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Just Like This
Adam Clarkson is a successful TV actor who is enjoying his life and all the benefits it brings him. All that changes when Connell Mansell and his three children move in next door. From the moment he sees Connell, Adam is fascinated by him but is baffled when his friendly overtures are rebuffed. Determined to get to know the other man better, he starts a campaign to get closer to the little family and the aloof Connell. Connell is equally determined to keep Adam at arm's length and it takes help from friends, judicious use of dogs and a smattering of bribes before Adam is able to get close enough to even hold a conversation. Just when Adam thinks he has made some progress in getting closer to Connell he discovers the reason the other man is so protective and wary of letting anyone get close to him and his children. What happens from there is something neither man expected, but will ultimately change everyone's lives forever.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2014
4 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Lewis
39 books14 followersTaylor Lewis lives on a small, wind swept island off the west coast of Scotland with three entitled cats and two little dogs. Interests include staying dry as much as possible (sadly, not as often as wished for) and writing happy, escapism books in a variety of genres and main focus pairings that distract the author from the diabolical weather outside the window.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 20, 2015
A delightful little read.
This was a story of love and patience. Adam has to work for his hearts desire and while there were times I wanted to shake Connell for his stubbornness, I could sympathise with him too.
The kids were delightful, Scott a true hellion, Kate a sweetheart but not above a little manipulation, and Danny was just a cutie with an oral fixation lol.
This one had me chuckling out loud and choking up, it kept me waiting for the other shoe to drop. It also kept things real.
Will really needs a book of his own, sadly it would be a het book but maybe we could have a little extra of Will baby sitting lol.
Overall if you like kids and a slow build up with just hints of drama and a few chuckles then this could be the one for you.
My only real niggles was the lack of editing, could of been tidied up better but still worth the read.
This was a story of love and patience. Adam has to work for his hearts desire and while there were times I wanted to shake Connell for his stubbornness, I could sympathise with him too.
The kids were delightful, Scott a true hellion, Kate a sweetheart but not above a little manipulation, and Danny was just a cutie with an oral fixation lol.
This one had me chuckling out loud and choking up, it kept me waiting for the other shoe to drop. It also kept things real.
Will really needs a book of his own, sadly it would be a het book but maybe we could have a little extra of Will baby sitting lol.
Overall if you like kids and a slow build up with just hints of drama and a few chuckles then this could be the one for you.
My only real niggles was the lack of editing, could of been tidied up better but still worth the read.
February 27, 2015
One reviewer said this reads like a J2 fic and it does!! I really enjoyed it and i found myself laughing on some parts. Adam (Jared) and Connell (Jensen) are great together. Could've used a little editing but it was a very satisfying read.
May 25, 2014
Ok, there were words missing here and there, sometime sentences felt incomplete. But that didn't take away from my reading joy. I totally liked the whole story, beginning to end. Just when I thought, Adam, just quit it and stop being that stalker - his persistence was worth while and Connell opened up, little bit by little bit.
Yes, this was a feel good story until the very satisfying, well-deserved HEA.
Yes, this was a feel good story until the very satisfying, well-deserved HEA.
May 6, 2015
3.5 stars
This is a great story but it rambles in places and it would have been more enjoyable if it had been shorter. It is a pleasant story about Adam who falls for his neighbour Connell only to find that Connell isn't interested. Connell having clawed his way out of an abusive and heartbreaking relationship is totally focused on his three kids and has no time to indulge the glamorous popular actor Adam.
But Adam doesn't take no for an answer and schemes and plots and in the process becomes the beloved next door neighbour and friend, only to realise that Connell and his family have become deeply beloved to him too. He sets out to convince Connell that they are a family and should be together. Does he do it? Yes he does.
This is a lovely story with great characters. What is really nice about it is the way the two men grow in their relationship with each other. No insta-love here, (although I do like insta love) but instead a gradual growth in friendship and love and a breaking down of barriers and building something delightful together.
The kids and other secondary characters are great too. All in all it is an amusing and pleasant story with a gentle but captivating pace.
This is a great story but it rambles in places and it would have been more enjoyable if it had been shorter. It is a pleasant story about Adam who falls for his neighbour Connell only to find that Connell isn't interested. Connell having clawed his way out of an abusive and heartbreaking relationship is totally focused on his three kids and has no time to indulge the glamorous popular actor Adam.
But Adam doesn't take no for an answer and schemes and plots and in the process becomes the beloved next door neighbour and friend, only to realise that Connell and his family have become deeply beloved to him too. He sets out to convince Connell that they are a family and should be together. Does he do it? Yes he does.
This is a lovely story with great characters. What is really nice about it is the way the two men grow in their relationship with each other. No insta-love here, (although I do like insta love) but instead a gradual growth in friendship and love and a breaking down of barriers and building something delightful together.
The kids and other secondary characters are great too. All in all it is an amusing and pleasant story with a gentle but captivating pace.
March 9, 2014
Oh damn... I loved it!!! It's not perfect, the writing is weird at some points, but this book is fantastic. I'm speechless. Here, this is a complete review about the book, while mine is not... This is just a nonsense, because I don't know how to tell you this story is too good to be true!
Loved it... 5 stars!
Loved it... 5 stars!
August 3, 2016
The cover of this book is not very enticing, but what's underneath that covers sure the heck is. This book made me laugh, sigh, hurt and clench my teeth in frustration and anger. I am in love with this amazing story!
Connell has not had the easiest time raising his family. They all have walls and scars that keep them safe If not alone. Once I heard their back story it all made sense. Connell is amazing, he didn't have to step up, he didn't have to stick around and he sure as heck didn't have to be the father. He is the kinda father that makes you believe in good ones.
Adam has lived his life footloose and carefree, never thinking about the future, until one day it was in front of his face and it smacked him up side the head. Adam went from annoying man boy to a phenomenal man and father.
At times I wanted to shake Adam and scream at him "What in the hell are you doing you idiot" other times I wanted to comfort him.
Adam saw what he wanted and he didn't give up, when he couldn't have them one way he manned up and took what they would give him. You literally watch Adam grown into a man in this book.
Adam and Connell together are beautiful, once so distrustful and hurt and the other giving unconditional love and support. Together they learn to be one each other needs for their sake and for the kids. They learn how to be a family, and how to be a couple.
Adams antics in trying to win over the family had me laughing, their rejection had me hurting, their love had me sighing. This is without a doubt a story that will touch you.
If these guys weren't enough there are these amazing secondary characters that remind you family isn't always blood, it's those who are here for you no mater what.
Pete and Lee are so awesome. I love how they rally around Connell and the kids and how they are family to them.
Will, oh Will how I want your story. Your shenanigans and outrageous behavior had me laughing out loud at work. For being a carefree bachelor he became one hell of an uncle to those kids.
Jody, you need to give him a chance :D
Loved, loved this book!!!
Connell has not had the easiest time raising his family. They all have walls and scars that keep them safe If not alone. Once I heard their back story it all made sense. Connell is amazing, he didn't have to step up, he didn't have to stick around and he sure as heck didn't have to be the father. He is the kinda father that makes you believe in good ones.
Adam has lived his life footloose and carefree, never thinking about the future, until one day it was in front of his face and it smacked him up side the head. Adam went from annoying man boy to a phenomenal man and father.
At times I wanted to shake Adam and scream at him "What in the hell are you doing you idiot" other times I wanted to comfort him.
Adam saw what he wanted and he didn't give up, when he couldn't have them one way he manned up and took what they would give him. You literally watch Adam grown into a man in this book.
Adam and Connell together are beautiful, once so distrustful and hurt and the other giving unconditional love and support. Together they learn to be one each other needs for their sake and for the kids. They learn how to be a family, and how to be a couple.
Adams antics in trying to win over the family had me laughing, their rejection had me hurting, their love had me sighing. This is without a doubt a story that will touch you.
If these guys weren't enough there are these amazing secondary characters that remind you family isn't always blood, it's those who are here for you no mater what.
Pete and Lee are so awesome. I love how they rally around Connell and the kids and how they are family to them.
Will, oh Will how I want your story. Your shenanigans and outrageous behavior had me laughing out loud at work. For being a carefree bachelor he became one hell of an uncle to those kids.
Jody, you need to give him a chance :D
Loved, loved this book!!!
April 5, 2018
Awww Adam, you are a beautiful cinnamon roll, too good for this world, too pure...
This endearing and amusing story hit all my buttons: big lovable cinnamon roll hero, grumpy curmudgeon hero with smatterings of humor and romance. Reading this story was like drinking a big mug of hot chocolate: comforting and satisfying for my sweet tooth.
The story is long and could do with a bit of tightening, but I can't complain because the longer length just meant spending more time in this charming world.
This endearing and amusing story hit all my buttons: big lovable cinnamon roll hero, grumpy curmudgeon hero with smatterings of humor and romance. Reading this story was like drinking a big mug of hot chocolate: comforting and satisfying for my sweet tooth.
The story is long and could do with a bit of tightening, but I can't complain because the longer length just meant spending more time in this charming world.
February 19, 2014
Amazing! I have fallen in love this one...if only more plots were written "just like this".......will read it again for sure!
August 5, 2016
4.5 stars.
This was a very sweet book but thankfully not the overtly sweet sugary rush. It was nicely paced, good balance of drama and happy and I loved the characters and the story.
This was a very sweet book but thankfully not the overtly sweet sugary rush. It was nicely paced, good balance of drama and happy and I loved the characters and the story.
April 6, 2014
What a very good, but frustrating story. This book is packed with so many great characters. Connell is a wonderful and protective father who will do anything for his kids, which are all truly great characters also. Adam is so funny he will have you laughing out loud whilst reading this book. It's a great read with a very happy ending.
March 19, 2014
Sweet romance (if a little stalker-y), demon spawned kids (that you can't help but love), and two MC's who are hot together (when they finally get together). Loved Adam's best friend and would love to see him get his HEA.
I really just enjoyed the hell out of this. :)
I really just enjoyed the hell out of this. :)
April 4, 2015
The beginning was slow and involved serious eye rolling, but it got better and at 50% i was really liking it.
August 7, 2014
I apologize in advance, but I have to be honest. As soon as Connell appeared I got the feeling I was reading a J2 fanfiction. While there's nothing wrong with that (I've read my share of J2), I couldn't stop making connections in my mind.
That being said, this is a good book: funny, sweet, a little predictable but not in a way that only serves to move the plot along.
I have to point out, though, the extremely confusing passage of time. It felt incredibly forced, just a few sentences letting us know that months have passed and things have moved along. I feel like I lost a huge part of the emotional connection to the characters that we get in the first few pages, because the most important parts (the frustration, the aching, the loss, the beginnings of love) weren't told.
For these reasons, I give this book 3.75 stars.
That being said, this is a good book: funny, sweet, a little predictable but not in a way that only serves to move the plot along.
I have to point out, though, the extremely confusing passage of time. It felt incredibly forced, just a few sentences letting us know that months have passed and things have moved along. I feel like I lost a huge part of the emotional connection to the characters that we get in the first few pages, because the most important parts (the frustration, the aching, the loss, the beginnings of love) weren't told.
For these reasons, I give this book 3.75 stars.
March 8, 2016
This was a new to me author recommended by some other blogger friends. So happy to have come upon this book!
I love single parent books and having the parent be Dad is even more special. This book is about Connell and his 3 children. They move across country to escape some awful circumstances that have left them all very wary. They move in next door to Adam--an outgoing, character actor. Despite their best efforts to ignore Adam, he weasels his way into their lives.
I loved the patience and slow build that brought these two together. I loved that honesty may have set them back a bit but did not destroy what they had. I loved how together they balanced each other for the better of the children.
Sweet read. Great secondary characters! Lots of humor! Kids and Dogs, can't go wrong there at all!
I love single parent books and having the parent be Dad is even more special. This book is about Connell and his 3 children. They move across country to escape some awful circumstances that have left them all very wary. They move in next door to Adam--an outgoing, character actor. Despite their best efforts to ignore Adam, he weasels his way into their lives.
I loved the patience and slow build that brought these two together. I loved that honesty may have set them back a bit but did not destroy what they had. I loved how together they balanced each other for the better of the children.
Sweet read. Great secondary characters! Lots of humor! Kids and Dogs, can't go wrong there at all!
March 4, 2014
This story is a perfect romance, even if a bit to unrealistic.
To be sincere, I didn't get a realistic picture about this story, but otherwise, I like the main storyline nonetheless. I missed a real connection to Connell as a character. Adam was perfect. He knew what he wanted and that's what he fought for it. I love that part!
To be sincere, I didn't get a realistic picture about this story, but otherwise, I like the main storyline nonetheless. I missed a real connection to Connell as a character. Adam was perfect. He knew what he wanted and that's what he fought for it. I love that part!
March 26, 2014
I had moments when I thought it was time for Connell to stop being a d*ck but overall, it was a great book. I LOVED Will! I would love to see he and Jody get together. That would make a cute short story with all three kids in his wedding.
August 11, 2016
A promising start, but I honestly think this book needs an Editor. It would benefit from a solid reworking/edit.
I ended up dropping the book in the middle, and counting my blessings that I was able to borrow it for free on Amazon Prime.
I ended up dropping the book in the middle, and counting my blessings that I was able to borrow it for free on Amazon Prime.
coming-next
March 19, 2014Neighbours and MM ?!?!?!
★★★ I AM IN HEAVEN ★★★
★★★ I AM IN HEAVEN ★★★
March 12, 2015
Just what I needed, so heart warming.
January 5, 2018
Absolutely excellent!
September 12, 2018
I keep reading and rereading this book i absolutely love it
I love this book the humor, and the angst i can not give it more than 5 stars so I settled for 5
I love this book the humor, and the angst i can not give it more than 5 stars so I settled for 5
November 19, 2018
There was definitely something there... but the execution was a bit juvenile and simplistic (as was the editing). A for effort, I guess.
September 27, 2016
I really liked one of Taylor Lewis's stories, "A Memory Away', and that's how I ended reading her other books. Well, this one was marginally less annoying than other two, but it isn't much. I think the author takes the idea of "hunter-prey" way, WAAAY too far. There are other ways to develop relationship apart from the one where one character is like an attacking rhino, smashing every obstacle in his way, and the other is like a fluttering hummingbird with his "No! Leave me alone! I don't want to!" Or, in this case: "How dare you think sexually about me?! I thought we were friends and you just wanted to get into my panties!"
I couldn't help it, I just disliked Connell. Okay, he had his reasons to be distrustful - but! He is nothing but distrustful for the whole book, from the beginning to the end. The changes in him are so small and take so long to come that it was very difficult to understand what Adam was finding attractive about him.
I felt I lost interest in their relationship somewhere in the middle of the book. Well, when I feel like skipping sex scenes because I don't care for the characters, it's a sure sign something didn't work for me.
The kids were okay, though. Well, they were difficult but they certainly had personalities. I just can't quite understand why Danny, who was talking quite all right in the first scene of the book, regressed to a peeing/chewing machine later on.
I couldn't help it, I just disliked Connell. Okay, he had his reasons to be distrustful - but! He is nothing but distrustful for the whole book, from the beginning to the end. The changes in him are so small and take so long to come that it was very difficult to understand what Adam was finding attractive about him.
I felt I lost interest in their relationship somewhere in the middle of the book. Well, when I feel like skipping sex scenes because I don't care for the characters, it's a sure sign something didn't work for me.
The kids were okay, though. Well, they were difficult but they certainly had personalities. I just can't quite understand why Danny, who was talking quite all right in the first scene of the book, regressed to a peeing/chewing machine later on.
March 25, 2016
Wonderful Story
What I like most about this story is the way virtual strangers rally to protect these children. These children have some serious issues but the adults in their lives handle them with amazing grace. This is supposed to be a love story between Adam and Connell (the single father) but for me, watching Adam fall in love with these children, watching the children begin to heal, to trust, to just be children, simply wonderful. The fact that these children share DNA with not one adult in their protection squad is priceless!
The emotional gambit is all in here. The editing nearly flawless. The gaps in the storyline did not detract from the story itself but the passage of time could have been better demonstrated. Taylor Lewis, you're three for three with me.
What I like most about this story is the way virtual strangers rally to protect these children. These children have some serious issues but the adults in their lives handle them with amazing grace. This is supposed to be a love story between Adam and Connell (the single father) but for me, watching Adam fall in love with these children, watching the children begin to heal, to trust, to just be children, simply wonderful. The fact that these children share DNA with not one adult in their protection squad is priceless!
The emotional gambit is all in here. The editing nearly flawless. The gaps in the storyline did not detract from the story itself but the passage of time could have been better demonstrated. Taylor Lewis, you're three for three with me.
March 6, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. The slow pacing made me fall in love with this whole family as a group. The side characters brought humor and love to the story. The Spawn (the kids) were funny, willful, rebellious, scared, and yet still willing to love. Adam and Connell had great snark and witty conversation. I liked that the sex was an added layer to the story, and not the focus of the story. Love and trust were the focus.
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November 2, 2014DNF
I couldn't stop thinking that I was reading RPF fiction and I see I wasn't the only one.
I have no problem with P2P fanfiction but I really wish they'd change at least the description of the characters because I really, really don't want to imagine Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles when I read a book.
I couldn't stop thinking that I was reading RPF fiction and I see I wasn't the only one.
I have no problem with P2P fanfiction but I really wish they'd change at least the description of the characters because I really, really don't want to imagine Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles when I read a book.
March 11, 2016
Interesting, sweet, funny storey. There were parts where things seemed to be really drawn out and the timeline was sometime hard to figure. I understand with all Connell had been through Adam was going to be working for his HEA for some time but the gaps and jumps weren't really well defined. Could have used another edit as well. Enjoyable none the less.
March 11, 2014
This is one of those sweet reads. Everything is nice in this book, even the 'issues' end up making everything nice. Now sometimes that can make a book lovely and fun, but then other times it just makes it a nice read and nothing really memorable. But if you are after a nice read, read this.
March 31, 2014
3.5 Stars!
Adam made this story enjoyable as he endeavors to worm his way into Connell and his children heart. Connell on the other hand came off cold and uncaring. In my opinion he didn't deserve Adam.
Very funny and sweet story!
Adam made this story enjoyable as he endeavors to worm his way into Connell and his children heart. Connell on the other hand came off cold and uncaring. In my opinion he didn't deserve Adam.
Very funny and sweet story!
June 3, 2014
Loved this story for the funny fuuuuunny bits dotting throughout. One of the MC's was very annoying, but understandably so. The children were simply murderously adorable,all in all a 4.8,my only .2 take away was the time in the story it took for the smooches to take off.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews