What do you think?
Rate this book
Small Steps
Ben Amann currently hates The accident that temporarily put him in a wheelchair, the fact that he has to go for rehab and live in an assisted living home as well. Sebastian Hofers, the good looking but equally bad-tempered new assistant to his rehab therapist changes that.
Sebastian has two choices after causing an accident while driving community service hours or go to jail. The decision is a no-brainer, and so he meets Ben at the rehab center. The two of them hit it off and slowly, Sebastian sees more than just a patient in Ben.
But their growing relationship faces hard trials, not only because of Sebastian’s heavy drinking, but also because of the
Two ill-tempered men, a lot of hang-ups, a shared hope, and a destroyed dream.
Trigger deals with alcohol abuse and alcoholism
Sebastian has two choices after causing an accident while driving community service hours or go to jail. The decision is a no-brainer, and so he meets Ben at the rehab center. The two of them hit it off and slowly, Sebastian sees more than just a patient in Ben.
But their growing relationship faces hard trials, not only because of Sebastian’s heavy drinking, but also because of the
Two ill-tempered men, a lot of hang-ups, a shared hope, and a destroyed dream.
Trigger deals with alcohol abuse and alcoholism
ebook
First published September 7, 2015
12 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Read
October 23, 2015(Can be considered to contain spoilers, so read with caution.)
The blurb pretty much explains the main thrust of this story. Sebastian got drunk, hit a car which in turn hit Ben’s car, causing him to be in a wheel-chair and severely scarred. When the story starts we don’t know if the paralysis is permanent or not.
For his punishment, Sebastian is given 200 hours of community services at a physical rehabilitation clinic, coincidentally the same clinic Ben uses.
Through pure chance, the two end up working together and forming a friendship. When they learn who the other is to one another there is of course shock and disbelief. Ben’s friends help him to realize he has to forgive Sebastian as it does no good to harbor any anger.
Sebastian tries to release his guilt but his drinking continues to get in the way of his moving forward with any sort of healthy relationship – with anybody – much less Ben.
**
I have to admit that I DNF’d this book at the 70% mark. I just couldn’t keep reading. For this I am sorry, but I felt pretty strongly about several things.
I’d read Ms. McHart’s other books and liked them, so though I was leery of this book based on the blurb, I wanted to give it a try. I don’t think the writing is all bad, but I do feel there is maybe some cultural differences that are present which make this book very hard for me to read.
One of my biggest problems with this book is the idea that Sebastian nearly killed someone and he ends up with only 200 hours of community service. THEN that community services puts him in contact with people like Ben, and in fact with Ben when his lawyer did all he could to protect Ben from meeting Sebastian. THEN the community service guy is massaging patients! How would that happen??? No way would somebody off the street be allowed to even touch another person without tons of training and definitely not as a community service. So for him to have met Ben, much less been in physical contact with Ben seems just wrong. Sebastian should have gone to jail or gotten something serious as a punishment. He almost committed man-slaughter and maybe the laws are different in Germany but I found this on the internet:
Under German law, when a driver is involved in an accident involving serious injuries or death and found to have a blood alcohol content of .032 percent or more, the consequences become even more severe, including a possible jail sentence of up to five years.
So I have a real hard time with the idea that Sebastian got a wrist slap and then moves on with his life.
Next, I felt that the lack of any sort of alcohol rehabilitation until the end was unconscionable. Maybe this is just a bit too close to home for me, but Sebastian is the walking definition of an addict and for nobody to have recognized that and to have included that in his punishment is crazy.
Finally, I never quite understood Ben and Sebastian’s relationship. Besides a physical attraction I would think the overwhelming grief/guilt/anger etcetera would have been an INSURMOUNTABLE hurdle, certainly not one overcome in the short amount of time they knew each other.
So when the couple begin to have a physical relationship, that’s when I called it quits. I just couldn’t get behind the story, the initial premise, or even really support the MCs, specifically Sebastian.
I won’t rate this because I didn’t finish it, but I can’t recommend it, I am sorry to say. I will still look forward to other books by this author, but on this subject I fear we just don’t mesh.
The blurb pretty much explains the main thrust of this story. Sebastian got drunk, hit a car which in turn hit Ben’s car, causing him to be in a wheel-chair and severely scarred. When the story starts we don’t know if the paralysis is permanent or not.
For his punishment, Sebastian is given 200 hours of community services at a physical rehabilitation clinic, coincidentally the same clinic Ben uses.
Through pure chance, the two end up working together and forming a friendship. When they learn who the other is to one another there is of course shock and disbelief. Ben’s friends help him to realize he has to forgive Sebastian as it does no good to harbor any anger.
Sebastian tries to release his guilt but his drinking continues to get in the way of his moving forward with any sort of healthy relationship – with anybody – much less Ben.
**
I have to admit that I DNF’d this book at the 70% mark. I just couldn’t keep reading. For this I am sorry, but I felt pretty strongly about several things.
I’d read Ms. McHart’s other books and liked them, so though I was leery of this book based on the blurb, I wanted to give it a try. I don’t think the writing is all bad, but I do feel there is maybe some cultural differences that are present which make this book very hard for me to read.
One of my biggest problems with this book is the idea that Sebastian nearly killed someone and he ends up with only 200 hours of community service. THEN that community services puts him in contact with people like Ben, and in fact with Ben when his lawyer did all he could to protect Ben from meeting Sebastian. THEN the community service guy is massaging patients! How would that happen??? No way would somebody off the street be allowed to even touch another person without tons of training and definitely not as a community service. So for him to have met Ben, much less been in physical contact with Ben seems just wrong. Sebastian should have gone to jail or gotten something serious as a punishment. He almost committed man-slaughter and maybe the laws are different in Germany but I found this on the internet:
Under German law, when a driver is involved in an accident involving serious injuries or death and found to have a blood alcohol content of .032 percent or more, the consequences become even more severe, including a possible jail sentence of up to five years.
So I have a real hard time with the idea that Sebastian got a wrist slap and then moves on with his life.
Next, I felt that the lack of any sort of alcohol rehabilitation until the end was unconscionable. Maybe this is just a bit too close to home for me, but Sebastian is the walking definition of an addict and for nobody to have recognized that and to have included that in his punishment is crazy.
Finally, I never quite understood Ben and Sebastian’s relationship. Besides a physical attraction I would think the overwhelming grief/guilt/anger etcetera would have been an INSURMOUNTABLE hurdle, certainly not one overcome in the short amount of time they knew each other.
So when the couple begin to have a physical relationship, that’s when I called it quits. I just couldn’t get behind the story, the initial premise, or even really support the MCs, specifically Sebastian.
I won’t rate this because I didn’t finish it, but I can’t recommend it, I am sorry to say. I will still look forward to other books by this author, but on this subject I fear we just don’t mesh.
Read
November 8, 2015Could. Not. Finish.
Sorry, but you could totally tell that this book was written by a non-native speaker ... and it is bad. Very bad. I liked the plot and I really tried but ... ugh, I just couldn't.
Sorry, but you could totally tell that this book was written by a non-native speaker ... and it is bad. Very bad. I liked the plot and I really tried but ... ugh, I just couldn't.
August 3, 2016
This book wasn't a light story, what with Sebastian being an ever increasing alcoholic ass for most of the story, but I found that I actually really enjoyed it. And despite the fact that Sebastian and Ben were an extremely unlikely couple (what with Sebastian being the one who unintentionally put Ben in his wheelchair), but for some reason I had no trouble buying it.
I did however have some problems with how enabling Ben was in regards to Sebastian's alcohol problems. Yes Ben wasn't too thrilled that the drunk driver who put him in a wheelchair and practically stripped him of his ability to walk was still happily drinking....but more than once he was the person supplying the alcohol, and that is just beyond me. Ben might not have been sure Sebastian was an alcoholic at first, but it was pretty damn obvious by a certain point, and he was still handing him bottles of beer like that was the best solution to the problem. You can't force someone to stop drinking (other than tying them up in your basement for the rest of their lives) but you sure as hell can stop throwing alcohol at them every time you see them.
However...despite my annoyance at Ben and his enabling ways, I did like how this book didn't just wave a magic wand and fix Sebastian. It took time and a whole hell of a lot of effort, and I appreciated that the book didn't take the short cut.
I did however have some problems with how enabling Ben was in regards to Sebastian's alcohol problems. Yes Ben wasn't too thrilled that the drunk driver who put him in a wheelchair and practically stripped him of his ability to walk was still happily drinking....but more than once he was the person supplying the alcohol, and that is just beyond me. Ben might not have been sure Sebastian was an alcoholic at first, but it was pretty damn obvious by a certain point, and he was still handing him bottles of beer like that was the best solution to the problem. You can't force someone to stop drinking (other than tying them up in your basement for the rest of their lives) but you sure as hell can stop throwing alcohol at them every time you see them.
However...despite my annoyance at Ben and his enabling ways, I did like how this book didn't just wave a magic wand and fix Sebastian. It took time and a whole hell of a lot of effort, and I appreciated that the book didn't take the short cut.
September 20, 2015
3.75 Stars
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by author/publisher via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review*
This is Sebastian and Ben's story. Sebastian has an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol. He hits the car in front of him, Ben's car, who in turn hits the car in front of him, leaving Ben's car smashed between the two cars. This leaves Ben wheelchair bound. He is angry and bitter. Sebastian ends up getting community service at the rehab center Ben has his therapy sessions at. The two meet and become friends, not knowing who the other is. What happens when Ben finds out Sebastian is the drunk driver that caused the accident that left him paralyzed?
I was very excited to get this book. I loved the blurb and the story sounded like it world be gut wrenching. Watching Ben deal with his paralysis. Watching Sebastian deal with his guilt and his alcoholism. I was ready to be captivated and pulled into this story. I was disappointed. The book took me forever to read. (3 days is a long time for me). This book moved so slow, and it just didn't hold my attention. At times the dialogue felt forced, and unnatural. I think this story needed more feeling. I don't know how else to explain it. The characters did have a good chemistry, I just wish the author would have given them more page time as a happy couple. Unfortunately it's hard to root for a character when you think they are a total jerk. Sebastian was a big one, and I know the mentality of his character comes from his alcoholism, I just think he could have been a little more likable.
This story also needed a more in depth backstory on the characters. The story is set in Germany, but the book is in English and I think the characters actually spoke English. I was very confused about this, but when I got to the about the author section of the book, I see that's where she lives.
This wasn't a horrible book, it just needed some tweaking in my opinion. That's why as reviewers we are asked to give an honest review, so the authors know what you do and don't like. I did like Niko and am hoping his story is next. If the author takes the opportunity to the fullest, his story can be amazing!
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by author/publisher via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review*
This is Sebastian and Ben's story. Sebastian has an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol. He hits the car in front of him, Ben's car, who in turn hits the car in front of him, leaving Ben's car smashed between the two cars. This leaves Ben wheelchair bound. He is angry and bitter. Sebastian ends up getting community service at the rehab center Ben has his therapy sessions at. The two meet and become friends, not knowing who the other is. What happens when Ben finds out Sebastian is the drunk driver that caused the accident that left him paralyzed?
I was very excited to get this book. I loved the blurb and the story sounded like it world be gut wrenching. Watching Ben deal with his paralysis. Watching Sebastian deal with his guilt and his alcoholism. I was ready to be captivated and pulled into this story. I was disappointed. The book took me forever to read. (3 days is a long time for me). This book moved so slow, and it just didn't hold my attention. At times the dialogue felt forced, and unnatural. I think this story needed more feeling. I don't know how else to explain it. The characters did have a good chemistry, I just wish the author would have given them more page time as a happy couple. Unfortunately it's hard to root for a character when you think they are a total jerk. Sebastian was a big one, and I know the mentality of his character comes from his alcoholism, I just think he could have been a little more likable.
This story also needed a more in depth backstory on the characters. The story is set in Germany, but the book is in English and I think the characters actually spoke English. I was very confused about this, but when I got to the about the author section of the book, I see that's where she lives.
This wasn't a horrible book, it just needed some tweaking in my opinion. That's why as reviewers we are asked to give an honest review, so the authors know what you do and don't like. I did like Niko and am hoping his story is next. If the author takes the opportunity to the fullest, his story can be amazing!
September 13, 2018
Liked the book. Didn't love it.
I didn't particularly like Ben..
I couldn't connect to him. It seems the only reason he was with Sebastien was because Seb was the "only one" who didn't care about the scars and chair. I couldn't see his attraction/his interest to Seb. It seems a choice by default. He didn't care about Seb's drinking. Enabling him.
But I wouldn't mind reading book 2!!
I didn't particularly like Ben..
I couldn't connect to him. It seems the only reason he was with Sebastien was because Seb was the "only one" who didn't care about the scars and chair. I couldn't see his attraction/his interest to Seb. It seems a choice by default. He didn't care about Seb's drinking. Enabling him.
But I wouldn't mind reading book 2!!
September 30, 2015
READ THIS BOOK!! There are very very few books I've read that get the heart of addiction right. Most end with "and love was found, they got clean, and they all lived happily ever after ". No not this one. This one hits you with the reality of addiction. That sometimes hurting others, losing loved one, facing death, isn't stronger than the pull. I recently lost a BIL who literally drank himself to death. Accidents, loss of jobs, loss of friends and loved ones, loss of two houses, two medically induced comas, liver failure and on and one, we're not reason enough for him to get clean. The pull of the liquor won out. This story, this BRILLIANT story doesn't sugar coat the harsh realities of addiction. This is a new to me Author, and I'm just simply BLOWN AWAY by this STORY,and the writing. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND for those who like more than a bit of reality with their HEA.
A bit of a ramble, but heart felt ;)
A bit of a ramble, but heart felt ;)
January 25, 2016
What a beautiful, amazing story this was.
I really don't know how to review this book, Sebastian has a HUGE problem and when that problem and it's consequences come back to bite him it sends him on a downward spiral. And then there's Ben, he's always been independent so his current situation is frustrating as hell for him. When they meet for the first time they're both drawn to each other but Sebastian doesn't want to cross the patient/carer line. Yet he also can't stop how he feels for Ben. I found this so heartbreaking, not just because of what happened to Ben but also because of how low Sebastian ends up. This really was an amazing yet emotional story. Loved it !
I really don't know how to review this book, Sebastian has a HUGE problem and when that problem and it's consequences come back to bite him it sends him on a downward spiral. And then there's Ben, he's always been independent so his current situation is frustrating as hell for him. When they meet for the first time they're both drawn to each other but Sebastian doesn't want to cross the patient/carer line. Yet he also can't stop how he feels for Ben. I found this so heartbreaking, not just because of what happened to Ben but also because of how low Sebastian ends up. This really was an amazing yet emotional story. Loved it !
May 2, 2017
Hard to read
This book is not a happy read but rather a gut wrenching experience in reading. The pain Sebastian caused Ben and the way he ran away into the bottle to hide from his problems because he could not deal with them. This book did not have a quick fix and Sebastian was all better but rather a long drown out fight to sobriety. It was realistic and extremely hard for me to read. I am glad I read this book and plan on reading others by this author.
This book is not a happy read but rather a gut wrenching experience in reading. The pain Sebastian caused Ben and the way he ran away into the bottle to hide from his problems because he could not deal with them. This book did not have a quick fix and Sebastian was all better but rather a long drown out fight to sobriety. It was realistic and extremely hard for me to read. I am glad I read this book and plan on reading others by this author.
August 3, 2016
This one had a definitely unique premise and supposedly was heart wrenching. However, the author didn't manage to engage me. Moreover, I didn't enjoy the writing. On the plus side, it was a quick read.
January 25, 2016
I loved this book.
It was a wonderful story.
It was a wonderful story.
November 12, 2018
UPDATE: Forget the ONE star ... make it MINUS A HUNDRED STARS!!!!!!!!
Wait a minute *insert sarcasm here* ... is this a case of false [blurb] advertising?!!? Why yes, YES IT IS!!! The blurb definitely lied it seems, there is NOTHING temporary here!!! Frankly? I cannot stand this author's work [I've read another book by this author] but cracked this open because I've owned this book for quite a while [BEFORE I discovered I hated this author's writing], and wanted to honor and respect the money I've spent!! I do believe, no matter what, that this is the LAST book I'll read by this author!!!
To be clear, I DID read the whole books ... or, I managed to force myself to read it until the 50% mark, and then just couldn't do it any longer; I started skimming til the end!!!
I hated everything about this book ... Sebastian was a whiny, ignorant, self-centred, destructive DRUNK who committed a horrible crime, and I (as the reader) was somehow expected to feel sympathetic toward him!! I felt absolutely NOTHING for Sebastian, nothing but disdain, disgust, and anger!! I felt that reading this story from the POV of a character like Sebastian did NOTHING for this book ... he was self-righteous for too much of this book, and it seems destroying A PART of someone else's life didn't do much in the way of stopping him from making the same mistakes!! Sebastian STILL managed to make everything about HIM!! This book MIGHT have had a chance in a different author's hands, but in the hands of THIS one, this book was exhausting, tedious, boring, frustrating, aggravating, and OBNOXIOUS!!! I couldn't get on board with Sebastian's redemption because I didn't believe it, NOTHING endeared me to this guy, and every time his POV came around, I just rolled my eyes like a person possessed!! I couldn't stand Sebastian and I definitely didn't think he deserved to be with Ben! I didn't bother to read about their "sweet" moments, because I just wasn't interested ... there was too little "good" and it came WAY too late!! OH and the way Ben found out it was Sebastian who caused the accident ... again, this author seemed to make it about Sebastian!! Poor fucking Sebastian!!! WHAT THE FUCK?!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gahhh this book - from author to book - pissed me off ... I severely disliked EVERYTHING about this!!!
I am so pissed off I WASTED money on this book and cannot return it!! If this book were a physical copy, as much as I detest throwing books away, this one would have found its way into the trash!!! This book was like nails on a chalkboard and I am so pissed I gave this author the chances I have!! Never again!!!
Horrible, horrible, HORRIBLE writing, as a general whole!! On top of that, the English was stilted, awkward, and cumbersome ... this author should have had a native English speaker proofread/beta read her book before publishing; it might not have turned it into good writing, but it might not have sucked as much as it did!!! I'm pissed off, because this author has a knack for completely misleading or LYING to her readers in her blurbs!!! Shame!!!! BLECH - PERMANENTLY BLACKLISTED!!!!!
End credits/rant!!
Note: I don't want to talk about this book, I don't want to HEAR about this book!! I don't want to discuss anything!! I am SO done with this book now, and have zero interest in saying or hearing anything more about it!!!
Wait a minute *insert sarcasm here* ... is this a case of false [blurb] advertising?!!? Why yes, YES IT IS!!! The blurb definitely lied it seems, there is NOTHING temporary here!!! Frankly? I cannot stand this author's work [I've read another book by this author] but cracked this open because I've owned this book for quite a while [BEFORE I discovered I hated this author's writing], and wanted to honor and respect the money I've spent!! I do believe, no matter what, that this is the LAST book I'll read by this author!!!
To be clear, I DID read the whole books ... or, I managed to force myself to read it until the 50% mark, and then just couldn't do it any longer; I started skimming til the end!!!
I hated everything about this book ... Sebastian was a whiny, ignorant, self-centred, destructive DRUNK who committed a horrible crime, and I (as the reader) was somehow expected to feel sympathetic toward him!! I felt absolutely NOTHING for Sebastian, nothing but disdain, disgust, and anger!! I felt that reading this story from the POV of a character like Sebastian did NOTHING for this book ... he was self-righteous for too much of this book, and it seems destroying A PART of someone else's life didn't do much in the way of stopping him from making the same mistakes!! Sebastian STILL managed to make everything about HIM!! This book MIGHT have had a chance in a different author's hands, but in the hands of THIS one, this book was exhausting, tedious, boring, frustrating, aggravating, and OBNOXIOUS!!! I couldn't get on board with Sebastian's redemption because I didn't believe it, NOTHING endeared me to this guy, and every time his POV came around, I just rolled my eyes like a person possessed!! I couldn't stand Sebastian and I definitely didn't think he deserved to be with Ben! I didn't bother to read about their "sweet" moments, because I just wasn't interested ... there was too little "good" and it came WAY too late!! OH and the way Ben found out it was Sebastian who caused the accident ... again, this author seemed to make it about Sebastian!! Poor fucking Sebastian!!! WHAT THE FUCK?!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gahhh this book - from author to book - pissed me off ... I severely disliked EVERYTHING about this!!!
I am so pissed off I WASTED money on this book and cannot return it!! If this book were a physical copy, as much as I detest throwing books away, this one would have found its way into the trash!!! This book was like nails on a chalkboard and I am so pissed I gave this author the chances I have!! Never again!!!
Horrible, horrible, HORRIBLE writing, as a general whole!! On top of that, the English was stilted, awkward, and cumbersome ... this author should have had a native English speaker proofread/beta read her book before publishing; it might not have turned it into good writing, but it might not have sucked as much as it did!!! I'm pissed off, because this author has a knack for completely misleading or LYING to her readers in her blurbs!!! Shame!!!! BLECH - PERMANENTLY BLACKLISTED!!!!!
End credits/rant!!
Note: I don't want to talk about this book, I don't want to HEAR about this book!! I don't want to discuss anything!! I am SO done with this book now, and have zero interest in saying or hearing anything more about it!!!
May 25, 2018
Tough Read
This was a tough read for me since I was married to an alcoholic. It’s so difficult to not be angry with someone with addiction problems. This explores that type of relationship, but with a big twist. It’s not a perfect novel, but is there one? It does evoke more emotion from the addicts POV. I think he’s a bit more developed in this story. Not an enjoyable read, but thought provoking.
This was a tough read for me since I was married to an alcoholic. It’s so difficult to not be angry with someone with addiction problems. This explores that type of relationship, but with a big twist. It’s not a perfect novel, but is there one? It does evoke more emotion from the addicts POV. I think he’s a bit more developed in this story. Not an enjoyable read, but thought provoking.
April 22, 2018
**DNF*** I'm only giving this book 2 stars not because I didn't like the writing, I'm sure the story would be good, but I don't understand alcoholism as a disease, I hate reading about weak men, and especially those that would beg, borrow, and use people just to get their next drink...It just wasn't my kind of book
November 10, 2018
DNF 71 % A new author for me with this book. Sorry this wasn't for me for lots of reasons mainly was full of plot holes everywhere. I'm agreement with other DNF reviewers.
December 2, 2016
wunderschön
October 1, 2015
** Provided via Promotion in Exchange for an Honest Review **
Judging a Book by it's Cover:
Cover is not one I'd normally pick up to give a second look to. The composition feels too separatist. Vibrant red and yellows on an otherwise void palette feel angry and sickly. For me, it was the synopsis that grabbed my attention. Having suffered an abusive alcoholic's wrath myself, I'd wanted to see how this story would play out.
Looking Deeper:
** NOTE: Sebastian abused alcohol, but was *not* an abusive alcoholic. There is a big difference between the two. Third person POV, set in Germany. Very little terminology used to remind you of that fact, however, outside the occasional mention of Frau, Herr, Euro, Kilo or Pint.
This is one of the only books that I've read where I was as disgusted and enraged at the characters as they were with themselves and/or each other. I cannot pretend to understand the situation either were in, but the continuous string of poor choices and the pity-parties were extremely annoying. I tried to like both characters and at times I truly kind of did. But, more often than not, the illusion was shattered by another poor choice. Let's say Ben is WAY more forgiving than I - which, in turn, frustrated me as well. But, in order to illicit even half of the feelings I felt, I'd have to have been invested in the book, right? Exactly! Ms. McHart wrote the book in such a way that you can and do get pulled into it, despite how you feel about the characters or subject matter. The author also somehow manages to crawl into the irrational mind of an alcoholic to portray and convey Sebastian's personality traits quite convincingly. However, in this case, I think I enjoyed the interactions of Niko and Marco more than our lead characters. The chemistry / compatibility between Ben and Sebastian was natural feeling and progressed slowly and gradually. The dialogue and interaction between characters was realistic. Ms McHart's writing style was smooth and provided an easy-to-read page-turner even when the subject matter and it's characters were not as easy. There are a ton of conflicts along the way, in which resolutions are not always resolved but rather overlooked, ignored or diverted. But, this cannot last forever. When things finally come to the pivotal climax, some better choices are made -although the pity party is still lingering. There was several minor predictions and a small minor surprise. The story ends in an epilogue that sufficiently wraps up the loose ends of the main characters while hinting at more to come from the secondary pair. I think I'd be interested in learning more about Niko's story, if there's one to come.
That all said, my ratings and score are not based on my personal experience, preference or overall opinions but rather on how well or poorly I felt the book written in general.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Level: 4 [R] ~ Score: 3.9 ~ Stars: 4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Judging a Book by it's Cover:
Cover is not one I'd normally pick up to give a second look to. The composition feels too separatist. Vibrant red and yellows on an otherwise void palette feel angry and sickly. For me, it was the synopsis that grabbed my attention. Having suffered an abusive alcoholic's wrath myself, I'd wanted to see how this story would play out.
Looking Deeper:
** NOTE: Sebastian abused alcohol, but was *not* an abusive alcoholic. There is a big difference between the two. Third person POV, set in Germany. Very little terminology used to remind you of that fact, however, outside the occasional mention of Frau, Herr, Euro, Kilo or Pint.
This is one of the only books that I've read where I was as disgusted and enraged at the characters as they were with themselves and/or each other. I cannot pretend to understand the situation either were in, but the continuous string of poor choices and the pity-parties were extremely annoying. I tried to like both characters and at times I truly kind of did. But, more often than not, the illusion was shattered by another poor choice. Let's say Ben is WAY more forgiving than I - which, in turn, frustrated me as well. But, in order to illicit even half of the feelings I felt, I'd have to have been invested in the book, right? Exactly! Ms. McHart wrote the book in such a way that you can and do get pulled into it, despite how you feel about the characters or subject matter. The author also somehow manages to crawl into the irrational mind of an alcoholic to portray and convey Sebastian's personality traits quite convincingly. However, in this case, I think I enjoyed the interactions of Niko and Marco more than our lead characters. The chemistry / compatibility between Ben and Sebastian was natural feeling and progressed slowly and gradually. The dialogue and interaction between characters was realistic. Ms McHart's writing style was smooth and provided an easy-to-read page-turner even when the subject matter and it's characters were not as easy. There are a ton of conflicts along the way, in which resolutions are not always resolved but rather overlooked, ignored or diverted. But, this cannot last forever. When things finally come to the pivotal climax, some better choices are made -although the pity party is still lingering. There was several minor predictions and a small minor surprise. The story ends in an epilogue that sufficiently wraps up the loose ends of the main characters while hinting at more to come from the secondary pair. I think I'd be interested in learning more about Niko's story, if there's one to come.
That all said, my ratings and score are not based on my personal experience, preference or overall opinions but rather on how well or poorly I felt the book written in general.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Level: 4 [R] ~ Score: 3.9 ~ Stars: 4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 22, 2015
Two men, both angry at the world. One, Sebastian, an alcoholic, jerk, bit self-centered. Common alcoholic basically. Then we have Ben, paralyzed because on Sebastian’s drinking. He’s kinda in the right to being pissed at the world so I gave him that. When Sebastian is forced to work in a rehab center (as part of his sentence) and it happens to be where Ben was… I saw where this was going. Neither knew each other, or the impact they had on each other’s lives.
Watching the friendship blossom was really awesome. Great friends, before the realization. Ben was fabulous and I really loved him. The pacing was a little slow and there was some drag to the book. I liked how it was set in Germany but I didn’t have to scrounge around to know what the heck the author was talking about because it was in English. Reminding myself they weren’t speaking English only hit me when the setting of the story was discussed.
This is a story about two men coming to terms with the cards they are dealt. Having each other help the other be stronger, braver, and believe in turning bad into good.
It’s a love story but it’s more of a living story.
Watching the friendship blossom was really awesome. Great friends, before the realization. Ben was fabulous and I really loved him. The pacing was a little slow and there was some drag to the book. I liked how it was set in Germany but I didn’t have to scrounge around to know what the heck the author was talking about because it was in English. Reminding myself they weren’t speaking English only hit me when the setting of the story was discussed.
This is a story about two men coming to terms with the cards they are dealt. Having each other help the other be stronger, braver, and believe in turning bad into good.
It’s a love story but it’s more of a living story.
December 28, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Three and a half stars!
This story was amazing up until Ben realized Sebastian was an alcoholic and continued to date him anyway. Earlier in the story Ben talked about not drinking because of how a drunk driver ruined his life. After the revelation and their time apart, I really got into them reconnected and building a relationship. But once it became obvious Sebastian was an alcoholic, especially when Ben found him drinking in the middle of the night, I stopped believing Ben’s feelings. I wanted to like the last quarter as much as I liked the story up to that point. The effects of Sebastian’s alcoholism didn’t seem that important. I liked how Niko cared about Sebastian when he was at his lowest. The ending was a bit rushed. However I do believe they’ll make it as a couple. They just have some hurdles to overcome before they can get there. I desperately need Niko’s story though. He’s an amazing character and I want to see him with a beautiful happy ending, and to know his secrets. I really hope he gets a story!
Three and a half stars!
This story was amazing up until Ben realized Sebastian was an alcoholic and continued to date him anyway. Earlier in the story Ben talked about not drinking because of how a drunk driver ruined his life. After the revelation and their time apart, I really got into them reconnected and building a relationship. But once it became obvious Sebastian was an alcoholic, especially when Ben found him drinking in the middle of the night, I stopped believing Ben’s feelings. I wanted to like the last quarter as much as I liked the story up to that point. The effects of Sebastian’s alcoholism didn’t seem that important. I liked how Niko cared about Sebastian when he was at his lowest. The ending was a bit rushed. However I do believe they’ll make it as a couple. They just have some hurdles to overcome before they can get there. I desperately need Niko’s story though. He’s an amazing character and I want to see him with a beautiful happy ending, and to know his secrets. I really hope he gets a story!
January 26, 2016
I really liked this book. It was one of those What if scenarios. What if you ended up in a wheel chair because some drunken driver rammed your car? What if you would meet said person months later in rehab because he has to do community service hours? What if you fell for the guy without knowing who he is? What if your feelings were reciprocated but once you both know who you are you could not deal with the situation? What would you do?
What if you were involved in an accident you had caused? What would you do if you had to do community service to avoid going to jail? What if you met a man sitting in a wheel chair and once you got to know him you would develop feelings? What if you found out you were the reason he is in a wheelchair? What if your feelings for said guy were so strong that you were wondering if your alcohol addiction was beatable? What if it wasn't?
Find out for yourself.
What if you were involved in an accident you had caused? What would you do if you had to do community service to avoid going to jail? What if you met a man sitting in a wheel chair and once you got to know him you would develop feelings? What if you found out you were the reason he is in a wheelchair? What if your feelings for said guy were so strong that you were wondering if your alcohol addiction was beatable? What if it wasn't?
Find out for yourself.
November 20, 2016
2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Small Steps by Chris McHart
1) A moving romance that is different from anything I’ve read before. I love that the author took risks to explore how far love can take us. There were a few minor issues with the writing, but none of them detracted from this compelling read. The development of Sebastian’s character in particular is realistic and has great depth. The secondary characters were also well written. I’m looking forward to reading more from Chris McHart.
2) Once I got over the strange feeling of reading a story set in Germany, written in English by a seemingly non native speaker, the story started to grow on me. It took awhile to warm up to the self destructive lead character, but I'm glad to see character transformation. It's more of a story of redemption and forgiveness. A nice slow burner.
1) A moving romance that is different from anything I’ve read before. I love that the author took risks to explore how far love can take us. There were a few minor issues with the writing, but none of them detracted from this compelling read. The development of Sebastian’s character in particular is realistic and has great depth. The secondary characters were also well written. I’m looking forward to reading more from Chris McHart.
2) Once I got over the strange feeling of reading a story set in Germany, written in English by a seemingly non native speaker, the story started to grow on me. It took awhile to warm up to the self destructive lead character, but I'm glad to see character transformation. It's more of a story of redemption and forgiveness. A nice slow burner.
Read
October 8, 2015So emotional!
An amazingly gut wrenching and heartbreaking read. Ben is hurt in a car accident and loses the use of his legs. In rehab he meets Sebastian and they strike up a friendship although there is more beneath the surface. Sebastian is doing community service for a DUI and accident, but he never found out what happened to the person he hit.
He begins to have feelings for Ben, but when they both find out the horrible truth, Sebastian heads into a tailspin, and Ben heads into closing himself off again.
Through time and the intervention of friends, they both find their way back to forgiveness and each other. Well written, I cried buckets and the feels were overwhelming at times. I loved it!
An amazingly gut wrenching and heartbreaking read. Ben is hurt in a car accident and loses the use of his legs. In rehab he meets Sebastian and they strike up a friendship although there is more beneath the surface. Sebastian is doing community service for a DUI and accident, but he never found out what happened to the person he hit.
He begins to have feelings for Ben, but when they both find out the horrible truth, Sebastian heads into a tailspin, and Ben heads into closing himself off again.
Through time and the intervention of friends, they both find their way back to forgiveness and each other. Well written, I cried buckets and the feels were overwhelming at times. I loved it!
January 27, 2017
3/3.5*
I did quite like this story - the wrenching story of an accident that dramatically changes Ben's life and puts Sebastian's spin into self destruction onto a faster track.
We dont get much of Ben's background but we do get his ups and downs in dealing with his injury - or not as the case is - and his move towadd acceptance of his new reality.
Sebastian's life is on a knife edge before his actions put the two men on the same course. His despair is palpable, his descent into his addiction is horribly inevitable.
It may have been a bit over worked and I'm not sure in reality whether Ben would forgive and love Sebastian as he did. I did like it was set in Germany, though the were a couple of US refs which made me 'hmmm' (bucks, bills).
I did quite like this story - the wrenching story of an accident that dramatically changes Ben's life and puts Sebastian's spin into self destruction onto a faster track.
We dont get much of Ben's background but we do get his ups and downs in dealing with his injury - or not as the case is - and his move towadd acceptance of his new reality.
Sebastian's life is on a knife edge before his actions put the two men on the same course. His despair is palpable, his descent into his addiction is horribly inevitable.
It may have been a bit over worked and I'm not sure in reality whether Ben would forgive and love Sebastian as he did. I did like it was set in Germany, though the were a couple of US refs which made me 'hmmm' (bucks, bills).
January 24, 2016
A challenging story with hurt/comfort/heal character emphasis. The relationship that develops between Sebastian and Ben is intense and when the truth of their pasts comes out it's dramatic and earth shattering for both of them. I thought the elements of the story that depicted alcoholism and abuse were well written and realistically depicted the mind of an alcoholic. The cast is well rounded and includes secondary characters that are essential to the story. The topic is a tough one, but it's well written and I enjoyed Small Steps.
My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly’s Book Reviews.
My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly’s Book Reviews.
September 23, 2015
I started this book feeling a bit cynical. I thought I know where the plot is going and yes it went exactly where I expected it to, but then it carried on.
What I liked about this story was that Sebastian didn't suddenly realise who Ben was and then suddenly had the strength to recover. It felt like a much more realistic response that he found out who Ben was and wanted a drink to deal with it.
I definitely felt like I learnt more about Sebastian and his inner workings than Ben.
I was definitely pleasantly surprised by this book.
What I liked about this story was that Sebastian didn't suddenly realise who Ben was and then suddenly had the strength to recover. It felt like a much more realistic response that he found out who Ben was and wanted a drink to deal with it.
I definitely felt like I learnt more about Sebastian and his inner workings than Ben.
I was definitely pleasantly surprised by this book.
July 21, 2016
So I do have to admit that the only reason I finished the book was because it was required reading. I did not enjoy any of this book, and quite frankly the premise was just over the top. Factually it was wrong as well.
I didn't buy the relationship between the two MC's and when dealing with the alcoholic that caused your injury and feeding him more alcohol was to much for me. Sorry didn't enjoy this one at all.
I didn't buy the relationship between the two MC's and when dealing with the alcoholic that caused your injury and feeding him more alcohol was to much for me. Sorry didn't enjoy this one at all.
January 26, 2016
4*
Two men becoming friends and more. Sebastian an alcoholic has to work in rehab center as part of his conviction. Meets Ben and they become friends. As the story progress they realize who each other is and must work toward healing. The only thing I didn't like was how long it took the people around them to realize that Sebastian is an addict.
Two men becoming friends and more. Sebastian an alcoholic has to work in rehab center as part of his conviction. Meets Ben and they become friends. As the story progress they realize who each other is and must work toward healing. The only thing I didn't like was how long it took the people around them to realize that Sebastian is an addict.
January 23, 2016
I enjoyed this book very much and, although I'd seen in reviews that it wasn't accurate as far as the setting. Since I've never been to Germany, that wasn't an issue for me. I enjoyed the premise of the story and the writing was good.
February 25, 2016
I loved this book. The main characters Ben, and Sebastin, the way life dealth them a hand in their lives. This was a free read from Amazon, also this was the first time I read anything by this author. I happy I took the chance.
September 22, 2015
I adored this book. So rough and deep. Well done, Chris
October 6, 2015
Awesome book. Just can recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews