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Restitution: A Love Story
Nate Parker has spent the last few years imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. His wrongful conviction cost him his job, his fiancée, his reputation, and his hope for the future. His name has been cleared, but after everything he’s lost, he doesn’t know how to find his way back to the life that was taken from him.Parker Campbell is raising his 9-year-old niece, Emma, on his own. Working for a homophobic boss in a gay-unfriendly town, he treads carefully, knowing that his job security has to be his priority when he’s all Emma has. Parker has never considered starting a relationship with another employee… until he hires Nate. It should have been easy to avoid getting involved, since Nate keeps insisting that he's not gay. Parker is used to life not being easy, though, and Nate may find that what he really needs isn't at all what he thought he was looking for.(Restitution is a standalone m/m contemporary gay romance of approximately 60,000 words containing profanity, mature adult content, two men who deserve love, and a happily ever after ending.)
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2005
21 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Aubrey Cullens
6 books68 followersAubrey Cullens has loved to read for as long as she can remember. She spent her early twenties sitting behind a desk, playing with numbers, until one day she realized that she’d much rather play with words. After a brief stint writing ad copy which bored her to tears, she decided to take a stab at her first love: writing about love... most definitely including the steamy bits.
Aubrey is married to a stand up comedian, and at some point along the way she gave birth to two glorious human beings who inherited their father’s funny bone and their mother’s love of story telling. They are intensely disappointed that all of Aubrey’s books seem to be about the same thing — two men who fall in love — and are constantly campaigning for more princesses, demons, and talking cats.
Aubrey is married to a stand up comedian, and at some point along the way she gave birth to two glorious human beings who inherited their father’s funny bone and their mother’s love of story telling. They are intensely disappointed that all of Aubrey’s books seem to be about the same thing — two men who fall in love — and are constantly campaigning for more princesses, demons, and talking cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 11, 2016
This was pretty good. 3 stars good. Not a lot of plot, a little too many misunderstandings and needed more sex to balance everything out, but it was sweet and free on KU.
February 14, 2016
Nate just came out of prison and is trying to build a life for himself. He’s living in his brother’s tiny garage apartment and he’s trying to get a job.
He gets kind of down when no one wants to hire him. The fact that he has the documents to prove he is innocent and released early doesn’t help him at all.
He finally gets a job at a warehouse when he gets hired by a cute man named Parker.
But even though Nate feels attracted to Parker, he went through some horrible things in prison, so he told himself, he’s not gay.
I really wanted there to be more hurt/comfort. An innocent man sent to prison, that’s so much to work with! But what happened to Nate and why he was imprisoned is only mentioned in passing later on in the book. I was disappointed about that. I wanted more details, but we got nothing…
There were also two instances where talking would have been nice instead of jumping to conclusions. I do hate that. I’m all for da COMMUNICATION. It’s not that hard, really.
I did like Emma, Parker’s 9 year old niece, who lived with him. I’m not a big fan of kids in books, but this was not bad at all. Emma was sweet and took up just enough time of the story for it not to be too much.
Overall this was a nice story with some hurt/comfort elements. But it’s not a story that blew my socks off.
He gets kind of down when no one wants to hire him. The fact that he has the documents to prove he is innocent and released early doesn’t help him at all.
He finally gets a job at a warehouse when he gets hired by a cute man named Parker.
But even though Nate feels attracted to Parker, he went through some horrible things in prison, so he told himself, he’s not gay.
I really wanted there to be more hurt/comfort. An innocent man sent to prison, that’s so much to work with! But what happened to Nate and why he was imprisoned is only mentioned in passing later on in the book. I was disappointed about that. I wanted more details, but we got nothing…
There were also two instances where talking would have been nice instead of jumping to conclusions. I do hate that. I’m all for da COMMUNICATION. It’s not that hard, really.
I did like Emma, Parker’s 9 year old niece, who lived with him. I’m not a big fan of kids in books, but this was not bad at all. Emma was sweet and took up just enough time of the story for it not to be too much.
