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Resilient Love #2
Signs of Life
Successful lawyer Jeremy Speer has it all—a loving husband, a beautiful home, and a cherished dream that’s about to become reality. He’s learned not to take happiness for granted, meeting the challenges of life and love head-on with unwavering commitment and fierce devotion. A series of tragic events leave Jeremy shattered, adrift on a sea of unimaginable pain. He’s able to piece his life back together, but instead of embracing it, he merely exists, using isolation and punishing physical exertion to keep the world at bay.
High school teacher Kai Daniels has a heart for at-risk kids—he was one himself, and a teenage brush with the law and some troubled years behind bars left him scarred inside and out. With courage, hard work, and the support of friends, he’s built a fulfilling life that leaves no time for a relationship.
An intense encounter with Kai at a gay club ignites a spark in Jeremy that he thought was extinguished forever, but he’s unwilling to destroy the fragile peace he’s managed to create, and he leaves Kai humiliated and disappointed. Things should have ended there, but a bizarre occurrence brings the two together in a way neither of them expected.
High school teacher Kai Daniels has a heart for at-risk kids—he was one himself, and a teenage brush with the law and some troubled years behind bars left him scarred inside and out. With courage, hard work, and the support of friends, he’s built a fulfilling life that leaves no time for a relationship.
An intense encounter with Kai at a gay club ignites a spark in Jeremy that he thought was extinguished forever, but he’s unwilling to destroy the fragile peace he’s managed to create, and he leaves Kai humiliated and disappointed. Things should have ended there, but a bizarre occurrence brings the two together in a way neither of them expected.
234 pages, ebook
First published September 28, 2015
15 people are currently reading
905 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Hansen
10 books750 followersMelanie Hansen has spent time in Texas and Florida prisons…for work. She’s been in a room with a 17-year-old mass murderer who was also one of the most soft-spoken and polite teenagers she’s ever met. After a 13-year career as a court reporter, she can tell many stories both hilarious and heartbreaking.
She grew up with an Air Force dad, and ended up marrying a Navy man. After living and working all over the country, she hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to her stories about people finding love amidst real-life struggles.
Melanie left the stressful world of the courtroom behind and now enjoys a rewarding career transcribing for a deaf student. She currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two sons.
She grew up with an Air Force dad, and ended up marrying a Navy man. After living and working all over the country, she hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to her stories about people finding love amidst real-life struggles.
Melanie left the stressful world of the courtroom behind and now enjoys a rewarding career transcribing for a deaf student. She currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
October 4, 2015
Signs of Life is as good, if not better than, its predecessor, Everything Changes.
While it's less angsty than the first book, it's not easy by any means and also deals with themes of loss and pain, hurt and comfort.
Jeremy lost his husband and their surrogate baby, and for a couple years he checked out of life. Jeremy doesn't want to love again (love = fear), but when he meets the stunning Kai, first at a nightclub and later in a boardroom, he changes his mind.
Kai, with his street cred and piercings, is the picture of nonchalance and confidence, but still waters run deep. Kai has been through a rollercoaster of a life in his 20-something years. He's seen it all and come out on the other side a better man.
Jeremy, still working through his overwhelming loss, pushes Kai away time and again. But Kai is determined. And patient. He waits. Because Jeremy is worth it.
This book is so damn hawwwt, it BURNS. Jeremy and Kai go at it in on every surface, in every position, and this is no-holds-barred-fuck-me-now kind of passion.
SEXY times squared. NSFW! Trust me on this.
Even though the sex sizzles, it never overwhelms the story or the feelings that build between the MCs.
Indeed, toward the end, Jeremy accuses Kai of emotional infidelity. To spare Jeremy more pain, Kai stops "burdening" Jeremy with his issues. He doesn't trust Jeremy to be "strong" enough, even though Jeremy has been through hell and back.
God, but this was frustrating. Fortunately, the miscommunication never turns into melodrama. The men talk through it like mature adults. I love that!
The secondary plot lines add depth to the story. Kai's job as a teacher at an alternative high school brings him fulfillment but also agony when he can't save the student who shines the brightest.
An incident at Jeremy's home leads him to seek revenge, which soon turns to understanding ... and forgiveness.
These are good men, willing to fight, to believe, to LOVE.
The HEA is all that ... and a wedding. Whose? I'm not telling.
Loren's story is next, and I am counting down the days.
While it's less angsty than the first book, it's not easy by any means and also deals with themes of loss and pain, hurt and comfort.
Jeremy lost his husband and their surrogate baby, and for a couple years he checked out of life. Jeremy doesn't want to love again (love = fear), but when he meets the stunning Kai, first at a nightclub and later in a boardroom, he changes his mind.
Kai, with his street cred and piercings, is the picture of nonchalance and confidence, but still waters run deep. Kai has been through a rollercoaster of a life in his 20-something years. He's seen it all and come out on the other side a better man.
Jeremy, still working through his overwhelming loss, pushes Kai away time and again. But Kai is determined. And patient. He waits. Because Jeremy is worth it.
This book is so damn hawwwt, it BURNS. Jeremy and Kai go at it in on every surface, in every position, and this is no-holds-barred-fuck-me-now kind of passion.
SEXY times squared. NSFW! Trust me on this.
"You know they think you're my boyfriend now, and that we're cute." [Kai] snorted, then gasped when Jeremy cupped the back of his head and pulled him into a scorching kiss ....
"I am your boyfriend," Jeremy growled. "And you're not cute. You're hot and sexy, and so fuckable that I'm about to come in my godamn pants just at the thought of being inside you."
Even though the sex sizzles, it never overwhelms the story or the feelings that build between the MCs.
Indeed, toward the end, Jeremy accuses Kai of emotional infidelity. To spare Jeremy more pain, Kai stops "burdening" Jeremy with his issues. He doesn't trust Jeremy to be "strong" enough, even though Jeremy has been through hell and back.
God, but this was frustrating. Fortunately, the miscommunication never turns into melodrama. The men talk through it like mature adults. I love that!
The secondary plot lines add depth to the story. Kai's job as a teacher at an alternative high school brings him fulfillment but also agony when he can't save the student who shines the brightest.
An incident at Jeremy's home leads him to seek revenge, which soon turns to understanding ... and forgiveness.
These are good men, willing to fight, to believe, to LOVE.
"You think you can be happy someday, Jeremy?" Kai asked finally, his voice soft ....
"You know something, Kai? I already am."
The HEA is all that ... and a wedding. Whose? I'm not telling.
Loren's story is next, and I am counting down the days.
October 11, 2015
4.2 stars rounded up because JASE & CAREY!
Signs of Life is the second book in Melanie Hansen's Resilient Love Story series. The first book Everything Changes was one of my favorite books of 2014. It featured rockstar/EMT Jase and Marine/lower leg amputee Carey. For fans of that book, I am happy to say that we get to see these boys again and witness their swoon-worthy HEA. *dreamy sigh*
There are two things that absolutely define Signs of Life for me.
1. It is full on angst. Deep sorrow, soul crushing Amy Lane level angst.
2. The sex is mind-blowing and some of the hottest I've read since Ella Frank's Temptations series.
Let's start with the angst: In the beginning of the book, Jeremy Speer suffers two life altering events. Literally the worst thing that could happen to a human being happens to him. Twice.
I ugly cried right away, feeling Jeremy's acute loss deep in my heart. I instantly feel in love with him and considered making a voodoo doll of Ms. Hansen unless she gave Jeremy a spectacular HEA worthy of gospel singers. (She does give him that, and more, but more about that later. I didn't end up making that voodoo doll.)
I had to break for some happiness and went to my go-to happy place by watching a few Corgi videos.
The meat and potatoes of the book happens two years after Jeremy's loss. After drowning his sorrow in drugs and alcohol, Jeremy is fresh from rehab and living in a secluded cabin in Oregon, working on putting his life back together. He meets Kai Daniels, alternative school teacher and former gang member, in a club in Portland and the two have ridiculously hot anonymous sex in a back ally. They meet again several months later when Kai volunteers to supervise a group on teens (who vandalized Jeremy's house) in a clean-up community service. They eventually start a friends-with-benefits sexual relationship that quickly becomes more for both men. And the sex? OMG, the sex!
Yes, the boys fall in love and, yes, we get a fantastic epilogue with the boys riding off into the sunset, hand in hand.
The angst is great folks, but if you push through the sadness, you will be greatly rewarded with hot monkey-sex and a great romance.
Recommended.
NOTE:
The next book in the series will feature Kai's best friend Loren. I'm not going to get into their relationship too much (I'll save that for my review of Loren's book titled Unquiet) but I will tell you that Kai and Loren's relationship really bothered me. The saving grace here was that both Kai and Loren eventually realize how dysfunctional they were together and Loren moves to Phoenix. And, no, there is no cheating.
Advanced review copy of Signs of Life provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been crossed posted to gaybook.reviews
Signs of Life is the second book in Melanie Hansen's Resilient Love Story series. The first book Everything Changes was one of my favorite books of 2014. It featured rockstar/EMT Jase and Marine/lower leg amputee Carey. For fans of that book, I am happy to say that we get to see these boys again and witness their swoon-worthy HEA. *dreamy sigh*
There are two things that absolutely define Signs of Life for me.
1. It is full on angst. Deep sorrow, soul crushing Amy Lane level angst.
2. The sex is mind-blowing and some of the hottest I've read since Ella Frank's Temptations series.
Let's start with the angst: In the beginning of the book, Jeremy Speer suffers two life altering events. Literally the worst thing that could happen to a human being happens to him. Twice.
I ugly cried right away, feeling Jeremy's acute loss deep in my heart. I instantly feel in love with him and considered making a voodoo doll of Ms. Hansen unless she gave Jeremy a spectacular HEA worthy of gospel singers. (She does give him that, and more, but more about that later. I didn't end up making that voodoo doll.)
I had to break for some happiness and went to my go-to happy place by watching a few Corgi videos.
The meat and potatoes of the book happens two years after Jeremy's loss. After drowning his sorrow in drugs and alcohol, Jeremy is fresh from rehab and living in a secluded cabin in Oregon, working on putting his life back together. He meets Kai Daniels, alternative school teacher and former gang member, in a club in Portland and the two have ridiculously hot anonymous sex in a back ally. They meet again several months later when Kai volunteers to supervise a group on teens (who vandalized Jeremy's house) in a clean-up community service. They eventually start a friends-with-benefits sexual relationship that quickly becomes more for both men. And the sex? OMG, the sex!
Jeremy’s voice was guttural as he whispered, “I want to strip you naked and spread you out on my bed, hold you down while I lick and suck every inch of your body. I want to taste you, fuck you with my fingers and tongue until you're crying for my cock.” As he spoke he tugged on the piercing, flicking his thumbnail over the hard tip of Kai’s nipple.
Kai flattened his chest against the granite, stretching his arms over his head to grip the opposite edge of the counter as he gave himself up to Jeremy’s use, and Jeremy pulled up on Kai’s hips, yanking him to his toes as he gave him long, hard strokes, looking down and growling at the sight of his bare cock, slick with Kai’s own come...
Yes, the boys fall in love and, yes, we get a fantastic epilogue with the boys riding off into the sunset, hand in hand.
The angst is great folks, but if you push through the sadness, you will be greatly rewarded with hot monkey-sex and a great romance.
Recommended.
NOTE:
The next book in the series will feature Kai's best friend Loren. I'm not going to get into their relationship too much (I'll save that for my review of Loren's book titled Unquiet) but I will tell you that Kai and Loren's relationship really bothered me. The saving grace here was that both Kai and Loren eventually realize how dysfunctional they were together and Loren moves to Phoenix. And, no, there is no cheating.
Advanced review copy of Signs of Life provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been crossed posted to gaybook.reviews
August 22, 2021
I know I'm in the minority here, but this book didn't work for me for several reasons.
I didn't like the characters and couldn't connect to them, which is always a bad sign. I hoped to warm up to them as the story progressed, but it never happened.
I didn't like their relationship. There were too many sex scenes, but what bothered me more was the cringey and off-putting dirty talk. I wish Jeremy just kept his mouth shut.
I didn't like the atmosphere of the book. I'm totally fine with angst, but to me this was straight up depressing. It left me in a really bad mood, and that's not why I read.
To be honest, I picked this up only because I was really interested in the next book in the series. But I didn't like Loren either, so I'm not sure about reading his story.
I didn't like the characters and couldn't connect to them, which is always a bad sign. I hoped to warm up to them as the story progressed, but it never happened.
I didn't like their relationship. There were too many sex scenes, but what bothered me more was the cringey and off-putting dirty talk. I wish Jeremy just kept his mouth shut.
I didn't like the atmosphere of the book. I'm totally fine with angst, but to me this was straight up depressing. It left me in a really bad mood, and that's not why I read.
To be honest, I picked this up only because I was really interested in the next book in the series. But I didn't like Loren either, so I'm not sure about reading his story.
September 30, 2015
4.5 Stars!
.5 star deduction because that first chapter was...
I thought to myself, if this whole book is going to be like this. I just can't do it.
Thank goodness we jump forward two years. Now that doesn't mean it was all sunshine and roses. Jeremy is still in a pretty bad place. But he's trying to move on with his life.
Kai and Jeremy share an explosive encounter in the alley of a gay club...
...not going to lie, I'm a little disturbed at how hot I found that scene.
Needless to say, guilt sets in and Jeremy doesn't handle things too well.
Kai and Jeremy eventually cross paths again...and who can so no to Kai a second time???
The pages really start to heat up. The dirty talk....my oh my, the dirty talk in this one.
Kai and Jeremy start a friends with benefits arrangement which lasts all of one or two nights. I was so glad that Jeremy didn't hold himself back with Kai. That he opened himself up again to love.
I really, really loved this one. I loved that it was relatively angst free (after that first chapter). I loved the character development. The pacing. The story. All of it.
Can't wait for Loren's book! Highly recommend this one!
.5 star deduction because that first chapter was...
I thought to myself, if this whole book is going to be like this. I just can't do it.
Thank goodness we jump forward two years. Now that doesn't mean it was all sunshine and roses. Jeremy is still in a pretty bad place. But he's trying to move on with his life.
Kai and Jeremy share an explosive encounter in the alley of a gay club...
...not going to lie, I'm a little disturbed at how hot I found that scene.
Needless to say, guilt sets in and Jeremy doesn't handle things too well.
Kai and Jeremy eventually cross paths again...and who can so no to Kai a second time???
The pages really start to heat up. The dirty talk....my oh my, the dirty talk in this one.
Kai and Jeremy start a friends with benefits arrangement which lasts all of one or two nights. I was so glad that Jeremy didn't hold himself back with Kai. That he opened himself up again to love.
I really, really loved this one. I loved that it was relatively angst free (after that first chapter). I loved the character development. The pacing. The story. All of it.
Can't wait for Loren's book! Highly recommend this one!
September 7, 2022
**** 4.5 stars ****
One of the hottest stories I have read this year with a solid storyline, awesome characterization, fantastic chemistry, relatable characters and just the right dose of angst.
I'll have to repeat myself, scorching hot! ♨️🔥🔥
The Horror to think I could have missed this if not for Ele's review recently.
I read book #3 a few years back skipping this one for some reason.🤷♀️
Now, I need to re-read book #3 ASAP.
One of the hottest stories I have read this year with a solid storyline, awesome characterization, fantastic chemistry, relatable characters and just the right dose of angst.
I'll have to repeat myself, scorching hot! ♨️🔥🔥
The Horror to think I could have missed this if not for Ele's review recently.
I read book #3 a few years back skipping this one for some reason.🤷♀️
Now, I need to re-read book #3 ASAP.
October 13, 2015
4 Stars!!
“Signs of Life” is the second installment in Melanie Hansen’s ‘Resilient Love’ series and like the previous book can be read as a standalone. This installment features Jeremy Speer, Jase’s best friend, one of the main characters of “Everything Changes” the first installment in the series. This second installment is as emotional and angsty as the first one and personally I enjoyed it more for some reason. Is a story about life, love, loss and second chances.
The story starts with Jeremy who lost everything that mattered to him, the most important persons in his life – his beloved husband, Brent in a car accident and their surrogate baby a couple weeks later. Jeremy doesn’t know how to live without them, he doesn’t want to be alone. His pain is too much for him , so he starts drinking and taking drugs. Two years later, helped by his old good friend Jase, Jeremy is better physically and also emotionally, but his past left him scarred. In this two years he’d convinced himself he wasn’t allowed to have fun, to do things for himself or to be happy. The few times he tried the guilt had overwhelmed him and he knows he’s a coward using his isolation and his running to shut out the world. Jeremy’s life changes when he meets Kai at a Portland night club. The two of them are immediately attracted to each other, but their first encounter ends more than awkwardly – Jeremy scarred about his attraction to other man other than Brent runs away, leaving Kai humiliated and angry. Kai is a school teacher in his 20s who knows what it means to be a ‘risk kid’. That’s why he choose to work with kids like that. None of the two men expected their paths to cross again and none of them expected the attraction between them to be so sizzling, but a strange occurrence brings the two together.
I really liked this one! The two main characters were endearing, interesting to read about and well developed. Personally I liked more Kai’s character. I loved his determination to do something for his students and his patience with them. Also his strength and courage made me loved him more. With Jeremy he’s also patient and kind, supportive and attentive. Jeremy’s past really broke my heart. There were times when he really frustrated me and honestly I wanted to smack him in the head..hard, but as the story progressed he became more likeable with every chapter. I liked how Kai and Jeremy’s relationship progressed. At first they became friends with benefits and because of their sizzling chemistry I knew right away they will became much more very soon. Their chemistry and connection were palpable. Mrs. Hansen did a great job with these aspects of the story. Even if the story is emotional, the steam factor is really great. The sexy scenes between these two are fantastically done, sexy and I enjoyed every single one of them. As I mentioned the story is angsty and there’s a little drama as well. Also there is some miscommunication between the two main characters. It really didn’t bother me, because it wasn’t so bad. They learnt very quickly how to properly communicate with each other, which I appreciated, so my rating wasn’t affect it by this aspect of the story. I have to mention the nice and very sweet epilogue who really left me wanting more.
So it goes without saying I’m looking forward to read the next installment in the series, “Unquiet”, installment who will feature Kai’s best friend Loren. Overall, a great read!
“Signs of Life” is the second installment in Melanie Hansen’s ‘Resilient Love’ series and like the previous book can be read as a standalone. This installment features Jeremy Speer, Jase’s best friend, one of the main characters of “Everything Changes” the first installment in the series. This second installment is as emotional and angsty as the first one and personally I enjoyed it more for some reason. Is a story about life, love, loss and second chances.
The story starts with Jeremy who lost everything that mattered to him, the most important persons in his life – his beloved husband, Brent in a car accident and their surrogate baby a couple weeks later. Jeremy doesn’t know how to live without them, he doesn’t want to be alone. His pain is too much for him , so he starts drinking and taking drugs. Two years later, helped by his old good friend Jase, Jeremy is better physically and also emotionally, but his past left him scarred. In this two years he’d convinced himself he wasn’t allowed to have fun, to do things for himself or to be happy. The few times he tried the guilt had overwhelmed him and he knows he’s a coward using his isolation and his running to shut out the world. Jeremy’s life changes when he meets Kai at a Portland night club. The two of them are immediately attracted to each other, but their first encounter ends more than awkwardly – Jeremy scarred about his attraction to other man other than Brent runs away, leaving Kai humiliated and angry. Kai is a school teacher in his 20s who knows what it means to be a ‘risk kid’. That’s why he choose to work with kids like that. None of the two men expected their paths to cross again and none of them expected the attraction between them to be so sizzling, but a strange occurrence brings the two together.
I really liked this one! The two main characters were endearing, interesting to read about and well developed. Personally I liked more Kai’s character. I loved his determination to do something for his students and his patience with them. Also his strength and courage made me loved him more. With Jeremy he’s also patient and kind, supportive and attentive. Jeremy’s past really broke my heart. There were times when he really frustrated me and honestly I wanted to smack him in the head..hard, but as the story progressed he became more likeable with every chapter. I liked how Kai and Jeremy’s relationship progressed. At first they became friends with benefits and because of their sizzling chemistry I knew right away they will became much more very soon. Their chemistry and connection were palpable. Mrs. Hansen did a great job with these aspects of the story. Even if the story is emotional, the steam factor is really great. The sexy scenes between these two are fantastically done, sexy and I enjoyed every single one of them. As I mentioned the story is angsty and there’s a little drama as well. Also there is some miscommunication between the two main characters. It really didn’t bother me, because it wasn’t so bad. They learnt very quickly how to properly communicate with each other, which I appreciated, so my rating wasn’t affect it by this aspect of the story. I have to mention the nice and very sweet epilogue who really left me wanting more.
So it goes without saying I’m looking forward to read the next installment in the series, “Unquiet”, installment who will feature Kai’s best friend Loren. Overall, a great read!
May 28, 2019
4 Stars
Another win for this series!
Here, Jeremy (long time friend of Jase from Everything Changes) is finally willing to live again. He’s been through absolute hell due to devastating loss, and he’s slowly coming back to life, ready to move forward in small steps. When Jeremy encounters hot stranger Kai, for a mindless lustful quick coming together, it shocks him and scares him and he runs, thinking he’ll never see Kai again. Funny though, how life works in mysterious ways, and Jeremy finds their paths crossing again, something he can’t avoid but realizing he doesn't want to.
Kai has had his fair share of turmoil and tough living, but he’s come out the other side stronger, and he knows for sure that Jeremy is all that he’s ever wanted. Both these men have some learning curves to go through with each other and though while painful at times, there was no protracted angst. These two quickly realize they have something special, and they work at it even though mistakes are made along the way.
This was another touching, very sexy journey for two men who deserve so much. Hansen impresses with the tough challenges, and I wasn’t overall strung out with anxiety, appreciating that there was no drama for drama’s sake nor any infuriating plot devices that kept these two apart. For that, I’m eternally grateful for the plausible romantic progression, as this was wholly fulfilling and emotionally rewarding on all fronts.
Another win for this series!
Here, Jeremy (long time friend of Jase from Everything Changes) is finally willing to live again. He’s been through absolute hell due to devastating loss, and he’s slowly coming back to life, ready to move forward in small steps. When Jeremy encounters hot stranger Kai, for a mindless lustful quick coming together, it shocks him and scares him and he runs, thinking he’ll never see Kai again. Funny though, how life works in mysterious ways, and Jeremy finds their paths crossing again, something he can’t avoid but realizing he doesn't want to.
Kai has had his fair share of turmoil and tough living, but he’s come out the other side stronger, and he knows for sure that Jeremy is all that he’s ever wanted. Both these men have some learning curves to go through with each other and though while painful at times, there was no protracted angst. These two quickly realize they have something special, and they work at it even though mistakes are made along the way.
This was another touching, very sexy journey for two men who deserve so much. Hansen impresses with the tough challenges, and I wasn’t overall strung out with anxiety, appreciating that there was no drama for drama’s sake nor any infuriating plot devices that kept these two apart. For that, I’m eternally grateful for the plausible romantic progression, as this was wholly fulfilling and emotionally rewarding on all fronts.
February 16, 2021
4.5 stars!
This book was perfect timing! I wanted something with some relationship angst, more mature MCs, no "big misunderstandings" where people can just TALK, and some hot sex.
Delivered! Right here!
There's not a lot I can say that hasn't already been said by so many. I picked this one up because reviews have been flying in about this one. I had my fingers crossed that I wouldn't get struck by the curse of everyone-liked-it-but-me, especially since this is my first time with this author.
I will immediately go back and read the first in the series now (they are standalones). But to give you a better understanding, see links to my awesome GR friends' reviews below. I really couldn't say it better than them at this point. It would only be repetitive.
Dani's review
Ele's review
Gigi's review
Lili's review
J's review
This book was perfect timing! I wanted something with some relationship angst, more mature MCs, no "big misunderstandings" where people can just TALK, and some hot sex.
Delivered! Right here!
There's not a lot I can say that hasn't already been said by so many. I picked this one up because reviews have been flying in about this one. I had my fingers crossed that I wouldn't get struck by the curse of everyone-liked-it-but-me, especially since this is my first time with this author.
I will immediately go back and read the first in the series now (they are standalones). But to give you a better understanding, see links to my awesome GR friends' reviews below. I really couldn't say it better than them at this point. It would only be repetitive.
Dani's review
Ele's review
Gigi's review
Lili's review
J's review
December 1, 2017
FOUR HEARTS--Signs of Life is a hurt/comfort romance that features two damaged men that came from different walks of life that find love by chance set in Oregon.
Jeremy Speer is a lawyer whose world was turned upside down for the worst and he reacts even more worse. It took him some time but he turned it around some and functioned by shutting everything out. Kai Daniels is an alternative high school teacher who was formerly at risk himself. He's streetwise due to being raised there. He is used to to life giving you shit instead of lemons. These two happen to live in the same town and meet one fateful and very hawt night at a club.
But before we take a magical trip onto the fire that is the chemistry between Jeremy and Kai., let's discuss that beginning shall we?
The beginning! WTF? It was two of the worst things that could happen to person, consecutively. Not even 3% and it felt like the world was ready to crash in. I actually stared at my Kindle for a minute or two wondering WTF more could happen. I read/listened to the entire thing from that point with trepidation and shield over my chest cavity just waiting for the next angst attack to happen.
(No tears because...
...Book! The eyes were dry. So hah!
Let me get what I didn't care for as much out the way, so I can get to the good stuff. The good obviously outweighed the...not as good for me.
- the students - I know there are a lot of at risk teens out in the world. I've known a few in passing, know some now. Something about the lingo the kids spoke read a little off to me. Not all the time, but sometimes. I might be overthinking it but the West Coast vibe would vary from region to region right? Why was I getting Cali vibes from these kids for a setting in Oregon. It's a niggle of mine. I can't help but mention it as I would sometimes cringe at the narrator and text (and not for he words you might think) it read less authentic. Which brings me to the next thing...
- the teenager whisperer/ walking textbook - Kai was a former juvenile delinquent who is now reformed and teaches current delinquents. Uh-huh. He was borderline perfect. But overall I like Kai just sometimes the ease ruined the realistic vibe the story had going. And the clinical terms while speaking such as dysthymia, that read more like a educate the reader moment rather than have Kai speak regularly to a lover. It's a pet peeve of mine when the dialogue gets research-y rather than having people have normal conversation. It's a info dump moment. Kai was a mix of things former street tough, teacher, informal psychologist/counselor. I feel the mix of those different facets could have been smoother.
- Leticia - I wanted just a sentence of some sort of acknowledgement from Jeremy. He was healing, letting go of his anger at life. What happened to what he did in the beginning? If he's turning a new leaf, what about that one?
My niggles didn't ruin the story. It just made me pause or wonder if this would really happen. The angst got heavy handed in the beginning but it mellowed out for the rest of the book. In fact other than mostly internal and a few communication issues, the angst was pretty low.
This is my second Robert Nieman audio book. I actually listened to his narration of book #1 and feel the same about both books. He doesn't do a variation of voices, sometimes he might act out some action, sometimes he might pronounce words funny but he was steady. Do I think another narrator could have done a better job? Yep. He paused at odd points a few times, rushed though text where as I read didn't call for it. But it wasn't bad. His narration is more of 3.75 Hearts rounded up.
The good though? Hansen can twist a tale. Nieman didn't enhance the writing. However, I enjoyed having him read her words. Because the words were good, really good.
Smutsters, this is a book you want to eye. The sex is a-plentiful!
Listen to me... You listening? *stares* Melanie Hansen can write a fuck scene. She didn't reinvent the wheel but she sure made that motherfucker spin. Wow! It was a checklist of my faves: SNOWBALLING, RIMMING, ROUGH SEX...PUBLIC SEX!
Those two couldn't get of each other. Both had unlimited rides to PoundTown and they acted like they only hand one ride left on their ticket.
I love hook up to romance stories. And at first these men didn't seem like they could get anything meaningful since the sexual tension played a major factor and (a certain someone did a major DICK MOVE--twice!) But once the fella interacted outside of the sheets, I was on board.
While this can be read as standalone, the epilogue features followup to book #1's main characters and I squeed! It also covered this book's HEA pretty nicely.
For the most part, I bought it. Kai and Jeremy are very good for each other. They will continue to help each other heal. They will fuck it up from time to time but there is a shared bond and willingness to try.
Sometimes that's all you need.
Recommended for hurt/comfort fans, for sure-- audio or eBook works just fine (though I loved reading it slightly more)!
A copy provided for an honest review.
Jeremy Speer is a lawyer whose world was turned upside down for the worst and he reacts even more worse. It took him some time but he turned it around some and functioned by shutting everything out. Kai Daniels is an alternative high school teacher who was formerly at risk himself. He's streetwise due to being raised there. He is used to to life giving you shit instead of lemons. These two happen to live in the same town and meet one fateful and very hawt night at a club.
But before we take a magical trip onto the fire that is the chemistry between Jeremy and Kai., let's discuss that beginning shall we?
The beginning! WTF? It was two of the worst things that could happen to person, consecutively. Not even 3% and it felt like the world was ready to crash in. I actually stared at my Kindle for a minute or two wondering WTF more could happen. I read/listened to the entire thing from that point with trepidation and shield over my chest cavity just waiting for the next angst attack to happen.
(No tears because...
...Book! The eyes were dry. So hah!
Let me get what I didn't care for as much out the way, so I can get to the good stuff. The good obviously outweighed the...not as good for me.
- the students - I know there are a lot of at risk teens out in the world. I've known a few in passing, know some now. Something about the lingo the kids spoke read a little off to me. Not all the time, but sometimes. I might be overthinking it but the West Coast vibe would vary from region to region right? Why was I getting Cali vibes from these kids for a setting in Oregon. It's a niggle of mine. I can't help but mention it as I would sometimes cringe at the narrator and text (and not for he words you might think) it read less authentic. Which brings me to the next thing...
- the teenager whisperer/ walking textbook - Kai was a former juvenile delinquent who is now reformed and teaches current delinquents. Uh-huh. He was borderline perfect. But overall I like Kai just sometimes the ease ruined the realistic vibe the story had going. And the clinical terms while speaking such as dysthymia, that read more like a educate the reader moment rather than have Kai speak regularly to a lover. It's a pet peeve of mine when the dialogue gets research-y rather than having people have normal conversation. It's a info dump moment. Kai was a mix of things former street tough, teacher, informal psychologist/counselor. I feel the mix of those different facets could have been smoother.
- Leticia - I wanted just a sentence of some sort of acknowledgement from Jeremy. He was healing, letting go of his anger at life. What happened to what he did in the beginning? If he's turning a new leaf, what about that one?
My niggles didn't ruin the story. It just made me pause or wonder if this would really happen. The angst got heavy handed in the beginning but it mellowed out for the rest of the book. In fact other than mostly internal and a few communication issues, the angst was pretty low.
This is my second Robert Nieman audio book. I actually listened to his narration of book #1 and feel the same about both books. He doesn't do a variation of voices, sometimes he might act out some action, sometimes he might pronounce words funny but he was steady. Do I think another narrator could have done a better job? Yep. He paused at odd points a few times, rushed though text where as I read didn't call for it. But it wasn't bad. His narration is more of 3.75 Hearts rounded up.
The good though? Hansen can twist a tale. Nieman didn't enhance the writing. However, I enjoyed having him read her words. Because the words were good, really good.
Smutsters, this is a book you want to eye. The sex is a-plentiful!
Listen to me... You listening? *stares* Melanie Hansen can write a fuck scene. She didn't reinvent the wheel but she sure made that motherfucker spin. Wow! It was a checklist of my faves: SNOWBALLING, RIMMING, ROUGH SEX...PUBLIC SEX!
Those two couldn't get of each other. Both had unlimited rides to PoundTown and they acted like they only hand one ride left on their ticket.
I love hook up to romance stories. And at first these men didn't seem like they could get anything meaningful since the sexual tension played a major factor and (a certain someone did a major DICK MOVE--twice!) But once the fella interacted outside of the sheets, I was on board.
While this can be read as standalone, the epilogue features followup to book #1's main characters and I squeed! It also covered this book's HEA pretty nicely.
For the most part, I bought it. Kai and Jeremy are very good for each other. They will continue to help each other heal. They will fuck it up from time to time but there is a shared bond and willingness to try.
Sometimes that's all you need.
Recommended for hurt/comfort fans, for sure-- audio or eBook works just fine (though I loved reading it slightly more)!
A copy provided for an honest review.
September 27, 2018
Ingredients for a great heart-rending story:
1 tbsp full-fat angst
1 big can of well-flavored emotions
A respectable chunk of a heartbreaking storyline
2 smokin' hot characters
1 pinch hot spices
This book had all of the above in spades (not to forget a fantastic narrator for the audiobook) and I loved it to bits! ❤️
1 tbsp full-fat angst
1 big can of well-flavored emotions
A respectable chunk of a heartbreaking storyline
2 smokin' hot characters
1 pinch hot spices
This book had all of the above in spades (not to forget a fantastic narrator for the audiobook) and I loved it to bits! ❤️
September 5, 2015
Signs of Life by Melanie Hansen is the story of two men who find each other after overcoming loss and life's hardships. Jeremy, who hit rock after the death of his husband and child. Kai, who was born into a family of drug dealers and was forced to be a mule from a young age.
After loving the first book in the Resilient Love Story series, I was eager to get my hands on this story. I knew from the blurb this book would be at some points heartbreaking, but I was still not prepared for what was in store. It was rough- like ugly crying rough. I was kind of afraid that was setting the tone for the rest of the book, but fortunately, the book did lighten up as it progressed.
What I loved:
*The main characters. I loved Jeremy and Kai's strength and courage.
*The supporting cast of characters. It was great to see Jase again and to meet Jeremy's friend Loren. They were there for Jeremy and Kai through thick and thin.
*The sex. They had great chemistry and the dirty talk was an added bonus.
*Great pace. Once I started last night, I couldn't put it down. I stayed up all night reading it.
*Character development.
*The angst.
*It's told from a dual POV.
*The epilogue.
Negatives... Nothing really struck out at me and I actually enjoyed this book more than the first one.
Overall, this was a 5-star read for me. I love stories where characters find the strength and courage to persevere, and Melanie Hansen delivered that in spades here. I cannot wait for Loren's book!
**ARC was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
**This review has been crossposted at Reviews by JesseWave
http://reviewsbyjessewave.com/
January 27, 2016
4.5 stars
I loved the first installment in this series and as soon as I finished it, I immediately had to start reading this one.
Jeremy and Kai don't have easy lives and they both have an emotional baggage of some sort. Though there are some miscommunications between them, the way they open up to each other and support one another when there's such a need is still amazing.
I stayed up way too long to finish reading this book. But it was so worth it. I really liked the angsty beginning, smexy times and the sweet HEA Jeremy and Kai got. I'm looking forward to Loren's story!
"One day at a time,"
I loved the first installment in this series and as soon as I finished it, I immediately had to start reading this one.
Jeremy and Kai don't have easy lives and they both have an emotional baggage of some sort. Though there are some miscommunications between them, the way they open up to each other and support one another when there's such a need is still amazing.
I stayed up way too long to finish reading this book. But it was so worth it. I really liked the angsty beginning, smexy times and the sweet HEA Jeremy and Kai got. I'm looking forward to Loren's story!
May 4, 2017
This one needs to come with a warning...
'Cold showers required'...sweet lord, this was hot seriously, seriously hot...once you got past the heartbreak.
Let me just start by saying that whatever wasn't happening for me with 'Everything Changes' got fixed with this book. I loved it even if I was crying before the end of the first chapter...no actually forget that I'm not sure I made it to the end of the first paragraph...
'Signs of Life' was all of that and more for me, from that first moment when Jeremy shared the worst day of his life with us until the final words on the last page or in this case until the last words spoken by the narrator since I listened to the audiobook. I became totally, willingly and irrevocably invested in this story, in these characters.
I loved everything about both Jeremy and Kai and Jeremy and Kai together were probably the hottest couple I've encountered in a very, very long time...maybe, since Ty and Zane...if not it's close. I'm not just talking about the sex here either, although no issues there that's for sure, but it was more than that. I'm not quite sure how to say this but they worked...their personalities, their passion, them together...it just all felt right.
I loved the ending of this book it was just right Jeremy and Kai got their happy and there was an extra little surprise as well that gave us a peek at what was up with Jace and Carey from the first book not to mention I can't wait to get into 'Unquiet' the third book in this series and it's about Lauren, Kai's best friend. He was a good friend to Kai and I really liked him, but towards the end I felt a bit of sadness around Lauren...something incomplete in his life. So I'm looking forward to finding out what that is and hopefully seeing Lauren get his own HEA.
As I mentioned I got to listen to the audiobook on this one and it was a new to me narrator named Robert Nieman. I became a little concerned when I realized that the MCs had a bit of a kink...seems these boys like their dirty talk and while I'm not opposed, my concern was that sometimes my inner 12 year old comes out and the dirty talk has me giggling mainly because it comes off as being fake and stilted and just not like it's something that is natural for the characters to be doing...well, have no fear folks. Melanie Hansen knows how to write her dirty talk and Robert Nieman...well, he delivers. It worked and I mean worked well. I might have been squirming in my chair...a little. Ok, 'nuff said.
Overall I was more than a little impressed with Mr. Neiman. I loved his voices... for all aspects of this story...it all worked really well.
********************
An audiobook of 'Signs of Life' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
'Cold showers required'...sweet lord, this was hot seriously, seriously hot...once you got past the heartbreak.
Let me just start by saying that whatever wasn't happening for me with 'Everything Changes' got fixed with this book. I loved it even if I was crying before the end of the first chapter...no actually forget that I'm not sure I made it to the end of the first paragraph...
"The world wasn’t supposed to end on a day like today, a day when the sky was a brilliant blue and the sun was shining, the temperature so perfect and mild that the air felt… soft, caressing. It wasn’t supposed to end while children were playing in their front yards, free for the day from the confinement of school, laughing with joy, enjoying the innocent pleasures of childhood.Seriously when a book starts out this strong chances are you are not reading a book you are about to share an experience the kind that will touch your heart and soul, make you laugh and cry, possibly even take you apart and then put you back together again.
The world wasn’t supposed to end at all, not like this...."
'Signs of Life' was all of that and more for me, from that first moment when Jeremy shared the worst day of his life with us until the final words on the last page or in this case until the last words spoken by the narrator since I listened to the audiobook. I became totally, willingly and irrevocably invested in this story, in these characters.
I loved everything about both Jeremy and Kai and Jeremy and Kai together were probably the hottest couple I've encountered in a very, very long time...maybe, since Ty and Zane...if not it's close. I'm not just talking about the sex here either, although no issues there that's for sure, but it was more than that. I'm not quite sure how to say this but they worked...their personalities, their passion, them together...it just all felt right.
I loved the ending of this book it was just right Jeremy and Kai got their happy and there was an extra little surprise as well that gave us a peek at what was up with Jace and Carey from the first book not to mention I can't wait to get into 'Unquiet' the third book in this series and it's about Lauren, Kai's best friend. He was a good friend to Kai and I really liked him, but towards the end I felt a bit of sadness around Lauren...something incomplete in his life. So I'm looking forward to finding out what that is and hopefully seeing Lauren get his own HEA.
As I mentioned I got to listen to the audiobook on this one and it was a new to me narrator named Robert Nieman. I became a little concerned when I realized that the MCs had a bit of a kink...seems these boys like their dirty talk and while I'm not opposed, my concern was that sometimes my inner 12 year old comes out and the dirty talk has me giggling mainly because it comes off as being fake and stilted and just not like it's something that is natural for the characters to be doing...well, have no fear folks. Melanie Hansen knows how to write her dirty talk and Robert Nieman...well, he delivers. It worked and I mean worked well. I might have been squirming in my chair...a little. Ok, 'nuff said.
Overall I was more than a little impressed with Mr. Neiman. I loved his voices... for all aspects of this story...it all worked really well.
********************
An audiobook of 'Signs of Life' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2022
WARNING: This review is all over the place and I don't really care. I savored every page of this book and I'm still basking in the afterglow.
I admit that, although I liked the first book of this series, Everything Changes, I didn't love it. But this one, oh man...I loved it so hard.
Can I start from the epilogue? I can. This would still be a 5 star read even without it, but believe me you 're going to love it. It's the mother of HEAs and an amazing come back from Jase and Carey.
Chapter one:
What Jeremy went through is unimaginable. So much pain, loss and grief in a few pages. It made me stop and think and appreciate some things. Because it only takes one moment to lose it all.
Jeremy lost it all. He broke down but came back to life stronger than ever. Don't dare imply otherwise, because :
“The fact that I put my heart back together again and offered it to you with everything I have, even knowing what it feels like to lose it all, tells you that I’m weak? Fuck you! I’m not only strong, I’m goddamn near indestructible!”
Chapter 1 ended, take a big breath.
Did I tell you Jeremy is Matt Bomer? Yes, he is, thanks Lili.
I was pleasantly surprised. I expected it to be a push and pull case, with Kai trying to come closer and Jeremy pushing him away. It wasn't. There is some of that, of course and I loved the realistic reactions of the characters.
At first, Jeremy treats Kai like a douchebag, then he starts letting his guard down until he's finally ready to open up. This was such a beautiful thing to see. And Kai, who has been through a different kind of hell, is ready for him.
I pretty much loved everything this book had to offer:
Very emotional and meaningful steamy scenes, Kai's efforts as a high school teacher in an alternative school, the teenagers who screwed up but were given a second chance, Kai's friendship with Loren (I need his story ASAP) and of course the sparkling epilogue.
Needless to say, I highly recommend this book.
I admit that, although I liked the first book of this series, Everything Changes, I didn't love it. But this one, oh man...I loved it so hard.
Can I start from the epilogue? I can. This would still be a 5 star read even without it, but believe me you 're going to love it. It's the mother of HEAs and an amazing come back from Jase and Carey.
Chapter one:
What Jeremy went through is unimaginable. So much pain, loss and grief in a few pages. It made me stop and think and appreciate some things. Because it only takes one moment to lose it all.
Jeremy lost it all. He broke down but came back to life stronger than ever. Don't dare imply otherwise, because :
“The fact that I put my heart back together again and offered it to you with everything I have, even knowing what it feels like to lose it all, tells you that I’m weak? Fuck you! I’m not only strong, I’m goddamn near indestructible!”
Chapter 1 ended, take a big breath.
Did I tell you Jeremy is Matt Bomer? Yes, he is, thanks Lili.
I was pleasantly surprised. I expected it to be a push and pull case, with Kai trying to come closer and Jeremy pushing him away. It wasn't. There is some of that, of course and I loved the realistic reactions of the characters.
At first, Jeremy treats Kai like a douchebag, then he starts letting his guard down until he's finally ready to open up. This was such a beautiful thing to see. And Kai, who has been through a different kind of hell, is ready for him.
I pretty much loved everything this book had to offer:
Very emotional and meaningful steamy scenes, Kai's efforts as a high school teacher in an alternative school, the teenagers who screwed up but were given a second chance, Kai's friendship with Loren (I need his story ASAP) and of course the sparkling epilogue.
Needless to say, I highly recommend this book.
September 29, 2015
Oh my god this book broke my heart. But since it also healed my heart, I've decided to forgive the author for fucking with my emotions !!
The beginning of this story was not a nice and easy read. You're gonna need some tissues for chapter one...that's for sure. But than...magic happens. Thank god !!
So...life has not been fair to Jeremy, to say the least. He took some major blows and retreated into himself. He even did some drugs and spend some time in rehab trying to find his way back. He finally settles down in a remote cabin, and tries to rebuilt his life.
He has a very hot one off with a very sexy man in an ally outside a gayclub. Shit that scene was HAWT !!
He leaves this hottie in extremely rude way. He did however, not expect the,very hot, one off with the mighty sexy man at at gay club, to come biting him back in the ass.
That mighty sexy man, would be Kai...damn I loved Kai. He was awesome, and did I mention he was hot ??
Now Kai's life has been pretty fucked up too. He used to be in a gang and spend 2 (terrible) years in juvi. But Kai made a choice for himself to be and do better. He now works at a second chance school, with kids who are just like he was, when he was young. He tries to make a difference, even knowing these kids are hard to reach. Most of them don't want to be in school and are there because of their probation.
Now some of these kids fuck up Jeremy's house and they are sentenced, to spend a lot of hours working for Jeremy to pay him back for the damage they caused. It's either that, or going to jail. That's were Kai comes back in. You see, he has been appointed to supervise these punk ass kids, while they work for Jeremy every saturday.
At first Kai is pretty pissed. He was pretty hummiliated with how things ended between him and Jeremy, but once he gets to know him...he starst to understand. Now these men can;t stay away from each other and they heat up the pages quite a bit.
I had to bring out a fan to cool myself down...Yowza !! The dirty talk was delicious :)))
Shit is not always easy between them, but you can see their relationship grow and it's wonderfull. I seriously loved this story !! 5 stars from me and I will go back and read book 1.
September 19, 2015
Hello Melanie Hansen, I’m Sheri. It’s a pleasur….
*gasps*
*blinks down at gaping hole in my chest*
Yeahhh, that’s pretty much how it went.
However! Despite the suffocating grief, I felt hope. Soon my sliver of hope grew stronger and stronger and I couldn’t stop reading. I simply HAD to know if Jeremy would find another reason to ‘live’ and it was one hell of an emotional ride uncovering that answer.
After Jeremy’s world comes to a brutal crashing end, he loses himself. I wanted to hate him for how he treated his best friend Jace. I wanted to slap him and scream at him. But here’s the thing; the ugliness that we witness, that is genuine goddamn reality. The authenticity in Jeremy’s spiral was terrifying. The monster of misery consumes him and he can’t find the will to live. Sheer luck pushes him through his attempt to numb himself from the pain. He steps away from the ledge and decides to try and move forward. He turns to running and finds an alternative to his previous form of oblivion.
He has decided to focus on baby steps and one particular courageous nudge brings Kai into his life. For the first time in years, Jeremy feels something again. It’s lust. He is overwhelmed with the need to ravish the stranger at the bar. And this is where I wanted to not only slap him again but kick him in the nads. Yep, he truly pissed me off. Yet it didn’t take long and I forgave him. *sigh* Kai. Kai is a saint. I loved Kai from the moment we met. Then every single thing we find out about Kai made me love him even more. Kai has conquered his own demons and he is drawn to the demons in Jeremy. The survivor in his soul can see a survivor in Jeremy’s. He is determined to find a way to help the man, even if it means putting himself in the line of fire.
I was immediately immersed and emotional chained to this story. The writing was remarkable and her ability to force a surge of powerful emotions through the chapters was astonishing. I didn’t think I could feel anymore and then I was proven wrong again and again.
There is a great deal of sex. I mean, they are sex machines. They like to talk, they like it dirty and sometimes, they like it rough. It seemed fitting because this is how Jeremy began to recognize the gift of life again. He had completely shut off everything but the bare necessities for his body to function. He didn’t realize that ‘feeling’ is also a critical human function. He was slowly dying from the inside when Kai found him. Kai coaxed him back to life. Kai saved him. It was so beautiful it hurts just thinking about it.
Another noteworthy trigger is the history of abuse. Kai nearly lost his life when he was a teen. He wears his scars with pride and doesn’t hide the fact that he was also a victim. Not only is he a valuable teacher and mentor to his troubled students but he helps other victims regain their confidence and face their fears. Did I say Kai is a saint? It’s worth repeating.
Strong secondary cast complete the package. Kai’s best friend and first love, Loren has a story of his own. I can’t wait to find out what happens to this fun-loving, loyal closeted cop. I didn’t realize this was a series, but as soon as my heart and bloodshot eyes recover, I’m coming back for more.
Candles, indestructible strength, and the courage to love again round out my favorite moments. The epilogue was the icing on the cake.
I urge you to take a chance on this one- I’ll stock up on tissues and hugs if you need them. What am I saying…you will need them.
*4.5 light-another-candle stars*
*gasps*
*blinks down at gaping hole in my chest*
Yeahhh, that’s pretty much how it went.
However! Despite the suffocating grief, I felt hope. Soon my sliver of hope grew stronger and stronger and I couldn’t stop reading. I simply HAD to know if Jeremy would find another reason to ‘live’ and it was one hell of an emotional ride uncovering that answer.
After Jeremy’s world comes to a brutal crashing end, he loses himself. I wanted to hate him for how he treated his best friend Jace. I wanted to slap him and scream at him. But here’s the thing; the ugliness that we witness, that is genuine goddamn reality. The authenticity in Jeremy’s spiral was terrifying. The monster of misery consumes him and he can’t find the will to live. Sheer luck pushes him through his attempt to numb himself from the pain. He steps away from the ledge and decides to try and move forward. He turns to running and finds an alternative to his previous form of oblivion.
He has decided to focus on baby steps and one particular courageous nudge brings Kai into his life. For the first time in years, Jeremy feels something again. It’s lust. He is overwhelmed with the need to ravish the stranger at the bar. And this is where I wanted to not only slap him again but kick him in the nads. Yep, he truly pissed me off. Yet it didn’t take long and I forgave him. *sigh* Kai. Kai is a saint. I loved Kai from the moment we met. Then every single thing we find out about Kai made me love him even more. Kai has conquered his own demons and he is drawn to the demons in Jeremy. The survivor in his soul can see a survivor in Jeremy’s. He is determined to find a way to help the man, even if it means putting himself in the line of fire.
I was immediately immersed and emotional chained to this story. The writing was remarkable and her ability to force a surge of powerful emotions through the chapters was astonishing. I didn’t think I could feel anymore and then I was proven wrong again and again.
There is a great deal of sex. I mean, they are sex machines. They like to talk, they like it dirty and sometimes, they like it rough. It seemed fitting because this is how Jeremy began to recognize the gift of life again. He had completely shut off everything but the bare necessities for his body to function. He didn’t realize that ‘feeling’ is also a critical human function. He was slowly dying from the inside when Kai found him. Kai coaxed him back to life. Kai saved him. It was so beautiful it hurts just thinking about it.
Another noteworthy trigger is the history of abuse. Kai nearly lost his life when he was a teen. He wears his scars with pride and doesn’t hide the fact that he was also a victim. Not only is he a valuable teacher and mentor to his troubled students but he helps other victims regain their confidence and face their fears. Did I say Kai is a saint? It’s worth repeating.
Strong secondary cast complete the package. Kai’s best friend and first love, Loren has a story of his own. I can’t wait to find out what happens to this fun-loving, loyal closeted cop. I didn’t realize this was a series, but as soon as my heart and bloodshot eyes recover, I’m coming back for more.
Candles, indestructible strength, and the courage to love again round out my favorite moments. The epilogue was the icing on the cake.
I urge you to take a chance on this one- I’ll stock up on tissues and hugs if you need them. What am I saying…you will need them.
*4.5 light-another-candle stars*
Wait!!
This is a kickass post- http://meljoyaz.tumblr.com/post/12771... about how Melanie snagged herself a bona fide Andrew Christian cover model *hip bump to Richele for leading me to this sweet bonus* and then of course my girl Natasha Snow rocked it.
Ohh, and be sure to check out the next Pimp my Read at the BioB cuz you can guar-an-tee I'll be pimping the shit out of this baby.
October 23, 2015
BR with Julie, Els and Momo.
Thanks girls, for pulling me through!
3.25 stars
This book started out with one of the angstiest chapters I have ever read. I really really didn’t like it. I went through a box of tissues and I was only at 10%.
I kind of wanted to quit there, but thank God for buddy reads, because the girls told me to keep going.
After that painful episode of Jeremy’s life, we meet the other MC, Kai. I liked Kai, former gang member, now a school teacher for troubled kids. He was kind of a bad boy, but also very sweet.
Jeremy is doing better than he was before, but he is still not happy after losing his husband 2 years before. When the sparks start to fly between Jeremy and Kai, Jeremy warns Kai that he has nothing to give, emotionally. He only wants it to be about sex.
I wanted to quit then, again. But once again, I was told to put on my big girl pants and read on. So I did.
I have to admit, with Jeremy treating Kai the way he did when they met, I wasn’t very hopeful for their relationship. I expected it to be angsty, but it turned out it really wasn’t.
Jeremy does tell Kai he only wants sex, but the guys start a loving, sweet relationship that doesn’t revolve just around sex. It was sweet and it was absolutely what I needed from these men.
Overall, a story with an angsty start, but a sweet romance.
I did have trouble liking Jeremy at times and that combined with the gut-wrenching angst we get at first made me enjoy this a bit less.
Thanks girls, for pulling me through!
3.25 stars
This book started out with one of the angstiest chapters I have ever read. I really really didn’t like it. I went through a box of tissues and I was only at 10%.
I kind of wanted to quit there, but thank God for buddy reads, because the girls told me to keep going.
After that painful episode of Jeremy’s life, we meet the other MC, Kai. I liked Kai, former gang member, now a school teacher for troubled kids. He was kind of a bad boy, but also very sweet.
Jeremy is doing better than he was before, but he is still not happy after losing his husband 2 years before. When the sparks start to fly between Jeremy and Kai, Jeremy warns Kai that he has nothing to give, emotionally. He only wants it to be about sex.
I wanted to quit then, again. But once again, I was told to put on my big girl pants and read on. So I did.
I have to admit, with Jeremy treating Kai the way he did when they met, I wasn’t very hopeful for their relationship. I expected it to be angsty, but it turned out it really wasn’t.
Jeremy does tell Kai he only wants sex, but the guys start a loving, sweet relationship that doesn’t revolve just around sex. It was sweet and it was absolutely what I needed from these men.
Overall, a story with an angsty start, but a sweet romance.
I did have trouble liking Jeremy at times and that combined with the gut-wrenching angst we get at first made me enjoy this a bit less.
December 8, 2017
3.75
This was much better than book one,once i got past the heartbreaking first chapter the rest was good.
This was much better than book one,once i got past the heartbreaking first chapter the rest was good.
June 25, 2018
I'm struggling with my rating on this one. See, whilst I felt so achingly sorry for Jeremy's losses, I was not a fan of how he treated Kai. But then, on the flip-side, he truly regretted what he did and made up for it. That put him back in my good graces.
I loved Kai, but was confused by him. Why did he let Jeremy get away with the crap he dished out?
All in all I liked this, but would have preferred less sexy times and more meaty story (pun intended!)
3.75 stars
I loved Kai, but was confused by him. Why did he let Jeremy get away with the crap he dished out?
All in all I liked this, but would have preferred less sexy times and more meaty story (pun intended!)
3.75 stars
May 30, 2019
Great addition to this series.
I enjoyed book 1 and book 3 was outstanding.
This one probably fits in somewhere in-between.
As always, Melanie Hansen shows her talent of portraying grief and despair, but ultimately how people can cope with it, find love and hope again.
Kai and Jeremy are as different as can be, but find exactly what they need within each other. Not much is made of either the age gap between them or their different backgrounds. They just are who they are and they fit ... and sizzle like mad! The chemistry and heat between these guys is awesome!
Thoroughly enjoyed it!
I enjoyed book 1 and book 3 was outstanding.
This one probably fits in somewhere in-between.
As always, Melanie Hansen shows her talent of portraying grief and despair, but ultimately how people can cope with it, find love and hope again.
Kai and Jeremy are as different as can be, but find exactly what they need within each other. Not much is made of either the age gap between them or their different backgrounds. They just are who they are and they fit ... and sizzle like mad! The chemistry and heat between these guys is awesome!
Thoroughly enjoyed it!
February 22, 2016
Solo por leer un personaje como Kai el libro merece la pena.
Historia de amor de dos hombres muy castigados por la vida que encuentran una segunda oportunidad para ser felices. Muy bonita. Muy entretenida. Sin embargo, la autora vuelve a caer en algunos recursos muy fáciles para provocar la emoción y a veces los pasos de un estado a otro de la relación son muy abruptos.
Muy romántico.
Historia de amor de dos hombres muy castigados por la vida que encuentran una segunda oportunidad para ser felices. Muy bonita. Muy entretenida. Sin embargo, la autora vuelve a caer en algunos recursos muy fáciles para provocar la emoción y a veces los pasos de un estado a otro de la relación son muy abruptos.
Muy romántico.
October 2, 2015
Just going with my initial reaction I’d give this a 2 possibly a 2.5. Honestly something about the frequency of certain words, thoughts, activities made this not work for me. There was a lot going on with the characters that was repetitiously mentioned that left less time for focusing on that relationship and made the book long in my opinion. As a result I either didn’t connect with the characters or didn’t fully get a strong sense of who they were.
Jeremy – while I think he was the best written character and I could understand why I didn’t connect with him I did find his development from start to finish to be understandable. He loses a spouse and child within the first chapter of the book. I think what bothered me most was he went from first self-destructing after these loses to isolating himself from humanity over the course of two years. Yet his ability to “get back in the game” was a very smooth transition. Sure he did not act the best initially and his communication skills could have been a little less abrupt but that part was believable. What I didn’t get was going from “I’m not ready for a relationship” to “here’s a key and I’ve cleaned out a drawer for you” in no time. And with no counseling….I do find sex therapeutic but seriously? Having him be filthy rich able to drop off the face of the earth while being an ultra-marathoner to passing every states bar exam with little thought or effort made him too perfect. It’s like let’s counter balance heaping loads of shitty life circumstances on him by making him the perfect guy.
Kai – OMG yet another example of perfection that overcomes all the shitty obstacles of life. Previous gang member turned alternative school teacher. Donates his weekend hours to assisting in students with completing community services hours because you know…something. Rape survivor who also volunteers to teach women Krav Maga so they can protect themselves. Also a m/m readers wet dream down to the guyliner, lip piercing and nipple ring. His perfection infuriated me. I also wanted him to not be so….weak, yes personality wise I found him to be a bit of a doormat. Also I just couldn’t get a strong sense of who he was. I felt like he was trying to be someone, like playing an assumed role.
There is a Jacuzzi, ditching of condoms AND a gay wedding (I know we are supposed to just refer to this as wedding now but I’m making a point).
Tell me…is there a checklist being handed out that says “the typical m/m reader enjoys these things”…cause this one left me feeling as if there was an attempt to check ALL the boxes.
Jeremy – while I think he was the best written character and I could understand why I didn’t connect with him I did find his development from start to finish to be understandable. He loses a spouse and child within the first chapter of the book. I think what bothered me most was he went from first self-destructing after these loses to isolating himself from humanity over the course of two years. Yet his ability to “get back in the game” was a very smooth transition. Sure he did not act the best initially and his communication skills could have been a little less abrupt but that part was believable. What I didn’t get was going from “I’m not ready for a relationship” to “here’s a key and I’ve cleaned out a drawer for you” in no time. And with no counseling….I do find sex therapeutic but seriously? Having him be filthy rich able to drop off the face of the earth while being an ultra-marathoner to passing every states bar exam with little thought or effort made him too perfect. It’s like let’s counter balance heaping loads of shitty life circumstances on him by making him the perfect guy.
Kai – OMG yet another example of perfection that overcomes all the shitty obstacles of life. Previous gang member turned alternative school teacher. Donates his weekend hours to assisting in students with completing community services hours because you know…something. Rape survivor who also volunteers to teach women Krav Maga so they can protect themselves. Also a m/m readers wet dream down to the guyliner, lip piercing and nipple ring. His perfection infuriated me. I also wanted him to not be so….weak, yes personality wise I found him to be a bit of a doormat. Also I just couldn’t get a strong sense of who he was. I felt like he was trying to be someone, like playing an assumed role.
There is a Jacuzzi, ditching of condoms AND a gay wedding (I know we are supposed to just refer to this as wedding now but I’m making a point).
Tell me…is there a checklist being handed out that says “the typical m/m reader enjoys these things”…cause this one left me feeling as if there was an attempt to check ALL the boxes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2015
BR, September 28th with Julie, Momo and Susan.
3,5 stars
The first 10% was devastating!! There is so much a man can handle..
Then after 2 years Jeremy meets Kai. Kai, living with enough baggage of his own. Jeremy feels it is time to start living again but is still scared to give himself to a person.
Jeremy
Kai was very patient with him from the start. Giving Jeremy time to handle his past and deal with the future again.
Kai
Kai has this friend, Loren he has become dependent off. His “emotionally secure-blanket”.
Although Jeremy was acting like an ass in the beginning to Kai because he was scared, I could forgive him for that. But when things got serious between Jeremy and Kai, Kai made this decision to
“You say you love me, but yet he’s the one getting to dry your tears. He’s the one getting to hold you when you’re hurting, getting to comfort you. He’s always going to be the one you turn to when it counts, isn’t he?
Thankfully Kai sees his mistake quickly, they connect again and we get a very nice epilogue.
Wrapping his arm around Kai, pulling the man he loved close to him, all Jeremy could think was...
it’s worth it.
And we get to see Jase and Carrey again!
I’m happy to know the third installment will be about Loren. I loved Loren. He was a very good friend,so I would love to see him get some happiness of his own.
September 27, 2024
✰ 2.5 stars ✰
“With you I see men who are just as happy, just as in love, but they’ve also been thrown into the fires of hell.
They’re survivors, and they’ve chosen to love again despite knowing the pain love can bring.”
Oh ho, tough, tough, tough. 😮💨
On one hand, I do appreciate the message of the story. The characters - tolerable, if not bearable, but not exactly memorable. On the other hand, the writing was so difficult to feel at times, not exactly cringe-worthy, but if I'm gonna read a story where the word murmur is used 51 times!! - when it does not even make sense that it has to used! We definitely have a serious problem on our hands. Seriously, a really bad choice of wording, especially when the occasion does not even call for it. 🤦🏻♀️
I don't blame Jeremy for holding Kai at arm's length - I mean, it's not exactly fair, but at least he had the nerve to lay down his terms that he's only in it for a sexual relationship - 'I don’t want to be your boyfriend. I just want you to understand that up front. No strings, no commitment' - and not one where it could be something more. Plus, the fact that he was self-aware at least of his horrible assessment of his past behavior, as well as his restrictions on Kai was somewhat admirable, albeit rather unfortunate for Kai that he fell head first for a man with such a conflicted past. 😥
I respect that Kai was willing to accept those terms, because he, too, has his own baggage to overcome about needing Loren as his emotional support, without realizing that he could find that same familiar emotional support in someone else. To trust and care for another, even if it meant simply being a friend to them, despite how 'Kai burned to know more about him'. 😟 And for Jeremy to feel angered and upset about not being that person Kai could turn to with his worries and complaints was essentially the character growth that made their dynamic last - for them to both realize that life does not end with pain - that sadness and loneliness does not have to define them.
“You know better than anyone that life doesn’t come with any guarantees. I can’t promise you that nothing will ever happen to me, but I hope you know that I would never willingly leave you.”
Kai had a good soul; he was caring and considerate; he was working to overcome his own past demons and he was happy to let Jeremy have his way with him, refusing to let the darkness overtake him. But, he also had a fire in him, dangerous and unpredictable, as well as self-confident and self-possessive, it was how he seemed to like someone who could withstand Jeremy's shit that made him so helplessly drawn to him. 😳 An outlet to let Jeremy relive his grief over Brent's tragic passing, to feel vulnerable and safe in someone else's arms. His presence brought a little bit of life back into Jeremy's life and his heart - 'his silver gaze lighting with laughter… and love. He would spend the rest of his life trying to put that look in this man’s eyes.' ❤️🩹❤️🩹
And yet, he did still somehow read the lines wrong of what it was that he should have returned in kind to Jeremy - the belief that he could become a stronger, more self-assured person because of the emotional support he gave him, rather than closing himself off from his own troubles to protect him. It was sad to see that at the same time Jeremy was learning to open up, Kai was closing off - all in the efforts of protecting each other - from themselves. The irony was not lost on me, and it made for a unique setup to see how they would come out better from it. 🫂
But, aside from the growth in their relationship, I could never really click with either of them enough to care enough for them. I felt no spark between me and the characters, which I really need to feel compelled to continue. Like, objectively speaking, I did see how events in their lives took place in order for them to reconnect and see ,Signs of Life within themselves, but it was just such a awkward reading experience that I cannot say with confidence that it was an enjoyable or worthwhile one.
And I'm gonna hold the writing responsible for that. 🙅🏻♀️
I don't think the author's writing style suits my palette, but I'm gonna bear it for one last time for the final book in this series; because I am resilient enough to see how Loren's version of Resilient Love will fare. But, some points just irked me beyond comprehension that it was very difficult to ignore. 🙎🏻♀️ Like, for starters, the beginning with Brent's death was treated very haphazardly. It was angsty and painful, but it just was not written in a way that I felt comfortable with. I liked Jase's arrival, but Jeremy's reaction to him was disheartening, even if he regretted it later on. And then the whole thing with their baby was also dismissed very suddenly and also explained very oddly. I could not get into it and I was confused why there was no closure drawn to that either.
Kai and Jeremy's first meeting even was rough - and no, I don't mean that it was intentionally rough, it was just written roughly, and rather crudely. I did like how circumstances compelled them to be drawn into each other's orbit, and even though Kai was reluctant at first to give in -there was something too desirable and intense for them to fight off. And even if pleasure was the goal of their arrangement, it was easy to see how real feelings steadily seeped into their systems as time progressed. 🥺
Sex is something of both a release and an acknowledgement, and they went at it wholeheartedly, without inhibitions or regret. It was not exactly one that I approved of, but I liked how it drew out the primal parts of themselves to see what they were not able to realize about themselves before and how they would not allow their past to speak for what they want from their romantic liaisons. It was interestingly touched upon; and the sex was hot! Their chemistry was wild and intense and Jeremy and Kai knew exactly what to give each other to reduce the other to an incoherent puddle. 😌🥰
But, then the number of times I had to endure the repetition of hot wet mouth just took me right out of it! Urgh!!! 😫 *shudders*
It's a conundrum of sorts when you can recognize the growth of a character, but there're so many unfavorable points in the way with its storytelling that you just can't appreciate it enough. 😔
“But I love you, and I’m yours.”
I did feel at times that Jeremy was rather bossy towards Kai - almost insisting that he give into his demands, which kinda rubbed me the wrong way, but I could see the cracks that showed that he was trying to change - for the better. 😕 I also did not quite feel that Loren and Kai's friendship was an adverse one; but, as it steadily drove Jeremy away, I understood why then they had to break it off. Brent is definitely a major catalyst for Jeremy to overcome, and it was nice to see how Kai helped him to let go and not be afraid to trust that he can't always be in control of fate, but even so, there is no harm in not caring. 🤍🤍 'Yes, there was risk, and there would be pain, because that was life.' I did not blame Jeremy for being worried for his well-being; it was cathartic to see him slowly shed away the guilt of responsibility he felt for his death. And yet, I still felt that there were other plot lines going on that even when they were finally addressed, they never felt conclusive - like the story was being written in the air! The whole storyline with Kai's student - it felt so oddly fitting and disjointed to the story that I could not even get invested in it. 🙍🏻♀️
The epilogue was a sweet and wholesome affair; it was nice to see some familiar faces return in a gratifying conclusion, one which also gave some depth and closure to Jeremy and Kai's own relationship - a bittersweet farewell, as well as a happier step towards a hopeful future. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Essentially what I did take away from their relationship - as much as Jeremy did - is that life comes with both good and bad - the blessings and the curse; it is up to us to decide how we'll learn to move and grow from that pain and not take even the little things for granted. But even with this poignant message, it just wasn't enough to redeem itself for the painful way in which I trudged my way through it. 😒
“With you I see men who are just as happy, just as in love, but they’ve also been thrown into the fires of hell.
They’re survivors, and they’ve chosen to love again despite knowing the pain love can bring.”
Oh ho, tough, tough, tough. 😮💨
On one hand, I do appreciate the message of the story. The characters - tolerable, if not bearable, but not exactly memorable. On the other hand, the writing was so difficult to feel at times, not exactly cringe-worthy, but if I'm gonna read a story where the word murmur is used 51 times!! - when it does not even make sense that it has to used! We definitely have a serious problem on our hands. Seriously, a really bad choice of wording, especially when the occasion does not even call for it. 🤦🏻♀️
I don't blame Jeremy for holding Kai at arm's length - I mean, it's not exactly fair, but at least he had the nerve to lay down his terms that he's only in it for a sexual relationship - 'I don’t want to be your boyfriend. I just want you to understand that up front. No strings, no commitment' - and not one where it could be something more. Plus, the fact that he was self-aware at least of his horrible assessment of his past behavior, as well as his restrictions on Kai was somewhat admirable, albeit rather unfortunate for Kai that he fell head first for a man with such a conflicted past. 😥
I respect that Kai was willing to accept those terms, because he, too, has his own baggage to overcome about needing Loren as his emotional support, without realizing that he could find that same familiar emotional support in someone else. To trust and care for another, even if it meant simply being a friend to them, despite how 'Kai burned to know more about him'. 😟 And for Jeremy to feel angered and upset about not being that person Kai could turn to with his worries and complaints was essentially the character growth that made their dynamic last - for them to both realize that life does not end with pain - that sadness and loneliness does not have to define them.
“You know better than anyone that life doesn’t come with any guarantees. I can’t promise you that nothing will ever happen to me, but I hope you know that I would never willingly leave you.”
Kai had a good soul; he was caring and considerate; he was working to overcome his own past demons and he was happy to let Jeremy have his way with him, refusing to let the darkness overtake him. But, he also had a fire in him, dangerous and unpredictable, as well as self-confident and self-possessive, it was how he seemed to like someone who could withstand Jeremy's shit that made him so helplessly drawn to him. 😳 An outlet to let Jeremy relive his grief over Brent's tragic passing, to feel vulnerable and safe in someone else's arms. His presence brought a little bit of life back into Jeremy's life and his heart - 'his silver gaze lighting with laughter… and love. He would spend the rest of his life trying to put that look in this man’s eyes.' ❤️🩹❤️🩹
And yet, he did still somehow read the lines wrong of what it was that he should have returned in kind to Jeremy - the belief that he could become a stronger, more self-assured person because of the emotional support he gave him, rather than closing himself off from his own troubles to protect him. It was sad to see that at the same time Jeremy was learning to open up, Kai was closing off - all in the efforts of protecting each other - from themselves. The irony was not lost on me, and it made for a unique setup to see how they would come out better from it. 🫂
But, aside from the growth in their relationship, I could never really click with either of them enough to care enough for them. I felt no spark between me and the characters, which I really need to feel compelled to continue. Like, objectively speaking, I did see how events in their lives took place in order for them to reconnect and see ,Signs of Life within themselves, but it was just such a awkward reading experience that I cannot say with confidence that it was an enjoyable or worthwhile one.
And I'm gonna hold the writing responsible for that. 🙅🏻♀️
I don't think the author's writing style suits my palette, but I'm gonna bear it for one last time for the final book in this series; because I am resilient enough to see how Loren's version of Resilient Love will fare. But, some points just irked me beyond comprehension that it was very difficult to ignore. 🙎🏻♀️ Like, for starters, the beginning with Brent's death was treated very haphazardly. It was angsty and painful, but it just was not written in a way that I felt comfortable with. I liked Jase's arrival, but Jeremy's reaction to him was disheartening, even if he regretted it later on. And then the whole thing with their baby was also dismissed very suddenly and also explained very oddly. I could not get into it and I was confused why there was no closure drawn to that either.
Kai and Jeremy's first meeting even was rough - and no, I don't mean that it was intentionally rough, it was just written roughly, and rather crudely. I did like how circumstances compelled them to be drawn into each other's orbit, and even though Kai was reluctant at first to give in -there was something too desirable and intense for them to fight off. And even if pleasure was the goal of their arrangement, it was easy to see how real feelings steadily seeped into their systems as time progressed. 🥺
Sex is something of both a release and an acknowledgement, and they went at it wholeheartedly, without inhibitions or regret. It was not exactly one that I approved of, but I liked how it drew out the primal parts of themselves to see what they were not able to realize about themselves before and how they would not allow their past to speak for what they want from their romantic liaisons. It was interestingly touched upon; and the sex was hot! Their chemistry was wild and intense and Jeremy and Kai knew exactly what to give each other to reduce the other to an incoherent puddle. 😌🥰
But, then the number of times I had to endure the repetition of hot wet mouth just took me right out of it! Urgh!!! 😫 *shudders*
It's a conundrum of sorts when you can recognize the growth of a character, but there're so many unfavorable points in the way with its storytelling that you just can't appreciate it enough. 😔
“But I love you, and I’m yours.”
I did feel at times that Jeremy was rather bossy towards Kai - almost insisting that he give into his demands, which kinda rubbed me the wrong way, but I could see the cracks that showed that he was trying to change - for the better. 😕 I also did not quite feel that Loren and Kai's friendship was an adverse one; but, as it steadily drove Jeremy away, I understood why then they had to break it off. Brent is definitely a major catalyst for Jeremy to overcome, and it was nice to see how Kai helped him to let go and not be afraid to trust that he can't always be in control of fate, but even so, there is no harm in not caring. 🤍🤍 'Yes, there was risk, and there would be pain, because that was life.' I did not blame Jeremy for being worried for his well-being; it was cathartic to see him slowly shed away the guilt of responsibility he felt for his death. And yet, I still felt that there were other plot lines going on that even when they were finally addressed, they never felt conclusive - like the story was being written in the air! The whole storyline with Kai's student - it felt so oddly fitting and disjointed to the story that I could not even get invested in it. 🙍🏻♀️
The epilogue was a sweet and wholesome affair; it was nice to see some familiar faces return in a gratifying conclusion, one which also gave some depth and closure to Jeremy and Kai's own relationship - a bittersweet farewell, as well as a happier step towards a hopeful future. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Essentially what I did take away from their relationship - as much as Jeremy did - is that life comes with both good and bad - the blessings and the curse; it is up to us to decide how we'll learn to move and grow from that pain and not take even the little things for granted. But even with this poignant message, it just wasn't enough to redeem itself for the painful way in which I trudged my way through it. 😒
February 18, 2016
4.5 Stars
Signs of Life starts out with Jeremy losing his husband and then their unborn child in the span of just a few weeks. It's beyond heart breaking. I don't even want to imagine being in his shoes because it just makes my entire being clench up. But Jeremy then cruelly throws away everyone else that could help him get through the tragedies. He starts out so selfish and self absorbed, that I really didn't much like him. I felt sorry for him and his losses, but damn, he was not on my Christmas list.
But the thing is, everyone grieves in their own way. Jeremy wanted to push everyone else away so he wouldn't have to grieve them, too, should they leave him. I don't even know if he did this consciously, but the result was the same. His anger led to some pretty self destructive actions and then, after getting cleaned up, to a self-punishment of isolation. He did not want to let anyone close to him and for more than 2 years, he succeeded. Until one night, while trying to get himself out of his comfort zone, he meets Kai. And proceeds to act like the asshat he has become. Oh, Jeremy...
Kai is no stranger to emotional baggage, himself. He's gotten his life together, but as a teen, he ran with the same gang his father and older brother ran with. He's made mistakes, and he paid dearly for them. But Kai made sure he was strong enough, both physically and emotionally, to become who he wanted to be. He now teaches in an alternative high school, even though he could easily teach in a mainstream school. He does this because of his past and the desire to help even one young person find their way out of the destructive cycle that they found themselves in. He's paying it forward, and even though he's often not successful, those few that do make it are worth it.
All that sounds like it could be the perfect recipe for some serious angst. Interestingly, enough, though, there really wasn't a whole lot to be found, beyond the first chapter (I hear this author was saving all the series angst for book 3). Both Jeremy and Kai run into speed bumps in their relationship, and they both make mistakes along the way, but they actually, mostly, handle them like adults. It was kind of refreshing.
It takes a while for them to really trust one another enough to open up with each other, and while they are taking that time, they have some seriously smoking hot sex. Jeremy was mostly one toppy bastard, but when Kai decided to take charge my Kindle about melted.
Though Everything Changes is still my favorite, I loved Signs of Life and I loved seeing two men, both battered by life, finally get their happy ever after. And we even get a glimpse of Jase and Carey! Does a heart good.
Signs of Life starts out with Jeremy losing his husband and then their unborn child in the span of just a few weeks. It's beyond heart breaking. I don't even want to imagine being in his shoes because it just makes my entire being clench up. But Jeremy then cruelly throws away everyone else that could help him get through the tragedies. He starts out so selfish and self absorbed, that I really didn't much like him. I felt sorry for him and his losses, but damn, he was not on my Christmas list.
But the thing is, everyone grieves in their own way. Jeremy wanted to push everyone else away so he wouldn't have to grieve them, too, should they leave him. I don't even know if he did this consciously, but the result was the same. His anger led to some pretty self destructive actions and then, after getting cleaned up, to a self-punishment of isolation. He did not want to let anyone close to him and for more than 2 years, he succeeded. Until one night, while trying to get himself out of his comfort zone, he meets Kai. And proceeds to act like the asshat he has become. Oh, Jeremy...
Kai is no stranger to emotional baggage, himself. He's gotten his life together, but as a teen, he ran with the same gang his father and older brother ran with. He's made mistakes, and he paid dearly for them. But Kai made sure he was strong enough, both physically and emotionally, to become who he wanted to be. He now teaches in an alternative high school, even though he could easily teach in a mainstream school. He does this because of his past and the desire to help even one young person find their way out of the destructive cycle that they found themselves in. He's paying it forward, and even though he's often not successful, those few that do make it are worth it.
All that sounds like it could be the perfect recipe for some serious angst. Interestingly, enough, though, there really wasn't a whole lot to be found, beyond the first chapter (I hear this author was saving all the series angst for book 3). Both Jeremy and Kai run into speed bumps in their relationship, and they both make mistakes along the way, but they actually, mostly, handle them like adults. It was kind of refreshing.
It takes a while for them to really trust one another enough to open up with each other, and while they are taking that time, they have some seriously smoking hot sex. Jeremy was mostly one toppy bastard, but when Kai decided to take charge my Kindle about melted.
Though Everything Changes is still my favorite, I loved Signs of Life and I loved seeing two men, both battered by life, finally get their happy ever after. And we even get a glimpse of Jase and Carey! Does a heart good.
January 22, 2016
Wow… this book was amazing, a story just made for me. I love heart wrenching hurt-comfort love stories that put me through the wringer and make me root for the guys when they finally get their shit together and have their well deserved HEA.
Signs of Life is one of those very special books.
What Jeremy went through in the very first chapters I can hardly express in words. The tears kept running down my face and I thought Oh my God… how can anyone survive this loss, how can anyone go on living with an heart broken like his? I still have no idea if I’d have Jeremy’s willpower. I did understand though, why he acted the way he did towards Jase, his one and only friend (loved meeting him again, even when his appearance was way too short!), why Jeremy had to keep his emotional walls so highup, why he ran…why he treated Kai the way he did when they met the first time.
Kai, with his guy liner and his lip piercing… he’s so sexy!
*sigh*… What he went through in his youth… I just wanted to lock him in my heart and throw the key away. His way of surviving was different from Jeremy. He has strength… so much strength… and an incredible courage, and Loren, a wonderful, very special friend. Loved Loren to bits and can hardly wait until January when his story ‘Unquiet’ comes out.
If you need more details please feel free to read Julie's awesome review, she put into words so beautifully exactly what I think about this outstanding, powerful book... and she quoted the best quote ever!!!
Very highly recommended!
Note: Signs of Life can be read as a standalone. You don’t need to read the first book in advance. But do it anyway, Jase and Carey’s story is exceptional!
September 7, 2016
Muy sorprendida, para bien, tremendo cómo ha mejorado la autora del libro anterior a éste.
Una pareja con una química impresionante, aunque para mi gusto algo de sexo sobra, con esas charlas entre Kai y Jeremy, ¿para qué se necesita más???
Me ha tenido enganchada desde el minuto 1, la historia de Jere te encoge el corazón, menos mal que la autora no hace dramas innecesarios y nos muestra cómo intenta recuperar su vida. Puede que un poco "fácil" todo, pero qué leches, se merece ser feliz *ayyyyyyyy* y con Kai a su lado, que es adorable a rabiar, estoy segura de que lo conseguirá.
Una pareja con una química impresionante, aunque para mi gusto algo de sexo sobra, con esas charlas entre Kai y Jeremy, ¿para qué se necesita más???
Me ha tenido enganchada desde el minuto 1, la historia de Jere te encoge el corazón, menos mal que la autora no hace dramas innecesarios y nos muestra cómo intenta recuperar su vida. Puede que un poco "fácil" todo, pero qué leches, se merece ser feliz *ayyyyyyyy* y con Kai a su lado, que es adorable a rabiar, estoy segura de que lo conseguirá.
September 19, 2017
***3.5 Stars***
"I don't know what I did to deserve you, why fate decided to bless me twice in one lifetime. I'm a selfish bastard, but I'm not going to question it, I'm just going to take it."
Kai and Jeremy were so wonderful together. Two men, from completely different backgrounds, overcoming difficult pasts, and embracing a second chance at life.
After that first heartbreaking chapter, I thought I was going to be taken on one hell of an emotional journey. But surprisingly, and kinda disappointingly, that wasn't the case here.
Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of emotion...but the punch that first chapter packed set me up with a set of expectations that I didn't feel were quite met. So, this is definitely a case where it's me and not the book.
The angst was fairly low, and although the two men initially start a "just sex" relationship, it's clear that they're both moving towards more. Neither man really fought it and it was refreshing how honest they were with each other. The evolution of their relationship was sweet and believable.
Did I mention that the book is also hot as hell? No? Well the steam is steamy and the dirty talk is dirty. And this reader gobbled that up with gusto!
The epilogue left me with a big happy smile on my face and was the perfect shiny bow to this heartwarming story.
I debated for a long time whether to round up or down with my rating because I truly did really like the book, but in the end, my expectation of angst after that first chapter kept me from rounding up.
March 5, 2022
Signs of Life
Melanie Hansen
Series: Resilient Love, Book 2
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Date Published:
Stars: 5+⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Blurb
Successful lawyer Jeremy Speer has it all—a loving husband, a beautiful home, and a cherished dream that’s about to become reality. He’s learned not to take happiness for granted, meeting the challenges of life and love head-on with unwavering commitment and fierce devotion. A series of tragic events leave Jeremy shattered, adrift on a sea of unimaginable pain. He’s able to piece his life back together, but instead of embracing it, he merely exists, using isolation and punishing physical exertion to keep the world at bay.
High school teacher Kai Daniels has a heart for at-risk kids—he was one himself, and a teenage brush with the law and some troubled years behind bars left him scarred inside and out. With courage, hard work, and the support of friends, he’s built a fulfilling life that leaves no time for a relationship.
An intense encounter with Kai at a gay club ignites a spark in Jeremy that he thought was extinguished forever, but he’s unwilling to destroy the fragile peace he’s managed to create, and he leaves Kai humiliated and disappointed. Things should have ended there, but a bizarre occurrence brings the two together in a way neither of them expected.
This story is one that starts with a huge emotional shock, less than 10 percent into the book and the main character, Jeremy, has had his life shattered. So where does Melanie Hansen take you from there? Well, of course she leads Jeremy to another man with a traumatic past, Kai. Together these two men decide if it's worth all the potential anguish of possible finding love again.
"No, Kai couldn’t go for the easy familiarity, the gentle caring; he had to go for the complicated, the intense."
Overall I am giving this story a solid 4 stars overall, it is a solid story with good character development and even though it's part of a series it can be read alone. My only trouble was the insta-love and what started out to be such an emotional story almost had nowhere to go after that; however, I was happy with the growth and development as we watch Jeremy & Kai fall in love and start their lives together.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press and Reviewed by JLoves2Read from Alpha Book Club and Jessewaves Reviews.
Melanie Hansen
Series: Resilient Love, Book 2
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Date Published:
Stars: 5+⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Blurb
Successful lawyer Jeremy Speer has it all—a loving husband, a beautiful home, and a cherished dream that’s about to become reality. He’s learned not to take happiness for granted, meeting the challenges of life and love head-on with unwavering commitment and fierce devotion. A series of tragic events leave Jeremy shattered, adrift on a sea of unimaginable pain. He’s able to piece his life back together, but instead of embracing it, he merely exists, using isolation and punishing physical exertion to keep the world at bay.
High school teacher Kai Daniels has a heart for at-risk kids—he was one himself, and a teenage brush with the law and some troubled years behind bars left him scarred inside and out. With courage, hard work, and the support of friends, he’s built a fulfilling life that leaves no time for a relationship.
An intense encounter with Kai at a gay club ignites a spark in Jeremy that he thought was extinguished forever, but he’s unwilling to destroy the fragile peace he’s managed to create, and he leaves Kai humiliated and disappointed. Things should have ended there, but a bizarre occurrence brings the two together in a way neither of them expected.
This story is one that starts with a huge emotional shock, less than 10 percent into the book and the main character, Jeremy, has had his life shattered. So where does Melanie Hansen take you from there? Well, of course she leads Jeremy to another man with a traumatic past, Kai. Together these two men decide if it's worth all the potential anguish of possible finding love again.
"No, Kai couldn’t go for the easy familiarity, the gentle caring; he had to go for the complicated, the intense."
Overall I am giving this story a solid 4 stars overall, it is a solid story with good character development and even though it's part of a series it can be read alone. My only trouble was the insta-love and what started out to be such an emotional story almost had nowhere to go after that; however, I was happy with the growth and development as we watch Jeremy & Kai fall in love and start their lives together.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press and Reviewed by JLoves2Read from Alpha Book Club and Jessewaves Reviews.
October 6, 2015
I seriously thought the first chapter of this book was going to kill me. It says in the blurb "A series of tragic events leave Jeremy shattered, adrift on a sea of unimaginable pain," and boy did it - but it also left me adrift on a sea of pain.
Pain for Jeremy.
So much pain.
How I made it through the chapter in one piece I'm not entirely sure.We see Jeremy cut down to a mere existence from someone who has everything he wants. And it's hard to read, so hard. I grieved with him and felt the impossibility of moving on. Part of me wanted to crawl into his existence with him.
Except, if you are alive you owe it to yourself to live, not just exist.
Kai is perhaps the exact opposite of Jeremy. Where Jeremy has led a fairly privileged life, Kai is only where he is for virtue of having someone help him make the right decisions as a teen and to get him off the path he was travelling. He gives this back to the community in which he lives. He wants to help. Kai is so full of life. He gives and gives, without being a pushover. Where Jeremy felt closed in, shut up, curled around himself, Kai felt open and alive.
This book is so well written, every emotion is magnified a million times. I cried and I laughed and I loved with these characters. The characters were given time. They were given the right to make errors, to react to situations in a human way, and I really liked this. It is often the case in books that pain and angst and difficult times are dealt with easily - which is great for a bit of escapism. This book offered the escapism though, but with something else. It offered real emotions, not just words on a page.
It offered a cast of characters rich in personality and character. Fully rounded.
It offered time.
It offered pain and happiness.
It offered hope - not just for the characters, but for the reader too.
Writing a review that doesn't come with a deck load of spoilers is hard for some books, and this is one of them. I would recommend it to everyone, just have tissues at hand!!
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
Review previously at BMBR.
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