Starting over isn’t easy, but Ben is ready to live his life as the man he was always meant to be.Ben is transgender and back at university after hormone treatment and chest surgery. His new housemates have no idea about his history and Ben would prefer to keep it that way. He’s starting from scratch and his life is finally on track, except in the romance department. The idea of dating guys as a … guys as a guy is exhilarating but terrifying, because if Ben wants a boyfriend he’ll have to disclose his secret.
Sid is drawn to Ben from the moment they meet. He normally gets what he wants—in the short term at least. Ben’s guarded at first, and Sid’s not used to guys rejecting his advances. He eventually charms his way through Ben’s defences and helps Ben on his journey of sexual awakening.
It doesn’t matter to Sid that Ben is trans. He’s attracted to the whole person, and isn’t worried about what is—or isn’t—in Ben’s pants. They’re good together, and both of them are falling hard and fast, but Ben’s insecurities keep getting in the way. If Sid can convince Ben he’s committed, will Ben finally be able to put his heart on the line?
Although this book is part of the Housemates series, it has new main characters, a satisfying happy ending, and can be read as a standalone.
Length: 57,000 words approx.
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A wonderful portrayal of a transgender man falling in love. This story is particularly sensitive to the partner’s experience, and is by far my favorite transgender romance.
It was great book. Have never read a book like it. Will read it again!
Ben will get you in the feels, I loved how he still has a lot of growing to do but even though he was scared he put himself out there. I can’t even imagine how scary that would be but he really did jump and the best part was Sid was there for him.
I loved that Sid researched for himself then asked questions it was real and made their story so much more.
Sigh I love, love. <3
Another great addition to this series. I can’t wait for the next.
Fantastic narration again Lewis Carter did a great job.
Audiobook review:
Story: 5
Performance: 5
Overall: 5
A touching story.
I haven’t read many books with transgender characters but this is my second one by Jay Northcote. The story is romantic and educational. It also seems very authentic to me and perhaps that’s because the author himself is transgender. I’ve been following his writing for a while and also his journey on Facebook. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there like Jay does.
Starting from Scratch is about Ben who is returning to college after hormone treatment and chest surgery. He wants to live his new life openly but he doesn’t really want to come out as transgender. He’s never really had a romantic relationship so when Sid shows an interest in him, he’s not sure how to respond. He knows that he will have to tell Sid that he’s trans if anything serious is to develop between them.
I loved that Sid didn’t care that Ben is transgender; he’s interested in the whole person and he wants Ben. Convincing Ben to date him isn’t easy but he knows it will be worth the effort. It’s not easy to get Ben to come out of his shell but once he does the two of them form a bond that is really special.
This story really touched my heart and I thought that Lewis Carter’s performance was great. I enjoyed his voice and would definitely listen to more audiobooks performed by him.
A copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
In my current phase of trying new literary genres, I read this novella about a young trans (woman -> man) and his coming out. His meeting with Sid is interesting. And I liked the fact that the MC’s family, especially his mother, supported him in his change of genre and new start in life.
The fact that this novella was written by a trans author adds to its credibility. Even if the writing is quite adolescent, it’s correct (without spelling or syntax mistakes). I liked.
Good love story read this some time ago . I liked that whole series, I have some of them in audio. They were a very good price.
Well written. Makes a lifestyle very approachable. It illustrates that there are many ways of living and loving, and that sincerity is important.
This is the 5th book in this series and it’s as hot as the other 4.
This book however has an extra element to it. The main character Ben is transgender.
It’s the first book I have read with a transgender MCS and I really liked it and it was just as hot as the other books, just a bit new information.
Ben is so sweet and a bit insecure and Side is just the right one for him.