Overall this was a nice story with some hurt/comfort elements. But it’s not a story that blew my socks off.
June 13, 2016
3.5 stars rounded up.
Sweet, warm and fuzzy feel good story that handles having a child character perfectly. Emma was integral to the story but not obnoxious. Score! Things I loved - Nate's lack of bitterness or recriminations/angsting about his incarceration or attraction to Parker. Their chemistry was fantastic. Things I did not love - the lack of comeuppance for the bigots. In the faux works of romancelandia, the bad guys should always get smacked down for maximum satisfaction. Real life provides enough settling for whatever reasons. I was also moderately annoyed by the lingering Big Misunderstanding. Just talk already, people! That said, I loved how sweet Nate and Parker were each time they did speak. The nicknames were everything.
Definitely a great book and even better because it was one of Heather's cheap finds this past week.
Sweet, warm and fuzzy feel good story that handles having a child character perfectly. Emma was integral to the story but not obnoxious. Score! Things I loved - Nate's lack of bitterness or recriminations/angsting about his incarceration or attraction to Parker. Their chemistry was fantastic. Things I did not love - the lack of comeuppance for the bigots. In the faux works of romancelandia, the bad guys should always get smacked down for maximum satisfaction. Real life provides enough settling for whatever reasons. I was also moderately annoyed by the lingering Big Misunderstanding. Just talk already, people! That said, I loved how sweet Nate and Parker were each time they did speak. The nicknames were everything.
Definitely a great book and even better because it was one of Heather's cheap finds this past week.
May 11, 2018
Aww I really liked this one! Is SO SWEET !!!
We have the two supernice guys as a main characters; Parker works in this shop where his boss and a lo t of his homophobe customers are so mean with him and he also take care of his niece since she was a baby. Nate, in the other hand has been just released from prison from a crime he hadn't committed, he has nothing, and he can't get a job with his excon culliculum, so he move to his brother's garage apartament and finally found a job at the shop where Parker is the manager.
The two of them are atracted, but this is a slow burn. Is so cute, we have time to them know each other before they decide to be together!
We have the two supernice guys as a main characters; Parker works in this shop where his boss and a lo t of his homophobe customers are so mean with him and he also take care of his niece since she was a baby. Nate, in the other hand has been just released from prison from a crime he hadn't committed, he has nothing, and he can't get a job with his excon culliculum, so he move to his brother's garage apartament and finally found a job at the shop where Parker is the manager.
The two of them are atracted, but this is a slow burn. Is so cute, we have time to them know each other before they decide to be together!
December 31, 2015
What a nice surprise! I got this through Kindle Unlimited and it was like finding a Movado at a garage sale.
November 5, 2015
What a fabulous story! I wasn't sure going into this whether I'd like it considering that the main character had been wrongfully imprisoned. That's a subject that generally breaks my heart too much. However, Ms. Cullens managed to give us the perfect blend of emotions with Nate. It has been a true pleasure seeing him on his road to finding his happy. I laughed, I cried and I cheered him on. While there were a few typos, which would normally make me rate a book lower and I would have liked another tiny glimpse of Embear in that epilogue... Well I just love Nate, Parker and Emma so much that I can't give it anything less than a 5 star.
January 13, 2017
Cute and fun. The angst is a bit simple but still a nice read. Nate and Parker and Emma were all great together.
December 18, 2015
So I found this on Kindle Unlimited (I’m a big fan!) and I’d read one other of Aubrey Cullens books before (I liked it, didn’t love it) but I really liked the blurb and hey… Free! So I tried it. To me, that’s the beauty of KU – you get to try books you might shy away from because of the cost so…I just want to say that free or not – you should TOTALLY READ THIS BOOK!
Nate was arrested and imprisioned for a crime he didn’t comit (no spoilers but DAMN – it’s a sad one!). He finally gets exonerated but is finding it hard to get his life back with a prison record, no matter that he has a paper saying he didn’t commit the crime. He finally gives in a moves in with his brother in Arkansas, hoping the change in scenery will help.
As compared to Seattle, Nate is finding Arkansas to be very restrictive and judgmental but… he loves his brother and his wife and he manages to find a great job with Parker at a Lumberyard.
Parker is 26 and raising his 9 year old niece because his sister can’t (another spoiler alert – that’s also sad!). He decides to hire Nate BECAUSE of his prison record and he isn’t disappointed.
Now Nate claims over and over he’s not gay and he means it, but he’s seriously attracted to Parker and vice versa.
Over the course of weeks and months they become friends and when things look like they’re beginning to change, that’s when things get VERY interesting.
Eventually, both Nate and Parker have decide just what’s important to them and learn to trust again.
**
I loved this story. It grabbed me from the start. Nate is a great character, so easy to love – he’s open, honest, simple and affectionate. Parker has been burned, so he’s a little more closed off, but he’s got this amazing niece and between the two of them they charm the socks off ya!
Though there’s sexual tension and the smexy times are hot – that’s not what makes this book so good. It’s the FEELS. There’s so much real emotion and it feels so organic and authentic. I can see this unfolding in real life, though maybe with a few more pot holes in the road but still… it feels very plausible.
It was great that the author took pains to show that though there are assholes in the South and it can be restrictive, there are some great souls there, as well.
Emma absolutely won me over – what a kid! I loved her and the energy she brought to the story.
I highly recommend this book – hell it’s free on KU! But even if you buy it – you won’t regret it!
Nate was arrested and imprisioned for a crime he didn’t comit (no spoilers but DAMN – it’s a sad one!). He finally gets exonerated but is finding it hard to get his life back with a prison record, no matter that he has a paper saying he didn’t commit the crime. He finally gives in a moves in with his brother in Arkansas, hoping the change in scenery will help.
As compared to Seattle, Nate is finding Arkansas to be very restrictive and judgmental but… he loves his brother and his wife and he manages to find a great job with Parker at a Lumberyard.
Parker is 26 and raising his 9 year old niece because his sister can’t (another spoiler alert – that’s also sad!). He decides to hire Nate BECAUSE of his prison record and he isn’t disappointed.
Now Nate claims over and over he’s not gay and he means it, but he’s seriously attracted to Parker and vice versa.
Over the course of weeks and months they become friends and when things look like they’re beginning to change, that’s when things get VERY interesting.
Eventually, both Nate and Parker have decide just what’s important to them and learn to trust again.
**
I loved this story. It grabbed me from the start. Nate is a great character, so easy to love – he’s open, honest, simple and affectionate. Parker has been burned, so he’s a little more closed off, but he’s got this amazing niece and between the two of them they charm the socks off ya!
Though there’s sexual tension and the smexy times are hot – that’s not what makes this book so good. It’s the FEELS. There’s so much real emotion and it feels so organic and authentic. I can see this unfolding in real life, though maybe with a few more pot holes in the road but still… it feels very plausible.
It was great that the author took pains to show that though there are assholes in the South and it can be restrictive, there are some great souls there, as well.
Emma absolutely won me over – what a kid! I loved her and the energy she brought to the story.
I highly recommend this book – hell it’s free on KU! But even if you buy it – you won’t regret it!
December 23, 2015
Two and three quarters stars. I liked the premise of someone trying to deal with getting their life back on track after having been exonerated from a crime they didn't commit. This is a very real and serious problem and the sad truth is that for many falsely convicted, there is no way to ever escape being treated like a felon for the rest of their life. The author only lightly delves into the issues of adjusting to life outside of prison and the difficulty of finding work. Mostly this is a dull, saccharine sweet love story in which the big issue could have been instantly cleared up if a character had actually asked a simple question that anyone in his situation would have asked instead of making assumptions.
I didn't care much for either main character. Nate, the convict seemed intriguing at first, but he generally came across as a simpleton. He has a marketing degree, but most of the time he seemed like a high school dropout. The way he latched onto the nickname "peach" for his love interest and the way he used it made him seem like the stereotypical guy who has lived a rough life and finely found something decent to grab onto. Parker, Nate's love interest, was the too perfect guy who sacrifices everything to raise his niece. I didn't like the way he kept leaping to conclusions because he couldn't bring himself to ask Nate to clarify his intentions and the way he treated him as result.
The romantic development between Nate and Parker was dull and lacking in chemistry. I found Parker's precocious niece and Nate's relationship with his brother and sister-in-law much more engaging. Even Parker's flaky mother was more entertaining. If it hadn't been for the peripheral characters, I don't think I could have made it all the way though. Speaking of which, the ending was ridiculous and failed to address any of the actual underlying issues.
The writing is competent by the author got stuck on a handful of word choices and used them relentlessly. In 190 page book she use: "gorgeous man" 18 times, "beautiful man" 24 times, "peach" 125 times and "fuck" and its variations 176 times!
I didn't care much for either main character. Nate, the convict seemed intriguing at first, but he generally came across as a simpleton. He has a marketing degree, but most of the time he seemed like a high school dropout. The way he latched onto the nickname "peach" for his love interest and the way he used it made him seem like the stereotypical guy who has lived a rough life and finely found something decent to grab onto. Parker, Nate's love interest, was the too perfect guy who sacrifices everything to raise his niece. I didn't like the way he kept leaping to conclusions because he couldn't bring himself to ask Nate to clarify his intentions and the way he treated him as result.
The romantic development between Nate and Parker was dull and lacking in chemistry. I found Parker's precocious niece and Nate's relationship with his brother and sister-in-law much more engaging. Even Parker's flaky mother was more entertaining. If it hadn't been for the peripheral characters, I don't think I could have made it all the way though. Speaking of which, the ending was ridiculous and failed to address any of the actual underlying issues.
The writing is competent by the author got stuck on a handful of word choices and used them relentlessly. In 190 page book she use: "gorgeous man" 18 times, "beautiful man" 24 times, "peach" 125 times and "fuck" and its variations 176 times!
June 21, 2016
I've had this one in my TBR for too long.. deciding today to give it a chance... I was worried it was going to be angsty and hard to handle seeing how it's about someone unfairly imprisoned and I like my reads on the lighter side and I'd never read anything from this author before... BUT.... let's talk about this one...
First we have Parker; single gay man living in a biggoted town raising his niece Emma. She is adorable and so sweet; I love stories with kids. Hot guys with kids? What's not hot about that? Good daddies are adorable. I really felt for him though, having to put up with such prejudices so openly.. People are awful to him and he couldn't say or do anything but accept it because he had a kid to raise. Isn't that tragic? People are still ignorant and intolerant in this day and age.. Blah, I was disappointed than none of them got the karmatic justice they so badly deserved... But, whatever...
Then we have Nate.... wrongly imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. He was exonerated but still, the things he had to do in prison just to survive; awful.
He had some trouble when he first got to town to stay with his brother and his wife who were amazing and supportive and I loved them both as well... Nate applies to lots of places even though he has a degree he knows he'll have to settle for grunt work because as soon as someone see's he's been convicted, they'd never give him a chance.... Parker does though and from then on, he gets to know the man and his adorable niece ....
I loved watching these two fall for each other; I loved seeing Nate come to terms with the fact that he's gay even though things happened while he was in prison to maybe make him doubt that and I loved watching Emma adopt him into her family and not let him go.
And the ending... it ended so perfectly, I loved it.. I wouldn't mind reading more about these three... They all got the amazing HEA they deserved though.... Glad I read it, 5 stars for me!
First we have Parker; single gay man living in a biggoted town raising his niece Emma. She is adorable and so sweet; I love stories with kids. Hot guys with kids? What's not hot about that? Good daddies are adorable. I really felt for him though, having to put up with such prejudices so openly.. People are awful to him and he couldn't say or do anything but accept it because he had a kid to raise. Isn't that tragic? People are still ignorant and intolerant in this day and age.. Blah, I was disappointed than none of them got the karmatic justice they so badly deserved... But, whatever...
Then we have Nate.... wrongly imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. He was exonerated but still, the things he had to do in prison just to survive; awful.
He had some trouble when he first got to town to stay with his brother and his wife who were amazing and supportive and I loved them both as well... Nate applies to lots of places even though he has a degree he knows he'll have to settle for grunt work because as soon as someone see's he's been convicted, they'd never give him a chance.... Parker does though and from then on, he gets to know the man and his adorable niece ....
I loved watching these two fall for each other; I loved seeing Nate come to terms with the fact that he's gay even though things happened while he was in prison to maybe make him doubt that and I loved watching Emma adopt him into her family and not let him go.
And the ending... it ended so perfectly, I loved it.. I wouldn't mind reading more about these three... They all got the amazing HEA they deserved though.... Glad I read it, 5 stars for me!
December 10, 2015
It's better than 3 stars but not quite 4. This is really a cute story but why does Nate sound like a simpleton when he talks? He has what, a degree in marketing? He should be able to articulate so much better than what the book reflects. He doesn't end his sentences and just ends it with "f@#k". Although, he was fighting with his true identity if he was more articulate, I believe Nate would have been a better character. Overall, this is low angst and very sweet.
April 18, 2017
3~3.5/5
This was a nice story that could be more. The setting called for angst, especial with Nate had just gotten out of prison. However, any potential for it eventually drown and overshadowed by Parker. I just felt that Nate had gotten over his past forcefully quick. While it wasn't particularly bad, the plot still sheered off the path I anticipated.
Overall, I enjoyed bits and pieces of it but I didn't like it.
This was a nice story that could be more. The setting called for angst, especial with Nate had just gotten out of prison. However, any potential for it eventually drown and overshadowed by Parker. I just felt that Nate had gotten over his past forcefully quick. While it wasn't particularly bad, the plot still sheered off the path I anticipated.
Overall, I enjoyed bits and pieces of it but I didn't like it.
June 13, 2016
Kept me interested and I really fell for Parker, Nate and spunky little Emma. Miscommunication was a major factor in this but they were still swoon worthy.
January 13, 2016
i find i am liking this author..2nd book and i loved it...
August 3, 2017
Interesting storyline, with Nate wrongly convicted of a crime, and Parker stuck in a terrible job with a discriminatory boss. But he needs his job to look after his niece, Emma, and he can't stand up for himself at work.
Emma sounds adorable, and Nate is a sweetheart. He's vulnerable and confused, but lets Parker in, and they begin their relationship.
Parker worries that Nate will leave once he receives funds due his wrongful conviction. Nate worries Parker won't accept him with all his issues. Of course, it all works out.
I like Aubrey Cullen's writing, especially as Sierra Riley. Her books are sweet and simple, with a bit of drama, but nothing that goes on too long.
Feel good book, even with the prejudice of people in the south. Hope that's changing.
Emma sounds adorable, and Nate is a sweetheart. He's vulnerable and confused, but lets Parker in, and they begin their relationship.
Parker worries that Nate will leave once he receives funds due his wrongful conviction. Nate worries Parker won't accept him with all his issues. Of course, it all works out.
I like Aubrey Cullen's writing, especially as Sierra Riley. Her books are sweet and simple, with a bit of drama, but nothing that goes on too long.
Feel good book, even with the prejudice of people in the south. Hope that's changing.
February 18, 2020
4/5
A bit darker than the author's other incarnations (Sierra Riley or Stella Starling), with references to sexual assault in prison and former domestic abuse. Still sweet (like a peach) with great chemistry. Well developed secondary characters and as in this author's other stories the children are believably written.
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Quotes:
“The point is that hiring him—hiring anyone—should be nondiscriminatory,” she huffed.
Josh laughed. “This is the South, Jessie.”
A bit darker than the author's other incarnations (Sierra Riley or Stella Starling), with references to sexual assault in prison and former domestic abuse. Still sweet (like a peach) with great chemistry. Well developed secondary characters and as in this author's other stories the children are believably written.
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Quotes:
“The point is that hiring him—hiring anyone—should be nondiscriminatory,” she huffed.
Josh laughed. “This is the South, Jessie.”
June 11, 2022
Wonderfully Delightful!!!
A beautiful story of starting over and finding the strength to forge a new path that is scary and fun for Nate's who is getting a second chance after serving time he didn't commit, while Parker is getting a second chance to discover that maybe love insist something you avoid but hold onto with both hands tightly. I really enjoyed this book and I already Can't Wait To Read It Again!!!
A beautiful story of starting over and finding the strength to forge a new path that is scary and fun for Nate's who is getting a second chance after serving time he didn't commit, while Parker is getting a second chance to discover that maybe love insist something you avoid but hold onto with both hands tightly. I really enjoyed this book and I already Can't Wait To Read It Again!!!
August 12, 2017
Wonderful feel good read
With a happy ending. Sometimes you just really need a sweet romance with a happy ending.
Full of good writing and an interesting story this is lots of good characters and a believable plot line.
With a happy ending. Sometimes you just really need a sweet romance with a happy ending.
Full of good writing and an interesting story this is lots of good characters and a believable plot line.
July 9, 2019
WOW!!!
I have just read this book in a few hours I could not put it down. This story is amazing. It made my cry and it made me happy. A MUST READ
I have just read this book in a few hours I could not put it down. This story is amazing. It made my cry and it made me happy. A MUST READ
February 28, 2017
Restitution.
Really enjoyed this book. Heck actually I have enjoyed all of Aubreys books that I have read which numbers at least 10 now. She writes her guy characters with just that, a lot of character and spirit, with a lot of color and spins their drama with such depth that you cannot help but be drawn into whats going in their lifes. Thanks lady for that and will look forward to reading more from you.
Really enjoyed this book. Heck actually I have enjoyed all of Aubreys books that I have read which numbers at least 10 now. She writes her guy characters with just that, a lot of character and spirit, with a lot of color and spins their drama with such depth that you cannot help but be drawn into whats going in their lifes. Thanks lady for that and will look forward to reading more from you.
June 11, 2016
3.5 stars.
Some things this book got right:
1) Visible child! I've kind of been all about m/m romances with children/fatherhood lately but unfortunately it's pretty common for there to be the absentee child that is mentioned in passing but never seen. Emma, Parker's niece whom he has guardianship over, is not only present but a vital part of the book.
2) Slow burn. There is initial attraction, but these guys don't jump into bed together on day 1. There is a very realistic build up to their romance.
Things I didn't enjoy quite as much:
1) The entire plot (at least major plot device for the second half of the book) is driven completely by a ridiculous miscommunication. I am really not a fan of stories driven by a single misunderstanding. I think they're generally cheap copouts to actual plot development. I could've forgiven it here because I really enjoyed the characters and the rest of their story, but I found this particular miscommunication entirely preventable and unrealistic.
2) The idea that Nate needs Parker in order to be happy. It's said like 50 times that Nate needs to find, or has found, "his happy" in reference to Parker. Ok this one might be a bit nitpicky on my part but this has been a particular topic I've been sensitive over in real life and in books lately. Perpetuating the idea that we need a significant other in order to make us happy is a no go for me.
In general, I liked this story. I would've liked to see Nate and Parker overcome some real issues (maybe the prejudice in their town? Parker's mom's flakiness? Idk) rather than simply a misunderstanding, but I did enjoy the characters and their arcs. Emma was hands down character numero uno for me. She was adorable and, unlike her uncles, didn't put up with poor communication or any other bull sweet honey iced tea. She made every scene she was in.
Some things this book got right:
1) Visible child! I've kind of been all about m/m romances with children/fatherhood lately but unfortunately it's pretty common for there to be the absentee child that is mentioned in passing but never seen. Emma, Parker's niece whom he has guardianship over, is not only present but a vital part of the book.
2) Slow burn. There is initial attraction, but these guys don't jump into bed together on day 1. There is a very realistic build up to their romance.
Things I didn't enjoy quite as much:
1) The entire plot (at least major plot device for the second half of the book) is driven completely by a ridiculous miscommunication. I am really not a fan of stories driven by a single misunderstanding. I think they're generally cheap copouts to actual plot development. I could've forgiven it here because I really enjoyed the characters and the rest of their story, but I found this particular miscommunication entirely preventable and unrealistic.
2) The idea that Nate needs Parker in order to be happy. It's said like 50 times that Nate needs to find, or has found, "his happy" in reference to Parker. Ok this one might be a bit nitpicky on my part but this has been a particular topic I've been sensitive over in real life and in books lately. Perpetuating the idea that we need a significant other in order to make us happy is a no go for me.
In general, I liked this story. I would've liked to see Nate and Parker overcome some real issues (maybe the prejudice in their town? Parker's mom's flakiness? Idk) rather than simply a misunderstanding, but I did enjoy the characters and their arcs. Emma was hands down character numero uno for me. She was adorable and, unlike her uncles, didn't put up with poor communication or any other bull sweet honey iced tea. She made every scene she was in.
February 16, 2016
Sweet & Gentle & Rednecks, Too!
The writing and the characters and the somewhat fragile plotline of this one make up for a bit of confusion: The cover doesn't quite reflect what the characters look like according to the descriptions in the book. See, Parker Campbell is supposed to look gay in this Bible infused Arkansas town, with several descriptions of the way he combs his hair into a curl or something on top. Well, that means he has to be the guy in the foreground because somewhere along the way the author mentions that Nate Parker is blond--but nowhere can I find Parker Campbell described as having facial hair. So much for the confusion.
I liked this story and especially the way the characters had no idea what to do with their slowly building attraction to each other--or their fierce devotion to Parker's niece Emma. This despite the usual stereotypical portrayal of redneck homophobia on display throughout the book by Parker's boss and business associates, and the implications of what that will mean to the budding love between Parker and Mr. Parker. Yes, you read that right, don't ask for more.
This is a sweet, easy read with some genuine angst and some stupid miscommunications, but overall I liked it quite a lot and found the epilogue to be wonderfully off-the-wall.
The writing and the characters and the somewhat fragile plotline of this one make up for a bit of confusion: The cover doesn't quite reflect what the characters look like according to the descriptions in the book. See, Parker Campbell is supposed to look gay in this Bible infused Arkansas town, with several descriptions of the way he combs his hair into a curl or something on top. Well, that means he has to be the guy in the foreground because somewhere along the way the author mentions that Nate Parker is blond--but nowhere can I find Parker Campbell described as having facial hair. So much for the confusion.
I liked this story and especially the way the characters had no idea what to do with their slowly building attraction to each other--or their fierce devotion to Parker's niece Emma. This despite the usual stereotypical portrayal of redneck homophobia on display throughout the book by Parker's boss and business associates, and the implications of what that will mean to the budding love between Parker and Mr. Parker. Yes, you read that right, don't ask for more.
This is a sweet, easy read with some genuine angst and some stupid miscommunications, but overall I liked it quite a lot and found the epilogue to be wonderfully off-the-wall.
April 8, 2016
Nate is released from prison after the powers that be, admit that he was wrongfully convicted. Struggling to adjust to life on the outside, he goes to live with his brother and his wife in Arkansas and starts looking for work. The one man willing to give him a chance is the one that makes him feel things he is determined not to acknowledge. Parker, has issues of his own, being gay, he is subjected to discrimination by his own boss and the customers who come to the shop where both men work. Unfortunately, he feels he has to put up with it as it provides the security he needs to take care of his nine year old niece.
I loved the slow build up of the relationship between the two MC's. They're both so incredibly likeable and although there is some angst, it's just the right amount. Even the background characters were fun. Not all of the story is happy though, as Nate eventually shares with Parker, what he went through in prison. There's very much a family feel to this and it's definitely one to make you smile. The ending was a bit rushed for my liking but it was an awesome HEA.
I loved the slow build up of the relationship between the two MC's. They're both so incredibly likeable and although there is some angst, it's just the right amount. Even the background characters were fun. Not all of the story is happy though, as Nate eventually shares with Parker, what he went through in prison. There's very much a family feel to this and it's definitely one to make you smile. The ending was a bit rushed for my liking but it was an awesome HEA.
July 25, 2016
4.5 stars. I actually decided to take a peek at this book late at night yesterday, and then kept reading it till 2 a.m. It was cute, lovely, heartwarming, angsty, dynamic, with very appealing main characters and, all in all, delightful. The blurb sounded like something I'd definitely want to read but I know too well how often it happens that a blurb promises and a book doesn't deliver. 'Restitution' really used all the potential of the plot to the fullest. I loved Nate and was sympathizing with him with all my heart, and Parker was very likable, and Emma was an integral part of the story, not a nuisance at all. Actually, minus half a star is for Nate referring to Parker as "his peach", oh God, I just can't. I don't think such a thing can be done in a good taste, ever. But since I loved everything else about this book, I squinted my eyes and pretended I didn't see it... all eighty times it was used :)
December 31, 2015
I love Nate, Parker and Emma
I could not put this book down. I was captivated from the first page. I immediately fell in love with Nate and Parker, and of course Parker's niece, Emma. This was an amazing and emotional love story. I loved seeing Nate fall in love with not only Parker, but Emma as well. Watching them become a family was an absolute joy that I will definitely be rereading in the near future. I wish that Aubrey Cullens would write a series of books based around the same friends because I loved the world built in this book. Read this, you won't regret it!
I could not put this book down. I was captivated from the first page. I immediately fell in love with Nate and Parker, and of course Parker's niece, Emma. This was an amazing and emotional love story. I loved seeing Nate fall in love with not only Parker, but Emma as well. Watching them become a family was an absolute joy that I will definitely be rereading in the near future. I wish that Aubrey Cullens would write a series of books based around the same friends because I loved the world built in this book. Read this, you won't regret it!
January 6, 2016
I effin loved this story!
Nate and Parker are adorable. And little miss Emma is an awesome little princess. The love and support from her Uncle Parker is beautiful. Nate got a bum deal with prison but he took his lemons and with the unwavering support and love from Parker and Emma he made a deliciously sweet life of lemonade. A great story!!!!
Nate and Parker are adorable. And little miss Emma is an awesome little princess. The love and support from her Uncle Parker is beautiful. Nate got a bum deal with prison but he took his lemons and with the unwavering support and love from Parker and Emma he made a deliciously sweet life of lemonade. A great story!!!!
January 13, 2016
How to build a new life after spending 3 years in prison? How to overcome the unfairness of it, when you alone know, that you are not guilty? The bitterness, the nightmares, the fear - how do you deal with what happened to you, what stole your future plans, your happiness?
I felt myself going through all the emotions, while reading this story.
Well done!!
I felt myself going through all the emotions, while reading this story.
Well done!!
December 24, 2015
Wow! 5 stars
5 stars -- excellent believable storyline. Loveable characters with palpable chemistry. There is quite a bit of angst before landing in hot , dirty, sexy action. A must read. I highly recommend.
Charo
5 stars -- excellent believable storyline. Loveable characters with palpable chemistry. There is quite a bit of angst before landing in hot , dirty, sexy action. A must read. I highly recommend.
Charo
December 30, 2015
A Love Story
And what a love story it is. This is the third time I've read this heartwarming story and each time it grabs at my heart and brings a smile to my face. True love finds Nate, Parker and Embear ... their forever "happy".
And what a love story it is. This is the third time I've read this heartwarming story and each time it grabs at my heart and brings a smile to my face. True love finds Nate, Parker and Embear ... their forever "happy".
February 2, 2016
Excellent storyline!
The characters in this book are well-delineated, the plot unfolds naturally, albeit rather transparently. The author manages to develop an endearing story of love and the pursuit of happiness. The book is a very good read.
The characters in this book are well-delineated, the plot unfolds naturally, albeit rather transparently. The author manages to develop an endearing story of love and the pursuit of happiness. The book is a very good read.
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