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The Road
It's hard to feel happy about anything.
A year ago to the day, I lost my husband, Blake. We weren't married long, not even a full year before he lost his battle with cancer. And it still affects my life greatly. I haven't been able to worm my way out of my depression this past year. All I do is eat, sleep, and work. I have no motivation for anything else.
But then this guy shows up. His name is Derek. He claims he was Blake's best friend and that Blake scheduled a trip for me to take exactly a year after his death. Like, Blake planned this whole damn road trip that I'm now required to take with a complete stranger! I can't exactly say no, though.... It was one of Blake's last wishes. I'd be a monster if I didn't go on this road trip.
And I've already been feeling like a monster lately. I don't want to make it worse.
I missed so much of the end of Blake's life.
While my childhood best friend, Blake, was dying of cancer, I was backpacking across Europe. And I regret it every day. If I'd known how Blake was suffering, I would have come back to the United States instantly. But Blake lied about his condition and I had no idea there was a chance he might die.
But now I've got an opportunity to make it up to him in a small way. He left me this task, a very important task, to cheer up his husband. Or, at least, to get his husband out of the house. It won't be easy, especially not with Bailey's attitude toward me, but I've got to do this. It's the only thing I can give back to Blake.
I never knew how hard it would be to avoid betraying him, though.
This standalone MM romance novel comes complete with HEA ending and bonus material from two of my other books!
A year ago to the day, I lost my husband, Blake. We weren't married long, not even a full year before he lost his battle with cancer. And it still affects my life greatly. I haven't been able to worm my way out of my depression this past year. All I do is eat, sleep, and work. I have no motivation for anything else.
But then this guy shows up. His name is Derek. He claims he was Blake's best friend and that Blake scheduled a trip for me to take exactly a year after his death. Like, Blake planned this whole damn road trip that I'm now required to take with a complete stranger! I can't exactly say no, though.... It was one of Blake's last wishes. I'd be a monster if I didn't go on this road trip.
And I've already been feeling like a monster lately. I don't want to make it worse.
I missed so much of the end of Blake's life.
While my childhood best friend, Blake, was dying of cancer, I was backpacking across Europe. And I regret it every day. If I'd known how Blake was suffering, I would have come back to the United States instantly. But Blake lied about his condition and I had no idea there was a chance he might die.
But now I've got an opportunity to make it up to him in a small way. He left me this task, a very important task, to cheer up his husband. Or, at least, to get his husband out of the house. It won't be easy, especially not with Bailey's attitude toward me, but I've got to do this. It's the only thing I can give back to Blake.
I never knew how hard it would be to avoid betraying him, though.
This standalone MM romance novel comes complete with HEA ending and bonus material from two of my other books!
- GenresM M RomanceContemporary
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2017
25 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Hayden Hunt
23 books54 followersHayden also writes under the pseudonyms
Aimee Alesi
and
Edie Bryant
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 10, 2017
*** May have some spoilers. *** Baily is a good guy. He was dating Blake when Blake was diagnosed as terminal. As a loving friend, Bailey agreed to give Blake his wish for a big wedding, like a last wish. Bailey gave him that, and now introvert Bailey is depressed, grieving and sad. Blake's old best friend from childhood, Derek, was traveling in Europe for a year, and Blake chose not to tell him about his illness.
So, now a year later, Derek shows up on Bailey's doorstep, with letters, and instructions for the two of them to take a trip, as stated in Blake's will.
*** IMO, This is unusual, because our main character is dead. It is sad and mournful, conflicting, angst and guilt laden, and feels like a heavy burden.
There are brief periods when the guys have fun, but immediately sink into guilt. So, "long dark brown hair" is the only description we get of Derek. No ages, but they seem young. I couldn't picture either one, and the cover guy looks too old to be any of them, so, I never connected with these guys. They didn't feel like they connected either, and then they were "in love" ? How are we to relate to, or even picture a character without description?
This had potential, but came up short for me. Sorry, because I know I may be a minority.
It's unusual; it ends at 63%; then there is a partial section of the book, The Cabin.
===================
So, now a year later, Derek shows up on Bailey's doorstep, with letters, and instructions for the two of them to take a trip, as stated in Blake's will.
*** IMO, This is unusual, because our main character is dead. It is sad and mournful, conflicting, angst and guilt laden, and feels like a heavy burden.
There are brief periods when the guys have fun, but immediately sink into guilt. So, "long dark brown hair" is the only description we get of Derek. No ages, but they seem young. I couldn't picture either one, and the cover guy looks too old to be any of them, so, I never connected with these guys. They didn't feel like they connected either, and then they were "in love" ? How are we to relate to, or even picture a character without description?
This had potential, but came up short for me. Sorry, because I know I may be a minority.
It's unusual; it ends at 63%; then there is a partial section of the book, The Cabin.
===================
February 24, 2017
Oh dear! I'm going to come across as being mean but there was so much I really disliked about this book apart from the fact it finishes at 63%. As for the rest, here goes...
My absolute worst nightmare, insta-love! Then there was the cringe worthy phrasing, grammatical errors galore, too much unfounded guilt, judging, whining, perceived judging and self pitying navel gazing. Moving on there were no clues about their ages or what they looked like - except a beard on one and a pompadour hairstyle on the other. I have no clue where this book is set- the US, Canada, Australia? And did I mention the accusations of judging or the bucket loads of guilt? My thoughts... who the f**k cares?
I give this book one star for Blake's last letter which was pretty amazing and quite emotional. However, when the most interesting, sympathetic character is the dead husband it's not going to save a book about the living.
Not even the cover model (his beard, nom nom nom) could change my mind about my rating.
*1 Star*
My absolute worst nightmare, insta-love! Then there was the cringe worthy phrasing, grammatical errors galore, too much unfounded guilt, judging, whining, perceived judging and self pitying navel gazing. Moving on there were no clues about their ages or what they looked like - except a beard on one and a pompadour hairstyle on the other. I have no clue where this book is set- the US, Canada, Australia? And did I mention the accusations of judging or the bucket loads of guilt? My thoughts... who the f**k cares?
I give this book one star for Blake's last letter which was pretty amazing and quite emotional. However, when the most interesting, sympathetic character is the dead husband it's not going to save a book about the living.
Not even the cover model (his beard, nom nom nom) could change my mind about my rating.
*1 Star*
February 26, 2017
What can I say. I didn't like this book one single bit. As reader's we never got any description of the two MC's other than the author telling us that Derek had long brown hair, or something like that. We don't know their ages, looks, height, style, eye color...nothing. Absolutely nothing. Character description is pretty important IMO. It's how readers, at least how I, begin to form a "bond" with the MC's, picturing them in our heads.
The two MC's, Derek and Bailey? Whiny, sniveling, annoying.....shall I go on? They were unlikable and I really didn't care about their HEA in the least. The other MC, if you want to call him that was Blake. Even though he was dead, he had an important role here. I was okay learning about him in the very small glimpses that the author gave us initially throughout the story, but at the end, that final letter....man, I ended up not liking him either. Which made me feel bad if I'm honest.
And lastly, the thing that kept me from at least giving this book 2 stars was one of the most poorly written sex scenes I have ever read. It was like a really bad porn movie, awful dialog that I guess the author thought would come off as dirty talk, but really was just ridiculous and cringe-worthy and descriptions and wording that was just....ugh, I can't even.
My recommendation to all of you is just pass on this one. The story idea was a real good one and the blurb made it interesting enough that I decided to read it.
This book did get several decent/good reviews so maybe I'm in the minority, who knows. But, this one is a reading regret for me.
The two MC's, Derek and Bailey? Whiny, sniveling, annoying.....shall I go on? They were unlikable and I really didn't care about their HEA in the least. The other MC, if you want to call him that was Blake. Even though he was dead, he had an important role here. I was okay learning about him in the very small glimpses that the author gave us initially throughout the story, but at the end, that final letter....man, I ended up not liking him either. Which made me feel bad if I'm honest.
And lastly, the thing that kept me from at least giving this book 2 stars was one of the most poorly written sex scenes I have ever read. It was like a really bad porn movie, awful dialog that I guess the author thought would come off as dirty talk, but really was just ridiculous and cringe-worthy and descriptions and wording that was just....ugh, I can't even.
My recommendation to all of you is just pass on this one. The story idea was a real good one and the blurb made it interesting enough that I decided to read it.
This book did get several decent/good reviews so maybe I'm in the minority, who knows. But, this one is a reading regret for me.
February 9, 2017
I expected more. I wanted more.
The overwhelming feelings of guilt in this book were just that. Overwhelming. They overshadowed everything in the book.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
The overwhelming feelings of guilt in this book were just that. Overwhelming. They overshadowed everything in the book.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
February 12, 2017
The synopsis reminded me of the film PS I Love You but when you begin reading you realise that this is so much more and absolutely brilliant. The story had me in tears more than once because it was so beautifully written. The pieces of the puzzle fit so well.
Bailey had met and very quickly married Blake once he knew Blake was terminally ill. Bailey knew Blake had always wanted a big wedding and had given it to him out of love. Now a year later following Blake's death, Bailey is still wracked with guilt knowing he had married Blake as he loved him just he was not "in love" which he knew was totally the wrong reason.
Then one afternoon the doorbell goes and there stands Derek.
I was given a complimentary ARC and this is my voluntary review
Bailey had met and very quickly married Blake once he knew Blake was terminally ill. Bailey knew Blake had always wanted a big wedding and had given it to him out of love. Now a year later following Blake's death, Bailey is still wracked with guilt knowing he had married Blake as he loved him just he was not "in love" which he knew was totally the wrong reason.
Then one afternoon the doorbell goes and there stands Derek.
I was given a complimentary ARC and this is my voluntary review
February 14, 2017
This was a great story of a dead husband orchestrating events to help his husband move on with his life. A familiar scenario which the dead husband's best friend, Derek, was asked to take the husband, Bailey, on a week long trip without him knowing where, giving him a letter from Blake, the late husband, as instructed at each destination. Guilt reared its ugly head when they both started having feelings for each other. Little did they know what Blake really wanted for them both..A beautiful story of soulmates. This is their magical story. ❤️
February 11, 2017
A really enjoyable book with copious amounts of guilt but definitely worth reading. I would have liked a bit more depth...some interaction with Blake's family for instance but it is still a good book.
It would also benefit from another proof reader as there are several errors in the book which detracted at little when reading the story.
4*s
The bonus chapter was too short!
It would also benefit from another proof reader as there are several errors in the book which detracted at little when reading the story.
4*s
The bonus chapter was too short!
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June 17, 2020I wouldn't say I really read this, more like I skimmed it. The premise was good but it fell flat toward the middle and I just flipped through the rest. Also, it ends at 65% and there's a preview chapter of a longer book and I did not like that.
March 6, 2017
Good story
March 1, 2017
This was adorable and sweet. I loved the characters.. even Blake who was dead was an amazing character.. i loved the ups and downs.. the issues and the love.. and of course some sexy times.. it was all around so much fun to read and i am so glad i got to review it
February 18, 2017
Matchmaking from beyond
Emotional story about Blake's matchmaking in his final days to connect his best friend with his husband, knowing that his husband married him out of love and because he was terminally ill and not because they were 'in love'. Blake is really behind the entire story although he had passed away. He knew his lifelong best friend who was away the last year of his life and he knew him well. He recognized that his best friend Derek and his husband Bailey had much in common and wanted them to have a chance at a life together. This is a very interesting storyline although character development could be stronger. We are left appreciating the deceased Blake more than the living characters.
Emotional story about Blake's matchmaking in his final days to connect his best friend with his husband, knowing that his husband married him out of love and because he was terminally ill and not because they were 'in love'. Blake is really behind the entire story although he had passed away. He knew his lifelong best friend who was away the last year of his life and he knew him well. He recognized that his best friend Derek and his husband Bailey had much in common and wanted them to have a chance at a life together. This is a very interesting storyline although character development could be stronger. We are left appreciating the deceased Blake more than the living characters.
February 14, 2017
And I am sorry, first and foremost, for leaving a one star. But, I DNF'd this book, and I hesitate to even star it...but, one of the reason's for the 1 star was because I just didn't like it. I tried. I pushed through to 50%. But, I have to be honest when I say, of that 50%, nothing drew me in to this story. I did not connect with either character, I have no desire to find out how the story ends, and while I acknowledge I had an ARC copy of this story, there were grammatical and spelling errors aplenty that also didn't help with my trying to enjoy this book.
I will acknowledge that the premise of the story had potential to be good. Had the character's been more developed.....given more description......and not as annoying as they were, I probably could have enjoyed this book more.
I will acknowledge that the premise of the story had potential to be good. Had the character's been more developed.....given more description......and not as annoying as they were, I probably could have enjoyed this book more.
February 15, 2017
I really wanted to like this more than I did. The base story had potential, but it wasn't carried out as effectively as I'm used to reading from this author. The guilt throughout was overwhelming and took away from what the story could've been. Heat level is low and kind of awkward. It was probably meant to be steamier but it didn't seem to flow naturally to me. I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book for my honest opinion and review.
February 11, 2017
Touching and sweet!
Bailey and Derek have never met and seem to only have one thing in common, Blake. I loved the story and the characters. Bailey is so selfless, doing everything he can to make Blake happy in his final days and then spending the next year beating himself up over not feeling the way he thinks he should. Derek too has guilt over losing his best friend Blake, ones he never can never get closure on since he was not able to be there when his friend was sick and dying. With some help from beyond the grave by Blake, what starts out as a road trip, organized by Blake before his untimely demise, the love Bailey and Derek had for him grows into love for each other, only their guilt (mostly from self-loathing and conflicted feelings because neither can see what extraordinarily good men they are) threatens to smother anything before it even starts.
Bailey and Derek have never met and seem to only have one thing in common, Blake. I loved the story and the characters. Bailey is so selfless, doing everything he can to make Blake happy in his final days and then spending the next year beating himself up over not feeling the way he thinks he should. Derek too has guilt over losing his best friend Blake, ones he never can never get closure on since he was not able to be there when his friend was sick and dying. With some help from beyond the grave by Blake, what starts out as a road trip, organized by Blake before his untimely demise, the love Bailey and Derek had for him grows into love for each other, only their guilt (mostly from self-loathing and conflicted feelings because neither can see what extraordinarily good men they are) threatens to smother anything before it even starts.
March 14, 2017
Oookkkaaayyy
Oh my another insta-love story. Gosh everyone else seems to love this story and now I just simply think it is okay. Bailey is depressed after losing his husband but also struggling with certain feelings of guilt. In comes Derek, Bailey's dead husband's best friend with letter informing Bailey that a trip was planned. I like the premise of the trip but gosh on the third or forth day these two are pledging love! Hey its just me and my oddities. The story was cute and likeable as well as easy to read.
Oh my another insta-love story. Gosh everyone else seems to love this story and now I just simply think it is okay. Bailey is depressed after losing his husband but also struggling with certain feelings of guilt. In comes Derek, Bailey's dead husband's best friend with letter informing Bailey that a trip was planned. I like the premise of the trip but gosh on the third or forth day these two are pledging love! Hey its just me and my oddities. The story was cute and likeable as well as easy to read.
February 11, 2017
The Road was a sweet and thoughtful book. It reminded me of the movie "PS, I Love You". It was very thoughtful of Blake to plan all of these things out for Bailey who married him because he wanted to give him one thing he wanted before he died. Now Blake having his best friend Derek handle the execution of the plan was even sweeter because he knew what his best friend needed as well. I felt sad because as the trip went on Bailey and Derek really started to fall for one another and only felt guilty because Blake plan the trip. I did love how Blake surprised them both and who doesn't want to honor the people who meant so much to them. Even from the grave he was continuing to show just what a good man he was.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book
February 8, 2017
I liked the story and give it 3.5 stars. It is an easy, but emotional read as both characters are since coming to grips with the loss of Blake.
Both characters have a lot of guilt that they feel and need to let go of before either can move on. Derek also was listless for other reasons. Bailey has so many conflicting emotions at the beginning, he really needed to open up to someone. Blake sends Derek to take Bailey on a series of trips. Each has some significance to them either Blake or Bailey or both.
The end was a little predictable, but that didn't take away much from the enjoyment of the book overall. It's a sweet story without being super angsty considering the subject matter.
Both characters have a lot of guilt that they feel and need to let go of before either can move on. Derek also was listless for other reasons. Bailey has so many conflicting emotions at the beginning, he really needed to open up to someone. Blake sends Derek to take Bailey on a series of trips. Each has some significance to them either Blake or Bailey or both.
The end was a little predictable, but that didn't take away much from the enjoyment of the book overall. It's a sweet story without being super angsty considering the subject matter.
February 9, 2017
I got from Hayden Hunts News letter. Asking for ARC readers and honest reviews.
WOW. Loved everything about the book. Talk about making us cry through out the book. Yes smile here and there and had little thoughts of hoping. Derek and Bailey awesome characters. They helped to pull on those emotional strings a lot. I thought the book was well written. The ending was a happy tear moment for Derek and Bailey. Showing us that even after losing a loved one, happiness is around the corner. Just like I said on your book Rocky. A great writer can pull on those strings of emotions.
Couple of missed spelled words, but nothing bad to make a person stop reading. So happy to have found a new author to read from. I can't wait to see what story you write to pull more of our emotions to the surface.
Thank you, for letting me read your story.
WOW. Loved everything about the book. Talk about making us cry through out the book. Yes smile here and there and had little thoughts of hoping. Derek and Bailey awesome characters. They helped to pull on those emotional strings a lot. I thought the book was well written. The ending was a happy tear moment for Derek and Bailey. Showing us that even after losing a loved one, happiness is around the corner. Just like I said on your book Rocky. A great writer can pull on those strings of emotions.
Couple of missed spelled words, but nothing bad to make a person stop reading. So happy to have found a new author to read from. I can't wait to see what story you write to pull more of our emotions to the surface.
Thank you, for letting me read your story.
February 12, 2017
This is one sad story. It is about three men: Blake, Derek, and Bailey. The whole story is about Blake. Blake dies before the story and he entrusts his friend Derek with a great responsibility. He has to take Bailey on a road trip.
The men do not have anything at common at first except for Blake. They also shared a lot of guilt. This book is permeated with guilt. It tugs at your heart strings. I liked it because it was a different type of romance. This is a HEA but it does not happen right away. It slowly builds up. It is well worth the read.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
The men do not have anything at common at first except for Blake. They also shared a lot of guilt. This book is permeated with guilt. It tugs at your heart strings. I liked it because it was a different type of romance. This is a HEA but it does not happen right away. It slowly builds up. It is well worth the read.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
February 8, 2017
This is a bit of a heart-breaker.
The story is mostly set a year after Blake dies, but the whole time Bailey and Derek spend together, they are acutely aware it is Blake who brought them together and for a while it seems as though Blake will be the cause of their separation too.
I was in tears a couple of times, beautiful but hard to read at the same time.
My one gripe is that in the version I had only about 70% of the books pages is this story and the rest was an excerpt for another book, I didn't need.
There were also a few typos, but nothing major to ruin the flow.
The story is mostly set a year after Blake dies, but the whole time Bailey and Derek spend together, they are acutely aware it is Blake who brought them together and for a while it seems as though Blake will be the cause of their separation too.
I was in tears a couple of times, beautiful but hard to read at the same time.
My one gripe is that in the version I had only about 70% of the books pages is this story and the rest was an excerpt for another book, I didn't need.
There were also a few typos, but nothing major to ruin the flow.
February 9, 2017
A heart-touching story about loss and love and acceptance. In my mind, I think Blake sent Derek to Bailey on his one-year anniversary of his death because he knew the two men would still be mourning and depressed over losing him. I also thought he knew that Derek and Bailey would need each other and hoped that they would grow to love each other. Because Blake was the one who actually brought them together, they felt guilty for their growing feelings towards each other.
This story had me feeling so many different things. I laughed, I cried, and a few things in between. Thank you, Hayden Hunt for another great read! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This story had me feeling so many different things. I laughed, I cried, and a few things in between. Thank you, Hayden Hunt for another great read! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
February 8, 2017
Oh wow what an emotional book. This books has had me laughing and crying in equal measure. Bailey is asked one the first anniversary of his husband's death to under take a trip with his husband's best friend. He can't refuse because the the one asking is his dead husband! Derek runs the trip and at first it's awkward but as they get to know each other feelings grow. Will this trip heal them or hurt them more? This book is a must read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book and I'm so glad I did it's a great read!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book and I'm so glad I did it's a great read!!
February 8, 2017
I fell so in love with Bailey's journey
After the loss of Bailey's husband he goes a trip with Blake's best friend Derek together they took me on a emotional journey with them I laughed I cried my heart broke but the road was such a perfect story
The road was heartbreaking but also heartwarming
Follow bailey and Derek go through loss fun and acceptance with alot tears
The road stolen my heart
The road was a beautifully written journey thank you Hayden hunt for this story
After the loss of Bailey's husband he goes a trip with Blake's best friend Derek together they took me on a emotional journey with them I laughed I cried my heart broke but the road was such a perfect story
The road was heartbreaking but also heartwarming
Follow bailey and Derek go through loss fun and acceptance with alot tears
The road stolen my heart
The road was a beautifully written journey thank you Hayden hunt for this story
February 8, 2017
I liked this story. I found part of the middle a little confusing, I guess I think the 2 MCs blew things way out of proportion and maybe it has to do with how fast everything was, but maybe it was because of such high emotion and fast time frame. They were both likable and definitely a fast-paced easy to read story. I would recommend this.
April 2, 2017
I was surprised to find myself on an emotional roller coaster of a read and I say "bravo". At one point I found myself crying from the emotional reality I don't want to spoil the book but this is a Hayden Hunt book you don't want to miss.
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April 18, 2017I have no idea what I just read! I'm speechless... That's how bad it was.
not-deserve-my-time-my-money
June 28, 2018Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews