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Back to You
Sometimes love just isn’t enough.
For years, Brandon and Ethan have been the perfect couple. They’ve grown together, lived together, laughed together. But now, Brandon is coming in second place to Ethan’s job, and he’s just not sure that’s something he can live with anymore.
Ethan loves his boyfriend with his entire body and soul. But he’s so close to reaching that next level, and he’s prepared to put in as much effort as he needs. Maybe then he’ll finally feel he’s overcome his past.
With a bit of angst, a lot of humor and a ton of love, Brandon and Ethan must navigate a new normal as they try to find their way back to each other.
Join a colorful cast of characters on a journey to find happily ever after.
For years, Brandon and Ethan have been the perfect couple. They’ve grown together, lived together, laughed together. But now, Brandon is coming in second place to Ethan’s job, and he’s just not sure that’s something he can live with anymore.
Ethan loves his boyfriend with his entire body and soul. But he’s so close to reaching that next level, and he’s prepared to put in as much effort as he needs. Maybe then he’ll finally feel he’s overcome his past.
With a bit of angst, a lot of humor and a ton of love, Brandon and Ethan must navigate a new normal as they try to find their way back to each other.
Join a colorful cast of characters on a journey to find happily ever after.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
14 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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May 6, 2024
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How was this a debut novel? I'm so glad I took a chance in reading this second chance story from an author I didn't know, but sometimes it just works out.
This was one of those times. The novel was so well written, the characters went through changes as the story progressed and their development was so realistic and well paced. They put the work in, took their time and improved.
The story begins with a couple facing a rough patch in their relationship. They've been together for three years but one of them, Ethan, is working too much with no signs of slowing down. The other one, Brandon, has become tired of being in a relationship by himself but doesn't know what else to do to change their situation.
Even though we don't see them from the beginning of their relationship I didn't feel like I was thrown in the middle of a story. I came to care for both of them and wanting what was best for them.
There were times I doubted Ethan and Brandon would find their way back to each other. It was clear they loved each other very much and they never denied it. There was no nastiness from either of them, no blaming each other, no words spoken that they couldn't take back so it wasn't unimaginable that they'd manage to find their way back to each other. At the same time though the reasons that led them to a dead end were valid. Ethan's work-life balance was nonexistent and Brandon felt that he couldn't trust him anymore. You don't just get over those issues and resume a relationship so I didn't know what to expect.
They were both mature and down to earth. They were good people, it was easy to like them both and I quickly came to care about them and what they were going through. Their feelings for each other were never in question and I liked that a lot. I also liked that neither ever showed any interest in anyone else, they never even entertained the thought of going out with someone else. Their feelings were solid, that wasn't their problem.
I'm glad the story takes place over several months. Not only because I generally prefer those stories, but also because this particular plot couldn't have worked any other way. They both needed time and distance, they needed to make changes and Ethan needed to learn what it's like to work a reasonable amount of time.
Therapy played a huge part in Ethan's development and I liked that the author tackled that as well. In order for it to work Ethan had to chose to go, it wouldn't have worked if someone forced him to do it. And that was another part of his character's story.
The side characters were colorful, made an impact and were easy to keep track of. We don't get too much background information for them, just a few things, but that worked too because they weren't the focus and they shouldn't be.
I rarely refer to spelling, typing or formating errors when I'm reading an ARC since I know it's usually not the final version and there's likely another round of editing or proofing between sending out the ARCs and pushing the publishing button. But this time I want to mention the state of the text, especially since it's a debut. It was very cared for, it was apparent that a lot of work and effort had gone into making sure even the ARCs were in a great shape. I'm always grateful and impressed when I receive such a loved book.
This author sure managed to get on my radar. I'm looking forward to their next release.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
How was this a debut novel? I'm so glad I took a chance in reading this second chance story from an author I didn't know, but sometimes it just works out.
This was one of those times. The novel was so well written, the characters went through changes as the story progressed and their development was so realistic and well paced. They put the work in, took their time and improved.
The story begins with a couple facing a rough patch in their relationship. They've been together for three years but one of them, Ethan, is working too much with no signs of slowing down. The other one, Brandon, has become tired of being in a relationship by himself but doesn't know what else to do to change their situation.
Even though we don't see them from the beginning of their relationship I didn't feel like I was thrown in the middle of a story. I came to care for both of them and wanting what was best for them.
There were times I doubted Ethan and Brandon would find their way back to each other. It was clear they loved each other very much and they never denied it. There was no nastiness from either of them, no blaming each other, no words spoken that they couldn't take back so it wasn't unimaginable that they'd manage to find their way back to each other. At the same time though the reasons that led them to a dead end were valid. Ethan's work-life balance was nonexistent and Brandon felt that he couldn't trust him anymore. You don't just get over those issues and resume a relationship so I didn't know what to expect.
They were both mature and down to earth. They were good people, it was easy to like them both and I quickly came to care about them and what they were going through. Their feelings for each other were never in question and I liked that a lot. I also liked that neither ever showed any interest in anyone else, they never even entertained the thought of going out with someone else. Their feelings were solid, that wasn't their problem.
I'm glad the story takes place over several months. Not only because I generally prefer those stories, but also because this particular plot couldn't have worked any other way. They both needed time and distance, they needed to make changes and Ethan needed to learn what it's like to work a reasonable amount of time.
Therapy played a huge part in Ethan's development and I liked that the author tackled that as well. In order for it to work Ethan had to chose to go, it wouldn't have worked if someone forced him to do it. And that was another part of his character's story.
The side characters were colorful, made an impact and were easy to keep track of. We don't get too much background information for them, just a few things, but that worked too because they weren't the focus and they shouldn't be.
I rarely refer to spelling, typing or formating errors when I'm reading an ARC since I know it's usually not the final version and there's likely another round of editing or proofing between sending out the ARCs and pushing the publishing button. But this time I want to mention the state of the text, especially since it's a debut. It was very cared for, it was apparent that a lot of work and effort had gone into making sure even the ARCs were in a great shape. I'm always grateful and impressed when I receive such a loved book.
This author sure managed to get on my radar. I'm looking forward to their next release.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
April 26, 2024
This is a good, low angst debut novel by S.W. Chambers.
Brandon and Ethan have been together for some time when the story begins and we are dropped right into their escalating tension. Ethan has deep seated issues from his childhood that have never been dealt with that drive him to work long and hard at the law firm he is employed at, and Brandon ends up feeling like a roommate to Ethan instead of his partner. Brandon’s trust is broken one too many times and the pair split up.
I thought this was good for Ethan, as Brandon was asking him to stop working so much so they could see each other (aka spend time with him) but also stop working himself to the bone, but Ethan really needed to want to make lifestyle changes for himself. Although these two are apart for quite a few months their love and affection for one another doesn’t diminish and they are able to find their way back to each other.
The side characters in this story were hilarious! Michelle and Lake were my favorites, as well as Kelly Cluckson and Rhonda with her book club! I’m very excited Lake will be getting his own story next! Maybe Max and his demon spawn chihuahua in the future?
*I received an advanced copy from GRR in exchange for my honest review*
Brandon and Ethan have been together for some time when the story begins and we are dropped right into their escalating tension. Ethan has deep seated issues from his childhood that have never been dealt with that drive him to work long and hard at the law firm he is employed at, and Brandon ends up feeling like a roommate to Ethan instead of his partner. Brandon’s trust is broken one too many times and the pair split up.
I thought this was good for Ethan, as Brandon was asking him to stop working so much so they could see each other (aka spend time with him) but also stop working himself to the bone, but Ethan really needed to want to make lifestyle changes for himself. Although these two are apart for quite a few months their love and affection for one another doesn’t diminish and they are able to find their way back to each other.
The side characters in this story were hilarious! Michelle and Lake were my favorites, as well as Kelly Cluckson and Rhonda with her book club! I’m very excited Lake will be getting his own story next! Maybe Max and his demon spawn chihuahua in the future?
*I received an advanced copy from GRR in exchange for my honest review*
December 24, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
September 26, 2025
I was really into the premise of this, but the writing sadly just didn't work for me. The humor didn't hit and the emotional beats felt stilted and predictable.
May 6, 2024
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
This book starts off with an elegant woman walking a chicken wearing a “pink, rhinestone-encrusted leash.” This is how we are introduced to Brandon, who owns Bean Bistro with his lovely sister, Michelle, and no, the chicken is not his or hers. What is his is his partner, Ethan. Except we know right away that there are issues. “Really, though, was there any point in going home at all?” As Brandon scrolls through his phone after yet another, sorry, gotta work text, we can see how important Ethan’s job is to him. They’ve been together for three years but now Brandon is realizing something. “Message after message reminding him how much more Ethan’s job meant more than everything else in his life. More than Brandon.”. I was barely into the book, and my heart was hurting for Brandon already.
Brandon loves Ethan and wants their relationship to work but doesn’t know what to do. He and Ethan have talked about it over and over, and Ethan will promise to cut his hours back (he’s a lawyer who wants to make senior associate), but it’s always another project, and “…he swears he’ll cut back once it’s done.” But of course, there’s always another project, meeting, or something that just has to be done.
For his part, “Ethan sat at his desk, facing down hour 12 of his day, and knowing that his life was wildly off track.”
Side character-wise, I adored Marcus, who works with Brandon at Bean Bistro, and Michelle, Brandon’s sister. They have nothing but Brandon’s best interests in mind and aren’t afraid to tell him when he’s in the wrong and support him when he’s right. I also love that Michelle’s husband, a deployed sergeant, adores Brandon. They were roommates at college and Steven appreciates how Brandon cares for Michelle and their children while he is deployed. Ethan’s best friend, Lake, absent-minded, loyal, and kind, is another lovely character. Their initial meeting in college made me laugh.
And I have to say, Ethan and Brandon’s meet-cute was adorable. Embarrassing for Ethan, but the memory always makes Brandon laugh, and that gave me hope for these two.
Lake also tries to make Ethan realize what a merry-go-round workaholism is. There’s never an end – senior associate, then killing yourself to be junior partner, then more for senior partner. “Ethan, you need to cut back. Something has to give, and if you aren’t careful, it’s going to be your relationship or your mental health. Actually, if you lose your relationship, there goes your mental health, so yeah. You need to cut back.” Even then, Ethan doesn’t believe it. He has to be successful; he can’t ever go back to how his past was,
“…born to a pair of lazy, aimless, useless layabouts. Neither bothered to hold down a job. They could, they just didn’t want to. If it hadn’t been for government assistance and free school lunches, Ethan would never have been able to eat.”
To make mommy and daddy even better, they kicked Ethan out the day he turned 18 and he worked multiple jobs to pay for college, where he worked full time while taking full load of classes. So you can understand why he has such drive, but he doesn’t see there is no getting off that merry-go-round unless you choose to.
Fair warning, this won’t be for everyone. This is an established couple having problems and for much of the book it focuses on the solving of the problems, not “romance”. I found it interesting and something different than my usual, but there is a lot of soul-searching and working on yourself.
I like established couple stories, and this one is very realistic. There was no magical solving of problems with sex and the tension/angst that was there fit very well. Something happens that was expected and the results were, I thought, exactly expected. So I liked seeing how they would deal with everything and how things would turn out.
This book starts off with an elegant woman walking a chicken wearing a “pink, rhinestone-encrusted leash.” This is how we are introduced to Brandon, who owns Bean Bistro with his lovely sister, Michelle, and no, the chicken is not his or hers. What is his is his partner, Ethan. Except we know right away that there are issues. “Really, though, was there any point in going home at all?” As Brandon scrolls through his phone after yet another, sorry, gotta work text, we can see how important Ethan’s job is to him. They’ve been together for three years but now Brandon is realizing something. “Message after message reminding him how much more Ethan’s job meant more than everything else in his life. More than Brandon.”. I was barely into the book, and my heart was hurting for Brandon already.
Brandon loves Ethan and wants their relationship to work but doesn’t know what to do. He and Ethan have talked about it over and over, and Ethan will promise to cut his hours back (he’s a lawyer who wants to make senior associate), but it’s always another project, and “…he swears he’ll cut back once it’s done.” But of course, there’s always another project, meeting, or something that just has to be done.
For his part, “Ethan sat at his desk, facing down hour 12 of his day, and knowing that his life was wildly off track.”
Side character-wise, I adored Marcus, who works with Brandon at Bean Bistro, and Michelle, Brandon’s sister. They have nothing but Brandon’s best interests in mind and aren’t afraid to tell him when he’s in the wrong and support him when he’s right. I also love that Michelle’s husband, a deployed sergeant, adores Brandon. They were roommates at college and Steven appreciates how Brandon cares for Michelle and their children while he is deployed. Ethan’s best friend, Lake, absent-minded, loyal, and kind, is another lovely character. Their initial meeting in college made me laugh.
And I have to say, Ethan and Brandon’s meet-cute was adorable. Embarrassing for Ethan, but the memory always makes Brandon laugh, and that gave me hope for these two.
Lake also tries to make Ethan realize what a merry-go-round workaholism is. There’s never an end – senior associate, then killing yourself to be junior partner, then more for senior partner. “Ethan, you need to cut back. Something has to give, and if you aren’t careful, it’s going to be your relationship or your mental health. Actually, if you lose your relationship, there goes your mental health, so yeah. You need to cut back.” Even then, Ethan doesn’t believe it. He has to be successful; he can’t ever go back to how his past was,
“…born to a pair of lazy, aimless, useless layabouts. Neither bothered to hold down a job. They could, they just didn’t want to. If it hadn’t been for government assistance and free school lunches, Ethan would never have been able to eat.”
To make mommy and daddy even better, they kicked Ethan out the day he turned 18 and he worked multiple jobs to pay for college, where he worked full time while taking full load of classes. So you can understand why he has such drive, but he doesn’t see there is no getting off that merry-go-round unless you choose to.
Fair warning, this won’t be for everyone. This is an established couple having problems and for much of the book it focuses on the solving of the problems, not “romance”. I found it interesting and something different than my usual, but there is a lot of soul-searching and working on yourself.
I like established couple stories, and this one is very realistic. There was no magical solving of problems with sex and the tension/angst that was there fit very well. Something happens that was expected and the results were, I thought, exactly expected. So I liked seeing how they would deal with everything and how things would turn out.
September 26, 2025
Ethan (29) and Brandon (?) have been together for three years, and live together, when the book begins. Brandon owns a cafe' and Ethan is a lawyer. Ethan has been working towards a promotion for the past 7-ish months. His boss is taking advantage of that and expecting him to work an extreme amount of overtime. Brandon and Ethan haven't actually seen each other in a month.
One morning, Brandon leaves for work without kissing Ethan goodbye. That's when Ethan starts to worry that Brandon is losing patience with the way things are. (He is.) Ethan takes a Sunday off work to spend the day with Brandon. But Ethan's boss calls during the day off, and Ethan takes the call. Brandon finally tells Ethan he can't take much more of this, because they are just roommates at this point, and they don't even have a relationship anymore. Ethan begs him to just have a little more patience, things will get better once he gets the promotion. Brandon is skeptical, but he agrees to keep being patient.
We see that Ethan is no contact with his own family, but Brandon has a supportive family. He has a mom and dad, a sister, and the sister has a kid. The sister's husband is in the military and deployed somewhere.
So this goes on another 2 months, the Ethan gets the promotion. Then nothing changes, he works late for the next week. Brandon tells him he can't take anymore of living alone. Ethan says he can't refuse to work because he's terrified to lose his job. (His parents were unstable and neglectful and part of that was never having jobs.) So Brandon leaves him, since Ethan isn't willing to change.
Ethan has a friend named Lake who was his friend before, so Ethan gets to keep Lake in the breakup. Lake brings Ethan food and makes sure he's still alive. Lake tries to get Ethan to go to therapy, but Ethan refuses because he thinks he's "fine."
Ethan works a lot and just kind of mopes around while he's at home.
Brandon gets his own apartment. There's a lot of spending time with his sister. A lot of what's happening with his cafe' each day. Slice of life stuff. Brandon meets a guy named Max who asks him out, but he tells Max he's not over his ex yet, so they just become friends. Brandon and Max meet up for coffee, and Lake and Ethan happen to be there. Ethan sees Brandon, and gets all upset about Brandon's "date," but Brandon doesn't see Ethan. (This is two months after the breakup.)
So Lake confronts Brandon about the date, and Brandon agrees to go talk to Ethan to tell him it wasn't a date, and I guess it's supposed to be a "closure" conversation. Brandon wants to help Ethan move on. Ethan agrees to go to therapy. There wasn't much of a conversation. It didn't last long.
We get to read all the therapy sessions.
Brandon is volunteering at the animal shelter to give him a new, post-breakup hobby.
Ethan learns to play guitar.
Brandon's family and friends pressure him to get back together with Ethan because he "still loves him." It was nauseating how many times some side character said, "You still love him." Like, so the fuck what? They were codependent!
Ethan keeps showing up at Brandon's cafe'.
They just sort of get back together by default. With some couples counseling.
The thing is, nothing is actually happening in this book. It's sort of banal.
One morning, Brandon leaves for work without kissing Ethan goodbye. That's when Ethan starts to worry that Brandon is losing patience with the way things are. (He is.) Ethan takes a Sunday off work to spend the day with Brandon. But Ethan's boss calls during the day off, and Ethan takes the call. Brandon finally tells Ethan he can't take much more of this, because they are just roommates at this point, and they don't even have a relationship anymore. Ethan begs him to just have a little more patience, things will get better once he gets the promotion. Brandon is skeptical, but he agrees to keep being patient.
We see that Ethan is no contact with his own family, but Brandon has a supportive family. He has a mom and dad, a sister, and the sister has a kid. The sister's husband is in the military and deployed somewhere.
So this goes on another 2 months, the Ethan gets the promotion. Then nothing changes, he works late for the next week. Brandon tells him he can't take anymore of living alone. Ethan says he can't refuse to work because he's terrified to lose his job. (His parents were unstable and neglectful and part of that was never having jobs.) So Brandon leaves him, since Ethan isn't willing to change.
Ethan has a friend named Lake who was his friend before, so Ethan gets to keep Lake in the breakup. Lake brings Ethan food and makes sure he's still alive. Lake tries to get Ethan to go to therapy, but Ethan refuses because he thinks he's "fine."
Ethan works a lot and just kind of mopes around while he's at home.
Brandon gets his own apartment. There's a lot of spending time with his sister. A lot of what's happening with his cafe' each day. Slice of life stuff. Brandon meets a guy named Max who asks him out, but he tells Max he's not over his ex yet, so they just become friends. Brandon and Max meet up for coffee, and Lake and Ethan happen to be there. Ethan sees Brandon, and gets all upset about Brandon's "date," but Brandon doesn't see Ethan. (This is two months after the breakup.)
So Lake confronts Brandon about the date, and Brandon agrees to go talk to Ethan to tell him it wasn't a date, and I guess it's supposed to be a "closure" conversation. Brandon wants to help Ethan move on. Ethan agrees to go to therapy. There wasn't much of a conversation. It didn't last long.
We get to read all the therapy sessions.
Brandon is volunteering at the animal shelter to give him a new, post-breakup hobby.
Ethan learns to play guitar.
Brandon's family and friends pressure him to get back together with Ethan because he "still loves him." It was nauseating how many times some side character said, "You still love him." Like, so the fuck what? They were codependent!
Ethan keeps showing up at Brandon's cafe'.
They just sort of get back together by default. With some couples counseling.
The thing is, nothing is actually happening in this book. It's sort of banal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2024
When I first read the blurb for this book, I wasn't sure how I would feel about it since I don't usually read romances about established couples, but I love discovering new authors so I gave it a shot.
I LOVED it! I read it three times in under a week. I kept going back to it. This book is a fabulous debut by SW Chambers. The writing was on point, descriptive but not heavy, and witty. I wouldn't say this book was funny or humorous overall, but it had its moments, mostly with the side characters.
At the start of the book, Ethan and Brandon are years into a committed relationship that is starting to falter. I read some other reviews say they didn't get that swoony "in love vibe" from the MCs, but I wasn't expecting that. The honeymoon phase for these guys was over by the time readers meet them. They are mature and confident in their feelings for each other. The "newness" had worn off and the cracks were starting to show. Still, you can see how much these two really loved each other and it manifested in their behavior, how Brandon kept hope alive and gave Ethan chance after chance and how Ethan pressured himself to work constantly to provide for them even though he didn't need to. There are also plenty of flashbacks to earlier in their relationship and how they met.
Both men had a lot to learn, Ethan especially. SW treated her characters like real people, they were flawed and ever-changing. Their struggles were real and relatable, and so was their dedication to each other even while they were apart. This isn't a love-conquers-all story. This is a story of two men deciding what is most important to them and what is right for them as a couple and establishing healthy lifestyles. Ethan's love for Brandon didn't save him, but it helped him understand that he was enough just as he was. It's a truly beautiful second-chance romance that shows readers it's always worth the fight to make positive changes, even if the results of making those changes aren't what we hoped for. But don't fear, unlike real-life, this story has a guaranteed, hard-won HEA.
I LOVED it! I read it three times in under a week. I kept going back to it. This book is a fabulous debut by SW Chambers. The writing was on point, descriptive but not heavy, and witty. I wouldn't say this book was funny or humorous overall, but it had its moments, mostly with the side characters.
At the start of the book, Ethan and Brandon are years into a committed relationship that is starting to falter. I read some other reviews say they didn't get that swoony "in love vibe" from the MCs, but I wasn't expecting that. The honeymoon phase for these guys was over by the time readers meet them. They are mature and confident in their feelings for each other. The "newness" had worn off and the cracks were starting to show. Still, you can see how much these two really loved each other and it manifested in their behavior, how Brandon kept hope alive and gave Ethan chance after chance and how Ethan pressured himself to work constantly to provide for them even though he didn't need to. There are also plenty of flashbacks to earlier in their relationship and how they met.
Both men had a lot to learn, Ethan especially. SW treated her characters like real people, they were flawed and ever-changing. Their struggles were real and relatable, and so was their dedication to each other even while they were apart. This isn't a love-conquers-all story. This is a story of two men deciding what is most important to them and what is right for them as a couple and establishing healthy lifestyles. Ethan's love for Brandon didn't save him, but it helped him understand that he was enough just as he was. It's a truly beautiful second-chance romance that shows readers it's always worth the fight to make positive changes, even if the results of making those changes aren't what we hoped for. But don't fear, unlike real-life, this story has a guaranteed, hard-won HEA.
May 4, 2024
4.5 stars
I really liked this book, the characters of Ethan and Brandon were well written and empathetic, the situation they were in is very on point, especially today when relationships are under so much pressure, and the supporting characters really added another dimension to the story. The blurb lays the basics out pretty well, this long term relationship of two guys who still love each other is at the fracture point, past experiences from Ethan’s youth play a major factor, and communication is down to the point where it only really happens when the frustration breaking point is reached, then neither actually hears and understands what is being said. Both characters have some self realization and discovery to make if they want to find their way back to each other, and that is where the therapist comes in, giving both Ethan and Brandon some excellent homework to work on themselves and the relationship. Animals play minor rolls with Chauncey, Kelly Cluckson, Muffin and Barnabus adding humor and moving the story along, and adult supporting characters like Marcus, Michelle, Nia, and Lake were found and real family, there for both as sounding boards and emotional support. One of my very favorite characters was Lake, he was the most vivid one in my mind’s eye, and I hope there is a book for him in the future. Overall, a very satisfying read with a feel good at the end. Looking forward to more from this author.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.
I really liked this book, the characters of Ethan and Brandon were well written and empathetic, the situation they were in is very on point, especially today when relationships are under so much pressure, and the supporting characters really added another dimension to the story. The blurb lays the basics out pretty well, this long term relationship of two guys who still love each other is at the fracture point, past experiences from Ethan’s youth play a major factor, and communication is down to the point where it only really happens when the frustration breaking point is reached, then neither actually hears and understands what is being said. Both characters have some self realization and discovery to make if they want to find their way back to each other, and that is where the therapist comes in, giving both Ethan and Brandon some excellent homework to work on themselves and the relationship. Animals play minor rolls with Chauncey, Kelly Cluckson, Muffin and Barnabus adding humor and moving the story along, and adult supporting characters like Marcus, Michelle, Nia, and Lake were found and real family, there for both as sounding boards and emotional support. One of my very favorite characters was Lake, he was the most vivid one in my mind’s eye, and I hope there is a book for him in the future. Overall, a very satisfying read with a feel good at the end. Looking forward to more from this author.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.
May 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this debut novel, it well written and the author has suck a knack for writing wonderful characters that are full of personality and realistically flawed. Lake, Michelle, Marcus, and Nia add so much to book - I think it was quite special to have so many really well done characters. I especially appreciate that the female characters are as well written and nuanced and the male characters. The premise is also unique, Brandon and Ethan have been together for a few years, but are starting to strain under Ethan’s blind dedication to his work goals. The author does a nice job showing the love ethan and Brandon have for each other but also the cracks in their relationship caused by neglect. If I’m being picky it does go on a while, so it’s a lot of Brandon waiting around missing Ethan and Ethan letting him down. This feels like a real world problem, but also something a solid relationship should be able to figure out - so it was a little frustrating. But, I loved the couple and I was definitely rooting for them to get it figured out. I also liked how the author approached the breakup and the way back together in a really grounded way. Brandon and Ethan definitely owe their friends and family for the assist and the tough love. I really enjoyed it and hope some of these lovely side characters get their own happy endings.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 26, 2025
4.5 stars
This was a very good book, I'm glad I found it and read it.
The story is pretty much told in the blurb, two men who've been together for over three years who have an apartment and a cat together, who love each other very much but who've also been pulling away from one another. Like Brandon says at some point, they were just roommates and nothing more.
I found particularly well written all the parts regarding their feelings and their conflicted emotions: Brandon loves Ethan very much but he can't bear to being always left alone because of work; Ethan adores Brandon but he's incapable to say no to his boss and he's obsessed by the quantity more than the quality of the tasks he can fulfill.
When Brandon reaches his limit, he leaves Ethan and moves out.
Despite being very painful, I actually enjoyed this part a lot: the author did an incredible job in describing Brandon's hurt and Ethan's spiraling.
And I appreciated very much that there wasn't an easy fix for their breakup but that they both had to work through their issues before getting back together.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
I loved the development of their relationship from the breakup to their reconnection, but I feel like the story felt a little flat towards the end.
I adored the epilogue and the proposal.
I hope the author will write another book because I think she's very talented and because Lake deserves a happy ending too.
This was a very good book, I'm glad I found it and read it.
The story is pretty much told in the blurb, two men who've been together for over three years who have an apartment and a cat together, who love each other very much but who've also been pulling away from one another. Like Brandon says at some point, they were just roommates and nothing more.
I found particularly well written all the parts regarding their feelings and their conflicted emotions: Brandon loves Ethan very much but he can't bear to being always left alone because of work; Ethan adores Brandon but he's incapable to say no to his boss and he's obsessed by the quantity more than the quality of the tasks he can fulfill.
When Brandon reaches his limit, he leaves Ethan and moves out.
Despite being very painful, I actually enjoyed this part a lot: the author did an incredible job in describing Brandon's hurt and Ethan's spiraling.
And I appreciated very much that there wasn't an easy fix for their breakup but that they both had to work through their issues before getting back together.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
I loved the development of their relationship from the breakup to their reconnection, but I feel like the story felt a little flat towards the end.
I adored the epilogue and the proposal.
I hope the author will write another book because I think she's very talented and because Lake deserves a happy ending too.
April 21, 2024
Brandon and Ethan are going through some things, and there is a point when being neglected by his boyfriend becomes just too much. Working through the issues that created the rift, they are never not in love; it’s just not good enough. Can they fix the problems? Can they find their way back together? It’s up to them to change things and find a way to have a future.
OPINION: There is a lot about this book that is very good. I enjoyed the concept of the story, and the author put a lot of angst into telling it. I felt quite a few emotions and found it to be a fairly straightforward story. The problems with the relationship were clearly defined, and you hope for the best. This is a lovely story and the people around them are charming and fun to learn about. The Lake character steals the show for sure. I would have liked to know these men a little better but I enjoyed the book, the concept was great. I am excited to read the next book and would recommend this story to others. Make sure you have your tissue box handy because there are lots of feels.
SPICE: There are some beautiful spicy parts, not a lot of spice in this book. Mostly it’s story about two men figuring out their shit.
OPINION: There is a lot about this book that is very good. I enjoyed the concept of the story, and the author put a lot of angst into telling it. I felt quite a few emotions and found it to be a fairly straightforward story. The problems with the relationship were clearly defined, and you hope for the best. This is a lovely story and the people around them are charming and fun to learn about. The Lake character steals the show for sure. I would have liked to know these men a little better but I enjoyed the book, the concept was great. I am excited to read the next book and would recommend this story to others. Make sure you have your tissue box handy because there are lots of feels.
SPICE: There are some beautiful spicy parts, not a lot of spice in this book. Mostly it’s story about two men figuring out their shit.
April 30, 2024
This one was so painful & gut wrenching
It kept you going when you thought it was getting good for a minute there but then, everything changes.
Found Family
Second Chance
Grumpy/Sunshine
Best friends
For a debut this book is really good, that third person always gets me though. I connect better with first POV but that's a me thing ;)
Brandon & Ethan are what you expect from a couple who has been together and are established if you will. They each have their own things but ultimately they rely on each other to the extreme, but neither notices it.
That heartbreaking part threw me for a loop and had me teary eyed because while I understand it, I really did, it still hurt. No one wants to feel the way Brandon does but he ultimately did what he needed to do to work towards the better. No matter how hard or how much it hurt.
Second chance romances always get me in a chokehold so this one is absolutely no different, this one just has that added hard fought journey to the happily ever after.
This book really touches on codependency and workaholism as a whole and the downsides to it.
There is never any shame in asking for help in any capacity.
Definitely cannot wait for Lakes book, he has me so curious.
It kept you going when you thought it was getting good for a minute there but then, everything changes.
Found Family
Second Chance
Grumpy/Sunshine
Best friends
For a debut this book is really good, that third person always gets me though. I connect better with first POV but that's a me thing ;)
Brandon & Ethan are what you expect from a couple who has been together and are established if you will. They each have their own things but ultimately they rely on each other to the extreme, but neither notices it.
That heartbreaking part threw me for a loop and had me teary eyed because while I understand it, I really did, it still hurt. No one wants to feel the way Brandon does but he ultimately did what he needed to do to work towards the better. No matter how hard or how much it hurt.
Second chance romances always get me in a chokehold so this one is absolutely no different, this one just has that added hard fought journey to the happily ever after.
This book really touches on codependency and workaholism as a whole and the downsides to it.
There is never any shame in asking for help in any capacity.
Definitely cannot wait for Lakes book, he has me so curious.
May 8, 2024
This was a more emotional ride than I was expecting and I loved reading all of it, though some parts were harder than others. There are some trigger warnings to read so be sure to do that before reading.
This is a story about an established couple, Brandon and Ethan, but how they have drifted apart and need a second chance to get their HEA. Ethan has become a chronic over-worker which has had a hugely detrimental effect on his relationship with Brandon.
It's heartbreaking to read the breakdown of their relationship but what comes from that is heartwarming, learning and strengthening their sense of selves and future relationship. One of my favourite things from this book, apart from the writing of this debut author, is the secondary characters. They provide a great amount of humour and support, ensuring the mental and physical well being of both men but Lake taking a special place in my heart. He's so adorable and scatty, definitely in need of his own book.
A highly recommended romance that is a slow burn second chance for two men who have been pushed apart from an addiction to work and wanting to ensure job security. I'm really looking forward to more from this author in the future.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
This is a story about an established couple, Brandon and Ethan, but how they have drifted apart and need a second chance to get their HEA. Ethan has become a chronic over-worker which has had a hugely detrimental effect on his relationship with Brandon.
It's heartbreaking to read the breakdown of their relationship but what comes from that is heartwarming, learning and strengthening their sense of selves and future relationship. One of my favourite things from this book, apart from the writing of this debut author, is the secondary characters. They provide a great amount of humour and support, ensuring the mental and physical well being of both men but Lake taking a special place in my heart. He's so adorable and scatty, definitely in need of his own book.
A highly recommended romance that is a slow burn second chance for two men who have been pushed apart from an addiction to work and wanting to ensure job security. I'm really looking forward to more from this author in the future.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
April 30, 2024
I'm going to go with five stars here. But it's a solid 4.5 really. This is the debut book by this author. It's really good! If you are looking for smut, angst, or suspense this is not your read. If you like romance in the classical sense this is your read. I can't say it was a second chance but it kind of was. It depends on how you view second chance. This couple struggled with some major issues. Ethan was truly suffering from a work addiction. Brandon could be understanding for so long before he had to do something rash. Leave Ethan. This story in my eyes was a healthy way to get back to the basics of a relay. Once Ethan started to see a therapist he understood his issues and openly changed himself. When he did Brandon and Ethan we finally at a turning point to get back on track.
I think this read was a true depiction of what many couples suffer from. And it was very enjoyable to see both parties come back together in a healthy relationship.
Overall I see great reads in the future for this author. She has talent and I am looking forward to more of her work.
I think this read was a true depiction of what many couples suffer from. And it was very enjoyable to see both parties come back together in a healthy relationship.
Overall I see great reads in the future for this author. She has talent and I am looking forward to more of her work.
April 16, 2024
This is SW Chambers debut novel. I liked it, I didn’t love it. I love stories where people find each other again but I hoped for a bit more.
Back to You tells the story of Brandon and Ethan. They’ve been together for 3 years and are very much in love. There is just one thing they struggle with: they don’t see each other a lot since Ethan works insane hours to get his next promotion.
There were a few points I disliked a bit but overall this book was enjoyable. What I struggled with was the fact that it was very much predictable. At least up until the car accident - I could not for the life of me understand why it was needed. Also, it’s repeatedly said that they’re so insanely in love and basically made for each other but I unfortunately couldn’t feel it.
I understand those things are quite subjective so please don’t take them much into account if you decide to read it. As I said, I still enjoyed it.
Back to You tells the story of Brandon and Ethan. They’ve been together for 3 years and are very much in love. There is just one thing they struggle with: they don’t see each other a lot since Ethan works insane hours to get his next promotion.
There were a few points I disliked a bit but overall this book was enjoyable. What I struggled with was the fact that it was very much predictable. At least up until the car accident - I could not for the life of me understand why it was needed. Also, it’s repeatedly said that they’re so insanely in love and basically made for each other but I unfortunately couldn’t feel it.
I understand those things are quite subjective so please don’t take them much into account if you decide to read it. As I said, I still enjoyed it.
May 2, 2024
Realistic gay romance with humor and angst; easily 4.5 stars
If you like realistic scenarios in gay literature, you should read this one. So real: partner who works too much, friends and family who are torn between the individuals who make up the couple. Fortunately, there is lots of humor too to soften the hard parts. I found myself spontaneously laughing or crying throughout the book. Have you ever read a book where the circumstances or events just seem to jump out and make you suddenly and unexpectedly laugh or cry? This was that book for me. Brandon and Ethan are a great couple until they aren’t. The friends who gather round them make for a thoroughly entertaining experience. This book is heartwarming but tragic at times. There were slow moments but the good parts outweigh that. There were a few steamy scenes but this book is one to read for its substance.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
If you like realistic scenarios in gay literature, you should read this one. So real: partner who works too much, friends and family who are torn between the individuals who make up the couple. Fortunately, there is lots of humor too to soften the hard parts. I found myself spontaneously laughing or crying throughout the book. Have you ever read a book where the circumstances or events just seem to jump out and make you suddenly and unexpectedly laugh or cry? This was that book for me. Brandon and Ethan are a great couple until they aren’t. The friends who gather round them make for a thoroughly entertaining experience. This book is heartwarming but tragic at times. There were slow moments but the good parts outweigh that. There were a few steamy scenes but this book is one to read for its substance.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
May 4, 2024
What I appreciated the most about this story is that the author did a great job of reminding us that after the courtship/honeymoon real life comes and that it takes work to keep a couple together. Ethan and Brandon are an established couple that is dealing with the hiccup of Ethan having personal work related goals for progression that interfere with their relationship and causes problems for them. Brandon feels left out and neglected, misses his partner and although they love one another this is the kind of issue that can break a couple. I found myself rooting for them to figure things out and to fight for their relationship when they hit their breaking point and they do. I especially liked the strong cast of friends and family that assist them as they find their way through this rough patch. Nicely done and really realistic.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2024
"Anything for you, you know that."
If you ever want to read an emotionally charged second chance novel....this one is for you !! This book isn't a looking for love type of story...... it's already there. This is about an established couple who have lost their "coupleness" and the journey they take to learn about themselves and each other - but there's no cheating involved (Brandon is too grumpy for that !!!). You'll certainly go through all the emotions with this one .... I really did feel that breaking ....it was like watching a train wreck happening in slow motion !!! Yes, this book is angsty and dramatic and emotional but it's also witty and funny and loving... and filled with friends / found family characters that are perfect in their oddly idiosyncratic way. Truly an amazing debut novel and can't wait for the authors next book !!
If you ever want to read an emotionally charged second chance novel....this one is for you !! This book isn't a looking for love type of story...... it's already there. This is about an established couple who have lost their "coupleness" and the journey they take to learn about themselves and each other - but there's no cheating involved (Brandon is too grumpy for that !!!). You'll certainly go through all the emotions with this one .... I really did feel that breaking ....it was like watching a train wreck happening in slow motion !!! Yes, this book is angsty and dramatic and emotional but it's also witty and funny and loving... and filled with friends / found family characters that are perfect in their oddly idiosyncratic way. Truly an amazing debut novel and can't wait for the authors next book !!
April 24, 2024
I enjoyed this story a lot. Brandon and Ethan have been boyfriends for long enough now that they should feel secure in each other's lives. But Ethan's choice to keep putting his career ahead of his boyfriend causes the inevitable breakup. and the story takes on a whole new level as they learn how they must each change in order to reclaim the love they might yet lose and the place in each other's hearts they are desperate to keep. It's a heartbreaking, heartwarming story of love lost and found again, of second chances between two men who, despite all the emotional trauma they suffer, still love each other with their whole hearts. This is the story of how they learn to love each other AND themselves.
May 3, 2024
I was immediately attracted to the plot of this book by SW Chambers because it deals with a well established couple and you skip all the falling-in-love-part we see in most of books nowadays.
This novel is the proof of how life gets in the way, even if you know a person for a long time, and it casts a light on how and if people can make a relationship work if they really want to.
What Brandon and Ethan went through is hard. It's life. It's work and giving wrong priorities. It's a wake up call to understand that your job and a career are nothing if you won't have someone to share your success with. It's the realization that, sometimes, all the love you feel cannot be enough and that you constantly need to put some effort in keeping a relationship alive and the flame burning.
What this books shows us is that a partner can be understanding until a certain point. On the brink of loosing everything, Ethan is the demonstration that sometimes, you need first to loose everything and just then you find the force to fight hard to get back what you lost. This book shows us his path to get his love and life back on track and, for me, it was a lesson I won't forget easily.
My most enthusiastic, warm, shoutout goes to Lake, my favourite character o this book. With his spark, his neverending support and his frankiness. Your mashed up, funny brain made this book so enjoyable and I hope we're going to read your story soon!
This novel is the proof of how life gets in the way, even if you know a person for a long time, and it casts a light on how and if people can make a relationship work if they really want to.
What Brandon and Ethan went through is hard. It's life. It's work and giving wrong priorities. It's a wake up call to understand that your job and a career are nothing if you won't have someone to share your success with. It's the realization that, sometimes, all the love you feel cannot be enough and that you constantly need to put some effort in keeping a relationship alive and the flame burning.
What this books shows us is that a partner can be understanding until a certain point. On the brink of loosing everything, Ethan is the demonstration that sometimes, you need first to loose everything and just then you find the force to fight hard to get back what you lost. This book shows us his path to get his love and life back on track and, for me, it was a lesson I won't forget easily.
My most enthusiastic, warm, shoutout goes to Lake, my favourite character o this book. With his spark, his neverending support and his frankiness. Your mashed up, funny brain made this book so enjoyable and I hope we're going to read your story soon!
May 3, 2024
This a new author for me and I wasn't disappointed. Brandon and Ethan's relationship is strained due to Ethan's unresolved childhood issues, which lead him to prioritize work over their relationship. Brandon feels neglected and like a mere roommate to Ethan. Despite their love for each other, Brandon's trust is repeatedly broken, ultimately leading to their breakup. Brandon realizes that Ethan needs to want to make lifestyle changes for himself rather than solely for the sake of their relationship. Despite being apart for several months, their love remains strong, and they eventually reconcile and find their way back to each other. The book is romantic, funny, with some angst, and all the characters are likeable.
May 4, 2024
The Overactive Twink. The fluffy chicken on a sparkly pink leash, Kelly Cluckson.
Relationsh!t. Okay, you two go away now...giving the hairy eyeball.
**Sigh** This is so satisfying! It's a great book that checks all the right boxes and everything clicks into place. Other than the heart wrenching scenes, what sticks out in my mind is the witty, wry humor. Oh, and Brandon's older sister, Michelle is scary. It's something she's proud of. The storyline is awesome and well-fleshed out. Every single character is great, especially Lake, Ethan's best friend. The imagery is spectacularly vivid, like Brandon's black cat, Barnabus.
All in all, this is a great debut book for SW Chambers. I'll enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone who asks!
Relationsh!t. Okay, you two go away now...giving the hairy eyeball.
**Sigh** This is so satisfying! It's a great book that checks all the right boxes and everything clicks into place. Other than the heart wrenching scenes, what sticks out in my mind is the witty, wry humor. Oh, and Brandon's older sister, Michelle is scary. It's something she's proud of. The storyline is awesome and well-fleshed out. Every single character is great, especially Lake, Ethan's best friend. The imagery is spectacularly vivid, like Brandon's black cat, Barnabus.
All in all, this is a great debut book for SW Chambers. I'll enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone who asks!
May 4, 2024
This was was so realistic and down to earth. No big money makers just two guys who have to deal with some major issues.
How many of us think we have to put in the hours and sacrifice our life for work? Ethan does.
This is how things go pear shaped in thi beautiful book.
Brandon is left giving the excuses at all the get togethers, and so it goes.
Then they hit the straw that broke the camels back. What a great read, how to move forward, how do you learn to be one when it used to be an “us”.
Just a real book, with Break up and make up, Working too much and finding out thing’s about a relationship we could all look at. Plus the big one Knowing how to communicate .
Brilliantly written. Loved it
How many of us think we have to put in the hours and sacrifice our life for work? Ethan does.
This is how things go pear shaped in thi beautiful book.
Brandon is left giving the excuses at all the get togethers, and so it goes.
Then they hit the straw that broke the camels back. What a great read, how to move forward, how do you learn to be one when it used to be an “us”.
Just a real book, with Break up and make up, Working too much and finding out thing’s about a relationship we could all look at. Plus the big one Knowing how to communicate .
Brilliantly written. Loved it
May 6, 2024
Ethan is doing everything that's typically supposed to bring you everything you want. He's rising in his profession and grabbing for the brass ring at work. He's always felt promotions and recognition will fill a very specific hole inside himself. Unfortunately, it isn't working out as planned at all. His ambition is clouding his judgement about the time and investment of himself necessary to maintain his relationship with the love of his life, Brandon. I love seeing established relationships put to the test by realistic challenges and Chambers has written a wonderful story here. As in life, it isn't all angsty. There are fun times with friends and between Ethan and Brandon to remind Ethan why they are a couple and ultimately what's worth preserving in his life.
May 4, 2024
I wasn't sure about this book when I read the blurb as they are an established couple and thought I would miss "the chase"! However I really liked this book, it was so well written and even though an established couple the character development of Ethan and Brandon was so good and enabled you to really bond with them. Plenty of angst still as they need to overcome some serious problems to enable them to get their relationship back on track! A brilliant cast of secondary characters help and strengthen the storyline beautifully.
I received a free arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review.
I received a free arc copy from GRR and this is my honest review.
May 5, 2024
Brandon and Ethan ❤️
4 Stars ⭐️
I wasn't quite sure going into this story what to expect after reading the blurb but figured I'd give it a try. I am so glad that I took a chance on this book it was so good. I especially enjoyed that Brandon and Ethan were in a committed relationship to start off with and we got to see the navigation of a real relationship and its struggles. It was a sweet, romantic, and emotional. This story was also funny at times and had fantastic side characters. I would most definitely recommend, I am excited to see more from this author.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4 Stars ⭐️
I wasn't quite sure going into this story what to expect after reading the blurb but figured I'd give it a try. I am so glad that I took a chance on this book it was so good. I especially enjoyed that Brandon and Ethan were in a committed relationship to start off with and we got to see the navigation of a real relationship and its struggles. It was a sweet, romantic, and emotional. This story was also funny at times and had fantastic side characters. I would most definitely recommend, I am excited to see more from this author.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
May 2, 2024
Such an interesting read...not really sure what I think about it. I was intrigued by the blur but then the book had me conflicted. I was not sure if it was because of the plot or because it was too realistic...so true of long term couples living together sailing along and then suddenly things change and no longer lovers but roommates. This one was both heart warming and heart breaking at the same time. Would like to have know more about Ethan's past and its impact, but overall an interesting read that made me smile and laugh on the same page. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
April 8, 2024
This book was... not as good as I wanted it to be. I liked the premise—an existing couple trying to find their way back to each other. And there were a lot of fun moments. But overall, I didn't find the characters/dialogue believable. I believe this is a debut novel, and I hope the author finds their stride. For now, though, I'm rounding up to give this four stars.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for an advance copy of this book.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for an advance copy of this book.
April 30, 2024
This is a new to me author and from what I can see this is their debut novel and it was a well written romance about an established couple who are having problems with their relationship, the love between them is strong throughout this story but this more about how they can overcome everything so that they can become stronger together as a couple. I really liked Ethan and Brandon together and was happy to see this emotional story ending with a hea. Good debut novel.
April 16, 2024
This was a journey well worth taking. Ethan and Brandon are two characters that make your heart hurt. Their love story has a delay but no way does it have an ending. Picking up the pieces takes all of their strength but watching them, rooting for them was delightful. This book leaves you with a pretty happy heart and a big smile I voluntarily received an arc of this book.
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