| Title | : | The Other Man |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1554109841 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781554109845 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 94 |
| Publication | : | First published September 30, 2007 |
The Other Man Reviews
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I love this story. Kendal is absolutely adorable, especially drunk and demanding lol. Aaron is the hunk with a heart. Charlie is the typical jerk who throws Kendal away then realises he made a mistake.
A fairy tale style story that leaves you feeling all sappy and happy inside lol.
Only down side to this story is again bad proof reading, names got switched around a few times causing mild confusion.
ETA Still a sweet story but I'd forgotten how sex heavy it was lol.
ETA
I love this story. Not only some of the sweetest kissing scenes but it stands up to re reading over and over.
ETA On reflection the fact that I've re read this book at least 3 times and enjoyed it as much each time makes me feel this really deserves 5 stars and not my previous 4, so I am changing my rating.
Yep this one still works for me. Pure fairytale HEA stuff. Just what I needed. -
Kendall's world is turned upside down when his lover, Charlie, of seven years abruptly breaks up with him. With not much of an explaination except that he has found he man of his dreams, and is tired of the comfortable life he and Kendall have together, leaves Kendall devastated. Kendall is aware that they have fallen into a routine of sorts, but what is wrong with that? He knows he isn't as exciting as other men, and maybe the fireworks have dimmed in their relationship, but he decides not to give up Charlie without a fight. He just can't give up seven years for nothing.
When Kendall finds out Charlie's dream man's name is Aaron Radcliff and that he hangs out at the local gay bar, Contact, Kendall decides to take matters into his own hands and confront the man for the homewrecker he is. Kendall figures it won't change anything, but it will make him feel better anyway.
When Kendall arrives at Contact he is overwhelmed by the abundance of younger, more handsome men and immediately feels unattractive and out of place. Thinking some liquid courage will help him with his confrontation, he drinks more than he should and sets out to find out who the mysterious Aaron is. When he finally finds Aaron quietly talking with another man, Kendall stumbles over and tries to give the handsome younger man a piece of his mind. But, as Kendall tries to give Aaron a good telling off, he keeps getting distracted by Aaron's sweetness and his insistance that he doesn't know a Charlie, much less be having an affair with him.
Aaron is amused and attracted to the slightly drunk, assertive Kendall. He doesn't even know who this Charlie person is, but he is thankful for the misunderstanding, because the more he is around Kendall the more attracted he is to him. There something about Kendall that makes Aaron feel comfortable and warm, and he doesn't want that feeling to go away.
There is a series of misunderstandings, but soon Kendall and Aaron become friends. When Charlie tries to come back into the picture, Kendall must make the decision to either fall back into the almost boring, comfortable life he had with Charlie...OR... to take a chance with Aaron and risk everything to be with the man of HIS dreams.
I really enjoyed this book. Aaron is truly a very sweet hero. Handsome and smart, it is understandable why he is so attractive to others. Kendall is also a very likeable hero. He has some self-esteem issues, but he is cute, intelligent and his unsureness about himself made him very attractive and sexy at times...if that makes sense. I liked Aaron and Kendall together. They really balanced one another out. My problem with this book was it felt rushed at times. Aaron fell so hard so fast for Kendall. There wasn't much time for their relationship to develop and grow like I would have liked to have seen. BUT, I did like this book and Kendall and Aaron's story was definately worth reading about.
I am giving it four stars because I liked the story and the characters, but it really rate between 3.5 and 4 because of the rushed feeling I had while reading it. -
Aaron is a hottie, indeed. Sure, I'm skeptical about him just Kendall was and if I were one of Kendall' friends, I'd be suspicious, too. Well, this IS romantic fiction so I was left in peace to root for Kendall all the way to the sweet HEA.
A little short for my liking but I'd rather have it short and satisfying than long and squeezing another $4 or $5 out of me to get a decent ending. Hey, times are hard and I don't have the cash to buy 2 books to get a decent story.
But back to The Other Man...
Yeah, Charlie was an asshole and I'm glad I didn't have to suffer him through a full length novel. Aaron IS too good to be true but I'm a sucker for gorgeous heroes in my romance, even romantic suspense. Sometimes, authors want to break away from what they think is the stereotypical tall, dark, handsome hero so they give me some mediocre guy who's average height, average looks, average everything. And I'm not to mind cos it suddenly makes me a sophisticated reader, apparently.
Well, Aaron in his fireman birthday suit all ripply muscles and 8-inch cock shows I'm pretty unsophisticated and happily formulaic. He's gorgeous and Kendall's sweet even though their characters are understandably under-developed. I prefer Manly's longer stories, though, and the editing could have been better - there were quite a few errors. Not major but still there, nonetheless. -
Aww that was so lovely! Cute and sexy and a great comfort read because its one of the stories that you know would probably never happen in real life but one of those that we'd all love to believe just might. Ordinary Joe making Mr gorgeous who would normally never look twice, fall head over heels with him..... You know the scenario!
Kendal is a bit dense at times but you still can't help getting all of a doo dah with him when this gorgeous fireman who because of crossed lines and a stupid ex, ends up pursuing him and makes it very clear that Kendal isn't as ordinary as he thinks he is and OMG the love scenes are totally yum!
Aaron ... Ooh what can I say about Aaron, except come to momma and lucky Kendal. Plus he's a really nice guy too.
If you want a laid back, not too angsty, hot little fairy tale style romance to wallow in for an hour or so then add this to your list. Won't tax the brain too much as it's not too long but then again every now and then you just want something easy to read that gives you the warm and fuzzies. There are a couple of editing issues but the story carries those because its so enjoyable. Will definitely slot it in for a reread when the mood takes me. Thanks for the recc Dee, me likee! -
3.5*
Sweet story about poor Kendal, he's been dumped by his lover of 7 years for a hunk of a man named Aaron.
Deciding to see who this Aaron is he finds a great guy who hasn't even met, let alone had anykind of relationship with Charlie, Kendal's ex.
This was a cute story and a bit of if not insta-love, at least very quick lust/love, but I liked it and was sweet to see Kendal decide he's worth more than what he thinks he is! -
I don't really have to say much about this book because Daisiemae and Elaine has done such a great job, doing it.
I loved Aaron. He was truly a sweetie! I thought he and Kendall were very sweet together.
I enjoyed this book. I wish it had been longer. -
This was just a fun and heartwarming story. I just loved both Kendall and Aaron. Both men being insecure and unsure in their own way. Kendall with how he looks and Aaron with just wanting someone to love. They make such a great pair This was a big fluffy romantic book that left me smiling.
-
Kendal's is being dumped by his lover, Charlie, of seven years, who says that he's leaving Kendall for another man. So Kendall puts in on a mission to find this "other man", who he finds out by the name of Aaron Radcliff. He confronts Aaron while he's still drunk and wakes up at the man's house. But Aaron tells him that he doesn't know any Charlie -- and what's this attraction this guy seems to have on him?!?
Why can't gay romantic comedy comes from books? I mean, this story can be a good script for a gay romantic comedy. Seriously! The story is just so cute! I love Kendal and him being confused on why man as gorgeous as Aaron would want him. I also feel a bit sorry for Aaron, because yeah, sometimes we do make judgments on beautiful people, huh? The editing is not stellar, find some errors here and there, but I can live with it, since the story itself is fun. -
2.5
Kendal just got dumped by his boyfriend of seven years and after he goes on a bender of epic porportions he decides to confront the man he was dumped for, Aaron.
Turns out though that there is a bit of misunderstanding.
Interesting concept but Kendal just kept putting Aaron down all the time. Dismissing him because he's so gorgeous and thinking that he's insincere and shallow because of it. Nothing could be further from the truth.
I'm not sure why Aaron put up with it. Lots of sex here and not much substance. -
Sugary sweet story about a less-than-confident book editor falling for a spectacularly beautiful fireman. Pure fun!
-
This is a fun and short story (around 108 pages). But other than being fun, if you look a bit deeper you would find some significant messages.
Kendall is a truly your average joe. He is in his mid thirties, is a bit pudgy and is in a very comfortable and rather vanilla relationship. But when his boyfriend of seven years, Charlie, leaves him for a "fantasy man", Kendall is in for a a rude shock of reality. He marches down to the club where his, now ex, boyfriend and his supposedly "twink", Aaron, spend their time.
Aaron is nothing like Kendall imagined. He is not a twink, oh no mister! He is a fireman - a gorgeous, superhot (no pun intended) fireman. But the funny thing is, he denies meeting this Charlie of Kendall. Finally Kendall realizes that Aaron is telling the truth that he has never even met Charlie. Aaron was jus that - Charlie's fantasy man and the best part is - Charlie's fantasy man actually likes Kendall.
I loved that there are two friends who play the devil's advocate in telling Kendall that a hunky, handsome guy like Aaron might never like a simple and plain guy like Kendall. Isn't that what generally world tells us? Don't we sometimes feel what people are saying might be true and that we indeed, might not be capable of doing what we want to do? Don't sometimes we feel that if this feels too good to be true it might be too good to be true? Don't we start doubting ourselves when someone expresses concern if something might be a bit difficult for us? I liked that these two friends become the voices of the self-doubt for Kendall.
Being with Charlie is not as exciting as being with Aaron; still Kendall is willing to give up Aaron. Why? Just because he is "used" to Charlie - comfortable with the routine with him. Kendall is scared to take chance with Aaron because of the uncertainty that he represents from his current life. Weren't some of us in the same situation? Aren't we scared of taking the chances just because we are way too comfortable with the way things are going on? Only a swift kick in the butt or a rapidly changing situation (which is out of our hands) would make think of taking the risky step!
This book made me think of the ways that people would find excuses not to take risks. Well, not all of the book is so very metaphorical. The sex scenes are so very hot and sweet too! :-D -
This was so sweet. I loved Kendal, such a gentle soul but insecure man. I'm glad he found Aaron, even under the circumstances of their meeting, he's just the man that Kendal needs to gain some self-confidence and self-esteem of his own. And Aaron... he's exactly as he was described by one of Charlie's friends, a walking wet dream, hubba hubba. As for Charlie, good riddance to bad rubbish.
On a side note, I think I've found a common thread to some of this author's books. Mr. Manly seems to like roses and I'm wondering if he's really a big fluffy romantic at heart since the flowers pop up at some of the best times in his books. :) -
This is a sweet short story about what happen when a 7-yr relationship is broken when one party calls it quit. Kendal thought he had everything: stable--even if average--life, a partner, a job, friends who cared about him. He and Charlie have been together since they met in graduate school. They were both in mid 30s. Then, one day Charlie just left him for another guy. Charlie simply said the other man's name was Aaron.
Trying to see what kind of man stole his Charlie, Kendal went to Contact, the club where Charlie hanged out and met his new beau. He met Aaron, but to his surprise, Aaron was not what he thought. A hunk fireman who modeled for charity calendar, Aaron seemed to be interested in him too. When Charlie later called, Kendal found himself in a dilemma.
I liked reading this story. Being in his mid 30s, Kendal didn't have self confidence that he was still a attractive man. Apparently many of his friends didn't have any confidence in him either. It took the hunky Aaron to make him realize that. I just wish things are not rushed between the main characters. Still, it's a nice reading. -
Short, quick read with no big surprises. Kendal thinks Aaron is sweet (as well as stunningly attractive); Aaron thinks Kendal is a nice guy who doesn't realize how cute he actually is. And that is the basis for "I want you in my life forever." Very fairytale-ish, but I was expecting that. Definitely a few declarations from Aaron to Kendal that had me rolling my eyes and saying out loud, "good grief, really?" The only thing I really didn't like was Kendal's dick of a friend that kept expressing his feelings about how could a guy like Aaron possibly like Kendal. Who the hell tolerates that from a friend? You should be high-fiving him for scoring such a guy.
This book reminds me of something I've wanted to ask. What's up with all these guys with long hair? Is this a Fabio thing that has transferred from M/F to M/M? I can honestly say, I've never had an ounce of attraction for any guy that envies Crystal Gayle. Any time a description occurs of a guy having long, flowing locks, I say "No. He has short hair and that's how I'm going to picture him." I can be contrary. Ask my friends. -
Short, but a wonderful read despite that lack. In fact I think it's the perfect length. Unrealistic, romantic fluff escapism. Sometimes it's just what you need, right?
Why do we stop believing in fairy tales, anyways? -
Sweetest thing I've ever read ))))
Wonderful, fun and heartwarming story! I loved Aaron - despite that he's too good to be true sometimes, he looks real and sympatethic somehow and Kendal's cute in his insecurities.
Editing could be better, though, because the names were mixed several times :/ -
I liked the bones of this, but its way to short and the new relationship way too rushed to be taken too seriously. Kendal is a bit of a caricature at times, and Aaron is way too perfect. But I do really like the premise and love to see the tables turned on a character.
-
Unfortunately this story is a great example of bad porn. "Tits" should never be used to describe a man's chest. At that point I just couldn't take the story seriously anymore.
The whole book is paced too quickly and the attraction between Aaron and Kendal happens far too rapidly. Aaron's attraction isn't really explained, and Kendal's attraction to Aaron is purely physical. In the short time they've known each other, they already start to talk seriously about moving in together and getting married. -
After seven years together Charlie dumps Kendal for another man, a gourgeous guy named Aaron.
Kendal is a 35 years old editor, average guy with nice body but not at all a fit body. He loves is quiet life and his without surprise relationship with Charlie. When he finds himself alone, he can't believe Charlie has thrown away everything for a fling. And he goes in seach of Aaron to see by person how he is. And he found a beautiful 29 years old guy, and also a nice and friendly man, and someone who wants commitment by the true love of his life, and he continues to claim that Kendal could be his true love.
I like very much this book, is like an old classic tale, where Cinderella meet Prince Charming, but when she is still wearing the ugly dresses and she is not yet the beautiful princess.
Kendal is earthy and tender, a simple man with simple desire. And Aaron, despite the perfect body and the beautiful face, is simple like him, he wants a relationship like that of his parents, a man to love forever.
D.J. Manly has written a tale of good feelings and great hopes, of the type you read when you are a teens and dream to find soon your true love and meanwhile read a book in the waiting.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/16... -
3.5 Stars
A
www....Kendal. LOVE him. I could totally understand where he was coming from. I mean, your boyfriend breaks up with you after 7 years for a "fantasy man". I would want to see who that is too. Good thing for liquid courage, huh?
Then we see the big lug of a sweetheart, Aaron. YUM-O!
But then things get weird, because Aaron likes Kendal. A LOT! But, Kendal wants no part of the "homo wreaker". Too bad Aaron is persistent.
But, where is Charlie (the ex) and where does he fit into all of this?
Oh and Kendal's friends...what the hell kind of friends are they? Way to kill someone's self esteem. I wanted to knock them both upside their heads. Poor Kendal. I do love how Aaron shows Kendal that he is FAR from ordinary. Makes me all warm and fuzzy.
Overall, cute little fairy tale story. -
Quick read about a man (Kendal) that was dumped by his partner (Charlie) of seven years for the 'man of his dreams' (Aaron). Kendal decides to confront the 'homewrecker' only to find out that Aaron had no idea who Charlie was and that Charlie had only asked him to dance. Charlie decides he wants Kendal back and Aaron makes his bid for Kendal which places Kendal in the position of deciding what/who he really wants. Charlie, the guy that dumped him for the idea of a man and now wants him back because his feelings are hurt or Aaron, the guy that seems to only have eyes for Kendal and who wants what his parents have.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what else the author has to offer. -
Cute love story. Interesting premise. I liked the characters though it's sad that Kendal spent so much time in a relationship because it was just comfortable.
I'm not usually too picky about editing but this book truly needed a good go through. What comma goes where and what tense is being used doesn't usually bug me but completely mixing up the main character's names is really too bad for a professional writer and should have been caught before publication.
Sweet read if you get past the mix up. -
A short but fun read. It's one of
D.J. Manly, non-serious books. I found it hilarious and really comical, especially in the beginning. Despite the protagonist being dumped by his 7 year long boyfriend out of the blue, the tone never truly becomes serious.
Is this a high quality work? No. Was it entertaining? Hell yeah! I enjoyed it a lot. It's like one of those feel-good romcom movies. -
It really is a cute story. Pretty short. It needed so much more to really make it love it. Made me sad that someones friends can tell them that they are one of the "normal plain" guys and that the guy that reminds you of a god would never go for you. What type of damn friend is that. I get that you care but really thanks for the support(tell me how you really feel). Oh and that insta love is just a bit much. I really wanted to love this story and I could have happened but I needed more.
-
Charlie announces that he’s leaving Kendal for a fantasy man. Kendal decides to find the guy who stole his Charlie and to tell him what he thinks of him.
Aaron (the other man) is not what Kendal expects, he's a gorgeous fireman who doesn't know Charlie and who can have any man he wants, and apparently he wants Kendal.
I really enjoyed this book. I love the fact that an "ordinary" man like Kendal attracts a man like Aaron. It's a funny and sweet/sexy read. -
I loved this story!!! Kendal was an amazing portrait of how a lot of people feel about themselves when we are not perfect according to the standars of society now days. And Aaron was the portrait of "Dont judge a book by its cover".
Both MC were so cute, especially Kendal with all his misunderstandings. The story, even if it's short, was well pace and I always love a fairytale HEA. -
Ooohhhh Aaron is just the sweetest man ever! I loved that Kendal got drunk and attempted to confront Aaron for stealing his man and then bam they fall for each other. And I loved that Charlie got what was coming to him after he dumped Kendal after 7 years, what a jackass. Good story.
