Listen free for 30 days
-
Pricks and Pragmatism
- Southampton Stories, Book 1
- Narrated by: Mark Steadman
- Series: Southampton Stories, Book 1
- Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins
- Categories: Romance
People who bought this also bought...
-
Pressure Head
- The Plumber's Mate, Book 1
- By: JL Merrow
- Narrated by: Phillip Humphries
- Length: 7 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Some things are better left hidden.... Tom Paretski’s not just a plumber with a dodgy hip courtesy of a schoolboy accident. He also has a sixth sense for finding hidden things. Called in by the police to help locate a body near Brock’s Hollow, he’s staggered to encounter Phil Morrison, his old school crush - and the closeted bully whose actions contributed to Tom’s accident. Phil’s all grown up now, and Tom’s unwilling attraction to him is back with a vengeance.
-
-
Interesting premise that wasn't used much
- By elly gausden on 13-11-20
-
Oz
- Finding Home, Book 1
- By: Lily Morton
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Oz Gallagher does not do relationships well. Bored and jobless after another disastrous hook up, he decides to leave London for a temporary job in the wilds of Cornwall. Surely managing a stately home on a country estate will be easier than navigating the detritus of his relationships at home. Six months there will alleviate a bit of his wanderlust and then he can come back to London as footloose and fancy free as the day he left it. However, when he gets there, he finds a house in danger of crumbling to the ground and a man who is completely unlike anyone he’s ever met.
-
-
I spent ages not wanting to listen, but......
- By Antony Jones on 31-05-20
-
Roommate
- By: Sarina Bowen, Heart Eyes Press LGBTQ
- Narrated by: Teddy Hamilton, Stephen Dexter
- Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I’m a man with too many secrets, so the last thing I need is a new roommate with a sexy smile and blue eyes that see right through me. Eight years ago, Roderick left town after high school. We’re not friends. I owe him nothing. But back then, I let one of my secrets slip, and he’s the only one who noticed. Part of me knows I should run far, far away. But the other part wants him to come upstairs and spend the night. But if I let him in, I could lose everything.
-
-
Hooked from chapter 1
- By Christopher Young on 13-02-21
-
Caulky
- Four Bears Construction, Book 1
- By: K.M. Neuhold
- Narrated by: Tim Paige, Liam DiCosimo
- Length: 6 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The last thing I want is another relationship or another broken heart. All I need are my bees and the occasional hookup to scratch the itch. Okay, maybe meeting up with my hot contractor weekly is a little more than occasional. And maybe the way I’m starting to feel about the guy I’ve been anonymously chatting with online should concern me. But CaulkyAF doesn’t want to meet, and Cole doesn’t want anything serious, so what’s the worst that could happen?
-
-
Building love via app
- By Laora on 10-11-20
-
The Magnificent Sons
- By: Justin Myers
- Narrated by: Joe Jameson
- Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jake D'Arcy has spent most of his 29 years trying to get his life just right. He's nearly there: great girlfriend, great friends, stable job. A distant relationship with his boisterous family - which is exactly the way he wants it. So why does everything feel so wrong? When his popular, irritatingly confident teenage brother, Trick, comes out as gay to a rapturous response, Jake realises he has questions about his own repressed bisexuality and that he can't wait any longer to find his answers.
-
-
Fun, realistic and important...
- By A. Listener on 29-05-20
-
Rule Breaker
- By: Lily Morton
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Is it really wrong to want to murder your boss? Dylan has worked for Gabe for two years. Two long years of sarcastic comments. Two long years of insults, and having to redo the coffee pot four times in the mornings to meet his exacting standards. Not surprisingly he has devoted a lot of time to increasingly inventive ways to murder Gabe. From stabbing him with a cake fork, to garrotting him with his expensive tie, Dylan has thought of everything. However, a chance encounter opens his eyes to the attraction that has always lain between them, concealed by the layers of antipathy.
-
-
brilliant
- By Josephine P. on 14-02-21
-
Pressure Head
- The Plumber's Mate, Book 1
- By: JL Merrow
- Narrated by: Phillip Humphries
- Length: 7 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Some things are better left hidden.... Tom Paretski’s not just a plumber with a dodgy hip courtesy of a schoolboy accident. He also has a sixth sense for finding hidden things. Called in by the police to help locate a body near Brock’s Hollow, he’s staggered to encounter Phil Morrison, his old school crush - and the closeted bully whose actions contributed to Tom’s accident. Phil’s all grown up now, and Tom’s unwilling attraction to him is back with a vengeance.
-
-
Interesting premise that wasn't used much
- By elly gausden on 13-11-20
-
Oz
- Finding Home, Book 1
- By: Lily Morton
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Oz Gallagher does not do relationships well. Bored and jobless after another disastrous hook up, he decides to leave London for a temporary job in the wilds of Cornwall. Surely managing a stately home on a country estate will be easier than navigating the detritus of his relationships at home. Six months there will alleviate a bit of his wanderlust and then he can come back to London as footloose and fancy free as the day he left it. However, when he gets there, he finds a house in danger of crumbling to the ground and a man who is completely unlike anyone he’s ever met.
-
-
I spent ages not wanting to listen, but......
- By Antony Jones on 31-05-20
-
Roommate
- By: Sarina Bowen, Heart Eyes Press LGBTQ
- Narrated by: Teddy Hamilton, Stephen Dexter
- Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I’m a man with too many secrets, so the last thing I need is a new roommate with a sexy smile and blue eyes that see right through me. Eight years ago, Roderick left town after high school. We’re not friends. I owe him nothing. But back then, I let one of my secrets slip, and he’s the only one who noticed. Part of me knows I should run far, far away. But the other part wants him to come upstairs and spend the night. But if I let him in, I could lose everything.
-
-
Hooked from chapter 1
- By Christopher Young on 13-02-21
-
Caulky
- Four Bears Construction, Book 1
- By: K.M. Neuhold
- Narrated by: Tim Paige, Liam DiCosimo
- Length: 6 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The last thing I want is another relationship or another broken heart. All I need are my bees and the occasional hookup to scratch the itch. Okay, maybe meeting up with my hot contractor weekly is a little more than occasional. And maybe the way I’m starting to feel about the guy I’ve been anonymously chatting with online should concern me. But CaulkyAF doesn’t want to meet, and Cole doesn’t want anything serious, so what’s the worst that could happen?
-
-
Building love via app
- By Laora on 10-11-20
-
The Magnificent Sons
- By: Justin Myers
- Narrated by: Joe Jameson
- Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jake D'Arcy has spent most of his 29 years trying to get his life just right. He's nearly there: great girlfriend, great friends, stable job. A distant relationship with his boisterous family - which is exactly the way he wants it. So why does everything feel so wrong? When his popular, irritatingly confident teenage brother, Trick, comes out as gay to a rapturous response, Jake realises he has questions about his own repressed bisexuality and that he can't wait any longer to find his answers.
-
-
Fun, realistic and important...
- By A. Listener on 29-05-20
-
Rule Breaker
- By: Lily Morton
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Is it really wrong to want to murder your boss? Dylan has worked for Gabe for two years. Two long years of sarcastic comments. Two long years of insults, and having to redo the coffee pot four times in the mornings to meet his exacting standards. Not surprisingly he has devoted a lot of time to increasingly inventive ways to murder Gabe. From stabbing him with a cake fork, to garrotting him with his expensive tie, Dylan has thought of everything. However, a chance encounter opens his eyes to the attraction that has always lain between them, concealed by the layers of antipathy.
-
-
brilliant
- By Josephine P. on 14-02-21
-
Gay on a Train
- By: K.C. Wells
- Narrated by: Seb Yarrick
- Length: 7 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I’m straight. So, when a gay guy on the train asked me out on a date, why the hell did I say yes? And why am I excited about seeing him again? Okay, let’s start again.... I thought I was straight for all of my 26 years. I dated women. I slept with women. And yeah, occasionally I’d wondered what it would be like to experiment with a guy. We’ve all done it, right? A couple of times, at least? Only, I never did more than wonder.
-
-
Engaging & Beautiful Fantastic 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- By Mandy on 22-09-20
-
Happy Place
- Rainbow Place, Book 5
- By: Jay Northcote
- Narrated by: Hamish Long
- Length: 6 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
George’s strict upbringing has left him ashamed of his sexuality. In his forties now, he's yet to come out or even kiss a man - until he meets Quentin. Quentin has had enough of bad relationships with men who won't commit. Still raw from the last one, he’s not ready to try again. But George is sweet, and helping the older man get some experience might be a fun diversion.
-
-
A Heartwarming story
- By Wendy Loveridge on 07-07-20
-
Cutie and the Beast
- Fae Out of Water, Book One
- By: E.J. Russell
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 9 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Temp worker David Evans has been dreaming of Dr. Alun Kendrick ever since that one transcription job for him, because holy cats, that voice. Swoon. So when his agency offers him a position as Dr. Kendrick’s temporary office manager, David neglects to mention that he’s been permanently banished from offices. Because, forgiveness? Way easier than permission. But cheeky David isn’t intimidated, and despite himself, Alun is drawn to David in a way that can only spell disaster: When fae consort with humans, it never ends well. And if the human has secrets of his own?
-
-
Adorable romance
- By Alex on 20-11-20
-
Lovers Leap
- By: JL Merrow
- Narrated by: Mark Steadman
- Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Would-be chef Rufus can't believe his luck when a dripping wet dream of a man walks out of the sea on his birthday, especially when Michael ends up staying at the family B&B. Life is perfect - at least until Michael has to go home to the mainland.
-
-
Fantastically funny and a real find.
- By Geraldine on 02-03-16
-
Trick of Time
- By: J. L. Merrow
- Narrated by: Fleet Cooper
- Length: 3 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A lover from another time... When Ted Ennis steps out the doors of the Criterion Theatre for a cigarette and finds himself in Victorian London, he begins to doubt his sanity. At first he thinks it's all a film set, and is sure that the strikingly handsome young man leaning against a lamppost must be the leading man.… What starts as a sordid transaction with a beautiful rent boy quickly turns into something much deeper, drawing him back again and again as he gets to know Jem and craves meaningful encounters with him.
-
-
Sweet read
- By Mandy ryder on 23-09-16
-
Throwing Hearts
- By: N.R. Walker
- Narrated by: Glen Lloyd
- Length: 5 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A fun and sexy romance where the kiln isn't the only thing that's scorching hot. Leo Secombe loves his life, and he's convinced himself he's happy to be single. In his spare time, he keeps himself busy at a local LGBTQ centre that pairs a younger person with a community elder to help them feel included in today's rainbow family. Leo and Clyde have been buddies for a few years now, and signing up for a pottery class seems like fun. Merrick Bowman has been so focused on getting his pottery business up and running that he's forgotten how to date. How to live, even.
-
-
Another3N R Walker Gem
- By Ronald Betts on 16-01-21
-
Home Truths
- The Complete Love in Three Lakes Bundle
- By: Sasha Goldie
- Narrated by: Richard Reynolds
- Length: 22 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An unassuming town. A huge development deal. Nate has it all figured out, until his car breaks down and threatens to ruin everything. The local mechanic has a way with his hands that fantasies are made of, but Nate can’t afford to get wrapped around Ian’s finger. A few sweaty nights tangled up together should be enough to scratch the itch, and the chemistry between them is hot enough to burn.
-
-
DNF
- By Tanya on 09-11-20
-
Glitterland
- Spires, Book 1
- By: Alexis Hall
- Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton
- Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ash Winters is barely holding on, near drowning in his own darkness and fear. He lives a gray shadow of a life, sullen and cynical, unable to remember hope or happiness - much less the distant, fading glitterball of love. It has to be a sick joke of the universe that he finds himself hooked up with good-humored Essex boy Darian Taylor, a wannabe model in a sparkly jacket and a fake tan. Darian may not be an intellectual giant, but he's hysterically funny, and he's got the courage to challenge Ash to live again.
-
-
Brilliant!
- By Kristin Honor on 02-02-16
-
Somebody to Love
- A Tyler Jamison Novel, Book 1
- By: April Wilson
- Narrated by: J.F. Harding, Jack DuPont
- Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Chicago homicide detective Tyler Jamison has accepted the fact that he was born defective. Women just don't do it for him, and he can't contemplate any other option. So, loneliness it is. Ian Alexander has met the man of his dreams, but the guy's in complete denial of his sexuality. Ian's not giving up on Tyler, though. Tyler's a domineering, controlling force of nature...just what Ian has always craved in his bed. When a serial killer sets his sights on Ian, Tyler will do anything to protect the much younger man.
-
-
One cliche after another
- By Mary on 23-09-20
-
Hidden in Darkness
- In Darkness Series, Book 1
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Felix lands a job taking care of a man recovering from severe injuries, he thinks his life may have just turned around. Anything has to be better than the place he's leaving. There's something about Lane that draws Felix to him and makes him question if this place could finally become a home for him. But when someone begins stalking Felix, he is left to question who Lane is and what actually happened to him. Together, Felix and Lane will be forced to see just how far they will go to protect each other.
-
-
Brilliant story, expertly performed
- By Dee Slate on 16-10-18
-
Caught!
- Shamwell Tales
- By: JL Merrow
- Narrated by: Mark Steadman
- Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bow ties are cool...but secrets, not so much. Behind Robert Emeny's cheerfully eccentric exterior lies a young heart battered and bruised by his past. He's taken a job in a village primary school to make a fresh start, and love isn't part of his plans. But then he's knocked for six - literally - by a chance encounter with the uncle of two of his pupils. Sean Grant works in pest control, lives on a council estate, and rides a motorbike. Robert is an ex-public schoolboy from a posh family who drives a classic car.
-
-
Great story!
- By Amazon Customer on 14-09-17
-
Boystown
- Three Nick Nowak Mysteries
- By: Marshall Thornton
- Narrated by: Brad Langer
- Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A former police officer turned private investigator, Nick Nowak is haunted by his abrupt departure from the department, as well as, the traumatic end of his relationship with librarian Daniel Laverty. In these three stories set in Chicago during the early eighties, Nick locates a missing young man for a mysterious client, solves a case of arson at a popular nightspot, and goes undercover to prove a dramatic suicide was actually murder.
-
-
A 1980s Noir Mystery
- By L.D. on 18-02-21
Summary
Kicked out by his father at age 16, English student Luke Corbin's used to trading on his looks and charm to keep a roof over his head until he can make it big as a journalist. He goes for men with money, power, and looks, in that order, and he doesn't let emotions get in the way. But when his lover tells him it's over, Luke finds himself homeless - just as his final exams are looming.
Moving in with geeky chemical engineer Russell may be a step down for him, but Luke can't afford to be choosy. Fully prepared to put out as usual, Luke's confused and frustrated when Russell refuses to take advantage of him - and even more so when he finds out Russell's saving himself for someone special.
The more time he spends with the shy, honorable man, the more Luke finds himself bowled over by Russell's sweetness and integrity. But just as he's coming to terms with his own wish to be that special guy for Russell, Luke has to face facts: he's fallen for the one man he can't seem to charm.
What listeners say about Pricks and Pragmatism
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- T. Pratt
- 05-01-18
A great short
this has always been a favorite. the dynamic between the two MC's is sweet. Both characters are well developed and genuine people. I'd love to listen to Muscling Through on audio.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Morgan A Skye
- 15-02-18
So funny and sweet!
This was a book I’d originally read early on in my “new to m/m” days. I absolutely fell in love with JL Merrow’s sense of humor and her ability to make unique and quirky characters.
Luke is a tough cookie to love. He’s brash, bold, callous about sex and not afraid to use people to make his way in life. Russell is his polar opposite. Russell is quiet, unassuming, a virgin!, kind and wouldn’t dream of hurting a fly. When the two meet neither really knows what to do with the other.
What makes this book wonderful is Russell’s steadfast devotion and the absolute turnaround Luke makes.
Seeing Luke with different guys was hard and kept this from being one of my “favorite” books. I think it was important to know about from a character development perspective but I’m not sure we needed to read about it… IMHO.
Having Mark Steadman do the narration just adds that layer of authenticity you can only get by listening to a British actor perform such a British story. He does a lovely job with the emotions and comedy as well.
I give the story a 4 of 5 stars and the narration a 5 of 5 stars for an overall 4.5 of 5 stars.
If you’re a fan of nerdy virgins, british humor and quirky characters – give this a go!
Highly recommended!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Christina
- 09-06-19
It was okay
Narrator did a great job, but I didn’t enjoy the story. It was short and could have been sweet, but it didn’t work for me. The one MC slept with someone else twice during the book even though the 2 main characters weren’t really dating. They weren’t even actually together until the final scene on the book. Then the end was just an oh we love each other. It fell really flat for me.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- <Stacy> @SoCalBookReviews
- 26-04-18
Pricks and Pragmatism
Audio - I'm really undecided, and on the fence about how I feel on this one. On one side I think the narrator Mark did a good job with these two main characters and giving them each some depth for their roles in the story. On the other side, I think maybe this narration was just not for me (personally). It was kind of hard for me to follow along in some spots, I had to rewind and re-listen a few times, but again, I think it was just me not being used to the accent the narrator had and not really the narrator himself.
Book - Luke was kicked out when he was a teen. He basically goes from house to house doing "favors" for guys, like a friends with benefits type deal, in exchange for places to stay. When the most recent guy kicks him out he moves in with a friend of a friend named Russell. Russell is a steady and stable, dorky, hairy bear of a guy who decides to let Luke move in until he lands on his feet. They become friends but Russell refuses the "benefits" Luke keeps trying to offer him, since Russell is waiting for "The One". This book was alright, Short and Cute, and fun, I liked Luke's Snarky attitude, but not necessarily Luke himself at times since his attitude was kind of Douchey at best. I think maybe I would have liked the book more overall if I had just read it and not "listened" to it.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Keith b miller
- 25-03-18
it was OK
the story is good but not my cup of tea it has some good product to it