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Susan Hawke
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How Not to Blend (LOVESTRONG Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Susan Hawke (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,066 ratings
One clueless single dad…

Dr. Corbin Davis is a busy guy just trying to do his best as a single parent. He may be oblivious to a lot of things, but surely he would’ve noticed something as important as his fifteen-year-old son, Grayson, being bullied, right? And what the heck is non-binary, and why hasn’t Gray shared this all-important part of himself with his own dad?

Plus one sassy Southerner…

Andy Ferguson, or Kandi as the Thursday night drag community knows him, is just trying to get along in a small town and hold things together while he takes care of his beloved Gam-Gam. If she’d just get off his back about finding himself a man, that would be fantastic, thank you very much. He’ll get around to love… one of these days.

Equals a pair of fake-boyfriends who will keep you in stitches.

When Corb gets the wild idea to ask Andy to pose as his boyfriend to let Gray know that his dad is bisexual and open-minded enough to talk to about his nonbinary status, Andy is amused and just intrigued enough to say yes… especially since he seems to be in the market for a fake boyfriend himself, if it will get Gam-Gam to quit nagging.

This is the first book in the LOVESTRONG series about finding love and being yourself in a small town. Intended only for 18+ readers, this is an mm romance filled with all the fun, fluff, and feels you’d want from an S. Hawke book.
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  1. Book 1 of 8
    LOVESTRONG
  2. Print length
    276 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    January 13, 2019
  5. File size
    3.6 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07M5BM89V
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (January 13, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 13, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.6 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 276 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 1,066 ratings

About the author

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Susan Hawke

Susan Hawke

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I’m a happily married mom whose kids are grown! I've always written stories, but only found the courage to publish in my 40s. This midlife career change has been amazing and proves it's never too late to follow your dreams. I plan to keep writing for as long as my readers want my books. I love sharing the stories of the different people who live in my imagination. My books are filled with humor, a few tears, and the underlying message to never give up and keep hoping, even in the darkest of times, because life can change on a dime when you least expect it. This theme comes from a lifetime of lessons learned on my own hard journey through the pains of poverty, the loss of more loved ones than I’d care to count, and the struggles of living through chronic illnesses. Life can be hard, but it can also be good! Through it all I’ve found that love, laughter, and family can make all the difference, and that’s what I try to bring to every tale I tell.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,066 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and enjoyable from cover to cover, describing it as a fun story filled with laughter and a perfect mix of snark. The book features delightful characters and heartwarming moments, with one customer particularly appreciating the portrayal of a widowed character. Customers praise the book's sassy and sexy qualities, and one notes how it's full of interesting people.

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20 customers mention "Readability"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and enjoyable from cover to cover, describing it as a fun read.

"...The writing was decent, but some of the dialogue didn’t feel natural; however, the humor and fast pace of the story made it easy to move past any..." Read more

"...Andy's journey to accepting his fears and overcoming them was very well written as well...." Read more

"...There is a cast of supporting characters that were very pleasing...." Read more

"I loved this book and its crazy characters!..." Read more

20 customers mention "Story quality"20 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of this book, describing it as funny and filled with laughter, with one customer highlighting the sassy character Kandi.

"...Overall, this book is well constructed; the story is completely captivating and want more in this group...." Read more

"...the story made it easy to move past any awkward dialogue and still enjoy the story. Overall: 4 Stars...." Read more

"...love side of the story was a bit of a slow burn but it fit wonderfully into the story line and they way Corbin shocks Andy towards the end had me..." Read more

"...The story was snarky and sweet, sexy and hilarious, heartbreaking and heartwarming...." Read more

11 customers mention "Sweetness"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sweet, with one describing it as a sassy delight.

"...The characters are strong, sassy, and oh so sweet. I love the chemistry between Corbin and Andy, and the relationship they both have with Grayson...." Read more

"...The story was snarky and sweet, sexy and hilarious, heartbreaking and heartwarming...." Read more

"...She's so sassy. Jeebus a close second! There was a ton of sweetness. Lots of love...." Read more

"...I loved Andy he was such a sassy delight...." Read more

9 customers mention "Sexiness"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sexy and sassy.

"...This is a great start to a fun, new series. The characters are strong, sassy, and oh so sweet...." Read more

"...The story was snarky and sweet, sexy and hilarious, heartbreaking and heartwarming...." Read more

"...I adore Andy both in and out of drag and his southern sass and flair is awesome...." Read more

"I loved this book. Gam-gam was probably my favorite. She's so sassy. Jeebus a close second! There was a ton of sweetness. Lots of love...." Read more

9 customers mention "Snarkiness"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the snarky tone of the book, with one customer noting it's full of interesting characters.

