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Simple
The original publication with Silver Publishing is no longer available. Simple is now only available through Amazon.
The moment when the world tilts on its axis, completely changing everything. The instant when suddenly everything just falls into place. The second when a heart shatters into a million tiny pieces, only to settle back into place, complete for the first time. When an all-encompassing light surrounds a soul, touching it so deeply a permanent imprint is left behind. The first time true love is felt.
For Brycen Anderson, it didn’t happen as it does on TV or on the Hollywood screen. There was no fancy movie set, no cleverly written storylines or a multi-million dollar budget. No director taking control. No rehearsals, costumes or media fanfare. It was…
A passing glance…
A casual touch…
Simple.
The moment when the world tilts on its axis, completely changing everything. The instant when suddenly everything just falls into place. The second when a heart shatters into a million tiny pieces, only to settle back into place, complete for the first time. When an all-encompassing light surrounds a soul, touching it so deeply a permanent imprint is left behind. The first time true love is felt.
For Brycen Anderson, it didn’t happen as it does on TV or on the Hollywood screen. There was no fancy movie set, no cleverly written storylines or a multi-million dollar budget. No director taking control. No rehearsals, costumes or media fanfare. It was…
A passing glance…
A casual touch…
Simple.
185 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 2011
8 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
S.J.D. Peterson
52 books1,018 followersIt's been an amazing journey since DSP first contracted Lorcan's Desire in January 2011. I've published 2 free reads with the M/M Romance group, my back list is growing, met some great people and have made some amazing friends.
I'm still in shock that I'm listed among the many talented authors at Dreamspinner Press! The little voice in the back of my head is screaming, "You are so out of your league."
Shhhhh I won't tell them if you don't :)
You can call me Jo, everyone does :)
I'm still in shock that I'm listed among the many talented authors at Dreamspinner Press! The little voice in the back of my head is screaming, "You are so out of your league."
Shhhhh I won't tell them if you don't :)
You can call me Jo, everyone does :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 4, 2011
What do you get when two men with self-confidence issues fall in love? The short answer is: angst. The longer answer is: lots and lots of angst. But the truth is, in the way this romance between Brycen and James develops, the angst, misunderstandings and sheer agony both of them have to go through is almost overwhelming. The back and forth, lack of communication and sheer stupidity of both of them in some situations almost did me in. But you know what? It still held me glued to the pages. For that alone, SJD Peterson deserves a lot of credit, because this story could have so easily moved into ‘boring’, ‘trite’, or just plain ‘get on with it’ territory. It didn’t do any of those, at least not for me.
Brycen sees himself as boring. Others, including his ex lover Eli, may think the same thing. But Brycen’s biggest problem is that he believes them more than his own gut feeling, or what his friends tell him. At one point he thinks ‘well, friends have to like you’. It takes him a long time to understand that James may not see him that way and even longer to lose the fear that James will change his mind one day. Lack of self-confidence? In spades. Combine that with the heart of an incurable romantic hoping for a monogamous relationship and Brycen is setting himself up for heartbreak almost from the very start.
James is less visibly damaged. He throws himself into work to try and forget how inadequate he thinks he is. A previous lover has left him believing his lack of formal education matters more than what type of a man he is, and he finds it very difficult to believe anyone could be interested in him for the longer term. Like Brycen, he wants a monogamous relationship, someone to come home at the end of the day. Unlike Brycen, he thinks it can happen, except not with someone ‘way out of his league’.
If you like angsty books, this one is for you. If you enjoy suffering along with the characters, maybe occasionally yelling at them to open their eyes and see what is right in front of their noses, I promise you, this book will get you there. If you like nothing more than a happy ending at the end of a story – this one will make you work for it. I thought it was well worth the read.
Brycen sees himself as boring. Others, including his ex lover Eli, may think the same thing. But Brycen’s biggest problem is that he believes them more than his own gut feeling, or what his friends tell him. At one point he thinks ‘well, friends have to like you’. It takes him a long time to understand that James may not see him that way and even longer to lose the fear that James will change his mind one day. Lack of self-confidence? In spades. Combine that with the heart of an incurable romantic hoping for a monogamous relationship and Brycen is setting himself up for heartbreak almost from the very start.
James is less visibly damaged. He throws himself into work to try and forget how inadequate he thinks he is. A previous lover has left him believing his lack of formal education matters more than what type of a man he is, and he finds it very difficult to believe anyone could be interested in him for the longer term. Like Brycen, he wants a monogamous relationship, someone to come home at the end of the day. Unlike Brycen, he thinks it can happen, except not with someone ‘way out of his league’.
If you like angsty books, this one is for you. If you enjoy suffering along with the characters, maybe occasionally yelling at them to open their eyes and see what is right in front of their noses, I promise you, this book will get you there. If you like nothing more than a happy ending at the end of a story – this one will make you work for it. I thought it was well worth the read.
July 31, 2011
Ugh great writing but they both got on my nerves, too many misunderstandings. I know a bad relationship can make things hard sometimes but goodness. Do people even talk to each other anymore. They were both so exhausting. Let's me know it's great writing if an author can get anything out of me even annoyance, lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2013
Awwww, you guys. This is yet again, so sweet! I loved this book, so full of angst, uncertainties and characters full of insecurities. Bry and John's trip into true love had me crying with sad and happy tears. At that point when their lack of communication and insecurities had me all weepy, it all started to get better.
This is a quick read but full of emotion.
This is a quick read but full of emotion.
August 2, 2011
Both Brycen and John have issue with their self confidence due to their past relationships. The first met in a club, then in a coffee shop owned by Brycen's best friend, Natte. John was sitting alone on a table. Brycen didn't want to do anything so that Natte sent a cup of coffee, saying it's from Brycen. When John came to thank Brycen, they realized what Natty had done to them. Brycen told John how the barista and him were close friends and they were introduced to each other. It started the conversation. The book then chronicles their experiences together in their attraction to each other and in overcoming their issue.
The author has a way to make the story flows, but I just don't think unnecessary angst is my cup of coffee. Not to mention a forced instance to make the story flows the way the author wants. .
All in all, it's not bad reading. It's kinda sweet, actually. The title is 'Simple'. I'd like it better if the plot is made simpler without unnecessary cliche misunderstanding.
The author has a way to make the story flows, but I just don't think unnecessary angst is my cup of coffee. Not to mention a forced instance to make the story flows the way the author wants. .
All in all, it's not bad reading. It's kinda sweet, actually. The title is 'Simple'. I'd like it better if the plot is made simpler without unnecessary cliche misunderstanding.
April 8, 2012
For two men who want a monogamous relationship these guys sure had an awful lot of trouble getting away under sail. Thank goodness for steadfast friends who continue to encourage them. How can something as simple as a first date, a second date, getting to know one another, moving to the next level of a relationship become so complicated? I had to wonder how they would have acted if there had been no Elijah and no Jacob (the wretched exes) in their pasts. Does this story have a simple ending? Not if you’ve been along for the ride with all the other baggage these two guys carry with them. John and Brycen definitely earned their HEA the hard way.
Please see my complete review on April 12, 2012:
http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Please see my complete review on April 12, 2012:
http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
March 30, 2013
What I love about this author is that you can feel the physical connection in all the right places. At times, it's a bit vouyeristic and intense, but who doesn't love that in a good romance?!
What I have noticed about the characters is that there is such a strong physical connection with individual introspection, but not enough communication between the characters until they have their big emotional airing. I'd adore the characters that Peterson writes about, but I would love to see the characters come together emotionally and intellectually a bit more.
None the less, so far, I'd recommend any book by Peterson. Definite reread.
What I have noticed about the characters is that there is such a strong physical connection with individual introspection, but not enough communication between the characters until they have their big emotional airing. I'd adore the characters that Peterson writes about, but I would love to see the characters come together emotionally and intellectually a bit more.
None the less, so far, I'd recommend any book by Peterson. Definite reread.
November 1, 2011
This title is perfect. I could not stop reading!
July 23, 2023
genuinely one of the most entertaining books I've ever read. these two guys get hard if they so much as look at one another, half the time they purr instead of speak, one guy goes out to buy self-help books when he thinks the other guy ghosted him. all conflict is completely self-inflicted. it's not even the lack of communication or miscommunication (though there is that as well), it's making up a guy to be disappointed by and live out your insecurities that acts as the stand-in for any kind of plot here.
what makes it so entertaining is genuinely just the way it's written. the dialogue is almost uncanny, the characters manage to be both bland and inconsistent, the whole thing is around 85% awkward sex scenes.
I will read it to anyone who is even mildly curious, just to be able to talk to them about this. I'm not even entirely convinced this book is real and not a fever dream. I could write a thesis about this book.
what makes it so entertaining is genuinely just the way it's written. the dialogue is almost uncanny, the characters manage to be both bland and inconsistent, the whole thing is around 85% awkward sex scenes.
I will read it to anyone who is even mildly curious, just to be able to talk to them about this. I'm not even entirely convinced this book is real and not a fever dream. I could write a thesis about this book.
September 14, 2011
Brycen and James both meet briefly in a bar and are very taken with each other, but neither get a name. A few days later, they meet again, but this time, James makes sure to ask Brycen out. This is the start of a very tenuous relationship. It's tenuous because both are so reserved and have so little faith in the stability of their relationship. It's enough to make you want to strangle the two of them if you didn't like them so much. Both of them have good reason not to trust anyone though so you keep hoping they will realize what they have and move past what's holding them back. They do have some issues that come up that very nearly do wreck their relationship but thanks to perseverance, it doesn't end it all.
If you are in the mood for angst, this one will do it for you.
If you are in the mood for angst, this one will do it for you.
March 8, 2012
Simple was a sweet love story about two men, Brycen and John, who feel drawn to each other and deeply connected even though neither believes he is good enough. It was sad to read all of the doubts and insecurities each man possessed. Both Brycen and John had great qualities, but memories of their exes nearly ruined their budding relationship.
While heavy on the angst and miscommunication between the two main characters characters, overall this was a cute, steamy story.
While heavy on the angst and miscommunication between the two main characters characters, overall this was a cute, steamy story.
August 14, 2011
2.5 stars. Ok m/m romance about two very insecure guys in a relationship together, neither thinking he's good enough for the other, and waiting for the other shoe to drop. This was a bit too sweet for me, and, unfortunately, I found the guys annoying.
November 8, 2011
I really like the hurt/comfort kinds of stories, and in this one, both guys are recovering from emotionally abusive exs. An interesting book where each one feels unworthy, but wants desperately to make the relationship work.
August 6, 2011
I really loved this story. Both MC's being so insecure was really touching and sweet. I was thrilled when everything worked out!
August 17, 2011
Weak 3 stars
February 17, 2012
I loved the characters and the story is a prime example of lack of communication.
June 16, 2012
This was a very sweet book, but I would have to agree with the others that the MC's insecurities were over the top. Even then, a very enjoyable read.
February 11, 2020
Simple... and so, so real. I loved it with all my heart.
5 Beautiful Stars
5 Beautiful Stars
December 13, 2013
well , this book is really simple .
self confidence ? i don't think so . it borders with blindness .
its a story about two handsome guys , destiny let them cross together in a bar neither one of them wanted
to go but forced by his friends .
one spills beer on the other and i am sorry , let me clean it up , no need , ill buy you a new beer, no thanks , have a good night .
NOW !
they are going separate ways and they can't stop thinking about each other .
i don't get it really .
destiny hits twice and they meet in a coffee place after few weeks , one try to talk to other but he "has to run"
after a few more Exhausting pages they hit it off .
the sex is unbelievable and the attraction is animal with a capital A .
BUT they are both suffering from self confidence issues and lack of communication .no one thinks they deserve each other and each time they go one step forward two step back .
i get it really , i myself suffer from self confidence but still they got already in to it . make a long story short we got it , no need to emphasise it every other page .
the end is pretty clear isn't it ?
self confidence ? i don't think so . it borders with blindness .
its a story about two handsome guys , destiny let them cross together in a bar neither one of them wanted
to go but forced by his friends .
one spills beer on the other and i am sorry , let me clean it up , no need , ill buy you a new beer, no thanks , have a good night .
NOW !
they are going separate ways and they can't stop thinking about each other .
i don't get it really .
destiny hits twice and they meet in a coffee place after few weeks , one try to talk to other but he "has to run"
after a few more Exhausting pages they hit it off .
the sex is unbelievable and the attraction is animal with a capital A .
BUT they are both suffering from self confidence issues and lack of communication .no one thinks they deserve each other and each time they go one step forward two step back .
i get it really , i myself suffer from self confidence but still they got already in to it . make a long story short we got it , no need to emphasise it every other page .
the end is pretty clear isn't it ?
July 18, 2014
Simple, easy novella read. A chance meeting starts off a relationship that quickly becomes the stuff of dreams, full of passion, heat and easy companionship....but both Brysen and John have both come out of demanding past relationships which have left them lacking and unsure of their worth. This need of theirs to be better for the other causes a lot of miscommunication and frustration on the "right" way to act. When an incident is seen wrong, the hurt and anger overides common sense, but eventually an answer is sought....finally they get their heads out their arses and talk to each other!!! HEA, but no epilogue, which I would've loved, a peek into their future together. Great quick read, recommend.
May 6, 2012
3.5 stars
This was a sweet story about Brycen and John, who have both been hurt in previous relationships. Their confidences have been destroyed by previous boyfriends who have convinced them that they were not good enough. The two men go so well together, and enjoy each others company, but they still have a problem believing that they are good enough for the other. I really liked the two guys and I was glad that they found confidence in each other and with each other.
This was a sweet story about Brycen and John, who have both been hurt in previous relationships. Their confidences have been destroyed by previous boyfriends who have convinced them that they were not good enough. The two men go so well together, and enjoy each others company, but they still have a problem believing that they are good enough for the other. I really liked the two guys and I was glad that they found confidence in each other and with each other.
March 20, 2013
Meh. Simple stories can be good but not in this case. This story is about two gorgeous, perfect guys burned by past love who've lost all self-confidence. 99% of the book was about their internal ramblings which went something like:
"I'm not good enough for you"
"No, I'm not good enough for you"
"No, no. I am definitely not good enough for you"
"I beg to disagree, but I am more not good enough for you than you are not good enough for me."
I like SJD Peterson but this one is not for me.
"I'm not good enough for you"
"No, I'm not good enough for you"
"No, no. I am definitely not good enough for you"
"I beg to disagree, but I am more not good enough for you than you are not good enough for me."
I like SJD Peterson but this one is not for me.
January 23, 2012
3.5
It's about two guys that are instantly attracted to each other. They have had bad experiences with their exes which causes them to be insecure and self-doubting. The book is kinda sweet; they try to overcome their past and believe they are worthy of someone. My only complain is some scenes were a bit forced and the two MCs feel a connection based on lust.
It's about two guys that are instantly attracted to each other. They have had bad experiences with their exes which causes them to be insecure and self-doubting. The book is kinda sweet; they try to overcome their past and believe they are worthy of someone. My only complain is some scenes were a bit forced and the two MCs feel a connection based on lust.
December 24, 2012
Oh god. This book was so good. It shows how awful people can make us feel about ourselves and how hard it can be to get over it.
Sjd Peterson tore me to pieces with this story and I'm grateful for her putting me back together at the end.
I don't think I would have survived very well if the ending hadn't been as perfect and Simple as it was.
Sjd Peterson tore me to pieces with this story and I'm grateful for her putting me back together at the end.
I don't think I would have survived very well if the ending hadn't been as perfect and Simple as it was.
March 8, 2013
What a beautiful story. And a tragic reminder of how cruel people can be and how they don't think twice about the things they say.
Here we have Brycen and John, both amazing, wonderful men who because of prior relationships cruelty, don't feel worthy of each other at all. In the end they learn the most important lesson of all. A true love isn't supposed to be that hard. It really can be simple.
Here we have Brycen and John, both amazing, wonderful men who because of prior relationships cruelty, don't feel worthy of each other at all. In the end they learn the most important lesson of all. A true love isn't supposed to be that hard. It really can be simple.
February 3, 2015
3.5 out of 5
It took me several tries to read this book. For some reason I had trouble liking the MCs. The story was good, but not what I would expect from this author.
It just a sweet little story about second chances.
It took me several tries to read this book. For some reason I had trouble liking the MCs. The story was good, but not what I would expect from this author.
It just a sweet little story about second chances.
May 15, 2014
It was a decent book. The story line wasn't that interesting to be honest. After reading "Plan B", by the same author i decided to read "Simple" and honestly, its not nearly as good as "Plan B". I just couldn't relate to the characters, and the plot was cliche and boring.
January 24, 2014
John and Bryon each of their feelings of insecurity from past relationships almost derail this new one. The simple way things are working out almost causes them to miss out.
August 23, 2012
Hot... And very sweet. I do very much love the cover!!
December 16, 2012
This book is now on my faves shelf . Loved this book, and SJD offically has his/her own bookshelf on my kindle. Thank you for your "goodreads".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews