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    Muscling Through
    Unavailable
    Muscling Through
    Unavailable
    Muscling Through
    Ebook108 pages1 hour

    Muscling Through

    By JL Merrow

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    The bigger they come, the harder they fall ... in love.

    Cambridge academic Larry Morton takes one, alcohol-glazed look at the huge, tattooed man looming in a dark alley, and assumes he’s done for. Moments later he finds himself disarmed -- literally and figuratively. Next morning, he can’t rest until he’s apologised to the man who turned out to be more gentle than giant.

    Larry’s intrigued to find there’s more to Al Fletcher than meets the eye; he possesses a natural artistic talent that shines through untutored technique. Unfortunately, no one else seems to see the sensitive soul beneath Al’s imposing, scarred, undeniably sexy exterior. Least of all Larry’s class-conscious family, who would like nothing better than to split up this mismatched pair.

    It’s deliciously physical, but also much more -- which makes Larry’s next task so daunting. Not just convincing his colleagues, friends, and family that their relationship is more than skin deep. It’s convincing Al.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherJMS Books LLC
    Release dateApr 1, 2017
    ISBN9781634863681
    Unavailable
    Muscling Through
    Author

    JL Merrow

    JL MERROW is that rare beast, an English person who refuses to drink tea. She read Natural Sciences at Cambridge, where she learned many things, chief amongst which was that she never wanted to see the inside of a lab ever again. Her one regret is that she never mastered the ability of punting one-handed whilst holding a glass of champagne.She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and mysteries, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy, and her novella Muscling Through and novel Relief Valve were both EPIC Awards finalists.JL Merrow is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, International Thriller Writers, Verulam Writers and the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.Find JL Merrow online at: www.jlmerrow.com, on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jl.merrow

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    Reviews for Muscling Through

    4/5

    148 ratings15 reviews

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    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 3/5
      While I enjoyed the book for the most part, I just didn't love it. It reminded me a little of The Janitor by Jan Irving, which I did not enjoy at all. There seemed to be a lack of equal footing between the characters and I found it hard to connect with them. Although in parts it was sweet and kinda romantic, a lot of the narrative just didn't work for me. 2 1/2-3 stars.
    • 4/5
      I've just read Muscling Through by J.L. Merrow; here is the plot description:=========================================================="The bigger they come, the harder they fall... in love.Cambridge art professor Larry Morton takes one, alcohol-glazed look at the huge, tattooed man looming in a dark alley, and assumes he’s done for. Moments later he finds himself disarmed—literally and figuratively. And, the next morning, he can’t rest until he offers an apology to the man who turned out to be more gentle than giant.Larry's intrigued to find there's more to Al Fletcher than meets the eye; he possesses a natural artistic talent that shines through untutored technique. Unfortunately, no one else seems to see the sensitive soul beneath Al’s imposing, scarred, undeniably sexy exterior. Least of all Larry's class-conscious family, who would like nothing better than to split up this mismatched pair.Is it physical? Oh, yes, it’s deliciously physical, and so much more—which makes Larry’s next task so daunting. Not just convincing his colleagues, friends and family that their relationship is more than skin deep. It’s convincing Al.Contains comic misunderstandings, misuse of art materials, and unexpected poignancy."==========================================================This was a very quick read, since it is a novella rather than a full-length novel. But it was also a surprisingly satisfying one, for its length!(Yikes, I just re-read that last sentence, which could certainly be taken to mean something that was TOTALLY not intended!)I wasn't sure I was comfortable with Al's voice as he began telling the story, when he came across as being a bit slow on the uptake. (Which of course is totally hypocritical of me, since I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer myself.) But in no time at all, I grew to like this character; he's a real sweetheart, and it was refreshing to hear someone express himself so very directly.Now, I also had my doubts as to whether these two people---who, intellectually speaking, are operating on completely different levels---could have a successful long-term relationship. But by the end of the story the reader is rooting for the two fellows wholeheartedly, and totally believes that they will make a go of it. Is such a relationship possible in real life? Hmmmm, I'm still not sure---I think it rather unlikely---but nevertheless you'll believe it can be true as you read this story.This tale also had a lot more sex in it than the romances I usually read. Wait, is that a good thing or a bad thing? Heh. But hey, it worked---though the question is how to classify it. Does it veer a bit toward erotica, or is it still simply a romance?Oh, I should add that I loved how this story began. It was very funny---I've re-read the first chapter four or five times already.So, surprisingly (because this isn't really like the sort of thing I usually read) I give this a glowing recommendation, though I do wish it were longer and a bit more complex. I appreciated the amusing bits, but the story contained a few genuinely touching moments as well, that really got to me. Give it a try.
    • 5/5
      What a delightful book. At times this was laugh out loud funny. Yet Merrow makes readers care about a very unlikely character. Brilliant!
    • 4/5
      This was a very unique love story, told by a perspective who is almost child like in nature.

      It was very refreshing, the only complaint was the brevity of the story.

      There was a bit of angst that at times I felt was too long, but overall not a bad read.
    • 3/5
      Three stars. An enjoyable light read.
    • 5/5
      I absolutely loved this book. I wasn’t sure how I was going to like this one but it surprised me. At first I was afraid Al was going to get on my nerves but I quickly found myself laughing at him in a good way. He was sweet and sincere and honest and that’s what made his “simpleness” (I hate using that word but I don’t know a better one for it) so endearing. I was sorry to see this one end!
    • 4/5
      Sweet and original.
    • 5/5
      Oh Al and Larry, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!!!Al may be, the most beautiful character I have read in a VERY long time. I adored hearing this story from his sweet POV. He may have a face which he describes as a squashed potato or the intellect of a blade of grass but what he lacks in those areas he makes up for in so many other ways. I LOLed and snorted in glee in the beginning. I sighed and cooed as their relationship progressed and I fell in love with this touching romance.Oh I nearly forgot to mention the smoken hot m/m action...yes!Thank you J.L. Merrow for this little slice of heaven
    • 5/5
      This was just a pure romance about a big guy who's maybe not so clever who meets and falls in love with a Cambridge professor. Beautifully done.
    • 5/5
      Alan and Lawrence, eh? I AM SO IN LOVE IT DAMN WELL HURTS.
      This book is for anyone who likes GOOD people. Anyone who wants GOOD people to win. Win love, appreciation, and friendship because of WHO they are. I am left with so many good feelings after reading this book that I'm almost scatterbrained. Let's see if I can get it together.

      First of all, do not judge a book by its cover, nor a person by his looks. Alan would probably have scared the bejeezus out of me too, had I met him in a dark alley at night. More the power to Lawrence who took it upon himself to seek Al out and apologize.

      I adored the language in this book. (As you see, I'm jumping from subject to subject here, this is what good writing does to my brain). It was so English it went beyond corny and traveled straight into Fab-Land. To see the world through Al's eyes was a treat. The goodness. The mighty goodness—there is simply not enough writing in the world about goodness like this one. Please write me more.

      I loved the accent, it came through strong, and British, and good, and fun. (It made me remember when I was originally taught English and since then all those pesky little "u"s have had to be taken out all over my writing, when Chicago took over my life. I loved seeing them here, though, good memories). Also, the difference in class is so very obvious here, even in writing. Class, education, intelligence, all that goes out the window when two people are true to their own beings, and are LET TO BE true. How Larry and Al take the leap over all those obstacles is just plain beautiful. Al's direct, down-to-earth attitude has a lot to do with it, of course. ("'Are you a poof?' I asked. I didn't think he'd mind.")

      Some highlights? Sure, I'm always up for that!

      "He didn't look like a teacher no more. He looked wild and happy. I could have watched him all night." Al about Larry after their first time together. The love.

      "'Course, I wouldn't say no to a glass of that shampoo and a couple of horses' doovers." Oh, Al's mum is almost better than Al himself! (Blasphemy!) By god, the woman in pink strikes again and again. Absolutely fantabulous. Especially when she is nice to Larry's mum, and walks away mumbling. She squared that peg away mightily fast.

      Or what about when Al was choosing a cat? "I didn't want a posh cat. I got Larry for when I want posh."

      The short interlude at the hospital, where Larry tried talking to a student from his university was intense. I love how a scary suicidal situation was woven into the story, and I adored Larry's comment: "You just never really know, do you? If you're reaching someone or just talking at them?" Important themes, so glad to see them aired here.

      I loved their trip to Italy, and let's face it, I loved everything on every single page in this book—it just resonated with me.

      I have screamed with laughter (I even woke Mr Lund up at 3 am), but most of all I have been embraced by this book, by its words of acceptance, of love, of being okay as you are. I feel a better person for having read it.

      I loved this book. Please, read it. Even the sex (and there's admittedly a lot of it) is beautiful, intense and caring.

      Like Al says, "He's got class, Larry has."

      Well, that goes for you, too.

      Alan, you got class too, luv.



      ***
      I was NOT asked to read this book by anyone, I paid for it with my own money, as I do for all the books I read, all the music I listen to and the movies I watch.
    • 4/5
      Ok, the cover ist a bit irritating but the story ist kind of sweet and funny, a nice read for a weekend or vacation.
    • 4/5
      I liked the story. It was short, sweet and super sexy. Told from single POV that of Alan, it shows that love can be found in odd places and can be strong and lasting no matter what. I liked Al's outlook on life, how unconditionally he loved Larry and how he expressed his feelings to him - simple, to the point but so heartfelt. Wonderful novella!
    • 4/5
      I found this very sweetly romantic, and very pure as the POV is through the eyes of Al. Complex social hierarchies kind of go unnoticed by Al, so his story comes across very ingeniously honest. There’s no doubt Larry loves Al, and vise versa. One of the things I liked best was Larry’s support in encouraging Al to live to his strengths. Socially there is great imbalance of power between the couple, but within the relationship the two are partners in how they give and receive love, and that in itself makes this story refreshing. If you are down and want an uplift, snuggle in with a cup-a for a little book escape therapy.
    • 3/5
      Al Fletcher never expected what would happen when he helped a drunk Larry Morton home. His efforts were not exactly appreciated as Larry sent him away and threatened to call the police. Though he came and apologized after he sobered up, it was still a bit of a jarring experience. But the two started spending time together, finding after a short time that the last thing Larry would want to do is send Al away. It might be too good to be true, though, as they come from two completely different worlds. And as much as they seem to click together, Al can't help wondering if Larry can truly see past those differences in the long term...

      This is a short read that moves quickly while managing to bring the reader right along for the ride. Without a lengthy exposition, the conflict that exists for these characters is made real rather quickly. Readers get a strong sense of both characters, even though the story is written from the perspective of only one of them. A well-written and entertaining story!
    • 5/5
      I adored this romantic story of Al and Larry finding each other and falling in love. Al's point of view is used throughout the book, but I never once felt like I didn't know what was going on in Larry's mind.Beautifully written and very heartwarming. You can't help but understand why Larry is so in love with Al. I was too.

      1 person found this helpful