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Divorced Men's Club #4
Employing Patience
Art When it comes to regrets, I have none. My life is perfect. I own a bar, work hard, party harder, and smother my niblings in all the love they deserve. I don't need to settle down, as much as my sister might want me to. But then Joey Manning walks into my office and leaves me all but begging to give him a job ... and wanting to give him so much more. The self-professed straight man is in my head and while I know that I need to move on from him, my body isn't getting that message. It doesn't help that Joey is a grade A flirt who can banter with the best of them. I've never had regrets. Not until Joey Manning. Joey The bills keep piling up and the pressure to get my sisters through college before we're evicted is always on the back of my mind. Whoever said life was for living, clearly forgot that living's expensive. My default mode is stressed AF and working myself to the bone, and there's only one person who gives me a break from all that. Art de Almeida. My boss. The one man I shouldn't flirt with, but I can't seem to stop. I want to get under his skin. To leave him panting for me. Which wouldn't be such a bad thing except that he thinks I'm straight, and I've never bothered to correct him. I need this job. But some days I worry that I need Art more.
Employing Patience is a low angst, small town, employer/employee romance. It has a ridiculous found family, prince charming costumes and the king of anti-commitment falling hard.
Employing Patience is a low angst, small town, employer/employee romance. It has a ridiculous found family, prince charming costumes and the king of anti-commitment falling hard.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2023
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January 31, 2024
Employing Patience is book four in the Divorced Men’s Club series by Saxon James. I’ve been loving this series so far. This is Art’s book. We’ve met him in all the other books and have had a taste of all the bantering between him and his bartender, Joey. Now it’s time for their story!
Art de Almeida is the owner of The Killer Brew, a bar/coffee house. He’s in his early forties as best I can tell, was previously married for a VERY short amount of time so is part of the Divorced Men’s Club, and is very wealthy. We’ve gotten a glimpse in the other books of some of the behind the scenes things he does for his friends so we know that he’s very generous and kind. Will do just about anything to help someone in need. One thing Art is NOT interested in is relationships. He will do just about anything for his sister and little niece and nephew. But one night is all he will ever spend with a man. He has quite the reputation for his activities.
Joey Manning is thirty one years old. He has taken responsibility for putting one sister through college and the other is a senior in high school. He barely keeps his head above water. He is straight. But when he got the job as bartender at Killer Brew, he felt instantly pulled to the owner, Art. In the year he has worked there, they have developed a sort of flirty banter that never stops. But they have never stepped over the line. As far as his boss knows, Joey is completely straight, which he is, sort of. And then there’s the whole, “boss” thing. But the truth is, he’s attracted to Art. And if the opportunity is ever truthfully offered, he would definitely be on board for some new experiences.
“The only thing worse than being caught in his orbit is when I’m not.”
I loved how careful Art was when he is convinced that Joey was truly ready to follow through on his flirting. And I felt terrible for how much Joey was carrying on his shoulders. These two really were cute together. And it’s always so much fun to watch a man fall who truly never thought he would. Like the other books in the series, this is a very low angst, fun, sexy story. For some reason, I didn’t feel the swoony feels I did with the other books but that’s just a me thing. The next book in the series will be Art’s friend, Keller’s book in System Overload.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Art de Almeida is the owner of The Killer Brew, a bar/coffee house. He’s in his early forties as best I can tell, was previously married for a VERY short amount of time so is part of the Divorced Men’s Club, and is very wealthy. We’ve gotten a glimpse in the other books of some of the behind the scenes things he does for his friends so we know that he’s very generous and kind. Will do just about anything to help someone in need. One thing Art is NOT interested in is relationships. He will do just about anything for his sister and little niece and nephew. But one night is all he will ever spend with a man. He has quite the reputation for his activities.
Joey Manning is thirty one years old. He has taken responsibility for putting one sister through college and the other is a senior in high school. He barely keeps his head above water. He is straight. But when he got the job as bartender at Killer Brew, he felt instantly pulled to the owner, Art. In the year he has worked there, they have developed a sort of flirty banter that never stops. But they have never stepped over the line. As far as his boss knows, Joey is completely straight, which he is, sort of. And then there’s the whole, “boss” thing. But the truth is, he’s attracted to Art. And if the opportunity is ever truthfully offered, he would definitely be on board for some new experiences.
“The only thing worse than being caught in his orbit is when I’m not.”
I loved how careful Art was when he is convinced that Joey was truly ready to follow through on his flirting. And I felt terrible for how much Joey was carrying on his shoulders. These two really were cute together. And it’s always so much fun to watch a man fall who truly never thought he would. Like the other books in the series, this is a very low angst, fun, sexy story. For some reason, I didn’t feel the swoony feels I did with the other books but that’s just a me thing. The next book in the series will be Art’s friend, Keller’s book in System Overload.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
October 24, 2023
4 Stars
Fun, flirty and fabulously filthy, Employing Patience might just take the prize for best in series!
Art and Joey had such great chemistry. Like, 5/5 STEAMING HOT CHEMISTRY: Would Recommend! The fact they worked together, as boss and employee, for well over a year before their intense flirting and teasing finally came to a head, provided some seriously inspiring sexual tension for when they finally gave in to their attraction and began an impassioned affair.
I liked how layered these two men were, each feeling fully fleshed out as characters, who lived full, all-consuming lives, with work and friends and family they were committed to; both always putting the needs and well-being of others before their own—sometimes to their emotional and physical detriment.
I liked how Joey’s sexuality was represented, with a bit of a bi-awakening vibe that was both sensual and authentic in its exploration. The romance between Joey and Art was top tier, too. They were hot for each other, sure, but pretty quickly into their changing relationship, their interactions became full of tenderness, passion, and physical and emotional intimacy that both men may not have expected but embraced nonetheless.
I also love how supportive and encouraging all their friends and family were throughout the story, especially in the ways Art’s group of friends teased and taunted, in good nature, for their playboy friend finally catching feelings and having them stick. I also loved Art’s sister and her children, who played such a vital role in Art’s life, giving Joey some important people to win over if he wanted to be taken seriously as a partner in Art’s life.
The scenes where Joey was sick and Art “secretly” cared for him, in more ways than one, were my personal favourite moments in the story. I loved how grateful Joey was when he discovered all the help he’d received in the areas of his life where he was struggling to stay afloat. Caring, comfort and generosity apparently hit my buttons good and proper, and this story delivered in spades in that regard.
I will say that this series has been pretty consistent across the board, with each story delivering fun, absorbing romances between mature men who are genuine, relatable, and just damn likeable, and more often than not, sexy as sin. I couldn't ask for much more than that in my contemporary romance reading.
Although I’ve claimed Employing Patience as my favourite story in the Divorced Men’s Club series to date, I’ll admit I’m slightly desperate to read book five (System Overload) because the tension and build-up between daddy Keller and his son’s best friend, Will, has had me squirming in anticipation for months; it’s sure to set the sheets (and my heart) on fire and I cannot wait!
Fun, flirty and fabulously filthy, Employing Patience might just take the prize for best in series!
Art and Joey had such great chemistry. Like, 5/5 STEAMING HOT CHEMISTRY: Would Recommend! The fact they worked together, as boss and employee, for well over a year before their intense flirting and teasing finally came to a head, provided some seriously inspiring sexual tension for when they finally gave in to their attraction and began an impassioned affair.
I liked how layered these two men were, each feeling fully fleshed out as characters, who lived full, all-consuming lives, with work and friends and family they were committed to; both always putting the needs and well-being of others before their own—sometimes to their emotional and physical detriment.
I liked how Joey’s sexuality was represented, with a bit of a bi-awakening vibe that was both sensual and authentic in its exploration. The romance between Joey and Art was top tier, too. They were hot for each other, sure, but pretty quickly into their changing relationship, their interactions became full of tenderness, passion, and physical and emotional intimacy that both men may not have expected but embraced nonetheless.
I also love how supportive and encouraging all their friends and family were throughout the story, especially in the ways Art’s group of friends teased and taunted, in good nature, for their playboy friend finally catching feelings and having them stick. I also loved Art’s sister and her children, who played such a vital role in Art’s life, giving Joey some important people to win over if he wanted to be taken seriously as a partner in Art’s life.
The scenes where Joey was sick and Art “secretly” cared for him, in more ways than one, were my personal favourite moments in the story. I loved how grateful Joey was when he discovered all the help he’d received in the areas of his life where he was struggling to stay afloat. Caring, comfort and generosity apparently hit my buttons good and proper, and this story delivered in spades in that regard.
I will say that this series has been pretty consistent across the board, with each story delivering fun, absorbing romances between mature men who are genuine, relatable, and just damn likeable, and more often than not, sexy as sin. I couldn't ask for much more than that in my contemporary romance reading.
Although I’ve claimed Employing Patience as my favourite story in the Divorced Men’s Club series to date, I’ll admit I’m slightly desperate to read book five (System Overload) because the tension and build-up between daddy Keller and his son’s best friend, Will, has had me squirming in anticipation for months; it’s sure to set the sheets (and my heart) on fire and I cannot wait!
June 1, 2023
While I enjoyed this it doesn't live up to the previous books in the series. One of the reasons I love Saxon James books is because I can feel the connection and love between characters, this one however, I didn't feel their connection at all. They have a primarily sex-only relationship until about 80% through the book when feelings get involved and it honestly didn't make sense to rush that and profess their love in the last 20 pages. What I did love about the book, however, is the dialogue and banter between Joey and Art as well as the whole DMC dynamics. I'm excited to see Keller and the rest of the DMC get their HEA but I hope the following books are different.
May 8, 2023
So, so good, my favourite one yet.
***
This book was everything I wanted it to be and so much more.
We get a couple of time jumps to show both their initial meeting and a period six months later before the book carries on in the "present day" and it works well.
The pacing is fabulous, the slow burn of sexual chemistry which sparks and crackles like a popping fire is delicious, there's so much UST pouring off the page it's palpable.
Art's been there throughout the Divorced Men's Club, not in the background, oh no, he's larger than life, full of himself and not afraid to tell everyone how amazing he is.
And, you know what, he absolutely is. But not for the sexual prowess he's always bragging about. No, Art is much, much more than his surface would lead you to believe.
He's a deeply caring man, he's passionate about his family, he has oceans of depth he hides away because he's gun shy of making a commitment to someone and being utterly broken if things don't work, so he hides this away with one-night stands, a loud man who needs nothing.
Art's niblings are the cutest pair ever, who let Joey see a completely different version of the man who catches his eye every day.
Joey, on the other hand, oh that man might have the outward arrogance and cocky self-sure attitude which he uses to tease and flirt with Art constantly, but he's drowning in responsibilities he won't let anyone else help him shoulder.
He is an absolute sweetheart, he's helping his sister through college, helping his younger sister with her final year of high school before she goes to college and trying to study for the GED he never got because he left school to look after his sisters.
The flirting and teasing with Art comes naturally to him, but what he's confused and fighting is the genuine attraction and need to explore more. Joey considers himself straight because, while he's had crushes on other men, they've been fleeting and have disappeared quickly.
Art though, he's fascinated by the older man, he sees him, he looks beyond the outward braggadocio to the kind-hearted soul beneath and he realises that while Art is off taking care of everyone else, he won't let anyone do it for him.
There's plenty of humour too, alongside the more serious side of Joey's dragging struggles to keep things going.
My one "scratch head" moment actually came with Joey and his family's background, slight spoiler (but not enough to spoil any important plot elements) coming up here -
Overall, this book delivered on all I'd be hoping it would. Art was such a fascinating character and Joey is his perfect match.
Now I'm eagerly waiting to see which of the two possible candidates are going to be up next. We're possibly getting a son's best friend age gap romance or a second chance/divorced partners reconciling one I think!
#ARC kindly received from the author via Foreward PR.
***
This book was everything I wanted it to be and so much more.
We get a couple of time jumps to show both their initial meeting and a period six months later before the book carries on in the "present day" and it works well.
The pacing is fabulous, the slow burn of sexual chemistry which sparks and crackles like a popping fire is delicious, there's so much UST pouring off the page it's palpable.
Art's been there throughout the Divorced Men's Club, not in the background, oh no, he's larger than life, full of himself and not afraid to tell everyone how amazing he is.
And, you know what, he absolutely is. But not for the sexual prowess he's always bragging about. No, Art is much, much more than his surface would lead you to believe.
He's a deeply caring man, he's passionate about his family, he has oceans of depth he hides away because he's gun shy of making a commitment to someone and being utterly broken if things don't work, so he hides this away with one-night stands, a loud man who needs nothing.
Art's niblings are the cutest pair ever, who let Joey see a completely different version of the man who catches his eye every day.
Joey, on the other hand, oh that man might have the outward arrogance and cocky self-sure attitude which he uses to tease and flirt with Art constantly, but he's drowning in responsibilities he won't let anyone else help him shoulder.
He is an absolute sweetheart, he's helping his sister through college, helping his younger sister with her final year of high school before she goes to college and trying to study for the GED he never got because he left school to look after his sisters.
The flirting and teasing with Art comes naturally to him, but what he's confused and fighting is the genuine attraction and need to explore more. Joey considers himself straight because, while he's had crushes on other men, they've been fleeting and have disappeared quickly.
Art though, he's fascinated by the older man, he sees him, he looks beyond the outward braggadocio to the kind-hearted soul beneath and he realises that while Art is off taking care of everyone else, he won't let anyone do it for him.
There's plenty of humour too, alongside the more serious side of Joey's dragging struggles to keep things going.
My one "scratch head" moment actually came with Joey and his family's background, slight spoiler (but not enough to spoil any important plot elements) coming up here -
Overall, this book delivered on all I'd be hoping it would. Art was such a fascinating character and Joey is his perfect match.
Now I'm eagerly waiting to see which of the two possible candidates are going to be up next. We're possibly getting a son's best friend age gap romance or a second chance/divorced partners reconciling one I think!
#ARC kindly received from the author via Foreward PR.
July 7, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
All that edging just for Art & Joey’s story to fall flat?! 😭
Don’t get me wrong, the sexual tension between these two is immaculate, but that turning into an actual relationship didn’t work for me. I expected intense and all consuming, and it was just meh
All that edging just for Art & Joey’s story to fall flat?! 😭
Don’t get me wrong, the sexual tension between these two is immaculate, but that turning into an actual relationship didn’t work for me. I expected intense and all consuming, and it was just meh
May 30, 2023
“Am I receiving one of the great Art de Almeida’s come-ons?” “If you were, straight boy, you’d be on your knees by now.”
Saxon James has done it again with Employing Patience, which is book 4 in her Divorced Men's Club series; all inter-linked but can be read and enjoyed as standalones (but why would you, when you can read them all in order?!) This is Art and Joey's story.
Now, we've met and adored Art from afar in each of the previous books in the series, being as he is the 'founding father' of the Divorced Men's Club. He is a self-declared commitment-phobe and a 'one and done' type of dude, that is until he employs the gorgeously straight but highly flirtatious Joey against his better judgement.
This is a slow burn, gfy-vibe read and the hidden depths we discover to both the MCs as the story evolves are dleightful. Low angst, high steam once they get down and dirty, fun to read and a cute as anything HEA.
My favourite of the series so far!
4.5 steamy stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Saxon James has done it again with Employing Patience, which is book 4 in her Divorced Men's Club series; all inter-linked but can be read and enjoyed as standalones (but why would you, when you can read them all in order?!) This is Art and Joey's story.
Now, we've met and adored Art from afar in each of the previous books in the series, being as he is the 'founding father' of the Divorced Men's Club. He is a self-declared commitment-phobe and a 'one and done' type of dude, that is until he employs the gorgeously straight but highly flirtatious Joey against his better judgement.
This is a slow burn, gfy-vibe read and the hidden depths we discover to both the MCs as the story evolves are dleightful. Low angst, high steam once they get down and dirty, fun to read and a cute as anything HEA.
My favourite of the series so far!
4.5 steamy stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 1, 2024
Good, but not overwhelming. And made a lot better by the audio.
I’ve read some books from this series, and they’re… ok. I remembered mysterious Art who’s some sort of an icon/a fixture amongst the DMC (the Divorced Men Club), and I remembered Joey, and his flirty (straight) barman (Art owns a brewery and a bar), so I’ve been looking forward to their story.
There were things that I absolutely loved, like their banter, their teasing, and their flirting. And they were hot when they got “it” going, and deliciously possessive. I didn’t even mind their secrets and the games they’ve been playing with each other.
What I wasn’t a fan of: Art’s “relationship phobia” and his resolve to keep things casual. Why? His divorce wasn’t messy, he had a happy childhood, no major trauma, no exes in the closet. At his age (and especially seeing his friends finding partners) he should be smart enough to know what (and who) is good for him, at least you’d think so.
But it still takes him around 90% to get his head out of his ass.
Another thing I want a huge fan of: Art’s “niblings”. Don’t we all love precocious kids in books 🙄
Joey… Joey was great. I loved how he embraced his newfound bi-ness, and how he cleverly wrapped Art around his finger.
What made everything a lot better and makes me round up from 3.5 stars instead of down: NJR’s narration. He’s one of the best, if not THE best narrator out there at the moment 💕
All in all: a nice read, but I’d recommend listening to it.
I’ve read some books from this series, and they’re… ok. I remembered mysterious Art who’s some sort of an icon/a fixture amongst the DMC (the Divorced Men Club), and I remembered Joey, and his flirty (straight) barman (Art owns a brewery and a bar), so I’ve been looking forward to their story.
There were things that I absolutely loved, like their banter, their teasing, and their flirting. And they were hot when they got “it” going, and deliciously possessive. I didn’t even mind their secrets and the games they’ve been playing with each other.
What I wasn’t a fan of: Art’s “relationship phobia” and his resolve to keep things casual. Why? His divorce wasn’t messy, he had a happy childhood, no major trauma, no exes in the closet. At his age (and especially seeing his friends finding partners) he should be smart enough to know what (and who) is good for him, at least you’d think so.
But it still takes him around 90% to get his head out of his ass.
Another thing I want a huge fan of: Art’s “niblings”. Don’t we all love precocious kids in books 🙄
Joey… Joey was great. I loved how he embraced his newfound bi-ness, and how he cleverly wrapped Art around his finger.
What made everything a lot better and makes me round up from 3.5 stars instead of down: NJR’s narration. He’s one of the best, if not THE best narrator out there at the moment 💕
All in all: a nice read, but I’d recommend listening to it.
January 30, 2024
Audio: 5 stars Nick J Russo does an amazing job (audio can be found on Everand)
Book: 4 stars
Can be read as a standalone!
Art and Joey are my favorite so far of this group! Do I care I’m reading this out of order? No, I know I didn’t love book one I think I tried to read that a few times and never got past 2 or 3 chapters so I am glad all these can be read on their own.
I might go back and read Griff and Heaths book… but idk I’ll see where my mood takes me! Either way I am glad this book was a win!
Book: 4 stars
Can be read as a standalone!
Art and Joey are my favorite so far of this group! Do I care I’m reading this out of order? No, I know I didn’t love book one I think I tried to read that a few times and never got past 2 or 3 chapters so I am glad all these can be read on their own.
I might go back and read Griff and Heaths book… but idk I’ll see where my mood takes me! Either way I am glad this book was a win!
June 2, 2023
2.5 stars - Something about this book scrambled my brain. I had the hardest time latching on to the connection between Art and Joey. The push and pull between them lasted way too long and got exhausting and annoying after awhile. Teasing turned into playing games turned into sex turned into love, I guess? I didn't see anything other than sexual attraction between them until they finally started communicating in the last 20% of the book. By then I was already kind of over it. Mind you, I've been tired this week and my attention span is a disaster right now so this might have been an issue of timing on my part, but I walked away from this book feeling underwhelmed. I liked the banter between all of the characters, including the new and old members of the DMC. I liked Joey because he was persistent without being aggressively so. I loved all of the scenes with Art's niblings. But overall...just meh.
May 23, 2024
I present to you: my new fave Divorced Men’s Club book.
THE PREMISE: straight (tbc) bartender Joey and his hot boss are top tier, A-Grade flirts. They do it all the time. It’s super chill and nonchalant, and definitely not because they’re both obsessed with each other.
TROPES & VIBES:
- Workplace romance
- Small town MM romcom
- Reformed playboy
- ‘You see the real me’
- All the claim-y hickeys
- Bit of an gap
- Great bants
4.5⭐️ 2.5-3🌶️
THE PREMISE: straight (tbc) bartender Joey and his hot boss are top tier, A-Grade flirts. They do it all the time. It’s super chill and nonchalant, and definitely not because they’re both obsessed with each other.
TROPES & VIBES:
- Workplace romance
- Small town MM romcom
- Reformed playboy
- ‘You see the real me’
- All the claim-y hickeys
- Bit of an gap
- Great bants
4.5⭐️ 2.5-3🌶️
May 23, 2023
I received a copy of the book, and this is my honest review.
This is probably my fav book in the series so far, and I am surprised because I didn’t think anyone could beat my sweet babies Ford and Orson. But dang did Art and Joey hit a home-run. A touchdown. A goal. A basket. All the scores. My heart is smiling.
