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Alternative Treatment (2000)

by Claire Thompson(Favorite Author)

3.6 of 5 Votes: 1

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Romance Unbound Publishing

review 1: Dr. Mark Harrison is working as the Director at one of his family's nursing homes although he'd much rather be practicing medicine than doing paperwork. In the closet and frustrated with his life he's immediately drawn to the new volunteer at work, Nolan Daniels. Nolan is a paramedic assigned to do 100 hours of community service for a DUI he committed when he responded to an ex-boyfriend's suicide threat while out drinking.When they first meet they are each immediately attracted to the other. Mark likes the 'bad boy' image that Nolan gives off and finds it hard to keep his distance. Nolan on the other hand sees a handsome man with an air of innocence to him but he feels that Mark would not be interested in him. Although attracted to each other they don't quite hit it off a... morend it will be a slow journey from that first meeting to becoming friends and lovers.I'll be honest here and say that it took me a while to start liking Nolan. He comes off as a bit selfish at times but by the end of the story he had really grown on me. I loved seeing his attempts to change so that he would be more worthy of Mark, whom he sees as a good man who probably deserves better than him. These realizations and his interactions with Mark, both as friends and later on as lovers, serve to highlight Nolan's growth and development. Mark also does a fair amount of 'growing up' as he finally decides to stop hiding in the closet and also undertakes a job he likes and feels good about.This is a well written story with interesting characters that are realistically portrayed. Both Mark and Nolan go through some very tough times and must each face the consequences of the actions they take. Their relationship is complicated, at times explosively hot and at others sweet and tender. There is just a bit of D/s to their dynamic but it's more a consequence of their personality than a lifestyle choice they make.Overall a very enjoyable story which I highly recommend.
review 2: Claire Thompson’s books are a hit or miss with me. I have come to the conclusion that I am not a big fan of her BDSM themed books, but I really like the contemporary romances that I have read by her. Since the book, Alternative Treatment, is one of her contemporaries, I really loved it. Nolan Daniels has been court ordered to a hundred hours of community service for driving under the influence of alcohol. He knew better than to get behind the wheel after having a few drinks, but a fight with his ex overshadowed his good judgment, and now he much pay the price for making a stupid decision. Because Nolan is a paramedic, he was assigned to work out his punishment at a local nursing home. Of course, Nolan isn’t thrilled about this prospect, but knowing he has no choice in the matter, he decides to try to make the best of it. The moment he lays eyes on the director, Dr. Mark Harrison, he’s immediately attracted to the man, even if he looks like he needs to loosen up and live a little. But, Nolan has no interest in having a relationship with anyone, much less with the serious Doctor, and Mark Harrison impresses him as the type who would want something more than just a casual fling. Dr. Mark Harrison has done what has been expected of him all his life. He became a doctor to help people, not to help run the family business. But, family pressure has forced him to forsake his dream of helping others, and now he’s a director of one of his family owned nursing homes. Mark’s been feeling the strain of family obligations his entire life, and is starting to crumble under the strain of it all. When Mark meets Nolan he is immediately attracted to his sexy, rebellious streak, and wicked smile. But, Mark knows not to kid himself. A man like Nolan would never be attracted to someone like him. Plus, he knows Nolan’s the type of man who would never want to settle down with one person. Plus, because of Nolan’s consequences, he’s obligated to be there. Mark realizes that as soon as Nolan’s sentence is over, he’ll be gone and out of Mark’s life forever.As Nolan and Mark start working together, a friendship develops. Both men fight the attraction they feel for one another, but soon it becomes apparent to both of them that there might be something more there that they can’t ignore.I loved this book. Nolan was a hard sell at first. Now don’t get me wrong, I liked him, but he is deliciously flawed. He thinks and does some things that I wanted to shake him for, but what I liked about him is, he starts making an effort to change, and to be worthy of Mark’s love in his own eyes. I thought his character, as well as Mark’s, go through a lot of changes. They both evolve into wonderful heroes, and I loved both of them! I loved watching these men fall in love. I thought the progression from wary acquaintances, to friends and finally to lovers was very well paced and I loved every moment of it! 5 stars less

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