists of letters send back and forth with detailed description how the letters look and what they say. It's so interesting to get to know a relationship by the things they choose to say to each other in letters. Especially the way you sometimes see how they hold back and sometimes how they let all emotions go and misunderstandings ensure and it's just as real life. It just felt so raw and honest with this very fresh approach to story telling, but it's also funny and sexy and kinky :)They are very playful and open-minded with each other, which I loved. But the emotional stuff just really got me. Soo good!
There is a happy end :)
There is a happy end :)
September 28, 2016
i loved the book from the beginning to end, the letters were just romantic looooooooooooved it
May 3, 2019
What a great story. I simply adored it! Two men who start out as friends with benies, that turn into real love.
I love love love the way this book was written. We get to fall in love with two guys through letters. We get to flirt, we get to have misunderstandings, fights, things taken the wrong way, or the right way, all through letters. Most of all we get to see two men fall more in love and build a great foundation for their future. All. Through. Letters. Not email, or text message, but hand written letters.
Love the MC’s the side characters and loved the story
I love love love the way this book was written. We get to fall in love with two guys through letters. We get to flirt, we get to have misunderstandings, fights, things taken the wrong way, or the right way, all through letters. Most of all we get to see two men fall more in love and build a great foundation for their future. All. Through. Letters. Not email, or text message, but hand written letters.
Love the MC’s the side characters and loved the story
November 2, 2011
I absolutely loved this book! I'm all about angst and this one will weigh you down with it. A lot of the angst comes from the way the characters communicated throughout the story... through written letters. Yes, I know in this day and age, that's an odd concept, but they corresponded the old fashion way. Paul and Gray started out as college room mates who dated but not seriously. Gray chose to go teach in a New England College while Paul worked construction and tried to follow his dream of acting, or at least directing those who act, in California. They lost touch over the years, and then one day, Paul gets a letter from Gray, and thus, a relationship via correspondence is started. It's tentative at first. It's interesting because the paper and pen are described as well which adds to the story. Because really, the way you write, the color ink you choose and the color paper can often indicate your mood too. The story progresses over the next couple of years as their relationship grows and they realize that they are falling in love with each other. Because people can say more to each other on paper when the other is not there than they can when the other person isn't in front of them, they begin to delve into their emotions and some of their letters get really heated. They do get to visit each other a couple of times so we do get to have some pretty hot and steamy scenes that Chris Owen is so good at. They have friends along the way that help, and sometimes I think hinder them, but it's a fascinating path to follow and watch two very sweet guys take an honest look at themselves and their relationship and see it unfold on some interesting sheets of paper until we ultimately get a wonderful happily ever after. This one you gotta read for yourself.
November 26, 2009
Gray and Paul were lovers when they were in college. A few years later, Gray gets up the courage to send Paul a letter and they begin corresponding. One thing leads to another and the two find out they both still have feelings for each other.
I loved the way the author's did this book. Rather than just have it told from a normal point of view, the book is told mostly through a series of letters. It was a refreshing new style to read about their struggles and problems through their letters - kind of like reading about a long dead relative's love life.
I liked most of the characters. They were thought out and had some depth to them. The only character I didn't like was Keith. I don't know why, but I just didn't click with him at all.
The thing I had a big problem with was that the characters seemed bipolar. They would all be lovey and happy in their letters then all of a sudden one of them would get drunk, write a letter bitching about something the other person did and the two would be at war. I really could've done without all the stupid fights those to get in because they were drunk. I wish they'd have realized "Hey we say stupid shit we don't mean when we're drunk! Let's stop doing that now!"
Overall I did enjoy the book though. Owen and Payne did an excellent job on this novel. Though it had me wonder which author wrote what. Did each of them pick a character and then pretend to be them and write letters to each other? That'd be neat. =D
I loved the way the author's did this book. Rather than just have it told from a normal point of view, the book is told mostly through a series of letters. It was a refreshing new style to read about their struggles and problems through their letters - kind of like reading about a long dead relative's love life.
I liked most of the characters. They were thought out and had some depth to them. The only character I didn't like was Keith. I don't know why, but I just didn't click with him at all.
The thing I had a big problem with was that the characters seemed bipolar. They would all be lovey and happy in their letters then all of a sudden one of them would get drunk, write a letter bitching about something the other person did and the two would be at war. I really could've done without all the stupid fights those to get in because they were drunk. I wish they'd have realized "Hey we say stupid shit we don't mean when we're drunk! Let's stop doing that now!"
Overall I did enjoy the book though. Owen and Payne did an excellent job on this novel. Though it had me wonder which author wrote what. Did each of them pick a character and then pretend to be them and write letters to each other? That'd be neat. =D
September 13, 2012
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. It was the most unique book I've read all year.
The premise seems simple - two guys write to each other, become penpals and renew an old acquaintance. Paul and Gray used to be roommates and lovers but moved to separate coasts 5 years ago after completing college. Gray decides to write to Paul, using pen and ink and good old "snail mail". Paul writes back and the story begins. The authors use various types of paper and colors of ink and include scraps of paper that were written during intense drunkalogs or episodes of anger and hurt. The paper and ink colors convey mood as much as the written words do.
Over the course of a year the guys realize that they want to be more than friends, more than casual lovers. Although most of the story is covered by letters, they have three face to face meetings during the time the story unfolds - a period of about a year and a half.
The authors also deliver amazingly hot sex scenes where the guys have video sex, written sex, and face to face sex. There's twosomes, threesomes and even foursomes in this story.
Without going into detail I can say there's a lot of angst, a lot of soul-searching and ultimatley a deep and true love develops and the guys get their HEA.
Highly recommended.
The premise seems simple - two guys write to each other, become penpals and renew an old acquaintance. Paul and Gray used to be roommates and lovers but moved to separate coasts 5 years ago after completing college. Gray decides to write to Paul, using pen and ink and good old "snail mail". Paul writes back and the story begins. The authors use various types of paper and colors of ink and include scraps of paper that were written during intense drunkalogs or episodes of anger and hurt. The paper and ink colors convey mood as much as the written words do.
Over the course of a year the guys realize that they want to be more than friends, more than casual lovers. Although most of the story is covered by letters, they have three face to face meetings during the time the story unfolds - a period of about a year and a half.
The authors also deliver amazingly hot sex scenes where the guys have video sex, written sex, and face to face sex. There's twosomes, threesomes and even foursomes in this story.
Without going into detail I can say there's a lot of angst, a lot of soul-searching and ultimatley a deep and true love develops and the guys get their HEA.
Highly recommended.
July 10, 2012
I really loved the concept of this book. The entire first half of the book is told via handwritten letters, notes, and post cards between Gray and Paul. Gray and Paul were together in college, but after graduation they moved to different coasts to pursue their careers. After years of no contact, Gray sends Paul a letter which starts their friendship back up.
I absolutely was immersed in the first half of the book even though there were some decisions that the MCs made that created angst and anxiety to churn in my gut.
The reason that I couldn't give the book more stars is because there was a little too much casual sex for me. Free loving is not really my thing and I understand that the MCs are in a relationship where they have made an adult decision to not be monogamous, but it just really wasn't my cup of tea I think I needed a little more romance and commitment in this book.
I absolutely was immersed in the first half of the book even though there were some decisions that the MCs made that created angst and anxiety to churn in my gut.
The reason that I couldn't give the book more stars is because there was a little too much casual sex for me. Free loving is not really my thing and I understand that the MCs are in a relationship where they have made an adult decision to not be monogamous, but it just really wasn't my cup of tea I think I needed a little more romance and commitment in this book.
October 8, 2009
3.5 stars
I wanted to like this more than I did. And actually, I did like it quite a bit. There were just a couple things that prevented it from worming its way under my skin, and those things were the overuse of the word "baby" and excessive casual sex. I don't mind lots of sex in a book but I'm super girly and sentimental and I need emotion in my sex scenes. There were some of those here (hawt!), but there was also lots of sex for sex's sake with lots of different people and it got a little tiring after awhile.
The characters in this book were great. I loved Grey and Paul, and I love the dose of reality I always get from Chris Owen's works. Her characters always have real relationships with real problems that need to be worked through, and that was the case here. I really enjoyed that. I would have rated this book higher, I just didn't ever connect with it the way I need to to give a book 4 or 5 stars.
I wanted to like this more than I did. And actually, I did like it quite a bit. There were just a couple things that prevented it from worming its way under my skin, and those things were the overuse of the word "baby" and excessive casual sex. I don't mind lots of sex in a book but I'm super girly and sentimental and I need emotion in my sex scenes. There were some of those here (hawt!), but there was also lots of sex for sex's sake with lots of different people and it got a little tiring after awhile.
The characters in this book were great. I loved Grey and Paul, and I love the dose of reality I always get from Chris Owen's works. Her characters always have real relationships with real problems that need to be worked through, and that was the case here. I really enjoyed that. I would have rated this book higher, I just didn't ever connect with it the way I need to to give a book 4 or 5 stars.
November 27, 2012
I just don't even know where to start with this one. I guess I'll start by saying that I've read it at least 20 times with no end in sight. It is perfect, artistically? No. But it has a strongly beating, sweet, and keenly MALE heart within the pages.
Writing an epistolary novel presents special challenges and limitations to the writer, and there are times when you can feel the straining of the art form, but the approach brings its own peculiar rewards as well. Yes, the "action" starts out slowly, but that's exactly what it should be, as you begin to understand who these two men are and what their history is. Neither of them understands what's happening, and neither of them trusts themselves or each other at the start. All the prose about daily life is the beginnings of a careful dance, and it requires a careful reader to peer between the lines to understand what they are NOT saying. And the ordinary stories and bits of news serve well to highlight the moments when the real emotions start breaking through...flashes of yearning and confusion and sweet memory. The story starts at under 10 miles and hour and steadily accelerates...but you have to give it, and the guys, time to feel it.
I like that the authors allow the characters to tell you, bit by bit, what they love and why they choose and where they avoid, and how it all makes sense to them, even as you, the reader, are realizing there's more going on than the character understands himself. No, the writers don't give you much in the way of physical description, except for a few general cues that act as an anchor in one's mind. YOU build your image of the characters, based on how they see themselves, how the other guys sees them, and also what you bring to the book as you read. My Paul and my Gray are simply beautiful, because I got to build them from the inside out in my head. Your versions will be different.
I love the pure passion of both these guys. Their feelings are strong and the yearning grows to something painful and poignant as the miles stretch farther and farther between them. They both have issues, and they both make mistakes...painful, hurtful mistakes. Completely understandable mistakes, once you understand how deep the loving ache goes.
Most of all, I like what seems to have offended some other readers. These are GUYS. Not just guys written for girls. Guys. This means that the place sex holds in their lives and their relationships is different than what it would be for most women. For a lot of men (not all, certainly), sex isn't the ultimate symbol of a committed relationship. Freed from the constraints of a male/female dynamic, some men find the freedom to just let sex be sex...or to be something much more, by choice. Sex is usually such an important, an essential part of a young man's life. It can be breezy and fun and funny and uninvolved...recreational, and the simple need to burn off some chemicals in the bloodstream. It can be a healthy release and nothing more. Guys get that. Gray and Paul get that. I really, really LOVED getting into that dynamic, getting out of my girl headspace and seeing something differently. A one-off encounter with some random fuck was not only no emotional threat to the two of them...it was genuinely funny entertainment. A report from a sexual tourist bringing back literary snapshots for the entertainment value. BUT...and this is a big but...Gray makes it VERY clear when he's holding back sexually, and when he decides to actually "make love" to Paul. It's distinct, it's clear, it has tremendous meaning to both of them, and it's mind blowing.
I understand Gray's "I loathe him. I suck," jealous response to Ethan, Paul's ex. Ethan wasn't a merry one-off for Paul. He was a potential relationship...and apparently a guy who realized he'd made a mistake when it came to holding Paul at arm's length, and was back to mend the fence. Gray's behavior might not be attractive, but it's understandable, when you understand how sex fits into their unfolding romance. Gray's the one who told Paul that, after months of dating Ethan, if Paul still has to put "make love" in quotes, then something's wrong. Paul and Ethan are on that line. Who can blame Gray for feeling insecure, at least for a bit?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that these guys are smart enough to discuss and even allow an open relationship while they are apart for so long. How nice to have a partner that trusts you enough to know that your heart is entirely his, and that if a biological itch needs scratching to keep a guy from being physically miserable, then go scratch! How much better to endure those long months knowing you CAN have a momentary one-off if the feelings get too strong, rather than suffering those months physically stifled, aching and hating yourself for having "evil" thoughts...being afraid of temptation, afraid of disappointing yourself and someone 3000 miles away. I love that they made the relationship fit the circumstances, and did it with grace and confidence in each other. This might not be for everyone, but it's a valid, reasonable choice. And these are guys, and they handled it like guys.
I love me some well-written guys. : )
Okay, I'll stop here. I know I'll be met with some disagreement, but I wanted to chuck in my sincere support for what I feel is a really outstanding effort by these authors. They have given me two characters that will stay with me the rest of my life...two people I just like to visit sometimes. Two hot, horny, scared, charming, smart, stupid, passionate guys who like to write and like to fuck and manage to build an emotional house that will stand for the long haul.
I only wish there was a teeny tiny sequel so that I could be 100% sure my boys are okay....
Writing an epistolary novel presents special challenges and limitations to the writer, and there are times when you can feel the straining of the art form, but the approach brings its own peculiar rewards as well. Yes, the "action" starts out slowly, but that's exactly what it should be, as you begin to understand who these two men are and what their history is. Neither of them understands what's happening, and neither of them trusts themselves or each other at the start. All the prose about daily life is the beginnings of a careful dance, and it requires a careful reader to peer between the lines to understand what they are NOT saying. And the ordinary stories and bits of news serve well to highlight the moments when the real emotions start breaking through...flashes of yearning and confusion and sweet memory. The story starts at under 10 miles and hour and steadily accelerates...but you have to give it, and the guys, time to feel it.
I like that the authors allow the characters to tell you, bit by bit, what they love and why they choose and where they avoid, and how it all makes sense to them, even as you, the reader, are realizing there's more going on than the character understands himself. No, the writers don't give you much in the way of physical description, except for a few general cues that act as an anchor in one's mind. YOU build your image of the characters, based on how they see themselves, how the other guys sees them, and also what you bring to the book as you read. My Paul and my Gray are simply beautiful, because I got to build them from the inside out in my head. Your versions will be different.
I love the pure passion of both these guys. Their feelings are strong and the yearning grows to something painful and poignant as the miles stretch farther and farther between them. They both have issues, and they both make mistakes...painful, hurtful mistakes. Completely understandable mistakes, once you understand how deep the loving ache goes.
Most of all, I like what seems to have offended some other readers. These are GUYS. Not just guys written for girls. Guys. This means that the place sex holds in their lives and their relationships is different than what it would be for most women. For a lot of men (not all, certainly), sex isn't the ultimate symbol of a committed relationship. Freed from the constraints of a male/female dynamic, some men find the freedom to just let sex be sex...or to be something much more, by choice. Sex is usually such an important, an essential part of a young man's life. It can be breezy and fun and funny and uninvolved...recreational, and the simple need to burn off some chemicals in the bloodstream. It can be a healthy release and nothing more. Guys get that. Gray and Paul get that. I really, really LOVED getting into that dynamic, getting out of my girl headspace and seeing something differently. A one-off encounter with some random fuck was not only no emotional threat to the two of them...it was genuinely funny entertainment. A report from a sexual tourist bringing back literary snapshots for the entertainment value. BUT...and this is a big but...Gray makes it VERY clear when he's holding back sexually, and when he decides to actually "make love" to Paul. It's distinct, it's clear, it has tremendous meaning to both of them, and it's mind blowing.
I understand Gray's "I loathe him. I suck," jealous response to Ethan, Paul's ex. Ethan wasn't a merry one-off for Paul. He was a potential relationship...and apparently a guy who realized he'd made a mistake when it came to holding Paul at arm's length, and was back to mend the fence. Gray's behavior might not be attractive, but it's understandable, when you understand how sex fits into their unfolding romance. Gray's the one who told Paul that, after months of dating Ethan, if Paul still has to put "make love" in quotes, then something's wrong. Paul and Ethan are on that line. Who can blame Gray for feeling insecure, at least for a bit?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that these guys are smart enough to discuss and even allow an open relationship while they are apart for so long. How nice to have a partner that trusts you enough to know that your heart is entirely his, and that if a biological itch needs scratching to keep a guy from being physically miserable, then go scratch! How much better to endure those long months knowing you CAN have a momentary one-off if the feelings get too strong, rather than suffering those months physically stifled, aching and hating yourself for having "evil" thoughts...being afraid of temptation, afraid of disappointing yourself and someone 3000 miles away. I love that they made the relationship fit the circumstances, and did it with grace and confidence in each other. This might not be for everyone, but it's a valid, reasonable choice. And these are guys, and they handled it like guys.
I love me some well-written guys. : )
Okay, I'll stop here. I know I'll be met with some disagreement, but I wanted to chuck in my sincere support for what I feel is a really outstanding effort by these authors. They have given me two characters that will stay with me the rest of my life...two people I just like to visit sometimes. Two hot, horny, scared, charming, smart, stupid, passionate guys who like to write and like to fuck and manage to build an emotional house that will stand for the long haul.
I only wish there was a teeny tiny sequel so that I could be 100% sure my boys are okay....
March 25, 2011
So, I have mixed feelings about this book. I really loved how it was different from other stories with how it was told through a majority of hand-written letters between Paul and Gray. I loved the beginning and how Gray reconnects with Paul after so many years apart and they start becoming friends again. I actually teared up once or twice because of how much emotion you can just feel coming off the letters.
In my head I picture Paul and Gray as polar opposites. Gray is a professor and bookish while Paul is a construction worker, and part-time play director, who's big and macho. Paul and Gray's physical characteristics aren't really described, though, like hair color and body type and all (and if it were then I totally missed it) and I kinda wished it would have been. I like to picture what characters look like. But still. I loved Paul and Gray as people. They are both cowards when it comes to relationships and both have more mood swings than a freaking pregnant lady but they love each other. Paul is insecure and Gray is a neurotic paranoid that gets possessive and jealous of Paul's ex-fling but even through all that, it's such a powerful romance the emotions leak off the page. It's refreshing and frustrating at the same time.
Even with how much I loved the beginning of the book, though, my interest in it started to flag around the time when they started telling each other the sex they had with other people. Now, granted, they live 3000 miles away from each other, I get that and all but I don't like cheating and I don't like open-relationships. I don't want to read about that. I fancy monogamous relationships even if it's a long distance one. And I know how unrealistic that is but still, I like what I like and I don't like reading about sex outside of the main couple. It just got tiring reading about it all. They were even keeping a scoreboard for a little while. Of course, they never actually agree to being a couple until the middle of the book but still, they felt like one to me. Soooo, yeah.
What really baffled me, though, was how Gray would get jealous over Ethan, Paul's ex-fling, (before it was stated they were a couple. See, why I thought they were before they agreed to it?) and get pissy if Paul brought up that he talked to him but Gray didn't have a problem with how Paul gave details about a guy he brought home. Like, seriously? I'm not judging or anything but I just don't understand open-relationships so I don't like reading about them.
Aside from that, it was just too much sex for me. Don't get me wrong, I love reading about it and all but there's only so much I can take before I've had enough and it didn't help that I wasn't just getting sex of Paul and Gray but details (through videos, letters and talking on the phone) about who else they slept with, too. It was annoying and I didn't like it so I skipped over it. :-/
All in all, I really loved the beginning, not so much the middle, but the ending was good. Paul and Gray were both funny but the relationship is slightly superficial. I think if you don't have a problem with open-relationships (that kinda feels like cheating) then you'll love this book. Otherwise, skip it.
In my head I picture Paul and Gray as polar opposites. Gray is a professor and bookish while Paul is a construction worker, and part-time play director, who's big and macho. Paul and Gray's physical characteristics aren't really described, though, like hair color and body type and all (and if it were then I totally missed it) and I kinda wished it would have been. I like to picture what characters look like. But still. I loved Paul and Gray as people. They are both cowards when it comes to relationships and both have more mood swings than a freaking pregnant lady but they love each other. Paul is insecure and Gray is a neurotic paranoid that gets possessive and jealous of Paul's ex-fling but even through all that, it's such a powerful romance the emotions leak off the page. It's refreshing and frustrating at the same time.
Even with how much I loved the beginning of the book, though, my interest in it started to flag around the time when they started telling each other the sex they had with other people. Now, granted, they live 3000 miles away from each other, I get that and all but I don't like cheating and I don't like open-relationships. I don't want to read about that. I fancy monogamous relationships even if it's a long distance one. And I know how unrealistic that is but still, I like what I like and I don't like reading about sex outside of the main couple. It just got tiring reading about it all. They were even keeping a scoreboard for a little while. Of course, they never actually agree to being a couple until the middle of the book but still, they felt like one to me. Soooo, yeah.
What really baffled me, though, was how Gray would get jealous over Ethan, Paul's ex-fling, (before it was stated they were a couple. See, why I thought they were before they agreed to it?) and get pissy if Paul brought up that he talked to him but Gray didn't have a problem with how Paul gave details about a guy he brought home. Like, seriously? I'm not judging or anything but I just don't understand open-relationships so I don't like reading about them.
Aside from that, it was just too much sex for me. Don't get me wrong, I love reading about it and all but there's only so much I can take before I've had enough and it didn't help that I wasn't just getting sex of Paul and Gray but details (through videos, letters and talking on the phone) about who else they slept with, too. It was annoying and I didn't like it so I skipped over it. :-/
All in all, I really loved the beginning, not so much the middle, but the ending was good. Paul and Gray were both funny but the relationship is slightly superficial. I think if you don't have a problem with open-relationships (that kinda feels like cheating) then you'll love this book. Otherwise, skip it.
Read
March 27, 2009Paul and Gray were lovers during the college years, then they went to live on opposite coast and remain friend.
But five years after Gray, professor in a little college in New England, writes a letter to Paul, want-to-be play director and house builder for living. Gray is alone and sad, and wants some friend words from Paul. Also Paul is alone, but not so sad, even if he doesn't have a real love in his life. But he seems happy.
But more letters start and arrive, and sometimes Paul is the happy one, and sometimes is Gray. And the reader can't wait to read when finally they will meet. But this point seems to never arrive. Paul goes on holiday alone, what a selfish bastard... but he is the only to blame? Because five years before was Gray that left without a look back...
This is the strnght of this novel, read the feelings of both this man and alternatevely understand the reason of one of the two, and think "oh yes, he is right!", but then read the reaction of the other and think "no, no, the right is him!", and then again. Because, you will learn, in a relationship it is not a matter of right or wrong, it is only a matter of love and forgive.
This is a wonderful romance, you can really feels the emotions fly between the two over the country, and it is real, because not all the feelings are good and not always the unsaid words are listening by the other like magic; and sometimes, when you say them, better when you write them, and send them, after few moments you want them back, but it is too late.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/87...
But five years after Gray, professor in a little college in New England, writes a letter to Paul, want-to-be play director and house builder for living. Gray is alone and sad, and wants some friend words from Paul. Also Paul is alone, but not so sad, even if he doesn't have a real love in his life. But he seems happy.
But more letters start and arrive, and sometimes Paul is the happy one, and sometimes is Gray. And the reader can't wait to read when finally they will meet. But this point seems to never arrive. Paul goes on holiday alone, what a selfish bastard... but he is the only to blame? Because five years before was Gray that left without a look back...
This is the strnght of this novel, read the feelings of both this man and alternatevely understand the reason of one of the two, and think "oh yes, he is right!", but then read the reaction of the other and think "no, no, the right is him!", and then again. Because, you will learn, in a relationship it is not a matter of right or wrong, it is only a matter of love and forgive.
This is a wonderful romance, you can really feels the emotions fly between the two over the country, and it is real, because not all the feelings are good and not always the unsaid words are listening by the other like magic; and sometimes, when you say them, better when you write them, and send them, after few moments you want them back, but it is too late.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/87...
August 16, 2011
This book, though I was initially interested in reading it because of its letter/journal-entry format, took me such a long time to get through. I kept putting it down and picking it up. One reason was probably that at the beginning and as far as about halfway through I felt like I could barely tell the difference between the two protagonists (minimal physical description of them didn't help), and it was only after a while I could finally recognise certain character traits that distinguished one from the other. This lack of deep characterisation, at least for me, meant I couldn't get invested in the characters enough to sustain my interest in them, though, to be fair, some of the conflicts they were going through felt realistic enough.
Another aspect that put me off was the high number of gratuitous sex scenes (by gratuitous I mean scenes that don't advance the plot, or deepen the characterisation, or reveal something new), some of which could almost be read in isolation as I couldn't see them at all as developing organically from within the story structure. And because the sex scenes are so many, they tend to get repetitive, and the language and images get repetitive as well.
I think this book might have benefited from extra editing, a tightening of the plot and a little more effort in making the characters and their voices more distinct from one another.
Another aspect that put me off was the high number of gratuitous sex scenes (by gratuitous I mean scenes that don't advance the plot, or deepen the characterisation, or reveal something new), some of which could almost be read in isolation as I couldn't see them at all as developing organically from within the story structure. And because the sex scenes are so many, they tend to get repetitive, and the language and images get repetitive as well.
I think this book might have benefited from extra editing, a tightening of the plot and a little more effort in making the characters and their voices more distinct from one another.
June 30, 2011
This had the making of a really good story. Old lovers reconnect after years apart. I loved how they reconnected via good, old fashioned letters sent back and forth in the mail. It started out good as they went back and forth getting to know each other again. But that's where the good part ended. In my opinion, there was too much casual sex (with others) with each of the characters. Also, while I understand that it was written as an erotic story, there was just too much of the sex... or phone sex...... or sexual letters throughout the entire book. And it wasn't even all that great.
I guess this started fizzling for me at around page 100 or so. Also, in my opinion, there were about 100 pages too many. It took me 2 days to finish this book. It is extremely rare for me to take that long with any type of book, even if it's not all that great.
I will not say it was horrible, just too long and too much of the same.
I guess this started fizzling for me at around page 100 or so. Also, in my opinion, there were about 100 pages too many. It took me 2 days to finish this book. It is extremely rare for me to take that long with any type of book, even if it's not all that great.
I will not say it was horrible, just too long and too much of the same.
May 6, 2016
This story was so sweet & hopeful in parts. However, except for the letter portions, (which I liked best, minus the way-too-convenient drunk writing episodes)it was so sappy & emotional that it didn't seem like it was about men at all...and I don't know many women who gush as much either.
Paul & Gray were cute, but hard to keep track of because they were too alike. So much sex that I skimmed through most of it, especially the phone scenes. (There must be some irony in reading a story that isn't real in which sex isn't actually happening.)
Finally, overuse of the dreaded "baby" and "you know" was distracting.
So...bitching aside, I do like Chris Owen's writing & would recommend this to anyone looking for a very emotional story and a very happy ending.
Paul & Gray were cute, but hard to keep track of because they were too alike. So much sex that I skimmed through most of it, especially the phone scenes. (There must be some irony in reading a story that isn't real in which sex isn't actually happening.)
Finally, overuse of the dreaded "baby" and "you know" was distracting.
So...bitching aside, I do like Chris Owen's writing & would recommend this to anyone looking for a very emotional story and a very happy ending.
April 19, 2011
I am a fan of Chris Owen and I wanted to love this book, but it took me an unprecedented week to get through it. I'm a read it in one sitting kind of girl. It's an interesting idea having the bulk of it be in letters to each other and journal entries, but ughh I got so bored I had to keep putting it down, read something else, and pick it back up. The writing style just did not get me invested in either of the characters. All I could think was, seriously you're fighting through letters?? Ever hear of a phone? Oh what you don't even have each others phone number - hmm good basis for a relationship. Sorry just didn't buy this one.
May 20, 2011
I really liked the idea of the letters for this book and enjoyed getting to learn about the characters through the letters. But at the same time I felt like I was missing something. I did like both characters and there were definately moments that I wanted to strangle both or either of them as their relationship developed. Overall, I liked the book, but just didn't have the emotional connection that I wanted.
December 21, 2012
This was a very interesting approach to a book. I liked the fact that it showed a different side to the characters and really allowed some wit and humor to shine through in their written dialogue. It also created some big misunderstandings and I wanted to shout out a few times “just pick up the damn phone and call”. I was also a little disappointed that even their real time together was trumped by journal entries and such, but I still enjoyed the book overall.
October 18, 2011
Really just not my cup of tea. It was interesting at first to read letters going back and forth between the two MC's, though you might have to suspend your disbelief (arguing and fighting though letters?) My biggest issue was that I'm just not a fan of the open relationship. The two guys basically had sex with everyone and anyone; together and separately. Even after they decide to really be together. (They even kept a score card at one point.)
October 1, 2012
This had a great format and Chris Owen's dependable storytelling, but it was verbose in places and ultimately too long.
The epistolary style is rarely seen in M/M. Reading a story told through letters and journal entries feels pleasantly like peeking into intimate secrets, more so than a straight narrative. Most of the novel was told through this format, and these portions were its strength. The chapters told directly in third person--which occurred when the MCs visited each other and had no need to write--were less effective.
Paul and Gray were casual lovers in college but separated at graduation, each pursuing his chosen career path in cities on opposite coasts. Several years later, neither is fulfilled, and Gray finds himself one lonely day reaching not for his computer keyboard but pen and paper. A correspondence begins which neither man takes to the much more practical, and timely, venue of email or phone. The conversation ventures into intimate and emotional topics and at times becomes heated, but still they mutually resist the impulse for immediate replies, each apparently finding value in the forced deliberateness of composing his thoughts, expressing them all at once, and then awaiting response.
They decide to pursue a relationship, and the bulk of the novel is concerned with what this means to each of them and how they will achieve it. Over a period of two years, they visit each other twice; the rest of their communication continues to be snail mail and rare phone calls.
The novel has a very high sex content; both men are active, and neither is shy about providing the other with detailed descriptions of encounters. Their dalliances continue even after they have determined that they are in a relationship with each other, and go to the extent of mailing each other videos of them having sex with other people. As this is by explicit and happy consent, it is not cheating in any sense of the word, but some readers may be put off by it. I found most of these scenes enjoyable, and in the spirit in which the characters intended them. I also found the phone, video, and letter sex between the MCs to be hotter than their in-person narrated scenes.
The romance plot suffered from a slight overreliance on drama--each of the men would get furious or broody over something the other wrote or did, and after the first few times, it began to feel like the one high-maintenance person in every junior high friend group who flounces away from gatherings and has to be run after and coaxed back. Except it was both of them doing it! I enjoy angst, so I put up with quite a bit of this before it began to be too much. (The letter style was great for this kind of fighting--whole sentences and thoughts instead of "fuck you!" "no, fuck YOU!")
Finally, the story was several chapters too long. Once Paul and Gray had finally, no-fooling, made up their minds to be together, all that was needed was a final or epilogue chapter showing them embarking on their new life. Instead, there were several weeks (and sex scenes, including an orgy) of filler which made the ending anticlimactic. It was as if the characters were saying to the author "Wait, wait! Can we just fuck ONE more time before you type The End?!" This was funny, but the book would have been better had it been tightened up.
3.5 stars.
The epistolary style is rarely seen in M/M. Reading a story told through letters and journal entries feels pleasantly like peeking into intimate secrets, more so than a straight narrative. Most of the novel was told through this format, and these portions were its strength. The chapters told directly in third person--which occurred when the MCs visited each other and had no need to write--were less effective.
Paul and Gray were casual lovers in college but separated at graduation, each pursuing his chosen career path in cities on opposite coasts. Several years later, neither is fulfilled, and Gray finds himself one lonely day reaching not for his computer keyboard but pen and paper. A correspondence begins which neither man takes to the much more practical, and timely, venue of email or phone. The conversation ventures into intimate and emotional topics and at times becomes heated, but still they mutually resist the impulse for immediate replies, each apparently finding value in the forced deliberateness of composing his thoughts, expressing them all at once, and then awaiting response.
They decide to pursue a relationship, and the bulk of the novel is concerned with what this means to each of them and how they will achieve it. Over a period of two years, they visit each other twice; the rest of their communication continues to be snail mail and rare phone calls.
The novel has a very high sex content; both men are active, and neither is shy about providing the other with detailed descriptions of encounters. Their dalliances continue even after they have determined that they are in a relationship with each other, and go to the extent of mailing each other videos of them having sex with other people. As this is by explicit and happy consent, it is not cheating in any sense of the word, but some readers may be put off by it. I found most of these scenes enjoyable, and in the spirit in which the characters intended them. I also found the phone, video, and letter sex between the MCs to be hotter than their in-person narrated scenes.
The romance plot suffered from a slight overreliance on drama--each of the men would get furious or broody over something the other wrote or did, and after the first few times, it began to feel like the one high-maintenance person in every junior high friend group who flounces away from gatherings and has to be run after and coaxed back. Except it was both of them doing it! I enjoy angst, so I put up with quite a bit of this before it began to be too much. (The letter style was great for this kind of fighting--whole sentences and thoughts instead of "fuck you!" "no, fuck YOU!")
Finally, the story was several chapters too long. Once Paul and Gray had finally, no-fooling, made up their minds to be together, all that was needed was a final or epilogue chapter showing them embarking on their new life. Instead, there were several weeks (and sex scenes, including an orgy) of filler which made the ending anticlimactic. It was as if the characters were saying to the author "Wait, wait! Can we just fuck ONE more time before you type The End?!" This was funny, but the book would have been better had it been tightened up.
3.5 stars.
September 4, 2013
3.5 Stars. I actually really enjoyed this one. Loved the unusual format and the way the relationship was rekindled. I thought this was going to be a 5 star read, 4 if it ran into a few bumps, but it went a place I didn't really see coming. I didn't like the sort of open relationship, I actually didn't mind it in a general sense though not my favorite setup but didn't like just how much outside sex there was after the cruise and the commitment was a bit more firm. It seemed excessive at times. I also was sort of disappointed at a certain point that both were still drinking and felt that was sort of dropped midway through and then casual smoking was introduced on top of the drinking. Again, not something I mind all the time, but here, given the backstory provided, it bothered me a bit more. Still recommend this one and this is a 4 to 5 star book at times. The first 100 pages or so were especially engaging.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2012
This book has a truly surprising amount of sex for an "epistolary" novel. ;-) Not surprising for a Chris Owen book, though, I suppose!
I'm not a big fan of the epistolary novel in general, but I did find myself getting drawn into this one. Unfortunately I'm also not a big fan of voyeurism or sharing or open relationships, which are also prominent throughout the book. So this really wasn't a book tailored to my tastes. Nonetheless the sex was usually hot, and there was enough plot to justify the sex scenes.
I wanted to slap both of the MCs at one point or other, which at least is an indication that neither one of them was perfect. IMHO neither one of them was really committed -- vis the sharing/open relationship bit -- and also IMHO that caused a lot of the relationship's problems. But who am I to judge. ;-) I also didn't really "get" why the MCs suddenly started communicating again after a 5 year hiatus.
Rating about 3.4 stars -- not quite enough to round up to 4.
I'm not a big fan of the epistolary novel in general, but I did find myself getting drawn into this one. Unfortunately I'm also not a big fan of voyeurism or sharing or open relationships, which are also prominent throughout the book. So this really wasn't a book tailored to my tastes. Nonetheless the sex was usually hot, and there was enough plot to justify the sex scenes.
I wanted to slap both of the MCs at one point or other, which at least is an indication that neither one of them was perfect. IMHO neither one of them was really committed -- vis the sharing/open relationship bit -- and also IMHO that caused a lot of the relationship's problems. But who am I to judge. ;-) I also didn't really "get" why the MCs suddenly started communicating again after a 5 year hiatus.
Rating about 3.4 stars -- not quite enough to round up to 4.
March 17, 2014
This was the very first book I put in my To Read shelf so it's a little bittersweet that I've finished reading it....
I enjoyed reading it. The epistolary aspect was everything I could have asked for. That alone for me made this book stand out. But Gray and Paul made it even better. They were real. They loved and they hurt each other but in the long run, they were it for each other and I loved reading their journey especially knowing what Paul had felt all along.
I was kind of a little bit jealous of the men along the way because there were lots on both sides but I felt it was not there to hurt anyone but to show the growth on both of the men. So yeah I could have gone for a lot less but it didn't take away the story from me.
I loved the book. I did! I'm so glad I read it! It definitely was worth the hassle of getting it. And believe me, that was a lot of drama! Two thumbs up! ♥♥♥
I enjoyed reading it. The epistolary aspect was everything I could have asked for. That alone for me made this book stand out. But Gray and Paul made it even better. They were real. They loved and they hurt each other but in the long run, they were it for each other and I loved reading their journey especially knowing what Paul had felt all along.
I was kind of a little bit jealous of the men along the way because there were lots on both sides but I felt it was not there to hurt anyone but to show the growth on both of the men. So yeah I could have gone for a lot less but it didn't take away the story from me.
I loved the book. I did! I'm so glad I read it! It definitely was worth the hassle of getting it. And believe me, that was a lot of drama! Two thumbs up! ♥♥♥
December 21, 2012
I thought the concept of the book was very interesting. A couple who broke up as they were finishing college, but who then start writing letters to each other and realize that they belong together. My problem with this book is that it was so long without really moving forward. I felt like I had to experience every little bump in the road with the guys and that every time it was blown up to a big drama. I felt like they never really learned from their mistakes and and I was there for every repeat. I would probably have given up. Luckily they don´t write romance books about me ;)
Anyway, the idea was really good and I enjoyed big parts of it, but skimmed through a chunks were it the story was slow.
Anyway, the idea was really good and I enjoyed big parts of it, but skimmed through a chunks were it the story was slow.
August 8, 2012
I loved the letters and felt like it made the things they said to each other more believable because the emotional exchanges weren't face to face-- it's always easier to tell someone how you really feel in written form. I didn't have any problem with the open relationship or casual sex, I think that makes it more realistic when you're dealing with a long distance couple. Sometimes it all felt like too much (too much emotion from guys, too much talking about feelings, too much sex-- which I rarely say lol) so I found myself skimming here and there. Overall, a pretty good read and some good emotions. 3.5, bumping it up to 4 for goodreads.
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