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First Impressions
The first time Henry Hughes and Cameron Jameson meet, it's an unmitigated disaster. Cameron reminds Henry of all he left behind when he stopped making adult films, and he cruelly rejects Cameron. When Cameron discovers Henry's porno-thespian past, he assumes he's dodged a bullet.
But circumstances continue to throw the two together. Though the physical attraction between them grows, they cling to first impressions, even as a slow dance reveals just how good they could be.
Henry finally realizes how wrong he was, but Cameron can't cope with "sleeping with the enemy". It will take a confrontation for Cameron to realize just how wrong he's been, but unfortunately, he may have lost his chance.
But circumstances continue to throw the two together. Though the physical attraction between them grows, they cling to first impressions, even as a slow dance reveals just how good they could be.
Henry finally realizes how wrong he was, but Cameron can't cope with "sleeping with the enemy". It will take a confrontation for Cameron to realize just how wrong he's been, but unfortunately, he may have lost his chance.
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First published April 16, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 25, 2014
~~~Buddy read with the gorgeous Sandi~~~
With a nudge and a wink to Pride and Prejudice, this book is wickedly funny and elegantly written.
First impressions are everything, and when Henry Hughes, retired porn star and wealthy owner of a luxury ski resort, makes the wrong one, Cameron, a child protege/college dropout currently working at an upscale retail store, wants naught to do with him.
Henry tries; oh, how he tries! But Cameron is judgmental and proud (both of which are, ironically, the very qualities he despises in Henry).
There's a ensemble of colorful secondary characters, including That Woman, a conniving drag queen, and two twinks hellbent on causing trouble, some of whom almost outshine the two MCs.
Henry and Cameron keep running into each other, and a sort of comedy of errors ensues, with the book nearly (but not quite) delving into farcical territory. I already mentioned the humor, yes?
I did want more on-page time with Henry and Cameron together. The MCs spend more time with their friends than with each other and don't get together until three-fourths into the book (still sooner than Darcy and Elizabeth!). The ending, while certainly an implied HEA, left me wanting more. But that's a testament to how much I liked these men. Plus, I'm always a greedy slut for an epilogue.
I really enjoyed the humor, wit, and banter. This is a lighthearted, sweet read, and a great introduction to this author's work.
I look forward to his upcoming novel, Poz (to be released by Dreamspinner later this year).
With a nudge and a wink to Pride and Prejudice, this book is wickedly funny and elegantly written.
First impressions are everything, and when Henry Hughes, retired porn star and wealthy owner of a luxury ski resort, makes the wrong one, Cameron, a child protege/college dropout currently working at an upscale retail store, wants naught to do with him.
Henry tries; oh, how he tries! But Cameron is judgmental and proud (both of which are, ironically, the very qualities he despises in Henry).
There's a ensemble of colorful secondary characters, including That Woman, a conniving drag queen, and two twinks hellbent on causing trouble, some of whom almost outshine the two MCs.
Henry and Cameron keep running into each other, and a sort of comedy of errors ensues, with the book nearly (but not quite) delving into farcical territory. I already mentioned the humor, yes?
I did want more on-page time with Henry and Cameron together. The MCs spend more time with their friends than with each other and don't get together until three-fourths into the book (still sooner than Darcy and Elizabeth!). The ending, while certainly an implied HEA, left me wanting more. But that's a testament to how much I liked these men. Plus, I'm always a greedy slut for an epilogue.
I really enjoyed the humor, wit, and banter. This is a lighthearted, sweet read, and a great introduction to this author's work.
I look forward to his upcoming novel, Poz (to be released by Dreamspinner later this year).
April 17, 2012
I really don't like giving less than my standard 3-stars rating. Honestly. Not because I want to spare the author's feeling, but because I think whatever attempt to actually create/produce something should be commended somehow. Even with movies, I apply the same thing. So, it pains me to give this 2-stars rating, especially since I like Mr. Koehler's stories before.
Here are the reasons why this one doesn't work for me
+ The MCs, Henry and Cameron, and their supposed-tell-to-find-love are left to be desired. I find them unspiring. Henry and Cameron spend most of their time in the book to be with their friends rather than actually interacting. So they meet a couple of times, without really talking or connecting, and I suppose to believe that they start to have feeling for each other, which results in a couple of imaginary sex scenes (totally NOT one of my favorite things in stories), and then fall in love? Uhm, no, sorry. That doesn't work for me.
+ The secondary characters are actually more interesting compared to the MCs. Henry's friend, Darren or Cameron's friends, Van and Thad, and even Cameron's mother, Herculine (!) ... they seem to have more fun and more alive than either Henry and Cameron. A story where secondary characters steal the spotlight from both the MCs, where I actually prefer reading about them than the MCs, is never a good sign for me, particularly.
+ The plot with one of Cameron's friends, Simon, is one that I don't find important. So Cameron said he had a crush on him. I couldn't understand why, exactly. Plus Simon seemed to be a condescending character. It'll be nice to actually have Cameron and Henry interact rather than reading about how Cameron thinks about Simon (see point #1).
+ Similar with the plot with Cameron's nephew, Erik. See point #1 and #3
+ Oh, and I'm also so very annoyed with how Cameron calls his own mother, That Woman. Once or twice, it sounds funny. But not 67 times!!! And I counted this using my Adobe Reader search function. Reading 67 reference of "That Woman" in dialog or description is aggravating for me.
This story might work for other readers, and I always think you should make up your own opinion. But this is definitely a disappointment for yours truly.
Here are the reasons why this one doesn't work for me
+ The MCs, Henry and Cameron, and their supposed-tell-to-find-love are left to be desired. I find them unspiring. Henry and Cameron spend most of their time in the book to be with their friends rather than actually interacting. So they meet a couple of times, without really talking or connecting, and I suppose to believe that they start to have feeling for each other, which results in a couple of imaginary sex scenes (totally NOT one of my favorite things in stories), and then fall in love? Uhm, no, sorry. That doesn't work for me.
+ The secondary characters are actually more interesting compared to the MCs. Henry's friend, Darren or Cameron's friends, Van and Thad, and even Cameron's mother, Herculine (!) ... they seem to have more fun and more alive than either Henry and Cameron. A story where secondary characters steal the spotlight from both the MCs, where I actually prefer reading about them than the MCs, is never a good sign for me, particularly.
+ The plot with one of Cameron's friends, Simon, is one that I don't find important. So Cameron said he had a crush on him. I couldn't understand why, exactly. Plus Simon seemed to be a condescending character. It'll be nice to actually have Cameron and Henry interact rather than reading about how Cameron thinks about Simon (see point #1).
+ Similar with the plot with Cameron's nephew, Erik. See point #1 and #3
+ Oh, and I'm also so very annoyed with how Cameron calls his own mother, That Woman. Once or twice, it sounds funny. But not 67 times!!! And I counted this using my Adobe Reader search function. Reading 67 reference of "That Woman" in dialog or description is aggravating for me.
This story might work for other readers, and I always think you should make up your own opinion. But this is definitely a disappointment for yours truly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2012
First up, this is gay fiction not m/m romance although a romance is at the heart of the book.
"First Impressions" is one of the best books I've read this year. There is so much going for it, if you drop your prejudices, look beneath the surface and think about what the author is saying.
It makes a number of statements on a number of levels clothed in witty, irreverent and scathing dialogue as befits a gay writer doing exactly what Jane Austen did many years ago.
It's fun picking the parallels with specific characters. They are there in essence, but at times the lines blur. For example, Simon is sometimes said to be the Wickham character, but really he reminds me more of Elizabeth's friend Charlotte and her marriage of convenience to Mr Collins aka Henry's Uncle Brenton. The master stroke was making his alter ego, the drag queen as a beautiful rendition of Lady Catherine.
Just as in the original, the secondary characters are seen through the eyes of the long suffering quieter pair, Elizabeth and Darcy, or in this case Cameron and Henry. Their friends' frivolities and flaws stand out in marked contrast to the latter's more conservative behavior.
True, the antics can be at times over-the-top, because deep down the POV character, Cameron, makes no bones about the fact he's gay and allows the stereotypical acerbic gay wit to sneak through.
Some of the scenes in the book are priceless. Take for example the early scene in the diner where the four men have gathered on Cameron's birthday. Their sniping dialogue is very well done.
Reading this requires you to look underneath words and concentrate more on what characters do. Those with good hearts may on the surface appear bratty, selfish and out of control but that is often a front donned to protect themselves from the judgemental pricks of (and in) society.
There's also a very serious, thought-provoking discussion on what makes the perfect partner. Present are Cameron's mentors, Brent and Aspen (aka Mr and Mrs Gardiner) and Darren (aka Mr Bingham) The criteria of choosing the Ideal Husband hold true for anyone of any gender, and the answer may surprise some people. I have no doubt that the arguments presented here reflect the author's own beliefs, judging by his record of nearly twenty years of happy marriage.
All I'd like to know is if Darren ends up with Thad or Van (or both maybe) that would be a perfect match.
So, if you've been put off reading the book because of negative reviews, do yourself a favor and read it without prejudice because I think the author should be proud of what he's written.
Mind you, you don't have to have read Pride and Prejudice to enjoy the story, and I'd forgotten hearing about the link until half way through. This link explains some plot roughness as characters are used to mirror the original. But overall, it is a comedy of manners of our time, a sarcastic take on the society it's set in and a collection of some really memorable characters.
"First Impressions" is one of the best books I've read this year. There is so much going for it, if you drop your prejudices, look beneath the surface and think about what the author is saying.
It makes a number of statements on a number of levels clothed in witty, irreverent and scathing dialogue as befits a gay writer doing exactly what Jane Austen did many years ago.
It's fun picking the parallels with specific characters. They are there in essence, but at times the lines blur. For example, Simon is sometimes said to be the Wickham character, but really he reminds me more of Elizabeth's friend Charlotte and her marriage of convenience to Mr Collins aka Henry's Uncle Brenton. The master stroke was making his alter ego, the drag queen as a beautiful rendition of Lady Catherine.
Just as in the original, the secondary characters are seen through the eyes of the long suffering quieter pair, Elizabeth and Darcy, or in this case Cameron and Henry. Their friends' frivolities and flaws stand out in marked contrast to the latter's more conservative behavior.
True, the antics can be at times over-the-top, because deep down the POV character, Cameron, makes no bones about the fact he's gay and allows the stereotypical acerbic gay wit to sneak through.
Some of the scenes in the book are priceless. Take for example the early scene in the diner where the four men have gathered on Cameron's birthday. Their sniping dialogue is very well done.
Reading this requires you to look underneath words and concentrate more on what characters do. Those with good hearts may on the surface appear bratty, selfish and out of control but that is often a front donned to protect themselves from the judgemental pricks of (and in) society.
There's also a very serious, thought-provoking discussion on what makes the perfect partner. Present are Cameron's mentors, Brent and Aspen (aka Mr and Mrs Gardiner) and Darren (aka Mr Bingham) The criteria of choosing the Ideal Husband hold true for anyone of any gender, and the answer may surprise some people. I have no doubt that the arguments presented here reflect the author's own beliefs, judging by his record of nearly twenty years of happy marriage.
All I'd like to know is if Darren ends up with Thad or Van (or both maybe) that would be a perfect match.
So, if you've been put off reading the book because of negative reviews, do yourself a favor and read it without prejudice because I think the author should be proud of what he's written.
Mind you, you don't have to have read Pride and Prejudice to enjoy the story, and I'd forgotten hearing about the link until half way through. This link explains some plot roughness as characters are used to mirror the original. But overall, it is a comedy of manners of our time, a sarcastic take on the society it's set in and a collection of some really memorable characters.
August 22, 2013
I'm surprised to report that I enjoyed this story. True to its title, its first impression on me was not so great; I didn't really care for either MC and wasn't sure if I was even rooting for them to get together. Furthermore, they don't meet until the 5th or 6th chapter/maybe 15% into the book.
However, I actually enjoyed it. The characters take a nice, long journey from the awful first impressions they make to reconciling in the end as explanations and revelations re: character and motivations come to the fore.
Also, bonus points because this novel features an ex-porn star as a MC, and that aspect was handled gracefully with a surprising amount of tact and realism, too. I thought the characters overall were well rounded, and the secondary characters were fun, fleshed out, and sometimes incredibly frustrating.
All in all, it made for a good read. :)
However, I actually enjoyed it. The characters take a nice, long journey from the awful first impressions they make to reconciling in the end as explanations and revelations re: character and motivations come to the fore.
Also, bonus points because this novel features an ex-porn star as a MC, and that aspect was handled gracefully with a surprising amount of tact and realism, too. I thought the characters overall were well rounded, and the secondary characters were fun, fleshed out, and sometimes incredibly frustrating.
All in all, it made for a good read. :)
March 30, 2021
This is one of those books that utterly fascinate me yet drive me up the wall because the main characters just don’t get it. This story contains misunderstanding after misconception, interpretations of events that are clearly incorrect (with reader-sight as well as hindsight) – in other words, this novel feels like a slice of real life to me. Cameron and Henry get off on the wrong foot – and stumble through the rest of the book clearly fascinated with each other (even if they’d never admit that) but unable to get over their first impressions to reassess the other in the light of day and taking into account the fact that both of them are only human.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 5, 2013
This book was unusual for me as my opinion kept changing. One minute I was loving it, the next I wasn't so sure. In summary, I did enjoy the story and it's laugh-out-loud moments but a little more loving would have raised it just a notch.
The strengths of the book were the wonderful range of characters - most hugely over the top, especially Cameron's mother - and the humour throughout the story. This is one of those books with some great one-liners. I also adored Cameron's 'stories' about his family.
This is the story of two men who are looking for something more in their lives. Henry is an ex-porn star whose reputation seems to follow him everywhere. He is sick of being known for his huge 'endowment' and wants to find a special person to love him for himself. He is a successful business man and philanthropist.
Cameron has tried to be independent and make a life away from his crazy family. He didn't want to dependent on their money or connections but at twenty-nine, finds himself in a position where he is wondering where his life is going.
An unfortunate first meeting, where Henry insults Cameron based on a misunderstanding of what he thinks of Cameron, results in Cameron disliking Henry. But fate (and their friends) has a way of bring them together. As they keep running into each other, they are attracted and eventually realise they have both may have made a mistake in their first impression of each other.
Throw in some fabulous and strange friends, wacky drag-queen uncles, Cameron's outrageous mother ("Her son wasn't the marrying type") and a bratty teenager and there is lots of fun.
So where did it not come together for me? I think it was the romance angle. I wanted to see Henry and Cameron spend more time together and it just didn't happen. Because they weren't together, I also failed to see how their love developed. I guess I just wanted more love.
I definitely think some points are deserved for including character names such as porn star "Hugh Jerection" (corny as that may be) and a kid calling his uncle's gay friend's "Uncle Dickrider" and "Uncle Fudgepacker" and them just putting up with it!
3.5 stars
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
The strengths of the book were the wonderful range of characters - most hugely over the top, especially Cameron's mother - and the humour throughout the story. This is one of those books with some great one-liners. I also adored Cameron's 'stories' about his family.
This is the story of two men who are looking for something more in their lives. Henry is an ex-porn star whose reputation seems to follow him everywhere. He is sick of being known for his huge 'endowment' and wants to find a special person to love him for himself. He is a successful business man and philanthropist.
Cameron has tried to be independent and make a life away from his crazy family. He didn't want to dependent on their money or connections but at twenty-nine, finds himself in a position where he is wondering where his life is going.
An unfortunate first meeting, where Henry insults Cameron based on a misunderstanding of what he thinks of Cameron, results in Cameron disliking Henry. But fate (and their friends) has a way of bring them together. As they keep running into each other, they are attracted and eventually realise they have both may have made a mistake in their first impression of each other.
Throw in some fabulous and strange friends, wacky drag-queen uncles, Cameron's outrageous mother ("Her son wasn't the marrying type") and a bratty teenager and there is lots of fun.
So where did it not come together for me? I think it was the romance angle. I wanted to see Henry and Cameron spend more time together and it just didn't happen. Because they weren't together, I also failed to see how their love developed. I guess I just wanted more love.
I definitely think some points are deserved for including character names such as porn star "Hugh Jerection" (corny as that may be) and a kid calling his uncle's gay friend's "Uncle Dickrider" and "Uncle Fudgepacker" and them just putting up with it!
3.5 stars
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
March 30, 2021
This is one of those books that utterly fascinate me yet drive me up the wall because the main characters just don’t get it. This story contains misunderstanding after misconception, interpretations of events that are clearly incorrect (with reader-sight as well as hindsight) – in other words, this novel feels like a slice of real life to me. Cameron and Henry get off on the wrong foot – and stumble through the rest of the book clearly fascinated with each other (even if they’d never admit that) but unable to get over their first impressions to reassess the other in the light of day and taking into account the fact that both of them are only human.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 19, 2012
Good m/m romance about a former porn star (now a mostly respectable businessman) who makes a terrible first impression on the store clerk he finds attractive. Of course, the store clerk is simultaneously making a terrible first impression on him, too... and things don't really improve between them from there.
March 9, 2014
3.25 stars. "Farce: a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations." This definition sums up it up for me nicely. And I don't mean that negatively at all. I would probably prefer this in a movie or TV show format rather than a book and but I did like it- the writing was fast-paced, funny and witty.
March 2, 2017
Review posted on World of Diversity Fiction
I really enjoyed this story, it was hilarious and sweet with a great cast of characters. There was an ex porn star, a quirky cross dressing “uncle”, female impersonators, wacky but faithful friends, an annoying mother (of course) a troubled young boy and his uncle who becomes his guardian.
I loved Cameron, a young man that desperately wants to make it on his own but somehow he’s not able to get ahead. Enter his friends they try to set him up with a very handsome Henry who happens to be an ex porn star but is now a very wealthy business man, he also has a friend that is trying to set him up with Cameron. As first impressions go this one didn’t go well. Henry and Cameron are brought to a party where they spot each other across the room and are immediately drawn to one another but when Henry makes his way to Cameron he realizes Cameron is dressed as a club boy (thanks to Cameron’s friends Van and Thad) which is something Henry is tired of and wants no part of ever again. Unfortunately he over reacts and says some things that has Cameron running from the party.
These two are destined to keep running into each other either accidentally or by design but every meeting ends in one or the other misunderstanding the situation. As much as I wish I could have smacked these guys and get them to just talk I realized I was enjoying their misfortunes and just wanted to read on to see what was next for them.
Cameron and Henry have chemistry and it’s evident from that first look across the room they have a bunch of family and friends that want both of them to be together and happy.....if only they’d take a few minutes to talk.
This is more a love story than a romance one that I wish could go on, I’m not ready to leave Cameron and Henry’s life yet.
If you like the classics you may like this it’s an interesting take on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
April 12, 2014
Henry Hughes is successful business man but is almost a recluse. Having made his money in the porn industry he is tired of people looking at him and seeing only his alter ego’ Hugh Jerection’. Yes he was in adult films, Yes he has a huge cock, No that isn’t who he really is and it pains him that people can’t see past it.
Cameron Jameson is crushing after his friend Simon who never notices him and IMO was a selfish ass. He has two flatmates that take up a lot of his energy but actually care about him, even if they do seem to get him in trouble more often than not. After leaving home ten years ago determined not to rely on his family name or their money his life is floundering and he is beginning to question the choices he has made.
When Camerons flatmates Van and Thad take him to a party to introduce him to Henry dressed up as a glittering party boy it doesn’t go to plan. Henry sees yet another person after his money and insults Cameron who quickly flees. When Cameron later finds out he was almost set up with a former porn star he feels a sense of relief that the meeting didn’t go well.
This is not an MM romance but more of an hysterical comedy with a HEA. Once their awful first meeting is over the two seem to bump into each other at every other turn and it never ends well. Their first impressions of each other don’t seem to be too far off the mark but at the same time there is a sexual attraction that neither wants to look at too closely.
This story has been written in a unique way and ventures away from the norm. The secondary characters are well thought out and bring as much to the story as Cameron and Henry. When you add in their hilarious attempts at dating including a gun toting Russian, the aunties, That Woman on ecstasy in a bridesmaids dress, a drag queen with a harem of young boys, a shoplifting teenager and their crazy friends the story jumps from one catastrophe to another and will have you laughing out loud for the majority of it.
Cameron Jameson is crushing after his friend Simon who never notices him and IMO was a selfish ass. He has two flatmates that take up a lot of his energy but actually care about him, even if they do seem to get him in trouble more often than not. After leaving home ten years ago determined not to rely on his family name or their money his life is floundering and he is beginning to question the choices he has made.
When Camerons flatmates Van and Thad take him to a party to introduce him to Henry dressed up as a glittering party boy it doesn’t go to plan. Henry sees yet another person after his money and insults Cameron who quickly flees. When Cameron later finds out he was almost set up with a former porn star he feels a sense of relief that the meeting didn’t go well.
This is not an MM romance but more of an hysterical comedy with a HEA. Once their awful first meeting is over the two seem to bump into each other at every other turn and it never ends well. Their first impressions of each other don’t seem to be too far off the mark but at the same time there is a sexual attraction that neither wants to look at too closely.
This story has been written in a unique way and ventures away from the norm. The secondary characters are well thought out and bring as much to the story as Cameron and Henry. When you add in their hilarious attempts at dating including a gun toting Russian, the aunties, That Woman on ecstasy in a bridesmaids dress, a drag queen with a harem of young boys, a shoplifting teenager and their crazy friends the story jumps from one catastrophe to another and will have you laughing out loud for the majority of it.
September 1, 2012
A charming story, which I put in my rereads file. I liked this adaptation to Pride and Prejudice, quite a bit. While some of the elements from Pride and Prejudice were visible it had enough of it's own that it's not just a gay version of an old classics.The book focused on the plot and characters rather than on sex( and I was afraid of that, after reading, that one of the main protagonists was a retired porn star). I liked the characters and they did have to grow up a bit or at least learn that they don't always know the absolute truth.
Honestly, it made me laugh and the main couple took it's time to come together, which I consider a good thing since they had somewhat of a bad start.
Honestly, it made me laugh and the main couple took it's time to come together, which I consider a good thing since they had somewhat of a bad start.
May 14, 2012
This one just wasn't for me. The constant back and forth between the MC's was just exhausting, and I eventually lost interest in whether they would end up together or not. I did love the best friends though. They were just too cute. That's about the only redeeming part of the book for me. Bummer.
May 3, 2012
I loved absolutely everything about this book, hit all the right spots for me :)
I'm agreeing with Gennie Gee, Mr.Koehler, please consider writing another book about Henry and Cam!
I'm agreeing with Gennie Gee, Mr.Koehler, please consider writing another book about Henry and Cam!
March 29, 2021
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I wanted to like this book, but in the end it was just okay. TO me, the plot felt pulled in too many different directions. This could have been a great enemies-to-lovers romance, but then there were the added layers of Cameron's family issues, his issues with Simon (and Simon's problems later once he is off with Benton), and his own struggle to figure out what is missing from his life. On top of that Henry had his own struggles of coming to terms with his past in the adult film industry, his social anxiety, and his body issues. And those don't really even include the drama from all of the secondary characters. Of which there were PLENTY.
***Spoilers Ahead***
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While I don't mind the occasional insta-love, this time it felt incredibly forced. They have approximately 1.5 positive interactions before they are declaring their love. I just didn't feel their connection beyond mutual attraction.
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For me, this book would be better if the plot was pared down and there was more interaction between the main characters that built up their relationship and made it feel believable.
I wanted to like this book, but in the end it was just okay. TO me, the plot felt pulled in too many different directions. This could have been a great enemies-to-lovers romance, but then there were the added layers of Cameron's family issues, his issues with Simon (and Simon's problems later once he is off with Benton), and his own struggle to figure out what is missing from his life. On top of that Henry had his own struggles of coming to terms with his past in the adult film industry, his social anxiety, and his body issues. And those don't really even include the drama from all of the secondary characters. Of which there were PLENTY.
***Spoilers Ahead***
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While I don't mind the occasional insta-love, this time it felt incredibly forced. They have approximately 1.5 positive interactions before they are declaring their love. I just didn't feel their connection beyond mutual attraction.
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For me, this book would be better if the plot was pared down and there was more interaction between the main characters that built up their relationship and made it feel believable.
September 2, 2021
Excellent read
Funny and angsty all at the same time. Adored Cameron’s fake family stories so much I read them aloud to my spouse. Loved Henry to pieces and I loved the happy ending because those two were meant to be together.
Funny and angsty all at the same time. Adored Cameron’s fake family stories so much I read them aloud to my spouse. Loved Henry to pieces and I loved the happy ending because those two were meant to be together.
July 1, 2012
Penny's Rating: B +
If someone had told me before I offered to review this book for Net Galley that First Impressions was a gay contemporary romance novel that follows the plot of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, I would have told you that there was no way that would work as a novel. So I am glad I didn’t know that when I started reading. You would think that the title, First Impressions, which was Austen’s original title for Pride and Prejudice would have tipped me off, but no. Perhaps I was distracted by the yummy shirtless man painted on the cover, but I was a few chapters into the novel before I noticed the familiar Austen plot. Yes, I am an Austen fan, and P&P is one of my favorite novels of all time. I do not think you have to be a Austen fan to enjoy Mr. Koehler's novel, but for me, being a fan of all things Austen added a whole other level of enjoyment to Koehler's tale.
The characters that Mr. Koehler created for this tale are endearing and hilarious, and work beautifully in their roles as P&P characters. Cameron, who takes the part of Elizabeth Bennett, and Henry, who plays a very well endowed ex-porn star version of Mr. Darcy, are prefect in their roles. Their encounters are both wonderfully awkward, and increasingly adorable as their attraction for each other builds, but neither has the courage to admit their true feelings.
As for the rest of the Austen's characters, Koehler made brilliant choices and created some really funny character's as a result. Who would have ever though that Lady Catherine could be a wealthy porn empress drag queen? Or that Wickham could work as a slut friend and meth user? Or that Mr. Collins could be a crazy gangster who takes Cameron along for a drive-by shooting while on a date? Plus, don't even get me started on the hijinks of Cameron's completely inappropriate roommates and best friends, aka the Bennett sisters.
More than anything else, I loved the fact that even though I knew the overall plot of the novel, Mr. Koehler's tale continually surprised me. He managed to write an amazing modern-day version of one of my favorite novels, plus it's humorous, and to top it off, unlike an Austen novel with its sexual tension and longing glances, this tale has some pretty hot sex as well! This is a must read for any M/M fan who loves Jane Austen. Thank you Mr. Koehler, and if you ever decide to tackle a re-telling of Persuasion, I am so there.
If someone had told me before I offered to review this book for Net Galley that First Impressions was a gay contemporary romance novel that follows the plot of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, I would have told you that there was no way that would work as a novel. So I am glad I didn’t know that when I started reading. You would think that the title, First Impressions, which was Austen’s original title for Pride and Prejudice would have tipped me off, but no. Perhaps I was distracted by the yummy shirtless man painted on the cover, but I was a few chapters into the novel before I noticed the familiar Austen plot. Yes, I am an Austen fan, and P&P is one of my favorite novels of all time. I do not think you have to be a Austen fan to enjoy Mr. Koehler's novel, but for me, being a fan of all things Austen added a whole other level of enjoyment to Koehler's tale.
The characters that Mr. Koehler created for this tale are endearing and hilarious, and work beautifully in their roles as P&P characters. Cameron, who takes the part of Elizabeth Bennett, and Henry, who plays a very well endowed ex-porn star version of Mr. Darcy, are prefect in their roles. Their encounters are both wonderfully awkward, and increasingly adorable as their attraction for each other builds, but neither has the courage to admit their true feelings.
As for the rest of the Austen's characters, Koehler made brilliant choices and created some really funny character's as a result. Who would have ever though that Lady Catherine could be a wealthy porn empress drag queen? Or that Wickham could work as a slut friend and meth user? Or that Mr. Collins could be a crazy gangster who takes Cameron along for a drive-by shooting while on a date? Plus, don't even get me started on the hijinks of Cameron's completely inappropriate roommates and best friends, aka the Bennett sisters.
More than anything else, I loved the fact that even though I knew the overall plot of the novel, Mr. Koehler's tale continually surprised me. He managed to write an amazing modern-day version of one of my favorite novels, plus it's humorous, and to top it off, unlike an Austen novel with its sexual tension and longing glances, this tale has some pretty hot sex as well! This is a must read for any M/M fan who loves Jane Austen. Thank you Mr. Koehler, and if you ever decide to tackle a re-telling of Persuasion, I am so there.
May 9, 2012
Gennie's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
I both love and hate books that leave me wanting much more at the end! (I want to read more about Henry and Cameron right now!) First Impressions by Christopher Koehler was just such a book for me. The plot is both fairly simple and quite complex, but it boils down to just how flexible the characters are when someone makes a horrible first impression.
Henry really blows it when he meets Cameron from the first time and Cameron just can’t seem to get over it. Granted, Henry said so REALLY horrible things, but Henry’s outburst wasn’t completely directed at Cameron, just the stereotype he represented in Henry’s mind. This book is filled with angst on both the main characters part and there were times I found myself simply yelling at the two men to communicate! But if they did what I wanted, where would the story and tension be in that?
Both Henry and Cameron are surrounded by what I can only call wildly eccentric secondary characters, and that is just putting it mildly but I can’t come up with a more accurate description of these entertaining individuals. The Peter Pansies, That Woman (Cameron’s mother), Benton III, and the Aunties will keep you interested and thinking what world did I enter?!? This is a departure from Mr. Koehler’s other books, but it is not less enjoyable. If you like a book that focuses more on the development of the main characters (and the world in which they live), and less on frivolous sex, than this books for you!
I both love and hate books that leave me wanting much more at the end! (I want to read more about Henry and Cameron right now!) First Impressions by Christopher Koehler was just such a book for me. The plot is both fairly simple and quite complex, but it boils down to just how flexible the characters are when someone makes a horrible first impression.
Henry really blows it when he meets Cameron from the first time and Cameron just can’t seem to get over it. Granted, Henry said so REALLY horrible things, but Henry’s outburst wasn’t completely directed at Cameron, just the stereotype he represented in Henry’s mind. This book is filled with angst on both the main characters part and there were times I found myself simply yelling at the two men to communicate! But if they did what I wanted, where would the story and tension be in that?
Both Henry and Cameron are surrounded by what I can only call wildly eccentric secondary characters, and that is just putting it mildly but I can’t come up with a more accurate description of these entertaining individuals. The Peter Pansies, That Woman (Cameron’s mother), Benton III, and the Aunties will keep you interested and thinking what world did I enter?!? This is a departure from Mr. Koehler’s other books, but it is not less enjoyable. If you like a book that focuses more on the development of the main characters (and the world in which they live), and less on frivolous sex, than this books for you!
April 23, 2012
I both love and hate books that leave me wanting much more at the end! (I want to read more about Henry and Cameron right now!) First Impressions by Christopher Koehler was just such a book for me. The plot is both fairly simple and quite complex, but it boils down to just how flexible the characters are when someone makes a horrible first impression.
Henry really blows it when he meets Cameron from the first time and Cameron just can’t seem to get over it. Granted, Henry said so REALLY horrible things, but Henry’s outburst wasn’t completely directed at Cameron, just the stereotype he represented in Henry’s mind. This book is filled with angst on both the main characters part and there were times I found myself simply yelling at the two men to communicate! But if they did what I wanted, where would the story and tension be in that?
Both Henry and Cameron are surrounded by what I can only call wildly eccentric secondary characters, and that is just putting it mildly but I can’t come up with a more accurate description of these entertaining individuals. The Peter Pansies, That Woman (Cameron’s mother), Benton III, and the Aunties will keep you interested and thinking what world did I enter?!? This is a departure from Mr. Koehler’s other books, but it is not less enjoyable. If you like a book that focuses more on the development of the main characters (and the world in which they live), and less on frivolous sex, than this books for you!
Henry really blows it when he meets Cameron from the first time and Cameron just can’t seem to get over it. Granted, Henry said so REALLY horrible things, but Henry’s outburst wasn’t completely directed at Cameron, just the stereotype he represented in Henry’s mind. This book is filled with angst on both the main characters part and there were times I found myself simply yelling at the two men to communicate! But if they did what I wanted, where would the story and tension be in that?
Both Henry and Cameron are surrounded by what I can only call wildly eccentric secondary characters, and that is just putting it mildly but I can’t come up with a more accurate description of these entertaining individuals. The Peter Pansies, That Woman (Cameron’s mother), Benton III, and the Aunties will keep you interested and thinking what world did I enter?!? This is a departure from Mr. Koehler’s other books, but it is not less enjoyable. If you like a book that focuses more on the development of the main characters (and the world in which they live), and less on frivolous sex, than this books for you!
April 25, 2012
We got very confusing plot in this book. Fist we got Cameron who is secretly in love with his friend Simon; and we got Henry who played in some erotic movies when he was student. The story is jumping from one character and his life situations to another character and his life situation. Sometimes they even meet.
As a reader, the plot did not pull me and too many friends are thrown in the picture so both main characters are somehow lost inside it. When Henry and Cameron come together as a couple you just think “really – no shit”.
Book is nothing special and writer doesn’t know how to write a plot that would pull you in.
As a reader, the plot did not pull me and too many friends are thrown in the picture so both main characters are somehow lost inside it. When Henry and Cameron come together as a couple you just think “really – no shit”.
Book is nothing special and writer doesn’t know how to write a plot that would pull you in.
April 16, 2012
2.5 This romantic comedy is a mixed bag more me. Some of the humor worked well for me, other parts fell flat. The many allusions to "Pride and Prejudice" were amusing to note, and the wild stories Cameron came up were fun. Where the book really came up short, though, was with getting me emotionally involved. None of the characters or situations were remotely "real" to me, and none engaged my emotions. I just didn't care very much about them, so the read was purely an intellectual exercise, and a mixed one at that.
May 21, 2012
4.5*
A really entertaining story!
I had some reservations on the 'That Woman' (aka mother) character but in the end it turned out I liked her as well.
All in all a well written story. Can't wait to read the next by this author.
A really entertaining story!
I had some reservations on the 'That Woman' (aka mother) character but in the end it turned out I liked her as well.
All in all a well written story. Can't wait to read the next by this author.
November 2, 2014
3.5 stars Great writing but, really long it took me forever to read this. It kinda dragged a little for me in several places. But I enjoyed the story and the humor. Thank you to my beautiful Bestie Dani who finished this way faster than me on our Buddy Read.
April 20, 2012
Very fun read, in some parts it didn't flow very well but all in all its a good book.
Want to read
July 31, 2014Only $0.99 for today only.
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April 24, 2021
Did you like Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice? Ever wish there was a GOOD M/M equivalent? This modern day adaptation might be just the ticket.
First this is NOT the typical M/M romance. First Impressions was the pre-publication title of Pride & Prejudice, and this is a gay, modern-day retelling of that tale. But how does one take a novel over 200 years old, give it a gay twist, adapt it for a modern setting, and yet make it relevant AND a fun read? It's a daunting task, but the author has done an incredible job.
Without entailment laws, Elizabeth Bennet has become Cameron Jameson. Cameron is the second son of wealthy parents who's just squeaking by after choosing to walk away from his parents' money and their pre-planned version of his life. Currently that means working as a retail clerk in Sacramento. He shares an apartment with two circuit gaybies affectionately called “the Blunder Twins.”
Our Darcy, Henry Hughes is a successful entrepreneur and a well hung ex-porn actor. I'm sure I'm missing a joke about our Darcy being well-endowed, but Henry is basically a self made man. Henry is in Sacramento for a time while planning for the next phase in the development of his ski-resort community.
As in the original, it's a “hate at first sight” situation with “awkward in crowds” Harry humiliating Cameron when they first meet at a ritzy event. The wealthy Henry has an even wealthier, (and certainly crazier) “aunt/uncle” in the trollish Drag-Queen character of Benton Thorpe III (aka Lady Fallatia Manblower). Cameron's room-mates, Thad & Van, the “blunder twins” are easily as embarrassing in public as Lydia & Kitty ever were. When the book starts, Cameron is even crushing on a fellow named Simon who's as Wickham-esque as they come. Austen fans will also recognize the Gardiners in a pair of older married gay men who Cameron thinks of as his “Aunties.”
All of the best loved bits of P&P are either here or alluded to, the conversing while dancing scene, Cameron telling off our wealthy Darcy (Henry) only to have Henry write and explain in a letter. There's even a scene where Cameron, after re-evaluating his earlier judgment of Harry is “caught snooping” at Henry's beloved (and spectacular) resort. While there are no refused outright marriage proposals, there is a hot sex scene in which Cameron plays top seed.
Given the number of plot points that needed to be covered, there's considerably less sex per page than the typical M/M romance but there is witty dialogue and a story just slightly less crazy than Auntie Mame. This will obviously not be to everyone's taste. But if you're an Austen fan; if you enjoy a well told comedy of manners with a multitude of over the top characters; and one that lampoons modern gay social circles, you might enjoy this more than you'd expect. I've read several other books that purported to be M/M retellings of this classic that haven't remained half as faithful to the spirit of the original as this one.
As an unapologetic Austen fan, I recommend and thoroughly enjoyed this homage to a classic. I'm only surprised that the inspiration goes unmentioned in the book blurb. This book's most avid fans may never find it.
First this is NOT the typical M/M romance. First Impressions was the pre-publication title of Pride & Prejudice, and this is a gay, modern-day retelling of that tale. But how does one take a novel over 200 years old, give it a gay twist, adapt it for a modern setting, and yet make it relevant AND a fun read? It's a daunting task, but the author has done an incredible job.
Without entailment laws, Elizabeth Bennet has become Cameron Jameson. Cameron is the second son of wealthy parents who's just squeaking by after choosing to walk away from his parents' money and their pre-planned version of his life. Currently that means working as a retail clerk in Sacramento. He shares an apartment with two circuit gaybies affectionately called “the Blunder Twins.”
Our Darcy, Henry Hughes is a successful entrepreneur and a well hung ex-porn actor. I'm sure I'm missing a joke about our Darcy being well-endowed, but Henry is basically a self made man. Henry is in Sacramento for a time while planning for the next phase in the development of his ski-resort community.
As in the original, it's a “hate at first sight” situation with “awkward in crowds” Harry humiliating Cameron when they first meet at a ritzy event. The wealthy Henry has an even wealthier, (and certainly crazier) “aunt/uncle” in the trollish Drag-Queen character of Benton Thorpe III (aka Lady Fallatia Manblower). Cameron's room-mates, Thad & Van, the “blunder twins” are easily as embarrassing in public as Lydia & Kitty ever were. When the book starts, Cameron is even crushing on a fellow named Simon who's as Wickham-esque as they come. Austen fans will also recognize the Gardiners in a pair of older married gay men who Cameron thinks of as his “Aunties.”
All of the best loved bits of P&P are either here or alluded to, the conversing while dancing scene, Cameron telling off our wealthy Darcy (Henry) only to have Henry write and explain in a letter. There's even a scene where Cameron, after re-evaluating his earlier judgment of Harry is “caught snooping” at Henry's beloved (and spectacular) resort. While there are no refused outright marriage proposals, there is a hot sex scene in which Cameron plays top seed.
Given the number of plot points that needed to be covered, there's considerably less sex per page than the typical M/M romance but there is witty dialogue and a story just slightly less crazy than Auntie Mame. This will obviously not be to everyone's taste. But if you're an Austen fan; if you enjoy a well told comedy of manners with a multitude of over the top characters; and one that lampoons modern gay social circles, you might enjoy this more than you'd expect. I've read several other books that purported to be M/M retellings of this classic that haven't remained half as faithful to the spirit of the original as this one.
As an unapologetic Austen fan, I recommend and thoroughly enjoyed this homage to a classic. I'm only surprised that the inspiration goes unmentioned in the book blurb. This book's most avid fans may never find it.
April 4, 2021
Note: Mentions of guns, drugs, kidnapping, running away, stealing and porn
This was an entertaining book from the very beginning. Honestly, I loved the drama inflicted by the secondary characters. It was nice to read a book that did not narrow in on the two MCs falling in love and ignoring everything else in the process. Van, Thad and even That Woman were amazing characters. What I enjoyed was how the author ensured that all supporting characters had a depth to them. In fact, the two MCs only ended up getting together at the very end of the book. In short, this was an enjoyable book with loads to offer. I am certain that you won't regret buying this book :).
This was an entertaining book from the very beginning. Honestly, I loved the drama inflicted by the secondary characters. It was nice to read a book that did not narrow in on the two MCs falling in love and ignoring everything else in the process. Van, Thad and even That Woman were amazing characters. What I enjoyed was how the author ensured that all supporting characters had a depth to them. In fact, the two MCs only ended up getting together at the very end of the book. In short, this was an enjoyable book with loads to offer. I am certain that you won't regret buying this book :).
March 27, 2021
Overall: 3.5/5⭐️
It took me a decent amount of the book to get hooked but once I did I devoured this book!! In the beginning I felt like there was so many characters and so much going on, it was confusing. But boy did I fall for those characters. Henry was my absolute favorite! I do wish there was more time of them being an actual couple. Although I understand I’m just a sucker for the mushy love lol, and it wouldn’t have aided the plot in any way. Is there a sequel tho? Cuz if so I need more Henry and Cameron!! Thoroughly enjoyed this book!!
It took me a decent amount of the book to get hooked but once I did I devoured this book!! In the beginning I felt like there was so many characters and so much going on, it was confusing. But boy did I fall for those characters. Henry was my absolute favorite! I do wish there was more time of them being an actual couple. Although I understand I’m just a sucker for the mushy love lol, and it wouldn’t have aided the plot in any way. Is there a sequel tho? Cuz if so I need more Henry and Cameron!! Thoroughly enjoyed this book!!
June 2, 2017
4 stars purely for Van, Thad, That Woman and Cameron's stories.
June 25, 2021
1,5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews