Handyman Paperback – July 1, 2009

........The most convincing gay "conversion" story I've ever read. And I say to some of you misguided behavioral experts out there, if you truly believe such "therapy" programs successful, then you've yet to run into the talents of one Claire Thompson. Here she give us a work which incontrovertibly shows that there is no such thing as "de-gaying"---that what we have, instead, is a case of "re-gaying" (which can be an always-possible process---one even approved by Mother Nature). As proof of her expertise in this area, Thompson gives us a heretofore unknown and unprepossessing individual by the name of Jack Crawford. Yes, indeedy, and in no more than 200 pages, she goes on to prove the whackos wrong. Claire accomplishes that by simply saying: here, dear readers, is the story of someone whose "gayness" has been sidetracked by exigent events......as it were. (And remember, Folks, it is not what we assume to be "just love" which is the be-all and end-all......rather it is the "most emotionally intense and devoted love" which becomes that "all").((Here is my approach to obtaining/reading/reviewing Gay romance tales in book form. Simply, it's seeking the holy grail of that genre---the "Addictive Read"). Selection of read materials is based mainly on purchase of new stories by favorite authors or on comments / reviews by you in these online "Book" pages. Sometimes I feel correctly steered by you (the "Keepers" filling my shelves), other times badly mislead (the "Throwaways"). Rarely, I come across the "Addictive," those I can reread a few times yearly (see below starred *** area for a list). For some reads, I'll share comments with you, as follows. Thanks for sticking with me so far.))At this point in the review, I'd like to get out of the way a bit of a negative comment about the manner in which this author approaches some of the more "romantic" spots in her plot. In this regard I do have to say that Dear Claire has a way of kinda "throwing the switch" on us. Examples:- First time (on Page 57), right at "that moment we all wait for"......right on the precipice of a first physical act between our two leads, Thompson cuts away to a childhood memory of a first kiss.....a boy / girl kiss at that. How mean, Claire! (altho had to laugh just a little).- But wait. Relieved that this little tale of remembrance is over---and excited that the physical act can now continue---we are, again, brought to an abrupt halt by our gay lead's launching into philosophical thought as to whether his making the next and logical move would be accepted / rebuffed. Now, I say Ms. Authoress, you really are being mean! Oh, I know, I know......you'll retort that the smart thing to do is to draw it all out. Okay, but shortly after conceding you this point, you do it again, when the guys begin opening up to each other about their feelings. Then, whoa, at this critical juncture you have one of the two start recalling (in his mind) a past relationship and the kind of behavior it involved.- F-i-n-a-l-l-y, thinking we are at last moving on.......oops, here it comes again---this time involving thoughts about a former college friend. At least in this instance, the recalled-guy (Bryan) is given short shrift. (Oh, and I just have to add here: "To hell with the telescope getting dewy wet; there are more important things for these guys to do!").Still and all, after everything's said and done (and to conclude this line of thought about the author's both weird and disruptive "memory flashes"), I do have to acknowledge there is absolutely no doubt that she then reaches the point in this work where she SOARS! As in "it" at last begins "to happen" between our lovely couple (how can any reader remain upset with someone who at last begins to give what has really been so badly wanted?).Now, for some remaining "here-and-there thoughts" about other aspects of the storyline:- There is a lot about this writing which comes across as, to use the above mentioned word, philosophical in nature (this ia a good thing). In other words it's not just about two guys slamming into each other.- I loved the manner of describing the unexpected (maybe not) results of a deep massage.- Possibly there were a few too many reflections / rethinkings of "did I do right by Emma" (readers will learn who that is).- Lines one wishes had never bean (I mean been) written: These involve a short section, later on in the plot, detailing one character's reaction to the "unexpected" appearance in his partner's life of someone near and dear. To this reader, the thoughts described as making up the reaction were so out of character for the individual we'd been led to know, that the whole scene became jarring and disruptive. (So there. Take that, Ms. T.)- Until near 2/3 the way through this work, I was afeard I'd have to subtract one additional rating Star for this author's failure to introduce another significant character or two. I consider it to be the height of writer laziness for an author to keep us concentrated, through an entire book, solely on a lead gay couple and their myriad ways of "going at each other." The addition of family members and/or friends of one or both main characters is a sure-fire way of giving we readers more useful information as to just what kind of "character" our lead characters possess. While Thompson did not provide as much of this type insight as have others, she did make the effort. (If you want to see some more concrete evidence of what I'm talking about here, take a read of some of the "Addictives" listed below).- In this work, I think Thompson came up with, and introduced to us, a special "Something" (a finding) that many other authors have never discovered when exploring their characters. (More importantly, I think it is a "Something" many of we readers have never discovered in and about our own personal lives). What that is is all laid out on Page 147, where she has the lead character telling us: "It was the emotional connection. That's what was different" (he meaning what was different from his earlier, married relationship). And then, quite specifically, she has him adding in explanation: ".....it was the emotional "intenseness" of this new relationship that was different." So, this reviewer thinks he's saying that while, yes, there had definitely been emotional---as well as physical---love in his married life, that love unknowingly at the time had lacked the "intenseness" he was now finding in his new M/M relationship. Wrapping up this comment, this reader most definitely agrees with what the character and Ms. Thompson are saying: our true sexuality is reflected in who we react to on the most intense emotional levels.......be they a male or a female. So how say you, readers out there, which other romantic fiction writer has explained the basis for a couple's connection (or their sexuality) so well? I know of none. Therefore, I hereby propose that any History of Annals attributed to the likes of Freud, Jung and Kinsey now make way to include those from someone with the name of Thompson.Lastly......finally......the end: While likely the most thoughtfully (and perhaps logically) written "Been straight all my life......Never realized who I really was" book I've read to date (and C. T. should receive every "Best Gay Book of the Year" award out there), I do have to plug here a little, no less exceptional book, titled " Faith & Fidelity " by Tere Michaels. (You'll love it; I promise)PS--Almost a perfect book when it come to consideration of the grammatical / typographical error side of things (only a missing closing quotation mark.....a misspelled word or two.....and very little else). Congratulations, Samhain Publishing.((This book will take a place very near my "Addictive" shelf. ***Some reads which are "Addictive" for me: " Caught Running " (Urban & Roux) // " Crossing Borders " (Z. A. Maxfield) // " Freshman Pledge: The Magic of Love " (Larry Coles) // " Diplomacy " (Zahra Owens // ))

Enjoyed it cover to cover. Lots of surprises. Enjoyed the way relationships developed. Some hot scenes as well! You're sure to enjoy it.

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.Rating: 9/10PROS:- The way in which Jack slowly opens up to Will's hints and advances is beautifully done. I know a man who didn't face his homosexuality until he was in his 50s whose awakening proceeded in almost exactly the same way as Jack's does in this book.- Good examination of the internal uncertainty on the part of both characters; Will thinks Jack will decide he's straight (or at least that he doesn't want to explore whether or not he's really gay), and Jack thinks that Will's just looking for another notch on his belt. Of course, we readers have the benefit of witnessing their blossoming I-don't-trust-this-but-I-can't-help-falling-for-him-anyway feelings also.- The buildup of feelings and desire on the way to the characters' first sexual encounter is very well done. Each scene is a bit more erotic and a bit less tentative than the last. And I LOVE how patient Will is with Jack's hesitance and inexperience.- The sex, when we finally get to it (not a complaint; I love the slow speed at which physical intimacy escalates), is sensual and explosive and delightful. And there's a kissing scene that's almost as hot as any of the sex scenes.- Jack's sons are realistically portrayed and add a nice amount of gravity.- Far fewer typos and editing issues in this than in many other m/m books I've read.CON:- Premise that's a stretch to believe. The difference in age is significant--14 years--as is the difference in lifestyle, education, and emotional background. But I must say, I loved the characters so much that after a few chapters, I happily allowed myself to dismiss any misgivings about the story idea.Overall comments: If you're looking for erotica, this might not be a good choice for you; there's sexual tension throughout the book, but it doesn't really contain that much sex (as compared to most other m/m romances I've read). But if you enjoy reading about the emotional connection between two men with an occasional hot sex scene thrown in here and there, this is a lovely read.

A cute age-difference, straight-to-gay trope set in lower Westchester County. Thompson writes her men as caring and thoughtful friends who explore a budding relationship. Jack's widower status, coupled with being a craftsman for hire, as he becomes comfortable with aclife style change, guided by day trader Will, is slowly and methodically revealed. Nicely written.

I mean, really - What can a hotshot Wall Street trader and a simple handyman possibly have in common?If that isn't a one-click call, I don't know what is. I loved this book from beginning to end. The oldest son twist wasn't even needed to make it amazing. I can't wait to read others in this series.Here's another one-click call for those that need a boost - "If you don't fall in love, you can't fall out of it." - really well tied together through the book.Extra kudos to Claire, Donna and Gabriella - the editing and proofreading was stellar, as is too often NOT the case these days, from any size publisher.Did I mention I can't wait to read the others in this series?

Another gay fiction that's well worth a look, in my opinion. In this one, playboy trader Will hires handyman Jack Crawford to renovate his house. Rugged forty-something widower Jack incites the kind of feelings in Will he's never had before; he decides that unlike his numerous other flings, Jack's definitely a keeper. It's just a pity he's straight. Or is he...?A good story about a man coming to terms with his true sexuality and falling for a younger guy, with all the self-doubt and esteem issues that also entails. I'd recommend it for some of the sexy scenes alone and Jack's a character you can *really* fall in love with. It's just a pity the ending was a little rushed, but all in all a steamy, sexy read.

Loved it! Personally I find the gratuitous sex scenes in this genre a bore, but they are integral to the story in this novel. Will 30, Jack 44. Will gay, Jack straight and a widower with two grown up sons.Its a great love story and full of emotional highs and lows.Detailed descriptions regarding the "tin" ceiling, recycling beer bottles, the stars, are irrelevant and should have been edited better, but over-all the writing is good and the love story, a definite hit.

Okay , l love it and hate it at the same time , the loving , great chemistry , romantic , sweet in parts and the way the family deal with finding out that dad is gay!!!!!...the hating , the cringe , uncomfortable sex scenes , ughhh not good , the cliche oooops !!! we have been caught doing the nasty ,,,,,well not really the nasty but you get my drift ....the obligatory , oh l hate that you are gay that always props up in MM romance , but it's still worth the buy....

I just finished this book last night, and overall it was an enjoyable, slow-burning read, but it was not without its faults.I tend to go for brasher, more sex-heavy erotica (hey, I know what I like!), and "Handyman" took a while for me to properly sink my teeth into. Part of this, for me, had to do with the feeling that the characters spoke too much at length, in ways that I didn't find realistic (too many overly descriptive monologues to each other). However, I found it easier to read the more the book went along, and the pace picked up in the latter half. Certainly by the last third of the book, I was glad I'd stuck with it.The plot of a widower handyman and an overactive, high-stress business sort seems like an easy kink story, but it was very emotionally developed here. Perhaps too much: the angst was filled out, but some of the sex didn't ring true to me, or put me off (but that's a matter of taste - everyone has different turn-off words). Here again, though, some of it was tied into "telling" too much. One of the characters says outright "Is it time? Are you ready yet to receive me?" I can't help but wonder who genuinely asks a thing like that, at least in that way....Still, I could really get a sense from those scenes that contained sex what the act meant for these two men.The author switches back and forth regularly between the main characters and their confused, passionate, sometimes even annoyed feelings for each other. Their exploration of each other is, as I said before, slow-burning and methodical, with setbacks happening along the way.There were parts of the book that, for me, tiptoed too close along the edge of cliche. (Off the top of my head, it made me wince a little when one character actually said aloud, in a moment of romantic anguish, "What have I done?") It's a fine line with this genre, because I understand that readers want certain expectations to be filled - and I'm guilty as charged, as a regular reader of it myself!Overall, as I've said already, I enjoyed "Handyman." The author knew her characters well, and it shines through in the novel. I will be checking out other books by this author, as this was my first by her and I'm curious to see what else she's written.

There's an awful lot of navel gazing in this story. The plot is simple and doesn't have any surprises but the bulk of the writing is about the two characters' feelings and anxieties. An angst-ridden 40-something makes a change, I suppose.The sex bits are okay, and not one use of the word "throbbing" which is a pleasant surprise with this genre.