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frogy927's review
3.0
Between 3 and 4 stars. I guess all romance novels rely on you liking the main characters, and I just didn't really like them here (I also could not picture Cedric in a way that would be even a little bit, at all attractive), although I guess I sort of came around in the end.
ezichinny's review against another edition
5.0
4 star writing, 5 star on the enthrallment factor. So 4.5 stars.
Kevin Morrison is a divorcee with 3 kids and he is finally coming to terms with his sexuality as a bisexual man. Just to make sure, Kevin tries to go on dates with me, but for some reason, he always finds issues with the matches the dating websites send him.
One day while visiting a coffee shop, a stranger wearing leather gloves catches his eye. That stranger later follows him to a sex shop and they have a very unsatisfying sexual encounter.
Imagine Kevin's surprise when that stranger from the sex shop turns out to be his professor, Cedric Haughton-Disley.
This is the beginning of a book where I was either laughing or cringing.
Without giving anything away, Cedric has OCD and it made for some trying times. Cedric abhors kids, Kevin has 3 very young kids, LOL, just imagine that. Also, imagine sex with someone who has a germphobia. Yep. This was one of those books that I was glad I wasn't the MC, but was curious to see how they would handle themselves.
I loved this book, I loved Kevin's kids, ex-wife, family etc.
At times I wanted to smack Cedric, but then I would remind myself, it's not his fault, it's his OCD--but Cedric needed a mouth filter. I know that he knows he is difficult, but Kevin really deserves a medal for his patience and fortitude.
I don't think I could have hung in there. Actually, I know I couldn't but it made for an entertaining read.
Kevin Morrison is a divorcee with 3 kids and he is finally coming to terms with his sexuality as a bisexual man. Just to make sure, Kevin tries to go on dates with me, but for some reason, he always finds issues with the matches the dating websites send him.
One day while visiting a coffee shop, a stranger wearing leather gloves catches his eye. That stranger later follows him to a sex shop and they have a very unsatisfying sexual encounter.
Imagine Kevin's surprise when that stranger from the sex shop turns out to be his professor, Cedric Haughton-Disley.
This is the beginning of a book where I was either laughing or cringing.
Without giving anything away, Cedric has OCD and it made for some trying times. Cedric abhors kids, Kevin has 3 very young kids, LOL, just imagine that. Also, imagine sex with someone who has a germphobia. Yep. This was one of those books that I was glad I wasn't the MC, but was curious to see how they would handle themselves.
I loved this book, I loved Kevin's kids, ex-wife, family etc.
At times I wanted to smack Cedric, but then I would remind myself, it's not his fault, it's his OCD--but Cedric needed a mouth filter. I know that he knows he is difficult, but Kevin really deserves a medal for his patience and fortitude.
I don't think I could have hung in there. Actually, I know I couldn't but it made for an entertaining read.
jamieco's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars!
This book was really good! The only reasons keeping it from being a full five stars is the way Kevin acted sometimes pissed me off and I wish the epilogue had been further out. Other than that it was perfect!
This book was really good! The only reasons keeping it from being a full five stars is the way Kevin acted sometimes pissed me off and I wish the epilogue had been further out. Other than that it was perfect!
coris's review
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Vomit
suze_1624's review against another edition
5.0
4.5*
this story kept me engrossed all the way through. I think with the details of Cedric's OCD and germophobia and realising how exhausting such conditions must be to the sufferers.
I liked how Kevin was portrayed, bumbling in his early attempts to be true to himself and also his efforts to understand Cedric.
30.8.15 reread : I think the first time I was focussed much on Cedric and how his conditions affect living a 'normal' life, what ever that may be. This time, Kevin's struggles resonated with me more, especially when everything was piling on top - his understanding ex not being understanding, coming out, being outed, being homeless. Especially these are times when having a special someone to lean on helps so much and Cedric can't fully be that person - can't just take some of the weight - although Kevin didn't immediately take up the offer he could and did make. Quite a long story but one that gets a grip and doesn't let go!
this story kept me engrossed all the way through. I think with the details of Cedric's OCD and germophobia and realising how exhausting such conditions must be to the sufferers.
I liked how Kevin was portrayed, bumbling in his early attempts to be true to himself and also his efforts to understand Cedric.
30.8.15 reread : I think the first time I was focussed much on Cedric and how his conditions affect living a 'normal' life, what ever that may be. This time, Kevin's struggles resonated with me more, especially when everything was piling on top - his understanding ex not being understanding, coming out, being outed, being homeless. Especially these are times when having a special someone to lean on helps so much and Cedric can't fully be that person - can't just take some of the weight - although Kevin didn't immediately take up the offer he could and did make. Quite a long story but one that gets a grip and doesn't let go!
shazov's review against another edition
5.0
I never thought I'd love this book as much as I did. I wasn't completely sure what to expect from the blurb, but let me say that the reality far exceeded my expectations.
What I got was a beautiful, romantic love story between two very different characters. Each one brings their own form of baggage. Granted, Cedric's is basically a container load of baggage; with his OCD, his fear of germs and all this other bits and pieces. But Kevin isn't free and clear of issues either. He has only recently admitted to himself that he is gay. He is divorced and shares custody of his three kids...and is worried how this revelation will impact on all of this.
The story truly focuses on the building of a very tricky relationship...how to deal with the OCD...the obsessive cleanliness that Cedric needs and the effect the meds he is taking have on his body. It's very hard work and the author manages to convey this beautifully. There is no belittlement of any issue. Nothing is dismissed, or magically overcome. In fact it feels so real that while I just wanted to grab Cedric and hug him tight I was also very aware that he wouldn't appreciate it because of his fear of germs... and that is what I love. Characters so vivid that they seem real. Situations that you can picture in your head and scenario's that seem to play out in front of your eyes. This book had all of that and more!
What I got was a beautiful, romantic love story between two very different characters. Each one brings their own form of baggage. Granted, Cedric's is basically a container load of baggage; with his OCD, his fear of germs and all this other bits and pieces. But Kevin isn't free and clear of issues either. He has only recently admitted to himself that he is gay. He is divorced and shares custody of his three kids...and is worried how this revelation will impact on all of this.
The story truly focuses on the building of a very tricky relationship...how to deal with the OCD...the obsessive cleanliness that Cedric needs and the effect the meds he is taking have on his body. It's very hard work and the author manages to convey this beautifully. There is no belittlement of any issue. Nothing is dismissed, or magically overcome. In fact it feels so real that while I just wanted to grab Cedric and hug him tight I was also very aware that he wouldn't appreciate it because of his fear of germs... and that is what I love. Characters so vivid that they seem real. Situations that you can picture in your head and scenario's that seem to play out in front of your eyes. This book had all of that and more!
tiggers_hate_acorns's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it, the meltdowns, the disagreements, the loving moments - it was just great! Yes there were little inconsistencies but when I can't wait to read a book and push RL aside then it is a great book.
maya56's review
4.0
A substantial book, both in length and theme. Cedric's issues with regards to OCD were handled with great care and compassion without glossing over the turmoil for him or for Kevin, the man he falls in love with. So good but also absolutely exhausting to read at times!
pam_h's review
5.0
4.5 stars
Well that was just as good as everyone said it would be. Every time it looks like it's going down an irritating, formulaic path, the MCs either: a) Talk to each other and sort that shit out (who knew?!?) OR b) Realize they're being asshats and self-correct like proper, thinking adults. It should probably be concerning how refreshing that is!
I also loved the balance with Cedric's OCD of both continually striving to push/expand his limits as much as possible while also treating it as something permanent. There is no "fixing" this with Kevin's magic penis, but they can still work together as a team to maximize Cedric's quality of life and successful coping mechanisms.
This was so gently satisfying that I decided not to jump straight into another book like I normally would so I could bask in the glow of this one for a little longer.
Well that was just as good as everyone said it would be. Every time it looks like it's going down an irritating, formulaic path, the MCs either: a) Talk to each other and sort that shit out (who knew?!?) OR b) Realize they're being asshats and self-correct like proper, thinking adults. It should probably be concerning how refreshing that is!
I also loved the balance with Cedric's OCD of both continually striving to push/expand his limits as much as possible while also treating it as something permanent. There is no "fixing" this with Kevin's magic penis, but they can still work together as a team to maximize Cedric's quality of life and successful coping mechanisms.
This was so gently satisfying that I decided not to jump straight into another book like I normally would so I could bask in the glow of this one for a little longer.