"...The characters were all full of life and sass and it was fun to get to meet everyone...." Read more

"...The book is full of interesting people and I love Grey, Gram, Corbin and Andys friends and mama Honey...." Read more

"Dynamic, funny, snarky, gritty and heartfelt, sweet romance with all the feels!! I loved this incredible book!!..." Read more

"...Readers looking for a fun relationship story ought to enjoy this book!" Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book.

"...There is a cast of supporting characters who will make you laugh, say aw, and want to give them a hug at times. And don't forget Satan the pug...." Read more

"...This is a great start to a fun, new series. The characters are strong, sassy, and oh so sweet...." Read more

"...Corbin's nonbinary son Gray, in particular, was a great character...." Read more

"...Corbin and Andy are delightful characters and i love them together. I also enjoyed the supporting characters that gave depth and color...." Read more

7 customers mention "Heartwarming"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming, with one customer particularly noting its touching portrayal of a widowed character.

"...Andy and Corbin make a great couple and I found it very endearing that Andy called Corbin "his boo" and Grayson was "boo-boo". It made me smile...." Read more

"...It was very touching to see widowed, secretly bisexual Dr. Corbin (cardiologist) willingness to go to great lengths to try to make his secretly non-..." Read more

"...story was snarky and sweet, sexy and hilarious, heartbreaking and heartwarming...." Read more

"Dynamic, funny, snarky, gritty and heartfelt, sweet romance with all the feels!! I loved this incredible book!!..." Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, with one describing it as a phenomenal start to the series and another noting how it continues throughout the entire book.

"...Overall: 4 Stars. This is a great start to a fun, new series. The characters are strong, sassy, and oh so sweet...." Read more

"This is a phenomenal start to this series. Whether she writes as Susi or Susan she just never disappoints. This is Andy and Corbin's love story...." Read more

"...Not to mention all the southern temperament. Oh lawd! Great start to what I know will be a great series!" Read more

"This book started out funny and continued through the entire book! I love books like this!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Jan Oliver Esten
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent story from a proven writer
    Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Hello. I am a big fan of the books written by this author under the name of Susi Hawke. This is her first venture into contemporary MM romance. I'd classify as a rom-com. I have loved all of her books from the mpreg shifter worlds she created as well as the darker ones that she co-authored. So I was excited for this book to be released and is not a disappointment. I adored Andy/Kandi, a gay, sort of femme, part-time drag queen and barrista. His love interest, Dr. Corbin is a well crafted character, flaws and all. I applauded the way Corbin supported and defended Grayson, a nonbinary individual who was being bullied. As you can see, there are lots of levels to this book. Andy and Corbin make a great couple and I found it very endearing that Andy called Corbin "his boo" and Grayson was "boo-boo". It made me smile. I must admit though, when Corbin, who professes non-violence to solve problems, punches Harold in the nose I pumped my fist in the air and yelled "Right on!" Homophobic bigots just push all my dislike buttons. Not only is he a homophobe but he bullies his own son who it maybe gay or bisexual. There is a cast of supporting characters who will make you laugh, say aw, and want to give them a hug at times. And don't forget Satan the pug. He really doesn't like Andy much. Overall, this book is well constructed; the story is completely captivating and want more in this group. I hope Andy, Corbin and Grayson show up in future books in the series. I understand book 2 is out already. I can't wait to read it.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • L.D.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Drag Queens and Doctors
    Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    How Not To Blend is a sweet story. Corbin is a doctor who needs help connecting with his kid, and Andy is the drag queen barista who has a crush on Corbin. The fake boyfriend trope was amusing since it wasn’t hard to see how much Andy and Corbin liked each other. The characters were all full of life and sass and it was fun to get to meet everyone. The writing was decent, but some of the dialogue didn’t feel natural; however, the humor and fast pace of the story made it easy to move past any awkward dialogue and still enjoy the story.

    Overall: 4 Stars. This is a great start to a fun, new series. The characters are strong, sassy, and oh so sweet. I love the chemistry between Corbin and Andy, and the relationship they both have with Grayson. I definitely recommend this book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Crystal
    5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE this!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I'm not sure where to even start. I already knew I would enjoy this author because I read her shifter and omegaverse books but I was blown away by this story. There aren't enough words for how much I loved every single character in this book. Corbin and Andy were wonderful together, even when they hit their bumps in the road. Corbin's son, Gray, stole my heart and I wanted to bring him under my wing and keep him safe from everything but the way that Corbin handles his son's situation was excellent. I love how the author is able to include serious topics, hot topics, and humor all into one book. The love side of the story was a bit of a slow burn but it fit wonderfully into the story line and they way Corbin shocks Andy towards the end had me smiling and bouncing up and down in my seat, I want to see the video of that!!!!! Andy's journey to accepting his fears and overcoming them was very well written as well. I could probably wax poetic about this book all night but I'm afraid if I keep going I will spill too many spoilers so I am going to stop now and just say READ THIS BOOK or better yet LISTEN TO IT. Michael Pauley nails this narration perfectly like only he can so don't miss out on the magic. Now I am off to "patiently" wait for the next book in this new series!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Andrea
    3.0 out of 5 stars I’ll try another book by this author...
    Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I listened to the audio for this book and the delivery of the narration by Michael Pauley did not agree with me and made me irritable about the book.

    It was very touching to see widowed, secretly bisexual Dr. Corbin (cardiologist) willingness to go to great lengths to try to make his secretly non-binary (NB) son feel comfortable, supported, protected, and loved. Everyone should be lucky to have such a parent.

    There is a cast of supporting characters that were very pleasing. There was also what I suspect is now a stock character in M/M Romance novels—the comedic, but supportive grandma.

    The other MC, Andy made a living working on a coffee cart and spending one night each week as a drag-performer. He was full of snappy one-liners for every occasion. I think this was overdone. Possibly the snappy comebacks seemed over done because I didn’t like the narrator’s style.

    I will admit, that my response to the book might have been different if I had read it instead of listening to the eAudio. I’ll try something else written by this author.
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  • HockeyfanT
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great romcom
    Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book and its crazy characters! Andy was an over the top southern diva, a drama queen who was also a drag queen, barista, and devoted grandson. Corbin, was a doctor (Dr. Dreamy), widower, and clueless dad who wanted to have a better relationship with his teenage son. They were surrounded by a zany but loving bunch of people who wanted them to work out their issues and find their happiness together. Corbin's nonbinary son Gray, in particular, was a great character. The story was snarky and sweet, sexy and hilarious, heartbreaking and heartwarming. This is the first romance under the author's new pen name, and I think she hit it out of the park. I recommend this story and am happy to give it all the stars!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Vanessa
    4.0 out of 5 stars Erster Teil
    Reviewed in Germany on October 9, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Der erste (oder eigentlich zweite Teil, denn es gibt eine kostenlose Vorgeschichte) hat mir gut gefallen. War angenehm zu lesen, hin und wieder musste man doch sehr schmunzeln. Punktabzug gibt es für mich für den Beginn des Buches, Andy (und seine Oma) sind mir da einfach viel zu schrill. Schrill ist ja nett, aber das war mir einfach zu viel und ich habe da dann etwas großzügiger drübergelesen. Bin jetzt mal gespannt auf Teil 2.
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  • Gayovouse
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome
    Reviewed in Australia on September 29, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Love the great feeling left after reading this book have a great read of his beautiful book try it hey.
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  • Vania
    5.0 out of 5 stars A queen to the rescue!
    Reviewed in Italy on June 11, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I really don’t know why I waited so long to read this book, I absolutely adored it!
    It was funny and quirky and so full of sass and Southern charm (both from Andy/Candi, the barista/drag queen MC and from his grandmother, who, at 83 is a real hoot!).
    There are so many things I loved about this story.
    The fake boyfriends tentatively evolving into something real (with one step forward and two steps back sometimes…), Corbin and Andy click immediately but in the beginning they’re both too blind to realize they really care about each other, and then Andy gets scared and insecure, so we have a bit of a set back…
    For me another great character was Gray, Corbin’s son, and the reason they fake a relationship in the beginning (he’s non-binary and isn’t speaking whit his dad about being bullied): Gray turns out to be such a great kid, sweet and kind and so free with his affection.
    Having the story narrated by Michael Dean is a plus, because he’s able to turn a really great book into something magic!
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  • Vicki
    5.0 out of 5 stars Everything I love in an M/M romance
    Reviewed in Canada on February 9, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This story was a blend of everything I love - snark, kids, a crazy dog, a wise and spunky elder, bullies getting what they deserve, drag queens, awesome BFF's, and lots and lots of fun. I loved Susi Hawke's stories before but Susan Hawke gets me.
    I listened to this story rather than reading it and Michael Pauley is an exemplary narrator. He brings the characters to life not just visually but emotionally as well. His pacing is bang on and I love his granny voice. I would encourage anyone who wants to read this book to listen to it if they enjoy audio.
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  • Rainbowbridge20
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love it
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 15, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Absolutely loved this book by Susan Hawke, no m preg like when she writes as Susi but just as wonderful. I laughed so much with the characters if the rest of her series is anything like this book they are going to be a big hit. Highly recommend 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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