Reviewed by Lesley
TITLE: Outside In: An MM Romance
AUTHOR: Andrew Grey
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 99 pages
RELEASE DATE: August 15, 2023
BLURB:
Years of relocating without putting down roots have left Daniel Houseworth filled with anxiety, as change piled on change. Finally buying a home, he wants a settled life, one he can count on. The tall, broad, and strong man across the street catches his eye. But to Daniel, Stanley is the epitome of intimidating—just what he doesn’t need, regardless of how scorching hot he may be.
Nonprofit economic development specialist Stanley Jackson knows he can be unapproachable, with his wide build, tattooed arms, close-cropped hair, and dark eyes. He’s noticed his intriguingly endearing new neighbor, Daniel, and the way he avoids him. But when Daniel brings home a lost kid goat, Stanley cautiously approaches him and offers help to find Delia a proper home.
Daniel quickly comes to care for his charge and does his best to put his anxiousness aside for her sake. As Daniel gets to know Stanley’s heart, the once intimidating qualities shift to intense attraction. But just as Daniel begins to let his guard down and trust that hunky Stanley could feel the same about him, Stanley is presented with a job offer that could stop their budding relationship in its tracks.
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REVIEW:
This short book introduces us to Daniel, Stanley and Delia (the goat).
Daniel suffers severe anxiety caused by years of bullying and constant moving around as an adult. When we meet him, he has just taken on a new position, one that means he won’t be moving around so much. So, he has decided to try and put down roots and bought himself a house. Unfortunately, his new neighbour physically reminds him of the bullies from his past.
Stanley knows he looks intimidating with his unshaven face, his tattoos and his size. In reality though he is not a bully or scary. In fact, his career and passion is the complete opposite. He works for a non-profit, spending time living with indigenous tribes and helping them survive and thrive.
I have given this book a rating of 4 because I did enjoy it and I think others will too. There is a little angst in the form of Daniel’s anxiety and Stanley’s family drama. There is a little cuteness in the form of Delia and Daniel’s attachment to her and a lot a sweet sighing at Daniel and Stanley’s relationship as it develops. We also meet a few interesting neighbours who I feel have some interesting back grounds of their own.
My favourite part of the book is where Daniel stands up to Stanley’s mum defending him as a good man, entitled to live his own life his own way. It is so much easier to braver on behalf of the person you love than for yourself sometimes.
This is a short book in which we learn a little about Daniel’s upbringing and how his anxiety developed. I might be being greedy, but I felt we could have found out more about his background, why did he feel trapped in a job where his boss was a bully? Especially as he comes from a loving, supportive family. (Really sorry if I missed something). I would have loved it if this book was a bit longer so we could have had more about Daniel’s family and more time with Daniel & Stanley in general.
RATING: 
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