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Pretty Boy #2
Sweet Thing
NOMINATED FOR THE INDEPENDENT AUDIOBOOK AWARD 2019 - LGBTQ+ CategoryFrench male model Simeon Duchamp has a lot of explaining to do. Two years after a breakdown Simeon is off drugs and booze and wants to stay that way. On his road to reclaiming his life and modeling career, Sim first needs to apologize to the man he hurt the most -his ex-best friend and object of his unrequited affection Pieter Bayer. Pieter now has a long-term partner, artist Emily Raven, with whom he shares a baby son. Sim is amazed when Pieter accepts his apology, and invites him into his family. Closeness to Pieter sees Simeon's longing for his friend is rekindled. But then, when Simeon meets an attractive older man, Bastian Roth at an Art Exhibition, he realizes that there is a soul more broken than his, and Simeon feels compelled to help. Simeon's connection with the troubled Bastian Roth turns his world upside down. He has to decide whether to allow himself to fall for the man who wants him or pine for the man he can never have.THIS BOOK CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONEAlso available as an audiobook narrated by Gary Furlong
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2017
26 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Isobel Starling
60 books233 followersAWARD WINNING AUTHOR OF GAY ROMANCE.
Born in Germany, Isobel Starling spent most of her twenty-year professional career making art in Ireland. Now she writes full-time and runs her publishing company, Decent Fellows Press.
The Shatterproof Bond series is Gay Romance bestseller in the US, Germany and France. It is also a bestseller in audiobook format, narrated by Gary Furlong
Isobel is currently working on "The Dark Harvest", (The Quiet Work #2) The follow up to her successful Fantasy novel "Apple Boy"
When that book is done Isobel will be working on "Infernal Vices" book #3 of the Resurrectionist Historical MM series, and then "The Rebel Candidate " Book #6 in the Shatterproof Bond series.
Born in Germany, Isobel Starling spent most of her twenty-year professional career making art in Ireland. Now she writes full-time and runs her publishing company, Decent Fellows Press.
The Shatterproof Bond series is Gay Romance bestseller in the US, Germany and France. It is also a bestseller in audiobook format, narrated by Gary Furlong
Isobel is currently working on "The Dark Harvest", (The Quiet Work #2) The follow up to her successful Fantasy novel "Apple Boy"
When that book is done Isobel will be working on "Infernal Vices" book #3 of the Resurrectionist Historical MM series, and then "The Rebel Candidate " Book #6 in the Shatterproof Bond series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 18, 2018
So there are books that are meant to be read and there are those that are meant to be heard. And this definitely is the kind of book that you need to listen to enjoy its story to the fullest. 😌 Man oh man! 😱 Gary Furlong did such a sublime job narrating the hell out of this book, he instantly became my new favorite obsession. 😁 And although unplanned, my audio soulmate Trio and I ended up BR-listening this book together and we are both enchanted by this little gem. 😉 Now, let’s talk about the story.
Simeon was a spoilt, selfish and self-destructive supermodel who was on the verge of ending his own life. But that was a past life for him now. As a fledgling recovering alcoholic, Sim is now trying to salvage whatever friendship is left between he and his once best friend/his unrequited love Pieter. And surprisingly, Pieter forgave him for what he did in the past and embraced him as his best friend again. Now on the road to recovery, Sim met an interesting and mysterious handsome man while attending the opening gallery of Pieter’s partner Emily. Now Sim has to decide whether to still pine for a man who would never love him that way or to start a new life with a man who’s meant to be with him in every way.
After the tragic death of his lover and his father in the same accident, Bastian has been a living corpse for almost two years now. Life has lost all meaning when he lost the love of his life on that day. Being unable to digest the idea of physical intimacy with another man for a couple years, Bast’s interest is roused for the first time when he laid his eyes on the irresistible Simeon Duchamp for the first time. But he’s a broken man and Sim has his own demons to battle. Can he let go of the past to start a fresh new beginning with a man he knew is going to be perfect for him? Or will he wallow in the inescapable misery until the end of his time.
The hesitant dalliance between Sim and Bast is uneasy to say the least. But the men are trying their best to make it work. However when the demons from both their pasts caught up to them, will they be able to overcome the biggest obstacle in their relationship to see the happily ever after in the end?
This book could have gone so wrong for me because there are a lot of things that I try to stay away in this book. I’m not good with books where characters have mental problems. I can understand the appeal for some people but it just isn’t for me. Also, I dislike the characters who are still pining for their dead lovers or ex lovers from the past. 🙂 But boy OH boy, I felt like this book was just made for me because I loved every single second listening this book. From being quite hesitant and somewhat scared of diving into it, just after 30 mins into listening this book and I was so hooked. I admit that I struggle to empathize with Sim in the beginning just because he’s so entitled and spoilt but you really do warm up to him. The tale of these two men finding love, hope and a new beginning in each other was simply beautiful, lyrical, heartbreakingly romantic and somewhat mysterious. 💜 This really is so much more than a book to recovery and love. There are mysteries that are waiting to be unfold (I’ll tell you one thing. I didn’t see that coming 😳 and I certainly didn’t see that one coming either. 😱) there are jaw dropping moments which made so much sense about the whole spectacle and I loved every single second witnessing it. And did I say Gary Furlong became my new favorite obsession? 😂 OMG! I can’t even! 😱 His French and German accents were simply divine in this book! It’s toe-curling delicious!!! 😋 And don’t start me on smut, the smut in this book was .. well, simply out of this world! It was all kind of sizzling, scorching and unbelievably erotic! 🔥😍🔥 I was breathless, ecstatic and obsessed about this whole book! 😍 It’s now my life mission to listen to every MM book Gary Furlong narrated. 😁 And did I also tell you about the ending? It was just magical and a fairy-tale like. It really worked out well in the end. 😌 My only advice to you is that just to be a bit patient when you go into this book because you might not warm up to the characters immediately but after Sim met Bast, you will be a goner! And do listen to this book instead of reading it if you are into audios because everyone needs to witness the perfect baby concocted by Gary Furlong’s magical narration and Isobel Starling’s beautiful writing. Can’t recommend enough! 👏 Loved it so sooooooooo much! 😍
5 the only drug I need is you, Bast stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
The story - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The narration - 5 sublime stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The performance - 5 toe-curling stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 5 awesome stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
Simeon was a spoilt, selfish and self-destructive supermodel who was on the verge of ending his own life. But that was a past life for him now. As a fledgling recovering alcoholic, Sim is now trying to salvage whatever friendship is left between he and his once best friend/his unrequited love Pieter. And surprisingly, Pieter forgave him for what he did in the past and embraced him as his best friend again. Now on the road to recovery, Sim met an interesting and mysterious handsome man while attending the opening gallery of Pieter’s partner Emily. Now Sim has to decide whether to still pine for a man who would never love him that way or to start a new life with a man who’s meant to be with him in every way.
After the tragic death of his lover and his father in the same accident, Bastian has been a living corpse for almost two years now. Life has lost all meaning when he lost the love of his life on that day. Being unable to digest the idea of physical intimacy with another man for a couple years, Bast’s interest is roused for the first time when he laid his eyes on the irresistible Simeon Duchamp for the first time. But he’s a broken man and Sim has his own demons to battle. Can he let go of the past to start a fresh new beginning with a man he knew is going to be perfect for him? Or will he wallow in the inescapable misery until the end of his time.
The hesitant dalliance between Sim and Bast is uneasy to say the least. But the men are trying their best to make it work. However when the demons from both their pasts caught up to them, will they be able to overcome the biggest obstacle in their relationship to see the happily ever after in the end?
This book could have gone so wrong for me because there are a lot of things that I try to stay away in this book. I’m not good with books where characters have mental problems. I can understand the appeal for some people but it just isn’t for me. Also, I dislike the characters who are still pining for their dead lovers or ex lovers from the past. 🙂 But boy OH boy, I felt like this book was just made for me because I loved every single second listening this book. From being quite hesitant and somewhat scared of diving into it, just after 30 mins into listening this book and I was so hooked. I admit that I struggle to empathize with Sim in the beginning just because he’s so entitled and spoilt but you really do warm up to him. The tale of these two men finding love, hope and a new beginning in each other was simply beautiful, lyrical, heartbreakingly romantic and somewhat mysterious. 💜 This really is so much more than a book to recovery and love. There are mysteries that are waiting to be unfold (I’ll tell you one thing. I didn’t see that coming 😳 and I certainly didn’t see that one coming either. 😱) there are jaw dropping moments which made so much sense about the whole spectacle and I loved every single second witnessing it. And did I say Gary Furlong became my new favorite obsession? 😂 OMG! I can’t even! 😱 His French and German accents were simply divine in this book! It’s toe-curling delicious!!! 😋 And don’t start me on smut, the smut in this book was .. well, simply out of this world! It was all kind of sizzling, scorching and unbelievably erotic! 🔥😍🔥 I was breathless, ecstatic and obsessed about this whole book! 😍 It’s now my life mission to listen to every MM book Gary Furlong narrated. 😁 And did I also tell you about the ending? It was just magical and a fairy-tale like. It really worked out well in the end. 😌 My only advice to you is that just to be a bit patient when you go into this book because you might not warm up to the characters immediately but after Sim met Bast, you will be a goner! And do listen to this book instead of reading it if you are into audios because everyone needs to witness the perfect baby concocted by Gary Furlong’s magical narration and Isobel Starling’s beautiful writing. Can’t recommend enough! 👏 Loved it so sooooooooo much! 😍
5 the only drug I need is you, Bast stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
The story - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The narration - 5 sublime stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The performance - 5 toe-curling stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 5 awesome stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
June 30, 2019
Audio – 5+ stars for Gary Furlong’s performance
Story – 2.5 stars round up only because of the narrator
Between the povs of several secondary characters, Bastian's grief and multiple flashbacks of his former lover, and not enough quality couple time, I had a hard time feeling the connection between the MCs. In my opinion, there was more telling than showing in this story.
Story – 2.5 stars round up only because of the narrator
Between the povs of several secondary characters, Bastian's grief and multiple flashbacks of his former lover, and not enough quality couple time, I had a hard time feeling the connection between the MCs. In my opinion, there was more telling than showing in this story.
November 5, 2018
Omigod, omigod, omieffinggod!!!!! This! This book. Wait, THIS AUDIOBOOK, knocked me off my feet again and again!! 👏👏👏
Those knocks were emotional, I’m sure because looking at myself I don’t have any bruises. Yet those emotional knocks were soothed, balmed, and calmed by Isobel Starling and her magnificent writing.
And I’m fully including Gary Furlong’s voice in helping to kiss and heal all scrapes and bruises I may have experienced because of the AMAZING FEELS in this book!!!
I’ll be upfront right now and say that I asked for and received a copy of this audiobook from Isobel Starling, herself, in exchange for an honest review.
Well, let me be honest: I loved, LOVED, ❤️❤️❤️❤️ this story. The audiobook made Isobel’s story fly!! 👏👏👏
So, here’s a funny thing....I didn’t like our MC, Simeon, at first. He appeared a petty, self-absorbed and spoiled young model. Yes, he was out of rehab. Yes, he was trying to make up amends for past wrongs; but his obsession with his ex-best friend and love obsession was enough to want to shake the pretty man with the pouty lips.
Yes, I felt bad that Pieter, old bestie, had moved on and found the love of his life—a talented artist, Emily—and now had a baby son. Sure, Sim was in pain, but I wasn’t connecting with him. Yet.
Sim, himself, began to connect with Pieter and Emily and their son. He GREW as a character. Thank you Ms. Starling for giving a character an arc in which they can CHANGE over the course of the story!!! So, Simeon soon wedges himself in my heart. Him and his sexy as fuck French accent—Gary Furlong is a narrating GOD!
I gotta admit that I can identify with him and his addictive personality. That’s pretty much me except that I’m not a model. So, connection made. Sim struggles with sobriety, low self-esteem, anxiety and the belief that his real self isn’t good enough for people to love. He breaks my heart 💔💔 and how I love this!!
So who’s the other half of this love story? Pieter, his unrequited love, is happily married. So who do we get? We get a heartbroken Berliner, Bastian, who can’t get past losing the love of his life in an accident almost two years ago. We get plenty of flashbacks with Bastian and his ghost of a lover (no paranormal here). Bast can’t let go and he can’t move on. That is, until he meets Simeon. He sees in Sim something of his own sadness. I loved Bast...but he threw me for a loop, as well at the beginning and again near the end.
Sparks FLY between the older architect and the younger model. But are the sparks enough to banish Bast’s dead lover and Sim’s insecurities? You’ll have to read to find out!!
Gods! How I loved these two together! There was no insta-love. No insta-confessions. In fact, it wasn’t smooth sailing at the beginning and the pair hit plenty of speed bumps along the way.
And through this path I traveled with these men, a path that was not easy, yet not angsty, I saw how love can develop between two individuals who are less than perfect. It was their imperfections that made me connect with both of them, although Sim carved out a place in my heart for himself.
OK, enough of my emo feels for this story. It’s drama, but it’s good drama, real romance and the angst present isn’t shoved in the reader’s face. It’s just a fact. You have an addict and a grieving man: you can’t escape it when these men are working to heal themselves and each other. And....And....There’s a fucking amazing HEA!!! ❤️💕❤️💕❤️
Some quotes that stood out to me (and please forgive any errors in quoting and punctuation since I transcribed this from the audiobook):
Simeon on sex: “When I was high it was like a sport, I guess. Sex is fun and I guess I’m pretty good at it [...] but without the drugs and drink it doesn’t feel the same.”
Simeon on his first relationship (this one): “Sleeping beside you, waking with you, things like that are so simple to everyone else but they’re no so simple to me.”
Bastian to Sim: “...but there’s no way in Hell I’m letting you walk away from me or let you drink yourself into oblivion to escape from me. I will hunt you down and hold on to you until you realize how special you are. I won’t lose you, Simeon. I won’t.”
Sim: That was the thing about love, no two loves were the same.
If you’ve made it to the bottom of this somewhat scattered and possibly typo-filled review (on a phone here), I want you to know that above all, this was a MAGICAL and HONEST LOVE STORY. Anddddd it was a romance NOT SET IN THE US OR THE UK!! Thank the gods for that injection of diversity in setting and culture!!
GET THE BOOK. GET THE AUDIOBOOK—-Furlong’s ability with European languages enthralled me. And damn those accents are sexy as fuck!! 💕💕
Those knocks were emotional, I’m sure because looking at myself I don’t have any bruises. Yet those emotional knocks were soothed, balmed, and calmed by Isobel Starling and her magnificent writing.
And I’m fully including Gary Furlong’s voice in helping to kiss and heal all scrapes and bruises I may have experienced because of the AMAZING FEELS in this book!!!
I’ll be upfront right now and say that I asked for and received a copy of this audiobook from Isobel Starling, herself, in exchange for an honest review.
Well, let me be honest: I loved, LOVED, ❤️❤️❤️❤️ this story. The audiobook made Isobel’s story fly!! 👏👏👏
So, here’s a funny thing....I didn’t like our MC, Simeon, at first. He appeared a petty, self-absorbed and spoiled young model. Yes, he was out of rehab. Yes, he was trying to make up amends for past wrongs; but his obsession with his ex-best friend and love obsession was enough to want to shake the pretty man with the pouty lips.
Yes, I felt bad that Pieter, old bestie, had moved on and found the love of his life—a talented artist, Emily—and now had a baby son. Sure, Sim was in pain, but I wasn’t connecting with him. Yet.
Sim, himself, began to connect with Pieter and Emily and their son. He GREW as a character. Thank you Ms. Starling for giving a character an arc in which they can CHANGE over the course of the story!!! So, Simeon soon wedges himself in my heart. Him and his sexy as fuck French accent—Gary Furlong is a narrating GOD!
I gotta admit that I can identify with him and his addictive personality. That’s pretty much me except that I’m not a model. So, connection made. Sim struggles with sobriety, low self-esteem, anxiety and the belief that his real self isn’t good enough for people to love. He breaks my heart 💔💔 and how I love this!!
So who’s the other half of this love story? Pieter, his unrequited love, is happily married. So who do we get? We get a heartbroken Berliner, Bastian, who can’t get past losing the love of his life in an accident almost two years ago. We get plenty of flashbacks with Bastian and his ghost of a lover (no paranormal here). Bast can’t let go and he can’t move on. That is, until he meets Simeon. He sees in Sim something of his own sadness. I loved Bast...but he threw me for a loop, as well at the beginning and again near the end.
Sparks FLY between the older architect and the younger model. But are the sparks enough to banish Bast’s dead lover and Sim’s insecurities? You’ll have to read to find out!!
Gods! How I loved these two together! There was no insta-love. No insta-confessions. In fact, it wasn’t smooth sailing at the beginning and the pair hit plenty of speed bumps along the way.
And through this path I traveled with these men, a path that was not easy, yet not angsty, I saw how love can develop between two individuals who are less than perfect. It was their imperfections that made me connect with both of them, although Sim carved out a place in my heart for himself.
OK, enough of my emo feels for this story. It’s drama, but it’s good drama, real romance and the angst present isn’t shoved in the reader’s face. It’s just a fact. You have an addict and a grieving man: you can’t escape it when these men are working to heal themselves and each other. And....And....There’s a fucking amazing HEA!!! ❤️💕❤️💕❤️
Some quotes that stood out to me (and please forgive any errors in quoting and punctuation since I transcribed this from the audiobook):
Simeon on sex: “When I was high it was like a sport, I guess. Sex is fun and I guess I’m pretty good at it [...] but without the drugs and drink it doesn’t feel the same.”
Simeon on his first relationship (this one): “Sleeping beside you, waking with you, things like that are so simple to everyone else but they’re no so simple to me.”
Bastian to Sim: “...but there’s no way in Hell I’m letting you walk away from me or let you drink yourself into oblivion to escape from me. I will hunt you down and hold on to you until you realize how special you are. I won’t lose you, Simeon. I won’t.”
Sim: That was the thing about love, no two loves were the same.
If you’ve made it to the bottom of this somewhat scattered and possibly typo-filled review (on a phone here), I want you to know that above all, this was a MAGICAL and HONEST LOVE STORY. Anddddd it was a romance NOT SET IN THE US OR THE UK!! Thank the gods for that injection of diversity in setting and culture!!
GET THE BOOK. GET THE AUDIOBOOK—-Furlong’s ability with European languages enthralled me. And damn those accents are sexy as fuck!! 💕💕
March 19, 2021
There’s a luscious darkness in the themes of Isobel Starling’s novel Sweet Thing. Unrequited love, depression, and addiction intertwined with passion, forgiveness, and love. The angst is only surpassed by the intense emotions churned up by the main characters as they work on reclaiming their lives. With Gary Furlong’s panty melting narration, Sweet Thing is one hell of a roller coaster ride.
The main reason I feel compelled to write this review is to pay homage to Gary Furlong’s superb narration of Sweet Thing. I’m always captivated by his strong and sensual voice. But when Mr. Furlong speaks Simeon’s lines in French? It’s honestly the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard! Seriously toe curlingly swoonworthy. Even Bastian’s rumbling German accent is sexy as hell. There’s so much emotion in this story and what Gary Furlong’s voice imparts upon these characters is immeasurable. His skillful narration kept me enthralled from beginning to end.
Part of the Pretty Boy series, Sweet Thing is centered around Simeon and his life after rehab. Even though I haven’t read the other books in the series, I had no trouble enjoying this one as a standalone. There’s a prequel, New York’s In Love, which tells the story leading up to Simeon’s breakdown; I can’t wait to get all the dirty details as it’s already downloaded on my Kindle.
Wild and passionate, Simeon is pursued by more demons than anyone should have to bear. Isobel Starling sets the stage for Simeon’s tale with a deliciously steamy opening scene, and everything just snowballs from there.
Self-absorbed, insecure, and sober for the first time in years Simeon leaves rehab to return to his home in Berlin. When his friends accept his apologies and welcome him back, he’s stunned by their generosity of spirit. It’s easy to see the changes come over Simeon as he works toward becoming an emotionally secure, compassionate man.
As sex is one of the few things in which he can indulge, when handsome, sophisticated Bastian catches his eye, Simeon can’t resist. Broken and mourning the loss of his longtime lover, Bastian accepts Simeon’s help as they establish an intimacy neither man has known before. The intense, passionate connection these two make is just what each needs to begin to heal.
Sweet Thing is a fast-paced, sexy, and exciting romance. The tension and the angst are wonderful, and the pivotal climactic scene gave me chills. Isobel Starling has a good bit of fun with this story as well, and I love the skillful way she weaves David Bowie and his music into the plot. Hey, it even got me thinking about dusting off my Diamond Dogs album... I just hope my turntable still works.
The main reason I feel compelled to write this review is to pay homage to Gary Furlong’s superb narration of Sweet Thing. I’m always captivated by his strong and sensual voice. But when Mr. Furlong speaks Simeon’s lines in French? It’s honestly the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard! Seriously toe curlingly swoonworthy. Even Bastian’s rumbling German accent is sexy as hell. There’s so much emotion in this story and what Gary Furlong’s voice imparts upon these characters is immeasurable. His skillful narration kept me enthralled from beginning to end.
Part of the Pretty Boy series, Sweet Thing is centered around Simeon and his life after rehab. Even though I haven’t read the other books in the series, I had no trouble enjoying this one as a standalone. There’s a prequel, New York’s In Love, which tells the story leading up to Simeon’s breakdown; I can’t wait to get all the dirty details as it’s already downloaded on my Kindle.
Wild and passionate, Simeon is pursued by more demons than anyone should have to bear. Isobel Starling sets the stage for Simeon’s tale with a deliciously steamy opening scene, and everything just snowballs from there.
Self-absorbed, insecure, and sober for the first time in years Simeon leaves rehab to return to his home in Berlin. When his friends accept his apologies and welcome him back, he’s stunned by their generosity of spirit. It’s easy to see the changes come over Simeon as he works toward becoming an emotionally secure, compassionate man.
As sex is one of the few things in which he can indulge, when handsome, sophisticated Bastian catches his eye, Simeon can’t resist. Broken and mourning the loss of his longtime lover, Bastian accepts Simeon’s help as they establish an intimacy neither man has known before. The intense, passionate connection these two make is just what each needs to begin to heal.
Sweet Thing is a fast-paced, sexy, and exciting romance. The tension and the angst are wonderful, and the pivotal climactic scene gave me chills. Isobel Starling has a good bit of fun with this story as well, and I love the skillful way she weaves David Bowie and his music into the plot. Hey, it even got me thinking about dusting off my Diamond Dogs album... I just hope my turntable still works.
April 9, 2018
DNF @ 22%
Uuuuuuuuh.... NOPE.
I won't even bother with a review. Check my updates and you'll find everything you need to know about why this is happening.
Uuuuuuuuh.... NOPE.
I won't even bother with a review. Check my updates and you'll find everything you need to know about why this is happening.
October 8, 2017
Isobel Starling is an author whose name I had seen but this is the first book of hers I’ve read. The blurb was intriguing and I looked forward to a hurt/comfort read and an age-gap romance. It had an unusual start, also a decidedly continental, or European, tone and style. The characters of Simeon and Bastien came from wealthy families, and Pieter, his wife Emily, and Simeon moved through a world of high fashion and art, and associated wealth. My first impressions of the characters were of vacuous, entitled people and I wasn’t able to get past it. There was much of the story I could not really relate to. Dialogues, attitudes and reactions seemed less than natural, at least to me.
My first impression of Simeon was a petulant, demanding child. His first intimate encounter with Bastien was disturbing, included non-consent and struck me as truly bizarre. The story improved slowly but I never empathized with most of the emotions from anyone. I get the feeling it could be more me than the book. It wasn’t uninteresting in some ways but I had to persevere to finish reading. It was well written technically and prose and meanings were clear, although the shifts in POV sometimes broke up the flow.
My three star rating is more of a neutral feeling for the book than an actual like, but I didn’t have any great dislike either. I can see where some readers will be able to sense the emotion and connect with Simeon and Bastien but it wasn’t there for me. Many others have completely opposite reactions to mine, so readers need to judge this one for themselves.
*An ARC was provided to me by the author in return for an honest review*
My first impression of Simeon was a petulant, demanding child. His first intimate encounter with Bastien was disturbing, included non-consent and struck me as truly bizarre. The story improved slowly but I never empathized with most of the emotions from anyone. I get the feeling it could be more me than the book. It wasn’t uninteresting in some ways but I had to persevere to finish reading. It was well written technically and prose and meanings were clear, although the shifts in POV sometimes broke up the flow.
My three star rating is more of a neutral feeling for the book than an actual like, but I didn’t have any great dislike either. I can see where some readers will be able to sense the emotion and connect with Simeon and Bastien but it wasn’t there for me. Many others have completely opposite reactions to mine, so readers need to judge this one for themselves.
*An ARC was provided to me by the author in return for an honest review*
September 10, 2017
Amazing read. Full of compassion, deep love, friendship and second chances....
I really had no idea where this story was about and while reading my heart stuttered many times.
It was so emotional I almost couldn't handle it. Realistic persons riding a realistic journey.
Told from many angles which was so enthralling, I couldn't stop reading.
It was erotic, passionate, sensual, sweet and beautiful. On the other side it was hard and hurtful, dark clouds.....and struggling.
Simeon recovering from several addictions, never had a relationship...only hookups.....many...!
Bastian quite the opposite....
The chemistry between the men was more than one word. It was beautiful, painful, delightful, hopeful, desperate, sensual, erotic, intimate and full of respect and love.
Both men had their baggage and it was a lot to carry, both traumatized.
They didn't hopped into bed and fucked around. There is a whole other story going on. It will take your breath away.
Their dynamic changed here and there, as in a natural process.
All the body language felt real and honest, almost watching a movie.
They both had to fight hard to get through life...but the rewards.....beyond everything.
I loved Simeon and Bast hard their attitudes were admirable. Totally different but so entwined.
All the people who were involved in this story were just....where they should be. It was good.
Specially Simeon's best friend Pieter for love he is unavailable but still his best friend.
Everything was right....the pace, the personalities, their background....the developing...it was there and it was whole...it was right.
Highly recommend
Kindly received a copy from the author
I really had no idea where this story was about and while reading my heart stuttered many times.
It was so emotional I almost couldn't handle it. Realistic persons riding a realistic journey.
Told from many angles which was so enthralling, I couldn't stop reading.
It was erotic, passionate, sensual, sweet and beautiful. On the other side it was hard and hurtful, dark clouds.....and struggling.
Simeon recovering from several addictions, never had a relationship...only hookups.....many...!
Bastian quite the opposite....
The chemistry between the men was more than one word. It was beautiful, painful, delightful, hopeful, desperate, sensual, erotic, intimate and full of respect and love.
Both men had their baggage and it was a lot to carry, both traumatized.
They didn't hopped into bed and fucked around. There is a whole other story going on. It will take your breath away.
Their dynamic changed here and there, as in a natural process.
All the body language felt real and honest, almost watching a movie.
They both had to fight hard to get through life...but the rewards.....beyond everything.
I loved Simeon and Bast hard their attitudes were admirable. Totally different but so entwined.
All the people who were involved in this story were just....where they should be. It was good.
Specially Simeon's best friend Pieter for love he is unavailable but still his best friend.
Everything was right....the pace, the personalities, their background....the developing...it was there and it was whole...it was right.
Highly recommend
Kindly received a copy from the author
June 26, 2019
Oh man! Gary Furlong gets allllllll the gold stars for narrating this book! So many accents, so much emotion in the voices and just a beautiful flow to the writing and storytelling. He did an amazing job narrating this book with French, German, English accents and more.
I thought that this was a beautiful story - about love, forgiveness and compassion, overcoming a past of drugs and alcohol addictions, and how true friends don't give up on you. It's dark at times, serious at others, but ultimately is about the love and regaining your life back through that love.
Simeon is recovering from his addictions and learning to live with an addictive personality and wants to make amends with his best friend and unrequited love, Pieter. At the same time, Sim meets a mysterious man, Bastien, and despite a very rough beginning, the two learn more about the other and discover that they want more. I love all of the friendships and interactions in this - with Pieter and Simeon, I at first thought I would want them to be a couple, but I grew to love and root for Bastien, and just enjoy the friendships with everyone else.
This book has a different feel to it, maybe how European it felt to me, maybe how the beginning of Sim and Bastien's relationship isn't all sunshine and fluff, but I completely enjoyed this audiobook.
I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I thought that this was a beautiful story - about love, forgiveness and compassion, overcoming a past of drugs and alcohol addictions, and how true friends don't give up on you. It's dark at times, serious at others, but ultimately is about the love and regaining your life back through that love.
Simeon is recovering from his addictions and learning to live with an addictive personality and wants to make amends with his best friend and unrequited love, Pieter. At the same time, Sim meets a mysterious man, Bastien, and despite a very rough beginning, the two learn more about the other and discover that they want more. I love all of the friendships and interactions in this - with Pieter and Simeon, I at first thought I would want them to be a couple, but I grew to love and root for Bastien, and just enjoy the friendships with everyone else.
This book has a different feel to it, maybe how European it felt to me, maybe how the beginning of Sim and Bastien's relationship isn't all sunshine and fluff, but I completely enjoyed this audiobook.
I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2017
...dnf at 30% mark
It was too European for my liking, I had difficulties to follow the writing style, it made me dizzy at some point, and I have no intention to continue this.
I also had a hard time to connect with the addict MC, not to mention his addiction for sex is still there, easy fuck even before he's out from the facilities, spoiled brat, using his father's money for his obsession for a man he cannot have.
...nope.
It was too European for my liking, I had difficulties to follow the writing style, it made me dizzy at some point, and I have no intention to continue this.
I also had a hard time to connect with the addict MC, not to mention his addiction for sex is still there, easy fuck even before he's out from the facilities, spoiled brat, using his father's money for his obsession for a man he cannot have.
...nope.
April 24, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
First, let me say I love Isobel Starling’s books. She’s one of my go-to authors when I know I need an entertaining story with dreamy characters, and she always delivers. Sweet Thing was no different. It had a different vibe from her other books, but it was a good thing. This was raw and gritty with angst I haven’t felt in ages.
Simeon is still trying to get himself on the right track after rehab. While he wasn’t exactly happy to be there, he does realize he needed it, and it genuinely helped him. He has a sponsor. Pieter has forgiven him and Simeon’s become a part of his family. While I didn’t exactly identify with him, I fell in love with him. Simeon wants to be a good person and he’s working so hard to make that happen. Yes, he’s broken, but when he meets Bastian, he realizes he’s not the only person in the world who is just as broken. I always felt like Simeon wanted to “save” Bastian because he himself had been “saved.” That’s noble, but not exactly possible.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
First, let me say I love Isobel Starling’s books. She’s one of my go-to authors when I know I need an entertaining story with dreamy characters, and she always delivers. Sweet Thing was no different. It had a different vibe from her other books, but it was a good thing. This was raw and gritty with angst I haven’t felt in ages.
Simeon is still trying to get himself on the right track after rehab. While he wasn’t exactly happy to be there, he does realize he needed it, and it genuinely helped him. He has a sponsor. Pieter has forgiven him and Simeon’s become a part of his family. While I didn’t exactly identify with him, I fell in love with him. Simeon wants to be a good person and he’s working so hard to make that happen. Yes, he’s broken, but when he meets Bastian, he realizes he’s not the only person in the world who is just as broken. I always felt like Simeon wanted to “save” Bastian because he himself had been “saved.” That’s noble, but not exactly possible.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
Read
September 26, 2017The characters and story are interesting, but in chapter five I became uncomfortable when things became violent. I decided to move on to my next book.
This needs proofreading. Random words are capitalized (Coffee, Limousine), words are used incorrectly ('blonde,' 'hoard,' 'wracked'), punctuation is erratic and inconsistent, there are sentence fragments, abbreviations are misused ("the Dr. continued"), and idiomatic phrases are mistranslated ("not in his highest good").
This needs proofreading. Random words are capitalized (Coffee, Limousine), words are used incorrectly ('blonde,' 'hoard,' 'wracked'), punctuation is erratic and inconsistent, there are sentence fragments, abbreviations are misused ("the Dr. continued"), and idiomatic phrases are mistranslated ("not in his highest good").
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June 30, 2020TODAY ONLY (6/30/2020) grab your copy for .99! https://amzn.to/31CzVOO
December 23, 2020
Isobel Starling è un'autrice a cui sono particolarmente affezionato, avendo amato molto la sua serie Shatterproof bond, dedicata al legame indissolubile tra Sam e Declan e alle loro avventure tra Londra e la Scozia.
Tuttavia, anche in questo romanzo l'autrice è riuscita ad appassionarmi con una scrittura intrigante e una storia interessante e sorprendente. “Sweet thing”, infatti, non è solo una storia d'amore sofferta, ma anche il percorso di guarigione di due uomini, Simeon e Bastian, entrambi con un pesante bagaglio sulle spalle.
Simeon Duchamp è un modello la cui vita, fin da adolescente, è stata contraddistinta dagli eccessi e da una dipendenza da droga, alcol e internet, una dipendenza che lo ha spinto a fare del male al suo miglior amico Pieter e farsi terra bruciata intorno. Dopo un lungo periodo di disintossicazione in una clinica svizzera, in cui gli viene diagnosticato un disturbo del controllo degli impulsi, Sim torna a vivere a Berlino e cerca di intraprendere un'esistenza più sana, riprendendo il suo lavoro di modello e tentando di riallacciare i suoi rapporti con Pieter - di cui è sempre stato innamorato ma non corrisposto – e con la compagna di quest'ultimo, la pittrice Emily.
Bastian Roth è un uomo d'affari la cui passione principale è la ristrutturazione di edifici storici. Su di lui pesa un passato difficile con una figura paterna ingombrante, severa e omofoba e un doloroso lutto che gli impedisce di amare, ma l'incontro con il bellissimo modello dai tratti androgini lo lascia totalmente stregato. Un primo disastroso incontro sembrerebbe precludere qualsiasi cosa tra questi due uomini, se non fosse per l'aiuto dei loro amici.
L'autrice in questo romanzo ci parla di numerosi temi, tra cui l'importanza della vera amicizia, un sentimento che, nonostante le difficoltà, riesce a rafforzarsi e ad andare oltre le incomprensioni, costituendo un fondamentale nucleo di conforto. Ci proietta nel dorato mondo della moda, mostrandoci il suo lato affascinante, ma anche le asprezze che lo caratterizzano e la severità con cui spesso vengono giudicati gli errori di chi cade. Ci mostra una grande passione per l'arte, attraverso la figura di Emily, pittrice determinata, talentuosa e comprensiva. Ci richiama alla mente la musica del grande David Bowie, idolo di Sim, le cui canzoni ci accompagnano in tutto il libro descrivendo alla perfezione il contenuto di ogni capitolo.
“Sweet thing” è, dunque, un romanzo che trasmette efficacemente molte sensazioni, tra sensualità, dolcezza, desiderio di rivalsa, ironia, e che fa comprendere il desiderio di sentirsi amati, accettati, perdonati nonostante gli errori commessi, facendoci sentire Sim e Bast, con tutti i loro difetti e le loro imperfezioni, più vicini che mai: «Ogni volta che Bastian lo chiamava il suo ragazzo, una sensazione di leggerezza iniziava ad agitarsi nel suo petto. Era la stessa sensazione di libertà e gioia che gli ricordava i momenti vissuti in Francia, quando all'età di dieci anni correva per i campi di lavanda con il figlio della governante che gestiva lo chalet in Provenza. Bastian lo faceva sentire giovane, libero e amato. Non si erano ancora detti "ti amo", ma essere definito il "suo ragazzo" era il modo di Bastian di comunicare al mondo che gli apparteneva».
Tuttavia, anche in questo romanzo l'autrice è riuscita ad appassionarmi con una scrittura intrigante e una storia interessante e sorprendente. “Sweet thing”, infatti, non è solo una storia d'amore sofferta, ma anche il percorso di guarigione di due uomini, Simeon e Bastian, entrambi con un pesante bagaglio sulle spalle.
Simeon Duchamp è un modello la cui vita, fin da adolescente, è stata contraddistinta dagli eccessi e da una dipendenza da droga, alcol e internet, una dipendenza che lo ha spinto a fare del male al suo miglior amico Pieter e farsi terra bruciata intorno. Dopo un lungo periodo di disintossicazione in una clinica svizzera, in cui gli viene diagnosticato un disturbo del controllo degli impulsi, Sim torna a vivere a Berlino e cerca di intraprendere un'esistenza più sana, riprendendo il suo lavoro di modello e tentando di riallacciare i suoi rapporti con Pieter - di cui è sempre stato innamorato ma non corrisposto – e con la compagna di quest'ultimo, la pittrice Emily.
Bastian Roth è un uomo d'affari la cui passione principale è la ristrutturazione di edifici storici. Su di lui pesa un passato difficile con una figura paterna ingombrante, severa e omofoba e un doloroso lutto che gli impedisce di amare, ma l'incontro con il bellissimo modello dai tratti androgini lo lascia totalmente stregato. Un primo disastroso incontro sembrerebbe precludere qualsiasi cosa tra questi due uomini, se non fosse per l'aiuto dei loro amici.
L'autrice in questo romanzo ci parla di numerosi temi, tra cui l'importanza della vera amicizia, un sentimento che, nonostante le difficoltà, riesce a rafforzarsi e ad andare oltre le incomprensioni, costituendo un fondamentale nucleo di conforto. Ci proietta nel dorato mondo della moda, mostrandoci il suo lato affascinante, ma anche le asprezze che lo caratterizzano e la severità con cui spesso vengono giudicati gli errori di chi cade. Ci mostra una grande passione per l'arte, attraverso la figura di Emily, pittrice determinata, talentuosa e comprensiva. Ci richiama alla mente la musica del grande David Bowie, idolo di Sim, le cui canzoni ci accompagnano in tutto il libro descrivendo alla perfezione il contenuto di ogni capitolo.
“Sweet thing” è, dunque, un romanzo che trasmette efficacemente molte sensazioni, tra sensualità, dolcezza, desiderio di rivalsa, ironia, e che fa comprendere il desiderio di sentirsi amati, accettati, perdonati nonostante gli errori commessi, facendoci sentire Sim e Bast, con tutti i loro difetti e le loro imperfezioni, più vicini che mai: «Ogni volta che Bastian lo chiamava il suo ragazzo, una sensazione di leggerezza iniziava ad agitarsi nel suo petto. Era la stessa sensazione di libertà e gioia che gli ricordava i momenti vissuti in Francia, quando all'età di dieci anni correva per i campi di lavanda con il figlio della governante che gestiva lo chalet in Provenza. Bastian lo faceva sentire giovane, libero e amato. Non si erano ancora detti "ti amo", ma essere definito il "suo ragazzo" era il modo di Bastian di comunicare al mondo che gli apparteneva».
September 5, 2017
Wow, this is truly a tragic love story. It has heartbreak, loss, new beginnings, relapses, secrets and truths and above all love. It is one of those books that will make you smile in one chapter only to have you in tears the next. Like I said......tragic love story.
Simeon is one of those individuals that has an addictive personality. Because of this Simeon has found himself recovering from alcohol and substance abuse. It took losing his best friends Pieter in the most horrible betrayal that Simeon could have facilitated towards an enemy much less a friend, to find himself in rehab getting himself straightened out and working through some strong issues of his past and present.
One of the things on his sober and recovery list is to seek forgiveness from Pieter. So when Pieter not only accepts his apology but also gives him a second chance as his best friend Simeon is over the moon. Little does Simeon know that because of this his life is about to change forever.
Through Pieter and his wife Emily, Simeon is about to meet a man that rivals his crush on Pieter. Bastian is unlike anyone Simeon has ever met. After some unfortunate events that take place the first night these two meet, Bastian and Simeon start a cautious relationship together. Before either knows it they are completely wrapped up in one another and falling in love with the other.
Just when things look like they cannot get any better Bastian's past comes back to haunt him and causes major issues for both Bastian and Simeon. The issues are so bad that there may be no turning things around for these two men again unless something major happens.
This book was such an incredible read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is definitely a book about learning from mistakes and learning to live and learn again. Isobel Starling did an amazing job on this book and I definitely look forward to more books by her in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Simeon is one of those individuals that has an addictive personality. Because of this Simeon has found himself recovering from alcohol and substance abuse. It took losing his best friends Pieter in the most horrible betrayal that Simeon could have facilitated towards an enemy much less a friend, to find himself in rehab getting himself straightened out and working through some strong issues of his past and present.
One of the things on his sober and recovery list is to seek forgiveness from Pieter. So when Pieter not only accepts his apology but also gives him a second chance as his best friend Simeon is over the moon. Little does Simeon know that because of this his life is about to change forever.
Through Pieter and his wife Emily, Simeon is about to meet a man that rivals his crush on Pieter. Bastian is unlike anyone Simeon has ever met. After some unfortunate events that take place the first night these two meet, Bastian and Simeon start a cautious relationship together. Before either knows it they are completely wrapped up in one another and falling in love with the other.
Just when things look like they cannot get any better Bastian's past comes back to haunt him and causes major issues for both Bastian and Simeon. The issues are so bad that there may be no turning things around for these two men again unless something major happens.
This book was such an incredible read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is definitely a book about learning from mistakes and learning to live and learn again. Isobel Starling did an amazing job on this book and I definitely look forward to more books by her in the future.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
July 14, 2019
French model Simeon Duchamp has cleaned up his life and wants to regain his career. He is determined to remain clean and knows he must make amends for his past actions. To do that, he extends an apology to his ex-best friend Pieter Bayer. To Sim's surprise, Pieter invited him back into his life which includes his long time lover, Emily Raven and their baby son. Sim finds he is not quite over Pieter when he meet an older man. He must decide if he wants to continue to pine after Pieter, a hopeless situation or move on to the new man in his life.
Sim and his new lover, Bastian, are both troubled. Sim recently left rehab and does not want to go back. Bastian lost his lover and cannot seem to move on. The two are perfect for each other but their start is rocky to say the least. Together they can heal each other is they can get beyond past and present hurts. While this is the second book, it is easy to read first. I know I did and did not feel as if I lost anything in the plot. This is a wonderful story from beginning to end. Love is an amazing thing.
Sim and his new lover, Bastian, are both troubled. Sim recently left rehab and does not want to go back. Bastian lost his lover and cannot seem to move on. The two are perfect for each other but their start is rocky to say the least. Together they can heal each other is they can get beyond past and present hurts. While this is the second book, it is easy to read first. I know I did and did not feel as if I lost anything in the plot. This is a wonderful story from beginning to end. Love is an amazing thing.
September 16, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this one! Simeon is a compelling character, with all his anxiety and insecurity and fragility right out there for anyone to see. I didn't connect quite as strongly to Bastian, but he was still a fully-realized character. I loved the chemistry between them, and the way they worked through their issues. I thought the author handled the European world of art and fashion with exceptional dexterity, and I loved the snippets of French and German peppered through the story. Overall Sweet Thing is a book that's easy to recommend! Read & enjoy!
This book was given to me by the author in return for an honest review.
This book was given to me by the author in return for an honest review.
November 3, 2021
Heres the review I submitted to Audible. First book I've listened to by this author and I am very impressed. The story telling pulled me right in and kept my interest until the end. The characters were well fleshed out, the chemistry and intimate scenes were sexy, and I loved all the supporting cast. The narrator Gary Furlong was perfect for this book and I will look for more books performed by him. This author is now on my must read and I will look for her other publications.
September 28, 2022
Good. I found it hard to relate to such a privileged boy, but could definitely relate to his mental health issues. This is a love story between two of the most tortured/fucked up men you can imagine. But it’s also sweet and funny and shows how important love (platonic and romantic) is.
KU + whisper sync.
KU + whisper sync.
October 3, 2017
I devoured this book in one sitting!!! It's a beautiful story about second chances. I'm in love with Simeon and Bastian. They both had "stuff" to overcome and they healed each other.
Want to read
September 12, 2019"This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."
February 20, 2018
I must admit that I was hard-pressed to review this novel, for author Isobel Starling is a favorite of mine and I have enjoyed her work immensely. However, this novel, Sweet Thing, had some definite issues that left me both confused and let down. The story revolves around a young male model, Simeon Duchamp, who has spiraled out of control due to an addictive personality disorder that means he has struggled with both drug and alcohol addiction as well as an unhealthy preoccupation with the internet. Essentially, Simeon grapples with the need for instant gratification—sexually, in particular—but when his addictions threatened to destroy the man he loved, Simeon spiraled so far out of control that his father and that same friend, Pieter, intervened and had him committed. Now, healthy and in recovery, Simeon has returned to make amends to Pieter and get on with putting his life back together.
After realizing that he can only be friends with Pieter—who has both a wife and baby—Simeon turns to an equally broken man, Bastien. Bastien lost the love of his life two years previous and has not been able to be with another man due to grief and survivor guilt, which has reared its ugly head in the form of sexual impotence. He is tortured with nightmares of his dead lover and is unable to feel much of anything for another person beyond the numbing grief that holds him captive. When he and Simeon meet at the gallery showing for Pieter’s wife’s work, sparks fly. But a violent coupling leaves Simeon fearful of Bastien, and the two men seemed destined to fail. The question now is, can Simeon forgive Bastien for his unwelcome domineering behavior in the bedroom and somehow help him to find peace from the grief that holds him prisoner?
Sweet Thing starts with a bang and doesn’t let up. I was a bit shocked by the opening scene, particularly, since we were to assume that Simeon had begun on a road to recovery. From there things got even more strange, as there was essentially an abuse situation with Bastien that was in some ways akin to rape, and it happened within a few hours of the two men meeting. All this is to say that we were to believe that Simeon was in recovery, and while he refrained from alcohol and drugs, the sexual addiction was certainly still in full swing. I was so confused by this. You see, after the first chapter, the story picks up a year later. Simeon has had a year’s sobriety, and yet he still behaves dangerously when it comes to his sexual behavior—and is fairly proud of himself. He may have left his stimulant addiction behind, but he certainly was still a self-proclaimed slut, seeking sexual gratification whenever and however he could get it.
Then there was Bastien. You get the impression that he’s a dominant, he most certainly was with his deceased lover, and that he knew what he was doing in terms of consensual Dominant/submissive sex play. So, his loss of control and his behavior toward Simeon was absolutely unforgivable—yet Simeon not only forgives him but acts as though the beating he withstood was in some way forgivable because Bastien was grieving. At this point, I was really confused and a bit alarmed at the trajectory of the novel. On top of these disturbing issues, there was definitely some translation problems that pulled one out of the story again and again. For instance, whenever Simeon spoke French, the full translation into English was posted in parentheses after the French dialogue. I could have handled that once or twice for short phrases, but the author chose to keep it up and then include Bastien speaking in German as well. After a while, it just got so disruptive it made me gnash my teeth and wish that we could have just abandoned the alternate languages altogether. Being constantly pulled from the story due to having to read a translation was frustrating to say the least.
In the end, Sweet Thing tried its best to be a story of healing and a second chance at love. However, despite the final chapters revealing a changed Simeon, the bulk of the story left me quite unsettled and unsure if Simeon and Bastien were ever really going to become a successful couple. There was a lot to take in with this story, and I am not sure I was convinced that Simeon could ever really be stable enough to thrive in a relationship with someone as damaged as Bastien. I do like this author and have read many fine stories by her, but this one was not among my favorites, I’m afraid.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
After realizing that he can only be friends with Pieter—who has both a wife and baby—Simeon turns to an equally broken man, Bastien. Bastien lost the love of his life two years previous and has not been able to be with another man due to grief and survivor guilt, which has reared its ugly head in the form of sexual impotence. He is tortured with nightmares of his dead lover and is unable to feel much of anything for another person beyond the numbing grief that holds him captive. When he and Simeon meet at the gallery showing for Pieter’s wife’s work, sparks fly. But a violent coupling leaves Simeon fearful of Bastien, and the two men seemed destined to fail. The question now is, can Simeon forgive Bastien for his unwelcome domineering behavior in the bedroom and somehow help him to find peace from the grief that holds him prisoner?
Sweet Thing starts with a bang and doesn’t let up. I was a bit shocked by the opening scene, particularly, since we were to assume that Simeon had begun on a road to recovery. From there things got even more strange, as there was essentially an abuse situation with Bastien that was in some ways akin to rape, and it happened within a few hours of the two men meeting. All this is to say that we were to believe that Simeon was in recovery, and while he refrained from alcohol and drugs, the sexual addiction was certainly still in full swing. I was so confused by this. You see, after the first chapter, the story picks up a year later. Simeon has had a year’s sobriety, and yet he still behaves dangerously when it comes to his sexual behavior—and is fairly proud of himself. He may have left his stimulant addiction behind, but he certainly was still a self-proclaimed slut, seeking sexual gratification whenever and however he could get it.
Then there was Bastien. You get the impression that he’s a dominant, he most certainly was with his deceased lover, and that he knew what he was doing in terms of consensual Dominant/submissive sex play. So, his loss of control and his behavior toward Simeon was absolutely unforgivable—yet Simeon not only forgives him but acts as though the beating he withstood was in some way forgivable because Bastien was grieving. At this point, I was really confused and a bit alarmed at the trajectory of the novel. On top of these disturbing issues, there was definitely some translation problems that pulled one out of the story again and again. For instance, whenever Simeon spoke French, the full translation into English was posted in parentheses after the French dialogue. I could have handled that once or twice for short phrases, but the author chose to keep it up and then include Bastien speaking in German as well. After a while, it just got so disruptive it made me gnash my teeth and wish that we could have just abandoned the alternate languages altogether. Being constantly pulled from the story due to having to read a translation was frustrating to say the least.
In the end, Sweet Thing tried its best to be a story of healing and a second chance at love. However, despite the final chapters revealing a changed Simeon, the bulk of the story left me quite unsettled and unsure if Simeon and Bastien were ever really going to become a successful couple. There was a lot to take in with this story, and I am not sure I was convinced that Simeon could ever really be stable enough to thrive in a relationship with someone as damaged as Bastien. I do like this author and have read many fine stories by her, but this one was not among my favorites, I’m afraid.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
April 15, 2018
I had no idea this was a sequel, so you can read it on it's own. This story is about the obsessive and spoiled, privileged nature of a model named Simeon. His obsessions are his former best friend Pieter and David Bowie. There is no doubt these relationships are not healthy. I hate to say I didn't find Simeon likeable at first.The writing style is third person, but still removed somehow for the first 30% of the book, making it difficult to connect with and care about the characters. Much is made of Simeon's quiet, bookish nature in private that is at odds with his party boy, drugged and drunk facade he used to hide behind as protection. In fact, the book starts with Simeon in treatment. I found the authors words about his character did not match the drama queen actions we witness with tears, meaningless sex, and eruptions of tears and temper. A self confessed "cock slut," Simeon plows through sexual situations with random men at any available opportunity; this is not really described to titillate, even though the scenes are graphic.
I suddenly found myself thrown in to a dubcon spanking scene and was not sure what to make of it. Bastian, another wealthy, privileged man, with anger issues (among others) becomes the focus of yet another unhealthy relationship. As Simeon navigates a new, sober relationship with Pieter and his girlfriend Emily, we started to see the anonymous sex contrast with the intimate scenes of an actual couple, so we can see it is intentional on the author's part. It is in the caring, intimate moments that the author shines. The flashbacks of Bastian and his dead boyfriend are heartbreaking (and hot.)
I wish there was more actual character development that we are shown in Simeon's actions at the beginning of the book, rather than just told; the story would have unfolded more smoothly. As it is, the level of trust required for what Simeon offers someone who sexually assaulted him is inconceivable. I understand personally that strangers can throw you a lifeline when you need it the most, but the elements needed for this to be believable just weren't there in my opinion. We understand Simeon needs this for himself also, but that could have been brought out more and explored--one does not stop being selfish and self-absorbed overnight with a little rehab therapy, especially when you haven't even dealt with all of your issues honestly.
Simeon and Bastian are shown getting to know one another and embarking on what should be a mature, adult relationship. Of course after the "honeymoon period" everything gets derailed when shocking news from Bastian's past comes to light. I think this was a really over the top, but not showing Simeon struggling with addiction during the bad times would not have been realistic either. Apparently it is all sorted out in a few days, which really is unbelievable, and then there is a fashion show! This is supposed to make everything come full circle. The epilogue takes place three years later and has the traditional romantic ending you expect.
Overall my feelings on this book are mixed. The first third of the book is distant and stilted like the author didn't know the best way to start and establish the characters. Then the book really starts to open up with caring, touching moments. Finally, things get pretty dramatic in a way I'm not sure is necessary. Suddenly everything is fixed just because they actually communicated honestly, which they should have done in the first place. Everything is wrapped up with a bow for the ending without ever having shown you the work it took to get there.
I suddenly found myself thrown in to a dubcon spanking scene and was not sure what to make of it. Bastian, another wealthy, privileged man, with anger issues (among others) becomes the focus of yet another unhealthy relationship. As Simeon navigates a new, sober relationship with Pieter and his girlfriend Emily, we started to see the anonymous sex contrast with the intimate scenes of an actual couple, so we can see it is intentional on the author's part. It is in the caring, intimate moments that the author shines. The flashbacks of Bastian and his dead boyfriend are heartbreaking (and hot.)
I wish there was more actual character development that we are shown in Simeon's actions at the beginning of the book, rather than just told; the story would have unfolded more smoothly. As it is, the level of trust required for what Simeon offers someone who sexually assaulted him is inconceivable. I understand personally that strangers can throw you a lifeline when you need it the most, but the elements needed for this to be believable just weren't there in my opinion. We understand Simeon needs this for himself also, but that could have been brought out more and explored--one does not stop being selfish and self-absorbed overnight with a little rehab therapy, especially when you haven't even dealt with all of your issues honestly.
Simeon and Bastian are shown getting to know one another and embarking on what should be a mature, adult relationship. Of course after the "honeymoon period" everything gets derailed when shocking news from Bastian's past comes to light. I think this was a really over the top, but not showing Simeon struggling with addiction during the bad times would not have been realistic either. Apparently it is all sorted out in a few days, which really is unbelievable, and then there is a fashion show! This is supposed to make everything come full circle. The epilogue takes place three years later and has the traditional romantic ending you expect.
Overall my feelings on this book are mixed. The first third of the book is distant and stilted like the author didn't know the best way to start and establish the characters. Then the book really starts to open up with caring, touching moments. Finally, things get pretty dramatic in a way I'm not sure is necessary. Suddenly everything is fixed just because they actually communicated honestly, which they should have done in the first place. Everything is wrapped up with a bow for the ending without ever having shown you the work it took to get there.
May 6, 2018
This is my fifth Isobel Starling book and I had high hopes for it because I adored her books Silken, As You Wish and Illuminate The Shadows. This is also another audio performance by the talented Gary Furlong, a narrator I have adored pretty much ever since I started listening to audio books. as I wrote below, I did have some issues with the story, parts I felt could work better, and I have read it when it came out a while back. I was sure that the re-read on audio will give me the same feeling regarding the story. HOWEVER, the narration by Furlong added another dimension to the story, a layer of emotions so subtle and yet complex I can honestly say I hardly noticed the issues I had while reading on ebook. This is a complex book character wise. with many accents to nail, three languages AND a baby. Furlong took it all with the ease of a true voice actor and really emphasized the differences between each unique person. He flows seamlessly from French to German, effeminate to ,masculine, young to old and made this book that much more enjoyable the second time around.
Now about the story:
WHAT I DID LIKE is the way the story unfolded, with twists and surprises along the way, like Isobel does best. Their relationship was sweet and touching, even with its rocky violent start. I loved how they both had something the other needed, they complimented each other almost Yin and Yang like. This book revolves around healing and understanding past mistakes, and I felt it was incorporated into the story very well most of the time. I like that they talked about things and did not just rush in and deal with the fallout. I feel like she managed to create a wide range of relationships between many different characters and it made the book rich and beautifully layered.
This was a good book to me mostly because of its potential, and I wish it was more consistent. while reading it (before I listened to the audio) I had some issues with the book and at times it confused me. Some parts were delicately handled and the characters rich with depth and uniqueness and others were almost soap opera shallow. I have to say I did not like the beginning, where some parts were overly detailed and repetitive and others flew by and appeared under developed. I am glad I pushed through and finished it but there were still parts I felt did not balance well. I was surprised by that because as I said I loved her books, and her writing style is usually more cohesive and consistent.
Now about the story:
WHAT I DID LIKE is the way the story unfolded, with twists and surprises along the way, like Isobel does best. Their relationship was sweet and touching, even with its rocky violent start. I loved how they both had something the other needed, they complimented each other almost Yin and Yang like. This book revolves around healing and understanding past mistakes, and I felt it was incorporated into the story very well most of the time. I like that they talked about things and did not just rush in and deal with the fallout. I feel like she managed to create a wide range of relationships between many different characters and it made the book rich and beautifully layered.
This was a good book to me mostly because of its potential, and I wish it was more consistent. while reading it (before I listened to the audio) I had some issues with the book and at times it confused me. Some parts were delicately handled and the characters rich with depth and uniqueness and others were almost soap opera shallow. I have to say I did not like the beginning, where some parts were overly detailed and repetitive and others flew by and appeared under developed. I am glad I pushed through and finished it but there were still parts I felt did not balance well. I was surprised by that because as I said I loved her books, and her writing style is usually more cohesive and consistent.
September 24, 2017
This books starts with Simeon preparing to rebuild his life after treatment at a rehab facility. While he is prepared to fight his addiction to drugs and alcohol, he sticks with his usual pattern of quick hookups and generally meaningless sex. It's all he has ever known. And since he could never have his best friend, he has never wanted anything more with anyone.
Until he meets Bastian Roth. Bastian is grieving for a lost lover and struggling to move on. After a rough start, the two start building a relationship.
So far, so good. And then it turned less good! The secrets that come out later regarding people in Bastian's past were just too much. I struggled not to roll my eyes.
After some drama, the ending was sweet enough.
Normally, I would just mark it as read, enter my rating and move on. But I have an agreement with myself that if I go lower than three stars, I write something to explain why.
The main reason I cannot give a higher rating was a couple of things that annoyed me with the writing. It was repetitive in how many times Sim was pouting and in how he was constantly referred to as 'the male model'. First of all, he's a man and he's a model. You do not need the 'male' mentioned every time. Secondly, this reference created an odd distance; Bastian wasn't just looking at 'him' or at 'Sim' - he was looking at the male model sitting on the couch opposite. Like he was some stranger. (I made this example up to try and explain the issue, not sure if there was ever a scene exactly like that).
Even worse were the non-English dialogue parts. There was German in there and there was French. And not just a word here or there but complete sentences which were then translated into English in brackets after the non-English parts. So you fly over the parts you don't understand to get to the translation. And if you do understand the German or French, you tend to still read the English so you read the same text twice. It completely ruins the flow and there are much more elegant ways to describe that a character says something in another language.
Last but not least: If you need to put something in there in a different language, do have someone edit it who actually speaks that language. I don't know about the French but the German was cringeworthy and downright abysmal. Just throwing German lines in there and not making the effort to make sure they are correct? Well, to be honest, to me it feels disrespectful somehow.
Until he meets Bastian Roth. Bastian is grieving for a lost lover and struggling to move on. After a rough start, the two start building a relationship.
So far, so good. And then it turned less good! The secrets that come out later regarding people in Bastian's past were just too much. I struggled not to roll my eyes.
After some drama, the ending was sweet enough.
Normally, I would just mark it as read, enter my rating and move on. But I have an agreement with myself that if I go lower than three stars, I write something to explain why.
The main reason I cannot give a higher rating was a couple of things that annoyed me with the writing. It was repetitive in how many times Sim was pouting and in how he was constantly referred to as 'the male model'. First of all, he's a man and he's a model. You do not need the 'male' mentioned every time. Secondly, this reference created an odd distance; Bastian wasn't just looking at 'him' or at 'Sim' - he was looking at the male model sitting on the couch opposite. Like he was some stranger. (I made this example up to try and explain the issue, not sure if there was ever a scene exactly like that).
Even worse were the non-English dialogue parts. There was German in there and there was French. And not just a word here or there but complete sentences which were then translated into English in brackets after the non-English parts. So you fly over the parts you don't understand to get to the translation. And if you do understand the German or French, you tend to still read the English so you read the same text twice. It completely ruins the flow and there are much more elegant ways to describe that a character says something in another language.
Last but not least: If you need to put something in there in a different language, do have someone edit it who actually speaks that language. I don't know about the French but the German was cringeworthy and downright abysmal. Just throwing German lines in there and not making the effort to make sure they are correct? Well, to be honest, to me it feels disrespectful somehow.
September 10, 2021
Recensione completa sul blog: http://trelibrisoprailcielo.com/2020/...
September 7, 2017
Sweet Thing (Pretty Boy #2) ARC was graciously provided to me by the author for an honest review.
"L'amour veritable est fort....so folge dein herz.."
An absolutely gripping, soul-crushing, emotional read has left me desperately reaching for its slowly developing rays of hope. The new book, Sweet Thing, by Isobel Starling was an incredible read. It's a story about two severely damaged and broken men, both struggling to survive, as a result of their own deeply-rooted pain, which has made basic survival close to impossible. As each man learns to lean on the other, they both quickly come to realize that they are the other's warm, soothing, and, strengthening balm. A balm that is necessary to be able to simply..live. And..love..
As I've read other book(s) by this author, having read Silken, and enjoyed it, I knew I was in for a treat when I was given the opportunity to read this new book, Sweet Thing. Needlessly to say, I was taken by surprise by the creativity, development, and, depth of this heart-rending read. Written as a reawakening of sorts, brought about as a result of revealing one's traumatic past, unearthed through tender moments, thereby enabling an over-abundance of new, and, comfortable feelings finally...to be revealed. I am absolutely stunned as to how this book, Sweet Thing, could be written in such a way that the mind-bending interconnection between the two intrinsically good main characters, could be so beautifully wrapped up within the lyrics of a David Bowie song.
There are so many reasons why I loved about this book. The plot was amazing and also gut-wrenching. I cried a lot, ran out of tissues, and frequently found myself with grabby hands for the characters, and, was also relieved for the healing strength of the two suffering beautiful, kind, loving young men. I loved the equally soothing and loving friendship which had developed as a result of the need of some of the characters. It was beautiful. It was evenly paced, varied, and, it kept me on the edge of my seat. I loooved the use of the French and German languages, the beautifully descriptive writing of the Swiss Alps of Switzerland, the Lavender Fields of Provence, France, as well as the detailed surroundings of Berlin, Germany. And....*quietly squealing*..I also loved the incorporation of other cultural aspects, *cough*.. Ty and Zane.. *cough*..for starters.......
Sweet Thing is part of the series, Pretty Boy, and, even though I didn't read any of the prior books, and while not necessary to read prior to reading this particular book, I do strongly recommend them to be read for an even better reading experience as a whole. Characters from those books, do make steady cameos within this particular book, and, I really liked them.
While this book was stellar..it wasn't perfect. For example, even though the main characters do have chemistry, and, it is hot, I do feel though that it ultimately was slightly more than a fade-to-black type of scenario. When I was heavily into their budding intimacy, and then... I almost fell off my chair. It was like dangling a carrot in front of a donkey. I may have screamed at my computer. *sigh* I also found that the writing was, at times, unclear and incomplete, and, there seems to still be a need for another run through with the editing process as there are still some typos throughout the book.
There have been times when I was in the middle of reading a book and I had wished I was able to jump right into it. This was once of those times. I wanted to jump right into my computer and hug the daylights out of the main characters. All three of them...*sniff* Because to me...there were three. I wanted to give them one of those types of hugs that cause the air to just temporarily rush out of you as a result of its strength and force. Yeah, it's that kind of a book. Sweet Thing was an incredibly emotional, moving, beautiful, and, hopeful read that had me on a roller coaster ride of emotions, and, has left me with a growing sense of hope and a wishful sense of peace..:)
*star rating: 4.40 stars*
"L'amour veritable est fort....so folge dein herz.."
An absolutely gripping, soul-crushing, emotional read has left me desperately reaching for its slowly developing rays of hope. The new book, Sweet Thing, by Isobel Starling was an incredible read. It's a story about two severely damaged and broken men, both struggling to survive, as a result of their own deeply-rooted pain, which has made basic survival close to impossible. As each man learns to lean on the other, they both quickly come to realize that they are the other's warm, soothing, and, strengthening balm. A balm that is necessary to be able to simply..live. And..love..
As I've read other book(s) by this author, having read Silken, and enjoyed it, I knew I was in for a treat when I was given the opportunity to read this new book, Sweet Thing. Needlessly to say, I was taken by surprise by the creativity, development, and, depth of this heart-rending read. Written as a reawakening of sorts, brought about as a result of revealing one's traumatic past, unearthed through tender moments, thereby enabling an over-abundance of new, and, comfortable feelings finally...to be revealed. I am absolutely stunned as to how this book, Sweet Thing, could be written in such a way that the mind-bending interconnection between the two intrinsically good main characters, could be so beautifully wrapped up within the lyrics of a David Bowie song.
There are so many reasons why I loved about this book. The plot was amazing and also gut-wrenching. I cried a lot, ran out of tissues, and frequently found myself with grabby hands for the characters, and, was also relieved for the healing strength of the two suffering beautiful, kind, loving young men. I loved the equally soothing and loving friendship which had developed as a result of the need of some of the characters. It was beautiful. It was evenly paced, varied, and, it kept me on the edge of my seat. I loooved the use of the French and German languages, the beautifully descriptive writing of the Swiss Alps of Switzerland, the Lavender Fields of Provence, France, as well as the detailed surroundings of Berlin, Germany. And....*quietly squealing*..I also loved the incorporation of other cultural aspects, *cough*.. Ty and Zane.. *cough*..for starters.......
Sweet Thing is part of the series, Pretty Boy, and, even though I didn't read any of the prior books, and while not necessary to read prior to reading this particular book, I do strongly recommend them to be read for an even better reading experience as a whole. Characters from those books, do make steady cameos within this particular book, and, I really liked them.
While this book was stellar..it wasn't perfect. For example, even though the main characters do have chemistry, and, it is hot, I do feel though that it ultimately was slightly more than a fade-to-black type of scenario. When I was heavily into their budding intimacy, and then... I almost fell off my chair. It was like dangling a carrot in front of a donkey. I may have screamed at my computer. *sigh* I also found that the writing was, at times, unclear and incomplete, and, there seems to still be a need for another run through with the editing process as there are still some typos throughout the book.
There have been times when I was in the middle of reading a book and I had wished I was able to jump right into it. This was once of those times. I wanted to jump right into my computer and hug the daylights out of the main characters. All three of them...*sniff* Because to me...there were three. I wanted to give them one of those types of hugs that cause the air to just temporarily rush out of you as a result of its strength and force. Yeah, it's that kind of a book. Sweet Thing was an incredibly emotional, moving, beautiful, and, hopeful read that had me on a roller coaster ride of emotions, and, has left me with a growing sense of hope and a wishful sense of peace..:)
*star rating: 4.40 stars*
February 9, 2018
Full review available at: https://optimumm.blog/2018/02/04/revi...
Sweet Thing is the second book in the Pretty Boy series by Isobel Starling. I enjoyed reading this book, and I liked the main characters, Simeon and Bastian, and the secondary characters, Pieter, Emily, and baby Lukas.
The story starts out with Simeon getting out of rehab for his drug and alcohol problem and being treated for Addictive Personality Disorder and moving back to Berlin where his ex-best friend Pieter lives with his artist girlfriend, Emily, and their young son, Lukas. Simeon has come to apologize for what he had done to Pieter three years ago and to get closure as his therapist has advised him to do. Simeon is forgiven and invited to a gallery showing that night by Pieter’s girlfriend. It’s at this exhibition opening that Simeon meets Bastian for the first time.
Bastian and Simeon are both drawn to the pain, sadness, and heartache that they see in each other’s eyes and want to help each other. But both men have strong issues that they are trying to work through and what was supposed to be a simple hookup turns into abuse and ends up hurting Simeon physically and emotionally.
For Bastian, he also can’t believe what he did to Simeon, and he will do anything to make it up to Simeon if he can only get Simeon to talk to him. I wasn’t sure if I could like Bastian after what he did, but he managed to redeem himself and then he messed it up again with a misunderstanding, but everything got worked out.
I did enjoy the bromance between Pieter and Simeon, and I won’t lie, I was kind of hoping they would hook up, but they never did. I also loved Emily and baby Lukas. The book also has the characters speaking in French and German, but there are English translations, so I was able to know what they were saying. Something that I would have liked developed further was how they handled the Dom-sub aspect of their relationship, especially after what Bastian did. They had one small scene of spanking with only four smacks after the incident, but it didn’t really address the issue for me. From what I’ve read about the BDSM lifestyle, it isn’t something you can just turn off. It’s a part of your personality and how you are wired. So I would have figured they would have worked it out after being together for three years. Otherwise, the book had lots of sexy scenes and was enjoyable to read.
***I would like to thank the author for the privilege and opportunity of reading this ARC. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
Sweet Thing is the second book in the Pretty Boy series by Isobel Starling. I enjoyed reading this book, and I liked the main characters, Simeon and Bastian, and the secondary characters, Pieter, Emily, and baby Lukas.
The story starts out with Simeon getting out of rehab for his drug and alcohol problem and being treated for Addictive Personality Disorder and moving back to Berlin where his ex-best friend Pieter lives with his artist girlfriend, Emily, and their young son, Lukas. Simeon has come to apologize for what he had done to Pieter three years ago and to get closure as his therapist has advised him to do. Simeon is forgiven and invited to a gallery showing that night by Pieter’s girlfriend. It’s at this exhibition opening that Simeon meets Bastian for the first time.
Bastian and Simeon are both drawn to the pain, sadness, and heartache that they see in each other’s eyes and want to help each other. But both men have strong issues that they are trying to work through and what was supposed to be a simple hookup turns into abuse and ends up hurting Simeon physically and emotionally.
For Bastian, he also can’t believe what he did to Simeon, and he will do anything to make it up to Simeon if he can only get Simeon to talk to him. I wasn’t sure if I could like Bastian after what he did, but he managed to redeem himself and then he messed it up again with a misunderstanding, but everything got worked out.
I did enjoy the bromance between Pieter and Simeon, and I won’t lie, I was kind of hoping they would hook up, but they never did. I also loved Emily and baby Lukas. The book also has the characters speaking in French and German, but there are English translations, so I was able to know what they were saying. Something that I would have liked developed further was how they handled the Dom-sub aspect of their relationship, especially after what Bastian did. They had one small scene of spanking with only four smacks after the incident, but it didn’t really address the issue for me. From what I’ve read about the BDSM lifestyle, it isn’t something you can just turn off. It’s a part of your personality and how you are wired. So I would have figured they would have worked it out after being together for three years. Otherwise, the book had lots of sexy scenes and was enjoyable to read.
***I would like to thank the author for the privilege and opportunity of reading this ARC. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
October 9, 2017
Torturous. So many moments of emotional torture here. Throughout the entire story we get snippets of other people's thoughts, usually centered on Simeon and then Matti through Bastian. With these additional perspectives we get a much clearer and complete picture of the world these men live in and insight into why some things happened as they did.
Simeon was a severe addict with not just one, but at least four addictions that he used simultaneously. He has Addictive Personality Disorder among other issues stemming from childhood. Stability is more than just being someone you can count on when you're needed, it's sometimes a constant presence whether in person, text, phone call, or leaving notes. Simeon needs that constant reassurance or his brain will find something to cope while that presence is missing. Unfortunately his brain uses extremely harmful substances to block out all the negative spiraling that separation causes.
When he finds Bastian he's not exactly at his best and reacts poorly to what's perceived as rejection. Bast's reaction to the "Simeon Special" is over the top and borderline unforgivable. The way Simeon allows Bastian to apologize and then to become a part of his life is sweet because we get to see just how unfamiliar Simeon is with genuine affection that isn't centered around getting off. Bastian very quickly becomes someone incredibly important to Simeon and I really enjoyed seeing them navigating something neither of them has much experience with. There's a very deep connection between them because of what they've gone through up to this point.
They are both the answer to one another's loneliness and when everything comes to a head we see that they're still human. Both of them make mistakes, rather large ones because of where each of them have problems. Thankfully they have a wonderful support group and are able to make the best of their situation. They also find the courage to be honest with their feelings and make commitments to one another. Their confessions are tender and honest and also heartbreaking because you can see just how damaged they are individually and then how fixable they are together.
Overall, this was a story that didn't shy away from addiction and slip-ups and all the hard things people with addictions go through. It wasn't a light story by any means and the HEA is hard-won.
Full Review:
http://whatireadandwhatiwatch.blogspo...
Simeon was a severe addict with not just one, but at least four addictions that he used simultaneously. He has Addictive Personality Disorder among other issues stemming from childhood. Stability is more than just being someone you can count on when you're needed, it's sometimes a constant presence whether in person, text, phone call, or leaving notes. Simeon needs that constant reassurance or his brain will find something to cope while that presence is missing. Unfortunately his brain uses extremely harmful substances to block out all the negative spiraling that separation causes.
When he finds Bastian he's not exactly at his best and reacts poorly to what's perceived as rejection. Bast's reaction to the "Simeon Special" is over the top and borderline unforgivable. The way Simeon allows Bastian to apologize and then to become a part of his life is sweet because we get to see just how unfamiliar Simeon is with genuine affection that isn't centered around getting off. Bastian very quickly becomes someone incredibly important to Simeon and I really enjoyed seeing them navigating something neither of them has much experience with. There's a very deep connection between them because of what they've gone through up to this point.
They are both the answer to one another's loneliness and when everything comes to a head we see that they're still human. Both of them make mistakes, rather large ones because of where each of them have problems. Thankfully they have a wonderful support group and are able to make the best of their situation. They also find the courage to be honest with their feelings and make commitments to one another. Their confessions are tender and honest and also heartbreaking because you can see just how damaged they are individually and then how fixable they are together.
Overall, this was a story that didn't shy away from addiction and slip-ups and all the hard things people with addictions go through. It wasn't a light story by any means and the HEA is hard-won.
Full Review:
http://whatireadandwhatiwatch.blogspo...
May 2, 2018
Reviewed the audio for Rainbow Gold Reviews. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
The narration: If you haven't listened to this narrator yet, you definitely should. He performs so many accents in a way that seems flawless to me. I am always impressed by his variation and his ability to emote. Listening to a book narrated by him only enhances the enjoyment of the story.
The story: Sweet Thing is book 2 of a series and can definitely be read as a standalone. The first book is an m/f book, some of Simeon's backstory seems to take place in it. The author catches us up enough that it doesn't have to be read first, but I did find myself adding it to my to-read list.
Simeon is kind of a broken character. He is on the mend after rehab and counseling for drug and alcohol addictions. His addictive personality disorder isn't something that will go away so it's a constant struggle to stay away from his former vices. And not to form new ones. He finds himself having to apologize to his very best friend Pieter, who he hurt in book one. There is such a history that is glossed over in this book, but you can feel their bond. Hence my wanting to read book one. Through Pieter and his wife, Simeon meets Bastien.
Bastien is broken also. Pieter and Emily encourage the relationship between Simeon and Bastien, thinking that two broken men can help each other. It's debatable if that is a good idea, but their intentions are good. Bastien's problems are with intimacy and while Simeon is able to help, Bastien is also dealing with loss and a lack of closure from his last relationship. He cares for Simeon, no doubt, but he has a lot of issues that don't allow him to put Simeon first, and things between them hit some rough spots.
There is some angst in this book, but it's not overly emotional. I felt disappointed at times in both characters. Which means they aren't too perfect to be real. It's a love story between broken and flawed men. I enjoyed the story and really liked Pieter and Emily's place in the book. I'd say they are the most prominent secondary characters and they add to the story. Overall, I would definitely recommend the book, especially the audio version.
9/10 pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
The narration: If you haven't listened to this narrator yet, you definitely should. He performs so many accents in a way that seems flawless to me. I am always impressed by his variation and his ability to emote. Listening to a book narrated by him only enhances the enjoyment of the story.
The story: Sweet Thing is book 2 of a series and can definitely be read as a standalone. The first book is an m/f book, some of Simeon's backstory seems to take place in it. The author catches us up enough that it doesn't have to be read first, but I did find myself adding it to my to-read list.
Simeon is kind of a broken character. He is on the mend after rehab and counseling for drug and alcohol addictions. His addictive personality disorder isn't something that will go away so it's a constant struggle to stay away from his former vices. And not to form new ones. He finds himself having to apologize to his very best friend Pieter, who he hurt in book one. There is such a history that is glossed over in this book, but you can feel their bond. Hence my wanting to read book one. Through Pieter and his wife, Simeon meets Bastien.
Bastien is broken also. Pieter and Emily encourage the relationship between Simeon and Bastien, thinking that two broken men can help each other. It's debatable if that is a good idea, but their intentions are good. Bastien's problems are with intimacy and while Simeon is able to help, Bastien is also dealing with loss and a lack of closure from his last relationship. He cares for Simeon, no doubt, but he has a lot of issues that don't allow him to put Simeon first, and things between them hit some rough spots.
There is some angst in this book, but it's not overly emotional. I felt disappointed at times in both characters. Which means they aren't too perfect to be real. It's a love story between broken and flawed men. I enjoyed the story and really liked Pieter and Emily's place in the book. I'd say they are the most prominent secondary characters and they add to the story. Overall, I would definitely recommend the book, especially the audio version.
9/10 pots of Gold (90% Recommended) – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
May 25, 2019
Audio review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
A great story and a fantastic audio performance.
I have heard so many great things about this audiobook but just never got around to adding it to my library. When the author recently offered me a free code to get the book there was no way I was going to turn her down.
I have to admit that for some reason I was a bit confused when I first started listening to this. I'm going to attribute that to starting it when I was already involved in doing something else. Most of the time I can listen and work around the house at the same time but the beginning of this story needed more of my attention. Later on I was able to resume working around this house while I listened.
Once I settled down and could give this my full attention, I immediately fell in love with the story and all of the different voices that Gary Furlong did for the characters. I'm not sure that I would have enjoyed Sweet Thing nearly as much if I had read it; Gary's performance was just that fantastic.
This is the first audiobook I've listened to with characters that have so many different accents. Simeon is French, Bastian is German and I think there were also a couple of different British accents for other characters. The voice he used for Simeon was the perfect combination of petulant and sultry; Bastian was wonderfully growly.
The story is pretty angsty and deals with things that some might be sensitive to: a recovering addict, previous suicide attempt, and a spanking that got out of control. But both Simeon and Bastian are broken and the story shows us all of their broken parts and, just when you think there is no hope, manages to put them back together again. There was also a twist in the story that I never saw coming.
While I did receive a complimentary code to purchase this audiobook, my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
A great story and a fantastic audio performance.
I have heard so many great things about this audiobook but just never got around to adding it to my library. When the author recently offered me a free code to get the book there was no way I was going to turn her down.
I have to admit that for some reason I was a bit confused when I first started listening to this. I'm going to attribute that to starting it when I was already involved in doing something else. Most of the time I can listen and work around the house at the same time but the beginning of this story needed more of my attention. Later on I was able to resume working around this house while I listened.
Once I settled down and could give this my full attention, I immediately fell in love with the story and all of the different voices that Gary Furlong did for the characters. I'm not sure that I would have enjoyed Sweet Thing nearly as much if I had read it; Gary's performance was just that fantastic.
This is the first audiobook I've listened to with characters that have so many different accents. Simeon is French, Bastian is German and I think there were also a couple of different British accents for other characters. The voice he used for Simeon was the perfect combination of petulant and sultry; Bastian was wonderfully growly.
The story is pretty angsty and deals with things that some might be sensitive to: a recovering addict, previous suicide attempt, and a spanking that got out of control. But both Simeon and Bastian are broken and the story shows us all of their broken parts and, just when you think there is no hope, manages to put them back together again. There was also a twist in the story that I never saw coming.
While I did receive a complimentary code to purchase this audiobook, my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
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