Review: Too Stupid To Live by Anne Tenino

Too Stupid To Live (Romancelandia #1) by Anne Tenino
Riptide Publishing
Novel: 315
4.5 Pants Off

Blurb:
It isn't true love until someone gets hurt.

Sam’s a new man. Yes, he’s still too tall, too skinny, too dorky, too gay, and has that unfortunate addiction to romance novels, but he’s wised up. His One True Love is certainly still out there, but he knows now that real life is nothing like fiction. He’s cultivated the necessary fortitude to say “no” to the next Mr. Wrong, no matter how hot, exciting, and/or erotic-novel-worthy he may be.

Until he meets Ian.

Ian’s a new man. He’s pain-free, has escaped the job he hated and the family who stifled him, and is now—possibly—ready to dip his toe into the sea of relationships. He’s going to be cautious, though, maybe start with someone who knows the score and isn’t looking for anything too complicated. Someone with experience and simple needs that largely revolve around the bedroom.

Until he meets Sam.

Sam’s convinced that Ian is no one’s Mr. Right. Ian’s sure that Sam isn’t his type. They can’t both be wrong . . . can they?

Review:
We first meet Sam in Whitetail Rock, as the best-friend of snarky and rude Nik, who landed his very own hot one true love. Sam knows there is no way he would ever find someone like Nik's boyfriend, because he just has too much going against him. He' way too tall, too freaking skinny, and all types of awkward there is just no way he'll land himself a hottie like the guys he likes to read from his romance novels. He does have hope though, hope that he will one day find his one true love, who will love him for all he is, all gangly limbs and geekdom.

While walking with his head in a book, Sam is almost run over by group of rugby playing men. Sam is helped by Ian a man who looks like a walking Highlander, all that’s missing is the kilt. For the first time in his life Sam decides to take a chance and ask someone out, but he's brutally shot down. Besides what was he thinking, trying to date out of his league? Because there is just no way would a man like Ian ever be interested in someone as plain as Sam. Or so he thinks. Ian finds himself thinking about the skinny kid, which is weird because he's really not his type. So maybe he shouldn't have been such a bastard when the kid asked him out, but what was he supposed to do. As a reformed man, he's done with casual hook-ups and is searching for someone to settle down with and clearly that kid wasn't it. Ian has his very own demons to deal with, and in his past he might not have been the most upstanding guy (a bit of a man whore really). Then there are also his personal troubles with his family, and Ian is looking like a modern hero in need of some assistance. It’s clear that Sam might be in for a world of hurt if he gets with Ian, but it’s always the wallflowers that land the rakes.

Things get complicated when Ian and Sam run into each other again, and Ian is actually the cousin of Nik's boyfriend Jurgen. Sam is warned off of pursuing anything with Ian because he's just no good (and clearly the setting up crazy things to come). If only Sam wasn't so crazy attracted, and Ian wasn't giving the come fuck me looks. He's gotta remember though, that idea is not the ideal for his one true love.

This book is classic contemporary feel good story, with lots of heart. Yes, there is the humour we have come to love and expect from Anne Tenino but it also offers up a realistic look on the fact that how you see yourself is sometimes how you get treated. Sam is a character that anyone can make a connection with, he's a bit misguided but he's also still hopeful. He's wary of starting a relationship with Ian, but his fear is understandable, he's worried about becoming that dreaded too stupid live to live character and for the most part he's already there. You know exactly the direction the story is going, but what it makes it unique is that the author pretty much tells it like it is from the book starts. It's an honest story, with a simple plot and it was delivered like a boss.

Let’s talk about sex baby, because this was some downright and dirty stuff. Sam and Ian, they boink a lot but never for a sec was I bored. Every sex scene was different, and really rocked my world. Tenino really knows how to write a sex scene, and I kinda want one of her crotched penis (or is that knitting?).

Should You Read It? You bet your sweet ass you should, because this author is awesome. Haven't read a book by her that I didn't love, and I am just looking forward to more of the Romancelandia world. A funny, beautiful, and sexy romance.

4.5 Pants Off