Uniquely Average

By: Susan Hawke

Narrated by: Michael Dean

Length: 4 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

A 20-year age gap, a neurodivergent "boy" and a gray ace of a "Daddy", both lonely and unable to find their match...until now.

Ethan Humboldt is a cocky, confident chef with zero filter and even less humility. He’s also a very good, neurodivergent boy who’s been searching far too long for the perfect Daddy. At 30, Ethan knows what he wants - and what he needs. The only problem? Finding a caregiving type of Daddy to provide it.

Danvers Jones has more money than he knows what to do with and nobody to spend it on. He’s not looking for a fling, Dan needs someone to pamper. To romance...to adore. As a romantic gray ace, nothing else will do it for him.

Newly retired, Dan has one final mission - to find his former best friend's long-lost son and deliver a trust fund. After that, Dan’s determined to start fully living his life, which starts with the right partner. Only problem? Dan requires the type of person who’ll need his unique brand of Daddy.

Danvers and Ethan aren’t expecting to meet their perfect match in a random meet-cute gone wrong, but when does life ever go according to plan?

This stand-alone novel is a full-length, 43,000-word non-age-play Daddy romance. The core of this story was previously published as a 15,000-word short in the USA Today best-selling Dirty Daddies 2021 Anthology. It’s now been reworked and lengthened to provide the tale as originally intended. 

©2022 Susan Hawke (P)2022 Susan Hawke

Newly retired attorney meets neurodivergent chef

Danvers was a successful lawyer who got a bit of a wake-up call when his thrill-seeking ex-best buddy and law partner died in a parachuting accident. They were ex-best friends in the sense that they’d been friends since childhood. But Danvers coming out as gay, and his law partner’s homophobic reaction ended their friendship and, to a large part, any professional partnership they had. As executor of his estate, Danvers discovers that his partner had a neurodivergent child whom he’d abandoned but for whom he’d left a trust. However, after meeting him, Danvers realizes that he may have found his perfect companion in Ethan.

This audiobook is rather brief, clocking in at just under four and a half hours, and is not intended to be a lengthy depiction of a relationship. In truth, it barely covers approximately a week’s worth of time. However, it does an amazing job of portraying what it could be like to start a daddy-boy relationship with someone who is neurodivergent. Some have unfairly criticized this story for its insta-love aspects. Both characters ARE decisive and both are used to taking action. Both are comfortably well off and at points in their lives where quick action doesn’t carry tremendous risk. To me the guys attractions to each other and the reasons behind them felt perfectly natural and credible.

In many respects, the two are made for each other, and the story swiftly becomes a fantasy come true. The story is portrayed from Danvers’ and Ethan’s perspectives. Both of the main characters having their own different speaking styles. In the audio-book version of this Michael Dean’s yoeman-like narration and voice acting make it a fun adventure.

Some readers have criticized how Ethan portrays neurodivergence. I gotta disagree. I’m a big admirer of the TV show Atypical, which stars Keir Gilchrest as a neurodivergent character. The similarities are obvious here. So are the distinctions that one might expect. After all, there is a reason that this is referred to as a spectrum.

It’s also kind of a light treatment of the whole daddy-boy scene focusing on the two’s vertical relations more than their playtime which is fine by me as that’s one kink that sometimes feels a bit silly to me.

There’s also been some criticism in reviews of how the neurodivergent character is portrayed. I believe both the author and the narrator did an excellent job. One tiny aspect that I did consider a bit off-putting was the way that chapter 2 starts with dialogue from Jordan, one of Ethan’s employees with a significant stutter. Jordan plays no real role in most of the story but, particularly as voiced by Michael Dean, does “get in the way” of us learning more about Ethan early on. Once introduced, I kept wondering if we’d ever get more details about this guy, and fearing it a bit as stutters CAN so easily be overdone in audio-books. Somewhat to my relief he never re-appears but I would be curious about his story and how he came to work with Ethan.

I tend to be drawn to any story where the main character sees the world differently than I do. Perhaps it’s because I see my own upbringing as happy but a bit boring in the way that only a late boomer white midwestern male might do. While that fostered a sense of entitlement in many of my contemporaries, in me it fostered a curiosity and a love of diversity. I’m always curious about new experiences whether they be new foods, new cultures or new viewpoints and perspectives.

Michael Dean not only does a great job with the basic narration and the voice acting for the primary characters but gives voice to Ethan’s mother, one of Ethan’s friends, and one of Danvers’ friends and they’re all distinctive and “in character” whilst remaining innocuous enough to not detract from the story. Overall this is satisfying audio encounter.

I’d recommend this and will probably re-visit it from time to time. It’s a short work and doesn’t dig as deeply as I sometimes wish it had, so it’s probably not bound for my most frequent re-listen list. But it’s still a pleasurable trip.

*** Note: I am voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a complimentary copy ***

(Bitter)Sweet feelings

This book was so good I don't have enough words to make it justice. Ethan and Dan are the perfect Boy&Daddy couple. They complement each other to make the sweetest whole. Michael Dean's narration gives it the right atmosphere, and Susan... oh how I already miss her wit, humor and sensibility. That woman had a rare and special creative mind the likes of which we will hardly encounter. Thank you, Susi, you and your guys will be forever in our hearts ❤️.

Uniquely interesting listen

This is a pretty short and sweet listen. Dean I think does a good job with the characters and story as a whole there were a few little issues but nothing that was too overt. AS for the story itself I found them interesting and really enjoyed how the relationship developed,

Perfect Daddy

I loved the expanded version of this story. It was great to see these two move together. It moves quickly but both men know what they want.
I listened to the audio version and it was well done.

SWEETNESS OVERLOAD!!!!

This was a sweet and emotional read.

Such a cute sweet loving direct boy.

I kept asking and smiling and laughing at his antics
Loved Ethan!

And Dan was his perfect Daddy.

ALL YHE FEELS ❤

The Narrator captured the emotions of the character perfectly. I was completely invested.
Amazing work!

a good story

This is a good story with likable characters. I enjoyed the development of Dan and Ethan relationship. And, of course, Michael Dean is always a pleasure to listen to.

When Ethan decides that Dan is the right man to be his Daddy, who is Dan to say no?

An adorable Ethan who is his own person with no filter. A Dan who wants to be a Daddy. They are a great couple. Ethan is surrounded by people who understand him and want him to be happy. Dan is truly a good man who deserves to be in a loving relationship. I loved their dynamic. I was honestly sad to see this one end. Susan Hawke hit it out of the park with this one! And Michael Dean’s narration makes it even better. It was great to read, but he brings the characters to life! Highly recommend this audiobook!!

Different in a Good Way

Great book. What I liked most was how was able to learn more about the sexual spectrum and understand. How could anyone not enjoy Ethan’s sweet, unique, outspoken and funny self.

Ace + Neurodivergent Characters

As always Micheal Dean provides a truly remarkable narration!

I loved this title but really struggled to connect with the MCs. I was excited to read about the complex characteristics of an Ace Daddy & his neurodivergent boy. However, the story takes off at warp speed and everything simply moved along far too quickly for these complicated characters to establish a more meaningful beginning. In the end, I just didn't feel invested in their journey and as such had difficulty relating to several aspects of their relationship.

Quality writing that read as rushed and underwhelming.

Story: 2.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars

beautiful love story

This left me smiling!! It was a wonderful love story with an age gap. Ethan is a boy on the spectrum and Danver's is a Daddy and gray ace. I loved that the story was focused more intimacy and not the physical. Overall, fantastic!! Michael Dean did an excellent narrative of the story!

sweet

This was my first book by Susan Hawke and I loved it. The characters are special and the story is great told.
The protagonists are different and that makes this book special. Danvers is a daddy who just loves to cuddle. He is looking for a boy and meets the perfect boy when he doesn't even expect it. Ethan is a neurodiverse restaurant owner who has no filter and always says what he wants directly. This has put off most of Ethan's previous daddies, but Danvers finds him adorable.
The two just harmonize incredibly well and you can feel the love between them. A sweet and romantic story.

Michael Dean did a great job and especially Ethan he portrayed really well. He brought the book and the characters to life with his performance. The audiobook was very entertaining to listen to.

I requested a free copy of the audiobook and this is my honest opinion that I am volunteering.

Good narrator, story not to my liking

Michael Dean does what he can with the book, but I must say this book by Susan Hawke was a disappointment to me. I found the characters not represwntative to their discription.
If you like mm age gap with contracts this is for you.

Age gap, instalove, unique Daddy story

Hawke continues to shine as a storyteller in this compelling tale of a neurodivergent boy and his Daddy. But this may be Dean’s finest performance as he gave multiple nuanced layers to the characters, particularly excelling in bringing Ethan to life.

Personally I love the representation shown in the characters, with both characters owning their identities, kinks and what makes them unique. Dan is a romantic grey-ace, Ethan finds bodily fluids distasteful. Together, their insta-love romance makes sense.

Dan is a dork and owns that. Ethan is a successful business owner which is great to see. And did I mention there are puppies?!

Although this audiobook clocks in at just under four and a half hours, the complexity of the character portrayals and the emotional connection they share made it feel like a satisfyingly complete story.

Uniquely Exceptional

I’m a huge Susan Hawke fan. The author can do no wrong in the writing department and her latest book is just more proof of that. I adored Ethan. He looks like he’s got his stuff together – great job, self-assurance, and a good support system. He also is looking for a daddy to take care of him. But not just any daddy. He’s had a bunch of failed week-long affairs but keeps believing he’ll meet the right man. He’s neurodivergent, which means he perceives the world a little differently. He’ll need someone special to see past the cocky veneer to the vulnerable man underneath.

Danvers is just the right man for the job. He’s had a long successful career as a lawyer and has amassed a decent portfolio. But he’s missing the right person in his life. The right boy. And when his path crosses with Ethan, the gray ace daddy suddenly feels hope.

It’s not all smooth sailing, of course. These are two men who know what they want. Can they compromise to make it work? Can they see a future where they don’t need a contract in order to have their happily ever after?

I loved how the story evolved and didn’t feel forced. When you know you’ve met your soulmate, it’s time to seize the day. This is a great love story.

And Michael Dean narrated it brilliantly. He hit just the right notes with Ethan so he was easy to relate to. His quirks didn’t seem insurmountable. And his Danvers was perfect. Empathetic but still strong and in control. I highly recommend this audiobook.

Uniquely Splendid! Wonderful Performance by Dean

Awww! Fans of Susan Hawke don't need to be told what lovely and sweet romances she writes. Uniquely Average is anything but average.

Super nicely done opposites attract, Ethan and Dan find they have more in common than they'd have originally suspected. I love the way Hawke addresses their differences, and how positively they discuss them.

Michael Dean does a splendiferous job with Ethan. It's his traditional subby voice, but he's tailored it for Ethan's specific character traits, and it's wonderful. Bravo Mr. Dean!

Fantastic

Another brilliant story by Susan Hawke. Loved Dan and Ethan and their journey. Super sweet. Michael Dean did a great job with the narration.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Uniquely Beyond Average story!

Ethan is now my favorite character! He is uniquely Ethan and I absolutely adore him. Danvers goes to Ethan for one reason but stays because he is intrigued by him. These two are beyond beautiful together. Ethan is neurodivergent and the portrayal of him is amazing and very on point.

Michael Dean is amazing in giving everyone their unique voice and keeps you intrigued.

Warm fuzzies

I loved this story! Ethan and Dan fit together like two puzzle pieces and watching them move through their trial period of getting to know each other and negotiating boundaries and falling deeper and deeper in love made me feel warm all over. Michael Dean's performance captured the warmth and tenderness between these two perfectly.

Unique but not average

There is nothing uniquely average about this story. I found it to be absolutely perfect <3
Dan and Ethan have a beautiful connection from the first moment they meet in Ethan's kitchen. It's a weird set of circumstances that bring them together but they match each other so well in every way that it's just a joyous story to read.
Ethan's neurodiversity has him come across as cocky and abrupt but he's just honest to a T and says it how it is, something Dan finds instantly refreshing and, as they get to know each other better across their seven day initial contract. Dan's caring nature finds the perfect companion in Ethan as he initiates a daily routine, brings rewards and affection to the young man who has previously struggled to have a Daddy who understands his needs.
One of my favourite things about this wonderfully sweet romance is Dan's identity. As someone who identifies as Gray Ace, it's a rare and wonderful thing to see yourself in a character.
Definitely a recommended read/listen for those who like their characters unique, average and enjoy the Daddy kink lifestyle.
It's been a while since I listened to Michael Dean and I forgot how comforting it is. He brings Ethan's wonderful personality to life and Dan's caring nature shines through. It's so easy to fall into the story as Michael narrates such a beautiful relationship.

There is nothing average about this story

This is the first book witha neurodivergent character that I have read.

Ethan is a boy who is looking for a silver fox Daddy. He is confident but lacks any sort of filter. Because of his Aspergers, he tends to say it like he sees it. He can't make eye contact. Ethan has been written really well, But you can count on Susi to make her characters real.

Dan is 20 years + older than Ethan and has the unenviable task of informing his biological father has died. This send Ethan into a panic attack that Dan helps calm him down from.

Could this be the silver fox Ethan had been looking for? Ethan certainly thinks so and kinda bulldozes Dan into a 7 day trial with Contract shortly after meeting.

Herein follows the love story that comes about from their 7 day trial. Includes meltdowns, puppies and one nosy best friend.

As always you can count on Michael Dean to bring characters to life.

Susi's careful handling of Ethan made me just smile at all his antics. And Dan, i just wanted to wrap him up in a hug and never let go.

I can recomend this to anyone looking for a couple hours of smiles and maybe a few tears too.