I’m sure that you could read this book as a standalone, but I would argue that this would be way more fun if you read the previous books first. You get to see the relationship being built up between Art and Joey. You get to see the banter, the flirting, the sarcasm, etc. You also get to see Art stress that Joey is straight and nothing is happening and his friends say different. It makes you wonder exactly what is going on between these two. The previous books all lead up to this, and I was dying to see what the deal was between the bar owner (Art) and the bartender (Joey).
I really enjoyed seeing this side of Art. In all the previous books, he’s all ridiculously silly, motivational, live life to the fullest, YOLO kind of man. While that’s all fine and good, you didn’t get to see any deeper. You knew that Art is an extremely kind and helpful man already, but you get to see deeper into that in this book. You begin to understand his emotions and why he is who he is. While I already liked Art, I enjoyed this side of him much more. I also loved seeing Art with his niece and nephew (his niblings). Anyone that will dress up in a Cinderella dress and cook tarts with children gets a gold star in my book.
Joey was a great character as well. You think he’s a little menace by how much he loved driving Art up the wall, but he is such a good man. The sacrifices he’s had to make for his family was inspiring as much as it was sad. He tried to hide just how bone tired he is under all his snarky personality. He was stretching himself way too thin and Art wasn’t going to take that. Seeing Art try to help Joey secretly was so sweet. Cue the swoon ladies and gentlemen.
Let’s talk about the “straight” issue. Art says Joey is, but you can’t overlook the flirting and the jealously both men have shown. Anyone would assume that Joey is in fact not straight, but Art has some evidence as to why he thinks he is (poor Art). It was basically a misunderstanding, but alas. It works out. I’ll just let you read and see. I do want to point out though that Art is the first man Joey is with, so it is a bi-awakening of sorts. The first times trope. And I eat those up!!! Art was so deliciously dirty and SO GOOD to Joey in bed. He was very kind, thoughtful, considerate, you name it. He wanted to make sure Joey was absolutely comfortable and we LOVE that.
This was such a fun read, and I loved seeing Art and Joey navigate their feelings. Art tried his best to hold onto the bachelor life with the tips of his fingers, but Joey was stronger. What a sight. As much as I loved this, I have a feeling the next book will give it a run for its money. It has one of my favorite tropes ever. I’m not going to give it away, so you’ll have to wait and see. Bring on Keller!!!
This is probably my fav book in the series so far, and I am surprised because I didn’t think anyone could beat my sweet babies Ford and Orson. But dang did Art and Joey hit a home-run. A touchdown. A goal. A basket. All the scores. My heart is smiling.
I’m sure that you could read this book as a standalone, but I would argue that this would be way more fun if you read the previous books first. You get to see the relationship being built up between Art and Joey. You get to see the banter, the flirting, the sarcasm, etc. You also get to see Art stress that Joey is straight and nothing is happening and his friends say different. It makes you wonder exactly what is going on between these two. The previous books all lead up to this, and I was dying to see what the deal was between the bar owner (Art) and the bartender (Joey).
I really enjoyed seeing this side of Art. In all the previous books, he’s all ridiculously silly, motivational, live life to the fullest, YOLO kind of man. While that’s all fine and good, you didn’t get to see any deeper. You knew that Art is an extremely kind and helpful man already, but you get to see deeper into that in this book. You begin to understand his emotions and why he is who he is. While I already liked Art, I enjoyed this side of him much more. I also loved seeing Art with his niece and nephew (his niblings). Anyone that will dress up in a Cinderella dress and cook tarts with children gets a gold star in my book.
Joey was a great character as well. You think he’s a little menace by how much he loved driving Art up the wall, but he is such a good man. The sacrifices he’s had to make for his family was inspiring as much as it was sad. He tried to hide just how bone tired he is under all his snarky personality. He was stretching himself way too thin and Art wasn’t going to take that. Seeing Art try to help Joey secretly was so sweet. Cue the swoon ladies and gentlemen.
Let’s talk about the “straight” issue. Art says Joey is, but you can’t overlook the flirting and the jealously both men have shown. Anyone would assume that Joey is in fact not straight, but Art has some evidence as to why he thinks he is (poor Art). It was basically a misunderstanding, but alas. It works out. I’ll just let you read and see. I do want to point out though that Art is the first man Joey is with, so it is a bi-awakening of sorts. The first times trope. And I eat those up!!! Art was so deliciously dirty and SO GOOD to Joey in bed. He was very kind, thoughtful, considerate, you name it. He wanted to make sure Joey was absolutely comfortable and we LOVE that.
This was such a fun read, and I loved seeing Art and Joey navigate their feelings. Art tried his best to hold onto the bachelor life with the tips of his fingers, but Joey was stronger. What a sight. As much as I loved this, I have a feeling the next book will give it a run for its money. It has one of my favorite tropes ever. I’m not going to give it away, so you’ll have to wait and see. Bring on Keller!!!
June 1, 2023
Employing Patience is the newest book in the Divorced Mens Club series, one that has yet to disappoint. I’ve been looking forward to this particular addition to the series for a while now. Art’s been a constant in the Divorced Men’s lives, as has his back-and-forth banter with Joey. I couldn’t wait to see how it would all play out in their own book. Thankfully, it was everything I was hoping for and more. It took me about a week and a half to read this—much to my consternation—because I was busy and could only read small snippets here and there. When I wasn’t reading, all I could think about was this book.
If I got nothing else from Employing Patience, I wanted all the tension. And I got it! In loads. It was so good. The pining and the tension mixed in with some of the softer moments when the two were with Art’s Niblings…it was just perfect. They both wanted each other so badly, but both were too stubborn to admit it. Instead, they made each other jealous and sent each other longing looks filled with so much sexual tension. It was everything I was hoping for with this dynamic and more.
Something else that was a lot of fun about Employing Patience was that both Art and Joey were a lot more than they appeared on the outside. Art seemed like the kind of guy to never be tied down by commitment who also lived really loudly and didn’t care who knew it. But in actuality, he longed for someone to call his own, and he was quiet about the really important things in life, which he preferred to keep private. Joey, on the other hand, seemed like the kind of guy who wasn’t fazed by much with a carefree attitude, when in reality, he was juggling two jobs and classes, while also trying to keep himself and his sisters afloat. Whether or not they realized it, both Joey and Art needed someone special in their lives, and they were the perfect ones for each other.
As always, the banter was top notch! Not just between Art and Joey (though that was truly spectacular), but also with the DMC group chat and between Art and Joey with their siblings! I was living for all of these moments and was always left laughing. I’m so glad we get to see the MCs from the previous books make frequent appearances because they all add something special to the series.
Overall, I loved Employing Patience. Art and Joey’s relationship is one of my favorites in this series, and I had so much fun following their journey. If you enjoyed the other DMC books, you’re bound to like Employing Patience too!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
If I got nothing else from Employing Patience, I wanted all the tension. And I got it! In loads. It was so good. The pining and the tension mixed in with some of the softer moments when the two were with Art’s Niblings…it was just perfect. They both wanted each other so badly, but both were too stubborn to admit it. Instead, they made each other jealous and sent each other longing looks filled with so much sexual tension. It was everything I was hoping for with this dynamic and more.
Something else that was a lot of fun about Employing Patience was that both Art and Joey were a lot more than they appeared on the outside. Art seemed like the kind of guy to never be tied down by commitment who also lived really loudly and didn’t care who knew it. But in actuality, he longed for someone to call his own, and he was quiet about the really important things in life, which he preferred to keep private. Joey, on the other hand, seemed like the kind of guy who wasn’t fazed by much with a carefree attitude, when in reality, he was juggling two jobs and classes, while also trying to keep himself and his sisters afloat. Whether or not they realized it, both Joey and Art needed someone special in their lives, and they were the perfect ones for each other.
As always, the banter was top notch! Not just between Art and Joey (though that was truly spectacular), but also with the DMC group chat and between Art and Joey with their siblings! I was living for all of these moments and was always left laughing. I’m so glad we get to see the MCs from the previous books make frequent appearances because they all add something special to the series.
Overall, I loved Employing Patience. Art and Joey’s relationship is one of my favorites in this series, and I had so much fun following their journey. If you enjoyed the other DMC books, you’re bound to like Employing Patience too!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 22, 2024
Okay. I think this is my favorite DMC book. Art and Joey are SO cute. SO CUTE.
May 31, 2023
2.5 rounded up.
This author was my first introduction into the M/M genre and I inhaled most of their books fairly quickly so I was pretty excited for this to come out. Turns out my tastes have changed since I started my M/M journey and this book really didn’t do it for me. It wasn’t bad but it’s definitely not what I like anymore.
What I did like:
Hickeys, possessiveness.
The relationship between the MCs felt a tiny bit toxic and then a whole lotta just surface level stuff especially because it was all about sex and I prefer my romance to have more emotions involved. Overall, this one just didn’t work for me not to mention that seeing a previous book couple “looking for a third” kinda also ruined the HEA I had for that couple in my head 🤡 I don’t like when the couple’s dynamics change later in the series 🤷🏻♀️
Disclosure: I did a decent amount of skimming because the story really didn’t grab my attention but I still wanted to finish it.
This author was my first introduction into the M/M genre and I inhaled most of their books fairly quickly so I was pretty excited for this to come out. Turns out my tastes have changed since I started my M/M journey and this book really didn’t do it for me. It wasn’t bad but it’s definitely not what I like anymore.
What I did like:
Hickeys, possessiveness.
The relationship between the MCs felt a tiny bit toxic and then a whole lotta just surface level stuff especially because it was all about sex and I prefer my romance to have more emotions involved. Overall, this one just didn’t work for me not to mention that seeing a previous book couple “looking for a third” kinda also ruined the HEA I had for that couple in my head 🤡 I don’t like when the couple’s dynamics change later in the series 🤷🏻♀️
Disclosure: I did a decent amount of skimming because the story really didn’t grab my attention but I still wanted to finish it.
July 9, 2023
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 4.5 Stars
Story - 4.5 Stars
Read
November 22, 2022I really hope Keller and will r in this they have SO MUCH POTENTIAL
July 25, 2024
2.5 very reluctant stars.
I hated Art for half this book. But the last 15% where they actually were honest and real with each other kind of made up for him being a jerk about being a "sex god" who will in his own words literally fuck any guy.
I dunno. I just....didn't like him. And Joey didn't exactly make me happy either. They just didn't do it for me.
I'm going to call it the Sadenverse Curse. The sunk cost fallacy. Where you've invested too much time in a universe to back out now. Where you keep holding on to the hope that this time Saxon or Eden will work some of their OG magic I felt in the beginning. Maybe I've just read too much mm to be wooed by Sadenverse anymore.
This felt like it had the potential to be a good book if it had been done differently. I want to give it three stars but then I remember being frustrated af at Art and am confused by my "it was okay, I think I even liked the ending" feeling at the end. Ugh. Fucking Sadenverse.
I hated Art for half this book. But the last 15% where they actually were honest and real with each other kind of made up for him being a jerk about being a "sex god" who will in his own words literally fuck any guy.
I dunno. I just....didn't like him. And Joey didn't exactly make me happy either. They just didn't do it for me.
I'm going to call it the Sadenverse Curse. The sunk cost fallacy. Where you've invested too much time in a universe to back out now. Where you keep holding on to the hope that this time Saxon or Eden will work some of their OG magic I felt in the beginning. Maybe I've just read too much mm to be wooed by Sadenverse anymore.
This felt like it had the potential to be a good book if it had been done differently. I want to give it three stars but then I remember being frustrated af at Art and am confused by my "it was okay, I think I even liked the ending" feeling at the end. Ugh. Fucking Sadenverse.
April 12, 2024
The teasing in this book is top tier. This is a boss/employee love story, but there was virtually no power dynamic play in this book, even with money being a large point of discussion and angst on Joey's end. The teasing and tension between these two feels like a bomb ready to explode and the payoff absolutely matches the buildup.
Art was a favorite side character of mine in the prior 3 books in this series, and I was so glad to be able to read his story and get to enjoy an entire book based around him as one of the mmcs. I did not expect to adore Joey so much, as he was painted as a womanizer and queer baiter in the prior books, but learning his backstory explains everything, and I quickly came to love him and even prefer his pov chapters.
Divorced Men's Club continues to be one of my all-time favorite series. Will and Keller's story cannot come fast enough!!!
Art was a favorite side character of mine in the prior 3 books in this series, and I was so glad to be able to read his story and get to enjoy an entire book based around him as one of the mmcs. I did not expect to adore Joey so much, as he was painted as a womanizer and queer baiter in the prior books, but learning his backstory explains everything, and I quickly came to love him and even prefer his pov chapters.
Divorced Men's Club continues to be one of my all-time favorite series. Will and Keller's story cannot come fast enough!!!
dnf
June 3, 20234% in and I just couldn't do it. Art seems like an ass.
"I've always liked a challenge."
I feel like this shouldn't apply to trying to sleep with someone who has zero interest. Already know this book will bore me to tears.
"I've always liked a challenge."
I feel like this shouldn't apply to trying to sleep with someone who has zero interest. Already know this book will bore me to tears.
June 23, 2025
4.5 stars
This is the book I’ve been wanting from the beginning and my favourite so far - definite re-read material for me!
- Double cockiness
- teasing and flirting
- biting and marking
-
What would have rounded this up for me?
- the end was a tad too rushed for me, yes basically no angst, but I feel like we still needed a couple of conversations filled with more trust for a better future foundation
Tags:
In general this is a light-hearted, banterful read that will work really well for some people - it definitely worked for me :)
NSFW infos:
- one older man (3rd-generation Portuguese immigrant in the US, 40-ish, 9-10 years older than the other MC)
- younger man (32, White American, previously believed to be straight-ish as he seems to be sort of Demi-bisexual - doesn’t find a label for himself in the book)
- vers
- a lot of marking and biting
- just the tip
Nicknames:
- meu lutador (my fighter)
- meu querido (my dear, my love)
- amor
This is the book I’ve been wanting from the beginning and my favourite so far - definite re-read material for me!
- Double cockiness
- teasing and flirting
- biting and marking
-
What would have rounded this up for me?
- the end was a tad too rushed for me, yes basically no angst, but I feel like we still needed a couple of conversations filled with more trust for a better future foundation
Tags:
In general this is a light-hearted, banterful read that will work really well for some people - it definitely worked for me :)
NSFW infos:
- one older man (3rd-generation Portuguese immigrant in the US, 40-ish, 9-10 years older than the other MC)
- younger man (32, White American, previously believed to be straight-ish as he seems to be sort of Demi-bisexual - doesn’t find a label for himself in the book)
- vers
- a lot of marking and biting
- just the tip
Nicknames:
- meu lutador (my fighter)
- meu querido (my dear, my love)
- amor
October 28, 2023
Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Steam: 3/5 🔥
POV: Dual, First Person
Bi Awakening | Rich/Poor | Boss/Employee | Small Town | HEA
When I went and got myself addicted to him, I really went all the way.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
This one hands down would be my favourite in the series so far, and one of my all-time Saxon faves as well. Art and Joey were so much more than I was expecting and the first half of the story felt like one big edging session! The author did an amazing job at weaving a wonderful slowburning story mixed in with a touch of humour! Art is Joey's boss and despite the chemistry they share, chalks Joey up to simply being a flirty straight guy. Joey on the other hand is hiding behind a mask of self assurance, completely struggling to get by and refusing help from anyone else. He is the best with Art's niblings and is also insanely attracted to his boss. The whole book was so fun to read, my emotions ran high at certain points, and I was left super excited for whoever's story is next in the series!
Steam: 3/5 🔥
POV: Dual, First Person
Bi Awakening | Rich/Poor | Boss/Employee | Small Town | HEA
When I went and got myself addicted to him, I really went all the way.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
This one hands down would be my favourite in the series so far, and one of my all-time Saxon faves as well. Art and Joey were so much more than I was expecting and the first half of the story felt like one big edging session! The author did an amazing job at weaving a wonderful slowburning story mixed in with a touch of humour! Art is Joey's boss and despite the chemistry they share, chalks Joey up to simply being a flirty straight guy. Joey on the other hand is hiding behind a mask of self assurance, completely struggling to get by and refusing help from anyone else. He is the best with Art's niblings and is also insanely attracted to his boss. The whole book was so fun to read, my emotions ran high at certain points, and I was left super excited for whoever's story is next in the series!
April 13, 2024
3.5⭐
Oh my god! Art!!
If he wasn't the MMC I would never enjoy this book.
It started so good, The tension between Art and Joey was incredible but afterward the tension becomes only physical.. It ruined a big part for me because Their relationship would be more beautiful without the overload sex and talking about it.
Joey was annoying, I respect him as a responsible and determined person but with Art.. No! He was flirting with him too much and by too much I mean too too too much, and at the end of the day he's the straight as hell boy.
He never done any effort for Art, he was running away from him, claiming that he has a girlfriend and making Art jealous when he can't be sure about his emotions and his ability to be with a man, it's so toxic.
Being so mysterious person with no reason, What's wrong with him attending classes or working in another job??
They were pure fun and spiceness together, but as partners I didn't feel the chemistry or the success of the relationship in the future.
Obviously the whole rating is for Art and his unexpected soft personality. I thought I'm a goner for grumpys but after Tio Artur entery gimme all the filthy sunshines.
+Keller and Will crumbles are so Yumm😭
“Ask me.” He leans in a little.
“Fine.” My lips brush his. “Who is the only person you’ve been interested in for … over a year now?”
“You. And I wish as much as you do that it’d stop.”
*****
I have a feeling that this book will be my fav out of the series. So please don't let me down.🫰🏻
Oh my god! Art!!
If he wasn't the MMC I would never enjoy this book.
It started so good, The tension between Art and Joey was incredible but afterward the tension becomes only physical.. It ruined a big part for me because Their relationship would be more beautiful without the overload sex and talking about it.
Joey was annoying, I respect him as a responsible and determined person but with Art.. No! He was flirting with him too much and by too much I mean too too too much, and at the end of the day he's the straight as hell boy.
He never done any effort for Art, he was running away from him, claiming that he has a girlfriend and making Art jealous when he can't be sure about his emotions and his ability to be with a man, it's so toxic.
Being so mysterious person with no reason, What's wrong with him attending classes or working in another job??
They were pure fun and spiceness together, but as partners I didn't feel the chemistry or the success of the relationship in the future.
Obviously the whole rating is for Art and his unexpected soft personality. I thought I'm a goner for grumpys but after Tio Artur entery gimme all the filthy sunshines.
+Keller and Will crumbles are so Yumm😭
“Ask me.” He leans in a little.
“Fine.” My lips brush his. “Who is the only person you’ve been interested in for … over a year now?”
“You. And I wish as much as you do that it’d stop.”
*****
I have a feeling that this book will be my fav out of the series. So please don't let me down.🫰🏻
June 1, 2023
3.5
a saxon james slow burn, never thought i’d see the day.
doesn’t necessarily mean that i lot was bad, just unexpected.
it was cute. the banter, the characters, the plot. however if you don’t give me a mushy relationship from the start, you better give me tension. i was waiting for something to snap or some friction, and when that didn’t happen i was kind of disappointed.
it’s not a bad book but after a while i began expecting something more.
3.5 rounded up to 4 because it’s better this author’s the last books and i do support her trying to do something different.
a saxon james slow burn, never thought i’d see the day.
doesn’t necessarily mean that i lot was bad, just unexpected.
it was cute. the banter, the characters, the plot. however if you don’t give me a mushy relationship from the start, you better give me tension. i was waiting for something to snap or some friction, and when that didn’t happen i was kind of disappointed.
it’s not a bad book but after a while i began expecting something more.
3.5 rounded up to 4 because it’s better this author’s the last books and i do support her trying to do something different.
May 23, 2023
Employing Patience is the fourth book in the Divorced Men’s Club series and is the one I’ve been looking forward to since the beginning. There was so much setup for Art and Joey’s story and I’m not sure this totally lived up to the hype.
Art de Almeida is a perpetual cheerleader for the people in his life. He spends so much of his time building up his friends, taking care of his employees and building up his niblings to be amazing people. Art’s whole life is spent under a microscope in their small town so he’s extremely careful about his private life and the good deeds he does for others struggling, choosing to keep that side of himself hidden. I really enjoyed Art - he comes off as the life of the party at first, but he has a lot of hidden depth that came out when he was with his niblings and with Joey.
Joey Manning is one of Art’s employees and is a huge flirt, especially when it comes to his boss. When he’s at work, he’s always flirting, always looking out for the Killer Brew patrons and always trying to get Art’s attention. But he’s dealing with a lot in his personal life, struggling to make ends meet while caring for his two sisters and finishing school himself. It felt like Joey spent the better part of the first half of this book queerbaiting Art, insisting that he’s straight even though he’s had plenty of thoughts about men in the past. Something about that rubbed me the wrong way and made me struggle with Joey’s character.
These two had a lot of back and forth with Art struggling with his feelings for his “straight” employee and Joey struggling to accept his sexuality. I think the slow burn/back and forth aspect of their relationship dragged on a bit too long and took away from their eventual relationship. Once they finally got together, accepted their feelings for each other and saw behind their public personas, they started to develop a relationship that meant something for both of them. I enjoyed seeing them both interact with Art’s niblings - the dress up was so sweet and all the piggyback rides made me smile. I wish there was more time spent on them being together and making it work. It felt a little rushed to get to their HEA and left me wanting more.
Loved the DMC chats in the book and I’m excited for Keller and Will’s story next! I love a good best friend’s dad story!
Art de Almeida is a perpetual cheerleader for the people in his life. He spends so much of his time building up his friends, taking care of his employees and building up his niblings to be amazing people. Art’s whole life is spent under a microscope in their small town so he’s extremely careful about his private life and the good deeds he does for others struggling, choosing to keep that side of himself hidden. I really enjoyed Art - he comes off as the life of the party at first, but he has a lot of hidden depth that came out when he was with his niblings and with Joey.
Joey Manning is one of Art’s employees and is a huge flirt, especially when it comes to his boss. When he’s at work, he’s always flirting, always looking out for the Killer Brew patrons and always trying to get Art’s attention. But he’s dealing with a lot in his personal life, struggling to make ends meet while caring for his two sisters and finishing school himself. It felt like Joey spent the better part of the first half of this book queerbaiting Art, insisting that he’s straight even though he’s had plenty of thoughts about men in the past. Something about that rubbed me the wrong way and made me struggle with Joey’s character.
These two had a lot of back and forth with Art struggling with his feelings for his “straight” employee and Joey struggling to accept his sexuality. I think the slow burn/back and forth aspect of their relationship dragged on a bit too long and took away from their eventual relationship. Once they finally got together, accepted their feelings for each other and saw behind their public personas, they started to develop a relationship that meant something for both of them. I enjoyed seeing them both interact with Art’s niblings - the dress up was so sweet and all the piggyback rides made me smile. I wish there was more time spent on them being together and making it work. It felt a little rushed to get to their HEA and left me wanting more.
Loved the DMC chats in the book and I’m excited for Keller and Will’s story next! I love a good best friend’s dad story!
December 30, 2023
Art - Boss
Your typical ”I don’t do monogamy”. Puts up a front of not caring, like he’s heartless. Spoiler alert, he’s nowhere near heartless. Out of his area of expertise when it comes to feelings and relationships? Check
Joey - Employee
Works himself to the bone to take care of his sisters. Puts up a flirty facade with an ”I don’t give a f*ck” attitude. Struggles a bit with his s€xuality but figures it out pretty quickly.
“I don’t get it.”
“What?”
“How I can be so attracted to someone so annoying.”
Suddenly, I don’t have a reply. It’s not what he’s said, because he’s come at me with shit like that loads of times, but it’s how he said it. Like a casual, offhand comment. Like he means it.
I desperately want to cling to the guy I am. I like that guy. But … I’m starting to worry that I like Joey more.
So I do what any sane man does when he’s about to embark on a life of love and commitment: freak out and send an SOS to my friends.
“I love you too.”
“Yeah, but I already knew that.”
“How?”
“Because you’re only human.”
Joey & Art
Funny and c*cky teases with big, hidden hearts. The banter and flirting omg! The process from s€x to love felt a bit rushed. They barely spent any time together outside of work and s€x until about 80% in. I liked the mc’s and their story but the love part fell a bit flat.
I loved seeing more of the other mc’s in the series!
Roommate Arrangement - 3 stars
Platonic Rulebook - 3 stars
Budding Attraction - 4 stars
Employing Patience - 3.75 stars
System Overload - 3.75 stars
Your typical ”I don’t do monogamy”. Puts up a front of not caring, like he’s heartless. Spoiler alert, he’s nowhere near heartless. Out of his area of expertise when it comes to feelings and relationships? Check
Joey - Employee
Works himself to the bone to take care of his sisters. Puts up a flirty facade with an ”I don’t give a f*ck” attitude. Struggles a bit with his s€xuality but figures it out pretty quickly.
“I don’t get it.”
“What?”
“How I can be so attracted to someone so annoying.”
Suddenly, I don’t have a reply. It’s not what he’s said, because he’s come at me with shit like that loads of times, but it’s how he said it. Like a casual, offhand comment. Like he means it.
I desperately want to cling to the guy I am. I like that guy. But … I’m starting to worry that I like Joey more.
So I do what any sane man does when he’s about to embark on a life of love and commitment: freak out and send an SOS to my friends.
“I love you too.”
“Yeah, but I already knew that.”
“How?”
“Because you’re only human.”
Joey & Art
Funny and c*cky teases with big, hidden hearts. The banter and flirting omg! The process from s€x to love felt a bit rushed. They barely spent any time together outside of work and s€x until about 80% in. I liked the mc’s and their story but the love part fell a bit flat.
I loved seeing more of the other mc’s in the series!
Roommate Arrangement - 3 stars
Platonic Rulebook - 3 stars
Budding Attraction - 4 stars
Employing Patience - 3.75 stars
System Overload - 3.75 stars
August 16, 2024
Art finally gets his HEA!! I gotta say this was not at all the story I pictured for him with all the teasing surrounding him from the earlier books but I’m not mad at it.
I will say this was paced a bit differently to the others. There is lots and lots of banter and games between them which was fun but I feel like most of the romance and vulnerability was stuffed together in a rush at the end. I wanted more time with them actually solidly being together. Outside of that I loved watching them together playing, teasing, flirting and falling in love.
I love it here FR . I don’t want this series to end
Tropes: age gap + workplace + boss employee
I will say this was paced a bit differently to the others. There is lots and lots of banter and games between them which was fun but I feel like most of the romance and vulnerability was stuffed together in a rush at the end. I wanted more time with them actually solidly being together. Outside of that I loved watching them together playing, teasing, flirting and falling in love.
I love it here FR . I don’t want this series to end
Tropes: age gap + workplace + boss employee
December 20, 2024
This was super good
June 2, 2023
I have mixed feelings about this one
1. I like the banter between the mc's
2. I like all the side characters and their relationships
3. the character development of art
I don't like that the real relationship between the MCs developed in the last 5o something pages of the book, it was all games and lies before that. It would've been nice if their relationship started a little early. that irked me for the most part.
The ending felt rushed, I would've liked more since they just started the relationship in the last 50 pages.
so this wasn't my favorite in the series.
1. I like the banter between the mc's
2. I like all the side characters and their relationships
3. the character development of art
I don't like that the real relationship between the MCs developed in the last 5o something pages of the book, it was all games and lies before that. It would've been nice if their relationship started a little early. that irked me for the most part.
The ending felt rushed, I would've liked more since they just started the relationship in the last 50 pages.
so this wasn't my favorite in the series.
June 5, 2023
3.5 stars
June 5, 2023
⭐︎
4.25 Stars Rounded Down!
⭐︎
Art and Joey finally get their romance and overall, it didn't disappoint.
We've been teased with these two for at least two of the last DMC books - maybe all three prior? Can't remember for sure - and I've been waiting for Art to fall for Joey and end his playboy ways.
Of course their chemistry was good and I enjoyed these two a lot. The book takes its time getting Art from sleeping around so much to being a one man guy.
We get to see their first meeting a year prior, and a few more some months prior as well, before we get the present day.
These two have had a flirty thing going on, but Art has maintained having sex with other guys and Joey, who is bisexual but is weary of giving himself that label, as he's only ever been with women and his crushes on men have been fleeting at best before Art, doesn't think it'll ever really happen between him and Art, even though he wants it to, deep down.
But as events happen that makes the both of them see beyond the surface level, to start getting to know more about each other, the more they start to like each other and gain real feelings for each other, the more their relationship shifts.
Art tries to maintain a certain distance with Joey, but of course that doesn't work for long. And once Joey gets past his worries about being with a man for a first time, and about his sexuality, he's pretty much wanting more from the start of their sexual relationship, even though he keeps that to himself, mostly, because he knows Art.
I enjoyed this a lot, although for me, there were times it got a little slow. Not a ton of plot happened in this book, although enough happened here and there to keep me engaged for the most part. But there really isn't much of a plot outside their day to day lives and getting to know each other more and falling in love.
Which is good, but it caused it to be a little slow for me at times. It thankfully didn't drag too much, though, as these two were good enough together to keep me invested most of the time.
But points off for the slowness at times. Also, this never really gave an explanation for why Art is the way that he is - his lack of wanting commitment ever.
Like I get he was married once and it didn't work out, but in this we learn it was just kind of a spur of the moment thing after some short period of dating and it didn't work out after that - but that says more about them getting married to fast and not knowing each other enough than any failure in a romantic relationship in general.
And also Art wasn't too broken up about it too, so it didn't feel like his failed quickie marriage was the reason for him not wanting anything beyond one-night-stands. And he has parents and grandparents still together and in love, so that didn't lend to it making all that much sense that he was so against relationships.
I mean, his sister was a single mom, so maybe? But while there's that failed relationship, he has all these relationships around him that are working and show real love in his DMC club.
I mean, maybe he had that attitude because of his divorce and sister beforehand and it was just hard to let that go? I guess. But it just didn't feel like a strong enough reason for him to be so opposed to relationships.
I guess it could just be his preference and that's that, sure. Maybe it just took someone real special like Joey to change his mind - which, it did. But I guess never getting a real concrete reason for his aversion to relationships just kind of felt lacking to me. I wish that the marriage he'd had had been more import to him and really fucked him up as far as relationships are concerned, as that would have made the most sense.
Instead the marriage meant almost nothing to him as it'd been rushed and over so quickly and he didn't even know where his ex-husband lived even, it was such a 'whatever' relationship. So I guess I just never got why he was so averse to relationships over that. I dunno. Maybe that's just me.
Because he's all "I never want to get married again" but of course, in the epilogue in their HEA, 2 years into it, he proposes to Joey (which I loved! Of course I did), but it just shows that marriage didn't mess him up as much as he said it did or the book tried to get across or what have you.
Anyway, those niggles are why I gave this .75 stars off.
But I enjoy the rest so much and I loved their HEA and overall I was so so happy with their love story, which I feel I've been waiting ages for. So two thumbs up for me!
And I can't wait for Keller and Will's love story next. Best friend's dad trope FTW! 😘
My Ratings for the Divorced Men's Club Series:
🔆 Making Him Mine: 3 stars (my review)
🔆 Roommate Arrangement: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Platonic Rulebook: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Budding Attraction: 4.25 stars (my review)
🔆 Employing Patience: 4.25 stars
🔆 System Overload: TBR
Art and Joey finally get their romance and overall, it didn't disappoint.
We've been teased with these two for at least two of the last DMC books - maybe all three prior? Can't remember for sure - and I've been waiting for Art to fall for Joey and end his playboy ways.
Of course their chemistry was good and I enjoyed these two a lot. The book takes its time getting Art from sleeping around so much to being a one man guy.
We get to see their first meeting a year prior, and a few more some months prior as well, before we get the present day.
These two have had a flirty thing going on, but Art has maintained having sex with other guys and Joey, who is bisexual but is weary of giving himself that label, as he's only ever been with women and his crushes on men have been fleeting at best before Art, doesn't think it'll ever really happen between him and Art, even though he wants it to, deep down.
But as events happen that makes the both of them see beyond the surface level, to start getting to know more about each other, the more they start to like each other and gain real feelings for each other, the more their relationship shifts.
Art tries to maintain a certain distance with Joey, but of course that doesn't work for long. And once Joey gets past his worries about being with a man for a first time, and about his sexuality, he's pretty much wanting more from the start of their sexual relationship, even though he keeps that to himself, mostly, because he knows Art.
I enjoyed this a lot, although for me, there were times it got a little slow. Not a ton of plot happened in this book, although enough happened here and there to keep me engaged for the most part. But there really isn't much of a plot outside their day to day lives and getting to know each other more and falling in love.
Which is good, but it caused it to be a little slow for me at times. It thankfully didn't drag too much, though, as these two were good enough together to keep me invested most of the time.
But points off for the slowness at times. Also, this never really gave an explanation for why Art is the way that he is - his lack of wanting commitment ever.
Like I get he was married once and it didn't work out, but in this we learn it was just kind of a spur of the moment thing after some short period of dating and it didn't work out after that - but that says more about them getting married to fast and not knowing each other enough than any failure in a romantic relationship in general.
And also Art wasn't too broken up about it too, so it didn't feel like his failed quickie marriage was the reason for him not wanting anything beyond one-night-stands. And he has parents and grandparents still together and in love, so that didn't lend to it making all that much sense that he was so against relationships.
I mean, his sister was a single mom, so maybe? But while there's that failed relationship, he has all these relationships around him that are working and show real love in his DMC club.
I mean, maybe he had that attitude because of his divorce and sister beforehand and it was just hard to let that go? I guess. But it just didn't feel like a strong enough reason for him to be so opposed to relationships.
I guess it could just be his preference and that's that, sure. Maybe it just took someone real special like Joey to change his mind - which, it did. But I guess never getting a real concrete reason for his aversion to relationships just kind of felt lacking to me. I wish that the marriage he'd had had been more import to him and really fucked him up as far as relationships are concerned, as that would have made the most sense.
Instead the marriage meant almost nothing to him as it'd been rushed and over so quickly and he didn't even know where his ex-husband lived even, it was such a 'whatever' relationship. So I guess I just never got why he was so averse to relationships over that. I dunno. Maybe that's just me.
Because he's all "I never want to get married again" but of course, in the epilogue in their HEA, 2 years into it, he proposes to Joey (which I loved! Of course I did), but it just shows that marriage didn't mess him up as much as he said it did or the book tried to get across or what have you.
Anyway, those niggles are why I gave this .75 stars off.
But I enjoy the rest so much and I loved their HEA and overall I was so so happy with their love story, which I feel I've been waiting ages for. So two thumbs up for me!
And I can't wait for Keller and Will's love story next. Best friend's dad trope FTW! 😘
My Ratings for the Divorced Men's Club Series:
🔆 Making Him Mine: 3 stars (my review)
🔆 Roommate Arrangement: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Platonic Rulebook: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Budding Attraction: 4.25 stars (my review)
🔆 Employing Patience: 4.25 stars
🔆 System Overload: TBR
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