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Greeting Cards
Holidays are for lovers, just apparently not Ben Haggerty. Not this holiday. After his degree-seeking lover leaves humble blue-collar Ben, Ben spends the Yuletide miserable. He's not accustomed to being alone, not after seven years. Eventually Ben finds his lover's new address and sends him a greeting card asking when he'll come back home—only to learn in the returned correspondence that his card reached the wrong address and another man, Jason Prescott, by mistake.
Jason is touched by Ben's appeal to his lover, and he and Ben spend months growing close as pen pals. Frequently exchanged correspondence turns into weekends spent together, but after learning Jason's working on his second master's degree and is even smarter than Ben's ex, Ben wonders if Jason will be able to love someone as ordinary as he is.
Jason is touched by Ben's appeal to his lover, and he and Ben spend months growing close as pen pals. Frequently exchanged correspondence turns into weekends spent together, but after learning Jason's working on his second master's degree and is even smarter than Ben's ex, Ben wonders if Jason will be able to love someone as ordinary as he is.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
January 12, 2019
Posted at Shelf Inflicted
When Ben comes home from a long day at work, he finds the apartment he shares with Rick, his boyfriend of 8 years, strangely tidy and empty. Although Rick’s note promises his departure is only temporary, several months pass without any word from him. Lonely and inconsolable, Ben asks a friend to find out Rick’s address and he sends a card. The card reaches a student named Jason Prescott. Thinking the card was from his sister, Jason is surprised to read a sad letter from a man who is still very heartbroken. So begins the correspondence between Jason and Ben.
I loved the men’s cutesy cards and unique holidays, like Submarine Day, National Goof Off Day, Smoke and Mirrors Day and International Moments of Laughter Day. Their letters were fun to read, but they lacked depth, making their eventual meeting and relationship feel just a little rushed and unconvincing. I liked that both men have very different backgrounds. Jason is working on his second master’s degree while Ben just graduated high school and works as an electrician. I liked the secondary characters, but found Rick very one-dimensional. It was difficult for me to see why Ben was drawn to him at all, much less spend 8 years of his life with such a jerk. A little more tension and heat, and this would have been a nearly perfect story.
It’s a new year and I can be forgiving of these minor flaws which didn’t prevent me from enjoying this lovely, sweet and humorous romance that was just perfect for the holidays.
When Ben comes home from a long day at work, he finds the apartment he shares with Rick, his boyfriend of 8 years, strangely tidy and empty. Although Rick’s note promises his departure is only temporary, several months pass without any word from him. Lonely and inconsolable, Ben asks a friend to find out Rick’s address and he sends a card. The card reaches a student named Jason Prescott. Thinking the card was from his sister, Jason is surprised to read a sad letter from a man who is still very heartbroken. So begins the correspondence between Jason and Ben.
I loved the men’s cutesy cards and unique holidays, like Submarine Day, National Goof Off Day, Smoke and Mirrors Day and International Moments of Laughter Day. Their letters were fun to read, but they lacked depth, making their eventual meeting and relationship feel just a little rushed and unconvincing. I liked that both men have very different backgrounds. Jason is working on his second master’s degree while Ben just graduated high school and works as an electrician. I liked the secondary characters, but found Rick very one-dimensional. It was difficult for me to see why Ben was drawn to him at all, much less spend 8 years of his life with such a jerk. A little more tension and heat, and this would have been a nearly perfect story.
It’s a new year and I can be forgiving of these minor flaws which didn’t prevent me from enjoying this lovely, sweet and humorous romance that was just perfect for the holidays.
December 11, 2015
This is a wonderful light and easy read. Ideal not just the Christmas Holidays but pretty much any holiday you could think of.
The guys are all adorable, except the assholes who certainly earn the title “Rat bastard”.
While there were a few times I felt the story could of done with just a bit more detail, Overall they were points I could easily overlook.
This is a feel good read, no real angst, but a story line to keep you entertained.
ETA Upping to the full 5 stars as this still leaves me with a warm happy feeling. Would love a follow on story. Maybe their first Christmas with kids?
The guys are all adorable, except the assholes who certainly earn the title “Rat bastard”.
While there were a few times I felt the story could of done with just a bit more detail, Overall they were points I could easily overlook.
This is a feel good read, no real angst, but a story line to keep you entertained.
ETA Upping to the full 5 stars as this still leaves me with a warm happy feeling. Would love a follow on story. Maybe their first Christmas with kids?
September 10, 2016
3.85 stars
Wow talk about a scumbag of a boyfriend, he's a real loser and chickenshit and good riddance I say. Jason and Ben are sweetly romantic, loved the cute funny greeting cards that went back and forth between them, so glad the sneaky matchmaking effort worked out. A very good enjoyable Christmas romance.
Wow talk about a scumbag of a boyfriend, he's a real loser and chickenshit and good riddance I say. Jason and Ben are sweetly romantic, loved the cute funny greeting cards that went back and forth between them, so glad the sneaky matchmaking effort worked out. A very good enjoyable Christmas romance.
December 11, 2013
3.75*
This author penned one of my favorite all time couples Theo and Wills from the free online story The Light in Your Eyes so I am always looking for more from her.
This is a very sweet story and despite what the blurb led me to believe no angst, no drama just a cute 'make me smile' kind of read.
Rick or as I like to call him asshat, leaves Ben after eight years together with no more than a note.
It turns out asshat was far from an ideal boyfriend, one of those guys you love to hate and Ben is such a sweetiepie you just want to hug him!
Anyhows, due to a * mistaken address * Ben sends a card to Rick asking him to come back to him, from this first card a friendship develops between Ben and Jason, the guy who lived at the 'wrong' address.
Jason is brilliant and Ben is an electrician but they totally get along and I have to say I am really loving the cards and freaky and off-the-wall holiday thing they have going on, I am going to google a few for myself!
Now I have a small peeve or two
And now for a friend or two of mine that love their smut, this one doesn't have any! Totally sweet and chaste!
This author penned one of my favorite all time couples Theo and Wills from the free online story The Light in Your Eyes so I am always looking for more from her.
This is a very sweet story and despite what the blurb led me to believe no angst, no drama just a cute 'make me smile' kind of read.
Rick or as I like to call him asshat, leaves Ben after eight years together with no more than a note.
It turns out asshat was far from an ideal boyfriend, one of those guys you love to hate and Ben is such a sweetiepie you just want to hug him!
Anyhows, due to a * mistaken address * Ben sends a card to Rick asking him to come back to him, from this first card a friendship develops between Ben and Jason, the guy who lived at the 'wrong' address.
Jason is brilliant and Ben is an electrician but they totally get along and I have to say I am really loving the cards and freaky and off-the-wall holiday thing they have going on, I am going to google a few for myself!
Now I have a small peeve or two
And now for a friend or two of mine that love their smut, this one doesn't have any! Totally sweet and chaste!
December 8, 2012
The characters felt like cardboard cut-outs, the situations contrived, the dialogue flat, and the chemistry off. It's like the writer just followed a step-by-step guide on how to write a holiday m-m romance and forgot about giving a bit of heart into the task. A couple of times while I was reading this, I thought, "I could write this shit!" And that's never a good thing 'cause I'm a godawful fiction writer.
The intentions were obviously good, though, which saved this from a one star rating.
The intentions were obviously good, though, which saved this from a one star rating.
December 17, 2012
The two guys sending cards back and forth to each other was cute and seemed to be a misunderstanding that brought them together. Alas, it was engineered by a meddling sister and brother-in-law in one of too many convenient coincidences. Everyone knew each other, but didn't realize they all knew each other. How crazy! *rolls eyes* Ben dreams of having a white split-level house with green shutters, a floppy eared dog, maybe kids. The very next chapter, Jason comes home to his...yup, a white split level house with shutters he's contemplating painting green, he thinks, man I want to get a dog, and wouldn't my house be great for raising kids. I get it! They're perfect for each other!
The conversations were just too stilted for 23yo and 26yo guys. When Jason wrote a letter to Ben's estranged mother, the contents of it had me rolling my eyes so much I was afraid they were gonna freeze that way. I was tempted not to finish (I knew how it would end, after all) but slogged it out. In my opinion this would have been a good book in the hands of a better writer. Sorry to be so harsh.
The conversations were just too stilted for 23yo and 26yo guys. When Jason wrote a letter to Ben's estranged mother, the contents of it had me rolling my eyes so much I was afraid they were gonna freeze that way. I was tempted not to finish (I knew how it would end, after all) but slogged it out. In my opinion this would have been a good book in the hands of a better writer. Sorry to be so harsh.
December 12, 2012
This story wasn’t as good as I wanted it to be, I guess I expected more of a schmoopy romance, less instant couple.
It wasn’t bad, I did like it, and I really enjoyed the greeting card aspect, it was just when the time to finally meet in person came I was let down.
There really wasn’t any tension, it was like they knew this was it, they were now a couple.
I guess it was because this book was pretty PG13, and there were no smexy or even boot scenes.
I missed that.
If you are in a meet cute, strawberry time story, this one is for you.
It wasn’t bad, I did like it, and I really enjoyed the greeting card aspect, it was just when the time to finally meet in person came I was let down.
There really wasn’t any tension, it was like they knew this was it, they were now a couple.
I guess it was because this book was pretty PG13, and there were no smexy or even boot scenes.
I missed that.
If you are in a meet cute, strawberry time story, this one is for you.
December 6, 2012
I really enjoyed this book such a feel-good romance. I was so happy Ben got is HEA with someone who is worth it. I loved the greeting cards they gave each other.
March 17, 2013
Awwwww, so the number of 2 star reviews worried me, but I really liked this!! It's a very simple, straightforward read that's light, witty, humorous and had me smiling throughout. Some people mentioned insta-love but I didn't really get that; mention was made of time passing, various holidays etc, but it's not in an depth look.
There is ZERO sex in this book, just lots of kissing and passing mention of a BJ. Still, it's one I really enjoyed and would read again.
Read this if you feel like curling up with a light, feel good read about a blue collar worker who's self conscious about his lack of education and a high IQ, second masters degree student who likes men with callused hands. :-) Throw in their love of wacky holidays and you're set for a fun, angst free time.
There is ZERO sex in this book, just lots of kissing and passing mention of a BJ. Still, it's one I really enjoyed and would read again.
Read this if you feel like curling up with a light, feel good read about a blue collar worker who's self conscious about his lack of education and a high IQ, second masters degree student who likes men with callused hands. :-) Throw in their love of wacky holidays and you're set for a fun, angst free time.
December 20, 2012
Nice little story about Ben, a genuinely nice, hard working guy, who gets ditched by his snobby boyfriend over the holidays. Through some little intrigue he starts exchanging greeting cards (hence the title) with smart and nice Jason. They come together after writing each other a few times and find out they like each other just fine in person, too. The grand finale: christmas together after Ben's last one was so sad.
Ben was a very likable character, not perfect, but very honest and down to earth. Jason was a little more stereotypical, but together they made a cute couple for a christmas novella.
Ben was a very likable character, not perfect, but very honest and down to earth. Jason was a little more stereotypical, but together they made a cute couple for a christmas novella.
December 10, 2012
3.5 stars
Rick was a complete douche...seriously, he deserved what he got...nothing.
Jason was adorable beyond words and exactly the man Ben needed to restore his self-confidence.
The card writing was really sweet, I loved the whole idea behind that storyline and can see it being made into a movie. :-)
I liked this one, but for me, it was a little too obvious from the beginning what was happening and that took a bit of the enjoyment away.
Rick was a complete douche...seriously, he deserved what he got...nothing.
Jason was adorable beyond words and exactly the man Ben needed to restore his self-confidence.
The card writing was really sweet, I loved the whole idea behind that storyline and can see it being made into a movie. :-)
I liked this one, but for me, it was a little too obvious from the beginning what was happening and that took a bit of the enjoyment away.
March 19, 2013
2.5 Stars Sending cards, waiting anxiously for the mail, writing handwritten notes...what year is this again? Ok there's something very romantic about love letters as Nicholas Sparks, no slouch in the selling schmaltzy romance department, can attest. This one started off appealing enough. We've got Ben, whose boyfriend/live in of 8 years leaves him with just an impersonal note. Through some mix up Ben sends a card intended for his ex, Richard, to Jason by mistake. Ben ends up taking up with Jason as they grow closer with each card sent.
This first part was fine & warm hearted even though there were little things that just didn't add up. By the time we get to the point where we find out everything was engineered and through some weird coincidence everyone somehow knows each other, the story just loses whatever magic it had.
People just acted in unbelievable ways. Would someone really send a long winded letter berating someone you don't even know, especially as I didn't read any account where Ben discussed his family at length with Jason. Then Ben's ex is turned into super evil ex. Personally I thought this made Ben look bad. There are plenty of people who stay in bad relationships but Ben was so dense he didn't even realize he was in a bad one for 8 years. Apparently from day one Richard has been bad mouthing Ben to other people because he's so embarrassed by Ben's background yet poor Ben is so out of it he thought things just started to go bad months before. Also all the blame for Ben's estrangement from his family is put on Richard's head as if somehow Ben was incapable of using a phone. I Just couldn't connect to this.
I don't mind the premise of this story at all-- Falling in love through mailing cards & blue collar guy insecure about getting involved with smart grad student. I just would like to have seen it executed better.
This first part was fine & warm hearted even though there were little things that just didn't add up. By the time we get to the point where we find out everything was engineered and through some weird coincidence everyone somehow knows each other, the story just loses whatever magic it had.
People just acted in unbelievable ways. Would someone really send a long winded letter berating someone you don't even know, especially as I didn't read any account where Ben discussed his family at length with Jason. Then Ben's ex is turned into super evil ex. Personally I thought this made Ben look bad. There are plenty of people who stay in bad relationships but Ben was so dense he didn't even realize he was in a bad one for 8 years. Apparently from day one Richard has been bad mouthing Ben to other people because he's so embarrassed by Ben's background yet poor Ben is so out of it he thought things just started to go bad months before. Also all the blame for Ben's estrangement from his family is put on Richard's head as if somehow Ben was incapable of using a phone. I Just couldn't connect to this.
I don't mind the premise of this story at all-- Falling in love through mailing cards & blue collar guy insecure about getting involved with smart grad student. I just would like to have seen it executed better.
December 26, 2013
3.0 Stars
Ben Haggerty and Richard (Rick) Preston were high school sweethearts and have been together for seven years. Ben is a blue-collar worker who works hard to support his BF and be an attentive partner. Rick is seeking his masters degree in physiological chemistry and looks down on his other half. He's an uppity, arrogant, asshole who takes off one day, leaving Ben high and dry. Ben spends the Yuletide and the next few months miserable, anxiously awaiting Rick's return. Ben eventually seeks out Rick's new address and sends him a greeting card asking when he'll come back home. Only, his correspondence goes to the wrong address and another man, Jason Prescott, receives it by mistake. Jason is attending Howe College and working on his second master's degree. He is touched by Ben's appeal to his lover and over the next few months, he and Ben strike up a friendship as pen pals. Frequently exchanged correspondence turns into face-to-face meetings and weekends spent together. Greeting Cards is Jason and Ben's story to HEA.
I enjoyed this book. I liked both Ben and Jason. Rick was a total loser and I was glad to see him go! The number he did on Ben's self-esteem had me seeing red. Jason was the perfect antidote to Ben's Yuletide blues. I LOVE friends to lovers stories and this one did not disappoint. It got pretty sappy at times but I was kinda in the mood for it so it was okay.
Bottom line: an enjoyable holiday read about love and loss and love again.
12/26/13: Re-read. Still one of the books I like by Tinnean. Cute, sweet, holiday treat.
Ben Haggerty and Richard (Rick) Preston were high school sweethearts and have been together for seven years. Ben is a blue-collar worker who works hard to support his BF and be an attentive partner. Rick is seeking his masters degree in physiological chemistry and looks down on his other half. He's an uppity, arrogant, asshole who takes off one day, leaving Ben high and dry. Ben spends the Yuletide and the next few months miserable, anxiously awaiting Rick's return. Ben eventually seeks out Rick's new address and sends him a greeting card asking when he'll come back home. Only, his correspondence goes to the wrong address and another man, Jason Prescott, receives it by mistake. Jason is attending Howe College and working on his second master's degree. He is touched by Ben's appeal to his lover and over the next few months, he and Ben strike up a friendship as pen pals. Frequently exchanged correspondence turns into face-to-face meetings and weekends spent together. Greeting Cards is Jason and Ben's story to HEA.
I enjoyed this book. I liked both Ben and Jason. Rick was a total loser and I was glad to see him go! The number he did on Ben's self-esteem had me seeing red. Jason was the perfect antidote to Ben's Yuletide blues. I LOVE friends to lovers stories and this one did not disappoint. It got pretty sappy at times but I was kinda in the mood for it so it was okay.
Bottom line: an enjoyable holiday read about love and loss and love again.
12/26/13: Re-read. Still one of the books I like by Tinnean. Cute, sweet, holiday treat.
October 11, 2013
I fell in love with this story! I am a sucker for people who meet online, so this pen pal meeting was right up my alley.
Can I just say how much my heart broke for Ben?. Seriously, the guy was a sweetheart. How could he not see Rick for who he really was? Is love really that blind? I hope not.
So here Ben is coming home to his boyfriend, Rick, of almost 8 years after working a buttload of overtime and he finds the house empty. Yeah, Rick left, but he left a note. Note shmote. I want to punch Rick in the throat.
After some time Ben decides to send Rick a card stating how much he missed him. Well, the card was sent to the wrong address. Enter, Jason. Jason is SO forkin' adorable. I want to shrink him down and put him in my pocket.
This would have been a 5 star read from me, but I got a little tired of Ben constantly bringing up Rick. Sorry, but your current lover doesn't need to keep hearing about your ex.
This book made me want to go to Hallmark and write a stupid note to my husband and fall in love with him all over again.
Happy National Angel Food Cake Day :) (10-10-13)
Can I just say how much my heart broke for Ben?. Seriously, the guy was a sweetheart. How could he not see Rick for who he really was? Is love really that blind? I hope not.
So here Ben is coming home to his boyfriend, Rick, of almost 8 years after working a buttload of overtime and he finds the house empty. Yeah, Rick left, but he left a note. Note shmote. I want to punch Rick in the throat.
After some time Ben decides to send Rick a card stating how much he missed him. Well, the card was sent to the wrong address. Enter, Jason. Jason is SO forkin' adorable. I want to shrink him down and put him in my pocket.
This would have been a 5 star read from me, but I got a little tired of Ben constantly bringing up Rick. Sorry, but your current lover doesn't need to keep hearing about your ex.
This book made me want to go to Hallmark and write a stupid note to my husband and fall in love with him all over again.
Happy National Angel Food Cake Day :) (10-10-13)
December 7, 2012
Very sweet. My heart bled for Ben, whose self-esteem suffered at the hands of an insensitive jerk of an ex-boyfriend who didn't appreciate the many wonderful qualities Ben had to offer. That initial letter Ben wrote to Rick, asking him to come back to him, had me in tears.
Enter Jason, who reached out with kindess and compassion to a stranger in a time of need. I adored the letter writing back and forth between Ben and Jason. The uncertainty and anxiety they both felt during those first few exchanges was so endearing. And I adored the way they continued to write to each other, even after meeting in person and entering into a relationship. The way Jason constantly made Ben feel loved and appreciated was beautiful.
I highly recommend this sweet romance!
March 29, 2013
Giving up, I read half book.
My problems were:
- I didn't connect with the main characters. At all.
- The writing confuses me. My English sucks, I know, but i can tell when a book have a problem. This book have many problems. The facts are told, not described, the writing was weird, and I didn't enjoy it.
Unfortunately this story is not for me. 2 stars
My problems were:
- I didn't connect with the main characters. At all.
- The writing confuses me. My English sucks, I know, but i can tell when a book have a problem. This book have many problems. The facts are told, not described, the writing was weird, and I didn't enjoy it.
Unfortunately this story is not for me. 2 stars
Want to read
November 22, 2012This looks so good and I love the soft glow of the cover. Gimme gimme gimme.
November 14, 2014
2 stars, minus one for the cover.
Juvenile and sentimental and really pretty dumb.
Juvenile and sentimental and really pretty dumb.
December 13, 2012
I can't even begin to say how much I loved Jason and Ben. Ben is a sweet man who did everything to make it work with his douche of a boyfriend, Rick. Rick leaves him without a word as to why and says not to contact him. Ben waited weeks and finally sent him a card asking for some answers. The address was wrong and it ends up in Jason's hands months later. Ben and Jason start corresponding and slowly become good friends. I enjoyed the banter in the cards and how they treated each other. It was a sweet story.
February 16, 2013
Good effort that didn't live up to its potential. Since I loved the whole idea of accidentally sending letter to the wrong address, .
Although I'm glad I read it, I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Hope others appreciate it more than I did.
Although I'm glad I read it, I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Hope others appreciate it more than I did.
December 14, 2012
3.5 stars - This is a light, easy holiday read. It's a total comfort read with a cute couple and an adorable romance that will leave you smiling and warm your heart :)
Want to read
March 17, 2013Free on Dreamspinners on 3/17/13 only!
December 18, 2012
Lovely:)
January 14, 2013
I liked many things about this book and would like to be able to rate it higher, but there were too many things that really bothered me and prevented me from rounding up to 4 stars. If I could give partial ratings, I'd probably give it something like 3.49 stars.
In order to explain, I have to talk about the story, which means spoilers. Sorry!
First, what I liked:
1. The main characters- I have a soft spot for main characters like Ben - nice guys who aren't brimming with self confidence - and for guys like Jason, who recognize the value in guys like Ben and are patient enough to do what it takes to bring them out of their shell. I also really liked that Ben was a blue collar worker but not in construction or other similar lines of work. Not that this was a focus of the story, but it made for an interesting change, as did his hobby of playing the bagpipes.
2. The hook - there was something really sweet about the two main characters meeting each other thought a mistake and then exchanging greeting cards instead of chatting on line or texting. Something about someone actually putting pen on paper that made it feel nostalgic and at the same time more romantic.
3. The pace - I liked the fact that the story took place over a pretty long period of time - over a year. The nature of the Ben and Jason's initial interactions through correspondence helped to stretch out the timetable so that the characters had time to get to know each other and find common interests, instead of falling in love instantly and moving in together a week later. The span of time made both the relationship and the HEA more believable.
What disappointed me:
1. the almost superficial treatment and too easy resolution of some of the bigger conflicts, The problems created an excellent opportunity for some real tension and angst before a resolution was found, but instead all of them were resolved so quickly and flatly as to be almost immaterial.
2.
3. the lack of interaction of Jason with Ben's friends. We saw a lot of instances of Ben interacting with people in Jason's life, but very little of Jason reciprocating. Granted, Ben may not have been as social and he did move to Jason's town, but it still would have been nice to see the other side of the coin, perhaps Jason worrying that he, the intellectual, might not impress or fit in with Ben's blue collar, bagpipe playing friends.
Overall, I thought this was a very sweet romance and I enjoyed its simplicity, but would have enjoyed it more if it was perhaps a little deeper. Still, this was a great book for readers who like the shy underdog finding his prince and his HEA :)
In order to explain, I have to talk about the story, which means spoilers. Sorry!
First, what I liked:
1. The main characters- I have a soft spot for main characters like Ben - nice guys who aren't brimming with self confidence - and for guys like Jason, who recognize the value in guys like Ben and are patient enough to do what it takes to bring them out of their shell. I also really liked that Ben was a blue collar worker but not in construction or other similar lines of work. Not that this was a focus of the story, but it made for an interesting change, as did his hobby of playing the bagpipes.
2. The hook - there was something really sweet about the two main characters meeting each other thought a mistake and then exchanging greeting cards instead of chatting on line or texting. Something about someone actually putting pen on paper that made it feel nostalgic and at the same time more romantic.
3. The pace - I liked the fact that the story took place over a pretty long period of time - over a year. The nature of the Ben and Jason's initial interactions through correspondence helped to stretch out the timetable so that the characters had time to get to know each other and find common interests, instead of falling in love instantly and moving in together a week later. The span of time made both the relationship and the HEA more believable.
What disappointed me:
1. the almost superficial treatment and too easy resolution of some of the bigger conflicts, The problems created an excellent opportunity for some real tension and angst before a resolution was found, but instead all of them were resolved so quickly and flatly as to be almost immaterial.
2.
3. the lack of interaction of Jason with Ben's friends. We saw a lot of instances of Ben interacting with people in Jason's life, but very little of Jason reciprocating. Granted, Ben may not have been as social and he did move to Jason's town, but it still would have been nice to see the other side of the coin, perhaps Jason worrying that he, the intellectual, might not impress or fit in with Ben's blue collar, bagpipe playing friends.
Overall, I thought this was a very sweet romance and I enjoyed its simplicity, but would have enjoyed it more if it was perhaps a little deeper. Still, this was a great book for readers who like the shy underdog finding his prince and his HEA :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2020
A rat-bastard of an ex triggers Always, Ben by Tinnean… and the guy absolutely deserves the title. Thankfully, his actions create a sweet and romantic greeting card exchange for two men who have a lot to offer each other. Their story is a light and easy read that transcends the Christmas holiday to a forever they deserve.
After eight years the Rat Bastard, Rick Preston, up and leaves his boyfriend Ben Haggerty with the allusion that it is temporary, he will be in touch. After time passes Ben enlists his friend Fred Lancaster’s help in finding an address for Rick. Somehow (wink, wink) the card is misdirected winding up in the hands of Jason Prescott. Thus, begins a flirty exchange of greeting cards for obscure holidays that Ben exclusively signs “Always, Ben”.
Ben’s insecurities might very well sabotage the budding relationship, thanks to the Rat Bastard once again, but Jason’s patience and determination slowly breaks through them. The easy camaraderie their anonymous exchanges creates spurs desire and longing for each man. Taking a chance is never easy, but these guys reap the rewards for the risk.
‘Always, Ben’ is an enjoyable story full of feelings and humor.
For those who need some on-page action this won’t be for you. What there is all fades to black, for the men’s eyes only. Instead you feel their connection with the way they talk to, treat and look at each other. It’s really sweet and romantic how they cherish one another, taking nothing for granted.
Overall Always, Ben is an enjoyable story full of feelings and humor. There are a couple tense moments, thanks again to the Rat Bastard, but they are overshadowed by the rest. In summary, this is sort of a modern-day fairy tale where the Prince winds up with the blue-collar worker and they live happily ever after. The End!
After eight years the Rat Bastard, Rick Preston, up and leaves his boyfriend Ben Haggerty with the allusion that it is temporary, he will be in touch. After time passes Ben enlists his friend Fred Lancaster’s help in finding an address for Rick. Somehow (wink, wink) the card is misdirected winding up in the hands of Jason Prescott. Thus, begins a flirty exchange of greeting cards for obscure holidays that Ben exclusively signs “Always, Ben”.
Ben’s insecurities might very well sabotage the budding relationship, thanks to the Rat Bastard once again, but Jason’s patience and determination slowly breaks through them. The easy camaraderie their anonymous exchanges creates spurs desire and longing for each man. Taking a chance is never easy, but these guys reap the rewards for the risk.
‘Always, Ben’ is an enjoyable story full of feelings and humor.
For those who need some on-page action this won’t be for you. What there is all fades to black, for the men’s eyes only. Instead you feel their connection with the way they talk to, treat and look at each other. It’s really sweet and romantic how they cherish one another, taking nothing for granted.
Overall Always, Ben is an enjoyable story full of feelings and humor. There are a couple tense moments, thanks again to the Rat Bastard, but they are overshadowed by the rest. In summary, this is sort of a modern-day fairy tale where the Prince winds up with the blue-collar worker and they live happily ever after. The End!
December 9, 2012
4.5 stars
This is an absolutely adorable and heartwarming story about two men who develop a sweet friendship via greeting cards they mail back and forth to one another. When Ben Haggerty's boyfriend of eight years leaves him with virtually no explanation, he's crushed. Being an electrician, he never felt intelligent or clever enough for his boyfriend, Rick. It also didn't help that Rick constantly put him down and killed his self esteem. After months apart, Ben decides to send Rick a card asking him to come home. However, the card never reaches Rick. Instead it makes its way to Jason Prescott, a graduate student working on his second master's degree. Touched by the heartfelt words in the card, Jason writes back to Ben. Thus begins months of correspondence in which the men learn more about each other and develop something truly special.
Even though my heart broke for Ben for much of the first third of the book, this story turned out to be very sweet and put a smile on my face. Due to the fact that Rick put him down so often for being "blue collar" and unintelligent, Ben suffered from extremely low self esteem, but seeing his confidence slowly build because of Jason was lovely. Rick was the perfect villain and very easy to hate. Jason was so thoughtful, attentive and wonderful, everything Ben needed after being torn down for so long.
If you're looking for a story that will give you the warm and fuzzies, this is the book for you.
This is an absolutely adorable and heartwarming story about two men who develop a sweet friendship via greeting cards they mail back and forth to one another. When Ben Haggerty's boyfriend of eight years leaves him with virtually no explanation, he's crushed. Being an electrician, he never felt intelligent or clever enough for his boyfriend, Rick. It also didn't help that Rick constantly put him down and killed his self esteem. After months apart, Ben decides to send Rick a card asking him to come home. However, the card never reaches Rick. Instead it makes its way to Jason Prescott, a graduate student working on his second master's degree. Touched by the heartfelt words in the card, Jason writes back to Ben. Thus begins months of correspondence in which the men learn more about each other and develop something truly special.
Even though my heart broke for Ben for much of the first third of the book, this story turned out to be very sweet and put a smile on my face. Due to the fact that Rick put him down so often for being "blue collar" and unintelligent, Ben suffered from extremely low self esteem, but seeing his confidence slowly build because of Jason was lovely. Rick was the perfect villain and very easy to hate. Jason was so thoughtful, attentive and wonderful, everything Ben needed after being torn down for so long.
If you're looking for a story that will give you the warm and fuzzies, this is the book for you.
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March 24, 2013I honestly cannot, for the world take this book seriously. I refuse to do so.
The writing seems so childish and honestly, something written by an amateur. Which is funny thinking how many books this author has published.
There are the type of books whose romantic plot is unbelievable, but are written so good that you can get lost in the story and enjoy it, even if you know that this will never happen in real life( e.g. Mary Calmes). And then there are books like this one that seem to take themselves seriously and are so unbelievable that I cannot get lost in them. The type of books that makes cartoons out of its characters. I mean REALLY! Ben and Jason were so poorly done that I couldn’t believe I was actually reading this. Oh, and talk about clichés. This book had so many!
And I have to say this. Was it my impression or was every character in this book acting as :
a. a person with an IQ below 60
b. a child of 3 years old?
c. A complete idiot
d. All of the above
I did like the greeting cards thing though. It was cute. Although I was kinda screaming at them:” e-mail was invented!” Think …all at just a click away.
My first book by the author and honestly, probably my last.
Still, not sorry I read this. It’s that type of book that’s so bad it’s almost good. Almost…but not quite :P
July 27, 2013
As a lot of people know, I am a huge fan of this author. She never fails to make me fall in love with her books. This is another book I absolutely adored, but it was a bit short, so I decided to go with four stars. I don't read a lot of Christmas stories, but this one was definitely cute.
Ben's boyfriend, Rick, left him after eight years together. Trying to find out why, Ben sends him a card with the address he was given for him. Instead of it going to Rick, though, it went to Jason. At first they start sending hallmark cards, but eventually things progress. It was very cute.
I loved the relationship. I loved most of the characters. Rick, well, he was an ass. I would have liked to have gotten the chance to see him get his own heart crushed. He was just... Not a very nice man. I hope he gets his comeuppance some day.
Anyway, this is another great story from Tinnean. I can't wait to read more of her work, and I hope to read more from her soon.
Ben's boyfriend, Rick, left him after eight years together. Trying to find out why, Ben sends him a card with the address he was given for him. Instead of it going to Rick, though, it went to Jason. At first they start sending hallmark cards, but eventually things progress. It was very cute.
I loved the relationship. I loved most of the characters. Rick, well, he was an ass. I would have liked to have gotten the chance to see him get his own heart crushed. He was just... Not a very nice man. I hope he gets his comeuppance some day.
Anyway, this is another great story from Tinnean. I can't wait to read more of her work, and I hope to read more from her soon.
December 7, 2012
I really loved this story. I thought it was very well-written and cleverly done. I adored Ben and Jason and how their relationship developed. While how they become acquainted is a bit obvious when you start getting into the story, that never effected my enjoyment of the book. It was such a sweet story and I seriously loved the whole greeting cards angle, as well as, the random holidays. It makes me smile even now.
Rick, Ben's ex was a complete dick and I hated him beyond words. Ben was a bit naive but I still adored him. When he finally put his foot down regarding Rick, I literally cheered. It was just a great story, exactly what I was looking for at the time and I know I'll be re-reading it one day. I could never get enough of these boys so I hope there's more to come of them in the future!
Rick, Ben's ex was a complete dick and I hated him beyond words. Ben was a bit naive but I still adored him. When he finally put his foot down regarding Rick, I literally cheered. It was just a great story, exactly what I was looking for at the time and I know I'll be re-reading it one day. I could never get enough of these boys so I hope there's more to come of them in the future!
December 6, 2012
Uber sweet story that the timeline and dialogues felt awkward from time to time but over all it is a sweet story.
Ben is such a sweet, honest, loyal guy who definitely deserve HEA with his new love Jason. Ben was very earnest with his feelings that you can't help but rooting for him to find happiness.
I liked that the romance happens over time and not rushed to completion within one week.
Ben is such a sweet, honest, loyal guy who definitely deserve HEA with his new love Jason. Ben was very earnest with his feelings that you can't help but rooting for him to find happiness.
I liked that the romance happens over time and not rushed to completion within one week.
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