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It's a Steal
Edric Wilcher has realized growing up that there are simply two things in this world he can never imagine his life without—music and coffee. This is the reason why he chooses the life of a famous rock star—at least, famous in his own small town, and then, goes ahead and opens up Rockstar’s Hideout Café. Every morning he serves his regulars and has a nice, long chat with them before they go back to their daily routine. His charms work wonders on them. Thanks to the good genes bestowed upon him, he doesn’t look half bad. So, it strikes him as odd that this new customer who walks in that morning carrying a heap of books doesn’t seem to even spare him a second glance.
“Coffee” is what he orders and Ed goes out of his way to make him feel special. But the redheaded nerd—okay, a cute nerd, probably cutest he’s seen in his life—just leaves with his books, leaving even the muffin-on-the-house completely untouched. The mystery surrounding this guy gets the best of Ed and when he finds a book left behind by this customer, he can’t help follow the trail to see him just one more time. Even if it is to get a name.
Dean Harrett has somehow misplaced the one thing that was supposed to help him out of his current problems—and that thing is not a cheesy, romance novel. What matters to him the most is what he’s kept in the book—the perfect plan that can make or break his future. And that book has gone now. Only if he can remember where he’s last seen that book…
Of course! The café, where that annoying barista just wouldn’t leave him alone so he had to leave.
But now Dean has to get back there and look for himself before anyone can lay their hands on it. He doesn’t even want to think about the worst-case scenario of someone finding out what he is up to. But this only means he will have to face the annoying, but handsome barista again. Ugh!
“Coffee” is what he orders and Ed goes out of his way to make him feel special. But the redheaded nerd—okay, a cute nerd, probably cutest he’s seen in his life—just leaves with his books, leaving even the muffin-on-the-house completely untouched. The mystery surrounding this guy gets the best of Ed and when he finds a book left behind by this customer, he can’t help follow the trail to see him just one more time. Even if it is to get a name.
Dean Harrett has somehow misplaced the one thing that was supposed to help him out of his current problems—and that thing is not a cheesy, romance novel. What matters to him the most is what he’s kept in the book—the perfect plan that can make or break his future. And that book has gone now. Only if he can remember where he’s last seen that book…
Of course! The café, where that annoying barista just wouldn’t leave him alone so he had to leave.
But now Dean has to get back there and look for himself before anyone can lay their hands on it. He doesn’t even want to think about the worst-case scenario of someone finding out what he is up to. But this only means he will have to face the annoying, but handsome barista again. Ugh!
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2020
26 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 22, 2020
I have to say that I am thoroughly impressed by this first time m/m author and the amazing job they did on this book! Not only is this a bang-up wonderful love story but intertwined around it is another quite suspenseful story that had me guessing till the end how it would be resolved! Loved these two beautifully drawn MCs, sexy kinda bad boy rocker Edric and sweet nerdy redhead Dean. It was such joy to see them meet and then draw closer to one another. Truly a lovely and joyful experience to read!
July 25, 2020
A super fluffy light short story.
Dean has troubles his dad can’t finance his study anymore so he’ll have to stop and go home to his dad. Trying to come up with a solution he ends up in a café bar to sit down and think.
Edric is impressed by the hot looks of the geek who enters his café, the guy carries a stock of books with him. After a coffee, the guy left in a hurry and somewhat confused. He doesn’t even notice he left a book behind and the muffin Edric gave him is untouched.
Edric is glad about the forgotten book, this is his chance to meet the gorgeous ginger again.
Family matters, hackers and music turn this story in something more, it gave it some layers, because it was overall a very light story.
I’m not really into fantasizing extendedly about sexual encounters, and that several times. Or other imaginary thoughts, I want the real thing on-page. But that’s on me of course.
Overall a short enjoyable and entertaining story.
Dean has troubles his dad can’t finance his study anymore so he’ll have to stop and go home to his dad. Trying to come up with a solution he ends up in a café bar to sit down and think.
Edric is impressed by the hot looks of the geek who enters his café, the guy carries a stock of books with him. After a coffee, the guy left in a hurry and somewhat confused. He doesn’t even notice he left a book behind and the muffin Edric gave him is untouched.
Edric is glad about the forgotten book, this is his chance to meet the gorgeous ginger again.
Family matters, hackers and music turn this story in something more, it gave it some layers, because it was overall a very light story.
I’m not really into fantasizing extendedly about sexual encounters, and that several times. Or other imaginary thoughts, I want the real thing on-page. But that’s on me of course.
Overall a short enjoyable and entertaining story.
November 27, 2020
Ok story. The strongest part of it are the characters. I liked Ed very much.
July 27, 2020
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
It's A Steal, by Arden O'Keefe
★★★★☆
125 Pages
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary, LGBT, Romance, Hacking
It's A Steal is a super-cute romance between a geek and a rock star. A tad disjointed in places, it blends the romance of a coffee shop meet-cute with the dangerous work of deep-web hacking. O'Keefe's debut comes with great potential and marks them as a budding author to keep your eye on.
Edric is a coffee-shop owner and the lead singer in a popular local rock band. Dean is a geek whose nose has been so deeply stuck in his books that his world had shattered around him, leaving his future unclear. When they come together, it's the most sugary sweet meet-cute imaginable, especially when Dean doesn't even notice the hunky Ed flirting with him. Bonding over a lost book – with distinct Fifty Shades vibes – they find fate leading them back together. Despite Dean's financial crisis, and Ed's disapproving family, they manage to find an intense chemistry building from day one.
For a debut novel, it was written really well. I had some issues with some clunky phrasing, a few info dumps that hampered the flow a little. Sometimes the word choices left the language coming across as stilted and uncomfortable, e.g. at one point, Dean's POV contains “one of those dashingly hot bad boys, who could steal one's heart” which is a bit too historical for his age/personality, and sometimes the lack of contractions (converting do not into don't) left it a touch awkward. There were a few events I'd liked to have seen in more detail – Dean and Ed's first walk, as they got to know each other; and the family conversation between Ed and his mother – which would have added an extra understanding to some events. I think they got a bit lost in translation by only being talked about passively and not shown.
Personally, I wasn't comfortable with Ed's family. Nora mentions Ed is the one making things awful, despite the picture being painted that they've been unsupportive and homophobic. I felt distinctly uncomfortable with Nora's rampage. The use of a guilt trip to force Ed to apologise for something that was never his fault, and Nora saying she'd forgiven him – I'm not sure if it's for coming out, or for being gay – left me wishing Ed would see how toxic they were and hoping he'd run. Fast.
However, the story had a distinct rom-com, cutesy, meet-cute vibe with a comfortable dose of mystery surrounding Dean's financial situation. Though he was falling madly in love, there was always the recognition that it might not last, if his plans failed and he had to move away.
~
It's A Steal, by Arden O'Keefe
★★★★☆
125 Pages
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary, LGBT, Romance, Hacking
It's A Steal is a super-cute romance between a geek and a rock star. A tad disjointed in places, it blends the romance of a coffee shop meet-cute with the dangerous work of deep-web hacking. O'Keefe's debut comes with great potential and marks them as a budding author to keep your eye on.
Edric is a coffee-shop owner and the lead singer in a popular local rock band. Dean is a geek whose nose has been so deeply stuck in his books that his world had shattered around him, leaving his future unclear. When they come together, it's the most sugary sweet meet-cute imaginable, especially when Dean doesn't even notice the hunky Ed flirting with him. Bonding over a lost book – with distinct Fifty Shades vibes – they find fate leading them back together. Despite Dean's financial crisis, and Ed's disapproving family, they manage to find an intense chemistry building from day one.
For a debut novel, it was written really well. I had some issues with some clunky phrasing, a few info dumps that hampered the flow a little. Sometimes the word choices left the language coming across as stilted and uncomfortable, e.g. at one point, Dean's POV contains “one of those dashingly hot bad boys, who could steal one's heart” which is a bit too historical for his age/personality, and sometimes the lack of contractions (converting do not into don't) left it a touch awkward. There were a few events I'd liked to have seen in more detail – Dean and Ed's first walk, as they got to know each other; and the family conversation between Ed and his mother – which would have added an extra understanding to some events. I think they got a bit lost in translation by only being talked about passively and not shown.
Personally, I wasn't comfortable with Ed's family. Nora mentions Ed is the one making things awful, despite the picture being painted that they've been unsupportive and homophobic. I felt distinctly uncomfortable with Nora's rampage. The use of a guilt trip to force Ed to apologise for something that was never his fault, and Nora saying she'd forgiven him – I'm not sure if it's for coming out, or for being gay – left me wishing Ed would see how toxic they were and hoping he'd run. Fast.
However, the story had a distinct rom-com, cutesy, meet-cute vibe with a comfortable dose of mystery surrounding Dean's financial situation. Though he was falling madly in love, there was always the recognition that it might not last, if his plans failed and he had to move away.
August 4, 2020
3.5 stars. A good attempt for a first book.
An okay start to the book for a debut author.
A lost book brings them back to re-meet and both MCs silently attracted to each other. A plan attached to a white lie lets Ed make sure he got to know Dean better. Dean loves talking to himself about his plan and fantasy dreams his thoughts about things ie Ed, i couldnt focus on the story in this part.
The first half of the book i struggled with the way it was written. But I'm glad it got better in the second half. The fantasy vs reality with the charactors in the beginning i kept getting lost in the frame of the book. This being a short novella needed to be written a little longer to get the characters personalities connecting.
A fast paced book with lust at first sight attractions.
Edric owned his coffee shop, but when a new customer walks in Eds intrigued about him. Being a barista/rock singer instead of a research scientist made him a black sheep with his family.
Dean 24 worried about his future for 10 days he needed something to change.
An okay start to the book for a debut author.
A lost book brings them back to re-meet and both MCs silently attracted to each other. A plan attached to a white lie lets Ed make sure he got to know Dean better. Dean loves talking to himself about his plan and fantasy dreams his thoughts about things ie Ed, i couldnt focus on the story in this part.
The first half of the book i struggled with the way it was written. But I'm glad it got better in the second half. The fantasy vs reality with the charactors in the beginning i kept getting lost in the frame of the book. This being a short novella needed to be written a little longer to get the characters personalities connecting.
A fast paced book with lust at first sight attractions.
Edric owned his coffee shop, but when a new customer walks in Eds intrigued about him. Being a barista/rock singer instead of a research scientist made him a black sheep with his family.
Dean 24 worried about his future for 10 days he needed something to change.
July 27, 2020
While the premise of the book is interesting and pulled me in from the blurb alone, the story started out a bit slow. Ed, while he explains his love for his coffee shop, is attracted to Dean the moment he stops in. Dean doesn't make a great impression, although it doesn't seem to matter to Ed. The first third of the story was slow for me. There was a ton of internal exposition, especially from Dean, but I'm glad that the story picked up after that. I enjoyed their HEA and while the story is a bit short and the characters didn't have enough time to develop a full character arc, I found I liked the book by the end.
July 27, 2020
Light romantic read 4 1/2 stars. First time author, I really enjoyed this storyline by Arden, you have a rockstar/Barista in Edric and cute nerd in Dean a student and hacker, both have family problems but thank goodness both resolved. A quick read, words flowed, low angst and hot sensual scenes, I walked away smiling. I can’t wait to read more stories from Arden.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I definitely recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I definitely recommend this book.
July 26, 2020
Ed runs a coffee shop and plays in a band much to the disappointment of his family who can't understand why he turned his back on a career as a scientist. Dean is desperate for money and is making poor life decisions involving hacking. It felt a little forced as to the way Dean got involved with hacking but it didn't really distract from the story. I liked Edric and how he couldn't just give up on Dean and kept trying to make a connection. A good story and a short read.
July 27, 2020
It's A Steal by Arden O'Keefe is a contemporary m/m romance that is exciting and fun. Cedric and Dean are great characters - an adorable nerd and a musician. I loved how simple hand holding meant so much . The story was cute with a little angst and a lot of fun.
Read
July 29, 2020Reviewing sort of but not rating
This is going into my maybe read late pile.
I made it to 20% before throwing in the towel.
My issues so far are:
- Ed commenting on his own ‘hotness’
- Dean’s constant conversation with himself and the dialog is a bit awkward
- At 19% Ed just told dean his name and this is their 2nd conversation, the first was less than 20 words, this is a quote from Ed’s POV:
“Edric knew he was quickly falling for this cute, strange man, and he also knew that was probably not going to end that well.”
There is no way after talking to this man 2 times and exchanging less than 40 words he was “falling for this him”.
I read a few more paragraphs and gave up. Maybe at some point, I’ll try again.
This is going into my maybe read late pile.
I made it to 20% before throwing in the towel.
My issues so far are:
- Ed commenting on his own ‘hotness’
- Dean’s constant conversation with himself and the dialog is a bit awkward
- At 19% Ed just told dean his name and this is their 2nd conversation, the first was less than 20 words, this is a quote from Ed’s POV:
“Edric knew he was quickly falling for this cute, strange man, and he also knew that was probably not going to end that well.”
There is no way after talking to this man 2 times and exchanging less than 40 words he was “falling for this him”.
I read a few more paragraphs and gave up. Maybe at some point, I’ll try again.
August 8, 2020
It's a Steal by Arden O'Keefe is a sweet story about famous rock star (well famous in his own small town) and owner of the Rockstar’s Hideout Café Edric Wilcher and student Dean Harrett. I liked their story. It was fast-paced, sweet and sexy.
July 27, 2020
Although, this was a cute story, it took me ages to get into the book.
Ed and Dean’s first meeting was definitely memorable. Dean was in his own little world and overlooks the hotty barista.
Details were lacking in various parts of the book. The flow of the story wasn’t as smooth as it should have either.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Ed and Dean’s first meeting was definitely memorable. Dean was in his own little world and overlooks the hotty barista.
Details were lacking in various parts of the book. The flow of the story wasn’t as smooth as it should have either.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
July 25, 2020
This was a good book by a new author. I enjoyed the instalove between sweet Dean & rocker/Cafe owner Ed. I like the idea of how they met and what Dean was up to; it's different from the typical story line. I'm looking forward to see what else this author will be writing in the future.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
July 28, 2020
Quick, cute read
This book was a quick, cute and fantastic read. Well written. Interesting plot and subplot. Really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more by Arden O'Keefe
This book was a quick, cute and fantastic read. Well written. Interesting plot and subplot. Really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more by Arden O'Keefe
July 22, 2020
3.75 stars.... Sweet rockstar/nerd romance.
This was a lovely, short and sweet enjoyable read with minimal angst and two very likeable main characters who let their chemistry simmer quietly for a while before taking things further.
The good looking and charismatic Ed owns a cafe and is the lead singer of a popular local rock band. Dean is a quiet, cute nerd about to begin his final semester of studies. Their paths cross at the cafe and so begins a tale of a sweet romance, interesting family dynamics and asks the question of just how far a person would go to ensure their future. There is a bit going on plot wise but that doesn’t stop Ed and Dean from getting their HEA.
This was a lovely, short and sweet enjoyable read with minimal angst and two very likeable main characters who let their chemistry simmer quietly for a while before taking things further.
The good looking and charismatic Ed owns a cafe and is the lead singer of a popular local rock band. Dean is a quiet, cute nerd about to begin his final semester of studies. Their paths cross at the cafe and so begins a tale of a sweet romance, interesting family dynamics and asks the question of just how far a person would go to ensure their future. There is a bit going on plot wise but that doesn’t stop Ed and Dean from getting their HEA.
July 27, 2020
Super cute instalove story but a few little niggles stopped it being a 5 star.
The pacing was a little off. The first say 25% I didn't really get it and then it just kinda clicked. This author is new to me so perhaps that's just it.
It was unclear how old Edric is and aside from tattoos, I can't remember if he was described properly (aside from being hot!).
Just little things about the characterisation has left me with questions but it was a good story.
The pacing was a little off. The first say 25% I didn't really get it and then it just kinda clicked. This author is new to me so perhaps that's just it.
It was unclear how old Edric is and aside from tattoos, I can't remember if he was described properly (aside from being hot!).
Just little things about the characterisation has left me with questions but it was a good story.
July 23, 2020
Enjoyable, cute story about a nerd desperate enough to consider being a bad boy, and an hot ex-scientist turned rock star and café owner.
For a debut the book is pretty enjoyable, even if the flow of the story lacks some consistence and clarity in some points. The story is cute and low-angst and rom-com enough to grant a pleasant reading!
For a debut the book is pretty enjoyable, even if the flow of the story lacks some consistence and clarity in some points. The story is cute and low-angst and rom-com enough to grant a pleasant reading!
July 23, 2020
Cute, low angst and short read about a sweet rockstar and his nerd
August 11, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
I really enjoyed this little novel. It pushed all the buttons I needed during these less than easy times. Meet cute? Check! Sweet MCs? Check! A fun bit of mystery? Check! Rock musician? Check and double check! All these and more made It’s a Steal a short, pleasant read that left me warm and smiling.
I liked the author’s writing style. It felt relaxed and natural. In the beginning, I thought there may have been a little too much internal dialogue going on with Dean. Other than that, the dialogue between the characters flowed nicely…especially in scenes with Ed and his family.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
I really enjoyed this little novel. It pushed all the buttons I needed during these less than easy times. Meet cute? Check! Sweet MCs? Check! A fun bit of mystery? Check! Rock musician? Check and double check! All these and more made It’s a Steal a short, pleasant read that left me warm and smiling.
I liked the author’s writing style. It felt relaxed and natural. In the beginning, I thought there may have been a little too much internal dialogue going on with Dean. Other than that, the dialogue between the characters flowed nicely…especially in scenes with Ed and his family.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
July 24, 2020
I enjoyed this nerd (former wannabe hacker) and a coffee shop owner slash rock star story a little too much.
It's love at first sight and insta - love I didn't mind to read, because it was cute and the internal fight with himself for Dean, worth my time.
And it helped that Edric was a kind of every nerd's dream boyfriend.
Smitten Edric was cute too.
This was a fun and low angst read we all need in this time of Corona to spend our time in a couch reading.
Give Edric and Dean a chance!
September 23, 2020
Not ready for prime time
Seriously needs the services of a good editor. The concept for the storyline could work if the author had done their research. As it is, the concepts for computer hacking and hackers are so far off base as to be laughable and the "relationship development" fails even basic rules for human behavior. This book failed to keep my interest beyond 50% and joined the list of those which could/should have been better. I kept putting it down to read later until I finally realized it was never going to happen and I might as well stop.
Seriously needs the services of a good editor. The concept for the storyline could work if the author had done their research. As it is, the concepts for computer hacking and hackers are so far off base as to be laughable and the "relationship development" fails even basic rules for human behavior. This book failed to keep my interest beyond 50% and joined the list of those which could/should have been better. I kept putting it down to read later until I finally realized it was never going to happen and I might as well stop.
July 28, 2020
Edric Wilcher is a locally known rock musician and singer, who also happens to be the owner of Rockstar’s Hideout Café. The café is his path his path to start his life afresh with a renewed perspective.
After realizing that, he wasn't really passionate in pursuing his current career path, he turns his back on his past ambitions. But being in a family of overachivers and living up to their expectations makes this transition a difficult phase for him.
Now, in Rockstar’s Hideout he feels completely at home, and thanks to his good genes and his charms, the customers love him there! That is why it strikes him as odd, when a cute mysterious stranger turns up at his café and is completely immune to his charms. He is intrigued by the geeky ginger who hides behind his fortress of books and outright rejects his smooth advances.
Dean Harrett is currently having the worst day of his life and is turning his tiny apartment upside down looking for his notes, which he knows he kept in a cheesy romance novel which he has now managed to misplace!
If it weren't for a particular hot barista and his charming smile who kept distracting him everything would have gone according to plan!
His future now rests at the mercy of said hunky barista. He needs to get his notes back before anyone finds what he truly is up to!
Will Dean be successful in carrying out his master plan and securing his future, or will a particular rockstar change his mind into following a different path ?
Ed and Dean were such an adorable couple! I loved their meet cute and the sizzle of instant attraction that was brewing on their first encounter.
Dean's parents coming to terms with his career change and his reconnecting with his sister was handled very well.
I was happy that Dora and Blake both happened to be redeemable characters.
This was an opposites attract, low angnst and a sweet read overall.
If you are willing to be smitten with
by a devious nerd and a misunderstood rockstar, this will definitely do the trick!
After realizing that, he wasn't really passionate in pursuing his current career path, he turns his back on his past ambitions. But being in a family of overachivers and living up to their expectations makes this transition a difficult phase for him.
Now, in Rockstar’s Hideout he feels completely at home, and thanks to his good genes and his charms, the customers love him there! That is why it strikes him as odd, when a cute mysterious stranger turns up at his café and is completely immune to his charms. He is intrigued by the geeky ginger who hides behind his fortress of books and outright rejects his smooth advances.
Dean Harrett is currently having the worst day of his life and is turning his tiny apartment upside down looking for his notes, which he knows he kept in a cheesy romance novel which he has now managed to misplace!
If it weren't for a particular hot barista and his charming smile who kept distracting him everything would have gone according to plan!
His future now rests at the mercy of said hunky barista. He needs to get his notes back before anyone finds what he truly is up to!
Will Dean be successful in carrying out his master plan and securing his future, or will a particular rockstar change his mind into following a different path ?
Ed and Dean were such an adorable couple! I loved their meet cute and the sizzle of instant attraction that was brewing on their first encounter.
Dean's parents coming to terms with his career change and his reconnecting with his sister was handled very well.
I was happy that Dora and Blake both happened to be redeemable characters.
This was an opposites attract, low angnst and a sweet read overall.
If you are willing to be smitten with
by a devious nerd and a misunderstood rockstar, this will definitely do the trick!
August 11, 2020
I adored the premise and thought the beginning was quite cute with the complete opposites of the two mens' personalities, but it kind of quickly went off the rails and added a whole lot of elements and intrigue and drama that detracted from the whole overall feel. Honestly this was a low 3 star, maybe even a 2.75 star book for me because of just how much was added to increase the conflict for no conceivable reason. Manufacturing situations to make the story more interesting totally didn't work here.
What should have been a simple meet*cute between two men that had great reasons to discover more about one another through their individual differences alone devolved into cybercrime, family drama that was pretty much solved by one sisterly outburst that was one-sided and unfair as well as being overly simplistic, a rockstar that was actually a rocker with a respectable and enthusiastic fan base rather than a rock star, and a different family drama that was solved by a black hat hacker with a soft spot for a young man they hadn't spoken to in nearly a decade breaking silence and making actual contact so they could wave their magic wand and fix everything that was wrong.
It was just too much crazy with too little substance. There were some nice moments, but timelines in the background snippets we got were confused and confusing, there was very little actual connection between the men, and way too much in-the-head explanations that basically told the story and not enough dialogue or depth driving the story. So it was nice, just not my favorite.
What should have been a simple meet*cute between two men that had great reasons to discover more about one another through their individual differences alone devolved into cybercrime, family drama that was pretty much solved by one sisterly outburst that was one-sided and unfair as well as being overly simplistic, a rockstar that was actually a rocker with a respectable and enthusiastic fan base rather than a rock star, and a different family drama that was solved by a black hat hacker with a soft spot for a young man they hadn't spoken to in nearly a decade breaking silence and making actual contact so they could wave their magic wand and fix everything that was wrong.
It was just too much crazy with too little substance. There were some nice moments, but timelines in the background snippets we got were confused and confusing, there was very little actual connection between the men, and way too much in-the-head explanations that basically told the story and not enough dialogue or depth driving the story. So it was nice, just not my favorite.
August 7, 2020
My Rating : 3🌟
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Kindle/ GRR/ August2020
#mabookyardchallengeAug2020 #AdvancedAugustReadathon #ARCAugust
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Thank you @gayromancereviews for the review copy which let's me give you my unbiased opinion.
.
This book follows our two main characters : confident, determined, sassy Rockstar Edric, and the shy, almost determined, book loving Dean.
First, this book started off in a really good way. The way the characters were introduced, the meet cute scenes and how their personalities were described were good. We get to see how each character came to be in their place, and what they love too. Ed had a very distinct and dominant personality that captured my attention and Dean was someone I could relate to. Second, I think the storyline for this was a really good one and I liked how it started off with Dean. With that being said, I'm not sure how I feel about how the story progressed and how the characters got together. It felt kinds off and I wouldn't say I hated it, but I didn't love it either. With the kind of plot the author introduced, I expected a lot more action and reaction from the characters and the story. And when it was all done in a lighter tone, it kinda made me sad. But it was definitely a good book with really good writing. Overall, I really enjoyed my time with this book!
.
Kindle/ GRR/ August2020
#mabookyardchallengeAug2020 #AdvancedAugustReadathon #ARCAugust
.
Thank you @gayromancereviews for the review copy which let's me give you my unbiased opinion.
.
This book follows our two main characters : confident, determined, sassy Rockstar Edric, and the shy, almost determined, book loving Dean.
First, this book started off in a really good way. The way the characters were introduced, the meet cute scenes and how their personalities were described were good. We get to see how each character came to be in their place, and what they love too. Ed had a very distinct and dominant personality that captured my attention and Dean was someone I could relate to. Second, I think the storyline for this was a really good one and I liked how it started off with Dean. With that being said, I'm not sure how I feel about how the story progressed and how the characters got together. It felt kinds off and I wouldn't say I hated it, but I didn't love it either. With the kind of plot the author introduced, I expected a lot more action and reaction from the characters and the story. And when it was all done in a lighter tone, it kinda made me sad. But it was definitely a good book with really good writing. Overall, I really enjoyed my time with this book!
August 6, 2020
My Recommendation: NOT WORTH YOUR TIME. This book needs some heavy editing (developmental, copy, line) and proof reading. Editing aside the story was poorly written with tangled and abandoned plot lines. All of the characters were laughable, with the protagonists barely believable. The heat leading up to the one cringe-worthy sex scene (thankfully in the final chapter) was lukewarm at best. Frankly, I should’ve DNFed this book. I don’t regret it, but reading over this and thinking about how much of a slog it was to read the (thankfully very short) book, I should’ve broken my 10 year 730+ book streak of not DNFing a book, it might’ve been kinder to the author, editor, and publicity team. Looking at the other Goodreads reviews, maybe it’s just me—maybe I just have high expectations of well written and well edited MM romance that I’ve just come to expect so much more and this is a fine read. Maybe I’m just a butthole (and yes that’s a dig).
My Response: This is not a good book. It is not well written (story or characters) and it is definitely not well edited (any type, but especially copy or developmental). The shocking part, to me at least, is that I have to assume the author has paid an editor (listed in the front matter) AND a promotional group (Gay Romance Reviews) to produce this “final copy” version and I’m still writing this scathing commentary on it.*
If I were the author and read what I’m about to write, I’d demand my money back from the editor and politely ask the promotion company to pause all promotions while I paid someone else to re-edit it. But take my response for what it’s worth, the other Goodreads reviews have all rated it 3-5 stars and complemented the “cute story”.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
*I received a copy of It’s a Steal via Gay Romance Reviews in return for my honest opinion. No goods or money were exchanged.
My Response: This is not a good book. It is not well written (story or characters) and it is definitely not well edited (any type, but especially copy or developmental). The shocking part, to me at least, is that I have to assume the author has paid an editor (listed in the front matter) AND a promotional group (Gay Romance Reviews) to produce this “final copy” version and I’m still writing this scathing commentary on it.*
If I were the author and read what I’m about to write, I’d demand my money back from the editor and politely ask the promotion company to pause all promotions while I paid someone else to re-edit it. But take my response for what it’s worth, the other Goodreads reviews have all rated it 3-5 stars and complemented the “cute story”.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
*I received a copy of It’s a Steal via Gay Romance Reviews in return for my honest opinion. No goods or money were exchanged.
July 30, 2020
This is a New author for me and he caught me from page one. The descriptions were so vivid it made me feel like I was sitting in the coffee shop watching the initial meeting between the two MCS. You couldn’t help but fall in love with the barista/rocker and the nerdy student down on his luck. Dean found himself one semester from finishing college when his dad tells him there is no money. Desperate Dean turns to a hacker friend to try and skim money from unsuspecting people to solve his financial problem all while trying to start a relationship with Ed and keep that secret. Until he realizes his hacker friend isn’t really his friend and he needs to come clean to Ed and hope his relationship survives. I enjoyed this book - This was a very easy quick fun read.
August 1, 2020
Arden did himself proud with this first book. No errors, good formatting, good story, Just the right amount of angst and an HEA that was happy, sexy and no cliffhangers. Edric and meet up at Ed's cafe. Ed owns the cafe, but also has a well known band in his hometown. Dean goes to school there...that is until his father's money is all gone and now he must go home within the week. He comes up with schemes...none of them good...to save his career. How these two manage to continue their love story with lies between them is entertaining to read. Good story.
August 3, 2020
A sweet light read. Edric seems to have it together everywhere in his life except with his family. I liked seeing him come to view things from their perspective and to address the issues between them like an adult. His sweet, kind behavior with Dean earned him high marks with me. Dean's life has turned upside down and meeting Edric gives him a light in the chaos. Faced with the easy choice or the right choice he struggles.
I'm impressed that this is a debut book and I'm looking forward to more from this author.
I'm impressed that this is a debut book and I'm looking forward to more from this author.
August 4, 2020
Ed and Dean make for an interesting pair. I liked that Ed and Dean connected on a level other than just looks with Ed's understanding of Dean's predicament and feelings. I loved the pacing in this book and Dean struggles with doing the right thing. Ed's family situation was interesting but I do appreciate that their struggles weren't from homophobia but actual life choices. I really enjoyed that Ed is a closet nerd. The ending part with Dandy was a little stretch of the imagination in terms of believabilty but I'll take the happy ending. I would recommend this book.
August 4, 2020
When a hacker and a rockstar fall in love
For a first time author, this book was beautifully written. The characters were well developed and the storyline was detailed enough that you could see it in your mind. I loved the idea of a bad boy rocker/coffee shop owner and a misguided, down on his luck amateur hacker. I look forward to seeing this author develop an individual style and will most definitely read more by the author in the future. These thoughts are my own given honestly and unbiased after reading an advanced readers copy.
For a first time author, this book was beautifully written. The characters were well developed and the storyline was detailed enough that you could see it in your mind. I loved the idea of a bad boy rocker/coffee shop owner and a misguided, down on his luck amateur hacker. I look forward to seeing this author develop an individual style and will most definitely read more by the author in the future. These thoughts are my own given honestly and unbiased after reading an advanced readers copy.
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