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Country Mouse #1-2
The Country Mouse Collection
Country mouse meets city cat.
Owen may be a bit of a country mouse, but he loves his vacation in London, even more so when he meets the sexy and arrogant Malcolm Kavanagh. But eighty-hour weeks at a trading desk don’t leave Malcolm much time for meaningful relationships. In his world, everything’s a competition—even sex.
Their vacation romance turns serious, but that’s just the first chapter in their story. Anyone who’s ever been in love knows that happy endings take a lot more work than declaring your feelings.
Malcolm has never been in love, or even in a relationship. Everything is a struggle, from accepting Owen’s low-status job to putting his boyfriend above his personal trainer. Luckily, Owen knows a little more about these things. From the art galleries of Cambridge to the tawdry majesty of the Dominion theatre, Owen adapts to England while Malcolm adapts to the whole human race. Maybe, if Owen is patient enough and Malcolm learns to give, the two of them can make it past Relationship Armageddon to a real happy ending.
Owen may be a bit of a country mouse, but he loves his vacation in London, even more so when he meets the sexy and arrogant Malcolm Kavanagh. But eighty-hour weeks at a trading desk don’t leave Malcolm much time for meaningful relationships. In his world, everything’s a competition—even sex.
Their vacation romance turns serious, but that’s just the first chapter in their story. Anyone who’s ever been in love knows that happy endings take a lot more work than declaring your feelings.
Malcolm has never been in love, or even in a relationship. Everything is a struggle, from accepting Owen’s low-status job to putting his boyfriend above his personal trainer. Luckily, Owen knows a little more about these things. From the art galleries of Cambridge to the tawdry majesty of the Dominion theatre, Owen adapts to England while Malcolm adapts to the whole human race. Maybe, if Owen is patient enough and Malcolm learns to give, the two of them can make it past Relationship Armageddon to a real happy ending.
224 pages, Paperback
First published July 29, 2013
4 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
205 books3,490 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 23, 2023
Malcolm and Owen are quite the opposite one from the other, but they say opposites attract. Malcolm has carefully built his reputation as a dominant top in business as well as the bedchamber. Owen is much more leze fare. When they meet neither is expecting more than one night, the problem is that Owen sees through Malcolm's shell to what's beneath and in so doing Malcolm sees the one man that could change his life. A very good opposites attract romance that despite their obvious differences finds them needing the other in so many ways.
April 26, 2014
3.5 stars, rounded up. This was a tale of two men meeting in a bar and falling quickly into a relationship. A bit insta-love, I did appreciate that the story went on to explore the differences between the two, and the struggle to develop and nurture their relationship. Owen's declaration in the airport was truly endearing, and the misunderstandings in the second volume were realistically presented, with clear differences in their personalities and views of life. I liked the main characters, as well as the glimpse of Owen's mom and his co-workers.
December 3, 2018
I am reviewing the ebook version that I read via my library.
Opposites attract. But can they make it last? The classic take on this trope is that the city boy teaches the country boy, but this is a trope-flipping pair of stories with more complexity than that. Mal is insufferable and Owen is nearly the exact opposite. Owen is self-aware. He has his work cut out for him, cracking Mal's hard shell. Or rather, handing Mal tools to do it himself. I am glad I read these one after the other, it's much more satisfying this way.
Opposites attract. But can they make it last? The classic take on this trope is that the city boy teaches the country boy, but this is a trope-flipping pair of stories with more complexity than that. Mal is insufferable and Owen is nearly the exact opposite. Owen is self-aware. He has his work cut out for him, cracking Mal's hard shell. Or rather, handing Mal tools to do it himself. I am glad I read these one after the other, it's much more satisfying this way.
July 2, 2015
Sometimes I postpone a review for no apparent reason, I think it's more about being in the "right mood" to write, wanting to be able to capture what I felt about the book. So here we are 3 days after I finished, already read another (half) one and was disappointed as hell, which only make this 5 stars book even more appreciated.
This book is actually a long novella in two parts (that could be bought separately).
Country Mouse
tells us how Owen and Malcolm met and the beginning of their "relationship" (mostly sex based). Owen is on vocation in London with his ex-girlfriend (he is a bi who has no problem with his sexual preferences) he meets in a bar up-tight, workaholic, Malcolm (though absolutely gay isn't THAT honest with himself about his own sexual preferences). It's quite interesting how bossy Malcolm gets Owen to go home with him especially since Owen doesn't really let him boss him around... He stands up to Malcolm, allowing him to boss him when it suits him... Malcolm is impressed by Owen, attracted to him and can't keep his calm around him.
