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Lovestrong #1
How Not to Blend
One clueless single dad…
Dr. Corbin Davis is a busy guy just trying to do his best as a single parent. He may be oblivious to a lot of things, but surely he would’ve noticed something as important as his fifteen-year-old son, Grayson, being bullied, right? And what the heck is non-binary, and why hasn’t Gray shared this all-important part of himself with his own dad?
Plus one sassy Southerner…
Andy Ferguson, or Kandi as the Thursday night drag community knows him, is just trying to get along in a small town and hold things together while he takes care of his beloved Gam-Gam. If she’d just get off his back about finding himself a man, that would be fantastic, thank you very much. He’ll get around to love… one of these days.
Equals a pair of fake-boyfriends who will keep you in stitches.
When Corb gets the wild idea to ask Andy to pose as his boyfriend to let Gray know that his dad is bisexual and open-minded enough to talk to about his nonbinary status, Andy is amused and just intrigued enough to say yes… especially since he seems to be in the market for a fake boyfriend himself, if it will get Gam-Gam to quit nagging.
This is the first book in the LOVESTRONG series about finding love and being yourself in a small town. Intended only for 18+ readers, this is an mm romance fill with all the fun, fluff, and feels you’d want from an S. Hawke book.
Dr. Corbin Davis is a busy guy just trying to do his best as a single parent. He may be oblivious to a lot of things, but surely he would’ve noticed something as important as his fifteen-year-old son, Grayson, being bullied, right? And what the heck is non-binary, and why hasn’t Gray shared this all-important part of himself with his own dad?
Plus one sassy Southerner…
Andy Ferguson, or Kandi as the Thursday night drag community knows him, is just trying to get along in a small town and hold things together while he takes care of his beloved Gam-Gam. If she’d just get off his back about finding himself a man, that would be fantastic, thank you very much. He’ll get around to love… one of these days.
Equals a pair of fake-boyfriends who will keep you in stitches.
When Corb gets the wild idea to ask Andy to pose as his boyfriend to let Gray know that his dad is bisexual and open-minded enough to talk to about his nonbinary status, Andy is amused and just intrigued enough to say yes… especially since he seems to be in the market for a fake boyfriend himself, if it will get Gam-Gam to quit nagging.
This is the first book in the LOVESTRONG series about finding love and being yourself in a small town. Intended only for 18+ readers, this is an mm romance fill with all the fun, fluff, and feels you’d want from an S. Hawke book.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2019
About the author
Susan Hawke
35 books363 followersSusan Hawke is more widely known for her mpreg writings as Susi Hawke; this new name is a departure from that. Whether written by Susan or Susi, the books are filled with that all-important love, laughter, and family; the only difference is that this name has no male pregnancy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
February 6, 2019
Uncomfortable stereotypes and language straight from social media
I wanted to like this book. The character concepts were compelling--a bi man trying to communicate with his non-binary son gets help from a campy/flamboyant gay man (drag queen?). Not quite run-of-the-mill even in M/M fiction.
(Brief note for context of my background: I am an AFAB non-binary ace/bi guy in his early twenties and am white)
One thing I have a heck of a time getting past in this book is the language used in both dialogue and narration, especially from Andy's perspective. There is absolutely nothing inherently wrong with being/writing a campy gay dude. But so much of the "sassy" language used by non-black gay guys is directly appropriated from AAVE (this goes hand in hand with the "secret sassy black woman" thing some gay guys talk/joke about; big no no). In some sense that language appropriation makes the character more true to life, but it makes it nearly impossible for me to actually like Andy. His grandmother bugs me a lot too, but that may have more to do with my inability to get all the emotional cues in written word.
Actually, I almost (but not quite) feel the three ladies in this book are all sort of the same person. Aside from names, ages, and jobs, they don't seem very distinct.
I also shy away from drag, especially in its modern form, where it tends to--surprise, surprise--appropriate Black culture in language if nothing else. A not insignificant amount of modern drag is heavily influenced by RuPaul's Drag Race, and tends to be very misogynistic in addition to appropriative. (The b*tchy-ness and trash talk in back rooms seems reflective of stereotypical mean girl talk) Classic drag from the ball era was more diverse and tended more towards personal expression/exploration than fulfilling stereotypes.
Then there's the non-binary son, Grayson. He seems like a good kid, and I did mostly enjoy his character. The whole discussion around his gender identity was more than a bit uncomfortable for me. The inevitable missteps on his father's part were fine, but I ultimately came away with the feeling that neither Grayson nor the author had a good understanding of what his identity really was. Attempting to say that he is genderfluid because he has variable feelings of masculinity and femininity is like saying I'm genderfluid because I usually present masculine/neutral but sometimes really like nail polish or lip color. No doubt it is like that for some folks out there, but for a book that seems intent on "teaching" about the idea of being non-binary, the necessary narrative of broad variation is missing for me.
I'm willing to bet that most people who read this will think I'm being overly harsh. But reviews are for opinions, so here's mine.
(Note: all ratings start at 5 stars and lose stars for things I don't like.)
I wanted to like this book. The character concepts were compelling--a bi man trying to communicate with his non-binary son gets help from a campy/flamboyant gay man (drag queen?). Not quite run-of-the-mill even in M/M fiction.
(Brief note for context of my background: I am an AFAB non-binary ace/bi guy in his early twenties and am white)
One thing I have a heck of a time getting past in this book is the language used in both dialogue and narration, especially from Andy's perspective. There is absolutely nothing inherently wrong with being/writing a campy gay dude. But so much of the "sassy" language used by non-black gay guys is directly appropriated from AAVE (this goes hand in hand with the "secret sassy black woman" thing some gay guys talk/joke about; big no no). In some sense that language appropriation makes the character more true to life, but it makes it nearly impossible for me to actually like Andy. His grandmother bugs me a lot too, but that may have more to do with my inability to get all the emotional cues in written word.
Actually, I almost (but not quite) feel the three ladies in this book are all sort of the same person. Aside from names, ages, and jobs, they don't seem very distinct.
I also shy away from drag, especially in its modern form, where it tends to--surprise, surprise--appropriate Black culture in language if nothing else. A not insignificant amount of modern drag is heavily influenced by RuPaul's Drag Race, and tends to be very misogynistic in addition to appropriative. (The b*tchy-ness and trash talk in back rooms seems reflective of stereotypical mean girl talk) Classic drag from the ball era was more diverse and tended more towards personal expression/exploration than fulfilling stereotypes.
Then there's the non-binary son, Grayson. He seems like a good kid, and I did mostly enjoy his character. The whole discussion around his gender identity was more than a bit uncomfortable for me. The inevitable missteps on his father's part were fine, but I ultimately came away with the feeling that neither Grayson nor the author had a good understanding of what his identity really was. Attempting to say that he is genderfluid because he has variable feelings of masculinity and femininity is like saying I'm genderfluid because I usually present masculine/neutral but sometimes really like nail polish or lip color. No doubt it is like that for some folks out there, but for a book that seems intent on "teaching" about the idea of being non-binary, the necessary narrative of broad variation is missing for me.
I'm willing to bet that most people who read this will think I'm being overly harsh. But reviews are for opinions, so here's mine.
(Note: all ratings start at 5 stars and lose stars for things I don't like.)
May 7, 2021
So funny! 3.5 Stars!
I had so much fun reading this!
Doctor & drag Queen/barista
Fake boyfriends
Sweet
2 sex scenes (loved them)!
Devil dog
Sassy grandma
Enby son
Bullying
Stupid people
It dragged a little in places, but not overly so.
The issues Doc’s son was having were serious, but Andy’s (Kandi’s) humor pulled the darkness from the pages.
Will I read the next? I think I already have, but I have the audiobook series set, so I’ll continue on!
I had so much fun reading this!
Doctor & drag Queen/barista
Fake boyfriends
Sweet
2 sex scenes (loved them)!
Devil dog
Sassy grandma
Enby son
Bullying
Stupid people
It dragged a little in places, but not overly so.
The issues Doc’s son was having were serious, but Andy’s (Kandi’s) humor pulled the darkness from the pages.
Will I read the next? I think I already have, but I have the audiobook series set, so I’ll continue on!
August 8, 2022
3 stars
Solid start to a series. I have noticed with some Susan Hawke books that when the last chapter ends I expect another chapter or at least an epilogue haha kinda ends abruptly in my opinion.
Andy and Corbin were cute, but idk I didn’t connect much with either main character so I didn’t love or hate the book I was becoming more invested in some side characters like Honey or Nick St James or Gray (Corbin’s kid).
This also has some religion in the ending, with them going to Corbin’s church.. idk it was fine but I personally try to choose books without religion. But the church was inclusive with I think a bisexual Pastor, but mainly as long as upcoming books don’t become preachy I’ll be good.
Hoping the next novella is good, it’s Honeys books!
Solid start to a series. I have noticed with some Susan Hawke books that when the last chapter ends I expect another chapter or at least an epilogue haha kinda ends abruptly in my opinion.
Andy and Corbin were cute, but idk I didn’t connect much with either main character so I didn’t love or hate the book I was becoming more invested in some side characters like Honey or Nick St James or Gray (Corbin’s kid).
This also has some religion in the ending, with them going to Corbin’s church.. idk it was fine but I personally try to choose books without religion. But the church was inclusive with I think a bisexual Pastor, but mainly as long as upcoming books don’t become preachy I’ll be good.
Hoping the next novella is good, it’s Honeys books!
November 16, 2020
This is a rather complex story and I enjoyed the way everything unfolded. Great characters, with a lot of depth. Funny and poignant and nicely done.
Audio by Michael Dean who does a wonderful job with the variety of voices.
Audio by Michael Dean who does a wonderful job with the variety of voices.
February 2, 2019
I like the premise of this book - singe dad cardiologist meet cute barista/drag queen.
Corbin is the hot doctor at the place where Andy works as a barista. When Corbin found out that his teenage son is being bullied at school for being an enby, Corbin asked Andy to pretend to be his boyfriend to get his son to open. First of all, I'm in absolute rage when read about the bullying that Grayson endured. When it finally escalated, Corbin did something not every parent will do, but definitely something I will do. Yeah, it sucks that I can't see the well deserve comeuppance, but that's life I guess and that's pissed me off.
Okay, the reason why I rated this 3 stars is not because I'm pissed off about that. I just don't feel an emotional connection between Andy and Corbin. The dialogue between them is all fun and flirty, but it seems very casual and only hovering on the surface. The diva talk by Andy is also entertaining and even though I never get the chance to watch RuPaul Drag Race, I imagine those drag queens talk like Andy, I suppose. The dialogues in this story seems abundance and maybe that's the reason I don't get the emotional engagement. I need the characters to self reflect or have some in depth though or something to make me feel more connected to them.
The good part is I really like Andy's relationship with Grayson. It was really heart warming to see the teenage nonbinary kid having a great support system behind him.
Corbin is the hot doctor at the place where Andy works as a barista. When Corbin found out that his teenage son is being bullied at school for being an enby, Corbin asked Andy to pretend to be his boyfriend to get his son to open. First of all, I'm in absolute rage when read about the bullying that Grayson endured. When it finally escalated, Corbin did something not every parent will do, but definitely something I will do. Yeah, it sucks that I can't see the well deserve comeuppance, but that's life I guess and that's pissed me off.
Okay, the reason why I rated this 3 stars is not because I'm pissed off about that. I just don't feel an emotional connection between Andy and Corbin. The dialogue between them is all fun and flirty, but it seems very casual and only hovering on the surface. The diva talk by Andy is also entertaining and even though I never get the chance to watch RuPaul Drag Race, I imagine those drag queens talk like Andy, I suppose. The dialogues in this story seems abundance and maybe that's the reason I don't get the emotional engagement. I need the characters to self reflect or have some in depth though or something to make me feel more connected to them.
The good part is I really like Andy's relationship with Grayson. It was really heart warming to see the teenage nonbinary kid having a great support system behind him.
February 11, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Author Susan Hawke begins a new series with this first novel, How Not to Blend. With a cute premise using the fake boyfriend trope, the author also explores the hard road a teen must travel when they discover they are nonbinary and choose to be out and proud with their sexuality. Be forewarned there is pretty harsh homophobia and bullying on the page in this book, plus the retelling of a past sexual assault incident. However, none of it felt gratuitous or intended for any other purpose than to allow Corbin to understand just how far he had veered off course as a parent and the lost connection with his son, plus the secrets the boy kept from him. There were reasons for Corbin and Gray to be so distant with each other—solid ones, and it was this premise that drove Corbin to creating a pretend relationship with Andy.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Author Susan Hawke begins a new series with this first novel, How Not to Blend. With a cute premise using the fake boyfriend trope, the author also explores the hard road a teen must travel when they discover they are nonbinary and choose to be out and proud with their sexuality. Be forewarned there is pretty harsh homophobia and bullying on the page in this book, plus the retelling of a past sexual assault incident. However, none of it felt gratuitous or intended for any other purpose than to allow Corbin to understand just how far he had veered off course as a parent and the lost connection with his son, plus the secrets the boy kept from him. There were reasons for Corbin and Gray to be so distant with each other—solid ones, and it was this premise that drove Corbin to creating a pretend relationship with Andy.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
January 13, 2019
Andrew taking off really piss me off. Okay maybe I can understand why but you are a grown adult. Sit down with your significant other and discuss it. I had an issue with the whole “boo boo”. I don’t have an issue with “boo” but “boo boo” is what you say to a toddler when they have an injury. I enjoyed watching their fake boyfriend status turn into friendship and then more. I loved Kandi/Andy and her girls in drag, they were so much fun and so way OTT. I loved Gray, Corbin’s son. He is just trying to figure himself out but was too afraid to talk to his dad about it. And this was causing problems at school as he was getting bullied for it. Though I liked but didn’t love this book, I will be continuing as there are some awesome secondary characters that I want to see get their HEA. Oh I absolutely loved the flash mob, that was so much fun!
ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review
ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review
January 14, 2019
3.5 stars for me. How Not to Blend is the first book in a new series from Susan Hawke, which is Susi Hawke's pen name for her contemporary non-mpreg stories.
Andy is a coffee barista by day and a drag queen named Kandi by night, and he serves coffee each morning to Dr. Hottie, or Corbin Davis, never thinking that the man might be interested in him. Andy is sassy, full of life and love, and tries to do it all - like taking care of his grandmother and her feisty dog, while giving up his own needs and wants.
Corbin is a single father raising a teenaged son, and is trying to figure out how to relate to his son. Gray, Corbin's son, is struggling with bullies at school, and Corbin doesn't really now how to get him to open up, so he comes up with the idea to have Andy pose as his boyfriend and help show Gray that his father is bisexual and then Gray can ask Andy questions about anything more effeminate. Corbin is a bit dumb when it comes to figuring out his son, I must say, but I know good intentions are there.
The focus on this book is family, love, and acceptance, and I really enjoyed those aspects. It also deals with bullying in school and homophobia in school and church, some serious topics that are still prevalent in daily life for many, unfortunately.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. I did feel like there was just SO MUCH talking! There were just these super long paragraphs of dialogue from Andy and Corbin, and it just seemed a bit much? Andy was a bit over-the-top sometimes, which worked in some places for me and not in others. I also almost felt like this book tried to tackle SO many topics - school bullying, fake boyfriends, aging family member, dates are cursed so I'm going to avoid you, homophobic church members - that it got to be maybe a bit too much?
But I loved the ending, I loved the flash mob, I enjoyed the sassy drag queens, and I look forward to more from Susan Hawke!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Andy is a coffee barista by day and a drag queen named Kandi by night, and he serves coffee each morning to Dr. Hottie, or Corbin Davis, never thinking that the man might be interested in him. Andy is sassy, full of life and love, and tries to do it all - like taking care of his grandmother and her feisty dog, while giving up his own needs and wants.
Corbin is a single father raising a teenaged son, and is trying to figure out how to relate to his son. Gray, Corbin's son, is struggling with bullies at school, and Corbin doesn't really now how to get him to open up, so he comes up with the idea to have Andy pose as his boyfriend and help show Gray that his father is bisexual and then Gray can ask Andy questions about anything more effeminate. Corbin is a bit dumb when it comes to figuring out his son, I must say, but I know good intentions are there.
The focus on this book is family, love, and acceptance, and I really enjoyed those aspects. It also deals with bullying in school and homophobia in school and church, some serious topics that are still prevalent in daily life for many, unfortunately.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. I did feel like there was just SO MUCH talking! There were just these super long paragraphs of dialogue from Andy and Corbin, and it just seemed a bit much? Andy was a bit over-the-top sometimes, which worked in some places for me and not in others. I also almost felt like this book tried to tackle SO many topics - school bullying, fake boyfriends, aging family member, dates are cursed so I'm going to avoid you, homophobic church members - that it got to be maybe a bit too much?
But I loved the ending, I loved the flash mob, I enjoyed the sassy drag queens, and I look forward to more from Susan Hawke!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2019
4.5 Stars
I absolutely Adored this book. It was fun and quirky and funny.. Everything about it was great. This Author knows exactly how to pace a book perfectly so you get all the details and character interactions and personalities blended into the storyline to keep you fully engaged and entertained. These characters were all awesome with the best personalities even the secondary ones. It’s great when you have main characters who also have fabulous friends. Oh, and Michael Pauley knows exactly how to narrate every book to perfection. He’s such a great narrator. I loved him for this book. Fantastic all around.
I absolutely Adored this book. It was fun and quirky and funny.. Everything about it was great. This Author knows exactly how to pace a book perfectly so you get all the details and character interactions and personalities blended into the storyline to keep you fully engaged and entertained. These characters were all awesome with the best personalities even the secondary ones. It’s great when you have main characters who also have fabulous friends. Oh, and Michael Pauley knows exactly how to narrate every book to perfection. He’s such a great narrator. I loved him for this book. Fantastic all around.
January 16, 2019
This is an interesting story, adorable even. A doctor and a drag queen could blend? Somehow, it worked between Corbin and Andy. The things Andy would do for Corbin and his son, is admirable. I liked the bonding between Andy and Corbin's son. As for Corbin and Andy, some people need to teach them about 'communication'!
They need that.
I didn't really like the execution for Gray's problem at school, but maybe, Corbin just tried to being wise?
How Not to Blend is thick with a family story between Andy and Corbin, and about finding your root.
The flash mob is a little bit too much, but hey, a queen need that kind of 'treatment' after all.
Read this book!
May 13, 2024
This was a different read than I'm used to. I'm not sure I would've picked it up normally, but I needed to read it for a challenge.
I love the single dad trope. This one was definitely interesting. Not sure if that's the word I'm looking for or not. There were some funny moments for sure, but I'm not sure I was completely sold on Corbin and Andy.
I love the single dad trope. This one was definitely interesting. Not sure if that's the word I'm looking for or not. There were some funny moments for sure, but I'm not sure I was completely sold on Corbin and Andy.
April 7, 2024
This new to me author was able to entertain me with a cute and funny story.
There is a lot of sass and Kandi is a QUEEN.I loved all her antics and there were some intriguing side characters, who I'd love to read more about.
BUT the story was also a little all over the place. There was rambling and whole conversations where I just didn't understand where the author wanted to go? And those southern expressions and wording didn't work for me at all.
The plot took quite long to get going as well, I think the whole book would benefit from some editing 🤷🏻♀️
There is a lot of sass and Kandi is a QUEEN.I loved all her antics and there were some intriguing side characters, who I'd love to read more about.
BUT the story was also a little all over the place. There was rambling and whole conversations where I just didn't understand where the author wanted to go? And those southern expressions and wording didn't work for me at all.
The plot took quite long to get going as well, I think the whole book would benefit from some editing 🤷🏻♀️
February 17, 2019
What a hoot!! Will be reading more in this series.
January 14, 2019
These two might have needed a push to come together, such as getting Gams off Andy’s back, and Corbin finding a common ground with his son, but there was really nothing fake about this relationship.
They do everything that new couples do, like go on dates, and flirt, and offer support when needed.
One thing I didn’t like is that we don’t know Andy’s age, but he sometimes acts immature. He’s there when Corbin has a family crisis, but pulls away when he goes through one.
I was glad that thing# worked out for Corbin and his son’s sake.
ARC provided by Les Court Services
They do everything that new couples do, like go on dates, and flirt, and offer support when needed.
One thing I didn’t like is that we don’t know Andy’s age, but he sometimes acts immature. He’s there when Corbin has a family crisis, but pulls away when he goes through one.
I was glad that thing# worked out for Corbin and his son’s sake.
ARC provided by Les Court Services
January 30, 2021
A fun story with some over the top characters and social commentary.
January 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. Andy has a crush on hunky Dr Corbin, the single parent of a teenage boy. Mutual favours these men require turns into fake boyfriends. Then things get real..
I really enjoyed the writing style. It drew me right into the story and kept me engaged and entertained the whole way through. The Southerness of Andy and Gam Gam (who I loved) was witty, charming and delightful.
A fun read that was sweet and sassy with all the feels that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I really enjoyed the writing style. It drew me right into the story and kept me engaged and entertained the whole way through. The Southerness of Andy and Gam Gam (who I loved) was witty, charming and delightful.
A fun read that was sweet and sassy with all the feels that I thoroughly enjoyed.
January 12, 2019
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this for the most part, but something kept feeling off to me.
Content warnings include: bullying, assault, homophobia, queerphobia, sex on-page; mentions of: sexual assault, character gets beaten to unconsciousness.
This was a weird read. Not because of the plot or because it had a style I wasn't used to (more on that later), it just somehow felt... off-center to me. Not bad at all, and rather enjoyable, with some scenes that made me extremely happy, but at times it felt like the events were portrayed through a slightly skewed lense.
Maybe this is just the author's style - this is my first book by her - or maybe this is particular to this book.
One facet of this was Andy's voice. When I started the book my first thought was that he was... a lot. He's an out and proud effeminate gay man from the south. I have absolutely no idea about the whole Southern American mannerism thing, so I might have missed some nuance there, but I was delighted about finding a feminine gay man in a book that doesn't constantly shame him from various perspectives.
That said the first few scenes with him were a bit all over the place, but it quickly got better (either I got used to it or it got more focussed after the plot started.)
Corbin pales a bit in comparison to Andy. He's just.... there, a normal guy with no real outstanding characteristics. The one that stuck with me is that I wish he would listen to his friends a bit more literally - his reaction to mistakes that he makes is appropriate, but I wish he would take it one step further, like actually apologize in one instance or just completely overthinking one idea that his friends point out as stupid.
I'm a big fan of the fake-boyfriend trope and here, while technically the main plotline, it felt almost secondary. There is no angst about the pretending or the feelings-turning-real, and generally basically no focus on what Andy and Corbin feel for each other. There are several jumps in time that surprised me, but ultimately it was an interesting angle and execution of this trope for me.
What I really loved was the plotline about Corbin's nonbinary son. At times it felt a bit queer 101, but I really liked what was being said (and taught) even if I wasn't always happy with Corbin's reactions (or lack thereof) but even so my complains about these would be minor.
Corbin's son plays a bigger role in the book outside of him being nonbinary, and I enjoyed that a lot. Other important characters are Andy's grandmother, Corbin's best friend who is also the mother of Corbin's son's best friend, Andy's best friend and his drag mother, as Andy is a drag queen.
The book was rather light hearted, but doesn't shy away from some rather intense scenes that involve bullying and very explicit queerphobia and discrimination. On the flip side of that, there were also some very over the top humorous scenes of a ridiculousness I didn't expect that left me half scandalized half laughing out loud.
I received an ARC and reviewed voluntarily.
I enjoyed this for the most part, but something kept feeling off to me.
Content warnings include: bullying, assault, homophobia, queerphobia, sex on-page; mentions of: sexual assault, character gets beaten to unconsciousness.
This was a weird read. Not because of the plot or because it had a style I wasn't used to (more on that later), it just somehow felt... off-center to me. Not bad at all, and rather enjoyable, with some scenes that made me extremely happy, but at times it felt like the events were portrayed through a slightly skewed lense.
Maybe this is just the author's style - this is my first book by her - or maybe this is particular to this book.
One facet of this was Andy's voice. When I started the book my first thought was that he was... a lot. He's an out and proud effeminate gay man from the south. I have absolutely no idea about the whole Southern American mannerism thing, so I might have missed some nuance there, but I was delighted about finding a feminine gay man in a book that doesn't constantly shame him from various perspectives.
That said the first few scenes with him were a bit all over the place, but it quickly got better (either I got used to it or it got more focussed after the plot started.)
Corbin pales a bit in comparison to Andy. He's just.... there, a normal guy with no real outstanding characteristics. The one that stuck with me is that I wish he would listen to his friends a bit more literally - his reaction to mistakes that he makes is appropriate, but I wish he would take it one step further, like actually apologize in one instance or just completely overthinking one idea that his friends point out as stupid.
I'm a big fan of the fake-boyfriend trope and here, while technically the main plotline, it felt almost secondary. There is no angst about the pretending or the feelings-turning-real, and generally basically no focus on what Andy and Corbin feel for each other. There are several jumps in time that surprised me, but ultimately it was an interesting angle and execution of this trope for me.
What I really loved was the plotline about Corbin's nonbinary son. At times it felt a bit queer 101, but I really liked what was being said (and taught) even if I wasn't always happy with Corbin's reactions (or lack thereof) but even so my complains about these would be minor.
Corbin's son plays a bigger role in the book outside of him being nonbinary, and I enjoyed that a lot. Other important characters are Andy's grandmother, Corbin's best friend who is also the mother of Corbin's son's best friend, Andy's best friend and his drag mother, as Andy is a drag queen.
The book was rather light hearted, but doesn't shy away from some rather intense scenes that involve bullying and very explicit queerphobia and discrimination. On the flip side of that, there were also some very over the top humorous scenes of a ridiculousness I didn't expect that left me half scandalized half laughing out loud.
I received an ARC and reviewed voluntarily.
January 31, 2019
Ok I didn't see a warning, but I'm half blind so I may have missed it. There are issues of bullying and a bit of violence. So be careful.
Oh my gah. This book. This is just perfect. It's hilarious and sweet. Heartbreaking yet heartwarming. It's just everything you would want in a romantic book. Along with a Gam-Gam who takes no shit, a devil dog, and drag queen who has issues with tape and his 'snake’. It has a cast of amazing characters who just warm your heart and make you wish you were a part of a family like that, if you already aren't. Each character brings such a unique personality to the table and it's just spectacular. Loved it.
Corbin is frustrated beyond belief. His son keeps getting in fights and he can't figure out why or what to do. His best friend digs a little for him, seeing as their kids are best friends as well, and figures out Gray is being bullied because he's been wearing feminine clothing as well as clothing representing himself as non-binary. But Gray won't tell HIM that or talk to him. But then he realizes he's never talked to Gray about his sexual either. Amd he has NO clue how to help him with the makeup and such. So he thinks drag queen. Of course, usually it would be probably a be idea, bit this time for Corbin it worked. Because he meets a drag queen named Kandi, who just happens to the cutie coffee manager, Andy, he sees every morning. They end up talking and working out a deal. Fake boyfriends to help Gray to open up and talk and to help Andy to stop his Gam-Gam from matchmaking. But fake starts turning into real and before it can get too serious, Andy puts the brakes on. Bad things keep happening and Andy is scared. It's going to take some special wooing from Corbin to make Andy realize this is for real and for keeps.
Where do I even start with these characters?? Oh my gah. Andy is such a smart assed southerner who is not afraid to embrace his feminine side. He's also not afraid to tell it like it is. But Andy’s been hurt pretty bad in his past and he's not quick to trust. But he's got a heart of gold that's bigger than the world. He's sassy and spunky and full of fun but serious when it counts. Well, most times…..
He's got a grandmother who is the world to him. Gam-Gam is a pistol! Recovering from heart surgery still, she tries to sneak smokes in the bathroom. Andy gets his smart mouth and sassiness from her. And these two don't stop with the quips. It's hilarious. She has a ‘demon dog’, who seems to love everyone but Andy and that just Sparks more humor. But she's Andy’s life. Taking him in when he had no one else, she's been his rock for many years.
Corbin is the sweetheart Dr. Hottie, Andy has been drooling over for a long time. Most of the time when Corbin gets his coffee, he's on his phone and world's away. But he's noticed Andy. And when he meets Kandi, he doesn't bat an eye. He's accepting and actually quite enamored. He loves it. Corbin has been just living mostly. Taking care of his son and his patients, he's never really delved back into the dating world after he lost his wife, but Andy makes him really want too.
There's a few more characters that just make this book amazing. Gray, Corbin’s son. Andy and Corbin's best friends. Andy’s drag mother. It just a rounded out book with these guys. I'm ready for the next one!
http://lovebytesreviews.com
Oh my gah. This book. This is just perfect. It's hilarious and sweet. Heartbreaking yet heartwarming. It's just everything you would want in a romantic book. Along with a Gam-Gam who takes no shit, a devil dog, and drag queen who has issues with tape and his 'snake’. It has a cast of amazing characters who just warm your heart and make you wish you were a part of a family like that, if you already aren't. Each character brings such a unique personality to the table and it's just spectacular. Loved it.
Corbin is frustrated beyond belief. His son keeps getting in fights and he can't figure out why or what to do. His best friend digs a little for him, seeing as their kids are best friends as well, and figures out Gray is being bullied because he's been wearing feminine clothing as well as clothing representing himself as non-binary. But Gray won't tell HIM that or talk to him. But then he realizes he's never talked to Gray about his sexual either. Amd he has NO clue how to help him with the makeup and such. So he thinks drag queen. Of course, usually it would be probably a be idea, bit this time for Corbin it worked. Because he meets a drag queen named Kandi, who just happens to the cutie coffee manager, Andy, he sees every morning. They end up talking and working out a deal. Fake boyfriends to help Gray to open up and talk and to help Andy to stop his Gam-Gam from matchmaking. But fake starts turning into real and before it can get too serious, Andy puts the brakes on. Bad things keep happening and Andy is scared. It's going to take some special wooing from Corbin to make Andy realize this is for real and for keeps.
Where do I even start with these characters?? Oh my gah. Andy is such a smart assed southerner who is not afraid to embrace his feminine side. He's also not afraid to tell it like it is. But Andy’s been hurt pretty bad in his past and he's not quick to trust. But he's got a heart of gold that's bigger than the world. He's sassy and spunky and full of fun but serious when it counts. Well, most times…..
He's got a grandmother who is the world to him. Gam-Gam is a pistol! Recovering from heart surgery still, she tries to sneak smokes in the bathroom. Andy gets his smart mouth and sassiness from her. And these two don't stop with the quips. It's hilarious. She has a ‘demon dog’, who seems to love everyone but Andy and that just Sparks more humor. But she's Andy’s life. Taking him in when he had no one else, she's been his rock for many years.
Corbin is the sweetheart Dr. Hottie, Andy has been drooling over for a long time. Most of the time when Corbin gets his coffee, he's on his phone and world's away. But he's noticed Andy. And when he meets Kandi, he doesn't bat an eye. He's accepting and actually quite enamored. He loves it. Corbin has been just living mostly. Taking care of his son and his patients, he's never really delved back into the dating world after he lost his wife, but Andy makes him really want too.
There's a few more characters that just make this book amazing. Gray, Corbin’s son. Andy and Corbin's best friends. Andy’s drag mother. It just a rounded out book with these guys. I'm ready for the next one!
http://lovebytesreviews.com
January 23, 2019
Corbin is struggling getting his increasingly sullen teenager to open up to him. When he has a "brilliant" idea to enlist the help of a drag queen to give him tips, it gets him an exceedingly sexy Kandi opening his eyes to all kinds of things he never knew about. It also gets him the unapologetically fabulous Andrew who slowly opens Corbin's heart. If they can navigate Corbin's relationship with his son, a meddling grandmother, and all the misunderstandings jumping to conclusions gets them, they might be able to turn something fake into something very real.
From the very start I was hooked. The ridiculous banter between Andrew and his bestie, the feels from Gray's situation, the slow-moving relationship, and even Corbin's obliviousness all worked together to captivate me at the outset. As things progressed some of those elements didn't grow or evolve and held their story back a bit. Corbin remained oblivious way too long for my liking and his attitude during their separation didn't do much to win me over either. Andrew's campiness was endearing for most of the story, but at times it felt affected rather than organic. Those moments weren't often, thank goodness, but when they appeared it was quite off-putting. The simplistic detail with which so many things were described felt contrived given the characters involved in the discussion. And for nearly everyone to be a wiki resource on the topic while Corbin was ignorant of everything at multiple times? Not really believable.
Grayson really stole the spotlight, though. As a young teenager coming to terms with their identity and truth, they had a difficult situation combined with bullying and an overreacting father. What I loved about them was their acceptance and resolve. They also didn't come across as the token "extra" often used to garner more interest than would be warranted otherwise. Instead, they were genuinely great. Their role was more than just to be the non-binary bridge used to bring Andy and Corbin together, they were a fully fleshed out character that was an entity all on their own. Couple that with a ridiculous grandmother that was full of spunk, dirty jokes, a foul mouth, and incredible wisdom and you've got a cast of supporting characters that really gives this story wings.
From the very start I was hooked. The ridiculous banter between Andrew and his bestie, the feels from Gray's situation, the slow-moving relationship, and even Corbin's obliviousness all worked together to captivate me at the outset. As things progressed some of those elements didn't grow or evolve and held their story back a bit. Corbin remained oblivious way too long for my liking and his attitude during their separation didn't do much to win me over either. Andrew's campiness was endearing for most of the story, but at times it felt affected rather than organic. Those moments weren't often, thank goodness, but when they appeared it was quite off-putting. The simplistic detail with which so many things were described felt contrived given the characters involved in the discussion. And for nearly everyone to be a wiki resource on the topic while Corbin was ignorant of everything at multiple times? Not really believable.
Grayson really stole the spotlight, though. As a young teenager coming to terms with their identity and truth, they had a difficult situation combined with bullying and an overreacting father. What I loved about them was their acceptance and resolve. They also didn't come across as the token "extra" often used to garner more interest than would be warranted otherwise. Instead, they were genuinely great. Their role was more than just to be the non-binary bridge used to bring Andy and Corbin together, they were a fully fleshed out character that was an entity all on their own. Couple that with a ridiculous grandmother that was full of spunk, dirty jokes, a foul mouth, and incredible wisdom and you've got a cast of supporting characters that really gives this story wings.
July 5, 2019
I’ll try another book by this author...
I listened to the audio for this book and the delivery of the narration by Michael Pauley did not agree with me and made me irritable about the book.
It was very touching to see widowed, secretly bisexual Dr. Corbin (cardiologist) willingness to go to great lengths to try to make his secretly non-binary (NB) son feel comfortable, supported, protected, and loved. Everyone should be lucky to have such a parent.
There is a cast of supporting characters that were very pleasing. There was also what I suspect is now a stock character in M/M Romance novels—the comedic, but supportive grandma.
The other MC, Andy made a living working on a coffee cart and spending one night each week as a drag-performer. He was full of snappy one-liners for every occasion. I think this was overdone. Possibly the snappy comebacks seemed over done because I didn’t like the narrator’s style.
I will admit, that my response to the book might have been different if I had read it instead of listening to the eAudio. I’ll try something else written by this author.
I listened to the audio for this book and the delivery of the narration by Michael Pauley did not agree with me and made me irritable about the book.
It was very touching to see widowed, secretly bisexual Dr. Corbin (cardiologist) willingness to go to great lengths to try to make his secretly non-binary (NB) son feel comfortable, supported, protected, and loved. Everyone should be lucky to have such a parent.
There is a cast of supporting characters that were very pleasing. There was also what I suspect is now a stock character in M/M Romance novels—the comedic, but supportive grandma.
The other MC, Andy made a living working on a coffee cart and spending one night each week as a drag-performer. He was full of snappy one-liners for every occasion. I think this was overdone. Possibly the snappy comebacks seemed over done because I didn’t like the narrator’s style.
I will admit, that my response to the book might have been different if I had read it instead of listening to the eAudio. I’ll try something else written by this author.
January 21, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5 stars
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3
Such wonderful characters! A story of love, sass and family!!!
I really enjoyed this book. It is full to the brim of such wonderful and dynamic characters. I loved the whole lot of them!
The story follows widower Corbin, his enby son, Gray and sassy and awesome southerner Andy. I found this story very dynamic and easy to read. The sass and humour in this book is next level! All the characters blend so well together. Corbin and Andy’s love story starts as fake-boyfriends and evolves over a dramatic and challenging time to become a ‘blended’ family full of love and acceptance.
This story was a great start to Susan’s new series and a wonderful read. I have to say the secondary characters are just as awesome as the main ones and I have to give a shout out to the awesomeness that is Gam-gam!
A highly recommended read!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3
Such wonderful characters! A story of love, sass and family!!!
I really enjoyed this book. It is full to the brim of such wonderful and dynamic characters. I loved the whole lot of them!
The story follows widower Corbin, his enby son, Gray and sassy and awesome southerner Andy. I found this story very dynamic and easy to read. The sass and humour in this book is next level! All the characters blend so well together. Corbin and Andy’s love story starts as fake-boyfriends and evolves over a dramatic and challenging time to become a ‘blended’ family full of love and acceptance.
This story was a great start to Susan’s new series and a wonderful read. I have to say the secondary characters are just as awesome as the main ones and I have to give a shout out to the awesomeness that is Gam-gam!
A highly recommended read!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
March 27, 2019
This was a funny book, and the narration just made it even more fun! I really enjoyed this romance, and it made me laugh as much as it made me swoon! If you’re looking for a Fake Boyfriend romance with a clueless Dad, advice giving Drag Queens, a coffee cart, a meddling grandmother and her crazy dog then you’ve come to the right place! I liked how Corbin and Andy tripped all over themselves trying to deny what they both wanted and needed from each other. Thanks to meddling friends and family they were able to find their epic HEA together.
January 15, 2019
OMG YES!!! I absolutely love this book so much! It is sweet and funny I just couldn't get enough. I love Corbin and Andy! I just had the biggest smile on my face. I can't wait to read more of this series.
February 6, 2019
A- rating...I really enjoyed reading this one. The story line with Corbin trying to figure out how to relate to his 15 yo son and his (son's) emerging sexuality just really worked for me. I liked the story...a lot!
February 20, 2019
This was incredibly enjoyable. Sweet, cute, charming -- drag queens, enby teenage son getting bullied at school, fake boyfriends, sassy grandma. So many things to love.
March 5, 2021
4.25 stars
March 13, 2021
Stories with children have always been a favorite of mine but they don't always work out. I really loved both MCs.
June 12, 2023
I first listened to this story a couple of years ago and forgot until I heard it again. It was OTT, but that's okay because it also made me laugh.
July 6, 2020
Hilarious and very sweet.
I loved Andy's snark and his drag persona is amazing. His gams sometimes stole the show.
Corbin takes a while to figure things out but in the end makes everything right.
I loved Andy's snark and his drag persona is amazing. His gams sometimes stole the show.
Corbin takes a while to figure things out but in the end makes everything right.
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