Customer Reviews

Once Upon a Veterinarian

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I like when Drew Zachary sets its story in Canada, since the gay issue is slightly lesser, and you can enjoy the guy meets guy, guy loves guy, guy gets guy without the usually hating and hiding feelings around. True, some hint here and there still remains, but it's more a light tease from colleague than a real ostracism.

Ben is a small pet vet; lately he has a lot of case of dying pets due to poisoning and so he thinks to call the police. Tim is the officer who picks up his case, and it's not the only thing he picks up... Tim has no problem to make clear to Ben that he is interested to get personal with him and they, easily as that, start to date. But both of them have works with shift and emergency call, and build a normal relationship is not simple.

Usually in a TQ's books you expect to find a lot of sex, soon and fast in the story; sometime I like that, one of my fav books from Drew Zachary is On Fire, and the two in the story get together in the first scene, without even have time to reach a bedroom. This one is a bit different: the book is divided in two part, in the first one the two lovers are almost "cursed", everytime they are at the point to hit home, something happens, and they need to postponed. It's both funny and exciting, since the reader starts to bet what will happen the next time.

In the second part, when finally they break the "curse", the sex starts as usual, funny and easy, a lot but not too much. At this point the reader would be enough satisfied, and instead Drew Zachary chooses to bring on the story and give us a glimpse on what happens after the happily ever after, since gets together sometime is the easy thing, but stay together is difficult and demanding.

I like this story since it has plot, it has sex and it has romance, but at the same time it's easy and smooth, funny rather than angst, fast but not too short (137 pages).

Zachary uses two of my favorite stereotypes in this novel: a gay cop and a gay veterinarian, has them both lovable and committed to their respective careers of service to others, both sexy and intriguing. He teases them (and us) for a while by letting them meet and fall hard for each other, but not be able to consummate their mutual attraction for a long time. Long enough that the cop assumes (wrongly) that the veterinarian is not really interested. When they do get together, it's all over warming and fun and the book is well worth a read, stereotypes or not. Enjoy.

While the story was alright, I am a little surprised by the 4/5 star reviews. The main characters were cute but rather boring, their conversations a bit stale. In all, it was rather formulaic; the strong, female best friend who always has the answer, quirky one-liners at the end of every chapter and the necessary spat near the end so that they can make-up.

The story was light and fluffy, and it was a fun read, but I don't think it was worth the $10+ I spent on it. If you're interested, get it used.

Ben's life is laid back and simple. He loves his job as a veterinarian; he loves hanging out with his best friend and aside from the occasional pet emergencies with his practice, he pretty much just goes with the flow. Ben loved his life, the only thing missing was someone special, and Ben didn't realize how much he was missing that until he met Tim.

Tim, a police officer investigating the recent poisoning of pets in the area is instantly attracted to Ben and is very happy the feeling is mutual. Tim and Ben have the making of an easy and perfect relationship, but to both their dismay life's interference is not making it easy and far from perfect. Will what they feel for each other be lost before it begins or will Ben and Tim find away to make it work?

Once Upon a Veterinarian is a delightful story. It's an easy paced story of two men who have full lives trying to find a way to blend the two together. I got a bit frustrated with Ben because he was a bit too complacent and at times slightly prudish. I felt the guys blew some prime opportunities to be together, but in a way I was very happy their relationship wasn't rushed. I loved that Ben and Tim got to know and each and their love and respect for each other seemed more solid because it wasn't all centered around sex. I liked Ben and Stacey's relationship but on more than one occasion I wanted to flick them upside the head for being so dense, especially Stacy even though I couldn't help but like her. I also liked the hostility between Amy and Tim, and the way Tim antagonized it. If there is a sequel to Once Upon a Veterinarian I loved to see if Amy ever warms up to Tim. Once Upon a Veterinarian is a terrific story and another fine romance from Drew Zachary.

Ley
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Enjoyed this book very much. Was glad to see that it ended in a happy
ending.

This is my first Drew Zachary book and I look forward to reading more of him. Once Upon a Veterinarian was fun and wonderful to read. Recommended.

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- The guys' initial interactions felt really...normal to me. They meet, they flirt, they go out and have fun, they kiss, etc. They're comfortable with each other right from the start.
- Some of the dialogue is funny, especially when the guys are in the past-flirting-but-not-yet-having-sex stage.
- I loved the way Tim treats Ben's dog, Tippy. Ben's a vet, so obviously he's going to be super attached to his pet. And Tim's not only totally cool with that, he also sweet talks to her, brings her treats, and thinks of her when he and Ben are away from the apartment. That's one of those things that lets you know a guy is really into you: if he takes what you care about seriously.
- The sex scenes (once they get going) are pretty hot. They don't start until over halfway through the book--a string of bad luck keeps the guys away from each other for various reasons--so by the time they finally DO get together, the sex is rather heated.
- There are a number of secondary characters who are pretty flat but are still likeable. Most of Tim's cop buddies, in particular, are surprisingly accepting and nonchalant when Tim suddenly shows up at a department barbeque with his boyfriend in tow. The story's set in Canada, so for the most part, I believed that the acceptance was genuine.

CONS:
- I expected the plot involving the poisoned animals to be more in-depth--or at least, more suspenseful/mysterious--than it is, but the resolution is realistic. And to be fair, the plot element really just exists in order to bring the two guys together.
- Ben's business partner and close friend, Stacey, is REALLY annoying most of the time, and so is Ben's cluelessness about how frustrated Tim gets when she's around. She does redeem herself at the end, though.
- In a couple of instances, I got confused as to which character was speaking because there aren't very many "he said"s, etc.

Overall comments: Don't be misled into thinking that this is an in-depth mystery. The real story here is the romance, which is simple but heartfelt. The sex scenes are plentiful and pretty hot (especially since there's so much buildup before the first one), and I think overall this book is worth a read.

What a fun, light read. Romantic and interesting story about real people that you can care about.