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Home Then
Colton
After being in the army for more than 20 years, Colton returns to his home town in Nebraska. His estranged uncle has offered him a job at his auto shop. With nothing to his name, he hopes to start over and build some sort of life. Preferably a quiet life where he doesn’t have to deal with the rest of the world. And everything is going pretty well except for the fact that he keeps running into the local vet, Henry. With his charm and boyish good looks, he stirs feelings inside Colton, which he hasn’t allowed himself to feel in a long time.
But what does a middle-aged ex-soldier with a bad case of PTSD have to offer a hot, young doctor with a college degree and the whole world at his feet?
Henry
It was never part of his plan to come back home to small town Nebraska after college. But when the only person who had ever really been there for him - his grandma - became ill, he had to. Now, two years later, Henry is living with his grandma, working as the town vet. Life is okay. Hayley’s Peak doesn’t exactly have a vibrant gay scene like the city, but at least no one seems to mind him being out.
Then one day, Colton Dietrich arrives out of nowhere. Tall, dark and brooding he is the embodiment of every wet dream, Henry has ever had. And maybe, just maybe, things can go from okay to earth-shatteringly amazing. Henry just needs to get Colton to talk to him…..
Trigger Warnings: *MM romance with mature content and adult themes. Possible triggering content includes: one MC suffers from anxiety & PTSD. One MC experiences homophobic behaviour from his parents. There is mentioning of the loss of a parent to cancer in early childhood. War and death are depicted in nightmares. Death and suicide of side-character outside main plot*
After being in the army for more than 20 years, Colton returns to his home town in Nebraska. His estranged uncle has offered him a job at his auto shop. With nothing to his name, he hopes to start over and build some sort of life. Preferably a quiet life where he doesn’t have to deal with the rest of the world. And everything is going pretty well except for the fact that he keeps running into the local vet, Henry. With his charm and boyish good looks, he stirs feelings inside Colton, which he hasn’t allowed himself to feel in a long time.
But what does a middle-aged ex-soldier with a bad case of PTSD have to offer a hot, young doctor with a college degree and the whole world at his feet?
Henry
It was never part of his plan to come back home to small town Nebraska after college. But when the only person who had ever really been there for him - his grandma - became ill, he had to. Now, two years later, Henry is living with his grandma, working as the town vet. Life is okay. Hayley’s Peak doesn’t exactly have a vibrant gay scene like the city, but at least no one seems to mind him being out.
Then one day, Colton Dietrich arrives out of nowhere. Tall, dark and brooding he is the embodiment of every wet dream, Henry has ever had. And maybe, just maybe, things can go from okay to earth-shatteringly amazing. Henry just needs to get Colton to talk to him…..
Trigger Warnings: *MM romance with mature content and adult themes. Possible triggering content includes: one MC suffers from anxiety & PTSD. One MC experiences homophobic behaviour from his parents. There is mentioning of the loss of a parent to cancer in early childhood. War and death are depicted in nightmares. Death and suicide of side-character outside main plot*
247 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2023
154 people are currently reading
636 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
April 18, 2025
2,5 stars.
I'm not a fan of insta attraction, insta lust and rushed relationship development.
This book is absolutely perfect for readers who enjoy these tropes.
The very fast forming connection was nearly insta, not only physically but emotionally, too.
For me it all happened too fast.
After just a few weeks of knowing each other, Colton and Henry already were deeply in love.
The way shy and reserved Colton who had never been with a man and never had felt attraction to anybody, changed into this filthy porn star in just a few weeks, was jarring.
Obviously I know that being demisexual feels different for everyone but I would have loved if the author went a bit slower for Colton.
I'm quitting at 85% because there's too much sex for me now and not much else. Maybe they'll even finally get around to address Colton's PTSD and anxiety attacks? I hope so, but I didn't like how sex was the main part of their relationship that we get to see, when Colton was clearly suffering so much from his not physical war wounds. All the reassurances of feelings and belonging to each other won't make the PTSD and anxiety attacks go away silently.
I'm very, very intrigued by the author's book Monumental, about two asexual hockey players, though.
I'm not a fan of insta attraction, insta lust and rushed relationship development.
This book is absolutely perfect for readers who enjoy these tropes.
The very fast forming connection was nearly insta, not only physically but emotionally, too.
For me it all happened too fast.
After just a few weeks of knowing each other, Colton and Henry already were deeply in love.
The way shy and reserved Colton who had never been with a man and never had felt attraction to anybody, changed into this filthy porn star in just a few weeks, was jarring.
Obviously I know that being demisexual feels different for everyone but I would have loved if the author went a bit slower for Colton.
I'm quitting at 85% because there's too much sex for me now and not much else. Maybe they'll even finally get around to address Colton's PTSD and anxiety attacks? I hope so, but I didn't like how sex was the main part of their relationship that we get to see, when Colton was clearly suffering so much from his not physical war wounds. All the reassurances of feelings and belonging to each other won't make the PTSD and anxiety attacks go away silently.
I'm very, very intrigued by the author's book Monumental, about two asexual hockey players, though.
April 30, 2023
Home Then is a stunning debut that explores some of my favorite themes in books. Loss, sorrow, heartbreak, friendship, family, redemption, and love. A.E. Jensen created two characters that couldn’t be more different on paper— a broody army guy who spent most of his time serving the military and a tender and sweet veterinarian. What could they possibly have in common? One guy didn’t even know he’s gay? As it turns out, a lot…especially for what truly matters.
“Home, Then” is one of those books that will stick in your head and stays with your heart days after you flipped the final page. Henry and Colton are made for each other. Watching Colton come to realization of his sexuality is a thing of beauty and no better person to guide him though it than Henry.
The tender moments these men shared was swoon worthy, a reprieve from this heart-clenching-won’t-let-you-go-till-you’re-finished. And I don’t want to forget the community that rallies around them, particularly with Colton.
This book contains some hard and heavy hitting topics that could be triggering, but once cleared of the chaos, the beauty of healing made it possible to love.
“Home, Then” is one of those books that will stick in your head and stays with your heart days after you flipped the final page. Henry and Colton are made for each other. Watching Colton come to realization of his sexuality is a thing of beauty and no better person to guide him though it than Henry.
The tender moments these men shared was swoon worthy, a reprieve from this heart-clenching-won’t-let-you-go-till-you’re-finished. And I don’t want to forget the community that rallies around them, particularly with Colton.
This book contains some hard and heavy hitting topics that could be triggering, but once cleared of the chaos, the beauty of healing made it possible to love.
April 4, 2023
Home, Then is a tender, loving exploration of mental health and the way in which it often takes a community to pull someone from the darkness. I appreciated the careful and nuanced way that heavy issues were handled and how love doesn't always conquer all but it often makes the fight easier. Excellent debut work that leaves me eager to see the next novel that Jensen brings to us.
Also, Henry is the sweetest little love bug and I will fight for him.
Also, Henry is the sweetest little love bug and I will fight for him.
June 6, 2023
This book is getting stellar reviews, but I'm going to be one of those that are going to really point out what didn't work for me in this book.
I am giving this book 3.3 - 3.4⭐, because it dramatically picked up at about 80%, luckily.
I won't rate it higher, because I had a really tough time getting into it.
The topic of vets, PTSD and anxiety is something I love reading about with an absolute bonus of having a 40 year old MC, who comes out later in life.
🟣 Age gap of 13 years
🟢 Demi-awakening
🔵 Army vet, PTSD
🟡 Small-town romance
🔴 3rd person POV, very few dialogues
🌶️ Really good spice
The story is about Colton, a 39 year old army vet who's been medically discharged from the Army. He's been deployed a couple of times, has severe PTSD and comes back to live in his childhood small hometown of Hayley's Peak. He has a sad and lonely childhood behind him and goes to live with his estranged uncle Hank, who's the only gay man in town.
This was my Colton.
Henry is a 26 year old small town's veterinarian and lives with his grandma. His parents threw him out for being gay when he was 16, but now he's out and noone in Hayley's Peak has a problem with it.
This was my Henry.
The story starts out with a lot of telling .
For those who like that sort of writing, it'll definitely work, because Colton and Henry's story is really good , but I personally get really invested in a story where there's 1st person POV, not to mention plenty of dialogues. 🤨
🟣 The start of the love relationship or interest between Henry and Colton was weak. They go from one not-that-earth-shattering encounter in one chapter, to Henry wanting to lick Colton all over in the next.
I kept thinking where did that come from, where's the build-up??
I maybe expected a bigger bang or more pining, especially since Colton was an older vet and a straight man, so that much more unattainable for Henry (supposedly).
I wanted more of their *loving* push-pull to really feel the want or attraction there.
Maybe it's just me, but I didn't feel it, I think that initial contact has to be very strong and meaningful and I know Henry is a nice, sweet soul, but still.
Maybe it was there, but their dialogues were so rare in the beginning that I didn't see it.
🔵 As said previously, the dialogues were scarce. There were hardly any!
The story started picking up at about 80%, where there were more dialogues between the MCs and consequently their interactions became much more personal - more personal for me as a reader.
🟢 Both MCs were endearing and I felt for them and with them, I think their dynamic was beautiful, they were gently crossing big personal obstacles and life turning events, with them forming a really strong, emotional bond along the way . 👌
A lot of that was simply lost though with the author just telling us all the time what was going on, instead of taking us into the story right there with them, so we could experience everything first-hand.
🌶️ The spice was surprisingly good. The spice is something that's really hard to get just right, I think, because in my experience, each of the authors that I consider my go-to for good smut, has something I like, but it's never in the same package, and if it is, then the story itself is not that good in general.
But in this case, the spice was delicious. Colton's occasionally dominant side should've been explored a bit more, his dirty talk was on point and even though about 50% of the sex scenes were off-page, it was very satisfying.
I'd definitely suggest for more sex scenes in the future books, I mean, if you're someone who can write good sex, absolutely do it, this was really, really good.
With all of that being said, the dialogues that actually were present between the MCs were really good.
Henry and Colton had a really mature interaction. Sexy and mature at the same time, you know. 😏
Henry was 26, but he was a pretty serious person, emotionally developed, understanding and very loving and I really appreciated that about him. His actions towards Colton spoke of a lasting, mature love.
❗ PTSD was wonderfully described. I don't believe I've ever read a vet MC talking about his serving in such a way.
Colton described his experiences in a very life-like manner and I honestly felt for him, this topic is really close to my heart and I support and love to read about veterans.
Did you happen to see that video of (was it) a Connecticut police officer finding that vet in his car crying a few days ago?
This book talks about it, about Colton's fellow soldiers going through exactly that and most ending their lives, sadly. I really wish they'd get help for their mental health. 💙
I, for one, am happy Colton got his forever home with Henry. ❤️
I am giving this book 3.3 - 3.4⭐, because it dramatically picked up at about 80%, luckily.
I won't rate it higher, because I had a really tough time getting into it.
The topic of vets, PTSD and anxiety is something I love reading about with an absolute bonus of having a 40 year old MC, who comes out later in life.
🟣 Age gap of 13 years
🟢 Demi-awakening
🔵 Army vet, PTSD
🟡 Small-town romance
🔴 3rd person POV, very few dialogues
🌶️ Really good spice
The story is about Colton, a 39 year old army vet who's been medically discharged from the Army. He's been deployed a couple of times, has severe PTSD and comes back to live in his childhood small hometown of Hayley's Peak. He has a sad and lonely childhood behind him and goes to live with his estranged uncle Hank, who's the only gay man in town.
This was my Colton.
Henry is a 26 year old small town's veterinarian and lives with his grandma. His parents threw him out for being gay when he was 16, but now he's out and noone in Hayley's Peak has a problem with it.
This was my Henry.
The story starts out with a lot of telling .
For those who like that sort of writing, it'll definitely work, because Colton and Henry's story is really good , but I personally get really invested in a story where there's 1st person POV, not to mention plenty of dialogues. 🤨
🟣 The start of the love relationship or interest between Henry and Colton was weak. They go from one not-that-earth-shattering encounter in one chapter, to Henry wanting to lick Colton all over in the next.
I kept thinking where did that come from, where's the build-up??
I maybe expected a bigger bang or more pining, especially since Colton was an older vet and a straight man, so that much more unattainable for Henry (supposedly).
I wanted more of their *loving* push-pull to really feel the want or attraction there.
Maybe it's just me, but I didn't feel it, I think that initial contact has to be very strong and meaningful and I know Henry is a nice, sweet soul, but still.
Maybe it was there, but their dialogues were so rare in the beginning that I didn't see it.
🔵 As said previously, the dialogues were scarce. There were hardly any!
The story started picking up at about 80%, where there were more dialogues between the MCs and consequently their interactions became much more personal - more personal for me as a reader.
🟢 Both MCs were endearing and I felt for them and with them, I think their dynamic was beautiful, they were gently crossing big personal obstacles and life turning events, with them forming a really strong, emotional bond along the way . 👌
A lot of that was simply lost though with the author just telling us all the time what was going on, instead of taking us into the story right there with them, so we could experience everything first-hand.
🌶️ The spice was surprisingly good. The spice is something that's really hard to get just right, I think, because in my experience, each of the authors that I consider my go-to for good smut, has something I like, but it's never in the same package, and if it is, then the story itself is not that good in general.
But in this case, the spice was delicious. Colton's occasionally dominant side should've been explored a bit more, his dirty talk was on point and even though about 50% of the sex scenes were off-page, it was very satisfying.
I'd definitely suggest for more sex scenes in the future books, I mean, if you're someone who can write good sex, absolutely do it, this was really, really good.
With all of that being said, the dialogues that actually were present between the MCs were really good.
Henry and Colton had a really mature interaction. Sexy and mature at the same time, you know. 😏
Henry was 26, but he was a pretty serious person, emotionally developed, understanding and very loving and I really appreciated that about him. His actions towards Colton spoke of a lasting, mature love.
❗ PTSD was wonderfully described. I don't believe I've ever read a vet MC talking about his serving in such a way.
Colton described his experiences in a very life-like manner and I honestly felt for him, this topic is really close to my heart and I support and love to read about veterans.
Did you happen to see that video of (was it) a Connecticut police officer finding that vet in his car crying a few days ago?
This book talks about it, about Colton's fellow soldiers going through exactly that and most ending their lives, sadly. I really wish they'd get help for their mental health. 💙
I, for one, am happy Colton got his forever home with Henry. ❤️
April 27, 2023
This beautiful story of finding love and healing a broken spirit takes place in a small American town. A.E. Jensen has captured to perfection the authentic feel of the tiny community, where your neighbours know your business before noon, but they are also there to land a hand and support each other through all kinds of troubles.💖
It was heartwarming and sweet to feel that love bringing Colton back to life. And oh my god, did that man deserve all the kindness and patience he got. My heart broke for him so many times. I felt such pride at how determined he was to pick himself up and start truly living and loving, despite all the setbacks his condition caused.💖
Henry is the most amazing, selfless, unapologetically-horny-for-Colt local veterinarian. He knows the way he feels about Colton is the real deal, but there is no denying the other man is reluctant to open up and Henry must force himself to keep it friendly, even if unsavoury thoughts of Colton plague him daily. He loses his resolve to leave Colt alone and stop flirting with him at least four times a day, until Colton himself sets him free with a kiss.💖
Those too were electric! Once that fireball of passion between them was ignited, there was no stopping the progressively steamier encounters.💖
Through the sensual sexual exploration Henry and Colton embarked on, they developed this incredible emotional connection and tenderness. Those beautiful feelings naturally brought them back to each other even when reminders of their painful past experiences abruptly cut into their blissful romance, landing them roughly back into the real world.💖
There were a lot of serious themes, referring to traumatic events from the past. Those were hard to read through, but they absolutely elevated the story to a true revelation. I was blown away by the intricate way the author weaved in these events, little by little in each chapter, slowly revealing the motivation driving each character forward, toward hope and acceptance.💖
Absolutely loved it.💖
It was heartwarming and sweet to feel that love bringing Colton back to life. And oh my god, did that man deserve all the kindness and patience he got. My heart broke for him so many times. I felt such pride at how determined he was to pick himself up and start truly living and loving, despite all the setbacks his condition caused.💖
Henry is the most amazing, selfless, unapologetically-horny-for-Colt local veterinarian. He knows the way he feels about Colton is the real deal, but there is no denying the other man is reluctant to open up and Henry must force himself to keep it friendly, even if unsavoury thoughts of Colton plague him daily. He loses his resolve to leave Colt alone and stop flirting with him at least four times a day, until Colton himself sets him free with a kiss.💖
Those too were electric! Once that fireball of passion between them was ignited, there was no stopping the progressively steamier encounters.💖
Through the sensual sexual exploration Henry and Colton embarked on, they developed this incredible emotional connection and tenderness. Those beautiful feelings naturally brought them back to each other even when reminders of their painful past experiences abruptly cut into their blissful romance, landing them roughly back into the real world.💖
There were a lot of serious themes, referring to traumatic events from the past. Those were hard to read through, but they absolutely elevated the story to a true revelation. I was blown away by the intricate way the author weaved in these events, little by little in each chapter, slowly revealing the motivation driving each character forward, toward hope and acceptance.💖
Absolutely loved it.💖
April 5, 2023
Don’t you just love it when you find a gem of a book from a debut author. Someone who thought they were a reader but actually they are a writer too. This book was low angst even though it dealt with heavy mental health, its well written and as a sufferer of PTSD I totally felt for Colton.
Colton Is a former military soldier, signed off after over 20 years of service due to mental health. He heads home to the only place he feels he might be accepted after all these years away, to Hank his uncle and his auto shop. On the dark night drive he ends up hitting an animal and the local vet is called to help out, on first look at the young Dr something begins to happen to him that he don’t understand, but he’s drawn to him in a way he’s never felt before.
Henry didn’t have the best childhood and at 16 he went to live with his grandmother Iris, although the big wide world took him in for a time, he still ended up back in his home town with her. He’s the local vet and a gay man in a small town but he’d found his place there. One night when a big burley man enters his practice, feelings in Henry’s body start to take over, but as a caring vet the needs to help and protect this man comes naturally.
This book is about healing, healing childhood wounds, healing war wounds, overcoming trauma and loss, and coming to terms with having a mental health diagnosis. Admitting you have a problem is the first step in many. This book shows the ups and downs of loving someone that you can’t fix, but showing them everyday that your still there for them even on the bad days. It’s about finding your person no matter your sexuality, someone who can bury themselves into you heart when you thought you was made of stone.
This book is beautiful and heartfelt, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book content-
🤍Age Gap
🤍Hurt/Comfort
🤍Small Town
🤍Second Chance
🤍PTSD
🤍Demisexual
Colton Is a former military soldier, signed off after over 20 years of service due to mental health. He heads home to the only place he feels he might be accepted after all these years away, to Hank his uncle and his auto shop. On the dark night drive he ends up hitting an animal and the local vet is called to help out, on first look at the young Dr something begins to happen to him that he don’t understand, but he’s drawn to him in a way he’s never felt before.
Henry didn’t have the best childhood and at 16 he went to live with his grandmother Iris, although the big wide world took him in for a time, he still ended up back in his home town with her. He’s the local vet and a gay man in a small town but he’d found his place there. One night when a big burley man enters his practice, feelings in Henry’s body start to take over, but as a caring vet the needs to help and protect this man comes naturally.
This book is about healing, healing childhood wounds, healing war wounds, overcoming trauma and loss, and coming to terms with having a mental health diagnosis. Admitting you have a problem is the first step in many. This book shows the ups and downs of loving someone that you can’t fix, but showing them everyday that your still there for them even on the bad days. It’s about finding your person no matter your sexuality, someone who can bury themselves into you heart when you thought you was made of stone.
This book is beautiful and heartfelt, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book content-
🤍Age Gap
🤍Hurt/Comfort
🤍Small Town
🤍Second Chance
🤍PTSD
🤍Demisexual
May 12, 2023
Home, Then is a sweet small town mm romance with wonderful characters and lots of feels. Henry meets Colton, and they have an immediate connection. The more time they spend together, the more they explore their "friendship" and their undeniable chemistry and can't help but fall for one another. Colton's suffering from PTSD and while I was broken-hearted for him, it was heart warming to see Henry be there for him and help him get through those bad moments and eventually seek help, as well as helping Colton realize the he deserves to be happy. I truly enjoyed this story and look forward to what's next from A.E. Jensen.
dnf
January 29, 2024DNF @ 10%
I wasn't impressed with the writing. There's a lot of exposition and info dumping in the few chapters I read. The author seems to think you need the entire backstory of each MC the second you meet them, and the prose didn't flow very well either. It's just not a good writing style. Add on the GFY tropes I can see a mile away, and I can't say I'm very interested in finding out what happens next. Plus, this vet's standards of practice are questionable. There's just a lot of stuff that didn't make sense. Surely, the author could've come up with a better way for these two to meet. MC 1 could have a dog or cat or whatever and need a vet. The vet could be having car trouble and need a mechanic. This seems like a lot of unnecessary work to get these two in the same room, just so the vet can inappropriately drool over the guy he's giving first aid to. 🤷🏻♀️
I wasn't impressed with the writing. There's a lot of exposition and info dumping in the few chapters I read. The author seems to think you need the entire backstory of each MC the second you meet them, and the prose didn't flow very well either. It's just not a good writing style. Add on the GFY tropes I can see a mile away, and I can't say I'm very interested in finding out what happens next. Plus, this vet's standards of practice are questionable. There's just a lot of stuff that didn't make sense. Surely, the author could've come up with a better way for these two to meet. MC 1 could have a dog or cat or whatever and need a vet. The vet could be having car trouble and need a mechanic. This seems like a lot of unnecessary work to get these two in the same room, just so the vet can inappropriately drool over the guy he's giving first aid to. 🤷🏻♀️
April 12, 2023
“I knew you’d smell good, but I never thought you’d taste even better.”
Oh my goodness, I am in love. I was honored to read an ARC of A.E. Jensen’s Debut book, Home Then, and I adored every second of it. 🖤🤗
Highlights:
🖤Age-gap
🖤hurt/comfort
🖤demisexuality
🖤first times
🖤some angst
🖤steamy
This book tells the story of Henry, a young veterinarian, and Colton, a vet from the military who had been recently discharged due to PTSD. Both feel an instant connection that grew into friendship then into a beautiful romance. I love how the author wrote a no-nonsense romance, and just let their love story unfold. No miscommunication, no unnecessary third-act break up, just an amazing love story! Not saying Henry and Colton didn’t have challenges to overcome, as almost every relationship does, but their love flourished throughout the story, leaving me with feeling butterflies. 🖤
Favorite quote(s):
“I’m not cute,” Henry repeated. “Sexy? Yes. Hot? Definitely. Strikingly handsome, for sure. Outstanding at giving blow jobs? Award-winning skills in fact. But cute? Fuck no! Puppies are cute. Baby chicks. Some human babies, too. Me? I’m sexy as fuck.” 😂
“The younger man continued to stroke his hair gently, a silent reassurance that everything was okay. That it was safe to let himself fall asleep again while Henry was holding him. And for the first time in what seemed like years, Colton felt that everything was okay. Or that it at least could be at some point. And that had a lot to do with the man lying next to him.”
❗️please check out the content warning at the beginning of the book, as sensitive topics are discussed, such as PTSD, death of a character off page, and homophobia❗️
Overall, loved this book so much. Huge congrats to the author for writing an amazing debut novel, such a huge accomplishment. Cannot wait to see what else she has for us in the future.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥
Oh my goodness, I am in love. I was honored to read an ARC of A.E. Jensen’s Debut book, Home Then, and I adored every second of it. 🖤🤗
Highlights:
🖤Age-gap
🖤hurt/comfort
🖤demisexuality
🖤first times
🖤some angst
🖤steamy
This book tells the story of Henry, a young veterinarian, and Colton, a vet from the military who had been recently discharged due to PTSD. Both feel an instant connection that grew into friendship then into a beautiful romance. I love how the author wrote a no-nonsense romance, and just let their love story unfold. No miscommunication, no unnecessary third-act break up, just an amazing love story! Not saying Henry and Colton didn’t have challenges to overcome, as almost every relationship does, but their love flourished throughout the story, leaving me with feeling butterflies. 🖤
Favorite quote(s):
“I’m not cute,” Henry repeated. “Sexy? Yes. Hot? Definitely. Strikingly handsome, for sure. Outstanding at giving blow jobs? Award-winning skills in fact. But cute? Fuck no! Puppies are cute. Baby chicks. Some human babies, too. Me? I’m sexy as fuck.” 😂
“The younger man continued to stroke his hair gently, a silent reassurance that everything was okay. That it was safe to let himself fall asleep again while Henry was holding him. And for the first time in what seemed like years, Colton felt that everything was okay. Or that it at least could be at some point. And that had a lot to do with the man lying next to him.”
❗️please check out the content warning at the beginning of the book, as sensitive topics are discussed, such as PTSD, death of a character off page, and homophobia❗️
Overall, loved this book so much. Huge congrats to the author for writing an amazing debut novel, such a huge accomplishment. Cannot wait to see what else she has for us in the future.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥
May 15, 2023
Such an endearing love story!
AE Jensen had me hooked after the first few chapters. I absolutely adored Henry & Colton. Their story was sweet, endearing and amazing. Colton’s past haunted him but that didn’t stop Henry from falling hard. Loved their story so much! Do yourself a favor and read this book!
AE Jensen had me hooked after the first few chapters. I absolutely adored Henry & Colton. Their story was sweet, endearing and amazing. Colton’s past haunted him but that didn’t stop Henry from falling hard. Loved their story so much! Do yourself a favor and read this book!
December 9, 2023
Everyone needs a Henry
When 38 year old Colton Dietrich is diagnosed with PTSD, he’s given an honourable discharge after 20 odd years in the Army, he has nowhere else to go except home to Haley’s Peak, Nebraska. Probably not the best place to go as it holds nothing but bad memories, loss and broken family relationships.
That is also what he is leaving behind in the Army, horrendous memories of death, loss, and broken friends who suffered alongside him in Afghanistan and Yemen.
His dark mood doesn’t get better when his flight home is delayed 5 hours and he’s late picking up his hired SUV for the long drive to Haley’s Peak, way off in the countryside. Matters get worse when a dog leaps out of the darkness in front of his vehicle.
Colton being a good guy, calls 911 and Deputy Mike arrives to deal with the situation. The dog is in a bad way so they contact the Vet in the small dark hours of the morning.
Henry Jensen, 26, is groggy from being awoken at an ungodly hour, but he soon gets his act together when he tries in vain to save the old dog on the examination table. But his senses are more than awake and alive when he comes face to face with the huge, dark haired man standing beside Deputy Mike. Shaking hands and looking eye to eye, both men feel it, something between them.
Henry lives with his Gran again following the breakup from his 5 year relationship with Chad, back in Omaha. He’s settled back in the town where his Gran took him in aged 16, when his parents threw him out when they found him kissing his friend Stephen. Iris, his grandmother, put him through college and he stayed in Omaha when he qualified.
********************
I just loved these two guys, Henry especially, he lived his life with no apologies to anyone for who he is. Everyone in town loves him and made him feel welcome, he hides nothing about himself.
Colton, such a lost soul, hidden behind so much grief and sorrow in his life since he was 6 years old. Never felt loved or been in love with anyone, man or woman, though he had dated girls on occasion, just to fit in with his friends socially.
What I liked most was the way they fell into their friendship, the way Henry acknowledges his immediate attraction to Colton, and lets him know how he feels.
I admired how Colton accepted Henry’s friendship and allowed it to grow, not fearful of exploring his own feelings as they continued to grow.
However, Colton’s frequent nightmares bring him to his knees too often and it’s Henry who is doing his best to get Colton to seek help. He’s a broken man.
He just needed Henry’s love to help him be whole again.
I want to read more of A E Jensen’s books because ‘Home Then’ has such interesting characters, both MC’s and secondary members of Haley’s Peak friendly community. Plus, the backbone of the story about PTSD, the trauma of serving in countries with such alien territory, the loss of friends, all drew me in and kept me turning the pages.
Loved ‘Home Then’, Henry and the ‘new found’ Colton.
PS. I love when an author has compiled a Playlist of songs to accompany their story. I always go listen and even download. I’ve e tried to find A E Jensen’s playlist on Spotify but can’t find it.
If anyone has found it and listened to it please can you give me exact name and location. Thanks.
When 38 year old Colton Dietrich is diagnosed with PTSD, he’s given an honourable discharge after 20 odd years in the Army, he has nowhere else to go except home to Haley’s Peak, Nebraska. Probably not the best place to go as it holds nothing but bad memories, loss and broken family relationships.
That is also what he is leaving behind in the Army, horrendous memories of death, loss, and broken friends who suffered alongside him in Afghanistan and Yemen.
His dark mood doesn’t get better when his flight home is delayed 5 hours and he’s late picking up his hired SUV for the long drive to Haley’s Peak, way off in the countryside. Matters get worse when a dog leaps out of the darkness in front of his vehicle.
Colton being a good guy, calls 911 and Deputy Mike arrives to deal with the situation. The dog is in a bad way so they contact the Vet in the small dark hours of the morning.
Henry Jensen, 26, is groggy from being awoken at an ungodly hour, but he soon gets his act together when he tries in vain to save the old dog on the examination table. But his senses are more than awake and alive when he comes face to face with the huge, dark haired man standing beside Deputy Mike. Shaking hands and looking eye to eye, both men feel it, something between them.
Henry lives with his Gran again following the breakup from his 5 year relationship with Chad, back in Omaha. He’s settled back in the town where his Gran took him in aged 16, when his parents threw him out when they found him kissing his friend Stephen. Iris, his grandmother, put him through college and he stayed in Omaha when he qualified.
********************
I just loved these two guys, Henry especially, he lived his life with no apologies to anyone for who he is. Everyone in town loves him and made him feel welcome, he hides nothing about himself.
Colton, such a lost soul, hidden behind so much grief and sorrow in his life since he was 6 years old. Never felt loved or been in love with anyone, man or woman, though he had dated girls on occasion, just to fit in with his friends socially.
What I liked most was the way they fell into their friendship, the way Henry acknowledges his immediate attraction to Colton, and lets him know how he feels.
I admired how Colton accepted Henry’s friendship and allowed it to grow, not fearful of exploring his own feelings as they continued to grow.
However, Colton’s frequent nightmares bring him to his knees too often and it’s Henry who is doing his best to get Colton to seek help. He’s a broken man.
He just needed Henry’s love to help him be whole again.
I want to read more of A E Jensen’s books because ‘Home Then’ has such interesting characters, both MC’s and secondary members of Haley’s Peak friendly community. Plus, the backbone of the story about PTSD, the trauma of serving in countries with such alien territory, the loss of friends, all drew me in and kept me turning the pages.
Loved ‘Home Then’, Henry and the ‘new found’ Colton.
PS. I love when an author has compiled a Playlist of songs to accompany their story. I always go listen and even download. I’ve e tried to find A E Jensen’s playlist on Spotify but can’t find it.
If anyone has found it and listened to it please can you give me exact name and location. Thanks.
April 26, 2023
This is the debut novel of Anja E. Jensen and it is a very touching and emotional story about two people who find each other when they both need it most.
Colton is an ex-soldier who is back to the small town where he grew up after retiring. He carries so many scars and is struggling to get on with his life. Then there is Henry, a lively young vet who has also suffered in the past and carries his own trauma. They connect from the first moment they meet and then they start a long and often difficult path towards a future together.
This book is full of love, friendship and hope. No relationship is easy, but Colton and Henry have many issues to overcome. Their hearts have found each other but their minds aren't on the same page. Colton suffers from PTSD, which is depicted very accurately by the author, and it is the main problem the couple come across as Colton doesn't see himself worthy of Henry.
Both MCs are real and their emotions are perfectly described in a way that is moving and shows how healing is possible if someone gets the support they need. Henry is patient and loving, Colton can't do anything other than falling hard for him.
"Home, then" is a beautiful novel about feelings, loss, healing and mostly hope. It tells an emotional love story where, even though the author clearly states that love doesn't cure it all, it is shown that people can get through trauma with the support of someone who cares deeply about them.
Colton is an ex-soldier who is back to the small town where he grew up after retiring. He carries so many scars and is struggling to get on with his life. Then there is Henry, a lively young vet who has also suffered in the past and carries his own trauma. They connect from the first moment they meet and then they start a long and often difficult path towards a future together.
This book is full of love, friendship and hope. No relationship is easy, but Colton and Henry have many issues to overcome. Their hearts have found each other but their minds aren't on the same page. Colton suffers from PTSD, which is depicted very accurately by the author, and it is the main problem the couple come across as Colton doesn't see himself worthy of Henry.
Both MCs are real and their emotions are perfectly described in a way that is moving and shows how healing is possible if someone gets the support they need. Henry is patient and loving, Colton can't do anything other than falling hard for him.
"Home, then" is a beautiful novel about feelings, loss, healing and mostly hope. It tells an emotional love story where, even though the author clearly states that love doesn't cure it all, it is shown that people can get through trauma with the support of someone who cares deeply about them.
August 3, 2023
3.75⭐️ 2.5🌶️
check tw/cw: ptsd from war, anxiety, panic attacks, suicide
I thought this was a really good debut novel. I liked the story and the characters. Henry and Colton were really sweet, and I appreciated the anxiety representation. This book shows the struggle of accepting when you need more help than you can give yourself, and the importance of a great support system.
Henry moved from the city after vet school to take care of his grandma, his caregiver after his parents kicked him out. Colton returns after serving overseas and being honorably discharged because of his PTSD and anxiety. Henry is really supportive of Colton. Colton has trouble coming to terms with the fact he needs outside help, and Henry is there to push him, but also give him space to figure himself out. I love the push and pull of their relationship, Henry helps Colton realize that he can be happy and Colton gives Henry type of love he's always wanted. They have a great relationship dynamic and connection.
While I really liked Colton and Henry's relationship once it was established, I think the start of it went a little too quick for me. Colton has one dream and then he's all ready to date Henry, and Henry had a pretty insta-love attraction to Colton. Every time Colton walked into a room Henry got a hard on. Also Colton's personality switch from sweet and shy to the dirty talking was a bit of a whiplash. I loved the spicy scenes and thought they were done well, I just couldn't put the two Colton's together.
I liked this little small town and all it's characters, and I loved their support for Henry and Colton. I enjoyed the story and the writing style, and can't wait to read more by the author.
Read if you like:
• hurt/comfort
• age gap
• PTSD/anxiety rep
check tw/cw: ptsd from war, anxiety, panic attacks, suicide
I thought this was a really good debut novel. I liked the story and the characters. Henry and Colton were really sweet, and I appreciated the anxiety representation. This book shows the struggle of accepting when you need more help than you can give yourself, and the importance of a great support system.
Henry moved from the city after vet school to take care of his grandma, his caregiver after his parents kicked him out. Colton returns after serving overseas and being honorably discharged because of his PTSD and anxiety. Henry is really supportive of Colton. Colton has trouble coming to terms with the fact he needs outside help, and Henry is there to push him, but also give him space to figure himself out. I love the push and pull of their relationship, Henry helps Colton realize that he can be happy and Colton gives Henry type of love he's always wanted. They have a great relationship dynamic and connection.
While I really liked Colton and Henry's relationship once it was established, I think the start of it went a little too quick for me. Colton has one dream and then he's all ready to date Henry, and Henry had a pretty insta-love attraction to Colton. Every time Colton walked into a room Henry got a hard on. Also Colton's personality switch from sweet and shy to the dirty talking was a bit of a whiplash. I loved the spicy scenes and thought they were done well, I just couldn't put the two Colton's together.
I liked this little small town and all it's characters, and I loved their support for Henry and Colton. I enjoyed the story and the writing style, and can't wait to read more by the author.
Read if you like:
• hurt/comfort
• age gap
• PTSD/anxiety rep
December 16, 2023
“This thing between us,” Henry pointed his index finger between the two of them. “The way I see it, this is a forever kinda thing. When you know, you just know. And believe me, I know, baby. This is the real thing, you and I.”
What you'll get:
Retired military
Age gap
Vet x Mechanic
Demisexual and gay rep
Small town romance
CW/TW: PTSD Flashbacks, panic attacks
Setting: Nebraska
I was cruising on just fine and then I was crying? Out of nowhere?
I am trash for people who normally fly under the radar alone finding their people. Every time. All Colton wants and deserves is a some peace and to fly under the radar in the small town he lands in. The people in town are like absolutely not and get involved in all his business. He makes friends with Henry and that's basically all she wrote.
The book was pretty low stakes, high angst because Colton is going through it. His time in the military didn't leave him without a mind full of all the things he saw. He and Henry made sense so there wasn't really ever a big stressful scene about it when their friendship turned romantic.
What you'll get:
Retired military
Age gap
Vet x Mechanic
Demisexual and gay rep
Small town romance
CW/TW: PTSD Flashbacks, panic attacks
Setting: Nebraska
I was cruising on just fine and then I was crying? Out of nowhere?
I am trash for people who normally fly under the radar alone finding their people. Every time. All Colton wants and deserves is a some peace and to fly under the radar in the small town he lands in. The people in town are like absolutely not and get involved in all his business. He makes friends with Henry and that's basically all she wrote.
The book was pretty low stakes, high angst because Colton is going through it. His time in the military didn't leave him without a mind full of all the things he saw. He and Henry made sense so there wasn't really ever a big stressful scene about it when their friendship turned romantic.
May 1, 2023
this book was absolutely amazing and perfect. I loved everything about it. The love between Colton and Henry was just pure and unconditional. I laughed and I definitely cried while reading. My expectation was beyond met and this book was completely different than I thought it was going to be in the best way possible. I will read anything from this author from now on because this book...just did something to me. Please stop what you are doing and read this book right now.
April 16, 2023
This is the best slice of hurt-comfort you’ll ever read! It is an incredible story about the coming together of two kindred spirits, that need each other more than they know.
My heart soars to the skies for Colton and Henry! They give hope that love will always find a way. We can love but not everyone is a soulmate, and Colton & Henry have that special sauce, that special ingredient that people long to have! Their souls are beautifully connected. Simply stated, I love their love. 🤍
As I read, I found myself literally smiling over Colton and Henry’s journey of love, but there is also heart shattering sadness. Please get the tissues as Colton’s devastating story is daggers to the heart.💔❤️🩹
We also experience unnecessary homophobia, but have no fear….our beautiful Veterinarian, Henry handles it with grace and maturity as he’s wise beyond his years. By the end of the story, I called him “Prince Henry!” ⤵️⤵️
☀️ Colton on meeting Henry:
It was like living in complete darkness for your entire life and then suddenly catching a brief glimpse of the sun.
Henry: “You don’t need to do this alone anymore. I’m here now. We can carry it together now.”
Case in point. And there’s a lot more where that came from.
Now let’s talk about Henry and Colton’s chemistry and that tiger, Colton, who knew?! We have some hot 🥵 steamy, and passionate love connections as their chemistry flies off the pages! 👨🚒🧯🔥
Cheers to Uncle Hank, Tilly & her hubby! Many know my love for side characters, and how their quirky and funny ways always brighten up a book!
Speaking of Uncle Hank❤️, the scene at the end with his nephew Colton, for sure pulled and pulled at my heart strings, until the tears starting rolling and rolling. This is excellent writing here, is this really a debut??
Anja Jensen delivered a slam dunk with “Home Then!” Bravo Anja, bravo on a debut book well written!! Thanks for sharing an ARC with me! I cannot wait for your next.
⚠️Please Read the T.W.
My heart soars to the skies for Colton and Henry! They give hope that love will always find a way. We can love but not everyone is a soulmate, and Colton & Henry have that special sauce, that special ingredient that people long to have! Their souls are beautifully connected. Simply stated, I love their love. 🤍
As I read, I found myself literally smiling over Colton and Henry’s journey of love, but there is also heart shattering sadness. Please get the tissues as Colton’s devastating story is daggers to the heart.💔❤️🩹
We also experience unnecessary homophobia, but have no fear….our beautiful Veterinarian, Henry handles it with grace and maturity as he’s wise beyond his years. By the end of the story, I called him “Prince Henry!” ⤵️⤵️
☀️ Colton on meeting Henry:
It was like living in complete darkness for your entire life and then suddenly catching a brief glimpse of the sun.
Henry: “You don’t need to do this alone anymore. I’m here now. We can carry it together now.”
Case in point. And there’s a lot more where that came from.
Now let’s talk about Henry and Colton’s chemistry and that tiger, Colton, who knew?! We have some hot 🥵 steamy, and passionate love connections as their chemistry flies off the pages! 👨🚒🧯🔥
Cheers to Uncle Hank, Tilly & her hubby! Many know my love for side characters, and how their quirky and funny ways always brighten up a book!
Speaking of Uncle Hank❤️, the scene at the end with his nephew Colton, for sure pulled and pulled at my heart strings, until the tears starting rolling and rolling. This is excellent writing here, is this really a debut??
Anja Jensen delivered a slam dunk with “Home Then!” Bravo Anja, bravo on a debut book well written!! Thanks for sharing an ARC with me! I cannot wait for your next.
⚠️Please Read the T.W.
April 5, 2023
This book will get to you, by the end not a dry eye to be found. It is a sweet tender love story between Henry and Colton, a story of self discovery. But whilst all of this beautiful romance is blossoming, trauma, depression and a whole lot of PTSD is trying so hard to consume Colton. Choking him, trying with all its might to steal his deserved happiness. Written so well, full of emotion and stress, lots of trigger warnings. Henry is his saviour, strong enough to fight for them both. I adored both MC's they were both very believable, I could visualize both men very clearly. They were magical together, with real intimacy and their time together was so calm and serene, it was the peace that Colton craved; a tether to ground him. We are given a 3 year epilogue and we needed it. I'm glad Colton's PTSD wasn't glossed over and forgotten, no magical fix-all pills in sight. We are left feeling content that Henry and Colton are incredibly happy and have coping mechanisms in place. I received an advance review copy for free, and Ieaving this review voluntarily.
May 3, 2023
I like the message of this book: we all have the capability to heal from past trauma, but healing takes time and effort. It is not fixed because people love us, although that definitely helps, it’s something that needs to be worked on.
Colton who suffers from PTSD returns to his hometown very broken and hurting from his past and his time in the military. Henry, the vet of that town, sees how much Colton is hurting and offers him his friendship. I like that Henry is very gentle and considerate with Colton’s needs. He is not impatient or pushy because he recognizes that Colton needs time to heal.
This book is also about two very different souls, who find comfort and love in each other. I love that both Colton and Henry, after not knowing love from their parents, find love with each other and with those in that small town.
Colton who suffers from PTSD returns to his hometown very broken and hurting from his past and his time in the military. Henry, the vet of that town, sees how much Colton is hurting and offers him his friendship. I like that Henry is very gentle and considerate with Colton’s needs. He is not impatient or pushy because he recognizes that Colton needs time to heal.
This book is also about two very different souls, who find comfort and love in each other. I love that both Colton and Henry, after not knowing love from their parents, find love with each other and with those in that small town.
dnf
May 9, 2023I did not like how they met, something happened that made it so I could not get into this. Maybe it's a spoiler but I don't care: anything with an animal dying/dead/being made unalived is just not for me.
June 4, 2023
4.5⭐️ - The story of Colton and Henry was very moving and it was a great debut novel from A.E. Jensen.
Colton is a former soldier who joined the military at eighteen years-old and recently signed off at thirty-eight due to mental health. He deals with PTSD and severe anxiety because of what he went through after all these years. He comes back to Hayley’s Peak to work in his uncle Hank’s auto shop.
Henry didn’t have an easy childhood because his parents could not accept him being gay and sent him to live with his Grandma Iris, who he is very close with. He is now a veterinarian who moved back to town a couple of years ago from university to help his Grandma after she suffered from a seizure.
Their story was centered around healing different emotional wounds. Colton works on healing from the trauma he experienced in the military, the loss of people he cared for as well as the hurt around his father and childhood. I loved how Henry was supportive of Colton all throughout the book. He tried to find ways of helping without making him feel like he was being handled, pushed or judged. The need to protect and care for each other in the book was beautiful 🥰. The story emphasized that a person can give you the hope and courage you need to persevere and see how deserving you are to have a better future.
“The bird left behind. It’s not alone anymore. I don’t think, it’ll ever be alone again.”
Colton is a former soldier who joined the military at eighteen years-old and recently signed off at thirty-eight due to mental health. He deals with PTSD and severe anxiety because of what he went through after all these years. He comes back to Hayley’s Peak to work in his uncle Hank’s auto shop.
Henry didn’t have an easy childhood because his parents could not accept him being gay and sent him to live with his Grandma Iris, who he is very close with. He is now a veterinarian who moved back to town a couple of years ago from university to help his Grandma after she suffered from a seizure.
Their story was centered around healing different emotional wounds. Colton works on healing from the trauma he experienced in the military, the loss of people he cared for as well as the hurt around his father and childhood. I loved how Henry was supportive of Colton all throughout the book. He tried to find ways of helping without making him feel like he was being handled, pushed or judged. The need to protect and care for each other in the book was beautiful 🥰. The story emphasized that a person can give you the hope and courage you need to persevere and see how deserving you are to have a better future.
“The bird left behind. It’s not alone anymore. I don’t think, it’ll ever be alone again.”
June 23, 2023
Such a beautiful love story
This book was so look sweet. Colton and Henry really were just so endearing and cute with each other, taking everything one step at a time. I think the author did such an amazing job portraying Colton's PTSD too. What he was going through, so many of the things he saw in his dreams, his thoughts about relationships, it seriously broke my heart!!
But in the end, I'm so so glad he found such an amazing partner in Henry, who was so patient, so caring, accommodating for everything Colton needed. I'm so glad for their happy ending 💕💖
This book was so look sweet. Colton and Henry really were just so endearing and cute with each other, taking everything one step at a time. I think the author did such an amazing job portraying Colton's PTSD too. What he was going through, so many of the things he saw in his dreams, his thoughts about relationships, it seriously broke my heart!!
But in the end, I'm so so glad he found such an amazing partner in Henry, who was so patient, so caring, accommodating for everything Colton needed. I'm so glad for their happy ending 💕💖
May 24, 2023
This blew me away in the best possible way
I just finished this gem of a book, and I just hope I can do it justice in this review!
The beginning is a bit slow, but I think it’s very important to the rest of the story. I suddenly found myself so invested that I couldn’t stop thinking about this story! It’s a perfect slow burn where you hold your breath when the characters connect for the first time 💛 The chemistry between them is crazy hot, like pantymelting/craving a cigarette hot! And when the feelings appears I’m sold! I truly believe in these two!
Colton! So tough, yet vulnerable. Says the most swoony things, but definitely has a dirty mouth as well! My jam!!!!
Henry! Sweetheart with the biggest heart, and he’s brave to put himself out there like he does. He’s the puzzle that just fits!
The mental issues are written with respect and love.
The HEA and the ending made my cry and laugh at the same time! It’s beautiful! Everything just comes together so beautifully! Thank you for this story. Can’t wait to see what’s next from the author.
I just finished this gem of a book, and I just hope I can do it justice in this review!
The beginning is a bit slow, but I think it’s very important to the rest of the story. I suddenly found myself so invested that I couldn’t stop thinking about this story! It’s a perfect slow burn where you hold your breath when the characters connect for the first time 💛 The chemistry between them is crazy hot, like pantymelting/craving a cigarette hot! And when the feelings appears I’m sold! I truly believe in these two!
Colton! So tough, yet vulnerable. Says the most swoony things, but definitely has a dirty mouth as well! My jam!!!!
Henry! Sweetheart with the biggest heart, and he’s brave to put himself out there like he does. He’s the puzzle that just fits!
The mental issues are written with respect and love.
The HEA and the ending made my cry and laugh at the same time! It’s beautiful! Everything just comes together so beautifully! Thank you for this story. Can’t wait to see what’s next from the author.
August 5, 2023
Beautiful story
This was a beautiful love story between a small town vet and a solider returning after two decades in the military.
Colton struggles with returning to civilian life with a new diagnosis of anxiety and PTSD.
He returns home to work for his estranged uncle after his discharge and meets Henry his first day there. There's an instant connection for the two, and Colton and Henry decide to be friends, seeing as of course Colton is straight, right?
I just loved this story and was sad to see it end. I would have loved to see their relationship further down the road, but all good stories have to end.
This was a beautiful love story between a small town vet and a solider returning after two decades in the military.
Colton struggles with returning to civilian life with a new diagnosis of anxiety and PTSD.
He returns home to work for his estranged uncle after his discharge and meets Henry his first day there. There's an instant connection for the two, and Colton and Henry decide to be friends, seeing as of course Colton is straight, right?
I just loved this story and was sad to see it end. I would have loved to see their relationship further down the road, but all good stories have to end.
abandoned
December 25, 2024No. Nope. Henry is crushing so hard on a guy he's spoken, like, 7 sentences to, and I'm being generous. The jerking off to him as well, which is feeling super creepy, and thinking how he's crushing sooo hard. You don't know him! There is just no chemistry being built, it feels so forced, but there is a fair bit of winking and smirking, and all the things lately I'm seemingly not enjoying about this genre.
November 25, 2025
3.5
Sakin, olaysız bir kitap.
Okuduğum sürece boyunca bir yerde kopacak bir olay bekledim ama pek o yükseliş gelmedi. Son sayfalarda yazar Colton üzerinden bir kırılma anı yapmaya çalışmış ama yani olmamış. Zaten olay baştan beri oydu be ablacım keşke daha vurucu olsaydın.
TSSB konusunu işlemek istemiş yazar ve olayları oraya bağlamış.
Henry çok tatlı ve kararlı bir karakterdi. Kitabın yıldızıydı bence. Okuduğum için pişman olmadım, tatlı sakin duygu yoğunluğu fazla bir kurgu arıyorsanı. İşte bu o.
Sakin, olaysız bir kitap.
Okuduğum sürece boyunca bir yerde kopacak bir olay bekledim ama pek o yükseliş gelmedi. Son sayfalarda yazar Colton üzerinden bir kırılma anı yapmaya çalışmış ama yani olmamış. Zaten olay baştan beri oydu be ablacım keşke daha vurucu olsaydın.
TSSB konusunu işlemek istemiş yazar ve olayları oraya bağlamış.
Henry çok tatlı ve kararlı bir karakterdi. Kitabın yıldızıydı bence. Okuduğum için pişman olmadım, tatlı sakin duygu yoğunluğu fazla bir kurgu arıyorsanı. İşte bu o.
May 5, 2023
how to look at facebook pictures that are private
ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ★★★★|★★★★★
𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 is a small town, hurt/comfort story that focuses on healing and new beginnings.
I'm always so impressed with debuts. I feel like authors are quite vulnerable because this is their first effort to present their work and all I want to do is hug them and say you did great. 💖
Anja wrote this book in a way that it slowly pulls you in. First we meet Colton. He's a broken man that comes back from the military with lots of baggage. He's full of trauma and mental disorders.
In his way back to his hometown we see him hitting a dog with his car *accidentally* and that results in him meeting the local vet. Well. Henry was proven to be so much more than that didn't he.
Colton and Henry had a very special relationship. They started as acquaintances but then turned to baddies and then turned to friends and then turned to lovers. Before you say this is not special listen to me.
How many times you've read a story that was rushed and didn't give time to the characters to realise what they want and how they feel? My answer to that is plenty.
This one was different. The characters were very thoughtful and even though they seemed to be completely enamored with each other they still tried to take it slow and be patient.
I loved that!
Okay fine. As patient as one can be when he's horny and wants in your pants 😜 Yes I'm looking at you Henry 👀
In all seriousness.. these two fit perfectly together. Colton needed comfort after coming back and Henry was ready to give him that and then some more.
I even related to Colton at some point and that surprised the fuck out of me. You know.. it's not easy to know something is not "right" with you and that you need help but at the same time you're afraid to ask. In a way you're not ready to deal with that side of yours. The side that desperately needs healing.
The moment I first read that blurb I thought that this book had so much potential! 🔥 As with every book there were parts I loved and parts I didn't love but overall it was so wonderfully written and all consuming. I enjoyed it a lot. 💖
P.S: my hat goes off to the author because English is not even her first language! That's GOALS 🔥
May 6, 2023
Home, Then by Anja E. Jensen
"I love you enough for the both of us. I can love you until you’re ready to love yourself. And long after that, too.”
What a fantastic debut novel!!! 👏 I absolutely loved it. It made me feel so many emotions.
This is an age gap, small town, hurt/comfort romance dealing with some heavy issues of life after war, PTSD, & anxiety. I applaud the author for the way she handled these tender subjects of ptsd, anxiety, etc, not only in soldiers but everyone that suffers with these ailments. She was very sensitive to it, handled it delicately, and really well.
Colton comes back home to his small town & uncle after being honorably discharged from the military. He served multiple tours overseas and is coming to terms with being a civilian again. He's left broken. After an unfortunate incident upon his arrival into town, he meets the local veterinarian, Henry. A friendship forms but quickly turns into something more as Colton settles into his new life. These two start to explore their feelings for each other.
I just wanted to hug Colton throughout the entire story. He's just so vulnerable. Whether it be while he's realizing his sexuality, during a flashback & panic attack, eating at the diner, or during a sexual moment between he and Henry, the vulnerability of his character shines through. The patience and care in which Henry responds is so loving and beautiful. Although Colton doesn't believe he's worthy, Henry sees all of Colton's beauty inside and out.
I thought the writing was great. The "realness" in which the author describes her 2 mc's feelings had me really impressed. I could feel their emotions and empathize with them on a deep level. I enjoyed the side characters as well. Of course, me being me, I can't forget to mention the steam between these two. The dirty talk was on point and every sexy scene was perfect.
The beauty of this book is that it shows that you aren't alone. That there are people around you that really care, that are willing to fight for you, no matter what.
"You don’t need to do this alone anymore. I’m here now. We can carry it together now.”
"I love you enough for the both of us. I can love you until you’re ready to love yourself. And long after that, too.”
What a fantastic debut novel!!! 👏 I absolutely loved it. It made me feel so many emotions.
This is an age gap, small town, hurt/comfort romance dealing with some heavy issues of life after war, PTSD, & anxiety. I applaud the author for the way she handled these tender subjects of ptsd, anxiety, etc, not only in soldiers but everyone that suffers with these ailments. She was very sensitive to it, handled it delicately, and really well.
Colton comes back home to his small town & uncle after being honorably discharged from the military. He served multiple tours overseas and is coming to terms with being a civilian again. He's left broken. After an unfortunate incident upon his arrival into town, he meets the local veterinarian, Henry. A friendship forms but quickly turns into something more as Colton settles into his new life. These two start to explore their feelings for each other.
I just wanted to hug Colton throughout the entire story. He's just so vulnerable. Whether it be while he's realizing his sexuality, during a flashback & panic attack, eating at the diner, or during a sexual moment between he and Henry, the vulnerability of his character shines through. The patience and care in which Henry responds is so loving and beautiful. Although Colton doesn't believe he's worthy, Henry sees all of Colton's beauty inside and out.
I thought the writing was great. The "realness" in which the author describes her 2 mc's feelings had me really impressed. I could feel their emotions and empathize with them on a deep level. I enjoyed the side characters as well. Of course, me being me, I can't forget to mention the steam between these two. The dirty talk was on point and every sexy scene was perfect.
The beauty of this book is that it shows that you aren't alone. That there are people around you that really care, that are willing to fight for you, no matter what.
"You don’t need to do this alone anymore. I’m here now. We can carry it together now.”
May 2, 2023
I love, love, loved this!
An absolutely amazing debut novel from author, A.E. Jensen.
This book is like a big comforting hug. Filled with love.
Home Then tells the story of Colton, a retired soldier who returns to his home town after years away. Here, he meets the local vet Henry. Henry was kicked out of home at sixteen and moved to Hayley's Peak to live with his gran.
Colton has felt so alone, for so long, that when this sweet, caring, younger man shows an interest in him, he can't understand why. He feels he has nothing to offer. The war left him with a broken heart, a sense of loss and PTSD. Panic attacks and nightmares haunt him and affect his self-worth.
But Henry, he sees so much in Colton. He sees the goodness and the passion and loyalty. And he's determined to help Colton however he can. To right his world. Henry is there in his corner, always.
Home Then is an incredibly emotional story which follows the relationship between these two wonderful characters as they explore their feelings and what they mean to each other.
I feel like everyone needs a Henry. Someone to fight for you, to fight with you. To hold you up when you feel like crumbling.
Thank you A.E for sharing your words with us all. I can feel you put so much into this story.
An absolutely amazing debut novel from author, A.E. Jensen.
This book is like a big comforting hug. Filled with love.
Home Then tells the story of Colton, a retired soldier who returns to his home town after years away. Here, he meets the local vet Henry. Henry was kicked out of home at sixteen and moved to Hayley's Peak to live with his gran.
Colton has felt so alone, for so long, that when this sweet, caring, younger man shows an interest in him, he can't understand why. He feels he has nothing to offer. The war left him with a broken heart, a sense of loss and PTSD. Panic attacks and nightmares haunt him and affect his self-worth.
But Henry, he sees so much in Colton. He sees the goodness and the passion and loyalty. And he's determined to help Colton however he can. To right his world. Henry is there in his corner, always.
Home Then is an incredibly emotional story which follows the relationship between these two wonderful characters as they explore their feelings and what they mean to each other.
I feel like everyone needs a Henry. Someone to fight for you, to fight with you. To hold you up when you feel like crumbling.
Thank you A.E for sharing your words with us all. I can feel you put so much into this story.
May 5, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I love mental health representation in books and stories with partners who stick with the ones they care for no matter the challenges they face. These boys were so sweet and had wonderful chemistry. The author did a great job of portraying Colton’s heartache, grief, and anxiety after his time in the army and how his nightmares still haunt him.
There’s some good banter and sweet moments in the book to keep it from being too heavy and the writing is quite good, especially for a debut. The reason I didn’t give more stars is because there were some formatting issues that drew me out of the story quite a bit, however I understand those have been corrected for the release, and because it took me several chapters to really get into the story. The way Colton’s backstory was shared at the beginning wasntmy favorite. I would have preferred to have learned about his past through more flashbacks or through conversations with Henry. And I wouldn’t have minded if there were a few more conversations between them in general throughout the story , just talking and getting to know each other.
Overall this was a 3.5 star read for me
and a promising start from this new author of mm romance
I love mental health representation in books and stories with partners who stick with the ones they care for no matter the challenges they face. These boys were so sweet and had wonderful chemistry. The author did a great job of portraying Colton’s heartache, grief, and anxiety after his time in the army and how his nightmares still haunt him.
There’s some good banter and sweet moments in the book to keep it from being too heavy and the writing is quite good, especially for a debut. The reason I didn’t give more stars is because there were some formatting issues that drew me out of the story quite a bit, however I understand those have been corrected for the release, and because it took me several chapters to really get into the story. The way Colton’s backstory was shared at the beginning wasntmy favorite. I would have preferred to have learned about his past through more flashbacks or through conversations with Henry. And I wouldn’t have minded if there were a few more conversations between them in general throughout the story , just talking and getting to know each other.
Overall this was a 3.5 star read for me
and a promising start from this new author of mm romance
November 7, 2023
I'm a really conflicted about this book. In parts it was really sweet, in greater parts it was just ridiculous.
Where did this dirty talk come from? Colton never thought of a man in a sexual way before, then he dreamt of Henry, decided to kiss him, and then it was all in. It was just like the author thought: "A little dirty talk always comes good, lets throw some 'I fucking love your hole' in".
I missed the final process where Colton gets treated for his PTSD, it’s like 'He got some therapy and everything went for the better'...
Where did this dirty talk come from? Colton never thought of a man in a sexual way before, then he dreamt of Henry, decided to kiss him, and then it was all in. It was just like the author thought: "A little dirty talk always comes good, lets throw some 'I fucking love your hole' in".
I missed the final process where Colton gets treated for his PTSD, it’s like 'He got some therapy and everything went for the better'...
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