When I'm Lost

Mile High Romance #3

by Aria Grace

Book Three of the Mile High Romance Series. Can be read as a standalone, although references to When I'm Weak are made. Mike hurt many people in his past. With no other way to make things right, he sets off on a journey to apologize to those he has damaged the most. When he reaches the end of his list and his cash in Denver, he decides to stick around and attempt a new start. Seb isn't sure he can trust Mike but offers to help the guy out with some projects in his new apartment. They try to deny the chemistry but it's too strong to ignore. Seb wants to find someone who can be his physical match so he can never make the mistake he made with Kyle. Mike just wants to be found.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Gay, Slow Burn

149 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2016

Reviews

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOTE
My review of the whole series of audiobooks is up on the blog. Here's the link if you want to check it out: http://www.kimmerseroticbookbanter.co...

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 3

Whoa, damn that was hot! Honestly, all the books in this series have been great - interesting characters and creative stories - but between the sweet and sexy dirty talk, and the chemistry between Mike and Seb, gah this one just really worked for me!

I was definitely interested in getting Michael's story after what happened in the beginning of When I'm Weak, and I knew it'd be a good one. Well it was even better than I'd expected because he turned out to be so sweet. Plus, Seb had an added layer of appeal that worked so well with Mike's story. Honestly, it was perfect.

I love the way all the characters in this series keep on interacting and how their stories all blend together - it's very well done.

I did the audio version of When I'm Lost and I was impressed by Chris Chambers. He did a great job with the different character's voices and totally rocked the dirty talk. I'll look for him again.

If you're looking for well written, super hot stories then I 100% recommend the Mile High Romance series by Aria Grace. I can't wait for the next one.

the audio version of this book was provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review

[Ed Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice easy read with very little angst. I thought the story needed a little more chance for the relationship to grow. I still enjoyed it.

[Penumbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received When I’m Lost through the Don’t Buy My Love program for an honest and unbiased review. It is the third book in the Mile High Romance series. It’s told in first person through the eyes of Michael, a twenty-year-old who’s come to town to apologize for a grievous wrong he committed, and Seb, who is a bartender.
3.5



Let me first say before I start my review, that the cover with the white banding and teal writing, is lovely. Very nice.

This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I think that a reader will get more out of it if the first two books are read. The reason I say that is because the story starts at an intense moment as Michael, or Mike as he likes to be called, is getting up the nerve to speak to Jamie from Book 2, and apologize for what he did. The intensity of the moment feels like we walk into the middle of the scene if this book is read as a stand-alone. So read the other two books first is my suggestion, even though you can understand this story without reading the other two first.

When we meet Michael he is homeless having traveled around making apologies to the men he wronged. The last person he has to apologize to is Jamie, because Jamie would be the hardest. Luckily Jamie is more forgiving than Mike ever expected. Jamie and his boyfriend Reed, help Mike get a job training dogs with their friend Shane. Mike ends up making friends with Jamie and Reed’s friends, and with Seb, Jamie’s roommate.

Seb is a bartender and I have to reveal one thing about him because his profession doesn’t work for me. Seb doesn’t drink anymore because he becomes an aggressive drunk. That’s one of the reasons he broke up with his boyfriend, Kyle, because he didn’t want to beat Kyle up again. What is unbelievable to me is that Seb is a bartender. It’s my understanding that alcoholics shouldn’t be around the temptation of alcohol. I find it surprising the author had him working at a bar. I suppose one could say that technically Seb isn’t an alcoholic because the author didn’t portray him as one, only as someone who drank too much at times and then got aggressive. To me that still sounds like a bartender job is the wrong job for him. It’s too much temptation. The other thing about Seb that didn’t work for me is the explanation Seb gave that he made himself be attracted only to men as strong and as big as him because of what happened with Kyle, who was a twink. You’ll have to read the story to understand. But how does one make themselves like a certain type of person? If you’re attracted to another type, then I don’t see how a person can stop being attracted to that type and “make” themselves like another type. So that line of reasoning didn’t work for me either.

Both Mike and Seb sounded different during the dialogue scenes, although Mike sounded a lot older than a twenty-year-old. Also towards the end of the book, he started to sound more like a female. I didn’t notice that as much in the beginning. I think the monologue scenes need work because the internal thoughts of both MCs sounded an awful lot alike. Also Mike was often described as acting ‘shy’ which was counter to what Mike said about himself as being rebellious and manipulative. I didn’t buy the ‘shy’ description and found it made Mike’s character more unbelievable. I think if he was portrayed as restrained and cautious because he was afraid of making mistakes or harming anyone again I would have found the character consistency for Mike more realistic.

About the last quarter of the book appeared to have more ‘spag’ errors than the first three-quarters. I don’t know if it was because the book was rushed for a publishing time limit, but it needs to be looked over.

It sounds like I didn’t find much I liked about this story, which isn’t true. I’ve only read one other book by this author, but I remember that I like her plots. They don’t seem to follow the same formula as most of the MM books out there which I like. I also like that the big scene that is supposed to happen at the end of every story, per the supposed ‘writing rules,’ wasn’t that large a scene in this book. I don’t need a big scene to make a story enjoyable, because really, life isn’t like that all the time.

There were a couple of subplots that I felt were left dangling and either need to be fixed in a future edition or addressed in a follow up book. Those subplots had to do with the young man, Jeff Nielson, who had what appeared to be a crush on Seb at the bar. We never found out what happened to him after Seb and Mike get together. The other issue was the incident with Kyle in the restaurant. That ended on a disturbing cliffhanger. It bothered me that the author didn't tell what happened to Kyle. I felt cheated and not quite angry, but close because the author didn't resolve that 'story'. I want to know what happens. I would’ve even liked it if for just one little scene, Seb stopped Kyle at some point and said to him. “I know we don’t speak any more, but if you ever need help, a place to stay, anything, I’ll help. No questions. I’m at the same number.” It would’ve been nice to have seen some token of care from Seb for Kyle in the story, but we didn’t get it.

Anyway despite things I thought could’ve been written better or more consistently, I enjoyed the story and will likely read the next book in this series if there is a next book, especially if we find out what happens to Kyle and Jeff. I plan on going back and reading books one and two to get a better sense of the series as a whole. When I’m Lost is a fast, easy read and I give it 3 Stars

[Alexis Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

(This book was received free in return for an honest review via the Goodreads Don't Buy My Love program.)
Reviewer note: Read all three books so far in the series, each for review. Books are best read in sequence as characters build off of prior books.

In book three, we have Mike and Seb. We meet Seb in book two, but only know him as a fellow waiter, so I'm a little shocked at the beginning of the story when we learn that he’s Jamie's housemate. They've been living together for quite some time. Maybe I missed that part…

Anyway, who comes knocking on Jamie and Seb’s door, but the very young man who made Jamie’s life hell...Mike. Jamie is all forgiveness, and even offers Mike food, room, and to find him a job. When Seb arrives he’s upset, but let's it roll off him...if Jamie's okay, then so is he. Actually every single person in the story was okay with Mike's misspent youth.

There’s some ghosts Seb's hiding which are eventually revealed as is the obvious main character for book 4.

A couple of nice Aww… moments, but the ah-ha moment for me was the self-moving body parts. Once I saw one, I realized they were all over the place. Totally ripped me from the story. Now, not all of them bothered me, but some were so blatantly obvious, all I could do was sigh in exasperation.

I'm sure I'll read book four at some point, mostly because I've invested the time in these characters, and I like them. I am curious to see how the author will handle Kyle's story. Sometimes her heartwarming, heart-hitting stories are her best. (See My Name is Luka)

[Taya:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

I honestly can enjoy any book by this author. I've read plenty to know what I'm getting into from the start. Sometimes you need something reliable to read. I haven't read the previous books yet and after reading this I know I want too. I've no issue starting with the third book in this series. This book can be read as a standalone.

Mike has come into to town to make his last amends to previous book MC Jamie. I thought it was too easy forgiving and forget. I also want to say we never really went into Mike's "abused past" at all. It stayed pretty much in the present. Mike and Seb surface issue was discussed and nothing was delved into and I can't say how it will be handled right in under 200 pages.

Overall I enjoyed the book as a fluff read. I just flowed right through this book and genuinely interested in reading the rest of the series.

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike hurt many people in his past with lies and deception, but when he comes to apologize to Jamie for the hurt and destruction he caused not only did he find forgiveness, but he also found friendship and a new beginning. Part of the new beginning is a relationship with Seb. Forgiveness from others and learning to forgive yourself are very two powerful lessons that Aria Grace mastered. The reader wanted to hate Michael for what he did but ends up falling in love with Mike for the tortured but hopeful character he becomes. I cannot wait for more in this series.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I’m Lost, book three in the Mile High Romance series by Aria Grace. I enjoyed this story very much! Love the characters in this series! The main two characters in this story are Mike and Seb. Both have done things in their past they’re not proud of, but together it looks like their lives will turn around. Great series! Can’t wait to read more!

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

I had read the first book in this series when it first came out and loved it, so I had high hopes for the next books in the series. I did read When I'm Weak first and think I might have felt a little differently about this one if I hadn’t read it first. In this third installment, we have Mike and Sebastian as the MCs, both of whom we met in the 2nd book. After seeing the consequences of Mike’s actions with Jamie in the 2nd book, I didn’t like him much and in this book I don’t think the extent of his past bad behavior comes across as clearly. I feel like Jamie forgave him too easily and welcomed him into the fold of their lives too quickly.

Sebastian was Jamie’s roommate and while he was an MC here, his character wasn’t developed very much. Yes, eventually we learned about his past relationship with Kyle and a bit of his personal demons, but from the buildup to his big reveal, I expected much more. Additionally, from the blurb I expected to see more trauma in Mike’s past and it didn’t really come to light. I didn’t feel any connection to either character and wanted to know more about them in general.

I also didn’t feel the relationship between these two and once again, we get to the point where the MCs finally decide to give the relationship a go and we’re at the end of the story. It seems to be an Aria Grace formula; I always want more!

[Pati · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I've heard it said that this is a standalone book, I would not recommend it. You definitely should read this series in order.
I'm somewhat at a loss here trying to write this review. Ultimately I feel cheated. I feel Mike & Seb were cheated. I really like the characters however this does not feel like the end of the book. Readers need more of their story.

Not only does it not feel like "the end" but I don't feel like I got to know Seb any better at all. What's his back story beyond Kyle? What about family? Where's he from? What are his interests? Why didn't he say something in that night?

Of course I do know about him playing ultimate frisbee from book 2 but there's no mention of it here in the book where he's the main character. Nor is there mention of his friends who are separate from Jamie, Reed, Alex & Shane. Except for Jack who I have no clue about other than he likes kissing everyone at birthday parties.

Well, like I said... Cheated. I wish the book was longer and more in depth. I wish we could have gotten to know Seb better. I wish that we could have seen Mike & Seb truly get to know each other and fall in love. Though of course Mike is awfully young and just really beginning his adult life. I really hope that Ms Grace will visit with these two again someday. (Maybe a Christmas book? Hint, hint)

I'm really looking forward to Kyle's story and am happy to see it's longer.

I do recommend this series, just be sure to read them in order.

[Wax · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.

This is book three in a series, but can be read as a standalone.

Mike did something horrifically wrong when he was a teenager. To be fair, his parents pushed him into it, but still, 7 men were prosecuted for statutory rape. Having separated from his parents, he sets out to apologize to all the men who he wronged. The last is Jamie, who was also very young at the time, and the one Mike feels the worst about. Jamie has found love (apparently in book 2 of the series), and is gracious to someone who so wronged him. After finding out that Mike has no money to his name and doesn't have anywhere to go or live, he offers him his room as well as introduction to a friend who works with dogs. Seb is Jamie's roommate, and though he is attracted to Mike, he thinks he is too young and also knows what he did to Jamie in the past. However, over time, the two develop a tentative friendship that becomes more.

Though I liked the slow burn of the relationship between the two MCs, I just didn't get enough of a feel for either MC. The story is told in dual first person POV, but I just didn't see why they were so attracted to each other. I also thought that Seb's past wasn't explored enough and thus he felt pretty flat. I also felt like there were so many story lines that were left hanging, and thus the story felt short (though it's really not). 3.5 stars

[Dee Aditya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through the M/M group's Don't buy my love program.

It was mentioned that this book could be read as a stand-alone, so I did. And while things are easy enough to understand, I think perhaps it would be wise to start off with the first book and progress to this one.

The start of the book brings in two characters from book two, and it was sufficiently explained, but then I guess that's just my natural curiosity making me feel like I was missing a few things.

I liked Michael; he came across as genuinely repentant (though I guess we'll need the second book to know what exactly he did, because we can only get an idea here) and a sweet guy overall. Sebastian too, was amusing and sexy.

I liked how Michael blossomed when he got to work with the dogs, and how he grew as a character.

Just as things were getting good, though, the book ended. I was a little confused cuz it seemed like the book was just starting, and I was expecting something else to happen, like something to do with Sebastian's ex. But I guess for that we'll have to get the next book.

Which I will. I really want to know Kyle's story now.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

I always enjoy Aria’s book and this is no exception. I haven’t read the others in this series, but that wasn’t a problem. Mike caused some trouble in the past for some older men including Jamie. When he goes to apologize to Jamie on his way to make amends he meets Jamie’s roommate Seb. They both somewhat start out on the wrong foot but want to get along for Jamie’s sake.

Mike has been through so much and doesn’t feel that he is worth anything to anyone. Apologizing to Jamie was the last on his list and he doesn’t know where to go from there. It was heartbreaking learning about Mike’s past and wonderful to see him begin to grow into a better man even if he still felt as if he wasn’t worth anything. Once Seb lets go of his past issues he is a big help in helping Mike move forward and they do it together.

[Gerisgrltrl2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. Mike tracks down seven men to make amends for bad decisions he made as a teenager. He saved Jamie for last because he felt the most guilt about ruining Jamie's life. He finds Jamie is not ruined, but happy and in love. While Mike finds forgiveness and friendship with Jamie, he finds so much more with Sebastian, Jamie's roommate. Despite initial stumbles, Mike learns that he doesn't have to be defined by past mistakes and discovers that redemption is available if he makes the effort.

The story was well written, had good pacing and the characters were solid. Another winner from Aria Grace.

[Lovingbooks1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet

Mike is changing his life around after accusing several men for wrongful assault. When he comes to the last person he finds true forgiveness and meet people whom helps him find job and a stable life.
The story is a little shallow but still okay, he meet love and it's a happy ending. The writing style is easy to read.
I don't get that all consuming feeling when I read but it's a good 4 star read.
This series is kind of innocent and sweet, but I like them.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am totally in love with this series. You can technically read these as standalone but I wouldn't recommend it because others from the first 2 appear in this story as well. I loved it so much. I loved Mike.. I didn't think I would but he is amazing and so strong even though he doesn't think he is. Seb is awesome, he fell head over heels even though he had no wanting to do so. It is an awesome story of two amazing men who needed each other.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book just not as much as the previous books I have read in the series. I felt like the ending was rushed and that Michael has more secrets that weren't revealed that he eluded to early in the book.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audio version but it's not available for review. Thought the narration was pretty good. I liked the couple, but was confused a little bit at the ease they got together after not wanting to. Still an engaging series and I can't wait to listen to the next one.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

Wow. What a great way for Mike to redeemed himself and find happiness after everything he did and went through.

[Kim Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of forgiveness and moving on with your life, to better things

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seb and Mike. A sweet boy love story.

[TL Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable!

Asking for forgiveness is one of the hardest things to do, bur finding yourself and happiness is well worth the pain.

Loved it, now on to book 4!

[Deanna Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book

I love Sab and Mike❤. I love this book, it was such a good read. I read this book in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down. Now on to the next one

[iDreem2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 overall stars

Couple 4.0
Plot 4.0
Story 3.75
Sex 4.0
Series 4.0

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUDIO VERSION

[Bronwyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I’m kind of just reading these books out of morbid curiosity at this point. They seem to be getting worse with each one. This book ends very abruptly, as did the last one. I was shocked that Jamie was so quick to forgive Mike after he ruined his life (his words). Jamie lost everything because of what Mike pulled and it all just gets forgiven within a few paragraphs.

I never felt any real connection between Mike and Seb. The sex dialogue was, by far, the worst I’ve ever read. But I’m curious about Kyle’s story now, so I will soldier on with the series.

[Sylvia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2☆


I just wanted to know more about Mike's history and the reason why he did all of those things .

[Zondra.Hallyahoo.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Coco.V]

🎁 Part of Mile High Romance - Books 1-5 which is FREE on Amazon today (5/14/2022)! 🎁

[Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars.

This is the third book in the Mile High Romance series but can be read as a standalone. That being said, I read it by itself and then again after going back and reading the previous book, When I'm Weak. After reading When I’m Weak, I understood a little bit more about Michael’s backstory as it pertains to Jamie as well as a little about Seb, which helped a little, but was not necessary to fully enjoy this book.

Michael was a rebellious teenager and his actions ended up getting several men in trouble. In order to get over his past and move on with his life, he’s gone around and apologized to each of the men he hurt. Jamie’s the last on his list. After getting forgiveness from Jamie, Mike stays in town with help from Jamie and his boyfriend Reed, gets a job, a place to live and even a few friends. He also meets Jamie’s roommate Sebastian (Seb), who is reeling from some disturbances in his past as well.

The story is very low-angst, the drama was a bit contrived and forced. Low-angst can be good but with a backstory like this I’d expect lots of angst and was looking forward to it, but we just don’t get that here. There were lots of unbelievable moments such as everyone (Jamie, Reed, Shane) basically bending over backward to help Mike. The forgiveness and help read like a very unrealistic plot device rather than actual character actions and that brought the story out of reality for me.

I liked Mike and Seb as characters and really wish they’d been a bit more three-dimensional. I never really felt like their personalities were built up. This is when I decided to go back and read book two hoping to get more of their backstories/personalities, but I never really found that. I did really enjoy the slow build to the romance. It was pretty natural, not insta-love, which I am not a fan of. Mike and Seb fit well together and their scenes together were sweet and steamy (if a little purple). I really liked their romance.

That being said, this was a quick and easy read that left me with a good feeling. I will probably read book 4 (When You Were Mine) when it comes out because, of all the characters in this book, Kyle’s the one I found most interesting. I really hope he gets a happy ending because that poor guy, man. If anyone deserves it he does.

Review cross-posted on www.winebetweenthelines.com