After one night they decided to spend the rest of the weekend together until Owen needs to leave London. What starts as "fun and games" (and also quite a lot of sexual toys kinky Malcolm own and LOVE to use) becomes more than that. Owen realizes there's a lot to Malcolm than he allows other people to see, a more gentle side only he evokes (and it's not that easy to find beneath the surface) and Malcolm can't get enough of Owen as well. He needs him, needs more than he even needed from a partner before (=one night stand). When their time is closing to an end someone needs to say the words to make them stay together..
City Mouse
Being a couple isn't easy especially when one side of the relationship is working too damn much and is obsessed with making enough money to live the rich life he won't stand to give up and the other is a care free guy wanting a gratifying job that almost pays the bills but feels right in the gut. Malcolm wants more for Owen, a job that can make him stand on his feet when he is tired of Malcolm working so late and having so little time for the relationship while Owen wishes Malcolm would work less, yeah, so he can spend time with him, but also so he can actually LIVE and won't have circles under his eyes.. So while the first part was mostly them making kinky sex and enjoying time together and starting to get to know each other, the second part is were the problems are presented.
I loved both parts. I know that some people loved the first one better since it was an easier read and the second had a lot of problems for them to deal but not a lot of pages for them to solve it all up but I loved that we got the second part, it felt more real to me especially with how different they are from one another. I would love to get another part of this story, even a few years later seeing how they influenced each other and made each other a better person on their own and how they made the relationship work on the long run.
It's an absolute 5 starts for me. I really enjoyed this one. It was an easy, fun, sexy as hell book. I loved Amy Lane and Aleksandr Voinov together I'll be reading more from the both of them for sure!
RECOMMENDED!
This book is actually a long novella in two parts (that could be bought separately).
Country Mouse
tells us how Owen and Malcolm met and the beginning of their "relationship" (mostly sex based). Owen is on vocation in London with his ex-girlfriend (he is a bi who has no problem with his sexual preferences) he meets in a bar up-tight, workaholic, Malcolm (though absolutely gay isn't THAT honest with himself about his own sexual preferences). It's quite interesting how bossy Malcolm gets Owen to go home with him especially since Owen doesn't really let him boss him around... He stands up to Malcolm, allowing him to boss him when it suits him... Malcolm is impressed by Owen, attracted to him and can't keep his calm around him.
After one night they decided to spend the rest of the weekend together until Owen needs to leave London. What starts as "fun and games" (and also quite a lot of sexual toys kinky Malcolm own and LOVE to use) becomes more than that. Owen realizes there's a lot to Malcolm than he allows other people to see, a more gentle side only he evokes (and it's not that easy to find beneath the surface) and Malcolm can't get enough of Owen as well. He needs him, needs more than he even needed from a partner before (=one night stand). When their time is closing to an end someone needs to say the words to make them stay together..
City Mouse
Being a couple isn't easy especially when one side of the relationship is working too damn much and is obsessed with making enough money to live the rich life he won't stand to give up and the other is a care free guy wanting a gratifying job that almost pays the bills but feels right in the gut. Malcolm wants more for Owen, a job that can make him stand on his feet when he is tired of Malcolm working so late and having so little time for the relationship while Owen wishes Malcolm would work less, yeah, so he can spend time with him, but also so he can actually LIVE and won't have circles under his eyes.. So while the first part was mostly them making kinky sex and enjoying time together and starting to get to know each other, the second part is were the problems are presented.
I loved both parts. I know that some people loved the first one better since it was an easier read and the second had a lot of problems for them to deal but not a lot of pages for them to solve it all up but I loved that we got the second part, it felt more real to me especially with how different they are from one another. I would love to get another part of this story, even a few years later seeing how they influenced each other and made each other a better person on their own and how they made the relationship work on the long run.
It's an absolute 5 starts for me. I really enjoyed this one. It was an easy, fun, sexy as hell book. I loved Amy Lane and Aleksandr Voinov together I'll be reading more from the both of them for sure!
RECOMMENDED!
September 14, 2014
Great Characters, Heated Romance, Left Me Breathless
This one is a total surprise in character development, plot (or lack thereof), and most of all in the frequency and intensity of sex between the protagonists Owen and Malcolm. And it never lets up for a minute from the moment they meet in a venue which seems to have been a happenstance for both of them.
I cannot recall a love story which begins as close to the start of a book as this one does, nor for a moment did I doubt the credibility of that romance. These two are so opposite in temperament, life goals and lifestyle that it could strain credibility--except that their attraction to each other, common core for each other, and eventually salvation for their life together is their sexual compatibility and their willingness to submit to the other's wishes when that would have never occurred with other partners. It's "Wow!" virtually every step of the way.
What also impressed me was how the two authors managed to carry this off by slipping in their own special side characters and scenarios which are recognizable from their own separate works (Voinov especially brilliant in that respect).
The cover art is also absolutely perfect--you will pull for this couple every step of the way and sincerely hope it will all work out for the best. Getting to that answer, which is always in doubt in the mind of one of them, will leave you breathless.
This one is a total surprise in character development, plot (or lack thereof), and most of all in the frequency and intensity of sex between the protagonists Owen and Malcolm. And it never lets up for a minute from the moment they meet in a venue which seems to have been a happenstance for both of them.
I cannot recall a love story which begins as close to the start of a book as this one does, nor for a moment did I doubt the credibility of that romance. These two are so opposite in temperament, life goals and lifestyle that it could strain credibility--except that their attraction to each other, common core for each other, and eventually salvation for their life together is their sexual compatibility and their willingness to submit to the other's wishes when that would have never occurred with other partners. It's "Wow!" virtually every step of the way.
What also impressed me was how the two authors managed to carry this off by slipping in their own special side characters and scenarios which are recognizable from their own separate works (Voinov especially brilliant in that respect).
The cover art is also absolutely perfect--you will pull for this couple every step of the way and sincerely hope it will all work out for the best. Getting to that answer, which is always in doubt in the mind of one of them, will leave you breathless.
December 1, 2013
This was so wonderful. You have exact opposites own the easy going guy who lets things roll off him and goes with the flow. He is kind and patient. Talented and smart and sweet to a tee. Than you have Malcolm who always has to be in control and is very closed off from others. Malcolm who is a little insecure and trying to prove himself.
When these two come together it is amazing. They mesh well and Owen helps Malcolm to relax and unwind. He helps Malcolm to see things differently. Owen goes for a job that makes him happy and this is a bone of contention for Malcolm. Only because Malcolm wants the best for Owen. Owen understands this but things come to blows and boy do they argue.
Malcolm through this fight finds he doesn’t want to be what he was before. He wants to be happy and content. He wants love like what Owen has given him. Owen wants Malcolm and again these two together are perfect.
These two are a fun read on their journey to becoming what each other needs and desires. A story of love and acceptance. Forgiveness and finding oneself. One that is fun to read and root for Owen and Malcolm.
When these two come together it is amazing. They mesh well and Owen helps Malcolm to relax and unwind. He helps Malcolm to see things differently. Owen goes for a job that makes him happy and this is a bone of contention for Malcolm. Only because Malcolm wants the best for Owen. Owen understands this but things come to blows and boy do they argue.
Malcolm through this fight finds he doesn’t want to be what he was before. He wants to be happy and content. He wants love like what Owen has given him. Owen wants Malcolm and again these two together are perfect.
These two are a fun read on their journey to becoming what each other needs and desires. A story of love and acceptance. Forgiveness and finding oneself. One that is fun to read and root for Owen and Malcolm.
August 28, 2023
This one just wasn't for me. I bought it because Aleks is one of my favorite authors. Contemporary romance isn't something I enjoy as much as romance mixed with other genres. This one, I felt ran too fast. After only a weekend one MC is rushing to move to another country and find a job to be with someone he's only known for three days max. Also, his new job was too fast in hiring him. Wow. Lucky him. I wish it worked like that in real life. The sex scenes are good, but plentiful, and I could have done with less of them after the first short story ended and they settled down together. Anyway, gonna DNF this one. I've had the paperback for years now, and am kinda sad it wasn't for me, but if it had been, I'd likely have read it long before now. Sigh... Ah well.
NOTE: I read the complete collection which includes books 1 & 2. I did finish the first book, but not the second one, for purposes of reading something by an LGBTQ+ author for my library's summer reading bingo challenge.
NOTE: I read the complete collection which includes books 1 & 2. I did finish the first book, but not the second one, for purposes of reading something by an LGBTQ+ author for my library's summer reading bingo challenge.
July 10, 2016
One of the things I liked about this book was that it was told from Owen's point of view, but the growth that I saw was done by Malcolm. Owen may have grown into his career in that he was no longer a student, but now had to make his way in the world, but that is a different kind of growth than experienced by Malcolm.
I liked the parallel that Owen saw between the relationship of Emmaline and
George and himself and Mal.
I liked the parallel that Owen saw between the relationship of Emmaline and
George and himself and Mal.
April 12, 2014
Quite a fun read I must say. The whole spanking thing wasn't my thing, but for the rest it was great. And kudos to Owen for making clear that money isn't everything in the world. As long as you have each other, nothing matters.
March 30, 2015
These two books just didn't work for me. The romance was too fluffy for my taste and the sex just wasn't for me. I picked up the book because it was written by voinov and it just wasn't what I expected.
January 27, 2014
well... sweet, cute, somewhat witty characters and completely forgettable story. 2,5 * actually, but let there be 3*.
February 18, 2014
This was emotionally draining, but also enlightening in many ways. I love books that make you realize things about yourselve.
Review to come...
Review to come...
April 13, 2015
See reviews of each individual book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews