Jamie presents a flamboyant and slutty attitude to the world because he's been hurt before. Even though it's mostly an act, he hides behind his persona to keep people at arm's length. With only a small group of trusted friends, he's vowed to never allow a man to have power over him again. Power to hurt him. Power to take away his freedom. Power to label him as a predator for the rest of his life.
Reed and his sister run a home preschool for toddlers. His focus is on getting credentialed so he can take some of the burden from Lucy. He doesn't have time for friends, much less a lover, but when he meets Jamie, he recognizes something in the man that makes him want to get closer.
Unfortunately, Jamie's past prevents him from truly integrating into Reed's future. It's not just a matter of the heart. It's a matter of the law.
If you're an audiobook fan, I highly recommend doing the series this way - it was an incredible experience going through one of my all-time favorite series this way.
My Original Review of Book 2
That is definitely one of the most attention grabbing opening scenes I've read in a long while. The whole way through the story I kept wondering how Jamie was going to overcome that!
As with all the stories in this series, the story is very creative. I like the connection Reed makes with Jamie and I was rooting for them the whole way through.
I did the audio version of this one and Michael Ferraiuolo's beautiful narration was perfect for this one.
**copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**
After an unfortunate event Jamie's future is derailed. A server at a gay bar, Jamie is forced to flirt with some of the lowest of low life's for tips. He meets Reed there and they are attracted to one another, but Jamie pushes him away. Jamie has a secret that could destroy everything Reed has worked so hard to build.
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I thought it needed more. The story flowed well and I loved revisiting Alex, Shane and Jacob. I adored Reed's sister Lucy. She was funny and a well developed secondary character. The main characters had a really good chemistry and the sex was steamy.
My major problem with this book. was that Jamie and Reed both had huge parts of their individual stories that I felt were left unresolved. The "Ross" situation should have definitely been resolved and/or addressed. For Reed, it was the "Abby" situation. It was such a huge part of the story and it just felt unfinished to me.
This is book two in the series, but it can be read as a standalone even though the MC's from book one appear in this book. I think you will definitely need to read this book to understand book three, which I'm really looking forward to. While I really wanted more, and hope to get more from book three, the story was still enjoyable and recommended!
**SPOILER ALERT**
I do have a couple of questions about the authenticity of Jamie's situation. If you don't want any spoilers, please skip this portion. Michael is only 15, and in a casino. I could understand if they were just in the eating area, but he was at a slot machine! Not to mention Jamie is only 18, I'm pretty it's illegal to be in the casino gambling at 18. All the research I could find says the legal age is 21. I'm not deducting any stars for this. It is just fiction. I'm also not a nit picky reviewer, but it's also not a little part of the story. It's a huge catalyst that sets forward and changes the course of Jamie's future and I just feel it should have been fact checked and correct.
While When I’m Weak is part of a series, it is able to be read as a standalone…but personally I think When It’s Right should be read first so you can have the backstory of some of the supporting characters that appear in this book (mainly Shane and Alex). For me, reading the series in order made it more enjoyable, and I loved that I was able to see how Alex and Shane’s relationship had progressed since the first book.
I really liked Reed’s character. I love that he is so supportive of his sister and how the two of them easily work together in this story-they have a great relationship that I’m sure many would envy. Jamie was a little harder for me to warm up to, mostly due to his “slutty” persona that he exudes (even though this is primarily when he’s working). But I gradually warmed up to him as the story went on, and by the end I was much more comfortable with him.
Jamie’s past is something that could threaten Reed’s present and future, which drives the angst in this story. His past will have you sympathizing with his character, and questioning the fairness of what happened.
This book didn’t flow quite as smoothly for me as the first one did, but it was still another 4-star read for me…and there was a little surprise at the end that hooked me for the third book. Recommended for M/M romance fans 18+ for adult language and M/M sexual content.
When I’m Weak is the second book in the ‘Mile High Romance’ series. In this story we meet Jamie, a server at a bar called ‘The Unicorn,’ and Reed, who is operating a day care center with his sister from their home. The story is told in first person through Jamie and Reed’s eyes. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but since the first book is free and is offered through the M/M Romance group and also offered on Amazon and All Romance, I’d suggest getting it just to become familiar with a few characters that pop up in the story.
Second book in the mile high series. This can be read as a standalone, although characters from the first book pop in. This had a little sting in its tail in the prologue and although the chapter starts four years later, I think an opportunity was missed around the aftermath. The plot wasn't so light and fluffy as the first, but again, the page count doesn't allow too much depth. The ending is a prelude for book 3 and its a little bit of a shocker!
A mother doesn't pick up her child from daycare so instead of calling the proper authorities like they are supposed to they keep her! The mother doesn't show up for three weeks and then they just give her back!!! Seriously wtf?? When a child in your care is in danger its your duty to report it rather than sending that child back to a toxic environment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Jamie presents a flamboyant and slutty attitude to the world because he's been hurt before. Even though it's mostly an act, he hides behind his persona to keep people at arm's length. With only a small group of trusted friends, he's vowed to never allow a man to have power over him again. Power to hurt him. Power to take away his freedom. Power to label him as a predator for the rest of his life.
Reed and his sister run a home preschool for toddlers. His focus is on getting credentialed so he can take some of the burden from Lucy. He doesn't have time for friends, much less a lover, but when he meets Jamie, he recognizes something in the man that makes him want to get closer.
Unfortunately, Jamie's past prevents him from truly integrating into Reed's future. It's not just a matter of the heart. It's a matter of the law.
My Review ~
When I'm Weak is the second book in the Mile High Romance series. While it can be read as a standalone, Jamie is introduced in the first book and you'd miss that first impression of his character.
After one simple error in judgement, at age 18, Jamie's life is completely changed. When we meet Jamie again, he's a server at his uncle's bar and is living life pretty much day to day. Jamie uses his attitude and sexuality as a mask when he's working or when he gets uncomfortable. Turning on the 'twink charm' and ramping up the flirtation he effectively hides himself because he doesn't want to allow anyone too close to him. This lets him avoid having to talk about himself or the past he's left behind. Until one night Jamie sees Reed sitting in the bar, reading a book, and it makes him want more in his life even when he thinks he can't have that more.
Reed has his hands full with the daycare he and his sister run out of their home and also trying to study for his credentialing. The last thing on his mind is dating or a relationship, so meeting Jamie was not something he planned. While Reed is a quiet and unassuming guy, Jamie is almost his complete opposite, but that doesn't stop sparks from flying between them. However things don't just fall into an easy relationship for them.
I really felt for Jamie in the story after what he went through in the beginning of the book. After he meets Reed, I kept cheering them on but Jamie did make things hard by not telling Reed about his past. It caused a lot of issues, and I can understand his reticence in not sharing, it just made things more difficult and caused communication issues.
When I'm Weak was a good story, nicely crafted characters, with a good plot. I think I missed seeing a bit more relationship growth between the MCs because of the outside plot points but it still was a good story. I do look forward to the next book in this series.
I really enjoyed When It's Right, I fell in love with that story and I was really looking forward to reading When I'm Weak! I was definitely curious about Jamie's story. It certainly wasn't what I expected, but I fell for him anyway.
This story starts of in a bit of a surprising way, again not at all what I was expecting but I think Aria Grace does a great job of bringing this story full circle. I want to be very careful and keep this spoiler free! A moment in Jamie’s past changed his entire life and seems to dictate his future. He lives a fairly lonely life not allowing himself to get too close to anyone, definitely not close enough to care. He comes off as care-free and a little slutty, but deep down he’s protecting himself.
Reed is a quiet guy, working with his sister to run a preschool. He is caring and sweet and doesn’t really have time to meet people, especially while working so hard. He meets Jamie on a rare night out and while there is definitely attraction things get complicated quickly.
I loved Reed so much, he’s just such a genuine and sweet guy! His relationship with his sister had me laughing pretty often, they are great characters. Even though Jamie won’t drag Reed into his life, which could threaten Reed’s work, they keep running into each other and those sparks always fly.
There was a naturalness to Reed and Jamie together, even though both men were fighting it for their own reasons, for me they just clicked! There were definitely times when my heart hurt for both men, there are definitely some major obstacles, but the end was definitely worth it. I really loved how this story came together, with this fantastic group of characters coming together showing what love really means. Seeing Alex and Shane was an awesome bonus too, they were a great part of Reed and Jamie’s story!
Overall I enjoyed this book and especially Reed! I would definitely recommend that readers start with When It’s Right, just so you get to know everyone.
I received a complimentary copy to review for The Geekery Book Review.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Jamie has had a hard life after a 10-minute mistake, which ended up with him in jail for two days and on the Megan list for sex offenders. His parents washed their hands of him and unable to continue his studies, he resorts to working at a gay bar, where his slutty ways gain him enough tips to get by. He's not been close to anyone since that day, and while he's attracted to Reed, he can't let him in, especially once he discovers what Reed does for a living.
Reed and his sister run a pre-school for toddlers out of their house and Reed has been working to get the certifications he needs to help his sister with teaching. He and Jamie start getting closer, but then suddenly Jamie runs away from him with no explanation.
While the story was enjoyable for the most part, there were a few things that made it a bit less so. While I can overlook the fact that Jamie was gambling when he was 18 years old, for the sake of the plot, the dubious consent during a scene with Ross, one of the bar's patrons, and the fact that there was no resolution about that really bothered me. Also the cliffhanger at the end, I'm really not too fond of those, especially when it's something I really didn't see coming.
So all in all, it was a good read, the characters were mostly likable, even if I wanted to slap Jamie a couple of times. The ending was a bit rushed and as I said it ended with a cliffhanger, so if you don't like those, it might be best to wait until the next book is out to read this one.
This is the first time reading anything by Ms Grace but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Ms. Aria Grace has given us a well written story with well developed characters that make the story line flow excellently throughout the whole book. This is Jamie and Reed story, Jamie is a young guy trying to figure out who he is. Well trying to survive college while working hard. But something happens to Jamie, somebody takes advantage of him, this person used him to make a point, and it cost poor Jamie everything . And then there's Reed who helps his sister run a in home day care ,and he seems to be lonely and he has neglected himself and his needs. But Jamie and Reed seems to have some sparks between them that is beginning to fly, but Jamie refuses to let Reed into his life of his past. But every time Jamie's try's to avoid Reed they are thrown together . Have you ever met that one person that you just couldn't ignore because of them sparks that fly's from chemistry that you shared well that is what Jamie and Reed was had. I fine well reading this story there's a little lesson in it for us all ,and that lesson is don't judge a book by it's cover,Jamie's situation was the perfect example. I could go on and tell you if they get together or not, but that would spoil this great spoil for you. I highly recommend that you read this great series, you won't be disappointed.
This story was far more emotional than I expected and brought a lot of social issues into the forefront!
Jamie is a young guy, figuring out who he is and working hard to survive college and then the unthinkable happens. Someone takes advantage of him, using him to make a point and it costs Jamie....well everything.
Reed and his sister are living a nice life with their in-home daycare but Reed is lonely and has far neglected his own personal needs.
When Jamie and Reed sparks fly but Jamie refuses to drag Reed into his life and expose his past to him.
I loved how despite Jamie's attempts to avoid Reed they were constantly thrown together. Sometimes you meet that one person and you just can't ignore the chemistry.
Jamie's situation was a great example of why you shouldn't judge someone. Why it's so important to find out someone's story for the person themselves.
Despite the extreme obstacles in their way, will Jamie and Reed find a way?
This story is the second in a series, it can be read as a standalone but I think you will enjoy it more if you start with book 1. This book does have some hot and steamy M/M action as well, quite a few comedic moments and a few gut-wrenching ones.
Meeting Jamie in When It’s Right was nothing like the real Jamie in this book. I honestly didn’t think I’d like his story because he was so flamboyant and just crazy, but I couldn't have been more wrong.
Jamie puts on a great front in the bar and in public, but the real Jamie is a sweet guy who got handed a crappy card when he was just 18. He’s spent years thinking the worst of himself, but Reed comes along and helps to change a lot of that.
Reed is dedicated to helping his sister run a daycare/preschool out of their house. He’s studying to get a teaching certificate and he isn’t really looking to date anyone. I’m not sure why he thought studying in the gay bar was going to work, but whatever it was, it really did bring him something he couldn’t resist.
I loved most of this story and the characters, but the end kind of threw me for a loop. The characters are relatable and likeable and just guys I would love to have in my life. I enjoyed seeing Shane and Alex for a little bit again, too. Ms Grace writes great books with a lot of emotion and I’m glad I am able to enjoy them.
OMG, that prologue is so sad.... and that epilogue was a *gasp* shocker.
We meet Jamie in book 1, he is the very 'colorful' bartender at The Unicorn. The local gay bar in Denver. But Jamie isn't a native. He's originally from Las Vegas. Only coming to work for his cousin Neal after his life takes a turn for the worse and he's abandoned by his own parents.
I love a story about a scarred man with a past that gets an ultimate HEA. Aria did a fantastic job with these characters, you can't help but want to hold them all to your bosom. Even sweet Reed and his sister Lucy.
I don't necessarily think you need to read book 1 for this story, but you will meet Shane, Alex and Jacob in book 1. You will definitely need to read this for book 3 though, as it ends in a cliffy. I can't wait to see how book 3 will play out.
oh, and my only downfall with this book was, don't you have to be 21 to gamble?? I'm letting it go for the sake of fiction, but I'm pretty sure that's how it is in Vegas.
4.5 stars **Given as an ARC for my honest review**
i am a huge fan of ms. grace but i really wish her stories were longer! i want more of these 2 together! their story seems to be in limbo and i'd like to know what the future holds for them. it looks like the next book could have more about them but i have to say i'm not going in with an open mind since the book is about michael. ;-/
reed is an absolute doll. i love his sweet, shy demeanor wrapped in a hot package. he is the perfect man to balance jamie's playful sassiness.
i hate what happened to jamie and i hope he can go back to school to pursue his original career if that's what he really wants. underneath the facade he is a good guy that just wants a real relationship without the bad moniker hanging over him.
overall this is another great read and i'm anxious to see what happens next.
I began reading this story immediately after finishing When It's Right, the first in the series. In that story, I had grown to love the characters that I just needed to read more about them. This book focuses on Jamie and Reed while the first book focused on Shane and Alex. Although there are similar characters in the books, I don't feel you have to read the first one to enjoy this one. However, I would highly recommend you do, mainly because it's a great book too.
Jamie's story just ripped my heart out. Lucky for him, Reed felt such a connection to him that he wouldn't allow Jamie to push him away. They balance each other perfectly. I loved watching their story come together.
I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this story. I's sure Micheal's story will be a good one. It better be to redeem himself for what he had done and the lives he has ruined.
I'm not quite sure how I felt about this book. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either. It was just OK. But the ending is a HFN that gives an intriguing teaser for the next book. The narrator really made this book enjoyable for me. He really gave life to a story that had a few too many eye rolls for me to really rave about it. The basic story is Jamie gets screwed over (and not in a good way) when he was 18 and lost everything. So trust issues are a given. He meet Reed, likes him but pushes him away and the angst commences. I had to suspend disbelief regarding some of the situations and reaction of the MCs; such as Jamie getting assaulted and it is blow off as just part of his job. I don't think so. Maybe it is addressed in the next book.
Jamie's story broke my heart. You first meet him in book 1, When It's Right, and have no idea that he is as broken as he is. He has closed himself off to a real relationship with anyone due to things that has happened in his past. In comes Reed, and because of his job, Jamie really tries to distance himself but of course that doesn't happen. They do get their HEA, but the book does end on a little bit of a cliffy. I truly enjoyed this book and can't wait for book 3!! This is the second book by Aria Grace that I have read and I really like her writing and plan on reading more from her.
~~I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review~~
Wow. This book was such a heat breaker. I felt so bad for Jamie and how his life went downhill but in the end it all came full circle. Love this story. Looking forward to the last book
Once again Aria rocks my book world. Jamie is sweet yet a wild one. Reed is the one who has responsibility, yet they mesh well. I loved this one! Anxiously waiting on the next one with Michael.
O.M.G amazing! I freaking love this series and cannot wait to read the third instalment daaaaaaaaam shit just got real! .lol . I love Aria's writing style. I love her character's; they are intense, loving, friendly, courageous, kind, good looking just to name a few. Lol. This story was about Jamie and Reed.
When Jamie was 18, he made a huge mistake, a mistake that was innocent. He trusted the wrong person and it cost him his family his freedom and his college life. His parents disowned him completely, cut him off. Except for his Uncle, who ran a bar called the Unicorn. He took him in and Jamie went on to live one day at a time, never once wanting to look to the future because as far as he was concerned he really didn't have one to look forward to. Enter Reed, gorgeous, smart, quiet and a preschool teacher. Reed and his sister Lucy ran their own day car centre from there home. Jacob, Shane and Alex's little boy from book one titled "When It's Right." makes an appearance in this book as he now attends Reed and Lucy's daycare. Shane and Alex invite Jamie and Reed to a concert and both have a little to much to drink and even though they both want each other Jamie is too afraid to get attached to Reed. Eventually, secrets are revealed and Alex and Shane help Jamie sort through his past, and when it comes to light that he was set up Jamie begins to think there could be a possible future with Reed after all, but will Reed still want anything to do with Jamie after him pushing him away for so long? There's so much for to this story and I would have liked to have known more about Lucy and Reed and the little girl Abbie who keeps getting left behind at daycare may be that's another story for another time. I guess it's the mum in me wanting every child to have a happy ending. But with a cast of characters that range from quiet to aggressive to over the top, it brings this story to the forefront of what would happen if ??? If Jamie could turn back time if Jamie was mature enough to not be so trusting at age 18?? If his parents didn't disown him? At an age where you think you know everything you clearly no nothing at all. Definitely 4 stars from me and I can not wait to read the next installment in this series honestly I can't, it's so good.
Note: This ebook was provided by Enticing Journey Book Promos in exchange for an honest review.
The story is fast-paced and isn't overly long so it can be finished in about an hour's time. It takes a while before Jamie and Reed are able to actually do anything about their attraction toward one another, and that mostly is due to Jamie's resistance to pursuing it. Of course, knowing the reason behind his actions makes it easy to understand why he would feel the need to do so and you can't help but empathize with him, all because of one thoughtless event in his young life. Having Shane and Alex play supporting roles in Jamie and Reed's story was a great touch, but my favorite supporting characters had to be Seb, Jamie's roommate, Lucy, Reed's sister because they provided some comic relief. I enjoyed the book as a whole, and the ending has me very curious as to what happens next in this series! When I'm Weak gets four stars. ♥
A great book and and a great narrated audio story too.
This is the second book in the series and Jamie's story from book one. I loved Jamie in the first book and to read his story here broke my heart for him, for something he did when he was younger stilling playing a part in his life. Jamie continues to work at The Unicorn Bar serving drinks. He's on a shift when he notices a guy in the corner reading a book he never seen before. Reed is studying for his early childhood cred's while he helps his sister run a day care school. They head out for a drink and they chat with Jamie while he's working. A second meeting Jamie asks Reed to an outing with him to the markets and the date is set, but what happens next is horrible. Jamie ends his shift early and someone is waiting for him outside. Jamie has a secret that he's never told anyone, and secrets always come out.
A good story with great narration with various voice changes for characters. Note: it ends with a prelude shock to book 3 which makes it a cliffhanger and an auto buy.
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads Review Team~ 3 stars for this M/M After reading the blurb of this book I was really excited to jump right in. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as excited once I started reading. The prologue was good but I wasn’t as a mess over it like some reviewers seem to be. I liked Jamie until he let Ross go too far the night Jamie meet Reed. I mean seriously, I know waiters and waitresses do a lot to get tips but that was way too far and even though Jamie’s boss threw Ross out I don’t think that situation was handled right. Then when we finally get to Reed and Jamie it isn’t until 70% into the book that things actually happen. Once all is revealed the book was over but I didn’t feel like it was solid ending and their relationship was real because really, what did Reed and Jamie know about each other?
I read this book as part of a box set along with When it's Right. I thoroughly enjoyed both books, as well as the preview to Book Three. I enjoyed the writing style, as well as the characters. I also enjoyed the fact that while there was romance and its results, everything was tastefully done. Nothing was sappy, and none of the angst was contrived. I enjoyed the interplay between Reed and Jamie, I also thought that Lucy was a king and a half. The only thing about this book that bothered me is that Ross hasn't yet gotten what he deserves. I can emphasize fully with Jamie regarding dating guys from the 'Corn as I have bartended at several similar establishments in my younger days. Very few of my dates from those places worked out. This was my first time reading any of Aria Grace's works, and I will keep reading her works after reading these two.
Three book series was given to me by author in return for an honest review.
Book 2 of the series focuses on Jamie, the flirty waiter from The Unicorn, a Denver gay bar frequented in book 1. Surprise! when in this story, we learn that Jamie is anything but. It's all an act, one he does well, until reality brings all his skeletons out of the closet.
His opposite is Reed, a town newbie helping his sister run her daycare facility. While the men are certainly attracted to each other, it's again Jamie's demons holding him back.
This was an interesting storyline, more than Ms. Grace's standard fare. There were points where I got into her writing, only, unfortunately, to be thrown out again. Oh well… on to book 3.
Jamie is troubled by his past and has a reputation as a slut. When he finally finds Reed who's a good guy running a home preschool for toddlers with his sister that doesn't go well. Jamie's past is a hinder. I like this series because the story is good and the writing style is one that makes the books easy to read. What makes it a 4 star and not 5 is that I feel the story could have been even better with more.....well I don't know what more but it wasn't enough for me. Still it's a good read so I will recommend it and I will probably read the rest of the books.
With a secret in his past, Jamie slides through life as a bartender and as a flamboyantly gay man. With his different personas no one really knows the true Jamie. That is until he meets Reed and the two have an instant attraction. But with a sex crime on his record, Jamie knows he has to stay away from Reed because he is a preschool teacher. But can love conquer everything in his past and can having great friends help clear his name? This story was an emotional one. Being falsely accused and losing everything in your future really made the reader understand why Jamie never let anyone in. It was an amazing journey to read.
What a wonderful story! Ms Grace has a great ability to introduce us to characters that we can't help but love. In this book she also manages to bring awareness to a very serious problem that our society faces today. I won't go into details because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. I'll just say that I think she did a very good job of bringing the issue up. The only reason that it's not a 5 star for me is because of the physical descriptions of people on the other side of the issue and the few errors. I highly recommend this book to all of my friends.
Another great story by Aria Grace can't wait to read the next book in the series! Loved and felt so much for the main characters Jamie and Reed. The story kept my interest the whole time! We also heard a little more about the characters in the first book. Don't really like cliffhangers, but it lets you know who the next book is going to be about. Great story!