| Title | : | Making His List |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1615817646 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781615817641 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 76 |
| Publication | : | First published December 1, 2010 |
2010 Advent Calendar: Naughty or Nice
When his young niece Bailey moves in, Cory knows he needs to end his casual fling with Ken. Bailey’s had enough upheaval in her short life, and Cory doesn't want her to get attached to a “friend” who won't be sticking around. Even so, Cory finds himself continuing to let Ken into his life, but a one-night-stand gone serial isn’t what Cory wants, and so he makes The List: his requirements for the perfect partner.
Helping out during a difficult time, Ken finds himself being pulled into the family unit despite Cory’s previous emotional distance. He hopes he's finally breaking through, on the verge of convincing Cory to make their relationship more than a casual one. Then, while helping Bailey write to Santa, he finds Cory's list and takes it as his cue to bow out—just when Cory needs him the most.
Making His List Reviews
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A perfect feel good read with a touch of Christmas thrown in. Ken is just perfect but Cory I wanted to smack, a few times, hard. He was a total ass but he got better lol.
I felt so sorry for Ken and the way Cory treated him. I loved how vunerable Ken was, and I felt so bad when he left Cory after taking the phone message. You can feel Ken's disapointment and hurt.
This was very well written and had me near tears. Dispite being a short read, the emotion was not stinted on. I wish I could find the words to do this fic justice.
Recomended as a feel good read, with great characters.
ETA
This needs a sequal/follow up. OK I'm just greedy but I WANT MORE lol.
ETA
Third or maybe even forth time reading this and my feelings are exactly the same. My heart breaks for Ken every time. My only regret in this one is Cory didn't grovel enough. So I was thinking the best thing would be another Christmas short, maybe set a year from now, that has Cory setting out to give Ken a special Christmas devoted to making Ken feel special.
How about it Miss Rhodes?
ETA Every year this one never fails me, love Love LOVE this story
ETA Only thing I'm getting tired of is waiting for the follow up story :P
ETA I know I'm like a broken record, but I need the next part. I need to know they got Bailey legally.
ETA See above lol -
Sweet, well written holiday romance novella.
I enjoyed the first part of this book a great deal. It was a bit heart-breaking (as stories often are when kids are involved), but overall really lovely. I sort of wanted to punch Cory for being a dick to Ken, but I also liked the dynamic between the two of them. Up until about 65%, it was 4+ stars for sure.
The ending, however, became too schmaltzy for me. These guys were totally not on the same page and suddenly there are I love yous? I didn't quite buy it.
Still a nice introduction to a new-to-me author.
**Read for project GRL 2014- My quest to read authors that I've never tried before** -
I loved this book. I stayed up until I finished cause I could not put it down.
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Cory has a set of list of a partner that he wants to be with. And Ken? Well, Ken is definitely not what he has in mind for it. His relationship with Ken is strictly casual and he doesn't see any future in it. But when Cory's niece, Bailey, falls sick, and Ken seems to be a reliable guy to help him in this difficult times, Cory starts to think twice. Unfortunately, a message left on his phone makes Ken pulls away and Cory wonders if it's too late ...
I always welcome M/M story with kids in it. It adds the tenderness to see the guys interact with them. For a start, I think Cory is an asshat -- but this is probably because I like Ken from the beginning *grin*. I'm glad that the two guys finally come to the same conclusion; that love doesn't come with a set of perfect list.
I give the story itself 3.5 stars but like always, the kid factor adds the 0.5 stars :) -
I really, really liked this one. It was extremely sweet.
The only relationship Cory and Ken have is a string of one-night stands with stipulations. When Cory's niece, Bailey, gets sick that relationship starts to change. Ken helps Cory through Bailey's sickness and then gets brushed off and dumped. Ken's always had feelings for Cory, though, and when Cory won't return his calls, he decides to see him. However, when he finds out Cory is now sick and Bailey is stuck taking care of herself, Ken jumps at the chance to help. He's taking care of Bailey while Cory is recovering and before Ken knows it, he not only has feelings for Cory but starts thinking about what it'd be like to have Bailey and Cory as a family. Then Ken finds Cory's list for his ideal man and Ken doesn't fit the bill so he leaves but when Cory's in need of support, Ken can't help but be there.
I must say, Cory was a bit of an asshole but he's that way because he doesn't want to hurt Bailey with having her get to know Cory's boyfriends and then having them leave. Ken is a sweetheart. It's like it's ingrained in him to take care of people which is why he instantly turned into a mother hen when Bailey and Cory got sick. Ken was definitely my favorite character.
I really loved this book. Between Cory's desire to have a partner and give his niece a stable home and Ken's desire to be with Cory and have a family, it makes for a great read. Definitely recommended. -
This is not just a wonderful Christmas story, but also a multi-layered journey of discovery.
Cory knows that he wants a permanent partner. He is taking care of his niece, Bailey, since his sister pretty much refuses to acknowledge her. Cory wants a man in his life who will accept his role as an almost-parent, and he knows exactly what that partner should be like. He has even made a list. The only problem is that reality doesn't agree with the list. His discovery is all about finding out what is really important in life - and about seeing the truth rather than hiding from it.
Ken has been trying to get Cory to agree to become more than a fuck-buddy. Ken wants more, but has no idea how to go about it. He is the quiet type, but discovers that there are situations where this will work to his advantage. He also discovers an unexpected liking for kids.
Bailey isn't on a conscious trip of discovery - but, nevertheless, by the end of the story she has made her own decisions and discoveries.
I loved the whole setup, the characters were lifelike and made me smile, and the tension as to what was going to happen with Bailey and her mother kept me glued to the pages. A great read, Christmas themed, but about so much more than the holiday. I loved it! -
3.5-4
This was a nice read, but I would have liked to know why Ken loved Cody so much. I didn't quite see what Ken saw in him, now Ken was a sweetheart! -
I read this book in 20 minutes---impossible to put down!! I loved loved LOVED it :D Ken & Corbin are now one of my favorite couples, and Corbin's niece Bailey is an absolute love~~~you're sure to fall in love with these wonderful people as much as I did.
Read this book. It's imperative for the sake of your happiness. Just read it. -
Excellent m/m holiday romance about a guy who always keeps the men he dates at arm's length, and having his young niece and unreliable sister move in with him just give him more excuses to do so. I might've gotten sniffly while reading this one. *ahem*
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4.5 stars
Cory is a man with defined expectations for his future. He's taken his sister and young niece in and is now ready to look for a life partner. Knowing that he's the only one really looking out for his niece Bailey due to his sister's drug problems he's determined to find the best match. To accomplish this he's made a list of what he expects his perfect man to be like. And unfortunately that's not Ken, his lover of the past few months. He's sure Ken isn't looking for a relationship and so has kept the man away from Bailey and has decided that he can't continue with their casual sex hook-ups. After a bout of illness ends his rule of keeping Bailey away from Ken he begins to doubt his choices. But just as he's re-evaluating what he really wants Ken finds the list and decides to give Cory what he wants, an end to their 'non-relationship'. Just then a complication with Bailey arises that will show Cory that love can't be found by simply following a list. But has he learned that lesson too late?
I really loved this Christmas themed story although it's more a journey of self discovery than carols and presents under the tree. It's easy enough in real life to be like Cory, looking for the 'perfect' person without seeing what's been right in front of you all the while. Cory's determined to give his niece everything her own mother can't, and that includes a loving family, and to that end he has to find the perfect person for them both. Ken, in love with Cory but unaware of what's going on in Cory's thoughts, has meanwhile been giving him space and letting their time together be casual.
I really liked both Cory and Ken. I was engaged by them from beginning to end and found them and their relationship quite interesting. Cory is set on doing the best he can for his niece and like a lot of people couldn't see what was in front of him until he almost lost it. I did have a bit of hesitation about him in the beginning because of that but I quickly saw the real man behind the all important 'perfect' list and warmed up to him. Ken for his part made the sometimes easy to make mistake of just letting things coast along instead of talking about his real feelings with Cory. These things served to make them all the more real to me and added depth to the story as they slowly worked towards a happy ending.
As with the previous books I've read by this author Making His List is a well-written story that will appeal to a wide range of readers. My only complaint is that I would have loved a more detailed ending. I know everything will work out for Cory, Ken and Bailey but I'm greedy and would have liked to have read about it. Aside from that I found this story entertaining, sweet, emotional, humorous, sexy and quite hot at times. Highly recommended. -
4.0 Stars
Cory and Ken are friends with benefits. When Cory's sister (Becky) and her young daughter (Bailey) move in, Cory knows he has to end his casual fling with Ken. Cory is determined to provide a stable home for Bailey and does not want to expose her to a revolving door of "friends." Ken has been hoping that Cory will want to make their relationship more than a casual one. Cory has always kept him at an emotional distance but Ken has been searching for an opportunity to take things to the next level. When a stomach bug leaves both Bailey and then Cory in desperate need of TLC (and Becky is AWOL), Ken steps up. But Ken's discovery of Cory's "List" of requirements for his perfect partner coupled with a phone message from a would-be suitor put the kibosh on Ken's aspirations for a long-term relationship with Cory. As Ken walks out of his life, Cory realizes how much he cares for him and wants him back.
I liked the premise of this story. I really connected with the characters: I loved, Loved, LOVED Ken; Bailey was so sweet and innocent, I just adored her; Becky was a dead-beat loser mom and I hated her as intended; and then there was Cory. What. An. Ass. He treated Ken so badly that at times I found myself hoping against their HEA. How crazy is that!?! I LIVE for HEAs. Cory eventually came around and I believed he was contrite but everything wrapped up too quickly and easily in the end IMHO. I think a big problem was that Ken and Cory went from casual f*ck partners (who knew little about each other outside of bed) ... to not speaking to each other ... to lovey-dovey forever more ... in less than 100 pages. I would have really enjoyed having this story fleshed out.
Bottom line: a great premise that would have benefited from a more developed story line but an entertaining read nonetheless.
Re-Read on 12/27/13: On the second time around, I loved Ken even more. And, Cory still had me seeing red! Great Christmas read. -
I really loved this little story, even if you take out the Christmas theme it would work. It was sweet and heartbreaking but had a wonderful HEA.
I fell in love with Ken, what a sweetheart, and his interaction with Bailey was precious. I’m not really sure why or how he fell in love with Cory and I’m kind of confused why he stayed after Cory treated him so harshly but I guess the heart gets what the heart wants. They did work well together when the chips were down.
There were a couple of niggles, one was it ended way too soon so now I’m ready for a sequel. I want to know what happens to Cory, Ken and Baily. The other one was a few times in the story names got confused, it’s not a big issue with me but it does make me pause when it happens.
If you’re looking for a short, fast, sweet read then I highly recommend this novella. -
This was a lovely holiday read. Short but sweet, and really moving too. It broke my heart to see Bailey being abandoned by her mother, but Cory's love for his niece was so heartwarming and beautiful. Ken was an absolute sweetheart - I absolutely loved him. I really didn't want this story to end - we need a sequel! I'd love to see what happens next for Ken, Cory and Bailey.
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This was so adorable!
Just the kind of fluffy, sort of slow-burning thing I was needing. And the kid factor was nicely introduced, so I appreciated many things about this short one! -
This was such a lovely story, especially considering its short length. It felt so well-rounded and it had it all: great characters, a well developed plot, a nice life's lesson, hot scenes, tenderness, heart aching moments, humor, emotional depth and a sweet happy ending. And it all was told in a pleasant style and a perfect pace.
This story is part of the Dreamspinner Press holiday series and it's about a Christmas wish list, but it's much more than just a holiday story. It is in fact about what's right in front of us, but not noted. Cory is the one not seeing what's in front of him in this story. Because he's taking care of his little niece he's looking for the right partner and at one point in the story he writes up his list of characteristics his ideal man should have. All the while not seeing how great a guy Ken is, the man he's having casual sex with for months now. Ken, of course, doesn't have many of the characteristics on the list. And he finds out about the list... *ouch*.
I really liked these heroes; they felt so real and three-dimensional. And so did their relationship building. Plus, Cory's little niece, Bailey, added another great element to the story. She was not only a means to an end for the plot, but a wonderful character of her own as well.
I don't want to give away more of the plot, I can only say that reading this novella won't be a waste of your time. So, if you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for? It really is a fabulous read, even now that the holiday season is over.
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Linking:
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http://erotromreader.blogspot.com/201... -
One sure sign of a great story is when you get so invested in the main characters that you want to hug them or smack them or do whatever based on the emotions brought forward. Well, this story definitely did it for me! I just wanted to squeeze Ken for being a solid hunk of support and I wanted to smack Cory for his stupidity, and oh surprise, I thought it would be the other way around based on the opening scene!
For a short story, this packed such a punch. The storyline seemed very realistic and dealt with a challenging current issue (an irresponsible single mother, Cory's sister, which is how Cory comes to be looking after his niece), the character development was surprisingly thorough (for a short story), the dialogue and writing style brought forward the emotional investment, and of course, the HEA sealed the deal!
Loved it and would highly recommend it!! -
Short but extremely sweet. This short story is about Cory and Ken, two men who are in a casual, booty call type relationship. When Cory takes in his sister and her daughter, Bailey, Cory wants to step back even more from Ken because he doesn't want any impermanence in Bailey's life. Cory and Ken both think the other is looking for just a casual, no strings commitment, but they don't realize that the other man is looking for something more serious in his life. Taking care of Bailey when she is sick, brings the men closer together, but will a few mistakes on Cory's part chase Ken away forever?
Ken was rock solid and I loved the way he helped out and took care of Bailey as if it came naturally. Cory was a strong family man and he put Bailey's needs always above his own. I liked this story a lot, and I was very happy with the outcome. -
What do you do when you have a young niece whose mother is a drug addict living with you? Cory decides he cannot have a serious relationship, and limits himself to one night stand or 'friend with benefit' arrangement. So, that's what he does with Ken. He doesn't realize that slowly something else develops in his heart. When he makes his wish list for ideal man, the list contains so many things that Ken is not. Cory is so unaware that he sometimes flirts and exchanges phone numbers with customers of the restaurant where he works. That is, until he fell sick and Ken took his phone message...
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's sweet with an appropriate dose of angst. Bailey, the niece, is so cute. -
This one was dear to my heart. Someone close to me received full custody of his daughter (oddly enough named Bailey) after her mother abandoned her for drugs & alcohol. The little girl in this story reminded me so much of my own little Bailey. It had angst and crappy situations, but they weren't drawn out or over the top. Both Ken and Corey think the other wants a casual relationship so its about finding the right meet between. I loved Ken. Ken is solid...solid and wonderful. Go read this to lift your spirits as its sweet, quick, and perfect.
Reread: Dec 15, 2012 Just as enjoyable as the first time. -
3.5 stars
A short, feel-good Christmas romance that brought a few tears to my eyes. Not completely perfect, I couldn't quite see why Ken wanted to be with Cory so much since Cory was a bit of a jerk through a good portion of this! -
Very sweet story of figuring out what you really want in life, and opening your eyes to find you already have it.
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I'm not a huge fan of kids in books but the pandemic has me missing my little nieces so I took the plunge for a feel-good. Boy was I disappointed.
There's no family feel, or any feel really. Read almost procedural. Kid gets ill, Ken steps in. Cory gets ill, Ken steps in, brief quickly solved drama that was more inevitable than effective, oh then they're in love and settling with 'their' kid.....meh!
These guys don't talk, don't know each other. We learn just enough about Ken for him to seem rather a sad person. He's mopping vomit and cleaning house when nothing says he's welcome.....but it's love. Sweet over-sugary gooey love! This was the big fail for me, I didn't buy it, the sudden love was too much with no progress shown inbetween.
Cory is defensive aka downright rude. His so important list doesn't particularly gel with who he is. Ken lonely. Bailey the kid is a sweet non-person who does her own thing and sits quietly between her parts in the book.
I spent more time thinking child services should be stepping in and why weren't they than caring about the (non)budding relationship. A complete washout for me, reactions don't hit deep enough the drama needs to be either more or forgooten to be believable, whole thing is forgettable. -
In his search for the perfect partner, Cory has made himself believe that the man he is currently seeing doesn’t measure up to the ideal he has in his head. He’s tired of casual sex and that’s all his relationship with Ken is. Or so he’s made himself believe. It takes his niece getting sick and Ken’s paternal instincts kicking in to make him see that the man he’s been searching for has been right under his nose all along.
Cory is the more sympathetic character at the beginning of the book; he’s caring for his niece since he convinced his sister to move in with him and wants nothing more than a man he can share his life with. His sister doesn’t care for her daughter and has led a short life of alcohol, drugs and men. Cory is so caught up in his home life and so used to shutting others out, that he is in fact the one unconsciously keeping Ken at arms length and when he realises, it might be too late.
Ken was an absolute darling. He isn’t quite what he seems; he’s happy to lead Cory on and allow him to believe that they’re nothing more than “fuck-buddies” because he knows trying to establish anything more serious will send Cory running for the hills. In reality he’s as lonely as Cory is and wants nothing more than to be able to build a life together. My heart broke for Ken when he thought about the fantasy he lives out when engaging in what’s supposed to be emotionless sex with Cory, and when he proves he’s the perfect man to look after not only the man he loves but also his little niece, he gets a shot at the family he’s always wanted.
This was a lovely, sweet little story that can be read at any time, not only Christmas! I’m so happy both characters (as well as Bailey) got their much deserved HEA and I only wish we could have gotten more of it. -
Cory and Ken have had a casual thing for several months, however when Cory's drug addict sister and 5 year old daughter Bailey move in, he doesn't want Bailey getting attached to someone so tries to put up some walls for Ken. When Bailey falls ill Ken is pulled in and Cory is determined to push him out and he and Bailey make Christmas lists for Santa of what they want, Cory for what he wants in a partner. Once again a wicked stomach flu hits the house and Ken is unwittingly dragged into caring for Bailey while Cory pukes his guts out and her mother takes off for several days. But he finds the list and it's nothing like him, he also takes a message for a date Cory has planned. Ooops. When Cory finally drags his sick ass out of bed and gets the cold shoulder he starts to realize that while Ken may not fit the criteria on his list, he fits into his life. A vanishing act by the sister with the little girl brings the two men together and forces them to admit their feelings. A very nice story and I felt so badly for Ken. It wasn't that Cory was a nasty person, he was just stupid. LOL Ken thought not pushing their relationship was the way to go and realized as well that he may have screwed up some by not being clear. So in essence they were both a bit at fault but it was a sweet story and I'd love to know what happens and if they get custody of Bailey and I think the fight with her mother over that would be an interesting and far less sweet story to read.
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For the most part, this was a nice story about a man (Cory) helping his irresponsible sister to raise the sister's young daughter (Bailey), and the man who sneaks into his heart when he's not looking (Ken). Cory and Ken have been fuck buddies for months, but Cory won't let *anybody* get emotionally close to him because he thinks he has to stay free of entanglements for Bailey's sake. Cory does have dreams, though, and he makes a wish list of all the qualities he thinks he would want in a partner -- and it's all the things that Ken isn't. But when first Bailey and then Cory get a stomach virus and Bailey's mom isn't there to help out, Ken steps in and forces Cory to start seeing him in a new light.
I liked most of this story quite a bit. Cory is bull headed and blind, and Ken is quietly competent and caring. There's some drama with the sister in the middle that isn't too off the wall, as well. But I started rolling my eyes near the end when Cory turned into a girl. Here Cory has been taking care of both Bailey and his sister for YEARS, off and on -- he's a perfectly competent adult male human being -- but when he finally realizes that he loves Ken, somehow he morphs into a pile of needy goo. Bah. I would've rated this at 4 stars if not for that. -
I am having so much fun exploring new authors this year and finding these holiday stories that I missed from previous years. Making His List is one these.
Cory has his sister and her daughter Bailey living with him. His sister has problems with drugs and alcohol and she is incredibly irresponsible. Cory wants to give Bailey a stable home environment, not the constant moving from man to man that she has experienced with her mother. The problem is, Cory has been seeing Ken casually for several months. He tells Ken in no uncertain terms that he is not to stay over and not to be involved with his family. Ken accepts this until one night when Cory's niece is very sick and Ken ends up helping out.
I adored Ken's character. I am not sure what he saw in Cory exactly. Cory was pretty much a callous jerk for the most part - towards Ken at least. I enjoyed watching the story evolve, even if there were times I wanted to thunk Cory - hard. There are definitely communication problems! Bailey is a wonderful character and my heart went out to her.
Overall, I thought this was a wonderful addition to my holiday reading. Recommended. :-) -
When I finished this story all I could think of is, WOW Devon put a lot of punch in such a quick story. This story made me think of all the times I did not know what I had until I lost it. Good thing the characters in this book knew how to hold on with both hands. I recommend this book to anyone who needs a good read to get into the mood of giving. Both characters jump into your heart and stay. Thank you Devon for giving us this wonderful story.
Cinderella -
Если бы окончание автор не пересахарила так, что аж зубы сводит, была бы совсем замечательная история.
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Cute story. Easy read. Short story about two guys who already know each other.
