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The Men of Halfway House #1
A Better Man
Matthew Doner is starting over. After a five-year prison term that alters every aspect of his life, he receives a bequest from his aunt with the stipulation that he use the money to make things right. Breaking free of the long-standing role he’s played and inspired by the few who support him, he decides to create a safe place where people like him can find purpose and start a new life.
Julian Capeletti likes challenges. He is confident, brash, stubborn, and just what Matt needs. Desperate for work after a downturn of luck, he accepts the job to renovate Matt’s crumbling building.
Over the course of a year, romance simmers between them as they restore the house. But there’s a bigger renovation that must take place in their hearts. To become better men, they need to learn to trust each other even with secrets and painful memories they fear may rip them apart.
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NOTE: 2nd edition is revised and expanded.
Julian Capeletti likes challenges. He is confident, brash, stubborn, and just what Matt needs. Desperate for work after a downturn of luck, he accepts the job to renovate Matt’s crumbling building.
Over the course of a year, romance simmers between them as they restore the house. But there’s a bigger renovation that must take place in their hearts. To become better men, they need to learn to trust each other even with secrets and painful memories they fear may rip them apart.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: 2nd edition is revised and expanded.
211 pages, ebook
First published July 21, 2012
185 people are currently reading
1719 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Reese
9 books722 followersI get this huge dorky grin on my face when I receive a message from someone who has taken the time to read my book. I know readers have a choice in a sea of many options. I'm humbled when someone chooses one of mine. Thank you. ~JR
About me...
Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.
...and yes, it was totally weird reading something about myself in 3rd person :)
Where am I?
Website
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Twitter
About me...
Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.
...and yes, it was totally weird reading something about myself in 3rd person :)
Where am I?
Website
Facebook Author Page
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 489 reviews
July 22, 2012
This lost its footing and slipped over the edge of the too-much-sap cliff. You know how critics of the m/m genre say the MCs are women written as men? Well this is that kind of book. Not that women all behave like this; just that the stereotype holds true here. I don't know anyone IRL who would act like this, regardless of gender identity. The level of "Love you", "No, love you more" makes me itchy and unsettled.
Actually all stereotypes hold true in this book. Workaholic dad, phobic mother, abusive dad . . . everyone is a cardboard cutout. There's no sense that this is real life. There is the potential for an interesting secondary female character, but then she only gets two tiny scenes and about 10 lines total.
The kissing descriptions were lovely. Yay for kissing!
Overall just a very average book for me, sorry.
Actually all stereotypes hold true in this book. Workaholic dad, phobic mother, abusive dad . . . everyone is a cardboard cutout. There's no sense that this is real life. There is the potential for an interesting secondary female character, but then she only gets two tiny scenes and about 10 lines total.
The kissing descriptions were lovely. Yay for kissing!
Overall just a very average book for me, sorry.
August 30, 2022
2.35 stars
Going into this I expected some hardcore prison stuff. OZ style. Keller -Beecher kind of story...
Instead I got some fluffy story..... my bad.. It's me, not the book, skipped some parts, didn't really feel their chemistry, the mum was some kind of over the top Disney villain.
Anyhoo, if I had read this years ago, maybe the experience would have been different.
Going into this I expected some hardcore prison stuff. OZ style. Keller -Beecher kind of story...
Instead I got some fluffy story..... my bad.. It's me, not the book, skipped some parts, didn't really feel their chemistry, the mum was some kind of over the top Disney villain.
Anyhoo, if I had read this years ago, maybe the experience would have been different.
January 19, 2015
Written January 19, 2015
3.3 Stars - Nice and tender !!
A Better Man is a year-long M/M romance about a house and two damaged men. It has been waiting here unread since last February. My expectations were big.
***********************************************************
Matthew Doner is starting over after some years in prison. He has a dream and receives a bequest (a legacy) from an old aunt with the stipulation that he use the money to make things right.... again. Matt use the money to buy an old house, a house which needs to be renovated from the ground. He wants to make a future Halfway House:
Matt isn't at all a handyman type and hires a qualified construction worker to do the job for him.
Julian Capeletti is in urgent need of a new construction job, or any work for money actually, so he accepts the job for a quite low pay. To make it possible to make it, on that money and he himself in just a year, Julian has to move in. From that day are they both living and working together in the unfinished house.
Here starts an very slowly growing friends-, and later lovers, relationship. There were some touching sweet moments but I —and Julian— had to be patient.
***********************************************************
This book more or less had everything but still I really missed "that" special feeling. Something, I'm not sure what, was kind of missing for me.
These main characters, Matt and Julian, are two lovely, easy to like men. Their life-stories are quite heartbreaking (I felt for them). The storyline, the plot, and the disposition with these short chapters and focus on interesting events during a year, was nicely done. There were also some thrilling, but maybe too melodramatic, secret family drama to add an very angsty feeling to it all.
I should probably have been more stunned and felt more. But I'm sorry to say, I didn't.
A Better Man ended up as a sweet read I enjoyed partly but it didn't give me any bigger desire to continue this series or look for more books by this author. I don't want to complain, I can see why a lot of friends loved it, but maybe was it just the wrong week for me.
***********************************************************
A slow build relationship with two hurt souls that didn't mark the bull's-eye in my heart. I'm a bit surprised actually. This tale should fit perfect for a romantic girl like me.
I LIKE - these main characters
3.3 Stars - Nice and tender !!
A Better Man is a year-long M/M romance about a house and two damaged men. It has been waiting here unread since last February. My expectations were big.
***********************************************************
Matthew Doner is starting over after some years in prison. He has a dream and receives a bequest (a legacy) from an old aunt with the stipulation that he use the money to make things right.... again. Matt use the money to buy an old house, a house which needs to be renovated from the ground. He wants to make a future Halfway House:
”It's a place of second chance. Sometimes, when people get out of prison, they have a hard time getting back on their feet, whether it be money, family, or whatever the reason. We want it to be welcoming, like a home should be so they feel comfortable enough to take that chance and take charge of their life.”
Matt isn't at all a handyman type and hires a qualified construction worker to do the job for him.
Julian Capeletti is in urgent need of a new construction job, or any work for money actually, so he accepts the job for a quite low pay. To make it possible to make it, on that money and he himself in just a year, Julian has to move in. From that day are they both living and working together in the unfinished house.
Here starts an very slowly growing friends-, and later lovers, relationship. There were some touching sweet moments but I —and Julian— had to be patient.
‘He needed some blazing neon sign from Matt before he'd even consider making another move. If Matt needed time, Julian would gladly give him however much he needed, if being with Matt was the prize.’
***********************************************************
This book more or less had everything but still I really missed "that" special feeling. Something, I'm not sure what, was kind of missing for me.
These main characters, Matt and Julian, are two lovely, easy to like men. Their life-stories are quite heartbreaking (I felt for them). The storyline, the plot, and the disposition with these short chapters and focus on interesting events during a year, was nicely done. There were also some thrilling, but maybe too melodramatic, secret family drama to add an very angsty feeling to it all.
I should probably have been more stunned and felt more. But I'm sorry to say, I didn't.
‘He should apologize and remove his hand, but Matt's face was like a magnet. Their eyes met then Matt closed his eyes and leaned into Julian's hand. Julian's chest tightened. He slowly moved his thumb back and forth, caressing Matt's cheek. His heartbeat sped up, heat rose through his body, and it was damn near impossible to swallow past the lump in his throat’
A Better Man ended up as a sweet read I enjoyed partly but it didn't give me any bigger desire to continue this series or look for more books by this author. I don't want to complain, I can see why a lot of friends loved it, but maybe was it just the wrong week for me.
***********************************************************
A slow build relationship with two hurt souls that didn't mark the bull's-eye in my heart. I'm a bit surprised actually. This tale should fit perfect for a romantic girl like me.
I LIKE - these main characters
October 25, 2018
3,25 stars
This is my first book by this author. It started pretty good and I actually enjoyed it, but at one point it became unexpectedly sweet. It's not something I've enjoyed lately. When both main characters are super reserved and keep their distance for months, but they use the L word all of the sudden, well I kind of rolled my eyes.
Their back stories are very sad, but I've enjoyed how it all fell into place in the end. A little unbelievable, but that's OK. Wish in real life some parents could wake up sooner rather than later and try to save their relationships with their kids. Even if they were absent most of their lives.
So overall it was a nice story and it kept my interest. I've read it in one sitting and can't wait to read the next books. Looking at all those high ratings, I'd say I'll need to read them soon.
This is my first book by this author. It started pretty good and I actually enjoyed it, but at one point it became unexpectedly sweet. It's not something I've enjoyed lately. When both main characters are super reserved and keep their distance for months, but they use the L word all of the sudden, well I kind of rolled my eyes.
Their back stories are very sad, but I've enjoyed how it all fell into place in the end. A little unbelievable, but that's OK. Wish in real life some parents could wake up sooner rather than later and try to save their relationships with their kids. Even if they were absent most of their lives.
So overall it was a nice story and it kept my interest. I've read it in one sitting and can't wait to read the next books. Looking at all those high ratings, I'd say I'll need to read them soon.
April 2, 2013
Oh my God, this book was fantastic!
By far one of the sweetest books I have ever read. I have never read a book like it before and I was glad I tried it. A Better man has everything I love in the base of a romance and even more. It has passion and sweet moments, with amazing characters to top it all off. From the first page I was gripped and have never felt so connected to a story. This is about the love that Matt and Julian share, and the two of them dealing with the demons from their pasts. And the two of them coming together and standing side by side.
Julian, was an amazing character. He was just sweet, funny, witty and caring. He was not perfect. His flaws were shown and they were explained which was nice. I loved the glimpses we were told about his past. I felt so sorry for him when he told Matt everything. The reveal of his middle name melted my heart, I almost cried for him. Julian, I believe should have won an award for being such a great guy. I would love to have a man like him as my boyfriend. If I'm honest he was my favourite.
A boner looking for a handyman...
Matt, was a character that grew on me after he started lusting after Julian. Before that I could not connect with him at all. Once the real Matt came out, I was smitten. Not only was he caring and loving, but when he got nervous he was adorable. His past was what helped me to love him the most, but his love for J was another bonus in my eyes. It was hard not to love him, he was just what Julian needed. And Julian was what he needed.
Its Doner, D-O-N-E-R, Doner
J and Matt!
I laughed, I cried and I swooned while reading this book. Its lovely to read a book about tough men that can be kittens when they are in love. I have to say its a must read for me. I would love to read more from these two, maybe a short story. A wedding? Babies? Yes, I'm a sap, but I don't just want new characters, I want more of these two and the marriage and babies is just a suggestion. More cute/hot scenes would be appreciated too. And, I have read it about ten times and counting.
Highly recommend this!!!
By far one of the sweetest books I have ever read. I have never read a book like it before and I was glad I tried it. A Better man has everything I love in the base of a romance and even more. It has passion and sweet moments, with amazing characters to top it all off. From the first page I was gripped and have never felt so connected to a story. This is about the love that Matt and Julian share, and the two of them dealing with the demons from their pasts. And the two of them coming together and standing side by side.
Julian, was an amazing character. He was just sweet, funny, witty and caring. He was not perfect. His flaws were shown and they were explained which was nice. I loved the glimpses we were told about his past. I felt so sorry for him when he told Matt everything. The reveal of his middle name melted my heart, I almost cried for him. Julian, I believe should have won an award for being such a great guy. I would love to have a man like him as my boyfriend. If I'm honest he was my favourite.
A boner looking for a handyman...
Matt, was a character that grew on me after he started lusting after Julian. Before that I could not connect with him at all. Once the real Matt came out, I was smitten. Not only was he caring and loving, but when he got nervous he was adorable. His past was what helped me to love him the most, but his love for J was another bonus in my eyes. It was hard not to love him, he was just what Julian needed. And Julian was what he needed.
Its Doner, D-O-N-E-R, Doner
J and Matt!
I laughed, I cried and I swooned while reading this book. Its lovely to read a book about tough men that can be kittens when they are in love. I have to say its a must read for me. I would love to read more from these two, maybe a short story. A wedding? Babies? Yes, I'm a sap, but I don't just want new characters, I want more of these two and the marriage and babies is just a suggestion. More cute/hot scenes would be appreciated too. And, I have read it about ten times and counting.
Highly recommend this!!!
June 4, 2015
This book is very cute. But it's too much. I felt I was forced to love the MCs and as such, I was compelled to resist to their charms. I honestly had a hard time finishing the book. First I thought my slowness was because my brain was catching up on some sleep after long weeks of studying for my exams or the fact I got hooked to a TV series. But then I began reading another book after finishing this one and I couldn't put it down so I stayed the wee hours with the lights on till my eyelids were to heavy to lift. Even more: that book made me feel warm in the belly whereas A Better Man couldn't even start a fire. So in the end it was the book's fault, not mine.
The main problem is that the characters were too perfect for me. Their lives are too perfect dramas. I felt for them instantly. Well, not really. I liked their interactions, I liked the "I love you"/"I love you more" sequences, I liked the premise. But something failed in the developing of it all. There were clear dots but the lines to join them all didn't draw the picture I expected.
Matt was the perfect brother, and of course, he says he's the when in fact he . Of course that awakes Julian's sympathy, and everybody else's, in the process, except mine. Was it necessary for Matt to be such a martyr? I don't say there are not people out there who would willingly take the place of a loved one and even prefer it that way but here it was too superficial and artificial that after there is no spitefulness (or hate) for all the lost years. I felt disappointment when there is no conflict (at all) between the brothers after all that had happened. Only honorable feeling. Nothing of what the human being shows now and then. And Julian is the boy who is alone in the world after . He needs to be petted and Matt is the one who has to do it. Cheesy as hell.
Even the mother was the perfect bitch. Too Disney-worldy for me. Why is it more evident when a woman is a bad person and we barely notice when the man is the one? Food for thought for a later occasion. Anyway, if there is a bitch in the movie, then her husband is a wimp. But of course the wimp one dares to confront Mrs. Bennet in the most crucial moment. And that way he's forgiven for the passivity during the whole children' lives. "You have been a bad father but hey, after this scene you are awesome, so let's follow the yellow brick road". I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.
The brother and his fiancée and Sam and... Jeez. All of them were nice! TOO nice. It was very claustrophobic here. I wanted to throw a pinch of reality here and there to make it all more believable or at least less harakiri-inducing. I felt I was swimming in cotton candy while I was being sung a fairy tale (no pun intended).
The positive part: I liked it wasn't love at first sight and a let's-have sex just after they meet. Unfortunately nothing of this held my attention for long. Sometimes I even was bored. The book goes throughout a year: from June to June, closing the circle in 4 seasons to see glimpses of them together during several days each month. Matt is decided to built a halfway house for prisoners with no support when they finally get out of jail, and Julian is the one he employees to reform the house. I have to think very hard to remember if I had read a plot like this one and nothing occurred to me. So congratulations for the originality.
After reading this I come to the conclusion this book it not for me. And although I don't precisely dislike the author, it was a big disappointment.
The main problem is that the characters were too perfect for me. Their lives are too perfect dramas. I felt for them instantly. Well, not really. I liked their interactions, I liked the "I love you"/"I love you more" sequences, I liked the premise. But something failed in the developing of it all. There were clear dots but the lines to join them all didn't draw the picture I expected.
Matt was the perfect brother, and of course, he says he's the when in fact he . Of course that awakes Julian's sympathy, and everybody else's, in the process, except mine. Was it necessary for Matt to be such a martyr? I don't say there are not people out there who would willingly take the place of a loved one and even prefer it that way but here it was too superficial and artificial that after there is no spitefulness (or hate) for all the lost years. I felt disappointment when there is no conflict (at all) between the brothers after all that had happened. Only honorable feeling. Nothing of what the human being shows now and then. And Julian is the boy who is alone in the world after . He needs to be petted and Matt is the one who has to do it. Cheesy as hell.
Even the mother was the perfect bitch. Too Disney-worldy for me. Why is it more evident when a woman is a bad person and we barely notice when the man is the one? Food for thought for a later occasion. Anyway, if there is a bitch in the movie, then her husband is a wimp. But of course the wimp one dares to confront Mrs. Bennet in the most crucial moment. And that way he's forgiven for the passivity during the whole children' lives. "You have been a bad father but hey, after this scene you are awesome, so let's follow the yellow brick road". I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.
The brother and his fiancée and Sam and... Jeez. All of them were nice! TOO nice. It was very claustrophobic here. I wanted to throw a pinch of reality here and there to make it all more believable or at least less harakiri-inducing. I felt I was swimming in cotton candy while I was being sung a fairy tale (no pun intended).
The positive part: I liked it wasn't love at first sight and a let's-have sex just after they meet. Unfortunately nothing of this held my attention for long. Sometimes I even was bored. The book goes throughout a year: from June to June, closing the circle in 4 seasons to see glimpses of them together during several days each month. Matt is decided to built a halfway house for prisoners with no support when they finally get out of jail, and Julian is the one he employees to reform the house. I have to think very hard to remember if I had read a plot like this one and nothing occurred to me. So congratulations for the originality.
After reading this I come to the conclusion this book it not for me. And although I don't precisely dislike the author, it was a big disappointment.
August 30, 2018
I have re-read this series many times and it has become one of my favorite mm-series. Though this first book is not my favorite, so far that title belongs to book 3, I still enjoyed reading it very much. After reading the other books in this series (they all focuss on a different couple), I got to know Matt and Julian even better, which made me enjoy re-reading this one even more.
Matt has spend 5 years in prison, for a crime he himself did not commit. He decided to take the fall for it, because he wanted to cover for his brother.
Now that he's out, he wants to build a half-way house for people just like him. Getting help fixing up the old building he wants to use is not as easy though.
Enter Julian Capeletti, handyman. He answers the add in the paper, to help restore the old building. Julian seems to be kind of cold, but that's because he has his own horrible past to deal with.
Slowly these two men start opening up to each other.....This is a slow burn romance. You won't find any insta-love in this one, but you will find a lot of sexual tension...
I just wish the steamy scenes would have been a bit more detailed, but hey....that's just me ;)
This review is posted on Wendy's Wycked Words
May 23, 2014
A Better Man is one of my favorite books of all time. I read it the first time it was released and I fell in love with both the characters and the story. I didn't know how I would feel reading it with things changed, I worried about the changes slightly but I didn't really panic. I was more excited than anything. And when I started reading this again, I soon realized that I would have no issues loving these characters again. Jaime Reese did a wonderful job adding and rewriting scenes. She didn't change the core of this story and that, I believe, is the reason this is still on my favorites list.
I really loved the characters. Matt, who did something amazing for his younger brother and almost ruined his own life in the process, was really easy to like. He had family issues that really made him as a person and I think that was part of the reason I loved him. But J really stole my heart in this book. He was everything I love in a character and more. I loved how much he loved Matt. His past, like Matt's, wasn't easy and he had his demons, but he was always there when Matt needed him. I couldn't have picked a better pair and my love for both of them just grew as I read the book. Their relationship was fun and snarky, but sometimes serious, and I rooted for them from the beginning.
This book wasn't really angsty, but saying that, there was some drama in this. Between Matt's family (his mother, really) and the secrets he kept from J, plus J's past, it all had the potential to be really hard to read. And while I was reading I was waiting for something to go really wrong and I was overcome with dread during one of the scenes, but these guys were solid and nothing tore them apart. If anything, the troubles in their lives brought them closer together. So nothing was ever OTT or too much in this and that was something I was appreciative of.
The dialogue between the two guys made me feel all happy and mushy inside. I read romance because I love romantic scenes. But I also like having fun while I read and the banter between these guys was awesome! It was like watching two best friends fall in love. And that was another great thing. These guys became friends and then they became more. Sure, there were a couple of kisses before they became a couple. But they also fell in love before becoming an official couple and that was a huge bonus. And no matter how lovey-dovey they were, the banter never disappeared which can happen sometimes.
One of my favorite scenes is the one where they meet for the first time. It had me laughing so hard that I had tears in my eyes and I couldn't stop. Honestly, I was so glad that scene was in this book because it really made this book what it was for me. Among many other scenes, but this was the first scene that really made me think "This book is amazing!"
"Hello? Mr. Boner?" He smiled. Gosh, this was never going to get old.
"It's Doner." He heard an aggravated man's voice from one of the rooms on the right.
"Oh, sorry, the ad read Boner." He just couldn't resist throwing that in there one more time.
The irritated man walked out into the hallway, stopped, and crossed his arms. "It's Doner. D-O-N-E-R. Doner."
He could spell it any way he wanted, a-s-s-h-o-l-e was the only thing that ran through Julian's mind at that moment.
And there was this.
"I love you, Matt," he said then softly pressed his lips to Matt's in a tender kiss.
When they separated, Matt was smiling, his eyes bright with emotion. "I love you more," he responded and reached up to touch Julian. His fingers ghosted over Julian's temples and down the side of his face to his chin.
I have always adored the "I love you" "I love you more" scene. It's another scene that really made this book what it was for me. But it was also one of those romantic scenes that made me feel so many things. It was just so very, very good, and I think it's one of those scenes you can really tell how much Matt and J love each other.
This is a must read in my opinion. And I cannot wait for the sequel!
I really loved the characters. Matt, who did something amazing for his younger brother and almost ruined his own life in the process, was really easy to like. He had family issues that really made him as a person and I think that was part of the reason I loved him. But J really stole my heart in this book. He was everything I love in a character and more. I loved how much he loved Matt. His past, like Matt's, wasn't easy and he had his demons, but he was always there when Matt needed him. I couldn't have picked a better pair and my love for both of them just grew as I read the book. Their relationship was fun and snarky, but sometimes serious, and I rooted for them from the beginning.
This book wasn't really angsty, but saying that, there was some drama in this. Between Matt's family (his mother, really) and the secrets he kept from J, plus J's past, it all had the potential to be really hard to read. And while I was reading I was waiting for something to go really wrong and I was overcome with dread during one of the scenes, but these guys were solid and nothing tore them apart. If anything, the troubles in their lives brought them closer together. So nothing was ever OTT or too much in this and that was something I was appreciative of.
The dialogue between the two guys made me feel all happy and mushy inside. I read romance because I love romantic scenes. But I also like having fun while I read and the banter between these guys was awesome! It was like watching two best friends fall in love. And that was another great thing. These guys became friends and then they became more. Sure, there were a couple of kisses before they became a couple. But they also fell in love before becoming an official couple and that was a huge bonus. And no matter how lovey-dovey they were, the banter never disappeared which can happen sometimes.
One of my favorite scenes is the one where they meet for the first time. It had me laughing so hard that I had tears in my eyes and I couldn't stop. Honestly, I was so glad that scene was in this book because it really made this book what it was for me. Among many other scenes, but this was the first scene that really made me think "This book is amazing!"
"Hello? Mr. Boner?" He smiled. Gosh, this was never going to get old.
"It's Doner." He heard an aggravated man's voice from one of the rooms on the right.
"Oh, sorry, the ad read Boner." He just couldn't resist throwing that in there one more time.
The irritated man walked out into the hallway, stopped, and crossed his arms. "It's Doner. D-O-N-E-R. Doner."
He could spell it any way he wanted, a-s-s-h-o-l-e was the only thing that ran through Julian's mind at that moment.
And there was this.
"I love you, Matt," he said then softly pressed his lips to Matt's in a tender kiss.
When they separated, Matt was smiling, his eyes bright with emotion. "I love you more," he responded and reached up to touch Julian. His fingers ghosted over Julian's temples and down the side of his face to his chin.
I have always adored the "I love you" "I love you more" scene. It's another scene that really made this book what it was for me. But it was also one of those romantic scenes that made me feel so many things. It was just so very, very good, and I think it's one of those scenes you can really tell how much Matt and J love each other.
This is a must read in my opinion. And I cannot wait for the sequel!
February 1, 2014
First review written November 2012:
The nicest thing about this story was the love between the two main guys, it grew between them gently and tenderly and by doing so forged a true connection that weathered every obstacle thrown at them including both their past histories and Matts obnoxious mother. In most stories these would normally cause the requisite ' separation ' that generally is the fallout in a lot of m/m novels when the you know what hits the fan to fill out the angst quota, but in this case it actually brings them closer together, there are moments of conflict but Julian never reacts how Matt expects, his support is unwavering and I never once doubted them not making their love and Matt's dreams for his halfway house work. Its seeing how it all comes together that makes the story and these two lovely men burrow their way into your heart. A lovely story that may not have the excitement factor but will leave you feeling that true love does exist and will warm a lot of hearts. A small cast of characters who make up a big hearted book. Lovely.
Edit. 1/2/14
I have to be totally honest, its quite a while since I read this the first time in 2012 so I'm hard pressed to be able to say exactly where all the re-writes have been added unless I read both copies alongside each other ( I could because I've still got the original! ) but I do know that I enjoyed this just as much again, if not more, and it definitely felt more fleshed out, especially around Matt and his bitch of a mother and I'm sure there was more Matt and Julian time. I love Matt and Julian as a couple, I love the chemistry they share and I love how, as I've said before, they support each other through whatever conflict they come across without getting all stubborn and overly dramatic. They both have baggage but they get through it together. And I also have a fondness for Matts good friend Sam. I still have the other version, it was a keeper then so now I've got this one with added extras, its definitely not going anywhere. I think this is a really lovely story and its one I'll come back to to again. Special thanks to Jaime for giving me the chance to read this again. Still a five star read for me.
The nicest thing about this story was the love between the two main guys, it grew between them gently and tenderly and by doing so forged a true connection that weathered every obstacle thrown at them including both their past histories and Matts obnoxious mother. In most stories these would normally cause the requisite ' separation ' that generally is the fallout in a lot of m/m novels when the you know what hits the fan to fill out the angst quota, but in this case it actually brings them closer together, there are moments of conflict but Julian never reacts how Matt expects, his support is unwavering and I never once doubted them not making their love and Matt's dreams for his halfway house work. Its seeing how it all comes together that makes the story and these two lovely men burrow their way into your heart. A lovely story that may not have the excitement factor but will leave you feeling that true love does exist and will warm a lot of hearts. A small cast of characters who make up a big hearted book. Lovely.
Edit. 1/2/14
I have to be totally honest, its quite a while since I read this the first time in 2012 so I'm hard pressed to be able to say exactly where all the re-writes have been added unless I read both copies alongside each other ( I could because I've still got the original! ) but I do know that I enjoyed this just as much again, if not more, and it definitely felt more fleshed out, especially around Matt and his bitch of a mother and I'm sure there was more Matt and Julian time. I love Matt and Julian as a couple, I love the chemistry they share and I love how, as I've said before, they support each other through whatever conflict they come across without getting all stubborn and overly dramatic. They both have baggage but they get through it together. And I also have a fondness for Matts good friend Sam. I still have the other version, it was a keeper then so now I've got this one with added extras, its definitely not going anywhere. I think this is a really lovely story and its one I'll come back to to again. Special thanks to Jaime for giving me the chance to read this again. Still a five star read for me.
July 22, 2012
This is a really good romance that check-mark the things I like to read from the genre. The story happens for a year, highlighting the important events in Matt and Julian's road to relationship. It has a wonderful build-up, some lovely and sweet scenes, and the heartwarming HEA.
Julian is a contractor that is out of job and behind his rent when he decides to answer Matt's ad for handyman. While Matt is an ex-convict, sentenced for five-years term after a white collar crime (that is not completely his own fault). The sexual tension is strong but the men don't quickly act on it. I love how this is being played out. One particular thing that leads to the first kiss is kinda cute, IMHO.
While the "I love you" comes early (I think it's about half-mark), but there are enough sub-plots to be told before the end. It involves Matt's still in the closet from his parents and his mother being a cold b*tch. So the relationship progresses, even after the "I love you" part. My favorite scene will be their Valentine's Day, where Matt's gift to Julian is so significant, I feel my heart squeezed for the beauty of it.
I am really happy to know that there will be more stories coming from The Halfway House. I'd love to see the house with new residents coming as well as getting update on Matt and his "J".
Julian is a contractor that is out of job and behind his rent when he decides to answer Matt's ad for handyman. While Matt is an ex-convict, sentenced for five-years term after a white collar crime (that is not completely his own fault). The sexual tension is strong but the men don't quickly act on it. I love how this is being played out. One particular thing that leads to the first kiss is kinda cute, IMHO.
While the "I love you" comes early (I think it's about half-mark), but there are enough sub-plots to be told before the end. It involves Matt's still in the closet from his parents and his mother being a cold b*tch. So the relationship progresses, even after the "I love you" part. My favorite scene will be their Valentine's Day, where Matt's gift to Julian is so significant, I feel my heart squeezed for the beauty of it.
I am really happy to know that there will be more stories coming from The Halfway House. I'd love to see the house with new residents coming as well as getting update on Matt and his "J".
December 6, 2025
On my fourth read of this book, this still just hits so much. This was my second time reading this book this year, this series is just so comforting to me.
——————
4.5 ‘’I love you more’’ stars
Second time reading
New rating: still 4.5 stars , I still adore this
"Whatever happens with the halfway house, and in spite of the people who want us to be apart, I'm yours. Forever. I'm not walking out on you at the first sign of trouble."
First off, lets just say that I knew that this would be the perfect read for me because i’m not feeling very good at the moment and NOTHING has been working for me, I tried so many books and nothing stuck, so I decided to re-read this series, because each book is like a warm hug and is the perfect dose of hurt-comfort. And I already read this entire series back in june so I know I absolutely love everything about it and that it’ll make me feel better.
This is was my least favourite book in the series on my first read and it still is far from a perfect book, but I still adore it, so much.
There is a lot of things in this book that woukd annoy me normally, but somehow with this book, they never annoyed me. I think this is all due to Matt and Julian. Those guys are such strong characters. They are just the best. Both of these guys are so fucking perfect and lovely people and together they are so fucking good. They are the perfect foil for each other and they compliment each other so damn well it’s crazy. Matt and Julian are what makes the book, even with all the annoying things happening in the plot, these too just make the book such a fun experience.
Some of the annoying things in the book:
~ they say I love you really fast (before they even have sex for the first time)
~ they have really bad communication (like they stay away from each other for months, even if they want to be together and know that the feeling is mutual because they don’t want to fuck anything up, like what the fuck?)
~ I really don’t like that weird blow up that happens and that causes both characters to reveal their life stories and secrets, I thought that could have been handled much better
~ I don’t like for how long Matt waits before telling Julian that he’s been in prison for 5 years
And yet even with all that, this book is a solid 4.5 stars for me. There is just something so damn special about Matt and Julian and the love they share, I love these two so so much.
P.S. shutout to Julian, who is one of my favourite character of all time, he is so strong, so nice and so honest, and he will stand by your side no matter what, I love him so so much!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
First time reading
4.5 stars
——————
4.5 ‘’I love you more’’ stars
Second time reading
New rating: still 4.5 stars , I still adore this
"Whatever happens with the halfway house, and in spite of the people who want us to be apart, I'm yours. Forever. I'm not walking out on you at the first sign of trouble."
First off, lets just say that I knew that this would be the perfect read for me because i’m not feeling very good at the moment and NOTHING has been working for me, I tried so many books and nothing stuck, so I decided to re-read this series, because each book is like a warm hug and is the perfect dose of hurt-comfort. And I already read this entire series back in june so I know I absolutely love everything about it and that it’ll make me feel better.
This is was my least favourite book in the series on my first read and it still is far from a perfect book, but I still adore it, so much.
There is a lot of things in this book that woukd annoy me normally, but somehow with this book, they never annoyed me. I think this is all due to Matt and Julian. Those guys are such strong characters. They are just the best. Both of these guys are so fucking perfect and lovely people and together they are so fucking good. They are the perfect foil for each other and they compliment each other so damn well it’s crazy. Matt and Julian are what makes the book, even with all the annoying things happening in the plot, these too just make the book such a fun experience.
Some of the annoying things in the book:
~ they say I love you really fast (before they even have sex for the first time)
~ they have really bad communication (like they stay away from each other for months, even if they want to be together and know that the feeling is mutual because they don’t want to fuck anything up, like what the fuck?)
~ I really don’t like that weird blow up that happens and that causes both characters to reveal their life stories and secrets, I thought that could have been handled much better
~ I don’t like for how long Matt waits before telling Julian that he’s been in prison for 5 years
And yet even with all that, this book is a solid 4.5 stars for me. There is just something so damn special about Matt and Julian and the love they share, I love these two so so much.
P.S. shutout to Julian, who is one of my favourite character of all time, he is so strong, so nice and so honest, and he will stand by your side no matter what, I love him so so much!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
First time reading
4.5 stars
January 1, 2016
I love Julian and Matt, and can't wait to read more books in this series.
April 6, 2025
I LOVE YOU MORE!!!
What a fabulous story this was! Matt and J were a lovely couple and thoroughly deserved to ride off into the sunset. After the childhood that both men had had, I was amazed that they were as well-adjusted as they undoubtedly were. Can't say I was that keen on Alex, but who knows, maybe marriage to Lindy will turn him around and help him to grow up. Matt & Alex's father Mitch has at last 'grown a pair' and will hopefully no longer be a complete doormat for his hateful bitch of a wife, and Sam, well, Sam was the kind of friend and mentor that everyone deserves to have! 4.5 stars.
What a fabulous story this was! Matt and J were a lovely couple and thoroughly deserved to ride off into the sunset. After the childhood that both men had had, I was amazed that they were as well-adjusted as they undoubtedly were. Can't say I was that keen on Alex, but who knows, maybe marriage to Lindy will turn him around and help him to grow up. Matt & Alex's father Mitch has at last 'grown a pair' and will hopefully no longer be a complete doormat for his hateful bitch of a wife, and Sam, well, Sam was the kind of friend and mentor that everyone deserves to have! 4.5 stars.
February 5, 2014
Original Review: July 22, 2012
4.5 Stars
This was such a sweet book...so sweet that it bordered on being too sappy, but it was just what I was in the mood for today. Julian and Matt are one of the most adorable couples I've read in a while. Both have past ghosts and dark secrets; it's about second chances and finding that one person who believes in you unconditionally. These men touched my heart.
My only complaint is the huge time jumps so close to the beginning of the story. I felt like a lot of the initial attraction between Matt and Julian was told and not shown, but by the end I totally felt the love between them. I loved the characters and the story too much to let it greatly affect my rating, hence the 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. Its a perfect "feel good" book.
I'm really looking forward to more books in this series. More troubled men getting that second chance at life. So is it safe for me to say that Cameron's story is next?
********
Review of 2nd edition and reread: January 25, 2014
Anyone who really knows me, knows that I hardly ever reread a book. To this day I can clearly remember when I first read and loved the original version of Matt and Julian’s story…I even purchased it and read it on the first release date (my bestie Ang and I read it together!). So, for the last year and a half I’ve been patiently waiting for the second book in this series to come out. Then I found out it was being revised and re-rereleased by one of the original coauthors, Jaime Reese…and guess what! I didn’t even think twice about rereading it!! (Imagine Nikyta’s surprise) That should tell you how much I loved this book!
After spending five years in prison for a white-collar crime, Matt Doner’s dream is to build a halfway house to help those men in need of reestablishing themselves into society. The problem: nobody wants to help him with the dilapidated building he is trying to bring back to life; that is until cocky Julian Capeletti walks through the door looking for a “Boner” needing a “handyman” (hehe). Julian comes from a rough life and there’s something about Julian that tells Matt he is the perfect one for the job.
There’s some goooooood sexual tension as Matt and Julian work closely together on the house each day, trying to keep their relationship strictly professional. Of course that not gonna happen! Then there’s a few secrets neither man is ready to share…it causes a few problems, but, honestly, this story is more sweet than angst. Eh, all the angst really revolves around the crazy mother storyline, poor Matt. Matt and Julian are such likable characters, how could anyone NOT cheer for their HEA. Thank goodness they totally get it!
So, as I said before, this is a rerelease with some revisions. I was even high-fiving myself when I recognized some of the additional scenes and the one big significant change. I definitely think the little changes have enhanced the story from the original version. I get to know Matt and J a bit better and can better see how the fell for each other. The story still covers the span of a year so some of the months are a little brief, but over all, this version has more “meat” of their relationship.
It’s still a perfect “feel good” book.
Now that I’m all refreshed after the reread, I can sit back (again) and wait for Cam’s book. It’s past time for his second chance. I’m ready!
4.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
4.5 Stars
This was such a sweet book...so sweet that it bordered on being too sappy, but it was just what I was in the mood for today. Julian and Matt are one of the most adorable couples I've read in a while. Both have past ghosts and dark secrets; it's about second chances and finding that one person who believes in you unconditionally. These men touched my heart.
My only complaint is the huge time jumps so close to the beginning of the story. I felt like a lot of the initial attraction between Matt and Julian was told and not shown, but by the end I totally felt the love between them. I loved the characters and the story too much to let it greatly affect my rating, hence the 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. Its a perfect "feel good" book.
I'm really looking forward to more books in this series. More troubled men getting that second chance at life. So is it safe for me to say that Cameron's story is next?
********
Review of 2nd edition and reread: January 25, 2014
Anyone who really knows me, knows that I hardly ever reread a book. To this day I can clearly remember when I first read and loved the original version of Matt and Julian’s story…I even purchased it and read it on the first release date (my bestie Ang and I read it together!). So, for the last year and a half I’ve been patiently waiting for the second book in this series to come out. Then I found out it was being revised and re-rereleased by one of the original coauthors, Jaime Reese…and guess what! I didn’t even think twice about rereading it!! (Imagine Nikyta’s surprise) That should tell you how much I loved this book!
After spending five years in prison for a white-collar crime, Matt Doner’s dream is to build a halfway house to help those men in need of reestablishing themselves into society. The problem: nobody wants to help him with the dilapidated building he is trying to bring back to life; that is until cocky Julian Capeletti walks through the door looking for a “Boner” needing a “handyman” (hehe). Julian comes from a rough life and there’s something about Julian that tells Matt he is the perfect one for the job.
There’s some goooooood sexual tension as Matt and Julian work closely together on the house each day, trying to keep their relationship strictly professional. Of course that not gonna happen! Then there’s a few secrets neither man is ready to share…it causes a few problems, but, honestly, this story is more sweet than angst. Eh, all the angst really revolves around the crazy mother storyline, poor Matt. Matt and Julian are such likable characters, how could anyone NOT cheer for their HEA. Thank goodness they totally get it!
So, as I said before, this is a rerelease with some revisions. I was even high-fiving myself when I recognized some of the additional scenes and the one big significant change. I definitely think the little changes have enhanced the story from the original version. I get to know Matt and J a bit better and can better see how the fell for each other. The story still covers the span of a year so some of the months are a little brief, but over all, this version has more “meat” of their relationship.
It’s still a perfect “feel good” book.
Now that I’m all refreshed after the reread, I can sit back (again) and wait for Cam’s book. It’s past time for his second chance. I’m ready!
4.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
February 8, 2014
I was lucky enough to get A Better Man from Jaime Reese to read and review for the blog. I may have shamelessly begged a little too, but it worked, so whatever. I checked OMK (Old Man Kindle) and found I originally read, and loved, the first version back in November of 2012. I'd always hoped a second book would come out and so I was really excited to find out this one was being re released and another is on the way.
Matt & Julian are great characters and I loved it just as much as I remember from the first read. Full review soon on the blog 02/07/14, then here.
Here we go . . . . . .
I first read this story back in November of 2012 and fell in love the main characters Matt and Julian. Sometimes you read about two guys who just fit together like perfect puzzle pieces and they fill the empty spaces, that’s what Matt and Julian are to each other. That impression really stuck with me and made this one of my favorite reads. When I found out the story had some revisions and was being re-released I contacted the author and shamelessly begged for a review copy. Hoo-RAY for me and being shameless because it was totally worth it and no here we are! Thank you Jaime.
Matt is fresh out of prison for a white collar crime and there is a WHOLE story behind all that that I’m not giving away. Matt comes from money but he did not grow up happy. His favorite aunt, the one who always accepted and supported him, has left him her estate and his only instructions are to do “something good” with what he now has. His goal is to build a halfway house for men like himself who have come out of prison with no support system and just need a solid foundation to rebuild their lives. This is no small undertaking and the dump of a house he has purchased needs a complete redo. No contractor will take the job, too much work, not enough budget, too little time. Enter Julian Capeletti, down on his luck handyman loner extraordinaire. Julian needs work and while he sees that this project is pretty overwhelming he’s not one to shy away from a challenge and a tenuous partnership is formed.
Matt and Julian are attracted to each other but there are a lot of reasonable things standing in the way of the two of them connecting. They are employer/employee, Matt is afraid that Julian will be completely turned off because of his past and of course there’s the whole, “is he even gay?” thing. There is an intense amount of back and forth, flirting and stepping back and dancing around all the issues in the year it takes to get the house ready for inspection and their first guest. I think that was one of the things I loved most about this story. Lordallmighty I wanted these two to do SOMETHING, but it really wouldn’t have been right and the payoff? When these two finally connected? In ALL the ways? Was so worth the literary blue balls journey it took to get there. I totally believed the love between these guys, I was there through the whole struggle to get along, the tentative friendship, the real flirting (Julian says to Matt after he gets his hair cut short “Don’t cut your hair so short the next time. You should keep it at least grip length.” – HELLO!) and finally the honesty and true love.
Matt does have support outside of Julian in the form of Sam, whom he met while he was incarcerated. Sam is going to help Matt in any way he can to make sure the halfway house succeeds and he gets the right fit in the guests who will be living there. Julian didn’t know what the relationship meant between Matt and Sam (he didn’t know Matt’s background at that point) and seeing how jealous he was of Sam at first and the slow acceptance of each other was pretty cute. They’re both very protective of Matt in their own way.
You know what was awful and fun? Meeting and hating Matt’s mom. Good gravy that woman is a bitch. Not a good kind of bitch either, she’s a she devil of the highest order with absolutely NO redeeming qualities. No awful past to be able to explain away her awful, she’s pretty much the worst mother and just so very cruel to Matt. Ohhhh and that gets Julian’s hackles up in the most alpha of ways. Sometimes it’s fun to have a character that fuels your hate fire and this is her. The only reason she is so awful is because she just is so you can loathe her with impunity and love to hate this villain.
Matt and Julian’s backgrounds couldn’t be more different but they really had so much in common. Loneliness is loneliness, it doesn’t matter where it comes from and for once in both their lives they belonged somewhere. They had the house and they had the comfort of each other. Each man inspires the other to be a better man and it’s so sweet that they see the other as the best possible man already. I LOVE when couples have a “thing” something that is just theirs. A running joke between them is Julian’s middle name, or the fact that Matt can’t figure out what it is, and Julian’s hatred of the nickname “Jules” that Matt’s friend Sam insists on using for him. Matt comes up with a compromise and decides to just call Julian “J”. Julian doesn’t really do nicknames in general, but Matt gave it to him and after that, he only wants to hear Matt say “J” to him. Plus it doesn’t matter which one says “I love you” the other will say “I love you more” – that’s just . . . just . . . . d’awwwwww! Because I saw the evolution of their relationship these little things are tender and important and not just irrelevant sweet talk.
I’m so excited to read the next installment of this series. I feel all kinds of invested in their relationship, the work they have put into the house and the goals they have set up for themselves there. The story of their first guest has me completely intrigued and I sense some seriously awesome angst heading my way when I read about him. Bring. It. On.
Matt & Julian are great characters and I loved it just as much as I remember from the first read. Full review soon on the blog 02/07/14, then here.
Here we go . . . . . .
I first read this story back in November of 2012 and fell in love the main characters Matt and Julian. Sometimes you read about two guys who just fit together like perfect puzzle pieces and they fill the empty spaces, that’s what Matt and Julian are to each other. That impression really stuck with me and made this one of my favorite reads. When I found out the story had some revisions and was being re-released I contacted the author and shamelessly begged for a review copy. Hoo-RAY for me and being shameless because it was totally worth it and no here we are! Thank you Jaime.
Matt is fresh out of prison for a white collar crime and there is a WHOLE story behind all that that I’m not giving away. Matt comes from money but he did not grow up happy. His favorite aunt, the one who always accepted and supported him, has left him her estate and his only instructions are to do “something good” with what he now has. His goal is to build a halfway house for men like himself who have come out of prison with no support system and just need a solid foundation to rebuild their lives. This is no small undertaking and the dump of a house he has purchased needs a complete redo. No contractor will take the job, too much work, not enough budget, too little time. Enter Julian Capeletti, down on his luck handyman loner extraordinaire. Julian needs work and while he sees that this project is pretty overwhelming he’s not one to shy away from a challenge and a tenuous partnership is formed.
Matt and Julian are attracted to each other but there are a lot of reasonable things standing in the way of the two of them connecting. They are employer/employee, Matt is afraid that Julian will be completely turned off because of his past and of course there’s the whole, “is he even gay?” thing. There is an intense amount of back and forth, flirting and stepping back and dancing around all the issues in the year it takes to get the house ready for inspection and their first guest. I think that was one of the things I loved most about this story. Lordallmighty I wanted these two to do SOMETHING, but it really wouldn’t have been right and the payoff? When these two finally connected? In ALL the ways? Was so worth the literary blue balls journey it took to get there. I totally believed the love between these guys, I was there through the whole struggle to get along, the tentative friendship, the real flirting (Julian says to Matt after he gets his hair cut short “Don’t cut your hair so short the next time. You should keep it at least grip length.” – HELLO!) and finally the honesty and true love.
Matt does have support outside of Julian in the form of Sam, whom he met while he was incarcerated. Sam is going to help Matt in any way he can to make sure the halfway house succeeds and he gets the right fit in the guests who will be living there. Julian didn’t know what the relationship meant between Matt and Sam (he didn’t know Matt’s background at that point) and seeing how jealous he was of Sam at first and the slow acceptance of each other was pretty cute. They’re both very protective of Matt in their own way.
You know what was awful and fun? Meeting and hating Matt’s mom. Good gravy that woman is a bitch. Not a good kind of bitch either, she’s a she devil of the highest order with absolutely NO redeeming qualities. No awful past to be able to explain away her awful, she’s pretty much the worst mother and just so very cruel to Matt. Ohhhh and that gets Julian’s hackles up in the most alpha of ways. Sometimes it’s fun to have a character that fuels your hate fire and this is her. The only reason she is so awful is because she just is so you can loathe her with impunity and love to hate this villain.
Matt and Julian’s backgrounds couldn’t be more different but they really had so much in common. Loneliness is loneliness, it doesn’t matter where it comes from and for once in both their lives they belonged somewhere. They had the house and they had the comfort of each other. Each man inspires the other to be a better man and it’s so sweet that they see the other as the best possible man already. I LOVE when couples have a “thing” something that is just theirs. A running joke between them is Julian’s middle name, or the fact that Matt can’t figure out what it is, and Julian’s hatred of the nickname “Jules” that Matt’s friend Sam insists on using for him. Matt comes up with a compromise and decides to just call Julian “J”. Julian doesn’t really do nicknames in general, but Matt gave it to him and after that, he only wants to hear Matt say “J” to him. Plus it doesn’t matter which one says “I love you” the other will say “I love you more” – that’s just . . . just . . . . d’awwwwww! Because I saw the evolution of their relationship these little things are tender and important and not just irrelevant sweet talk.
I’m so excited to read the next installment of this series. I feel all kinds of invested in their relationship, the work they have put into the house and the goals they have set up for themselves there. The story of their first guest has me completely intrigued and I sense some seriously awesome angst heading my way when I read about him. Bring. It. On.
November 3, 2019
3.5 stars
I really like the whole idea of this series, ex cons getting a new start in life. Matt and Julian are so cute together but if I'm honest I'm not a fan of the old martyr trope. I don't think I would take the fall for my idiot brother to the tune of 5 years inside. Nope, nuh uhn, wouldn't ever happen. So that sort of had me rolling my eyes a bit.
I'm moving straight on to Cameron's book, the blurb had me hooked.
I really like the whole idea of this series, ex cons getting a new start in life. Matt and Julian are so cute together but if I'm honest I'm not a fan of the old martyr trope. I don't think I would take the fall for my idiot brother to the tune of 5 years inside. Nope, nuh uhn, wouldn't ever happen. So that sort of had me rolling my eyes a bit.
I'm moving straight on to Cameron's book, the blurb had me hooked.
April 18, 2014
★★★★4 Made-Me-Swoon Stars★★★★
This was a lovely read that made me completely melt.
It was a slow-burn romance with two amazing and completely likable MCs. Julian has been down on his lucky for the past few years and is on the verge of being evicted. He answers an ad in the paper for a one-man job to restore an old and dilapidated house in a year. Julian, at first glance, seems gruff, brash, and unapproachable. But beneath that rough exterior lies an extremely warm, caring, and strong soul. Julian feels like he has to put out a tough front because has been hurt badly in the past by people he cared about and is afraid to put himself out there. It is not until he meets Matt that he feels that he has found someone he can take a risk on.
Matt Doner, the man on the other end of the ad that Julian answers, is a man with his own baggage. Having been released from prison after 5 years , he is building a halfway house for inmates. His aunt left him her fortune and he promised her that he would do something worthwhile. Matt is just an extremely compassionate and sympathetic character. He hates to let anyone down, and if he feels like he did, then he takes it completely to heart. Both of them were just amazing MCs to read about.
And the building of their relationship just made me melt! It was completely slow-burn. They knew each other for months before they had their fist kiss and another few months before they had their second kiss. Neither wanted to push the other more than they could handle and were content to not rush anything. But once they did get together, they were completely supportive, tender, and utterly caring to one another. Both put the others' needs and desires above his own. The progress of their relationship was just a delight to read about!
The reason I am not giving this book 5 stars is because I had some trouble with the writing. Up to the middle of the book, I really liked and enjoyed the writing. And then I felt like the writing got more stilted and awkward, almost amateurish. I'm not sure if the writing really did drop off in quality as the story progressed or if it was just me or what, but it kind of took away some of the joy I was feeling toward the book. Regardless, I still really enjoyed this wonderful novel and cannot wait for the sequel!
This was a lovely read that made me completely melt.
It was a slow-burn romance with two amazing and completely likable MCs. Julian has been down on his lucky for the past few years and is on the verge of being evicted. He answers an ad in the paper for a one-man job to restore an old and dilapidated house in a year. Julian, at first glance, seems gruff, brash, and unapproachable. But beneath that rough exterior lies an extremely warm, caring, and strong soul. Julian feels like he has to put out a tough front because has been hurt badly in the past by people he cared about and is afraid to put himself out there. It is not until he meets Matt that he feels that he has found someone he can take a risk on.
He hated the insecurity he felt, the worry, the fear, and the hurt. In spite of this, if he had to open up to Matt to make things work, he'd push past the pain and try. Matt was worth it. He just hoped Matt felt Julian was worth the time and trouble.
Matt Doner, the man on the other end of the ad that Julian answers, is a man with his own baggage. Having been released from prison after 5 years , he is building a halfway house for inmates. His aunt left him her fortune and he promised her that he would do something worthwhile. Matt is just an extremely compassionate and sympathetic character. He hates to let anyone down, and if he feels like he did, then he takes it completely to heart. Both of them were just amazing MCs to read about.
And the building of their relationship just made me melt! It was completely slow-burn. They knew each other for months before they had their fist kiss and another few months before they had their second kiss. Neither wanted to push the other more than they could handle and were content to not rush anything. But once they did get together, they were completely supportive, tender, and utterly caring to one another. Both put the others' needs and desires above his own. The progress of their relationship was just a delight to read about!
The reason I am not giving this book 5 stars is because I had some trouble with the writing. Up to the middle of the book, I really liked and enjoyed the writing. And then I felt like the writing got more stilted and awkward, almost amateurish. I'm not sure if the writing really did drop off in quality as the story progressed or if it was just me or what, but it kind of took away some of the joy I was feeling toward the book. Regardless, I still really enjoyed this wonderful novel and cannot wait for the sequel!
September 5, 2019
BR with Els
I read this a year ago. And gave it 2.5 stars… I must have had a very bad day when I read this then, because I loved it now!!
I really love the writing in this series. I don’t know how to explain it other than it feels comfortable.
I loved Matt and Julian. I liked how they got to know each other before anything really happens between them. This had a nice slow burn going on.
Matt has been in prison for the past 5 years for embezzlement. He was covering for his brother, but decided to take the fall for him. Now that he is out, he wants to build a halfway house for people like him. He wants ex-cons to have a place to go.
He hires handyman Julian to fix up the property he’s bought. The two become really close in the next couple of months, but Matt still hasn’t told Julian about his prison time…
I loved how there was the potential for extreme drama and angst, but that the author decided to keep it to a minimum. These guys talk it out pretty fast.
I loved reading about Matt and Julian again and I still can’t believe I didn’t like it more on my first read. This is a perfect example of how my mood influences how I like my books. Sometimes you just have to try again.
-----------------
Original review
2.5 stars
This series definitely has a lot of potential. I am very curious about the next book. Because the writing was not bad. I just never connected to either Matt or Julian.
Matt was such a flat character. I had such a hard time liking him. He was just so meh. Julian was more to my liking, but he couldn’t save the story for me.
Julian starts working for Matt when he desperately looking for a job. Matt is trying to build a halfway house for ex-cons. He has been in prison himself for 5 years and knows how important it is that you have somewhere to go after being released. Of course Matt doesn’t tell Julian this important part of his past. Insert angsty conflict here. But the guys do work it out eventually.
This book concentrates on the tentative friendship these men develop, the love that follows and the problems Matt has with his family. This all sounds like a really good book, but to me it was quite boring.
I hope the next book will be better.
I read this a year ago. And gave it 2.5 stars… I must have had a very bad day when I read this then, because I loved it now!!
I really love the writing in this series. I don’t know how to explain it other than it feels comfortable.
I loved Matt and Julian. I liked how they got to know each other before anything really happens between them. This had a nice slow burn going on.
Matt has been in prison for the past 5 years for embezzlement. He was covering for his brother, but decided to take the fall for him. Now that he is out, he wants to build a halfway house for people like him. He wants ex-cons to have a place to go.
He hires handyman Julian to fix up the property he’s bought. The two become really close in the next couple of months, but Matt still hasn’t told Julian about his prison time…
I loved how there was the potential for extreme drama and angst, but that the author decided to keep it to a minimum. These guys talk it out pretty fast.
I loved reading about Matt and Julian again and I still can’t believe I didn’t like it more on my first read. This is a perfect example of how my mood influences how I like my books. Sometimes you just have to try again.
-----------------
Original review
2.5 stars
This series definitely has a lot of potential. I am very curious about the next book. Because the writing was not bad. I just never connected to either Matt or Julian.
Matt was such a flat character. I had such a hard time liking him. He was just so meh. Julian was more to my liking, but he couldn’t save the story for me.
Julian starts working for Matt when he desperately looking for a job. Matt is trying to build a halfway house for ex-cons. He has been in prison himself for 5 years and knows how important it is that you have somewhere to go after being released. Of course Matt doesn’t tell Julian this important part of his past. Insert angsty conflict here. But the guys do work it out eventually.
This book concentrates on the tentative friendship these men develop, the love that follows and the problems Matt has with his family. This all sounds like a really good book, but to me it was quite boring.
I hope the next book will be better.
August 11, 2016
3.5*
***May contain some spoilers! ***
I have mixed feeling about this one, I liked the slow build of the relationship between Julian and Matt.
Months went by and only a few kisses, and kudos to the authors, no solo jerk-off scenes or leaking cocks! :)
It was a sweet tale of redemption and self acceptance and love, but I found a few things that bothered me.
Matt is hiding stuff he knows it and Julian knows it, yet when they finally have sex, I Love You is the first thing they say!
Matt doesn't seem bothered that a very vital part of who he is , is still a secret.
I think that would have worked better for me, if we had seen more of the relationship developing in those months prior, we heard about it, but didn't get to experience the moments sitting outside drinking a beer and talking or hanging out and working on the house together, I didn't see the friendship developing and that was missing for me, seeing why they loved eachother. I liked them but I was privy to their inner thoughts the other MC wasn't.
The big reveal was a let down, I guess they needed it, but it just didn't need to be there IMO.
The father/brother situation was left me cold, I didn't like either one of them.
The brother should have been helping Matt and be Athere more for him, a little gratitude would have been nice!
I had a feeling it was still about him and his fiancee and his happiness.
And coming on the last day at the last minute to help is all well and good..but..the year before there wasn't a weekend free?
And I guess the dad tried to redeem himself, but really for me, way late and not nearly enough!
And the mother ! OMG, why oh why do they all have to be homophobic greedy hateful guilt inducing bitches that brow beat all the men in their lives?
I guess Julian's mother was the counter point to her, but being dead and all that sort of didn't work for me!
It was an ok read, but for the reasons mentioned in the beginning I didn't feel as invested in their relationship as I would have liked to have been.
But I have to say, love the cover!
***May contain some spoilers! ***
I have mixed feeling about this one, I liked the slow build of the relationship between Julian and Matt.
Months went by and only a few kisses, and kudos to the authors, no solo jerk-off scenes or leaking cocks! :)
It was a sweet tale of redemption and self acceptance and love, but I found a few things that bothered me.
Matt is hiding stuff he knows it and Julian knows it, yet when they finally have sex, I Love You is the first thing they say!
Matt doesn't seem bothered that a very vital part of who he is , is still a secret.
I think that would have worked better for me, if we had seen more of the relationship developing in those months prior, we heard about it, but didn't get to experience the moments sitting outside drinking a beer and talking or hanging out and working on the house together, I didn't see the friendship developing and that was missing for me, seeing why they loved eachother. I liked them but I was privy to their inner thoughts the other MC wasn't.
The big reveal was a let down, I guess they needed it, but it just didn't need to be there IMO.
The father/brother situation was left me cold, I didn't like either one of them.
The brother should have been helping Matt and be Athere more for him, a little gratitude would have been nice!
I had a feeling it was still about him and his fiancee and his happiness.
And coming on the last day at the last minute to help is all well and good..but..the year before there wasn't a weekend free?
And I guess the dad tried to redeem himself, but really for me, way late and not nearly enough!
And the mother ! OMG, why oh why do they all have to be homophobic greedy hateful guilt inducing bitches that brow beat all the men in their lives?
I guess Julian's mother was the counter point to her, but being dead and all that sort of didn't work for me!
It was an ok read, but for the reasons mentioned in the beginning I didn't feel as invested in their relationship as I would have liked to have been.
But I have to say, love the cover!
May 7, 2014
are you fucking kidding me? 65% done and this book is killing me.
Awesome!!!!!
Awesome!!!!!
February 28, 2014
A clean slate.
A fresh start.
A new beginning.
Something we all cling to the possible of having after hitting rock bottom. Matt is sitting at the bottom and he has high hopes for his climb back up top. After his release from prison he’s got a plan, but he can’t achieve his goal alone.
A wanted ad connects two men at the end of their ropes. The connection is laced with tension and potential, but neither reacts due to the fragility of their situation. They both know secrets are being kept, but forge ahead with one objective in mind…the completion of the project. The renovation that Matt dreams of was dismissed by every other contractor until Julian. The irresistible pull that caught Julian might have something to do with the man inside the home, but nevertheless, he is compelled to take on this dubious challenge.
Matt grew up surrounded by money…old money, new money, frankly, lots and lots of money. Matt quickly discovers money isn’t everything. Despite his attempts to do right by his family, he continues to disappoint them. He is trying his damned to honor his beloved Aunt, make her proud and be true to her last wishes. To do so, he must become a better man.
Julian has been hit with his fair share of bad luck. Always trying to make the right decision and play the honest card has been his motto in life so far. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and accepting Matt Doner’s ‘handyman’ position certainly fits the bill. When he took on the job, he never imagined he would be stripping away carefully placed bandages on his own personal restoration. To let someone is, where he has forbidden anyone to come before, he must become a better man.
Time is a key factor…no instalove here! They nearly drive each other mad with the sexual tension but good golly miss molly, when the fire finally burns it’s wild. The passion, the love, the need…it vibrated from the pages.
I thought the pacing was perfect, the writing pristine and loved the bits of humor sprinkled throughout. A gorgeous love story where we are gifted the beauty of trust, refuge, and most of all…love.
And though I hate to niggle, I do have one gripe. Matt’s uncanny ability to fall asleep. As someone who occasionally suffers from insomnia I am impressed and somewhat jealous of his ease to slip into slumber. As much as I cheered Julian’s uber protective scene when confronting Matt’s bitch of a Mum, I couldn’t help but think his narcolepsy hindered the moment.
I encourage you to take a chance, a chance on this glorious union of two beautifully scarred souls desperately hoping to become better men.
*4 raw-restoring-renewing stars*
A fresh start.
A new beginning.
Something we all cling to the possible of having after hitting rock bottom. Matt is sitting at the bottom and he has high hopes for his climb back up top. After his release from prison he’s got a plan, but he can’t achieve his goal alone.
A wanted ad connects two men at the end of their ropes. The connection is laced with tension and potential, but neither reacts due to the fragility of their situation. They both know secrets are being kept, but forge ahead with one objective in mind…the completion of the project. The renovation that Matt dreams of was dismissed by every other contractor until Julian. The irresistible pull that caught Julian might have something to do with the man inside the home, but nevertheless, he is compelled to take on this dubious challenge.
Matt grew up surrounded by money…old money, new money, frankly, lots and lots of money. Matt quickly discovers money isn’t everything. Despite his attempts to do right by his family, he continues to disappoint them. He is trying his damned to honor his beloved Aunt, make her proud and be true to her last wishes. To do so, he must become a better man.
Julian has been hit with his fair share of bad luck. Always trying to make the right decision and play the honest card has been his motto in life so far. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and accepting Matt Doner’s ‘handyman’ position certainly fits the bill. When he took on the job, he never imagined he would be stripping away carefully placed bandages on his own personal restoration. To let someone is, where he has forbidden anyone to come before, he must become a better man.
Time is a key factor…no instalove here! They nearly drive each other mad with the sexual tension but good golly miss molly, when the fire finally burns it’s wild. The passion, the love, the need…it vibrated from the pages.
I thought the pacing was perfect, the writing pristine and loved the bits of humor sprinkled throughout. A gorgeous love story where we are gifted the beauty of trust, refuge, and most of all…love.
And though I hate to niggle, I do have one gripe. Matt’s uncanny ability to fall asleep. As someone who occasionally suffers from insomnia I am impressed and somewhat jealous of his ease to slip into slumber. As much as I cheered Julian’s uber protective scene when confronting Matt’s bitch of a Mum, I couldn’t help but think his narcolepsy hindered the moment.
I encourage you to take a chance, a chance on this glorious union of two beautifully scarred souls desperately hoping to become better men.
*4 raw-restoring-renewing stars*
June 14, 2014
I liked the story, but most the pages were inner monologue vs. actual dialogue between the two main characters.
As a side effect of that, I didn't get the feeling that Matt and Julian really got to *know* that much about one another before slowly moving into the love category.
Also, for the building of the halfway house to have been the main focus of their goal, we were told very little about how that was progressing over the months, which I found a bit off. We heard that 'everything' was left to do, then mention of some electrical and plumbing, then next we heard it was all nearly done. I just found that odd and it wouldn't have taken much effort or many additional pages to keep the reader up to date with at least a vague idea of how that work was proceeding.
One of my favorite parts was where Matt's dad finally 'grew a pair' (author's words) and was finally there for his son, but I was really hoping to see Matt's mom's sorry ass get her comeuppance. That awful woman truly needed a good, hard karmic bitch slap. Repeatedly.
I get that neither character professed to be a fountain of expressive words, but the sparing amount of in-depth, meaningful exchange of personal information left me asking how could they really 'love' one another on any level other than 'he's really hot and seems to be a good person.' I was privy to what they were thinking and even I didn't feel like I knew that much about them.
If you've read Amy Lane's 'Keeping Promise Rock' and compare it to this book, you'll see what I mean about truly getting to know the main characters.
I may be 100% wrong, but those are my thoughts as I reached the last page. I just couldn't get as invested in the story as I would have liked.
As a side effect of that, I didn't get the feeling that Matt and Julian really got to *know* that much about one another before slowly moving into the love category.
Also, for the building of the halfway house to have been the main focus of their goal, we were told very little about how that was progressing over the months, which I found a bit off. We heard that 'everything' was left to do, then mention of some electrical and plumbing, then next we heard it was all nearly done. I just found that odd and it wouldn't have taken much effort or many additional pages to keep the reader up to date with at least a vague idea of how that work was proceeding.
One of my favorite parts was where Matt's dad finally 'grew a pair' (author's words) and was finally there for his son, but I was really hoping to see Matt's mom's sorry ass get her comeuppance. That awful woman truly needed a good, hard karmic bitch slap. Repeatedly.
I get that neither character professed to be a fountain of expressive words, but the sparing amount of in-depth, meaningful exchange of personal information left me asking how could they really 'love' one another on any level other than 'he's really hot and seems to be a good person.' I was privy to what they were thinking and even I didn't feel like I knew that much about them.
If you've read Amy Lane's 'Keeping Promise Rock' and compare it to this book, you'll see what I mean about truly getting to know the main characters.
I may be 100% wrong, but those are my thoughts as I reached the last page. I just couldn't get as invested in the story as I would have liked.
November 4, 2014
Wonderful love story.
Very sweet and low on the angst.
It started beautifuly, with introducing us to the two loveable MC's, that you can't NOT fall in love with!
Julian:
A broke construction worker, despret for a job.
Matt:
Sweet Matt, shy, looking for someone to help him make his dream come true, and build a halfway house for "right out of prison" lonely souls like himself.
His tight budget leads Julian to accept the job, move in, and start the renovations alongside Matt.
Then, and this is why the 4 stars rating, it gets a bit slow and monotonous, and a bit unrealistic: two young, attractive, single gay men, who are attracted to each other instantly, and live together for almost 6 months, only have two hot kisses and nothing else!? right...
and on top of not DOING anything for all those months, they also don't do conversations, and the communication is on a very low level.
(It sounds worst than I intended it to sound).
At about 50% it all change, the story pic up, and stays amazingly beautiful and interesting to the very end.
So, if you have stamina, and can wait for a book to pick up on a slower rate, you are in for a great read!
Very sweet and low on the angst.
It started beautifuly, with introducing us to the two loveable MC's, that you can't NOT fall in love with!
Julian:
A broke construction worker, despret for a job.
Matt:
Sweet Matt, shy, looking for someone to help him make his dream come true, and build a halfway house for "right out of prison" lonely souls like himself.
His tight budget leads Julian to accept the job, move in, and start the renovations alongside Matt.
Then, and this is why the 4 stars rating, it gets a bit slow and monotonous, and a bit unrealistic: two young, attractive, single gay men, who are attracted to each other instantly, and live together for almost 6 months, only have two hot kisses and nothing else!? right...
and on top of not DOING anything for all those months, they also don't do conversations, and the communication is on a very low level.
(It sounds worst than I intended it to sound).
At about 50% it all change, the story pic up, and stays amazingly beautiful and interesting to the very end.
So, if you have stamina, and can wait for a book to pick up on a slower rate, you are in for a great read!
June 6, 2020
*** Deeply emotional, exceptional romance !! ***
Matt has a dream and goal to have a halfway house to aid newly released prisoners reengage into society. Julian needs a job, and because he sees real possibilities in the property, a great challenge, he takes the low paying job.
These great guys get to know each other, find real feelings for each other, and make progress on the house and themselves. Julian is just what Matt needs in so many ways.
Realistic tale of deep thoughts with wonderful characters, an interesting story, and great romantic M/M sex.
The sex is not too explicit, but we get the emotional vibes.
There are twists and turns, horrible people - Matt's parents - and caring people like Sam. I agree that the bank can't just freeze assets and accounts like that, but there was corruption and railroading by the rich and powerful, for Julian's brother, when it was self defense, and we all know corruption is out there.
This story had healing, caring, personal empowerment, and extraordinary emotions. It is a very worthwhile read. I highly recommend !! ENJOY !!!
============
Matt has a dream and goal to have a halfway house to aid newly released prisoners reengage into society. Julian needs a job, and because he sees real possibilities in the property, a great challenge, he takes the low paying job.
These great guys get to know each other, find real feelings for each other, and make progress on the house and themselves. Julian is just what Matt needs in so many ways.
Realistic tale of deep thoughts with wonderful characters, an interesting story, and great romantic M/M sex.
The sex is not too explicit, but we get the emotional vibes.
There are twists and turns, horrible people - Matt's parents - and caring people like Sam. I agree that the bank can't just freeze assets and accounts like that, but there was corruption and railroading by the rich and powerful, for Julian's brother, when it was self defense, and we all know corruption is out there.
This story had healing, caring, personal empowerment, and extraordinary emotions. It is a very worthwhile read. I highly recommend !! ENJOY !!!
============
July 22, 2012
Very good m/m romance about a contractor who's been unable to find work and is about to be homeless, so he answers an ad for a handyman job that turns out to be much, much more. And what's up with his secretive, prickly, and attractive new boss? I'm glad there's a sequel planned, because I want to see what the next chapter of their lives looks like!
June 27, 2016
Matt Doner is working hard to make his life count again after his 5 year term in prison. He wants to establish a halfway house to help other ex-convicts like himself set foot in the real world again when many of these men have no one to turn to after their time in jail.
Julian Capeletti finds an interesting ad in the newspaper: 'Mr Boner in need of a handyman'. Desperately in need of fast money himself, he responds and goes to an interview with 'Mr Boner', landing himself a job renovating a strange bed and breakfast style house for a handsome young guy who doesn't turn out to be anything like the 'Mr Boner' Julian pictured while reading the ad.
This pretty much sums up the WHOLE BOOK. Sadly.
Both guys are aware of being gay right from the start. Both guys are attracted to each other. The obstacles in their way are rather small and their romance is as foreseeable as the sun rising each morning.
I missed some serious conflict in there, other than Matt not wanting Julian to find out about his prison time and that it was a halfway house they were renovating. As if Julian would just leave him if he knew...
Things went even further downhill for me when the cute slow burn romance turned into real sap. I mean seriously:
"I love you!
"I love you more!"
The only real antagonist in the book is Matt's mom, who is so vile and evil, it was hard to take her seriously... There was no logic behind her motivation. She was just evil because the story needed a bad guy.
I also didn't really get Julian's back story. It was suddenly there as if to counterbalance Matt's fate. Not to mention how Matt ended up in jail in the first place... Jesus!
All in all, I was not satisfied with this story.
But it does get the sexy handyman bonus. I love handymen in romance!
3 stars
Julian Capeletti finds an interesting ad in the newspaper: 'Mr Boner in need of a handyman'. Desperately in need of fast money himself, he responds and goes to an interview with 'Mr Boner', landing himself a job renovating a strange bed and breakfast style house for a handsome young guy who doesn't turn out to be anything like the 'Mr Boner' Julian pictured while reading the ad.
This pretty much sums up the WHOLE BOOK. Sadly.
Both guys are aware of being gay right from the start. Both guys are attracted to each other. The obstacles in their way are rather small and their romance is as foreseeable as the sun rising each morning.
I missed some serious conflict in there, other than Matt not wanting Julian to find out about his prison time and that it was a halfway house they were renovating. As if Julian would just leave him if he knew...
Things went even further downhill for me when the cute slow burn romance turned into real sap. I mean seriously:
"I love you!
"I love you more!"
The only real antagonist in the book is Matt's mom, who is so vile and evil, it was hard to take her seriously... There was no logic behind her motivation. She was just evil because the story needed a bad guy.
I also didn't really get Julian's back story. It was suddenly there as if to counterbalance Matt's fate. Not to mention how Matt ended up in jail in the first place... Jesus!
All in all, I was not satisfied with this story.
But it does get the sexy handyman bonus. I love handymen in romance!
3 stars
April 6, 2016
I'm the farthest thing from a prude, but when was the last time I read a book where love and romance happened before the sex? No, I'm not talking insta-love and yes, the sex was smoking hot. Or where the characters had the guts to admit their feelings and take risks instead of hiding? Or a book where the MCs didn't give up on each other but held on even when they had every excuse to walk away?
I can't remember but this book falls into all the above categories and many, many more.
I'm so tired of the apha-male trope. I want men that can be sweet and emotional. Men that cry and overthink things and don't have to be douchebags to prove their "manliness". This was Julian and Matt for me.
Their love story starts when Matt hires Julian to remodel a crumbling building, which is meant to be a Halfway House. But over the course of a year, the house isn't the only thing that they build.
I loved how devoted and protective Julian was to Matt. And I also loved Matt's character growth; he really came a long way with Julian by his side.
Overall, this was an impressive debut novel by Jaime Reese, that had all the potential to become a big angst-fest, but turned out to be a sweet and romantic story instead. I can't wait to read the next books in the series.
Recommended for all MM readers!
I can't remember but this book falls into all the above categories and many, many more.
I'm so tired of the apha-male trope. I want men that can be sweet and emotional. Men that cry and overthink things and don't have to be douchebags to prove their "manliness". This was Julian and Matt for me.
Their love story starts when Matt hires Julian to remodel a crumbling building, which is meant to be a Halfway House. But over the course of a year, the house isn't the only thing that they build.
I loved how devoted and protective Julian was to Matt. And I also loved Matt's character growth; he really came a long way with Julian by his side.
Overall, this was an impressive debut novel by Jaime Reese, that had all the potential to become a big angst-fest, but turned out to be a sweet and romantic story instead. I can't wait to read the next books in the series.
Recommended for all MM readers!
April 27, 2015
OFFICIALLY STARTING THIS SERIES NOW!!!
Look how excited I am... :)
Thank you Jaime Reese. This is beautiful.
Julian and Matt are perfect.
Can't stop fangirling after J while reading ;)
Loved how Julian taking care of Matt and deal with his devilish Mother. Stand up for his man!
And I adored Julian when he carried Matt and nursing him..Awww...I want my own Julian!
Review soon after I'm a little healthier.
Recommended !
Thank you Ami for suggested me to read this series. You know me so well. Mwah!
""Whatever happens with the halfway house, and in spite of the people who want us to be apart, I'm yours. Forever. I'm not walking out on you at the first sign of trouble."
"And another thing." Julian looked so damn pissed.
"Yeah?"
"Don't. Call. Me. Julian.""
March 15, 2016
So when I actually finished this I thought 3 stars but you know what? I'm hooked. I've just started the third one and looking back I totally enjoyed this.
So first of all. Jaime Reese uses all of the words. ALL OF THEM. There is a lot of repetition and it's important to also note that these are two of the most insecure men on the planet. They constantly question the others feelz and I did lots of eye rolls but I don't care cause I liked them both (Julian more) and I did the shouting for them (and at them) thing and I got really, really into it.
There are A LOT of 'I love you's' which kind of caused me to cringe but I also found myself all sappy faced and teary on a few occasions so I guess that's a win.
And top tip: Jaime Reeses' website has lots of extras like a picture of what Halfway House looks like and castings for pretty much everyone in each book. I'm a sucker for that stuff.
August 20, 2012
A nice sweet romance about two guys brought together in the rehabbing of an old home. Both men are secretive and private about their pasts, but it turns out they have more in common than they realize. Despite the potential for some major angst in the back-story and family situations of both these men, this book is more about the resolution than about the pain.
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