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Left at the Crossroads #2
In-Decision
Eighteen months ago Jason Havers lost the love of his life and it's time to move on. Applying for the position of chef in a sleepy country pub, a million miles away from his previous life, may well be the fresh start he needs. His new employers immediately take him under their wing and before long he finds himself with a passel of new friends and a job he loves. What he doesn’t expect is Tom, a gorgeous midwife, who stirs up feelings he’s not ready to deal with.
But when someone from his previous life turns up in Little Mowbury, will Jason be able to keep them from revealing the secret he’s been keeping from those he’s come to love?
But when someone from his previous life turns up in Little Mowbury, will Jason be able to keep them from revealing the secret he’s been keeping from those he’s come to love?
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2015
8 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Sue Brown
140 books839 followersHot guys, big hearts, Sue's world.
Sue Brown is a Londoner with a dream to live on a small island. Coffee fuels her addiction to writing romance with hot guys loving each other, and her Adorkadog snores in harmony as she creates.
Sue Brown is a Londoner with a dream to live on a small island. Coffee fuels her addiction to writing romance with hot guys loving each other, and her Adorkadog snores in harmony as she creates.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 25, 2015
4.5 stars.
Jason has lost his husband in a car accident but finds that not only has he lost his husband but all of his friends. These "friends" weren't Jason's to begin with, as he finds to his sorrow. They orbited around David, Jason's husband and secretly thought of Jason as David's "trophy husband" and therefore unsuitable as the group’s friend.
Jason, feeling rootless and certainly friendless, heads to Little Mowbry where he finds a pub in need of a chef, and since Jason is a chef, this looks like a fit, at least temporarily. The couple who own the pub introduce Jason to Tom, although Jason is not interested at all in a new relationship. However, both men are attracted to each other and after fighting the feelings for a while, Jason gives in and allows desire to turn to affection and then to love.
This is a sweet friends to lovers story that is an easy, warm read and one that I enjoyed very much. I always know that Sue Brown will provide a quality romance that I will like. Her characters are well developed and the plot that surrounds them is picture-perfect and uncomplicated. My only complaint (and it’s a personal grumble) is the car accident that took David’s life. Car accidents have become a convenient and trite way to get rid of someone, be it a spouse, parents, family, friends, in order to leave the MC bereft and damaged. What happened to heart attacks, strokes, cancer, plane crashes, even a fall down the stairs? Other than that one little thing, this is a wonderful story.
Jason has lost his husband in a car accident but finds that not only has he lost his husband but all of his friends. These "friends" weren't Jason's to begin with, as he finds to his sorrow. They orbited around David, Jason's husband and secretly thought of Jason as David's "trophy husband" and therefore unsuitable as the group’s friend.
Jason, feeling rootless and certainly friendless, heads to Little Mowbry where he finds a pub in need of a chef, and since Jason is a chef, this looks like a fit, at least temporarily. The couple who own the pub introduce Jason to Tom, although Jason is not interested at all in a new relationship. However, both men are attracted to each other and after fighting the feelings for a while, Jason gives in and allows desire to turn to affection and then to love.
This is a sweet friends to lovers story that is an easy, warm read and one that I enjoyed very much. I always know that Sue Brown will provide a quality romance that I will like. Her characters are well developed and the plot that surrounds them is picture-perfect and uncomplicated. My only complaint (and it’s a personal grumble) is the car accident that took David’s life. Car accidents have become a convenient and trite way to get rid of someone, be it a spouse, parents, family, friends, in order to leave the MC bereft and damaged. What happened to heart attacks, strokes, cancer, plane crashes, even a fall down the stairs? Other than that one little thing, this is a wonderful story.
May 2, 2015
Jason’s life has been turned upside down with the loss of his love in a car accident. It’s been eighteen months and Jason is trying to move on. Since there is nothing for him but sad memories and friends who deserted him, he is going for a complete fresh start in Little Mowbury. His interview at the pub turns into a “practical interview”, so basically he’s hired on the spot. This is his introduction to the warm, close atmosphere of Little Mowbury.
Meeting the local midwife, Tom, brings some peace and calm. We met Tom in the first story in this series (Un-expected) and he was treated sort of poorly by someone he loved so I’m very glad we get to see him get his story here. Tom is a sweet, laid back sort of guy and as he and Jason get to know each other, they support each other very well. There is no insta-love here. Jason has guilt and love for his late husband and Tom has some history of his own. But as they become friends, there is definitely lust involved. Tom doesn’t pressure Jason and Jason soaks up the ability to be with someone.
I liked the instant acceptance of Jason by Tom’s friends, Harry and Micah. Sitting around with them while they tell stories of Tom was such a nice, normal thing for Jason. This becomes a friends to lovers story and I liked that aspect very much. Tom’s easy support of Jason as memories blindside him show the quiet strength of Tom. Jason’s trying so hard to move on but as anyone suffering a loss knows, it’s difficult. Jason has a secret, as well, and this makes things more complicated. You want to hug Jason when he has to deal with Celia.
I did wonder what happened with the break in at Harry and Micah’s cottage? The story behind this wasn’t addressed fully. This part felt a bit distracting to me.
The setting of this series, Little Mowbury, is nearly a character in and of itself. There is so much depth to this little village and you can visualize it so well. It’s a lovely place to live and I so want to see it.
I enjoyed this story, which was smooth, sweet and a bit angsty.
Meeting the local midwife, Tom, brings some peace and calm. We met Tom in the first story in this series (Un-expected) and he was treated sort of poorly by someone he loved so I’m very glad we get to see him get his story here. Tom is a sweet, laid back sort of guy and as he and Jason get to know each other, they support each other very well. There is no insta-love here. Jason has guilt and love for his late husband and Tom has some history of his own. But as they become friends, there is definitely lust involved. Tom doesn’t pressure Jason and Jason soaks up the ability to be with someone.
I liked the instant acceptance of Jason by Tom’s friends, Harry and Micah. Sitting around with them while they tell stories of Tom was such a nice, normal thing for Jason. This becomes a friends to lovers story and I liked that aspect very much. Tom’s easy support of Jason as memories blindside him show the quiet strength of Tom. Jason’s trying so hard to move on but as anyone suffering a loss knows, it’s difficult. Jason has a secret, as well, and this makes things more complicated. You want to hug Jason when he has to deal with Celia.
I did wonder what happened with the break in at Harry and Micah’s cottage? The story behind this wasn’t addressed fully. This part felt a bit distracting to me.
The setting of this series, Little Mowbury, is nearly a character in and of itself. There is so much depth to this little village and you can visualize it so well. It’s a lovely place to live and I so want to see it.
I enjoyed this story, which was smooth, sweet and a bit angsty.
April 22, 2015
This was far too light and fluffy for me, and nowhere near as good as Lisa Worrall's story. Disappointing, as I don't normally have a problem with Sue Brown's stories, and several threads were left dangling...was the violence at Harry and Micah's cottage still connected to Harry's father or something else?? And what's the story with Tom and Jake?? I also felt the Jason/David storyline was a little airy-fairy and not very realistic, sorry.
April 25, 2015
Très cute! Great for coming down off and angst hangover. Looking forward to the next in this series.
March 23, 2020
That was lovely, a good follow up to the previous story without stepping on the toes of a different author by changing the characters. Tom is sweet and patient, and he deserves to be the focus of someone's love and attention, which he obviously didn't have a chance to have with Micah. Jason is pretty wonderful himself, and it was so nice to see him settle into the village life. When the whole truth arrived at 70% I was surprised but not shocked -- good job setting the stage. Excellent ending, and I'm sure I'll be reading the third book eventually, but probably not right away.
July 15, 2015
A book is like a slice of pie. It is a serving of time from the characters' lives. This book deals with Jason's life in the aftermath of a tragedy and is like an apple pie - sturdy, warm and sweet. If you are the decadent chocolate cream pie lover who requires a book to have on-the-page sex, then this is not the book for you.
Jason and his husband were in an accident. He is on the cusp of moving on when Tom comes into his life. Jason has moved to Little Mowbury and taken a job as a chef at the pub. He meets Tom and is shocked to feel an instant attraction. He fell for his husband David when he started uni. David was an older grad student. He liked taking care of Jason. He paid the bills and handled the money. Navigating on his own, Jason realizes that in some ways their marriage was like something from the 50s with David being the head of the household. As he and Tom grow closer, he likes the fact they have more of partnership and take care of each other.
Tom is one of the midwives from the first book and a really good person. He is beyond patient and understanding with Jason. The accident was only 18 months ago and, he knows that Jason needs to take baby steps to pick up the pieces of his life. Tom is gentle, compassionate, and never pushes. He understands that Jason is not ready for a physical relationship. He is in it for the long haul and can wait.
The book has likeable characters, love and compassion. It is the perfect length and once again I fell in love with the village of Little Mowbury. HOWEVER, it missed the mark and this little slice of pie needed something more. All the elements are in place for an angst filled, cry inducing, open another box of tissues reading experience. Sue Brown never fully delivers.
As everything is resolved in the last chapter, I was expecting an emotional on-page scene. Instead we are given a recitation of events. I really liked Jason and Tom and felt cheated by not getting to read all the emotions and feelings. If a book has the emotional passion and I can read about the characters feelings, I am OK if it doesn't always depict the the sexual passion. In-Decision let me down in that area. It had a sweet warm happy ending but needed that little extra dollop of emotional whip cream leading up to the ending.
Jason and his husband were in an accident. He is on the cusp of moving on when Tom comes into his life. Jason has moved to Little Mowbury and taken a job as a chef at the pub. He meets Tom and is shocked to feel an instant attraction. He fell for his husband David when he started uni. David was an older grad student. He liked taking care of Jason. He paid the bills and handled the money. Navigating on his own, Jason realizes that in some ways their marriage was like something from the 50s with David being the head of the household. As he and Tom grow closer, he likes the fact they have more of partnership and take care of each other.
Tom is one of the midwives from the first book and a really good person. He is beyond patient and understanding with Jason. The accident was only 18 months ago and, he knows that Jason needs to take baby steps to pick up the pieces of his life. Tom is gentle, compassionate, and never pushes. He understands that Jason is not ready for a physical relationship. He is in it for the long haul and can wait.
The book has likeable characters, love and compassion. It is the perfect length and once again I fell in love with the village of Little Mowbury. HOWEVER, it missed the mark and this little slice of pie needed something more. All the elements are in place for an angst filled, cry inducing, open another box of tissues reading experience. Sue Brown never fully delivers.
As everything is resolved in the last chapter, I was expecting an emotional on-page scene. Instead we are given a recitation of events. I really liked Jason and Tom and felt cheated by not getting to read all the emotions and feelings. If a book has the emotional passion and I can read about the characters feelings, I am OK if it doesn't always depict the the sexual passion. In-Decision let me down in that area. It had a sweet warm happy ending but needed that little extra dollop of emotional whip cream leading up to the ending.
December 2, 2017
3.5 stars
Sweet, tender, heartwarming set in a lovely British village and an even lovelier pub I'd love to visit. My only complaint is that I felt that I didn't get to know Tom all that well; he was just there to be patient and help Jason overcome the loss of his husband. Pity :(
Sweet, tender, heartwarming set in a lovely British village and an even lovelier pub I'd love to visit. My only complaint is that I felt that I didn't get to know Tom all that well; he was just there to be patient and help Jason overcome the loss of his husband. Pity :(
April 27, 2015
4.5 rounded up. Highly Recommended.
When I was offered the chance to read 'In-Decision', I jumped at it. Firstly I loved the premise of not just the book, but the 'Left at the Crossroads' series. I love reading stories set in small villages and towns, and series which build on characters, yet focus on different ones each book. Secondly, I’d enjoyed the other Sue Brown novel I’d read 'Nothing Ever Happens' and knew I’d be in for a good read.
Sue’s writing style makes it very easy to become absorbed in the story and characters very quickly. The words flow, which makes for a smooth read, and the characters are very real. I got sucked into Jason and Tom’s story from the first page, read the book over two sittings. and blame her for a couple of late nights. Although the story is Jason and Tom’s, the other characters are fleshed out and very three dimensional and I want to know more about them. She’s not only sucked me into this book but now I want to read the rest of the series!
I loved the descriptions and the setting, which was very easy to visualise. The village itself felt like a character with its own personality.
Although there is some angst in this story I thought it was handled well, and wasn’t over the top. I liked that it took a while for Jason and Tom’s relationship to grow and build and they became friends first. Both men have histories and it wouldn’t have been realistic for them to fall into bed in the first chapter. I enjoyed the little quirks they both possessed, like Jason’s hobbies, and I loved the fact Tom is a midwife and the reactions he gets to that.
There were a couple of things that happens that weren’t explained, or just appeared to be dropped and not followed up, but I figure as this is part of series either the explanation is in the first book which I haven’t read or will be answered in book three. Apart from that, I didn’t feel as though I was at a disadvantage because I hadn’t read book one—although I want to read it now. To me that’s the sign of a good series: the books stand alone, with the hint of a bigger story, so leave the reader wanting to read more.
When I was offered the chance to read 'In-Decision', I jumped at it. Firstly I loved the premise of not just the book, but the 'Left at the Crossroads' series. I love reading stories set in small villages and towns, and series which build on characters, yet focus on different ones each book. Secondly, I’d enjoyed the other Sue Brown novel I’d read 'Nothing Ever Happens' and knew I’d be in for a good read.
Sue’s writing style makes it very easy to become absorbed in the story and characters very quickly. The words flow, which makes for a smooth read, and the characters are very real. I got sucked into Jason and Tom’s story from the first page, read the book over two sittings. and blame her for a couple of late nights. Although the story is Jason and Tom’s, the other characters are fleshed out and very three dimensional and I want to know more about them. She’s not only sucked me into this book but now I want to read the rest of the series!
I loved the descriptions and the setting, which was very easy to visualise. The village itself felt like a character with its own personality.
Although there is some angst in this story I thought it was handled well, and wasn’t over the top. I liked that it took a while for Jason and Tom’s relationship to grow and build and they became friends first. Both men have histories and it wouldn’t have been realistic for them to fall into bed in the first chapter. I enjoyed the little quirks they both possessed, like Jason’s hobbies, and I loved the fact Tom is a midwife and the reactions he gets to that.
There were a couple of things that happens that weren’t explained, or just appeared to be dropped and not followed up, but I figure as this is part of series either the explanation is in the first book which I haven’t read or will be answered in book three. Apart from that, I didn’t feel as though I was at a disadvantage because I hadn’t read book one—although I want to read it now. To me that’s the sign of a good series: the books stand alone, with the hint of a bigger story, so leave the reader wanting to read more.
April 15, 2015
Original Blog Post: Happy Happy Release Day!!! Blog Tour, eARC Review, Excerpt & #Giveaway: In-Decision (Left at the Crossroads #2)by Sue Brown
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
We're back to Little Mowbry where all those who wish to run from the harsh world ends up staying and loving. This is a series that circles in and around this little town and the first we come to read of it, we had met Tom the man Micah left when his one, true love came back in the hopes of hiding from a deadly relationship. Reading about Tom, I pitied him and I kind of hated Micah for doing that to him. Thankfully, Tom finds his one and only in Jason Havers.
Jason is running from reality (are you getting the drift now?) after having lost his husband to a car accident. His husband's friends and family, even the lawyers, thought of him as a trophy husband for Jason was much younger. When everyone turned away, leaving him with nothing, he runs to Little Mowbry and gets to work for a couple who owns a pub. The couple soon becomes his family and they introduce him to Tom.
Tom is a fantastic guy, sorry Micah, and he knew he was attracted to Jason. Jason is the same, he feels the full attraction for the first time since he got widowed. Unfortunately, love lingers, even if the object of the love is no longer around. The guilt rides on Jason and Tom understands. Instead of insta-love, there is insta-lust that evolves to a very close friendship. When the truth comes knocking on the door, it is when we read just how beautiful their friendship turns to love.
Wow. Only Sue Brown can turn a formulaic plot into a very romantic and simple love story. This is so lightly written, it came out a short read which kind of made this disappointing and yet just right.
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
We're back to Little Mowbry where all those who wish to run from the harsh world ends up staying and loving. This is a series that circles in and around this little town and the first we come to read of it, we had met Tom the man Micah left when his one, true love came back in the hopes of hiding from a deadly relationship. Reading about Tom, I pitied him and I kind of hated Micah for doing that to him. Thankfully, Tom finds his one and only in Jason Havers.
Jason is running from reality (are you getting the drift now?) after having lost his husband to a car accident. His husband's friends and family, even the lawyers, thought of him as a trophy husband for Jason was much younger. When everyone turned away, leaving him with nothing, he runs to Little Mowbry and gets to work for a couple who owns a pub. The couple soon becomes his family and they introduce him to Tom.
Tom is a fantastic guy, sorry Micah, and he knew he was attracted to Jason. Jason is the same, he feels the full attraction for the first time since he got widowed. Unfortunately, love lingers, even if the object of the love is no longer around. The guilt rides on Jason and Tom understands. Instead of insta-love, there is insta-lust that evolves to a very close friendship. When the truth comes knocking on the door, it is when we read just how beautiful their friendship turns to love.
Wow. Only Sue Brown can turn a formulaic plot into a very romantic and simple love story. This is so lightly written, it came out a short read which kind of made this disappointing and yet just right.
June 30, 2015
I have to admit first I am a fan of Sue Brown's books. The way she makes the words flow in her stories is engaging.
Saying that I asked myself ...
What can I say about this book ?
Tom is one of the midwives in town and has not been lucky so far to find love.
Jason moves to town and becomes the chef at the local pub. He is trying to make a new life for himself.
When Tom and Jason see each other for the first time ... the encounter wasn't a pleasant one, but they became fast friends.
Tom is what Jason was looking for and vice-versa, the only thing between them is Jason 's need to say goodbye to his past. Not an easy task.
Through the process of creating the relationship they wanted both learned that sometimes just being there for the person you are starting to love is enough to be happy.
Something about this story that I really like is how Sue incorporated the characters of Maggie, Colin and Rich as an important part of Jason's present.
Also it was good to revisit with Micah and Harry.
Well done!
Saying that I asked myself ...
What can I say about this book ?
Tom is one of the midwives in town and has not been lucky so far to find love.
Jason moves to town and becomes the chef at the local pub. He is trying to make a new life for himself.
When Tom and Jason see each other for the first time ... the encounter wasn't a pleasant one, but they became fast friends.
Tom is what Jason was looking for and vice-versa, the only thing between them is Jason 's need to say goodbye to his past. Not an easy task.
Through the process of creating the relationship they wanted both learned that sometimes just being there for the person you are starting to love is enough to be happy.
Something about this story that I really like is how Sue incorporated the characters of Maggie, Colin and Rich as an important part of Jason's present.
Also it was good to revisit with Micah and Harry.
Well done!
April 28, 2015
This was a sweet love story that started out from friendship to love. Jason was new to the town of Mowbury trying to start a new life after a devastating tragedy with his husband 18 months prior. He was hired as a chef at the local pub and Maggie, the owner, made sure he was welcomed by the small community. During that time he meets Tom, who is one of the midwives and a close friend of Micah and Harry. The two have an immediate attraction, but Jason has a secret that he is not quite ready to tell. Tom, being the great guy he is, understood that Jason was trying to get over his husband and their relationship consists of sleeping together, kisses, and holding each other. He knew Jason wasn't ready for anything else. Finally, Jason feels it is time to tell them all about David, his husband. who is in a vegetative state, dying. Jason takes Tom to meet David which seems to be a turning point of their relationship... Even though David couldn't hear him, Jason told him that Tom was his boyfriend and that he loved him.... A beautiful love story of two amazing men.... Loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2015
For my honest and true view of this book, please read …MORE
Goodreads TOS-compliant review (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are):
"The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
It is for sale on Amazon.”
DISCLAIMER: My reviews now all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind. See the real review above for my thoughts on this book.
Goodreads TOS-compliant review (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are):
"The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
It is for sale on Amazon.”
DISCLAIMER: My reviews now all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind. See the real review above for my thoughts on this book.
October 30, 2015
I liked this book a lot more than #1 in the series, despite the fact that there were NO babies birthed on-page. A lot of nice angsty feels here, though. I wish we had gotten a bit more of Tom's POV - I don't feel like we learned anything new about him except that he's a really great guy.
ETA: And I'm feeling kinda stupid for just now realizing that In-Decision and Un-Expected are written by different authors.
ETA: And I'm feeling kinda stupid for just now realizing that In-Decision and Un-Expected are written by different authors.
August 19, 2015
Perfect Segue
Tom was lurking around the action in the first book of this series in which Jason made a somewhat casual appearance. Now they are moving toward a serious play for each others, and when the action heats up, someone comes into Jason's life to not only upset the potential relationship but also almost expose Jason as a fraud.
Like the first in the series, this one has a very unusual plot twist which you don't expect, especially in a sleepy village in the Cotswolds. Very nice, very sweet, and a tear or two along the way.
Tom was lurking around the action in the first book of this series in which Jason made a somewhat casual appearance. Now they are moving toward a serious play for each others, and when the action heats up, someone comes into Jason's life to not only upset the potential relationship but also almost expose Jason as a fraud.
Like the first in the series, this one has a very unusual plot twist which you don't expect, especially in a sleepy village in the Cotswolds. Very nice, very sweet, and a tear or two along the way.
May 1, 2015
oh man this book was just what i needed! quick, cute, low angst, lots of good feels. i did not read book 1 so i can't compare them or comment on the ties between the two.
both of the main characters are sweet, loving guys that have some emotional depth while still maintaining playful relationships with each other and friends. they are super cute together. i liked the banter between not only them but the entire group of people in this story.
i am very much looking forward to the next book in this series!
both of the main characters are sweet, loving guys that have some emotional depth while still maintaining playful relationships with each other and friends. they are super cute together. i liked the banter between not only them but the entire group of people in this story.
i am very much looking forward to the next book in this series!
May 6, 2015
Sweet love story
I really like this story. Jason needing to get away from his past applies for a chef position in Mowbery. Tom is a midwife there. They meet, and feelings start to rise but Jason has a huge secret he hasn't shared with anyone yet. He and Tom start out as friends and when the secret comes to light, they both realize how deep their feelings are. Charming and engaging story, I really like this series!
I really like this story. Jason needing to get away from his past applies for a chef position in Mowbery. Tom is a midwife there. They meet, and feelings start to rise but Jason has a huge secret he hasn't shared with anyone yet. He and Tom start out as friends and when the secret comes to light, they both realize how deep their feelings are. Charming and engaging story, I really like this series!
April 15, 2015
Jason and Tom are just beautiful together! Loveable main characters, likeable side characters, especially Maggie, fab to hear more about Micah and Harry, and a happy ending. No over the top drama, no overdone sex scenes, just what I needed, a lovely lovely read!
July 29, 2015
I love reading any of Sue Brown's books. They are so well crafted. I get to know these characters in the books and I really want to meet them. I love the village and all the village folk. Great story. I love all the twists and turns.
6 stars!
6 stars!
January 30, 2017
He's Almost Gone...
I love home ethical the two mIn character were as they dealt with their new relationship and the knowledge that David was still present.
A wonderful addition to the series.
I love home ethical the two mIn character were as they dealt with their new relationship and the knowledge that David was still present.
A wonderful addition to the series.
March 10, 2016
2.5 stars
July 29, 2015
3.5 stars
Enjoyable story, looking forward to the next one.
Enjoyable story, looking forward to the next one.
April 10, 2017
A very sweet slow burn love story with an added twist. I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews