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csduong's review
1.0
I couldn't finish this. I don't understand it. I found that Doug was just too "dumb" for his own good. It was very frustrating trying to read this.
maya56's review
3.0
2.5 Stars rounded up because it was free.
Gotta say this book really wasn't for me. I found the early interactions between the 2 MCs disturbing rather than humorous. Things were a bit better right near the end of the book but then it was just... over... suddenly.
Gotta say this book really wasn't for me. I found the early interactions between the 2 MCs disturbing rather than humorous. Things were a bit better right near the end of the book but then it was just... over... suddenly.
achillespatroclus's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
whatthefridge's review
4.0
It's like reading the love story between an enamored dog and grumpy cat, and it's ridiculously fun. Doug is "functionally retarded" according to Stephen; and Stephen, well, Doug wants to get him "a stick, to match the one you already have up your butt."
Doug is incredibly smart and dumb at the same time. He's the epitome of male model: really, really good looking--and not much else. People see him as a lazy druggy or an imbecile, but he prides himself on being a nice guy to everyone he meets, including strangers and homeless people. He has this way of soothing people that shows he has a high emotional intelligence, and it's noted this is why he gets laid a lot by girls. Even though Doug's extremely clueless and prone to getting distracted, he's okay with not being an intellectual, and he rather be happy than be right. He falls in love with Stephen even though he has no idea what being gay means (except sex with dudes), and he continues to figure out how to make Stephen fall in love with him, even though Stephen pretty much wants him dead or gone or both.
Stephen is the polar opposite of Doug: intellectual, uptight, and stressed. He hates everyone. His goal is to convince his therapists he's depressed and rejected and oppressed for being gay and not good enough and anything else that continues the misery cycle because he finds peace in being miserable, which is why he doesn't find peace with Doug.
The majority of the novel is told from Doug's perspective, who knows what he wants and is willing to do whatever it take to get it (or rather, him). He's willing to forgive Stephen's evilness and death threats and object throwing because he feels beneath all that is something good and lovable. It is his persistence that gradually wears down Stephen's defenses, and I'm glad that this process was not rushed for the sake of getting them together. Doug, in his infinite simpleness, earns Stephen's love. And also Stephen becomes less evil.
This novel was entertaining with lots of humor and plenty adorable clashing of personalities. Doug is an extrovert who enjoys being social and making friends. Especially with Stephen. On the other hand, Stephen hates people. He hates Doug most of all. He drew a diagram in case that was misunderstood.
Their romance is sweet and, on occasion, saucy, but not sexually graphic. Feels like it missed an opportunity, but not everything needs to be erotic. Although would have been fun watching Stephen squirm.
The real reason this got 4/5 stars was because much of Doug's memories and flashbacks didn't serve a purpose except to highlight his stream of consciousness. While a lot of it was good character building in the beginning, much of it could be cut later on without detracting from the story.
It was still fun to read, so I can't complain much. Just a little. In between not being able to put the book down.
Doug is incredibly smart and dumb at the same time. He's the epitome of male model: really, really good looking--and not much else. People see him as a lazy druggy or an imbecile, but he prides himself on being a nice guy to everyone he meets, including strangers and homeless people. He has this way of soothing people that shows he has a high emotional intelligence, and it's noted this is why he gets laid a lot by girls. Even though Doug's extremely clueless and prone to getting distracted, he's okay with not being an intellectual, and he rather be happy than be right. He falls in love with Stephen even though he has no idea what being gay means (except sex with dudes), and he continues to figure out how to make Stephen fall in love with him, even though Stephen pretty much wants him dead or gone or both.
Stephen is the polar opposite of Doug: intellectual, uptight, and stressed. He hates everyone. His goal is to convince his therapists he's depressed and rejected and oppressed for being gay and not good enough and anything else that continues the misery cycle because he finds peace in being miserable, which is why he doesn't find peace with Doug.
The majority of the novel is told from Doug's perspective, who knows what he wants and is willing to do whatever it take to get it (or rather, him). He's willing to forgive Stephen's evilness and death threats and object throwing because he feels beneath all that is something good and lovable. It is his persistence that gradually wears down Stephen's defenses, and I'm glad that this process was not rushed for the sake of getting them together. Doug, in his infinite simpleness, earns Stephen's love. And also Stephen becomes less evil.
This novel was entertaining with lots of humor and plenty adorable clashing of personalities. Doug is an extrovert who enjoys being social and making friends. Especially with Stephen. On the other hand, Stephen hates people. He hates Doug most of all. He drew a diagram in case that was misunderstood.
Their romance is sweet and, on occasion, saucy, but not sexually graphic. Feels like it missed an opportunity, but not everything needs to be erotic. Although would have been fun watching Stephen squirm.
The real reason this got 4/5 stars was because much of Doug's memories and flashbacks didn't serve a purpose except to highlight his stream of consciousness. While a lot of it was good character building in the beginning, much of it could be cut later on without detracting from the story.
It was still fun to read, so I can't complain much. Just a little. In between not being able to put the book down.
jkh107's review
4.0
Hilarious quirky love story between a not-too-bright male model who has no filters and a moody journalist as they embark on an expose of corporate corruption. The dialogue is truly the best part of this book, which was worth well more than the 99 cents I paid for it (and I rarely find a book worth more than its price!).
poultrymunitions's review
2.0
Promising.
Displays a charming flair for language and humor, but marred by minor excesses and a tiny bit of repetition.
As a character Doug is too stupid to be at all believable; Stephen never quite vulnerable enough to make putting up with his constantly disagreeable behavior worth it.
Compare to J.L. Merrow's [b:Muscling Through|11045338|Muscling Through|J.L. Merrow|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327900692s/11045338.jpg|15966033], which employs nearly the same setup to make nearly the same point—but with far more subtlety and restraint.
A little less of the stupid here, a little more of the vulnerable there, and I'd have been thrilled with this.
Instead, I was taken out of the story, waiting for the button to reappear.
The frequent switches between Doug's former life and his new one were lovely and illuminating, but repetitive, and while they added a lyrical quality to his life that he himself could never articulate, there were too many that were too similar, beautifully juxtaposed as they were.
I suppose I could summarize my feelings this way: too much here, too little there, and the balance of a very promising work was off from the beginning. It needed an editor, basically—someone to say "no, dial it back here."
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future, though. The talent is undeniable, as is the craft applied to the text. I just wish the tone hadn't gotten away from her so many times.
Also:
Bonus points for the incidental drug use. There is typically no need to get hysterical over a joint or a couple bumps of coke, and as a former, future, and enthusiastic abuser of anything from sugar to sangria, I appreciated the sangfroid feel of those scenes.
Displays a charming flair for language and humor, but marred by minor excesses and a tiny bit of repetition.
As a character Doug is too stupid to be at all believable; Stephen never quite vulnerable enough to make putting up with his constantly disagreeable behavior worth it.
Compare to J.L. Merrow's [b:Muscling Through|11045338|Muscling Through|J.L. Merrow|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327900692s/11045338.jpg|15966033], which employs nearly the same setup to make nearly the same point—but with far more subtlety and restraint.
A little less of the stupid here, a little more of the vulnerable there, and I'd have been thrilled with this.
Instead, I was taken out of the story, waiting for the button to reappear.
The frequent switches between Doug's former life and his new one were lovely and illuminating, but repetitive, and while they added a lyrical quality to his life that he himself could never articulate, there were too many that were too similar, beautifully juxtaposed as they were.
I suppose I could summarize my feelings this way: too much here, too little there, and the balance of a very promising work was off from the beginning. It needed an editor, basically—someone to say "no, dial it back here."
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future, though. The talent is undeniable, as is the craft applied to the text. I just wish the tone hadn't gotten away from her so many times.
Also:
Bonus points for the incidental drug use. There is typically no need to get hysterical over a joint or a couple bumps of coke, and as a former, future, and enthusiastic abuser of anything from sugar to sangria, I appreciated the sangfroid feel of those scenes.
summerofsoaps's review
4.0
This book was SUCH a pleasant surprise. I haven't laughed out loud this much while reading in quite a long time! I loved Doug, even if he at times came off as unbelievable, and Stephen, even though he was a total pain in the ass. I also liked that the sex scenes were mostly tasteful fade to black, which is refreshing change of pace from most m/m romances (and romances published today in general).
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