I got rather frustrated with this book in the beginning. I don't recall a proper physical description of either MC, or even Q. Though we did get told the father of the pups was possibly a Labrador or retriever, and what Holly and Lacy looked liked. I eventually just went with what my brain made up for their looks. Once I'd gotten over that I really enjoyed the story, loved the way the MC's talked to each other, it felt real. One for this story. Cute. If you are looking for high angst/conflict, it’s not the book for you, but when you are in the mood for cute, it hits the spot. Deuce (I’ll use his nickname since it’s used most in the story) gets home from work to find his apartment on fire and his pregnant dog rescued by a hot fireman. He gets the man’s name and later, after the puppies are born goes to the fire station to thank him. When Trey mentions a daughter, Deuce tries to convince him to take one of the puppies. He invites him over for a drink and to see the puppies as a thank you, as he figures the guy is straight given an ex-wife and daughter. However the reason she’s an ex is Trey is gay as well.Eventually with some low-level flirting, Trey offers to let Deuce move in with him until his apartment is fixed, but only if he gets down to two puppies and that Trey will raise the puppy until it can stay alone because Trey works 24 hour shifts. It doesn’t take them long until they are more than roommates. They just kind of fall into the relationship. They don’t really plan it, it just happens. There’s no great angst, OMG does he like me? moments. I really liked Duece. He’s easy-going, he’s happy to have some good times with Trey, he’s not expecting anything, just enjoying someone in his life. The conflict comes with Trey’s ex who is still holding a grudge that he’s gay and is NOT thrilled with Deuce in the house and treats him pretty poorly.So I liked Trey and Deuce and I have to give the author’s props that while the ex was a bitch to the guys, she never dragged the daughter into it. She didn’t deny him visitation, she didn’t badmouth her ex to the kid, none of that nasty stuff. She didn’t like it and she would yell at Trey, but never in front of their daughter. So I liked that while she was a bitch, it wasn’t one of those raging “you’re gay so I’ll make your life hell” bitches. I also liked when Deuce gave her a dressing down. ;-)Something that I wondered about, was Trey was taking chances at work with Deuce. He knew being out and gay at work was not good, but yet every time Deuce came by, they did something stupid and risky. I was kind of glad when Trey got caught by his boss (also gay) and he gave him a dressing down, because Trey was being stupid, so it was nice to see that addressed.So when you’re in the mood for some cute puppies, a cute 7 year old who never took over the story, she was just around at times, and just a couple of guys who find themselves in a relationship without really trying that hard and some steamy sex, it’s a perfect choice. It’s definitely a feel-good story, with touches of humour. No tissues needed.
What do You think about By The Numbers (2011)?
I confess! I'm adding it for the cover. It's just so cute! The story sounds sweet too.
—idcami
Such a sweet story! I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to everyone.
—sklo
