Cover Image: Counter Culture

Counter Culture

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Member Reviews

This one just didn't appeal to me. I found it to be sweet, and a little funny with some serious tones, but just didn't quite hit all the notes I was looking for.

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Robin is stressed, his family makes life hard, his boss is planning a Black Friday to end all Black Fridays. Archie dresses like he is from the Victorian era. When Robin sees Archie for the first time, he is intrigued by the guy taking apart a fridge. While Archie is attracted to Robin, he doesn't feel he has the time for relationship, with caring for his son, dealing with ex and building steampunk gadgets. Archie's mom drags him into her newest social injustice, a store that has a cavalier attitude towards the homeless. Little does Archie know this is the same store Robin works for, when he finds out they are an opposites sides of the fence, things get tense.

I absolutely loved Archie, he was quirky, but what wanted to do the best he could for his young son as well as maintaining a good relationship with his ex for the sack of his son. Robin was a doormat for his family and boss, but you could see his potential throughout the book. I enjoyed the buildup between Robin and Archie.

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A solid 3.5 stars.

This book was a charming read in a lot of ways. It was mostly lighthearted and pleasant which is absolutely the ticket at the moment. I really liked almost all the characters, and there were rather a lot of them. They all felt individual and interesting and I appreciated that.

I loved both Robin and Archie immensely for different reasons. This book managed to make me fall for a guy with a mustache and I really don't usually like those. (Still if you're willing to pair it with a waistcoat who am I to argue.) When the two of them were together it was definitely interesting and I absolutely adored the Steampunk bits and Robin joining in and learning about it. Robin was such an easy character to sympathize with and I felt for him every minute. The secondhand embarrassment hurt a little at times.

If I had a quibble with the book I think it is mainly that it took so long before we got any real interaction between the two main characters and that we saw more of them apart than we did together. I would really have liked to see more of them together! It was actually a bit frustrating that it felt so little about their actual relationship even when it was.

That said, the story itself worked nicely for what it was and it definitely had a feel-good warmth and a quintessential British-ness to it that I was very here for. I did love most of the side characters and they did give the story a very lived-in and genuine feel. It was almost more a story about a town than about Archie and Robin, and while I would really have appreciated a lot more Archie and Robin it did -work-.

Overall this was a solid read, I gulped it down mostly several chapters at a time when I managed to sit down with it. I have another by this author sitting in my to-be-read pile and this definitely made me want to move it up a few notches in the list.

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It was entertaining. It helped me pass the time. I wasn't a fan of the drama, and that put a dent in my liking of the MCs. But overall, it wasn't that bad. I had fun, and that's what I was looking forward to when I started reading, so it did the job.

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I love this book. The banter and opposites attract nature did not disappoint. I laughed out loud often.

Not too many books are set against a Black Friday backdrop. And I had no idea that scouring for steampunk items can happen in an old fridge.

This was light and cute and easy.

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I’ve read a few books by Merrow at this point and I really love them, so I was excited to check out their newest release, Counter Culture. The book takes place in the U.K., following Robin Christopher, who works in retail, and Archie Levine, who almost always dresses in Victorian/Steampunk attire, works in a museum, and co-parents his son. I loved how into Steampunk Robin got once he gets to know Archie – he finds it fun and interesting. However, the store that Robin works for is being protested against by Archie’s mum – so Robin hides where he works instead of upsetting them. Secrets are never good in a relationship, but I understood Robin’s reasoning. I thought Robin and Archie made a really sweet couple and I liked following them on their journey!

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This is one of those books that keeps you smiling from the start. Both characters are a bit on the quirky side and I found myself falling in love with them both. To make this book even more appealing, the supporting characters are just as lovable and quirky as Archie and Robin. For the record, I’ve come to expect that from J.L. Merrow 😉

Silliness aside, Counter Culture was a real story full of love, devotion and even touched on some tough issues. It was as sweet as the description hints at. There were even a few little twists at the end that I didn’t see coming, but probably should have. Basically, this book was a sweet read with characters I found myself rooting for from the beginning and even more so the more I got to know them.

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Counter Culture is a new M/M humorous romance by JL Merrow. Released 4th Nov 2019 by Riptide, it's 244 pages and available in paperback format.

This is a light romance with mismatched protagonists who are sweetly silly. The story arc is standard (misunderstandings and well meant lies threaten to tear the star crossed couple apart, complicated by loving and well meaning family and friends on both sides... can they find their way to happiness despite the drama... you know they will). The dialogue is unbelievable, but never truly wince-worthy. In short, it's a well written M/M feel good romance.

The author slips in some good points about the changing face of society with some comments about wealth inequality, power, respect, class divide, and culture. It's not heavily balanced toward social commentary, there's enough misunderstandings, drama, and kissing to keep romance readers pleased. It was nice to see some substance and not just fluff. (Don't get me wrong, I like fluff too).

There is explicit sexual content (very well written, adult, consensual, and in context). The language is rough (liberal sprinklings of everything from damn to bollocks to the f-bomb), but also used in context. The spellings, slang and constructions are British English, but shouldn't present any problems for readers who are used to American vernacular.

Three and a half stars, rounded up for the steampunk, and the very well written secondary characters.

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J.L. Merrow writes both serious and funny romances, and this one falls on the comic end of the spectrum.

You know you’re getting a story with humor when one of the main characters is named Robin Christopher. (Yes, his parents are that awful.} Robin’s job at a local department store is not much fun, though, because everyone is stressed out about the upcoming holiday sales season.

Things seem to be looking up when he meets Archie, who intrigues Robin with both his handsome looks and his steampunk style, but the course of their romance doesn’t run smoothly. Not only does Archie have a scary ex, but Archie’s mum is planning a protest against Robin’s employer because of the store’s treatment of the homeless. When the Robin panics and lies to Archie’s mother about his job, you know that’s not going to turn out well.

Will the style of humor in the book appeal to you? Well, the crisis point in Robin and Archie’s relationship comes while Robin has been forced into wearing an actual robin costume (that looks more like a turkey) for a store event. If the idea of that scene tickles your funny bone, I’d say you’re good.

Archie is a sweetheart, and Robin is adorably hapless, but the secondary characters in this book are great, too. Archie’s mum is wonderful, as are Robin’s friends Azrah and Heath. There’s some terrific back-and-forth banter between Robin, Azrah, and Heath that made me laugh.

Overall, this romance is very cute, if relatively low on the heat meter. Readers looking for sweet rather than heat should enjoy it.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

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A delightfully humorous, yet poignant, story about two young men who have a chance meeting late one night when one spots the other removing a coil from an old refrigerator someone has trashed. Odd? Bizarre? Robin Christopher (cruel parents picked that name!) is intrigued enough with Refrigerator Guy to learn more.

Refrigerator Guy turns out to be Archie Levine, an avid steampunker and new father. After the usual “misunderstanding” scenario, Robin learns Archie and the baby’s mother aren’t married and aren’t even in love, so all is clear. Except—Archie’s mother is heading a protest march against the store where Robin works as she and her fellow protestors assume the well-known store took advantage of local homeless persons in their holiday ad campaign. Unfortunately, Robin doesn’t tell Archie where he works; instead, saying he’s an accountant.

The story is long, complex, and full of JL Merrow’s unique style of humor, and of course, Robin’s lies are found out, he and Archie break up, and both are devastated. Will they find their way back to each other? You know it!

What I loved most is the author’s humor and the way the plight of the homeless was portrayed. Readers are subtly presented with the facts through meeting a few of the “rough sleepers” who have their own places in the doorways and alleys surrounding the area. The author doesn’t preach but readers are certainly given food for thought and a nudge toward increased awareness of the problems facing those who live on the street.

MM romance readers who love steampunk should certainly enjoy this story, as would those who simply enjoy a sweet romance between two engaging characters.

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I typically have enjoyed publisher Riptide's selection of books and certainly I am a steampunk fan. But I could only get 25% into this book before I had to put it down. It all felt so vapid and with over-idealized yet strangely boring protagonists. I didn't believe either of them could be real and the conversations were fairly whiney sounding while also feeling overwritten. Perhaps the British setting also threw me off but I just didn't relate to any of it. I became so disaffected that it became impossible to create enough interest to pick it up again once I put the book down. I imagine there are many out there who would enjoy this book and want a light-hearted read with a bit of social issues inbetween. Just be aware that it is more a concept than a story, I feel. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

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I Liked it

My first book by this author and sure enough it will not be my last. It was sweet and just right for my teeth.

The story revolves around Robin and Archie two guys on the opposite sides of everything. Robin a guy who works at a store which he seems to hate and Archie a Victorian wearing steampunk obsessed guy. I liked the characters so much. They were well developed and so much fun to read about.

The writing was solid enough, the story flowed so well. The banter between the characters was enjoyable to read, i got some laughs out of it. The chemistry between the MCs was believable.

So why not all the stars? I felt like it was too long, and there was so much info filler. Things took too long to happen and ones it happened it was towards the end of the book. Good thing the characters were still interesting enough.

The side characters fit so well with the main characters. They added some spice to the story.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read. Recommended for when you are in the mood for some light cute story.

ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.

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Another chuckle-filled m/m romance from British author Merrow, but one that simultaneously manages to convey deeper messages about homelessness, mental illness, and the many layers that lie behind the pleasant facades that people show the world. The "counter culture" of the title refers to many different things: the differences between working class and middle class cultures in a small British city that is definitely not London; the world of the college-educated vs. those without a uni degree; the world of old white Britain vs. the multicultural amalgam that is current-day Britain; and the mundane quotidian world vs. the fantasy world of steampunk.

On his way home from a rough day at work, college grad and current department store sales clerk Robin Christopher (white, gay) runs into a strangely-dressed but really hot guy scavenging parts from an abandoned refrigerator, not quite sure if he's a homeless man, an alien, or an escapee from a Doctor Who set. But as Robin's path keeps crossing with "Fridge Bloke," he discovers the man is steampunk (NOT steampunker) Archie (white, bisexual), who is currently living with his counter-culture mum, sharing the child-raising duties of a new parent with his former girlfriend (with whom he doesn't live), and working in the local workhouse museum. Which leaves him only a few spare hours to indulge in his predilection for dressing up as a Victorian gent and messing around with cogs and gadgets. The two begin an awkwardly sweet courting, but when Robin, discovering that Archie's mom is planning a protest against his department store (due to a publicity campaign that unintentionally insults the homeless, or "rough sleepers") lies about where he actually works, first to Archie's mum, and then to Archie, things get a bit messy in their budding romance. Secondary characters (especially Robin's co-workers Azrah, Heath, and Gail) are as fun, and as layered, as are Robin, Archie, and his mum Lyddie.

The models on the cover aren't quite right: Robin's hair is supposed to be blond, and Archie is meant to have a "moustache with curly, waxed ends, like a Victorian dandy or cartoon villain." Still, it does a great job of conveying the surprised, funny tone of Merrow's story.

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This was so cute! The steampunk! The really nice Robin (full name Robin Christopher btw!), the adorable Archie (real name Mars!!). Archie's mum was such a fresh character and, while I thought I was going to hate Bridge (the ex and mum of Archie's baby), I came to like her a lot!

It was something like a slowburn romance with tons of little cute moments mixed with bits of serious stuff, like the homeless situation in the UK. I loved that Archie was unapologetically bisexual and nobody had anything to say about that. And how Robin was really opened about being gay even if his parents were really infuriating. They are cancelled!

This book flew in my hands. One moment I started it, then it was over! Some scenes had me giggling nonstop!! I just really enjoy Merrow's writing and storytelling. I've read three times her The Plumber's Mate Mysteries series! All of it!

Do I want to attend a Steampunk event? Of course I do. Can you imagine how cool that'd be?? Yes, please!

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A gentle romance featuring steampunk events, Black Friday sales and two characters in need of some direction! I liked the way the main characters, Robin and Archie, keep missing each other which builds anticipation for the moment they finally meet. The supporting characters are varied and keeps the story interesting with their shenanigans. While I'm not a fan of plots based on secrets, I think here it makes sense for the characters.

I wish the romance aspect is a little more intense because when they do get together I didn't feel their chemistry. The conflict also was brushed off too easily after much tension. I wanted a stronger resolution but the story is content to not rock the boat. It fits the light and fun feeling of the story though so this would be perfect as a holiday read.

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This was a book that took me longer to finish than usual, but I can't say I didn't enjoy it.

Robin works for the department store the guy he's into seems to hate, to the point his mother is organizing a protest on one of their busiest days. Who wouldn't pretend he's a boring accountant when he finds the placards in their living-room? While Robin discovers Archie's hobby as a steampunk, the two fall in love and things only get more complicated.

I think we have two great main characters, other great side characters and even interesting side stories, but it took too long for things to happen. In fact, it takes too long for most things, even though it was an enjoyable reading. What I mean is that it's not that I didn't like it, I did. I just expected to feel more excitement.

Still, this is really a JL Merrow. You can expect round characters and interesting discussions to bring depth to the plot. I loved Archie's family too, though his mother is my obvious favorite.

I keep loving what this author writes, but I wish this had better dynamics considering the great elements.


Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

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If you don't know what the steam punk culture is all about this will be a great book for you. I always like when I learn something new while I'm reading a great story. Robin and Archie are both great guys, and I'd love to hang out with them. There is a nice surprise plot flick at the end which clears up some of the issues that keeps Robin and Archie apart.

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