| Title | : | Perfect Man |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 141991801X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781419918018 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | - |
| Publication | : | First published December 31, 2008 |
Perfect Man Reviews
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This book was an unexpected gem for me. I am not surprised that I enjoyed it so much because I am a fan of Shawn's other books, but what surprised me about it is the emotional rollercoaster the characters go through. If you are looking for a storyline where is is all rainbows and sunsets, this book is not for you. What you get when you read Perfect Man is well written characters that are flawed, but so easy to get behind and root for.
I really don't want to get too much into the storyline itself because I don't want to give anything away. I am afraid if I get into it too much it will spoil it, but I will try my best.
Alex has been living with the pain of being different all of his life. When he was in high school, he came out to his friends and was immediately rejected. He was made fun of and tormented for his homosexuality. The ring leader of the verbal abuse was his boyhood hero and crush Craig.
Although it has been many years later, and Alex is successful in other aspects of his life, he can't forget the cruel taunts and miserable feelings he had in high school and it has effected his life in some ways.
When his sister insists on setting him up on a blind date with a "Craig" from her work, Alex reluctantly agrees. When he meets the very handsome and sexy Craig he soon becomes horrified. The "Craig" his sister insisted who was so nice and handsome is the Craig that put him through hell in his past. To make matters worse, Craig doesn't know who Alex is. Alex doesn't know if he should be insulted, relieved or if some sick joke is being played on him.
Craig had noticed the picture of Alex on his co-workers desk and was immediately attracted to him. When he meets Alex in person he can't believe this beautiful, intelligent man is still single. But, as Alex starts discussing past wrongs, Craig starts remembering his behavior and is stunned that this is THAT Alex. Knowing he isn't the boy that once was so cruel, he decides to stick the date out, and try to get Alex to give him a chance to prove that he isn't the sad, grief-stricken boy of his youth.
At first, I was like Alex. I wanted to hate Craig. He said and did horrible things to Alex, so I understood why Alex had so many problems dealing with his past. But, as the story progressed and we start having an insight of Craig's past and present I began to like him and wish for him and Alex to find forgiveness, love and happiness together.
I LOVED this book! It is my favorite book by Shawn so far! If you are offended by a beautiful lovestory, endearing characters who are very well developed, hot sex and a happy ending this book is not for you. -
I didn’t plan on reviewing any books we have read. I am not one to mix with words, but truthfully I would rather read what our friends here have written and occasionally (more often than not…lol) comment on them.
Last night we started The Perfect Man by Shawn Lane. We had just read Most Likely to Succeed by her, and so I knew from reading it, that she is a great storyteller, but after I read this book I had no idea how emotional I would get while reading this book.
I admit I can be quite dramatic at times. But, it’s not often that a book will bring me to tears or affect me so much like this one did. I knew from our friends reviews here, and from Shawn’s comments about it, that The Perfect Man has a lot of angst in it, so I had prepared myself for that. I thought.
For one thing, The Perfect Man is a beautifully written love story. Who would have thought that Alex and Craig would fall in love with the history they have together?
I would have never thought that Alex would be able to reach that level of forgiveness toward Craig, because of the hurtful things he had done to Alex when they were younger. But, like Alex, there was something about Craig himself that made me as a reader like him…and even forgive him.
That is what I loved about his book. Not only does Alex have to work through his issues and forgive Craig for his past behaviors, but Craig himself has his own demons he must forgive himself for. It wasn’t sugarcoated. I felt like I was on the journey with them. I was nervous when Craig had his meltdown, I cried along with them as they dealt with Craig’s issues and pain, and I rejoiced when they had the happy ending that they very much deserved.
I loved this book, and it’s rates as one of the most favorite books I have ever read. If you haven’t read it, do yourself a favor and read it. Just make sure you have plenty of hankies available while you do! -
“Please tell me you have a condom and lube.” Alex kissed him. “I have something even better. I have a pre-lubed condom.”
Creo que no hay mucho más que añadir XD -
Alex and Craig were friends all through school. Not good friends, but they attended the same schools and knew each other for years. But when Alex came out as gay in high school, Craig picked on him and humiliated him. Years later, Alex's sister sets him up on a blind date. Alex's boyfriend broke up with him a few months ago and his sister wants to help him get over the break-up and start dating again. To Alex's surprise, his date is Craig - the gorgeous jock he had the hots for in high school, but who also made high school hell for him. He never knew Craig was gay, and at first assumes Craig's just playing another joke on him. But it's no joke - Craig is gay and he's interested in Alex. High school was not a fun time for Craig, either, but for vastly different reasons. When the men start seeing each other, Alex can't believe he's in a relationship with his 'perfect man'. Yet Craig is not as perfect as he appears to be.
I loved this book, and fell in love with the characters. I don't know quite what to say without giving away the whole plot, but it's a hot, emotional read. Craig is not as perfect as he appears to be, he has issues he tries to hide. Alex is a down to earth guy, and he didn't keep Craig up on a pedestal, but accepted him as he is and wanted to help him. The sex scenes were hot ;) and there was great depth of emotion in this book. I really felt for Craig and Alex, and I highly recommend this book. -
My Rating: 3.0
Alex’s sister sets him up with Craig, one of her coworkers. When he meets Craig at the bar, he realizes he already knows the guy - from high school. Alex has held onto his high school hurts for a long time. He’d had quite a crush on Craig back then and the two were friendly, but not close. When Alex came out, Craig turned on him and treated him horribly, making his last year in high school absolute hell. Now, Alex is afraid to trust that Craig is really gay and not out to play some kind of mind game with him.
Alex has been hurt before, and not just by Craig’s treatment in high school. Eight months earlier, Alex’s boyfriend, Travis, left him. It’s been hard for Alex to get over it because Travis is still around - Travis’s brother is married to Alex’s sister. With this kind of history, it’s no wonder Alex is afraid to trust Craig. He has more than a few self-esteem issues and while he and Craig are seeing each other, he very often second guesses himself. If he moving too fast? Is he asking Craig for more than he should? Could Craig, his perfect man, really like him for more than a one night stand? What I liked about Alex is that, no matter his past, his current misgivings and worries, he still jumps into things with both feet. He takes chances even when he’s sure the outcome is going to hurt him.
Craig, on the other hand, doesn’t take very many chances. His past has taught him to be cautious, to expect the very worst, especially from the people he loves. He’s attracted to Alex right from the start, but doesn’t realize he’s the guy he tormented in high school. When Alex confronts him about it, he immediately apologizes for it, saying he must have been dealing with his own sexuality at the time and took it out on Alex. What he doesn’t say is that he was also dealing with a lot of problems at home, things that still affect him terribly as an adult.
Technically, the book is flawed. The characterizations could have been fleshed out just a bit more. Even so, you do get a pretty good idea of what Alex and Craig are like - Alex more so than Craig. Craig, because his past is given to us in teasing glimpses, is more of a mystery than Alex. Alex is more “what you see is what you get”. The writing is not as smooth as it could have been so some scenes seem a little abrupt. Alex and Craig’s relationship moves pretty fast, faster than I thought appropriate for Alex’s character. I probably wouldn’t have had a problem with that had his character been fleshed out a bit more, his feelings made a little clearer as things progressed with Craig. Yes, I know he liked Craig a lot, that he was dealing with all the insecurities and fears that many of us face when going into a new relationship, but I still felt that he was falling in love too quickly and conveniently.
Some of the themes in this book are pretty dark, so it’s not for anyone looking for a light, fluffy read. I’d probably recommend it readers who like books where the characters have things in their pasts that, as adults, they are still struggling to overcome, things that they haven’t fully been able to deal with emotionally.
http://iheartpaperbacks.wordpress.com -
How short can a novella be? Apparently, about 50 pages is more than enough.
At first I was disappointed by length of this novella, but that actually happened to be a blessing in disguise as the plot was so weak.
I was intrigued by the blurb and thought this might just be an entertaining fast read. Especially since Car Wash by Shawn Lane was a really good entertaining read.
The starting point of the book is interesting but after the promising beginning it fails completely.
The book should have been called Desperate Husbands and the blurb is REALLY misleading. The plot is crammed with soap opera like gay clichés of terrible childhood traumas and an evil ex-boyfriend that tries to destroy a blossoming romance without succeeding. All characters, but especially the ex-boyfriend, border to complete idiocy in their actions. Unbelievable and boring. -
Pre-lubed condoms aren't lubricated sufficiently enough to forego all other lubricants during the act of anal sex. Accordingly,rather than enjoy really hot sex, I could only think about rubber-burn.
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5 stars
When Alex agreed to the blind date set up by his sister, he didn't expect to see the guy was Craig. His high school tormentor. But he was just dumped by his boyfriend, who happened to be the brother of his sister's husband. And she just told him that his ex had moved on. Why should he, too, move on? So, he had dinner with Craig. He didn't know that would change his life. Completely.
Many things I like about this book.
Recommended. -
I think the title of this book was meant to be ironic because otherwise, I don't get the title. First let me say that I hate selfish lovers! It pissed me off when Alex wanted to top Craig (his second time ever topping) and Craig agrees but then turns around and fucks Alex instead.
Now 10 years is not a long time to forget someone who you went to high school with and especially someone you bullied. I didn't believe that Craig didn't recognize Alex's picture or that they didn't recognize each other immediately. It's not like they'd grown a second head or anything.
If Craig had such bad memories from his childhood in that house, why stay in it so long? Why put up with that torture? He's obviously making good money so why not rent it out or sell it sooner?
I hate it when authors make a character that was recently hospitalized have sex fairly quickly after being injured. Is the sex that important? No. A good, realistic plot is. And what the hell was up with the pathetic ex-boyfriend who wants to come back? Oi vey. I think this might be my least favorite novel by Shawn Lane thus far. -
There were high ratings for this book and it seemed like something I'd like. I had never read anything by this author so I thought I'd give it a try. While I liked the story, I felt there was something missing. I'm not sure what it was. I guess it all just seemed rushed to me..... Alex was bullied by Craig when they were in high school for coming out as being gay. Years later Alex is basically forced into a blind date by his sister with a man who turns out to be the Craig from high school who made his life hell. Craig doesn't immediately recognize Alex but does remember the incidents when Alex reminds him. The story goes on with Alex forgiving Craig. They start a relationship. Throw in Craig's mentally ill mother, Alex's jerk of an ex boyfriend and Alex's kind of annoying sister and Craig's own personal issues and there's the story.
It wasn't bad. And I really DID like it. But as I said, too rushed. Not enough time taken for certain situations or for character development, in my opinion. -
I am very much confused as what should I rate this...
Finally settled for a Two and a Half star.
There is a fine difference between a GOOD Plot and and WELL WRITTEN Plot..
The Perfect Man is defiantly has a very good plot,that could have been much better if it was equally well written.
The story was powerful and could have instantaneously drawn in the reader to all its anguish ,but unfortunate it fails to do so.I rather feel that the story was way too short.
Summary:
The story had the potential of being heart wreaking ,tear jerking ,head over heels ,tragic, hot ,erotic romance with a good amount of dark ambiance.
But fail to do so...
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It started off sounding like a fun, sexy MM romance but became rather heavy and depressing. I'd still like to try another MM romance by Shawn Lane if she has something a little different.
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A
Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
I read the first iteration of this story when it was originally released, though I’d forgotten I had until I dove into this story. I was reminded quickly how much I enjoyed Alex and Craig, and while this story isn’t perfect, it has all the elements to make a quick, heartfelt read.
I loved Alex and how even though he was still hurting from Craig’s treatment in the past, he didn’t let that stop him from finding out who Craig has become. It helps that Craig’s apology is sincere, but what’s more, Craig shows Alex how much he’s changed. These guys are hot together and their chemistry is great. The falling in loved happened pretty quickly, but it worked. I believed that these guys were at the right place in their lives to give each other a chance, and that made their love all the better.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety
here. -
This novella is not a light, quick read although it’s not long. It’s altogether an emotional story with incredible character depth that I really enjoyed.
Nothing is what it seems, that’s what Alex is about to experience when he meets his old school friend Craig again, who happened to be the guy who gave him a hard time for coming out of the closet back then. Now he’s his blind date and Alex has trouble believing that Craig is gay. Despite his initial scepticism Alex falls for Craig all over again and they start a relationship. Their chemistry is very good and the love scenes are hot. And when they move in together all seems picture perfect. But there’s more to it than this and – without giving away too much – it turns out that Craig isn’t the perfect man he seems to be. The author gave little hints (like ‘the lie slipped out so easily’) from the beginning of the story, building some suspense that way. It makes this a captivating and gripping story that I read in one breath. -
Wow, right off the bat i hated both of the characters. The only reason i wanted to read this was becuase the two had known one another in HS so i thought, 'great backstory'. The first guy doesnt even remember the second and then asks to put it behind them so they can date. So no great angst so far. But the hopeful guy asks the other guy to a movie, and other guy answers 'no'. When hopeful guy feels rejected, other guy says 'let me cook for you instead'. If this is an example of the shoddy writing i'm going to get, i aint reading it! Also, hopeful guy lies and says his lover dies, right off the bat! How are we supposed to like either character? I have no idea if this story redeems itself, already, i dont care!!
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2.5 stars (I didn't really like it but it was better than okay)
I have found I just don't do very well with this author's books. It's not like they are terrible or poorly written, they just don't do it for me. I feel harsh giving 2 stars when there are plenty of smutty Siren published ones I have given 3 to - but at least with those I am more entertained and end the book with wanting to buy another one. Maybe you can chalk it up to my questionable judgement but that's how I feel. -
What a great book! I loved it!
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I don't know why but I really love this book.. This is the best book by Shawn Lane.. But then again I love all Shawn Lanes works.. Keep it up gerl!!
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enemies to lovers shelf
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Read on 12-10-13
I think if this was longer and fleshed out more it could have been great. I liked Alex and Craig, but I just thought everything was so rushed. I couldn't get into it :( -
Wow, a lot of drama and angst packed into these short pages. S. Lane is quite the storyteller and this one, even with some flaws, is told quite well. Alex and Craig went to high school together. Were friends until Alex came out and Craig became mean and ridiculed him. Funny how things that happen to us when we much younger inform our thoughts and behaviors when we are adults. Anyway, they meet again, funnily enough, on a blind date set up by Alex' sister. Craig is dealing with some very heavy memories of his parents that are still affecting him. His mother is mentally ill and institutionalized but he is warring with taking care of her yet hating her for what she did when he was a child. Alex has his own demons but his are less so. Though there are some trust issues, they are coming to love each other and there are obstacles. Love the way this is told. Definitely dated with the unfortunate language around being "clean." Craig's mental issues may have been handled a little too glibly but it is a novella, after all. Still I teared up at some parts. Wanted to throat punch Travis - what a jerk. And Alex' sister - she was like those caricature females you see is so many MM romances - annoying, pushy.
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Alex is set up on a blind date, and it just happens to be with his high school bully. Clearly they make things work for this to end up as a romance novel, but I love how it wasn't all sunshine and roses. Alex called Craig out, Alex's family held a grudge until they could make sure that he wasn't going to revert to his old ways, and Craig had a lot of abuse in his past that didn't get brushed off. I was glad to see Craig include Alex in his life and open up to him. By the end of the book, my heart was so heavy for Craig, but also lightened to think that these two were going to make something great together. I liked this.
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The ideas were good and Craig's difficulties were well explained. I would have preferred this book to have less physical scenes and instalove as these felt like they detracted from the story instead of adding to it. Alex was a good support for Craig.
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When Alex Nichol's meets the blind date his sister set him up with he's shocked to recognize his old high school classmate. Craig Fontaine has been his fantasy perfect man since then even though Craig treated him badly after Alex came out his senior year.
It's been ten years since the last time they saw each other and Craig doesn't recognize Alex at first. During their time at high school Craig had been under a lot of stress from problems at home and when he started questioning his own sexuality he took out his frustrations on Alex. Captivated with the man he meets again, Craig is apologetic and hopeful of a second chance with Alex.
It will be up to Craig to show Alex that he's changed. He's a mature man, confident in his sexuality and very attracted to Alex. Both of them see in each other the perfect man they've always wanted to have yet neither one is confident in themselves. Alex has been recently dumped by his ex-boyfriend and Craig has never managed to have a real relationship. He has issues that he is still dealing with and as they come together they will learn that they don't need to be perfect to be the perfect man for each other.
This was a great story. The writing was excellent and the story flowed really well. I loved both Alex and Craig, they are well developed characters each with their own strengths and weaknesses. As their friendship turns to love we see how forgiveness of past mistakes can lead to a much needed healing. Craig especially has had a lot to deal with in the past ten years but with Alex's love and support he will be ready to face his personal demons and move forward to a new and wonderful life. -
It’s never a good thing for a sister to set her brother up on a blind date, as Alex Nichols finds out. It’s also not a good thing, to assume that the past will never come back and bite you on the bum, as he finds out when the man who made his last year of high school a night mare turns out to be his blind date.
When Craig Fontaine walked through the door of the bar where he was suppose to be meeting his date, all he saw at the bar was a gorgeous hunk of a man. Having all that man come at him with blazing fury was certainly not expected.
Craig has always been Alex’s fantasy man and even after all the hurt of the past, there is still a deep attraction between the two. When Craig realizes that Alex genuinely did not believe he was into the lifestyle, he knows he has his work cut out; however he has enough dark secrets in his past that he fears if Alex finds out, they might be over before they’ve even began.
Shawn Lane is fast becoming an auto buy for me. With PERFECT MAN we get another taste of this versatile author. With two protagonist brought together through coincidence but who have more issues than is necessary in any relationship, we are treated to not only the misery and pain of teenage years but also to the inner strength of men who can overcome even the darkest horrors.
PERFECT MAN is a totally enjoyable read, a perfect addition to your library. -
I've rated this book 3 stars. It was actually the second half of Perfect Man that gave it that extra third star. I found the first half to be kind of lacking. The relationship seemed to move way too fast in the beginning, with us knowing very little about our main characters. I had also been hoping for a little more reluctance on Alex's part at the start once he had found out who the mystery guy his sister had set him up with was. I found the writing to be a little stilted too.
Once the actual story started to develop, just over the half way mark, Perfect Man drastically improved and I found myself enjoying it much more. It had a wonderful and very emotional ending. The characters finally developed - particularly Craig - and you finally felt some sort of attachment to them which certainly kept me reading. -
3.5 stars rounded up.
Despite it's shortness it has everything going for it - enemies to lovers (well, bully to lover), fast insta-love developed from school crush and actual plot by way of strong character development. I can't really say what the issues are without spoilering beyond belief (don't worry it's not cheating, if like me you loathe that theme) but it's well written and believable for the character. If only it was longer. Everything I'm reading lately is too short! -
A short love story, that shows people sometimes do change for the better..
I know Craig did some awful things to Alex in High School, but I have to admit, I loved him from the moment he walked into that bar.. There was just something so innocent about him, and I just wanted to hug him..
Of course they did the "I love you" and "lets move in together" a bit fast, but hey, it worked didnt it? ;)
