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Baggage
At thirty-eight years of age, Chandler finds himself single and caring for his brother Raymond, who suffers numerous health problems.
Mired in grief from the multiple deaths of close family members, he recedes into himself, crippled with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
Early one morning Chandler’s life is flipped on its end when he encounters his neighbor, twenty-five year old Marcus.
Nothing about a relationship with this young man makes sense. For one thing, Marcus is... well... YOUNG. He's also biracial and has all kinds of tattooed muscles!
The streetwise Marcus introduces Chandler to an entirely different lifestyle, pulling the would-be hermit from his shell, albeit kicking and screaming. But how long can such a relationship last, and what about Raymond? Chandler fears a guy like Marcus, seemingly perfect in every way, won't be able to truly accept Chandler with all his baggage.
An unexpected bombshell detonates and Chandler learns some unsavory details about Marcus, who he really is, and what he's done in the past.
Finally, it's Chandler who must decide if he can accept Marcus' baggage
Mired in grief from the multiple deaths of close family members, he recedes into himself, crippled with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
Early one morning Chandler’s life is flipped on its end when he encounters his neighbor, twenty-five year old Marcus.
Nothing about a relationship with this young man makes sense. For one thing, Marcus is... well... YOUNG. He's also biracial and has all kinds of tattooed muscles!
The streetwise Marcus introduces Chandler to an entirely different lifestyle, pulling the would-be hermit from his shell, albeit kicking and screaming. But how long can such a relationship last, and what about Raymond? Chandler fears a guy like Marcus, seemingly perfect in every way, won't be able to truly accept Chandler with all his baggage.
An unexpected bombshell detonates and Chandler learns some unsavory details about Marcus, who he really is, and what he's done in the past.
Finally, it's Chandler who must decide if he can accept Marcus' baggage
- GenresM M RomanceContemporary
419 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2015
3 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Erno
71 books643 followersJeff Erno currently lives in southern Michigan. He holds a bachelor's degree in business management and human resources. Jeff began writing stories in the late 1990's and initially posted them to a free online amateur website. The positive feedback he received from readers encouraged him to continue, and this eventually led to the publication of his first novel, Dumb Jock. Erno has subsequently published several other novels.
His greatest passion in life is writing, and he hopes to be able to continue sharing his work with readers worldwide.
His greatest passion in life is writing, and he hopes to be able to continue sharing his work with readers worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 7, 2015
I must admit to being fond of authors who not just write but also read books. And Jeff Erno is one of those authors. I’ve become his quiet stalker. Jeff Erno gave a book 5 stars? I add it to my TBR. Jeff Erno wrote a new blog? I HAVE to read it. I really enjoy his thoughts about many topics that concern us all. So how could it happen that I’ve read just two of his books?!
The time for my next Jeff Erno’s book has come.
I read Baggage almost in one sitting. It was a quick and entertaining read. It's not a brilliant literary work, but it is a solid contemporary romance that will for sure satisfy many readers.
The Plot:
His whole life Chandler cared for people he loved. He sacrificed his own life, his happiness for his family. Considering the long list of family members Chandler looked after and cared for during his thirty eight year lifetime, I should admire his total self-giving character, but I rather feel pity for him. Isn't happiness the result of a certain amount of a healthy dose of egoism?
But if a lonely gay hero has ever earned a reward in form of a young and attractive neighbor, it's certainly Chandler. It is how Marcus stepped into his life, emerging on the porch of his mobile home in a trailer park, where Chandler lived together with his brother Raymond for eight years, and for whom he- surprise surprise- CARED, because Raymond is not able to live on his own.
But if I got to know what kind of baggage Chandler carried around for all his life, Marcus past and his real intentions remained in the darkness. He appeared to be a person who was difficult to see through. And whilst Chandler fell head over heels in love with this wet-dream-come-true-young-man, he couldn't stop to doubt if he were the right person for Marcus to be with. His continuous thoughts that Marcus deserved someone young and positive and not someone like him, who already experienced many losses and disappointments of dashed hopes, Chandler somehow managed to convince me either to believe that he was not good enough for Marcus, or better to say, that Marcus was not the person that he claimed to be. I began to suspect some hidden selfish interest behind Marcus attraction toward Chandler. Has he been always honest with Chandler? Well, you'll get the answer to this question when you read the book.
Baggage the kind of book that makes you feel GOOD after you have read the last page, and it has everything that this genre can OFFER:
A love story about two very different characters that in spite of their differences fit best together. opposites attract – one of my favorite kind in MM Romance.
All in all it was entertaining and intriguing enough to enjoy the reading.
Why not more than 3 stars?
Jeff Erno has a very clear and unpretentious writing style. He is honest and passionate in portraying his characters. And it is the perfect and the RIGHT way to do it, IF...
I felt terribly to rate it under 4 stars, because it was actually good.
BUT.
I don't know if it was my PERSONAL issue, but I just prefer bad boys. Chandler is someone you want to have by your side in a REAL LIFE, but who is a bit too boring as a book character, too well-behaved, too ready to help, too sacrificing for my spoiled nature.
Though I can understand what the author wanted to say with this story – it is why I ALWAYS read prologue/introduction.
There was no much angst or drama to speak of, no real mind-blowing action, nothing to make you WOWED, but it has something nice, something lovely, that is difficult to put in words, but that kept me interested through the whole story.
So yes, considering the sub-genre, that doesn't belong to my preferable one(I'm rather a mystery girl), I'd say, it is a MUST read for all fans of a contemporary romance novel.
P.S I can't give an extra bonus for the cover. I think it is awful.
***ARC of Baggage provided to Gay Book Reviews by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2025
4.5 Stars ~ Having met Jeff Erno a couple of times now and feeling horrible that I hadn't read anything by him, I decided to change that. He is a new-to-me author, but the delightful man I've met struck such a chord in me that I felt confident I would enjoy his writing. 'Baggage' with it's tale of damaged people, a loving caregiver, and mental illness hit a number of my buttons and I'm very glad this is his first work I have read.
It didn't take long to appreciate and genuinely like the sheer goodness that is Chandler. He's thirty-eight years old and spent many years taking care of both of his parents when they suffered strokes. He now works from home and cares for his brother, Raymond, who has some mental health issues and also suffered a stroke a while back. Chandler just radiates this decency about him and I couldn't help but admire that. Not that he doesn't have his own share of issues, but considering all he's dealt with and is still doing, I'd be surprised if he didn't.
"Marcus was just now embarking upon life. Just starting out, while Chandler had already been through so much. Chandler had already experienced multiple losses, horrific tragedies. He’d already endured far too much, and Marcus deserved someone young and positive. He deserved someone not yet jaded by the pitfalls and disappointments of dashed hope."
Marcus is twenty-five and lives across the street with his brother. He just got his vocational tech diploma as a machinist and works down the street at the steel mill. Marcus spent several years caring for his mother before cancer took her so he understands about being a caregiver. Marcus sees all the wonderful and beautiful things about Chandler that Chandler doesn't even recognize, and he won't allow Chandler to put himself down.
"What Marcus’ brother had told him knocked the wind from his sails. Threw him for a loop. He could barely wrap his mind around the possibility that the man’s words contained any truth. Yet the evidence had been there, right in the palm of his hand."
This book was what I expected… and it wasn't. I'm honestly not trying to confuse you so bear with me because I did like this story. Chandler spent his whole life being the family's caregiver, taking care of everyone up until they died, and now he's all alone. He let his own insecurities, doubts, poor self-esteem, and self-confidence make him feel washed out and old long before his time. Then this vibrant young man comes into his life and makes Chandler feel things he never has before. Marcus has his own share of baggage and he certainly should have told Chandler before everything exploded, but I could understand making a fresh start. When push came to shove, though, Chandler allowed all of those old feelings to overwhelm him, and forgot to be the strong person he'd started to become. He also forgot to trust Marcus because in Chandler's mind he could only assume that Marcus was with someone like him for nefarious reasons and not love.
This novel evoked many emotions within me and I thank the author for that. 'Baggage' is a beautiful story about loss, redemption, hope, and love.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
It didn't take long to appreciate and genuinely like the sheer goodness that is Chandler. He's thirty-eight years old and spent many years taking care of both of his parents when they suffered strokes. He now works from home and cares for his brother, Raymond, who has some mental health issues and also suffered a stroke a while back. Chandler just radiates this decency about him and I couldn't help but admire that. Not that he doesn't have his own share of issues, but considering all he's dealt with and is still doing, I'd be surprised if he didn't.
"Marcus was just now embarking upon life. Just starting out, while Chandler had already been through so much. Chandler had already experienced multiple losses, horrific tragedies. He’d already endured far too much, and Marcus deserved someone young and positive. He deserved someone not yet jaded by the pitfalls and disappointments of dashed hope."
Marcus is twenty-five and lives across the street with his brother. He just got his vocational tech diploma as a machinist and works down the street at the steel mill. Marcus spent several years caring for his mother before cancer took her so he understands about being a caregiver. Marcus sees all the wonderful and beautiful things about Chandler that Chandler doesn't even recognize, and he won't allow Chandler to put himself down.
"What Marcus’ brother had told him knocked the wind from his sails. Threw him for a loop. He could barely wrap his mind around the possibility that the man’s words contained any truth. Yet the evidence had been there, right in the palm of his hand."
This book was what I expected… and it wasn't. I'm honestly not trying to confuse you so bear with me because I did like this story. Chandler spent his whole life being the family's caregiver, taking care of everyone up until they died, and now he's all alone. He let his own insecurities, doubts, poor self-esteem, and self-confidence make him feel washed out and old long before his time. Then this vibrant young man comes into his life and makes Chandler feel things he never has before. Marcus has his own share of baggage and he certainly should have told Chandler before everything exploded, but I could understand making a fresh start. When push came to shove, though, Chandler allowed all of those old feelings to overwhelm him, and forgot to be the strong person he'd started to become. He also forgot to trust Marcus because in Chandler's mind he could only assume that Marcus was with someone like him for nefarious reasons and not love.
This novel evoked many emotions within me and I thank the author for that. 'Baggage' is a beautiful story about loss, redemption, hope, and love.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
November 27, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Jeff Erno has done it again! If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading one of his stories, you don’t know what you are missing. He creates characters and storylines that reach out and grab you and drag you into their world. This story is no different – despite the book cover that, to be quite honest, was anything but appealing. Seriously, I rarely comment on book covers, but this one has to be one of the worst covers I’ve ever seen. To be completely honest with you, had I seen this book in a bookstore, I probably wouldn’t have even picked it up to see what the book was about; it’s just not pleasing to the eye at all. Yet, once you open up the cover, you are treated to an amazing story!
Chandler is the type of person that we all wish we had in our life. Giving himself to a fault, there isn’t anything he isn’t willing to do to ensure that the people in his life have the proper care – even if it means putting his own life on hold, indefinitely. Beginning with his mother, then grandmother, then father, then nephew, Chandler’s suffered tragedy after tragedy. He’s given so much of himself to others that he no longer has a life of his own.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Jeff Erno has done it again! If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading one of his stories, you don’t know what you are missing. He creates characters and storylines that reach out and grab you and drag you into their world. This story is no different – despite the book cover that, to be quite honest, was anything but appealing. Seriously, I rarely comment on book covers, but this one has to be one of the worst covers I’ve ever seen. To be completely honest with you, had I seen this book in a bookstore, I probably wouldn’t have even picked it up to see what the book was about; it’s just not pleasing to the eye at all. Yet, once you open up the cover, you are treated to an amazing story!
Chandler is the type of person that we all wish we had in our life. Giving himself to a fault, there isn’t anything he isn’t willing to do to ensure that the people in his life have the proper care – even if it means putting his own life on hold, indefinitely. Beginning with his mother, then grandmother, then father, then nephew, Chandler’s suffered tragedy after tragedy. He’s given so much of himself to others that he no longer has a life of his own.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
March 27, 2016
Jeff Erno’s "Baggage" is an emotionally complex novel filled with heart.
After Chandler’s parents die, his daily life revolves around the needs of his sometimes emotionally violent brother, who has suffered a stroke. Chandler has lost his love and his job of many years and now works as an editor from home. Though Chandler is lonely, he is not a self-sacrificing victim. He is strong, makes healthy choices, and is proud to have paid for his trailer home.
Then Marcus moves into the trailer park. The handsome, kind young man opens up Chandler’s world. Chandler begins to enjoy a full life, and then Marcus’ past rears up to smack them.
In "Baggage," Jeff Erno offers validation and hope for the costs and benefits of serving as caregivers. I especially love his dedication to the unsung heroes and the need to overcome the stigma of mental illness in order to attain better treatment for the suffering.
After Chandler’s parents die, his daily life revolves around the needs of his sometimes emotionally violent brother, who has suffered a stroke. Chandler has lost his love and his job of many years and now works as an editor from home. Though Chandler is lonely, he is not a self-sacrificing victim. He is strong, makes healthy choices, and is proud to have paid for his trailer home.
Then Marcus moves into the trailer park. The handsome, kind young man opens up Chandler’s world. Chandler begins to enjoy a full life, and then Marcus’ past rears up to smack them.
In "Baggage," Jeff Erno offers validation and hope for the costs and benefits of serving as caregivers. I especially love his dedication to the unsung heroes and the need to overcome the stigma of mental illness in order to attain better treatment for the suffering.
March 21, 2016
Having read Erno’s The Full Nelson series, I was interested to find out how much I would enjoy a romance by this author that wasn’t mystery based. As it turns out, I quite enjoyed Baggage. Then again, as Chandler is dealing with mental health issues of his own and his brother’s, for whom he is the sole caregiver, it was hard not to enjoy it as Erno did a great job of creating realistic characters. That there is a little bit of mystery for the reader as to the secrets Marcus is keeping merely upped the ante for me because I was rooting for these guys to find their happy ending – both individually and together.
Chandler has spent much of his adult life as a caregiver for family members. First for his mother after her stroke, then for his grandmother, then for his father, and now for his brother, Raymond. At some point, he also helped raise his nephew once Raymond’s bipolar disorder and other health conditions rendered him incapable of caring for his own son. Due to the nature of their needs, he lost his mother, his grandmother and his father to death, his long-term boyfriend for having too much baggage, and his nephew when he went away to college and began his own life. Faced with loss after loss after loss, it’s not surprising that Chandler clung to the rigidity of routine to the point that he withdrew from much of society. After all, it’s far easier to exercise control over your life in a smaller environment than in the world at large. But with one failed car battery, Marcus busted through Chandler’s walls and drug him back into the world, kicking and screaming when needed. What seemed to Chandler an unsurmountable barrier in the beginning – a thirteen-year age difference – served to be exactly what he needed. Marcus’s youth, thirst for life, and interest in Chandler meant that he was constantly pushing at Chandler’s boundaries in order to get Chandler to do more with him. Despite one or two failed attempts – the gay club being the worst – Chandler found himself excited to spend time with Marcus, feeling younger and happier than he had in years. Which is what makes what Marcus’s brother does especially cruel. But Chandler and Marcus learn an important lesson – out of tragedy can come happiness.
I loved the character Erno created Chandler. The man had baggage – trunks and trunks of it – and his anxiety and withdrawal were realistic coping mechanisms for what he endured over the years. Having dealt with his mother’s anxiety meant that Marcus was able to use that experience to help Chandler when the world closed in around him. This strengthened the feelings of safety that Marcus made Chandler feel. Watching them build their relationship was both sweet and sexy because they were very compatible sexually – hot! I absolutely hated that Marcus’s brother spoke out of turn to Chandler and I would love to say that Chandler overreacted, but there were too many times that Marcus kept his secrets when he shouldn’t have. So I got why Chandler did what he did and I cried right along with him even as I suspected that the situation wasn’t as black and white as it appeared. While it was one heck of a bumpy ride, I really liked the resolution gave Marcus and Chandler. As an aside, I loved Eileen!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
Chandler has spent much of his adult life as a caregiver for family members. First for his mother after her stroke, then for his grandmother, then for his father, and now for his brother, Raymond. At some point, he also helped raise his nephew once Raymond’s bipolar disorder and other health conditions rendered him incapable of caring for his own son. Due to the nature of their needs, he lost his mother, his grandmother and his father to death, his long-term boyfriend for having too much baggage, and his nephew when he went away to college and began his own life. Faced with loss after loss after loss, it’s not surprising that Chandler clung to the rigidity of routine to the point that he withdrew from much of society. After all, it’s far easier to exercise control over your life in a smaller environment than in the world at large. But with one failed car battery, Marcus busted through Chandler’s walls and drug him back into the world, kicking and screaming when needed. What seemed to Chandler an unsurmountable barrier in the beginning – a thirteen-year age difference – served to be exactly what he needed. Marcus’s youth, thirst for life, and interest in Chandler meant that he was constantly pushing at Chandler’s boundaries in order to get Chandler to do more with him. Despite one or two failed attempts – the gay club being the worst – Chandler found himself excited to spend time with Marcus, feeling younger and happier than he had in years. Which is what makes what Marcus’s brother does especially cruel. But Chandler and Marcus learn an important lesson – out of tragedy can come happiness.
I loved the character Erno created Chandler. The man had baggage – trunks and trunks of it – and his anxiety and withdrawal were realistic coping mechanisms for what he endured over the years. Having dealt with his mother’s anxiety meant that Marcus was able to use that experience to help Chandler when the world closed in around him. This strengthened the feelings of safety that Marcus made Chandler feel. Watching them build their relationship was both sweet and sexy because they were very compatible sexually – hot! I absolutely hated that Marcus’s brother spoke out of turn to Chandler and I would love to say that Chandler overreacted, but there were too many times that Marcus kept his secrets when he shouldn’t have. So I got why Chandler did what he did and I cried right along with him even as I suspected that the situation wasn’t as black and white as it appeared. While it was one heck of a bumpy ride, I really liked the resolution gave Marcus and Chandler. As an aside, I loved Eileen!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
November 8, 2016
This title was originally reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®
I don't think I would ever have picked up Baggage by Jeff Erno on my own. Honestly, the cover skeeved me out a bit when it first came across my desk and I dismissed it. Recently I got into a Facebook discussion with the author about something completely unrelated. Somehow that led to me agreeing to read Baggage.
For complete Review see http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?p=4...
October 31, 2015
Heartwarming and inspiring!
Again, we have another truly touching and inspiring novel by Jeff Erno. Having read and enjoyed all of Jeff's books I want to state that he has hit another homerun. Great job Jeff, am loo!king forward to more from you!!!!
Again, we have another truly touching and inspiring novel by Jeff Erno. Having read and enjoyed all of Jeff's books I want to state that he has hit another homerun. Great job Jeff, am loo!king forward to more from you!!!!
March 10, 2016
Beautifully written story! Chandler is the caregiver in his family. Marcus is just what he needs! Just a little drama but not to much. I really enjoyed ALL the characters in the book. Will be looking for more by this author!
February 14, 2016
Another wonderful, poignant story from Jeff Erno. A great drama piece with realistic and memorable characters.
Disclaimer: I was involved in the editing of this book.
Disclaimer: I was involved in the editing of this book.
May 1, 2016
I love Jeff Erno's work... and Baggage is no exception. I enjoyed the story and love his characters. I'd definitely recommend this book! Hugs, Z.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews