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Enough
Jesse can do the math: Ezra's perfect, he isn't, and this relationship is doomed. Until the accident forces Jesse to recalculate. Jesse has never had a real boyfriend before. He's a firefighter, and that's all that anyone's seen before-a quick and thrilling screw, and a story for the future. So when he lands Ezra Pryce, the most beautiful man in the whole of Brighton, Jesse can't quite understand why Ezra is still here eight months down the line. Not that he's going to complain. Ezra's sexy, sarcastic, and doesn't treat Jesse like he's stupid, but Jesse can do the math. Ezra is nothing short of perfection; and Jesse falls a very way short of it. Jesse isn't going to be enough for someone like Ezra in the long run, and he is living-and loving-on borrowed time. When a disastrous weekend in Norwich introduces Jesse to the staunch disapproval of Ezra's family and the six-pack of his ex-boyfriend in one fell swoop, Jesse's fate is sealed. He cannot hope to live up to an ex who has every intention of getting Ezra back, and all the looks and charm to do it too. Jesse is not enough for Ezra and he's never going to be. Until the accident forces Jesse to re-evaluate, and shows him exactly what he looks like through Ezra's eyes.
186 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2014
2 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Matthew J. Metzger
34 books351 followersMatthew is an asexual, transgender author from the wet and windy British Isles.
Matt writes LGBT novels, both adult and young adult, and particularly enjoys digging into the weird and wonderful diversity of people all across the sexuality and gender spectrums. When not writing, Matt is usually asleep, or crunching numbers at his day job. Free time is not really a concept here.
He is also owned by an enormous black cat. Approach with caution.
Matt writes LGBT novels, both adult and young adult, and particularly enjoys digging into the weird and wonderful diversity of people all across the sexuality and gender spectrums. When not writing, Matt is usually asleep, or crunching numbers at his day job. Free time is not really a concept here.
He is also owned by an enormous black cat. Approach with caution.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 4, 2014
3.5 stars. Review posted June 4, 2014
Behind the bad cover and the very apt title hides a good story. I enjoyed it but it simply didn't wow me, thus I had to downgrade it to three stars. I found the plot somewhat unbalanced in that the first half seemed to meander without a specific destination and then throughout the second half there was a bit too much dulcified drama which did not really appeal to me. Also, dedicating so much page time (a third of the entire story) to Ezra's as well as Jesse's insecurities was, quite frankly, too much for me. And, I know this is all about personal preferences, but I'm just not much into endearments. I seriously doubt that I'll ever become accustomed to the overusage of sweetheart.
Jesse's low self-esteem and hang-ups unnerved me. He was quite a hot head and did beat himself up one too many times for not 'being enough'. The whole thing culminated to a huge fight which, of course, led However, the character that stood out in the most negative way was Ezra's sister, Grace. What a HORRIBLE woman and all those despicable things that came out of her filthy and homophobic mouth were truly mind-boggling. I just wanted her gone.
Despite my issues, overall it was a solidly written story that did entertain me. The smexin' in Enough was hardly explicit and yet it served as some kind of little appetizer for me because I'm definitely looking forward to checking out Matthew's first foray into erotic romance.
Bottom line, while I didn't feel overwhelmed by Enough, I'm pretty sure that most fans of Matthew J. Metzger will love this story.
Behind the bad cover and the very apt title hides a good story. I enjoyed it but it simply didn't wow me, thus I had to downgrade it to three stars. I found the plot somewhat unbalanced in that the first half seemed to meander without a specific destination and then throughout the second half there was a bit too much dulcified drama which did not really appeal to me. Also, dedicating so much page time (a third of the entire story) to Ezra's as well as Jesse's insecurities was, quite frankly, too much for me. And, I know this is all about personal preferences, but I'm just not much into endearments. I seriously doubt that I'll ever become accustomed to the overusage of sweetheart.
Jesse's low self-esteem and hang-ups unnerved me. He was quite a hot head and did beat himself up one too many times for not 'being enough'. The whole thing culminated to a huge fight which, of course, led However, the character that stood out in the most negative way was Ezra's sister, Grace. What a HORRIBLE woman and all those despicable things that came out of her filthy and homophobic mouth were truly mind-boggling. I just wanted her gone.
Despite my issues, overall it was a solidly written story that did entertain me. The smexin' in Enough was hardly explicit and yet it served as some kind of little appetizer for me because I'm definitely looking forward to checking out Matthew's first foray into erotic romance.
Bottom line, while I didn't feel overwhelmed by Enough, I'm pretty sure that most fans of Matthew J. Metzger will love this story.
dnf
August 29, 2019DNF at 15%
I couldn't get past the fact that Ezra visited his homophobic family with his new (and very insecure) boyfriend when they all treated them like crap. Seriously, why???
I couldn't get past the fact that Ezra visited his homophobic family with his new (and very insecure) boyfriend when they all treated them like crap. Seriously, why???
July 2, 2014
I bought this book after meeting the author at the UKMeet this year and Anke and I buddy-read it.
Jesse, poor sweet Jesse, he has a distorted opinion of himself, he can't understand why Ezra would want him, but he's going to enjoy it and love him for as long as he can.
Jesse is sure that Ezra will wake up to what a dumb loser he is and leave him, he sees Ezra through Rose colored glasses, and thinks he is just perfect.
Ezra is a good guy, but not perfect, I actually liked that as a teacher of children with problems, he was frustrated and annoyed by them a lot of time.
He literally and rightly hated his sister and just barely tolerated his mother. I'm still sort of unclear why he would plan a 10 day trip to visit them, they certainly didn't deserve his consideration or subjecting Jesse to them.
Not only that, but Ezra has issues of his own, they just aren't as obvious and of course Jesse's history was less than ideal too.
Despite all that, it was sort of a quiet story, not a lot of action, a fight or two, but not a lot of angst, a horrible and I do mean horrible sister and a strange ex.
I wasn't enamored with Jesse keeping in such close contact with him, I didn't see the point and it was clear what his ex wanted and I didn't see why again, he subjected himself and Jesse to that.
But, I actually really enjoyed this story, I liked these two normal guys, they loved each other, but also had things to deal with and overcome together and also on their own.
I will definitely be on the lookout for more for this author.
Jesse, poor sweet Jesse, he has a distorted opinion of himself, he can't understand why Ezra would want him, but he's going to enjoy it and love him for as long as he can.
Jesse is sure that Ezra will wake up to what a dumb loser he is and leave him, he sees Ezra through Rose colored glasses, and thinks he is just perfect.
Ezra is a good guy, but not perfect, I actually liked that as a teacher of children with problems, he was frustrated and annoyed by them a lot of time.
He literally and rightly hated his sister and just barely tolerated his mother. I'm still sort of unclear why he would plan a 10 day trip to visit them, they certainly didn't deserve his consideration or subjecting Jesse to them.
Not only that, but Ezra has issues of his own, they just aren't as obvious and of course Jesse's history was less than ideal too.
Despite all that, it was sort of a quiet story, not a lot of action, a fight or two, but not a lot of angst, a horrible and I do mean horrible sister and a strange ex.
I wasn't enamored with Jesse keeping in such close contact with him, I didn't see the point and it was clear what his ex wanted and I didn't see why again, he subjected himself and Jesse to that.
But, I actually really enjoyed this story, I liked these two normal guys, they loved each other, but also had things to deal with and overcome together and also on their own.
I will definitely be on the lookout for more for this author.
August 25, 2018
Re-read, still love it
4.5
Jesse is a firefighter with a seriously skewed view of himself. He considers himself pretty stupid but incredibly lucky to have landed Ezra, a brilliant, beautiful teacher.
When the story begins, Jesse is suffering from a nightmare, which is pretty common for him, and Ezra doesn’t hesitate to come over to comfort him. I loved that. Jesse and Ezra met at a gay bar eight months prior and have slowly become so important to each other, even if Jesse doesn’t realize that he is just as important to Ezra as Ezra is to him. “Ezra wasn’t just a pretty face and nice legs. Ezra was the world.”
There are so many times during the story that Jesse is just adorable. Major league adorable. “His heart hiccupped and Jesse clutched the phone like a brainless newlywed until the toaster popped.” Jesse just doesn't see enough of the good he has in him.
It’s so funny that as I read this, I definitely didn’t view Ezra as perfect. He’s a great character but he has his flaws. Jesse just doesn’t see them, he’s way too focused on his own perceived shortcomings.
Ezra is a teacher at a school where they briefly had a metal detector to stop the kids from bringing in knives (since I work in a school where the kids go through metal detectors and they are checked, I could relate to this), something that not everyone understands about him. Including his family, who Jesse is going to meet for the first time. This was the first time that I wondered about Ezra – why was he willing to put Jesse through it, when he states outright that they won’t like Jesse, that sister Grace is basically Satan’s spawn (omg, that woman is nasty!) and it’s just plainly uncomfortable. And they were scheduled there for days and days!
The visit goes pretty much as expected; i.e. horribly. To add insult to it all, they accidentally meet Liam, Ezra’s gorgeous, rich, talented educated, ex-boyfriend. I was uncomfortable for Jesse during the first meeting, as Liam talks about taking Ezra’s virginity and Ezra was sort of a jerk to Jesse, at least to me. Yes, he’s an ex but come on, Ezra! Rein him in!
Most of the problems stem not just from Jesse’s insecurity but from Ezra’s family and Liam, while Ezra’s attitude about it doesn’t help. I don’t want to paint Ezra as a bad guy, he definitely isn’t, but there were often times that I just thought, WHY? He talks about Jesse not sharing things but I felt like he didn’t either and I could not figure out why he would want to have Liam around, especially with what Liam is focused on.
As they do start to share parts of their past, some questions get answered (I kept wondering why Jesse didn’t say “I love you” back when Ezra said it, when he clearly loved him and this was explained). Ezra’s family situation is explained a bit as well. What wasn’t explained, for me, is why Ezra was keeping Liam around! He had a history with the man, yes, but hasn’t seen him in years and Liam definitely is hostile to Jesse. Ugh! At one point, Ezra asks “Why in the hell do you care what Liam thinks?” But wouldn’t anyone care about an ex that seems determined to get your boyfriend back?
Of course, it all comes to a head and unfortunately coincides with something terrible happening. Not a worst case scenario, but bad enough. What it does, however, is bring into focus Jesse’s strength. His conversation with Ezra’s mom was wonderful and hopefully made her think. He’s got so much more to him than he thinks.
The main focus of the story is Ezra and Jesse, working on being Ezra and Jesse. It works very well.
4.5
Jesse is a firefighter with a seriously skewed view of himself. He considers himself pretty stupid but incredibly lucky to have landed Ezra, a brilliant, beautiful teacher.
When the story begins, Jesse is suffering from a nightmare, which is pretty common for him, and Ezra doesn’t hesitate to come over to comfort him. I loved that. Jesse and Ezra met at a gay bar eight months prior and have slowly become so important to each other, even if Jesse doesn’t realize that he is just as important to Ezra as Ezra is to him. “Ezra wasn’t just a pretty face and nice legs. Ezra was the world.”
There are so many times during the story that Jesse is just adorable. Major league adorable. “His heart hiccupped and Jesse clutched the phone like a brainless newlywed until the toaster popped.” Jesse just doesn't see enough of the good he has in him.
It’s so funny that as I read this, I definitely didn’t view Ezra as perfect. He’s a great character but he has his flaws. Jesse just doesn’t see them, he’s way too focused on his own perceived shortcomings.
Ezra is a teacher at a school where they briefly had a metal detector to stop the kids from bringing in knives (since I work in a school where the kids go through metal detectors and they are checked, I could relate to this), something that not everyone understands about him. Including his family, who Jesse is going to meet for the first time. This was the first time that I wondered about Ezra – why was he willing to put Jesse through it, when he states outright that they won’t like Jesse, that sister Grace is basically Satan’s spawn (omg, that woman is nasty!) and it’s just plainly uncomfortable. And they were scheduled there for days and days!
The visit goes pretty much as expected; i.e. horribly. To add insult to it all, they accidentally meet Liam, Ezra’s gorgeous, rich, talented educated, ex-boyfriend. I was uncomfortable for Jesse during the first meeting, as Liam talks about taking Ezra’s virginity and Ezra was sort of a jerk to Jesse, at least to me. Yes, he’s an ex but come on, Ezra! Rein him in!
Most of the problems stem not just from Jesse’s insecurity but from Ezra’s family and Liam, while Ezra’s attitude about it doesn’t help. I don’t want to paint Ezra as a bad guy, he definitely isn’t, but there were often times that I just thought, WHY? He talks about Jesse not sharing things but I felt like he didn’t either and I could not figure out why he would want to have Liam around, especially with what Liam is focused on.
As they do start to share parts of their past, some questions get answered (I kept wondering why Jesse didn’t say “I love you” back when Ezra said it, when he clearly loved him and this was explained). Ezra’s family situation is explained a bit as well. What wasn’t explained, for me, is why Ezra was keeping Liam around! He had a history with the man, yes, but hasn’t seen him in years and Liam definitely is hostile to Jesse. Ugh! At one point, Ezra asks “Why in the hell do you care what Liam thinks?” But wouldn’t anyone care about an ex that seems determined to get your boyfriend back?
Of course, it all comes to a head and unfortunately coincides with something terrible happening. Not a worst case scenario, but bad enough. What it does, however, is bring into focus Jesse’s strength. His conversation with Ezra’s mom was wonderful and hopefully made her think. He’s got so much more to him than he thinks.
The main focus of the story is Ezra and Jesse, working on being Ezra and Jesse. It works very well.
July 11, 2019
This author always writes characters I care about, who feel real and imperfect and worth knowing. This story gives us Jesse, a firefighter who grew up in a difficult household, and who feels like his lack of education, lack of money, and lack of polish make him a bad risk for a longterm relationship with his wonderful boyfriend. Even though he's been dating Ezra, a teacher, for a while now, he's always waiting for the other shoe to drop. He tries to do everything right, and to apologize complete with flowers when he might have failed. But when Ezra's gorgeous, rich, well-educated ex-boyfriend reenters the picture, clearly intent on winning Ezra back, Jesse can't figure out what he has to offer that would keep Ezra from leaving. Add in meeting Ezra's Catholic family for the first time, and Jesse's certain their relationship is about to fall apart.
Jesse's self-esteem issues felt realistic, and his imperfect reactions made him relatable. Ezra made things worse by not understanding what was going on, but he had his own issues (including a very abrasive sister, and a history of personal loss.) Jesse's insecurity might annoy some readers, but for me it rang true and I sympathized with him. The ending is warm, if a bit convenient, and I appreciated the addition of counseling and not just love-solves-all, into the HEA.
Jesse's self-esteem issues felt realistic, and his imperfect reactions made him relatable. Ezra made things worse by not understanding what was going on, but he had his own issues (including a very abrasive sister, and a history of personal loss.) Jesse's insecurity might annoy some readers, but for me it rang true and I sympathized with him. The ending is warm, if a bit convenient, and I appreciated the addition of counseling and not just love-solves-all, into the HEA.
August 19, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
In Enough, the author focuses on a lesser educated, common man figure named Jesse. Jesse is a firefighter and he is in love with a wonderfully complex and intelligent school teacher named Ezra. Whereas Jesse’s parents were pretty rough and uncaring while alive, Ezra’s mother is very much alive, ultra-religious, and desperate to be involved in his life—which he refuses to allow to happen. Jesse has no siblings, but Ezra has a sister and let me tell you, she redefines the word witch in a horribly evil way.
So two men from very different upbringings and educational journeys meet, fall for each other, and things are pretty simple until Ezra insists Jesse meet his family. The get together and the aftermath of it are the main focus of the novel and it is apparent that, despite being constantly reassured, Jesse is struggling with huge feelings of inadequacy and fear that Ezra will one day wake up and tell him it’s all over between them.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
In Enough, the author focuses on a lesser educated, common man figure named Jesse. Jesse is a firefighter and he is in love with a wonderfully complex and intelligent school teacher named Ezra. Whereas Jesse’s parents were pretty rough and uncaring while alive, Ezra’s mother is very much alive, ultra-religious, and desperate to be involved in his life—which he refuses to allow to happen. Jesse has no siblings, but Ezra has a sister and let me tell you, she redefines the word witch in a horribly evil way.
So two men from very different upbringings and educational journeys meet, fall for each other, and things are pretty simple until Ezra insists Jesse meet his family. The get together and the aftermath of it are the main focus of the novel and it is apparent that, despite being constantly reassured, Jesse is struggling with huge feelings of inadequacy and fear that Ezra will one day wake up and tell him it’s all over between them.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
November 25, 2019
Jesse is a firefighter with a very low self-esteem issue and believes, based on experience, that his boyfriend Ezra, a smart, good-looking teacher, will eventually wake up to the fact that Jesse is dumb and dull and leave him. But Jesse is in love with Ezra and so he will enjoy his good fortune for as long as he can.
Obviously, Ezra is not as perfect as Jesse thinks he is, and his opinion of Jesse isn't quite what Jesse believes it to be.
Case in point is Ezra knowingly exposing Jesse to his homophobic mother and sister when he plans a vacation to visit them. His sister Grace is a despicable human being, full of hate and anger, and I couldn't quite understand why Ezra would not only spend time in her presence, but also put Jesse in that kind of situation.
And then the icing on the shitcake is that Ezra's previous boyfriend shows up and tries to insert himself into their lives. This perfect specimen of what a boyfriend should be like sends Jesse's self-esteem into a tailspin and he's sure he's going to lose Ezra, the very best thing that has ever and will ever happen to him.
Ezra struggles with understanding Jesse's convictions of his shortcomings, and this culminates in a fight that becomes a massive wake-up call for Jesse.
The author did a fine job creating these characters, with all their flaws and imperfections, and made them feel realistic and believable. I could empathize with both of their struggles, which allowed me to be fully invested in their relationship and their individual growth, which was realistically timed and achieved with some professional help. The characters felt real (even Grace, OMG, what a horrible person), and their actions felt realistic, the dialogue organic. They made mistakes, because they're human, and humans aren't perfect, ever. They were however perfect for each other, and I think Ezra understood that much sooner than Jesse did.
The HEA, because of course there is one, is hard-fought for, and we leave them in a place where, even if they haven't resolved all their issues, they are well on their way to do just that.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
Obviously, Ezra is not as perfect as Jesse thinks he is, and his opinion of Jesse isn't quite what Jesse believes it to be.
Case in point is Ezra knowingly exposing Jesse to his homophobic mother and sister when he plans a vacation to visit them. His sister Grace is a despicable human being, full of hate and anger, and I couldn't quite understand why Ezra would not only spend time in her presence, but also put Jesse in that kind of situation.
And then the icing on the shitcake is that Ezra's previous boyfriend shows up and tries to insert himself into their lives. This perfect specimen of what a boyfriend should be like sends Jesse's self-esteem into a tailspin and he's sure he's going to lose Ezra, the very best thing that has ever and will ever happen to him.
Ezra struggles with understanding Jesse's convictions of his shortcomings, and this culminates in a fight that becomes a massive wake-up call for Jesse.
The author did a fine job creating these characters, with all their flaws and imperfections, and made them feel realistic and believable. I could empathize with both of their struggles, which allowed me to be fully invested in their relationship and their individual growth, which was realistically timed and achieved with some professional help. The characters felt real (even Grace, OMG, what a horrible person), and their actions felt realistic, the dialogue organic. They made mistakes, because they're human, and humans aren't perfect, ever. They were however perfect for each other, and I think Ezra understood that much sooner than Jesse did.
The HEA, because of course there is one, is hard-fought for, and we leave them in a place where, even if they haven't resolved all their issues, they are well on their way to do just that.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
July 2, 2014
BR with Mandy*reads obsessively*
I met the author at the UK Meet in Bristol this year and I was totally astonished, that such a young guy had already written so many books! As the others - classical music combined with depression - didn't sound like what I want to read for unwinding or entertainment, well this one sounded very interesting. So, a good way to experience his writing, right?
Overall this was a very nice read. Very good writing pulled me right into the story. The development was believable, the pace was great. I liked both MCs a lot. Then, why not 5 stars? First, not very much really happened and after some time this whole Jesse-questioning-himself-and-the-relationship, his doubts and Ezra's reassurances were getting a bit tiring. Second, the sister got totally on my nerves and I was waiting, sadly in vain, that someone please give it to her straight. For me, her reasoning, the bit she gave near the ending, fell flat and therefore didn't work for me. Lastly, the religious stuff in the hospital didn't work for me as well as I had the feeling it was inconsistent with Jesse's character.
Although I had some problems with the above mentioned, it were only small niggles and at no time was I near to DNF this book. Overall I really enjoyed reading it and I will look for this author's next release.
I met the author at the UK Meet in Bristol this year and I was totally astonished, that such a young guy had already written so many books! As the others - classical music combined with depression - didn't sound like what I want to read for unwinding or entertainment, well this one sounded very interesting. So, a good way to experience his writing, right?
Overall this was a very nice read. Very good writing pulled me right into the story. The development was believable, the pace was great. I liked both MCs a lot. Then, why not 5 stars? First, not very much really happened and after some time this whole Jesse-questioning-himself-and-the-relationship, his doubts and Ezra's reassurances were getting a bit tiring. Second, the sister got totally on my nerves and I was waiting, sadly in vain, that someone please give it to her straight. For me, her reasoning, the bit she gave near the ending, fell flat and therefore didn't work for me. Lastly, the religious stuff in the hospital didn't work for me as well as I had the feeling it was inconsistent with Jesse's character.
Although I had some problems with the above mentioned, it were only small niggles and at no time was I near to DNF this book. Overall I really enjoyed reading it and I will look for this author's next release.
August 26, 2014
2.5 stars
Enough actually managed to annoy me.
Because I felt that it had the potential to be really good and because I liked the lead characters - Jesse and Ezra a lot, but the book was just so repetitive and, frankly, the plot devices didn't do much to improve my reading experience.
The blurb summarizes the story pretty well. The book starts off with Jesse and Ezra already in the eighth month of their relationship.
The story is told from Jesse’s POV. He is a 25 years old fireman and Ezra is the first long term boyfriend he’s ever had. Jesse has self-esteem issues that don’t allow him to believe Ezra could be in love with him for real. Ezra is a school teacher, well-educated and comes from a much better background than Jesse.
Nothing much happens during the first half of the book . And I had to read sentences like this one repeatedly:
“He’d known, somewhere in his head, it would never last because he just wasn’t good enough for Ezra (and he was never going to be, really, not for Ezra) …”
Then there’s an accident and the next 30% of the book are devoted to it. Finally, there’s some character development in the last 20% but there wasn’t anything special about it.
Ezra’s family and ex-boyfriend both play the villain in the story but they are all too one-dimensional.
At some point in the book, both Jesse and Ezra share with each other troubling stories from their pasts. I found it unrealistic that they wouldn’t discuss these issues during the eight months they’ve been a couple.
I didn’t see what made Ezra so perfect, as Jesse insisted all the time. He is a likable character, actually a very decent guy but that aspect of the story was exaggerated. If Ezra’s ‘perfection’ was supposed to stress on how low Jesse’s confidence is, well it succeeded, but also made Jesse look very immature.
If I have to say something positive about this book, it is that the intimate moments Jesse and Ezra share were very tender and sensual and I could see their love. Unfortunately, whenever such scene appeared on page, it was the same or very similar to the one I’ve already read several pages back.
For me, Enough didn’t come close to Matthew J. Metzger’s Young Adult books which I liked much, much more.
May 27, 2014
Never read anything by this author before but this sounded like my kind of book so i thought i'd give it a go and I am SO happy i did.
Jesse and Ezra are already a couple from the beginning of the book but Jesse is extremely insecure due to issues that stem from a crappy childhood and as the title suggests does not feel he is good enough for the 'perfect' Ezra. As the story goes on through a family visit and annoying ex we learn that maybe Ezra hasn't had things so perfect afterall.
Such an emotional read told from Jesse's point of view - you will fall in love with Jesse and I challenge anyone to not want to hug him and never let go! Had me tearing up quite a few times. Ezra was just what Jesse needed in a partner and came across as a really good guy but also refused to take any shit.
Highly recommeded and I will be looking for more from Matthew!
Jesse and Ezra are already a couple from the beginning of the book but Jesse is extremely insecure due to issues that stem from a crappy childhood and as the title suggests does not feel he is good enough for the 'perfect' Ezra. As the story goes on through a family visit and annoying ex we learn that maybe Ezra hasn't had things so perfect afterall.
Such an emotional read told from Jesse's point of view - you will fall in love with Jesse and I challenge anyone to not want to hug him and never let go! Had me tearing up quite a few times. Ezra was just what Jesse needed in a partner and came across as a really good guy but also refused to take any shit.
Highly recommeded and I will be looking for more from Matthew!
thanks-but-no-thanks
February 24, 2015Not a fan of a very insecure character. Others may want to hug them, I don't.
July 20, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I also really liked the authors writing style and his characters. The English setting was also a nice change, and I probably should read a few more books set in England. And the only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is because I didn't totally adore the book.
Jesse and Ezra are an established couple. They've been together about 8 months when they go to visit Ezra's family. It's while they're visiting them that things start to become a little strained. Especially after Jesse meets Ezra's first boyfriend. I really loved how meeting Liam, the ex, brought out the self-esteem issues in Jesse. It was totally believable and relatable. I sided with Jesse when it came to the Liam argument, mostly because it was obvious he wanted Ezra back, and I think that would make most people uncomfortable--and angry--when they're throwing it in your face and making those kinds of accusations against you.
But Liam wasn't the character I disliked the most. Heck, he wasn't even close. It was Grace, Ezra's sister, who really made me want to throw something. She was an evil bitch. Honestly, I'm pretty sure she's one of my most hated characters in book. And she'll probably always be at the top of that list.
So can I recommend this book? Yes. But if you dislike characters with self-esteem issues or you don't like established couples in books, I'm not sure this will be for you. But I would definitely recommend it if you can look past all of that because it really is a great book and I loved this couple.
Jesse and Ezra are an established couple. They've been together about 8 months when they go to visit Ezra's family. It's while they're visiting them that things start to become a little strained. Especially after Jesse meets Ezra's first boyfriend. I really loved how meeting Liam, the ex, brought out the self-esteem issues in Jesse. It was totally believable and relatable. I sided with Jesse when it came to the Liam argument, mostly because it was obvious he wanted Ezra back, and I think that would make most people uncomfortable--and angry--when they're throwing it in your face and making those kinds of accusations against you.
But Liam wasn't the character I disliked the most. Heck, he wasn't even close. It was Grace, Ezra's sister, who really made me want to throw something. She was an evil bitch. Honestly, I'm pretty sure she's one of my most hated characters in book. And she'll probably always be at the top of that list.
So can I recommend this book? Yes. But if you dislike characters with self-esteem issues or you don't like established couples in books, I'm not sure this will be for you. But I would definitely recommend it if you can look past all of that because it really is a great book and I loved this couple.
July 11, 2019
This is one of those books I'm not sure how I felt after I was done.
Jess is filled with anxiety and self-doubt, which merges in to a problem for his relationship with Ezra. And I could understand the turmoil of thoughts in his mind, I'm not a stranger to it.
But Ezra's way of handling things, with keeping in touch with Liam even after seeing how uncomfortable his boyfriend was with it, and the messages and meetings. It just seemed unnecessary and didn't seem like the action of a loving boyfriend.
I think the lack of passionate scenes between the two made it difficult to truly connect with them, from my point of view. There were plenty of cuddling, and the words were there. But what ever intimate scenes they had was written in such a way that you didn't notice them. It ended up just being decorative words without meaning.
It did have it's funny moments though. It had me belly laughing several times.
I don't need smut, but I do need passion when it's a book about a new relationship.
Jess is filled with anxiety and self-doubt, which merges in to a problem for his relationship with Ezra. And I could understand the turmoil of thoughts in his mind, I'm not a stranger to it.
But Ezra's way of handling things, with keeping in touch with Liam even after seeing how uncomfortable his boyfriend was with it, and the messages and meetings. It just seemed unnecessary and didn't seem like the action of a loving boyfriend.
I think the lack of passionate scenes between the two made it difficult to truly connect with them, from my point of view. There were plenty of cuddling, and the words were there. But what ever intimate scenes they had was written in such a way that you didn't notice them. It ended up just being decorative words without meaning.
It did have it's funny moments though. It had me belly laughing several times.
I don't need smut, but I do need passion when it's a book about a new relationship.
May 29, 2014
the synopsis provided by the author is excellent, so I won't waste time with another. this book was a wonderful read. I loved being able to see so much of the relationship and the character development was very realistic. the length of the novel was fair for the price, but the enjoyment i received from reading this story far outweighed the cost! I literally laughed out loud and cried! hea with no cliffhanger (considered a bonus lately grrrr) was excellent. i found no grammatical errors and learned quite a few interesting phrases (as I'm American). buy it!!
August 14, 2019
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Jesse loves Ezra, he just can't say the words while he's waiting for Ezra to realise that Jesse isn't good enough for him. It takes an accident to make him see what Ezra does: that Jesses really is more than enough for him!
For the most part, I did enjoy this. Besides one glaring reason, which I will tell you shortly, the other reason is a little less glaring and might just be the reason other people love this book.
And it's Jesse himself!
You know the saying, if you hear it often enough, you'll start to believe it?? Well Jesse does not believe Ezra when he tells him he loves him. Jesse does not believe Ezra when he tells him he does NOT want his ex. He does not believe Ezra when Ezra tells Jesse that his family are homophobic and will hate Jesse on sight but that's only because Jesse is a MAN and not for Jesse himself.
And I found this bit hard to deal with! I mean Ezra tells him often enough, enough to get a little bored hearing Ezra repeat himself time and time again. Jesse talks himself down so much, I started to get negative feelings for him, and wanted to slap him upside the head and MAKE HIM SEE, but it's not until he realises he might actually LOSE Ezra, that Jesse takes stock, and finally, halle-flipping-luiah, prasie the God he doesn't belive in, Jesse FINALLY can see, that he really is what Ezra wants, WHO Ezra wants! It just took him far too long for my liking!
And the glaring thing?? Only Jesse has a say. Yes yes I know I say it often enough to be as annoying as Jesse is here, but come on! Ezra NEEDED a say, to balance out how negative Jesse was for most of this book. Ez is quite a chirpy soul, and I think this may well have been a 5 star read, had Ez been given a voice, and we got into HIS head, when he was telling Jesse over and over how much he loved him and wanted him.
It's heavy on steam and passion, but at one point I thought it might come out almost clean. It wasn't til it was clear it was NOT going to be clean, that I noticed it had been up to that point, and,to be honest, this book would have been great (previous points aside) had it been totally clean. I didn't dislike that it came out not clean, but I would have liked it just as much if it had, does that make sense? Does to me, so hope it does to you!
The after effects of the accident is described in great detail, graphically so, and that really IS needed, to get the full picture. Not easy reading, but you do need it.
This is the first I've read of this author, but another of his books is sitting on my "languishing on kindle" shelf. I might pull it forward!
So, because Jesse was a little grating on the nerves, adn because ez doesn't get a say. . . .
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Jesse loves Ezra, he just can't say the words while he's waiting for Ezra to realise that Jesse isn't good enough for him. It takes an accident to make him see what Ezra does: that Jesses really is more than enough for him!
For the most part, I did enjoy this. Besides one glaring reason, which I will tell you shortly, the other reason is a little less glaring and might just be the reason other people love this book.
And it's Jesse himself!
You know the saying, if you hear it often enough, you'll start to believe it?? Well Jesse does not believe Ezra when he tells him he loves him. Jesse does not believe Ezra when he tells him he does NOT want his ex. He does not believe Ezra when Ezra tells Jesse that his family are homophobic and will hate Jesse on sight but that's only because Jesse is a MAN and not for Jesse himself.
And I found this bit hard to deal with! I mean Ezra tells him often enough, enough to get a little bored hearing Ezra repeat himself time and time again. Jesse talks himself down so much, I started to get negative feelings for him, and wanted to slap him upside the head and MAKE HIM SEE, but it's not until he realises he might actually LOSE Ezra, that Jesse takes stock, and finally, halle-flipping-luiah, prasie the God he doesn't belive in, Jesse FINALLY can see, that he really is what Ezra wants, WHO Ezra wants! It just took him far too long for my liking!
And the glaring thing?? Only Jesse has a say. Yes yes I know I say it often enough to be as annoying as Jesse is here, but come on! Ezra NEEDED a say, to balance out how negative Jesse was for most of this book. Ez is quite a chirpy soul, and I think this may well have been a 5 star read, had Ez been given a voice, and we got into HIS head, when he was telling Jesse over and over how much he loved him and wanted him.
It's heavy on steam and passion, but at one point I thought it might come out almost clean. It wasn't til it was clear it was NOT going to be clean, that I noticed it had been up to that point, and,to be honest, this book would have been great (previous points aside) had it been totally clean. I didn't dislike that it came out not clean, but I would have liked it just as much if it had, does that make sense? Does to me, so hope it does to you!
The after effects of the accident is described in great detail, graphically so, and that really IS needed, to get the full picture. Not easy reading, but you do need it.
This is the first I've read of this author, but another of his books is sitting on my "languishing on kindle" shelf. I might pull it forward!
So, because Jesse was a little grating on the nerves, adn because ez doesn't get a say. . . .
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
August 3, 2019
Kind of lost me at 75% I'd say.
And if I had a shot every time they said "I love you"...
And if I had a shot every time they said "I love you"...
January 5, 2021
Not sure if this is an early book or just a one off but I didn’t love it as much as some of his others.
June 1, 2025
3.5 stars
August 7, 2014
This was my first time reading this author and I have to say I am really glad I gave this book a try. it was unique in that it started with an already established couple which I though was a nice change. When the story starts Ezra and Jessie have been together 8 months. Ezra is a school teacher and Jessie is a firefighter. They have a stable relationship but are not yet living together. Despite their stability both men are struggling with issues of their own. Ezra has a mother and a sister who have not accepted his homosexuality and Jessie’s background still effects his self image and self worth. As the story unfolds the two men are forced to deal with their issues and try to strengthen their relationship along the way.
What I really liked about this book was not a lot happened and yet I couldn’t put it down. Don’t get me wrong, things happened, but no big, dramatic, angst filled events. Just, for the most part, normal events. The strength to me was that the author showed me two people working through every day life events and every day struggles and he still kept me up late turning the pages.
I loved both Ezra and Jessie’s characters and I thought they were really well done. All of the side characters were also well done and I don’t think I’ve ever disliked a character as much as I did Ezra’s sister. What a vile creature. The romance felt real and while the sex scenes were minimal it worked for this story. I found myself rooting for these two and their happily ever after.
Overall I though this was a really well done book. The writing was strong, the characters drew me in and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I would recommend this book to others and I will definitely be checking out more of this author’s work.
**This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of providing a honest review for www.becausetwomenarebetterthanone.com
Two Men Are Better Than One
What I really liked about this book was not a lot happened and yet I couldn’t put it down. Don’t get me wrong, things happened, but no big, dramatic, angst filled events. Just, for the most part, normal events. The strength to me was that the author showed me two people working through every day life events and every day struggles and he still kept me up late turning the pages.
I loved both Ezra and Jessie’s characters and I thought they were really well done. All of the side characters were also well done and I don’t think I’ve ever disliked a character as much as I did Ezra’s sister. What a vile creature. The romance felt real and while the sex scenes were minimal it worked for this story. I found myself rooting for these two and their happily ever after.
Overall I though this was a really well done book. The writing was strong, the characters drew me in and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I would recommend this book to others and I will definitely be checking out more of this author’s work.
**This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of providing a honest review for www.becausetwomenarebetterthanone.com
Two Men Are Better Than One
September 14, 2014
There are days when Jesse Dawkins cannot believe how lucky he is to have met such an amazing and beautiful man. On the heel of those thoughts; however, is the ever present cloud that makes him wonder when it will all fall apart.
At the end of a tough day in the class room, Ezra Pryce looks forward spending time with Jesse. His family may never accept his lifestyle, but for the first time in his life, Ezra is really and truly happy.
As much as he hates to think about his parents, Jesse knows deep down they are the root of his insecurities. With these thoughts hammering away, Jesse worries that he will never be good enough for someone as smart and gorgeous as Ezra. Getting Jesse to open up about his past is a start in the right direction, but their relationship is about to be blindsided by more than just buried feelings. There is an uphill battle on the horizon, and Jesse is about to learn what being needed really means.
The rough spots in Jesse and Ezra’s relationship are what make their story so real. They are complete opposites, but complement each other in ways that feel completely natural. Jesse is bigger, stronger, and bolder, yet it is Ezra who stands firm, forcing Jesse to face his own feelings. The more life throws at them the tougher they get, and the harder it is to see their story end.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
- See more at: http://coffeetimeromance.com/BookRevi...
At the end of a tough day in the class room, Ezra Pryce looks forward spending time with Jesse. His family may never accept his lifestyle, but for the first time in his life, Ezra is really and truly happy.
As much as he hates to think about his parents, Jesse knows deep down they are the root of his insecurities. With these thoughts hammering away, Jesse worries that he will never be good enough for someone as smart and gorgeous as Ezra. Getting Jesse to open up about his past is a start in the right direction, but their relationship is about to be blindsided by more than just buried feelings. There is an uphill battle on the horizon, and Jesse is about to learn what being needed really means.
The rough spots in Jesse and Ezra’s relationship are what make their story so real. They are complete opposites, but complement each other in ways that feel completely natural. Jesse is bigger, stronger, and bolder, yet it is Ezra who stands firm, forcing Jesse to face his own feelings. The more life throws at them the tougher they get, and the harder it is to see their story end.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
- See more at: http://coffeetimeromance.com/BookRevi...
July 16, 2020
3.5*
This is a story written originally in 2014 and I think MJM’s writing has grown since then as this didn’t grab me the way more recent reads have done.
It is also very character driven whereas I normally want more story - so the last third had more of my attention.
Jesse and Ezra both have dire childhoods and are both still scarred and affected by them. Jesse in particular is very insecure and that runs through a number of issues, despite his outward, strong persona.
Ezra seems quite composed despite his family, corralling high school children well but he does seem to allow too much from his family, though it is hard to fully reject I guess.
Anyway, a pacy read, kept me engaged mostly despite being annoyed at Jesse’s insecurities.
This is a story written originally in 2014 and I think MJM’s writing has grown since then as this didn’t grab me the way more recent reads have done.
It is also very character driven whereas I normally want more story - so the last third had more of my attention.
Jesse and Ezra both have dire childhoods and are both still scarred and affected by them. Jesse in particular is very insecure and that runs through a number of issues, despite his outward, strong persona.
Ezra seems quite composed despite his family, corralling high school children well but he does seem to allow too much from his family, though it is hard to fully reject I guess.
Anyway, a pacy read, kept me engaged mostly despite being annoyed at Jesse’s insecurities.
August 4, 2014
3.5 stars
June 29, 2014
I very much enjoyed this romance. The main characters were fully developed with all their imperfections and strengths.
January 28, 2017
Jesse and Ezra were so good together. Ezra was lucky after two car crashes. I kept hoping it was Grace that Karma would come smack down.
January 26, 2020
Ezra's sister Grace is a piece of work. I did like to see her get her comeuppance, but don't want to spend any more time near her.
November 26, 2014
3.5 stars
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