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Becoming Jake

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After a disastrous breakup with his deranged boyfriend, Jake sees himself forced to go back to his parents’ house. What was supposed to be a calm return to gather himself, turns out to be an intense and complicated journey where Jake has to confront a bigoted father who is constantly degrading him, take care of a sick mother who was never bold enough to speak her mind and deal with the not-so-over relationship.
Jake embarks on a journey that brings him the pain from his past, long lost friends and old passions that could be reignited if Jake has the courage to overcome his lingering inner fears.
Will Jake defeat his deepest fears in order to become who he truly is?

This book contains explicit scenes of consensual sex between men as well as some graphic language. It is intended for a mature, adult audience.

161 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2015

4 people are currently reading
85 people want to read

About the author

James Lee Hard

12 books102 followers
James spends most of his time looking at his computer screen, trying to summon the magical words that make the ingredients for a great story. He dreams about being able to move people and becoming a great writer one day.

He writes contemporary gay romance and erotica but he wants to write about much more. His mind is filled with sci-fi gadgets, swords, wizards and dragons and he has trouble trying to choose one theme. Maybe one day we’ll read something starring sinewy heroes battling giant dragons in tight pants. But the romance will always be there. And the abs. And the happy endings – James is a sucker for them.

James draws inspiration from everyday life, books, movies, songs, pictures and much more. Almost everything can ignite his desire to write but not all will end up on his stories.
James is an indie author who relies on friends and a growing base of lovely beta readers to help him with his stories, ensuring that each book is better than the previous one.

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5 stars
39 (28%)
4 stars
32 (23%)
3 stars
34 (24%)
2 stars
23 (16%)
1 star
9 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Keri.
155 reviews
July 27, 2015
This is a beautiful, sweet and heartfelt story. Jake has had to live with so much animosity and horrible judgment towards him his whole life that he turns inward on himself yet staying true to his genuine and lovable personality outward.


Jake is a shy, sweet, no-talk-back, respectful young man. He has run away from his emotionally abusive ex to the one place he shouldn’t…home. He has grown up with an unworthy father who belittles Jake for his own sins to feel like a man. But Jake is an endearing and lovable man that he will deal with his father so he can be there to help aide with his ill mother. After the final blow between father and son, Jake moves in with his long-lost friend, Britta, who loves him no questions asked. Craig stayed in touched with Britta after all these years and Jake runs into him at dinner at Britta’s. Those two have been each other crushes since high school and did not know it.


This story flows smoothly working through Jake’s self-doubts and into self-love. Craig and Britta were amazing secondary characters and defines what true friendship should be. Craig was such a gentleman and a solid, honest, protective rock to Jake. Definitely what Jake needed in his life. Jake and Craig are perfect for each other, filling in each other’s needs to make a whole. I would love to read a sequel about these two as their love is infectious and you find yourself smiling and cheering for them. This was my first read by this author and without a doubt will definitely not be my last.


All in all, not only is Jake soul searching, but also he is finding Jake and is becoming Jake.
Profile Image for Amelia Hunter.
Author 9 books38 followers
July 19, 2015
A beautiful love story with dips and traumas along the way. From the beginning I was hooked into James' writing and his skill of storytelling. This is my first M/M book and it won't be my last. I'm hoping Jake will be returning.
135 reviews4 followers
July 18, 2015
Just got done with "Becoming Jake" and it is no surprise that I LOVED it. I mean, it is a James Lee Hard book, so it goes without saying that it would be amazing!

Jake is a slightly insecure guy who's not had the best childhood. His dad is an asshole (I'm sorry, it just had to be said), and his mom, well she's a silent sufferer like Jake, so there was no help for him on that front. He moved away for college, but now that his mom is sick, he feels it's his duty to come back and take care of her. Honestly, this fact right here just gives you an idea of how big a heart Jake has. He knew he was going to have to face his father, but his love for his mom overrode those concerns.

I LOVED reading about Jake as he is one of the quiet guys. While, at first glance, there's nothing quite notice-worthy about him, once you get to know him, you find that he is amazing. He doesn't fight or constantly curse, he is respectful and soft spoken. He is also sensitive and nice. Yes, you read that right! And, if you were wondering, these are very good qualities in my book. Anyways, just like the rest of us, he too, is looking for love - although sometimes in the wrong places.

I LOVED his evolution and journey, and while he doesn't become an "alpha" male, I LOVED that he finally got the fact that - despite his childhood and experiences - he is just as deserving of love and happiness as the rest of us. He finally realized his inner strength and his self worth. His transformation alone is worth reading the book for! :)

I also LOVED his interactions with his old friends. They didn't hold his past or mistakes against him, but forgave him and let bygones be bygones - just like real friends would do.

As for the romance in this book, it will melt your heart. James is a master of sweet and emotional reads, and this book is no exception.

So...do yourself a favor and 1-click this book ;)
8 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2015
James Lee Hard did it again, and may I add, he did it even better than his previous books.
Becoming Jake is one those stories that grabs you from the very beginning and you won't stop until you've finished every single chapter.
Jake is a kind soul that unfortunately has to return home to face an awful human being, his father, but also to his good mother, who's very sick.
All the events that happens while Jake is back to his home town are filled with powerful emotions and complex feelings.
James managed to created situations that aren't just black and white or good and bad, but events that covers the great spectrum that human relations can be.
Although Becoming Jake has a different mood from the other stories James has written, he was able to make me feel hope in every chapter. And, of course, the plot builds up towards an epic and happy ending, as we all know, is one of James' characteristics: happy, happy endings.
I think this is a great page turner and definitely a must read.
Profile Image for Rachel Hendry.
360 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2015
An heartfelt story full of every emotion you can think of.
Jake, a sweet, softly spoken caring & sensitive man comes back home to see and help care for his mum despite knowing the heartbreak and despair he would feel at his fathers words and actions.
At first reading it seems a sweet romance but as more pages turned and layers uncovered you realise that this book is simply more, much more.
The strength and quiet determination of our main character is simply inspiring, the growth of him and his character flawless...Jakes character despite getting stronger in order to fight for his own happiness stays true to himself even whilst doing so, and his caring and nurturing nature shines throughout the book.
A love story that wins out against all odds, this book had it all...great friends...great guy in Craig...an evil ex...Grrr Hunter and a despicable man who should damn well know better!
A fantastic M/M romance that I'm sure I will read again and I'm hoping for a sequel James?!?! because I feel there is so much more to come from this couple x
Profile Image for Pam Kay.
586 reviews9 followers
July 14, 2015
Becoming Jake was an incredible read showing a man who went through rejection, anger, sadness, danger from an ex, to a hopeful and loving relationship. Two men who had a crush on each other in High School, but didn't know it, then meet up years later to find each other. James did an amazing job in bringing out all the emotions someone could possibly go through. The story line was endearing and the character development was awesome causing you to fall in love with Jake, Britta, and Craig and enjoying a relationship blossom between Jake and Craig. This is a must read. Loved it. It was so awesome to be a small part of this story. James has a great talent and I hope we see so much more from him. Bravo!! A Love that was meant to be.
Profile Image for Carly Odonoghue.
137 reviews2 followers
July 31, 2015
Becoming Jake by James Lee Hard is an amazing read. I read the first few chapters and put the book down to go to bed but after tossing and turning and thinking of the characters and the story I had to pick it up again and continue to read, I couldn't stop until it was finished.
It was the heartbreaking story of Jake and the battles he has with his homophobic father, sick mother, ex boyfriend and a new romance. The story was well written and descriptive. I would recommend this book to everyone. I am looking forward to reading more of James Lee Hards books in the future.
Profile Image for Otterpuss.
698 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2015
Wow...well once again I find myself in the minority with my opinion on a book.
I feel like I read a completely different book to the other reviewers because frankly the book I read was absolute crap.
The characters over the top, child-like and ridiculous. I didn't connect with, or care about any of them.
Jake is a completely pathetic imbecile.
The writing is immature and stilted.
The only reason I finished it is because I was waiting on a delayed ferry back from holiday and had nothing better to do.
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,711 reviews
November 22, 2015
Jake was one of the worst characters I've ever read. One second he stands up for himself then bursts into tears and curls up on the floor. He sees his high school crush and they fall madly in love in two days. His insane ex follows him around, hits him, kidnaps him at gunpoint but he won't call the police. Then the ex follows him again and he STILL won't talk to the police. And that's the end of it. WTF? And he and the new guy, both of them grown adults, had sex in the back of a car, no lube no condoms. Seriously?
Profile Image for Ashley Lambert.
181 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2015
Another great book by James Lee Hard!

I thought it was amazing! Its so hard to believe that this is his third book, the story pulled me in from the first page and i was hooked,Jake moves back home to be closer to his sick mother and (not so nice) very religious father, along the way he runs into old friends and tries to pick up where he left off all those years ago, but make a new start at the same time.i dont want to give too much away,take my word for it and go grab your Copy!
Profile Image for Meledy Blumberg.
189 reviews6 followers
September 6, 2015
Wow loved it

Wow this book aS awesome you could fill Jake and how his family treated him how his dad was always on him. Then you through in a psycho ex that don't want to leave. You just have to say WOW. I loved Craig a n d how much he cared about his family and friends he has a heart of gold. But can these two come together or well it disappeared only time well tell. One click it you won't regret it.
617 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2015
All the goodies!

Jake sure has all the "goodies" in his life. Homophobic Father.... check. Psycho ex boyfriend....check Add in a mix laughs, grief and a surprise or 3 and you have a fantastic read in your hands. There is no one that cannot identify with the characters in this book.
Profile Image for michelle Shelly.
1,712 reviews13 followers
July 26, 2015
Loved it! I've read other m/m books but this is the first one I would consider a HEA. Freaking loved Jake and Craig and wanted to slap Hunter. It was beautifully written and I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Sallyann.
486 reviews
July 13, 2015
I absolutely love it!!! Parts of this book broke my heart and I'm so glad that Jake got his happily ever after.
Profile Image for Em.
318 reviews11 followers
June 5, 2018
2 stars

Nope! I didn't hate it, but it wasn't good either. I'm not sure where all the 5 star ratings came from, but this was a detached and clunky read.
Profile Image for Kathy Morris.
76 reviews8 followers
August 1, 2015
Heart felt.

This book is awesome. This is the third book that James has written. They just keep getting better and better. James has an incredible imagination. For being a new Author he writes as if he's been doing it for some time. This was my first book by this Author that I read. I enjoyed it so much I bought the other two books he wrote.
Some highlights of this amazing book.
Jake leaves college broke and no where to go but home. The last place Jake wanted to go. He didn't stay in touch with his high school friends, not that he had that many. His Mom was sick. His Dad always verbally abused him. He also was running from his emotionally abusive, evil, ex partner, Hunter. Hunter was a very possessive jerk. He was hoping that Hunter wouldn't find him in his home town. Jake went to work for his father in the convenience store.
Jake had always known he was different. He became aware of it in the beginning of his teen years. Jake was gay.
His father had been abusive. Punishing him with a belt. Jake felt rejection, anger, and sadness.
While he was working in the store, an old high school friend came in. It was Britta, a girl who used to be his good friend. She didn't know he was gay. When he left for college he broke all ties he had with his friends. Britta had invited Jake over for dinner that night and Craig was there. His old high school crush. What Jake didn't know was Craig had a crush on him in high school.
What will happen with Jake and Craig? Will they rekindle their friendship? Will it turn into something more? And what about Hunter? You'll just have to read for yourself.
James will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a must read. I gave it 5+ stars. Keep up the good work James. Your writing is awesome. You're going to go far.
Profile Image for Maggie.
436 reviews
July 18, 2015
Great story!

I really liked this story. Jake is a nice guy who hasn't had an easy time of it. Abused and battered by his father, he goes away to College only to end up with an abusive boyfriend. He returns home to help out with his Mom who is sick, and he is still on the receiving end of his father. He reconnects with an old friend, and in doing so connects with an old high school crush. Chris is in town visiting his Dad as his Mom passed away. The two of them spend some time together, which gets interrupted by the abusive ex, who not only outs Jake to his father, but tries to kidnap him back. Once all the drama and misunderstandings are dealt with, Jake and Chris realize they are it for each other and Jake finally comes into his own, as his own man. Well written, great characters and storyline, I really enjoyed the book!
Profile Image for Sue bowdley.
1,449 reviews
October 29, 2015
This is a new author to me and I must say that James did a really good job with this.....Firstly I read this in paperback and it was great holding a proper book....I liked Jake....It was hard for him to live with how his father treated him....I hated his father....What a homophobic creep he was....The way he treats Jake is disgusting.....I don't like parents who treats their kids like that....Hunter the ex boyfriend was a hell of a creep....following him and harassing him like he did......But he had two good friends Britta and his new to be boyfriend Craig.....I loved Craig he was a sweet guy who just wanted to help.......The book was written really well and kept me reading...I have another one of this authors on my kindle so will look forward to reading that x
105 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2016
Becoming Jake is a fantastic book with a story line that filled me with anticipation for a HEA for Jake, the added twist of his past with his ex boyfriend Hunter kept me gripped as to the outcome for these two. I spent half the time reading this book wanting to protect and hug Jake and in equal measure wanting to thump his dad.
I loved the strong friendship between Britta, Jake and Criag and the way they picked up after not seeing each other since school. The acceptance and protection they showed each other was heart warming and beautiful.
I loved this book, it was brilliantly written with a writing style that flowed and carried you through a great storyline. I'm going to be checking out more of James Lee Hard's books and would recommend them to anyone who loves M/M and romance.
Profile Image for Denise White.
2,026 reviews
September 17, 2015
Wow not bad but needs work

This story was just unrealistic...it started out good but Jake was just to stupid for words and I have no feeling at all for Craig...I didn't connect with him at all...he was just there...the whole Hunter situation was sooo unbelievable....I understood at first about the police thing but after the kidnapping at gun point and still not involve the police was just plain ridiculous...the writing was solid tho just the story was blah...it looks like it may be a book 2...my advise for this author develop the characters more ...make Jake have more of a backbone without the inconsistencies...I may read the next one...
Profile Image for booklover.
1,494 reviews6 followers
July 15, 2015
I absolutely loved this !!
Jake is such a vulnerable, sensitive character which James has managed to portray perfectly as we see him running from his abusive, evil, ex partner Hunter. The things Jake gets verbally subjected to upon return to his home town are awful and heartbreaking especially because of the fact that 1 the people abusing his good nature is his own parent. I fell so in love with Jake and Craig and loved the way their relationship evolved even though they are both dealing with personal issues.
Fantastically written, slightly angsty but some seriously sexy scenes too x
165 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2016
This is the 2nd book I've read by this author. I wasn't disappointed.
Jake is running. Running from a controlling ex, Hunter, who doesn't take being dumped too well.
The only place Jake can go is back home to his abusive father and a cancer striken mother.
Rebuilding high school friendship is the only thing keeping Jake semi sane.....that and an old crush, Craig.
I loved how despite everything weighing on Jake's shoulders Jake still fights back, against Hunter, his dad and high school bullies.
Profile Image for Shaztwirl.
3,308 reviews36 followers
September 8, 2015
I've Read Worse - I've Read Better

Take a main character with low self-esteem, a homophobic parent, a controlling ex, throw in some small town bullies, a supportive best friend, a sick mother and a good dose of miscommunication and turn it into a story that was just ok.
Profile Image for Marcus.
40 reviews10 followers
September 13, 2015
I only noticed that Jake's living circumstances were changing,
no becoming Jake or transformation into Jake.
Jake will remain a person with a low limit of stress tolerance
but now he has what he craved
nice work
Profile Image for Tracy Perry.
1,532 reviews46 followers
November 6, 2015
This was a great read! It was sweet & heartwarming with a bit of angst. I loved both Jake & Craig, their so good together. I'm glad Jake got away & I'm hoping he continues with his HEA, no Hunter :( ! I would love to read more of J& C's story like a couple of years later or something :)
Profile Image for Debfirpo.
450 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2015
Good story

This was a good story. My only problem was the domestic abuse. Hunter should have been in jail but that couldn't happen without Jake going to the police. Then Hunters like ok see you in a few months. So unbelievably. Good story for a rainy day.
3 reviews
May 8, 2016
Becoming Jake

I found this a moving and challenging story between two men for reasons you'll find out have a lengthy separation.
This book will suit any reader with an interest in m/m romance.
Profile Image for Kathy Griffith.
Author 21 books50 followers
August 1, 2015
Great story

Loved the characters! I was glad to see Jake not afraid to cry, that was refreshing. And Hunter? Grrr--- we need a second installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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