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Almost Mine
A perfect life. A perfect home. A perfect husband. Gone in an instant.
Ian’s world turned upside down the day Travis walked out without so much as a word, or even a backward glance, leaving a lonely Ian to wonder why. Their son implores him, “Please go see Dad.”
Two years of hurt leaves Ian ready to confront the man who’d broken his heart, but what if everything he’d believed about their failed romance turned out to be wrong? What if the biggest problem in Ian’s marriage was…Ian?
Ian’s world turned upside down the day Travis walked out without so much as a word, or even a backward glance, leaving a lonely Ian to wonder why. Their son implores him, “Please go see Dad.”
Two years of hurt leaves Ian ready to confront the man who’d broken his heart, but what if everything he’d believed about their failed romance turned out to be wrong? What if the biggest problem in Ian’s marriage was…Ian?
60 pages, ebook
First published February 7, 2014
2 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Eden Winters
88 books673 followersYou will know Eden Winters by her distinctive white plumage and exuberant cry of “Hey, y’all!” in a Southern US drawl so thick it renders even the simplest of words unrecognizable. Watch out, she hugs!
Driven by insatiable curiosity, she possibly holds the world’s record for curriculum changes to the point that she’s never quite earned a degree but is a force to be reckoned with at Trivial Pursuit.
She’s trudged down hallways with police detectives, learned to disarm knife-wielding bad guys, and witnessed the correct way to blow doors off buildings. Her e-mail contains various snippets of forensic wisdom, such as “What would a dead body left in a Mexican drug tunnel look like after six months?” In the process of her adventures, she has written over thirty gay romance novels, lost count of novellas and short stories, has won Rainbow Awards, was a Lambda Awards Finalist, and lives in terror of authorities showing up at her door to question her Internet searches.
When not putting characters in dangerous situations she’s cosplaying for children's charities or hanging out at the farm being a mother, grandmother, and vegetarian.
Her natural habitats are hardware stores and on the backs of motorcycles.
Driven by insatiable curiosity, she possibly holds the world’s record for curriculum changes to the point that she’s never quite earned a degree but is a force to be reckoned with at Trivial Pursuit.
She’s trudged down hallways with police detectives, learned to disarm knife-wielding bad guys, and witnessed the correct way to blow doors off buildings. Her e-mail contains various snippets of forensic wisdom, such as “What would a dead body left in a Mexican drug tunnel look like after six months?” In the process of her adventures, she has written over thirty gay romance novels, lost count of novellas and short stories, has won Rainbow Awards, was a Lambda Awards Finalist, and lives in terror of authorities showing up at her door to question her Internet searches.
When not putting characters in dangerous situations she’s cosplaying for children's charities or hanging out at the farm being a mother, grandmother, and vegetarian.
Her natural habitats are hardware stores and on the backs of motorcycles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 20, 2015
Fuck... That was so damn good! An epilogue to put all epilogues to shame.
This is a must read!
February 8, 2014
*sniff* Where's the tissue! Oh, what a wonderful little story! From beginning to end - I read it in record time - this was a gripping, emotional read. It had a believable pace and development, until the end. There was no healing over night, no sorry-let's move on-I love you, no both of them worked through their problems. Yes, we only got Ian's POV and I would have liked to read Travis' thoughts once in a while. But really, this is a moving little story, it's a gem and I'm sure I will read it again.
February 8, 2014
Ian and Travis have been married for eighteen years. Happily married, Ian thought, but one day he comes home from work, and Travis is gone. No note, nothing. Confused and hurt, Ian throws himself into his work even more than he did before. Travis doesn’t want to be with him anymore? Ian will let him be. After all, Travis gave up his acting career to be a stay at home dad so they could raise their son together; if Travis now, that their child is grown and out of the house, feels the need to find himself or something, he can damn well do as he pleases for all Ian cares. Or so Ian tells himself, even though for some reason he can’t make himself file for divorce. And when their one remaining link—their son—asks Ian to meet with Trevor for a last time, Ian goes, albeit reluctantly, hoping to find out why Travis left him so suddenly.
He does, but very differently from how he thought. That night is an eye opener of a very particular brand, leaving Ian with regrets that are well beyond repair. But nobody can go back and fix the past. But perhaps, if Ian plays his cards right, there will be a way to start over.
With gay marriage such a much discussed topic lately, I couldn’t help thinking: What about gay divorce? Certainly gay couples aren’t any more above falling out of love, making mistakes and hurting each other—knowingly or involuntarily—than any straight couples out there. Certainly being married doesn’t solve each and every problem any more than it does with (for lack of a better word) conventional families. Most romance novels end with the “I do’s” and they lived happily ever after, but in real life, no two people do always, how much they may ever love each other and be committed to each other.
Almost Mine tells the story after the story’s end. Ian’s and Travis’s marriage could be called a traditional partnership with one of them the breadwinner and the other the home-maker. Both are obviously happy with their roles, but the bubble bursts once their child is out of the house. Day-to day routine has a tendency to make people forget to consider each other as a loving couple, as partners, and to lead to taking each other for granted instead. That’s what happened to Ian and Travis, and neither of them realized the dangerous downward spiral of assumptions, noncommunication and negligence they were caught up in until it was almost too late.
Almost Mine is a story of finding the way back together, of giving each other a second chance and even more so, of taking a second chance on each other. It’s Travis’s desperate last attempt at reconnection that eventually brings them back together. And it’s Ian, who indeed bears the major part of the blame, who changes tack and makes amends. But it’s not Ian’s singular effort that saves the relationship; both have work to do and both need to break out of set ways. And there’s where the magic of this story lies; it’s at once believable that they’d find a way back together and it’s also so very, very romantic that—and how—they do in the end. I loved this little story that started so melancholy and took such a beautiful turn to the better. Hopeful, romantic and heartwarming, this positive tale of a loving couple overcoming an almost fatal crisis in their relationship was a treat to read, and I can only warmly recommend it.
He does, but very differently from how he thought. That night is an eye opener of a very particular brand, leaving Ian with regrets that are well beyond repair. But nobody can go back and fix the past. But perhaps, if Ian plays his cards right, there will be a way to start over.
With gay marriage such a much discussed topic lately, I couldn’t help thinking: What about gay divorce? Certainly gay couples aren’t any more above falling out of love, making mistakes and hurting each other—knowingly or involuntarily—than any straight couples out there. Certainly being married doesn’t solve each and every problem any more than it does with (for lack of a better word) conventional families. Most romance novels end with the “I do’s” and they lived happily ever after, but in real life, no two people do always, how much they may ever love each other and be committed to each other.
Almost Mine tells the story after the story’s end. Ian’s and Travis’s marriage could be called a traditional partnership with one of them the breadwinner and the other the home-maker. Both are obviously happy with their roles, but the bubble bursts once their child is out of the house. Day-to day routine has a tendency to make people forget to consider each other as a loving couple, as partners, and to lead to taking each other for granted instead. That’s what happened to Ian and Travis, and neither of them realized the dangerous downward spiral of assumptions, noncommunication and negligence they were caught up in until it was almost too late.
Almost Mine is a story of finding the way back together, of giving each other a second chance and even more so, of taking a second chance on each other. It’s Travis’s desperate last attempt at reconnection that eventually brings them back together. And it’s Ian, who indeed bears the major part of the blame, who changes tack and makes amends. But it’s not Ian’s singular effort that saves the relationship; both have work to do and both need to break out of set ways. And there’s where the magic of this story lies; it’s at once believable that they’d find a way back together and it’s also so very, very romantic that—and how—they do in the end. I loved this little story that started so melancholy and took such a beautiful turn to the better. Hopeful, romantic and heartwarming, this positive tale of a loving couple overcoming an almost fatal crisis in their relationship was a treat to read, and I can only warmly recommend it.
February 11, 2014
Eden Winters does it again. In just a few words she has brought me from one emotion to the other. From heart ache to joy, from tears of despair to tears of happiness.
This is a short that packs a punch. If I had to use one word to sum it up that word would be feelings.
Learning about Ian and Travis left me with one down side, I want more damn it. I want the full story. I want the growing up years of Bobby and I want a little more of the HEA.
This is just the type of story I want to see in full length.
This is a short that packs a punch. If I had to use one word to sum it up that word would be feelings.
Learning about Ian and Travis left me with one down side, I want more damn it. I want the full story. I want the growing up years of Bobby and I want a little more of the HEA.
This is just the type of story I want to see in full length.
October 3, 2015
I loved it! It's short and really easy to read. The story is very well told. Everything is from Ian's POV, and his experience is beautiful. Highly recommend.
June 10, 2017
3.5 Stars
If you’re ok with the no communication trope then this really was a nice sentimental, angsty, but sweet look at a committed relationship almost destroyed by the fact that these two don’t know how to use their words. Pride and stubbornness definitely come into play but they finally get their heads outta their asses to give us a great HEA.
If you’re ok with the no communication trope then this really was a nice sentimental, angsty, but sweet look at a committed relationship almost destroyed by the fact that these two don’t know how to use their words. Pride and stubbornness definitely come into play but they finally get their heads outta their asses to give us a great HEA.
Read
July 14, 2015Several people asked me what inspired this work. Yes, it was inspired, and consumed me until I told Travis and Ian's story.
My muse was Vast's Hotel Song, and the hauntingly beautiful melody never fails to bring tears to my eyes and make me feel despair, the despair that Travis feels, isolated and trapped in his depression, not knowing how to break free. Not necessarily the words, but more the deep emotion, the sorrow, the regret that the music evokes.
The story began in my head as Travis curled up on a bed in a shabby hotel room. I'd intended to use both POVs but it's very hard to be in the head of someone so tormented, and I feared being able to do justice to his circumstances. Also, the way the song is from one POV played a big part in using Ian's voice.
If you're unfamiliar with the song, I highly recommend it.
My muse was Vast's Hotel Song, and the hauntingly beautiful melody never fails to bring tears to my eyes and make me feel despair, the despair that Travis feels, isolated and trapped in his depression, not knowing how to break free. Not necessarily the words, but more the deep emotion, the sorrow, the regret that the music evokes.
The story began in my head as Travis curled up on a bed in a shabby hotel room. I'd intended to use both POVs but it's very hard to be in the head of someone so tormented, and I feared being able to do justice to his circumstances. Also, the way the song is from one POV played a big part in using Ian's voice.
If you're unfamiliar with the song, I highly recommend it.
October 30, 2020
5 stars audio
3 stars, story. Too short.
3 stars, story. Too short.
August 28, 2015
I love this book. This is so worth the read through. I admit I'm not a big fan of second chance romance and miscommunication but Eden Winter wrote it so well. It did not fraze me one bit. I so related to Ian and his whole ignorance of what was going on with his husband. Being silent can be a lot more damaging than having real talk. That goes for Travis too. This was short but impactful read. I definitely recommending this as one best short I read this year.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2020
It's an amazing thing, perspective. You blithely go about your life sure that how you see things is exactly how things are. Until you realize that's not what happened at all. Travis is heart breaking. "The man behind the man" shouldn't be how you view yourself. It is to Ian's credit that he is able to look beyond his perspective. This story is a reminder that what you have can so easily be lost. It takes effort.
Reread: Loved it as much, if not more than the first time.
Reread: Loved it as much, if not more than the first time.
April 4, 2022
Blahhhh.
January 31, 2020
Wow, I feel like that random awful person kicking a puppy ....... other reviewers love this novella but, personally, it left me somewhat "meh".
Maybe it's because Ian was an arrogant asshole, and while he wises up by the end, I felt we didn't learn anything about what makes him tick, and why his marriage to Travis was first so successful, and then went off the rails so quickly. IMHO, a scene or two that showed their love and partnership at its best would have rounded out their characters and made their break-up more personal. I felt that we really needed to get Travis' POV. Also, we are not meeting Travis at his best, and it was hard to become fully vested in his despair when he was such a thinly-sketched character to begin with. [Yeah, like I said ...... kicking a poor puppy ......]
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Maybe it's because Ian was an arrogant asshole, and while he wises up by the end, I felt we didn't learn anything about what makes him tick, and why his marriage to Travis was first so successful, and then went off the rails so quickly. IMHO, a scene or two that showed their love and partnership at its best would have rounded out their characters and made their break-up more personal. I felt that we really needed to get Travis' POV. Also, we are not meeting Travis at his best, and it was hard to become fully vested in his despair when he was such a thinly-sketched character to begin with. [Yeah, like I said ...... kicking a poor puppy ......]
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
July 13, 2015
First, I'd like to say this book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.... So here's my take.
I was heartbroken the first half of this book. I even cried a little... those of you who follow my reviews know that's nothin knew though lol It doesn't take much to set me off, but this one felt a bit personal to me because I myself experienced something like it at one time. I love stories that are so easily relateable to normal people...not that I'm normal but come on... for the sake of this review... I totally am.
Anyway, Ian and Travis were coming up on their 20th wedding anniversary, but they weren't together. Ian was a bit bitter and still hurt at Travis for leaving him and done all their communicating through their son Bob.
Learning Travis isn't well, Ian decides to pay him a visit because his son asked him to. I have to admit, I saw the reasons coming but it didn't make it any less heartbreaking. I felt so badly for Travis, he'd all but given up on everything, life, his career, his family... Servrely depressed and not seeing a way out, jeez, again...it was enough to make me tear up... However, upon seeing how horrible Travis looks and a nice chat with Travis's sister, he realizes that the problems in their relationship wasn't so much Travis leaving him but Travis being forced to leave because of Ian...
You can tell these two really loved each other and it was fun seeing Ian trying to undo the wrongs he didn't know he'd done, and overall, I was really happy with the ending. I'm a sucker for a HEA!
This is my first Eden Winters book and I've got to say, I'm really looking forward to reading more!
I really enjoyed it, it was short and bittersweet. It wasn't rushed, wasn't too terribly angsty, and like I mentioned, it was just raw and real and relateable... I really really liked it and appreciate getting a chance to review it :)
4 stars for me!
I was heartbroken the first half of this book. I even cried a little... those of you who follow my reviews know that's nothin knew though lol It doesn't take much to set me off, but this one felt a bit personal to me because I myself experienced something like it at one time. I love stories that are so easily relateable to normal people...not that I'm normal but come on... for the sake of this review... I totally am.
Anyway, Ian and Travis were coming up on their 20th wedding anniversary, but they weren't together. Ian was a bit bitter and still hurt at Travis for leaving him and done all their communicating through their son Bob.
Learning Travis isn't well, Ian decides to pay him a visit because his son asked him to. I have to admit, I saw the reasons coming but it didn't make it any less heartbreaking. I felt so badly for Travis, he'd all but given up on everything, life, his career, his family... Servrely depressed and not seeing a way out, jeez, again...it was enough to make me tear up... However, upon seeing how horrible Travis looks and a nice chat with Travis's sister, he realizes that the problems in their relationship wasn't so much Travis leaving him but Travis being forced to leave because of Ian...
You can tell these two really loved each other and it was fun seeing Ian trying to undo the wrongs he didn't know he'd done, and overall, I was really happy with the ending. I'm a sucker for a HEA!
This is my first Eden Winters book and I've got to say, I'm really looking forward to reading more!
I really enjoyed it, it was short and bittersweet. It wasn't rushed, wasn't too terribly angsty, and like I mentioned, it was just raw and real and relateable... I really really liked it and appreciate getting a chance to review it :)
4 stars for me!
September 25, 2015
3.5 stars
I liked that this was about two older MCs who are given a second chance after their long term marriage falls apart. This is told from Ian's perspective. Travis left him two years ago. Ian realizes, through their son, that Travis is not doing well. As Ian reaches out to Travis, he starts to understand why Travis left him. He, of course, never stopped loving Travis.
While I enjoyed this, especially the themes, there were a few plot points that I had difficulties with:
Overall, a nice novella about two older lovers reconnecting - but not, IMO, without some flaws.
I liked that this was about two older MCs who are given a second chance after their long term marriage falls apart. This is told from Ian's perspective. Travis left him two years ago. Ian realizes, through their son, that Travis is not doing well. As Ian reaches out to Travis, he starts to understand why Travis left him. He, of course, never stopped loving Travis.
While I enjoyed this, especially the themes, there were a few plot points that I had difficulties with:
Overall, a nice novella about two older lovers reconnecting - but not, IMO, without some flaws.
July 21, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author via IndiGo Marketing and Design in exchange for an honest review
This was a very short story that started out heartbreaking and frustrating and ended out sweet and satisfying.
Ian is a workaholic who seems to take his husband for granted and eventually (unknowingly) pulls away from him after their son (Bobby) goes away to college. Travis is his stay at home husband who took care of the family and feels lost and alone after Bobby goes away and his husband seems to be more distant. They separate for 2 years, but finally come together again after Bobby begs Ian to visit Travis.
Ian finally gets his eyes opened and finds out why Travis left. He vows to support Travis and change his ways because he loves him and doesn't want to live without him anymore. The guys have some trust issues to get around in order for their relationship to get back to a good place, but eventually they find a way to be back together.
I was glad to read a book that featured older MC's and the idea of losing their way after so many years. It is a common theme in real life, but to read about it and to see a happy ending come from it was very refreshing. I enjoyed reading this very much.
This was a very short story that started out heartbreaking and frustrating and ended out sweet and satisfying.
Ian is a workaholic who seems to take his husband for granted and eventually (unknowingly) pulls away from him after their son (Bobby) goes away to college. Travis is his stay at home husband who took care of the family and feels lost and alone after Bobby goes away and his husband seems to be more distant. They separate for 2 years, but finally come together again after Bobby begs Ian to visit Travis.
Ian finally gets his eyes opened and finds out why Travis left. He vows to support Travis and change his ways because he loves him and doesn't want to live without him anymore. The guys have some trust issues to get around in order for their relationship to get back to a good place, but eventually they find a way to be back together.
I was glad to read a book that featured older MC's and the idea of losing their way after so many years. It is a common theme in real life, but to read about it and to see a happy ending come from it was very refreshing. I enjoyed reading this very much.
September 8, 2016
This was a very sweet story with just a bit of angst.
September 24, 2014
4.5 marbles
Eden Winters is looking at the other end of romance—what happens in a long relationship when trouble’s brewing? This short gives us a look at breaking, healing, and rekindling of what had been so good for so long.
Ian is too stinking proud to chase after Travis when he left, even to ask why. The wound in their twenty-plus year relationship has been festering, with neither willing to cut loose, but neither willing to reach out. A milestone anniversary and a persistent son get them back in the same room long enough to see what went wrong and get a glimmer of how to fix it.
Ian is our PoV character, and the inside of his head isn’t very comfortable. He feels wronged and slighted, and justified in thinking that at long last he’ll sever the tie Travis frayed by leaving. He misses Travis bitterly, but pride is a deadly sin. The author proceeds to deliver a reality check of monumental proportions, starting with finding out how Ian cut Travis out of their friend’s lives, and adding smack after smack until Ian is forced to confront the fact that he’s actually been a douchecanoe.
Travis has his own demons—clinical depression played with his judgment, leaving him unable to speak up for himself. When he does speak up, Ian’s horrified by what he has to say.
It’s a huge turnaround for Ian to acknowledge his shortcomings, and it’s also a major struggle for Travis to emerge from his depression and decide how he wants to truly live. This is Eden Winters writing: her characters end up happy but they have to work for it. Hard. Really, really hard.
Leaving aside the issue of how they went so long before they actually got to the most basic question, (my one quibble), this is a lovely story of redemption and love restored.
Eden Winters is looking at the other end of romance—what happens in a long relationship when trouble’s brewing? This short gives us a look at breaking, healing, and rekindling of what had been so good for so long.
Ian is too stinking proud to chase after Travis when he left, even to ask why. The wound in their twenty-plus year relationship has been festering, with neither willing to cut loose, but neither willing to reach out. A milestone anniversary and a persistent son get them back in the same room long enough to see what went wrong and get a glimmer of how to fix it.
Ian is our PoV character, and the inside of his head isn’t very comfortable. He feels wronged and slighted, and justified in thinking that at long last he’ll sever the tie Travis frayed by leaving. He misses Travis bitterly, but pride is a deadly sin. The author proceeds to deliver a reality check of monumental proportions, starting with finding out how Ian cut Travis out of their friend’s lives, and adding smack after smack until Ian is forced to confront the fact that he’s actually been a douchecanoe.
Travis has his own demons—clinical depression played with his judgment, leaving him unable to speak up for himself. When he does speak up, Ian’s horrified by what he has to say.
It’s a huge turnaround for Ian to acknowledge his shortcomings, and it’s also a major struggle for Travis to emerge from his depression and decide how he wants to truly live. This is Eden Winters writing: her characters end up happy but they have to work for it. Hard. Really, really hard.
Leaving aside the issue of how they went so long before they actually got to the most basic question, (my one quibble), this is a lovely story of redemption and love restored.
July 13, 2015
This is a novella read that packs a punch with the feels.
This is a second chance romance. Ian is forced by his son Bob, to visit his husband Travis, who left Ian two years prior.. What starts off as a bitter fuelled angst driven meeting is abruptly changed into disbelief, concern and realisation that maybe things are not as Ian believed.
This is told from Ian's POV and he is quite arrogant in his demeanour, but it feels very plausible in the array of emotions and internal wrangling he goes through in his quest to first get through "one night" as the injured party and then his epiphany and the overwhelming need to have this man, his husband of 18 years, the love of his life back in his life. At times I wish there had been something from Travis, especially at key points - his vulnerability and sheer hopelessness just jumped off the page and my heart ached for him, he was so lost - with a busy husband and their son off to college he had became anchor-less and was drifting away, alone.
I truly needed this story to be longer, I felt the ending was a little neatly wrapped up and I only got to dip my big toe into the start of their journey back to coupledom again.. The ending was sweet though and the epilogue was a touching finish to a heartwarming read.
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
This is a second chance romance. Ian is forced by his son Bob, to visit his husband Travis, who left Ian two years prior.. What starts off as a bitter fuelled angst driven meeting is abruptly changed into disbelief, concern and realisation that maybe things are not as Ian believed.
This is told from Ian's POV and he is quite arrogant in his demeanour, but it feels very plausible in the array of emotions and internal wrangling he goes through in his quest to first get through "one night" as the injured party and then his epiphany and the overwhelming need to have this man, his husband of 18 years, the love of his life back in his life. At times I wish there had been something from Travis, especially at key points - his vulnerability and sheer hopelessness just jumped off the page and my heart ached for him, he was so lost - with a busy husband and their son off to college he had became anchor-less and was drifting away, alone.
I truly needed this story to be longer, I felt the ending was a little neatly wrapped up and I only got to dip my big toe into the start of their journey back to coupledom again.. The ending was sweet though and the epilogue was a touching finish to a heartwarming read.
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved Almost Mine for various reasons. One it's great to read about older couples and two there was no way not to feel connected to Ian and Travis. Ian is the stereotypical, clueless, workaholic prick of a husband and Travis, is the stay-at-home dad who gives up his career to raise their son Bobby. Over the years, Ian and Travis lose their way as a couple and "taking for granted" doesn't even begin to describe Ian's treatment of Travis. Once Bobby graduates and goes off to college, Travis is left floundering and feels he has no choice but to end his marriage. Fast forward two years, Bobby begs Ian to see go see Travis because he's not doing well. What happens next definitely requires a tissue. The emotions that emanate from both Travis and Ian are all consuming. I'm tearing up just thinking about the scenes at Travis' apartment and their dinner date. I'm not sure what inspired Ms. Winters while she was writing those scenes, but she conveyed their pain and hurt so realistically.
I did not want this book to end. If I had one complaint, it would be that we didn't see more of Ian and Travis' journey back together. If you're a fan of older couples and couples who temporarily lose their way, you will absolutely love Almost Mine.
I absolutely loved Almost Mine for various reasons. One it's great to read about older couples and two there was no way not to feel connected to Ian and Travis. Ian is the stereotypical, clueless, workaholic prick of a husband and Travis, is the stay-at-home dad who gives up his career to raise their son Bobby. Over the years, Ian and Travis lose their way as a couple and "taking for granted" doesn't even begin to describe Ian's treatment of Travis. Once Bobby graduates and goes off to college, Travis is left floundering and feels he has no choice but to end his marriage. Fast forward two years, Bobby begs Ian to see go see Travis because he's not doing well. What happens next definitely requires a tissue. The emotions that emanate from both Travis and Ian are all consuming. I'm tearing up just thinking about the scenes at Travis' apartment and their dinner date. I'm not sure what inspired Ms. Winters while she was writing those scenes, but she conveyed their pain and hurt so realistically.
I did not want this book to end. If I had one complaint, it would be that we didn't see more of Ian and Travis' journey back together. If you're a fan of older couples and couples who temporarily lose their way, you will absolutely love Almost Mine.
February 27, 2014
An absolutely gorgeous story, filled with tears, smiles, and love. This is one of the most beautiful, nostalgic, and wonderful short stories I have read. I loved the process of Ian finding out why Travis had left--and finding out that it was for completely different reasons than he had thought--and then changing his behavior to get his husband, the glue that holds their family together, back. This was a true love story, about two people who are meant to be together, even though they had very real problems in the past, and about them changing their life together for the better, making it stronger than before.
I love everything about this book--from the darkness of why Travis wants to see Ian once again, to where Travis was living, to Ian finding out why Travis had left, to the trip away and the swimming pool, to the ending, and everything I between. I especially love Travis, and how he took care of everyone, didn't complain for a second, happy just to sacrifice and help those he loved be the best they could be. I related to him a lot.
This is a beautiful book with perfect messages: love is the most important; communication is key. Very worth the short read, I bough this without the sample first, and absolutely love it. It will stay in my memory.
I love everything about this book--from the darkness of why Travis wants to see Ian once again, to where Travis was living, to Ian finding out why Travis had left, to the trip away and the swimming pool, to the ending, and everything I between. I especially love Travis, and how he took care of everyone, didn't complain for a second, happy just to sacrifice and help those he loved be the best they could be. I related to him a lot.
This is a beautiful book with perfect messages: love is the most important; communication is key. Very worth the short read, I bough this without the sample first, and absolutely love it. It will stay in my memory.
March 20, 2015
Eden Winters captures my heart every time I pick up one of her books, no matter if it's long or short. In this shorter story, she manages to weave a beautiful tale of love and affection, heartbreak and heartache. The characters are three dimensional and the storyline plausible.
In a nutshell, Ian lost Travis when he walked out after eighteen years of marriage. Blaming Travis for the past two years, he finally agrees to go to see him when their son Bob begs him. What he finds out is that Travis is not doing well without him and it was, in fact, his own fault that Travis left.
Taking the time to get counseling for Travis's depression and counseling for himself to deal with the issues that drove Travis away, Ian is finally ready to go back to get his man. And this time, he won't let him get away.
Loved it! So sweet and romantic, this one wrapped around my heart. Highly recommended to those who want a quick dip into angst then a look at a true and lasting love. 4.5 stars rounded up because... it's Eden Winters!
In a nutshell, Ian lost Travis when he walked out after eighteen years of marriage. Blaming Travis for the past two years, he finally agrees to go to see him when their son Bob begs him. What he finds out is that Travis is not doing well without him and it was, in fact, his own fault that Travis left.
Taking the time to get counseling for Travis's depression and counseling for himself to deal with the issues that drove Travis away, Ian is finally ready to go back to get his man. And this time, he won't let him get away.
Loved it! So sweet and romantic, this one wrapped around my heart. Highly recommended to those who want a quick dip into angst then a look at a true and lasting love. 4.5 stars rounded up because... it's Eden Winters!
July 28, 2015
I have to start by admitting that I don't typically read short stories but I loved this one! I felt for these characters right from the beginning and I think Eden Winters did a fantastic job of making this feel like a complete story.
Ian thought he and Travis had the perfect marriage and life until one day Travis was just gone. When his son asks him to visit his father, Ian begins to realize what really happened, but can any of it be fixed?
Ian now has to fight to get his husband back and prove that he is not the man he used to be, that he now can see what is important in life. This is a short story and I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say that there are so many feels in this story! I loved watching Ian figure it all out, he made my heart melt. There was so much emotion packed into Almost Mine!
I would love to get to see more of Ian and Travis, I just adore them.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ian thought he and Travis had the perfect marriage and life until one day Travis was just gone. When his son asks him to visit his father, Ian begins to realize what really happened, but can any of it be fixed?
Ian now has to fight to get his husband back and prove that he is not the man he used to be, that he now can see what is important in life. This is a short story and I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say that there are so many feels in this story! I loved watching Ian figure it all out, he made my heart melt. There was so much emotion packed into Almost Mine!
I would love to get to see more of Ian and Travis, I just adore them.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2014
A poignant story with a valuable lesson in paying attention to what you have, lest your neglect and/or taking for granted of your partner lead to unintended consequences.
Beautifully told story of a couple who nearly let everything fall apart when their relationship changes after their son leaves home. Each partner has difficulty in communicating needs and keeping focus on their marriage when the nest is empty.
I think this happens to SO many people. My sister just told me this weekend about another one of her friends who is getting divorced after 25 years of marriage. Both kids are in college and they are calling it quits. So sorry to hear about it, but seems like so many people focus so much on their kids to the detriment of their marriages.
Beautifully told story of a couple who nearly let everything fall apart when their relationship changes after their son leaves home. Each partner has difficulty in communicating needs and keeping focus on their marriage when the nest is empty.
I think this happens to SO many people. My sister just told me this weekend about another one of her friends who is getting divorced after 25 years of marriage. Both kids are in college and they are calling it quits. So sorry to hear about it, but seems like so many people focus so much on their kids to the detriment of their marriages.
July 20, 2015
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
This story leaves you with one of those ‘and the moral of the story is...’ kind of moments. We join the story at a point where Travis and Ian have been separated for two years. On what would’ve been their 20th anniversary, a little interference from their adopted son, leads to the estranged couple spending time together and in the process, they each learn some home truths. When Ian discovers that the real reason for their split lies with him, he does all he can to win back his husband. My only criticism is that I felt it lacked emotion and at times felt a bit flat. That aside, the MC’s get the HEA they deserve.
This story leaves you with one of those ‘and the moral of the story is...’ kind of moments. We join the story at a point where Travis and Ian have been separated for two years. On what would’ve been their 20th anniversary, a little interference from their adopted son, leads to the estranged couple spending time together and in the process, they each learn some home truths. When Ian discovers that the real reason for their split lies with him, he does all he can to win back his husband. My only criticism is that I felt it lacked emotion and at times felt a bit flat. That aside, the MC’s get the HEA they deserve.
February 15, 2014
Talk about a book that packs a punch. I was expecting it to be intense based on the reviews, but what I wasnt expecting was to be so completely blown away. Aside from the great characters, it shows how easily we can hurt our loved ones without meaning to. Ian and Travis's relationship fell apart after so many years not because they stopped loving each other, but because they stopped fighting to stay together. Their relationship is the perfect example that we should never take our loved ones for granted.
July 19, 2015
I was given a copy of almost mine to read in exchange for an honest review. This is a sweet
story of a loving couple & family. This story shows what happens when couples drift apart & miscommunication can tear a family apart. Becoming empty nesters Ian throws himself into work pulling away from his love Travis. With a push from their son Bob Ian agrees to see Travis on their 20 wedding anniversary. Ian realizes he had been wrong about the last two years. With this information see if Ian has what it takes to put their family back together. Enjoyed Ian and Travis's story
story of a loving couple & family. This story shows what happens when couples drift apart & miscommunication can tear a family apart. Becoming empty nesters Ian throws himself into work pulling away from his love Travis. With a push from their son Bob Ian agrees to see Travis on their 20 wedding anniversary. Ian realizes he had been wrong about the last two years. With this information see if Ian has what it takes to put their family back together. Enjoyed Ian and Travis's story
July 22, 2015
I was given a copy of this book for my review. What can I say? I love seeing established couples who make up after breaking up. At first, I was siding with the husband that had been left. As I read further I started relating to the husband that left. I have been in his shoes. The two didn't communicate because the lawyer husband didn't listen and had no idea! I love seeing them well into the future and still in love! This book touched my heart!
February 6, 2014
I was lucky enough to beta this story. I have to say, of all the things I've read from Eden Winters, this one hit me in the gut the hardest. All manner of things went through my head while reading it, and all sorts of emotions were unleashed.
Grab a tub of ice cream, a box of tissues, and a blanket before you snuggle in to read this story.
Grab a tub of ice cream, a box of tissues, and a blanket before you snuggle in to read this story.
February 21, 2014
Eden Winters always write amazing short stories...she proves that you can pack a punch and tell a full complete story in such a short length of words. This was really emotional and different in that they're both older men and working on fixing what's wrong. I really loved this from start to finish.
July 12, 2015
This is a thinker.
For a novella there's quite a lot going on in this story.
Travis and Ian split up after 18 years together and this is the story of them coming to terms with what went wrong with their relationship.
It's quite nicely done and makes you think about your own relationships.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
For a novella there's quite a lot going on in this story.
Travis and Ian split up after 18 years together and this is the story of them coming to terms with what went wrong with their relationship.
It's quite nicely done and makes you think about your own relationships.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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