The New Guy

03 · Reader evidence

What the evidence says

What readers repeatedly liked

• Likable Lead. Gavin and Hudson are described as decent, likeable guys; Reader finds Hudson and Gavin to be the sweetest characters; Reader appreciates that adults act their age in the book. Supported by 2 sources (source 8774, source 8779).
• Easy Comfort Read. Recommended as a sexy, low-angst, undemanding listen; Described as a nice, easy read that was a lot of fun; Reader who loved Him also loved The New Guy, finding it comparable. Supported by 2 sources (source 8774, source 8779).
• Explicit Heat. The steamy scenes are very nicely done according to the reviewer; The reviewer highlights a good dash of steam between the characters. Supported by 2 sources (source 8774, source 8776).

What readers repeatedly flagged

• Flat Characters. Gavin is unrealistically perfect for a twenty-five-year-old widowed parent with a demanding medical career, making him feel implausible; Reader felt Gavin should have been more cautious given his daughter’s involvement after being ghosted. Supported by 2 sources (source 8774, source 8779).
• Slow Paced. The story has slower parts, though the narration kept the reviewer engaged through them; Reader found the book too long and slow, DNFing due to boredom. Supported by 2 sources (source 8774, source 8779).
• Predictable Plot. The plot is familiar and the third-act crisis is telegraphed well in advance, though the journey remains enjoyable; Reader found the mother-in-law storyline overly dramatic and wrapped up neatly with a bow. Supported by 2 sources (source 8774, source 8779).
• Weak Plot. Conflict is fairly minimal and familial conflict resolutions happen off-page, which feels anticlimactic; Subplots like the mother-in-law storyline and Hudson’s dad storyline fizzle or wrap up too neatly. Supported by 2 sources (source 8774, source 8779).

Where reader reactions differ

• Slow Paced. The story has slower parts, though the narration kept the reviewer engaged through them; Reader found the book too long and slow, DNFing due to boredom. Supported by 2 sources (source 8774, source 8779).
• Predictable Plot. The plot is familiar and the third-act crisis is telegraphed well in advance, though the journey remains enjoyable; Reader found the mother-in-law storyline overly dramatic and wrapped up neatly with a bow. Supported by 2 sources (source 8774, source 8779).
• Weak Plot. Conflict is fairly minimal and familial conflict resolutions happen off-page, which feels anticlimactic; Subplots like the mother-in-law storyline and Hudson’s dad storyline fizzle or wrap up too neatly. Supported by 2 sources (source 8774, source 8779).

Individual observations

• Strong Narration. Teddy Hamilton and J.F. Harding deliver fantastic, well-paced, expressive performances with clearly differentiated character voices.
• Weak Narration. The two narrators inconsistently assign pitch to the lead characters, causing confusion when there are no dialogue tags.
• Grief. Gavin is a single father after the death of his husband.
• Third Act Breakup. The third-act crisis is handled clumsily, with Hudson behaving immaturely and Gavin not pushing back despite being unhappy.
• Genre Fans. The reviewer considers Sarina Bowen their go-to author for hockey romance and says she always delivers an exciting hockey story with heart.
• Explicit Comparison. Compared to Him as around the same level, though not as good as Goodbye Paradise or Hello Forever; Reader who disliked Him/Us loved The New Guy, noting different character appeal.
• Emotional Intimacy. The emotional connection between Hudson and Gavin comes across strongly, and their relationship starts as friendship before progressing.
• Strong Chemistry. Gavin and Hudson have terrific chemistry that carries the romance.
• Plot Holes. Reader questions the plausibility of Gavin’s career timeline at age 25.
• Strong Plot. The reviewer found the book addictive and could not stop reading once started.

Reader sources

1. allaboutromance.com – Independent review
2. archive.underthecoversbookblog.com – Independent review
3. Reddit discussion