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Bound #4
Nothing Serious
Aaron Stevens likes his life the way it is. As a surgical resident, he is perfectly content with the fact that the precious hours he has outside the hospital revolve around taking care of his mother and sister. He doesn’t have the time or inclination for a serious relationship. So the fact his lover lives halfway around the world and is fine with jetting off to exotic locales a couple times a year for a few weeks of hot sex is as close to perfect as he can get.
The last thing Jack Hayes ever expected when his best friend got involved with an American was to hook up with her son. And he sure as hell never imagined it would continue for as long as it has. For years, he has been at Aaron’s beck and call, satisfied with submitting to him whenever Aaron and his busy life allow. But, after a change in his family’s company that has him looking for a new job, and possibly moving, Jack has begun to examine what he really wants in life and isn’t sure stolen moments here and there are enough anymore.
When Jack arrives to attend Aaron’s sister’s wedding, keeping what he and Aaron have a secret begins to take its toll. Aaron is unwilling to come out to his family, afraid of hurting them and ruining what should be the happiest day of his sister’s life. As much as Jack has come to love Aaron, he can’t bring himself to be the dirty secret in Aaron’s closet. Aaron has a choice to make, because the tighter he holds on to keeping their “nothing serious” arrangement, the closer he comes to losing everything.
The last thing Jack Hayes ever expected when his best friend got involved with an American was to hook up with her son. And he sure as hell never imagined it would continue for as long as it has. For years, he has been at Aaron’s beck and call, satisfied with submitting to him whenever Aaron and his busy life allow. But, after a change in his family’s company that has him looking for a new job, and possibly moving, Jack has begun to examine what he really wants in life and isn’t sure stolen moments here and there are enough anymore.
When Jack arrives to attend Aaron’s sister’s wedding, keeping what he and Aaron have a secret begins to take its toll. Aaron is unwilling to come out to his family, afraid of hurting them and ruining what should be the happiest day of his sister’s life. As much as Jack has come to love Aaron, he can’t bring himself to be the dirty secret in Aaron’s closet. Aaron has a choice to make, because the tighter he holds on to keeping their “nothing serious” arrangement, the closer he comes to losing everything.
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2015
3 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Jarman
46 books37 followersI have a good life. Really. I'm married to a great man, have 4 beautiful kids AND I get to do what I love - write. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 25, 2024
4.25**** stars
This story is a tad older (2015) and the only gay love-story amidst a longer series of MF romances but it’s totally fine to go for it as a standalone.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Especially with Greg B giving his voice to bring story and characters to life.
I’m not usually one to go for the romances with a closeted MC but it was fine here and not made too dramatic. Although I must say that I still don’t know I find the reason for Aaron staying in the closet for so long just silly or tragic.
But I loved the drama that ensued between the MCs when push came to shove - or at least that’s what it felt like for Aaron and Jack.
And this is what you get:
❖ a Brit and an American
❖ long-distance hookup arrangement
❖ age-gap
❖ mild kink with D/s dynamic
❖ older sub, younger Dom
❖ one closeted son
❖ one out and proud parents’ best friend
And one wonderful HEA.
This story is a tad older (2015) and the only gay love-story amidst a longer series of MF romances but it’s totally fine to go for it as a standalone.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Especially with Greg B giving his voice to bring story and characters to life.
I’m not usually one to go for the romances with a closeted MC but it was fine here and not made too dramatic. Although I must say that I still don’t know I find the reason for Aaron staying in the closet for so long just silly or tragic.
But I loved the drama that ensued between the MCs when push came to shove - or at least that’s what it felt like for Aaron and Jack.
And this is what you get:
❖ a Brit and an American
❖ long-distance hookup arrangement
❖ age-gap
❖ mild kink with D/s dynamic
❖ older sub, younger Dom
❖ one closeted son
❖ one out and proud parents’ best friend
And one wonderful HEA.
November 24, 2018
Loved it! Listened to the audio and Greg Boudreaux did an amazing job. Aaron and Jack have been "seeing" each other for 8 years. 8 Years!!! That is a very long time for them to be sneaking about and not telling their family that they are in a relationship. Aaron is afraid to come out to his family. Not so much afraid of their reaction, but afraid they will be hurt he has kept the fact he is gay a secret from them. I loved how Aaron and Jack handle their relationship, and the master/boy/bondage aspect was a complete surprise! It was ALL handled wonderfully. Jack isn't pressuring Aaron to tell him parents that he is gay, and is in fact going out of his way to make sure Aaron knows he would never give him an ultimatum. But Aaron still feels the pressure because he knows Jack won't wait for him forever, even though Jack isn't sure himself if he can or can't.
Aaron's family reaction is great and loving and I wish there was another installment with these guys because I want to see more about them finally being together. Over those 8 years they could only meet in secret and for short periods of time; never being able to express themselves when Aaron's family was near. Now that everyone knows and they have admitted their love and are going to live together, I wanted just a smidge more. The ending was great and technically very satisfying, but they haven't defined what they want out of their relationship. Jack is older than Aaron, but I am not sure by how much. Jack is BFF with Nathan, who married Aarons mother, so that means Jack and Nathan and Aarons mom are around the same age, so maybe 20 years age difference? Doe Jack want kids? Does Aaron want kids? Do they want to get married? Those answers aren't required here, but this is why I would love another story for them. :D
5 stars and I do recommend. I've not read the other books in this series and was able to follow everything very well. Not once did I feel like I was missing something from other books in this series so you should feel free to jump right in.
Aaron's family reaction is great and loving and I wish there was another installment with these guys because I want to see more about them finally being together. Over those 8 years they could only meet in secret and for short periods of time; never being able to express themselves when Aaron's family was near. Now that everyone knows and they have admitted their love and are going to live together, I wanted just a smidge more. The ending was great and technically very satisfying, but they haven't defined what they want out of their relationship. Jack is older than Aaron, but I am not sure by how much. Jack is BFF with Nathan, who married Aarons mother, so that means Jack and Nathan and Aarons mom are around the same age, so maybe 20 years age difference? Doe Jack want kids? Does Aaron want kids? Do they want to get married? Those answers aren't required here, but this is why I would love another story for them. :D
5 stars and I do recommend. I've not read the other books in this series and was able to follow everything very well. Not once did I feel like I was missing something from other books in this series so you should feel free to jump right in.
March 20, 2023
For some reason only Erin understands, he is in the closet. It was totally weird. Both protagonists are completely avarage and interchangeable. Add in a time line and sidecharacters to talk to, and you have a novel.
I have already forgotten what I just listened to. It was bland and unimaginative.
Narration was good.
I have already forgotten what I just listened to. It was bland and unimaginative.
Narration was good.
June 24, 2018
I have to agree that Aaron making such a big deal about telling his mother he was gay was kind of silly. After all she was kind and her best friend Jack was gay. But I overlooked all that and enjoyed the story anyway. The sex between Jack and Aaron was totally hot. (I just wish there had been more of it). Over all this is a good read.
February 15, 2018
Angsty B.S... I realize that coming out is difficult even if you have an accepting family but as a romance novel having the main conflict be "I can't tell my family I'm gay because I've waited so long that telling them will hurt them because then they'll know they didn't know" is just plain boring.
February 12, 2018
Audible Review:
Overall 4*
Performance 5*
Story 5*
"Sweety, sexy and everything in between."
Would you consider the audio edition of Nothing Serious to be better than the print version?
Although I usually read books before I listen to them, I listened to Nothing Serious without having read the book so I can't really answer this question! I do plan to go back and read this, I think after I've read London Bound so I can see where Jack and Aaron first met.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Nothing Serious?
There's one scene that sticks with me but I don't want to say what it was because I don't want to "spoil" it for anyone, but it really took me by surprise. And not really in a good way. If I had been reading instead of listening I would have had to put my Kindle down and walked away. I'm not quite sure it was necessary, but I'm also not going to knock the author for putting it in there- I can see why it would work. It just made me a little uncomfortable.
Which scene was your favorite?
I loved the scene with Aaron and his sister at her wedding. I think he really needed to hear what she was saying.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
When Aaron finally came out to his mom. Scenes like that always get to me! I can only imagine how scared and worried he was about telling her that he was gay.Also, when Aaron realized how much hiding their relationship had hurt Jack- he never understood what Jack was sacrificing.
Any additional comments?
This was a really terrific story. I loved Jack and Aaron and how even after so many years they were so devoted to each other. I can't believe they made it 8 years without anyone catching on. It was also a little heartbreaking that they had to hide for so long.
Greg did a wonderful job with the narration! I really enjoyed listening to him bring the characters to life. I like when a male narrator doesn't go overboard trying to sound like a female- I think he did a really good job of just sounding different enough when he did the women's voices.
Overall 4*
Performance 5*
Story 5*
"Sweety, sexy and everything in between."
Would you consider the audio edition of Nothing Serious to be better than the print version?
Although I usually read books before I listen to them, I listened to Nothing Serious without having read the book so I can't really answer this question! I do plan to go back and read this, I think after I've read London Bound so I can see where Jack and Aaron first met.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Nothing Serious?
There's one scene that sticks with me but I don't want to say what it was because I don't want to "spoil" it for anyone, but it really took me by surprise. And not really in a good way. If I had been reading instead of listening I would have had to put my Kindle down and walked away. I'm not quite sure it was necessary, but I'm also not going to knock the author for putting it in there- I can see why it would work. It just made me a little uncomfortable.
Which scene was your favorite?
I loved the scene with Aaron and his sister at her wedding. I think he really needed to hear what she was saying.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
When Aaron finally came out to his mom. Scenes like that always get to me! I can only imagine how scared and worried he was about telling her that he was gay.Also, when Aaron realized how much hiding their relationship had hurt Jack- he never understood what Jack was sacrificing.
Any additional comments?
This was a really terrific story. I loved Jack and Aaron and how even after so many years they were so devoted to each other. I can't believe they made it 8 years without anyone catching on. It was also a little heartbreaking that they had to hide for so long.
Greg did a wonderful job with the narration! I really enjoyed listening to him bring the characters to life. I like when a male narrator doesn't go overboard trying to sound like a female- I think he did a really good job of just sounding different enough when he did the women's voices.
September 12, 2015
Nothing Serious by Jessica Jarman is one of those special books, when upon finishing it, all you want is to read more; you’re sad it’s over; and you find that you must squee about how awesome it is with others who’ve read it. Seriously. It is just that wonderful.
Loosely connected to London Bound, the first book in the Bound series (also penned by Ms. Jarman), Nothing Serious picks up this world over eight years forward in time, where we see the original h/h, Nathan and Meg, happily married and her two college-aged children now grown and moving out on their own. The story focuses on the secret affair between Jack, Nathan’s out-of-the-closet best friend, and Meg’s son Aaron, a firmly in-the-closet ER doctor. With Aaron’s sister getting married, Jack comes to town, placing the pair in close proximity while surrounded by family and friends. Even though the pair has been meeting around the world for secret trysts for eight years, they’ve never been together around family and friends, and the stress of the hidden situation may break the pair apart for good.
The story unfolds organically and beautifully, giving both Jack and Aaron time to figure out what each wants from the other and for his own life. While the couple has a history of amazing sexual chemistry, the two men are in different places in their lives, creating a tension that causes the story to hum and vibrate rather that sit stagnant. It is evident right from the get go that Jack is deeply emotionally attached to Aaron, while Aaron hasn’t really taken the time to realize what Jack means to him. Jack has always accepted this, enjoying their passionate, yet infrequent rendezvous with everything he has. He is fun and gentle, unwilling to push Aaron into something he’s not ready for, endearing him to me so very much. Their dynamic captured me completely, and I was thoroughly engrossed in their romance.
What makes Nothing Serious stand out is the depth of the emotional content Ms. Jarman masters within the story. I cried fat tears of heartbreak and happy tears of joy all within the confines of the book. Jack and Aaron’s circumstances gripped me completely, not letting go until long after I was finished reading the tale. There is nothing frivolous or thoughtless tossed into the book, creating a quick read that you won’t want to put down. And while the connection between Aaron and Jack is sublime, the author has created a cast full of lovable characters, each adding wonderful interpersonal connections and dialogue to the story.
In the end, Nothing Serious is a story that will stick with me for a long while; a book I will read again and again.
My Rating: A+ Personal Favorite
Originally posted at that's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by author.
Loosely connected to London Bound, the first book in the Bound series (also penned by Ms. Jarman), Nothing Serious picks up this world over eight years forward in time, where we see the original h/h, Nathan and Meg, happily married and her two college-aged children now grown and moving out on their own. The story focuses on the secret affair between Jack, Nathan’s out-of-the-closet best friend, and Meg’s son Aaron, a firmly in-the-closet ER doctor. With Aaron’s sister getting married, Jack comes to town, placing the pair in close proximity while surrounded by family and friends. Even though the pair has been meeting around the world for secret trysts for eight years, they’ve never been together around family and friends, and the stress of the hidden situation may break the pair apart for good.
The story unfolds organically and beautifully, giving both Jack and Aaron time to figure out what each wants from the other and for his own life. While the couple has a history of amazing sexual chemistry, the two men are in different places in their lives, creating a tension that causes the story to hum and vibrate rather that sit stagnant. It is evident right from the get go that Jack is deeply emotionally attached to Aaron, while Aaron hasn’t really taken the time to realize what Jack means to him. Jack has always accepted this, enjoying their passionate, yet infrequent rendezvous with everything he has. He is fun and gentle, unwilling to push Aaron into something he’s not ready for, endearing him to me so very much. Their dynamic captured me completely, and I was thoroughly engrossed in their romance.
What makes Nothing Serious stand out is the depth of the emotional content Ms. Jarman masters within the story. I cried fat tears of heartbreak and happy tears of joy all within the confines of the book. Jack and Aaron’s circumstances gripped me completely, not letting go until long after I was finished reading the tale. There is nothing frivolous or thoughtless tossed into the book, creating a quick read that you won’t want to put down. And while the connection between Aaron and Jack is sublime, the author has created a cast full of lovable characters, each adding wonderful interpersonal connections and dialogue to the story.
In the end, Nothing Serious is a story that will stick with me for a long while; a book I will read again and again.
My Rating: A+ Personal Favorite
Originally posted at that's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by author.
October 23, 2019
3.5 stars, rounding up for the 5 star narration
I heard some praise about the Nothing Serious audiobook in and online group, so when the chance to listen and review the title became available, I was excited to see if it lived up to the hype. In many ways it did. I had never read a book within this series or even by the author before, but this title reads perfectly well as a standalone.
In general, I quite liked the characters in Nothing Serious. The pairing of Aaron and Jack was somewhat unexpected and the history of them and their interrelationships made things that much more interesting. I liked these two together and thought the emotional connection, though not as intense as the physical side, was present and developed more as the book progressed. Though the Dominant/submissive trope may not be my favorite, the scenes in Nothing Serious were hot, well-written, and their sexual relationship didn’t overshadow their developing romance nor decrease my interest in their story. My issue with Nothing Serious was twofold. Generally, I try not to judge plot devices or an author’s choices for their characters because it’s not my place as the reader, but every so often it’s unavoidable and that’s what happened here. The reasons for Aaron’s choice to stay closeted didn’t really fit with the character presented, especially considering how long he’d been in some sort of relationship with Jack. Try as I did to just roll with it, this plot point took me out of the story leaving me with more questions than answers, and when I did get answers they weren’t all that satisfying. The other aspect that kept me from loving Nothing Serious was it all got a little too easy in the end. For so much of the book, the communication between the men and Aaron making a choice to pursue a relationship with Jack was like pulling teeth, then the tipping point occurred (which I did really like), and it was just a quick fix and dismissal. Overall, I’d describe Nothing Serious as good, but not great.
What was great about this audiobook was the narration. Mr. Boudreaux’s tone, pacing, and character voices/accents brought the story to life and kept me fully engaged even when I grew frustrated with the characters and some plot points. If you’re at all considering this title, I highly recommend choosing the audiobook version because the performance definitely enhances the book.
*I was provided a copy of this audiobook. The publisher and author had no influence over this review*
I heard some praise about the Nothing Serious audiobook in and online group, so when the chance to listen and review the title became available, I was excited to see if it lived up to the hype. In many ways it did. I had never read a book within this series or even by the author before, but this title reads perfectly well as a standalone.
In general, I quite liked the characters in Nothing Serious. The pairing of Aaron and Jack was somewhat unexpected and the history of them and their interrelationships made things that much more interesting. I liked these two together and thought the emotional connection, though not as intense as the physical side, was present and developed more as the book progressed. Though the Dominant/submissive trope may not be my favorite, the scenes in Nothing Serious were hot, well-written, and their sexual relationship didn’t overshadow their developing romance nor decrease my interest in their story. My issue with Nothing Serious was twofold. Generally, I try not to judge plot devices or an author’s choices for their characters because it’s not my place as the reader, but every so often it’s unavoidable and that’s what happened here. The reasons for Aaron’s choice to stay closeted didn’t really fit with the character presented, especially considering how long he’d been in some sort of relationship with Jack. Try as I did to just roll with it, this plot point took me out of the story leaving me with more questions than answers, and when I did get answers they weren’t all that satisfying. The other aspect that kept me from loving Nothing Serious was it all got a little too easy in the end. For so much of the book, the communication between the men and Aaron making a choice to pursue a relationship with Jack was like pulling teeth, then the tipping point occurred (which I did really like), and it was just a quick fix and dismissal. Overall, I’d describe Nothing Serious as good, but not great.
What was great about this audiobook was the narration. Mr. Boudreaux’s tone, pacing, and character voices/accents brought the story to life and kept me fully engaged even when I grew frustrated with the characters and some plot points. If you’re at all considering this title, I highly recommend choosing the audiobook version because the performance definitely enhances the book.
*I was provided a copy of this audiobook. The publisher and author had no influence over this review*
November 7, 2018
This was okay. I was a little confused about all the age difference and though, I will say bdsm is not my thing (and I just plain on ffwd the st andrew's cross scene) - I enjoyed the sex / writing/ for the most part.
Eventually, it became a little to cliché for me and there were other squicky things that I'm not a fond of (my style, not the author's fault). I don't think the ages were explained clearly between the mom, the step dad, the kid, the boyfriend (the best friend) the sister… and I thought the author was evidently just winging it.
Also it didn't really discuss how they lived in some Midwestern state and it was totally normal for British people to be there and if Jack was going to (Michigan, was it?) - about getting a job, and visa issues, and etc… I mean, lol, I am an immigrant and even though the ENGLISH are white, they still need visas to visit, to work, etc…
My problem isn't with the plot but the little details. Like if you're gonna focus on people from other countries visiting all the time and all that - like make it real and don't gloss over.
I suppose in the end, I kind of just thought the author was like they're rich white people so they have zero problems with money and travel and visas and customs and immigration or whatever… (God, I am a nerd).
I'm not saying I need essays on the customs officials at the airport; I'm talking about an acknowledgement. Like, do you even know what you're talking about?
In the end, its 3 stars for effort. The story was good and believable (even if details were missing) and the angst was good and tragic (even if whiny bitches were just whiny at all times) - great idea, poor execution.
Eventually, it became a little to cliché for me and there were other squicky things that I'm not a fond of (my style, not the author's fault). I don't think the ages were explained clearly between the mom, the step dad, the kid, the boyfriend (the best friend) the sister… and I thought the author was evidently just winging it.
Also it didn't really discuss how they lived in some Midwestern state and it was totally normal for British people to be there and if Jack was going to (Michigan, was it?) - about getting a job, and visa issues, and etc… I mean, lol, I am an immigrant and even though the ENGLISH are white, they still need visas to visit, to work, etc…
My problem isn't with the plot but the little details. Like if you're gonna focus on people from other countries visiting all the time and all that - like make it real and don't gloss over.
I suppose in the end, I kind of just thought the author was like they're rich white people so they have zero problems with money and travel and visas and customs and immigration or whatever… (God, I am a nerd).
I'm not saying I need essays on the customs officials at the airport; I'm talking about an acknowledgement. Like, do you even know what you're talking about?
In the end, its 3 stars for effort. The story was good and believable (even if details were missing) and the angst was good and tragic (even if whiny bitches were just whiny at all times) - great idea, poor execution.
June 20, 2018
Ok story. Great narration.
March 5, 2019
This might be my favorite M/M ever! Jack and Aaron’s story was a little forbidden and a lot dirty. I loved their connection, their passion, and their honesty. I loved everything about these characters!!
May 22, 2018
Listening to Nothing Serious is a revisit to one of my all-time favorite stories. The narration by Greg Boudreaux added emotional depth to this passionate tale. From my original review:
The story unfolds organically and beautifully, giving both Jack and Aaron time to figure out what each wants from the other and for his own life. While the couple has a history of amazing sexual chemistry, the two men are in different places in their lives, creating a tension that causes the story to hum and vibrate rather that sit stagnant. It is evident right from the get go that Jack is deeply emotionally attached to Aaron, while Aaron hasn’t really taken the time to realize what Jack means to him. Jack has always accepted this, enjoying their passionate, yet infrequent rendezvous with everything he has. He is fun and gentle, unwilling to push Aaron into something he’s not ready for, endearing him to me so very much. Their dynamic captured me completely, and I was thoroughly engrossed in their romance.
At first, the narration by Mr. Boudreaux threw me because his “neutral” narrator voice was an unaccented English accent, sounding very much like Aaron. So when it was Jack’s point of view, I wanted the narrator to have a similar English accent that Jack had. But I got used to the back and forth after a couple chapters. His accents are convincing to this untrained ear. His female voices are higher-pitched and decisively feminine, many strong and matching the characters’ personas.
In the end, I absolutely love Nothing Serious and the timeless romance between Aaron and Jack. The narrator does wonderful job with intensity and non-verbal sounds and cues, bringing the entire experience up a notch.
My Rating: A+
Narration: A-
The story unfolds organically and beautifully, giving both Jack and Aaron time to figure out what each wants from the other and for his own life. While the couple has a history of amazing sexual chemistry, the two men are in different places in their lives, creating a tension that causes the story to hum and vibrate rather that sit stagnant. It is evident right from the get go that Jack is deeply emotionally attached to Aaron, while Aaron hasn’t really taken the time to realize what Jack means to him. Jack has always accepted this, enjoying their passionate, yet infrequent rendezvous with everything he has. He is fun and gentle, unwilling to push Aaron into something he’s not ready for, endearing him to me so very much. Their dynamic captured me completely, and I was thoroughly engrossed in their romance.
At first, the narration by Mr. Boudreaux threw me because his “neutral” narrator voice was an unaccented English accent, sounding very much like Aaron. So when it was Jack’s point of view, I wanted the narrator to have a similar English accent that Jack had. But I got used to the back and forth after a couple chapters. His accents are convincing to this untrained ear. His female voices are higher-pitched and decisively feminine, many strong and matching the characters’ personas.
In the end, I absolutely love Nothing Serious and the timeless romance between Aaron and Jack. The narrator does wonderful job with intensity and non-verbal sounds and cues, bringing the entire experience up a notch.
My Rating: A+
Narration: A-
February 22, 2018
This is by far one of the best M/M books I read this year, an honestly there are so many good things about it I don’t know where to start...
I Loved- loved- LOVED-!!!!! Greg Boudreaux’s narration, this is not my first book performed by him and he has quickly gone up the ranking of my favorite narrators and is right there at the top along with some pretty awesome people -Joel Leslie, Michael Lesley, John Solo and Tristan James, to name a few.
So, I knew from the start I would like this book and had high expectations, after listening and loving his narration of Annabeth Albert’s Wheels Up twice. But, alas, my expectation was so far from the incredible performance Greg put into this story, I was completely blown away.
His voice has a raw quality I adore, he manages to portray deep emotions with pitch, has mad accents skills and can turn you into a goosefleshed, trembling mess of goo with nothing more than breathing. His narration is clearly a cherry on top of this wonderful story, but such a sweet cherry it is! The female characters were charming and funny, the English accent accurate, and all the groaning and moaning and other delicious smexy goodness that this book provided was expertly turned into sound waves of heaven by him. He put Aaron and Jack’s love for each other in every word and it shows, in the affectionate way Aaron says “Pet” and flustered way Jack curses. I am so lucky to have been given the opportunity to listen and review this book, as I enjoyed it thoroughly and will likely do so again and again.
Now about the story!
First, I would like to say how wonderful it is to se an M/M as part of a mainly M/F series, and have it done right. I do not think Jessica Jarman has Other M/M books in her repertoire (as far as I saw) and am delighted to find a new author I would not have likely discovered otherwise. Secondly, as it is a series and I have not read the other books prior, the author did a fantastic job putting the reader into an ongoing situation and characters with a lot of shared history, but not ONCE did I feel like I was missing any details. In fact, friends-to lovers is one of my favorite tropes because of that history the relationship is then later built on, here we don’t have the exact same thing, but you still get that feel of a long-term connection and friendship that just got deeper. I also liked they were both equal, there is little physical description, no eye colors to amaze us with their impossible combinations of green-blue-gray-brown-dark-stormy-bright….I can go on. In both the writing and narration, they are clearly not centered around what’s outside, and are both regularly masculine (nothing wrong with femme but sometimes books fall into clichés like that). I liked that they are just two guys, who like guys. There are no lengthy depictions of beauty and unattainable ideals. They have a rawness and normalcy about them that is just fantastic.
I would also like to talk a bit about the BDSM/Kink elements. I usually do not look for BDSM books because I find some of them a bit repetitive, rich Dom in a pricy club and lots of expensive props and elaborate scenes. And while I did read some I liked there is a place were it’s hard for me to relate to the characters because it feels like a situation so removed from the average person’s life. So, in this book I was extremely surprised and delighted to read a BDSM relationship that felt real, I could relate to it, and the author wisely chose characters in a place were they already have a lot of experience with each other and we don’t have to go through the “getting to know you” period. And indeed, Aaron an Jack have an easygoing vibe about them, they are clearly meant to be together once they overcome the hurdles in their path. It was wonderful to have relatively hardcore BDSM without it being the center point of the book. In fact, it was so delicately incorporated into the story it felt ingrained and allowed me, as the reader, to understand the characters better. I LOVE books that have kink as a part of the connection and not the reason they connect, like in Annabeth Albert’s Wheels Up that is also narrated by Greg Boudreaux (and is amazing, and you would totally like it if you liked this book). Like in any romantic relationship, the sexual part is not everything, sometimes BDSM books tend to get stuck on all the props and actions rather than the emotions of two regular people. The way Aaron called Jack “Pet” is, to me, not a derogatory word as part of a scene, but rather a natural term of endearment that embodies the complexity of their relationship. Aaron and Jack have a lot of trust in a scene, their sexual chemistry is incredibly erotic, but they are much more then long-term hookups. They have come to a point where they need to decide if they want to be more and can face the consequences. And that is where they must learn to trust each other and the people around them.
The fact they are from different continents only added to the very delayed timing of that crucial realization. That was another great thing about the book, there are so many variables in their relationship, but the author chooses not to delve into unnecessary issues and keeps the focus on them throughout the book. There is also NO unnecessary drama, the conflicts they face are very real, and the reason Aaron is still in the closet is also very relatable. I LOVED that, because again it kept the book real, down to earth, about Aaron and Jack and not Dom-Sub/ Closeted-Out and proud gay man. Aaron’s family is fantastic, you can feel the love between them and the joy they have by just being a family (despite the fact Aaron’s father died and him mother has a new husband, Jack’s best friend).
I was just moved and touched by this book in every way imaginable.
I Loved- loved- LOVED-!!!!! Greg Boudreaux’s narration, this is not my first book performed by him and he has quickly gone up the ranking of my favorite narrators and is right there at the top along with some pretty awesome people -Joel Leslie, Michael Lesley, John Solo and Tristan James, to name a few.
So, I knew from the start I would like this book and had high expectations, after listening and loving his narration of Annabeth Albert’s Wheels Up twice. But, alas, my expectation was so far from the incredible performance Greg put into this story, I was completely blown away.
His voice has a raw quality I adore, he manages to portray deep emotions with pitch, has mad accents skills and can turn you into a goosefleshed, trembling mess of goo with nothing more than breathing. His narration is clearly a cherry on top of this wonderful story, but such a sweet cherry it is! The female characters were charming and funny, the English accent accurate, and all the groaning and moaning and other delicious smexy goodness that this book provided was expertly turned into sound waves of heaven by him. He put Aaron and Jack’s love for each other in every word and it shows, in the affectionate way Aaron says “Pet” and flustered way Jack curses. I am so lucky to have been given the opportunity to listen and review this book, as I enjoyed it thoroughly and will likely do so again and again.
Now about the story!
First, I would like to say how wonderful it is to se an M/M as part of a mainly M/F series, and have it done right. I do not think Jessica Jarman has Other M/M books in her repertoire (as far as I saw) and am delighted to find a new author I would not have likely discovered otherwise. Secondly, as it is a series and I have not read the other books prior, the author did a fantastic job putting the reader into an ongoing situation and characters with a lot of shared history, but not ONCE did I feel like I was missing any details. In fact, friends-to lovers is one of my favorite tropes because of that history the relationship is then later built on, here we don’t have the exact same thing, but you still get that feel of a long-term connection and friendship that just got deeper. I also liked they were both equal, there is little physical description, no eye colors to amaze us with their impossible combinations of green-blue-gray-brown-dark-stormy-bright….I can go on. In both the writing and narration, they are clearly not centered around what’s outside, and are both regularly masculine (nothing wrong with femme but sometimes books fall into clichés like that). I liked that they are just two guys, who like guys. There are no lengthy depictions of beauty and unattainable ideals. They have a rawness and normalcy about them that is just fantastic.
I would also like to talk a bit about the BDSM/Kink elements. I usually do not look for BDSM books because I find some of them a bit repetitive, rich Dom in a pricy club and lots of expensive props and elaborate scenes. And while I did read some I liked there is a place were it’s hard for me to relate to the characters because it feels like a situation so removed from the average person’s life. So, in this book I was extremely surprised and delighted to read a BDSM relationship that felt real, I could relate to it, and the author wisely chose characters in a place were they already have a lot of experience with each other and we don’t have to go through the “getting to know you” period. And indeed, Aaron an Jack have an easygoing vibe about them, they are clearly meant to be together once they overcome the hurdles in their path. It was wonderful to have relatively hardcore BDSM without it being the center point of the book. In fact, it was so delicately incorporated into the story it felt ingrained and allowed me, as the reader, to understand the characters better. I LOVE books that have kink as a part of the connection and not the reason they connect, like in Annabeth Albert’s Wheels Up that is also narrated by Greg Boudreaux (and is amazing, and you would totally like it if you liked this book). Like in any romantic relationship, the sexual part is not everything, sometimes BDSM books tend to get stuck on all the props and actions rather than the emotions of two regular people. The way Aaron called Jack “Pet” is, to me, not a derogatory word as part of a scene, but rather a natural term of endearment that embodies the complexity of their relationship. Aaron and Jack have a lot of trust in a scene, their sexual chemistry is incredibly erotic, but they are much more then long-term hookups. They have come to a point where they need to decide if they want to be more and can face the consequences. And that is where they must learn to trust each other and the people around them.
The fact they are from different continents only added to the very delayed timing of that crucial realization. That was another great thing about the book, there are so many variables in their relationship, but the author chooses not to delve into unnecessary issues and keeps the focus on them throughout the book. There is also NO unnecessary drama, the conflicts they face are very real, and the reason Aaron is still in the closet is also very relatable. I LOVED that, because again it kept the book real, down to earth, about Aaron and Jack and not Dom-Sub/ Closeted-Out and proud gay man. Aaron’s family is fantastic, you can feel the love between them and the joy they have by just being a family (despite the fact Aaron’s father died and him mother has a new husband, Jack’s best friend).
I was just moved and touched by this book in every way imaginable.
November 15, 2015
The blurb sums up this book quite nicely. Nothing else happens, but that doesn't matter. I loved seeing how Aaron and Jack both slowly arrive at the realization that they want more than the past several years of 'nothing serious' they have had together. Both of them refraining from saying it out loud in case the other doesn't feel the same way.
Some readers don't much care for nicknames or endearments, but I absolutely love it when a Dom calls his sub 'pet' and there's a lot of that in this one.
What I did not like, and it has to be said, was the bad editing. It literally hurts when I see good book tainted by something that should be an easy fix.
Some readers don't much care for nicknames or endearments, but I absolutely love it when a Dom calls his sub 'pet' and there's a lot of that in this one.
What I did not like, and it has to be said, was the bad editing. It literally hurts when I see good book tainted by something that should be an easy fix.
August 19, 2019
My only issue was, and it was a huge issue with me, 8 years and you were okay about hiding this relationship. Really????? But once I got past that, it was a wonderful story of watching this two come to the realization that they are so way past the "nothing serious" stage. I just couldn't believe that they were never found out in all that time. They were so hot together. I loved the D/s relationship & I so love a Dom calling his sub "pet". As always, Mr. Boudreaux did an amazing job narrating this story.
Audiobook provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Audiobook provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2018
I enjoyed the long road love story, the BDSM connection between Aaron and Jack. The forbidden relationship and one person in the closet aspects were good too. But so overdone. Characters reacted (over-reacted) constantly. I got tired of Jack or Natan storming out instead of freaking talking to one another.
Bought from Audible
Bought from Audible
July 9, 2018
So this was my first Jessica Jarman book and I really enjoyed it, but mostly because of the hotness factor, not so much the plot - probably because there wasn't much of a plot outside of what you read in the synopsis.
Aaron is closeted, but has been having a secret relationship for 8 years with his stepfather's best friend, Jack. Jack is a cute older Brit who is not closeted and has developed some strong feelings for Aaron, but he doesn't want to keep hiding his relationship and wants to take it to the next step. Unfortunately, Aaron keeps making excuses for not coming out to his family, even though he knows his family will be supportive (besides his hateful grandmother). He's delayed it for so long that he knows his mom will be upset, but he doesn't want to blurt it out now before his sister's wedding. Now that Jack is in town from London, his relationship with Aaron gets intense and their emotions and connection grow. But again, Aaron is scared to come out and keeps coming up with a reason to delay telling them.
Honestly, I didn't quite understand Aaron's reasons, but who am I to decide that? However, if I were Jack, I would have dumped him a long time ago so that I could stop being someone's dirty little secret. But I really thought they were cute together and I got why he stuck around. Sexually, they were very compatible and I don't know that I would have given up someone who understood me that well. Speaking of their sexual relationship - they have a D/s relationship, which was unexpected. And Aaron was the Dom, which was also surprising given how much younger than Jack he was. But he was certainly a good one - there were some parts where he was a bit too aggressive than I'd have liked and I cringed, but apparently it was consensual and Jack loved it, so kudos to them for making it work.
Overall, a sweet read that lacked in an interesting plot, plus the heat factor more than made up for it.
Aaron is closeted, but has been having a secret relationship for 8 years with his stepfather's best friend, Jack. Jack is a cute older Brit who is not closeted and has developed some strong feelings for Aaron, but he doesn't want to keep hiding his relationship and wants to take it to the next step. Unfortunately, Aaron keeps making excuses for not coming out to his family, even though he knows his family will be supportive (besides his hateful grandmother). He's delayed it for so long that he knows his mom will be upset, but he doesn't want to blurt it out now before his sister's wedding. Now that Jack is in town from London, his relationship with Aaron gets intense and their emotions and connection grow. But again, Aaron is scared to come out and keeps coming up with a reason to delay telling them.
Honestly, I didn't quite understand Aaron's reasons, but who am I to decide that? However, if I were Jack, I would have dumped him a long time ago so that I could stop being someone's dirty little secret. But I really thought they were cute together and I got why he stuck around. Sexually, they were very compatible and I don't know that I would have given up someone who understood me that well. Speaking of their sexual relationship - they have a D/s relationship, which was unexpected. And Aaron was the Dom, which was also surprising given how much younger than Jack he was. But he was certainly a good one - there were some parts where he was a bit too aggressive than I'd have liked and I cringed, but apparently it was consensual and Jack loved it, so kudos to them for making it work.
Overall, a sweet read that lacked in an interesting plot, plus the heat factor more than made up for it.
March 5, 2018
📣audio review📣
This was my first listen from this author and I really did love it. I was entertained from start to finish. I did think the base storyline was one that is well told but adding in the dom/sub element really made it stand out to me.
I could tell I was stepping in mid-series but I definitely didn’t need to hear the prior books to understand the characters or secondary characters.
The narration was on point. Greg Boudreaux did an amazing British accent and switch effortlessly to American.
This was my first listen from this author and I really did love it. I was entertained from start to finish. I did think the base storyline was one that is well told but adding in the dom/sub element really made it stand out to me.
I could tell I was stepping in mid-series but I definitely didn’t need to hear the prior books to understand the characters or secondary characters.
The narration was on point. Greg Boudreaux did an amazing British accent and switch effortlessly to American.
June 28, 2022
overall cute, well balanced levels of angst.
but ffs everything about aaron’s mom and how she handles his coming out—both to him and then later when she shows up to take her anger and hurt out on jack. sure, they talk through it and she admits it’s mostly performative—which begs the question of why she (and, more to the point, the person who wrote her) felt the need to centre her feelings. like her being hurt, her being angry—that I understand. but why tf did it take up such a huge amount of page space when she’s not a pov character. fucking gross.
but ffs everything about aaron’s mom and how she handles his coming out—both to him and then later when she shows up to take her anger and hurt out on jack. sure, they talk through it and she admits it’s mostly performative—which begs the question of why she (and, more to the point, the person who wrote her) felt the need to centre her feelings. like her being hurt, her being angry—that I understand. but why tf did it take up such a huge amount of page space when she’s not a pov character. fucking gross.
January 20, 2020
3.5 Stars
I liked this one, but wanted to shake Aaron at times. His sister is grown and his mom is an open-minded functioning adult. I didn't buy his need to protect them by staying closeted. Eventually, Aaron didn't either. Faced with the possibility of losing Jack and tired of being alone, Aaron does find the courage. His mom's reaction was everything it should have been. She gave him all her love and support.
I liked this one, but wanted to shake Aaron at times. His sister is grown and his mom is an open-minded functioning adult. I didn't buy his need to protect them by staying closeted. Eventually, Aaron didn't either. Faced with the possibility of losing Jack and tired of being alone, Aaron does find the courage. His mom's reaction was everything it should have been. She gave him all her love and support.
August 24, 2018
Wow Aaron and Jack such hot scenes. Aaron taking on a responsibility after his father died at an age most are finding themselves, and Jack living his life as he likes. They come together and burn the pages. Well written and and enjoyable. I listened to this and the perfect person did the reading Kudos.
May 20, 2018
I loved this story so much! I wanted Jack to find someone from the moment we met him. I loved that Aaron was the one that Jack found and fell in love with. I loved getting to spend time with Meg and Nathan again and the entire family. Such a wonderful story!!!
dnf
January 16, 2021The audio narration is great, but I didn't manage to finish this book, probably partly because of the age gap, or maybe it was just too angsty for me right now. I don't know. I've been in a picky mood these last months and I've realised I won't finish this.
February 13, 2018
Like the story, love the narration.
Like Aaron, love Jack.
Greg Tremblay does such a good job switching back and forth seamlessly between different characters/accents.
3* story
5* narration
Like Aaron, love Jack.
Greg Tremblay does such a good job switching back and forth seamlessly between different characters/accents.
3* story
5* narration
February 14, 2018
Sexy, funny and surprisingly tender. I loved Aaron's mother so much!!
February 24, 2018
2.5 - it had some redeeming, but not enough. I found Jack a lot more likeable than his closeted idiot.
April 16, 2019
**AUDIOBOOK**
Great book!
Hot, bdsm, dad's best friend, age gap, coming out, British accent. This book had it all and I really enjoyed not only the storyline but the superb narration!
Great book!
Hot, bdsm, dad's best friend, age gap, coming out, British accent. This book had it all and I really enjoyed not only the storyline but the superb narration!
December 9, 2022
ignoring the age gap xx
December 24, 2021
Listened audiobook.
February 6, 2016
4.5 Heart Review by Roberta
Wow, can I say that this book was really steamy, and yet, it was so heartbreaking. These two men who have had this 8 year “relationship” and each had fallen in love with the other…and yet…they couldn’t really seem to get their stuff together.
I loved the fact that these two men had this long-term relationship and that they truly loved each other. They had some serious obstacles in their way…namely…themselves.
Aaron, the surgical resident whose life is busy as all get out and really has no inclination for a traditional relationship, yet…he has one-ish with Jack. Jack whom he loves like no other and the truly the only man that he wants. Aaron has known he was gay from a young age and told his father before he passed. His father told him that he loved him and that he should not tell his mother for a bit as she was going to be going thru a lot in regards to his passing. Aaron never told his mother or his sister and he has his reasons, yet, it was becoming harder as time went on to hide whom he is.
Jack, is the best friend of Aaron’s stepfather and a really good friend of Aaron’s mother. Jack is having a professional crisis as he is looking for a job and is offered on here in the states, but he’s unsure about how Aaron would feel. Jack has known that he was in love with Aaron for awhile now and has not done anything regarding it, as Aaron isn’t out to his family. Jack is going thru his own issues with friends and family as they see that he’s not dating and just want him to be happy and find that person of his own. Jack’s fear of Aaron finding out that he’s in love with him truly holds him back and yet, Jack knows that changes in their relationship MUST occur or they won’t make it.
I will say that I love the dynamic of their relationship. I love the way that these two men interact with each other, however, their biggest issues seem to be that they refuse to actually communicate with each other. I get that story needed some sort of tension, but really…when it was time for these two to talk…they just wouldn’t open their mouths and speak their truth…which truly irritated me, let me tell you. Yelling at inanimate objects is really frustrating when they don’t argue back…let me tell you!!
The sexy times in this book was off the charts and it was really well done. These two men had had this 8 year sexual relationship and it showed in the level of intimacy that these two shared. They know each other and it really showed in their steamy scenes.
I really enjoyed this book and really want to read more of the series. I already reviewed another book in the series and didn’t even realize it….sigh…to many books. But this book is one you really should pick up and be taken on a great ride.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Wow, can I say that this book was really steamy, and yet, it was so heartbreaking. These two men who have had this 8 year “relationship” and each had fallen in love with the other…and yet…they couldn’t really seem to get their stuff together.
I loved the fact that these two men had this long-term relationship and that they truly loved each other. They had some serious obstacles in their way…namely…themselves.
Aaron, the surgical resident whose life is busy as all get out and really has no inclination for a traditional relationship, yet…he has one-ish with Jack. Jack whom he loves like no other and the truly the only man that he wants. Aaron has known he was gay from a young age and told his father before he passed. His father told him that he loved him and that he should not tell his mother for a bit as she was going to be going thru a lot in regards to his passing. Aaron never told his mother or his sister and he has his reasons, yet, it was becoming harder as time went on to hide whom he is.
Jack, is the best friend of Aaron’s stepfather and a really good friend of Aaron’s mother. Jack is having a professional crisis as he is looking for a job and is offered on here in the states, but he’s unsure about how Aaron would feel. Jack has known that he was in love with Aaron for awhile now and has not done anything regarding it, as Aaron isn’t out to his family. Jack is going thru his own issues with friends and family as they see that he’s not dating and just want him to be happy and find that person of his own. Jack’s fear of Aaron finding out that he’s in love with him truly holds him back and yet, Jack knows that changes in their relationship MUST occur or they won’t make it.
I will say that I love the dynamic of their relationship. I love the way that these two men interact with each other, however, their biggest issues seem to be that they refuse to actually communicate with each other. I get that story needed some sort of tension, but really…when it was time for these two to talk…they just wouldn’t open their mouths and speak their truth…which truly irritated me, let me tell you. Yelling at inanimate objects is really frustrating when they don’t argue back…let me tell you!!
The sexy times in this book was off the charts and it was really well done. These two men had had this 8 year sexual relationship and it showed in the level of intimacy that these two shared. They know each other and it really showed in their steamy scenes.
I really enjoyed this book and really want to read more of the series. I already reviewed another book in the series and didn’t even realize it….sigh…to many books. But this book is one you really should pick up and be taken on a great ride.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
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