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Borrowing Trouble
After an amicable divorce, Jay Hill decided to move back to his rural hometown with his teenage kids. Being on good terms with his ex-wife and in laws has made the transition into single life pretty smooth. Things were good and uncomplicated. Then Landon Petty walked into his life.
Landon didn’t expect to still be stuck in his hometown working at his dad’s sawmill at this point in his life. Being an openly gay truck driver was as awkward in practice as in description. When Jay came to take over managerial duties at his dad’s business, Landon was surprised to find a friend. When Jay turns out not to be as straight as he thought, things get complicated.
When feelings for Landon shine a light on how much Jay’s life has been actually half lived, he’s forced to decide if he’ll jump in with both feet or if he’ll let Landon slip through his fingers.
Landon didn’t expect to still be stuck in his hometown working at his dad’s sawmill at this point in his life. Being an openly gay truck driver was as awkward in practice as in description. When Jay came to take over managerial duties at his dad’s business, Landon was surprised to find a friend. When Jay turns out not to be as straight as he thought, things get complicated.
When feelings for Landon shine a light on how much Jay’s life has been actually half lived, he’s forced to decide if he’ll jump in with both feet or if he’ll let Landon slip through his fingers.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2015
48 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
About the author
Kade Boehme
37 books1,046 followersKade Boehme is the epitome of dorkdom, only watching TV when Rachel Maddow or one of his sports teams is on. Most of his free time is spent dancing, arguing politics or with his nose in a book. He is also a hardcore Britney Spears fangirl and has an addiction to glitter.
It was after writing a short story about boys who loved each other for a less than reputable adult website that he found his true calling, and hopefully a bit more class. He hopes to write about all the romance that he personally finds himself allergic to but that others can fall in love with. He maintains that life is real and the stories should be, as well.
It was after writing a short story about boys who loved each other for a less than reputable adult website that he found his true calling, and hopefully a bit more class. He hopes to write about all the romance that he personally finds himself allergic to but that others can fall in love with. He maintains that life is real and the stories should be, as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
August 10, 2016
I really enjoyed Kade's "Borrowing Trouble," especially since it did so many things right, where other authors writing this same type of coming out story have so often gone horribly wrong for me.
Landon was a 28 y.o. would-be-teacher-turned-truck-driver, helping out his father with driving and taking care of the company books, which was both exhausting and hell on maintaining any type of long-term relationship.
Enter Jay, a handsome, divorced, 36 y.o. single father of two teenagers, hired by Landon's dad to take over Landon's cumbersome office duties.
Landon was immediately relieved and overjoyed to learn that his life was about to get significantly easier, until he realized that the new manager at the sawmill was his crush from age 13.
But just because Landon had grown up didn't mean that his attraction to Jay had diminished. It hadn't. Not even a little bit.
However, Landon wasn't dumb and knew that Jay was straight, so he decided to keep his feelings under wraps, which I'm sure resulted in a lot of off-page cold showers for Landon.
Then as Landon and Jay begin hanging out, outside of work, lines of attraction blur and they began seeing one another.
So here's the thing, Jay does freak out. A lot. But what I truly loved about this story was that he freaks out in an adult manner. He processes 'his shit', with a little help, but he never, not once leaves Landon out in the cold post-runaway, which I loved. Good job there, Kade.
And since Jay didn't make promises that they both know he wasn't in a position to keep, Landon trusted Jay. I know that's a novel thing these days, but Jay actually earned that trust.
Was Jay immediately ready to jump out of the closet? No, of course not. But was Landon patient and genuinely understanding. Yes. So, like I said... Adults. That was awesome.
What was not so awesome turned out to be a gossipy, old busybody at work, the ex-wife and how Jay's mother had guilted him as a child and an adult into towing the heterosexual line.
But all of that was dealt with well and Kade didn't take the reader for a slow drive down Drama Boulevard. No manufactured melodrama, which I find painful and tedious. Again, I loved that.
Jay also had children, so I was ecstatic to see that the book didn't turn into a 'Daddy Daycare' story. The two teens were there, but not in your face, so no worries about that.
Aaaaaaand last, but not least, there were plenty of steamy, sexy times, even with a bit of flip-flopping, which for me is pretty much my all-time favorite sign of true equality in a relationship in books. I've said it numerous times, but once more, loved, loved, LOVED that aspect of the book. : )
The majority of the focus of the book was on the fact that Jay was finally, genuinely happy, possibly for the first time in his life, which he fully recognized and didn't want to shy away from and I found that very refreshing in a coming out story.
The guys did end up with both a HEA and an epilogue, to show their continuing commitment to one another, rough patches and all.
Being completely honest here, the blurb didn't immediately make me run toward this one; however, I can, without reservation, tell readers to "RUN TOWARD THIS BOOK."
This story was a solid 4.5 stars for me, so highly-recommended. #ToddSaid : )
** Note: The story vaguely reminded me of Kindle Alexander's "Secret," which I also loved, so if you were a fan of that book, then I highly-suspect that you'd very much enjoy "Borrowing Trouble" as well. (They're both the same Out For You trope, but with drastically-different, entertaining scenarios.)
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My copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
October 28, 2015
Sadly, this did not work for me. I can give you a number of reasons but I'll narrow down to three:
• How Jay had an "epiphany" and suddenly found Landon attractive felt... well, too sudden and came out of nowhere. It was a bit premature especially since their friendship hadn't bloomed fully at that time. The author just laid out a chapter when Jay and Landon went to a bar. After that, it was a summary of the times they hung out and how being with each other's company felt nice and comforting. Then suddenly, this...
But something was different. Jay couldn't put his finger on it. It was like something was missing. Like someone who wasn't Bethany should be here.
Then it struck him. Landon. He wished Landon was there. He wished Landon was leaning in with his strong, capable hands touching him.
You get the picture? Okay, moving on.
• When they did give in to their physical cravings which meant after a while feelings were involved, this posed a problem for Jay, who has played the straight guy all his life. Of course there's confusion, denial, lots of hiding in the closet, and more confusion that follow as expected. But god, all these things got old really fast. Waiting for Jay to pull his shit together dragged on and on and on. And as I'm nearing the end of the book, Jay was still in over his head. It was basically the direction the plot took from the middle until arriving to the resolution at the end.
• Lastly and related to my second point, because the getting-his-shit-together took most of the book, Jay had lots of self reflections and doubts about batting for the other team. And every time he compared this to having a "normal" relationship, every time he had harmless stupid thoughts about being queer or gay or bi, I felt less as a person. And it hurt. A lot. I understand that the author didn't mean any harm, but it still felt like an indirect attack to me. That I'll never measure to the "normal" standard. It may sound naive, but it is what it is.
When I look at these 3 reasons now, I realize that Jay is the common denominator behind all these. So maybe, I just didn't like him? But I sure did like Landon, though. For me, he is this story's saving grace. So, I'm giving this 2.75 stars rounded up at best.
November 3, 2015
I liked it but it was nothing earth-shattering.
Usually, when I am totally in love with a book, I highlight all over the place. Just checked there and highlighted twice in this book.
I don't know. Jay was married, albeit divorced for a couple of years. He meets Landon and wham, bam - ok, "thank you ma'am" won't work (but you get my meaning) - he is attracted to him. He was 36 and prior to this had absolutely NO feelings for another man ... or so he thought.
I think by the length of my review that you can tell that this one just didn't WOW me.
Usually, when I am totally in love with a book, I highlight all over the place. Just checked there and highlighted twice in this book.
I don't know. Jay was married, albeit divorced for a couple of years. He meets Landon and wham, bam - ok, "thank you ma'am" won't work (but you get my meaning) - he is attracted to him. He was 36 and prior to this had absolutely NO feelings for another man ... or so he thought.
I think by the length of my review that you can tell that this one just didn't WOW me.
October 25, 2015
4 Stars!!
“Borrowing Trouble” is a lovely story about reinventing yourself and finding love and happiness. It was sweet, tender, emotional, but it also was steamy and angsty at times.
Jay Hill is a thirty-six years old man who after an amicable divorce with his school sweetheart decided to move back to his rural hometown. He lives with his two teenage kids, trying to offer them a good live and to be a good father for them, while his ex-wife decided to pursue a career in the city. Jay and his ex stayed close, often talking on the phone, because after all she always had been his best friend. He enjoys his new relaxed, uncomplicated life, until he is hired as a manager at a mill and meets again after many years a man who will change everything for him, Landon Petty.
Landon is a twenty-eight years old man who is responsible and works hard in his father’s sawmill. He is more than happy when he finds out that his father hired someone to handle the management part of the sawmill so he can focus on hauling full time. Landon remembers Jay and he also remembers how good looking Jay was when he was younger. For Landon Jay is still an incredible attractive man, so he knows working with him will not be easy. To say he lusts after the new employee will be an understatement. He knows Jay has two kids and that he’s straight. So he can only hope!? What exactly? He doesn’t even know…At times he thinks this hope of him is just stupid since people in town think Jay would get back together with his ex.
Jay and Landon became friends very soon. Neither of them have many, so their friendship is genuine especially when they find out they have many things in common. When Landon realizes his feelings for Jay grow with each and every day he tries to stay away from Jay as much as he can. Jay has his own problems. He finds himself thinking about Landon every day, so he’s struggling with this new reality - that he also is attracted to men. Yet he doesn’t understands why he never had these disturbing, but very sexy thoughts other men.
I think what I loved the most about this novel is how the relationship between these two men progressed. First they became friends, an easy friendship and after lovers. The progression felt natural and nothing felt rushed despite the fact the novel was shortish. Both characters were endearing. I loved how patient Landon was with Jay. He doesn’t have any experience when it comes to relationships, but I have to say he handles everything very well. He was the perfect partner for Jay. He was sweet, caring, attentive and mature when it was necessary. I liked the fact that he didn’t push Jay away and he was willing to take a chance on him. Jay struggles felt real and I sympathize with him at times, but he handled everything with care and consideration towards his children and his ex-wife. The honesty and the communication between them was another aspect of the story that I really enjoyed. There were no lies or miscommunication between them which I liked. The steam factor is not as high as I would have liked, but the few sexy scenes between these two are sweet and tender and I enjoyed them all.
Overall, a touching, great story!
“Borrowing Trouble” is a lovely story about reinventing yourself and finding love and happiness. It was sweet, tender, emotional, but it also was steamy and angsty at times.
Jay Hill is a thirty-six years old man who after an amicable divorce with his school sweetheart decided to move back to his rural hometown. He lives with his two teenage kids, trying to offer them a good live and to be a good father for them, while his ex-wife decided to pursue a career in the city. Jay and his ex stayed close, often talking on the phone, because after all she always had been his best friend. He enjoys his new relaxed, uncomplicated life, until he is hired as a manager at a mill and meets again after many years a man who will change everything for him, Landon Petty.
Landon is a twenty-eight years old man who is responsible and works hard in his father’s sawmill. He is more than happy when he finds out that his father hired someone to handle the management part of the sawmill so he can focus on hauling full time. Landon remembers Jay and he also remembers how good looking Jay was when he was younger. For Landon Jay is still an incredible attractive man, so he knows working with him will not be easy. To say he lusts after the new employee will be an understatement. He knows Jay has two kids and that he’s straight. So he can only hope!? What exactly? He doesn’t even know…At times he thinks this hope of him is just stupid since people in town think Jay would get back together with his ex.
Jay and Landon became friends very soon. Neither of them have many, so their friendship is genuine especially when they find out they have many things in common. When Landon realizes his feelings for Jay grow with each and every day he tries to stay away from Jay as much as he can. Jay has his own problems. He finds himself thinking about Landon every day, so he’s struggling with this new reality - that he also is attracted to men. Yet he doesn’t understands why he never had these disturbing, but very sexy thoughts other men.
I think what I loved the most about this novel is how the relationship between these two men progressed. First they became friends, an easy friendship and after lovers. The progression felt natural and nothing felt rushed despite the fact the novel was shortish. Both characters were endearing. I loved how patient Landon was with Jay. He doesn’t have any experience when it comes to relationships, but I have to say he handles everything very well. He was the perfect partner for Jay. He was sweet, caring, attentive and mature when it was necessary. I liked the fact that he didn’t push Jay away and he was willing to take a chance on him. Jay struggles felt real and I sympathize with him at times, but he handled everything with care and consideration towards his children and his ex-wife. The honesty and the communication between them was another aspect of the story that I really enjoyed. There were no lies or miscommunication between them which I liked. The steam factor is not as high as I would have liked, but the few sexy scenes between these two are sweet and tender and I enjoyed them all.
Overall, a touching, great story!
October 16, 2015
OMG, did I love this book! Some of my favorite stories are ones that have a quiet beauty to them and this book was just that. This is a slice of life story that takes place in small town USA. After his divorce, Jay moves back to town and begins working with Landon and his dad. The two strike up an easy friendship and respect for one another.
What I loved:
*Jay and Landon. Together and individually. Loved that they grew as individuals and as a couple.
*The relationship development. I was so happy that they started as friends first and then it progressed into more. I also loved that they were willing to take a chance on each other despite knowing it may not work out. Plus, the honesty and communication between them.
*The kids. I was relieved the story never became about them and there was no unnecessary angst.
*I'm not going to sugar coat it: the sex. Quality over quantity. lol
*Story had a nice easy pace very much like life in a small Southern town.
*The epilogue. They were happy, but it also portrayed the trials of real life. Nicely done.
All in all this was another winner from Kade Boehme. He writes it- I read it. That's how much I love his stories. If you're looking for a beautiful love story then look no further. 4.8 Stars.
**ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review.**
**Review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.**
October 29, 2015
**4.5 stars**
This was so beautiful! If I had to choose one word to describe this story, this would be it.
This is basically the story of a man who reinvents himself.
Jay got married at 20 and he recently broke up with the only woman he's ever been with. Jay has two kids and is a great father. Jay can't discuss his feelings with anyone. Jay doesn't really feel. Why can't he feel things? And why is it that since he met Landon, the openly gay guy from his hometown, he feels itchy in his skin?
It's because Jay locked away the man he really is, a long time ago, and now that man fights his way back. And it was a beautiful thing to see.
“I didn’t know.” He said the words in wonder, in awe of what had just happened. This felt almost like a religious experience. “I didn’t,” Jay said.
There were some things that stood out to me ...
* I loved the fact that despite the attraction, Jay and Landon became friends first.
*I really loved the fact that Jay started to have feelings for Landon before he had sex with him. There were real emotions besides the sexual attraction that "started in his chest, not his dick."
"And that undefinable feeling settled in Jay’s gut again, making him smile but tremble a bit, because maybe… just maybe the feeling was slowly and inexplicably becoming more defined."
*Ok many people may not care or just go with it without noticing but you know what I absolutely loved? This is something that rarely goes well in books, either with the drama being over the top or the exact opposite. I dreaded that moment here but I needn't have worried.
*The kids do not take over the story. Nope, no teenage drama.
*Amazing chemistry and super hot scenes.
The HEA is very strong but very real as well. And I realise that this is probably why I like Kade Boehme's books. They feel real, with no stupid misunderstandings or unecessary angst and drama. But at the same time they speak to you.
Recommended!
Again, I have to point out that there are some editing issues here. Not too many, but still noticeable. This does not bother me, but it is many people's pet peeve and it pisses me off when great books get lower ratings because of bad editing. So, this is me pointing it out.
* Review crossposted on Gay Book Reviews. *
November 7, 2015
There are so many great reviews of this book already, I'm not sure what I can add.
I really liked this book. It was well written and sexy.
Jay's sexual awakening was believable. Jay wasn't prone to deep thoughts; he wasn't dumb, but he learned early on that it was better not to analyze and just move on.
Both men felt real to me. They were country boys, raised in Christian families in a small Mississippi town.
It's hard for me to relate to such an upbringing because it's so different from mine. I cringed every time Jay felt shame for being attracted to Landon. But I was able to accept that those were JAY'S thoughts, not mine, HIS life, not mine.
Kade writes from experience and from the heart.
I was thankful that Jay's teenage kids didn't overtake the story. I can't say I was fond of Jay's ex. She could have been much, much worse, but I felt like she held Jay hostage with her emotional hostility. She's the one who left and yet she didn't seem to want Jay happy.
I wish the town had been more accepting. I wish Jay and Landon could have lived more freely as a couple in love. But if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
The epilogue made up for the ugly. These men made it work despite their fears, despite the petty bigotry. Love wins!
I really liked this book. It was well written and sexy.
Jay's sexual awakening was believable. Jay wasn't prone to deep thoughts; he wasn't dumb, but he learned early on that it was better not to analyze and just move on.
Both men felt real to me. They were country boys, raised in Christian families in a small Mississippi town.
It's hard for me to relate to such an upbringing because it's so different from mine. I cringed every time Jay felt shame for being attracted to Landon. But I was able to accept that those were JAY'S thoughts, not mine, HIS life, not mine.
Kade writes from experience and from the heart.
I was thankful that Jay's teenage kids didn't overtake the story. I can't say I was fond of Jay's ex. She could have been much, much worse, but I felt like she held Jay hostage with her emotional hostility. She's the one who left and yet she didn't seem to want Jay happy.
I wish the town had been more accepting. I wish Jay and Landon could have lived more freely as a couple in love. But if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
The epilogue made up for the ugly. These men made it work despite their fears, despite the petty bigotry. Love wins!
July 30, 2016
3.5 Stars!
This was a nice, easy read. Nothing really wrong with it but it didn't knock my socks off.
What I did like was that these took their problems head on. They acted like adults. They talked.
Add in some nice steam.
Overall, a good read from Kade.
This was a nice, easy read. Nothing really wrong with it but it didn't knock my socks off.
What I did like was that these took their problems head on. They acted like adults. They talked.
Add in some nice steam.
Overall, a good read from Kade.
November 25, 2015
*** 3.5 Stars ***
I wasn't blown away by Borrowing Trouble, but I definitely enjoyed it.
Kade seriously upped his editing game (yes! There is a god!) and then did what he always does - he wrote a compelling slice-of-life story with main characters that could be any two dudes you pass on the street (well, in the South, anyway). I appreciate that Boehme works within the conventions of the romance genre that we all know and love, but makes sure that his characters are - sometimes frustratingly - authentic in their actions and reactions. Even when he gives us a gooey happily ever after, the flawed delivery makes it feel genuine. Less Hallmark movie, more real life.
I wasn't blown away by Borrowing Trouble, but I definitely enjoyed it.
Kade seriously upped his editing game (yes! There is a god!) and then did what he always does - he wrote a compelling slice-of-life story with main characters that could be any two dudes you pass on the street (well, in the South, anyway). I appreciate that Boehme works within the conventions of the romance genre that we all know and love, but makes sure that his characters are - sometimes frustratingly - authentic in their actions and reactions. Even when he gives us a gooey happily ever after, the flawed delivery makes it feel genuine. Less Hallmark movie, more real life.
October 24, 2015
BR with Momo, Julie, Els and Nathan
This book was lovely.
The GFY aspect was really well done.
Landon and Jay were very sweet together without it being too syrupy.
There was a lot of insecurities on both sides, but these guys talked about it. No miscommunication plot.
I really enjoyed this one and if you are looking for a sweet GFY book, this is the book for you.
Oh, and did I mention, the hot sex scenes…?
This book was lovely.
The GFY aspect was really well done.
Landon and Jay were very sweet together without it being too syrupy.
There was a lot of insecurities on both sides, but these guys talked about it. No miscommunication plot.
I really enjoyed this one and if you are looking for a sweet GFY book, this is the book for you.
Oh, and did I mention, the hot sex scenes…?
August 9, 2023
Rating: 2.5 Stars (rounded down)
This had the potential to be amazing because the writing was great, the author fully embraced having the story take place in a tiny town in Mississippi and I liked the MCs, but it felt like the author skipped over half the story. The parts that were there were enjoyable but I ended up not liking it overall because the author introduced a bunch of interesting plotlines but then skipped over resolving them by jumping to the epilogue.
I was worried this story was going to be a GFY scenario, which doesn't usually work for me but I loved how the author approached Jay's late-in-life bi awakening. His sudden attraction to Landon at the beginning felt unrealistic until we learned more about Jay's history.
Jay's entire life is turned upside down when he realizes how attracted he is to Landon and the whole thing was really well done. He's very confused but also very touch-starved and lonely so combining his intense attraction to Landon and the newness of the whole scenario meant he was a ball of high emotions and I loved that. I also adored how much love the author showed for small town life in the Deep South and how both Jay and Landon were born and bred country boys who loved all aspects of that lifestyle and weren't willing to leave it behind for more gay-friendly pastures. The speech patterns, references and day to day experiences of all the characters were really well done.
The UST between Jay and Landon was smoking hot so I was very excited about the smut scenes but that's when things started to fall apart. Unfortunately, the smut scenes were written in the same style that so many other male authors use and it's one that doesn't work for me. The scenes were too clinical, there was too much blunt porn-movie dialog and overall, I didn't find them sexy.
Another problem is that the story pretty much ends right when things get interesting. Jay and Landon circle around each other, then they get together and this introduces a bunch of possible conflict. So there was huge potential for tons of interesting conflict and I looked forward to seeing how these different side characters and their various issues would evolve over the course of the story. Then...the story skips ahead to the epilogue where everything's hurriedly wrapped up.
This was such a letdown because it felt like everything the author had promised didn't end up happening or it didn't happen on-page.
There were also other minor plotlines that were introduced early but never went anywhere, such as Jay apparently frequently suffering from debilitating migraines but this only happens once off-page and is never mentioned again.
Overall, I would have loved for this story to be the length it needed to be in order to be a satisfying romance. Instead of skipping from the post-get-together all the way to the HEA, I wanted to see how the MCs deal with their various family members, careers and lives in their small Mississippi town while being a gay couple.
This had the potential to be amazing because the writing was great, the author fully embraced having the story take place in a tiny town in Mississippi and I liked the MCs, but it felt like the author skipped over half the story. The parts that were there were enjoyable but I ended up not liking it overall because the author introduced a bunch of interesting plotlines but then skipped over resolving them by jumping to the epilogue.
I was worried this story was going to be a GFY scenario, which doesn't usually work for me but I loved how the author approached Jay's late-in-life bi awakening. His sudden attraction to Landon at the beginning felt unrealistic until we learned more about Jay's history.
Jay's entire life is turned upside down when he realizes how attracted he is to Landon and the whole thing was really well done. He's very confused but also very touch-starved and lonely so combining his intense attraction to Landon and the newness of the whole scenario meant he was a ball of high emotions and I loved that. I also adored how much love the author showed for small town life in the Deep South and how both Jay and Landon were born and bred country boys who loved all aspects of that lifestyle and weren't willing to leave it behind for more gay-friendly pastures. The speech patterns, references and day to day experiences of all the characters were really well done.
The UST between Jay and Landon was smoking hot so I was very excited about the smut scenes but that's when things started to fall apart. Unfortunately, the smut scenes were written in the same style that so many other male authors use and it's one that doesn't work for me. The scenes were too clinical, there was too much blunt porn-movie dialog and overall, I didn't find them sexy.
Another problem is that the story pretty much ends right when things get interesting. Jay and Landon circle around each other, then they get together and this introduces a bunch of possible conflict. So there was huge potential for tons of interesting conflict and I looked forward to seeing how these different side characters and their various issues would evolve over the course of the story. Then...the story skips ahead to the epilogue where everything's hurriedly wrapped up.
This was such a letdown because it felt like everything the author had promised didn't end up happening or it didn't happen on-page.
There were also other minor plotlines that were introduced early but never went anywhere, such as Jay apparently frequently suffering from debilitating migraines but this only happens once off-page and is never mentioned again.
Overall, I would have loved for this story to be the length it needed to be in order to be a satisfying romance. Instead of skipping from the post-get-together all the way to the HEA, I wanted to see how the MCs deal with their various family members, careers and lives in their small Mississippi town while being a gay couple.
May 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this short but very sweet gay for you romance. Jay and Landon were great together.
Jay (36) and his ex wife have been seperated for 3 years. They were hig school sweethearts, so they're been together for a very long time. Together they have 2 kids (12 and 16). They're still friends and the kids currently live with Jay, so their mother can finish school in another state.
Jay recently moved back to his hometown so he could be closer with his former in-laws, so they could help him with the kids. He's started a new job as a manager at the sawmill
Landon also works at the mill. His daddy owns the place and Landon is doing what he can to help him out, eventough he has a degree and wants to be a teacher some day.
Landon and Jay already know each other, because Jay and his ex-wife used to babysit Landon when he was 13. The age difference isn't really huge. Jay is 7 years older than Landon.
Anyway...they hit it off and become friends. At first Jay doesn't know Landon is gay, but there is always somebody who can't keep their big mouth shut. Things get a bit complicated for Jay after finding out Landon is gay, because he's actually starting to feel attraced to the guy..which confuses the shit out of him, because he considers himself straight.
When he starts thinking back about when he was younger, he comes to realise that maybe he's not as straight as he thought.
Now Landon had the hots for Jay the minute he saw the guy, so together they start exploring things between them. They were so honest with one another and so sweet...it was really nice to read about it. There were no weird miscommunications, no heavy angst, apart from the fact that Jay was still trying to figure out who he was and what he wanted. Ofcourse he had to consider his kids and his exwife, but there were no lies and he was very open to Landon about what he was feeling.
There wasn't a great deal of steam in this one, but what was there was very sweet and realistic.
This book wasn't heavy on the angst...it was about two men figuring out what they were feeling and were they were going. The most part is about Jay discovering he has feelings for another man and how he deals with that.
The kids play a minor role....so for those of you who don't like reading about kids...don't worry.
So...a nice " gay for you" .."friends to lovers" story
4 stars from me ...I would have likes a bit more insight into Landons life and his history.
Jay (36) and his ex wife have been seperated for 3 years. They were hig school sweethearts, so they're been together for a very long time. Together they have 2 kids (12 and 16). They're still friends and the kids currently live with Jay, so their mother can finish school in another state.
Jay recently moved back to his hometown so he could be closer with his former in-laws, so they could help him with the kids. He's started a new job as a manager at the sawmill
Landon also works at the mill. His daddy owns the place and Landon is doing what he can to help him out, eventough he has a degree and wants to be a teacher some day.
Landon and Jay already know each other, because Jay and his ex-wife used to babysit Landon when he was 13. The age difference isn't really huge. Jay is 7 years older than Landon.
Anyway...they hit it off and become friends. At first Jay doesn't know Landon is gay, but there is always somebody who can't keep their big mouth shut. Things get a bit complicated for Jay after finding out Landon is gay, because he's actually starting to feel attraced to the guy..which confuses the shit out of him, because he considers himself straight.
When he starts thinking back about when he was younger, he comes to realise that maybe he's not as straight as he thought.
Now Landon had the hots for Jay the minute he saw the guy, so together they start exploring things between them. They were so honest with one another and so sweet...it was really nice to read about it. There were no weird miscommunications, no heavy angst, apart from the fact that Jay was still trying to figure out who he was and what he wanted. Ofcourse he had to consider his kids and his exwife, but there were no lies and he was very open to Landon about what he was feeling.
There wasn't a great deal of steam in this one, but what was there was very sweet and realistic.
This book wasn't heavy on the angst...it was about two men figuring out what they were feeling and were they were going. The most part is about Jay discovering he has feelings for another man and how he deals with that.
The kids play a minor role....so for those of you who don't like reading about kids...don't worry.
So...a nice " gay for you" .."friends to lovers" story
4 stars from me ...I would have likes a bit more insight into Landons life and his history.
October 18, 2015
This was a good story. Not my favorite by Kade, but a satisfying story indeed.
I loved the fact that one of the MCs was in his late 30s. Jay moves back to his home town a few years after his amicable divorce with his children in tow. He befriends Landon, and the two of them begin a friendship for months before Jay begins to feel an attraction that freaks him right the hell out.
I sincerely liked the simplicity of the romance here. Friends to lovers with no side stories apart from the people in each of the MCs' lives. It was real. It was honest. It was about communication and believing in each other.
It's a sad day when the kids are more mature than their mother when Jay is outted, but even that is handled with brilliance by Kade instead of a "big misunderstanding" that a lot of authors latch onto for plot drama. Thank you, Mr. Boehme.
A nice, satisfying read, indeed. Recommended.
I loved the fact that one of the MCs was in his late 30s. Jay moves back to his home town a few years after his amicable divorce with his children in tow. He befriends Landon, and the two of them begin a friendship for months before Jay begins to feel an attraction that freaks him right the hell out.
I sincerely liked the simplicity of the romance here. Friends to lovers with no side stories apart from the people in each of the MCs' lives. It was real. It was honest. It was about communication and believing in each other.
It's a sad day when the kids are more mature than their mother when Jay is outted, but even that is handled with brilliance by Kade instead of a "big misunderstanding" that a lot of authors latch onto for plot drama. Thank you, Mr. Boehme.
A nice, satisfying read, indeed. Recommended.
October 16, 2015
4.5 Stars.
I really enjoyed this contemporary M/M romance, which is also a GFY story.
Jay Hill is the talk of his Mississippi town. He's newly divorced from his high school sweetheart, Bethany, and returned to his hometown to raise his two kids (16 y/o son and 12 y/o daughter) near their maternal grandparents. Jay and Bethany have an amicable divorce; she's realizing her career dreams by going back to college in Atlanta, and he's content to live a slower-paced life as a manager at a local lumber plant. People there don't understand how Jay and Bethany split, however, and his in-laws aren't pleased that the kids aren't being raised in a church home. And, he's tired of the churchy women he keeps getting introduced to. Scandalous!
Landon Petty has been working two jobs for his father's lumber business, despite his degree in History and aspirations to teach. He's so relieved that Jay is hired to take some of the load off his shoulders, but he's not happy to find his former babysitter so god-awful attractive. Landon's gay and out to his parents, but he's very circumspect and quiet in his hometown. He takes himself three hours away for anonymous hook-ups, and it's tiring.
As Jay spends more time alone, when his kids go to his in-law's for a weekend visit, he has trouble in his empty house. So, he invites Landon out to watch a football game at a local bar. They hit it off, and it's a fast friendship, one Jay and Landon really cherish.
Landon keeps his attraction so quiet, but it's not long before Jay starts to see Landon in a strange (for him) new light. He enjoys their companionship, and is frightened and confused as his friendly feelings begin to turn into attraction.
What I really liked about this story is the long development of the friendship and eventual breach into sex. That worked, as both men are fairly lonesome, and had developed a steady friendship. Jay is alerted to Landon's sexuality by a nasty busybody, and it flips a switch for him. Experimenting with gay porn opens new chambers in Jay's brain, unlocking memories of his childhood close friendships with boys. I really thought Jay's introspection was honest. And, I appreciated that he sought help sorting out his feelings, and was honest about it with Landon. Their candor was refreshing.
Landon was a rock, even when he wanted to crumble. He said "no pressure" regarding coming out, and he meant it. And he lived it. He thrilled to every kiss or touch, and yet he was willing to walk if Jay couldn't handle it.
While I was angry regarding Bethany's initial reaction to Jay and Landon, I think she redeemed herself about 90% after sleeping on it. Jay was a far stronger character in the end, than the beginning. His kids were excellently written. Seriously, I wanted to kiss Clint for being an excellent big brother and the sounding board both his parents needed.
There are some fantastic sexytimes, and a beautiful, realistic relationship between two admirable, ordinary men. Expect some editing issues regarding continuity in the plot. Those mostly get smoothed over by the second half.
I really enjoyed this contemporary M/M romance, which is also a GFY story.
Jay Hill is the talk of his Mississippi town. He's newly divorced from his high school sweetheart, Bethany, and returned to his hometown to raise his two kids (16 y/o son and 12 y/o daughter) near their maternal grandparents. Jay and Bethany have an amicable divorce; she's realizing her career dreams by going back to college in Atlanta, and he's content to live a slower-paced life as a manager at a local lumber plant. People there don't understand how Jay and Bethany split, however, and his in-laws aren't pleased that the kids aren't being raised in a church home. And, he's tired of the churchy women he keeps getting introduced to. Scandalous!
Landon Petty has been working two jobs for his father's lumber business, despite his degree in History and aspirations to teach. He's so relieved that Jay is hired to take some of the load off his shoulders, but he's not happy to find his former babysitter so god-awful attractive. Landon's gay and out to his parents, but he's very circumspect and quiet in his hometown. He takes himself three hours away for anonymous hook-ups, and it's tiring.
As Jay spends more time alone, when his kids go to his in-law's for a weekend visit, he has trouble in his empty house. So, he invites Landon out to watch a football game at a local bar. They hit it off, and it's a fast friendship, one Jay and Landon really cherish.
Landon keeps his attraction so quiet, but it's not long before Jay starts to see Landon in a strange (for him) new light. He enjoys their companionship, and is frightened and confused as his friendly feelings begin to turn into attraction.
What I really liked about this story is the long development of the friendship and eventual breach into sex. That worked, as both men are fairly lonesome, and had developed a steady friendship. Jay is alerted to Landon's sexuality by a nasty busybody, and it flips a switch for him. Experimenting with gay porn opens new chambers in Jay's brain, unlocking memories of his childhood close friendships with boys. I really thought Jay's introspection was honest. And, I appreciated that he sought help sorting out his feelings, and was honest about it with Landon. Their candor was refreshing.
Landon was a rock, even when he wanted to crumble. He said "no pressure" regarding coming out, and he meant it. And he lived it. He thrilled to every kiss or touch, and yet he was willing to walk if Jay couldn't handle it.
While I was angry regarding Bethany's initial reaction to Jay and Landon, I think she redeemed herself about 90% after sleeping on it. Jay was a far stronger character in the end, than the beginning. His kids were excellently written. Seriously, I wanted to kiss Clint for being an excellent big brother and the sounding board both his parents needed.
There are some fantastic sexytimes, and a beautiful, realistic relationship between two admirable, ordinary men. Expect some editing issues regarding continuity in the plot. Those mostly get smoothed over by the second half.
November 7, 2015
Sweet, low angst stories with good people falling in love and hot sexy times are a guilty pleasure of mine. Not a lot has to really happen in them to get me to my happy place. It's just two regular guys with regular jobs in a regular town. And it's just what I love in a contemporary romance.
Jay and Landon are so damn likable. From the very beginning, I felt like these two deserved their happily ever after. I liked that they weren't these larger than life heroes. They just felt like real, decent human beings who had lovely chemistry together.
The supporting characters were great too. I love the way this author does southern life.. He hits the nail on the head. The atmosphere, the people, the dialect.. So often it's over-written and sounds silly. This feels very organic and like home.
I think that's part of why I enjoy his stories (particularly the ones set in the southern part of the country). Everything is just so familiar. Reading about these characters feels like rooting for someone I know and genuinely like. This book felt like a box of happy puppies.
Edit- A few days later, and this book still makes me smile. I'm upping it to five stars because it just made me friggin' happy.
Jay and Landon are so damn likable. From the very beginning, I felt like these two deserved their happily ever after. I liked that they weren't these larger than life heroes. They just felt like real, decent human beings who had lovely chemistry together.
The supporting characters were great too. I love the way this author does southern life.. He hits the nail on the head. The atmosphere, the people, the dialect.. So often it's over-written and sounds silly. This feels very organic and like home.
I think that's part of why I enjoy his stories (particularly the ones set in the southern part of the country). Everything is just so familiar. Reading about these characters feels like rooting for someone I know and genuinely like. This book felt like a box of happy puppies.
Edit- A few days later, and this book still makes me smile. I'm upping it to five stars because it just made me friggin' happy.
January 2, 2016
A sweet, gentle love story with a little bit of heat to spice it up, likeable characters, and a tried and true plot.
I liked the depiction of Jay, at 36, coming to grips with feelings he'd had all his life but suppressed in order to get along and not rock the boat.
I would have liked to have gotten a bit more time with Landon. I just felt like he could have been fleshed out a bit more.
However, bottom line, I enjoyed it, and the sexy times were hot and delicious.
I liked the depiction of Jay, at 36, coming to grips with feelings he'd had all his life but suppressed in order to get along and not rock the boat.
I would have liked to have gotten a bit more time with Landon. I just felt like he could have been fleshed out a bit more.
However, bottom line, I enjoyed it, and the sexy times were hot and delicious.
January 20, 2016
So beautiful and well thought out and deepened
Nothing is superficial
The book has been widely written, not with a tube vision (is this even an English sentence?)
The writing is smooth convincing strong. It sucks you in the story.
I want to jump up and down "Read this one"
Yet another beautiful book from this author. So full of honest feelings.
Nothing is superficial
The book has been widely written, not with a tube vision (is this even an English sentence?)
The writing is smooth convincing strong. It sucks you in the story.
I want to jump up and down "Read this one"
Yet another beautiful book from this author. So full of honest feelings.
November 28, 2015
4.5 stars!
I loved it so much!
I loved both MCs, loved how they both delt with the Gay-for-you/Out-for-you situation, I loved how the author did not make Jay's ex-wife a bitch but also, she wasn't the sweet and 100% understanding "best friend".
Everything was believable to me, with a perfect pace.
To me, what makes a book a winner, is the author ability to make me FEEL, and though it's not an emotional, angst-y book at all, there where beautiful and emotional scens that made my heart skip a beat.
I loved it so much!
I loved both MCs, loved how they both delt with the Gay-for-you/Out-for-you situation, I loved how the author did not make Jay's ex-wife a bitch but also, she wasn't the sweet and 100% understanding "best friend".
Everything was believable to me, with a perfect pace.
To me, what makes a book a winner, is the author ability to make me FEEL, and though it's not an emotional, angst-y book at all, there where beautiful and emotional scens that made my heart skip a beat.
November 25, 2015
Historia que se desarrolla en un pueblo pequeño de la América profunda, un chico gay y un hombre que todavía no sabe que lo es... El comienzo del libro es titubeante y me dejó con muchas dudas, la situación me parecía poco creíble, pero a medida que avanza la historia adquiere consistencia y es muy interesante ver cómo Jay poco a poco va aceptando su homosexualidad y el impacto que puede tener en su vida al ser un hombre divorciado que vive con sus dos hijos adolescentes; mientras que por el otro lado, Landon intenta ser paciente y no forzar las cosas.
El autor analiza los sentimientos de ambos haciendo a los dos personajes cercanos, con muchos momentos llenos de sentimiento y buenas escenas sexuales.
¿Mi pega? Creo que ha faltado más conflicto, lo plantea y analiza pero la resolución es muy rápida.
El autor analiza los sentimientos de ambos haciendo a los dos personajes cercanos, con muchos momentos llenos de sentimiento y buenas escenas sexuales.
¿Mi pega? Creo que ha faltado más conflicto, lo plantea y analiza pero la resolución es muy rápida.
May 4, 2017
***2.75 Stars***
This book sits firmly in the "alright" category.
How was the plot? It was alright.
How were the characters? They were alright.
How was the sex? It was alright.
November 19, 2015
Landon is in his late twenties, working for his dad's company as a truck driver/office manager. He'd hoped to be a teacher, and went to college for that, but then his dad needed help, and so he helped. He's gay, but not out, and keeps to himself, what with living in a small town in the South where everyone knows everyone, and everyone wants to know your business.
Then Daddy tells Landon that he's hired a new guy to take over the office duties, and Landon's all happy about that, until he finds out that the new guy is Jay, his one-time babysitter's BF, who's now divorced but straight, and whom Landon crushed on as his teenage self.
But the guy is straight, so Landon knows there's nothing gonna happen, which probably leads to quite a few times of self-abuse (off-page), but the two men do become sort of friends who hang out.
And then things start happening, with Jay finding himself thinking more and more of Landon, and then thinking that maybe he isn't as straight as he thought, and doing some self-searching.
What I really liked about this book is that the characters are actually dealing with their shit, instead of sticking their heads in the sand and hoping it'll go away. Jay especially seeks professional help and doesn't start avoiding Landon, as he figures out what's happening to him.
Their relationship efforts are complicated by Jay's ex-wife and mother of his two kids. As it happens so often in small southern towns, Jay got married when he knocked up his GF at a young age, and the marriage goes to shit when they actually grow up. At least they're still friendly and supportive of each other. Except for when Jay and Landon are found out, and the ex-wife has a small hissy fit (not that I blamed her), but Jay stays the course he's on.
All too often, romance books will employ the "big drama" and the "I must leave you for your own good" and the "I just can't deal" BS, and I was glad to see that didn't happen here. Landon was respectful of Jay's confusion and never pushed, and Jay was trying to find his true self, without kicking Landon out of his life in fear. They actually had conversation, OMG, real, mature, adult conversations, and it helped their relationship prosper.
Well done, Kade.
As for the sexy times, they surely furthered the plotline, and there's one scene with a BJ that was as dirty as it was emotional.
I really, really liked this book a lot! Give it a try, for sure!
Then Daddy tells Landon that he's hired a new guy to take over the office duties, and Landon's all happy about that, until he finds out that the new guy is Jay, his one-time babysitter's BF, who's now divorced but straight, and whom Landon crushed on as his teenage self.
But the guy is straight, so Landon knows there's nothing gonna happen, which probably leads to quite a few times of self-abuse (off-page), but the two men do become sort of friends who hang out.
And then things start happening, with Jay finding himself thinking more and more of Landon, and then thinking that maybe he isn't as straight as he thought, and doing some self-searching.
What I really liked about this book is that the characters are actually dealing with their shit, instead of sticking their heads in the sand and hoping it'll go away. Jay especially seeks professional help and doesn't start avoiding Landon, as he figures out what's happening to him.
Their relationship efforts are complicated by Jay's ex-wife and mother of his two kids. As it happens so often in small southern towns, Jay got married when he knocked up his GF at a young age, and the marriage goes to shit when they actually grow up. At least they're still friendly and supportive of each other. Except for when Jay and Landon are found out, and the ex-wife has a small hissy fit (not that I blamed her), but Jay stays the course he's on.
All too often, romance books will employ the "big drama" and the "I must leave you for your own good" and the "I just can't deal" BS, and I was glad to see that didn't happen here. Landon was respectful of Jay's confusion and never pushed, and Jay was trying to find his true self, without kicking Landon out of his life in fear. They actually had conversation, OMG, real, mature, adult conversations, and it helped their relationship prosper.
Well done, Kade.
As for the sexy times, they surely furthered the plotline, and there's one scene with a BJ that was as dirty as it was emotional.
I really, really liked this book a lot! Give it a try, for sure!
November 18, 2015
I usually don't like GFY stories, so I had mixed feelings when I started reading this one.
Borrowing Trouble was an enjoyable read, though, a great book packed full of emotional moments.
Kade’s writing style is powerful, gripping, and captivating. I didn't feel like watching from the side-lines, I lived within the story, I suffered with Jay and laughed and smiled with Landon. The skill to write like this is a true gift and I truly enjoyed reading the story.
Recommended!
October 27, 2015
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
October 25, 2015
3.5 stars.
October 22, 2015
DNF'd at 61%...I have my reasons.
October 25, 2015
BR, October 21th with Momo, Susan, Julie and Nathan.
*4,5 stars*
“Borrowed trouble. Worth it.”
Very nice and quick reed.
Jay, 36 years old, recently divorced with two teen children decides to return home. He meets Landon again at his job at the sawmill. They knew each other when they were younger. Landon was 12 years old the last time Jay saw him. Jay was 19 years old at that time.
They hit it off again and become good friends. Landon is secretly crushing on his “straight” friend Jay. After Jay learns that Landon is actually gay, things get somewhat complicated because Jay is developing all these feelings for Landon. Some of his suppressed memories come back to Jay. Is he really that straight as he always thought?
I loved their honesty to each other. Jay is struggling with his new feelings. They start exploring things between them and Landon was very patient with Jay.
He lost it. That door in his mind he’d been shutting off, the one he hadn’t even known was closed, blew off the fucking hinges and all those synapses fired….
“I didn’t know.”
There wasn’t really much drama and angst. Apart from one scene with the ex-wife that Jay handled quite nicely. The men were able to talk as actual grownups.
Man, did I love Jay!!! It was awesome seeing Jay figuring out his feelings for Landon and daring to have this new future with him.
In Landon’s arms, Jay’s eyes started to leak, some from sadness for the man who’d been locked away all these years in his head, some from the happiness he’d found this when he’d not even known he’d needed it.
Great friends-to-lovers story!
*RECOMMENDED*
November 2, 2015
This book was great. Kade usually delivers great stories and this was no different. I felt connected to both Mc's right from the start. The story tells the tale of a divorcee who has an awakening later in life. He develops a friendship with a gay man and they fall in love with each other. Jay the divorcee basically goes on a personal journey of discovery realizing he has surpressed certain feelings and desires all his life. He meets Landon a gay man he works with and they become fast friends. Jay begins to realize he is developing feelings for his friend thus the journey begins. The story is sweet, realistic, and sexy. Worthwhile read.
November 15, 2015
I liked it.
It was the right amount of everything. Believable, sweet, hot, angst and drama. Just the right amount of all those things and more.
Totally a feel good GFY romance. It made me happy.
I loved getting an older, well a bit older, guy figuring out his life and finding himself and total happiness.
It was the right amount of everything. Believable, sweet, hot, angst and drama. Just the right amount of all those things and more.
Totally a feel good GFY romance. It made me happy.
I loved getting an older, well a bit older, guy figuring out his life and finding himself and total happiness.
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